USA > Iowa > Scott County > History of Scott County, Iowa > Part 100
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Hans Paulsen was born in Schleswig, Germany, Nov. 11, 1833, and was a son of John and Jane M. (Ileieken) Paulsen, likewise natives of Germany. They are both dead. His primary educa- tion was received in the common schools, and when he was 15 years old he entered Meradolp College, which he attended some three years. In 1848 he engaged in school teaching, and followed that occupation in various parts of Germany until 1852, when he emigrated to America, and located at once in Scott County. He followed farming in Blue Grass Township, until 1858, when he purchased his present farm of 360 acres in Davenport Township. HIe was married in 1855 to Christina F. Shrade, who was born in Ilolstein, Germany. Mr. Paulsen is one of the representative men of his township.
Charles E. Pickering is an Englishman by birth, and was born Dec. 26, 1826. His father was James Pickering, and his mother, Hannah Elliott, also natives of England. In 1842 the family moved to America, and located near Saratoga, N. Y., where Mr. Pickering engaged in farming. In 1854 Charles came to Scott County, and engaged in farming. His father followed in 1858, and resided here until his death, which occurred in 1875. His mother died in New York. In 1869 Charles formed a matrimo- nial alliance with Jane Parry, who likewise was English born. Four children were sent to bless the union, three of whom are now living-Sophia, Bessie and Mary Emily. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Pickering removed to a farm in the northeast part of the township, consisting of 215 aeres. In 1874 he sold this farm and purchased his present farm on section 19. Mr. and Mrs.
,
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Pickering are both members of the Episcopal church. Mr. Pick- ering is a Republican in politics.
Henry Puck was born at Propstie, Germany, June 26, 1812. He is the son of Clause and Katrina (Loggie) Puck, who lived and died in Germany. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools of Germany. He emigrated to Scott County, Iowa, 1846, and worked as a wood-chopper until he got money enough to buy some land. He was married in 1867 to Catherine Broekman, by whom he has four children-Minnie (now Mrs. Fred Wonder), Henry, Laura and Albert. He served two years in the army in Germany. He is a Republican in politics.
William Riggs was born in Lancastershire, England, and is the son of William and Ann (Lightburn) Riggs. He was educated in the common schools of his native country. In the spring of 1843 he came to America, his first landing being in New Orleans, from which place he passed ou to St. Louis, where he remained three weeks, and from thence to Springfield, III., where he put in a crop, which he sold in the fall for a cow and ealt. He then went to Rock Island, arriving one day at sunset, and crossing the river the same evening to Davenport. In the fall of 1844 he entered 160 acres of land in Davenport Township, which he proceeded to improve. He lived on this farm until 1873, when he moved into the city. July 24, 1845, he was united in marriage with Mary Brownle, who was born Feb. 10, 1824. They have had seven children, six of whom are now living-William B., Christina (now Mrs. C. Murray), George, Isabella (now Mrs. F. B. Campbell), Anna, Eddie L. Mr. Riggs has been prominently identified with Davenport Township for many years, and has held several local offices, including that of member of the Board of Supervisors of the county. Mr. Riggs has also for some years been an active and consistent member of the Christian church in Davenport, and previously was connected with the same church at Long Grove.
Daniel Riordan, superintendent of the Poor Farm, is an Irish- man by birth, and emigrated to America in 1844. He was born in Kilkenny Co., Ireland, Dec. 24, 1821. He first landed in New York, and in the vicinity of that city worked as a comm on laborer for about 10 years. In 1854 he came to Scott County and engaged in farming. In 185> he married Joanna Kelliher, who was born in Ireland, Jan. 12, 1833, and came to America in 1840. Two children were born unto them -- Margaret, born in 1859; Mary, in 1865. After his marriage, Mr. Riordan bought a small farm. on which he resided until 1877, when he was appointed superintendent of the Poor Farm of the county, and has since re- sided on the farm in the discharge of the duties of the position. Politically Mr. Riordan is a Republican.
Edward Roberts was born in North Wales, Oct. 24, 1816. Ilis parents were Thomas and Mary (Foulks) Roberts. Edward resided with his parents until he was 13 years of age, when he was hired out to a gentleman, whom he served six years. Ile then
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
engaged with another party as a gardener, and remained with him until he left his native land for the United States, in 1855. In 1846 he married Jane Jones, who was born in 1814, in North Wales. Four children blessed this union-Mary Ann, now Mrs. J. C. Brownlee; Hannah, now Mrs. Christy; Daniel, and one who died in infaney. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are members of the First Presby- terian Church, in Davenport, and live on the farm which they pur- chased shortly after arrival in Scott County. Mr. Roberts, in polities, is a Republican.
C. H. Schneckloth was born in Holstein, Germany, Aug. 21, 1830. At 20 years of age he was drafted into the army and served two years, and was again drafted, when he ran off to America, and arrived in Davenport June 22, 1852. Here he labored as a com- mon day laborer, at $10 a month for a time, and then $90 for a year. In 1854 he commenced farming, and in 1855 married Bertha Wolt, who was born in Germany. Success has attended him in his labors, and he now owns the farm on which he lives, of 80 aeres, on which he moved in 1872, and which is worth $125 per aere. and has also 640 acres in Ida County, worth $10 per acre. He is the father of six children-Henry, Peter, Andala, Emma, Ernest, Minnie. In politics, Mr. Schneckloth is a Republican.
Jacob Shepler was born in Allegheny Co., Pa., July 26, 1820. Ile is the son of Philip and Mary (Hill) Shepler, both natives of Penn- sylvania. The elder Shepler was a farmer by profession. a busi- ness which he followed up to within 12 years of his death. After retiring from the farm he engaged in running ahotel in Pittsburg, a business he followed during the remainder of his life. His mother is yet living, and resides with her son James in Mononga- hela, Pa. Jacob says that he received a common-school education, and the commonest kind at that. He remained at home until he was 26 years of age, assisting his father on a farm. March 26, 1846, he was united in marriage with Eliza, daughter of Abraham and Hannah Lytle, who was born in Allegheny Co., Pa., Sept. 15, 1826. Mr. and Mrs. Lytle both died in Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch after his marriage engaged in farming, in Pennsylvania, which he continued for 10 years. He then sold out and moved to Seott County, and located on section 16, Daven- port Township, where he continued to reside until 1870. when he removed to his present farm, which now consists of 222 acres of fine farm land. Mr. and Mrs. Shepler have had seven children. of whom only two are now living-Cyrus C., who married Louisa Vogt, Dee. 17, 1879, and Laura H., now Mrs. Louis Smith. The deceased are Sarah J. (who married Isaac Patterson). Newton W., Stewart A., and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Shepler and daughter are members of the M. E. church. In politics, Mr. Shepler is an ardent and enthusiastic Republican.
J. B. Schupp was born in Wittenberg, Germany, March 20, 1827, and was the son of Frank Joseph and Agatha (Hirscher) Schupp, who were also natives of Germany, and who died in tha
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country. llis father was a farmer, and J. B. was reared on a farm and worked with his father till he was 15, when he was appren- ticed to a carpenter, which trade he followed in Germany for some time. Ile received his education in the common schools of that country. In 1853 he was married to Cresentia Messmer, who was born in Prussia. April 10, 1824. Ile enlisted in the regular army for three years. and after serving one year, he left and came to America, and direct to Davenport, where he worked at his trade for some time. Hle then purchased a farm of 100 acres, lying part in Davenport and part in Blue Grass Townships. He is the father of six children-Mary, now Mrs. Peter Rickard; Agatha, now Mrs. Peter Kreitsch: Martin; Caroline, now Mrs. Charles Nelson; Hattie and Frank Joseph. Mr. Schupp has been town- ship treasurer and a member of the School Board. He is a mem- ber of the Catholic church, and in politics is not committed to cither of the great parties.
T. Sindt was born in Propstei. Holstein, Germany, Nov. 16, 1824, and was the son of Ifans and Anna (Lamp) Sindt. The latter died in Germany, and the father came to America in 1854, and died in 1858. Mr. Sindt was educated in the common-schools of Germany, where he also learned a trade. He came to America in 1847. Hle was married in 1850 to Adel Stoltenberg, who was born in Germany.
Hans Stoltenberg was born in Holstein, Germany, Nov. 26. 1826. Ile is the son of llans and Anna (Schrader) Stoltenberg, who were also natives of Germany, and both died in that country. Hans was reared on a farm, and received the common-school cdu- cation of the country. In 1852 he came to America, and located in Scott Co., Iowa, and worked on a farm. He was married in 1854 to Oble Klingerberg, who was also born in Germany. They have one child-Agnes. now Mrs. John Sindt. Mr. Stoltenberg first located in Blue Grass Township, where he remained one year, and then moved to Davenport Township. He is a Republican in politics.
Claus Stoltenberg was born in Propstei, Germany, April 1. 1831, and was the son of Hans and Anna (Mundt) Stoltenberg, who were natives of Germany. Hans passed his boyhood on a farm, and received the common-school education of that country. In 1841 he emigrated to America, and settled in Scott County, where he worked on a farm for some time. He was married in 1854 to Anna Sindt, who was born in Propstei, Germany. When he first went to farming for himself, he bought 80 acres of land. lle now owns 240 acres, worth $80 per acre. He is a member of the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Mr. Stoltenberg is a Republican.
Captain D. Stuhr was born in Holstein, Pretz, Germany, Jan. 12, 1835. and was a son of Adam and Friederika (Schinkel) Stuhr, who were natives of Germany, where they died. His edn- cation was received in the common schools of Germany, and when
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
he was 17 years of age he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1847, when he was drafted into the German army, and served four years. After receiving his discharge he worked one year at his trade, and in 1852 emigrated to America, and im- mediately located in Davenport, Iowa. He followed his trade in Davenport nine years, and at the outbreak of the Rebellion en- listed and immediately raised a company of 103 men, for three months' service, and, on account of the supply being filled, he and his men were discharged. Ile at once re-enlisted, and raised a company, composed entirely of Germans, for the 11th Regi- ment, and soon after was transferred to the 16th, which was a German regiment. The regiment went from Davenport to Ben- ton barracks, where his company received arms, and prepared for the bloody strife. The most disastrous battle participated in by his regiment was that of Shiloh, on April 6 and 7, in which 83 of his men were killed. He immediately recruited his company, and after two years of hard service he was discharged, on account of sickness. He returned to Davenport, and for one year lay be- tween life and death. In the fall of 1864 he bought a farm of 22 acres, about five miles from Davenport, and established a saloon and country tavern, which he still conduets. He also owns 160 acres in Tama County. He was married in 1854 to Frieder- ika Kruse, who was born in Schleswig, Germany, May 5, 1828. Of 12 children born of this union five are living-David, Emil, Rudolph, Laura and Alveine. Captain Stuhr, in politics, is a Republican.
John T. Temple, son of Thomas and Mary ( Billsbourgh ) Temple, was born March 7, 1844. By occupation he is a girdener or florist, as his father and grandfather were before him. In 1847, his father came to Davenport, and engaged as a gardener to Peter Cooper. He was a man well versed in botany, and was employed by the Government to gather and classify the plants in the South- ern States. He died in 1856. John was brought up as a gardener, and in 1862 he commenced to cultivate his present garden, where he has now over 100,000 different varieties of plants and bulbs, of which he can instantly give the name of any in the collection. In 1868 Mr. Temple married Josephine A. Hern, who was born in London. Mr. Temple is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows, and is a Republican in politics.
Thomas Wilkinson, deceased, was born in Albion, Edwards Co., Ill., Oct. 18, 1823. His parents, Win. and Margaret Wilkinson, nee Kershaw, emigrated from their native England, and were among the early settlers of Albion. The subject of this memoir was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. In 1844 he went to St. Louis, where he learned the trade of a brick-layer. He followed this employment in connection with building and con- tracting for a number of years in St. Louis. In the fall of 1854 he came to Davenport, Iowa, where he engaged in the same occupation until 1857, continuing a partnership previously formed with Win.
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MeManus. From this time until his death, which occurred Dee. 24, 1876, Mr. Wilkinson was engaged in no active business, liis attention being given almost exclusively to the management of his place, which is a part of the well-known Rose Hill farm ( the old- est in Scott County ), originally owned by Alexander MacGregor. Here his family, consisting of his wife and two children, still reside. On the sixth of January, 1853, Mr. Wilkinson was married to Ellen McManus, who was born in Mystie, Conn., and is a daughter of the late Hon. James McManus. In politics Mr. Wilkinson was non-partisan. He was an independent thinker, and appreciated the fine distinctions which may sometimes be drawn between prin- ciples of right and justice and principles of party. In his death Davenport lost one of her most prominent and highly esteemed citizens.
HICKORY GROVE TOWNSHIP.
Hickory Grove 'comprises township 79, range 2 east, and was first settled in 1836 by Alfred Carter, who made claim and began improvement on the northwest quarter of section 16. Mr Carter was from Wayne Co., Ind., but was born in the Shenandoah Val. ley, Virginia. He was one of the first three county commissioners, and served until his death, which occurred Nov. S, 1841.
OTHER EARLY SETTLERS.
Philip Baker came from Muskingum Co., O., in 1837, and set- tled on the southwest quarter of section 9.
Jonathan Porter, from Muskingum Co., O., came in 1837; Daniel and John Porter, Mr. Binford and others came abont the same time.
John Spicer came in the fall of 1836, from Muskingum Co., O., and settled on section 9. Hle returned to Ohio a few years after ward, where he married. Subsequently he went to Illinois, where he lost his life a little later by falling on a circular saw, which was in motion. Win. and Daniel Porter also came in 1836.
George Schuck came in 1838, from the same county in Ohio, and settled on the southwest quarter of section 10, where he died in 1848.
John Schuck came in the fall of 1838,from the same place, and set- tled on section 15; built a hewed log house, which still stands and is occupied. In the fall of 1859 he went to Nemaha, Neb., where he yet resides.
Samnel Freeman was born in New London, Conn., on the 13th of November, 1800. At an early age he removed to the State of New York, where. in 182S, he married Melinda Benedict, who died in 1866. In 1834 Mr. Freeman moved to Kalamazoo, Mich., then on the outskirts of civilization. He decided to make another westward move in a few years, and so on the 3d day of December, 1839, he landed in the village of Davenport, and remained a short time; then settled near Kirtle's Ferry, on the "Wapsie," making a claim, and as he hoped, locating for life; but when the lands ca me into market, his claim was entered over his head by some one hav- ing more money than he possessed, and thus he lost his all. With the pluck and energy of a true pioneer, however, he went to work, and before a great while was the owner of two or three yoke of steers and an old breaking plow. Then he commenced anew his struggle for a home. The old settlers say it is an undoubted fact that Mr. Freeman, with his steers and plow, turned up to the bright
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HICKORY GROVE TOWNSHIP.
sunlight more acres of the virgin soil of Scott County than any other man that ever followed a furrow within the county's limits. By this means he gathered enough money to purchase a farm near Slopertown. Selling this in a few years, he bought another farm near Hickory Grove, which he owned and occupied until the day of his death.
In his young manhood Mr. Freeman was a Whig, and a very ardent one. He was one of the first men in Scott County to unite with the Republican party, and from the first was a staunch sup- porter of its principles. He was the father of five children, three of whom died in early life. He died when 72 years of age, and now lies by the side of her who shared all the trials and struggles of his pioneer lite.
FIRST THINGS.
The first birth was William II. Baker, son of Philip and Cathe- rine Baker, who was born Nov. 10, 1838. He is now a farmer in Audubon Co., Ia.
The first death was Alfred Carter, who died in 1839, and was buried on section 16.
The first marriage was that of Alexander Wells and Julia A. S. Carter, in the house of Philip Baker, by Mr. Grace, a justice of the peace in Walnut Grove. The event was solemnized in 1842.
The first school was in the winter of 1837,'S, at the house of Alfred Carter, by George F. Emery.
Rev. Peter Cartwright was the first to preach the gospel in the township.
EDUCATIONAL.
The educational work of Hickory Grove Township began in the winter of 1837-'S, at the house of Alfred Carter, George F. Emery being the pioneer school-teacher. The school was only for the benefit of Mr. Carter's children. Mr. Emery. the teacher, was an old bachelor, who settled in Allen's Grove in 1837. He was a native of Boston. Mass., and was highly educated. He went to California in 1849, and started on his return home in 1850 by water, and died on the ocean before he reached Panama.
There are now in the township three districts, one sub-district, with a school-house valued at $500. The county superintendent, in his report for 1881, speaks of this township as an illustration of the peculiarity of the school law of the State. The township dis- triet is composed of only two and one-half sections, but having all the officers that are necessary and prescribed by law for a full town- ship distriet; and all to govern one small school. In addition the township has three independent districts-Maysville, No. 1; Linn Grove, No. 2; Fairview, No. 3. In these districts are seven school-houses.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
RELIGIOUS.
That great apostle of Methodism, Rev. Peter Cartwright, was the pioneer preacher in this township. Some time in the year 1838 he preached a sermon at the house of Alfred Carter. Other re- ligious bodies have since promulgated their doctrines in the township, but only two are now represented by organizations- Methodist Episcopal and Christians.
The Linn Grove Christian Church was organized in Allen's Grove Township, Nov. 10, 1851, by Elder Jonas Hartzell, now of Davenport. It was then known as the Allen's Grove Church of Christ. It was removed to Linn Grove in 1858, and its name changed to suit the locality. Both in Allen's Grove and in Linn Grove the congregation for a number of years worshiped in school- houses, but in 1866 a frame house of worship was erected at a cost of $1,700. Services are held monthly, and a Sunday-school is con- tinned in summer. Elder J. Moore now officiates as pastor of the church.
REMINISCENCE.
At the time Alfred Carter settled here wolves were very trouble- some, and often came in daylight, and carried pigs from the door- yard, while chickens, notwithstanding they roosted between the chimney and the wall of the house, were carried off by wildcats. Deer were also numerous, and it is said as many as 100 could often be seen in going to or from Hickory Grove to Allen's Grove. There were at the time the Carters settled here no mills in the neighborhood, and they at times had to grate corn on a coarse grater, and in making bread to make it adhere mixed stewed pumpkins with it. On one occasion, soon after his arrival, Mr. Carter had to go to Henderson Co., Ill., for provisions. While gone 10 Indians came suddenly upon the family and asked for a night's lodging. They were entertained, but not withont some fears. They were often seen after that. Mr. Carter had a fine patch of water- melons, of which the Indians were quite fond. They would often be found lying in the patch at daylight, waiting for some of the family to come out and trade with him some melons for venison. Alfred Carter and his sons, Charles P., John and Martin, often hunted deer with some of the Indian chiefs and braves.
GROVES.
There are three groves in the township, Hickory, Pilot, and Linn, the latter comprising only 80 acres of timber, linn, or bass- wood, oak and elm being the varieties. In the two former, hickory, oak. basswood and elmwood.
Mud Creek runs through the township, heading on section 13, and running almost west to section 8; then running north, passes ont of the township from section 5.
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HICKORY GROVE TOWNSHIP.
MAYSVILLE.
James May, in the summer of 1856, had surveyed and platted by William P. Campbell. then County Surveyor, "part of the southeast quarter of section 15, township 79, range 2 east," the plat being recorded Ang. 3, of that year. To this village was given the name of Maysville, in honor of its owner. The desires of Mr. May have hardly been realized, the village never having grown to any extent, its proximity to and not being on a line of railroad operating against it.
The postoffice is known as Amity, and was established in 1849 Philip Baker being the first postmaster, sinee which time there have been five different postmasters. The present one is Henry Sehnltz.
BIOGRAPHIICAL.
Hans Arp is a native of Holstein, Germany, born Jan. 3, 1836. His father, Claus Arp, was also of German nativity and died at sea while on his way to America, in 1870. Hans Arp came to this country in 1854. He worked at the carpenter's trade here one year, then located in Hickory Grove Township, where he owns 280 acres of fine farming land, in section 35. He is elassed with Scott County's most prominent and enterprising farmers. His marriage with Abel Vieths occurred in 1855, in Davenport. To them have been born ten children, eight living-Alvina, Celia, Ilenry, Agnes, Emma, Mina, Rudolph and Herman.
Philip Baker was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, Sept. 20, 1814, son of Jacob Baker, of Pennsylvania. Philip was reared on a farm and educated in the old pioneer school-house of that early day, where the cheerful blaze from the huge fire-place, and the sunlight shining through the greased paper window-light wrought fantastic shadows on the creaking puncheon floor. His father owned a flour-mill, and Philip ran it for a number of years. In 1837 he came to Scott County and settled in Hickory Grove Township. He had money enough to pay for a cow and partly pay for a yoke of oxen. Since that time has inade six farms. He paid $1.50 for the first bushel of corn and carried it from Rock Island to his home on his shoulders. Wild game was very plentiful here then. IIe had two greyhounds that caught three deer in one afternoon. Ile was married April 1, 1833, to Catherine Porter, daughter of James Porter, who went from Pennsylvania to Muskingnin Co., Ohio, in 1816. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have had 11 children, six living- James K. P., William H., John P., Mary A. (widow of Matthias Sattle), Elizabethi P' .. (a prominent teacher in this county), and Cassie S. (wife of Win. C. Collins). Mr. Baker has been constable, school director and supervisor.
Ira Burch is a son of James Bureh, of Washington Co., N. Y., where our subjeet was born Jan. 28, 1820. He attended school
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
during the winter and worked on the farm in the summer months until he grew old enongh to work hard; then was compelled to give up his schooling and assist on the farm. In the spring of 1855 he came to Scott County and settled on section 12, Hickory Grove Township, where he still resides. He owns 500 acres of finely cultivated land. IIe was formerly engaged in raising grain exclu- sively; now breeds stock also. He was married Feb. 10, 1847, to Catherine L. Deyoe. They had five children, two living-Leroy L. and Daniel D. Mrs. Burch died Oct. 1, 1868. Mr. Burch was married Feb. 19, 1873 to Cynthia C. Curtis, daughter of Daniel Curtis, deceased. They have had three children, two living -- Ira C. and ILettie M.
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