USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume I > Part 18
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Congregational church and the same autumn he returned to Massachusetts and remained nearly five years. In 1849 on his return to Davenport, at the earnest solicitation of the citizens of Davenport and with promises of assistance, he com- menced his mill, making his own engine at Moline, and in the summer of 1850, with many hard struggles, he got his mill raised and enclosed, the machinery in and in October set it running. It was remodeled soon after and more machinery added, when it ran with much success, clearing the first three and a half years over $24,000. In 1854 the mill was enlarged, more machinery added and a new company formed-Burnell, Gillett & Co. They attached a shingle machine, sash, door and blind factory. It was propelled by two engines of 100 horsepower, employed about ninety hands and made about 50,000 feet of lumber per day. But large investments in the pine regions with borrowed capital, speculations in real estate and bad management of the concern, caused a failure in 1858, and the mill stood idle. Through all the trials and difficulties that Mr. Burnell has been called to pass, he has maintained unswerving principle and stands unimpeached in his moral and Christian character.
In May of this year Mr. LeClaire laid out his fourth addition to the city of Davenport. It extended from the east side of Rock Island street to the west side of Iowa street, south of Seventh street to Second. The first district school was opened this year by James Thorington, and the first regular bookstore by W. H. Holmes. The Der Demokrat, a German newspaper, was commenced by Theodore Guelich. M. C. Davis opened the old Pennsylvania House on Second street, below Main.
On the 18th of April the second fire in Davenport took place. The house of Mrs. Dillon was burned. The assessment in June by Jabez A. Birchard, Esq., showed a valuation of taxable property to be $75,000. Dr. James Hall was mayor of the city, with the same officers of the year before. The August election resulted in the election of Wm. E. Leffingwell for the senate; Laurel Summers to the house ; J. Thorington, clerk of district court; A. W. McGregor, prosecuting attorney, and John W. Wiley, county commissioner. The supposed population of the city on the Ist of September was 2,000. One hundred new houses were erected in the city during this year and 22,041 acres of land entered in the county at the land office in Iowa City. The subject of bridging the Mississippi river at this point was also agitated this year. Scott county subscribed $75,000 to the stock in the Chicago and Rock Island railroad. Business men, merchants, me- chanics, professional men and others began to settle here.
1851 .- In February of this year, on petition of citizens of Davenport, the legislature granted a new city charter. There was much opposition to it at the charter election and it succeeded by a vote of only twenty-six majority. Charles Weston, Esq., was elected mayor at the same election; Leonard Wygant and Dr. Barrows, S. N. Squires, E. Cook and H. Price, aldermen. At the August election William Burris was elected county judge, and Harvey Leonard sheriff. The fore part of the season this year was very wet. An unusual amount of rain fell; crops were backward. Immigration continued to come in slowly, composed mostly of those who designed settlement. Much prairie was broken this year and con- siderable improvement made in the county. Immigration increased over all
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former times. In July over 300 landed at one time from the steamer Wyoming, all intending to settle in Scott county.
The cholera was very bad this year. About thirty of the citizens and many immigrants died. The LeClaire foundry was started this year in June, and an- other steam sawmill, called "Howard's Mill," in the lower part of the city. Davenport now had two steam sawmills and two steam flouring mills. Pork was worth from $2.50 to $3.00 a hundred. The new stone Catholic church was built this year, the LeClaire House enlarged, and Cook & Sargent's new brick exchange office was erected on the corner of Main and Second streets. A large number of private dwellings were built. Merchants and mechanics had sought homes here until houses were so scarce that many left the city for want of room.
The pork market opened this fall at high rates, $4 a hundred for good hogs. In October of this year East Davenport was laid out into lots and the present village commenced. In November William Russell, of St. Louis, commenced purchasing property here, which gave the first rise in property that afterward attained to such extravagant prices.
The city at this date contained about forty-five stores. Cook & Sargent's addition to the town of Davenport was made this year. The river closed on the 16th of December. Population of the city, 3,000. Nine steam establishments were now in operation in the city. Over three hundred houses were built this season, and there were nine organized churches and six church buildings in the city at the close of the year. Coates & Davis' planing mill was built and Christie's mill at East Davenport was also erected this year and the first wholesale grocery was established by S. Hirschl. The Second Baptist church was organized.
1852 .- On the 22d of February Mr. LeClaire laid out his fifth addition to the city of Davenport, containing one tier of blocks between Iowa and LeClaire streets below Seventh to Second. The river opened this year on the 4th of March. The ice had broken up several times, gorged and stopped. Boats were in waiting to come up and down for some days, the river being clear of ice above and below. On the 3d of April snow fell to the depth of six or eight inches, followed by sleet which weighed down the branches of the trees with ice until many limbs were broken. On the 5th of April, 1851, a similar snow and sleet fell, followed by disagreeable cold weather.
On the 15th of April the first immigrants arrived and were followed by large numbers both by land and water.
On the 5th of May the corner stone of Trinity church was laid on the corner of Fifth and Rock Island streets, by Bishop Kemper. There was some cholera this year. The steam ferryboat was put in operation this year by John Wilson, so long and favorably known as the ferryman between the two cities. Population in the city at the close of the year, 3,000. J. M. Cannon's sawmill built. John F. Jordan, mayor; A. F. Mast, clerk; Samuel Parker, marshal; William Van- Tuyl, treasurer ; aldermen, H. Leonard, Weigand, Squires, J. P. Cook, H. Price and Bechtel.
1853 .- This year a county poorhouse was built by Judge Burris five miles from the city, on the road to Dubuque, the county having purchased eighty acres of land for that purpose. Pork on the first of January was worth from $5.50 to $6.00 a hundred.
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The Mississippi and Missouri Railroad company was organized with a capital stock of $6,000,000, the corporation to continue fifty years from date. On the Ist of September, the ceremony of breaking ground on the road took place. It was a day full of interest to the people of Davenport. Many of the old citizens, who had for years been living on in hope and confidence, now began to feel all their most sanguine wishes gratified. The Rock Island and Chicago road was near completion and the first locomotive was soon expected to stand upon the banks of the Mississippi river, sending its shrill whistle across the mighty stream and longing for its westward flight across the prairies of Iowa. The occasion was one of universal rejoicing. A great and important object had been accomplished for our city, our county and our state. As Mr. LeClaire, who was selected to per- form the ceremony of removing the first ground, came forward pulling off his coat and, taking the wheelbarrow and spade, he was greeted by a most tremen- dous and hearty cheer. The ceremony took place near the corner of Fifth and Rock Island streets. A large procession was formed of citizens, Odd Fellows and musicians. The dinner was served at the LeClaire House by Mr. Lowery and the occasion was one long to be remembered. A vote was taken in September in regard to the county taking stock in the road. There were but 309 votes cast, and out of these but two were against subscribing to the stock. The amount taken by the city was $75,000, by the county $50,000, and $100,000 by individual subscription.
The LeClaire foundry was burned in August. An express and telegraph office was opened this year. The population in the city was 4,500. The sixth addition to the city of Davenport by Mr. LeClaire was made this autumn, extend- ing from LeClaire street to Farnam, south of Seventh to the river.
The city officers elected this year were: John A. Boyd, mayor ; R. K. Allen, clerk; Samuel Parker, marshal; J. Drake, treasurer. The aldermen were: A Weigand, John Weeks, John P. Cook, Joseph Kingerlee, Hiram Price and Wil- liam Gray. The progress of the city was rapid. The immigration continued with but little abatement and the city and county filled up with many enterprising citizens, and we began to assume the appearance of a real city in form and fact.
1854 .- On the 22d of February of this year the long contemplated railroad from Chicago to Rock Island was completed and by it the Atlantic and Missis- sippi were united. As it might well be expected, it was a day of jubilee to the residents of the upper Mississippi. For years the more enterprising had looked forward to the time when we should be placed in connection by a railway with the east. For years had the settlers been dependent upon the river navigation for all their commercial wants and had been subject to long and tedious routes to the Atlantic seaboard. It was no wonder, then, that it was a day of general rejoicing. I can no better represent the occasion than by copying an article from the Chicago Press on that occasion :
"On Wednesday last, the 22d inst., that event looked forward to for years with so much interest by our citizens-the connection of the Mississippi with Lake Michigan by a continuous line of railroad-was consummated. The honor of arriving first at this goal belongs to the Chicago & Rock Island road-an honor by the way well worthy of the herculean efforts which have been made to achieve it. In February, 1851, the legislature chartered a company. In October of the
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same year, the contract for its construction and equipment was taken. In April, 1852, the first estimate for work upon it was paid and in February, 1854, three years from its charter and twenty-two months after ground had been broken upon it, the work is completed, and cars are running daily its entire length, 181 miles ! This is certainly a proud monument to all who have been instrumental in pushing the work forward to completion, and especially so to those sagacious and ener- getic men who have had it in special charge, Messrs Sheffield and Farnam."
During this winter there was but little snow and no rain. The weather was mild, the atmosphere pure and clear, roads good and business lively in our streets. The average temperature by the thermometer was but eleven and a half degrees, while in 1851 it was twenty degrees; in 1852 it was fifteen and a half, and in 1853 it was twenty and two-thirds degrees. In 1851, the mercury fell below zero five times; in 1852 it fell four times; in 1853, it fell but once, and in 1854 it fell five times. In January, pork was $3.75 a hundred ; flour, $5, and wheat, 65 cents for spring, and winter 75 cents. In February. flour advanced to $6 and $6.50.
The year 1854 was one of the most distinguished and busy years in the exist- ence of Davenport. The foundations of her prosperity were laid this year. The immense immigration that had settled in the county for the two years previous now began to exhibit the fruits of their industry. The city had kept pace with the back country in her improvements, and added to her population 3,000, while the county contained about 15,000. The onward progress of both city and county for three years had been such that all looked for better times. The "great river" was to be spanned this year by a bridge! The increase of population created a great demand for dwelling houses, stores and workshops. Labor of all kinds was in demand. The railroad westward was to go on with increased exertions. Money began to be plenty. Immigration began to pour in at the opening of spring and the streets of Davenport seemed thronged with strangers. Material for building was scarce. There was but little or no seasoned lumber in the city. All lumber for building had to be ordered at the mills or shipped from other ports. Rents began to be scarce and high, and families who had been the occupants of spacious dwellings in other places were now crowded into small apartments until new ones could be built.
This year the LeClaire row was finished and also the block from Main to Brady streets. Witherwax & Orr's building was completed, the Second Baptist church erected, and the Ladies' college built by T. H. Codding, Esq. The Daven- port Commercial, a newspaper, was started by N. H. Parker. The first exten- sive wholesale iron and hardware store was opened by T. Close & Co. Daily lines of stages began to run to Iowa City, Tipton and Cedar Rapids. Another foundry was started by Davis, Boyd & Co .; Renwick & Son built their sawmill. The Davenport Gaslight & Coke company was organized. Luse & Coles opened the first exclusive job and printing office in this city. Hildreth & Dalloon's steam flouring mill at East Davenport was put in operation this year.
We had been placed in direct communication with the east by railroad and telegraph. On the Ist of September the corner stone was laid of the bridge, which aroused the jealousy of St. Louis that had heretofore enjoyed unmolested the commerce of the great west. And not only had the company to contend with St.
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Louis, that seemed to think that she had indisputable right to all the commerce of the upper Mississippi unmolested, but obstacles were thrown in the way by those who were in power by ordering the United States marshal to prevent all opera- tions on the island, probably for fear that a bridge across the Mississippi at this point would interfere with the prospect of a "Southern Pacific Railroad." Con- gress had made appropriations for removing obstructions in the rapids of the Mississippi river at this place. The surveys of the channel had been made and the contracts let.
On the 20th of June Mr. LeClaire laid out his seventh addition to the city of Davenport, extending from Rock Island street to Farnam, north of Seventh and south of Ninth street. Hon. James Grant was mayor; B. B. Woodward, clerk ; L. J. Senter, marshal; L. B. Collamer, treasurer. The aldermen were, H. Wil- helm, G. G. Arndt, Charles J. H. Eyser, E. A. Gerdtzen, B. Atkinson, D. P. Mc- Kown, H. H. Smith, E. Cook, Wm. Burris, and A. A. McLoskey. Four hundred houses were erected this year.
1855 .- The year 1855 was but a continuation and a carrying out of the plans in progress of 1854. Emigration increased. Rents were high and houses scarce. Six hundred houses were erected. The imports on the Ist of February amounted to 830 hogsheads and 637 barrels of sugar; molasses, 1,842 barrels; 473 barrels of vinegar ; 4,126 barrels of salt ; 292 barrels of cement, 470 sacks of salt ; 1,248 sacks of coffee ; 1,175 sacks of dried fruit, and 1,000 barrels of apples. The exports amounted to 30,000 bushels of wheat, 40,700 bushels of barley, 60,000 bushels of corn, 29.000 bushels of potatoes, 21,000 bushels of onions, 30,150 bar- rels of flour, 800 barrels of pork and 300 barrels of lard. The population at this time in the city was 7,000 ; in the county, 15,000.
At this time Davenport ranked with any city in Iowa in a commercial point of view as well as for beauty of location. The facilities for shipping had greatly enhanced the value of produce. Farmers were encouraged and great efforts made in agriculture. A large sum of money was expended in the improvement of the rapids by the government and the building of the bridge across the Mis- sissippi river. These were some of the principal causes that led to the sudden rise in real estate at this time and which caused large investments in the city and county. The immediate construction of the railroad west seemed certain and land was sought after along its route at extravagant prices. Although money was plenty it commanded high rates of interest for investments in lands and improvements in the city.
The east end of the LeClaire block was finished this year. Many beautiful residences were built upon the bluffs. Among them were Messrs. Price's, Dil- lon's and Dessaint's. The George L. Davenport block on the corner of Main and Second streets and several steam manufactories were erected. The city limits were enlarged so as to include North Davenport. At the city election in April Enos Tichenor was elected mayor ; B. B. Woodward, clerk; Samuel Par- ker, marshal; William VanTuyl, treasurer. Aldermen: G. G. Arndt, G. C. R. Mitchell. E. A. Gerdtzen, Charles J. H. Eyser, D. P. Mckown, Austin Corbin, E. Cook, H. Price, A. A. McLoskey. A. H. Owens, Joseph Lambrite, Samuel Saddoris. The population in March of this year was estimated at 8,000. Upon the passage of the prohibitory liquor law in April by a vote of the people of
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the county there were 1,977 votes polled. A temperance ticket was formed at the August election at which 1,851 votes were polled in the county. William L. Cook was elected county judge; Harvey Leonard, sheriff ; James McCosh, recorder.
The total receipts into the treasury ending March 17, 1856, were $41,178.31 and total expenditures, $40,586.50, leaving a balance in the treasury of $591.81. The county at this date owned as assets $59,400 worth of stock in the Rock Island & Chicago railroad and $75,000 in the Mississippi and Missouri railroad, while at the same time their liabilities were: For subscription to $125,000 worth of stock in the Mississippi and Missouri railroad and $4,431.65 interest money on the same.
The amount of taxable property in the county by assessment was $4,480,000. 1856 .- Crops of all kinds were abundant this year and commanded a good price. The lumber trade had become very extensive. The sales in this city alone this year amounted to upwards of 17,420,000 feet, and nearly 7,000,000 of lath. Ten million feet of lumber were manufactured in the city. The bal- ance came from Chicago or was rafted down the river. Twenty thousand, eight hundred hogs were packed and over 450,000 bushels of wheat were purchased in our market. On the 21st of April the first locomotive came across the bridge. LeClaire's eighth addition to the city of Davenport was laid out on the 26th of March of this year. It extended from Perry street to Farnam, all lying north of Ninth street to the line of "LeClaire's reserve."
At the city election in April, G. C. R. Mitchell was elected mayor; William Hall, clerk; Samuel Sylvester, treasurer, and John H. Taylor, marshal. The aldermen were James O'Brien, John Schutt, C. I. H. Eyser, A. Smallfield, Austin Corbin, James M. Bowling, Hiram Price, John Forrest, Wm. S. Kinsey, S. K. Barkley, Samuel Saddoris, Joseph Lambrite. At the August election N. J. Rusch was elected to the state senate, and Messrs. Rogers, Wing and Barner, representatives. J. W. Stewart was elected prosecuting attorney and J. D. Patton, clerk of district court. A vote was taken and carried for a convention to form a new state constitution and George W. Ells was elected delegate. The year ended in the full tide of commerce, speculation and excitement.
1857 .-- At the spring election, Gen. G. B. Sargent was elected mayor; H. W. Mitchell, marshal; John Johns, police magistrate; E. Peck, clerk; Samuel Syl- vester, treasurer. The aldermen elect were: J. M. Cannon, A. Jennings, H. Ramming, Theodore Guelich, J. M. Bowling, Austin Corbin, John Forrest, J. C. Washburn, James O'Brien, George Hubbell (vice A. LeClaire, resigned), Wm. Guy, I. H. Sears. There was also at the same election a vote taken for and against licensing the sale of spirituous liquors and 398 majority against it.
At the August election Charles Weston was elected judge; James McCosh, treasurer and recorder; Harvey Leonard, sheriff; W. P. Campbell, surveyor ; and William Effey, coroner. A vote was taken also and carried by 119 majority for a tax to be levied for building a courthouse and city hall, but the work has never been commenced. At the general election in October there were 3,121 votes cast. N. J. Rusch was elected to the state senate; John W. Thompson, B. F. Gue and Robert Scott to the house. G. C. R. Mitchell was an independent candidate for district judge and was elected. In our city affairs everything
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seemed prosperous. The opening of our railroad, the constructing of the bridge across the Mississippi, the public expenditures upon the rapids, all had a ten- dency to invite strangers to our city. Money was plenty; investments of all kinds were made; merchants and mechanics were all busy and the laboring man found ready employment at good wages. The public works upon our streets, the building of Metropolitan hall, by R. B. Hill, Esq., the erection of the bank- ing house of Cook & Sargent, and the private residence of E. Cook, Esq., the engine house and numerous other private and public buildings scarcely inferior to any in the west, all combined to draw men and means to this city. Im- provements beyond all former years were begun and carried to completion. From the 1st of August, 1856, to the close of this year, 1857, over 1,300 houses were erected within the corporate limits of this city.
Gen. Sargent, the mayor, in his inaugural recommended the most extensive if not the most extravagant improvements. Among which were the grading and filling a steamboat landing. the grading and filling of Brady street, the same between Harrison and Brady, the macadamizing of the levee, the construction of water works for the use of the city, fire engines and apparatus with engine house; stock taken in the "Davenport Gaslight & Coke company," the streets lighted with gas, a city hospital and a city prison, a city hall, and other improve- ments in the city. Elections were held, loans voted for and the bonds of the city issued and sold. Appropriations were made for many of these improvements.
At the close of 1857 two miles of street had been macadamized, four and a half miles of gas pipe had been laid and over 250 street lamps erected and thir- teen miles of sidewalk laid. In this estimate none of the improvements made extended to East or North Davenport, except Brady street to Locust. All other improvements in these two places have been made since. The sidewalks now laid in the city extend over twenty miles. About 1,000 houses were erected.
From the treasurer's report rendered the 31st of March there appears a nominal balance in the treasury of $44.778.15. We here append the report in order to exhibit at this date the financial condition of the city :
CITY TREASURER'S REPORT. Abstract of Receipts.
Balance received from treasurer, last year . $ 2,563.06
Dividends on Chicago & Rock Island R. R. stock. 5,440.00
Taxes in arrear for year 1855 1,048.09
Road fund in arrear for year 1855.
1,849.75
City clerk licenses, cemetery lots, etc 434.45
Mayor, for fines 58.00
Redemption of lot for taxes 3.00
Marshal taxes for 1856 14,600.39
Real estate owners, on account paving Main street. 718.26
Real estate owners, macadamizing Front street. 1,602.08
Sale of ten city bond loans of 1856. 5,000.00
Sale of 84 shares, Chicago & Rock Island railroad.
8,400.00
BANK
GERMAN SAVINGS BANK
GERMAN SAVINGS BANK
FIRST NATIONAL BANK The first to open business under National Banking Laws. Known as the Marble Bank
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Two fractional shares, Chicago & Rock Island railroad. . . 100.00
Dividends on Mississippi and Missouri railroad stock 3,648.00
$45,465.07
Abstract of Expenditures.
Current expenses, as per city orders. $ 7,247.22
Interest, commission and expenses on C. & R. I. R. R. bonds 5,025.00 Interest, commission and expense on M. & M. R. R. bonds. 7,631.61 Cash paid from treasury for road work. 6,931.73
Cash paid street commissioner, road fund, mayor's order
1,849.75
Cash paid on account paving Main street.
2,563.00
Cash paid on account macadamizing Front street.
2,088.62
Cash paid on account Brady street and steamboat landing.
1,197.92
Cash paid on account macadamizing Main street
510.50
Cash paid revising ordinances 250.00
Cash paid on account printing and binding ordinances 500.00
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