Diedrich Blesse Cigar Factory from 1885-1906.

1326 W. 2nd St., Davenport, Iowa

Born March 25, 1865 in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

Died March 19, 1906 of a heart attack aged 50

Brands of cigars manufactured: New License – 5 cents; Beauties – 5 cents

Timeline

1870 U.S. Census lists Diedrich Blesse occupation as “cigar maker”

1876-1877 cigar maker

1878-1882 cigar maker at Nicholas Kuhnen cigar factory

1883 partner in Blesse & Behm cigar factory (factory 16, 2nd district of Iowa)

1884 partner in Blesse & Voege Cigar Factory, 916 W. Front St.

1885-1906 Diedrich Blesse cigar manufacturer, 1326 W. 2nd St. (residence same address)

Source: findagrave.com

Diedrich Blesse was born in Germany on March 25, 1855 and came to this country with his

parents in 1863. Diedrich and parents, J. H. C. Blesse and wife Maria, arrived on the ship Palmerston which left Hamburg April 23, 1866. It arrived June 7th at the Port of New York. Here he attended school for a short time after which he learned the trade of cigar-maker. In addition to this, he was a musician and a member of Strasser's band and orchestra.

He was first married in July 1875, to Miss Laura Berwald, who died in 1881. On March 3,

1883, Mr. Blesse was again married to Miss Caroline Dau, who survives him. In addition to

his wife, the survivors are the children, Charles, Edward, and John Blesse, Mrs. Laura

Albrecht, and Mary, Will, and Dorothea Hesse at home. There are also a brother, Henry

Blesse, and a sister, Mrs. Anna Griebel.

The deceased was active in fraternal work. He was a member of the Claus Groth gilde,

Scott Lodge,I. O. O. F., Hermann lodge, Order of the Harugarl, the West Davenport

Maennerchor, the Cigarmakers' Union, the Free Brothers Society, and the Concordia Singing

Society.