Encyclopedia Dubuque
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SCHUNK, Henry A.
SCHUNK, Henry A. (Dubuque, IA, Aug. 16, 1858--Dubuque, IA. June 12, 1921). MAYOR. Schunk was born in Dubuque's WESTERN HOTEL at the time his father was the proprietor. He later attended BAYLESS BUSINESS COLLEGE and worked as an accountant and bookkeeper for many businesses in the city. He also worked on the Telegraph as an editor.
Schunk served as the treasurer of Dubuque from 1882 to 1883 and from 1885 to 1889 he held the position of United States Internal Revenue officer. He moved to Hennepin County, Minnesota in 1891 where he served as auditor. (1)
During his administration as mayor from 1906-1910 there was reform in the management of the municipal water works. In 1896 Schunk established H. A. SCHUNK, WINES & LIQUORS on 8th Street and continued to operate his liquor business while serving as the mayor of Dubuque. In 1908 the Times-Journal charged that Schunk had sold liquor to a "notorious business" and had converted an estate of which he was the trustee to his own use. Schunk sued the paper for $100,000. On April 12, 1911 the newspaper won the libel trial. Schunk's liquor store was closed, and he entered the real estate and insurance business with his son. Continued acceptance of TELEPHONE SERVICE led by 1906 to the construction of a new building for the Iowa Telephone Company. The lack of more activities at Union Park was leading by 1906 to the call for another park. It was not until around 1906-08 that the ground of the THIRD STREET CEMETERYwas finally transferred to the archdiocese by the federal government. An alleged ICE TRUST made a major news item in the local newspaper. On April 23, 1908, a public meeting was held and fifteen citizens were chosen members of a committee to take charge of park development. The last controversy to arise about GRANDVIEW AVENUE came in 1908 when some residents wanted a park in the middle of the street.
In 1912 Schunk was listed as the proprietor of the Home Supply Company which was another wholesale liquor company. He was also a proprietor of a bar from 1914 until December 31, 1915.
Socially, Schrunk was a member of the Elks, Eagles, Ancient Order of United Woodmen of the World, Catholic Order of Foresters, and the Catholic Protective Society. For several years, he served as treasurer of the Elks and secretary and treasurer of the Catholic Protective Society.
Other events from 1906 through 1910 can be found by adding each year to the search feature of this encyclopedia.
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Source:
1. "Municipal Molecules," Dubuque Daily Herald, November 1, 1891, p. 8
"Henry A. Schrunk Dies After Few Hours Illness," Times Journal, June 13, 1921, p. 7
Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, History of Dubuque County, Iowa. Chicago: Goodspeed Historical Association, 1911, p. 746