August Bloomquist
Born: November 30th, 1829
Died: February 17th, 1913
Obituary
August passed away at the home of his daughter, Alma W. Yewell, No. 314 South Garfield at 12:45 Monday morning. The funeral will be held from the residence Wednesday afternoon at 2:30. Friends are invited to those services.
August Bloomquist was born in Linkoeping, Yare County, Sweden, November 30, 1829, left Gotrenurg, April 29, 1852, and landed in New York, June 18. Mr. Bloomquist began work at the Barrett house as porter under JC Fletcher, continuing there under RA Demming. He remained at the hotel until September 18, 1860. On the evening of that date, he was kicked by General Weaver’s horse, the injury resulting in total blindness. He received the best of medical care here and afterward in Chicago, but science could not help him. In September 1862 he went to the school for the blind at Vinton, he learned the broom makers trade, his work receiving the first premium at the fair. He was selected to draw the manes of the men in the first congressional district who were subject to military duty, was instrumental in erecting the first Swedish church in Burlington. Later, he became a member of the Congregational church and remained in that congregation until the end. He was well known to very many of our citizens and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Mr. Bloomquist was married to Johanna Caroline Schutz July 13, 1880. She passed away March 16, 1901. The union was blessed with one child, Alma W. Yewell.