William Marlette Chamberlin Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Chamberlin, Marlette, Galvin. William Marlette Chamberlin, a lawyer who for twenty-four years has practiced at the Davenport bar, is today enjoying the success which comes as the result of a large clientage of an important character. He was born in Princeton, Scott county, Iowa, August 24, 1862, and comes of ancestry represented in America from colonial days. Both the paternal and maternal lines were represented in the patriot army in the Revolutionary war. The parents of our subject were Levi s. and Lucy A. (Marlette) Chamberlin, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was born in Susquehanna county and in 1836 came 3with his parents to Scott county. His father, Josiah Chamberlin, first settled in Rock Island county, Illinois, and soon afterward removed to Pleasant Valley, where he engaged in farming. His was one of the pioneer homes of the district and the first church services in the county were held in his house. He sought to aid in the work of public progress in every possible way and! was among those who laid broad and deep the foundation upon which the later prosperity and growth of the county were built. Levi S. Chamberlin was reared to farm life and for a number of years engaged in general agricultural pursuits but afterward tuned his attention to merchandising in LeClaire, Iowa, and was also a partial owner of a boatyard there. He likewise acted as pilot on the river for a few years and his varied activities brought him into close contact with the public life of the community. He died in 1885, at the age of sixty-three years, and was long survived by his wife, who passed away in May, 1909. In their family were three children, including W. M. Chamberlin, who was educated in the public schools of Princeton, and afterward engaged in teaching in this county for three years. He regarded this merely as an initial step to further professional labor, however, for it was his ambition to become a member of the bar and to this end he devoted his leisure hours, while engaged in teaching, to the study of law. Later he entered the State University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1886. He was an earnest student and gained comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence, so that when he entered upon active practice his equipment was unusually good. He has served for one term as county attorney, which has covered the extent of his service in political office, but he has always been active in politics since attaining his majority. On the 5th of September, 1898, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Chamberlin and Miss Helen C. Galvin, of Davenport, a daughter of Martin Galvin, one of the old residents of this city. They have one child, James Marlette, born August 11, 1899. Fraternally Mr. Chamberlin is connected with the Masons and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and his name is also on the membership roll of other societies. He is likewise identified with organized movements for the city's benefit, including the Business Men's Association and the Commercial Club. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Jacob M. Eldridge >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. To view the picture of Jacob M. Eldridge that accompanies this biography, please go to the main Scott county, Iowa page at: http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ and click on Pictures/ Documents section. Surnames: Eldridge, Brown, Woodward, Williams, Smith, Glaspell, Schlegel, Bawden. Jacob M. Eldridge, arriving in Davenport in 1845, became an active and valuable factor in the business interests of the city and at the same time his opinions carried weight and his labors produced substantial results in financial circles. While he won success, his interests were never so self-centered that business excluded participation in projects and measures of progressive citizenship. On the contrary he was ever alert to the best interests of the community and his cooperation constituted a valuable force in inaugurating measures which were of public benefit. A native of New Jersey,, Jacob M. Eldridge was born at Haddonfield, November 20, 1824, a son of D. C. and Rachel (Brown) Eldridge. His father was the first postmaster of Davenport. The mother died when her son Jacob was but four years of age and the boy then went to live with his grandparents. His father, having remarried, came west and had conducted a store in Davenport at the time of the death of the grandfathe! r. Jacob M. Eldridge, then a boy of thirteen years, was thrown upon his own resources and soon afterward commenced teaming. Carefully saving his earnings, it was not long before he was able to purchase a team and in that field of activity he continued to labor for some time. Later he turned his attention to clerking and, actuated by the laudable ambition which was ever one of his strong characteristics, he soon made it possible to become the owner of a mercantile enterprise. This he conducted until 1845, when he came to Davenport, his attention having already been directed to this city by the fact that it was the place of his father's residence. He arrived in Rock Island on the 23d of December after a two months' journey from Philadelphia and spent Christmas eve in Davenport. The next spring, however, he returned to the east to settle up his business affairs in that section of the country and in the succeeding fall again came back to this city. He had entered land from the ! government about three miles northeast of Davenport, for which he paid the usual price of a dollar and a quarter per acre. The improvements which he placed upon it and the natural rise in value consequent upon the rapid settlement of this section of the country enabled him in 1874 to dispose of that farm for one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre. He was one of the first land agents of the city and followed that pursuit during much of his life. His keen judgment and sagacity enabled him to make judicious investments and profitable sales and at the same time he contributed to the he substantial improvement of this section of the state by his careful manipulation of realty interests. At all times Mr. Eldridge was mindful of his opportunity to promote public progress and was actuated by a public-spirited devotion to the general good that was manifest in many tangible ways. He was prominent in the movement that extended the Chicago & Rock Island road to the river and continued its construction across the state as the Mississippi & Missouri road. The second line afterward consolidated, forming the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific. Mr. Eldridge was also a member of the company that secured the franchise for the second railroad bridge and he put forth earnest effort wherever he believed it possible to secure the adoption of a project that promised material benefit to the city, county and state. The town of Eldridge was laid out by him and the city of Eldridge, North Dakota, was named in his honor. It was through the influence of Mr. Eldridge that Frank P. Blair became a resident of this city and a most important factor in its later upbuilding. In the field of politics Mr. Eldridge was equally well known and prominent. He was a delegate to the convention held in Iowa City in 1855, which led to the organization of the republican party in this state. In 1872 he was sent as a delegate from Iowa to the convention of liberal republicans that nominated Horace Greeley for the presidency. He regarded it as the duty as well as the privilege of every American man to uphold by his ballot and his influence the principles in which he believed and while he never sought nor desired office for himself, he stood staunchly in support of those issues which he regarded as vital to good government. He conceived and instituted the idea of placing a memorial tablet in the rotunda of the courthouse in honor of the Scott county pioneers-a tablet which will preserve for future generations the names of several hundred residents who came here prior to 1848. He was one of the oldest and most faithful members of the Christian church, to the su! pport of which he contributed generously, while in its various activities he took helpful part. One of the most honored members of the Old Settlers' Association, he filled all of its offices, including that of president. He was also president of the Board of Trade at one time and instituted various projects which were accomplished through the medium of that association. In 1848 Mr. Eldridge was married to Miss Mary L. Woodward, who passed away eighteen months later. In June 1851, he married Miss Mary H. Williams, and on the 28th of September, 1866, he wedded Agnes Smith, who survives him. She was a daughter of Robert Smith, a farmer by occupation, who retired in 1861 and established his home in Davenport, where he spent his remaining days, dying at the age of eighty-eight years. The six children of Mr. Eldridge were all born of the second marriage, namely: George W., Mrs. R. F. Eldridge, Mrs. S. L. Glaspell, Mrs. Carl E. Schlegel, Mrs. George W. Bawden and Frank. The death of Eldridge occurred June 8, 1892, and brought a sense of personal bereavement to a large majority of Davenport citizens, for during the many years of his residence here he was honored and respected by all who knew him. The value of his public work cannot be overestimated and his record furnishes a splendid example for emulation in its public-spirited devotion to the general good. As the architect of his own fortunes he builded wisely and well and did equally good work for the city, his name being on the roll of the representative men whose labors have constituted the chief elements in progress and improvement here. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Gustave A. Koester Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Koester, Schulenberg, Beckler, Leach, Shaeffer, Reise, Osterhouse, Steinburg, Smith, Eskie, Krider, Anderson. Perhaps no history in this volume better illustrates the power of industry and the force of character than does the record of Gustave A. Koester, who, thrown upon his own resources by the death of his parents when ten years of age, has since made his own way in the world and now, at the age of three score years and ten, is numbered among Davenport's men of affluence. His business methods, too, have never required nor sought disguise. There has been no esoteric phase in his career, for in the legitimate lines of trade and business activity he has won his success. He was born in Germany on the 13th of November, 1838, and was a son of Ernest and Mary Koester, the former a prominent attorney of the fatherland, whence he sailed for America with his family in 1841. Landing at New Orleans, he proceeded up the Mississippi river to St. Louis where he engaged in the practice of law until 1848, when his life's labors were ended in death. He was the owner of a coal mine near the arsenal at St. Louis, called the Grove mine, and during the period of his residence in that city was a prominent and influential man there. He brought with him to America Messrs. Schulenberg and Beckler, who were then studying law under him in Germany and who afterward became prominent lumbermen of St. Louis. His wife died in 1847. In their family were eight children. Otto, who was appointed burgomaster of Soest, Germany, and later received appointment as chief burghmaster over all others from Emperor William, died in his native land in 1908. Fritz died in St. Louis in! 1866. Julius is a practicing attorney of Carlinville, Illinois, now seventy-eight years of age. Mary died in 1907. Emily, of Cairo, Illinois, is the widow of Dr. Leach. Gustave A. is the next of the family. Mollie, who died in 1904, was the wife of George Schaeffer, a wholesale druggist of Fort Madison, Iowa. Elizabeth died in 1847. The educational opportunities of Gustave A. Koester were somewhat limited owing to the early death of his parents, whereby he was left an orphan when not yet ten years of age. For a brief period he attended the German Institute conducted by General Siegel at St. Louis, but was a student there for only about a year and then for only about four half days each week. After his parents' death he and three other children of the family went to live with an uncle, Conrad Reise, at Muscatine, Iowa. Soon afterward, however, Gustave A. Koester left his uncle's home and began selling papers, blacking boots and doing other such work as he could secure in order to provide a living. He came to Davenport in 1856 and was first employed as a bell boy in the hotels. He afterward worked in different restaurants and at different places, where he learned to cook, and when the civil war broke out he went to the front as cook for the Twelfth Missouri Infantry under Colonel Osterhouse. He also cooked for the Thirteenth Missouri Infantry. He had a brother-in-law, Captain Steinburg, with the Twelfth Missouri Infantry and Mr. Koester remained with that regiment until June, 1863, when he went south and witnessed eh battle of Helena, Arkansas. In the fall of 1863 Mr. Koester returned to Davenport, where in connection with Claus Houck he engaged in the grain business, which they carried on for four years. They then dissolved partnership and became agents f the Moline Flour Mills, buying all the wheat used in their plant and also acting as sales agents for their flour. In 1867 Mr. Koester engaged in business for himself in the same line, dealing in all kinds of grain, potatoes, onions and other farm products. In this undertaking he prospered and as the years passed by he extended the scope of the business by establishing branch houses at Eldridge, Long Grove, Donahue, Mount Joy an Durant, Iowa, where he had the largest elevator on the Rock Island Railroad. The yeas chronicled his growing success, resulting from his earnest purpose, his close application, his undaunted energy and his reliable business methods. At length Mr. Koester retired from that business in 1888 and was then employed by large real-estate companies to organize and conduct excursions, taking land seekers to new territory. He thus handled considerable land, selling as high as five thousand acres per day. In 1890 he purchased considerable land in Iowa and Minnesota from an English syndicate and became his own real-estate agent, handling his own property with headquarters and office in Davenport. He continued in business alone until 1896, when he admitted Charles Martin to a partnership. They were thus associated for four years, at the end of which time the business relation was dissolved, after which Mr. Koester sold out to his son Gustave, who conducted the business for about a year. Since then Mr. Koester has been selling lots in the Norwood addition to Davenport, which he owns, but has practically retired from active life to enjoy a rest which he truly earned and richly deserves. Mr. Koester was married twice. He first wedded Miss Mary Smith. They had three children: Gustave A., who is married and lives in Davenport; Katie, the wife of Alex Eskie, of Colorado, by whom she has one son, Adolph; and Toney, of Davenport, who married Miss Maude Krider, and has two children. For his second wife Mr. Koester chose Kathryn Anderson. Fraternally Mr. Koester is connected with the Elks lodge, No. 298, of Davenport, and is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Schuetzen Verein. He is one of the directors of the Union Savings Bank and his name is an honored one on commercial paper in this city. His business interests have been of an important character and, carefully managed, have brought to him substantial success, so that now in the evening of his life he is very comfortably situated financially. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Louis Eckhardt Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. To view the picture of Louis Eckhardt that accompanies this biography, please go to the main Scott county, Iowa page at: http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ and click on Pictures/ Documents section. Surnames: Eckhardt, Greve, Mundt. Among the efficient and popular county officials of Scott county is numbered Louis Eckhardt, who since 1906 has ably served in the position of sheriff. He was born in Davenport, Iowa, on the 23d of October, 1867, his parents being Charles and Christine (Greve) Eckhardt, who, though natives of Germany, were married in Davenport. The father, whose birth occurred in 1821, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1848, landing at New Orleans, Louisiana. After residing for a short time at St. Louis, Missouri, he came up the river to Davenport, Iowa, in 1850. He was a skilled mechanic and carpenter, with which trade he had become familiar in his native land, but after working at that occupation for a number of years he became identified with the lumber industry, acting as salesman for the French & Davis Company during the period of the Civil war. He next turned his attention to the grocery business, while subsequently he entered the service of the Mueller Lumber Company in th! e capacity of salesman and was thus employed for a number of years or until he passed away on the 11th of October, 1885. His death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he was a well known and highly respected citizen whose upright and honorable life won him the confidence and regard of all with whom he was associated. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, five of whom reached years of maturity. Louis Eckhardt, who was the eight in order of birth in his father's family, pursued his education in the public schools until he had attained the age of fourteen years. Having chosen the occupation of a barber as a congenial life work, he then devoted himself to the mastery of that trade and it was by reason of his untiring industry, indefatigable energy and excellent business ability that he eventually became the proprietor of the leading barbering establishment in Davenport. In addition to his interests in this connection he also gave considerable attention to public affairs and for two terms capably served as alderman of the fourth ward. He resigned that office, however, in order to enter upon the duties of sheriff, to which position he was elected in 1906. A democrat in politics, he is a prominent figure in the local ranks of his party-a fact which was proven by his election to the vice presidency of the Iowa State Sheriff's Association at the state convention of sherif! fs. On the 19th of August, 1896, Mr. Eckhardt was united in marriage to Miss Louise Mundt, a native of Davenport and a daughter of F. W. Mundt. They are now the parents of two children, Louise C. and Herbert W. Fraternally Mr. Eckhardt is identified with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being the past exalted ruler of the last named order. He well deserves the proud American title of a self-made man, for by perseverance determination and honorable effort he has overthrown the obstacles which barred his path to success and has reached the goal of prosperity, while his genuine worth, broad mind and public spirit have made him a director of public thought and action. Both he and his wife have remained residents of Davenport throughout their entire lives and they well merit the high regard and esteem which is so uniformly accorded them. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Jesse Dodds Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Dodds, Blackman, Kramer, Rackster, Shutter, Voteman For the past ten years Jesse Dodds has lived in honorable retirement in a nice home in Davenport, being numbered among the highly respected pioneer settlers of Scott county. He is a native of Butler county, Pennsylvania, born August 4, 1834, of the marriage of James and Ellen (Sproll) Dodds. The father was a tanner by trade and also engaged in farming in the Keystone state. Jesse Dodds acquired his education in the schools of his native state and was reared there to the age of nineteen, when he sought a home farther west. Coming to Scott county in 1855, he engaged in the livery business in LeClaire, while later he went to Pleasant Valley, where he was employed in a flour mill about seven years. He then spent some time at Pikes Peak, Colorado, but on his return to Davenport took up farming, which he followed throughout the remainder of his business career. He eventually became the owner of one hundred acres of land in Pleasant Valley township, situated on the river road about eight miles east of the city. Mr. Dodds devoted much of his land to the raising of onions and this proved a very successful venture. He also raised considerable stock and devoted some of his time to general farming. About ten years ago he put aside all business cares and purchased residence property in Davenport, to which he removed, and he has since made this his home. He! still retains possession of his farming property, which he rents. Mr. Dodds was married on the 31st of December, 1859, to Miss Ruby Blackman, a daughter of Louis and Jane Blackman. She was born November 27, 1839, and died November 10, 1901. She was a most estimable lady and an active and faithful worker in the work of the Baptist church and Sunday school. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dodds were born seven children, three daughters and four sons, as follows: Jennie, the wife of Al Kramer and the mother of three children; Harry, who wedded Miss Sarah Rackster, by whom he has eight children; Jessie, the wife of F. S. Shutter and the mother of three children; Fred, who resides at home; Charles; Hattie, the wife of William Voteman; and Louis who has passed away. A republican in his political belief, Mr. Dodds, formerly took an active part in public affairs. While living on the farm he filled various township offices and the cause of education has ever been one of deep interest to him. He was also connected with the postoffice department at Davenport for seven years but is now living free from all business cares with the exception of looking after the rental of his farm. He thoroughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the society of his family and a friends. He is always courteous and affable and those who know him personally have for him warm regard. His life is exemplary in all respects and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of highest commendation. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

James Thorington was born on the 7th of May, 1816, in Wilmington, North Carolina.  He was a graduate of the State University of Alabama and studied law with his father.  He located at Davenport, Iowa, in 1839, where he began practice.  In 1842 he was chosen mayor of the city, serving four years.  He was one of the leaders in the free soil movement and in 1854 was nominated for representative in congress for the second district by the antislavery elements of the various parties.  The district embraced all of the northern half of the state and few expected the free soil candidate to be elected.  Several prominent men declined the nomination and it was offered to Mr. Thorington.  He said, "Gentlemen, I am not anxious to take the chances, but if you chose to nominate me I will make an aggressive canvass and shall expect to be elected."  His response aroused enthusiasm, he was nominated and made a vigorous campaign, having for his democratic competitor Ex-Governor Stephen Hempstead.  Thorington was elected by more than one thousand five hundred majority.  He served two years from March, 1855, and was largely instrumental in securing to Iowa the land grants of 1856 for the aid of railroads.  This most important act gave to his district three trunk lines of railroad from the Mississippi to the Missouri river.  But it compassed his defeat for renomination.  Delegates in the convention from counties not on the lines of the projected railroads united against him and nominated a republican in Dubuque.  Mr. Thorington was one of the leaders in the political movement which resulted in uniting the anti-slavery elements into the republican party in 1855-6.  In 1858 he was a candidate for United States senator to succeed George W. Jones but James W. Grimes was nominated and elected.  Mr. Thorington was appointed by the governor agent for the state at Washington to secure title to the swamp lands embraced in the grant.  In 1872 he was appointed by President Grant United States consul to Aspinwall, where he served ten years.  It has often been remarked that our state never sent a representative to congress who accomplished so much in a single term as this first republican member from Iowa.  He died June 12, 1889, at Sante Fe, in New Mexico. Debbie Clough G-erischer G-erischer Family Web Site http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/ Assistant CC, Iowa Gen Web, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ List Manager for: IASCOTT-L * G-erischer-L * D-encker-L Fitzpatirck-L * V-lerebome-L * Huntington-L * Otis-L * Algar-L EIGS-L * Pickens-L * McNab-L * Patris-L - Rankin-L

Charles M. Waterman was born in Frankfort, Kentucky, on the 5th of January, 1847.  His education was acquired in the public schools and in a private academy.  He came to Iowa in 1854 and studied law.  The first office he held was that of city attorney of Davenport.  In 1877 he was chosen one of the representatives in the house of the seventeenth general assembly on the republican ticket.  On the 28th of June, 1887, he was appointed by Governor Larrabee to fill a vacancy in the office of judge of the seventh judicial district, caused by the death of Judge John H. Rogers.  He was elected for a full term in November of that year and re-elected in 1890 and 1894.  In the summer of 1897 he received the nomination at the republican state convention for judge of the supreme court 1898.  Later he resigned from the supreme bench to form with Ex-Congressman Joe R. Lane, the legal partnership Lane and Waterman.  Judge Waterman serves this community most wisely and well as president of the borad of trustees of the Davenport Public Library. Debbie Clough G-erischer G-erischer Family Web Site http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/ Assistant CC, Iowa Gen Web, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ List Manager for: IASCOTT-L * G-erischer-L * D-encker-L Fitzpatirck-L * V-lerebome-L * Huntington-L * Otis-L * Algar-L EIGS-L * Pickens-L * McNab-L * Patris-L - Rankin-L

Joseph R. Lane was born in Davenport, Iowa, on the 6th of May, 1858, the son of Hon. James T. Lane.  He was educated at Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois, attended the law department of the State University and began to practice law in Davenport in 1880.  In 1898 he was elected to congress on the republican ticket in the second district, serving but one term, as he declined a reelection.  He has long been one of the active republican leaders in the second congressional district, but prefers the line of his profession to official positions. Debbie Clough G-erischer G-erischer Family Web Site http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/ Assistant CC, Iowa Gen Web, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ List Manager for: IASCOTT-L * G-erischer-L * D-encker-L Fitzpatirck-L * V-lerebome-L * Huntington-L * Otis-L * Algar-L EIGS-L * Pickens-L * McNab-L * Patris-L - Rankin-L

James T. Lane was born at Freeport, Pennsylvania, on the 16th of March, 1830.  He was educated at the University of Lewisburg in that state, studied law, was admitted to the bar and came west in 1854 in search of a location.  He stopped in Davenport, then a flourishing little city on the upper Mississippi river.  Here he located on the 23d of February, 1854, and opened a law office, making it his permanent home.  He soon acquired a good practice and upon the organization of the republican party on the 22d of February, 1856, Mr. Lane took an active part, serving as a delegate from Scott county in the first stae convention which met at Iowa City and was one of the secretaries of that gathering which brought a new party into existence.  He entered into partnership with Abner Davison, upon the death of D. S. True, and Davison & Lane was for many years one of the leading law firms of Davenport.  In 1861 he was elected on the republican ticket to the house of the ninth general assembly and took rank among the leading members; was made chairman of the committee on military affairs, then the most important of the standing committees, as the country was in the midst of the great Civil war.  In 1873 Mr. Lane was appointed by President Grant United States district attorney for Iowa, serving with distinction until 1882.  He died on the 19th of March, 1890. Debbie Clough G-erischer G-erischer Family Web Site http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/ Assistant CC, Iowa Gen Web, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ List Manager for: IASCOTT-L * G-erischer-L * D-encker-L Fitzpatirck-L * V-lerebome-L * Huntington-L * Otis-L * Algar-L EIGS-L * Pickens-L * McNab-L * Patris-L - Rankin-L

William H. F. Gurley was born in Washington, D. C., in 1840.  When a a lad he was chosen clerk of a committee on which Abraham Lincoln, who was a member of the house of representatives, was serving.  He was a favorite with the tall, awkward member from Illinois, who never forgot the bright, black-eyed boy clerk of his committee.  When but sixteen years of age young Gurley accompanied Dr. Owen of the United States geographical survey on one of his exploring expeditions to the far west, where he obtained his first view of the great, wild prairies of Iowa as they were in 1846-7.  He was so fascinated with the beauty of the picturesque rivers, woods, bluffs and rolling prairie that he then determined some day to return and make his home in the new state.  In 1854 he came to Davenport and opened a law office.  He was an active republican and in 1859 was nominated for representative in the eighth general assembly and elected.  He was made chairman of the committee of ways and means and drafted the revenue system which for many years has been so successful in providing funds for the state expenses.  Soon after the election of Abraham Lincoln, the first republican president, he tendered to his former committee clerk the position of United States district attorney for Iowa.  His health failed under the pressure of the exacting labors of that position, after a few years, and he found it necessary to resign.  He was appointed consul to Quebec, but a fatal malady had overtaken him and after a short term he died.  He was cut down on the treshold of what promised to be a useful and brilliant career at the early age of thirty-five. Debbie Clough G-erischer G-erischer Family Web Site http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/ Assistant CC, Iowa Gen Web, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ List Manager for: IASCOTT-L * G-erischer-L * D-encker-L Fitzpatirck-L * V-lerebome-L * Huntington-L * Otis-L * Algar-L EIGS-L * Pickens-L * McNab-L * Patris-L - Rankin-L

I also have "lost" 2 entire families, plus a sister, for the 1850 census. We know they were in Missouri by the early 1840s and when some of them finally did settle they showed up in Platte Co. MO. Also one member of this group was granted a permit to run a ferry service between Missouri and Kansas during the 1850s, but none of them appear in any of a dozen counties in that area. {It's kind of hard to miss the name Nimrod FARLEY in the census rolls when you see it.} After searching every page of that dozen counties in northwest MO I suspected that they must have been on the river and missed being counted. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Cathy

Hello Earl, That's very interesting. You may well be right. Keeping in mind that the middle and upper Mississippi was frozen over, usually from December until March, depending on the severity of the winter, what you'd have to do is search all the river-bordering counties south of St. Louis, to the Gulf. This, of course, makes the search difficult, but perhaps rewarding. In the southern states, to this day, folks live on shanty boats. Many of these people are in their 70s or older and, according to a museum director in Mississippi with whom I have been in touch, this appears to be the last generation to grow up in this life style. This is an area of research that has been neglected or largely unknown, I'm afraid. When someone comes up against a brick wall, we encourage them to look at the rolls of "poor farms," but have been ignorant of advising research of shanty boat residents, of which there were many thousands in all the navigable U.S. waterways. Best of luck in your research. Regards, Elaine Rathmann ACC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES ----- Original Message ----- From: "Earl Hoffman" <hoffmans@ix.netcom.com> To: <IASCOTT-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, July 26, 2002 12:15 AM Subject: Fwd: [IASCOTT] Shanty Boats | Surnames: HOFFMANN | | I have often speculated that my immigrant HOFFMANN family, missing | between 1848 (when they arrived from Holstein) and 1859, was on the | Mississippi river during that time as the father, Charles (Carl) | Hoffmann, and his oldest son, Andreas Hoffmann, were listed as | fishermen when I finally found them in the 1860 census. The mother | was Celie, with additional sons Christ, Charles, Henrich, and Rudolph | (born in America). | | Earl | | >Status: U | >Resent-Date: Thu, 25 Jul 2002 16:58:19 -0600 | >X-Original-Sender: beckoncall3@mchsi.com Thu Jul 25 16:58:19 2002 | >Reply-To: "Elaine Rathmann" <beckoncall3@mchsi.com> | >From: "Elaine Rathmann" <beckoncall3@mchsi.com> | >Old-To: "IA- SCOTT" <IASCOTT-L@rootsweb.com> | >Date: Thu, 25 Jul 2002 17:58:26 -0500 | >X-Priority: 3 | >Subject: [IASCOTT] Shanty Boats | >To: IASCOTT-L@rootsweb.com | >Resent-From: IASCOTT-L@rootsweb.com | >X-Mailing-List: <IASCOTT-L@rootsweb.com> archive/latest/5184 | >X-Loop: IASCOTT-L@rootsweb.com | >Resent-Sender: IASCOTT-L-request@rootsweb.com | > | >Hello, everyone, | > | > A few days ago I asked for help re: the 1900 census I'm | >transcribing. Several Davenport 2d Ward, people were listed as | >living on the "Mississippi River Front", and their house numbers | >listed as "Boat House". After a little digging, I found some good | >websites and had some informative discussions with folks who are | >quite knowledgeable of river folk-life. | > | > For anyone researching in counties bordering any of the | >navigable rivers of the east and Midwest, if an ancestor "goes | >missing", it is possible he found himself, and maybe the whole | >family, living on a shantyboat, floating up or down the river as the | >seasons and employment permitted. Many of these folks were | >poverty-stricken itinerants, who could not afford to rent or own | >property. Some were skilled laborers who liked life on the river and | >took their families from town to town to find employment. Not a few | >were criminal types, but surprisingly, quite a few were educated, | >adventuresome men, who simply wanted to experience the sights and | >sounds offered up by the river's course. | > | > Apparently, numberless folks lived this way, and record-keeping | >being what it was, many will never be found. | > | > If anyone would like to read more, | >http://www.rtpnet.org/robroy/books/nhb/SB.HTM#toc, has a great | >online book, "Four Months in a Sneak-Box" written in 1879 by | >Nathaniel H. Bishop. It is loaded with information on shantyboats | >and the people who lived on them. Another good site to peruse is | >http://www.greatriver.com/links.htm. | > | >~~~~~~*~~~~~~ | > | >Elaine Rathmann | > | >ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project | > | >List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES | > | > | | | -- | Earl Hoffman | 3022 Woodland Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544 | 505-662-7823 |

Surnames: HOFFMANN I have often speculated that my immigrant HOFFMANN family, missing between 1848 (when they arrived from Holstein) and 1859, was on the Mississippi river during that time as the father, Charles (Carl) Hoffmann, and his oldest son, Andreas Hoffmann, were listed as fishermen when I finally found them in the 1860 census. The mother was Celie, with additional sons Christ, Charles, Henrich, and Rudolph (born in America). Earl >Status: U >Resent-Date: Thu, 25 Jul 2002 16:58:19 -0600 >X-Original-Sender: beckoncall3@mchsi.com Thu Jul 25 16:58:19 2002 >Reply-To: "Elaine Rathmann" <beckoncall3@mchsi.com> >From: "Elaine Rathmann" <beckoncall3@mchsi.com> >Old-To: "IA- SCOTT" <IASCOTT-L@rootsweb.com> >Date: Thu, 25 Jul 2002 17:58:26 -0500 >X-Priority: 3 >Subject: [IASCOTT] Shanty Boats >To: IASCOTT-L@rootsweb.com >Resent-From: IASCOTT-L@rootsweb.com >X-Mailing-List: <IASCOTT-L@rootsweb.com> archive/latest/5184 >X-Loop: IASCOTT-L@rootsweb.com >Resent-Sender: IASCOTT-L-request@rootsweb.com > >Hello, everyone, > > A few days ago I asked for help re: the 1900 census I'm >transcribing. Several Davenport 2d Ward, people were listed as >living on the "Mississippi River Front", and their house numbers >listed as "Boat House". After a little digging, I found some good >websites and had some informative discussions with folks who are >quite knowledgeable of river folk-life. > > For anyone researching in counties bordering any of the >navigable rivers of the east and Midwest, if an ancestor "goes >missing", it is possible he found himself, and maybe the whole >family, living on a shantyboat, floating up or down the river as the >seasons and employment permitted. Many of these folks were >poverty-stricken itinerants, who could not afford to rent or own >property. Some were skilled laborers who liked life on the river and >took their families from town to town to find employment. Not a few >were criminal types, but surprisingly, quite a few were educated, >adventuresome men, who simply wanted to experience the sights and >sounds offered up by the river's course. > > Apparently, numberless folks lived this way, and record-keeping >being what it was, many will never be found. > > If anyone would like to read more, >http://www.rtpnet.org/robroy/books/nhb/SB.HTM#toc, has a great >online book, "Four Months in a Sneak-Box" written in 1879 by >Nathaniel H. Bishop. It is loaded with information on shantyboats >and the people who lived on them. Another good site to peruse is >http://www.greatriver.com/links.htm. > >~~~~~~*~~~~~~ > >Elaine Rathmann > >ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project > >List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES > > -- Earl Hoffman 3022 Woodland Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544 505-662-7823

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/2352 Message Board Post: Am planning a trip to eastern IA in early Aug. Would like to visit gravesites of 3 CW generals buried in Oakdale Cemetery in Davenport: George Henry Cram, Joseph Bloomfield Leake, Addison Hiatt Sanders. Would appreciate info i) locating cemetery (am coming in from north on US 30) and ii) location of said graves within cemetery. Thanks.

Hello, everyone, A few days ago I asked for help re: the 1900 census I'm transcribing. Several Davenport 2d Ward, people were listed as living on the "Mississippi River Front", and their house numbers listed as "Boat House". After a little digging, I found some good websites and had some informative discussions with folks who are quite knowledgeable of river folk-life. For anyone researching in counties bordering any of the navigable rivers of the east and Midwest, if an ancestor "goes missing", it is possible he found himself, and maybe the whole family, living on a shantyboat, floating up or down the river as the seasons and employment permitted. Many of these folks were poverty-stricken itinerants, who could not afford to rent or own property. Some were skilled laborers who liked life on the river and took their families from town to town to find employment. Not a few were criminal types, but surprisingly, quite a few were educated, adventuresome men, who simply wanted to experience the sights and sounds offered up by the river's course. Apparently, numberless folks lived this way, and record-keeping being what it was, many will never be found. If anyone would like to read more, http://www.rtpnet.org/robroy/books/nhb/SB.HTM#toc, has a great online book, "Four Months in a Sneak-Box" written in 1879 by Nathaniel H. Bishop. It is loaded with information on shantyboats and the people who lived on them. Another good site to peruse is http://www.greatriver.com/links.htm. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Judge J. Scott Richman was born in Somerset, Ohio.  He came to Iowa and occupied the bench of the seventh judicial district from 1863 until May, 1872, when he resigned the office and on the death of John P. Cook he formed a law partnership with his son, E. E. Cook, which relation continued about eight years.  Upon the dissolution of that firm Judge Richman entered into a partnership with W. B. Burk and J. J. Russell under the firm name of Richman, Burk & Russel, in Muscatine, in 1880, and divided his time between Muscatine and Davenport.  He carried on a general and extensive law practice in the several courts, largely in the federal court.  He first made his appearance in Davenport in 1872.  He began practice on his own account in 1880.  Judge Richman was clerk of the Iowa house of representatives at one time and was a member of the constitutional convention which framed the first constitution adopted by the state of Iowa.  He was also a member of the Iowa house in the extra session of 1856. Debbie Clough G-erischer G-erischer Family Web Site http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/ Assistant CC, Iowa Gen Web, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ List Manager for: IASCOTT-L * G-erischer-L * D-encker-L Fitzpatirck-L * V-lerebome-L * Huntington-L * Otis-L * Algar-L EIGS-L * Pickens-L * McNab-L * Patris-L - Rankin-L

The law practice of the firm Gannon & McGuirk was noteworthy at the itme this article was written.  The junior member of the firm, Ambrose P. McGuirk, began the practice of his profession at Davenport in 1878, at which time the above mentioned partnership was entered into.  Mr. McGuirk took a law course at Ann Arbor, from which institution he was graduated in 1878, and was admitted to the bar.  He was a native of St. Marys, Canada, where he was born in 1854.  He received his early education at that place and in an academy at London, Ontario, from which he graduated in 1876.  He came to Davenport in 1878 and he has been closely identified with various Catholic societies. Debbie Clough G-erischer G-erischer Family Web Site http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/ Assistant CC, Iowa Gen Web, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ List Manager for: IASCOTT-L * G-erischer-L * D-encker-L Fitzpatirck-L * V-lerebome-L * Huntington-L * Otis-L * Algar-L EIGS-L * Pickens-L * McNab-L * Patris-L - Rankin-L

Frank L. Dodge was the junior member of the firm of Cook & Dodge.  He was admitted to the bar in June, 1877, after which he was given employment by the firm of Cook & Richman until its dissolution.  He entered into partnership with E. E. Cook in 1880.  Mr. Dodge's father came to Iowa in 1832 and became a citizen of Davenport in 1836.  Frank L. Dodge graduated from the Iowa State University in 1875 and from the law department of that institution in 1876. Debbie Clough G-erischer G-erischer Family Web Site http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/ Assistant CC, Iowa Gen Web, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ List Manager for: IASCOTT-L * G-erischer-L * D-encker-L Fitzpatirck-L * V-lerebome-L * Huntington-L * Otis-L * Algar-L EIGS-L * Pickens-L * McNab-L * Patris-L - Rankin-L

William O. Schmidt was born in Davenport June 9, 1856.  His parents, John and Margaretta Schmidt, natives of Bavaria, came to America in 1834 and located in Davenport about 1849.  John Schmidt was one of the important merchants for many years of Davenport and was one of the founders and a member of the first board of directors, of the First National Bank of this city,  which was the first institution of the kind organized in the United States.  His son, William, was a graduate of the public and high school of Davenport.  He graduated from the law department of the Iowa State University in 1877 and was admitted to practice in the supreme court in June of that year.  He read law with the firm of Putnam & Rogers.  He was a member of the Iowa legislature.  He became a successful lawyer. Debbie Clough G-erischer G-erischer Family Web Site http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/ Assistant CC, Iowa Gen Web, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ List Manager for: IASCOTT-L * G-erischer-L * D-encker-L Fitzpatirck-L * V-lerebome-L * Huntington-L * Otis-L * Algar-L EIGS-L * Pickens-L * McNab-L * Patris-L - Rankin-L

Charles A. Ficke became a member of Scott county bar in 1877.  He is a native of Mecklenburg, Germany, and came to this county in 1832.  An extended sketch of Mr. Ficke will be found elsewhere in this volume. Debbie Clough G-erischer G-erischer Family Web Site http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/ Assistant CC, Iowa Gen Web, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ List Manager for: IASCOTT-L * G-erischer-L * D-encker-L Fitzpatirck-L * V-lerebome-L * Huntington-L * Otis-L * Algar-L EIGS-L * Pickens-L * McNab-L * Patris-L - Rankin-L