Louis Bennewitz Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. To view the picture of Louis Bennewitz that accompanies this biography, please go to the main Scott county, Iowa page at: http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ and click on Pictures/ Documents section. Surnames: Bennewitz, Swarting, Schlapkohl, Schroeder, Brandt, Pieper, Fick, Sindt. No history of Walcott would be complete without extended mention of Louis Bennewitz, who, during his residence in this city has figured prominently in business, financial and political circles. He is numbered among that class of representative American citizens who claim Germany as the place of their nativity and who, in the new world, have found opportunity for advancement and progress in business lines. He was born in Sachen Gotha, Germany, on the 3d of December, 1845, and is a son of Octav and Paulina Bennewitz, also natives of that country. Reared to manhood across the waters, Louis Bennewitz acquired his education in the schools of Germany and remained at home until April, 1866, when he came to America, making his way direct to Davenport, Iowa. He was first engaged in farm work for about six months and then entered the employ of B. Swarting, with whom he came to Walcott in 1867. In the following year he located in Davenport, where he worked until 1870, and then returned to Germany, where he remained about a year. Again coming to America, he was in the employ of F. Schlapkohl in Davenport until 1872, after which he once more entered the services of Schroeder & Brandt, former employers. He was thus connected until 1874, when he made another visit to the fatherland which lasted nearly a year. The year 1875 witnessed his removal to Stockton, Iowa, where he entered business in partnership with A. Pieper, and this connection continued until 1876, when he came to Walcott and became the senior partner in the firm of ! Bennewitz & Company, which was formerly known as the B. Swarting company. He has since made his home in this city and has become well known as one of the leading business men of the community. Although busily engaged in the conduct of his business, he has nevertheless found time to devote to other lines of activity and in 1893, when the Walcott Savings Bank was organized, he became one of the stockholders and a few years later was appointed a director. In 1906 he was elected to the presidency of that institution and since that time has manifested excellent administrative ability and executive control. His opinions are often sought by patrons of the bank and he has ever manifested toward each a sincere interest, a kindly spirit and a thoughtful consideration that has made him popular with all who have any dealings with the institution. Mr. Bennewitz laid the foundation for a happy home life in his marriage in 1876 to Miss Mary Fick, a native of Holstein, Germany, and of this union have been born two children, namely: Tillie, who wedded Louis Mack; and Robert, the assistant cahier in the Walcott Savings Bank, who married Clara Sindt, a daughter of Henry Sindt, of Walcott. Mr. Bennewitz is well known and prominent in fraternal circles, holding membership in Walcott Lodge, No. 312, K. P., and in Hiawatha Camp, M. W. A., of Walcott, and likewise belongs to the Modern Brotherhood. In politics he is a stanch republican, at all times taking a deep interest in community affairs and something of the feeling entertained for him by his fellow citizens is manifest in the fact that in 1894 he was elected mayor of the city, in which office he served very capably and efficiently until 1897. He finds recreation in outdoor sports and is an enthusiastic hunter, taking extensive trips through the country in search of large game. A man of resourceful ability, constantly watchful of opportunities, he has seized legitimate advantages as they have arisen and has never hesitated to take a forward step when the way was open. Fortunate in possessing ability and character that inspired confidence, the simple weight of his character and ability has brought him into po! sitions of trust and responsibility and he ranks high among the well known and valued citizens of Scott county. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES