MUSIC The instruction in this branch was introduced in 1884 and G. R. Housel became the supervisor, retiring in 1888. George E. Whitmore was the next teacher of singing, commencing service in 1890 and ending in 1893. In this year George R. Housel returned and continued until 1895, when Ernst Otto succeeded him and is the present instructor. Debbie Clough Gerischer Iowa Gen Web, Assistant CC, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ IAGENWEB: Special History Project: http://iagenweb.org/history/index.htm Gerischer Family Web Site: http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/Yl.2ADE/2691.1.1 Message Board Post: Thanks so much for your help. It is very much appreciated!

In a message dated 10/9/2004 6:03:00 AM Central America Standard Tim, [email protected] writes: Contact the Special Collections Dept of the Davenport library. For a form to print out for this request, visit www.celticcousins.net/scott/index Then stick around & visit the site maintained by the 3 Scott co. wierdos, Cathy, Deb, & Elaine. It is THE recognized regional authority on Scott Co. Dick ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bet you didn't think we read your posts Dick. If and when you come for lunch again with the "Scott Sisters" be very careful what you eat out here on the farm. Sorry to the list but I had to comment. And while we are on the subject of Dick......He does so much for Iowa on the lists - a big thank you.....and an honorary membership into the "Scott Sisters" Welcome aboard Dick to the sisterhood. Sorry to be so off topic.....Dick hates that. Debbie Clough Gerischer Iowa Gen Web, Assistant CC, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ IAGENWEB: Special History Project: http://iagenweb.org/history/index.htm Gerischer Family Web Site: http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/

Davenport Democrat Davenport, Scott, Iowa July 20, 1924 CIRCUIT RIDERS BROUGHT GOSPEL TO EARLY DAVENPORT Peter Cartwright, Famous Backwoods Preacher, Rode Circuit Here in Early Days Religious services in the twentieth century are held in edifices so magnificent that it is difficult to realize the difference between present-day worship and that of the days when Davenport had not yet become a town. Back in 1828, Peter Cartwright, the most picturesque of the many backwoods preachers, traveled a circuit from Galena to Kentucky and it was then that Methodism first reached Iowa. Wm. D.R. Crotter first broke ground in Iowa at Burlington. Cartwright, his father-in-law, followed soon after. "There was but a scattered population," Cartwright says of his first preaching in Iowa. "Yet when they came out to meeting the cabins were so small that not one in the settlement would hold all. We repaired to a grove and hastily prepared seats. With an old bent-over tree trunk as a pulpit, I declared the unsearchable riches of the gospel of Jesus Christ." The Old Time Religion. Religion today is a dignified ceremony compared to the time when Cartwright rode the circuit. Decorum characterizes the worship of our huge cathedrals. Occasionally there is a revival, and people hit the sawdust trail; but even a red-hot revival produces no such varieties of religious experience as Cartwright frequently witnessed. "A new exercise broke out among us called the jerks," he says, "which was overwhelming in its effects upon the bodies and minds of the people. Whether saints or sinners, they would be taken under a warm song or sermon and seized with a convulsive jerking all over, which they could not avoid. I have seen more than 100 persons jerking at one time. To obtain relief they would rise up and dance. Some would run, but could not get away. "To see these proud young gentlemen and young ladies dressed in their silks, jewelry and prunella from top to toe, take the jerks could often excite my risibilities. The first jerk or so, you could see their fine bonnets, caps and combs fly; and so sudden would be the jerking of the head that their long loose hair would crack almost as loud as a wagoner's whop. Riding the Circuit. Cartwright was appointed to the Quincy district in 1832 and cared for a number of missions commencing at the mouth of the Illinois river and running up the Mississippi to Galena. There were 1400 Methodists in the district. His district consisted of new settlements. His travel entailed long hard rides, cabin parlors, straw beds and bedsteads made of barked saplings, and puncheon bedcords, but the people were kind, and showed genuine frontier hospitality. The men were hardy, industrious, enterprising. The women were also hardy- would think nothing of turning out and helping raise cabins, and would mount a horse and trot 10 to 15 miles to meeting or to see the sick! Disliked "Hothouse Plants" Cartwright did not like the ladies of fashion. Of them he says they would faint if they had to walk 100 yards in the sun without a parasol; that they were braced and stayed to such and extent that they could not step more than six or eight inches at a time. "Should they by an accident happen to lose their moorings and fall, they were imprisoned with so many unmentionables that they could not get up again." Almost Pawns His "Benny." It was in the late 30's or early 40's that Cartwright first visited the mission at Rock Island, in charge of Philip T. Cordier, " a man of feeble talents, unstable, one who did but little good, and was finally expelled." The mission was located at what was then called Wells' settlement, a few miles above the mouth of Rock river. The river was high, and the preacher did not want to swim. He asked the ferryman to take him across, promising to pay him on Monday. The ferryman, " a very mean man who charged high and imposed travelers," would not do it without Cartwrights pawning something. He suggested that an overcoat be left. Cartwright needed the coat, and so was unable to ride. A little further, he saw a horseman fording the river, which appeared not to be deep, and crossed. When he asked the stranger about his experience with the ferryman, the latter said, "You have made a blessed escape, for if you had left your overcoat you never would have got it again. He is a great rascal and makes his living by foul means." Falls in the River. On another visit to a quarterly meeting on the Rock Island mission, he was accompanied by Brother Summers, a traveling presiding elder. The two decided to cross the upper ford on Rock river. Both were riding horses and carrying many religious books. Cartwright's horse slipped on a rock in the middle of the stream and fell. The saddle turned and Cartwright was thrown into the stream. He left his horse and swam after his saddle bags, which he recovered just before they began to sink. His books and clothes were ruined. His Visit of 1861. In his 76th year, Cartwright returned to Rock Island to preach. The Davenport Gazette for Oct. 3, 1861, said: "This octogenarian lectures this evening at the Methodist church in Rock Island this evening. In all probability it will be the last opportunity our citizens will have to hear the celebrated man. They should avail themselves of it. The proceeds of the lecture are to be given to the Methodist church of Rock Island." A Picturesque Character. The noted circuit-rider was born in Amhurst county on the James river in Virginia, Sept. 1, 1785, and died near Pleasant Prairie, Ill., Sept. 1, 1872, in his 87th year. His work among the pioneers suffered many hardships. When the slavery question, which split the Methodist church into two factions that are not attempting to unite, was broached to him, he said, "I believe that the most successful way to ameliorate the condition of the slaves and Christianize them and finally secure their freedom is to treat their owners kindly and not to meddle politically with slavery." Talks with Mormon Leader. At Springfield, Cartwright once met Joseph Smith, who was head of the Mormon church, at Nauvoo, where it took refuge after having been expelled from Missouri. They fell into a conversation on the subject of religion. "I found him to be a very illiterate and impudent desperado in morals, but at the same time he had a vast fund of low cunning," Cartwright said of the incident. "He made his onset by flattery and laid on the soft sodder thick and fast, called me one of God's noblest creatures. He believed that among all the churches in the world the Methodist was nearest right, as far as they went, but had stopped short by claiming the gift of tongues, prophecy, and miracles, and quoted a batch of scripture to prove his positions correct. Pretty well for clumsy Joe, I gave him rope." Later Smith said of the circuit rider, I will show you that I will raise up a government in these United States that will overturn the present government; I will raise up a new religion that will overthrow every other form in the country." Yes, Uncle Joe, but my bible tells me 'the bloody and deceitful man shall not live out half his days'; and I expect the Lord will send the devil after you some of these days and take you out of the way." "No sir, I shall live and prosper while you will die in your sins." "Well, sir," Cartwright came back, "if you live and prosper you must quit your stealing."- and here the preacher made an illusion to Smith's polygamy in no polite terms. "Thus we parted to meet no more on earth; for in a few years after this an outraged and deeply hurt people took the law into their own hands and killed him and drove the Mormons from the state." Cathy Joynt Labath Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm Iowa Old Press http://www.IowaOldPress.com/

Davenport Democrat Davenport, Scott, Iowa May 27, 1872 THE DELANEY TRIAL [Delaney was accused of stabbing to death Dr. Geo. Lyon] Two more witnesses were examined this morning on the part of the prosecution, they bringing in rebutting testimony. At about twenty minutes past ten Prosecuting Attorney Ellis began the opening speech on the part of the State. His speech occupied nearly two hours. This afternoon H.M. Martin, Esq. opened on the part of the defense, making a very able plea for this unfortunate prisoner. Mr. Martin will be followed by Judge Murphy, after whom John C. Bills will close for the State. It is doubtful if the case will be given to the jury to-day. POLICE ITEMS. - An individual of the female persuasion named Ella King was brought before the Justice charged with petit larceny, and fined $10 and costs which she will board out at the jail. Ella's crime was the stealing of a dress from the house of George F. Kramer, about the 20th of April. A warrant was gotten out for her arrest at the time, but she had departed, and was soon afterwards heard of in Port Byron. But in an unguarded moment she returned, and the police found her last night in a house of bad repute. Two drunks were punished by the fine of $2 and costs each, which were paid. Two individuals, named Isadel Hassett and John Jones, amused themselves yesterday morning in going from house to house and rapping on the doors of private residences, to the intense disgust of the inmates. They paid $3 and costs each for the fun. The case of the state against Mr. Thos. Baker, Mrs. N. Price, Alfred Baker, Geo. Baker, John Binder, and Emily Baker, is dragging itself through the most part of to day. This is a family feud, and when the costs come to be paid, we doubt not, the quarrel will be quelled. Before Justice Thornington. SUICIDE. A Pauper Hangs Himself- Insanity the Cause - The Coroner's Inquest. It would seem that the suicidal mania was growing very prevalent in this vicinity from the many victims who have lately deliberately put an end to their existence. On Saturday afternoon a pauper at the County Poor House named Thies Froum, was discovered hanging from a window, suspended with a strap, which was about his neck. He was cut down, but his face was livid, and he was dead. The deceased was a German by birth, and was about thirty-three years of age. He was of fair physical development, and appeared to have enjoyed good health. Froum appears to have been of a very low grade of intellect, so much so that he was regarded by the inmates, as well as the Superintendent of the Poor House, as demented. This slight insanity is probably what caused him to take his life. We have not heard that the the deceased had any friends in this country. He died unregretted and unknown, except by his fellow paupers at the Poor House. Yesterday (Sunday) morning, Justice Thorington, who officiates as Coroner in the absence of Mr. Tomson, was notified of the event, and immediately proceeded to the place, and held an inquest over the remains. Dr. A.J. Emeis acted as medical examiner. A jury was summoned, consisting of Dr. Emeis, Jacob Hosetter, and John Banks, who returned the following verdict: STATE OF IOWA Scott County SS. An inquisition held at the County Poor House, in and for said county, on the 26th day of May, A.D., 1872, before James Thorington, Coroner pro tem of said county, upon the body of Thies Froum, there lying dead, by the jurors whose names are hereto subscribed. The said jurors, upon their oath, do say that said Thies Froum came to his death on the 26th May, 1872 at about 4 1/2 o'clock p.m., by hanging; that the act was committed by said deceased with a leather strap, on the premises aforesaid; that he was a demented inmate of said poor house, being so demented, was the cause of the commission of said act. In testimony whereof, the said jurors have hereunto set their hands the day and year aforesaid. Attest: James Thorington, Corone, pro tem. A.J. Emeis, M.D.; Jacob Hosetter, John Banks. The remains were immediately interred by order of the Coroner at the Poor House, the expenses being borne by the county. May 28, 1872 District Court. In the Delaney trial the closing speeches on the part of the defense and State were made by Judge Murphy and J.C. Bills respectively. At about noon the case was given to the jury. About three o'clock this afternoon the jury came into court and announced that they had agreed upon a verdict. The prisoner, who was absent, was sent for and on his returning the verdict was read. He was found guilty of assault with attempt to commit great bodily injury. Delaney heard the decision with some emotion. The sentence was not announced, but in such a case it is imprisonment in the county jail-the length of time at the discretion of the court.The Court will probably adjourn today, the session being already prolonged one week beyond the stated time. May 29, 1872 Police Court. Henry Schoening, an old offender, was brought up before Justice Peters for keeping a house of ill-fame, disturbing the peace, and keeping a drinking hole. But, strange to say, none of these charges sufficed to convict him, it being settled to hush up matters, so Henry can go on in his excrable calling with impunity again. Cathy Joynt Labath (a.k.a. weirdo) Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm Iowa Old Press http://www.IowaOldPress.com/

visit the site maintained by the 3 Scott co. wierdos, Cathy, Deb, & Elaine. It is THE recognized regional authority on Scott Co. Dick And not only Scott county but they have done so much for all of Iowa that is greatly appreciated. The only weird thing about them is that they spend so much time and effort for all of us. I sincerely THANK them. And you too Dick ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, October 09, 2004 6:33 AM Subject: [IASCOTT] Re: deeds; where to find

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Yl.2ADE/2693.1 Message Board Post: The 1910 census image may indicate you win the bet and also narrow down your time frame for the marriage request. Dick

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Yl.2ADE/2688.1 Message Board Post: The 1895 transcript would indicate that John is probably living with Ott, Jane & family. For a copy of the this xscript for Woolheaters in Scott & neighboring Clinton co., E-mail me direct referencing this post. Dick

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Yl.2ADE/2691.1 Message Board Post: Contact the Special Collections Dept of the Davenport library. For a form to print out for this request, visit www.celticcousins.net/scott/index Then stick around & visit the site maintained by the 3 Scott co. wierdos, Cathy, Deb, & Elaine. It is THE recognized regional authority on Scott Co. Dick

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Yl.2ADE/2692.1 Message Board Post: 1910 > IOWA > SCOTT > ROCKINGHAM TWP Series: T624 Roll: 422 Page: 176 (A) E.D. 159 Surname GivenName Age Sex Race Birthplace State County Location Year DITTMER LEWIS 32 M W IA IA SCOTT ROCKINGHAM TWP 1910 Lewis, Anna & kidz & several others in this residence. (Lewis is a hotel keeper) For a copy of the image sent as an attachment, e-mail me direct referencing this post. Dick

Does anyone know what public and parochial schools were located in the west end of Davenport between 1905 and 1915. Thank you, MM

GERMAN Instruction began in German in 1867 and has continued to the present time. The first instructor was J. G. Tuerik, a finely educated man, recently from souther battle fields where he fought for his adopted land. He went from building to building giving instruction in German on stated days. As time passed other instructors were added until finally there was a teacher of that language in each building. Later, as exigency demanded, two teachers were employed in a building. The study of German has been optional, but the aim of the board has been to furnish sufficient force to meet all requirements. There are few cities in the United States where such ample opportunities have been provided for the study of German as in this city. The instruction in German was without special supervision until within a few years, when A. O. Mueller was secured and was later succeeded by Henry H. Jebens, the present incumbent. Debbie Clough Gerischer Iowa Gen Web, Assistant CC, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ IAGENWEB: Special History Project: http://iagenweb.org/history/index.htm Gerischer Family Web Site: http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/

DRAWING Early in 1865 after much discussion the school board decided to introduce instruction in drawing into the schools. Henry Lambach was appointed drawing teacher, but as he was otherwise engaged, Mrs. W. A. Bemis became the first drawing teacher of the public schools. She served until 1870 and was succeeded by Mr. Lambach, who taught drawing until 1881. From that date until 1892 there was no special teaching of drawing. In 1892 Miss Mary E. Sisson, now Mrs. C. R. McCandless, came from Peoria and served from 1892-1894. Miss Clara A. Wilson succeeded her in 1894 and carried on this department of school work until 1908, going to Cleveland and from there to Des Moines, where she is at the head of art instruction in that city. The next supervisor was Miss Lillian Fliege, who came to Davenport in 1908 and is now in charge of the drawing in the High School and in the graded school. Debbie Clough Gerischer Iowa Gen Web, Assistant CC, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ IAGENWEB: Special History Project: http://iagenweb.org/history/index.htm Gerischer Family Web Site: http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/

Harlan, Edgar Rubey. A Narrative History of the People of Iowa. Vol IV. Chicago: American Historical Society, 1931 p. 158 RT. REV. MGR. CHARLES J. DONOHOE, pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Church at Davenport, was the first and has been the only pastor of this parish, and its prosperity and upbuilding are the reflection of his earnest and zealous work since coming to Davenport twenty years ago. Davenport has been a very congenial field for him, not only because his work has prospered, but because he has found there working fellowship with the people of his own creed and all classes and denominations. Father Donohoe is a native of Iowa, born on a farm near Holbrook in Iowa County, October 4, 1873. His parents, James and Ellen (Balton) Donohoe, left Ireland at the time of the terrible famine of the late '40s, and, coming to America, first located in Canada, then at Joliet, Illinois, and from there sought the new lands of Iowa. In their journey to this state they crossed the Mississippi River on the ice before there was a bridge or railway over the stream. They went on out to Iowa City and started a home near what is now the town of Holbrook, taking up Government land. Some of the old homestead is still owned by their descendants. The land title was signed by President Fillmore. When Rev. Charles J. Donohoe was ten years of age his parents moved to Iowa City, where he attended public schools. Later he was a student in St. Ambrose College at Davenport and completed his theological education in St. Paul's Seminary at Saint Paul, Minnesota. He was ordained in 1899, after which he continued his studies for a year in the Catholic University of America at Washington. Father Donohoe for several years was a member of the teaching faculty of St. Ambrose College. In the fall of 1909 he accepted the assignment of Bishop Davis to form and build up the parish of St. Paul the Apostle. Bishop Davis several months earlier had secured the property at Tremont Avenue and Rusholme Street as the site of a church. A new congregation was to embrace all the territory north of Locust Street and east of Harrison Street. Father Donohoe accomplished his difficult task promptly and celebrated mass for the first time in the new church on December 12, 1909. St. Paul's Church was dedicated June 18, 1911. Then followed some busy years, attended by rapid growth in the parish, so that in 1915 the church was enlarged to more than twice its original size. St. Paul's now has a seating capacity of 650, and other provisions have been added to give the church opportunity for its full service in the parish. Its parochial school is one of the model school buildings of the city, and a convent has been built adjoining the school. In addition to the heavy responsibilities of building up the parish Father Donohoe has for a number of years been a director and secretary-treasurer of the St. Vincent's Orphanage Home. During the World war he was s four-minute speaker, assisting in the Liberty Loan and Red Cross drives. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club. October 20, 1929, he was made a domestic prelate, with the title of monsignor, by his Holiness, Pope Pius XI. Cathy Joynt Labath Irish in Iowa http://www.celticcousins.net/irishiniowa/index.htm

Chapter 35 cont. THE TRAINING SCHOOL In 1863 the school board having experienced difficulty in securing teachers professionally trained to fill positions in the schools, and realizing the importance of securing such teachers, decided to establish a training school for teachers. The services of Mrs. M. A. McGonegal as principal and Miss Mary V. Lee as assistant were secured. This was the first school for training teachers established west of the Mississippi river, and from its founding to the present time has contributed strongly to successful instruction in the Davenport schools. Its graduates have done splendid service in the schools of this and other Iowa cities and in the schools of other states, always reflecting credit on the Davenport Training school. The school was first located in the building of School Number 2, where it remained until 1869. At that time from the lower grades of School No. 2 about 100 children, with the training school for teachers, were moved to the first floor of the High school, corner Sixth and Main streets. Here the training school remained until 1871, when new Number 8 having been opened it was transferred to that building. When the new High school building on Seventh and Eighth, Rock Island and Iowa, was ready for occupancy, the Training school made its fourth move and climbed the hiss to this new structure of greater accommodations. Here it stayed until 1892, when it was transferred to its present location in Tyler school. The requirements for admission to the Training school are graduation from the High school or any other school of equal rank. The course of instruction includes a review of the common branches, and in this connection instruction in the best methods of teaching them, psychology, history of education, theory and practice of teaching, with actual practice in the school room under critic teachers. Graduation closes the course of one year. The principals of the Training school have been: Mrs. M. A. McGonegal, 1863-1870; Miss Kate S. French, 1870-1872; Miss P. W. Sudlow, 1872-1874; Miss Belle S. Thompson, 1874-1892. Miss A. O. Osborne, now Mrs. A. O. Sheriff, a graduate of the Oswego Normal school, left training school work in Saratoga, New York, to take charge of this school in 1892 and is still its principal. Debbie Clough Gerischer Iowa Gen Web, Assistant CC, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ IAGENWEB: Special History Project: http://iagenweb.org/history/index.htm Gerischer Family Web Site: http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/

I really enjoyed reading this. The high school is still in use today. Chapter 35 cont. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE HIGH SCHOOL The intermediate school, the precursor of the high school, established in 1859, was held in alternate years at school buildings Nos. 2 and 3, to accommodate the pupils as to distances. In 1861 the name was changed to the Davenport City High school. Such a name had been previously considered ill-advised, owing to public sentiment against the propriety of supporting a high school by public taxation. This sentiment was not peculiarly local, for all over the country high schools were struggling for recognition. The high school was held in the two grade buildings alternately until the leasing of the Baptist church building, corner of Sixth and Main streets, in 1863, which the congregation remodeled for high school use in accordance with the requirements of the board. The next year the board purchased the property for $4,000, and made further modifications to fit the building for the purpose for which it was purchased. When the transfer of the high school to Sixth and Main streets was made in 1863, Supt, A. S. Kissell was relieved of the principalship of the school and W. O. Hiskey appointed to that position. In this location the school remained until the completion of what was then called the "new high school," a sightly structure crowning the bluff upon the block bounded by Seventh and Eighth, Rock Island and Iowa streets, in 1875. This location was purchased by the school board in 1867. The school grew from year to year until the building was too small to accomodate the numbers. At the time when the necessity for providing more room for the high school was imperative the school board learned that the old Griswold college property could be purchased. Negotiations were entered into with Bishop Morrison of the diocese of Iowa and a price agreed upon, - $53,000. This was submitted to the voters at the regular school election in March, 1900, and also at a special election in May, and carried. This site is an ideal one for the high school of this city. The ground covers a block in the central part of Davenport; it is beautifully situated, centrally located and readily accessible. Before the erection of the new building for the high school the school board made extensive examination of the best high school structures in the Mississippi valley. After this examination the submission of plans was asked from architects and a large number were offered, none of whom seemed to be satisfactory to the board. Finally an outline was devised embodying their ideas and submitted to architects who put it into form. Of the plans submitted to the board those of Clausen & Burrows, local architects, were accepted. They drew up specifications and the board advertised for bids for the erection of the edifice according to the accepted plans. Numerous bids were received and the contract awarded to the H. B. Walker Construction Company of Danville, Illinois, who entered upon the work in the fall of 1904. In the spring of 1905 the corner stone was laid, which was the occasion of a great outpouring of the inhabitants of the city and especially of the school children who were present en masse and took part in the exercises by singing several appropriate songs. Speeches were made by several prominent citizens and Bishop Morrison of the diocese of Iowa took an active part. The building was finished ready for use in January, 1907, and represented an outlay, including all furnishings and equipment, of $347,000. The size of the building is 202 by 204 feet, three stories above a high basement. The basement contains a manual training room, 39 by 120 feet; gymnasium, 39 by 122 feet, with adjoining locker rooms and bath rooms for boys at the east end of the gymnasium and similar rooms for girls at the western end; heating apparatus, bicycle rooms, fuel rooms, and several rooms which can be used as need may arise. The first floor is reached by two main entrances, one from the east, and one from the west with an additional entrance from the north side for the auditorium which is a spacious opera house seating more than 1300, occupying the center of the building with light shafts interventing between the auditorium and the remainder of the building, which afford light for the auditorium and the man corridors, which are floored with terrazo mosaic and wainscoted with white enameled brick. There is a study room, 40 by 120 feet, also fourteen recitation rooms, principal's office, rest rooms for the men and women teachers, hospital room and a society room. The second story contains a library with separate reading rooms adjoining for boys and girls, a study room, 40 feet by 120 feet, fifteen recitation rooms, commercial room, typewriting room and the gallery of the auditorium. The third floor contains the physical laboratory, consisting of two rooms and an instructor's room; chemical laboratory of two rooms and an instructor's room; lecture room with raised sears; geological laboratory; biological laboratory, two rooms and a lecture room; free-hand drawing room, 25 feet by 62 feet; mechanical drawing room, 25 feet by 52 feet; the domestic science room, 40 feet by 52 feet; lunch room 24 feet by 68 feet, with separate adjoining rest rooms for boys and girls. Four stairways lead from the first to the third story, two of each for boys and girls. Along the sides of the corridors on the first two floors are arranged commodious lockers, in number about 1,200. The laboratories are most abundantly supplied with the most modern apparatus and other means of successful instruction. The building is admirably lighted, the windows being of the best French plate glass. The heating and ventilation are in accord with the latest advancement in building engineering. The exterior of the building is beautiful in appearance, the walls constructed of Marquette rain-drop sandstone and pressed brick of harmonious color, and has a roof of red tile. The corridors are floored with the mineral composite, terrazo mosaic, - all other floors are of hard maple. The interior finish throughout the building is of quarter sawed oak. The walls and ceilings are all beautifully frescoed. Take it all in all, it is the handsomest, most convenient, most complete, best arranged high school in the middle west. It is planned to accomodate 1,600 pupils. The principals of the Davenport City High school from its founding have been as follows: W. O. Hiskey, 1864-1866; M. G. Hamill, 1866-1868; J. B. Young, 1868-1878; H. P. Lewis, 1878-1883; F. E. Stratton, 1883-1892; H. H. Roberts, 1892-1898; W. D. Wells, 1898-1900; F. L. Smart, 1906-1907. Geo. E. Marshalll, the present principal, began service in 1907. At the founding of the high school there was but one course of study of four year's length, and that was very simple. At the present time seven courses are offered of four years of forty weeks each, a variety sufficient to meet the wants of all students of high school age. The Latin course is arranged for students who plan to enter college or who desire a general course of cultural value. The German course is arranged practically for the same purpose as the Latin. The science course is recommended to those who desire to enter a technical school or college, or for those who wish full work in science and mathematics. The English course is provided for students who do not wish to study any foreign language. The commercial course is planned for students intending to enter upon business pursuits without further educational training. The manual training course gives students a practical and thorough knowledge of the care and use of tools, mechanical drawing and designing, and is in the line of preparation for admission to technical schools. The domestic science course provides instruction in sewing, cooking, and drawing, dressmaking and designing and training in all the details of managing and conducting a home. Debbie Clough Gerischer Iowa Gen Web, Assistant CC, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ IAGENWEB: Special History Project: http://iagenweb.org/history/index.htm Gerischer Family Web Site: http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/

Chapter 35 cont. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ AN EARLY PAY ROLL The personnel of the earliest teaching force of the graded schools of Davenport, giving the position each held with the munificent salary received, has been preserved in volume No. 1 of the Iowa Instructor, an educational journal published by the Iowa State Teachers' association in 1859, and bearing the imprint of the old Davenport firm, Luse, Lane & Co. This was the year the schools were graded and the record appears in an article headed "Schools of Davenport." The introduction and statistics follow: "The public schools of this place had never assumed a definite shape before the inauguration of the new law. Since then the schools throughout the city have been graded, and efficient teachers employed. Numerous difficulties have been encountered, but they have all been overcome, and the schools are growing daily in popular favor. "The following list of teachers, and salaries paid them, has been handed us by the superintendent: A. S. Kissell, Prin. Int. Sch., and City Supt., salary per year $1200 Miss M. A. Scofield, 1st Assistant 400 Miss Anna Reed, 2d Assistant 250 L. H. Mitchell, Prin. Gram. Sch. No. 1 and Dist. Sch. No. 2 700 Miss M. W. Merrill, 1st Asst., Gram. Sch. No. 1 and Dist. Sch. No. 2 35 W. H. V. Raymond, Prin. Gram. Sch. No. 2 and Dist. Sch. No. 3 700 Miss P. W Sudlow, 1st Asst. Gram. Sch. No. 2 and Dist. Sch. No. 3 350 Miss M. S. Tripp, Prin, Dist. Sch. No. 1 350 Miss Julia Humphrey, Asst. Dist. Sch. No. 1 250 Miss H. T. Phillips, Asst. Sch. No. 2 250 Miss H. M. Lusk, Asst. Prin. Primary Dept. Dist. Sch. No. 2 350 Miss E. Kelley, Asst. School No. 2 250 Miss A. A. Howland, Asst. School No. 2 250 Miss E. Carriel, Asst. School No. 3 250 Mrs. M. E. Culbertson, Asst. School No. 3 250 Mrs. W. H. V. Raymond, Prin. Prim. Dept. School No. 3 350 Miss Sarah Christie, Asst. School No. 3 250 Miss Emma Metteer, Asst. School No. 3 250 Frank McClellen, Prin. Dist. School No. 4 500 Miss C. McCarn, Asst. Prim. Dept. Dist. School No. 4 300 Miss Jennie Jenkins, Asst. Dist. School No. 4 250 H. M. Hoon, Prin, Dist. School No. 5 350 Miss E. L. Cook, Asst. Dist. School No. 5 250 W. G. Fearing, Prin. Dist. School No. 6 300 "We may observe that at the organization of these schools the graded system was adopted, and that it had been employed during the past year with entire satisfaction. No separate building has yet been erected for the Intermediate school. The room at present occupied is attended with some inconveniences, but the attendance is good, and the recitations give evidence of thorough discipline. Quite a number of pupils are in from different portions of the county, and some even from the adjoining county of Muscatine. The schools as a whole will not suffer in comparison with any in the West." Debbie Clough Gerischer Iowa Gen Web, Assistant CC, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ IAGENWEB: Special History Project: http://iagenweb.org/history/index.htm Gerischer Family Web Site: http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/Yl.2ADE/2691 Message Board Post: I'm looking for land deeds in the 1850-1870 timeframe. Where is my best bet to request an index? Thanks for any help.

Chapter 35 cont. THE SCHOOLS ARE GRADED Shortly after the consolidation in may, 1858, of the district and the organization of the new school board, in July of that year, Mr. A. S. Kissell was appointed superintendent of the city schools. At that time he held the office of county superintendent. He filled the two positions for nearly one year and a half, relinquishing the county superintendency at the end of that time, but remaining city superintendent. Previous to holding these public positions he taught in the old Number 3 on West Third street, going with his school to the new building at Sixth and Warren. Some years since in an article on early Davenport schools The Democrat says: "The honor of organizing the graded schools of Davenport belongs to A. S. Kissell, then a young teacher of good education, fine enthusiasm and tireless energy. No recipient of the benefits of the Davenport schools should ever cease to venerate the memory of Mr. Kissell. He had his limitations, as all men have, but he was a great worker, an inspiring teacher whose whole life and purpose and thought went out to the upbuilding of our schools in our infancy." May 12, 1859, the board on the recommendation of Superintendent Kissell organized the public schools of the city upon the following plan: First - a primary school in every subdivision of the district. Second - two grammar schools, one to be located in School No. 2, and the other in School No. 3. Third - an intermediate school to be suitably located for those pupils in the city who are qualified to enter. It was further provided that all these schools should have such a course of study as the board might hereafter arrange. In july of 1859 Mr. Kissell was made principal of the intermediate school, taking on these duties as well as those of the superintendency. August 13 of that year a uniform course of study for all the schools below the intermediate school was devised and adopted. This course embraced what are known as the common branches and has been the substantial basis of the course of study in use up to the present time. In 1859 provision was made for only two years of the course planned for the intermediate school, and the curriculum included Latin grammar and translations, elementary algebra, English grammar, government and constitution of the United States, physical geography, physiology, book-keeping, penmanship, spelling, drawing and rhetoric. A very complete set of rules and regulations for the government of the schools, defining in detail the duties of the school officers, the superintendent, principals, teachers and pupils was drafted at this time. The wisdom of this early school board and the genius of Supt. Kissell show in the fact that the general plan at that time adopted has continued with little change to the present day. Naturally the course of study has been amplified as conditions justified but in general the original plan has been maintained. Debbie Clough Gerischer Iowa Gen Web, Assistant CC, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ IAGENWEB: Special History Project: http://iagenweb.org/history/index.htm Gerischer Family Web Site: http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/

Chapter 35 cont. The whole book is online on the Scott County site with the exception of this chapter and the last. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE LATER SCHOOLS School No. 8, Harrison school, was erected in the fall of 1871 at Fourth and Ripley streets, an eight room brick building with principal's room and recitation room. As necessity arose an addition of two rooms was made on teh south side, this making it a ten room building. School No. 9, the Tyler school, is a handsome building located on the east side of Grand avenue between Locust and High streets, occupying a lot of exceptional size, purchased at a cost of $3,000. The building was erected in 1892 to relieve schools Nos. 1, 2, and 4. It was a well arranged eight room building and so remained until 1902, when it was enlarged by an addition of four rooms on the north side. The exterior attractiveness of the building was not lessened by the addition. The same is true of No. 6 and its addition made in the same year. School No. 10, the Polk school, is a two story brick building with high stone basement, containing eight rooms, two recitation rooms, teachers' room and principal's office, located on the northwest corner of Eighth and Marquette streets. It was built and occupied in the fall of 1878. A part of the land purchased by the school board was sold and is now occupied by the adjoining row of handsome residences on the north and facing Marquette street. School No. 11, the Taylor school, is a modern ten room pressed brick, stone trimmed building, situated on the corner of Fifteenth and Warren streets and built in 1897 to relieve schools 3, 4 and 6. School No. 12, the Fillmore school, is located at Fourth and Warren streets. It is a ten room brick building, admirably arranged in its interior with fine exterior appearance. Its scholars came from Nos. 3, 5, 8 and 10. It was built in 1898 and 1899. It occupies the site of the old German Free school. A portion of the lot was secured by condemnation proceedings. School No. 13, the Pierce school, is a building of ten rooms, a handsome structure of Milwaukee brick with a red tile roof, well arranged for school purposes. It is on Fulton avenue and Christie street. The school was opened in October, 1900, the pupils being taken from No. 1, and the equilibrium being there restored by a delegation from No. 9. School No. 14, the Buchanan school, is a twelve room brick building situated on the corner of Sixth and Oak streets. It is the most capacious grade building in the city and cost $60,000. There are many advantageous features in this building not possessed by the others used for grade schools. School No. 15, the Lincoln school, occupies the building situated on the block bounded by Seventh, Eighth, Rock Island and Iowa streets, and occupied by the High school. After the building was refitted for a grade school early in 1909, the scholars, teachers and principal transferred from No. 2, the Adams school, leaving it vacant. The newest school, the Johnson, is now in process of construction in Northwestern Davenport near the crossing of Locust street by the Rock Island road. It will be a twelve-room building and arranged to meet all modern requirements. It is expected that it will equal or exceed in its appointments any other grade building in the city. About seventeen years ago Davenport commenced erecting buildings of handsome exterior and excellent interior arrangement. All the newer buildings since constructed have carried out the latest and best ideas in school architecture in construction, heating and sanitation. They are buildings of which any city might be proud. To bring the older buildings as near as possible on a par with the newer ones the school board entered upon a campaign of remodeling and in some instances almost rebuilding the older buildings of the city. In the summers of 1899 and 1900, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8, were turned over to carpenter and plumber, painter and decorator from those hands they issued transformed in outer appearance and interior arrangement and finish, so that they were almost as attractive, convenient and inviting as the new buildings. Debbie Clough Gerischer Iowa Gen Web, Assistant CC, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ IAGENWEB: Special History Project: http://iagenweb.org/history/index.htm Gerischer Family Web Site: http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/