L. J. Porstmann, M. D. Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Porstmann, Stroner, Heckle, Springmeier. A man of high standing in his profession is Dr. L. J. Porstmann, who for the past few years has made his home in Davenport. He was born April 13, 1865, in Atkinson, Henry county, Illinois, his parents being John and Augusta (Stroner) Porstmann. The father was a mechanic by trade and a well known citizen and land owner, who possessed a farm of one hundred acres, which was regarded as one of the finest agricultural properties in the locality. Upon his retirement he removed to Buffalo, Iowa and lived there until his death, which occurred about seventeen years ago. He was a man of excellent education and most successful in all his relations. His parents were German and never left their native land. The maternal grandfather, John Stroner, made his home in Kansas and after a life of usefulness passed on to his reward at the age of ninety-three. Dr. Porstmann when a lad attended school in Moline, Illinois, and upon removing to Scott county, at the age of fourteen, resumed his education in the schools of Buffalo, in due time graduating from the high school. Following this he remained upon the farm until his twentieth year and then for the next five years held positions of various kinds in and about Scott county. At the age of twenty-five the idea of joining the regular army took root in his mind and he enlisted in the Seventeenth Regular Infantry, where he served for eighteen months and then purchased his discharge. AT this juncture Dr. Porstmann made a fortunate step in his decision to prepare for the profession for which he is so well suited and in the practice of which he has found undeniable success. He attended first the Illinois Medical College at Chicago, then removed to St. Louis for the purpose of attending the Barnes University, form which he graduated in 1898 with a record for scholarship of a high order. His first experience as a practitioner was obtained in his old home-Buffalo, Iowa,-where he remained until 1905. His ability eminently fitting him for a larger field of endeavor and he came to Davenport where he gained speedy recognition both among laymen and his professional brethren. Dr. Porstmann was married June 17, 1903, to Miss Mary A. Springmeier, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Heckle) Springmeier, and they have two children: Louise Mary and Albert L. The family residence is situated at 2110 Bowditch street. Only through integrity and the display of actual ability could a footing such as Dr. Porstmann's have been established in so short a time. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Oscar C. Woods >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 O. C. Woods 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: Woods, White, Holbrook, Shontz. Oscar C. Woods is the founder and the head of a wholesale fruit and produce establishment in Davenport conducted under the name of The Martin Woods Company. HE possesses a talent for leading and this coupled with his sound judgment and business ability is the secret of his success. He was born on a farm near the village of Passumpsic, Vermont, October 26, 1835, a son of Riley and Lydia (White) Woods, he being the youngest in a family of twelve children. The father was a son of John Woods, who served in the Revolutionary war. Oscar C. Woods was reared in New England, beginning his education in the common schools of Vermont, while later he pursued a course in St. Johnsbury College. When he attained his majority he came to the west for he believed he would enjoy better business advantages here than he could in the east. He has one brother and one sister who also came west but the other members of the family all remained in New England. Upon arriving in the city of Chicago, Mr. Woods spent some time there, whence he made his way to Lamoille, Illinois, and alter his brother John Joined him and they there opened a dry-goods store which they conducted for several years. Eventually, owing to the he ill health of our subject, they sold their stock of goods and after recovering his health Mr. Woods again engaged in business, buying his stock of goods in New York, for, although they had previously purchased stock in Chicago, it was about this time that the great fire raged in that metropolis and he was co! mpelled to send to the east for his merchandise. Again after a few years the brothers sold out review engaged in the stock business, buying horses for the eastern market. It was about 1873 that he removed farther west, locating in Davenport, where he continued to buy stock. Later he bought a half section of land near Waterloo, Iowa, and spent about a year and a half on the place. In 1883 he returned to Davenport and with others purchased the wholesale fruit business, to which he has since devoted his attention. Mr. Woods organized the firm which is now conducting business under the name of The Martin Woods Company and was incorporated in the spring of 1890. This is one of the important and well known management and executive ability of the president, Mr. Woods. He has made a number of changes in his business connection since coming to the west but each change has proved a profitable one and he has now reached the goal of success. Mr. Woods was married in May, 1864, to Miss Cleora Holbrook, of Lamoille, Illinois. They had one child, who died young and now have an adopted daughter, Ruby, who is the wife of Harry L. Shontz, by whom she has two children, Harry W. and Mary Elizabeth. Mrs. Woods, an estimable lady, passed away in 1904 and her remains were interred in the cemetery at Lamoille, Illinois. Mr. Woods is entitled to membership in the Sons of the Revolution from the fact that his grandfather served in the Revolutionary war. In business he has never been content to remain with the middle rank but has striven to reach the top round of the ladder and today he holds a high position in the business circles of Davenport, while his social qualities have won for him many friends. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

F. C. Skinner, M. D. >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Skinner, Wiggin, Kahlke, Hiddle, Heuring, Jensen, Williams. Dr. F. C. Skinner, although one of the younger representatives of the medical profession, is demonstrating his ability to handle complex problems in his line and has built up a good general practice in and around Le Claire. He was born in Rock Island, Illinois, may 30, 1873, a son of Almond and Augusta (Wiggin) Skinner. He is a representative of a good old New England family and has in his possession tow old land grants given to the Lees on his mother's side, during the reign of King George III, one dated July 1, 1761, and the other November 8, 1764. The Docotr is a lineal descendant of Captain Mason of Revolutionary fame and has the dagger and powder horn carried by that gentleman during the war for independence. The Doctor's father was born near Buffalo, New York, and was a painter by trade. At one time he had charge of the paint department for the Rock Island plow factory and painted the first engine that was run west by the Union Pacific Railroad Company. This engine was named Big Chief and the picture which Mr. Skinner painted on the tender of the locomotive was of an Indian chief standing on Council Bluffs. Mr. Skinner made his home in Rock Island for many years and owned the land that is now occupied by Kahlke Brothers as a boatyard. The father died when our subject was but two and a half years old and there were three other children in the family but all are now deceased except our subject. After the after the father's death, the mother, who was a native of Niles, New Hampshire, removed with her family to Rochester, Minnesota, and eventually was married to Louis Hiddle, a druggist of Mackinaw, Illinois, where they still make their home. There is one daughter of this marriage,! Maud, now the wife of John Heuring, a resident of Peoria, Illinois. Dr. Skinner was very young when he was taken by his mother to Rochester, Minnesota, and at the usual age he entered the public schools of that city and before completing his education it was necessary for him to go to school, being employed during the day. In this way, he saved enough money to pursue a college course in Davenport, while later he pursued a classical course at Eureka College, in Eureka, Illinois. In the meantime the medical profession appealed very strongly to him and eh entered the Iowa State Medical College, graduating from that institution on the 28th of March, 1898. Dr. Skinner spent some time as an employe in a hospital at Iowa City, Iowa, and then opened an office at Port Byron, Illinois. He then came to Le Claire, where he has since been engaged in general practice. Of studious nature, he is ever seeking to advance his knowledge of medicine through reading and investigation and all acknowledge his worth as a practitioner and as a man. For the past nine years he has served as health officer and in this connection is working toward more sanitary conditions. Dr. Skinner has been married twice. He was first married in 1900 to Miss Grace Jensen, a daughter of Charles Jensen, of Rock Island, Illinois. Her death occurred October 5, 1902, her remains being interred in the Rock Island cemetery. For his second wife the Doctor chose Vergie L. Williams, their marriage being celebrated on the 11th of May 1904. She is a daughter of George and Eva Williams, the former born near Norwich, New York, October 12, 1848, and the latter at McGraw, that state, November 30, 1851. The family settle in Le Claire about 1871, and the father was a fireman on steamboats which plied the Mississippi river, following that business for many years. He is also a charter member of the knights of Pythias lodge of Le Claire and is an influential and highly respected citizen of this community. Dr. Skinner belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the American Patriots. He early displayed the elemental strength of his character, when, realizing the necessity for a good education suited to the demands of the times that he might start out in life well equipped for strenuous service, he devoted his evening hours to study, and this has proved one of his strongest characteristics through life, for he still devotes his leisure hours to study. While all recognize his ability and worth of character and are ever ready to pay deference to his excellent qualities, in nature he is modest and retiring and in his expressions concerning brother practitioners is friendly and indulgent. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Julius C. Hasler Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Hasler, Nahlen. Julius C. Hasler, cashier of the Farmers & Mechanics Savings Bank, is a man who has long been known to the citizens of Davenport, and as the year have passed they have accorded to him increased respect and esteem. He was born in Hannibal, Missouri, July 29, 1860. His father, Henry Hasler, was a native of Zurich, Switzerland, and in 1858, at the age of thirty-eight years came to Davenport, later going to Hannibal, where he remained only a few months. Upon his return to this city he engaged in the grocery business in the west end, being very successful in that occupation and winning respect in the community. He retired in 1883 and twenty years later passed away at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. Julius Hasler attended the public schools, in which he obtained a good education, and he received his practical training in his father's store. In 1885 he became general delivery clerk in the postoffice under Postmaster De Armond but remained there only fifteen months. Then he became teller in the Scott County Savings Bank, holding that position for a number of years, fulfilling his duties and discharging his responsibilities with honor and credit. He next occupied the same the same position in the Davenport National Bank, which he left to become cashier of the Farmers & Mechanics Savings Bank, an office he holds at present. He is a man who is careful, accurate and conscientious, and one in whom his associates place the utmost confidence. In March, 1886, Mr. Hasler was united in marriage to Miss Josephine G. Nahlen, of Chicago. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Turners, the Schuetzen and other organizations of a social or benevolent character. He also is a member of the Outing Club and of the Commercial Club, in this way giving expression to the public spirit which is one of his dominant characteristics. As a man of sterling integrity he holds the position of treasurer of the Guarantee Mutual Insurance Company of this city and fulfills duties of a similar nature in the Davenport Baseball Club. Having spent all of his life in this city, he is well known in banking and commercial circles, where his name is always spoken with respect and honor. He is popular for he is endowed with those qualities that attract men to him and in every way is a worthy son of a noble father. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

John C. Bills was a native of Wyoming county, New York, where he was born in 1833.  He became a member of the Scott county bar in 1856, after which the law firm of Bills & Block was formed.  He was a very active and prominent member of the bar at this place and twice was elected mayor of Davenport on the republican ticket. 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

George E. Hubbell is a native of Salisbury, Connecticut.  His maternal grandfather was sheriff of New Haven county, Connecticut, for many years.  Mr. Hubbell was reared and educated in Connecticut and graduated from Yale Law school in 1851, after which he practiced his profession in New Haven for about a year.  Soon after his marriage, which took place in 1852, he opened a law office in New York and practiced there in the company of such noted legal leaders as Charles O'Connor, James T. Brady and others.  Health failing him, he came west and located in Davenport in 1853.  In the spring of 1864 he entered into partnership with his brother, Judge S. A. Hubbell, which relation continued a year, the judge having been appointed judge of the territorial court of New Mexico, dying there in 1879.  When Mr. Hubbell came to Davenport it contained 4,000 souls. 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

Jacob W. Stewart came to Scott county in the spring of 1853.  He first associated himself with J. W. Sennet for about two years, and in 1859 formed a partnership with James Armstrong, which was dissolved in 1873.  In 1875 he became associated with William K. White.  In 1856 he was elected prosecuting attorney and in 1866 was appointed collector of internal revenue for the second congressional district by Andrew Johnson.  He was elected mayor of Davenport in 1874. 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

Ernst Claussen commenced the practice of law in 1860.  He was a native of Holstein, Germany, and was born in 1833 and educated in that place.  He fought in the revolutionary army of Schleswig-Holstein, although quite young, and in 1851 he came to America, first taking up his residence for two years in St. Louis.  He came to Davenport in 1853.  He enlisted at the first call of President Lincoln for 75,000 three months' troops as a member of the First Iowa Infantry, and served as first sergeant of Company G during the term of his enlistment.  He then retired from the service and resumed the practice of his profession, in which he was eminently successful. 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

Surnames: Staffelbach Wundram Butenschoen Hagen No. 32. Hazel Staffelbach, single, ) WARRANTY DEED LeRoy Staffelbach and Erna ) Cons. $1.00 & Val. Staffelbach, his wife, and ) Dated November 13, 1947 Earl Staffelbach and Ruthetta ) Ack'd November 20, 1947 Staffelbach, his wife ) Ack'd November 13, 1947 ) Filed November 21, 1947 to ) 87 Ld. D. page 461 ) William G. Wundram, Sr. ) Convey all that part of the S.W. frac. 1/4 of Section 18 and that part of the N.W. frac. 1/4 of Section 19, all in Township 77 North, Range 3 East of hte 5th P.M., in Scott County, Iowa, bounded and described as follows: Beginning at a point in the center of the road 5.90 chains South of the Northeast corner of the S.W. 1/4 of said Section 18, Township and Range aforesaid; thence South 62' West along the center of the road aforesaid 19.01 chains; thence South 29.06 chains to the Mississippi River; thence Northeast along the meanders of said river to a point where the East line of said S.W. 1/4 of Section 18, Township and Range aforesaid intersects the said river; thence North 29.10 chains to the place of beginning, containing 47 acres, more or less. Subject to public highways and railroad right of way. No. 33. George Butenschoen ) AFFIDAVIT ) to ) Sub. & sworn to ) June 3, 1948 The Public ) Filed June 3, 1948 31 Misc. Rec. page 613 Afiant states: "that I am personally acquainted with William G. Wundram, Sr. who I well know is the holder of hte record title and in possession of hte following described real estate situated in the County of Scott and State of Iowa, to-wit: "All that part of the Southwest fractional Quarter of Section 18 and that part of the Northwest fractional Quarter of Section 19, Township 77 North, Range 3 East of the 5th P.M., bounded and described as follows: Beginning at a point in the center of the road 5.90 chains South of the Northeast corner of the Southwest Quarter of said Section 18, Township and Range aforesaid; thence South 62 degrees West along the center of the road aforesaid; 19.01 chains; thence South 29.06 chains to the Mississippi River; thence Northeast along the meanders of said river to a point where the East line of said Southwest Quarter of Section 18, Township and Range aforesaid intersects said river; thence North 29.10 chains to place of beginning, containing 47 acres, more or less. Subject to public highways and railroad right of way. "That I personally know that the said William G. Wundram, Sr., as such holder of the record title of said real estate, and his grantors, immediate and remote, as shown by the records of Scott County, Iowa, have held chain of title to said real estate since January 1, 1930, and for at least ten years prior thereto, and that the said William G. Wundram, Sr., and all persons under whom he holds such title, have held open, uninterrupted and continuous possession of said real estate adverse to any right, title or interest therein, or claim thereto, legal or equitable of any other person or persons whomsoever for the period above stated." Appended is certificate of Clarence E. Hagen, Recorder of Scott County, Iowa, stating that the foregoing affidavit was recorded and entered on the records in his office on June 3, 1948, on behalf of William G. Wundram, Sr. the owner in possession of the real estate mentioned in said affidavit. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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

Hans Reimer Claussen was a native of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, where he was born February 23, 1804.  There he was raised on a farm until he had reached the age of sixteen years, when he entered the college at Meldorf.  In 1824 he matriculated in the university of Kiel.  In 1829 he passed his examination as a law student and in 1830 was admitted to the bar.  He practiced his profession in the neighborhood of his birthplace until 1834, when he located at Kiel.  In 1851 he was exiled by the king of Denmark who then ruled over Schleswig-Holstein, which is now an integral part of the German empire.  From 1840 until 1851 he was a member of the Holstein legislature and in 1848-49 was a member of the German parliament which convened in May, 1848, at Frankfort-on-the-Main, and framed the constitution for the united Germany.  The reason of his exile was on account of his participation in the struggle of Schleswig-Holstein for independence from the Danish king.  He came to the United States in 1851 and located in Davenport in the fall of that year.  He then began the study of the English language and at the same time read law and was admitted to the bar two years later.  For a short interval he was in the milling business, in which he lost all that he possesed..  His law business soon began to increase and then he took his son Ernst into his office as a partner.  He served his county in the state senate four years, was a member of the judiciary, university, orphans' home and constitutional amendment committees of that body, and took an active part int he revision of the code in 1873. 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

In a message dated 07/18/2002 2:25:37 PM Central Daylight Time, Lyn_Batdorf@msn.com writes: > I appreciate all the work-could you also include the source of each of these > postings? > > I am sorry Lyn, I thought it was understood when I put 1910 in the subject line that all of that material comes from "History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa" by Harry E. Downer - The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. - Chicago - 1910 - I am posting from Chapter 18 now - Cathy has Chapters 1 through 17 online at the Scott site. Sorry about that. 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 appreciate all the work-could you also include the source of each of these postings? ----- Original Message ----- From: Bare67deb@aol.com Sent: Friday, May 31, 2002 3:44 PM To: IASCOTT-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [IASCOTT] 1910 Walcott Chapter 10 cont. WALCOTT. Walcott was laid out in 1853 on sections 7 and 8, by Cook and Sargent, of Davenport, and the first passenger train that ever ran over the Mississippi & Missouri railroad carried a delegation to attend the sale of lands of the village. F. W. Keferstein was the first merchant. He removed to Davenport in 1871. The postoffice was established in the town in 1855 and Mr. Keferstein was the first postmaster. Samuel Venchoff was the first blacksmith and the firm of Bach & Sears established the first harness shop. The railroad company built a warehouse in 1855 and in 1867 an elevator was built. Walcott is an incorporated town and is on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad, twelve miles northwest of Davenport. It has a population of about 500. It has a graded school; water works; two banks, one of which has deposits of nearly $500,000; three general stores; two elevators; two drug stores; a furniture store; a hardware and stove store; two blacksmith shops; a harness shop; a meat shop; three implement concerns; and is an important shipping point for grain and live stock. Contiguous to Walcott the country is mainly settled by Germans. 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 ==== IASCOTT Mailing List ==== Browse Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index/iascott Search Archives: http://listsearches.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/listsearch.pl?list=IASCOTT ============================== To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237

J. E. Burmeister Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Burmeister, Behrens, Faster. J. E. Burmeister, whose position as a financier and reputation for sound and reliable methods, have made him well known throughout this part of the state, was born in Davenport, January 17, 1877, a son of Ernst and Mary (Faster) Burmeister, natives of Germany. The father was born in 1846 and came to Davenport in 1870, here meeting and marrying his wife. They had two sons: John F. and J. E. For many years Ernst Burmeister operated a large meat market. He died March 29, 1882. The Davenport public schools furnished J. E. Burmeister with a good education, and he added to it by a course at the Davenport Business College. When but a lad he commenced earning his own living as a messenger boy, and then worked up to bookkeeper. By this time he had proven his worth and was employed by the Iowa National Bank as messenger boy. From that time on his rise was rapid through the successive grades of promotion. In 1902 he was made assistant cashier; in January, 1903, he was made cashier; and in December, 1907, became vice president. In addition to his connection with the bank, Mr. Burmeister has many other interests in the city, being secretary of Voss Brothers Manufacturing Company and secretary and treasurer of the Davenport Locomotive Works, as well as many others. In 1902 he married Emma Behrens, who was born in Davenport, a daughter of P. M. Behrens, an old resident of the city and a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Burmeister have two children; Richard and Bernice. During the Spanish-American war Mr. Burmeister served in the Fiftieth Iowa Infantry as quartermaster sergeant of Company B. Prior to this he was a member of the Iowa National Guards and was prominent in such work. He is a Mason and an Elk and also belongs to the Travelers Association and the Commercial Club. Although a young man in years, he has accomplished much, demonstrating what can be done through sheer effort and untiring industry. He is a strong man, holding firmly to his own views, and influencing others to his way of thinking. Enthusiastically carrying out his plans when once he has entered into anything, he is an important factor in the life of Davenport and has become very popular with all with whom he is associated in either a business or social way. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

David Y. Pollock Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Pollock, Young, McGinnis, Annable, Brown. David Y. Pollock, a resident of Sheridan township, dates his residence in Scott county from 1866, arriving here when quite small. He was born in Airdrie, Scotland, October 27, 1857, and is a son of James and Helen (Young) Pollock. The father had served as coachman for a banker in Scotland but, believing that he might have better opportunities in the new world, he made arrangements to cross the Atlantic and in 1866 sailed for the new world. He landed first at New York ad thence came direct to Scott county, where he purchased eighty acres of improved land in Winfield township. The family home was established thereon and James Pollock continued to reside there until 1883, when he sold that property and purchased the place that is now the home of his son David, it also remaining his home until he was called to his final rest on the 13th of August, 1900, when at seventy-tow years of age. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1872, at the age of forty-nine years. Thei! r family numbered four children: Betsy, of Davenport; Maggie, the wife of Neal McGinnis, of Davenport; Thomas, who is living in Winfield township; and David Y. The last named began his education in the schools of Scotland, but was quite young when he came with his parents to America, and in the schools of Winfield township continued his studies. The periods of vacation were devoted to the work of the fields and after he had completed his education he gave his undivided time and attention to farm work in connection with his father until the latter's death. Later he engaged in farming for himself, having purchased the old homestead a short time prior to his father's demise. Throughout his life he has engaged in tilling the soil and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place indicates his careful supervision and methods. Moreover, he is a stockholder in the Long Grove Bank, the Eldridge Savings Bank and in the Farmers' Elevator Company of Scott county, and in business matters displays sound judgment as manifest in the careful investments that he has made and which have brought to him a substantial return. On the 29th of November, 1897, Mr. Pollock was married to Miss Mary Brown, a daughter of Charles G. and Harriett E. (Annable) Brown, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Pollock was born in Moline, Illinois, and by her marriage has become the mother of four children: James, born September 9, 1898; William, August 13, 1900; Arthur, who was born November 16, 1901, and died December 16, 1906; and one who died in infancy. Mr. Pollock is a member of Long Grove Lodge, No. 719, I. O. O. F., and the Modern Brotherhood of America, No. 86, of Long Grove, of which he has been president. He likewise belongs to the he Christian church of Long Grove and his life has been actuated by high and honorable principles, manifest in all of his relations with his fellowmen as well as in his fussiness associations. He has been a lifelong farmer and is today the owner of hone hundred ad twenty acres of rich and productive land, situated about a mile north of Eldridge, in Sheridan township, and a tract of forty-six acres in Winfield township. His place is well supplied with modern improvements and in its further cultivation and development Mr. Pollock is proving himself an enterprising and diligent farmer. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

F. J. Sessions Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Sessions, Fisher, McDowell. F. J. Sessions, who since 1904 has capably served as superintendent of the Iowa Soldiers' Orphans' Home at Davenport, was born in Fairview township, Jones county, Iowa, on the 18th of February, 1853. His parents, C. M. and Mary J. (Armstrong) Sessions, are both natives of Cortland county, New York. In the year 1851 the father took up his abode in Jones county, Iowa, and there preached the gospel as a minister of the Methodist church until 1889, his labors proving an important element in the moral development of the community in pioneer times. He now makes his home at Mount Vernon, Iowa, and, though past the eighty-second milestone on life's journey, he is still hale and hearty. F. J. Sessions supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the public schools, by a course of study in Cornell College at Mount Vernon, where he won the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He was then prominently identified with educational interests for a period of twenty years and has held many important offices in that connection. He began his school work as principal of the Mount Vernon schools, later was at Springville, and subsequently he served as county superintendent of Linn county for four years. He was in charge of the educational exhibit at the St. Louis Exposition and in the same year was elected superintendent of the Iowa Orphan's Home and has since discharged the duties devolving upon him in this connection in a highly creditable and satisfactory manner, being well qualified for the office. On the 26th of June 1879, Mr. Sessions was united in marriage to Miss Clara Fisher, a native of Illinois. They became the parents of four children, as follows: Alma, who is the wife of Dr. W. O. McDowell, of Grundy Center; T. W., who is engaged in the lumber business at Canton, Illinois; Charles, who is in the employ of the Bettendorf Car Company; and Harriet, who is pursuing a library course at the Pratt Institute of Brooklyn. Mr. Sessions is a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity, exemplifying the teachings of the craft in his daily life. He is a gentleman of wide experience and information and one whose geniality and deference for the opinions of others have gained him an extensive circle of warm friends. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Post to IASCOTT & IA-IRISH Bert Quinn Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Quinn, Steffe, Harrison, Neckley, Clapp. Bert Quinn, who cultivates a farm of eighty acres in Sheridan township. His place adjoining the corporation limits of Eldridge, in which village he was born May 10, 1873, is a representative of one of the oldest families of this county. His grandfather, W. I. Quinn, was one of the first settlers of Scott county, arriving in the fall of 1838, when he settled on the Wapsie in Winfield township. Iowa was then still under territorial rule and the work of progress ad development seemed scarcely begun He was born in Preble county, Ohio, November 12, 1831, a son of Joseph C. and Julia Quinn, who came originally from New Jersey but removed from that state to Georgia and thence to Ohio, coming from the Buckeye state to Iowa. They were of Irish descent and were farming people. When they first came to Scott county Joseph C. Quinn entered land of the Wapsie, securing one hundred and sixty acres. There were four brothers and all entered land in this vicinity, making choice of their clai! ms because of the timber and water. Joseph C. Quinn and his wife afterward removed to Sheridan township, where he purchased a tract of land on which the town of Eldridge now stands, while another portion constitutes the farm upon which Bert Quinn is now living. Later he removed with his family to Hickory Grove township, where he bought a farm, and while living thereon his wife died. Subsequently Joseph C. Quinn removed to Jasper county, Iowa, where his last days were spent. W. I. Quinn, the grandfather of our subject, has spent the greater part of his life in this county, his education being acquired at Long Grove. The Indians were still here at the time of his arrival and for years afterward there were many traces of Indian occupancy to be seen in the arrowheads and in the remnants of tepees which showed that the Indians had been former occupants of the soil. W. I. Quinn pursued his education in a log school building, which was also used as a church. His entire life was devoted to farming in Sheridan township until 1902, when he retired from business cares and removed to Long Grove. His wife died in 1908, at the age of seventy-three years. W. I. Quinn is a member of the Christian church and served as deacon for a number of years but put aside the duties of the office because of his advanced age. Bert Quinn was reared by his grandparents and has spent his entire life in this county with the exception of a few years in college. He attended the schools of the district until he had mastered the elementary branches of learning and later he became a pupil in Eureka College at Eureka, Illinois, being graduated from the business department in the class of 1891. He then returned home and has since engaged in farming with the exception of a year spent in California. On the 25th of January, 1900, Mr. Quinn was united in marriage to Miss Carried Steffe, a daughter of George and Mary Steffe, of Lincoln township, who were early settlers here. The father was of German nativity, his birth having occurred in Freiburg, Baden, Germany, October 28, 1823, while his wife was born in Switzerland, November 6, 1834. They were married in Hickory Grove township, this county, the father having come to Scott county when a young man. He had served in the German army and was also a soldier of the civil war enlisting at Davenport and participating in many important military movements, including the celebrated march of Sherman to the sea. After the war he resumed the pursuits of civil life and always devoted his time and energies to farming in Lincoln township, where he made his home up to the he time of his death on the 6th of November, 1900. For more than a year he had survived his wife, who died January 2, 1899. She had come to the United States when nine! years of age with her parents, who made their way direct to Davenport, and here she lived all her life. She was married in 1859 to Mr. Steffe and became the mother of nine children: Mary, the wife of George Harrison; Rosie, the deceased wife of Brice Neckley; Joe, of Luverne, Minnesota; Jacob, deceased; Louisa, the wife of B. F. Quinn, of Cedar Rapids; Carrie, the wife of Bert Quinn; Hiram, of Sheridan township; Julia, deceased; and Adie, the deceased wife of William Clapp. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Quinn has been born one son, Forest L., whose birth occurred November 6, 1904. Mr. Quinn is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, affiliated with the camp at Long Grove, and the Odd Fellows lodge and has held most of the offices in the former. He likewise belongs to the he Christian church of Long Grove. In community affairs he takes a deep and helpful interest and yet he does not neglect his business, for he is known as a representative farmer of the community, carrying on general agricultural pursuits and also making a specialty of the cultivation of potatoes. In this he is meeting with good success and his farm product find a ready sale on the market. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

William L. E. Nickels 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 Mr. and Mrs. William L. E. Nickels 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: Nickels, Edward, Lahann, Morthoss, Einfeldt. William E. L. Nickels, now living retired in Davenport, is a representative of that lcass of men who have found in agricultural life the opportunities for success. Long connected with farming interests, his diligence and enterprise in managing the work of the fields brought him the prosperity that now enables him to live retired. He was born in Holstein, Germany, October 18, 1835, a son of Henry Ludwig Edward and Louisa Nickels. The father was a farmer and hotel keeper who spent his entire life in Germany. Following his demise the mother married again and came to the he United States, spending her last days in this country. William L. E. Nickels was a young man of twenty-one years when he crossed the Atlantic to America. Favorable reports which he heard concerning the new world led him to the determination to try his fortune on this side the Atlantic, and on the 22d of December, 1856, he landed at New York, whence he made his way westward to Rock Island, Illinois, where he arrived on the 1st of January. The following day he crossed the river to Davenport but after a few days went to Moline. While there he met Claus Lahann, a friend from Germany, who asked him to go to Clinton county with him and Mr. Nickels made his home with that friend in Clinton county through the winter. It was there he met the lady whom he afterward made his wife . In the spring of 1857 he left his German friend and worked for an American at Big Rock in order that he might learn the English language and there he remained for six months, after which he returned to his German friend, remaining his assistant until his friend! 's death in 1859. It was then, on the 6th of January, 1859, that Mr. Nickels married his old friend's daughter, Miss Margaretta Lahann, who was born in Germany, January 12, 1824. He rented the farm from her widowed mother, who died in 1861, at which time by the terms of her will Mr. Nickels inherited the farm, comprising ninety acres. He made his home thereon until 1876 and during that time extended the boundaries of his place by additional purchase until it comprised on hundred and sixteen acres. He made a number of improvements and continued the cultivation of the fields there until 1876, when he removed to Wheatland, Iowa, renting his farm. While living in Wheatland he served as a member of the town council and was prominent and influential in public affairs. He continued his residence in Wheatland until 1901, when he came to Davenport, where he has since made his home. In 1903 Mr. Nickels was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, who died on the 3d of March of that year. He has since wedded Caroline Morthoss, a daughter of Claus and Magdalena Morthoss, both of whom died in Germany. Mrs. Nickels had been previously married, her first husband being Hans Einfeldt, who died December 17, 1894. There have been no exciting chapters in the life history of William L. E. Nickels, who in his life has exemplified many of the sterling traits of his German ancestry. He has been diligent and persistent in business and as the years went by his labors brought him the success which always comes form honorable and well directed effort. Now at the age of seventy-four years he is living retired and his rest is well merited, following years of active life. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Merton E. Bowling Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Bowling, Boies, Bennett, Merton E. Bowling, the general manager of the M. V. Boies Company, is one of the business men of Davenport who has rapidly risen, through his own efforts to the responsible position he now holds. A native son of this city, he was born March 11, 1872, his parents being George D. and Almeda (Bennett) Bowling. The former was also born in Davenport, a descendant of one of the early pioneer families, and is still living, although he has given up active participation in the world of affairs and business. Merton E. Bowling grew to manhood in Davenport, attending the public schools here, and after he had completed the prescribed course enrolled as a student at a college. For a number of years after the completion of his education he worked at various pursuits, finally turning his attention to the undertaking business, and about twenty years ago he entered the employ of the M. V. Bois Company. This concern was established in 1857 by M. V. Boies, under whose name it has continued to do business ever since. When Mr. Bowling first became connected with it he held the position of assistant, but as the years went on and he gave proof of his ability he was rapidly promoted until he now is general manager of the firm. In the meantime, however, he fitted himself for the work, for he took a course in the Western College of Embalming, form which he was graduated October 26, 1898, so that he is fully competent to assume charge of every phase of the business that is given to the company. Mr. Bowling married Miss Mary Snyder, of Dixon, Iowa, and their union has been blessed with three sons-Ralph, Elmer and Raymond. The eldest is attending the high school, while the second is a pupil in the school of district No. 8, and the youngest has not yet entered upon his period of education. Mr. Bowling enjoys wide fraternal relations, for he is a member of the local lodge of Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Elks, and the Modern Brotherhood of America. He also belongs to the he Turners Society of Davenport. In all of these organizations he is well known as a man of ability, of the highest principles and one endowed with many social graces as well as with those which make for success in the world of affairs. His rapid rise in the esteem of his business associates has not been without its substantial financial advancements. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Samuel Francis Smith was born at Waterville, Massachusetts, on the 5th of September, 1836, and was the son of the Rev. Samuel Francis Smith, D. D., a distinguished Baptist clergyman of Newton, Massachusetts, and Mary (White) Smith.  On both sides he was descended from Puritan ancestry who settled in Massachusetts early in the seventh century, from whom have sprung some of the noblest names that adorn the annals of their country.  His father was the author of the national hymn of the republic. "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," an ode which has found a merited response in every Christian heart not only in this "sweet land of liberty," but throughout the globe, which has been rendered in the dialect of almost every civilized country in the world and which is sung as frequently in the Alpine valleys and on the slopes of the Himalayas as in the fair land which gave birth to its veneratd author.  To be the author of that hymn is glory enough for one man and one life-time.  Samuel F. Smith spent one year at Harvard College, but on account of ill health, at the age of nineteen, he started for the west, spending a few months in Chicago and afterward settling in Davenport.  Here he entered the law office of James Grant and in 1858 was admitted to the bar.  Two years later he became a partner of his preceptor, Judge Grant.  He died in 1909. 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

John L. Davis moved to Iowa in March, 1841, and settled in Davenport.  Upon arriving here he immediately purchased property and built a small house where he resided and from which he was carried to his last resting place.  He practiced at the Scott county bar for several years.  He died March 18, 1872, in the fifty-ninth year of his age. 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