John Haak Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Haak, Kohrdt, Oldendorf, Meier, Gruenewald, Hetzel, Mason, Barbour. One of the most enterprising young business man of Davenport is John Haak, manager of the Davenport Leaf Tobacco Company, which is located at 319 Western avenue. A native of this city, he was born August 7, 1872, a son of Ferdinand and Caroline (Kohrdt) Haak. The father was born in Elmshorn, Germany, about four miles from Hungary, in 1845, his parents being Carsten and Lesette (Oldendorf) Haak. Carsten Haak was man of means, who came to this country in 1857 and began farming in the vicinity of Davenport. He died in 1888. His son, the father of our subject, came here at about of twelve years, completing the education he had begun in Germany in the schools of Davenport. His early life was spent upon a farm, but when he reached manhood he learned the trade of a cigarmaker, became foreman of a factory, and then, in 1870, engaged in his present business, which has grown to be one of the largest in the west. In it he had the assistance of his son John, the subject of this sketch.! He was married in 1867 and became the father of seven children: Minnie, now the wife of Charles Meier; Pauline, the wife of E. Gruenewald and the mother of one child; John, the subject of this sketch; Richard, living in this county, who is married and has two daughter, Ermia and Elsie; Edna and Elsie, who are at home; and Theckla the wife of Frank Hetzel, of Sioux City, Iowa. The father belongs to the Turners and is a director in the Iowa National Bank. John Haak received his early education in the common schools of Davenport and then took a commercial course in the business college here, after which he learned the trade of cigarmaker under his father's tutelage. He worked for the latter until 1896, when he branched out for himself, organizing the Globe Cigar Company. This business he conducted profitably until February, 1905, when a severe fire destroyed his father's establishment. Thereupon he sold his plant to the latter and engaged in leaf tobacco buying and selling. He started in a small way but through good management has brought his business up to the present high standard it now enjoys. Indeed, he is the only man in his section of the county who goes into the fields and buys his stock. In consequence he obtains the very best and in its freshest condition, so that he is able to dispose of it quickly and profitably, hampered by few competitors. He has evinced strong business qualities, is keen in discovering opportun! ities and, having made a reputation for honesty, his word is as good as his bond. On the 19th of October, 1899, Mr. Haak wedded Miss Mae Barbour, a daughter of John and Katherine (Mason) Barbour, of Ainsworth, Iowa. Three children have been born to the couple: Minnie, Gertrude and Ferdinand, Jr., all of whom are attending school. Mr. Haak belongs to the Turners Society and to the fraternal lodge of the T. P. A. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES