“The Brothers Bettendorf: Scandal, Death, & the Founding of a Legacy" at the German American Heritage Center -- October 25.
Sunday, October 25, 1:30 p.m.
German American Heritage Center, 712 West Second Street, Davenport IA
Delivered as the latest program in the German American Heritage Center's popular "Kaffee und Kuchen" series, the fascinating presentation The Brothers Bettendorf: Scandal, Death, & the Founding of a Legacy will take place at the Davenport venue on October 15, with author and historian John Brassard Jr. sharing an arresting narrative detailing the namesakes of a particular Quad City.
When William and Joseph Bettendorf came to Davenport, they had a few patents for popular inventions and a dream of making their own business. Their journey would lead them to first build the biggest company in the city to revolutionizing the railroad industry. Along the way they would experience triumph, tragedy, and build one of the fastest growing cities in Iowa.
Joseph "J.W." Bettendorf moved to Davenport, Iowa in 1886 to join his brother William where they organized Bettendorf Metal Wheel Company. He worked as a machinist before becoming a supervisor in the plant. In 1890 he moved to Springfield, Ohio, where he managed a branch of the business. Joseph then returned to Davenport three years later where the brothers began manufacturing steel gear wagons.
In January of 1895, the brothers incorporated their new venture under the name of the Bettendorf Axel Company. W. P. Bettendorf was the company's first president and J.W. Bettendorf initially served as secretary and manager of the company. Two fires in 1902, one on January 28 and the other in May, destroyed the plant. The residents of the town of Gilbert, which was about three miles east of Davenport at the time, raised $15,000 to buy the old Gilbert farm between the Mississippi River and the Davenport, Rock Island, and North Western Railway tracks. The brothers decided to establish a new plant in Gilbert. A year later the citizens of the town elected to change its name to Bettendorf.
An author and historian, program presenter John Brassard Jr. Brassard has a degree in history from Iowa State University and is a history columnist for the DeWitt Observer. His work has also been featured in the Quad-City Times, the North Scott Press, the Catholic Messenger, and the Iowa History Journal, and with his father, Brassard co-wrote the 2011 book Scott County Cemeteries. He serves as a board member and newsletter editor for the Scott County Historical Preservation Society, and also works with the Scott County Historical Society, the Central Community Historical Society, and the Friends of Walnut Grove Pioneer Village. Brassard also frequently presents in the area as the author of Murder & Mayhem in Scott County, Iowa.
Brassard's program The Brothers Bettendorf: Scandal, Death, & the Founding of a Legacy will be presented at Davenport's German American Heritage Center on October 25, with refreshments for this “Kaffee und Kuchen” event served at 1:30 p.m. and the program beginning at 2 p.m. Guests are welcome to bring their own mugs if they wish; disposable cups are provided, but mugs from home will help the venue reduce waste. Participation is free for Heritage Center members and $8 for non-members, and more information is available by calling (563)322-8844 and visiting GAHC.com.
