Charles F. Hetzel Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Hetzel, Bayha, Albright, Haller, Charles F. Hetzel by a career of honor and usefulness has left an indelible impress on the history of Blue Grass township. This estimable gentleman, now deceased, was born in the province of Baden, Germany, August 19, 1907. Early in life he came to the United States, landing in New York, October 27, 1830. In that city he met his wife-to-be, Regina Bayha, a native of Stuttgart, Wurtemberg, whose birth occurred February 4, 1812. They were married in New York July 21, 1834, and for some time resided there. In 1837 they removed to Wheeling, West Virginia, where they lived for the next fourteen years. On September 15, 1851, they came to Scott county, Iowa, of which they had heard favorable reports, and were so entirely satisfied with what they found that it became their permanent home and that of the most of their children. Mr. Hetzel became quite an extensive landowner, purchasing three hundred and twenty acres of land in Blue Grass township and eighty in Rockingham. They were the parents of eleven children. Five of them have never married but live together on the old homestead. They are Rosina C., Minnie R., Anna B., Regina S. and Henry A. Charles L. married Anna Albright and lives in Davenport; John C. is a resident of Harlan, Iowa; George D. went west and is a citizen of Grand Island, Nebraska; Frederick G. makes his home in Avoca, Iowa; and Mary E. is the widow of Frank Haller of Davenport. One is deceased. Only the three youngest children, Anna B., Henry A. and Regina S. were born in Scott county, the others having first seen the light of day in Wheeling, West Virginia. Mr. Hetzel was a man who took a lively interest in current events and gave an intelligent consideration to all such problems as effected the public welfare. He served for a number of years as justice of the peace. In Wheeling he was pleasantly affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his family were all member of the Lutheran church, in which they were recognized as faithful, sincere and efficient members. Their home is one of the finest and most substantial country residences in the locality and was constructed from brick made on the farm. On June 5, 1886, Mr. Hetzel passed to his reward, his widow following August 12, 1891. They will long hold an enviable place in the history and memory of Scott county. They celebrated their golden wedding at the old homestead in 1884, at which time all the children and grandchildren were present. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES