History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 112

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 112

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).

The natural beauty of that portion of Scott County lying upon the river above Davenport, called Pleasant Valley, terminating at the point of bluff at the mouth of Spencer's Creek, is one that. once seen can never be forgotten. "A short distance above East Dav- enport," says Willard Barrows, writing in 1860, " the bluffs recede from the river, leaving the bottom lands a mile wide, very little of which ever overflows. The gently sloping bluffs continue for sev- eral miles, sometimes approaching and then receding from the river forming at times landscape views of unsurpassed beanty. Now that these lands are dotted over with tasteful and well-cultivated farms and gardens, from the river even to the top of the bluffs in places, it presents one of the most lovely rural scenes on the Upper Mississippi."

The first settlement in the township was made by Roswell H. Spencer, in the fall of 1833, when he built a log cabin upon the bank of the river a little above the present ferry-landing from Hampton, on the opposite side of the river, to Valley City, a town laid ont upon this side of the river.

During the winter of 1833-'34 J. B. Chamberlain moved into the cabin built by Mr. Spencer, his being the first white family in the valley. In the spring of 1834 Mr. Chamberlain built a cabin upon the bank of the river, a little above the month of Crow Creek. In addition to Mr. Spencer and Mr. Chamberlain during the year 1834, there came in Daniel Davison, Calvin Spencer and Ja mes Thompson.

In 1835 a few more families were added and improvements were made of lasting benefit to the township. The immigrants this year were: M. J. Lyman, James Haskel, Thomas Davis, B. F. Pike. D. C. Davison, G. M. Piuneo, II. H. Pinneo and Avery Pinneo.

Among the immigrants in 1836 was John Works, who was sub- sequently elected to the office of county commissioner, which office he filled till 1841. Ile was a plain, unassuming man, of excellent judgment and sterling integrity. Among others were Thomas Jones, Stephen Henley, Andrew Ilyde, Alfred White, II. G. Stone, J. A. Birchard, Samuel and Wheeler Hedges, Anson Rowe, Louis Blackman. William Trask, Franklin Rowe, Hiram Green, John Wilson, Royal Gilman, S. II. Gilman, John J. Clark, Jolın Tuttle, Daniel Wyman and George W. Thorn.

The immigrants of 1837 were Lyman Smith, Ernest Gould, D. N. Pope, Captain Isaac Hawley, Cyrus P. Hlawley, William P. Eldridge, G. J. Hyde, Jerry Payne, Robert Scroggins, John Camp- bell, and William Nichols. Among the pioneers of Pleasant

(1187)

1188

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

Valley Township was C. T. Myers. He emigrated from Stenben Co., N. Y., to Scott County, in 1837. His father was pilot on the first steamboat ever invented. He died in Princeton Township and was buried in Pleasant Valley.

In 1838 came G. W. Fenns, Thomas HIall. Isaac Hedges, John Emerson, Lucins Moss, Horace Bradley, and A. B. Lathrop. From that time on changes were of frequent occurrence, and the town- ship was in time settled by a thrifty, enterprising people.

FIRST BIRTH.

In March, 1834, a son was born to Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Chamber- lin. which was the first white child born in the valley. In the fall of 1837 the child and its mother both died, as also an older sister.

MILLS.

In 1835 Davis & Haskel built a grist-mill, the first ever built in the county, or in this part of the State. It was situated on Crow Creek, just above where the present river road crosses that stream, and although of the most rude and primitive kind, having two com- mon boulders, rough hewn, for stones, yet it was one of the most essential improvements of that day. Settlers came from a great distance for several years to this mill, which was a log structure, which, after serving the public faithfully for many years, was permitted to go to decay.

A saw-mill, the first in the county, was also built in this valley in 1835, by Captain Clark of Buffalo. This was situated on Duck Creck, near its mouth. These two mills, humble as they were, sup- plied the wants of the early settlers, not only of Pleasant Valley, but all the surrounding country for many miles.

In 1836 Haskel & Davis built a saw-mill near the mouth of Crow Creek, on the Mississippi River, which was afterward purchased by Stephen Henley, who made important additions and improvements.

Spencer & Work built the third saw-mill in the county, in the summer of 1837, on Spencer's Creek, a small stream that empties into the Mississippi near Valley City. This creek was ealled by the Indians, Wan-pe-ine-sepo ( White Pigeon Creek ). During this year Samuel and Wheeler Hedges built the second grist-mill in the county, on Crow Creek, some four miles from its mouth, having the first French burr-stones that ever came into this part of the country. It is a remarkable fact, that up to this time, although settlements had been made and rapid progress made up and down the river, and back into the interior as far as Cedar River, where mill privileges were numerous, yet Scott County had more mills in operation than all the country for 40 miles, and many settlers came that distance to mill.

The first steam mill was built by Spencer and Stafford, in 1856 or '57, at a heavy cost. It was sold in 1859 to Cable & Mitchell,

1189

PLEASANT VALLEY TOWNSHIP.

of Rock Island, who disposed of it to a Mr. Wells, in whose posses- sion it was burned.

DISTILLERY.

Johnson and Boyington were among the settlers of 1839. They bnilt this year a distillery, the first, it is believed, ever introduced into Scott County. Like many others who have undertaken the mannfacture of spirituous liquors, they failed in the enterprise, and removed to other parts.

POSTOFFICE.

In 1836 a postoffice was established in this township, called ' Pleasant Valley," with J. A. Birchard as postmaster, an appoint- ment which is said that he held longer than any similar office in the State. He was succeeded in 1856 by Roswell H. Spencer, who retained it a few years and was succeeded by C. C. Cole, who was sneceeded by Henry W. Fernald. His snecessor was Mr. Baxter. The present incumbent is Mr. Monroe.

EDUCATIONAL.

Pleasant Valley has the honor of having within its borders the first school in Scott County. In the winter of 1835-'36, Josiah B. Chamberlin united with Capt. B. W. Clark, and probably one or two others, in hiring Simon Cragin, of Bangor, Maine, a dis- charged soldier from the fort, who tanght a four-months term of school in Mr. Chamberlin's house. It is doubtful whether one of Mr. Cragin's qualifications would be employed in the township to-day.

In 1836 and 1837 there were schools held in private houses a portion of the time; and in 1838 a school-house was ereeted on section 13, and Miss Julia Rowe (now Mrs. George J. Hyde) was the first teacher. She was succeeded by Austin B. Lathrop, and from that time to the present, school has been held in the district from six to ten months each year. When the township was divi- ded into districts, the neighborhood in which this first school-house was situated became District No. 1. In 1856 this distriet built a substantial brick school-house, about a half a mile east of the origi- nal location, at a cost of $3,000.

In 1845 District No. 2 was formed, and a school-house was built near George J. Hyde's, the district embracing a portion of the township of Le Claire, now Lincoln. The latter portion was detached in 1859. The present school-house was built in 1871, at a cost of $1,000. In 1875 the honse was removed to its present location, this being necessary in order to secure a more central location, for the accommodation of the school population. This change was not effected without the usual contention arising from its removal.

1190

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

In 1846 District No. 3 was organized, aud built a house near C. L. Meyer's. This house was burned in 1869, and in 1870 a new school-house was erected, which cost, including furniture, $2,000. It is now called Belmont School-house.

District No. 4 was set off from No. 1 in 1855, and held school in private houses until 1869, when a house was built on the river road, near Duck Creek, at a cost (including furniture) of $1, 600.

District No. 5 was formed in 1873, of a portion of No. 2, and the northeast part of the thwnship, which had been attached to a dis- trict in Le Claire Township. A neat school-house was crected, which cost, when furnished, $1,500.

In 1873 the sub-districts, which had been under the township district system, all voted to become independent, and organized independent districts. No. 1 took the name of Pleasant Valley; No. 2, Hopewell; No. 3, Belmont; No. 4, Duck Creek; No. 5, For- est Grove. In the township there are 288 between the ages of 5 and 21, and an enrollment of 218.

RELIGIOUS.

The first religious service in the township was in 1835, at the house of J. B. Chamberlin. There is now in the township but one church edifice, owned by the Methodist denomination. This was the first organized Methodist church in Scott County.

BIOGRAPIIICAL.

Pleasant Valley has furnished her quota of men to fill stations of public trust, and has had in times past, and has now within her borders, men who have reflected honor and credit, not only upon the valley, but county and State. In this connection are given biographical sketches of a number of old settlers and prominent men, the lives of whom are worthy a record in a work such as we here present to the citizens of Scott County.

Memoir of the Birchard Family .- The Birchards who settled in Pleasant Valley were descendants of pioneers. By the family record of Backus Birchard they trace on their father's side unbroken descent to Thomas Birchard, who came to Massachusetts about 1635, and who married Mary Robinson, (probably a daughter of John Robinson, pastor of the congregation of Dissenters, who to escape prosecution in England, emigrated to Holland in 1608, and whose family after his death came to New England to join that portion of his society who came over in the Mayflower and settled at Plymouth, Mass., in 1620). Their son, John Birchard, was one of the proprietors to whom Uncas and his sons by formal deed, in 1669, for a consideration of £70, granted a tract nine miles square, on which Norwich, Conn., was built, and in which he set- tled in 1660. On their mother's side they trace their descent from John Dixwell, who came from England in 1660, on account

1191

PLEASANT VALLEY TOWNSHIP.

of a little unpleasantness between himself and Charles II., in conse- quenee of the part he took in acting as one of the judges that condemned and sentenced Charles I. to be executed in January, 1649.

John A. Birchard, Jr., born in 1804, who settled in Pleasant Valley in 1836; Backus Birchard, born in 1812, who eame in 1839. and George Birchard, born in 1815. who arrived in 1840, were born at Birchardville, Susquehanna Co., Pa., and are sons of Jabez A. and Mary Birchard, nee Downee, who were married at Bozra, Conn., Jan. 27, 1799, and settled at Ruby, Luzerne Co., Pa .. in 1800. Jabez A. Birchard, Sr., located in Pleasant Valley in the spring of 1846, and died at the residence of his son, Jabez A., Jr., on Dec. 18, 1848, aged 73 years. He was the first post- master in Birchardville and held that office through several ad- ministrations.

J. A. Birchard, Jr .. was appointed post-master at Pleasant Val- ley in 1837. and held the office until 1856. when he resigned, recommending R. Il. Spencer as his successor. He was a mem- ber of the first Territorial Legislature, and held many county and township offices. He died Oct. 20, 1871, aged 67 years, leaving his wife, Lydia A .. danghter of Daniel Chamberlain, to whom he was married at Silver Lake. Pa .. Jan. 1, 1829, and who survived him until July 17. 1881, when she died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Samuel Heagy, in Hampton, Ill. They were farm- ers by occupation and lived on the land bought in 1840, on sec tion 13.

Backus Birchard purchased a portion of section 12 at the land sale at Dubuque in 1840, on which he is now living. In the sum- mer of 1840 he was engaged as foreman of the masonry of the Roek River improvements at Van Rupp's Island, now Milan, and returned to New York after the work was completed, and was en- gaged as foreman and contractor on various railroads in that State and Pennsylvania, for some time, when he commenced improve- ments on the land he had bought in 1840. In 1842 he married Marie. daughter of William J. and Lucy Marlette, at Glenville, N. Y. Of five children born of this nnion, three are living-Lucy (wife of W. A. Foster, resides in Davenport). William J. and Ida.

George Birchard married Elizabeth Stockwell in 1845, and set- tled in Le Claire.

Engene Birchard, son of Jabez A., Jr., was born in 1840 and oe- cupied the old homestead until his death. Dec. 12. 1879. He was a member of the 15th and 16th General Assembly of Iowa, and for several years president of the Scott County Agricultural Society. His widow, a daughter of James Donaldson, removed to Big Rock. in April, 1881.

Stephen S. Blackman was born in Seneca Co., N. Y .. on the 14th day of March, 1515, son of Ebenezer and Mary (Smith) Black- man; father a native of Massachusetts, and mother of New York. They were married in Seneca Co., N. Y., abont 1806. The fruit

1192

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

of this marriage was eight children, six of whom lived to be adults, viz .: Lewis, who died in 1861; Ebenezer, died in 1860, in Wiscon- sin; Alden, died in Wisconsin in 1845; Rachael, died in New York; Ruby, now the wife of G. W. Alvord, of Scott County; Nancy, died in Des Moines, Ia., about 1874; one child died in infancy. When Stephen S. was three years old his parents moved to Yates County, where they remained five years, then removed to Steuben Co., N. Y., where he followed the carpenter's trade and ran a farm at the same time, and remained until 1838, when he emigrated to Scott County and located in Pleasant Valley. The following year bought a farm in Davenport Township, where his wife died two years later. Sold his farm and then lived retired in Davenport, where he died in 1847 or '48. Mrs. B. died in 1829. He again married, Sarah Look. She died in 1843. The subject of this sketch learned the trade of saddle and harness maker, but soon after dropped it on account of his health: came to Iowa in 1837, and in 1842 married Martha Work, a daughter of John Work, who emi- grated to Scott County in 1836. lle married Miss Elizabeth Owens. There was a family of nine children, six living-Henry, Andrew, Milton, Sarah, Martha and Rebecca. Mrs. B. was born in Clark Co., Ind., May 8. 1821. By this union there were eight children, four living, viz., John, Julia, Clarence and Benton. Mr. B. eame to the county a poor man, and the first few years worked by the month. In 1849 took a trip to California in company with G. H. Donaldson and Alexander Work, crossing the plains taking six months, when they embarked in mining, where he remained one year, then returned to Scott County, when he bought a place and embarked in farming. Has 200 aeres of land, valned at 860 per aere; also has 160 acres in Poweshiek Co., Ia., valued at $25 an aere.

.Inthony F. Case, farmer and stock-raiser; postoffice, Davenport, Iowa; was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., July 23, 1822, son of Judge Anthony and Rebecca (Sheldon) Case; father a native of New Jersey and mother of Connecticut. They were married in York State, where seven children were born, three living, viz .: Philetns, Frederiek W. and Anthony F. Mr. Case left his home in New York and emigrated to Marshall, Mich., when Anthony F. was four years old. He was an active business man and en- gaged in various branches of business, and held several local offices of trust, being elected to the offices of county judge, etc. IIe re- mained in Marshall until his death. In politics he was an old Jacksonian Democrat. Anthony F., when 18 years of age was cn- gaged on the railroad, which he followed for 10 years, operating on the Michigan Central. In 1850 took a trip to California to seek his fortune; went by steamer via Panama. After arriving he embarked in mining, which he followed one year. In 1851 he re- turned to Michigan, and the same year came to Iowa, where he bought land in Hickory Grove Township, and in the fall of the same year made another trip to California, where he spent three

1193

PLEASANT VALLEY TOWNSHIP.

years more. In the fall of 1854 he married Ellen Miller, a dangh- ter of James Miller, of Michigan, where she was born about 1831. By this union there were four children-Aretta (now the wife of Wm. Brownlee, of Gilman, Ia.), Kittie, James, Arthur Le Roy. Mr. Case has a beautiful farm of 185 acres, all under a high state of cultivation, valued at $75 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Case are members of the First Presbyterian Church, of Davenport.

Adam Donaldson, farmer, was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., on the 22d day of May, 1809, son of Peter and Catharine, (Clute) Donaldson. They were married in York State, where there was a family of 11 children born-three daughters and eight sons, five of whom are living, viz .: Gerardus, of New York ; James, of California; Adam; Jane Ann, now the wife of James D. Blake, of Marshall, Mich .; Garrett, of Scott County, and Henry. In carly life' Adam learned the trade of miller, which he followed until he came to this county in 1839. In 1828 married Rachael Hoghkerk. She was born Oct. 17, 1808. By this union there were 11 children, six of whom are living, viz .: Garrett H., James R., Adam C., Catharine (now the wife of Henry Winrow), Egbert B. and Peter A. When they first came to this county located on the river, where they stayed a short time, when he pur- chased the claim where he now lives, and has remained on the same place since. Mr. D. is one of the pioneers of the county and has worked manfully to develop the country. Hlas 160 acres of land undera high state of cultivation, valned at $75 per acre. Mr. Donaldson has been engaged in raising pure-blooded Berkshire pigs, and was the first to bring the pure-blood into the county, if not this State. Mr. Donaldson says, at the time they came to the county there were five pigs and three babies in the wagon. Crossing Illinois, it was hard to tell winch made the most noise, the pigs or children. They had two sons in the union army. James enlisted in the Second Iowa Vol. Inf. Company C, where he served three years, and was wounded at Corinth, and afterward re-enlisted and served until the close of the war; was with Sherman on the march to the sea. Egbert B. enlisted in the 20th Iowa Vol. Inf., and participated in the siege of Vicksburg.

James Dyer, farmer and stock-raiser, Pleasant Valley, was born in Inverness, Scotland, on the 3d day of February, 1832, son of Robert and Isabell (McBean) Dyer. There was a family of seven children, two sons and five daughters. Mr. Dyer was the first to organize the first co-operative company in the South of Scotland, and also organized the first temperance movement, and instituted coffee houses, which cansed a general revolution in the liquor traffic. In 1840, left for the United States in a sailing ves- sel, which was foundered, and was supposed to have been lost. The subject of this sketch was reared to the trade of a woolen manufacturer. In 1852 came to the States; landed in New York and thence went to Washington Co., N. Y., where he was em- ployed by a Quaker on the Underground Railroad business, where

1194

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

he resided two and one-half years. In the fall of 1854 came to Scott County. Dec. 15, 1859, married Miss Sarah M. Hedges, a daughter of Samnel Hedges, who emigrated from Steuben Co., N. Y., being among the earliest settlers of the county. She was born in Pleasant Valley, April 3, 1837. In 1860 came to the place where he now resides. Has 983 acres of land, valued at $75 per aere. Mr. Dyer has always taken an active interest in public schools and has done mneh for their advancement.

John Earhart, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Indiana Co., Pa., Sept. 12, 1816, son of David and Catharine ( Altman ) Earhart, nativesof Pennsylvania. Mr. Earhart moved into Pleasant Valley Township in May, 1845. He resided there until the year 1848, when himself and wife started on a visit to their old home in Pennsylvania. Mr. David Earhart died on his way there when only 35 miles from his destination. Mrs. Earhart died March 15, 1870. The subject of this sketeli was born and reared on a farm and lived at home until past 20 years of age. Ile then learned the trade of stone-mason and bricklayer, which he followed for 18 or 20 years, and then settled down to farming in Pleasant Valley Township on the place he now lives on. Mr. Earhart was mar -. ried to Mrs. Mary Logue (formerly Miss Mary Dopp), January 1, 1859. She was a native of Huntingdon Co., Pa. By this union theer are three children, viz .: Anna B., born Oct. 9, 1875; Ella, born March 22, 1861, now teaching school in Butler Township; C. D., born July S, 1859. By a former marriage Mr. E. has two children, viz .: Martha J., born April 3, 1843 ; George W., born Nov. S, 1844. Mrs. E arhart was formerly married Dec. 28, 1848, to Mr. Francis M. Logue, a native of Pennsylvania. She has one child living by this marriage-Fannie M., now the wife of O. M. Raugh, Adair Co., Iowa. Mr. Earhart has taken agreat interest in the M. E. church, near which he lives, and has held the office of trustee for a number of years. IIe donated liberally toward the building of it and now enjoys its blessings. He lias 120 aeres of land under a good state of cultivation, valued at $60 per aere, and is one of the well-to-do farmers of the township.

.John Evans, fruit-raiser and nurseryman, was born in Kentucky, April 21, 1804, son of Samnel and Sarah ( Wood ) Evans, natives of Virginia. Mr. Evans moved to Kentucky about the year 1800, where there was a family of seven children born, all have passed away with the exception of John. In the year 1824 Mr. Evans moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained until his death, in 1837. Mrs. Evans died in 1835. The subject of this sketch was married to Miss Julia Smith, Ang. 21, 1833. She was a native of Ontario, N. Y. By this union there were seven children, four of whom are living, viz .: Oliver M., born Jan.3, 1841, now of Davenport; Francis M., living at home; Henry C. now of Dav- enport, elerking "for H. W. & G. W. Kerker, in the mercantile business; Mary L. now the wife of William J. Hart, of Davenport; Matilda, died at six years of age, and two died in infancy. Mr.

1195

PLEASANT VALLEY TOWNSHIP.

Evans was engaged in the mercantile business in Cincinnati from 1832 until 1840, when he moved West and located in Davenport, Iowa, following the trade of stone-mason. He had the contract of building the foundation to the court-house about the ye ir 1842. He also built the foundation of several of the churches; among the number was the old M. E. Church; also built the foundation to the old Iowa College. In 1854 moved to Pleasant Valley Township, and bought the place where he now lives of James Brown, and has transplanted it from a raw prairie into a fine fruit orchard and farm. Mrs. Evans died at her home on June 6, 1873. Mr. Evans has 10 acres of land all in fruit, and under a high state of cultivation, valued at $160 per aere. In polities a Republican.

Wm. M. Fry, farmer, was born in Crawford Co., Penn., on the 27th day of January, 1830, son of Wm. A. and Enniee Ann (Loop) Fry ; his father a native of Conneetient, and of English descent; and his mother of New York. There was a family of eight children; seven lived to be adults, viz .: Harriet N., Albert L., Lydia C., Wm. M., Margie A., Naney A. and George H., who was killed at Chat- tanooga, in the Union army, being a member of the 2 d Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Wm. A. Fry by trade, was a tanner and enrrier, which he followed for several years. About 1833 he left his home in Pennsylvania, and moved to Sheridan Co., Mo., where he remained a couple of years. From there removed to Haneoek Co., Ill., where he remained until 1846, when he came to Scott Co., Iowa, and died in 1848, his mother having died a couple of weeks previous. The subject of this sketeh was reared on a farm and re- ceived a common-school education. In 1850 he married Susan Donaldson, a daughter of James and Maria Donaldson, now of California. She was born in Albany Co., N. Y., April 5, 1832. By this union there were two children -Ella V. ( now the wife of John Paxton, of the Davenport Gazette) and James M. Mr. Fry has 90 aeres of land under a high state of cultivation, valned at $75 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Fry are members of the M. E. church. They have just returned from a trip to California for their health.

George B. Hawley, farmer and stock-raiser, Pleasant Valley, was born in Greene Co., Ill .. ou the 7th day of October, 1821, son of Capt. Isaac and Nancy (Saterley) Hawley, natives of Addison Co., Vt .; father born April 4, 1787; mother born Aug. 8, 1792. They were married in Addison Co., Vt. Oet. 16, 1812. By this union there were four children, which lived to be adults, viz .: George B., Daniel S., Harriet E. (now the wife of Henry E. Brown. of Webster City. Ia.), and Henry, who died when 21 years of age. Mr. Hawley was twice married; for his first wife married Mabel Wilcox, June 20, 1508. She was born June, 1790. By this union there were two children, viz .: Cyrus and Hannah. Mrs. Hawley died July 22, 1807. In 1820 he left his home in Vermont with.teams, camping out, and was 40 days on the road, and while on the prairies between Jacksonville and Springfield, was lost nine days, and the only food they had was a 'possum, which was relished by all with the

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 112

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