History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 116

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 116

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Isaac T. Pope, deceased, one of Scott County pioneers, who emigrated to the county in about 1840, was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., Ang. 13, 1813, son of Esquire S. Pope and Sally Angel. When Isaac was a young man, his parents moved to Stenben Co., N. Y., and in company with them, in 1836, removed to Quiney, Adams Co., Ill. In January, 1834, mar- ried Mary A. Rathburn, a daughter of Washington Rathburn, of Conneetient. Mrs. Pope was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., March 15, 1814. The fruit of this union was nine children, five of whom lived to be adults. viz .: Sarah Jane, now Mrs. James Wood, of Scott County; Wm. HI. H., married Mary Allen, of Pleasant Valley; Melvina, now Mrs. John Fanning, of Prince- ton; James K .. who married Mary Green, of Missouri; George W., who married Maria Van Epps, of Pleasant Valley.

Mr. and Mrs. Pope came to Seott County poor, built a log cabin into which they moved, and from the wild prairies made a farm. There were plenty of Indians at the time. Mr. Pope remained on his farm until his death, which occurred in 1863. He died leaving a fine property-a farm of 160 acres, valued at $75 per acre.

Robert II. Pope, Princeton, Iowa, lime and grain-dealer and steamboat agent, was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., on the second day of May. 1821, son of Esquire S. and Sally (Angel) Pope, natives of New York State, where they were married. By this union there was a family of 13 children. 12 of whom lived to adults, four now living-Casanda. William, Robert HI., and Justus. Mr. Pope was by occupation a farmer. In 1836 he left New York and with his family emigrated to Quiney. Ill .. where he followed farm- ing until 1840, when he removed to Ft. Madison, Iowa, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1842, mother dying the same year, leaving a large family to mourn their loss. The subject of this sketch remained at home until his father's death, when he came to Davenport, Iowa. and located in Pleasant Valley, where he embarked in farming. Ile engaged in the mercantile business, which he followed up until 1851, when he moved to Le Claire and prosecuted the same business. The same year mar-

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

ried Angeline H. Stebbens, a daughter of Bishop and Hannah (Comstock) Stebbens, of New London, Conn., where she was born March 7, 1829. They were married Feb. 25, 1852. The fruit of this marriage was six children, viz .: Alvaretta, now the wife of Henry Garber; Adelbert, who died Ang. 27, 1856; Frank Clarence, died April 18, 1864; Fred and Scott. Remained in Le Claire for a couple of years, when he came to Princeton and built the first frame honse here; it was used as a hotel. He also carried on the mercantile business until 1862, sinee which time has been in the warehouse business and steamboat agent. IIad also a lime kiln which he operates with his son-in-law, where they manufacture about 100 barrels per day. Has a fine property in the city limits of 60 acres, valued at $8,000. Mr. Pope's warehouse stands on what is known as Pinnacle Point, the only safe landing in low water in the vicinity of Princeton, the river channel striking that point and thence running east, striking the Illinois shore about two miles below, therefore giving him controll of the steamboat business of the town.

Justus Pope was born in Brown Co .. N. Y., on the 15th day of September, 1823, son of Esquire S. and Sally (Angel) Pope, natives of New York, where a family of 13 children was born, four living- Casanda, wife of Tomkins Mallett, of Museatine, Ia .; William, of Utah Territory; Robert, of Princeton, and Justus. Esquire Pope emigrated in 1836 to Adams Co., Ill., where he purchased land and made a farm, and in 1838 or '39 removed to Lee Co., Iowa, where he remained until his death in 1843; mother died in 1842. The subject of this sketeh was reared on a farm and received a com- mon school education. In 1842 came to Scott County, Iowa, and located in Pleasant Valley. Sept. 12, 1848, married Sarah A. Wood, a daughter of Norman and Emily (Gilmore) Wood, natives of Vermont; they were married in Steuben Co .. N. Y , Feb. 26, 1825, and had a family of five children, four living-James W., Laura (wife of George Arrel), Norman H. Mrs. Pope was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., Nov. 14, 1827. The fruit of this marriage was three children, viz .: Emily C. now the wife of Lloyd Chap- man, of Adams Co., Iowa; Lewis W., who married Alice In- graham, and Henry L. Mr. Pope came to the county in an early day, took up wild lands and made a farm in Pleasant Valley. In 1864 came to Princeton Township, where he has resided sinee. Mr. and Mrs. Pope came to the county in limited eireumstanees, but by hard work and economy have made a fine property and home. Has 186 acres of land, 176 under a high state of cultiva- tion, valued at $55 per aere. Mr. and Mrs. Pope are members of the Lutheran church.

William Scott, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Mercer Co., Pa., on the 15th day of February, 1831, son of John and Mary (Bowinan) Scott, natives of Pennsylvania. They were married in Pennsylvania, where a family of six children were born, viz .: Will- iam, John B., Catherine (now the wife of Henry Wallace), Mary

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PRINCETON TOWNSHIP.

(now the wife of L. P. Wilcox), Sarah (Pleasant Valley) and James B. In 1851 Mr. Seott left his home in Pennsylvania, and emi- grated to Scott Co., Ia., and located in Pleasant Valley Township. where he now resides, at the advanced age of 77. Mrs. Scott died Ang. 12, 1878. The subject of this sketeh was reared on a farm, and received a common-school education. Feb. 12, 1860, married Elonore Parkhurst, a daughter of Jonas W. and Caroline Dorman. She was born in a log cabin in Le Claire Township, Nov. 20. 1837. By this union there were five children, viz .: Lillian V., born Dec. 2, 1860; Ernest Le Roy, born Sept. 27, 1864; William D., Dee. 20, 1872; James W., born Jan. 10, 1874; Waldo W., born Sept. 19, 1876. Mr. Scott has 120 acres of land under a high state of enlti- vation, valued at $50 an acre. Mr. Seott came to the county in an early day, and has seen the prairies from their wild uncultivated state to a beantifnl farming country.

James L. Sharlow, farmer and stock-raiser, Princeton, was born in Galena, Jo Daviess Co., Ill., Jan. 9, 1844, son of David and Louisa (Ladd) Sharlow; father a native of Ireland and mother of Kentneky. They were married in Galena, where 10 children were born, six of whom are living; viz .: James L., Win. B., Martha Ann (now the wife of B. F. Bigelow, Jasper Co., Ia.), David, Henry T. and George E. In 1835 David Sharlow left his home in Ireland and came to the United States, landing in Philadelphia, thence to Chicago, where he made a claim which he traded for a team of horses and a shot gun. From Chicago went to Galena, where he worked in the mines and was afterward employed in the smelt- ing works. In 1851 went to Califorina, via Cape Horn, where he embarked in mining, remaining four years. In 1856 came to Scott County, where he rented a farm in Le Claire Town- ship, where Mr. Bragonier now lives, where he died July 9, 1873. The subject of this sketch enlisted in 1862, in the 20th Iowa Vol- unteer Infantry, Company K. Among the principal engagements were Prairie Grove, siege and capture of Vicksburg, Red River expedition under Banks, etc., was mustered out at Clinton, Ia., July 17, 1865. Mr. Sharlow has 290 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre. Ilas under his supervision 1,100 aeres, 400 under enlti- vation.

William B. Sharlow, commercial agent, Dysart, Tama Co., Ia., was born in Galena, Ill., June 11, 1846, son of David and Louisa Ladd. Dee. 27, 1875, married Miss Lou M. Knott, a daughter of Harrison Knott, of Ohio, who was a schoolmate of Gen. U. S. Grant. She was born in Ohio in 1840. By this union there was one child-Bertha B.

James Speer, farmer. Princeton, was born in Cumberland Co., Pa., on the 10th day of May, 1803. son of William and Margaret (IIunter) Speer; father a native of Ireland. and mother of Pennsyl- vania. They were married in Cumberland Co., Pa., where a family of seven children was born, four living-John, Robert, Jane and James. His father by trade was a tailor; in later life followed

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

farming. He died in Cumberland County in 1862. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and received an elementary school education. When 22 years of age engaged in the steamboat trade for a couple of years; then was employed by a fur company on the Tennessee River, trading with the Indians, at that time a vast wilderness, receiving $10 per month for his labor. He returned to New Orleans. Seeing he could get more wages, he concluded to remain, but when he went for his pay the captain of the boat would not pay him, and he was compelled to bring him before the mayor of New Orleans, who decided that he should pay him $30 per month, then the going wages in Louisiana. In 1829 married Margaret Crawford, a daughter of John and Mary Crawford, of Pennsylvania, where she was born June 21, 1810. By this union there were eight children, seven of whom are living, viz .: Mary J. (now the wife of William Miller, of Clinton Co., Ia.), John (deceased), Robert, James, Joseph, Andrew (of Tama Co., Ia.), Eliza (now the wife of James White, of Shelby Co., Ia.). In 1840 left his home in Penn- sylvania and came to Le Claire, Ia. Moved into a log cabin 16 x 14, clapboard roof, sod chimney, and as Mr. Speer says, the wrong end down, as the smoke came out of the lower end chiefly; the roof was so they conld lay abed and look out and see the stars, and Mr. Speer said, many a time in a storm they had to spread an umbrella to keep themselves dry in bed. Thus Mr. and Mrs. Speer started in the county. A few years after coming to the county they made a claim in Lost Grove, where they opened up a farm and worked hard to develop the country. Mr. Spcer came to the county a poor man, but by hard work and economy owned 1,340 acres of land, worth $20 per acre, amounting to the sum of $26,800. Mr. Speer has sustained some heavy losses by going security, and has paid $12,000, but still has enough to see him through. Mr. and Mrs. Speer are members of the United Presbyterian church.

William Speer, son of James and Margaret (Crawford) Speer, was born near Pittsburg, Pa., on the 8th of January, 1834. In the spring of 1839 his parents emigrated to this county, and settled on a farm near Le Claire. After a residence of 10 or 12 years at that place, they moved into Princeton Township, and located on section 32. William lived with his father, assisting on the farm, and cultivating land on his own account until the spring of 1860, when he was smitten with the "gold fever," and went to Colorado, where he engaged in mining some six months, then returned to Scott County, a poorer, but wiser man. On March 14, 1861, he was married to Amanda, daughter of Archi- bald and Rebecca McHenry, nee Eaton. She was born Jan. 1, 1836, in Pennsylvania. Mr. Speer farmed on his father's land two years after he was married, then rented a farm in Lincoln Township for three years. He then moved on to the farm where he now resides. He owns 320 acres of land, 80 in Lincoln, 80 in Butler, and 160 in Princeton Townships, and is extensively en- gaged in farming and stock-raising. Mr. and Mrs. Speer have

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had eight children, six living-Margaret M., born Jan. 10, 1863; Anna M .. Dec. 21, 1866; Carrie B., Nov. 11, 1870, Rebecca J., Jan. 17, 1873: William J., April 16, 1875; and Edward J., April 30, 1878. Mr. James Speer was one of the pioneers of Scott Connty, and remembers that the first court held in the county, was in a log house in Davenport, one end of which he lived in with his family.

John D. Stafford, deceased, 'one of the pioneers of Seott Co., Ia., was born in Indiana in 1829, and came to Scott County in 1837, and located in Le Claire Township, where he opened up a farm on which he remained a few years, when he sold out and went to Valley City, and built a mill, in company with Roswell HI. Spencer, where he remained three years and in the meantime became acquainted with Rachel Slaughter, a daughter of Theron and Julia Slanghter. They were married in Pleasant Valley. In 1856 he came to Princeton Township, where Mrs. Stafford now resides, and remained until his death, which oceurred in 1876. By this union there were two living children-Edgar L., born March 24, 1856; Diekson E., born Dee. 7, 1865. Mrs. Stafford has a fine property of 160 acres of land under a high state of cultivation, well stocked, with fine buildings which she has built since the death of Mr. S., for which she deserves great credit. At the time of Mr. S.'s death the land was enenmbered, and by judi- cious management she has succeeded in paying off all indebted- ness.

J. W. Walker, miller, one of the enterprising business men of Princeton, was born in Beaver Co., Pa., July 29, 1821, son of Isaac and Eliza J. (Reno) Walker; father a native ot New Hampshire, and mother of Pennsylvania. They were mar- ried in Beaver Co., Pa., in 1820, where a family of eight children were born, seven living-J. W., Bruce, Isaac, Marcellus, Eliza J. (now the wife of Samnel Porter, of Kansas), Lydia Ann (wife of D. Williams, of St. Panl) and Hettie. Mr. Isaac Walker left his home in Pennsylvania and emigrated to Mason, Ill., where he followed the trade of a carpenter and joiner. He died in Mason County, in 1866; mother died in the year previous. The subject of this sketch was reared to the trade of a carpenter and joiner; when 20 years of age went to Natehez, where he followed his trade until the break- ing out of the Mexican war, when he enlisted in the 7th United States Infantry, Company D, under Generals Taylor and Scott, and participated in all the engagements of the regiment, which were Palo Alto, Monterey, Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Contraras and the taking of the city of Mexico; thence back to St. Louis, where he was discharged; from there returned to Mason County. Jan. 1, 1-51, he married Miss Catharine Rigehause. She was born in Germany in 1830. The fruit of this marriage was nine chil- dren, viz .: Ellizabeth, Lewis, Katie, William, Josie, Hettie, John, Melvina and Eugene. Mr. W. remained in Mason five years, when he came to Princeton, where he built a planing-mill, in

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companywith Mr. Patterson. In 1876 Mr. Walker converted it into a flouring-mill, known as the Princeton Star Mills, where he has a capacity of 20 barrels in 24 hours. Has the latest improve- ment, and his flour stands the test with any in the country. In politics he is a staunch Greenbacker. Mr. Walker took an active interest in our late war, spending money and time, enlisting and sending men into the field.

ROCKINGHAM TOWNSHIP.

This is the smallest township in the county, and yet one around which many historical scenes center. Its settlement began sinml- taneously with Princeton and Le Claire. Col. John Sullivan, of Zanesville, Ohio, James and Adrian HI. Davenport, Henry W. Higgins and others purchased the elaim made upon the site of the village subsequently laid out, directly opposite the month of Rock River.

During the years 1835, '36 and '37 a few settlers made claims baek from the river. along under the bluffs and on the edge of the prairie. Among them was David Sullivan in 1835, immediately back of the village of Rockingham, under the bluft. His farm ex- tended to the bottom lands. Rufus Rieker also settled in 1836, and Rev. Enoch Mead in the winter of 1837.

Among those who settled on the bluffs and on the edge of the prairie were Lewis Ringlesly in 1837, E. W. II. Wingfield in 1836, and John Wilson in 1835, who was familiarly known as "Wild-eat Wilson, " from having, as he said, " whipped his weight in wild-eats." and Charles Jacob Friday, the first permanent Ger- man settler in Scott County, who broke the first ground upon the bluff's, 10 aeres for himself and four for Mr. Winfield, in 1836.

John W. Brown, William Van Tuyl and John Burnsides also made claims or purchased them on Black Hawk Creek, just above Rockingham, in 1836.

RELIGIOUS.

The following sketch of the religious history of Rockingham is from the pen of Rev. Enoch Mead, one of the oldest living settlers of Rockingham Township:

" This town was carly favored with religious institutions. Trav- eling preachers occasionally visited the place at the time of its first settlement. The first preacher to make a permanent settlement was the Rev. E. Mead, a Presbyterian clergyman trom the East. Hle eame to the place in the winter of 1837-38 and soon succeeded in gathering a congregation and organizing a Presbyterian church. His family soon joined him in his new home. Early after the set- tlement of the place the Methodist denomination formed a "elass," which was eontinned for many years, being supplied by itinerants ot that church.

The Presbyterians and the Methodists are the only religious de- nominations that have had organizations in the place.

The Presbyterian denomination being in great need of a house of worship, in the spring of 1538, as a temporary expedient, pur-

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

chased the house that had been fitted up for a place of worship and a school-house, intending at a future time to build a house better adapted to their wants.

This house was for several years the only place of public wor- ship in the town. In the meantime, by a united effort on the part of the citizens, a new church was built which became the property of the Methodist denomination. These two churches were used on the Sabbath, and for occasional services for several years, until the establishment of the county seat at Davenport, which had the effect of destroying the prospects of Rockingham as an important town.

About this time the Presbyterian church in Rockingham aban- doned their organization and united with the larger church at the county seat. Their house of worship, now sadly out of repair, was sold and the proceeds applied to aid the Presbyterian church of Davenport.

The Methodist denomination maintained their organization several years longer, but finally abandoned it. Some 15 or 20 years ago their house of worship was sold and became private property.

At the present time there is no religions organization in the place except the Sabbath-school. This is in a flourishing condi- tion and promises to be an institution of great usefulness.

The first Sabbath-school in Rockingham was organized in the year 1838, more than 40 years past, by the Rev. E. Mead. This school has continued, with some interruptions, until the present time. No history of the school has been preserved, except as given below, dating back 25 years, when the school was re-organ- ized. Miss Harriet N. Mc Karg gives an account of the school from its re-organization:

" Nearly a quarter of a century since the Rev. John H. Winsor (now of St. Panl. Minn.), as-isted by Joseph Bloomer, students of Iowa College, Davenport, organized a Union Sabbath school in the old M. E. church building, now standing a few yards from its old site in the town plat of Rockingham. This school had 50 enrolled names, and the teachers were particular in regard to the memorizing of the Scriptures, a good custom now considered far behind the times.

" Mary E. Mead, Maggie A. Coleman and Mary E. Me Karg, misses in the intermediate class, recited almost complete the four Evangelists, during the summer, for in that day all country Sab bath-schools went into winter quarters, or elosed in October. At the spring opening the school was taken in care of the M. E. church, and John Coleman appointed superintendent, who kept it in good working order for three successive summers. In 1855 the place of meeting was changed to the Franklin school-house, and was again union, with Mr. Etherel Camp for superintendent. This organization continued three years. About this time Rev. E. Mead conducted a Bible class in the study of the Westminister

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Shorter Catechism, with the Baker Exposition. This was held at another hour in a room in an old log house on the Me Karg farm. In a few weeks we all went to the Franklin and elected Mr. John Coates superintendent for two years.

" In 1864 it was thought best to have a school in Rockingham in- dependent of the Franklin, as it would get a few pupils from the river bank to attend who could not be induced to walk to the bluft. Mrs. John Willis had charge of this school, and at the close of the summer the Franklin superintendent, Mr. Charles Hamnora, was drafted, and on his leaving, the school was scattered and de- moralized.

" Mrs. Willis worked on faithfully, summer and winter, for the term of four years, when failing health compelled her to report the post vacant, and ask the Y. M. C. A., of Davenport, to or- ganize a school in Rockingham, which they did, Jan. 18. 1869, and provided us with a superintendent and one teacher a year. This school would scorn the idea of closing during the winter months.

" To say that the Rockingham Township Sabbath-schools have not tried to keep pace with the other religious institutions of our county (for this is the only one in the township) would be injustice to our predecessors, and that we have kept pace would be better said by persons not so much interested as the writer."

EDUCATIONAL.

The first school in Rockingham was in the summer of 1837. It was taught by Miss Rhoda Vosburg, a neice of Judge W. L. Cook. Rev. Enoch Mead taught a four-months' school in the fol- lowing winter. The township has now two sub-distriets, with 132 children of school age, an enrollment of 83, and two frame school- houses valued at $3,100.

RELIGIOUS.

Rock River Parish, located in the town of Rockingham, was organized at the house of Ira Cook, on the 15th day of June, 1843, with Rev. Zachariah HI. Goldsmith in the chair, and S. S. Brown, secretary. A constitution was adopted, after which five vestry- men were chosen, ont of which were elected two wardens, one treasurer and one secretary. The gentlemen elected were George B. Sargeant, Sec'y; Wm. Van Tuyl, Treas .; James Davenport and John Willis, Wardens; James Davenport, William Van 'Tnyl, S. S. Brown, John Willis and George B. Sargeant, Vestrymen. Their pastor was Rev. Zachariah HI. Goldsmith.

VILLAGE OF ROCKINGHAM.

The village of Rockingham was laid out in 1836, and platted by J. II. Sullivan, James Davenport, Adrian Davenport and others, and was located on section S. In Angust of that year Col. Sullivan,

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

with his family and some others, came out for settlement. The town on the first of May, of this year, contained two log cabins, one being occupied by A. H. Davenport and his family, and the other by a Mr. Foster. Mr. Sullivan brought with him a small stoek of goods, and removing his store from Stephenson, now Rock Island, where he had been trading for a year, he erected a small building, and soon opened a dry-goods and grocery store. In the fall and winter of 1836 Rockingham contained some 13 houses, and about 100 inhabitants, among whom were Colonel Sullivan and family, the Davenport families, Millington and Franklin Easley, John Coleman and brothers, William Lingo, William Mountain, Mr. Cole, John Willis, S. S. Brown, Henry C. More- head, David Sullivan, Etheral and J. M. Camp, William White, William Detro, H. W. Higgins, Cornelius Harrold, Richard Har- rison, James B. MeCoy, E. H. Shepherd and Dr. E. S. Barrows. A large hotel was erected by J. H. Sullivan, James and A. H. Davenport, and some others in 1836, and kept for several years by H. W. Higgins, and was one of the best publie houses west of the Mississippi River. Here the county commissioners held their court until it was finally and irrevocably settled that Davenport was to be the connty seat. Tradition has it that Judge Irwin held here a term of the District Court, but unfortunately there are no records of the event. The old hotel building yet stands, and is now known as the Farmers' Hotel. In the spring of 1837 two more dry-goods stores were opened in the village, one by the Davenports, and the other by John S. Sheller & Co.

In the summer of 1837 a steam saw and flouring mill was erected by Mr. Sullivan, it being the first of the kind built in Seott County, in the Black Hawk purchase. This mill did effective ser- viee for many years. Even after the village ceased to exist, it con- tinued to do duty for the farmers in the neighborhood. It was torn down in 1852, the building being removed and re-erected as a barn, the machinery being taken to Le Claire and used in a mill in that village.

In 1838 Rockingham contained 45 houses, including stores and work-shops, and in 1839 there were four dry-goods stores, three grocery stores, besides a drug store and some whisky shops. Mechanies of nearly all trades had settled here, and the town gave every evidence of thrift and long life. The cause of its deeline will be found in Chapter I. under the head of the County Seat Contest. Rockingham made a desperate effort to secure the county seat, and when that failed her hopes began to decline, and from the date the contest was decided in favor of Davenport, all efforts ceased to build up the place. and removals began, one by one, until to-day but four or five buildings stand upon the site of the once flourishing village. Speaking of those who were instru- mental in building up Rockingham, W. Barrows, writing in 1860 says: "Of the early settlers of Rockingham, many are still inhabitants of Seott County; some have died and many settled in this portion

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History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 116

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