USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume I > Part 14
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his death song was hushed, and then his body was cut in pieces by the surround- ing Indians.
The first marriage ceremony in town took place in the spring of this year. The parties were Wmn. B. Watts and a niece of Antoine LeClaire, Esq. Mrs. Watts died a few years afterward and was buried in Mr. LeClaire's private burial ground. This spring also the first brickyard was opened by Mr. Harvey Leon- ard, from Indiana, on Sixth, between Main and Harrison streets. Mr. Leonard not only manufactured the brick but was a master builder, and carried on the business for many years. In 1851 he was elected sheriff, an office which he held many years.
Among the improvements introduced at this early day in the mechanical rine was one of "Getty's Patent Metallic Mills," owned by D. C. Eldridge. This little machine, not much larger than a coffe mill, did wonders in the way of cracking wheat and corn. Some called it a "flouring mill," although the flour made in it might not bear inspection at the present day, yet the hot rolls made from it when placed upon the table, superseded all other bread then in use, which consisted principally of "corn dodgers." Its propelling power was a horse, which had done good service in the Black Hawk war (or that of 1812). We imagine we can now see the thing in operation, down on Brimstone corner (Front and Ripley streets) with Joe Topin, the old discharged soldier, as head en- gineer, rolling out the breadstuff by the quart. But this was the "day of small things."
Some trouble occurred this year among claim holders. The new comers in some instances were unwilling to go over Duck creek to take claims, and con- sidered the squatter sovereignty too liberal in giving to each man 320 acres while none of it was improved. Individuals not in actual possession were liable to have their claims jumped. Several cases of this kind occurred when the so- ciety which had been organized in March of this year interfered. Having tried one man by the name of Stephens, who had jumped a claim of Maj. Wilson's (now of Rock Island,) where the Ladies' college now stands, on a part of "Ful- ton's addition," and he refusing to vacate the premises, on application of the major, the sheriff of Dubuque county was sent for, there being then no nearer seat of justice than Dubuque. On the arrival of Sheriff Cummings he found Mr. Stephens snugly ensconced in the major's cabin, armed with the instruments that would terminate life if properly handled, and threatening entire annihilation to any and all who might dare to touch him. The sheriff soon summoned his posse, and with them came a yoke of oxen which were soon hitched to one corner of the log cabin, and as the timbers began to show signs of parting Mr. Stephens very wil- lingly vacated the premises and was shown the most feasible as well as the quickest route to Stephenson, and never afterward made any attempt to recover his claim on this side of the river.
At the close of 1837 there were about fifteen or sixteen houses in the town, six new ones having been built during the year, and the town numbered about 160 inhabitants. The autumn of this year was delightful. The summer was not hot nor oppressive. It gently merged into autumn, and winter came in and con- tinued mild all the season. I was in camp prosecuting the public surveys upon the Waubsepinecon river from the 17th of October until the first of April with no
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other shelter for myself and men than a canvas tent, and was detained from work but three days during the whole time on account of storms or cold weather. The snow fell that winter to the depth of three or four inches only. The Mississippi river closed on the 13th of February. On the first day of April, 1838, the first boat of the season passed down, the river having been open but a few days. The spring was mild and beautiful.
The immigrants of the year were but few, compared with after years. Among them were Nathaniel Squires, John Forrest, Timothy and Thomas Dil- lon and families, Rev. J. A. Pelamourgues, Rodolphus Bennet, John N. Macklot, John M. D. Burrows, George Thorne, William Eldridge, Robert Neff. Frank Perrin, A. F. Russell, Samuel Ringwalt, Edward Davis, Seth F. Whit- ing, Ansel Briggs, Thos. S. and David Hoge.
But little produce was raised this year. Meat was scarce except wild game. All seemed happy and well pleased with the country. We belonged to Wisconsin territory and lived under the laws of Michigan. Our first steps toward civiliza- tion and improvement had been taken, the beautiful prairies in virgin loveliness outside of our present city limits were untouched by the rude hand of man. All the loveliness and beauty of Eden could scarcely surpass that of the rolling prairies of Scott county at that day. The wild flowers were far more numerous and variegated than now, richer and more fragrant in their wild, untrodden state than since reckless man has trampled under foot the floral kingdom of our once lovely prairies.
Among the most active and efficient young men of this day was Jonathan W. Parker, son of our fellow citizen, Jonathan Parker. He emigrated in the autumn of 1836 from Luzerne county, Pa., a lawyer by profession, having studied under Judge Kidder of Wilkesbarre. His destination was Galena, but the boat upon which he had taken passage from St. Louis became ice-bound at this place and laid up for the winter. Having spent the winter here and becoming attached to the place he finally settled here. His numerous highly interesting letters, descriptive of the country and published in the east did much to induce emigra- tion. He was a botanist and spent much time among the flowers of our prairies. He delivered the oration on the 4th of July of this year, (1837.) it being the first celebration of any kind ever held in the city. Col. T. C. Eads was president, Jona- than W. Parker, orator and Isaac Hedges, marshal of the day. Mr. Parker was in our territorial legislature at Burlington in 1839, was elected president of the coun- cil, and did much in framing the code of laws for the territory. He held at various times the offices of justice of the peace, judge of probate and was the second mayor of the city of Davenport. He left here in 1844, traveled considerably through the United States, changed his profession for that of medicine, and in August, 1850, was located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he died of cholera that autumn, at the house of Dr. Gatchel, much lamented for his many social and moral virtues.
There are many incidents which transpired among the settlers of 1837 that would be interesting to narrate. The financial troubles of the east were keenly felt here. There was no money, no credit, nor any produce to bring supplies to the infant colony. But few of the immigrants brought a supply of money, and to many the approaching winter looked dark and lowering. The Indians that still remained here could furnish a supply of wild game, but in return they asked for
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per-quash-i-con (bread) and co-cosh (pork) and pin-ne-ac (potatoes). The small stocks of merchandise were exhausted, so much so, that the first steamboats in the spring were looked for with great anxiety. Like the Pilgrim Fathers of New England looking forth from the "rock-bound coast" toward the land of their nativity, they sighed for the "flesh pots," and remembered the "leeks and the gar- lics" of their own native land.
Well do the "old settlers" of Iowa remember the days and years from the first settlement to 1840. Those were days of sadness and often of distress. The en- dearments of home had been broken up in another land, and all that was dear and hallowed on earth, the home of childhood and the scenes of youth were severed, and we sat down by the gentle waters of our noble river, and often "hung our harps upon the willows." But the bright prospects of the future led us on, and with hope as our sheet anchor we lived upon the fruits of our labor, almost an exiled race for many years. No splendid cottage was then our home. The rude cabin was our shelter and we were scarcely protected from the rains of sum- mer or the snows of winter. No luxuries crowned our board, but we rejoiced in that Providence which shaped our destinies and led us to the shores of the Mis- sissippi. We loved the land of our adoption. We loved her soil, her climate and her majestic river, upon whose banks we often strayed and mingled our tears with one another. The pioneers of Scott county came as the vanguard of that great army that has since flooded our land. They came to build for themselves and posterity a glorious destiny amid the wilds of Iowa. They brought no sword, or battle axe, but the plowshare and the pruning hook were their only weapons. They had no history to point them the way, no kind friend to bid them welcome to these shores. The legends of the Indian could only tell them of the beauty of the land they came to possess, and instead of the smiles of welcome they received only the frowns of the savage.
The spring of 1838 found the infant settlement laboring under many dis- couragements. The existing topic, the all-absorbing county seat question, had helped to wear away the winter. Immigration began to set in for the west and the drooping spirits of the inhabitants revived. Buildings began to increase, a church or two were organized, a school opened, and things began to wear a brighter aspect as the genial rays of the sun began to warm vegetation into life. In February the first territorial legislature which held its sessions at Burlington passed an act organizing Scott county, and fixing the boundaries thereof. The memorable 19th of February was the day set for the election of the county seat. An act also was passed authorizing the election of a board of county commis- sioners, to be held at various places in the county on the third Monday of Feb- ruary. This board of commissioners were to do all the business of the county, as judge of probate, and take care of all the suits at law, etc. Maj. Frazer Wilson, now of Rock Island, had received the first appointment of sheriff from the ter- ritorial governor.
Early in the spring Mr. LeClaire laid out his "First Addition to the Town of Davenport," upon his "reserve," as it was called. This included two tiers of blocks forming Harrison and Brady streets, running back as far as Seventh street. No title as yet in fee simple had been obtained by the proprietors of the town, and title bonds only were given to purchasers. In this new addition to the
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town, Mr. LeClaire could give clear titles, and was able to sell lots on long time to actual settlers. This put new life into the inhabitants, and the immigration coming in the spring was much larger than any previous year, and the town for the first time began to make progress in improvement.
The first board of county commissioners elect were Benj. F. Pike, now in California, Andrew W. Campbell, who died on Green river, in Utah, and Alfred Carter, who died in Hickory Grove in this county, in 1845. The legislature also passed an act incorporating the town of Davenport and at the April election Ro- dolphus Bennet, now of Princeton in this county, was elected mayor and Frazer Wilson, recorder. Dr. A. C. Donaldson, D. C. Eldridge, John Forrest, Thomas Dillon and Capt. John Litch were elected trustees. These were the first officers of this township. The meeting of the first town council soon followed and James M. Bowling was appointed treasurer, William Nichols street commissioner and William H. Patton, marshal. The first seal used by the city council was by a vote an American 25 cent piece.
During the summer the first brick house was erected by D. C. Eldridge and is still standing on the northeast corner of Third and Main streets. The old part of the Catholic church was also built this summer, the brick work by Mr. Noel and the carpenter work by Nathaniel Squires. It was afterward enlarged and is now used for a schoolhouse. The Rev. J. M. Pelamourgues was placed in charge at its organization and is still a faithful watchman over the congregation. Re- ligious services were held at various places in the town, as opportunity presented. The first regular preaching was a sermon by Rev. Mr. Gavitt, of Ohio, at the house of D. C. Eldridge.
On the 4th of July of this year we were separated by act of congress from the territory of Wisconsin, and organized into a separate territory. Robert Lucas of Ohio was the first governor who made the following appointments for Scott county : Willard Barrows, notary public ; Ebenezer Cook, judge of probate ; Adrian H. Davenport, sheriff ; Isaac A. Hedges and John Porter, justices of the peace. D. C. Eldridge received the appointment of postmaster.
At the first election under the new territorial law in September, W. W. Chap- man was elected delegate to congress, Jonathan W. Parker, member of council, J. A. Birchard and Laurel Summers representatives. Clinton county was then attached to Scott for judicial purposes.
On the 7th of July, 1838, Andrew Logan from Pennsylvania arrived with a printing press, and on the 17th of September following issued the first number of the "Davenport Iowa Sun," a newspaper which at that day was put forth under many discouragements. Those only who have themselves been pioneers in such an enterprise can realize the difficulties attending it. For the two first years Mr. Logan had no assistance but his two little sons, the eldest of which was but twelve years old. The motto of his paper was
"And man went forth to till the ground."
His press was of the more antiquated kind, and his type had done good service at other places. Yet it was hailed as a great acquisition to the embryo towns of Davenport and Rockingham, for it was presented as a candidate for either place. The county seat question was then at its highest excitement and big offers were made by both parties for its location. Davenport was the successful winner of
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the prize. The machine worked off the Weekly Sun and fought with great energy the battles of the county seat question; the principal writers aside from its edi- tors were John H. Thorington, the father of Hon. James Thorington, on the Davenport side, and John H. Sullivan for Rockingham. For a time it seemed to flourish amid all its difficulties and often would its rays break forth from the clouds that seemed to obscure it and shine with much brightness. But after the county seat question became settled and a more modern press was introduced the "Sun of Davenport" was allowed to set, realizing in the fullest extent that "promises to printers are made to be broken." It was then that Mr. Logan put in practice his motto, for he "went forth to till the ground." About six miles from town on the lowa City road he took up his claim and was emphatically the pioneer farmer of our prairies, there being at the time but one house between him and the town. He has ever been a good friend to the interests of Scott county, ever carrying with him the good will, respect and esteem of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. We learn with regret that he has recently sold his beautiful prairie home and is about to remove to Marshall county, this state.
Numerous public roads were run this season in all directions from the town, leading back to the groves and to the Wabesipinicon river, where a few settlers had taken preemption claims. The first district court met here in October, the Hon. Thos. S. Wilson presiding. Several attorneys were admitted to the bar; but little business was done.
The amount of wheat raised this year in the county was about 2,000 bushels and was worth twenty-five cents a bushel. Money was a little more plenty than the year before, owing to the immigration, but there was no demand for produce and no buyers for shipment. Potatoes were scarce this year and worth $I a bushel. A sawmill was in operation at the mouth of Duck creek, Capt. Clark's, making only hard lumber which sold at $35 a thousand feet. All pine lumber was brought from Cincinnati and was worth $50 a thousand.
The Davenport hotel this year passed into the hands of Samuel Barkley, from Pennsylvania. A milliner shop was opened by Miss M. C. Cooper from Balti- more. D. C. Eldridge opened a carriage and blacksmith shop and R. H. Kinney a watch and jewelry store. Messrs. LeClaire and Davenport opened a large store as forwarding and commission merchants. The first land sales of the territory were advertised to come off at Burlington on the 19th of November but were post- poned. The village contained at the close of the year about forty houses and a population of near 100. The treasury of the county had received for taxes this year, licenses and fines less than $500, and expended nearly $800. The assessment on property was sufficient to have balanced expenditures but there was but about $250 ever collected.
The river closed the 17th of December. The winter was mild and pleasant ; but very little snow, and passed much pleasanter than the previous one. There was a large circle of young people and a cordial good feeling existed among them. Parties and balls were numerous. Sleighriding upon the ice was a great recreation. Wolf hunts and the chase for deer and turkey helped to fill up the dreary days of winter. Spring opened early, the river breaking up on the last day of February. Rafts of lumber began to make their appearance this year from the pineries of Wisconsin and sold at $35 a thousand feet.
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The local difficulties in regard to the county seat question still existed and the spring of 1839 opened with a prospect of another warm contest for the seat of justice. The second session of the district court was held in May, but there was no business before it of consequence, not a single bill of indictment being found by the grand jury against any individual in Scott county. No political party lines were yet drawn. At the August election was "Davenport or Rockingham." The latter elected her representatives, Laurel Summers and Joseph M. Robertson, against the Davenport candidates, G. C. R. Mitchell and Abner Beard. The two old commissioners were elected, A. W. Campbell and Alfred Carter, while the Davenport faction elected the other one, John Work and A. F. Russell as county surveyor. Ira Cook, Sr., was elected treasurer by the Rockingham party, with the assessor and all minor officers.
The first fire department of Davenport was organized the 27th of July by re- quiring every man who occupied a house to keep two fire buckets always in readi- ness and to use them in case of fire.
The Rev. Asa Turner, now of Denmark in this state, in traveling through this county preached and lectured on temperance. Through his exertions a tem- perance society was formed the 6th of August on the total abstinence principle receiving at its first organization fifty-six signatures. Rodolphus Bennet, mayor of this city, being its first president, The society commenced with about eighty members.
Three other churches were organized this summer and a female seminary started by the Misses O'Hara. A common school was also opened by a Mr. Blood. Capt. Wilson also commenced running his steam ferryboat this fall. The first paint shop by Riddle & Morton, the first wagon shop by Seth F. Whiting, and the first drug store by Charles Lesslie, were opened this year.
But the greatest acquisition to the town this year, the crowning point and the wonder of the age was the completion of the LeClaire House at a cost of $35,000. The stone work of this edifice now standing on the corner of Main and Second streets (the old part) was done by Alexander Brownlie of Long Grove in this county, the brick work by D. C. Eldridge and the carpenter work by Nathaniel Squires. The building of this house at so early a day was an enterprise the equal of which is seldom undertaken. The progress of the town or county did not war- rant it, yet confidence in the future and the enterprising spirit of Mr. LeClaire which has not left him to this day carried forward the work to a successful com- pletion. Succeeding years found this house filled with guests from the south during the warm season, and although its owner has ever failed to reap much benefit directly from rents, etc., yet it has been a source of profit to some, an ac- quisition to the town, and a home of comfort to many a weary traveler on his first advent into Iowa.
The death of William B. Conway, Esq., secretary of the territory occurred on the 9th of November of this year. He was a resident of Davenport but died at Burlington while attending to his official duties at the sitting of the legisla- ture. His body was brought here for interment. 'A' public meeting was held and resolutions passed testifying to the profound regret at the loss of so valuable a citizen from our midst.
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In the fall of this year some difficulties arose upon our southern borders in relation to the boundary line between Missouri and the territory of Iowa, which being fanned into a flame created quite a sensation along the counties bordering upon the Mississippi river. A notice of this farce might not be deemed here out of place, as showing how trivial a circumstance is required upon the frontier at an early day to create an alarm and arouse the listless energies of a naturally lazy people who for want of a more active and useful life are ever ready to enlist in any enterprise that may be set on foot. The same scenes occur every year upon our western border. The cry of "Indians" is all sufficient to rally the little pioneer settlement and from the smallest circumstance enormous depredations and savage hostility are charged upon a few suffering Indians who may be lurking upon the outposts of civilization with no other design than to procure food and shelter from those who have driven the game beyond their reach.
I can no better portray the scenes and events of this "Missouri war," as it was called than by quoting from the graphic pen of the Hon. John P. Cook in his annual address at the first festival of the Pioneer Settlers association, de- livered the 22d of February, 1858. In speaking of "the times that tried men's souls" Mr. Cook says :
"During the time of the contest for the county seat an event transpired which must not be omitted in speaking of the history of our settlement. A dispute arose between the state of Missouri and the then territory of Iowa as to the boundary line between them and so determined were the authorities on both sides to exercise jurisdiction over the disputed territory that it resulted in what is known to the old settlers as the 'Missouri war.'
"There were warriors in those days ; and I should do injustice to the patriotism of that period if I neglected to notice the military darings of the volunteers who rushed to the standard (and rations) of the commander-in-chief in obedience to his call. The sheriff of a border county in Iowa undertook to enforce the collection of taxes in the disputed territory. He was arrested by the authorities of Missouri. The executive of Iowa demanded his release. It was refused; and to rescue the sheriff, Gov. Lucas ordered out the militia and called for vol- unteers. 'My voice is now for war,' was the patriotic response of every 'Hawk- eye.' The county seat question was forgotten in the more important duty of driving the invaders from our soil. Davenport and Rockingham men met, em- braced, buckled on their armor and side by side shouted their war cry 'Death to the invading Pukes.' The officers in command held a council of war and it was decided that Davenport should be the headquarters of the Scott county army in order that the troops might be inspired by the sight of old Fort Arm- strong, and at the same time occupy a position so near the fort that a safe retreat would be at hand in case of an attack from the enemy.
"On the day appointed for the first drill the whole country marched to the standard of the gallant colonel in command and Davenport witnessed one of the most spirited military reviews that ever took place within her limits. The line was formed on the banks of the river, fronting toward the enemy's country, the right wing resting against a cottonwood tree, the left in close proximity to the ferryhouse. There they stood, veterans of iron nerve and dauntless cour-
NORTH SIDE OF SECOND STREET, BETWEEN BRADY AND PERRY STREETS Picture taken in 1858
DAVENPORT ABOUT 1862
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age presenting a sight that would have daunted the most desperate foe and as- suring the women and children that they would defend their homes to the death against the 'border ruffians' from the Des Moines river.
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