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Encyclopedia Dubuque

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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.




SPAHN, Charles Joseph Sr.

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Ancestry: https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/174584555/person/392268405861/facts?_phsrc=TrL4056&_phstart=successSource

Photo courtesy: Heidi Spahn and the Telegraph Herald

SPAHN, Charles Joseph, Sr. (Dubuque, IA, May 22, 1872--Dubuque, IA, Mar. 31, 1925). Co-founder, SPAHN AND ROSE LUMBER COMPANY. Spahn, in association with George DeForest "Bud" ROSE, founded the highly successful lumber company in 1904. Spahn served as president of the company until his death.

Spahn's involvement in the lumber industry began as a boy when he left school to work in one of the mills lining the riverfront. He later worked for CARR, RYDER, AND ADAMS COMPANY, becoming the superintendent of several departments until 1896. He was given charge of the cutting department in which he remained until 1900.

Spahn was sent by John Taylor ADAMS to California as general superintendent of the Westside Lumber Company. Located in Tuolumne, California, the company operated one of the largest narrow gauge railroads to bring timber to the mill. (1) Adams later followed Spahn to California with a crew from Dubuque including George Deforest "Bud" ROSE.

Spahn served as director of the Heeb Company, Dubuque Securities, GERMAN TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK, and the QUALITY OIL COMPANY.

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Source:

1. Jared C. Spahn (Charles Joseph Spahn, Sr. was his paternal grandfather), e-mail, May 28, 2014

Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, History of Dubuque County, Iowa. Chicago: Goodspeed Historical Association, 1911, p. 714