History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 105

Author: Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing co.
Number of Pages: 1280

USA > Iowa > Scott County > History of Scott County, Iowa > Part 105

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).

Samuel G. Hopkins was born in Huntingdon (now Blair) Co., Pa. July 9, 1824. He was a son of James and Mary (Turner) Hopkins, natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch and Irish descent. They were married in Clearfield Co., Pa., Feb. 22, 1820. By this union there were five children, two living-Samuel G. and Miles S. James Hopkins died in Pennsylvania Nov. 10, 1828. Mrs. Hop- kins married James Long, March 9, 1843. She died Ang. 12, 1876. Samuel G. Hopkins was apprenticed to the tinner's trade when 17 years old. He went to Philadelphia when he was 22 years old and worked at his trade there a short time, then engaged in building railroads in Maryland. He worked at his trade in Wheeling, Va., a few months then embarked in the river traffic. He run between Cincinnati and New Orleans. Having a shop on board his boat he manufactured tinware and dealt in produce. Subsequently pur- chased a canal boat, which he run between Pittsburgh and Phila- delphia for two years, dealing in produce, whisky, ete. In 1849 he came to Scott County. In March, 1850, in company with a party of men he started for California with four ox teams, making the journey in 165 days. They arrived at their destination with one ox and an Indian pony, having lost the remainder of their oxen on the Big Desert. They were then compelled to burn their wagons and plunder, with the exception of what they could load on to their remaining ox and pony. Their provisions gave out and for seven days they subsisted on a little flour which they bought of the Mor- mons. Their first two years in mining were unsuccessful, but the third year they cleared $20 a day, Mr. Hopkins then returned to Scott County and purchased the farm where he now resides. His mar- riage with Harriet Young occurred Oct. 10, 1 854. She is a native of Blair Co., Pa., born in August, 1829. Of their family of seven children six are living, Thaddeus, James, William, Harry, Luetta and Mabel. In 1880 Mr. Hopkins again engaged in mining and has made several claims which promise richly for the future. He has held several local offices of trust in the gifts of the people. He owns 205 acres of land, which is worth $75 an acre. Has a fine orchard and raises a variety of small fruits.

Thomas Hopson, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Le Claire Township, on the place where he now resides, Feb. 22, 1846, son

1125

LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP'.

of William and Rosetta (Hubbard) Hopson. Father a native of Kentucky, and mother, of Indiana. They were married in Wis- eonsin. By this union there were nine children, seven of whom are living-George L., Mary A., Willis, Win. H., Alonzo, Madi- son and Thomas. Mr. Hopson came to Iowa and located on the place where the subject of this sketch now resides, made a farm where he resided until he died, in 1868; mother still liv- ing in Princeton, Scott Co., Ia. Mr. Hopson owned 335 acres of land and was one of the well-to-do farmers of the county. In 1877 Mr. Thomas Hopson married Mary Van Aken, a daughter of Benjamin and Rebecca Van Aken; father of Pennsylvania and mother of Indiana. She was born in Le Claire Township, Jan. 23, 1861. The fruit of this marriage is two children -- Clara, born Apr. 2, 1879; William Harry, born Ang. 7, 1881. In polities he is a Democrat; has 135 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre. Mr. Hopson has been identified with the county all his life, and has seen its many changes.

Samuel Ilubbell, farmer, Le Claire, was born near Cincinnati, O., Ang. 2, 1809, son of Daniel and Christianna ( Miller) Hubbell. Father a native of New Jersey and mother of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbell were married in Ohio. To them nine children were born, four living-Thomas, Catharine, Susan and Samnel; Mr. Hubbell died in Illinois. The subject of this sketch when 16 years of age learned the ship carpenter's trade, which he followed for 20 years, on the lakes. In 1840 he married Ann Moore, a daughter of John and Mary (Pieking) Moore. She was born in York Co., Pa .. Oet. 6, 1813. The fruit of this mar- riage was one child-Agnes, now the wife of Jacob Garlow, and resides in Princeton Township, Scott Co., la. In 1846 Mr. Hub- bell emigrated to Jackson Co., Ia., where he purchased a farm and followed farming. At that time there were plenty of deer, wolves, turkeys and all kinds of wild game. They moved into a log cabin, covered with clapboards, 16 x 20, with a mud and stick chimney of the rudest kind. In 1864 he sold his place and pur- chased a farm in Le Claire Township, where he has resided since. In politics he was an old-line Whig, and at the time of the organization of the Republican party he joined them, and has affiliated with them since. IIe has a fine farm on the shore of the Mississippi under a high state of cultivation.

Richard Hulet, retired farmer, was born in Grand Isle, Vt., Oet. 31, 1818, son of Benjamin and Robey (Peters) Hulet. Father born Feb. 27, 1788; mother born May 12, 1785. They were mar- ried about 1814, and had eight children. Benjamin Hulet, Sr., was in the war of 1812 and participated in all the engagements on Lake Champlain, and while in the army met his father, not know- ing that he was in the service. In 1854 he came to Iowa, where his mother died; father died in Joliet, III. The subject of this sketch, when 14 years of age, left his home in West Port, N. Y .. and went to Addison Co., Vt., where he lived for two years, then

1126

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

returned to West Port and remained until he was 21 years of age. He then worked on a farm and in a saw-mill for three years, and in the fall of 1843, having heard much of the broad prairies of Iowa, and being advised by his employer, he left Northern New York, in company with Hiram Stacy and Myron Stone, for Iowa. Coming to the country in limited cirenmstanees he worked by the day and month for a couple of years. In 1845 went to Black River, Wis., and built a mill and remained one year, when he sold his interest and commeneed trafficking on the river, which he followed until 1852, when he commeneed to open up a farm. In 1851 he married Delia Ann Stone, a danghter of Henry and Abigail Stone. She was born in West Port, N. Y., Apr. 30, 1822. There were three children born, viz .: Eva (now the wife of Francis Lambach), Frank and Richard G. Mr. IIulet has a farm of 200 aeres under cultivation, valued at $75 per acre. He enlisted Aug. 25, 1862, in the 20th Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company K, and served nearly three years. He participated in the battle of Prairie Grove and siege of Vicksburg, where he was wounded in the leg with a minie ball. After the capture of Vieksburg he was sent to Memphis and laid in the hospital 22 months, when he was discharged May 25, 1865.

Robert Hunter, farmer and stock-raiser, Le Claire Township, was born in Mifflin Co., Pa., March 28, 1818, son of John and Mary Hunter, of Irish descent. They were married in Ireland and imme- diately started for the United States, landing in Philadelphia, and thence to Mifflin County where there was a family of eight children born. In after life his parents moved to Allegheny County, where they died. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and received his education at a subscription school. When 27 years of age he married Eliza Jane Coe, a daughter of Benjamin Coe, of Allegheny Co., Pa., where she was born Feb. 15, 1825. The fruit of this marriage was nine children, eight living-Joseph, a practicing physician of Dubuque, Iowa; Luretta J., now the wife of Angustus Culburtsen; Mary A., now the wife of Harvey Robinson; Sarah, now Mrs. James White; Margaret E .; Eliza Bell; Adie M., wlic died in infancy, John A. L. and Robert S. In 1854 he left his home in Penn- sylvania and came to Iowa and located in Le Claire Township, upon the place where he now resides. He purchased 160 aeres of land, 40 acres of which were partially improved and had a small log house on it, in which they lived the first year; a large and com- modious dwelling-house has taken its place. Mr. Hunter has 209 acres of land, 180 under a high state of cultivation, the whole of which is valued at $50 per acre; has also 215 aeres of land in Boone Co., Iowa, valned at $50 per aere. In polities was an old-line Whig, and at the time of the organization of the Republican party he joined them and has affiliated with them since. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter are members of the Old School Presbyterian church.

Andrew Jack was born in Allegheny Co., Pa., Dee. 30, 1827. His parents were James and Eliza (Crawford) Jack, natives of the

1127

LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP.

Keystone State, where they were married July 3, 1823. They had seven children. In 1838 James Jack made a tour through the West coming by river to St. Louis, where he purchased a pair of ponies and drove to Scott County. He bought a elaim here, paying $600 and giving his ponies in part payment. He returned to his home in Pennsylvania on foot, traveling some days 50 miles a day. The following year he brought his family to Seott County, arriving here on the 10th day of April. Being in limited eireumstanees he was forced to hire money to pay for his land, paying an interest of 50 per cent. In 1849 he came to Le Claire Township, and embarked in the mercantile business. in company with Rogers & Daven- port, whieb continued until 1852; subsequently removed to Le Ciaire, where he resided until his death, Sept. 20, 1871. His wife followed him Jan. 10, 1877. The subject of this memoir was mar- ried in January. 1851, to Martha Jemison, a native of Westmoreland Co., Pa., born Jan. 28. 1829: her parents were William and Martha Jemison. Mr. and Mrs. Jaek, had one child, John C., born March 4. 1852, and died Jan. 23, 1873. Mr. Jack owns 205 acres of land, 160 under good cultivation, and estimates its value at $60 an acre.

Thomas James, retired farmer, was born in South Wales, son of John and Mary (Davis) James, who emigrated to the United States and located in Ohio. In 1835 Thomas came to Ohio and was ap- prentieed to the tailor's trade and remained here a couple of years. In 1844 went to Missouri. In 1845 went to Dubngne, Iowa, and in the spring of 1846 enlisted in the Mexican war, in what was known as Maj. Clark's Flying Artillery, their first rendezvous being at Leavenworth. Hle first enlisted in the Missouri Militia, but was after- ward transferred to the Government service; was at the insurrection in New Mexico at the time Gov. Chas. Bent was killed; from there went to Lanbooth hauling their artillery across the mountains in the snow by hand; participated in two engagements at Loas Valley under Gen. Sterling Price; from there he went to Luntan Tonce, where the wife of Kit Carson lived, and remained about five days; he afterward returned to Santa Fe and went into eamp. From there was sent to the Red River country to fight the Indians. In.1847 was discharged and returned to St. Louis, thenee to Ohio, and from there he went to the pineries of Wisconsin, where he was engaged for five years, when he came to Princeton, Scott Co., improved a farm and purchased other land. In 1854 married Elizabeth Beers, a daughter of Peter Beers, a native of Ohio, who emigrated to Iowa in 1844, and located in Des Moines County, where they remained until 1851. Mrs. Beers died in Burlington while Mr. Beers was in California. He returned in 1856 and settled in Decatur Co., Ia., where he is still living. Mrs. James was born in Richmond, Wayne Co., Ind. By this marriage there were four children, three of whom are living-Florence, Fannie J., Albertine. Mr. James has always taken an interest in the public schools, and has man- fully worked for the support of the same. Ile was a director for about 20 years.

1128

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

Usher M. Kelsey. farmer, was born in Pittsburg, Pa., in the year 1834, son of William J. and Isabell (Burns) Kelsey, natives of Ireland, where they were married, and imme- diately started for the United States and located in Pennsyl- vania, where five children were born, viz .: James, John, Henry, Mary, Harriet. In 1843 he emigrated to Iowa, and settled in Le Claire Township. He traveled on foot to Dubuque, to enter his land. Mr. Kelsey came to the county a poor man, only having $100 in cash, with which he bought his 80 acres; but by hard work, he accumulated a fine property, owning, at the time of his death, 450 acres of land. In politics he was a Democrat. He died Dec. 16, 1877. His mother died July 28. 1870. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and received a limited education. His first schooling was in an old blacksmith shop, owned by James Jack. After his parents came to Iowa there were five children born-Elizabeth, William D., and Jane. Two died in infancy. Mr. Kelsey has 143 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre, $7,150; 40 acres of timber, $10 per acre, $1,600. Total, $8.750. In politics he is a strong Democrat, and has held several local offices of trust. In 1862 he enlisted in the Second Iowa Cavalry, Company C, being a recruit. He joined the regiment at La Grange, Tenn., immediately atter the second battle of Corinth, and was following Price to Coffeeville, Miss. He participated in all the engage- ments in the regiment up to the battle of Tupalo and Guntown. Ile was discharged at Salina, Ala., and also at Davenport. Iowa, in October, 1865. Mr. Kelsey is a member of the Masonic fra - ternity, and also of the A. O. U. W.

Francis Lumbach was born in Prussia, near the River Rhine. Nov. 17, 1812. When 14 years of age he was apprenticed to the trade of bricklayer and mason, where he remained two years. In 1838 he left his native country and embarked on a sailing vessel for the United States, taking 75 days to make the voyage. He landed in New York about the middle of July. After remaining in New York a short time he went to St. Louis, Mo., where he remained until 1839, when he boarded the steamer Des Moines and came to Port Byron, where he crossed the river to Iowa. The town of Parkhurst being just commenced, and wishing to build up their new town, Capt. Eads and Mr. Parkhurst gave himself and brothers a lot, if they would put up a building. He and his brothers spent two winters working at their trade in Dubuque and Galena. In 1841, purchased land and commenced to open up a farm. In 1842 he built a small stone house, which bears the in- seription of A. D. 1842 over the door. In December of the same year he married Armelia McElyea. By this union there were eight children, four of whom are living, viz .: Helena (now the wife of William Hafkey), Matilda, Francis (who married Miss Eva Hulet), and Louisa. Mr. Lambach runs his farm in connection with his trade, and has done the work on some of the substantial buildings of Davenport. He has 70 acres of land under a good state of cul-

1131

LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP.

tivation, valued at $75 per aere. Mrs. Lambach is a member of the Christian church of Le Claire.

Jacob Long, farmer and stock-raiser, Le Claire, Ia., was born in Blair Co., Pa., Nov. 27. son of JJacob and Magdalena Pacht. By this union there was a family of 11 children, eight of whom are living, viz. : Peter, David J., Jacob, Martin, Susannah, Elizabeth, Margaret and Sarah. Mrs. Long died in 1842 leaving a large family to mourn her loss. Mr. Long again married, Mrs. Mary Hopkins, a widow of James Hopkins. Mr. Long died April 29, 1877. Mrs. Long died in Le Claire, July 22, 1876, where Mr. Long first located after coming to the county in 1851. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. When 15 years of age he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner which he followed until he came to Scott County. Dec. 20, 1854, married Elizabeth Davidson. She was born in Blair Co., Pa., June 7, 1835. By this union there was a family of six children, viz. : William, born JJan. 28, 1856; Edmund, born May 19, 1857; James E., born June 18, 1862; Mary Ann, born Ang. 17. 1870; Sarah M., born March 10, 1873; Aramelia, born Jan. 4, 1876. Mr. Long has 155 aeres of land under cultivation, valued at 865 per acre. In politics Mr. Long was an old-line Whig, but at the time of the organization of the Republican party joined them and has affiliated with them since.

Robert Lowry, retired farmer, was born in Huntingdon, now Blair Co., Pa., Jan. 12, 1827, son of Lazarus Lowry, who was born June 1, 1794, and Sidney Holiday, born Aug. 22, 1792. They were married in Huntingdon Co., Pa., where 10 children were born, three of whom are living-John H., born April 17, 1817, of Le Claire: Robert, and Lazarus, Jr., born June 17, 1830, of Rock Island Co., Ill. Mr. Lowry by occupation was a farmer, which he fol- lowed until the fall of 1850, when he emigrated to the West. He spent the first winter in Muscatine, then came to Le Claire, purchased a farm, where he remained until his death. Mother died in Le Claire. In polities he was an old-line Whig and at the time of the or- ganization of the Republican party joined them. They were mem- bers of the Presbyterian church and were staunch members and did much for the interest of the church. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm and received a limited school edu- cation. Came to the county at the time of his parents and has followed farming principally since. Has 332 acres of land, 300 under a high state of enltivation, all of which is valued at $65 per aere. Mr. Lowry is one of the substantial farmers of the county. In politics he is a Republican.

Cupt. John MeCaffery, Le Claire, Ia., was born in Ireland, 1842, son of James and Mary ( Murray) McCaffrey, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to the United States when the Captain was a mere child, and located in St. Louis, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1850. Mother died about the same time leav- ing a family of five children, viz .: Mary (now the wife of Ilenry

1132

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

Spinsby), Phillip, Kate (now the wife of George Trumley), Sarah, (now the wife of Stephen Rhodes), and John. The Captain com- meneed his river life in 1856, as a raft hand, and he said then if he got through with his trip he would leave the river, but becoming acquainted with the life still prosecuted the business. In the spring of 1864 he took charge of boat and ran the first lumber raft from Reed's Landing, and has been engaged in the same business since. March 24. 1863, married Miss Sarah J. Davenport, a daughter of A. J. Davenport, an early settler of Scott County, where she was born Oct. 10, 1844. The fruit of this marriage was four sons, three of whom are living, viz. : Frank D., born Ang. 18, 1869; Henry S., born Sept. 29, 1870; Jaek, born March 21, 1873. The Captain came to Le Claire in 1856, where he has resided sinee.

J. H. McCoy, hardware, Le Claire, was born in Galatin Co., Ill., Jan. 30, 1836, son of William and Mary (Henderson) MeCov, natives of Virginia. They were married in Galatin Co., Ill. The family consisted of seven children, four of whom lived to be adults, viz .: J. H., Nancy J. (who was the wife of John Sim), Annetria (wife of George Watts), Samnel M. Mr. McCoy by occupation was a farmer and died in Galatin County in 1840. Mother died in 1849. In politics he was an old-line Democrat. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. When 21 years of age he engaged, in company with John Gilbert and James McCoy, in buying horses for the Mexican war. Afterward ran a wood yard on the Illinois river for a few years.

Thenee to Le Claire, where he embarked in the livery business in company with Richard Buskirk for a short time; he sold out this but afterward bought it back in company with C. S. Disney, afterward selling to J. H. Davenport. He then · went to Port Byron where he again engaged in the livery business, which he ran for two years; at this time he was married to Eliza

Reynolds, of Pekin, Ill. He then started a livery stable in company with A. F. Stonebroker for a short time. He then em- barked in the mercantile business in company with Wm. and John Allen, of Port Byron, which did not prove a success. He then returned to Le Claire, where he went into the saloon business for 13 years. At present is engaged in the hardware business, carries a stock of $2,500 to $3,000, and the only regular store in the city. William McGinnis. Sr., farmer; postoffice, Le Claire; was born in County Antrim, Ireland, May, 1815, son of John and Esther McGinnis, natives of Ireland, where they were married and seven children were born. When 16 years of age he came to the United States and located in Philadelphia, where he had a brother, who had previously sent him some school-books from Philadelphia, and among them was the speech of Henry Clay on the freedom of America, which caused a desire to visit this country. After arriv- ing in Philadelphia he got employment in a cotton factory, where he remained nearly two years, accumulating some money during that time.

1133

LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP.

He came to Galena, Ill., at that time one of the principal busi- ness eenters of the Northwest, where he was employed in Burton's smelting works for a few months; then went to Plattville, where he followed mining five years. Saved some money and made a elaim in Jo Daviess Co., Ill .; he made some improvements and sold it for 8800. After selling his farm he made a trip down the river, where he purchased sugar, coffee, apples, etc., and took them to Galena and sold them. On his first trip up the river Mr. McGin- nis was delighted with Davenport, and in his second trip his at- tachment became so strong for this section of country, that he came and made his claim, and afterward purchased 160 acres of land. Having wild-cat money he was forced to pay 15 per cent. in ex- change for money to purchase his land. In 1841 he built his first log cabin. In 1843 married Miss Mary Campbell, a daughter of John Campbell. She was born June 22, 1824. By this union there were 12 children, eight of whom are living, viz. : John C., Esther M., Martha J., Eliza L., Isaphenia, William HI., Barelay J., Preston H. Mr. MeGinnis came to this country when a poor boy, and to Iowa when it was in its infancy, and by hard work and good judg- ment has accumulated a fine property and home, and is one of the representative farmers of the county. His 360 aeres of valn- able land, worth $75 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. MeGinnis are mem- bers of the Christian church Mr. MeGinnis is one of the pio- meers of Seott County, and has done inch for the elevation of its morals and institutions.

Nicholas Miller was born in Clermont Co., O., Oet. 15, 1815, a son of John B. and Annie Miller, who were married in Clermont County, and were the parents of seven children, three living- Jacob. John B. and Mohdey. John B., Sr., followed farining in early life. In later years he followed the river trade, carrying farm produce from Louisville, Ky., to New Orleans, making three trips in two years. While on one of these trips, during the yellow fever epidemie of 1525, he was'taken siek and died, and was buried on Fairchild's Island. The mother died two months after, leaving a family of orphan children to battle with the world. They all suc- ceeded in getting good homes, and are now influential farmers. The subject of this sketeh was bound ont to Henry Lutz, of Clark Co., Ind., and remained with him until his 21st year. He then learned the millwright's trade, which he followed two years; then engaged in farming. He was married to Jane Providence Cheno- weth. Feb. 27, 1840. Her father was Absalom Chenoweth, of Warwick Co., Ind., where she was born in 1824. The fruit of this union was five children; four are living, viz .: Mary J., Henri- etta, Josaphine and Marion; one died in infancy. In 1846 he left his home in Indiana, and came to Scott Connty, where he landed on the 9th day of April, and settled in Blue Grass Township, where he remained but a few months, being the only honse they could obtain at the time. Putting np a temporary honse on the place where he now lives. he moved his family into it and commenced

1134

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

to open his farm, and a large and commodions dwelling-house has taken the place of the cabin. Mr. Miller has the premium farm of the county, with grounds beautifully laid out, with nearly every kind of evergreen growing in his yard. Mr. Miller has a farm of 281 acres of land under a high state of cultivation, and all the surround- ings which go to make up a beautiful home.

John Moore, farmer and stock-raiser, Le Claire, was born near Londonderry, Ireland, March 4, 1813, son of Samnel and Mary (Teas) Moore. They were married in 1810. By this union there were nine children. In 1849 Mr. Moore emigrated to the United States and located on section 19, Le Claire Township, Scott Co., son and daughter coming as early as 1836. The subject of this sketch left Ireland for the United States in 1834 and landed in Philadelphia, where he followed the weaving business for six years. From there went to Pittsburgh and worked as a laborer about a year and a half. Having a sister in that vicinity he thought of settling, but hearing much of the broad prairies of the West he con- cluded to come and see for himself. Being favorably impressed with the country, he settled on section 19, Le Claire Township, where he has resided since. The first winter was spent in a cabin with his brother-in-law; the following spring he built a log cabin upon his brother's place where he remained six years, and in the mean time made a claim where he now lives. There were but a few neighbors on the prairie, their cabin being the farthest west at the time. He married Mary Stewart Dec. 29, 1836. She was born in Ireland in 1816 and came to the United States in the same vessel with Mr. Moore. The fruit of this marriage was 10 chil- dren, tive of whom are living, viz .: Samuel D., Jolin P., Rebecca J., Elizabeth, Malinda S. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are members of the Old School Presbyterian church, and were members of the first organization in the township. Has been identified with the county from its infancy and has seen its various changes. He came to the county in limited circumstances, but by hard work and good management has accumulated a fine property and home; has 120 acres of land under a high state of cultivation, valued at $65 per acre; 20 acres of timber land, valued at 875 per acre. Ilis sister Mary, who came to the United States in 1836, died some years later by the bite of a rattlesnake, about 1845.

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.

History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 105

Author: Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.) Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing co. Number of Pages: 1280

Author: Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing co.
Number of Pages: 1280