Catholic Messenger Davenport, Scott County, Iowa October 21, 1899 AT 5 o'clock on Saturday evening after an illness of only one week's duration from typhoid fever, occurred the death of Patrick M. Heeney, in the eighteenth month of his age. The deceased passed away at the home of his mother, Mrs. Anna Heeney, 417 West Eighth Street, Saturday. The departed youth was born in County Leitrim, Ireland, and came to Davenport when he was a child two years of age, or sixteen years ago. He is survived by his mother and one brother, John Heeney, together with four sisters, Mrs. John Manion, and Misses Bridget, Lizzie, and Nellie at home. The funeral was held from the mother's residence, with services at St. Anthony's church at 9 o'clock, Monday morning. Rev. D.J. Flannery officiated at the obsequies which were largely attended. There were many floral tributes which testified to the character of the deceased as appreciated by his many friends. The interment was made at the St. Marguerite's cemetery.

Nov 28, 1932 Davenport Democrat Davenport, Scott County, Iowa John M. Heeney, A Former Street Commissioner, Dead John M. Heeney, familiarly known to his many friends as "Red," died at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the family home, 417 West Eighth Street. Death terminated an illness of several months. He was 56 years of age. Born in County Leitrim, Ireland, on May 12, 1876, he had resided here for the past 50 years, coming to the United States with his parents when a small child. From 1910 to 1916 Mr. Heeney served as assistant under the late Street Commissioner Barney McMahon, and from 1916 to 1924 as street commissioner. For the past seven years he had been a superintendent for the McCarthy improvement company. His mother died just a week ago, and a sister, Mrs. mary Manion, passed away four weeks ago. Of a genial and jovial nature, Mr. Heeney made friends wherever he went. Big hearted and generous in his days of prosperity he had a helping hand for all in distress. He was an ardent follower of sporting events and had numerous acquaintances among the boxing fraternity. One of his staunchest friends was Packey McFarland. Surviving are three sisters, Mrs. D.J. Harrigan, Mrs. Elizabeth Helmel and Mrs. Nellie Stroehle, all of Davenport. The body was taken to the Halligan Funeral Home and will be returned to the family home at 2 p.m. today. The funeral will be held on Tuesday from the home to St. Anthony's church, the time to be announced later.

Davenport Democrat Davenport, Scott County, Iowa November 20, 1932 Mrs. Ann Heeney Mrs. Ann Heeney, 86, a resident of Davenport for half a century died at 11:40 p.m. Friday at her home, 417 West Eighth street after a year's illness. Mrs. heeney was born in County Leitrim, Ireland, July 4, 1846, and came to America direct to Scott County, 59 years ago. She was a member of St. Anthony's Church. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. D.J. Harrigan, Mrs. Elizabeth Helmel, and Mrs. Nellie Stroehle, and a son, John M. Heeney, all of Davenport; 14 gradnchildren and two great-grandchildren. One son and two daughters preceded their mother in death, one of them Mrs. Mary Manion having died three weeks ago. The body was taken to the Halligan funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 8:30 a.m. Monday in the famiy home and at 9 am in St. Anthony's church. Burial will be in St. Marguerite's cemetery. Catholic Messenger Davenport, Scott County, Iowa November 24, 1932 Mrs. Anna Heeney, A Long Time Resident Called By Death The death of Mrs. Ann Heeney, a resident of Davenport for the past fifty years, occurred last Friday after an illness extending over the past year. She was born July 4, 1846, in County Leitrim, Ireland, and came to America, directly to Davenport 50 years ago. Since then, she has resided here. Mrs. Heeney had been a faithful member of St. Anthony's church and took part in the parish activities when in good health. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. D.J. Harrigan, Mrs. Elizabeth Helmel, and Mrs. Nellie Stroehle, and a son John M. Heeney all of Davenport. Fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren also survive. A son and daughter preceded their mother in death and another daughter, Mrs. Mary Manion, died three weeks ago. The funeral was held Monday morning from the family home, 417 West Eighth street. Requiem High Mass was celebrated by the Rev. J. P. Quinlan at St. Anthony's church and he also preached the funeral sermon. At the offertory of the Mass, Lou Koenigsaecker sang an "Ave Maria" and at the conclusion Mrs. P. L. Rogge sang "Mother Dear, O Pray For Me." At the recessional Mrs. Rogge, Mr. Koenigsaecker, Mrs. E.J. O'Donnell and Mrs. E.B. McCulloch sand "Veni Jesu." The pallbearers, all grandsons, were Joseph and William Stroehle, Joseph, Francis, Ray, and John Helmel. The Rev. J.W. Bulger gave the final blessing at the grave in St. Marguerite's cemetery.

Davenport Democrat Davenport, Scott, Iowa Sep 4, 1925 S. O'CONNOR, PIONEER OF CITY, CALLED Resident of Davenport for Over 70 Years Dies at the Age of 90 Stephen O'Connor, a pioneer resident of Davenport, having resided here for over 70 years, died at his home, 430 West Pleasant street, at 6 o'clock Thursday evening. His death terminated an illness of the past two weeks, altho he had been ailing for some time. Mr. O'Connor was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, on Dec. 20, 1834, having reached the age of 90 years. He came to America when 15 years of age and had been a resident her for over 70 years. In spite of his advanced years Mr. O'Connor was a good conversationalist and his genial kindly disposition made for him a host of friends which he kept during his life time. For over 30 years he was employed at the French & Hecht company. The deceased was united in marriage in 1858 to Miss Mary Heeney in the old St. Margaret's church, which now is known as Sacred Heart cathedral. His wife died 43 years ago. Surviving are one son, John J. O'Connor and two daughters, Elizabeth A. O'Connor and Mrs. Ellen Priest, all of Davenport. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. The funeral will be held from the late residence, 430 West Pleasant street, at 9 a.m. Saturday to St. Anthony's church at 9:45 a.m. Interment will be in St. Marguerite's cemetery.

Saturday, Arpil 9, 1955 Davenport, Scott County, Iowa Services will be held at 8:45 a.m. Monday in the Halligan funeral home and at 9 in the St. Anthony's church for Hugh Heeney, Sr., 82, of 319 West Eighth street, Davenport, who died Friday in his home following a lingering illness. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after noon today, where the Rosary will be recited at 8:15 p.m. Sunday. A retired excavating contractor, he was born Oct. 13, 1871, in Davenport. He married Bridget McGuire, May 4, 1890, in St. Anthony's church here, who died in 1953. Surviving are six daughters, Mrs. Fred Adams, Chicago, Mrs. E.J. King, Minneapolis, Mrs. Raymond Johnson, Rock Island, Mrs. Everett Snider and Mrs. John Ryan both of Davenport, and Mary Heeney at home; two sons, Raymond, New York City, and Hugh, Jr., Davenport; 21 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

July 9, 1922 Davenport Democrat John H. Heeney passed away Saturday evening at 8:10 at the family home 511 West Locust street, after an illness of six weeks duration. He was born in Davenport, June 1, 1870, and was 52 years of age at the time of his demise. He was educated at the old St. Marguerite's school here and on June 10, 1901 was united in marriage to Miss Catherine McNamara at St. James Catholic church in Brooklyn, N.Y. by Rev. J.M. Donohoe, residing in Brooklyn till 1906, when he removed in Davenport. He has been in business here for a number of years, and at the time of his death was proprietor of a soft drink parlor at Sixteenth and Harrison streets. Mr. Heeney had a large circle of friends among whom he was always a favorite. He was noted for his kindness and surprising generosity. No one in need was ever turned away penniless by him. Surviving are his wife and four daughters, Marie, Veronica, Eleanor, and Catherine. His mother Mrs. Mary Heeney at Tipton, Iowa; four brothers Michael of Pleasant Valley, Hugh of Davenport, and Patrick and Frank of Brooklyn, N.Y. and three sisters, Mrs. T.B. Lee of Tipton, Mrs. Catherine Cruse of Davenport, and Mrs. P. Burnes of Brooklyn, N.Y. The deceased was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Loyal Order of Moose. The body was taken to the Fred N. Ruhl funeral home, and will be taken home this noon. The funeral will be held from the home Tuesday morning at 5:30 with services.... (the rest got cut off)

February 24, 1925 Davenport, Iowa OLD RESIDENT OF COUNTY DEAD Mrs. Mary Heeney is Summoned at Daughter's Home in Bennett Mrs. Mary Heeney, a resident of Davenport and Scott county for 76 years died this morning at five o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Thomas Lee in Bennett, Ia., where she went to make her home about four months ago. The decedent was born in Ireland in 1837, and came to the United States when nine years old. She was united in marriage to Patrick Heeney in May 1857 in New York, and the couple came to Davenport in the fall of 1857. Her husband preceded her in death 35 years ago. Surviving are four boys, Mike Heeney of Pleasant Valley, Ia., Hugh Heeney of Davenport, Patrick and Frank in Brooklyn, N.Y., three daughters, Mrs. Thomas Lee of Bennett, Ia., Mrs. Kate Kruse of Davenport, and Mrs. Mary Burnes of Brooklyn; 38 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Funeral attangements will announced later.

Davenport Democrat, Davenport, Scott County, Iowa November 7, 1913 page 9 RACE WITH DEATH LOST ON LAST LAP Thomas Heeney Dies at Council Bluffs on Way Here for Operation Speeding toward Davenport on a fast train from his home in Denver for an operation at Mercy Hospital here, another race with death was lost on the last lap this morning when Thomas F. Heeney, prominent contractor of Denver, while coming into Council Bluffs at 3 o'clock sank back in his seat dead. Unnatural pressure on the heart caused by an abscess is attributed to have been the cause of death. For some time during the past Heeney, who was over 52 years old, had been ailing. He was being brought here as speedily as possible for an operation at Mercy Hospital. The hospital ambulance was waiting at the C.R.I. & P. Ry. station here when the train conveying the dead body of the patient arrived. A short time prior to the man's death he was talking to his brother, John Heeney of this city, who was accompanying him from his home. He was sitting up in a Pullman seat, when he suddenly stiffened. He was dead when his brother turned. The body of the man was carried straight across state from Council Bluffs to Davenport. Mr. Heeney was a prominent contractor in Denver and had contracted for a large part of the city's business during the past few years. He has been there many years. When he became ill, for the first time about four weeks ago, he sent to Davenport for his brother, John Heeney, who left for that city several weeks ago. The Davenporter disposed of much of the aparatus owned by his brother before starting for this city, where an operation was to have been performed. The body was taken to the Halligan parlors and later to the home of his brother, John Heeney, 606 West Seventeenth street, from where the funeral will be held at 8:30 o'clock Sunday morning, with services at 9 o'clock at St. Anthony's church. Interment will be made in St. Marguerite's cemetery. Deceased was born Jan. 2, 1861, in New York city. The survivors are his wife, Mrs. Ada Heeney, four sons, Thomas, Paul, Elmer, and Ira Heeney, and three daughters, the Misses Florence, Blanche, and Dorothy Heeney of Denver. His mother, Mrs. Mary Heeney of this city, three sisters, Mrs. Bridget Lee of Bennett, Ia, Mrs. Katherine Kruse of this city and Mrs. Mary Burnes of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Frank, John, and Hugh of Davenport.

Chapter 34 cont. HIRAM PRICE Early in that year (1853) there was a general awakening as to the importance of and necessity of some means of communication with the balance of mankind. A railroad was then in course of construction from Chicago westward, and we hoped to induce the eastern capitalists who were building that road to have it strike the Mississippi river in Illinois opposite the town of Davenport and then, if possible, have it continued west from there to Council Bluffs on the Missouri river. In furtherance of this plan a conference was held at Davenport, between the eastern railroad men and some of the citizens of Iowa, the first week in August, 1853, and I was persuaded to undertake the task of canvassing the state on the line of the proposed road across Iowa, on a line as nearly direct as possible from Davenport to Council Bluffs. My special business was to see the people at their homes or their place of business, and where practicable call public meetings at different points along the contemplated line of the road and to so present the advantages to result from the construction of a railroad as to interest them in the enterprise. By agreement I was to continue in this work along the line of the proposed road for sixty days. My experience during those sixty days between the 12th of August and the 12th of October, was not such as to make me anxious to renew it. One of the surprises with which I met was the large number of people on that proposed line of road who had never seen a railroad and many of whom did not seem to have any wish to see one. This was to me a strange idea, and one that rendered my task more difficult because when men are satisfied with their condition and surroundings it is very difficult to induce them to change them. I could only account for these strange notions on the supposition that this class of persons had read and were in sympathy with the man described by Pollok in his "Course of Time," "Who thought the moon that nightly o'er him rolled No larger than his father's shield; Lived where his father lived, died where he died; Lived happy, died happy, and was saved." And inasmuch as this had been the result in his case, they were willing to take their chances with him in this world and in the next. When I told them that with a railroad the product of their farms would worth from fifty to 100 per cent more than without one, they simply disposed of the case in a summary manner by informing me in a manner more energetic than polite, that I was not telling the truth. One case of this kind which occurred in Des Moines is a fair sample of several others. I had called a meeting at the courthouse one night to present the enterprise to the citizens. The courthouse at that time was not palatial structure. The meeting was held on the ground floor, which I believe was the courtroom. The weather was warm, the windows were all raised, and those who could not find room on the inside crowded the windows of the outside and were attentive listeners. While I was making the best presentation of my case that I could truthfully do, and trying to persuade the people that a railroad to Des Moines would be a great benefit to all concerned, some man on the outside who must have been a near relative of Ananias, crowded his way to the window, listened for a few moments and then turning away said to those on the outside, "Oh, that is Judge Rice who is speaking, and he is the greatest liar in the state of Iowa." My name is not Rice, and the title of judge did not belong to me, but it answered the purpose of the anti-railroad men, and was a "good enough Morgan" for the time. This is a sample of the manner in which my mission was received in what is now the city of Des Moines, and a great railroad center for the state of Iowa and of the northwest. The crucial test of time and trial has relegated the obstructionists and dwellers in "Sleepy Hollow" to the rear of the army of progress. Only in a very few instances did a little sunshine of encouragement fleck my pathway while on this railroad mission, but even a very little was gratefully received. I give one such case: I reached Council Bluffs on Saturday, which I think was the 20th of August, and at a meeting that night after I had made the best presentation of my case of which I was capable, without the slightest token of appreciation or approval, I sat down, feeling that (in the language of the colored brother in reference to his prayer) I had "my labor for my reward," and that the people of Council Bluffs did not think a railroad of much consequence, but rather an unjustifiable interference with the Divine plan, and therefore not to be encouraged, because when the Supreme Architect finished the work He pronounced it good without a railroad. However, while such thoughts as these were passing rapidly through my mind a gentleman in one of the back seats arose and broke the (to me) awful silence, in a speech not longer than a Lacedemonian letter, which gave me some hope that possibly all was not lost. His speech was not long, learned nor classic, but it seemed to inspire in me a hope that possibly my mission might not result in a total failure. Many things in my past life that I ought to remember have been forgotten. But that speech I never will forget, and I here now place it on record as some encouragement for those who may be called upon in the future to lead forlorn hopes. It was as follows: "My friends, I have listened to this man's railroad speech, and while I am free to confess that I have great doubts as to the practicability of the project, yet it may be wiser to give it a trial and possibly some day we may see the locomotive coming across these prairies head and tail up like a bedbug." That was his speech, and it is very safe to say that it was original. I am glad to say that I afterward met this man at Council Bluffs, when the road was finished to that place, and the iron horse was there to speak for himself. Men of intelligence on other subjects ridiculed the idea because, as one prominent lawyer in Muscatine said at one of our meetings: "Iowa is an agricultural state. Her principal productions are wheat and corn, cattle and hogs, and livestock cannot be taken to an eastern market, because the distance is too great to carry them on cars. And flour cannot be carried to such a distance on the railroad without shaking the barrel to pieces unless the barrels are strong and heavy as pork barrels, and that would be so expensive as to make it unprofitable." Allow me to digress a moment from the thread of my statement to say (as Paul said of Alexander the coppersmith) these lawyers did me and my cause "much evil" because some people think that because a man is learned in the law he necessarily knows everything else. 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 34 cont. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FIRST TRAIN THROUGH DAVENPORT On December 20, 1855, the line of the Mississippi & Missouri was laid through Iowa City, a distance of fifty-five miles, and only twelve years afterward did the road reach Council Bluffs, 314 miles distant, thus traversing the state. With the meeting of the Chicago & Rock Island and the Mississippi & Missouri roads at the wooden bridge came the protest of the river interests, followed by the destruction of the draw span of the bridge by the wreck and fire of the Effie Afton, May 6, 1856, and the consequent contentions in the courts in which the immortal Abraham Lincoln, then a Springfield lawyer, pleaded so prominently in the interests of the railroad people. This rivalry of river and bridge or the steamboat and railroad interests, the accident of the Effie Afton and incidents relating to Lincoln, is a story already told in this work. Of the first engine, "Antoine LeClaire" and its appearance in Davenport, the Gazette at the time had the following to say: "The builders say it is the best locomotive in the country. It is a fitting compliment to our liberal fellow citizen, Antoine LeClaire, Esq. He was the first man to settle upon this dies of our noble river; the first man in Iowa who came forward and subscribed $25,000 in stock in the Mississippi & Missouri enterprise. About twenty-five of our fellow citizens were on the locomotive and tender as it passed through town. At the different street crossings, they were received with cheers and with smiles and with waving of handkerchiefs from fair ladies. After passing entirely through town as far as the deep cut in the bluff, further progress was arrested by a tree hanging over the track, and it returned to the depot in safety. The company dispersed to their homes. Probably in future years, when the city shall have become what it is destined to be, they will tell their children's children with pride that they were of the small number who was on the first locomotive which crossed the Mississippi river." To round out this chapter and add very much to its interesting features the following reminiscent articles by men who were there are given below: 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/

In July I posted the development of a Web site for the organization on the subject line. If you haven't already visited it, you should do so. It's a work in progress. You'll be pleasantly surprised! Go to www.scottcounty.iowapioneersettlers.org Membership is based on the date of one's ancestor's settlement in Scott County -- by December 31, 1846. We're meeting this Saturday, September 11th, in Eldridge, IA. The details are on the Web site. Annual dues are $2.00. You need not be present to join. However, it's always an enjoyable day well spent, and we welcome new members. Spouses are eligible as well. I'm sure there are many of you on this list who could and should become part of this membership. If you can come, please e-mail me at [email protected] Carol

Chapter 34 cont. STATION NAMED FOR CAPITALIST As the building of the Mississippi & Missouri progressed, stations were created and named. On July 19, 1855, when the Antoine LeClaire was brought here, the road had reached a distance of two and a half miles west of the city, and Farnam station was created and named after one of the eastern capitalists who put money into this pioneer railroad. Henry Farnam gave his name to the first station outside of Davenport but today it is simply Farnam siding in official dispatches. The next station was Walcott and the third Durant. While Mr. Farnam failed to have his name perpetuated by colored porters and unintelligible brakemen in calling off the railroad stations, he succeeded in getting it fixed to one of the streets of Davenport, Farnam street, although this claim is likely to be refuted by those who contend that Farnam street was christened after Russell Farnham, Antoine LeClaire's old traveling partner in the Indian fur business. But it will be remembered that Farnam street was not laid out until about the time of the coming of the Chicago & Rock Island and the Mississippi & Missouri roads, and that, like LeClaire street, it had been vacated to these roads first by gift of Mr. LeClaire and then by record of the city council. 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/

Janet, Thanks for sharing your story. I had not heard of Wapsi Willie before this. One of our ancestors, Frederick ARBLE, (who built the TOBIN cabin which is now in the Scott County Park) also drowned in the Wapsi.

Davenport Democrat Davenport, Scott, Iowa May 13, 1872 Escaped Capture of a Lunatic A colored man named Foster, some time ago, was taken from jail and placed in Mercy Hospital, it being discovered that he was hopelessly insane, where he received good care and attention. He appeared to be in a fair way of recovering his reason. One day last week he escaped from the Hospital, and no one could find him. Some days afterwards he appeared in Princeton, to the great alarm of the women and children of that village. Last Thursday he was discovered in a skiff, sailing down the Mississippi without oar or sail. He was hauled to shore, wet through and half frozen, and taken before a justice of the peace, and by him sent to Davenport again. He got here on Saturday and was safely lodged in jail, where he now languishes, resting after his long excursion. District Court- The court this morning was occupied in hearing motions, and not until this afternoon was a jury impannelled. The first case taken up was that of Lavina Meyers vs. Lippman Ochs, a suit wherein the defendant is charged with slander in calling the plaintiff improper names, and also with assault and battery. Martin & Murphy for plaintiff; Claussen for defendant. Police Court. The case of Holstein against Harms, for malicious mischief, in stabbing his colt, was concluded on Saturday afternoon, the defendant being held over to the next term of the District court. Eliza Noonan, a female of rather tough reputation, was charged with intoxication, and fined $5 and costs, this being her second offense of this nature. She went to jail. Lavina Cullers was up on a like charge, and fined $10 and costs, this being her tenth or twentieth offense in that line. She also will work it out in the stone yard. Two individuals named Sherman and Brown were taken up for vagrants, without any visible or invisible means of support. They were fined $5 and costs each, and sent to jail. May 15, 1872 The attention of the district court today has been directed to the case of Deffe vs. C.R.I. & P. Railroad Co. it appears that the plaintiff, Jacob Deffee, received serious injuries last May while in he employ of the railroad, by the falling of a bank under which he was working - breaking his legs- and sues the company, fixing damages at $10,000. Case pleading. May 22, 1872 Delaney-Lyon Case. In District Court this morning the case of State vs. Dennis Delaney was called Defendant in this action stands accused of wilfully and with malice aforethought, attempting to take the life of Dr. Geo F. Lyon, in this city, on the 14th day of October last, by stabbing him in the abdomen, also in the neck. The public will bear in mind the details of this tragic affair as they were fully given at the time by the press of the city. Against all expectation the Doctor recovered, and is now residing in Terrehaut, Indiana, but is present at Court as prosecuting witness. The empanelling of the jury occupied the time of the court from 9 o'clock this morning, until half past two this afternoon. Thirty-four jurymen and tailsmen were called. The following is the jury before whom the case is to be tried: Peter Ullam, D.C. Dutcher, Richard Hood, F.X. Bets, Louis Schlegel, Detlef Frahm, Johnson Maw, Abraham Curtis, Wm. Swaddoris, Samuel Clark, James Price, J.D. Morrison. The case is conducted by Prosecuting Attorney Ellis, and John C. Bills for the State and Martin & Murphy for defense. Cathy Joynt Labath Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm Iowa Old Press http://www.IowaOldPress.com/

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Stanley Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Yl.2ADE/1041.1 Message Board Post: Do you know of any descendants of Lemuel Stanley in Scott County or the state of Iowa? Stanleys and their descendants are invited to the fall reunion of the Stanley family in Iowa (all branches). Meet at 9 a.m. on October 2 at the Stockade Restaurant in Mount Pleasant for coffee and sharing of genealogy. I will bring a computer slide program of Stanley sites in England which my husband and I visited in 2004. After lunch at the restaurant we will travel to Salem to visit the Cedar Creek Friends Church, the Salem Friends' cemeteries, and to tour the Lewelling House (an underground railroad station). Lewis D. Savage will direct the tour and share his knowledge of the history of the area and of the Stanleys. Ansalem and Joseph Stanley came to Salem in 1838 - the first Stanleys to come to Iowa. I know of at least three Stanley families who came to Scott County before 1860. Contact me for more information. The only expenses are for your food and entry to the Lewelling Hou! se.

Iowa City Press Citizen Iowa City, Johnson, Iowa Saturday, January 27, 1923 DAVENPORT OFFICER SERIOUSLY WOUNDED BY ALLEGED BANDIT (By Associated Press) DAVENPORT, Ia., Jan 27- Officer James Carroll, of the Davenport police department, was shot three times and seriously wounded by Eugene Saunders, said to be wanted in Minneapolis on a charge of bank robbery during a gun battle last night. Saunders is under arrest. Iowa City Press Citizen Iowa City, Johnson, Iowa Thursday, May 1, 1924 IOWA TEACHER SLAIN IN HOME Scott County Authorities Seeking Husband as Murder Suspect (By Associated Press) DAVENPORT, May 1- Scott county authorities today were searching for Edward Vance whom they said they suspected of implication in the killing last night of his wife, Mrs. Ora Pearl Vance, a school teacher of Buffalo, Ia. Mrs. Vance was fatally shot when she returned to her home in Buffalo following a visit to a sick friend and officials took up the search for her husband, they said, on the assumption he or the slayer had gained entrance to the home in Mrs. Vance's absence and attacked upon her return. The Vances had been estranged for some time. Vance who is a paroled patient from the Mt. Pleasant hospital for the insane had made repeated attempts to induce his wife to take him back. He has not been apprehended. Cathy Joynt Labath Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm Iowa Old Press http://www.IowaOldPress.com/

Chapter 34 Cont. FEATURES OF EARLY HISTORY The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company was one of the chief features in the upbuilding of this section of the country, and anything relating to this great corporation and public utility is always of interest to Davenporters. Much valuable information relating to incidents connected with the early history of the Rock Island has been gleaned from the pages of the Democrat, published at the time they occurred, and a few extracts from that most valuable journal are here presented to the readers of this history: "September 1, 1853, after the Mississippi & Missouri Railroad Company had been incorporated, the first tie of what is now the western division of the Rock Island system was laid, with ceremony, on the corner of Rock Island and Fifth streets, in this city. Rev. A. Louderback, pastor of the old Trinity church on the southeastern corner of Rock Island and Fifth streets, existing until a few years ago, offered prayer. A. C. Fulton was officer of the day. Rapid construction followed and on July 19, 1855, at noon, the first locomotive reached Iowa, by way of the Mississippi, being ferried over in a flatboat, landing at Fourth and Front streets at a point almost directly south of the Wiley coal office, where it was unloaded. This first locomotive was christened Antoine LeClaire, because of that famous pioneer[s largess in donating yard room to the Mississippi & Missouri Company. It was built at Paterson, New Jersey. Erroneously it has often been stated and published that the Antoine LeClaire crossed the river on the ice. As the date o its arrival was about July 19, 1855, the mistake is obvious. But there was a locomotive towed across the ice. One month before the French colony came across the bridge on the first passenger train, the locomotive, John A. Dix, arrived at Rock Island. Instead of waiting for the completion of the bridge the engine and seven new freight cars were towed across the ice and taken north on Main street to the Fifth street tracks. It must be remembered that the John A. Dix was not one of our present locomotives. The Dix was illstarred. Sometime afterward her boilers exploded near the Duck creek bridge, killing the engineer. But previous to this the engine was remodeled and turned out of the shops in April, 1863, and was considered one of the gayest little machines that ever went on four drivers. On the head lamps were two splendid oil portraits of General Dix, and on the tender were painted two ocean scenes in medallion. The sand-box supported an American eagle and a gay ballet girl. The general painting was considered elegant in color and finish. The tender was done in a gold leaf in the richest style of scroll and line work, all done by the skillful hand of Charlie Fick, the best painter in the state. The General Dix was for several years the special pet of Mose Hobbs, the oldest engineer of the road, who took great pride in bringing out the General in the most imposing style. He thought he could take the "rag" off any machine that was then in existence." 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/

My uncle Pat always shares a story about Wapsi Willy with his family. He is quite the story teller around family bon fires. Here is one of the many versions he shares with us: There flows a stream in Iowa the green water turns and falls the black earth exposes its belly and drops from the sod girded walls In summer the sod holds the bank side and the water runs smooth and clear in spring time the waters grows into a tempest and the black earthen banks disappear The two-meter stream in the summer in spring turns into torrent the two foot pool in the summer is replaced by a hundred foot current In June when the grasses are supple and moves with the sun and the wind in March the grass is a servant that funnels the torrent within. The life source the spring, the water, the gentle source and serene with rain the source of nightmare and the murmuring sweet gentle stream is a horror two miles wide of drowning a thundering, murderous wall and all of the dreams and wishes, survival seems suddenly small When the firefly's dance like fairies in the dark of the stream in the night and darkness surrounds like a canopy hold to the fire and the light. The love ones are there, the children in the night cling to them and hold dear The storyteller just sits by the fire, and getting himself a beer looked to the children with pale blue eyes and sat back in the night that was chilly looked to the children in the campfire light " Do You know the name Wapsi Willie" William went over the ocean with family, with all he had left his children would have something better for his family he wanted the best. The loneliness of the prairie stretched out in carpets of green the wagon, the freedom, the wonder the spring rain, air fresh and clean soft grass whispered come onward and the clouds that moved through the sky interrupted the assure blue skyline like great masted ships passing by. Here's where we'll camp for the evening, beside this gentle stream here beneath the stars above here we will stop, rest and dream The supper was hardtack and beans and biscuits cooked on a stick and the water quietly danced on the stones and the rocks in the creek. But this was no creek, no creek at all, but the terrible Wapsi river. And God decided that night that the rain and the wind he'd deliver. Deliver he did by buckets and gallons and torrents The silent creek that morning turned into a murdering current. The water rose from a couple of feet to a river that turned wild and free, and William and family were caught in the wind, the rain and thundering sea In the morning he searched for his family but his children, his wife and his home had been caught by the churning brown water and lost in the murdering foam. The stories at night tell the tale of a man that so caught up in his sadness walks through the night in the forest and so caught up in his madness lights a fire to sit by and waits by the light to find his family and today sometimes in the distance a light will shine through the whispering trees. A hundred years plus has come and gone the Wapsi still runs without care the lives of hundreds its taken, of anyone wishing to dare to tame the watery hand of god and wind up caught up in its lair At forty plus years as I wander out by the river and forest with the light of the campfire I listen to the sound of the frogs evening chorus there in the darkness a light glows just out of the edge of my sight in the darkness a fire Wapsi Willie and the campfire that burns in the night. Best Regards, Janet Rossmiller - Miller http://www.sycamorecreekdesign.com ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, September 03, 2004 10:26 AM Subject: [IASCOTT] Wapsi Willy > This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. > > Surnames: Wapsi Willy > Classification: Query > > Message Board URL: > > http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Yl.2ADE/2682 > > Message Board Post: > > We have been talking about Wapsi Willy. We are wondering if anyone has any information about the truth behind the legend. > > > ==== IASCOTT Mailing List ==== > To unsubscribe, send a message with the word unsubscribe to: > mail mode --- [email protected] > > ============================== > Gain access to over two billion names including the new Immigration > Collection with an Ancestry.com free trial. Click to learn more. > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=4930&sourceid=1237

Iowa Gazetteer and Business Directory, 1884-1885 DAVENPORT. A thriving city in Scott county, on the west bank of the Mississippi river, 250 miles north of St. Louis, Mo., and 175 east of Des Moines. It is the second largest city in the State, and in commercial importance ranks second to none. Its shipping facilities,which are excellent, consist of the C., R.I. & P. Ry and C., M. & St. P. Ry, which have depots here, and the C., B. & Q., the Rock Island & Mercer County, and the Rock Island & Peoria Rys, all receive and deliver freight and passengers in this city. During 7 months in the year a large portion of the shipments to and from Davenport are made by way of the river, there being 2 daily lines of steamers between St. Louis and St. Paul, besides several steamers engaged in the local traffic. Opposite Davenport and tributary to it are the cities of Rock Island, with 13,000 inhabitants, and Moline, the largest manufacturing town in the west; and 3 miles south is Milan, another manufacturing place. These four cities combined and virtually forming only one settlement aggregate nearly 60,000 inhabitants. The city has a very large jobbing trade, and manufactures are numerous. There are 5 saw mills, cutting on an average 1,000,000 feet per day, agricultural implement works, glucose factories, foundries and machine shops, cigar factories, boiler works, box factories, 5 breweries, a number of brick yards, candy and cracker factories, a grain elevator, 8 flour mills, 2 horse collar factories, lumber yards, show case, churn, ladder, furniture, window shade, and sash, door and blind factories, plow works, a rope walk, oatmeal and woolen mills, a pottery, a pump and pipe factory, Oscillator thresher factory, marble works, a paper box factory, a piano factory, soap and lard oil factories, spice mills, carriage and wagon works, a washing machine factory, and many more too numerous to mention in the brief space allowed for this sketch, but of which a detailed and complete account will be found in the subjoined list of names. By the especial effort of the citizens of Davenport, an appropriation has been secured for the survey of a canal from Hennepin, Ill., to the mouth of the Rock river, or some other eligible point on the Mississippi river. Davenport has for years had the well deserved reputation of having the best schools in the State. The high and training schools are attended by a number of pupils from other places. The public schools comprise 10 grammar schools, a high school and a training school, and besides these there are quite a number of private schools among others the Griswold College and the Academy of the Immaculate Conception, the latter a ladies' boarding school of the highest rank. The Academy of Sciences and the public library, both established and maintained by the liberality of citizens are model institutions of their kind, the former has a most complete collection of relics of the mound builders, and numbers among its corresponding members some of the most eminent scientists of the day. The churches are numerous and comprise all the principal religious denominations. There are 6 first-class hotels and numerous smaller ones, 3 national and 2 savings banks with an aggregate capital and surplus of $1,000,000 and the learned professions and various branches of commerce are well represented. The Central Union Telephone Company with headquarters at Davenport now embraces all towns within the radius of 75 miles and the company is in a flourishing condition. The following papers are published and keep the citizens informed on all current topics of interest. The Democrat (daily, weekly, and Sunday), the Gazette, (daily and weekly), the Herald (weekly), the Demokrat (German, daily, semi-weekly and weekly), the Iowa Messenger (weekly), the Northwestern News( weekly), the Familien Journal, the Sternen Banner, and several monthly publications. Davenport is growing steadily; handsome brick blocks and private residences are going up in all parts of the town, and the value of real estate is increasing rapidly. The rate of taxation is lower here than in any other city of 10,000 inhabitants in Iowa, which fact should induce those seeking a location for new enterprises to choose Davenport. The city, covering nearly 5 square miles is traversed in every direction by street cars, enabling business men to reach their stores and offices quickly from any part of the town. Tel., W.U. Exp., U.S. and Am. Population, 26,000. Mail, daily. Edward Russell, postmaster. Cathy Joynt Labath Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm

Iowa Gazetteer and Business Directory, 1884-1885 Davenport Abbott L L & Son (Lewis L and Delancy N Abbott), Revere House, 3d and Perry Abel Henry, poormaster, County bldg. Aberle John B, baker, 1404 W 2d. Ackley House, C B Cross Propr, cor 3d and Perry. Adams Mnfg Co (Charles F Adams, Detroit Mich, propr, Louis T Palmer manager), clothes wringers, 119 Main. Adams & Hayward (Walker Adams, Eugene B Hayward), staves, cor 3d and Rock Island. Adamson Andrew, saloon, 326 E 2d Ahrens John, saloon, 432 W 2d Alberti Rudolph, phys, cor 3d and Main Albrecht Otto & Co (Otto Albrecht, Frank J Raible), Cigar Mnfrs, 306 W 2d. Alexander Wm R H, lawyer, 203 w 3d. Amazon Vinegar and Pickling Works, Wm M Smith Pres, Treas and Mngr, Benjamin A Raphael Sec, Vinegar Mnfrs and Bottling Pickles, West Davenport. Amercian Express Co; G J Tomlinson agt, 209 Brady. Anderson Mrs A C, milliner, 323 Brady. Arnheim Adolph, grocer, cor 6th and Harrison. Arnold Morris, Cloaks, Dry Goods and Ladies' Furnishings, 129 W 2d and 125 and 127 Main. Arsenal Brewery, Koehler & Lange proprs, cor E Front and Mound. Ascherman Antoinette, General Groceries, Wines and Liquors, 1502 and 1504 Harrison. Atlantic House, John Critz propr, 422 Perry. Atwood Wm S, saloon, 120 E 3d. Aye John, saloon, 731 w 2d. Cathy Joynt Labath Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm