USA > Iowa > Scott County > History of Scott County, Iowa > Part 32
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120
Samuel Francis Smith was born at Waterville, Maine, on the 5th of September, 1836, and is the son of the Rev. Samuel Francis Smith, D.D., a distinguished Baptist clergyman, of Boston, Mass., and Mary (White) Smith. On both sides he is descended from Puri- tan ancestors, who settled in Massachusetts early in the 17th cen- tury, from whom have sprung some of the noblest names that adorn the annals of their country. His father is the author of the national hymn of the Republic, "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," an ode which has found a merited response in every Christian 'heart, not only in this "sweet land of lib- erty," but throughout the globe, which has been rendered into the dialect of almost every civilized country in the world, and which is sung as frequently in the Alpine valleys and on the slopes of the Himalayas as in the fair land that gave birth to its venerated au- thor. To be the author of that hymn is glory enough for one man and one life time.
A brother of our subject, the Rev. D. A. W. Smith, D. D., is president of the Baptist Theological Seminary, at Rangoon, Indiana, a gentleman of rare literary attainments, and of the highest mental endowments, whose name is known and honored in all the churches. Nor is his ancestry on the female side less distinguished, his maternal grandfather, the Rev. Hezekiah Smith, D.D., having been an indefatigable chaplain in the Revo- Intionary army, during the memorable struggle for liberty, while many others of the same line have occupied conspicuous places in sundry departments during the intervening century.
Samuel Francis Smith was fitted for Harvard College and car- ried through the freshman year by his father, but failing health,
347
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
superinduced by excessive application, obliged him to discontinue study for several years. From the earliest period of his recollec- tion he desired to be a lawyer; this was the grand aim of his ambi- tion; his tastes ran in the direction of books and studies in that line, and all his intermediate efforts were but so many steps toward the attainment of his cherished aim. When he could no longer study he resolved to earn his own living, and ease his father of the bur- den of his support, and for two years served as clerk in various ca- pacities. At the age of 19 he made up his mind to go West for the benefit of his health, and as likely to afford him better facilities for the pursuit of his favorite studies.
He halted for a few months in Chicago, and afterward settled in Davenport, Iowa, which has ever since been his home. He found employment in the law office of Hon . James Grant, where he assidu- ously devoted his leisure moments to study, the library of his em- ployer having been kindly placed at his disposal; in this way he completed the college course commenced under the direction of his father. In 1857 he commenced in earnestness the practical study of the law, and in the following year was admitted to the bar, thus attaining the end he so earnestly desired and so eagerly sought. Two years later he went into partnership with his preceptor, Judge Grant. The firm engaged largely in the collection of repudiated corporation bonds and were eminently successful, this branch of the business being the specialty of Mr. Smith. During the first year of his connection with the firm his proportion of the earnings amounted to $240, but under the steady and persistent growth of business his emoluments increased also, and during the last year of his active partnership his share of the proceeds amounted to over $50,000.
In 1873 his health gave way under a nervous attack, and relax- ation and change being necessary for his restoration, he made a visit to Europe in that year with his family, and remained two and a half years absent ; visiting the principal cities in that part of the globe. Since his return he has engaged in banking operations in connection with the Davenport National Bank, of which he is an officer and large stockholder.
Mr. Smith is still in the prime of life, a most amiable and accomplished gentleman, courteous and modest. As a financier he has few superiors, while all his transactions are governed by probity and wisdom. He has been a member of the Baptist Church since he was 15, and is one of the most successful workers and gener-
.
348
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
ous contributors in its ranks. In politics he lias always been Re- publican. On the 17th of August, 1863, he married Miss Mary, daughter of the Rev. Julius A. Reed, of Davenport, Iowa, a graduate of Yale College, who came West in 1831, and who for nearly 25 years was connected with the Congregational home mission eanse in Iowa.
Hans Reiner Claussen was born in a village of the province of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, Feb. 23, 1804. His father was the owner of a farm on which Hans worked, enjoying the advantages of a common-school education up to 1820, when he entered a college at Meldorf. Leaving Meldorf he became a student at the University at Kiel, in 1824, and passed examination as a law student in 1829, and in 1830 was admitted to the bar. He commeneed the practice of law in the neighborhood of his birthplace, and in 1834 located at Kiel, where the sessions of the Supreme Court for the province were held ; he practiced law up to 1851, when he was exiled by the king of Denmark, who then ruled over Schleswig- Holstein, which is now a province of Prussia.
Mr. Claussen was a member of the Legislature of Holstein from 1840 to 1851, and in 1848 and 1849 a member of the German Parliament, which convened in May, 1848, at Frankfort-on-the- Main, and framed a constitution for a united Germany. That con- stitution, however, was repudiated by the German kings, but the present constitution of United Germany contains many of the essential parts of that framed in 1848. The cause of the exile of Mr. Claussen was participation in the struggle of Schleswig-Holstein for independence from the Danish king. When a Republic was established in France, in 1848, the people of the old world were greatly aronsed, and revolutions broke out in Vienna, Hungary Berlin, Saxony, Hanover and Schleswig-Holstein. The Legislature of the latter Province elected five members, who were sent to Copenhagen to present the grievances of that Province to the king, and ask for relief. Mr. Claussen was one of those delegates. The father of Theodore Gnelich, and Theodore Olshausen, for some time editor of Der Demokrat, were also of the number. These then were exiled by the Danish king. When these delegates arrived at the Danish capital they were in great danger of being mobbed by the infuriated Danish people. The hotel where they lodged was surrounded by thousands of greatly excited Danes who called the delegates traitors and disloyal to their king. When they drove to the palace of the king, the streets were densely crowded with an infuriated mob, who attempted to overthrow their vehicle and kill
349
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
the delegates. The better classes, however, ma le strenuous and successful efforts to save their lives. The king received them cour- teously, but refused to grant their petitions.
When the delegates returned, they found the people of Schiles- wig-Holstein in arms against the Danish king. A government of the people had been established, and Mr. Claussen was sent to Berlin to obtain aid from Prussia. The long struggle in Seliles- wig-Holstein against the tyranny of the Danish king had created throughout Germany great sympathy for the oppressed. In con- sequence of the revolution in that capital, a liberal ministry was appointed in Berlin. Favored by these circumstances Mr. Claus- sen was successful in his mission, and the armies of Prussia were sent to occupy the province and protect the people against Danish aggression. This army was withdrawn about a year after, but the army of Selileswig-Holstein was alone able to hold out against the Danish till 1851. The enthusiasm to battle for independence was great, and boys 16 years of age would voluntarily enter the army. Among the latter was Ernst Claussen, now an attorney in Daven- port. But the Danish king fully recovered his sway over Schles- wig-Holstein, and exiled a large number, among whom was Mr. Claussen. Numerous citizens, who could not and would not stand the tyranny of the Danes, emigrated to the United States, many of whom settled in Scott County.
Mr. Claussen arrived in the United States in August, 1851, and located in Davenport. He began the study of the English lan- guage and law, and was admitted to the bar about two years after his arrival. In 1855 he erected a steam grist-mill in Lyons, Clin- ton Co., and was in the milling business until 1858. In this he was not successful, and lost nearly all his means during the mone- tary crisis of 1857. He sold his mill and re-commenced the prac- tice of law. In the fall of 1858 he was elected justice of the peace, and re-elected in 1860. As his law business continued to grow he took his son, Ernst Claussen, as a partner. In 1869 he was elected to the State Senate and served four years. He was a member of the Judiciary, University, Orphan's House, and Constitutional Amendment Committees of that body, and took an active part in the revision of the code in 1873. In the Senate lie opposed female suffrage, and every attempt to make the prohibitory liquor laws more stringent, and would have advocated a license law if there had been any prospect of its passage. Since 1856 he has been a Republican.
350
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
While Mr. Clanssen was practicing law in Kiel, he gave instruc- tions in law to students in the University, and wrote a treatise about Prælegata, a difficult matter of the Roman law, which was favorably noticed, and which has since created a great deal of discussion among eminent learned professors in Germany.
Mr. Clanssen was united in marriage in May, 1832, with Anniere Rahber, a daughter of a Danish civil officer, and niece of a cele- brated Danish poet. Four children were born unto them, two of whom died in infancy, and two living-Ernst Claussen, an attor- ney in Davenport, and Elfrieda, wife of Christian Mueller.
Frank Perrin practiced here about 1840, and subsequently moved to New Orleans.
W. J. A. Bradford commenced practice here in 1841, and re- mained two years, then removed to Clinton County.
Mr. Firor came about 1844 from Ohio, and subsequently returned to the same State.
James Baker practiced about the same time. He is now living in Springfield, Mo.
Avery Thomas lived in Princeton from 1839 to 1841 and prac- iced at the Scott County bar.
Charles J. Rogers came to Le Claire in 1855 and remained until 1860, when he removed to Dubugne, where he now resides.
R. Linderman was also a resident of Le Claire and was for some years county judge. He now resides in Colorado.
Among others of the bar of the past was Frank Plumer, Alfred Edwards, I. N. Talmage, John Johns, James A. Buchanan, Alfred Church, John W. Van Hoesen, George M. Van Hoesen, D. S. True- James Thorington, H. F. Suksdorf, James Armstrong, L. G. John- son, A. H. Bennett.
THE PRESENT BAR.
The bar of to-day is represented by a class of men that reflect honor and credit upon the profession. The following comprises the list as it now stands in the spring of 1882: W. R. H. Alexander, H. H. Ascherman, George W. Bowden, Benson Bros., Bills & Block, W. J. Birchard, Brown & Campbell, G. G. Carstens, Clark & Heywood, Ernst Claussen, C. H. Clemmer, Cook & Dodge, Davison & Lane. W. T. Dittoe, L. P. Dosh, C. A. Ficke, L. M. Fisher, W. A. Foster, H. C. Fulton, T. W. Gilrath, Gannon & Mc- Guirk, George E. Gould, Grant & Grant, Green & Peters, Carl F. Hass, Fred Heinz, Hadley, M. Henley J. Howard Henry, Hirschl
351
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
& Preston, George E. Hubbell, Jenkins & Pratt, II. C. F. Jenson, Carl Kuehl, C. N. Lanman, Martin, Murphy & Lynch, N. S. Mitchell, D. B. Nash, P. L. O'Meare, Samuel Porter, Putnam & Rogers, Frank E. Richman, J. Scott Richman, Roderick Rose, W. O. Schmidt, L. M. Smith, Otto Smith, M. D. Snyder, Stewart & White, P. Stoltenberg, M. S. Stuyvesant, Thompson & French, Waterman & Boyle, W. H. Wilson, Wing & Finke, Charles Whit- aker.
E'rnst Claussen, attorney-at-law, commenced practice in 1860, and has been an active member since. IIe is a native of Holstein, Germany, born in 1833, and was educated at that place. In 1851, after the dissolution of the revolutionary army of Schleswig-Hol- stein, in whose ranks, although then quite young, he had fought as a volunteer, he came to America, and spent the first two years of his residence in this country in St. Louis, Mo., coming to Iowa in 1853, and locating in Davenport, Scott Co. He went to Lyons, Clinton Co., Iowa, in 1855, and remained there until 1858, when he returned to Davenport. He enlisted, on the first call of the President for 75,000 three months' troops, as a member of the First Iowa Infantry, and served as First Sergeant of Co. G during the term of his enlistment, then retired from the service, and re- sumed the practice of his profession and has devoted his attention to the law since. He has been a Republican since the organization of that party, and cast his first vote for John C. Fremont. He was quite active in polities in earlier years, but since the Liberal Gree- ley movement, of which he was a member, he has taken no part in politics. He is a member of the I.O. O. F. and several German soci- eties. His parents came to Davenport with him, and still reside here. His father, H. R. Claussen, was for many years an active member of the Scott County bar, practicing at intervals from the time of his arrival here until 1870, when he retired. Mr. Ernst Claussen married his first wife in 1862; she died in January, 1875, leaving two children, a daughter, now deceased, and a son. He married his present wife in the fall of 1876, and by her had three children, two living and one deceased.
Jacob W. Stewart, attorney of the firm of Stewart & White, came to Scott County in April, 1853, and has been actively con- neeted with the bar from then to the present time. He first associated himself with J. W. Sennet, an old classmate, for about two years, with varied success; he then remained alone until 1859, when he formed a partnership with James Armstrong; this firm dissolved
352
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
in January, 1873; then remained alone until Jan. 1, 1875, when the present partnership with Wm. K. White was formed. Mr. Stewart has been with the bar of Scott County nearly 30 years, and is the third oldest member of the bar now practicing. Mr. Stew- art was born in Danbury, Conn., in 1828. He descended from Scotch ancestry on the paternal side. His parents, Simeon M. and Susan (Gillette) Stewart, were also born in Danbury. Mr. Stewart spent the first 14 years of his life there, when his parents moved to Ohio and settled in Akron. He was graduated at Dennison University, Granville, in the class of 1850. He read law in Pecks- kill. N. Y .; was admitted to practice in 1852; came West that fall and taught school in Burlington, Iowa, the winter of 1852-'3. He then came to Davenport, landing April 26, 1853, and at once opened an office for the practice of law. He was chosen prosecut- ing attorney in 1856, for the term of two years. In 1866 he was appointed by Andrew Johnson as Collector of United States In- ternal Revenue, for the Second Congressional District, composed of six counties, which position he filled one year. He was elected Mayor of the city of Davenport in 1874, at the end of which time he moved outside of the city limits which disqualified him for re- election. Since that time he has studiously avoided all official connection with politics, and has zealously pursued his profession. In the spring of 1875 he purchased a homestead of 40 acres about one mile east of the city limits, which is known as Pahquioque, laid out and ornamented by a practical landscape gardener, and is one of the most beautiful places in this part of the West. He mar- ried Fannie A. Ferguson in 1856, who is also of Scotch descent. They have one son and one daughter, both adults.
George E. Hubbell, attorney, was born in Salisbury, Conn., on April 7, 1828. His father was John L. Hubbell, a native of Con- necticut; his mother was Sophia R. Morse, a distant relative of Prof. Morse, of telegraph fame. Her father was sheriff of New Ha- ven Co., Conn., many years. George's parents reside at Albuqner- que, N. M., the former 87 and the latter 77 years of age. The sub- ject of this record was reared and educated in Connecticut and graduated from Yale law school in 1851, and, opening a law office, practiced in New Haven a little over a year. He was married June 10, 1852, to Mary Brewster Pease, granddaughter of James Brew- ster. Soon after his marriage he opened a law office at No. 80 Nassau street, New York, and practiced there in contact with Charles O'Connor, James T. Brady, and other celebrated legal lights.
353
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
His health failing, he came West and located in Davenport, in 1853, and has been actively engaged in the prosecution of his pro- fession since. In the spring of 1864, he entered into partnership with his brother, Judge S. A. Hubbell, which continued one year, the Judge being appointed by President Johnson, as judge of the Terri- torial Court of New Mexico; he died there in April, 1879. Mr. Hub- bell has refused to become a candidate for any political office, pre- ferring rather to devote himself studiously to his profession. He is the oldest member of the Scott Connty bar now in active prac- tice. save one. When he came to Davenport it contained 4,000 in- habitants and now has 22,000. There is but one business firm in the city that was in existence when he came. Mr. Hubbell buried his first wite in February, 1873. She left four children, viz .: George E , Jr .. Charles H., Carrie H. and James P. In June, 1874, Mr. Hubbell married his present wife, Mary C. Worthington, a daugh- ter of Rev. S. G. J. Worthington, a Methodist clergyman at Onarga, Ill. Mr. Hubbell has been actively engaged in the temperance canse for many years; joined the Sons of Temperance in 1863, and was Grand Worthy Patriarch of the State, at one time. He is active and ontspoken in behalf of the Prohibition movement from conscientions principles, and is a fearless advocate of his convictions in private circles, and from the rostrnm.
John C. Bills, attorney, of the law firm of Bills & Block, has been a member of the Scott Co. bar since May, 1856. He is a native of Wyoming Co., New York, born in 1833. After re- ceiving an academic education, he read law in Buffalo, and was admitted to the bar in 1855. The spring following he came West and located in Davenport, Iowa, and has been an active and prom- inent member of the Scott County bar to the present time. He was twice elected mayor of Davenport, in 1870 and 1871, on the Republican ticket. He was married in July, 1861, to Clara B. Bliss, a native of Wyoming Co., New York.
Samuel Edward Brown, attorney, of the firm of Brown & Campbell, has been a practitioner of the law since 1855, but was not admitted to the bar of New York, until 1857; was admitted at the May terin, 1857, and after a year of practice in that State he came to Davenport, Jnne 1, 1858, and this has been his home since. He was born in Owego, New York, on Nov. 26, 1833. He attended the Owego Academy, and Amherst College, Massachusetts, graduating in the class of 1855. He at once entered npon the study of law in his native place, under B. F. Tracey, and was admitted as above
354
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
stated. He was offered a partnership by Col. N. W. Davis, of New York State, one of his examiners, the same day of his admission, which he accepted. He remained there until June 1, 1858, then started for the West. James Armstrong an old schoolmate, came with him as a partner. They remained together until March 1, 1860, Mr. Brown being then offered a partnership in the law firm of Corbin & Dow, which he accepted. Mr. Corbin being engaged in the banking business, soon after retired from the firm, leaving it Dow & Brown; a year or two later Mr. Dow retired leaving Mr. Brown alone. He took Alfred Sully as a partner, in March, 1864. In June, 1870, James D. Campbell being admitted, the firm became Brown, Campbell & Sully ; Mr. Sully withdrew from the firm in March, 1874, and George E. Gould was taken as a partner in the firm from 1874 until 1876, since which time the firm has continued as it now exists. Mr. Campbell's attention for the past two years has been almost exclusively engaged in railroad business, and there has been a division of business since January, 1881. Mr. Brown de- votes his energies almost exclusively to Federal Courts, and practices over a circuit that embraces Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska, looking after foreclosure of mortgages, railroad matters and municipal bonds. Mr. Brown's is one of the finest law offices in the West, it together with E. E. Cook's being planned and built according to their idea. He married in Owego, Miss Mary Louise Davis, . a daughter of his old law partner, in August, 1859. They have five sons and two daughters. Mr. Brown losing his father early in life, became self-supporting at 13 years of age. He has a fine residence at the corner of 16th and Brady streets, comprising a fractional square, beautifully improved and ornamented.
Daniel B. Nash was born in Jacksonville, Ill., Dec. 9, 1826. His parents were Stephen and Bashua (Belknap) Nash; the former born and bred in Massachusetts, the latter in Vermont. They were married in the East, and moved to Morgan Co., Ill., in 1820. His mother died in her 86th year on Feb. 9, 1874; his father, aged 89 years, died Oct. 19, 1878. The subject of this record graduated from Illinois College in June, 1854. Began read- ing law with his cousin, Chauncy Nash, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and was admitted to the bar in October, 1855. He entered into partnership with his cousin there, in which relation he continued for three years; he then moved to Davenport, where he has been actively engaged in his profession ever since. In November, 1875, he was appointed register in bankruptcy for the district of Iowa,
James Grant. 1: 13 LGrant.
357
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
which position he still holds, not having entirely completed the old business. He has, in such judicial position, done much ser- vice for the United States and litigants throughout the State during his official labors. His habit has been to write regular opinions on the more important cases, some of which have been reported and quoted by courts as authority, and in some instances have been embodied in legal digests. He has paid but little atten- tion to polities, having devoted all his energies and talents to his profession. He has, however, ever been a pronounced Republican. He was married, after settling in Davenport. to Margaret A. Hutchinson, a native of New York State, on Sept. 3, 1864. Their married life has been blessed with two children. Martin Belknap, born Oet. 28, 1866, and Mary Caroline, Nov. 15, 1871. The family are connected with the Episcopal Church. The son, Martin Bel- knap, is attending Griswold College.
John W. Thompson, attorney, of the firm of Thompson & French, 209 Main street, was born in Huntington Co., Pa., Oct. 14, 1823. He was a son of Joseph and Ann (Johuston) Thompson, natives of Pennsylvania. He was a carpenter by trade; she was a member of the Presbyterian Church. They had six children, five are still living. John W. attended school nntil 19, then taught school until 21, when he began the study of law in Huntington, Pa., in the office of Thomas P. Campbell; was admitted to the bar when 23 years of age, in April, 1847, practicing law in Williamsburg and Holidaysburg, Pa., until the spring of 1854; then traveled in Texas and other States until April, 1855, when he located in Davenport and formed a partnership with Horatio B. Barner, which continned until 1861; then continued alone until 1866, when he and J. D. Campbell were partners until 1870, when he continued alone until 1877, then formed liis present partnership with Nathaniel French. Mr. Thompson married Miss Margaret A. Wallace, May 12, 1874, a native of Westmoreland Co., Pa. She was a daughter of John and Martha (Ross) Wallace. Mrs. John W. Thompson died March 12, 1875. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. John W. Thompson is one of the leading representatives of the Davenport bar, having been identified with it since April 3, 1855. In politics a "free soil " Whig, and cast his first vote for Henry Clay, but since the organ- ization of the Republican party he has been one of its strongest supporters. Mr. Thompson was elected a Republican Representa- tive to the Iowa Legislature in 1857, and to the Senate in 1859.
22
358
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
He was a member of the convention of 1860 that nominated Lincoln for President, and also a member of the convention of 1880 that nominated Garfield for President of the United States.
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.