USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume I > Part 20
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On the 19th of August, 1858, James Ward, at the instance of Bissell, made his application to the United States District court at Burlington for an order of the court declaring the bridge a nuisance. Hall, Harrington & Hall, Starr, Phelps & Robinson and T. D. Lincoln acted as attorneys for the complainant and the Hon. N. B. Judd and J. T. Lindley for the bridge company. An indefinite number of ex parte affidavits accompanied the application and were met by affidavits on the part of the defendant. The final hearing of the cause was postponed to Sep- tember, 1859. In the meantime Bissell was engaged creating public opinion on the river among pilots, captains and boat owners antagonistic to the bridge, and pro- curing depositions tending to show the bridge a material obstruction to navigation.
In the first part of June, 1859, some malicious persons attempted the destruction of the bridge by fire. A large quantity of lath, oakum, rosin, sulphur, tar, tur- pentine, saltpeter and oil were placed upon the bridge on the second span from the Iowa shore at about 12 o'clock in the night, and a few moments before it was ready for firing it was discovered by the watchman and a skiff with the incen- diaries in it shoved off down the river and escaped in the darkness. No clue was obtained as to the criminals.
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In September the case of James Ward versus the Mississippi and Missouri railroad was heard and finally submitted to the United States District court of Keokuk. In November, 1859, New Orleans voted to raise $50,000 to aid St. Louis in destroying the bridge as it was justly deemed a pioneer which if permitted to stand would ultimately cause others to be erected over this river and divert commerce toward the East. But though the struggle is fierce and waged with an enormous outlay of money, it will eventually terminate, as is believed, in favor of the bridge. This great structure is the link binding Iowa with the East, and when the different railroads projected in this state are completed and the Missouri river is reached, then the paramount value of this bridge will be ascertained.
EAST DAVENPORT.
This is a small village on the Mississippi river about a mile from Brady street. It was laid out by William H. Hildreth, Esq. and Dr. J. M. Witherwax in 1852 and 1853. The location is one of some beauty, being in a broad ravine having very gentle slopes even from the highest point of bluffs. It is on a bend of the river just below the Rock island reef or chain of rocks at the foot of the rapids which forms a beautiful eddy in the river where boats can land at all stages of water and is a safe harbor for rafts where they may lay up in windy weather or when seeking a market at Davenport or Rock Island. The village is located upon the site of an old Indian town or encampment.
This place until a few years since was called "Stubbs' eddy" having been the residence for many years of James R. Stubbs, Esq., an eccentric genius who built a cave in 1857 on the south side of the beautiful mound that stands at the mouth of this valley, a part of which still remains. Capt. Stubbs, as he was generally called, was educated at West Point, where he graduated with high honors. In 1822 he was stationed at Ft. Armstrong on Rock island where he remained for four years. During his stay upon this beautiful island at this early day away from the crowded city he formed an attachment for this wild and enchanting country that terminated only with his life. He was a brother-in-law to Judge McLean, and in 1826 he returned east and served under him in the postoffice department and from there went to Cincinnati, where he was clerk in the postoffice department for some years. But in 1833 he gratified his long pent-up desire to return to the West. On his return to Rock island, however, there seemed to have come over him a great change. He seemed to have lost all of that vivacity of life and spirit so natural to his character. Deep melancholy at times brooded over him. His bright and keen intellect seemed at once to give way. Various were the causes attributed to the state of mind. Some surmised that it was a matter of love, but none knew. The secret was buried in his own bosom. He sought relief like thou- sands in the inebriating bowl. His talents were bright, his education liberal and his honesty beyond all question. He sought retirement from the world and se- lected the secluded spot in East Davenport, and dug his cave in "Stubbs' Mound" where from its mouth he could look out upon the beautiful Mississippi as its rip- pled current moved on in its endless journey to the sunny South. Here he lived a hermit's life for nearly eight years. His own companions were a pet pig and a cat, with sometimes a dog. This was his family and many a lecture did these
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mute listeners get from their eccentric master. All quarrels among these were settled by the captain in a judicial manner and the guilty one punished. In his morning and evening rambles upon the banks of the Mississippi his entire family would be seen with him, marching behind in military file with all proper decorum and often in his visits to the village he was accompanied by his pig and cat.
A. C. Fulton, Esq., tells this anecdote of his first visit to the cave in the sum- mer of 1842. He had wandered up the banks of the river, looking at the country for the first time, and when he reached the eddy and crossing the little creek below the present site of Mr. Dallam's store, he hastened toward the top of the mound in order to obtain a more extensive view of the little plateau of ground to which he had arrived. In passing up the side of the mound he caught the sound of a human voice, but could not determine from whence it came, as he could see no one near him. The noise increased and seemed to be a very earnest dispute, mingled with not a few hard words, when suddenly Mr. Fulton discovered the place from which issued the sound. He was near the top of the chimney or hole from which the light, smoke and heat of Capt. Stubbs' residence escaped, and not dreaming that he was in the vicinity of a habitation he was somewhat startled, but cried out at the top of his voice, as he looked down the cavity, "Hello, what are you doing down there?" To which the answer came back in quick response, "What are you doing up there? Get off of my house, sir!" This was his first introduction to Capt. Stubbs, who in after years received many kind tokens of regard from the hand of Mr. Fulton. The only cause of the disturbance in the captain's domicile was that the pet pig had, probably without malice or forethought, undertaken to assist his master in the culinary department and accidentally or for want of better train- ing partially destroyed a pone of corn bread which the captain had been pre- paring for the first table. Capt. Stubbs was a surveyor and ran out many of the first settlers' claims and often drew up deeds and contracts between parties at that early day. In 1846 he was induced to come forth from his hermitage and settle in Davenport where he was elected justice of the peace, which office he filled to the time of his death which occurred in May, 1848.
East Davenport contains some 500 inhabitants, has a district school house with school and worship on the Sabbath by the Methodists and other congregations. There are two flouring mills, one belonging to David A. Burrows, the other to Graham & Kepner, with a first rate sawmill, built by Robert Christie. There are two stores, brickyards and stone quarries which in former times furnished ample business and labor for the inhabitants. It is now within the corporate limits of the city of Davenport.
North and West Davenport are terms applied to the suburbs of Davenport, and contain many fine residences.
The quarries from which the building rock in Davenport is taken are very extensive. The rock is a light gray limestone underlying the whole city of Davenport. Its first appearance on the surface is on Perry and at the foot of Farnam street. It crops out along the banks of the river as we ascend it, and at East Davenport forms perpendicular bluffs of some thirty feet in thickness above low water mark. These quarries are worked to good advantage. The rock dresses very well under the hammer.
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There is an abundance of coal that makes its appearance about ten miles from Davenport in the southwesterly direction, about two miles from the Mississippi river, but it has never been dug extensively. Some half-dozen mines have been opened and more or less taken of the surface coal of very good quality, but it requires more extensive operations to bring forth a pure article which lies beneath it in great abundance. The supply of coal for the city of Davenport is from the Rock river coal basins.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The first agricultural society ever formed in Scott county was in January, 1840. Alexander W. McGregor, Esq., was chosen president; G. C. R. Mitch- ell, Esq., vice president; John Forrest, Esq., secretary and A. LeClaire, Esq., treasurer. At this early day but little interest was felt by the patrons of the so- ciety and it was suffered to go down. But little if anything was done for agri- cultural interests in the county until 1853 when in August of that year two promi- nent farmers, H. M. Thompson, of Long Grove, and Eli S. Wing called a meeting and a new society was organized. H. M. Thompson being elected president, James Thorington, Esq., secretary and John R. Jackson, treasurer. The second year of the society (in 1854) the first fair was held in Davenport, having the same officers elected as in 1853.
In June, 1854, a company was organized called the "Fair Grounds Association of Scott County, Iowa." This company purchased eight acres of land lying near Duck creek, some two miles from the city at a cost of $200 per acre, enclosed about four acres with a tight board fence seven feet high and built sheds and workshops for the second annual exhibition, which took place the 24th and 25th of September, 1855. This exhibition was creditable to the society and Scott county, showing an increasing interest of the people in agricultural pur- suits. The third exhibition was held the 12th and 13th of October, 1856. The number of entries at this fair was over 300 and the receipts of the society over $800. The fourth annual fair of the Scott County Agricultural society was held on the 29th and 30th of September, 1857. The exhibition of stock far exceeded that of any other year both in number and quality, and of garden vegetables the show was large and superior to any ever offered in Iowa. The fifth annual fair was held on the 15th, 16th and 17th of September, 1858, and although a partial failure of the crops rendered the exhibition rather meager in some articles, yet the attendance was large and passed off well.
The fair of 1859, held in September, far exceeded all others in number and quality of the articles exhibited. The receipts were upward of $1,200. The of- ficers for this year were, Hugh M. Thompson, president ; Edwin Smith, vice presi- dent; John Lambert, treasurer; William Allen, secretary; George H. French, T. T. Gue, H. M. Washburn, Robert Christie, directors.
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
This county society was organized on the 26th of April, 1859, by adopting a constitution, the second article of which declares "that the object of this society
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shall be to promote and foster the cultivation of fruits, flowers and vegetables in our own county and a taste for ornamental and landscape gardening. It is also proposed to introduce and test new and choice varieties of fruits, flowers and vegetables and afterwards publicly report thereon." The officers are George H. French, president ; George L. Nichols, vice president; Howard Darlington, treas- urer ; Dr. E. J. Fountain, corresponding secretary ; Livy S. Viele, recording sec- retary. The society numbered forty-eight members. Two public exhibitions have been given the past season, the first in June for early fruits, flowers and vegetables, the last in September. Both of these exhibitions proved creditable alike to the society and the people of Scott county. An increasing interest was shown in these displays and from them we may judge that before two years shall have passed away the interest will be so great that no public hall in the city will be able to con- tain all who may desire attendance.
There is an agricultural store for implements used in gardening and farming at the "Iowa Agricultural depot," on Front street established in 1856, and where all kinds of seeds may be found. The depression in business for the last two years has seriously interfered with the design of the proprietor, L. S. Viele, Esq., but he hopes with increased facilities to build up a large and permanent trade in this particular branch. He keeps on hand for farmers all of the most improved imple- ments of husbandry, reapers, threshers, farming mills, etc. This is the first store of the kind ever introduced into Davenport, and we can but hope that so important a branch of business may be encouraged and sustained.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The first permanent organization of a fire company in Davenport took place in 1856. At a meeting held on Saturday evening, July 26th, at the office of R. D. Congdon, corner of Second and Brady streets, R. M. Littler, was chairman and H. S. Slaymaker, secretary. A committee to prepare a constitution and by-laws for the organization and a committee to present a petition to the property holders of the city for their aid, was appointed. The committees reported at a meeting of the company held on Monday evening, July 28th. The constitution was adopted and eighteen persons signed as members. The name adopted for the company was "Independent Fire Engine and Hose company." The officers elected to serve until January 1, 1857, were R. M. Littler, president ; A. S. Alston, treasurer ; H. S. Slaymaker, secretary ; directors, James Morrow, C. G. Noble; investigating committee, I. Cummins, S. P. Kinsella, R. L. Hull, J. E. Sells, C. W. Cassedy. Correspondence was had with engine builders in the east, and the city council au- thorized the purchase of two first class engines from A. Hanneman & Co., of Boston. Messrs. A. & G. Woeber of this city built the hose carriage, "Red Rover," and tender, "Tiger." Messrs. Jewett & Sons of Hartford, Connecticut, fur- nished 1,500 feet of hose. These parties received in payment city bonds having twenty years to run at ten per cent interest.
In January, 1857, R. M. Littler was reelected president ; A. S. Alston, treas- urer ; and J. S. Slaymaker, secretary. The engines being expected, officers were elected for the different divisions as follows: "Pilot" engine, James Morrow, foreman, "Witch" engine, Daniel Moore, foreman; Hose division, William Hall,
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foreman. A part of the old frame warehouse on Second between Perry and Rock Island streets was leased for an engine house. The engines were shipped around "by sea" and arrived in the month of May on the steamer White Cloud. They were received at the landing by a committee of Independents and in a few hours they were unpacked and set up. The hose carriage and tender and hose being ready, Davenport could boast of a regular fire company numbering over 100 members. Previous to this time the company had attended several fires and handled buckets to great advantage.
The city council purchased a lot on Brady above Fifth street, where the pres- - ent engine house, (city hall) stands from Col. J. W. Young, agent for Mr. Wray for $50 per front foot. Messrs. Fields & Sanders took the contract for the build- ing at $4,500. The apparatus was removed to the new house in the fall of 1857. Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company Number I and Fire King Engine Company, Number 2, were organized during the winter, and early the ensuing year they were equipped with apparatus. The Pioneer's truck, ladders, etc., were paid for by funds raised by subscription. Henry Lafrance was their first foreman. The Fire Kings purchased their engine at Chicago, of Metamora Company, Number 2, and paid for it $1,225, and $250 for 250 feet of hose. This was also raised by subscription. Their engine arrived in March, 1858. George L. Davenport, Esq., kindly granted them permission to erect a house on his property on Commer- cial, between Brady and Perry streets. The company built the house. Marsh Noe was the first foreman of Number 2.
The city council passed an ordinance for the organization and government of the fire department, March 3, 1858. An election pursuant to the provisions of the ordinance was held at the engine house on Brady street, March 13, 1858, which resulted in the election of R. M. Littler, chief engineer, and Christian Mueller and E. A. Tilebine, assistants. In April, 1858, Rescue Engine company Number 3 was organized, and they were furnished with the engine Witch and the hose tender Tiger and 500 feet of hose. John W. Wahlig was elected foreman of Number 3. The city council rented from George D. Arndt the brick house on the corner of Second and Brown streets which was fitted up for Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company, Number I and Rescue Company, Number 3. To the efforts of Capt. Littler, who has displayed uncommon energy in organizing and keeping alive the interest in our fire department, great credit is due. No city in the west has a more efficient fire department. Since the first organization the members have always quickly and most cheerfully responded to every call, in heat and cold, sum- mer or winter. They are ever ready, and with a promptness seldom equaled are on "the spot." Chief Engineer Littler and his assistants merit and enjoy the good will of the whole department. Although our fire department is organized on the "no pay" principle there is no lack of service and want of energy.
MILITARY COMPANIES.
There was at least one company organized in Davenport and disbanded pre- vious to the year 1857 when a number of the German citizens organized the "Davenport Rifles," on the 3d of February. They made their first parade in
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uniform on the 4th of July, 1857, commanded by Capt. A. Iten. At this time, this, the oldest company, is commanded by Capt. H. Haupt.
The "Davenport City Artillery" was organized the 9th of July, 1857 (the first preliminary meeting was held in the rooms of Mr. A. S. Alston one week previous.) The civil organization consisted of John Johns, Jr., president ; F. B. Wilkie, vice president ; C. C. Harris, secretary ; D. W. VanEvra, treasurer. The military organization was, captain, C. N. Schuyler ; first lieutenant, W. W. Gallear ; second lieutenant, C. C. Harris; third lieutenant, John Johns; orderly sergeant, R. M. Littler. This company is composed of good material and makes a hand- some appearance. The officers at present are: John Johns, captain ; J. D. W. Brewster, first lieutenant; E. Y. Lane, second lieutenant.
The "Davenport Guards" (Germans) were organized March, 1858, and made their first appearance in uniform July 4, 1858. They are generally old soldiers who compose this company. They are commanded by Captain D. H. Stuhr.
The Davenport Sarsfield Guards were organized at a meeting held at Bailey's hall, on Brady near Fourth street, March, 1858, and Edward Jennings elected captain. He resigned in a few months when the command was unanimously tendered by the company to Capt. R. M. Littler, and a new impetus given the organization. Although this young company was organized during the "money panic" they equipped themselves with a handsome uniform and made their first parade on the 17th of March, 1859.
There is no young city in the west that can equal Davenport in her display of military. The companies are all excellently uniformed and officered and should their services be ever needed by their country, they will not be found in the back- ground. As an evidence of the promptitude, we mention this circumstance. During the troubles in Utah territory in 1857 the secretary of war authorized Col. J. B. Buckner of Illinois to raise a regiment of volunteers. Capt. Littler threw his colors to the breeze and in less than forty-eight hours was on his way to headquarters with a roll of more than 100 men who volunteered for the war. The captain hailed from Rock Island and was accepted in the regiment. His com- pany went into camp back upon the bluff and after getting all ready and wait- ing several weeks were denied the privilege by peace being declared. Some of the "boys" were so pleased with a soldier's life that the captain sent a number of them to St. Louis, where they were enlisted in the regular service. The commissioned officers of Company F, First Independent Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, were R. M. Littler, captain ; F. B. Wilkie, first lieutenant; John Johns, Jr., second lieutenant.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
We have spoken of some of the public buildings in our city. Of its church edifices we shall notice each in connection with their congregations. The public halls for the meeting of the masses are-Metropolitan, which is decidedly the largest and most brilliant of any, was built by R. B. Hill, Esq. in 1857, who has also erected one of the most splendid private residences west of the Mississippi river ; Odd Fellows' hall in Wupperman's block, is large, neat and finished with much taste; LeClaire hall was built at an earlier day, and does not attract that attention it once did, but is roomy and substantial ; Griggs' hall and Mervin's hall
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are both large and pleasant rooms, and for the purposes designed are of the first order. The German theater, Lerchen's hall and some others of smaller dimen- sions make up an ample supply for public places of business and amusement. The engine house on Brady street, is a fine building of brick, two stories, with a good hall where the city council meet to transact their business. The same hall was used on the Sabbath by the Dutch Reformed church for worship.
Our county jail is worthy of note. It was built in 1856 under the superinten- dence of Hon. Wm. L. Cook, then county judge. It is hewn stone and built on the modern improved plan for prisons, and is one of the best buildings of the kind in the state of Iowa.
The courthouse is the same one built in 1841 and requires constant repairs to keep it in order. There are blocks of buildings of much beauty and archi- tectural finish in the city. Among them may be noticed the Nickolls block, the Metropolitan, Cook & Sargent's banking house, Davenport's block, Wupper- mann's block, Luse, Lane & Co.'s, Mervin's and others. Of private residences we might enumerate many that will vie with those of eastern cities both in nobleness of structure and elegance of finish.
The hotels of this city are numerous and of every grade. The oldest of any note is the LeClaire House built in 1839 by A. LeClaire, Esq. This time-honored public edifice is still open for the reception of guests and is kept by Col. Magill: At the time this hotel was built there was nothing to compare with it in the Mississippi valley. It was a place of summer resort for the people of St. Louis and other southern cities, who usually spent several weeks here in the heat of summer, finding much pleasure in hunting and fishing. It has a central position in the city.
The Scott House is one of the best public houses in the city and is conducted in the most approved style. It is beautifully located on Front street, in full view of the city of Rock Island, the railroad bridge, old Fort Armstrong and has an extended view up and down the river. It is retired and pleasant as a boarding place for men of business and those having family. The accommodations are ex- cellent and under the gentlemanly deportment of its worthy landlord none can fail to be well pleased with a home at the Scott House.
The Pennsylvania House is rather a new institution. A part of it was built in 1854; when in 1857 the great increase of business induced the proprietors to enlarge it by erecting another building of the same size by its side, raising it another story and putting on a new roof over the whole of galvanized iron. It is one of the most substantial buildings of the kind in the west. It is sixty- four feet by 130 feet on the ground, built of stone, five stories high. It contains II0 rooms, and in its basement has an artesian well 150 feet deep, eighty feet of which distance was bored through solid rock without a seam. This well cost $1,000. The entire cost of the Pennsylvania House was $64,000, including furni- ture. The proprietor and builder, who still occupies the house, is an old and tried veteran in the business. He enjoys a large share of public patronage. It is the depot for the farmers who bring in their grain to market, having ample accom- modations for beast as well as man. From the observatory which crowns this spa- cious building, a most splendid view is had of the city of Davenport and its sur- roundings with the beautiful windings of the Mississippi among its many islands.
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