USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 71
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92
W. I. Quinn was about seven years of age when the family removed from Ohio to Iowa, and all the hard experiences of pioneer days are well remembered by him. He attended school first in a little log shanty on the banks of the Wapsipinicon. The seats were made of slabs, which were about a quarter of a
MR. AND MRS. W. I. QUINN
-
-
791
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
log, placed on legs which were stuck in bored holes, while the only desk consisted of a board about sixteen inches wide resting on pins driven into the wall, at which the pupils took turns in writing. At that time there was no public fund for school purposes, so each family boarded the teacher for a time and paid a certain sum for each of its members who attended. Such was the first school Mr. Quinn attended, but later he went to the school at Long Grove. Indians were then seen in large numbers, but they were peaceable and caused no trouble.
Mr. Quinn remained with his father, assisting in the arduous work of pre- paring the prairie land for cultivation, until 1852, when he started to farm on his own account. He bought from his father eighty acres, which he broke up and fenced, and on which, during the summer of 1854 he built a house, into which he and his wife removed in August of that year. It remained his home for almost half a century and is still standing, a reminder to the present genera- tion of the labors and courage of those pioneers, who made possible the comforts of today. For forty-nine years Mr. Quinn was busily occupied in farming, and the generous returns he obtained for his labor and diligence made possible his retirement. He has a pleasant home in Long Grove, and here he enjoys the comforts which is meant should surround a man in the evening of life.
It was on the 12th of November, 1853, that Mr. Quinn was married to Miss Mary M. Calder, a daughter of John and Elsie Calder, who came to Scott county in 1852, and they became the parents of four children, as follows: Abbie A., who married Selah Clapp, of Long Grove; Elsie Ann, the wife of Conrad Ruch, of Adair county, Iowa; Benjamin F., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and William D., who died at the age of five. Mrs. Quinn was born in Meigs county, Ohio, July 10, 1834, and was called to her final rest April 14, 1908, her remains being buried at Long Grove. She was a faithful member of the Christian church, and her long life was one of courage and helpfulness, that made her death keenly felt by all who shared her friendship.
Mr. Quinn joined the Christian church in 1850 and has always been loyal to its teachings, rearing his children in that faith. His life has ever been honorable and upright, and his many excellent qualities have made him one of the respected citizens of the community. He has now reached the age of seventy-eight years and received the veneration and esteem which should ever be accorded to one who has reached the evening of life, and whose record in the years that have come and gone is in harmony with upright principles.
JAMES F. LARDNER.
James F. Lardner, who eighteen years ago, joined his forces with the business interests of Davenport, Rock Island and Moline, was born in Chicago, Illinois, February 22, 1862, his parents being William and Elizabeth (Lee) Lardner. The father was also a native of Chicago. On the mother's side Mr. Lardner is de- scended from a family who settled in Chicago during the first years of its his- tory and played no small part in its early life.
792
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
James F. Lardner received his education in Chicago, attending first a pri- vate school and later entering St. Ignatius College, where he took a classical course. Before coming to Davenport he was in the employ of the Western Electric Company and the Central Union Telephone Company in that city, having through his own efforts risen high in the esteem of these concerns. In- deed, so pronounced had been his success that he attracted the interest of the founders of the Tri-City Railway Company, who prevailed upon him to come to Davenport. Since his arrival here he has been made general manager, which position he held until May 1, 1908. While he has given the best of his energies perhaps to that concern, he is also interested in the Peo- ples Light Company, the Water Power Company and in the Rock Island Plow Company, of which latter company he is at present general manager. He is a man of high principles and business acumen and these qualities united with a capacity for industry have been the foundation on which his success has been built.
On the 8th of March, 1886, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Lardner and Miss Nora A. Gilmore and unto them have been born six children: Mabel and Amy, who are graduates of Trinity; Rosemary, who is still a pupil at Trinity; James, Jr., who is a student at St. Ambrose College; Dorothy, who is at- tending St. Katherine's Academy and Gilmore, who is attending the public school. Although not a native of Davenport Mr. Lardner has won the respect of those who have come in contact with him in a business way or socially.
D. B. MOREHOUSE.
D. B. Morehouse, who has been the deputy collector of internal revenue in Davenport for the past eight years, was born in Galena, Illinois, August 15, 1844. He is descended from a family that came originally from the east in the early days of the settlement of the middle west, for his paternal grandparents, Jona- than and Loretta Morehouse, settled upon a farm about fifteen miles from the city of Davenport some time in the early years of the last century. Their son, D. B. Morehouse, the father of our subject, became a captain upon a steam- boat, plying upon the Mississippi river and devoting himself to water naviga- tion until 1858, when he retired and took up his residence permanently in Galena. There his death occurred on a farm in 1869. In his young manhood he wedded Miss Charlotte E. Dow and of their union was born D. B. Morehouse.
D. B. Morehouse spent the period of his youth in a number of cities so that the education which fitted him for the responsibilities of life was obtained in various places. He attended first the public schools of his birthplace, later going to St. Louis and then to a country institution of popular instruction. After a couple of terms spent in Jubilee College, he returned to Galena, where his edu- cation was completed. He then took up farming upon the Morehouse homestead, being engaged in the cultivation of the soil for some time. When the president issued his call for troops to defend the Union, he enlisted in Company I, Nine- teenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, being in the western department of the
793
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
army. As a member of the Army of the Cumberland he participated in some of the more serious encounters between the opposing forces and was under Gen- erals Sherman, Rosecrans and Thomas until the culmination of the struggle. When he was finally discharged he returned to farming in Iowa, to which he devoted his energies for a considerable time. Later he removed to Davenport. After being engaged in several different lines of business, he entered the employ of the government, being a member of the postoffice department here for about thirteen years, and on leaving that position he was appointed deputy collector of internal revenue. The duties of this office have been his for the last eight years.
In Scott county, June 12, 1873, Mr. Morehouse was united in marriage to Miss Ella M. Moorhead, who was called from this life in September, 1901. Three children had been born to the couple. Henry D. married Miss Anna Richardson and is now a resident of Chicago, Illinois. Le Grand E. makes his home in Davenport and is a cashier with the Bettendorf Company. Stella is also a resident of this city, making her home with her father. Mr. Morehouse belongs to the G. A. R. Post, No. I, and served as commander in 1866. Fra- ternally he enjoys pleasant relations with the Masons and the local lodge of the Royal Arcanum.
JOHN L. MASON.
John L. Mason, resourceful, alert and enterprising, is now president of the Mason Carriage Works, an enterprise established in 1868. Its development along well defined lines of trade and commerce has made it the largest estab- lishment of this character in Davenport and it stands as a visible evidence of the intelligently directed energy of its founder and promoter. Mr. Mason was born in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, on the 14th of July, 1844, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Sweet) Mason. The father was a native of Eng- land but left that country in the year 1833, and in company with his parents and four brothers emigrated to Canada West, now Ontario, Canada. When old enough he learned the saddlery and harness trade and for many years con- ducted one of the largest business enterprises in that line in Canada.
John L. Mason first started to work at his father's business, but later on learned the trade of carriage trimming and devoted himself to that undertaking. Desiring to perfect himself in his chosen work, in March, 1864, he went to New York and worked for some of the best firms in that city and in Phila- delphia. In November, 1865, he came to Iowa, going first to Marshalltown, whence in January, 1866, he removed to Davenport, where in January, 1868, he joined Valentine Evans in organizing the firm of Mason & Evans. The business was conducted under that partnership relation until October, 1881, when Mr. Evans returned east, and Mr. Mason continued the business under the present name of the Mason Carriage Works. In January, 1897, the firm was incorporated under the laws of Iowa and his two sons, Charles F. and Web- ster L., became members of the company and have in a large measure contributed
794
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
to its success, the three comprising the only stockholders of the corporation. In 1902, seeing the trend of the vehicle business, the firm added automobiles to their line, being among the very earliest carriage firms to recognize that indus- try, and have built up a very successful automobile department in connection with their well established carriage works. This department is in charge of the son, Charles F. Mason, who is vice president of the company, while the office and carriage departments are in charge of the younger son, W. L. Mason, who is treasurer of the company.
On the 26th of September, 1866, Mr. Mason was married to Miss Maria M. Coleman, of Toronto, Canada, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Coleman, who were natives of the Isle of Wight, England. To them were born three sons and one daughter : Wellesly R., Charles F., Webster L. and Marion E. One son, Wellesly R., died in infancy. Charles F. married Clara Evans and they have one daughter, Elizabeth R. Webster L. wedded Mabel Keith and they have two sons, John K. and Webster K., and a daughter, Marion K., while another daughter, Ariel K., died in February, 1909. The daughter, Marion E. Mason, is the wife of Charles Grilk, of Davenport, and to them has been born a daughter, Louise Grilk, and a son, Charles Grilk, Jr. Throughout his business career John L. Mason has held to the highest standard of commercial ethics. He is always just in his treatment of employes and reliable in his deal- ings with his patrons. He enjoys an unimpeachable record for commercial in- tegrity and, moreover, has been accorded that success which ever crowns per- sistent and intelligently directed effort. In matters of citizenship he is also progressive and, while he has never sought to figure in any public light aside from business relations, he has, nevertheless, given the weight of his influence on the side of those measures which tend to advance the material, intellectual, social, political and moral interests of the city.
JOHN T. MASON.
One of the large tracts of land in Winfield township which was settled at an early day when the land was in its primitive condition and settlers were just begin- ning to learn its value, is the Mason homestead, which is now operated by the widow and children of John T. Mason. It was his place of residence for almost half a century. He was born in 1798 and in 1841 came to Iowa from Maryland, driving an ox-team across the mountains and prairies and locating in the city of Davenport, which was then little more than a hamlet, remaining there for three years. In 1844 he settled in Winfield township, on the 20th of November of that year buying eighty acres of land. Upon this he erected a rude cabin of logs, broke the land and engaged in farming the next spring. Three years later, as he gained large returns from his labor, he bought one hundred acres more and at the end of five years added another hundred. He continued to increase his landholdings until at the time of his death he owned five hundred and twenty acres of as fine land as might be obtained in Scott county. The many improvements with which his place was adorned and the well cultivated fields were the result of his own
JOHN T. MASON
797
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
labors, showing that he was a thorough, painstaking and efficient farmer. He fol- lowed general farming and also engaged extensively in stock raising, to both of which industries he devoted all of his life. In early days he marketed his produce in Davenport. A successful man, he was also honorable and upright, a citizen who commanded the highest respect of his fellowmen.
Mr. Mason was twice married. In 1819 he wedded Miss Ruth Stelling and they had eight children. . After her death, in 1861, he wedded Miss Sarah Stevens. She was a daughter of John Stevens, who had come from Butler county, Pennsyl- vania, in 1854. He located in Winfield township, where he engaged in farming and also followed his trade of a blacksmith. Of the second marriage there were ten children born, nine of whom are living.
In 1819 Mr. Mason cast his first vote and in the years 1824, 1828 and 1832 he cast his ballot for Andrew Jackson. He was always active in public affairs and took part in many of the meetings of the early days in Scott county. He died June 12, 1888, and since his demise his widow and children have carried on the farm with a success that bespeaks the excellent business ability and good management of Mrs. Mason.
MRS. MARY A. BROWNLEE.
Mrs. Mary A. Brownlee has been a resident of Davenport for fifty-five years. She is the widow of John C. Brownlee, who was born in Canada, near Port Sarnia, May 13, 1846. His life record covered the intervening years to the IIth of January, 1909, when he passed away, honored and respected by all who knew him. His parents were William and Christina Brownlee, who came from Canada to Scott county when their son, John C., was but three years of age. They settled at Long Grove and the father purchased a tract of land near there, comprising one hundred and sixty acres. Upon that place the family took up their abode and their labors constituted the source of development and improvement for the farm. Their first home was a log cabin, which they occu- pied for a number of years. It was an arduous task to develop new land but with characteristic energy the work was undertaken and William Brownlee continued to carefully till the soil until his death, which occurred when his son, John C., was about eight years of age. He left a widow and eight children, the eldest being then a lad of but eleven years.
John C. Brownlee spent the greater part of his life in the district of Long Grove. He attended the district schools and also a business college at Davenport and throughout his entire life engaged in farming. When his careful ex- penditure and industry had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to pur- chase a farm he made investment in land and with characteristic energy began to develop it. The results of his labors were soon seen in carefully cultivated fields and as the years passed on he gathered rich and bounteous harvests as the reward of his diligence and care. He continued to reside upon his original farm until about 1874, when he purchased a farm near Davenport and made it his home for about eight years. He then retired and removed to the city, spend-
798
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
ing his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Brownlee was one of the stockholders of the Daven- port Live Stock Company of New Mexico and acted as manager of that com- pany for two years.
On the 7th of December, 1865, Mr. Brownlee was married to Miss Mary A. Roberts, a native of Derbyshire, England, and a daughter of Edward and Jane Roberts, who came to the United States with their family in 1855. They landed at Davenport about the 15th of May, and the father, who was a gardener, rented land and later purchased a small farm near Davenport, whereon he engaged in the cultivation of fruit and vegetables. He lived a life of unremitting diligence and industry and passed away in 1887, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife survived until 1890 and passed away at the age of seventy-seven. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brownlee were born six children: Eva M., the wife of Dr. Samuel J. Evans, of Davenport, by whom she has four children, J. La Verne, Harold J., Leroy J. and Dorothy Edna; Minnie B., the wife of Dr. William Jay, of Nashua, Iowa, by whom she has one child, Marion; John E., who mar- ried Adelia Helbig, by whom he has two children, Helen and John R., and was at one time for a number of years connected with the Citizens Trust & Savings Bank of Davenport but is now cashier of the Bettendorf Bank at Bettendorf; Jennie B., the wife of Otis C. Jackson, of Chicago, Illinois; Luella, the wife of Frank N. Harn, of St. Louis; and Cora E., who died at the age of ten years.
The death of the husband and father occurred January 11, 1909. He had in many ways proven himself a good citizen and faithful friend and a devoted husband and father. While living on the farm he served as justice of the peace for a number of years and was also constable and school director. He held membership in the Christian church and took active part in the church work. He served as one of the church deacons and did everything in his power to promote the growth and extend the influence of the denomination with which he was connected. His life was at all times in harmony with its principles and he lived so that at his death none had aught for him but good words and kindly remembrance.
H. C. GAST.
When one rides over Scott county and sees its splendidly developed farms, its fine country homes, its substantial and attractive churches and schools, it seems hardly possible that it is within the memory of a living man when much of this section was still in possession of the government, having not yet been claimed by the white race for purposes of civilization. Yet, when H. C. Gast came to this county in 1851 he took up land from the government, becoming the owner of one hundred and sixty acres in Princeton township, which he still owns. He relates many interesting incidents of the early days and his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. For more than four score years he has traveled life's journey, his birth having occurred in Pennsylvania, June 21, 1829. His parents were George
799
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
and Susan (Lamer) Gast. The former, a native of Center county, Pennsyl- vania, was a farmer by occupation and spent his last days in Iowa, his death oc- curring in Le Claire.
H. C. Gast acquired his education in the district schools of Pennsylvania, mastering those branches of learning which are regarded as an indispensable element to success in business. During the periods of vacation he worked in the fields and throughout his entire life has carried on the occupation of farm- ing. He was only twenty-two years of age when he came to Scott county, arriv- ing here in 1851. He believed that he would have better business opportunities in the new and growing west and therefore he came to Iowa, hoping to improve his financial condition thereby. He found that land was to be had practically for the asking and he took up one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Princeton township, for which he paid the usual price of a dollar and a quarter per acre. Resolutely and diligently he undertook the task of transform- ing the wild prairie into productive fields and in the course of years made this a good farm, upon which he still resides.
In 1852 Mr. Gast was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Moyer, a daughter of John and Polly Moyer, both of whom were residents of Le Claire township, Scott county, at the time of their demise. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gast have been born nine children: George C., a resident of Clinton, Iowa; Henry Milton, of Butler township, this county; William Lloyd, of Princeton; Allie, who died at the age of two years; John, who died in infancy; Fidelia, who died when a small child; Mary, who died at the age of eleven years; one who died in in- fancy ; and Sarah Almeda Florence, with whom Mr. Gast now makes his home.
In his political views Mr. Gast is an earnest republican and was twice elected justice of the peace but never served in that capacity, refusing to qualify, as he preferred to devote his time to his private interests rather than to public office. He joined the Lutheran church when sixteen years of age and has since been one of its faithful members, loyal to its teachings and generous in its support. His record is that of a man who has ever been true and loyal to duty and through the eighty-one years of his life he has fully earned the high regard and esteem which are uniformly given him.
M. H. CALDERWOOD.
M. H. Calderwood, who has made his home at Davenport since 1907, was one of the organizers of the Eldridge Savings Bank in 1899 and has acted as president of the institution since 1901.' His birth occurred at Eldridge, Scott county, lowa, on the 4th of May, 1863. His parents, Henry and Nancy A. (Carson) Calderwood, were both natives of Ireland, the former having been born in County Antrim, while the latter's birth occurred in County Down. The father crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1847 and four years later took up his abode in Le Claire, Scott county, Iowa, when the district was but sparsely settled and largely undeveloped. In 1852 he came to Eldridge, this county, and, purchasing a tract of land, there followed general agricultural
800 .
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
pursuits throughout the remainder of his active business career. Owing to his well directed industry and capable management he prospered in his undertakings as the years went by and became widely recognized as one of the successful and prominent citizens of his community. In politics he was an unswerving republican but had no desire for the honors and emoluments of office. His de- mise occurred in 1900 when he had attained the ripe old age of eighty-one years. His wife was called to her final rest in 1887 when sixty-four years of age. Their family numbered eight children, only two of whom are now living, namely: M. H., of this review, who was the seventh in order of birth; and Elizabeth, the wife of Charles W. Pelton.
M. H. Calderwood obtained his early education in the schools of Eldridge and afterward spent one year in study at Valparaiso, Indiana. On putting aside his text-books he turned his attention to the work of farming and cultivated the old home place for many years or until 1907, when he took up his abode in Davenport. The farm still remains in his possession, however. In 1899 he became one of the organizers of the Eldridge Savings Bank and was elected its vice president, while E. M. Burmeister was made president and H. W. Bruhn, cashier. In 1901 Mr. Calderwood was elected president of the bank and in this official connection has since ably directed and controlled the affairs of the institution.
In 1887 Mr. Calderwood was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Brownlie, a native of Scott county and a daughter of A. W. Brownlie, of Long Grove, who is one of the oldest residents of this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Calder- wood were born six children, as follows: Ethel; Blanche; Almeda; Errett Dwight, deceased; Helen; and Ruth. The wife and mother died February 5, 1898, and was buried at Long Grove.
Mr. Calderwood was honored by election to the state legislature on the repub- lican ticket and capably served as a member of the twenty-ninth, thirtieth and thirty-first general assemblies. The cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion and for many years he acted as chairman of the school board of Sheridan township. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic order, belonging to Trinity Lodge, No. 208, the Chapter, the Commandery and the Shrine. Both he and his wife have spent their entire lives in this county and are well known and highly esteemed within its borders, hav- ing ever displayed those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken admiration and regard.
JOHN KNOX, M. D.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.