History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 45

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 45

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While we may not stay the arm of destiny that is fast sweeping away the aborigines of this continent as a distinctive race, we may question the policy that would exterminate them, and should throw the broad mantle of charity over their acts. While bounteous nat- ure had done fully her share in making this country an inviting field for the immigrant, it required the genius and enterprise of man to develop its resources and plant its towns and villages. Towns in those days were laid out with reference to natural advan- tages presented by the Mississippi River and its tributaries, and hence every spot of ground along the river above high water mark (and some below) was surveyed, platted, pictured, and named.

I will not undertake the task of recalling the names even of all the early cities in Scott County, but I must not pass in silence the contest for supremacy between Davenport and Rockingham. The history of this struggle for the county seat of Seott is so fresh in my memory that I can almost hear one of the " old guard " singing-

Here we are, a happy, happy band, On the banks of Rockingham.

Davenport claimed the seat of justice, because of her central local- ity, her high and dry site, her beautiful surroundings, and her many other natural advantages, which we all now concede and realize ; while Rockingham expected to become the great centerpot of com- merce in consequence of the rich trade that was destined (as she supposed) to flow from the fertile valley of Rock River. No one in those days expected to live long enough to see the iron horse flying over the Western prairie with its freights of human life, rich merchandise from the East, and the still more valuable products of the West. Our ideas about traveling and commerce had not ad- vanced beyond a light draught steamer and John Frink's mud wagon. The wisdom and foresight of the statesmen of Illinois were directed to producing slack water navigation in Rock River, and a very decided amount of capital, energy and enterprise was devoted to building up Rockingham, in order that she might reap the benefit of the prosperous trade about to be opened with the Suckers in the rich valley of that river.

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

Who among yon. recollecting the incident of those stirring times will ever forget the first county-seat question ? Certainly not the prominent actors on either side, many of whom are with us to-day ? The "border ruffians" of Missouri did not originate the idea of invading an adjoining territory in order to help their friends at an important election; nor can Mr. Calhoun claim to be the first man to record names whose owners were not at the ballot-box. We had a " border " and a " Delaware crossing " long before Kansas was thought of, and, to use an expression of one of my pioneer friends, there was some " tall doings " on our borders and on our erossings.

The suckers furnished a goodly number for both parties, but the delegations fromn "Suake Diggins " and Moscow (the former headed by a two-fisted miner, and the latter by the " old bogus eoon") in - creased the population of Seott County in one day to a number that astonished the unsophisticated, and threatened the depopulation of some of our sister counties.

The result of this election indicated a very respectable population in the county in point of numbers, and proved that Davenport had colonized the most votes. The returns were made to the governor, who refused to issne a certificate, in consequence of alleged illegal voting, and the Legislature again provided for another election, and that the result should be recorded on the records of the com- missioners of Dubuque County. The election came off, and Rock- ingham claimed the victory, while Davenport declared the whole thing was illegal and void. From the popular arena the contest was tranferred before the commissioners of Dubuque County, thenee to the courts, thence to the Legislature, and finally back to the ordeal of " popular sovereignty."

Immediate preparations were made for another struggle, and now three or four different points were brought before the people for the prize. Rockingham saw that she stood no chance in a triangular fight with her old competitor, and at once determined to form an alliance with another rival candidate located near the month of Dnek Creek, so that the last contest was really between Davenport and the Dnek Creek cornfield. The records of this county show that Davenport was triumphant, and the question was thus forever settled.

During the time of the contest for the county seat, an event transpired which must not be omitted in speaking of the history of our settlement. A dispute arose between the State of Missouri and the then Territory of Iowa as to the boundary line between

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

them, and so determined were the authorities on both sides to ex- ereise jurisdiction over the disputed territory that it resulted in what is known to the old settlers as the " Missouri War."

The sheriff of a border county in Iowa undertook to enforce the collection of taxes in the disputed territory. He was arrested by the anthorities of Missouri. The executive of Iowa demanded his release. It was refused; and to rescue this sheriff, Governor Lu- cas ordered out the militia, and called for volunteers. " My voice is now for war," was the patriotic response of every true " Hawk- eye." The county-seat question was forgotton in the more impor- tant duty of driving the invaders from our soil. Davenport and Rockingham men met, embraced, buckled on their armor, and side by side shouted their war cry. " Death to the ' Pukes."" The officers in command held a council of war, and it was decided that Davenport should be the headquarters of the Scott County army, in order that the troops might be inspired by the sight of old Fort Armstrong, and at the same time ocenpy a position so near the fort that a safe retreat would be at hand in case of an attack from the eneay.

The question of boundary was subsequently submitted to the Supreme Court of the United States, and the disputed territory given to Iowa.

At the commencement of the year 1840, this county contained about 2,500 inhabitants, of which number about 500 resided in Davenport. To-day your county boasts of a population of 30,000. and this city claims 8.000 of that number.

In 1840, at the head of the Rock Island Rapids, on the spot where now stands the city of Le Claire, with a population of 25, 000, grew a dense forest. In 1840 the fertile, beautiful prairies of old Scott were lying undisturbed by the husbandman; to-day they are teeming with industrious, happy owners of the soil. Iu 1840 there was but one steam-engine in operation within the bor- ders of your county, and that one was at Rockingham. To-day you may count them by hundreds along the bank of your river, from Buffalo to Princeton, on our prairies, and in our groves. In 1840 every face you met was a familiar one, and the greeting a greeting of recognition. To-day the oklest inhabitant hardly knows his next door neighbor. In 1840 it took from three to five days to go to Chicago, and 13 to New York. To-day the lightning train puts yon in Chicago in eight hours, and in New York in 40.

Here followed an eloquent tribute to George Washington, whose birthday the association was honoring by this celebration.

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

The Hon. James Grant. Chairman of the committee, proceeded to read the following toasts :

1. Washington-No nation can claim, no country can appro- priate him to itself. His fame is the common property of patriots throughout the civilized world.

2. The Early Pioneers of Scott County-The hardships and privations of a frontier life justly entitles them to the esteem of all those who enjoy the fruits of their early struggles ; their pos- terity shall rise up and call them blessed.

3. The Pioneer Dead-May their names be preserved, their hardships remembered, and memories cherished by their survi- vors, by their descendants, and by all who enjoy the goodly heri- tage to which they lead the way,-To which the Hon. James Grant responded.

4. The Star of Empire -When in its western progress its rays - of light fell on the virgin soil of Iowa. a new destiny was conceived, which in its birth, like the " Star in the East," has brought forth its wise men to worship. Responded to by Rev. G. F. Magoun.

The following beautiful poem from the pen of Miss Mary E. Mead, an old settler by birthright, was then read; as it is a pro- duetion of much merit and a faithful reflex of pioneer days in Scott County, we give it entire :

REMINISCENCES.

As oft, at eve, by firesides bright and warm, Some sailor group are gathered, while they tell Of journeys far, of conflict with the storm, Of dangers they have braved so long and well, So round this ample board we meet to night, And many a tale of olden time recite.

Once roamed the Indian all these vales among, The deer sprang startled from bis stealthy tread, The fearful war-whoop through the forest rung, The deadly arrow from its quiver sped ; But now we sit at twilight's soft recline, In peace, beneath the shadow of the vine.

If e'er to conquering warrior has been owed The glory of an honored, world-wide name; If e'er on noble souls has been bestowed That lofty homage which is truest fame ; If e'er in history's page or classic verse Our country's Fathers have been justly praised; In humbler strains we surely may rehearse

Enach Mend

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The deeds of those by whom our hearts were raised; Who left their kindred to return no more,

And reared their altars on this wildwood shore.

All are not here: Where sinks the emerald wave In long dull surges toward the glowing West Lies many a heart as noble and as brave As e'er was laid beneath the sod to rest. They dropped the acorn on the barren glade, At noon we rest beneath the oak-trees shade.

We meet again ; the scattered band unite In social converse as in days of yore : No! Not as when, within the ruddy light Of oak bonghs blazing at the cabin door. We sat and talked the winter night away Till morning streaked the Eastern hills with gray.

No more the Red men round our dwellings prowl ; No foes lie ambushed in each leafy bower ; No more the wolf's swift spring or sudden howl Startles the sleeper at the midnight hour ; Nor leaping flames before the rapid gale Speed like the waves when wintry storms prevail.

From lonely ARMSTRONG'S now-dismantled fort Down the still stream no martial strains are borne ; In stately towns where busy crowds resort The cheerful sounds of labor greet the morn ; From happy homes the voice of mirth floats by, And plashing waves and laughing winds reply.

Oft have I heard the times recounted o'er When every cabin window was a door ; When corn was ground upon a lantern's side, And doors by la'ch-strings to the timbers tied ; Small was the store a lawless horde to tempt, From thieves and robbers happily exempt.

lowe'er that be, of this there is no doubt : In those good times the lateh-strings all hung out, And neighboring friend and stranger guest might share The roof-tree's shelter and the simple fare ; E'en now the cabin ten by twelve is seen. Where on a time 'tis said there lodged fifteen !

But mingled with these recollections gay There wakes a sadder, gentler strain for those Who, like some castle crumbling to decay, Were doomed to ruin when the new arose. 'Tis eve. The stars with silv'ry sheen Rise silently and slow ;

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The pallid moon looks out between, The waves repose below, And not the dipping of an oar Breaks on the stillness of the shore.

Was it the whisper of the breeze Sighiug among the tangled grass ? Was it the moaning of the trees When far above the storm clouds pass ? Oh no; in silence still and deep

The tiniest flower is lulled to sleep.

But there are sounds, I hear them now, They swell along the plain ; 'Tis not the murmur of the rill, "Tis not the dash of rain; And can there be a foot so light To stir the rustling leaves to night ?

There is, along the slant hill-side,

Where darksome forests bow,

Singly the dusky figure glides ;

Look ! you can see them now,

Pause! 'tis a band of Indian braves

Who come to seek their chieftains' graves.

Disturb them not, as silently

These well known paths they trace ; Not long among us may there be

Remnants of that old race. They fade as fades the morning ray Before the glowing eye of day.

A little time they linger here Uncared for and unknown, To shed a solitary tear O'er comrades lost and gone ; Silent and sad they gather round Some lonely, undistinguished mound.

Hark ! all of the solemu woods along, A soft and sadder lay, As if some heart in plaintive song Would pour itself away. List! while the mournful cadence swells Clear as the tone of evening bells.

Still roll the river waves as blue As when we launched the bark canos, Or when we plied the d pping oar Beneath the shelter of the shore. Still sings the lark a welcome guest ;

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Still folds the dove her wings to rest ; Still the green arching forests spread Their boughs as widely overhead, But 'neath their shadow now, alas! No more our bounding warriors pass Silent where once their footsteps fell. Land of our birth, farewell, farewell. Soft echo answers to the trembling lay ; 'Neath heavy shadows glides the group away.

Oh kindly sun ! oh soft, benignant day! At thy glad dawn the darkness takes its flight, The sombre hues of twilight melt away, And sunlight bathes the Eastern hills with light. So smiled the morn with beauty all aglow On this fair land some twenty years ago! Faint the light blushes up the dewy skies, From cot and couch the cheerful dwellers rise : The cabin windows open, wide fly the doors, The frugal wife brings out her garnered stores; The gleeful children, with their sun-browned hair, Forsake the house and sport in open air ; While soon,-the duties of the morning done,- Some stripling youth, with ready dog and gun, Roams through the woods if haply he may bring From its far heights the wild bird on the wing; Or, 'mid the rustling forest chance to hear The short, sharp panting of the startled deer. And proud, though weary from the chase may bear Back to his cot the noon and evening fare. One seeks in pastures for the truant cow, Another yokes the cattle to his plow, Or marches slow the well trained pair beside ; Plain wagon seats were then no bar to pride- Well was the place of coach and four supplied. So glides the day until at eve they meet, Children and sire, each in his 'customed seat,

While plenty smokes up n the cheerful board, And clear, cokl wine the sparkling streams afford. Well the day's ventures do the hours heguile, The dullest face oft wears a gladsome smile. Now blue-eyed " baby " sings herself to rest, Safe cradled in an ancient lidless chest. llark from the farthest corner " Charlie's " call For " Pa " to make a rabbit on the wall. Then comes the time for little hunter " Ben; " To-day he surely found a lion's den .

But elosed are " Allie's " eyes, her drooping head Finds the soft pillow of her little bed.

The hours pass cheerily till all softly creep

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Away to childhood's light, unconscious sleep,- And starlight, peeping through the half-closed door Kisses the sleepers on the cabin floor.

How fled the years in humble scenes like these, With much to sadden, more, far more, to please! And who shall tell, that in this later day- When life has grown more earnest and less gay- A richer pleasure through its current thrills Than in those cots among the breezy hills ? Simple their joys, their days in quiet spent, Hope for a watchword, for a shield, content, Till slow at length beneath their forming blows A garden from the wilderness arose.

Lo! As we gaze along the slender piers Which bear aloft the lengthening arch of years ; As we retrace the first faint morning ray And glance, rejoicing, to the noon-tide day, Glad hopes, bright visions o'er our bosom throng And the full heart finds utterance in song.

Oh noble West! oh mighty West! Oh ever bright and free, Thy prairies by the breeze caressed Roll wave-like as the sea, And through the long and tangled grass The sunbeam's golden fringes pass.

Thy streams are like the streams of time, Their source we cannot see ; We only hear the water's chime Break low and musically ;

And hear the plashing waves, like rain, Dash on the shore, then sink again.

No pilgrim comes with weary feet O'er many a desert mile, Ilis prayer or promise to repeat Beneath some sacred pile; Nor counts the solitary hours

Beneath a city's ruined towers.

But in this world so fresh and young, Which, like the goddess from the foam, To life full grown and radiant sprung, Lies that dear spot, our home. And 'round its portals, Love and Truth Shall wind the wreathes of endless youth.

Flushed is the song ! a sadder strain were not for hours so bright ; Only the calm clear voice of Hope should whisper here to-night; Glad faces are around us, sweet tones upon the air,

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And the glance of fond affection meets our greeting everywhere. There are blessings from the aged, kind wishes from the young, And joy, her rosy radiance has o'er our gathering flung.

We will hail the fleeting moments where the Past and Present stand ; One with a darksome cypress wreath, one with a snow-white wand. We will hail the glorious Future with her cup of bliss untried; We will hail the white-winged maiden Hope that blushes at her side. And the rich delicious Present shall trip rejoicing by, As lightly as the winged wind across a Southern sky.

But tears are quivering on the moistened cheek, A glance on lips receding track we east; Our voice is mute, our lips refuse to speak, Our hearts o'erflow with memories of the past.

Oh friends of old ! we meet again to-night, Our hopes and wishes as of yore to blend ; Thus will we keep the links of friendship bright, Thus will we journey onward to the end ; And hand to hand in cordial greeting pressed, We'll breathe a blessing on the glorious West !

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING.

The second annual meeting of the association was held in Le Claire Hall, Davenport, Monday, Feb. 7, 1859. The treasurer's report was read, showing the expenditures to the amount of $158.20, and credits to the amount of $132.90, leaving a balance due treasurer of $25.30. The reports of various committees were received, one of which reported the names of many of the pioneers of the county.

On motion the following named officers were continued for the year 1859 : Antoine Le Claire, President; E. S. Barrows, Cor- responding Secretary: John L. Coffin, Recording Secretary. The president then appointed a committee to report vice-presidents and treasurer. The committee reported as follows : Ebenezer Cook, G. C. R. Miller, Henry C. Morehead, Charles Metteer, Jabez A. Birchard, Jolın Coleman, Lemuel Summers, Jesse R. James, Alcx- ander Brownlee, Warner L. Clark, Vice-Presidents; James Mc- Cosh, Treasurer.

SECOND ANNUAL FESTIVAL.

The second annual festival of the association was held at the Burtis House, Tuesday evening. Feb. 22, 1859.

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

At an early hour in the evening the old settlers commenced to gather at the house, and employed themselves in social conversa- tion and inquiries until 8 o'clock, when the association was called to order by the president, and Willard Barrows then de- livered the annual address. The members of the Young Settlers' Society were admitted in a body to listen to the address, after which they retired. A large number of toasts were read and re- sponded to, and all enjoyed themselves as only pioneers can.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING.

The third annual meeting was held at Le Claire Hall, Monday, Feb. 6, 1860.

Section 4 of Article V. of the constitution was changed so as to read as follows : " All persons who were residents of Scott County on or before the 31st day of December, 1840, and who have since become non-residents, may be elected honorary mem- bers in the same manner as provided for in the election of mem- bers. "

A committee was appointed which reported the following named officers for 1860 : Ebenezer Cook, President; Willard Barrows, Corresponding Secretary; Alfred Sanders, Recording Secretary; George L. Davenport, Treasurer; D. C. Eldridge, James Grant, J. E. Burnsides, Edward Richer, John Evans, T. C. Eads, Samuel Little, L. C. Chamberlain, David Sullivan, Rodolphus Bennett, Vice-Presidents.

Alfred Sanders was selected to make the annual address.

THIRD ANNUAL FESTIVAL.

The third annual festival of the association was held at the Burtis House, Wednesday evening, Feb. 22, 1860. The day was ushered in with rain and closed with rain. The roads were almost impassable, and the walking wretched. Notwithstanding, a large assembly gathered, including a number of ladies. The at- tendance from the country was necessarily limited, but still a few were present who came a long distance over mnddy roads.

At 8:30 o'clock the doors of the great dining-hall were thrown open, and the pioneers entered and seated themselves. In the absence of the president, Judge Grant took the chair. After passing a complimentary resolution to the retiring officers, Al- fred Sanders, the orator of the evening, was introduced, and de-

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livered an excellent address. An adjournment was then had for halt an hour to permit the tables to be spread for supper. After supper many toasts were real and responses made, which ended the third annual festival.

FOURTH ANNUAL MEETING.

The meeting was held Monday, Jan. 7, 1861. II. B. Finley, chairman of the committee appointed to obtain the names of pioneer settlers, together with those that have died, reported that as far as the committee were able to ascertain, the total number of old settlers, or citizens of Scott County prior to Dec. 31, 1840, was 948, of which number 187 were dead.

A ballot was taken for president of the association when D. C. Eldridge received a majority of the votes cast. and was declared elected. A committee appointed for that purpose reported the remaining officers as follows: James Thorington, Enoch Mead. John K. James, James McCosh, E. S. Morey, J. W. Wiley, John Friday, A. H. Davenport. Waldo Parkhurst, II. Brown, Viec- Presidents; N. M. Rambo, Recording Secretary; W. Barrows Corresponding Secretary; Israel Hall, Treasurer.

FOURTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL.

The festival was this year held in Le Claire Hall, but the attend- ance was so large as to require the use also of Armory Hall. The evening of Friday. Feb. 22. 1861, was the date selected for the festival. At an early hour the old settlers began pouring in, and long before the hour appointed for opening the proceedings every seat in the hall was filled, a large proportion of the assembly being ladies. On the raised platform was a substantially built log cabin. four or five feet high, constructed in the real old-fashi- ioned log-cabin style. It was the work of an old settler-Mr. W. Peter Hall. On another part of the platform was a monument about eight or ten feet high, painted to resemble marble, on a granite base. It was to the memory of the pioneer dead of Scott County, and on its several sides were inscribed the names of the departed pioneers, classified according to the years of their death. It was tastefully decorated, and all united in admiration of the idea and the manner in which it was executed. Mr. Willard Barrows was the designer.

At 7:30 P. M. Mr. Cook, President, called the meeting to order and then delivered his retiring address, handing over the ensignia

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of his office (a large gold-headed cane) to his successor, D. C. Eldridge, Mr. James Thorington representing Mr. Eldridge in his absence and responding to the address.

Mr. Thorington introduced the orator of the day, Hon. James Grant.

After the address the assembly rose to their feet and sang " Auld Lang Syne." They then proceeded to the hall for supper, which had been prepared by Daniel Moore, an old settler. There were about 300 sat down at the table. A divine bless- ing was asked by Elder James Rumbold. After all were satisfied a mimber of toasts were read and responded to. The company then returned to the hall and spent the time till 2 o'clock in con- versation, singing and speaking, when they adjourned.

SPECIAL MEETING.

At a meeting of the old settlers held Sept. 26, 1861, at Judge Grant's office. the question which had long been agitated of erecting a monument on some lofty eminence overlooking the city of Dav- enport, on which should be inscribed the names of all the old set- tlers, again arising, it was resolved that it should be done, and for that purpose a committee composed of the following persons was selected:

From Pleasant Valley-J. A. Burchard and G. G. IIyde.

Le Claire-A. H. Davenport and James Jack.

Princeton-Giles M. Pinnco and R. Bennett.

Winfield-H. H. Pease and Alex. Brownlee.

Allen's Grove-Johnson Mars and Lewis Fuller.

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History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 45

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