History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 87

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 87

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945

ALLEN'S GROVE TOWNSHIP.

he still owns and runs. He also superintends the farm. He was married May 28, 1863, to Elizabeth Mains, a native of Tuscarawas Co., O., and daughter of David Mains, of Iron Co., Mo. They have had six children, of whom five are living, viz. : Elbert B .. Robert C., Orpha A .. Jennie M. and Charley. Mr. Stephens held the office of township clerk for several years; was secretary of the Township School Board for 20 years, assessor four years, and was enumerator of the census in 1880.

J. Thomas Swearingen, a prominent school-teacher of Dixon, was born in Richland Co., O., March 1, 1854, and is a son of George Swearingen, a native of Brook Co., W. Va. He was reared on a farm, and educated at Cornell College, of Mt. Vernon, Iowa. He came with his parents to Southern Illinois when but a small boy, and to this county in 1866. He began teaching in 1875, in which he has since continued, except one year, which time he elerked in Binford's drug store, in Dixon. He was married Nov. 13, 1879, to Miss Emma J., daughter of Casper Filson, of Tipton, Iowa. Mrs. Swearingen is also a successful teacher. Mr. S. is financier of the A. O. U. W., at Dixon.

Isaac Winey, deceased, was a native of Union Co .. Pa., and was born in February. 1812. He was brought up on a farm, but at an carly age he learned the stone-mason's trade. He took contracts for the masonry on railroads, and also built many locks on the different canals. He came to Davenport in the fall of 1852, and to Allen's Grove in 1853, where he engaged in farming and stock- raising, until his death, which occurred June 30, 1877. He mar- ried Miss Mary Watts, of Pennsylvania, daughter of Samuel Watts. They had 12 children, 10 living-Isabel, David, Johnson, Benjamin, Sarah A., Lucian, Susan C., Samuel A., Jerome and Caroline M. One son, Thomas, died in his country's service, in the late war. He was a member of the Second Iowa Inf .. and in attempting to save his life by swimming to shore when the vessel on which he was a passenger was thought to be in danger of being lost by an explosion of her boilers, he was drowned. Lucian was also a soldier in that war, in the Second Iowa Cavalry.

BLUE GRASS TOWNSHIP.

The township of Blue Grass comprises all of township 78 north, of range 2 east of the principal meridian. It is nearly all prairie land. The notable groves are Little's, Picayune and Blue Grass Point : the latter has been all cut off and grubbed out, and the others have but very little large timber now standing. Some young burr-oak timber is growing in two or three places in the southeast part of the township. The surface is undulating, and the soil a deep, rich black loam. The township is all now under cultivation. The C., R. I. & P. R. R. runs through the northern part of it. The water shed is in sections 19, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and through the northern tier of sections in the township. From these two sheds the water flows to all points of the compass.

The name of the township originated as follows : An old and long- used Indian trail leading from Davenport to Moscow and the Cedar River passed by a point of timber on seetion 31. This point seems to have been used by them as a favorite camping place, and with their ponies they killed the prairie grass, which there grew luxuriantly. In its stead sprang up blue grass, and the place was ever afterward known as Blue Grass Point. When a postoffice was established in the neighborhood, it was given the name of Blue Grass, and the township was also so named.

EARLY SETTLERS

Rufus L. Catlin settled on seetion 31, in 1839 ; and in the spring of 1839 he rented a small cabin three miles distant from his con- templated home in Muscatine County, and then built a rail pen on his claim, and took his daughter Louisa to keep honse for him, leaving his family in the cabin in Muscatine County. His daughter was then but 11 years of age, but was able to attend to all the household work of that humble pioneer home. The cooking was done in primitive style on the ground, but many strangers were entertained by herself and father while the better cabin was being erected. The latch string was always out. In a few weeks the walls of the new log house were up, half the roof on, and enough floor laid to set a bed on, when the family moved into it. The house was in this unfinished condition when the child Almira, the first in the township, was born. The little 11 year old house- keeper is still living, and is the wife of S. C. Dorsey.

Rufus L. Catlin was born in New York, and is of English descent. He married Cynthia Lewis, by whom he had six

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947

BLUE GRASS TOWNSHIP.

children, three of whom are yet living-Louisa, Almira, and Henry. A son, Rufus B., died in Indianapolis, Ind., May 20, 1878, at the age of 39; a daughter, Arminda, died May 1, 1848, aged 13; Leander. when a small boy. Mr. Catlin died June 20, 1875, in Kansas City, where he removed in 1865.

Charles and George Metteer settled on seetion 33, April, 1839, and by many are considered the first settlers in the township.

Joseph Wallace settled on section 31, 1837. He was drowned in Iowa River, near Iowa City, some years ago. His family resides now near lowa City.

Mr. Yates, from Illinois, came in 1837 and located on seetion 31, Ile left the county in 1837, and went back to Illinois, and while there sold his claim to John L. Sry.

Robert and Peter Wilson, bachelor brothers, from Seotland, first settled in Cedar County, and then in Blue Grass Township, Scott County, about 1839. They located on section 32.

Among the other early settlers were Samuel and Francis Little, Alexander and Horace Dunlap, Henry Shutt, James Grant, Peter and Robert Wilson, Robert Burnside.

John L. Sry, one of the early settlers, was born in Athens, now Vinton Co., Ohio, Sept. S. 1802. He was reared on a farm and ed- ucated in the common schools. He was married to Celinda Lewis in 1830, who was born in Bedford Co., Pa., Sept. 13, 1812. and moved to Athens Co., Ohio, with her mother at an early date. From this union there were five children-Randolph, born Sept. S. 1831; Phobe M., born April 18, 1833; Lucinda, born September. 1834; Alvin, born Mareh. 1837; JJohn L., born Jan. 1, 1841. Mr. Sry improved a farm in Vinton County, which he sold in 1836, and the following spring emigrated to Missouri, stopping about 50 iniles from St. Louis; not liking the country in that neighborhood, nor the pratice of slave-holding, he continued his journey to Knox Co., Ill., where a distant relative and an old friend were living, and in the fall of that year bought a farm near Knoxville. Here he met Joseph Wallace, a young man who had just returned from Scott Co., lowa, who gave such a glowing account of the country that he decided to sell his farm so lately purehased and move to lowa. Accordingly he did so, and landed at Buffalo. Scott County in April of 1838, settling upon a claim which he had bought of Mr. Yates. He planted a erop of about 10 acres of corn on land broken the previous year, on section 31. He lived in a log cabin on section 6, Buffalo Township, which was erected in 1537. Ile at once went to work to improve the remainder of his land and fenced 40 acres of it. Hle planted some sod corn, and in 183- sowed some fall wheat, the first probably sown in Blue Grass Township. The crop was a success, and others were induced to sow fall wheat the next fall. But the crop proved a failure, as did several other succeeding erops, and the attempt to raise fall wheat on the prairies has been almost entirely abandoned. In the winter of 1839-'40 Mr. Sry built a frame for a house, and in the spring

948

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

of 1840 sold it to A. W. Campbell, who removed it to his farm and completed its ereetion. In 1838 Mr. Sry owned spring wheat which yielded a large crop of choice quality. In the eutting ofthis crop the old eradle, long since given away to the reapers and self-binders of to-day, and the old hand scythe were used. On March 23, 1840, he attended the first land sales in Iowa, Burlington, and entered his timber land in Buffalo Township. He was attacked with ma- larial fever while stacking wheat for Capt. Morehouse, near Buffalo. from which he died on the 6th day of August, 1840, and was buried on the land he had entered the previous spring.

Andrew Campbell was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, June 30, 1802. His father emigrated to Jefferson Co., Ind., when he was an infant, where he grew up to manhood. Two months at school is all, it is said, he ever attended; was self-educated. He was married to Lucy B. Foster Feb. 17, 1822, who was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Dec. 28, 1802. Emigrated with her parents to Jeffer- son Co., Ind., abont 1818." From this union there were 11 children. six of whom are now living-J. F .. now living in Chicago., II) .; Geo. R., of Yreka, Cal .; Andrew W., Jr., Maryville, Cal .; David F., living in Tama County; Culver W., living in Muscatine County, near the old homestead. and Alena, living in Union County, the wife of Mr. C. S. Stryker. While living at Vernon, Ind., he was engaged as a farmer, ran a saw-mill, kept a hotel, a merchant and stock-dealer, and successfully ran a flat-boat loaded with provisions to and for sale in the New Orleans market. Emigrated to Scott County in 1836 and settled in Buffalo Township. Im- proved a farm. set out some apple-trees that year, "the first in that township," so says Joseph Mounts who preceded Mr. Camp- bell a year to Buffalo Township. He resided there until the spring of 1841, when he moved into Blue Grass Township, having pur- chased a elaim of "the Baker boys." in section 31, in 1840, on which was located Blue Grass Point. This move was made in the interest of health for his family, who had frequent attacks of malarial fevers while on the river farm. While there he suffered the loss by death of his father, mother and oldest daughter, who was a highly es- teemed young lady, in her 17th year at the time of her death. The river farm was sold to Henry Morehead, who still owns and resides on it. In 1840 he erected the first frame house in Blue Grass Township, which is still in use as a farm house. He frequently joined hunting parties who roamed over a great portion of Eastern Iowa. In one of these tours with Willard Barrows, late of Daven- port, they very nearly perished from cold and want of provisions, being overtaken by a severe snow-storm while a long distance from any settlement. It is said that he and Joseph Mounts were con- sidered by the pioneer settlers as a standing board of arbitration to settle their disputes; their findings were so well considered and just that they gave good satisfaction and were accepted as final. In business transactions his word was considered as good as a note or bond, and was always promptly honored. He is deserving of more

Arm & Shand

3, " W/ 4. Shand

951

BLUE GRASS TOWNSHIP.

than this short sketch. By his great modesty in speaking of himself many interesting incidents have been lost. His cool determination, great courage and energy is deserving of careful consideration. In 1844 he was elected a delegate to the first Constitutional Convention, which assembled at lowa City. on the first Monday of October of that year, for the purpose of framing a constitution for the State. In the spring of 1846. in company with his sons, J. F. and George R., Henry Parr, C. M. Burt and Randolph Sry, went to Fort Des Moines, the " New Purchase," as it was then known in Polk County, for the purpose of making claims, which they did, near Polk City, which has since been built. J. F. and Henry Parr became dissatisfied and returned home at once; the others remained until late in June. He made frequent trips to the pineries in Wis- consin where he remained during the winters getting out logs, which he sawed into lumber and rafted and run down the river in the spring. In the spring of 1850, in company with L. S. Blackman, now of Davenport, and one other whose name is forgotten, they started overland for California. While in camp at Council Bluff's the emigrants formed themselves into a protective company and adopted rules to be enforced during their overland journey. These rules did not suit him, therefore he and his comrades divided their provisions and teams, and one horse and light wagon fell to his share. Ile then purchased two mules and started alone, going as he pleased among the great train of emigrants that passed over

the plains that year. Ile walked most, if not all of the way, mak. ing the journey in unusually quick time. He slept on the ground under his wagon, while his faithful dog guarded him. He was often heard to say that he felt as sate as ifhis comrades were around him. He returned home in the fall of that year in company with his son Geo. R., who had gone overland to California in 1849. He was engaged in improving several farms until the spring of 1853 when he equipped a train of five teams, and in company with his daughter Mary (the wife of Ross McCloud who had preceded her to California) and about 20 others with whom he had contracted to furnish trans- portation for the journey, started overland a second time for Cali- fornia. He was taken sick while en route and died on Green River, where he was buried July 22 of the same year. His daughter, Mary. took charge of the train and successfully conducted it to its destination. In politics. Democrat. He was active, very energetic, of an amiable disposition, a deep thinker, broad views, possessed of a high order of intellect, a good conversationalist an affec- tionate husband and father.

James W. Reynold settled on section 32, in 1845, from Muscatine, formerly came from Philadelphia, Penn., a mill wright by occupa- tion: was one of the proprietors of the village of Blue Grass. He organized the first Sunday-school in the neighborhood in 1845 at the old log school-house on section 5, Buttalo Township, which was well attended for several years, and was its superintendent. Ile raised a family of six children-Joseph and James, in Cali-

952

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

fornia; Mary, the wife of John Daugherty, of Powesheik Co .; Ellen died quite young; Ann and Benjamin, in Adams Co. He emigrated to California in 1863 where he died several years ago. Ilis wife still resides there with her son Joseph.

William Todd, a bachelor, came from Muscatine County in 1843, formerly from Scotland; was in the employ of Gen. Geo. B. Sargent for many years; went to Colorado in 1858, where lie re- mained several years, doing well financially. He set out to visit his brothers in Australia. He was taken sick at Salt Lake, Utah, and had all of his money stolen from him. He returned to Colorado and was killed in 1877, by being caught in the machinery of a quartz mill.

Daniel B. Shaw came from Cincinnati, Ohio, and settled in Davenport in 1840; by occupation a brick-maker and mason. After keeping a hotel for several years, purchased the Sprague claim on section 31, and other lands adjoining it in 1845, im- proved it, and in the spring of 1846 moved his family out to it. In the fall of that year he made and burned a kiln of brick, the first made in the township. In the summer of 1847 he built a brick residence, the first of the kind in the township, which is still in use. IIe sold his farm to Geo. Purcell in 1851, and moved to Buffalo Township; made valuable improvements on a farm which he sold in 1867 or '8, and later moved to Guthrie County, where a part of his family had preceded him. He died there several years ago.

Henry W. Lewis left the home of his widowed mother early in his teens; went to Smyrna, N. Y., where he learned the black- smith's trade; came to Scott County about 1840; worked a while at his trade in Rockingham. In the spring of 1842 he opened the first blacksmith shop in Blue Grass Township. He died of typhoid fever at the residence of Mrs. Sry, Sept. 9, 1845. It is well for history to do what loving hands are deprived of doing, putting on marble to perpetuate his memory.

John Perrin settled on section 31 in 1843. He purchased the farmi of Cyrus Field; came from Muscatine County, formerly trom Indiana. At his residence religious meetings were frequently held. From 1848 to '54 these meetings were held almost every Sunday, and many revival meetings were held during the winter evenings. Was one of the proprietors of the village. Raised a very large family of children, and lived to see or know of his great- great-grand-children, and many old friends think that a fourth generation of grand children was born before his death, which oc- curred in 18-, and 'supposed to be nearly 90 years old. His wife survived him a few years and was about 93 at the time of her death.

Benjamin Johnson came to Buffalo Township in 1838 from Jen- nings Co., Ind. Returned in the summer of 1843 and married Elizabeth Brown, Sept. 28 of that year, and immediately started overland in a covered wagon with his young bride. On his return

953

BLUE GRASS TOWNSHIP.

to Scott County, while fording the Wabash River his team got into deep water, became entangled in the harness, and all of the party (four persons) narrowly escaped drowning. This journey may be termed as their bridal tour. He settled on section 30 in 1845. From this union there were seven children, three of whom are now living-Euretta, the wife of Henry Hoyan, of Davenport; Frederick C., and Maggie, the wife of L. S. Robinson, living on the homestead. He has now a good and well-improved farm of 320 acres.

Asa Foster settle l in Buffalo Township in 1839, from Indiana; moved into Blue Grass Township in 1840; was the first post- master in the township; was elected county commissioner in 1846 and re-elected in 1848. There are but three of his family now liv- ing-Elizabeth. wife of John D. Brown, of Jasper Co .; Gaben, a physican of St. Louis, Mo .; and W. A., an attorney of Davenport. He died at his home in 1855; is deserving of more than this short sketeh.

Franklin Eusly settled in Rockingham in 1837; moved into Blue Grass Township in or about 1841; improved a large farm and sold it to Win. MeGarvoy in 1548, and emigrated to Wisconsin.

Dr. Lyman Carpenter settled in Blue Grass Township in 1845, from Muscatine County, formerly from Indiana. He was the first physician who settled in the township; was a minister of the Baptist church. He took a great interest in passing events, in religion, temperance, education and politics. He raised a large family; was a son-in-law of John Perrin. He emigrated to Cali- fornia in 1860 where he and his wife died many years ago.

Henry Gabbert came to Buffalo Township with his parents in 1837. Ile purchased and improved a farm in Blue Grass Township in 1843 or '4; was married to Eliza McGarvoy in 1848 or '9; has made his mark as a good farmer.

Robert Humphrey settled on section 35 in 1839, from Indiana. He organized and superintended a Sunday school in 1845, at the old log school-house in section 3 in Buffalo Township. It was fairly attended, but did not survive long. He raised a family of seven children-John H. lives in Monroe County; Eliza lives in Encas County; James II., in Powe.heik County; Mary, the wife of Wm. Moss, died many years ago; George died quite young; Ann, now the wife of Win. Lewis, of Muscatine County, and William, an attorney in Wright County. His wife died over a year ago. He was a good, quiet, energetic farmer, agreeable disposition, well known and liked by many old and other settlers. He is now living with his son James II., a quite well preserved old gentleman of about 84 years of age.

Abel Sprague settled in section 31 in the spring of 1836, and was the first settler in Blue Grass Township. He came from New York and started on his return to that State in 1845. It is said that he stopped in Illinois. His wife brought here as a flower- seed what she called " bachelor button," but which has proved to

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

be the very obnoxious weed growing all over the "Black Hawk purchase," and perhaps in most all of the Western States. It is variously known as "niggar pepper," "cotton weed," on account of its tough bark, etc. Its true name is Indian Mallow. When a field is once well seeded with it, it is almost impossible to get rid of them.

FIRST GUN.

Mr. Foster, the Whig candidate for county commissioner, handed us the following little article for publication accompanied by a goodly slice of Father Bruin, which we pronounce superior to one of Moore's best sirloins. We hope Mr. Foster will run as well and as successfully in the political chase as he did in the following chase which he so well describes:

BLUE GRASS, SCOTT COUNTY, Oct. 14, 1846.

MR. SANDERS :- Between 12 and 1 o'clock of this day, a very large bear passed my house within a few rods of the door. Hav- ing a horse at hand ready for the chase, I procured a shot gun- no other being at hand, and thus equipped I pursued old Bruin a mile and a half, which brought me up with the object of my pursuit. Not thinking it prudent to attack with small shot I com- menced calling for help, which soon brought young Mr. Humphrey to my assistance with a rifle and a few dogs. We then commenced firing upon the bear, which gave a running fight for about half a mile throngh a corn-field, after which he ascended a tree on the premises of Mr. Gabbert. At this time we were joined by two or three more good Whigs, and then, you may be sure, we had fine sport. The eleventh discharge took effect and laid the bear dead. Ifis weight was supposed to be 300 gross; the net weight 214 pounds; hide weighed 34 pounds. The animal measured eight feet in length when stretched. While in the act of dressing our prize some half dozen of our Democratic friends came up. It appeared that they had got a glimpse of the beast, but were un- successful in pursuit. We elaim a Whig victory, which we trust is a prelude to a more glorious one on the 26th.

RELIGIOUS.

The settlers of Blue Grass Township first held services in 1839 at the residence of Mr. Berringer, at the funeral of his wife. There are now three churches in the township, the Baptist, Pres- byterian and Methodist. The first church edifice was erected in the township in 1853 or '4 on section 3 by the Presbyterian denomi- nation. It was used for several years, then sold and moved away.

The Methodist Episcopal Church, of Blue Grass, was organized in the spring of 1859, by Rev. Friend. At the organization 42 persons were received as original members. The first relig- ious services of this church were held in the Baptist church of Blue Grass. The names of the first officers of the church were

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BLUE GRASS TOWNSHIP'.

as follows : George Percell. V. F. Nicholson, J. E. Burnside, D. Lyon, Joseph Mounts, William Johnson, Thomas Venard, William F. Tolles. During the same year the church erected their first house of worship in Blue Grass, size of building. 26 x 36, and one story high, valued at $550. In 1879 it was removed to Cross Roads, where it is still used as a house of worship by the M. E. society. The present church was ereeted in 1879, during the pastorate of Rev. C. S. Jennis. It is a beautiful specimen of ar- chitecture, designed by tue Rev. J. R. Reasoner. Size of audi- ence room, 40 x 46; parlor on south end, 20 x 20; height of ceiling, 20 feet; height of main spire, about 70 feet; heated by furnaces ; valne of building. $4, 000, present insurance on same, $2. 500. The first pastor was Rev. Friend, who served the congregation in that capacity for two years, from 1857 to 1859. During his services he conducted a revival which resulted in the addition of 42 mem- bers to the church on probation. In 1859 Rev. A. Stryker be-

came pastor and stayed two years. He held a revival during his stay which resulted in 43 conversions. 40 of whom joined the church on probation. In 1861 Rev. John Elrod served the church as pa-tor for one year. Rev. William Poston was the fourth pas- tor and continued with the church two years. In 1862 he was suc- ceeded by .l. T. Coleman, who remained one year and was then suc- ceeded by Rev. J. Harris in 1865. Rev. G. W. Barnford was the seventh pastor and stayed with the church two years. O. P. Light took charge of the church in 1868 and remained two years, after which Rev. C. Morey came, in 1870. During his stay the congrega- tion enjoyed a revival; 112 were converted and 103 united with the church. In 1871, Rev. M. See became pastor and remained one year. In 1872 Rev. J. Pike began his services as pastor and remained two years. He was succeeded by J. B. Hardy in 1874 who also remained two years. In 1576 S. 11. Thomas became pas- tor and stayed with the church three years: was then followed by C. S. Jenmis as pastor in 1879 who remained with the congregation two years. W. Il. Hon took charge of the church in 1981, and stayed one year. Rev. H. V. Tull is the pastor at the present time. He held a series of revival services beginning January 1 and continued nearly five weeks, at which a great deal of interest was manifested ; 40 confessed to be converted, 30 united with the church on probation, and three by letter. Present officers : Class Leader, James E. Burnside; Stewards, Recording, J. Gadd; District, JJames E. Burnside. Thomas Cessna, John L. Coites; Trustees, James E. Burnside, Thomas Cessna, John L. Coates ; Benjamin Johnston. Thomas Venard, James Me Garvey. Those in full membership with the church, 59; probationers, 33; total, 02. The church is in a prosperous condition and unity and peace prevail. The Sunday-school of this church was organized Nov. 15. 1870. First superintendent, William Poston. Names ot present officers : Supt., Mrs. HI. P. Tull ; Ass't. Supt .. Dr. B. T. Gadd ; Sec., Louise Fintel. Teachers, B. T. Gadd, Rev. Il. V.

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History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 87

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