History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 98

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 98

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Levi S. Blackman was born in the district of Montreal, Canada, April 3, 1810. ITis father, Gideon Blackman, was a native of Ver- mont; and his mother, Mary Blackman, nee Springer, a native of Conneetient. His mother died when he was but five days old. Ilis father subsequently married and moved to Geneseo Co., N. Y., when Levi was seven years of age, and where he remained three years, and then moved to London District, Canada, and remained

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21 years. Levi became disgusted with Canada in early life, and vowed that he would not remain there. In 1836, he was united in marriage with Susan Parker, who was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., May 12, 1821. In 1838, with his wife, he moved to Iowa, and set- tled in Buffalo Township, where he improved one of the finest farms in the county; his orchard being unexcelled. By this mar- riage he had eight children-Hall H. ( who at the breaking out of the war enlisted in the Second Iowa Cavalry, and who died in Memphis ), Marion M., Andrew J., Edwin A., S. Grant, Mary E., Frank L., and William M. The latter was accidentally killed by a fall from an engine that he was oiling near Bloomington, Ill. Mrs. Blackman died in 1854, and Mr. Blackman again married choosing as a companion Mary E. Evans, of Ohio. Six children have been born unto them-Levi S., Rush E., Susan, Warden L., Kate E., J. L. D. In polities Mr. Blackman is a Republican. His presentiplace of residence is in Davenport Township.

T. P. Borchers was born in Holstein, Germany, Sept. 6, 1834. ITis parents were John and Anna Borchers, nee Steel, who were also natives of Holstein, and emigrated to America in 1850, and settled in Scott County, where they still reside. The subject of this biography received a common-school education in his native land, where he was reared on a farm. He came to America in 1854, and located in Seott County. He worked as a farm hand until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in the Sceond Iowa Cavalry, and served four years and two months, under Colonel El- liott. He was in S5 battles and skirmishes during his service ; he entered as a private and was discharged as orderly sergeant. At the elose of the war he returned to Scott County and engaged in farming for himself. in Davenport Township, and in 1878 moved to his present farm. Ile was appointed postmaster of Davenport Township, Green Tree postoffice, in 1878, a position he still re- tains. He was married in 1856 to Anna Peters, who was born in Holstein, Germany, Dee. 6, 1832. They have two children-Charles and Anna ( now Mrs. Jacob Lohr ). In politics he is a Republican.

Horace Bradley, fourth son of Benediet and Sybil ( Doolittle ) Bradley, was born in New Haven, Conn., Dee. 5, 1816. His father died when he was but five years of age, and Horace remained with his mother until he was 22 years old, his time being spent in work upon the farm, with now and then a few months attendance upon the common schools. At 22 he startep to Davenport, and arrived June 4, 1838. He here engaged as a farm hand for some months, and then, with Doolittle, Moss & Co., in milling, at mouth of Duck Creek, which business he continued for seven years. This mill was one of the first in the county, it having an upright saw. Many of the first houses in Davenport were built by lumber supplied from this mill. In 1840 he united in marriage with Elanor M. Lindsay, who was born in Blairsville, Penn., Aug. 13, 1820, and who is the daughter of Thomas and

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Sarah ( MeGuire ) Lindsay. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley have had five children, all of whom have died-Thomas B., died aged two months; Sarah A., aged two years; Sylvester, aged 16 years; two in in- faney. They are both members of St. Marguerite Catholic Church. In politics, Mr. Bradley is a Democrat. On the organization of the State militia, in 1839, a company was organized in which Mr. Bradley was first lieutenant, and William P. Eldridge, captain. The company was never ealled out for active duty but upon one occasion, that of the Missouri war, an account of which is given on a previous page. Mr. Bradley sold the first wheat ever sold for shipment, in 1839.

Johnson Brown came to Scott County in 1851, via St. Lonis, from Pennsylvania. He purchased a farm on his arrival here, but could not obtain possession of it, and therefore engaged with Dav- enport & Le Claire in their machine shops, where he continued three years, when he moved to the farm, where he has since con- tinned to reside. Johnson Brown was born in Columbia Co., Penn., Ang. 23, 1813. His parents were William and Mary Browu, the maiden name of Mrs. Brown being Rook. His father died in 1846, and his mother in 1853. In 1837 Johnson Brown and Sarah Priee were married in Schuylkill Co., Penn. Two children were born unto them-Jarvis and Thomas, the latter of whom is dead. Jarvis married Jane Price. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Baptist church, in Pleasant Valley; and in politics, Mr. Brown says that he is a Jackson Democrat.

J. C. Brownlee was born in Canada West, May 18, 1836, and is the son of William and Christina (Miller) Brownlee, both of Scot- tish descent. In the fall of 1839, in company with his parents. he came to Scott County, where his father located in Long Grove Township, where he died in 1844. His mother continued to carry on the farm until her death, in 1875. J. C. Brownlee resided with his mother until 1865. ITis edueation was obtained in the common schools. with one term in Iowa College. He was married Dec. 7, 1565, to Mary Ann Roberts, who was born in England, February, 1847. Six children eame of this union- Eva May, Minnie, John, Jenny, Luella, Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Brownlee resided in Long Grove until 1874, when he moved to his present farm. three miles north of Davenport, consisting of 80 acres, worth $130 an acre. They are members of the Christian church, in Davenport. In politics, Mr. Brownlee is a Republican.

William S. Collins is a native of Conneetient, being born in Litchfield. He is the son of David and Jerusha ( Wright) Collins, also natives of Connecticut. His father removed to Hampden Co., Mass., in 1812, and resided there until his death. William was educated in the common schools of his adopted State, and when 18 years of age became a teacher in the public schools. In 1826 he went to the eity of New York, and there learned the carpenter trade, which he followed in that State up to 1837. In 1831 he was united in marriage with Orpha Jackson, who was born in

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Blanford, Mass., in 1808. Two children resulted from this union- Miles A. and Orpha L. (now Mrs. Field, of Des Moines). Mrs. Collins died in 1837. Soon after the death of his wife, Mr. Collins came West and located in Henry Co., Ill., where he remained until August, 1838, when he came to Scott County, and located in Davenport, where he followed his trade. Among other public buildings erected by him were the McManus Block, Parry & McIntosh Block, besides a large number of private dwellings. In 1842, he led to the altar Eliza Dillon, who was born in New York, in 1×23. They had three children-Chester W., now located in Nebraska and Colorado, and who is engaged in railroad building; and two children who died in infancy. Mrs. Collins died in 1846, and Mr. Collins was married to Mrs. Elinanor Bird, wno was born in New York City, April 15, 1815, the widow of William Bird, of Davenport, but a native of Maryland. Two children came of this union-Sarah E., now Mrs. Watson Graham; McManus, now loca- ted in Omaha, Neb. Mr. Collins was for some years a member of the Congregational church, and participated in the organization of the first Sunday-school in Davenport, and also eleeted first clerk of church at its organization. Mr. Collins is now a member of the Baptist church of Davenport, and his wife of the Congregational. Mr. Collins was a member of the Whig party of Scott County for eight years, but since the organization of the Republican party has co-operated with it in the campaigns that have followed. He held the office of alderman of Davenport several years, and was mayor pro tem., temporarily. He also served for some time as trustee of the poor. At the time land came into market, Mr. Collins loaned money at one per cent. to parties buying land. Was for 20 years engaged with the Sons of Temperance, and one of the active members in establishing the prohibitory law by legislation; also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 184S. Mr. Collins was free-hearted, and was too free in assisting others, by loaning money and signing bad notes with good security.

Miles A. Collins, stock and produce broker, was born in Albany, N. Y., Sept. 11, 1832. His father, William S. Collins, was a na- tive of Connecticut; his mother, Orpha (Jackson) Collins, a native of Massachusetts. In 1836 his mother died, and he was taken by his paternal grandparents to raise. Ilis early life was passed on a farm, his time being spent between assisting his grandfather and in attending the common schools. After his grandfather's death he remained in charge of the farm, dealing meanwhile in stock and the manufacture of cheese. IIc continued this business until 1854, when he came to Scott County, his father having preceded him some 16 years. For about a year after his arrival he worked at the carpenter's trade with his father, then engaged in farming. his aunt, Jerusha Collins Bruster, living with him as housekeeper, and started one of the first cheese factories in Scott County, which was continued until the organization of Jerry Ridge union factory. Miss Bruster is still an inmate of his household. In 1870 Mr. Col-

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lins married Amy Gerge Wilson, who was born in Ohio, March 31, 1849. Four children have been born unto them-Ninnia R., Vara E., Elnore H., Miles W. Mr. Collins has succeeded in his resi- dence of a quarter of a century in Scott County in aceumulating a large amount of property. In Davenport Township he owns 278 acres, and 160 in Lincoln Township. Ile also had 340 aeres in Guthrie County, all improved, besides houses in Davenport and wild lands in Texas and Iowa. Mr. Collins' farm near Davenport is known as Glendale stock and sale farm, where is bred Herd Book Jersey cattle, trotting horses, sheep, bees, faney poultry and swine. In this department Mr. Collins has been and is now doing a good business. He makes a specialty of furnishing family horses and eows, receives and solicits consignments for sale, remitting promptly the proceeds on disposal. His stock-yards are on South Avenue, east of Brady and north of Locust streets, Davenport, where cattle are unloaded from cars. In politics Mr. Collins is a Republican, and himself and wife members of the Congregational church.

IT. L. Cook was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., June 17, 1804. He is the son of Ira and Panline (Ellis) Cook. the father a native of Massachusetts, born in 1780, and mother of Connecticut, born in 1781. His mother died in 1806, and his father married Rachel Faxon, who was born in Massachusetts. His father subsequently moved near Utiea, N. Y., where he engaged in farming until 1821. He then moved to Broome Co., N. Y .. where he continued to farm, and for a time engaged in running a saw-mill. In 1831 he sold out and moved to Ontario Co., N. Y., where he engaged in the tannery business. Here he remained until the fall of 1835, when he came to Scott County, arriving Nov. S, 1835, and where he re- mained until his death, which occurred in 1845. Mrs. Cook died in 1837. William L. enjoyed few educational advantages, and in addition to a few months in the common schools, he studied at night, and thus secured the rudiments of an education. When 14 years of age he commenced to work at the shoemaker's trade in connec- tion with tanning, which business he followed until 1835. Mr. Cook was first married in New York, April 24, 1827, to Polly Brockway, who was born March 16, 1805. One child was born unto them-Mary, who subsequently married John Taylor, and who died in Idaho in 1879. Mrs. Cook died May 30, 1831, in New York and William L. Cook married Almira Woodhull, who was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1806. In 1835 Mr. Cook built a raft on the Allegheny River, and with his family floated down it to the

Ohio River, and from thence to St. Louis.

Here he made the ac- quaintance of a Government officer, and secured passage for his family, together with his houschold effects, to Rock Island. At the latter place he employed an Indian to row him across the river in a skiff to Davenport, where his father had settled. Arrangements were at once inade to bring over his family and household goods, and he moved onto his present farm. In the spring of 1836 he

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planted a few acres of sod eorn, and in the fall he gathered 12 bushels, which he placed in the loft of his house, and which during the winter following he ground as necessity required, in an old-fash- ioned coffee-mill, and had made into bread for his family. At this time there was no mill for many, miles from Davenport. Four children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Cook-Ellen, who married Dr. French, and who died in 1869; Katy, who married J. P. Ridgely; William E., who now resides on the old homesteadin the house in which he was born, and Julia M., who married Wm. R. Ash, a lawyer in Philadelphia, Pa, Mrs. Cook died Jan. 8, 1848, and Mr. Cook married Mrs. Elizabeth Sheik, who was born Feb. 20, 1808, in Lawrence Co., N. Y. Two children resulted from this union-Elijah B. and Emma L. (now Mrs. Angust Rohlfe). By her former marriage Mrs. Cook had five children, three of whom are now living. She died Aug. 15, 1878. Mr. Cook again mar- ried, forming an alliance Sept. 23, 1880, with Mrs. Margaret Case, whose maiden name was Hartzell, and who was born in Westmore- land Co., Pa., in 1819. She moved to Roek Island in 1835, and resided there many years. She had 10 children by her first husband, three of whom are now living. Mr. Cook has always been quite prominent in Scott County affairs, and has held every local office in Davenport Township. In 1855 he was elected county judge and served two years. For 35 years Judge Cook was a strong Democrat, but was always an anti-slavery man. In 1855 he was a delegate to the convention which met at Iowa City and organized the Republic in party in this State, and he has sinee been a consistent advocate of the principles of that party. He lias been a member of the M. E. church 61 years, and was in the first class organized in Davenport.

Charles Dannacher was born in France, Oct. 13, 1849; he is the son of Sebastian and Elizabeth (Hebinger) Dannacher, also natives of France. At 14 years of age he entered the service of a florist, and continued in that calling up to 1869, when he became a member of a military school, where he remained one year and then entered the regular army and served in the war between France and Germany. At the close of the war he returned to his old business as gardener or florist, in which he continued for three years, bc- coming so expert that he could readily name any plant in the col- lection by a single leaf being shown him. In 1874 he emigrated to America and located in Charlotte, Iowa, and engaged with Dr. Ennis as florist, remaining there for three years. In 1878 he came to Davenport with the intention of taking charge of a garden in the city. On arriving he found that other arrangements had been made, and he therefore, with the assistance of Dr. Kulp, started a garden consisting of 14 acres of land, in which he has now 35,000 varieties of plants. In 1873 he was married to Mary Gantz, who was born near Colmar, France, in 1849. They had four children, only one of whom is now living-Louisa. In March, 1881, three

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of their children died within three days of each other, and were buried in one grave. Mr. Dannacher is a Republican in polities.

Gustave Eckerman, farmer and proprietor of Eekerman's saloon, section 17, Utiea Ridge road, Davenport Township, was born in Oldenburg, Germany, March 16, 1832. His parents were Claus and Marie (Harder) Eckerman. They had 10 children, four living. Gustave attended school until 16, when he followed the carpenter's trade until August, 1852, when he emigrated alone to New Or- leans; was eight weeks at sea. He came direet from New Orleans to Davenport, Iowa, where he followed the carpenter's trade until 1865, when he bought the "Five Mile House;" remained here five years, then bought his farm in section 17, Davenport Town - ship, where he has Eekerman's saloon. He married Miss Eliza

Graute, Nov. 21, 1854; she was born in Entin Oldenburg, Ger- many; she was a daughter of August and Helena (Hener) Graute. Mr. and Mrs. Eekerman have had 10 children, six living, viz. : Clara (wife of Fritz Schaefer, they reside in Davenport Township), Gustave, Jr., Laura, Eliza, IIngo and Adolph. Mr. Eekerman has in addition to the farm of 40 acres in section 17, Davenport Township, where he and family reside, a farm of 80 acres in But- ler Township; both farms are under good cultivation and well stocked; he is one of the enterprising farmers of Scott County, where he has lived since 1852. In polities, Mr. Eckerman is a Republican.

Nicholas Fejervary was born in Hungary, May 27, 1811; his parents are Joseph and Mary (Ivonikovich) Fejervary, natives of Hungary. His mother died while he was a mere infant, and he was taken by his grandparents to raise. Ilis father again married, but died in 1829; his step-mother yet resides in Hungary and is at an advanced age. Mr. Fejervary secured a thorough education and graduated from the university of Pesth in 1832. After graduating he moved on a farm and engaged in politics. He was elected elerk of the court, and also a member of the Legislature, and served three years. In 1844 he abandoned polities, and in 1845 married Caroline Kars, who was born in Hungary in 1810. Three children were born unto them-Celestina F., Mary (who died in Hungary in 1849), and Nicholas (who died in Davenport in 1863). In June, 1852, Mr. Fejervary landed in New York, and in the fall of he same year came to Scott County, and purchased and entered 3,000 acres of land in the counties of Scott, Cedar and Muscatine, Iowa. In the spring of 1853 he moved his family to Davenport, and in the fall of the same year moved into his present beautiful residence, which he had erected during the summer from briek which he had burned. From time to time he disposed of a portion of his land until his possessions now amount to 600 acres, though he owns considerable real estate in the city of Davenport. The location of his family residence is a fine one and deserves special mention. In polities, Mr. Fejervary is a Republican.

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

Thomas K. Fluke was born in Williamsburg, Huntingdon Co., Penn., Aug. 30, 1816. IIe is the son of Samuel and Lillias (Kerr) Fluke, natives of Huntingdon Co., Penn. His father was a cabinet- maker and carpenter by trade, and carried on the business for many years in Williamsburg. He died Sept. 10, 1828. His mother died Dec. 21, 1836. The educational advantages of Thomas were obtained in the common schools of his native town. At the age of 13, he began work at the cabinet trade in Williamsburg, and served an apprenticeship of three years, at the expiration of which time he went to Carlisle and served two years. Returning from Carlisle, he engaged in business for himself in the cabinet-making and undertaking trade, the latter branch of his business being quite large. He continued in this line until 1849. On April 27, 1837, he married Anna V., daughter of William W. and Elizabeth (Stewart) Harris, who was born Feb. 25, 1814, in Bedford, now Fulton Co., Penn. IIer father was a Nova Scotian (from Halifax) by birth, and mother a Pennsylvanian. The former died in 1861, aged 86, and the latter in 1863, in her 75th year. Mr. and Mrs. Fluke with the family moved to Scott County and purchased 160 acres of land and began improving the same. In the spring of 1851 the family moved into their present home. At this time the city of Davenport had but 1.900 inhabi- tants, and the country was but little improved. Mr. and Mrs. Fluke are the parents of nine children, all of whom are now living, all married, namely: Newton K., Lewis H., Orval S .. Orlando R., Anna V. (now Mrs. Gilbert Cooper), Alverda F. (now Mrs. Augustus Reading), Edwin D .. Charles L. and Thomas B. Mr. Fluke was one of the first members of the County Board of Super- visors, and served four years in that body. In August, 1865, he was appointed county treasurer by the Board of Supervisors, to fill vacancy caused by the resignation of John Collins. In the fall ot the same year he was elected and served the full term. In 1858 lie became connected with the School Board and served for 12 years. Mr. Fluke was originally an old line Whig, but has been an active Republican since the organization of that party. He is a member of the M. E. church, as is also his wife.

Friederick Frahm was born in Schleswig, Germany, April 26, 1818. His parents were George and Mary (Ulrich) Frahm. of German nativity, and are now deceased. The subject of this sketch received a common-school education in his native country, and remained with his father until he was 24 years of age, where he worked as a farm hand until 1848, when he emigrated to America, and came at once to Davenport, Iowa, where his two brothers had located the year before. He worked as a farm la- borer until 1853, when he married Catharine Schting, who was born in Schleswig, Germany, Dec. 31, 1832, and came to America in 1848 with her father. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Frahm commenced farming in Blue Grass Township, on a farm of 80 aeres, which he had bought in 1850. He has added to his

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original purchase until he now owns 480 acres of rich land. In 1876 he moved into the place where he now resides, in the suburbs of the city of Davenport. His family consists of two children- Minnie (now Mrs. Henry Suhr), and Charles. In politics Mr. Frahmn is a Republican.

Peter Freund was born in Bavaria. Germany, Jan. 26, 1825, and was a son of George and Margaret Freund, nee Noe, who were likewise natives of Bavaria, where they died. The subject of this sketch was edneated in the common schools of his native country, and remained with his father on the farm until he was 21 years old, when he enlisted in the regular army in Bavaria and served six years. After receiving his discharge he emigrated to America in 1853, and located in Davenport, and engaged as a farm hand in the vicinity of Davenport a number of years. He was married in 1854 to Margaret Krause, of Bavaria. In 1855 he began farm- ing for himself, and now owns 309 acres of land, which he has accumulated by his own personal exertions. His family consists of eight children-George, Franeis, Jolin, Archie, Joseph, Al- ward, Eddie and Katie. He is a Democrat in politics.

Emil N. J. Geisler was born in Dithmarsen, a province of the Dukedom of Schleswig-Holstein, in April 11, 1528. After re- ceiving a college education he entered the revolutionary army in 1848, to battle for the freedom of his country. He served as orderly sergeant and took part in most of the battles in the German-Danish war during 1848, '49 and '50. After the canse of freedom was lost, he with many others left the dear home for the free country of the United States, and landed at New Orleans in the spring of 1852. From there he went direct to the promising town of Davenport, where he settled and made it his home for nearly 30 years. After working on a farm and teaching for two seasons, Mr. G. engaged in mercantile business. In 1564 he sold out his store and opened one of the first vineyards in Scott County. In 1865 he established a briekyard, which, after two years of successful business, he sold out to His partners. He is now engaged especially in buying and improving raw lands, building houses, etc. He opened in Scott County several new farms, and built and re-built over a dozen houses, besides barns and out-houses in Davenport City and the county. Mr. G. also turned his attention to the broad, fertile prairies of the western part of Iowa and made five new farms in different connties, and also built houses in several new towns.

In 1875, Mr. G. bought a tract of land on the C., R. I. & P. R. R., and in company with four other gentlemen from Davenport formed the Marne Town Company, and platted and laid out the flourishing town of Marne, six miles west of Atlantic. Mr. G. also held several public offices. lle was justice of the peace for Dav- enport Township. in 1877 and 1873; and after his removal to the city was elected trustee for the city of Davenport, which office he resigned, when he changed his residence again. Mr. G. took active part in many public enterprises, and was, and is yet, a prominent

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History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 98

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