USA > Iowa > Scott County > History of Scott County, Iowa > Part 90
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James M. Bowling, from Virginia, settled in Buffalo Township, the 4th of July, 1835, at the mouth of Bowling's Creek. He pur- chased the " claim " of one Orange Babbett, the guit-claim deed to which was presented to the State Historical Society by Mr. Bowling. Mr. Bowling commenced farming in 1835. That fall he went back to Virginia, married, and returned in 1836 with his wife and two sisters. In 1837 he had the prospect of a fine erop, but the In- dians, who still loitered about the country, were eneamped upon this creek. In June there were some 500 Indians living near him, and very troublesome. They set fire to the prairie and burned up the fence surrounding his corn, which was at the time six inches high. The Indian horses then ate much of it, and he was compelled in the heat of summer to eut timber and make rails to enclose his field again; but, notwithstanding all his misfortunes. he succeeded in raising a very good erop.
Leroy Dodge emigrated to Iowa in 1836, from the State of New York. Ile was for many years, a pilot on the Mississippi, and then commander of steamboats. Having seenred some 400 acres of land along the river and bluff above Buffalo, he built a pleasant cottage on the banks of the river and turned his attention to agriculture, principally to stock-raising, a business in which he was quite suc- cessful. In 1852 he represented Scott County in the Legislature. He was an unflinching Democrat.
Andrew W. Campbell was among the most enterprising of the carly settlers, having opened a large farm on the bottom land of the river. He sold it to IIenry C. Morehead, at an early day, and removed to the prairie, near where the town of Blue Grass now is,
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where he opened another large farm. He was elected, in February, 1838, one of the county commissioners, it being the first election ever held for officers under the county organization. He also tilled other places of responsibility and trust.
EDUCATIONAL.
Erastus H. Bassett, as already stated, taught a few months' school in the village, in the winter of 1836-'37, being the first in the place. Mr. Bassett was engaged in the mercantile business, but trade not being brisk gave him leisure to teach the few present the common branches of an English edneation.
For some years a graded school has been held in the place. In 1865 a frame school-house, two stories high, was ereeted at a cost of $7,000. School is taught therein nine and ten months each year. The present principal is William Webster.
SCHOOLS.
The first school in the township was in the winter of 1836-'7, and taught by Erastus II. Bassett, in the village of Buffalo. Mr. Bassett held a three months' school in a log cabin erected as a dwelling-house. The first house built for school purposes was on seetion 16, in 1839. This was before the public school system was originated, and the neighbors for some miles gathered together and erected a rude log cabin, where many were indueted into the mysteries of the English language. Many changes have been made since that day, changes, too, for the better, and in educational progress the township of Buffalo has kept pace with other parts of the county.
Buffalo Township has been divided into independent districts, the town of Buffalo being one, with a graded school, in which two teachers are employed. There are six other districts known as Nos. 2. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. The value of the school property is esti- mated at $9,800, of which amount $2,400 is credited to the town of Buffalo.
RELIGIOUS.
The first religious services held in the township were in 1836, in the village of Buffalo, by Rev. Mr. McMurtry, a pioneer Method- ist Episcopal preacher, then living on the opposite shore in Illinois. Rev. Martin Baker, a Christan or Newlight preacher, was next, in 1837. Rev. Enoch Mead was also among the early preachers, and preached in the township for many years.
There are now in the township seven church organizations, four of which are in the village of Buffalo, one in Blue Grass Village and two in the country. In Buffalo, the Methodist Episcopal,
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Christian, Catholic and Episcopal denominations are represented. The Methodists have a church in Blue Grass, one at the Cross Roads, and one in the northeast part of the township, known as the Asbury Chapel.
COAL.
Coal was first discovered here in 1834, on the farm of Capt. Benjamin W. Clark, and as early as 1535 and 1836 was dug out and sold to steamboats at the mouth of Bowling's Creek, which empties into the Mississippi, about half way between Buffalo and Rockingham. The first bank opened was about half a mile up this creek, and was worked to a considerable extent by Dr. A. C. Dou- aldson, who settled in 1837 near its mouth. Still higher up this creek, some three miles, Benjamin Wright and E. Murray, from Zanesville, Ohio, opened a bank in 1837, and furnished coal to Davenport and Rockingham for 15 cents a bushel.
FIRST THINGS.
The first hotel in the township was built by Benjamin W. Clark, at Buffalo, in 1836. The first couple, residents of this township, united in marriage, were John P. Cooper and Jane Pace. The distance being so great to Burlington for the purpose of obtaining licenses, the couple crossed the river, and were married by Daniel Edgington, a justice of the peace, Oct. 9, 1836. The first couple married, the services being performed in the township, were Mat- thias Mounts and Susan Daniels, in 1837. The first birth was that of David IL. Clark, son of Benjamin W. Clark, born April 21, 1834. This was likewise the first in the connty. The first physi- cian in the township was Dr. Moss, who spent here the winter of 1835-'6. Ile then left, his whereabouts being unknown. The first school was in the winter of 1836-'7. The first death was that of Henry Binckley, a discharged soldier, who died in 1836 at the house of Capt. B. W. Clark. The first ground set aside for bury- ing purposes was abont one-half mile from Buffalo, and donated by Capt. Clark. The first postoffice was that of Buffalo, established in 1836. The first merchandise sold in the township and county was in Buffalo in 1834, by Mr. Lynde. The first coal was dis- covered in 1834. on section 21, now the farm of Capt. W. L. Clark. The first coal marketed was taken from the farm of Mr. Wright.
VILLAGE OF BUFFALO.
The village of Buffalo was originally laid out in 1-36. by Clark, . Mix & Pillsbury. who, in the summer of 1836, opened a stock of goods in the place, which they placed in charge of Erastus II. Bas- sett. Previous to this time, and as early as 1834, a Mr. Lynd then living in the present city of Rock Island, commenced the sa
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of merchandise in the place, and sold not only the first goods in Buffalo, but in the entire county of Scott, by a regular merchant.
The first public ferry across the Mississippi, between Burlington and Dubuque, was established by Captain Clark in 1833, or as soon as emigrants began to cross the river. at Buffalo, and Clark's ferry was the only regular place of crossing in all this region of country. In 1835 he commenced the erection of a public house, a large frame two-story building, which at that time was considered a great enterprise. The house was completed in 1836. He brought the liber from Cincinnati at a cost of $60.00 per 1,000 feet. Says Willard Barrows :
" For many years the town of Buffalo attracted much attention, and bid fair to become a serions rival to Stephenson, then just merging into existence. But Davenport and Rockingham were soon laid off, and a ferry being established between Davenport and Stephenson, by Mr. Le Claire, travel was directed to that point, and the division of the country int o counties left Buffalo in no enviable situation. It had been the most prosperous town in this region of country. doing a large business with the emigrants to the Territory, who were then beginning to settle up and down the river and along the Cedar Valley, furnishing grain and provisions of all kinds to the new comers. Capt. Clark spent much time in showing emigrants the country and assisting them in making claims, and probably did more toward the early settlement of this country than any other man that ever came into it. Ile died at Buffalo, Oet. 25, 1839.
" To show the prospects of Buffalo, as a point of interest at that day, we might relate a circumstance that occurred in reference to the value of town lots. After Davenport was laid out, Maj. Wm. Gordon and some others, proprietors, called on Capt. Clark and offered him an even exchange of 40 or 60 lots in Davenport for an equal number in Buffalo. But the Captain declined, regarding it as a poor offer, as it probably looked to be at that time.
"Buffalo. with all her just claims, was sacrificed by placing her in the lower end of the county. Davenport and Rockingham 'doubled teams' on Buffalo and got the county seat, and then fought for choice of location. This was the killing stroke to Buffalo. Davenport ultimately received all the benefits derived from the trickery and corruption of legislative enactments, while Geneva, Montpelier. Salem, Fairport, Mouth of Pine, and some half dozen other towns that were laid out along the Mississippi River from Muscatine Island to Davenport, ' went under,' carrying with them all their visionary schemes for greatness and power."
HOTEL.
In 1835 Benjamin W. Clark erected a public house, to be used for the accommodation of the traveling public. It was a large frame building, two stories high, and at the time was considered a
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great enterprise. Capt. Clark brought the finishing Inmber from Cincinnati. The building is yet standing. This hotel was the first in the place. There are now three places of entertainment- the Washington House, Mississippi House and NickleHouse.
MANUFACTORIES.
In the spring of 1854 Shoe Brothers erected a steam saw-mill in the place, with a capacity for sawing 30.000 feet each day. A planing and Jath and shingle mill was attached. The mill was used till the summer of 1881, when it was torn away to make room for the railroad.
POSTOFFICE.
A postoffice was established at Buffalo in 1836, and Benjamin W. Clark received the appointment of postmaster. Mr. Clark did not care for the office, but suffered himself to be appointed in order to have the office established, and as soon as it could be done hie resigned, and M. W. Bosworth was appointed. Mr. Bosworth held the office at Buffalo for a time, and removing down the river he took the office with him, and there retained it until the post- office authorities at Washington could ascertain the facts in the case, when he was removed, and Philip Maskell was ap- pointed. Mr. Maskell was succeeded by Elijah Bailey, who in turn was succeeded by Caleb H. Gardner. The latter gentleman was appointed by the Whig administration of Gen. Taylor. Before the expiration of his term he went to California, and there died in 1854 and was buried near Sacramento. Henry Dorman was next appointed, in 1854, and served until 1878, when he was succeeded by William Karges, the present postmaster.
CRIMINAL.
The first criminal trial in Scott County took place in Buffalo early in 1836. A young man was arrested for stealing a small amount from a store, and was taken before S. E. Hastings, a justice of the peace, with a commission signed by the Governor of Miehi- gan and subsequently chief justice of the State of California. The justice could find no law with which to convict, but as the faet was clearly established to his mind, and the further fact being known that the prisoner had stolen the sum of four dollars from himself, he sentenced him to return the four dollars and to receive 20 lashes on his bare back. It was a bright moonlight night, and the prisoner was taken to the woods near by and the lashes were well laid on by each of the spectators to the number of 10, giving each two blows. After the whipping they took him to
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
the river, and placed him in a canoe without oars, shoved him off, and that was the last over seen of him in these parts. Some years after, when Judge Hastings was on his way to California, at a small town on the Mississippi River, a man got on board that he at once recognized as the one he had punished for theft. Ap- proaching the Judge, the man asked him if he recognized him, and on being informed that he did, he said: "For God's sake don't tell any one. That theft was my first and last. I was in great want, and have been sufficiently punished. Since that day I have lived an honest man; have married and have a family, and I would not for the world they should know that one great sin." Although unused to weeping, the Judge says that he felt the tears trickling down his cheeks, and he quickly promised that he would not be- tray him.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Thomas C. Beamer is a native of Gurnsey Co., O., born Sept. 5, 1841, son of Simon and Anna (Cooper) Beamer, natives of Ohio. The former died in July, 1873; the latter Sept. 24, 1856. Thomas C. was adopted by his grandfather, Thomas Cooper, when very yonng. The family came to Scott County, arriving here Oct. 1, 1845. They resided in Rockingham about six months, then moved onto the grandfather's farm in section 12, Buffalo Township, where our subject still resides. Thomas Cooper was a minister in the Methodist church for nearly 40 years. He died at the ripe old age of 80 years. The subject of this sketch was married Oct. 1, 1863, to Phebe A. Conley, a native of Hancock Co., Ill. Her parents were Joel and Rebecca Conlev, nee Edwards. He is an engineer, and resides in St. Louis, Mo. She died in March, 1864. Mr. Thomas Beamer enlisted Sept. 1, 1864, in Company C., 14th Iowa Infantry Volunteers, and served until May 28, 1865, when he was mustered out at Camp McClelland, near Davenport. Mr. and Mrs. Beamer have had two children-Ella M. and Charles A. Mr. Beamer owns a fine farin of 80 acres in Buffalo Township, which he has under good cultivation and well stocked. He is a member of the K. P., Lodge No. 10, and of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 7. at Davenport. He is classed with the prominent farmers of the county, and is an enterprising and honored citizen of Buffalo Town- ship.
F. X. Beh was born in the village of Oberbergen, Alt Brusach, Baden, Germany, Dec. 9, 1827, son of Francis S. and Barbara (Baumgardner) Beh. natives of Germany, where he died; she is still living with the subject of this sketch. F. X. Beh served three years in the German army; the State of Baden declared itself a republic, and the King of Prussia with his army defeated them in their attempt to assert their rights. Mr. Beh was married Jan. 3, 1853, to Caroline, daughter of Theo. and Mary ( Meyer) Heckle. who came to Scott County in 1855. Mrs. Heckle is now deceased;
.
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he is living at Quincy. Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Beh came to America and landed in New York City, Jan. 14, 1854. From there they went to Detroit. Mich., where they remained until June 22, 1855, thence to Scott County, and located in Buffalo, where he engaged in dressing stone until the spring of 1868, when he bought a farm of 120 aeres in section 18, this township, where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Beh have had nine children, eight living-Henry, married Mary Stretcher; Anna M .. now Mrs. Moritze Berniek; Joseph, Frank. Katy B .. Charlie, Benjamin and Mary. Mr Beh owns 160 aeres in sections 17 and 18. Buffalo Township, 110 in Montpelier and 160 in Fulton Township, almost all under good cultivation. He is classed with the prominent men of the county. and is an enterprising citizen of Buffalo Township.
Edwin A. Blackman was born on the farm where he now re- sides, in Buffalo Township, Dec. 19, 1844. He was a son of Levi S. and Susan ( Hull) Blackman. of Canada. Mrs. Susan Blackman died in 1854. lle was again married to Elizabeth Evans. They reside in Rockingham Township. The subject of this memoir en- listed in Company E, 20th lowa Infantry, in September, 1864. He participated in the Battle of Fort Blakeslee, Ala., and numerous other skirmishes. lle was mustered out at Mobile, Ala., and dis- charged at Clinton, Ia., in July, 1865. After leaving the service he worked on the farm in Buffalo Township until 1870, teaming some eight months in Davenport in the meantime, then worked in a saw-mill one season, when he was appointed carrier of the city postoffice division, and held that position until March, 1879. He then returned to the old homestead, where he has since resided. His marriage with Maria J. Pester occurred in Davenport. Sept. 2, 1868. She was born in England, of Edwin and Sarah J. (Harrison ) Pester, who came to America in 1841, and are now residents of 1320 Second Avenue, Davenport, Ia. Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Black- man have had seven children, three living-Jennie R., Harri- son S. and Levi R. Mr. Blackman farms 160 acres of land, which he has under good cultivation and thoroughly stocked. He is classed with the enterprising farmers of Scott County, with which he has been identified all his life.
John Bohl, owner of the Buffalo feed-store, was born in Woldz- garden, State of Mecklenburg. Schwerin, April 27, 1828. He re- mained there attending school and engaged in training horses until his 21st year, then served in the German army three years. IIe was married in his native country to Maria Junker in August, 1×57. She was born in Roebel, Mecklenburg. Schwerin, of Frederic and Eliza (Fanger) Junker, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bohl imigrated to the United States in November, 1867, making the trip in 12 days. They came to Scott County, and located in Buffalo Township soon after. He worked in a lumber-yard and saw-mill until October, 1879, when he established his present store, which is the only one of the kind in Buffalo. Mr. and Mrs. Bohl have had five children, two living-Anna S., born in Germany. July 21,
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
1864, and Hattie M., born in Buffalo, Ang. 29, 1869. The parents of onr subjeet were Lndwiek and Maria (Schnell) Bohl, natives of Germany. The subject of this sketch is a member of Buffalo Lodge, A. O. U. W., No. 72. In polities he is a Republican.
Jacob Boice, painter, was born on a farm in Duchess Co., N. Y., Sept. 27, 1807, son of Phillip II. and Catharine (Sism) Boice, natives of New York. When Jacob was 12 years old his parents moved to Otsego Co., N. Y., where he remained until he was 15 years of age, when he became selt-supporting. He worked on farms in various counties in New York, worked one year at the tanner's and eurrier's trade, and when 18 years old he went to Canajoharie, N. Y .. to learn the painter's trade. He was married there Feb. 14, 1828, to Elizabeth, daughter of George and Catherine Carr. Their union has been blessed with 10 children, three living-Sarah C., now Mrs. B. F. Johnson; Elizabeth L., wife of Harvey Snow, and Margaret, who married William Smith. In the fall of 1846, Mr. Boice moved to Rock Island, Ill., where he followed his trade until 1850, when he formed a partnership with Henry Houstin in a stove and tinware store. In 1854, he went to Michigan and set- tled in Lawton, Van Buren Co., and followed the painter's trade there, until 1860 when he went to Chicago; remained there three years, then to Jackson Co., Wis., three years, locating in Seott Connty in 1870. He conducted a farm in Buffalo Township for his son-in-law one year, then came to Buffalo, and bought a house and four lots, where he now resides. Mr. Boice was a member of the Sons of Temperance in Rock Island eight years, also of the Washington Lodge, No. 1, American Protestant Association at Chicago, Ill. Ile owus two lots and two houses on the corner of Third and Franklin streets, Buffalo.
Jacob Brus is a native of Prussia, Germany, born Nov. 29, 1829. He came with his parents to the United States when 18 years of age, arriving in Jannary, 1848. Jacob came to Seott County, in 1850, and worked in a saw-mill and as a farm laborer until 1856. He then purchased a threshing-machine, which he ran until 1861, and engaged in farming. He was married Jan. 7. 1861, to Eliza J. Robinson; she was born on the farm where she now lives, and was a daughter of John H. and Mary E. (Oswald) Robinson; he was born in Indiana and was killed Aug. 15, 1850, by falling from a loaded wagon and having the wheels pass over him. She died May 31, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Brus have had 11 children-John HI., Anna M., Charley II., Rosa A., Willie, Edwin T., Ella E., Ida J., Flora M. (died Feb. 3, 1878), Theodore J. and Lena E. The parents of onr subjeet were John H. and Mary A. (Sehinter) Bras, natives of Germany, where she died. He was again married, to Beatrix Clausen, who died in 1863. John Brus died July 21, 1879. Mr. Jacob Brus owns a farin of 560 aeres in Buffalo Township, and one of 320 aeres in Blue Grass Township, making a fine farm of 880 acres, 800 under cultivation. Mr. Brus
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came to this county a poor man, but went bravely to work and has accumulated a fine property, and the name of being one of Scott County's most enterprising men. He has been trustee three years, school director for the past 15 years, and has held the office of supervisor.
James E. Burnside was born on a farm near Sulphur Springs, Green Briar Co., Va. When he was three years old his parents moved to Logan Co., Ohio, and settled on a farm near Bellefon. taine; they moved on pack horses across the mountains, In 1833 James E. went to La Grange Co., Ind., and located on English Prairie. He was married here to Elizabeth Barr, April 9, 1835. She was born in Delaware Co., Ohio, and was a daughter of Amos and Fairby Barr, nee Blocksom; he was a native of Ire- land and was brought by his parents to this country when 18 months old; his wife was born in Maryland. They had a family of nine children. After Mr Burnside was married he remained on his farm in Indiana and ran a saw and grist mill there until May 18, 1836, when he started on horseback across the flint hills for Iowa. He traveled 10 days looking for a good place to establish a home. He crossed the river on a ferry-boat made of hewn tin- bers and rowed by oars; the boat was owned by Capt. B. W. Clark. He returned to Indiana, disposed of his property there, and brought his family to this State and located in Cedar County on a farm. April 1, 1837, he settled on a claim in Buffalo Township, which he afterward entered and now resides upon. His farm con- tains 100 acres of rich land, conducted entirely by his sons. He has been a member of the Methodist church since 1840, his wife since 1856. Alexander Burnside, father of James E., was born in Virginia, and died in February, 1874. His wife, Elizabeth (Gil- land) Burnside, was also a native of Virginia, and the mother of 11 children. She died in 1860, aged 99 years, 10 months. In the spring of 1850 James E. Burnside went overland with horse teams to California. He took out $7,000, then returned home. The journey ocenpied 75 days each way. He returned by water route. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Burnside has been blessed with nine children, five living-Alexander, born in La Grange Co., Indiana, April 29, 1836. In April, 1837, he came with his parents to Scott County and located in Buffalo Township, on a farm, where he remained until his marriage to Rhoda A. Parker, Sept. 9, 1858. She was born in Kentucky, and was a daughter of Stephen Il. and Eliza A. Parker. Some time after his marriage Mr. Alexander Burnside moved to Taylor Co., Iowa, where he engaged in farming. Also conducted the Farmers' Hotel there until 1862, then returned to Scott County and settled on a farm in Buffalo Township. Two years later he purchased his present farm of 2133 acres in section 7. He is one of the represen- tative farmers and stock raisers of Scott County, and is one of the early settlers, having been a resident of this county 44 years. Mr. and Mrs. A. Burnside are members of the Method-
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
ist church, and have seven children, viz. : James E., who mar- ried Minerva Fonday: Eliza A., married Robert Van Renan; Stephen A. D., John. Amos, Alexander, Jr., and Benny. Amos Burnside was born on the old homestead in Buffalo Township, Feb. 28, 1843. He lived here until his marriage to Carrie Friday, Dee. 30, 1869. She was born in Rockingham Township, Scott County and was a daughter of John M. and Elizabeth (Forgey) Friday. He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany. in 1819, and came to Scott County in 1836. She was born in Indiana. They had a family of eight children; he is now a resident of Rockingham Township. Atter Mr. and Mrs. Amos Burnside were married they moved on the farm where they now reside, in section 6. He is an exten- sive farmer and stock-breeder. In polities he is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Lincoln's opponent, S. A. Donglas, in 1864. The subject of this memoir and wife have had three children, viz: Minerva E., Charley I. and Jennie C. Samuel Burnside was born near Lexington, Ind., Jan. 28, 1846, while his father and mother were there visiting. Soon after his birth they returned to their home in Buffalo Township, where he remained until his marriage tc Laura Cessna, Nov. 25, 1868. She is a native of Bedford Co., Pa., and a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Cessna, nee Koer, natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Seott County in 1859, and are now residents of Blue Grass Township. They were the parents of
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