Chapter 34 cont. THE RAILROADS CHARTERED In a former chapter the early history of the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad has been gone into quite extensively, and in Mr. Barrow's history herein published in its entirety, mention is made of the building of this first line of railroad from Chicago to Rock Island. It might be well, however, to recapitulate some of the salient points relating to the beginnings of this great transcontinental railroad. The Chicago & Rock Island Railroad Company, by special charter granted by the legislature of Illinois in 1851, was incorporated and a few months thereafter work of construction was begun and in August, 1854, the road was completed and the event was made the occasion of a grand celebration. The people of the Mississippi valley hailed the new road as a link uniting them with the outside world. On every side settlements at once began to spring up along the line and the tide of civilization moved steadily westward. Today, with its numerous connections cobwebbing the state of Iowa and other great commonwealths, the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad is a part and parcel of one of the greatest transportation systems in the world, extending from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific coast. In 1852 the Mississippi & Missouri Railroad Company was incorporated in Iowa with power to build and operate a railroad from the eastern line of the state of Iowa by way of Des Moines to Council Bluffs on the Missouri river. The Mississippi & Missouri Railroad Company was organized January 1, 1853; the capital stock was $6,000,000. Each share of the par value was $100. Its franchise was for fifty years. Five percent of the stock subscribed was to be paid down and the remainder in installments of not more than twenty percent of the full amount at intervals of not less than three months. The amount of the indebtedness to be incurred was limited to $4,000,000. John A. Dix, afterward the war governor of New York, was elected president. In September, 1853, the first ground was broken for the road, of which event a full description is given on another page. The first passenger train left Davenport on the 22d of August, 1855. The litigation over the bridge rolled up an immense expense account, to such an extent as to involve the Mississippi & Missouri Railroad Company and it failed to meet its guarantees. The Chicago & Rock Island assumed the responsibility, paying interest and principal. In 1866 the Mississippi & Missouri railroad Company failed to meet the mortgages given to secure the payment of moneys borrowed and expended in its construction. Its land grant also lapsed through inability to execute its provisions. The mortgages were foreclosed and the property purchased by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Company, of Iowa, a corporation formed under the organization of the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad Company. On the 20th of August, 1856, the Illinois and Iowa companies consolidated under the name of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company. The main line thus connected extended from Chicago to Rock Island in Illinois, and from Davenport to Kellogg, within forty miles of Des Moines, the former 181 1/2 miles, the latter 131 miles. The Oskaloosa branch extended from Wilton Junction, by way of Muscatine, to Muscatine, and was fifty miles in length. During 1867-9 the main line was extended through Des Moines to Council Bluffs, 186 additional miles, the entire line being open to traffic in June, 1869. 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/

Thanks Debbie, It is great to have this piece of History and one of Davenport's claims to fame. Jo Banks

Chapter 34 cont. 'ROCK ISLAND AND CHICAGO RAILROAD 'MOLINE IS WIDE AWAKE TO HER INTERESTS AND TAKING THE LEAD. 'Mr. Sanders: I attended a railroad meeting last night at Moline. All present seemed resolved to carry out the grand object for which they had assembled. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed; many of the old stockholders came forward and doubled their subscriptions and new subscriptions were obtained. Thirty-one shares were subscribed in a brief time, and it was unanimously resolved that the town council take a subscription of $2,500. Amongst the subscribers were two youths of not over twelve years of age, who took one share each, and not only subscribed, but paid up their installments. What a noble example; I would walk ten miles any night to see such praiseworthy actions.' "The exertion here made and the funds raised became known to eastern railroad men and Messrs. Farnam, Walcott and Durant visited us. The $300,000 required by charter having been subscribed, a contract for the construction and equipment of a railroad between Chicago and Rock Island was perfected with the above railroad constructors on the 15th day of October, 1851. The first payment on work performed was made on April 20, 1852; then on February 22, 1854, amidst the waving of banners and the thunder of artillery, the iron horse of the Atlantic drank the water of the great Mississippi river. The first link of 181 miles of the Pacific railroad had been completed." 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 have a Wm.Kelly, born approx 1818 in PA and Mary Ann Kelly, born approx 1814 in PA. William D. Kelly was a shoemaker In 1860 William, a shoemaker, and family were in Logan Twp., Blair Co., PA with 3 sons and 1 daughter. In 1870 William, a shoemaker, and family were in Darlington Borrough Twp., Beaver Co., PA with 2 sons and 1 daughter. Wm., a shoemaker, and Mary Ann were in Princeton, LeClaire Twp., Scott Co., IA in the 1880 Census with no sons and but their daughter living next door. Also living next door to them were a Julia Ann Scandrett and her husband, Miles Scandrett. There may have been a relationship as all were from PA. Willaim and Mary Ann's daughter Melissa "Jane" Kelly McCreary with 4 of her children and a niece Ella May Kelly, 6 born PA, was living next door to them. Jane had 2 young daughters, Lizzie May 6 and Ida 4, both born PA. Jane had a son Wm. Joseph 2, born PA or IL. Jane had a daughter, Mary Jane, 9 months born in 1879 in Muscatine Co., IA. Jane Kelly McCreary returned with her children to her husband, Miller L. McCreary, and lived and died in the Hillsville area of Mahoning Twp., Lawrence Co., PA. Jane Kelly married Miller L. McCreary in 1873 in Lawrence Co., PA. Jane Kelly McCreary, born 1856 in Indiana Co., PA, had brothers names of John born PA approx. 1844, Wiiliam (Nelson) born PA approx. 1849 and James born PA approx. 1852. Jane Kelly McCreary died in 1915 in New Castle, PA. One of her brothers, J. F. Kelly, was living in Altoona, PA at the time of her death in 1915. I have an extensive record of the Jane Kelly McCreary and Miller L. McCreary and their 8 living children and their descendants. The McCreary family children married spouses with surnames of: Damon/Daman, Liston, Loftus, Ludwig, Cearfoss, Waters, Downs, Witherow, Holman. Most of these were of the Edinburg and Hillsville area of Mahoning Twp., Lawrence Co., PA area. Does anyone have a relationship to my Kelly family? Shari McCreary Price

I have a Wm.Kelly, born approx 1818 in PA and Mary Ann Kelly, born approx 1814 in PA. William D. Kelly was a shoemaker In 1860 William, a shoemaker, and family were in Logan Twp., Blair Co., PA with 3 sons and 1 daughter. In 1870 William, a shoemaker, and family were in Darlington Borrough Twp., Beaver Co., PA with 2 sons and 1 daughter. Wm., a shoemaker, and Mary Ann were in Princeton, LeClaire Twp., Scott Co., IA in the 1880 Census with no sons and but their daughter living next door. Also living next door to them were a Julia Ann Scandrett and her husband, Miles Scandrett. There may have been a relationship as all were from PA. Willaim and Mary Ann's daughter Melissa "Jane" Kelly McCreary with 4 of her children and a niece Ella May Kelly, 6 born PA, was living next door to them. Jane had 2 young daughters, Lizzie May 6 and Ida 4, both born PA. Jane had a son Wm. Joseph 2, born PA or IL. Jane had a daughter, Mary Jane, 9 months born in 1879 in Muscatine Co., IA. Jane Kelly McCreary returned with her children to her husband, Miller L. McCreary, and lived and died in the Hillsville area of Mahoning Twp., Lawrence Co., PA. Jane Kelly married Miller L. McCreary in 1873 in Lawrence Co., PA. Jane Kelly McCreary, born 1856 in Indiana Co., PA, had brothers names of John born PA approx. 1844, Wiiliam (Nelson) born PA approx. 1849 and James born PA approx. 1852. Jane Kelly McCreary died in 1915 in New Castle, PA. One of her brothers, J. F. Kelly, was living in Altoona, PA at the time of her death in 1915. I have an extensive record of the Jane Kelly McCreary and Miller L. McCreary and their 8 living children and their descendants. The McCreary family children married spouses with surnames of: Damon/Daman, Liston, Loftus, Ludwig, Cearfoss, Waters, Downs, Witherow, Holman. Most of these were of the Edinburg and Hillsville area of Mahoning Twp., Lawrence Co., PA area. Does anyone have a relationship to my Kelly family? Shari McCreary Price

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Kelly Scandrett Nelson McCreary Cearfoss Liston Ludwig Downs Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Yl.2ADE/2683 Message Board Post: I have a Wm.Kelly, born approx 1818 in PA and Mary Ann Kelly, born approx 1814 in PA. William D. Kelly was a shoemaker In 1860 William, a shoemaker, and family were in Logan Twp., Blair Co., PA with 3 sons and 1 daughter. In 1870 William, a shoemaker, and family were in Darlington Borrough Twp., Beaver Co., PA with 2 sons and 1 daughter. Wm., a shoemaker, and Mary Ann were in Princeton, LeClaire Twp., Scott Co., IA in the 1880 Census with no sons and thier daughter living next door. Also living next door to them was a Julia Ann Nelson Scandrett and her husband, Miles Scandrett. There may be a relationship to them as all were from PA. William and Mary Ann's daughter Melissa "Jane" Kelly McCreary with 4 of her children and a niece Ella May Kelly, 6 born PA, was living next door to them. Jane had 2 young daughters, Lizzie May 6 and Ida 4, both born PA. Jane had a son Wm. Joseph 2, born PA or IL. Jane had a daughter, Mary Jane, 9 months born in 1879 in Muscatine Co., IA. Jane Kelly McCreary returned with her children to her husband, Miller L. McCreary, and lived and died in the Hillsville area of Mahoning Twp., Lawrence Co., PA. Jane Kelly married Miller L. McCreary in 1873 in Lawrence Co., PA. Jane Kelly McCreary, born 1856 in Indiana Co., PA, had brothers names of John born PA approx. 1844, Wiiliam (Nelson) born PA approx. 1849 and James born PA approx. 1852. Jane Kelly McCreary died in 1915 in New Castle, PA. One of her brothers, J. F. Kelly, was living in Altoona, PA at the time of her death in 1915. I have an extensive record of the Jane Kelly McCreary and Miller L. McCreary 8 living children and their descendants. The McCreary family children married spouses with surnames of: Damon/Daman, Liston, Loftus, Ludwig, Cearfoss, Waters, Downs, Witherow, Holman. Most of these were of the Edinburg and Hillsville area of Mahoning Twp., Lawrence Co., PA area. Does anyone have a relationship to my Kelly family? Shari McCreary Price

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.

"The journals of 1850, now in my possession, report that on the 21st of March, 1850, the delegates of various counties of Illinois and Scott county, Iowa, assembled in Rock Island; I, as chairman of the Pacific railroad committee, presented to the assembly the amounts of the several subscriptions of shares of stock taken in the Rock Island & Chicago railroad, as follows: Rock Island, 400; Camden, 172; Moline, sixty-three; F. R. Brunot, twenty; I. Sullivan, five; Bureau county, 300; Henry county, 103; Scott county, Iowa, 700; LaSalle county, (pledged) 250; Peru delegates (pledged) 250. These 2,263 shares of stock, at $100 each, may appear as a miserable exhibit, when millions were required, but we, the resolute and untiring, considered it a grand entrance. "In this work, as is well known to all pioneers, I had no aid save at two meetings; one at the republic of LeClaire (as then called), where with Judge Grant I called my second meeting; and one at Blue Grass, where Hon. Hiram Price went with me on condition that I paid for the team. Hon. Price made a good talk and we got thirteen shares of stock subscribed, and a pledge for every vote in the schoolhouse. "To show that railroad talkers sometimes encountered a rough sea, I must state that on our way home to Davenport, under the light of a half moon, I ran the larboard wheels of our buggy into a deep washout and also dumped Mr. Price into it, but fortune, as ever, was with our congressman; he was soon out and on his feet, and while brushing off the damp clay he, with energy, exclaimed: 'Such an awkward driver I never did see. I would not go with you another night for all Iowa. Here it is near midnight and I should be at home and blacking my boots and shaving for Sunday.' And whilst our congressman was in a clay mud ditch, the stay-at-home-do-nothings were snoozing in their beds. We drove some miles home to Davenport in a lop-sided buggy in silence, and I paid James Thompson, the coming banker, for the team and for a new set of springs for the buggy. "I neglected to say that at LeClaire we did not secure even one share of stock, and but one vote for the county subscription. That republic protested against building railroads in Illinois. They had their Monroe Doctrine, and objected to foreign invasion, even to talk railroad. "I frequently reported my lone night meetings as chairman to the press. I name one here that you may have a knowledge of railroad building in the middle of the past century - a three mile walk to the then hamlet of Moline and back, during a dark stormy night - a river to cross. As respects success, my report witnesses: (From the Gazette) 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 REFORM WAVE OF W.W. LUNGER AND CAPT. NEAL MOST STIRRING EPOCHS IN ANNALS OF DAVENPORT. (continued.) Neal is Arrested. The sight of Attorney Neal flourishing his revolver had put a temporary effect in holding back the crowd for no sooner had he proceeded down the street in the direction of his office than the crowd was after him again. Reaching Second and Harrison streets, Mr. Neal entered his office and the crowd surrounded it until a squad of policemen arrived and dispersed them. In the meantime Dr. Paul Radenhausen had gone to the office of Magistrate Roddewig and secured a warrant for the arrest of Capt. Neal, charging him with carrying concealed weapons. Mr. Neal was placed under arrest and escorted to the police station, where he posted a bond in the sum of $100 for appearance for trial the following day. The "reform" attorney was then escorted to his home in the Andresen flats on West Third street, opposite Washington square. A crowd of several hundred insisted on following him to his home, altho they were kept on the opposite side of the street by one of the officers. That same night, Capt. Neal was hung in effigy in the public square opposite his home. Mob Still Pursues. A surging mass of humanity constituting even a larger crowd than the day before assembled at the police station on October 15, 1907, to witness the trial of Attorney C.W. Neal, charged with carrying concealed weapons. Capt. Neal appeared early for trail and after stating to the court his reasons for pulling the gun on the mob pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $5 and costs. Just before the fine was imposed Dr. Radenhausen interrupted the court with the remark, "Your honor, this is an extraordinary case." He was stopped by the presiding magistrate, who informed him that he was trying the case. No sooner had the fine been imposed than Dr. Radenhausen again spoke up and demanded that Captain Neal be searched right away for another gun. The court refused to grant the request accepting Capt. Neal's word that he had now weapons on his person. Crowd in Waiting. At the conclusion of the trial, Capt. Neal walked into the police station proper and took a seat behind the enclosure where the desk sergeant's headquarters were located. He remained here for an hour waiting for the gathering to disperse, but they continued to remain on the outside of the building and crowded into the hallway and outer rooms of the police station. After an hour's wait, Capt. Neal asked that an escort of police should take him to the Masonic temple. The request was granted, and as soon as Mr. Neal emerged from the station the crowd let up a vast yell of derision and followed him and the officers down the street, hooting and calling the alleged reformer all kinds of names. The officers kept the crowd at a safe distance from Mr. Neal and no harm was done him. At the Masonic temple, Capt. Neal went to the Shriner's rooms on the upper floor, where he remained with the officers as a bodyguard until noon. He then proceeded to his home in the Andresen flats under escort of the officers. After packing his grip, he returned to the Masonic temple, where he remained until time for the departure of the Rock Island train for Des Moines. Capt. Neal took his departure for Des Moines amid rather unusual surroundings. Accompanied by the officers, he was escorted to the railway station. Here he met Mr. Kemmerer, who after bidding him farewell took his departure and did not wait to see the train pull out. At the depot, when Capt. Neal arrived, there was a brass band of some 20 pieces. As he started for the train, the band struck up Chopin's funeral march. Again as the train pulled out, a funeral dirge was sounded, and the crowd revealed its feelings by hissing Capt. Neal. The only disturbance was caused by Emil Speth, an ex-saloon keeper and later a member of the police force. In the depot building he threatened Mr. Neal and made several lunges at him but was prevented by officers in attendance from doing any bodily harm. Altho Capt. Neal announced he was going to Des Moines on official business and would return to Davenport within a few days, he failed to make good his word in this respect. The scenes he had passed thru in the Civil war were hardly more stirring than those of the past few days in Davenport and undoubtedly he breathed a sigh of relief when he realized he was out of the city and beyond harm at the hands of its infuriated citizens. From Des Moines, Capt. Neal went to Seattle, and several years ago his death was reported in a Soldiers' home in the west. He had lost his profession, his fortune, and his friends, and died practically alone and penniless. His ill gotten gains as the citizens styled them, served him to no good end. His was the inglorious finish accorded to the majority of bogus reformers. ------- How the Town was Placed on Water Wagon. On the first day of January, 1908, there were 191 saloons in Davenport and 49 in the county outside of Davenport, making a total of 240 such places. On the first day of January 1910, two years later, there were 151 saloons in the city and 23 in the county, making a total of 174, showing a reduction of 40 saloons in the city and 26 in the county, a total of 66. During these two years the Civic Federation brought 118 injunction suits and instituted 41 cases for contempt of court. It secured 97 permanent injunctions. By this time gambling and the red-light district had been completely obliterated and all saloons were as a rule living up to the requirements of the Mulct law. After this came the new state law compelling all cities to reduce their number of saloons to one for every 1,000 of population. This elimination measure was in process in Davenport when the state wide prohibition law, effective Jan. 1, 1916, was passed. 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 July 20, 1924 REFORM WAVE OF W.W. LUNGER AND CAPT. NEAL MOST STIRRING EPOCHS IN ANNALS OF DAVENPORT. It was during the last year of Mayor Harry W. Phillips' administration that the first real sign of officially recognized municipal reform struck Davenport. Even at this early stage, Mr. Phillips recognized the handwriting on the wall. He felt the all night saloon and the wine room were bad adjuncts to the city. He was convinced that if local measures were not taken to remedy the evil, outside parties would come here and take drastic action. So he issued his famous midnight closing order. Like a bomb it fell into the camp of many of the saloon keepers - but not all of them. A number of the saloon men had previous to this order conferred with the mayor and given him their approval of such a course. But others resented the order in no uncertain terms, and only be arrests and revocations of licenses of the offenders was the midnight closing order made effective. Smarting under the new conditions the liquor interests bided their time to "get even" with the mayor. This they did when he came up for re-election. He was defeated and his successor again threw open the town. Enter W.W. Lunger. During the years 1906 and 1907 there was an epidemic of reformers in Davenport. The disease commonly called "easy money" appeared to be infectious and spread rapidly. At this time W.W. Lunger was a practicing lawyer. Business was slow in this line. He had previously served a term in the city council, but when he came up for re-election, his constituents proved so ungrateful as to elect his opponent. So, having plenty of time on his hands and no legal business in sight, he joined the ranks of the "reformers." His first act was to start a crusade against the slot machines, principally in the cigar stores. He also threatened to close all the pool rooms and many of the saloons, but for some reason or other failed to do either. But he did succeed in abolishing the slot machine. Lunger at the time claimed to have been selected by the Ministerial association. In the eyes of the public, his acts and sincerity were questionable. Several traps were laid in an effort to entangle the wily reformer but to no avail. At one time a citizen walked into his office and softly closing the door behind him, laid a pile of gold on his desk. "This is just a little present for you, Mr. Lunger, and i hope you will accept it as cheerfully as it is tendered to you," said the citizen. Did Mr. Lunger accept it? Well, hardly! When the citizen left the office, he carried his gold watch with him. During the prosecution of the slot machine owners, E.M. Sharon served as their attorney. Later he filed charges in the district court asking for Mr. Lunger's disbarment on the following allegations: First- That Lunger received money from the cigar dealers at the same time he claimed to represent the Ministerial association. Second- That after accepting $400 from the Ministerial Association he proposed to certain cigar dealers that if they would take out their slot machines in order that he could represent to the ministers that he had accomplished the task for which he was retained and paid, they might put the machines back in a few days with his consent and he would not do anything further to molest them. Third-That he had threatened and had commenced proceedings from motives of self interest against the saloons and compromised the same before trial. After much difficulty and many refusals, Judge Barker named A.W. Hamann, Charles Grilk, and J.C. Hall a committee to investigate the charges and report the result of their investigation to the court. They reported they found no evidence that would sustain an accusation for disbarment. Has Own Newspaper. Both as an alderman and as a reformer, Lunger made many enemies and critics. He desired to punish some of them. Recognizing the power of the press but having no newspaper at his control, he decided to give vent to his feelings in weekly bulletins. These were published ten thousand at a time and circulated over the city. Public officials, politicians and leading citizens against whom he took a dislike were subjected to abuse and attack in these bulletins. At that time M.J. Malloy was a member of the city council. He and Mayor Scott were viciously attacked by Lunger. August 20, Alderman Malloy entered the tailoring shop of Alderman Lindholm on Perry street. In the shop at the time with a bundle of bulletins under his arm was Mr. Lunger. Mr. Malloy walked up to him and the following conversation is said to have ensued: Malloy- Still in the publishing business, eh? Lunger- Yap, have a copy of today's issue. Malloy- You dirty cur, you can attack me all you want, but you can't drag my family into your dirty sheet. Lunger- Well, stop me if you can. Three minutes later, Lunger arose from the floor. His nose was broken, one rib fractured, and an optic closed. His face was covered with blood. Without washing or otherwise alleviating his distress, he walked to the office of Police Magistrate Roddewig, three blocks distant. "I want to swear out a warrant charging Mike Malloy with murder," said Lunger to Roddewig. "But you are not dead," meekly replied the magistrate. "Well, it's no fault of Malloy's," reported Lunger. After considerable argument, Lunger agreed to a charge of assault with intent to commit bodily injury. Information was filed and Mr. Malloy appeared for trial, represented by Attorney Henry Vollmer. Much bitterness was evinced on both sides and the city hall echoed with the shouts and epithets of the opposing attorneys. Mr. Vollmer during the course of his remarks charged Lunger with holding up the Davenport breweries for $5,000. The remark was all the more significant on the part of Mr. Vollmer by reason of the fact that at the time he was attorney for the Davenport Malting company. Mr. Lunger only smiled as Mr. Vollmer hurled this charge at him and did not respond. After an all day trial, the charge of assault with intent to commit great bodily injury was dropped, and one of plain assault and battery substituted. To the latter charge Mr. Malloy pleaded guilty and was fined $100 and costs. Only one more of Lunger's bulletins was issued after this time. It was mild and harmless as compared with former issues. Mr. Malloy's blows had evidently taken all the pep out of its editor. Some time later, Mr. Lunger departed for the northwest and is now residing in Washington state. Neal-Kemmerer Cleanup. It was also during the year 1907 that the Neal-Kemmerer crusade against the saloons, generally styled "the master cleanup,"- from the fact that Neal is said to have received $6,200 in fees- was inaugurated. Under the provisions of the mulct law, each saloon keeper enjoined was compelled to pay all court costs and in addition $25 as fees for the prosecuting attorney. At the time there were 200 saloons in Davenport and Scott county, and none were spared at the hands of Capt. Neal and his plaintiff co-worker, T.H. Kemmerer. The sheriff's office was kept busy day and night serving injunctions and in so doing enriching the coffers of Capt. Neal. Capt. Neal did not demand the strict enforcement of the mulct law. He still had a heart for the saloon keeper- after getting his money- and drew up a compromise decree the essentials of which were 11 o'clock closing at night and Sunday morning closing in addition to the elimination of screens and wine rooms. Attorney Neal's crusade occasioned much bitterness. Prominent citizens arose in protest and declared a greed of gain and not principle was at stake. He was openly accused of taking advantage of a law merely because it afforded him personal profit. Capt. Neal did not answer his accusers. It was harvest time with him and he believed in the old maxim of "making hay while the sun shines." Whether at that time he anticipated the storm clouds and tempests that were to greet him later is merely conjectural. Breaks Cane on Reformer. During the height of the agitation, Dr. A. Richter, editor of the German Demokrat by chance met Plaintiff Kemmerer on Brady street. Dr. Richter, as was his custom, carried a cane at the time. This he broke over Kemmerer's head. Mr. Kemmerer swore out information charging Dr. Richter with assault. Dr. Richter appeared at the office of Magistrate Roddewig in the city hall for trial. Capt. Neal appeared as attorney for Mr. Kemmerer, the prosecuting witness, Dr. Richter demanded a jury trial. The request was granted and the case continued. The storm that had been smothering for some time quickly burst forth in all its fury. The flames were kindled when Fred Vollmer in a ringing speech announced a collection would be taken up to buy Dr. Richter a new gold-headed cane. He then passed the hat and the crowd clamored around him to hand in their contributions. About this time Capt. Neal and Mr. Kemmerer emerged from the building and attempted to make their getaway unnoticed. But this was not done. Both were confronted with clenched fist and direful threats. Capt. Neal started down Harrison street to his office in the basement of the Schmidt building. The crowd followed close at his heels shouting, "kill him, hang him, tar and feather him, throw him in the river, take him to Rock Island," etc. By the time Capt. Neal had reached third street, the crowd became so large and threatening that he entered the office of John Berwald nearby. The crowd pressed around the outside of the building and demanded that Neal come out. He went to the telephone and calling up the police station demanded that protection be sent him. The crowd in the meantime kept clamoring for Neal to come out. Pulling a Colt's automatic from his hip pocket, Capt. Neal accepted the challenge and rushed out into the street, at the same time threatening to shoot at the first man who laid a hand on him. One fellow who was clamoring the loudest for Capt. Neal's scalp when the attorney brushed against him with his gun, quivered, "I never said anything Captain." (to be continued) Cathy Joynt Labath Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm Iowa Old Press http://www.IowaOldPress.com/

Part 3 "I told the farmers that westward the star of empire took its course; that progress, civilization and commerce had their birth in India; that they slowly rolled into Assyria, Egypt, Greece and Rome; then more slowly found their way into France and England; then they floated westward on the ocean's waves to Plymouth Rock. They did not long linger amongst the scrub oaks and the barren soil of New England, but rolled their way with increased momentum westward to Chicago, and now they have to leap the rapidly moving floods of the Mississippi river and onward through Iowa to the Rocky mountains, not to tarry, but to leap over their snow-capped summits to continue to roll upon the far westward plains; to plant commerce and civilization on the coast of the Pacific ocean, and I call on you who possess the power to keep the wave of progress in its course onward. And the united county and Davenport city subscription of $100,000 was carried by a large majority to perfect the first link in the great Pacific railroad, in time to astonish the world. "Taking the wealth and population of that day, that $100,000 was a larger sum than $500,000 would be this year, 1901. "When Iowa had made good headway, and I alone called many meetings at Moline and Camden, now Milan, and worked up an interest in the enterprise, then many counties in Illinois and many individuals in Scott County came into the work. At this day great injustice has been done to the real creators of bridge, railroads, arsenal, canals and edifices. In some instances big men, who opposed them and other works of utility, have been extensively written as their creators. No difficulty in arriving at the correct history, as many journals have the facts indelibly stamped within their columns and which point out the world builders. "The thoughtless do not know that he who plows the ground and sows the seed is as much the producer as the man that reaps and eats it. I have ancient history on file at my office including the railroad creators. "In a Rock Island journal, dated October 24, 1849, a railroad meeting is reported as being held in Rock Island and Rock Island, Davenport, Moline and Camden were represented. A committee of five on resolutions were appointed as follows: H. A. Porter and C. B. Waite of Rock Island; James Thorington and A. C. Fulton of Davenport; and W. A. Nourse of Moline. "Action toward vigorous work on the Rock Island & Chicago railroad and on bridging the Mississippi river at Rock Island, and extending the railroad to the Pacific ocean was taken up and discussed. "To push those gigantic works to completion required untiring energy. To accomplish the undertaking, a committee of five, consisting of William Baily and Fernando Jones, of Rock Island; A. C. Fulton, of Davenport; I. M. Gilmore, of Camden and W. A. Nourse, of Moline, was appointed to carry the three great works to completion, and who appointed Sailor I as chairman. Two of my associates soon resigned and moved from that section, and later two of them left the lower world. But I, well knowing that resolution was omnipotent, continued to add to my stock lists and worked up town and county aid. I journeyed to Chicago by stage; put up at the ancient Briggs House to see a good team of horses stall in the muddy street with a cord of wood a few rods distant from my quarters. I talked western railroad to many merchants and business men; all looked me over with great astonishment and said: 'Best go and see long John Wentworth.' I saw long John, who deliberately fathomed me, then exclaimed: 'Tut, tut, young man, you must be insane! A railroad west would not pay for the grease for the wheels,' and I departed from the then muddy town, without even a symptom of encouragement. 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 believe the is the A.C. Fulton that the present town of Stockton was named. The bridge over the creek into town is name the Fulton bridge. ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 2:26 PM Subject: [IASCOTT] History of Davenport, Cpt 34, Railroads > This is a long chapter so I will divide the emails up for the list. The > entire book is online with the exception of the last 3 chapters on the Scott > County Site. I am starting to work on those now. > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > History of Davenport and Scott County, Iowa 1910 > > CHAPTER XXXIV > > THE RAILROADS > > STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO BUILD RAILROADS IN SCOTT COUNTY'S EARLY YEARS - > AGITATION TO THE EASTWARD AND WESTWARD - THE FIRST RAILROAD WEST OF THE GREAT RIVER - > A. C. FULTON, A MAN AHEAD OF HIS TIMES - HIRAM PRICE AS PROMOTER - THE M. & > M., C. & R. I., D. & ST. L., C. R. I. & P., C. B. & Q., C. M. & ST. P., ALSO > THE I. & &. - FIFTY YEARS AN ENGINEER > > In 1842 A. C. Fulton urged the building of a railroad from the Atlantic to > the Pacific ocean and bridging of the Mississippi between Rock Island and > Davenport. He had made soundings and a measurement of the river at Davenport with > this idea in view. In 1845 the building of the Rock Island & LaSalle railroad > was agitated and the Gazette in its issue of December 18, 1845, valiantly > encouraged those promoting the scheme and argued its importance and the > feasibility of connecting the Illinois and Iowa shores by a bridge over the Mississippi. > Mr. Fulton and Editor Sanders were far ahead of their times but each lived > to see their hopes in this regard fully realized. In 1902 Mr. Fulton published > a pamphlet in which he, in his own inimitable way, relates his experiences as > a railroad promoter. He says, quoting from a paper read before the Old > Settlers association: > > "In the '30s of the past century two lines of steam railroad were running out > of New Orleans; one between the Mississippi river and Lake Pontchartrain, > running through the city on Esplanade street. The steam horse of that primitive > road was the first to drink the waters of the great Mississippi river. The > second line ran between New Orleans and Carrollton, in the parish of Jefferson. > And having known those railroads from their incipiency and gained knowledge, > I, after passing over the expansive prairies of the west, considered the west > to be well adapted for railroads and that they would build up and extend > commerce, upon which I resolved to enter into the undertaking of creating a line of > railroad between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, and I felt confident > that, if the undertaking was entered on with resolve, it could be accomplished. > > "In the last days of 1842, and the first day of 1843, after publicly speaking > of the feasibility of the work, and as a link, I procured instruments and > took soundings for the first bridge erected on the Mississippi river, and > published my report in a Philadelphia journal, which report I now have and which > gives the nature of the banks and bottom; the width of the main channel and of the > depth of the water, and the nature of the route through Illinois to Chicago, > and west to the Cedar river; both of which I examined. I wrote and talked > river bridge and Pacific railroad; one meeting in 1845 I will name: It was in > the frame schoolhouse that stood where the north end of the city hall now > stands. I there told the assembly, some of whom pronounced me visionary, that there > were persons present that would live to see a railroad connecting the two > oceans. 'I see here the veteran Jacob Eldridge, who was at that meeting, I will > ask him if I correctly speak.' (Mr. Eldridge replied: 'I was present at that > schoolhouse and you correctly speak.') > > "Without a doubt I am the first person to ever write or speak the word > Atlantic and Pacific railroad. At that time, now fifty-nine years past, there was > not one foot of railroad west of the Alleghany mountains, save those of New > Orleans. > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > > > > 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/ > > > ==== IASCOTT Mailing List ==== > Reminder! Please remove as much of the original message as possible > when replying to a post. Include only that part of the original > message important to your reply. > > ============================== > 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 >

Part 2 "As a link in the undertaking I, in 1847, called on Mr. William Vandever, of Rock Island, and proposed to draw up a railroad charter and petition the Illinois legislature for authority to build a railroad between Rock Island and LaSalle, to connect the Illinois canal. "The request was granted by an act passed on the 10th of April, 1847, which charter I now hold, but too lengthy to here rehearse; work to commence within three years. I consumed one of the years in talking and writing. Then I individually opened a subscription list for stock, entered a few shares for myself and, as a member of the board of county commissioners, prevailed on my two associates of the board to pass an order submitting to the people the question of taking $25,000 in stock of the Illinois railroad. "I immediately went to work and called meetings at every schoolhouse and every grove settlement in the county to get a few shares of stock here and there, and endeavored to secure votes for the $25,000 county appropriation. In many quarters I met with bitter opposition to voting money to go to Illinois. I found many Ciceros to combat, yet the appropriation was carried and that now small sum of $25,000 put the ball in motion and was a splendid investment for Scott county and the great west, even to the shore of the Pacific ocean. "I found it but a small task to convince the majority of my farmer audience. I brought them over when I told them that with a railroad to Chicago, and extending to the east, instead of getting 5 and 6 cents per dozen for their eggs they would get 12 to 15 cents; that instead of 12 to 18 cents for good chickens, they would get 20 and 25 cents; that instead of getting 10 to 15 cents for prairie chickens and ducks, they would get 15 up to 25 cents; that instead of 37 cents per dozen for quail, they would get 50 to 60 cents, and that instead of 40 to 50 cents for a fourteen-pound turkey, they would get 75 to 90 cents, and instead of getting 30 to 40 cents for good wheat, they would get 70 to 80 cents per bushel, and for all products in proportion. "I told the farmers that but yesterday this territory was untrodden wilderness; that we had faced every hardship and privation to open and to plant the stars and stripes on its fertile plains to stay; that where not long since stood the Indian wigwam, now cities rise; that where the buffalo, the elk and deer grazed, now vast fields of golden wheat appear to gladden the farmer's heart and repay him for his toil; that we have here on these lately dreary prairies created a scene of life and beauty. The prairie grass has given place to the garden and the vineyard; the hazel thicket to the blooming rose; and the Indian trail to the promenade of the fair. 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. Surnames: White Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/Yl.2ADE/772.1 Message Board Post: Do you know if he had a daughter, Belle, who married a Daniel and died around 1886? [email protected]

Sorry, sorry. I'm very tired tonight. LOL! Hope everyone on the list is doing well, and finding great genealogical treasures and clues via the Scott list. Okay, I'll crawl back into my cubby now. Elaine ----- Original Message ----- From: "Elaine Rathmann" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 10:12 PM Subject: Re: [IASCOTT] History of Davenport, Cpt 34, Railroads > Wow, Deb, great info on "Editor Sanders". What a G grandfather old Alfred > was, eh? Cool! I hope to be helping you soon in the typing department. > > Elaine > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 2:26 PM > Subject: [IASCOTT] History of Davenport, Cpt 34, Railroads > > > > This is a long chapter so I will divide the emails up for the list. The > > entire book is online with the exception of the last 3 chapters on the > Scott > > County Site. I am starting to work on those now. > > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > > History of Davenport and Scott County, Iowa 1910 > > > > CHAPTER XXXIV > > > > THE RAILROADS > > > > STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO BUILD RAILROADS IN SCOTT COUNTY'S EARLY YEARS - > > AGITATION TO THE EASTWARD AND WESTWARD - THE FIRST RAILROAD WEST OF THE > GREAT RIVER - > > A. C. FULTON, A MAN AHEAD OF HIS TIMES - HIRAM PRICE AS PROMOTER - THE M. > & > > M., C. & R. I., D. & ST. L., C. R. I. & P., C. B. & Q., C. M. & ST. P., > ALSO > > THE I. & &. - FIFTY YEARS AN ENGINEER > > > > In 1842 A. C. Fulton urged the building of a railroad from the Atlantic to > > the Pacific ocean and bridging of the Mississippi between Rock Island and > > Davenport. He had made soundings and a measurement of the river at > Davenport with > > this idea in view. In 1845 the building of the Rock Island & LaSalle > railroad > > was agitated and the Gazette in its issue of December 18, 1845, valiantly > > encouraged those promoting the scheme and argued its importance and the > > feasibility of connecting the Illinois and Iowa shores by a bridge over > the Mississippi. > > Mr. Fulton and Editor Sanders were far ahead of their times but each > lived > > to see their hopes in this regard fully realized. In 1902 Mr. Fulton > published > > a pamphlet in which he, in his own inimitable way, relates his experiences > as > > a railroad promoter. He says, quoting from a paper read before the Old > > Settlers association: > > > > "In the '30s of the past century two lines of steam railroad were running > out > > of New Orleans; one between the Mississippi river and Lake Pontchartrain, > > running through the city on Esplanade street. The steam horse of that > primitive > > road was the first to drink the waters of the great Mississippi river. > The > > second line ran between New Orleans and Carrollton, in the parish of > Jefferson. > > And having known those railroads from their incipiency and gained > knowledge, > > I, after passing over the expansive prairies of the west, considered the > west > > to be well adapted for railroads and that they would build up and extend > > commerce, upon which I resolved to enter into the undertaking of creating > a line of > > railroad between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, and I felt confident > > that, if the undertaking was entered on with resolve, it could be > accomplished. > > > > "In the last days of 1842, and the first day of 1843, after publicly > speaking > > of the feasibility of the work, and as a link, I procured instruments and > > took soundings for the first bridge erected on the Mississippi river, and > > published my report in a Philadelphia journal, which report I now have and > which > > gives the nature of the banks and bottom; the width of the main channel > and of the > > depth of the water, and the nature of the route through Illinois to > Chicago, > > and west to the Cedar river; both of which I examined. I wrote and talked > > river bridge and Pacific railroad; one meeting in 1845 I will name: It > was in > > the frame schoolhouse that stood where the north end of the city hall now > > stands. I there told the assembly, some of whom pronounced me visionary, > that there > > were persons present that would live to see a railroad connecting the two > > oceans. 'I see here the veteran Jacob Eldridge, who was at that meeting, > I will > > ask him if I correctly speak.' (Mr. Eldridge replied: 'I was present at > that > > schoolhouse and you correctly speak.') > > > > "Without a doubt I am the first person to ever write or speak the word > > Atlantic and Pacific railroad. At that time, now fifty-nine years past, > there was > > not one foot of railroad west of the Alleghany mountains, save those of > New > > Orleans. > > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > > > > > > > > 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/ > > > > > > ==== IASCOTT Mailing List ==== > > Reminder! Please remove as much of the original message as possible > > when replying to a post. Include only that part of the original > > message important to your reply. > > > > ============================== > > 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 > > > > > ==== IASCOTT Mailing List ==== > Browse Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index/iascott > Search Archives: > http://listsearches.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/listsearch.pl?list=IASCOTT > > ============================== > 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 >

Wow, Deb, great info on "Editor Sanders". What a G grandfather old Alfred was, eh? Cool! I hope to be helping you soon in the typing department. Elaine ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 2:26 PM Subject: [IASCOTT] History of Davenport, Cpt 34, Railroads > This is a long chapter so I will divide the emails up for the list. The > entire book is online with the exception of the last 3 chapters on the Scott > County Site. I am starting to work on those now. > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > History of Davenport and Scott County, Iowa 1910 > > CHAPTER XXXIV > > THE RAILROADS > > STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO BUILD RAILROADS IN SCOTT COUNTY'S EARLY YEARS - > AGITATION TO THE EASTWARD AND WESTWARD - THE FIRST RAILROAD WEST OF THE GREAT RIVER - > A. C. FULTON, A MAN AHEAD OF HIS TIMES - HIRAM PRICE AS PROMOTER - THE M. & > M., C. & R. I., D. & ST. L., C. R. I. & P., C. B. & Q., C. M. & ST. P., ALSO > THE I. & &. - FIFTY YEARS AN ENGINEER > > In 1842 A. C. Fulton urged the building of a railroad from the Atlantic to > the Pacific ocean and bridging of the Mississippi between Rock Island and > Davenport. He had made soundings and a measurement of the river at Davenport with > this idea in view. In 1845 the building of the Rock Island & LaSalle railroad > was agitated and the Gazette in its issue of December 18, 1845, valiantly > encouraged those promoting the scheme and argued its importance and the > feasibility of connecting the Illinois and Iowa shores by a bridge over the Mississippi. > Mr. Fulton and Editor Sanders were far ahead of their times but each lived > to see their hopes in this regard fully realized. In 1902 Mr. Fulton published > a pamphlet in which he, in his own inimitable way, relates his experiences as > a railroad promoter. He says, quoting from a paper read before the Old > Settlers association: > > "In the '30s of the past century two lines of steam railroad were running out > of New Orleans; one between the Mississippi river and Lake Pontchartrain, > running through the city on Esplanade street. The steam horse of that primitive > road was the first to drink the waters of the great Mississippi river. The > second line ran between New Orleans and Carrollton, in the parish of Jefferson. > And having known those railroads from their incipiency and gained knowledge, > I, after passing over the expansive prairies of the west, considered the west > to be well adapted for railroads and that they would build up and extend > commerce, upon which I resolved to enter into the undertaking of creating a line of > railroad between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, and I felt confident > that, if the undertaking was entered on with resolve, it could be accomplished. > > "In the last days of 1842, and the first day of 1843, after publicly speaking > of the feasibility of the work, and as a link, I procured instruments and > took soundings for the first bridge erected on the Mississippi river, and > published my report in a Philadelphia journal, which report I now have and which > gives the nature of the banks and bottom; the width of the main channel and of the > depth of the water, and the nature of the route through Illinois to Chicago, > and west to the Cedar river; both of which I examined. I wrote and talked > river bridge and Pacific railroad; one meeting in 1845 I will name: It was in > the frame schoolhouse that stood where the north end of the city hall now > stands. I there told the assembly, some of whom pronounced me visionary, that there > were persons present that would live to see a railroad connecting the two > oceans. 'I see here the veteran Jacob Eldridge, who was at that meeting, I will > ask him if I correctly speak.' (Mr. Eldridge replied: 'I was present at that > schoolhouse and you correctly speak.') > > "Without a doubt I am the first person to ever write or speak the word > Atlantic and Pacific railroad. At that time, now fifty-nine years past, there was > not one foot of railroad west of the Alleghany mountains, save those of New > Orleans. > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > > > > 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/ > > > ==== IASCOTT Mailing List ==== > Reminder! Please remove as much of the original message as possible > when replying to a post. Include only that part of the original > message important to your reply. > > ============================== > 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 >

This is a long chapter so I will divide the emails up for the list. The entire book is online with the exception of the last 3 chapters on the Scott County Site. I am starting to work on those now. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ History of Davenport and Scott County, Iowa 1910 CHAPTER XXXIV THE RAILROADS STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO BUILD RAILROADS IN SCOTT COUNTY'S EARLY YEARS - AGITATION TO THE EASTWARD AND WESTWARD - THE FIRST RAILROAD WEST OF THE GREAT RIVER - A. C. FULTON, A MAN AHEAD OF HIS TIMES - HIRAM PRICE AS PROMOTER - THE M. & M., C. & R. I., D. & ST. L., C. R. I. & P., C. B. & Q., C. M. & ST. P., ALSO THE I. & &. - FIFTY YEARS AN ENGINEER In 1842 A. C. Fulton urged the building of a railroad from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean and bridging of the Mississippi between Rock Island and Davenport. He had made soundings and a measurement of the river at Davenport with this idea in view. In 1845 the building of the Rock Island & LaSalle railroad was agitated and the Gazette in its issue of December 18, 1845, valiantly encouraged those promoting the scheme and argued its importance and the feasibility of connecting the Illinois and Iowa shores by a bridge over the Mississippi. Mr. Fulton and Editor Sanders were far ahead of their times but each lived to see their hopes in this regard fully realized. In 1902 Mr. Fulton published a pamphlet in which he, in his own inimitable way, relates his experiences as a railroad promoter. He says, quoting from a paper read before the Old Settlers association: "In the '30s of the past century two lines of steam railroad were running out of New Orleans; one between the Mississippi river and Lake Pontchartrain, running through the city on Esplanade street. The steam horse of that primitive road was the first to drink the waters of the great Mississippi river. The second line ran between New Orleans and Carrollton, in the parish of Jefferson. And having known those railroads from their incipiency and gained knowledge, I, after passing over the expansive prairies of the west, considered the west to be well adapted for railroads and that they would build up and extend commerce, upon which I resolved to enter into the undertaking of creating a line of railroad between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, and I felt confident that, if the undertaking was entered on with resolve, it could be accomplished. "In the last days of 1842, and the first day of 1843, after publicly speaking of the feasibility of the work, and as a link, I procured instruments and took soundings for the first bridge erected on the Mississippi river, and published my report in a Philadelphia journal, which report I now have and which gives the nature of the banks and bottom; the width of the main channel and of the depth of the water, and the nature of the route through Illinois to Chicago, and west to the Cedar river; both of which I examined. I wrote and talked river bridge and Pacific railroad; one meeting in 1845 I will name: It was in the frame schoolhouse that stood where the north end of the city hall now stands. I there told the assembly, some of whom pronounced me visionary, that there were persons present that would live to see a railroad connecting the two oceans. 'I see here the veteran Jacob Eldridge, who was at that meeting, I will ask him if I correctly speak.' (Mr. Eldridge replied: 'I was present at that schoolhouse and you correctly speak.') "Without a doubt I am the first person to ever write or speak the word Atlantic and Pacific railroad. At that time, now fifty-nine years past, there was not one foot of railroad west of the Alleghany mountains, save those of New Orleans. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Surnames: Pedersen Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Yl.2ADE/2681 Message Board Post: Robert N. Pedersen of Edina, Minnesota, died August 23, 2004 with his family by his side. Bob is survived by his second wife, Lillian; children, Ronald (Betsy) of Dallas, TX, Patti (Mike) of Columbia Heights, MN; grandchildren, Joy (Greg), Bob (Kim), Ellen (Jay), Jeff (Jennifer), Greg (Jenni), Tanya (Lonnie), Kathleen; twelve great- grandchildren; sister- in-law, Myrt & extended family including Mike & Linda Hundere of Rochester, MN and Carol & Gordon Allen of Costa Mesa, CA. Bob was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-six years, Marcelle: his parents, Peder O. & Josephine; three brothers and three sisters. Born in Davenport, Iowa, August 18, 1916, Bob graduated from Central High in 1934, and briefly attended the University of Minnesota. Bob spent sixty years in the printing business where he worked with Little Press, Jones Press, Phelps Printing. Bob loved travel, golf, bowling, and especially enjoyed and loved his grand and great-grandchildren. Bob devoted fifty-six years lovingly caring for Marcelle and the past eight years loving and being blessed by his marriage to Lillian. The Pedersen family extends special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Fairview Southdale Hospital for their care and sensitive support during Bob's final days. The Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 28, 12 noon at Richfield United Methodist Church at 5835 Lyndale Avenue South. Private interment at Dawn Valley Cemetery in Bloomington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Heart Fund, the Richfield United Methodist Church, or the donor's choice. Cremation Society of MN Edina 952-924-4100 Published in the Star Tribune - 8/26/2004.

Hello, I am looking for descendants of Rev. Jonas and Alice Wallahan Hartzell. I would like to correspond with any Hartzell researchers. My interest is the marriage of their youngest daughter Alice to H. Fisher 04 Oct 1882 in Davenport, Ia. Any information is welcome. Thank you, Kate Ross Dowling, Ontario Canada __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - 100MB free storage! http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail

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/625.1 Message Board Post: Hello, I am looking for descendants of Jonas Hartzell. who married Alice Wollihan. He was a minister, divine and author who lived in Scott Co., IA. I am researching Hartzell Fisher who married Alice, a daughter of Jonas and Alice Hartzell. Thank you, Kate Ross Dowling, Ontario Canada