Encyclopedia Dubuque
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HAAS, Daniel J.
HAAS, Daniel J. (Seelbach, Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, 1867--Dubuque, IA, Apr. 1, 1926). MAYOR. Daniel J. Haas was left fatherless the year of his birth, and until twelve years old attended school in his native town. Joseph Hummel, a near relative, who had immigrated to the United States and established himself in the drug trade at Grundy Center, Iowa, was visiting at Baden at this time, and upon his return to America he took Daniel along.
Haas attended the public schools of Grundy Center until about the age of fifteen years, and assisted in the work of his uncle's drug store. He then went to Waterloo and was there employed by Wangler Brothers, druggists, for about three years, and attended business college at night. In 1885 he came to Dubuque as clerk for George W. WUNDERLICH, druggist, but in 1887 began a course in pharmacy at the Chicago College of Pharmacy, graduating in 1889. Returning to Dubuque, he resumed clerking.
Haas rose to financial success after 1903 as president of the A.B.C. MEDICINE COMPANY which manufactured A-B-C TEA and A-B-C LINIMENT, two products that constantly kept three salesmen on the road taking orders. He also kept his pharmacy business until 1907 when the medicine company was moved into his drug store.
Haas, a former alderman-at-large, served as the mayor of Dubuque in 1910. The city's first park board was elected that year at the suggestion of Oliver Perry SHIRAS. Telephone service saw many improvements and construction of PUBLIC STAIRS began running from Rhomberg Avenue to Shiras Memorial.
When elected mayor, Haas sold his drug business to Frank C. Keesecker who leased the building from Mr. Haas. After retiring as mayor, Haas opened a new store near HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH on Couler Avenue and resumed the manufacture of A-B-C remedies.
In 1911 he was elected vice-president of the Iowa Pharmaceutical Association. The medicine company was moved in 1913 to a new location, and Haas continued his drug business in his own store.
In 1890 he established himself in the pharmacy business at 2498 Couler. From 1897 through the 1922 Dubuque City Directory, the store was listed at 2510 Couler.
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Source:
Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, History of Dubuque County, Iowa. Chicago: Goodspeed Historical Association, 1911, p. 640
"Haas Back in Business," Telegraph Herald, March 13, 1920, p. 14
See: BUILDING-D. J. HAAS
