History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 74

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 74

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

native of Amsterdam, Holland, and eame alone to Ameriea when 14; he followed the sea and became captain of ships. She was a na- tive of Delaware. They had six children. Col. H. attended school until 15, when he engaged in the grocery trade at Philadelphia, Pa., until 1847, then ran a saw-mill on Hoeking River, seven miles from Logan, Ohio. until 1856, when he came to Scott Co., Iowa; he bought and ran a farm in Cleona township, until Aug. 14, 1861, when be enlisted in Co. C. Second Iowa Cavalry, as first sergeant. and seven days after was elceted captain of his company; was wounded at the battle of Farmington. Miss.,-a piece of shell struck him in the left thigh. He returned home for 40 days. when he joined his regiment. He was in all the battles of his regiment, until May, 1863, when, owing to wounds and illness returned home. In 1864 he again went into the field as lient .- colonel of 44th Iowa Infantry, and March 1. 1865. was appointed provost-marshal of the Second District of Iowa, and he closed up the provost-marshal business of the entire State, receiving his final discharge from the service Jan. 1. 1866. The Colonel then " turned his sword into a plow-share" and returned to his farm. In the fall of 1869 he was elected county treasurer and held that office four years and since then he has been engaged in the printing. binding and blank-book busi ness. In the fall of 1879 he was elected Republiean Representa- tive to the Iowa Legislature. Colonel Egbert married Miss Eliza- beth G. Sudlow, May 12. 1850. She was born in N. Y. Her parents were Richard and Hannah Sudlow. . Mr. and Mrs. Col. Egbert are members of the First M. E. Church. Ile is a Mason and member of Davenport Lodge. No. 37. A. F. & A. M., A.O. U. W. Lodge, No. 17, and in politics he is a strong supporter of the Republican party. He is one of Davenport's Representative men and has been identified with Scott County since 1856.

D. C. Eldridge .- Among the early settlers of Scott County, and the successful men of Iowa, may fairly be placed the name of D. C. Eldridge. He was born in Woodbury, N. J., Aug. 3, 1801. His parents Josiah and Sarah Eldridge, nee Middleton, were natives of New Jersey. They removed to Haddonfield. that State, when D. C. was about eight years old. He here learned the brick layer and plasterer's trade. and was married to Miss Rachel Brown. Jan. S, 1823. In May. 1825, Mr. Eldridge moved to Rochester, N. Y., where his wife died in 1527, having been the mother of three chil- dren. His second marriage occurred in Cincinnati, O., Nov. 4, 1829. to Miss Rebecea Lippineott. She was born in New Jersey, and was a daughter of Micajah and Sarah (Roberts) Lippincott, natives of that State. Of their seven children. two are living- Charles H. and Micajah L. In 1835 Mr. Eldridge went to Galena, Ill .. and in the fall of 1836 he opened a store. where the city of Davenport now stands. In 1837 he was appointed postmaster here, and May 3 of that year his daughter. Sarah E., was born, be- ing the first female white child born in Davenport. Mr. Eldridge remained in the postoffice until 1$52, being out during Pope's ad-

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CITY OF DAVENPORT.

ministration, when he resigned the office. He has followed the drug, grocery and dry-goods business since his residence here; also farmed two seasons in this township, and is at present engaged in the insurance business. In religious sentiment Mr. Eldridge and wife are Christians, and have been members of that church over 50 years. Mr. Eldridge is one of the oldest settlers of Scott County, and was present when the second treaty of the Keokuk reserve was made in Sept., 1836. He has built 34 houses in this city, and has lived in all of them. He is the oldest Odd Fellow in Iowa, and be- . came a member of Kensington Lodge, No. 5. at Philadelphia, Pa., May 9, 182%.

Jacob MM. Eldridge, land and loan agent, 210 Brady street, was born in Haddonfield, N. J., Nov. 20, 1824, and is a descendant of Scotch ancestry. His parents were D. C. Eldridge and Rachel, nee Brown: his mother died when he was four years old, and he then went to live with his grandmother. Ile became self-sup- porting at the age of 13. and followed teaming until he was 19, when he sold his team and traveled one winter, visiting Washing- ton and called on President John Tyler. He engaged in the grain business in Camden, N. Y., one year, then started for the West, and landed at Rock Island, Dec. 23, 1545. after a journey of two months hard travel from Philadelphia. The next day he came to Davenport. then a city of 500 inhabitants, where his father had re-ided since 1-36. He concluded to make this city hishome. and entered land three miles northeast of Davenport, paying $1.25 an acre for it. and soll it for $125 in 1572. realizing 10,000 per cent. on the investment. On Feb. 12. 1846, he returned to Philadelphia, settled up his business there and came back to Davenport on Nov . 20, of that year. Ile was married June 1, 1848, to Miss Mary Woodward. of Burlington. N. J., who died in December, 1819. On June, 25. 1851. he married Miss Mary Williams, of Newark, N. J. Her parents were C. C. Williams and Eliza ner Miller, natives of New Jersey. Of eight children born of this union, six are living-Lizzie, Kate, Frank, Minnie, Jennie and George. Mr. Eldridge is a member of Scott Division, No. 1, Sons of Temper- ance, and the oldest member except one in the State of Iowa, having been a member since Nov. 16. 155. In politics he is rather independent, but was formerly a Republican, being a dele- gate to the convention at Iowa City in 1856, at the organization of the Republican party. Was also a delegate from Iowa to Cincin- nati, to the convention that nominated Horace Greeley. He built and owns most of Eldridge. Iowa, the town having been named for him, as is Eldridge Town. Dakota, Ter., where he is interested in the Davenport farm of 3,000 acres. He owns about 10,000 aeres of land in Iowa. Nebraska and Dakota, and has 53 tenants in Davenport, and a fine residence at 1,530 Farnam street. He has always been foremost in every work that would conduce to the prosperity and improvement of Davenport, and merits and receives the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens.

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

Micajah L. Eldridge. real estate and loan agent, 210 Brady street, was born in Davenport, Ang. 22. 1845, and was a son of D. C. and Rebecca (Lippincott) Eldridge, residents of this city. Mieajah attended school until he was 18 years old, then accepted a situation as clerk in the postoffice: subsequently engaged in his present business. In 1874 he started the Davenport Times, a weekly newspaper devoted to the interests of workingmen. After conducting it successfully for two years, he disposed of it. After. . ward engaged in the job printing business with profit for a year, meantime carrying on his real estate business. He was married to Miss Maggie Berry, Oct. 17, 1865. She was born in Harris- burg. Pa. To them have been born eight children. six living-D. Challen, Sadie, Anna, May, Bennie and Willie. They are mem- bers of the Christian church. In politics Mr. Eldridge is a Repub- liean.

Peter Eyer. plumber and gas-fitter, 512 West Second street, was a son of George Eyer and Jacobin, nee Unger, and was born in Bayer, Prussia, Germany, May 20. 1857. When Peter was 12 years old he came with his grandmother. Mrs Unger, to America. They located in New York City, where Peter attended school until he was 14 years old, when he learned the plumber and gas-fitter's trade, and in 1874 he moved to Rock Island. One year later he came to Davenport where, in 1876, he established a plumber and gas-fitter's shop, and at present is located at the above numbor where he is Prepared to fill all orders in his line of business. Ile was married Feb. 12, 1881, to Miss Hannah Looft, of this city, and a daughter of Peter and Margaretta (Ilaak) Looft. Mr. Ever is a member of the Schutzen and Drnids societies, and is one of onr enterprising business men.

Frederick C. Fahrenkrug, dealer in paints, oils, glass, putty, varnishes, brushes, etc., corner of Third and Harrison streets, was born in Falereu, Holstein, Germany, Nov. 30, 1847. His parents were Jochen and Wilhelmeua (Strohbeen) Fahrenkrug. They had two children, both living. Frederick C., when two or three years of age, emigrated with his parents to America, landed in New Orleans, La., thence to Davenport, Iowa, arriving here in 1850. He attended school and learned the cigar-maker's trade, until 15 when he went with his mother to San Francisco, Cal., where he learned the painter's trade, which he followed seven and a-half years in San Francisco, then retured to Davenport and workel at his trade until 1877, when he opened his present paint and oil store at southwest corner Third and Harrison streets, where he carries a full stock of paints, glass, putty, varnishes, ete. He mar- ried Miss Frederica Kruse, Dee. 11, 1872. She was born in New York; her parents were Christopher and Ma. ia (Miller) Kruse. Mr. and Mrs. Fahrenkrug have had five children, four living, viz .: John F. W., Lilly, Mamie and Frederica. Mr. Fahrenkrug is a member of the United Brotherhood, of Iowa, and Turner Society. Ile his one of Davenport's enterprising business men and has been identified with it since 1850. In polities he is Independent.

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CITY OF DAVENPORT.

Edwin Fay, wholesale dealer in paper bags, flour saeks, wood and willow ware, groceries, sundries, etc .. 119 Brady street, estab- lished this business in 1867, as Fav & Smith; but in August, 1878, the firm was burned out. Since that time Mr. Fay has condueted the business alone. He was born in Milan, Erie Co., O., Dec. 15, 1830, and was a son of Lyman Fay and Clara Louise nee Kellogg, a relative of Clara Lonise Kellogg, of musical fame. Lyman Fay was a physician in early life. but in later years a merchant, con- tractor and builder. Edwin attended the Milan schools until 17 years of ago, when he embarked in the mercantile business in New London, O. He followed this branch of business in Ashland, O., two years, and in Rock Island, Ill., one year. He became a resi- dent of Davenport in 1854. and has here won for himself a name, as a man of excellent business qualifications and unimpeachable integrity. He was married in April, 1558. to Elizabeth R., dangh- ter of Capt. Daniel Putnam, a relative of Gen. Putnam, of Revo- Intionary fame. Mr. and Mrs. Fay have had four children-Eva C., Hattie E .. George E., and John P., who died in infancy. In religious profession Mrs. Fay is an Episcopalian. Mr. Fay is a member of Trinity Lodge. A. F. & A. M., No. 208.

Peter Feddersen, proprietor Washington Park, corner Marquette and Leonard streets, was born on the 15th of December, 1828, in Holstein. Germany, and was a son of Peter and Katherine Fedder- sen. natives of Germany, where they both died. The subject of this memoir emigrated to the United States in 1857, and located at once in Davenport. He worked as farm laborer two years, then engaged in farming for himself nine years in Liberty township, this county. Failing health obliged him to give up the arduous duties of farm life. and he returned to Davenport. He lived a retired life 12 years, then bonght the Washington Park property, and has had charge of it since. His marriage with Dorothea Jube oenrred Nov. 9. 1859. in Liberty township. She was born in Hol- stein, Germany. They have had three children-Katharine, Peter and Mary. The family are members of the Lutheran church.

John. B. Fidlar, cashier of the Erst National Bank, Davenport, was born in Jacksontown, Licking Co., Ohio, May 16. 1839. Ile was a son of Samuel P. and and Maria M. ( Moore ) Fidlar, he of Pennsylvania and she of Ohio. They were members of the M. E. ehnreh and had a family of four sons and two danghters. John B., the subject of this sketch, attended school until 14 in Licking Co., Ohio, when his parents moved to Delaware, Ohio. He attended the Ohio Wesleyan University two years, then followed the house and sign painter's trade three years, when he was employed as American Express agent at Burlington, Iowa, until the outbreak- ing of the war, when in August. 1562, he enlisted as a private in Company D, 25th Iowa Infantry Volunteers. Was promoted from private on np to eaptain; was in the battle at Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Inka. Cherokee Station, and some 30 engagements of his regiment; was wounded in the forearm with

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

a musket ball, and laid in the hospital at Iuka three months; was mustered out at Washington, D. C., at the elose of the war. He then returned to his position as express agent at Burlington, Iowa, until 1870, when he was appointed a position in the First National Bank in Davenport, and in 1878 was appointed his present position as cashier of this bank. Mr. Fidlar was married to Miss Louisa Harper, Sept. 16, 1868. She was born at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and was a daughter of W. W. Harper and Mary A. ( Lunbeck ) Harper. Mr. and Mrs. John B. Fidlar have one child, viz. : Willie Fidlar. Mrs. Fidlar is a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Fidlar is a Mason and member of Trinity Lodge, No. 208, Dav- enport Chapter, No. 16, R. A. M., and A. O. U. W. Lodge, No. 17, and is a charter member of this lodge. Is a member of Royal Arcanum Sumner Council. 511, V. A. S. Fraternity, Stella Col- legium, and in polities a Republican, and is one of Davenport's enterprising representative men, and has been identified with this city since 1870.

Bernard O. Finger, money-order elerk, postoffice department, Davenport, was born in Covington, Ky., Oct. 25, 1854, and is a son of Bernard Finger, Sr., Police Magistrate and Justice of the Peace of Davenport township, and Margaret, nce Arndt. They came to Davenport when Bernard, Jr., was abont two years old. He gradu- ated from No. 5 grammar school and was a pupil in the high school two terms. When he was 16 years old he went to Pine River, near Warsaw, Wis., and measured lumber for John L. Davies & Son two seasons, when he received his present appoint- ment of money - order clerk, at Davenport. Ile has held this position nine years, and has ever been faithful in the discharge of his duties, and given universal satisfaction. He is an active mem - ber of the Davenport Boat Club, and politically is a Republican.

Bernard Finger, Justice of the Peace and Police Magistrate of the city of Davenport, was born in Prussia. Germany. Ang. 27. 1824, and was a son of Francis and Johanna (Eleon) Finger, na- tives of Germany. He came to the United States in 1848, and went to St. Louis, Mo., where he soon obtained employment as clerk in a dry-goods store. In 1849 he left St. Louis for Wiseon- sin, and in partnership with a countryman of his embarked in the mercantile business in Megnon. He remained there until 1852; then spent a short time in Beardstown, Ill., and in Cincin- nati, O., locating in Davenport, in 1846. In January, 1863, he was appointed by Governor Yates as first lieutenant in the 16th Cav. Regimental Commissary. He . acted as post adjutant at Camp Butler five months: then went with the regiment to Cumberland Gap, Tenn., and soon afterward was appointed post commissary at Tazewell, Tenn. In February, 1864, the regiment was ordered to Mt. Pleasant, Ky., there reorganized and prepared for the Geor- gia campaign. Mr. Finger was appointed brigade commissary on the staff of Col. E. W. Crittenden, and in May was attached to Gen. L. Stoneman's cavalry corps and sent to Georgia. and re-

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mained with the command until the surrender of Atlanta. He was then attached to Gen. Wilson's cavalry corps, against Hood, at the siege of Nashville. During this time was also made quarter- master of the regiment, and in one night in this campaign was promoted from regimental to brigade commissary, and 15 min- ntes later was appointed division commissary of Gen. Johnson's statt. At the close of the war he returned to Davenport. He resumed his position as bookkeeper at French & Davies' and remained with them until 1869. Hle engaged in the grocery busi- ness two years; was then elected Davenport City and township assessor, and re-elected to this office every year until 1876, when he was elected to his present office of justice of the peace. In 1881 he was elected police magistrate. Ile was married April S. 1852, to Margaret, daughter of F. L. Arndt. They have had nine children, eight living: Bernard, money order clerk at the Daven- port postoffice; Rudolph, acivil engineer in Dakota; Eugene, asst. deputy clerk of the County Court; Theela, engaged in school teach- ing; Gustavus, Julia. Johanna N. and Edgar. Johanna, the oldest child, now deceased, was appointed, by Mr. Russell, money order clerk, a position she held two and a half years, when her health failed, and she died soon after. Mr. Finger has been a member of the Republican party since its organization.

Robert Fleming is a native of Ireland, born in the county of Tyrone in 1806. He is the son of John and Rebecca Fleming. both natives of the same country. Mrs. Fleming's maiden name was Naville. The parents of Robert came to America in 1818, and located in Pickaway Plains. O., where they subsequently died. Robert did not come to this country until 1831, when he was 25 years of age. He also located in Pickaway Plains, but only re- mined there a year and a half, when he moved to Lockburn, Franklin Co., in the same State, where he followed his trade of baker, which he learned in the old country, for about six years. Desiring a change he visited Quincy and Springfield, Ill., Burling- ton, Ia., and other places, and finally located in Davenport in 1838. He brought with him to this place a large amount of flour, with the intention of engaging in the bakery trade. Ile only made one lot of bread, and then concluded to dispose of his flour and engage in other business. At this time flour was a scarce arti- cle, and he refused to sell but a limited amount to each family. When one applied to him for four. he first asked him how many were in his family, and would then only sell him a certain number of pounds for each individual. It mattered not whether the appli- cant had the money or not, he let him have the flour. He says that he never lost the amount due him but from one man, the indi- vidual denying that he received the amount of flour stated. Mr. Fleming kept no record, and only knew the amount due him by the number in the family, and as the party questioned the correct- ness of his bill, he told him he could keep it all. When Mr. Fleming disposed of his flour he purchased a piece of land is

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

Davenport township, where he engaged in farming a few years. then sold out and moved to Wapello Co., Ia., where he re- mained two years, engaged in farming. While in Wapello he married the widow of his brother James, in 1857. Mrs. Flem- ing was born in Franklin Co .. O. Two children were born unto them- James R., born in 1858; Henry, born in 1859, and dying in infancy. Mrs. Fleming had five children by her first husband, four of whom are now living. Mr. Fleming was compelled to take back his farm in Davenport township, and therefore sold his farm in Wapello County and moved back. He remained on the farm some years and then moved to the city. Mrs. Fleming died in 1878.

John Foley, grocer, 1614 Harrison street, was born in County Leitrim, Ireland, May 15, 1850, of John and Ann (Cramer) Foley, natives also of that place. The subject of this memoir was reared on a farm in Ireland and emigrated to the United States in 1868. HIe went to New Haven, Conn., and worked in the carpenter shops of the N. H. & N. H. R. R. for two years; traveled for them four years, then went to Chicago, Ill., and took a contract for building sewers for two years. He conducted a coal and wood yard three years, then came to Davenport and established his pres- ent business and has met with good success in his line of trade, and carries a complete stock of staple and fancy groceries. He was married to one of his own country women, Margaret Flynn, June 6, 1878. She was a daughter of James and Margaret (Rourke) Flynn. Mr. and Mrs. Foley have one child-Mary A. Mr. Foley was formerly a member of A. O. H. and at present is a member of the Irish Land League.

John Forrest. Among the early settlers of Davenport, in the year 1837, when on the site of the present large eity was but a small village with few inhabitants, may be found the name of John Forrest, now one of Davenport's affluent citizens, enjoying the memories of the past, as well as the substantial results of a success- ful life, after a long period of patient toil, firm perseverance, but restless activity of thought. These, conjoined with prudence and good management, added to qniekness of perception and prompti- tude of action, have produced the usual result-snecess.

John Forrest was born in the town of Russia, Herkimer Co., New York, on the 14th of July. 1807. His parents were natives of Ireland and were among the first settlers upon what was known as the "royal grant," where they lived to an advanced age, dying within a few months of each other. Young Forrest commenced life as a farm boy, assisting on his father's farm, and was reared to habits of economy and industry, which were of great aid to him in after life. Ile received a common-school education, and after attaining his majority accepted a situation as elerk in a store, re- maining as such two years, then going into the mercantile business for himself, which he followed successfully until 1837, when, being drawn bythe current then prevailing, he started West, and in October,

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CITY OF DAVENPORT.

1837, he started for Davenport with his family, and after six weeks ofhard travel via Erie canal, Lake Erie, Ohio canal, Ohio and Mis- sissippi Rivers, arrived in Davenport on the 4th of December, 1837. During the time they were in Burlington the Territorial Leg- islature of Wisconsin was in session, and the representatives of this county, without his application or knowledge, had a justice's com- mission from Henry Dodge, then governor of Wisconsin Territory, made ont, and sent to him soon after his arrival. Government lands not having been offered for sale, there was mneh litigation about claims which could only be settled in a justice's court with 12 jurymen. This involved great costs and much excitement. This office he held by appointment and election until June, 1845, when he was appointed postinaster, which oflice he held four years. Mr. Forrest has filled many offices of trust. He was alderman of his ward for several terms and for one term held the office of mayor in the absence of the mayor elect, General Sargent.

fle was very active in the question of the contested county seat, and it was due perhaps more to him than any other man that it was conceded to Davenport. In the election before the last a majority of 20 votes was for Rockingham. He and his friends succeeded in getting the supervisors of Dubuque County, to whom the returns were made, to delay the canvass and entry of record until they could satisfy them of the fraud on the part of Rocking. ham in conducting the elections. They were given three days in which to come from Dubuque and return there again with the tes- timony. Mr. Forrest started out through the country, and as he found a party who had voted against them illegally he, as a justice, at once took his deposition, and within the time specified succeeded in obtaining the affidavits of a sufficient number to east the vote in favor of Davenport, and the commissioners so recorded it.

Mr. F. and his young wife made great sacrifices in leaving home. friends and society, and coming to the wilds of the far West to find themselves surrounded with savage Indians, who were dissatisfied and restless, resulting from the then recent Black Hawk war. The few white settlers then on the west bank of the Mississippi River were in momentary and constant danger of being destroyed by these blood-thirsty savages. After years of hardships and privation, immigration began and society soon followed. Improvements com- menced in which Mr. F. took active interest, putting up several build- ings, among which were the brick block, corner Third and Brady streets, in 1849, ocenpied as a medical college for some years, when they moved to Keokuk, where they now are. The most valuable im- provements were the large brick block corner of Third and Perry streets, and finally the elegant and substantial briek block, corner of Fourth and Brady streets, which is an ornament to the city and a eredit and a monument to himself. erected A. D. 1877. at a cost of about $20,000. Ile was married on the 25th of March. 1835, to Miss Annie E. MeMasters, of Russia, New York, a lady of high attain- ments. Family consists of wife and four children now living. The

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IIISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

two oldest, John G. and Eugenia R., were born in the State of New York, the latter being but three months old when coming West. George W. and Willie If. were born in Iowa. Charles H. was born June 17, 1849, and died Oet. 31, 1849, at the age of four and one-half months. John G. and George W. are married and now living in Clinton, Iowa. Willie H. is married and now living in Kansas City, Mo. Engenia R. was married to the Hon. David S. True, Oct. 3, 1859, who died after a protracted illness. April 23, 1873. Mr. True was for many years before his death of the firm of Davison & True, leading and successful attorneys of this city. Mr. True was a man of acknowledged ability, and universally admired and respected by all who had the pleasure of his acquaint- anee, and a model and indulgent husband. Mrs. True was married the second time to Prof. Noyes B. Miner, a gentleman of high literary attainments, on Dee. 30, 1878. They are now making the tour of Enrope. The family home is one of the finest man- sions in the city, situated on an elevation overlooking the father of waters and the eities of Davenport, Rock Island and Moline, III.

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History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 74

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