Henry Runge 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 the Henry Runge Building 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: Runge, Tess, Olsen, Juergensen. Henry Runge is conducting a well established undertaking business at No 824 West Third street in Davenport. The high quality of goods he handles and his moderate prices have built up a good trade and made this concern one of the best known in the city. Mr. Runge is a native of Davenport, born June 7, 1861, of the marriage of Martin L. and Wilhelmina (Schwartz) Runge, in whose family were nine children, but only two sons and one daughter now survive. The father emigrated from his native land, Germany, to the United States at an early day, the trip being made in a sail boat, which required fourteen weeks to cross the Atlantic. Arriving in the new world after his long and wearisome voyage, he spent a short time in Chicago, Illinois, whence he made his way to Davenport, where lived a half-brother of Mrs. Runge. He was first engaged in the packing business in this city but afterward worked in the old Davis mill, where he continued throughout his business career. Both he and his ! wife have passed away. Henry Runge was reared under the parental roof and was given the advantage of a common school education. After completing his studies he took up the task of learning the upholsterer's trade and at the same time attended a night school in order that he might have a better education to meet the responsibilities of a business career. After learning his trade he worked at the same for twenty years. He then went to Des Moines and pursued a course in embalming that he might engage in the undertaking business on his own account. Subsequently he returned to Davenport and in October, 1895, organized the firm of Weiss & Runge. The partnership continued for but a brief period, however, for in the following December Mr. Runge sold his interest to his partner and in February, 1896, engaged in business alone, since which time he has conducted a successful enterprise. He possesses excellent business ability, understands thoroughly the art of embalming, and this, coupled with a prompt res! ponse to all calls made upon him, has gained for him an extensive patronage. The business is now conducted in a large, modern, two story brick structure known as the Runge building, which was erected in 1902, and here Mr. Runge keeps on hand a good line of burial caskets and supplies and can meet all demands made upon him. Mr. Runge was married in May, 1883, to Miss Emma Tess, who passed away a few years later. There is a daughter and son of this marriage: Augusta, now the wife of John Olsen, a city fireman of Davenport, by whom she has a daughter, Anita; and Louis F., who is his father's assistant in business. Mr. Runge was married a second time on the 9th of October, 1891, Christina M. Juergensen becoming his wife. There are five children by this union: Edna, who is a high school graduate; Martin L., Henry, who has passed away; Harry H.; and Henrietta. The family belong to the Lutheran church, while Mr. Runge's fraternal connections are with the Turners, Elks, Eagles, Knights of Pythias, Modern Brotherhood of America, the Germania Society, Claus Groth Gilde, Teutonia and the Odd Fellows, in all of which he is a valued member. In the midst of a busy life he always finds time for courtesy, and an opportunity to give audience to his friends, and all with whom he is brought in contact have for him high regard. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES