Background: M. Edith Raff was in Cedar Falls, Iowa, getting ready to start teacher's training. Her mother, Ella Sanders Raff, wrote her the following letter, which is typed verbatim. ~~~~~~*~~~~~ Muscatine August 18th, 1907 Dear Edith, I have come home but a short time since form Hawleys where I had a very fine dinner, chicken pot-pie, corn, tomatoes, baking powder biscuits, apple pie and cake. I came near stalling with such a spread. I went there from Sunday school and was met at the door by Nellie Hawley, it was quite a surprise to me, I stopped there on my way home form the reception yesterday afternoon to let them know for certain that I would be there for dinner today, and they said nothing about her coming. She would like to have seen you but said she had a bone to pick with you for not writing and that she did not get your picture if you sent it to her. She and Carl sent us all in the front room after dinner and they did up the work. Carl washed and she wiped the dishes. Nellie came down on the morning train and goes back again this evening. Carl's vacation begins on Wednesday, he would like to go right over home but will likely wait and go up on the excursion Thursday to help Mr. Huchinson as ther! e will be a scarcity of men. But, to go back to the beginning, I hope you got through with all your belongings and yourself right side up with care. Have received no word from you yet but likely will soon, will hold this until morning and see. I did not get much sleep after your left but I hope you put in as solid a night as I did the next one, it was said to have stormed all the night long but I heard nothing of it, on waking up about seven the next morning all was serene and bright. The afternoon was lovely for the reception, just such a one as the other reception had, the storms have been very accommodating lately, coming in the night time. Everything was elegant, canvas was laid from the station to the club house, the hostesses looked lovely, the bride wore her wedding dress, some thin filmy silk, hand embroidered, with train. The color scheme was green and white, the decorations were lovely and elaborate, the refreshments, brick ice cream, the outer layers white cream, the center one a green ice, one cake a white with green icing, napkins white with delicate green border, very pretty, favors, white sweet-peas with green fern. Four hundred invitations were out, some timed from 3 to 5, others from 4 to 6 o'clock. It has been a long time since I have seen so many handsome costumes together as were displayed there. Friday afternoon I went to fill an engagement at Dr. Kulps, found him busy and while waiting went to the court house and saw Mr. Witter, he seemed to think there would be no other applicants for that scholarship and you could have it as you wanted it. He referred me to the Elickers in regard to Highland Park, several of them attended there and a son taught there, I see Miss Anna Elicker was one of your party to Geneva, perhaps she could give you some pointers in regard to it if you chose to inquire. A postcard came from Josie, I think I can enclose it by clipping one edge a little. You can see by that she will be in Chicago when you come back, you had better write her to see you at the train if you cannot stop off to see her. I enclose a whole column form Friday evenings paper, some of it if not all will interest you. The Mr. Watson I could not place from the head lines but did as you will on reading the paragraph. The other clipping from the same paper may interest Anna as well as you. Since commencing this letter two events have happened, one was a visit from the Jameson family, papa included, they just came home from Geneva Island last evening, the baby seemed as delighted to see me as though I was one of the family. The other event is the arrival of a daughter at the Cherry mansion, it is too recent to give particulars. I expect to see you come home made over new. Much love to yourself and also Anna. Mama ~~~~~*~~~~~~ Written sideways in the margin at the top of the first page: Aug. 19th. Two cards arrived from you this morning. Am glad you reached there safely and are pleased with the place. A post card came from Helen Warren, it will keep. Word from Cherry's this morn, is that she and the baby will have a hard pull to get through, especially the baby. Mama ~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Recap: The following letter was found in my grandmother, M. Edith Raff's, effects. Her father was Capt. A. K. Raff, who was City Recorder for Muscatine, Iowa. On October 30, 1903, while at work at City Hall, he suddenly threw his arms up in the air and collapsed dead over his desk. The letter is typed verbatim. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Chatanooga Tenn Missouri Ridge Nov. 11, 1903 Mrs. A K Raff and Family Muscatine Iowa I have just received the sad intelligence of Capt. Raff's death and I hasten to express to you my heartfelt sympathy. I sorrow and grieve with you in this hour of great affliction . Capt. Raff (Marty as we formerly called him) was for four years my warmest friend and chum and a part of the time my bunkie and during that time I learned to love him for the many good qualities he possessed. The end of the war separated us and during the past thirty eight years I met him but twice and at each time we renewed our old time friendship with a cordiality that only the soldier boys of 1861 can experience. Marty was a grand soldier and a noble hearted boy. During the four years of bloody war we shared our joy and sorrows in common and now in the hour of death I renew the pledge of comradship as pure and enduring as the crystal gems at the foot of the cross. He was one of the coterie of bright boys of the old Regiment who through their own individual efforts and sterling qualities rose to the command of company long before they had attained their maturity. It now warms my heart with pride when I recall the scenes of forty years ago and see those gallent boys back in the grand whirl of battle. Marty was ever the first to lead and was the first to sniff the gyrating eddys of smoke as we charged the enemy guns. We were comrads. Yes we were comrades sure for shoulder to shoulder over many bloody fields we followed the alluring light of the gilded star of fame. But now lost! forever lost! Yet in this hour of deep affliction we have the consoling thought that he was the embodiment o! f all that is noble in man. His military record is luminous with such bright names as Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville, Stone River, Hoovers Gap, Lee and Gordons Mill, Chickamauga, Orchard Knob, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Buzzards Roost, Ressacca, New Hope Church, Picketts Mill, Pine Sap, Kennesaw, Chattahoochie River, Peucht**r Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy Station, Columbia, Franklin, Nashville. These are the glints of glory which shine with ceaseless luster upon the bloody trail 40 miles wide and 300 miles long when the boys of the great north west shed their blood. Marty, stood on the fire line 242 days during a four year war. I deplore his death but honor his memory. My sympathy with the bereft is best expressed in Whittier's most tuching words "Let me sit in the circle of thy mourning, for I, too, have lost a friend." I am here at the instance of the dedication of the Ohio Monument and will return home on Saturday. Very Truly- P. D. Reefy* ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ *The "P" in "P. D. Reefy" stands for Phil. Elaine Rathmann ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Edward K. Ward Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Ward, Taylor, Crocker. Edward K. Ward, United States veterinary inspector, with offices in Davenport, was born in Guilford, Indiana, August 6 1864, his parents being Isaac B. and Emma (Taylor) Ward. He spent his early years in the Hoosier state and took advantage of her public-school opportunities. Later the citizens of his native town recommended him for the office of postmaster, in which capacity he rendered efficient service, and, known to be a stanch champion of the cause of education, he was also made school director. At the age of twenty-nine, Mr. Ward entered the veterinary college at Toronto, Canada, with the idea of more thoroughly fitting himself for his life work and after taking the full course secured his degree. Thus equipped he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he engaged for a time in the practice of his profession, and then further satisfied his educational ambitions by taking a post-graduate course in the Columbian Correspondence School of Washington, D. C. Soon afterward he removed to Chicago and entered the government service as assistant veterinary inspector. After passing some time there, he returned t Cincinnati and became assistant to the chief inspector. His next step was to come to Davenport, where he accepted his present important and responsible position as United States veterinary inspector, and where the associations formed by him have been sufficiently pleasant to warrant his expectation of remaining here permanently. The marriage of Mr. Ward and Miss Pearl Crocker, a young woman of his native state, was celebrated June 26, 1889. They have four children: Ama E., Pierman C., Erdine and Carl. The social is a pleasant ingredient in the composition of Mr. Ward's nature, and he enjoys membership in the Masonic body and in an organization known as the Grotto. He is to a great extent a self-made man, never satisfied with mediocrity, and a worthy citizen whose high aims are not confined to his profession but extend to every relation of life. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

James Garstang Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Garstang, Baker. In the years of an active business life James Garstang was connected with carpentering in Davenport and helped to erect many substantial structures here. Now in his seventy-fifth year he is living retired, the fruits of his former toil supplying him with the necessities and comforts of life. He was born in Lancashire, England, February 29, 1836, a son of Collin and Anna Garstang. The father was a loom-maker in England and came to the United States in 1849 with his wife, his son James coming in 1853. After traveling to a considerable extent in this county he ultimately settled in Davenport, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1867. James Garstang came to the United states four years after his parents had taken up their abode on this side the Atlantic, although they returned to England and brought him to the new world. They landed at New York and all came direct to Davenport, James Garstang arriving here on the day that he was seventeen years of age. He attended school to a limited extent here and afterward drove a team and was employed in other ways until about twenty years of age, when he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he found a congenial occupation, following it continuously until his retirement. As he prospered in his undertakings he made judicious investments in realty and now derives a substantial income form his property interests. On the 30th of March, 1865, Mr. Garstang was married to Miss Mary Baker, a daughter of William Baker and a native of England. She was born October 19, 1839, and came to the United States at the age of sixteen years. Her mother died in England and her father died at sea while they were crossing the Atlantic. Mrs. Garstang lived to the age of sixty-nine years, passing away November 12, 1808. There were two children of that marriage, Collin and William Edward, but the latter died at the age of two years. The former was born December 7, 1867. There are now two grandsons, Clifford S. and Lloyd W. Mr. Garstang continued actively in business in Davenport for many years and was always found reliable, painstaking and faithful in the execution of his work. His industry and careful management at length brought him a gratifying measure of success and with the retired men of affluence he is now numbered. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Dr. Rezin D. Myers 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 Rezin D. Myers 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: Myers, Maloy, Huffman, Smith. Dr. Rezin D. Myers, deceased, enjoyed the distinction of having opened the first office for the practice of dentistry in the city of Davenport. He was born in Steubenville, Ohio, November 7, 1820, a son of John and Abigail (Maloy) Myers. The family was of German descent but had long been connected with the history of this country even in its earliest years. John Myers, who was a native of Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, was an officer in the war of 1812 under General Harrison and was a farmer and a miller by occupation. He passed away May 10, 1850. Dr. Rezin D. Myers received his early education in the public schools of his native town, but the training which he later acquired and which made his practice of dentistry possible came as the result of his own ambition and labors. He had planned to become a physician, but a she pursued his work he became convinced that he was not suited for that profession and so devoted himself to dentistry. He did not have the means, however, to attend the schools he desired so he conceived the idea of becoming a journeyman dentist, riding or driving through the country, extracting teeth or performing other small and necessary operations among a people who in those early days had little opportunity to frequent the cities where the more skillful and better trained might attend to their wants. Dr. Myers rapidly rose in his chosen field, for he was a man who was ever on the alert to profit by experience, and as it often fell to his lot to be associated with those who were most proficient i! n their work, he soon acquired the ability and the confidence equal if not superior to that which is learned through attending lectures in a schoolroom. Dr. Myers came to Davenport in 1853, having covered the distance from Chicago by stage. Here he established his office and engaged in his profession, to which he devoted himself assiduously until about fifteen years before his death, with a success that was a gratifying return after the many hardships which only perseverance had overcome in the years he was trying to perfect himself in his art. When he retired he spent a number of years traveling, principally in Mexico for the benefit of his health. On the 30th of July, 1897, his long, earnest and eventful life was brought to a close. In Pennsylvania, in 1858, Dr. Myers was married to Miss Adeline Huffman, a native of the Keystone state, and they had five children, only two of whom are living: William Lincoln, who is in the paper business in Missouri; and Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, of Bedford City, Virginia. Mrs. Myers is a member of the Presbyterian church, whose services Dr. Myers attended throughout his life. He was, however, broad in his religious views, assisting to build many of the houses of worship in Davenport in early years, as his aid was ever given to all the measures or charities which were calculated to advance the social and moral wellbeing of the community. He was a republican in his political affiliations and active in the public life of the city, especially shortly after his arrival here. Fraternally he belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, among whose members he made many friends, who, attracted by the noble character of the man, became endeared to him through close acquaintance with his high ideals and principles and mourned him sincerely as a good citizen when his life was over. Mrs. Myers, too, has many friends in the city, which has been her home for so many years. In fact, she has lived in the same house for more than half a century. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Adolph Priester Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Priester, Beuthien, Schlapp, Mixter. Various business interests have felt the stimulus of the cooperation and sound judgment of Adolph Priester, who through many years has been closely connected with commercial and financial interests in Davenport. Difficulties have seemed but to arouse in him renewed energy and determination and with progress as his watchword he has pushed steadily forward, making for himself an honorable and enviable position among Davenport's chief business representatives. He was born June 30, 1848, in Holstein, Germany, and came to this country in August, 1857, when a youth of nine years, in company with his parents, Carl and Elise (Beuthien) Preister. The father was the founder of the family in the new world. He had followed farming in Germany and after crossing the Atlantic to the United States he made his way into the interior of the country and invested in land in Scott county. With characteristic energy he then began the development of a farm and soon brought his fields under a high ! state of cultivation. Adolph Priester began his education in the schools of the fatherland and completed his course in the public schools of this country. He was reared to the occupation of farming and became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, but, thinking to find other pursuits more congenial, he turned his attention to merchandising, becoming active in the management of a dry-goods store in this city. He was afterward associated with a crockery company and later entered the Citizens National Bank, with which he was connected for twenty-eight years as teller and assistant cashier. While still engaged in the banking business he established an office for the conduct of an insurance business, representing the Germania Life Company, and following his retirement from the field of banking he was appointed state manager for the company, which he has thus represented to the present time. In this regard he controls an extensive insurance business annually, ca! refully devising plans for the furtherance of the interest of the company in this state. He is likewise a director of the Davenport Brewing Company and is a well known business man. On the 1st of December 1888, Mr. Priester was married to Miss Ida Koehler, a daughter of Henry and Ottilie (Schlapp) Koehler. Three children grace this marriage: Henry C., who has completed school and is now a private secretary to Mr. Mixter, superintendent of the Deere Plow Company; and Walter and Oscar C., who are yet students. Mr. Priester is well known in fraternal circles and in Masonry has attained the Knight Templar degree. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and his membership relations extend to the Turner Society and to the Commercial Club. He manifests in his life many of the strong and sterling characteristics of his German ancestry. Patriotism and progress might well be termed the keynote of his character, for these qualities have been manifest in every relation of his life, making him one of the valued citizens of Davenport as well as one of its representative business men. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

W. P. Bettendorf 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 W. P. Bettendorf 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: Bettendorf, Reck, Wortman, Staby. Through the inherent force of his own character, his strong determination and his close application to the duties that have devolved upon him, combined with the development of his native powers along the lines of invention, W. P. Bettendorf has won distinction and honors in his native land. He is today president of the Bettendorf Axle Company, controlling the most important industrial enterprise of Davenport, and the extent of his business has made him one of the best known men of the state. He was born in Mendota, Illinois, July 1, 1857, and is the eldest of four children, whose parents were M. and Catharine (Reck) Bettendorf, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father was a young man of eighteen years when he crossed the Atlantic to America an took up his abode in Mendota, Illinois, where he engaged in school teaching. Later he removed to Missouri, and, settling at Sedalia, there established a grocery store. He was afterward employed as a government clerk at Fort Le! avenworth, Kansas, and is now living retired in Bettendorf, the town which is the home of the great enterprise that was established and is being conducted by his sons. O the family of four children, the only two living are W. P. and J. W., who are partners in the conduct of a business which in extent and magnitude has no equal in Davenport. W. P. Bettendorf accompanied his parents on their removal to Missouri and to Kansas and in these states acquired the greater part of his education. He attended for a time the St. Mary's Mission School, which was an Indian school in the latter state. In 1870 he began providing for his own support as a messenger boy at Humboldt, Kansas, and about 1872 he accepted a clerkship in the hardware store of A. L. Shepard at Peru, Illinois. He filled that position for two years, after which he became an apprentice to the machinist's trade with the Peru Plow Company. This was more in accordance with the natural bent of his nature and he served his full term of indenture, becoming an expert workman. Later he left Peru and entered the employ of the Moline Plow Company, with which he remained for ten months, at the end of which time he accepted the position of foreman of the fitting department of the Parlin & Orendorff company at Canton, Illinois, manufacturers of plows and agricultural i! mplements. Not only did he faithfully execute the tasks assigned him but unlike many workmen-and they are of the class who never progress-he gave active attention to every duty and thought out along original lines until as the result of experiment and research he invented, in 1878, the first power lift sulky plow. He was still in the employ of the Peru Plow Company at that time. His invention was adopted by most of the plow manufacturing plants. After leaving Canton, Illinois, in 1882, he returned to Peru to accept the superintendency of the establishment in which he had served his apprenticeship and while thus connected he invented the Bettendorf metal wheel, together with the necessary machinery for its manufacture. He then granted a shop right to the Peru Plow Company and as the metal wheel branch of the business soon assumed large proportions it was decided to change the name of the company to the Peru Plow & Wheel Company. This company, however, was slow to increase its! capacity for the manufacture of metal wheels, the demand for which was constantly increasing, and Mr. Bettendorf therefore saw the necessity of looking around for other interests that would undertake the manufacture on a greater scale, keeping up with the market demand. He made the acquaintance of E. P. Lynch, who was president of the Eagle Manufacturing Company at Davenport, and they entered into negotiations which resulted in the establishment of a wheel manufacturing plant in this city. Therefore in 1886 the two brothers, W. P., and J. W. Bettendorf, came to Davenport and undertook the manufacture of metal wheels, in which particular line they continued with substantial success until 1899. In that year the Bettendorf Metal Wheel Company was incorporated and there was established an enterprise which is today the largest manufacturing concern in Davenport. Being of an inventive turn of mind, W. P. Bettendorf was constantly on the alert for opportunities to improve their ou! tput and to further the use of metal wheels, and steel construction for farm equipment. He therefore developed a steel gear for farm wagons in 1892 and the manufacture of this was at once undertaken. He severed his connection with the Bettendorf Metal Wheel Company and after three years' experimental work resigned and built necessary machinery for the manufacture of steel gears. This machinery was sold to the International Harvester Company in 1905 but the Davenport company still manufactures steel car trucks and steel underframes for cars as well as complete cars. The Bettendorf Axle Company was organized and incorporated January 1, 1895, with W. P. Bettendorf as the president. The history of the development of this enterprise constitutes a most important chapter in the annals of Davenport. From the beginning the business has continually grown and such is the success of the company that in the year 1909 the plant was increased in size threefold. Its equipment is of the most! modern character and eight hundred employes are continually busy in turning out the output, which covers a wide range of iron manufacture, Mr. Bettendorf of this review has in large measure been a potent force in the development and success of the business. The two brothers, however, work together in utmost harmony, the talents of each being such as well qualify them for the conduct of the especial interests under their charge. In January, 1895, their interests were incorporated under the name of the Bettendorf Axle Company, with J. W. Bettendorf as secretary. The business factory and main offices were then located on First street, between Ripley and Scott, and there, on the 28th of January, 1902, they suffered heavy losses through fire. In May of the same year a second disastrous fire occurred, destroying their plant, and as the business was constantly increasing it was decided to locate elsewhere. At length they determined to establish their plant at the town of Gilbert, now Bettendorf, about three miles east of Davenport. Here they are controlling the largest manufacturing establishment of the kind in the west and perhaps in the entire country, employment being given to eight hundred men. Recently they have made extensive additions to the plant through the erection of a foundry four hundred and thirty-six by four hundred and forty feet, each of its departments being larger than the average comp! leted foundry. No provision for the economical handling of the immense volume of work done in the building-the avoidance of congestion and the delay that attends upon it-has been overlooked. The buildings are heated by steam and every regard has been paid to the comfort of the employes, for whom in a large separate building commodious lockers and lavatories have been established. There are tow regenerative open-hearth basic steel furnaces, having a capacity of twenty-five tons of heat, with an output daily of about one hundred tons of finished steel castings, which the company use in the steel car construction. They have also recently built an erection shop tow hundred and forty six by seven hundred feet, with a further extension fourteen hundred by two hundred and fifty-six feet, giving the building a total length of two thousand and one hundred feet. The entire amount of ground covered by the foundry and erection shop and the buildings for the storage of materials is forty! -two hundred feet, or about four-fifths of a mile in length, along the Davenport, Rock Island & Northwestern tracks. Their grounds comprise two hundred forty-seven acres and there is nothing lacking in the equipment of this extensive plant, every modern device being employed that will facilitate the work or improve the character of the output. Something of the growth of the business is indicated in the fact that in 1909 the plant was increased to three times its original size. The seventy acres of ground that the company's shops and tracks occupy were originally laid out with a thought to the additions that have recently been made. Careful consideration was given to locating the buildings and the tracks laid to and from them so as to handle the material quickly and at the lowest cost. From the great piles of steel at the east of the shop locomotive cranes carry the material to the east end of the shop, where other traveling cranes reach down powerful magnets, take up the imm! ense bars that would defy the lifting strength of many men, and carry them to various machines, until they issue from the west end of the shop in the Bettendorf steel car, underframes and trucks, which have been pronounced by railroad men generally as the finest cars of the kind ever produced. In 1879 occurred the marriage of W. P. Bettendorf and Miss Mary Wortman. They became parents of two children, Etta and Henry, but the mother and both the children have passed away, Mrs. Bettendorf dying in august, 1901. In 1908 Mr. Bettendorf was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Elizabeth Staby. Mr. Bettendorf is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks but the extent and importance of his business interests leaves him little leisure but the extent and importance of his business interests leaves him little leisure for activity in fraternal circles. He stands today as a splendid example of what may be accomplished when one has determination and energy. Opportunities that others have passed by heedlessly he has noted and improved. Modest and unostentatious in demeanor, he is nevertheless spoken of in terms of admiration and respect, for his life work has been so varied in its scope, so honorable in its purposes and so far reaching in its effects ! that it has become an integral part of the history of Davenport. In all of his business career he has held to high standards and should he at once retire from business the extent and importance of his activities thus far would leave the indelible impress of his individuality upon the history of the state. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

9.  "Dr. Thomas J. Saunders, one of the seventeen original signers, while spending most of his life in governmental and journalistic pursuits, was always interested in the profession of his early choice, and retained his membership in the society until his death.  He was born at Woodbury.  New Jersey, in 1819, his parents being members of the Society of Friends.  Graduated from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania in 1843, he practiced for a time in his native village, was made a member of the constitutional convention of New Jersey in 1848, and later, having come to this city in 1855, was a member of the contitutional convention of Iowa during the revision of the code on 1860.  He was commissioned paymaster and was with the army two years in the field, being with Sherman on his memorable march to the sea.  Remaining in government employ until about 1889, he returned to Davenport much broken in health and remained here until his death in 1897. 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

8.  "Dr. Charles Christopher Parry was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1823, came to American in 1832, graduated in medicine at Columbia college and came to Davenport in 1849.  He practiced medicine only a few months before drifting into the more congenial work of a botanical collector.  He identified himself, however, with the Scott County Medical society at its organization, being one of the original signers and its third president in 1859.  He made extensive and repeated explorations of the Rocky mountains, Rio Grande, Mexican and Pacific coast regions during many years, returning to Washinton and to his Davenport home occasonally, and died here in 1890.  He was intimately connected with the Davenport Academy of Sciences, was its second president, and contributed much by his valuable papers, to the flattering recognition of its proceedings abroad. 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

7.  "Dr. Joshua Johnson Tomson, the first secretary of the Scott County society, was born in Massachusetts in 1831.  He graduated at Berkshire Medical college, came west and to Davenport in 1856, and spent an honored and successful life here until his death from grippe in 1901.  He was president of the Mercy Hospital Medical board during the last ten years of his life, being deeply interested in the unfortunate and dependent of all classes, but especially solicitous for the  rights and welfare of the insane.  As the writer knew him he was serious, careful and kind, commanding the affection as well as the confidence of his patrons. 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

6.  "Dr. Archibald Stevens Maxwell long enjoyed a large practice here.  Of Scotch desent, a native of Ohio, graduated from Hudson college, Cleveland, he came to Davenport in 1855, invested and lost considerable money, and then went actively to work in his profession.  Sent to the front by Governor Kirkwood, who had been a boyhood friend, he served with credit at the siege of Vicksburg and elsewhere, returning here in 1864 for twenty years more of hard work.  Then with broken health he went to California where, near Los Angeles, he died in 1884. 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

5.  "Dr. J. M. Witherwax was surgeon of an Iowa regiment of volunteers (Twenty-fourth or Twenty-sixth).  Returning after the war he engaged again in practice here until about 1870, when he died from lead poisoning.  He was at one time president of the Iowa State Medical society and was president of the county society in 1866 when the state society met in this city. 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

4.  Dr. Ezra James Fountain, one of the original members of the society, died here in March, 1861, from an overdose of chlorate of potassa, self-administered in a study of the drug.  From a memorial sketch delivered before the society by his associate, Dr. Keith, we gather that Dr. Fountain, a successful and esteemed young physician, was a graduate of Nassau hall, Princeton, and of the College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York.  He came from the Hudson to the Mississippi about 1853, with high anticipations and found a warm welcome here.  'An enthusiastic devotee of medical secience, kind-hearted and sympathizing among his patients, attracive in person, agreeable in manners, cultivated and refined in tastes-well and bravely did he wage battle in the cause of human suffering.' 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

3.  "Dr. John Mercer Adler, an able physician, graduate of the National Medical college, Washington, who later became 'prominent in medical and literary circles,' came to Davenport in 1852 or 1853.  With his partner, Dr. Fountain, he had been connected with the construction of the railroad across the isthmus of Panama.  At the outbreak of the Civil war he was made chief physician of the military hospital of Camp McClellan, Dr. J. W. H.  Baker being associated with him, and the brother-in-law of the latter, Dr. Richardson, succeeding in charge of the hospital when, in March, 1865, Dr. Adler removed to Philadelphia.  There he married the daughter of a prominent physician, and died as recently as February, 1904, at Devon, Chester county, Pennsylvania. 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

2.  "Dr. Egbert S. Barrows, a Vermont graduate of 1824, came to Davenport, or rather to Rockingham, in 1836, having been a surgeon in the Seminole Indian war.  Rugged, decided and resolute, he was a typical pioneer physician, able and active.  As illustrative of the man it is related of him that he once charged and collected a fee of one hundred dollars for one dose of Epsom salts, that being all that was needed to relieve the patient, an old patron, who had returned to him after vainly consulting an irregular practitioner!  Retiring from active practice about 1860 he was made examining surgeon of recruits, and subsequently examiner for pensions, and died here March 8, 1892, at the ripe age of ninety-three years.  In obituary resolutions read before the society Dr. Saunders says of Dr. Barrows:  'He was a man of mark of whose memory the city of Davenport and the state of Iowa may well be proud.' 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

1.  "Dr. James Thistle was born an even century ago (August 4, 1805) at Cumberland, Maryland, to which place his father, when a lad, had been brought by the doctor's grandfather from Ireland.  James graduated from the University of Maryland, in 1829, and practiced briefly in his native state, at Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, and at Vincennes, Indiana (where he married); then settled at Natchez, Mississippi, where, officing with his distinguished brother-in-law, Dr. Samuel A. Carwright, he acquired a competency.  Having invested somewhat unfortunately in a cotton plantation, and wishing to find a more healthful sociality for his family, he came north and to Davenport in 1850.  Dr. Tomson, the writer of the memoir from which these notes are chiefly taken, found him here in 1856, enjoying perhaps the largest practice of any physician in the city.  Erect and pleasing in figure, courteous, modest and unassuming, he was universally loved and respected.  "To him, more than to any other man,' says Dr. Tomson, 'are we indebted for our organization.  It was through him that the first step was taken.  He called the first meeting and acted as the first president of our organization as a medical society.'  Dr. Thistle, while chairman of the preliminary meeting, and elected president later, was not, however, the first elected president of the society, that honor having fallen to Dr. E. S. Barrows.  Dr. Thistle died of pneumonia in 1863; his grave in Oakdale in near that of Dr. Fountain. 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

Chapter 17 cont. In this section there are 20 short bio's. I will separate these and put the Dr. name in the subject line. EARLY MEMBERS. "Of the seventeen original signers of the consitution the two Drs. Carpenter and Dr. Pelton removed from the city within a few years; Drs. Keith, O'Reardon and Line drop out of the records before 1865, and Dr. Carter in 1867. 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

Davenport Democrat Davenport, Scott, Iowa Friday, November 21, 1873 INQUESTS From February 17, 1871 to the present time there have been fifty one inquests held over dead bodies in this county-bodies of persons who came to their death by violent means; either by murder, suicide or accident. They were as follows: Inquest on Body of...When Held Nic Remenback...Feb. 17 and 18, 1871 Henry Retz...April 1, 1871 Unknown man found in river...April 15, 1871 Justi? ?iteon...April 15, 1871 Kate Kammerfeld...April 25, 1871 John Wiese...June 13 and 14, 1871 Henry Plengrass [or Plengrase]...June 23 [or 28], 1871 John Walters...July 30, 1871 Samuel Maum...Aug 24, 1871 William Smith...Aug 28, 1871 Unknown body found in river at Buffalo...Aug 31, 1871 James Harms...Sept. 13, 1871 Unknown corn-doctor, found dead near Buffalo...Oct 1, 1871 James Maloy...Oct 19,20,21 and 23, 1871 Tom Gartland...Oct 20, 1871 Claus Horn...Dec 26, 1871 Dra Bulger...Feb 8, 1872 John Claussen...April 25, 1872 Mrs. Herman Ma?chau and Herman Ma?chau, her son...April 27, 1872 Ka??? Kal...May 23, 1872 Thies ?roum...May 2?, 1872 Mrs. Small...June 4, 1872 Charles Kirk...June 18, 1872 Gus ?onne...June 21, 1872 Oscar Van Dyke...July ?1,1872 Thos. Ryan...July ??, 1872 Jos. A Cameron...July 23, 1872 Hans Jacobsen...July 21, 1872 Chris ?eig?rter...July 21, 1872 John H. Gormley...July 24, 1872 Jacob Christsen...Aug 14, 1872 Unknown man, found dead near Princeton...Sep 12, 1872 Charles Emeis...Oct 29, 1872 John Lau...Nov 2, 1872 Edward Lilly...Nov 21, 1872 Unknown man, found dead near Walcott...Nov 25, 1872 Nich. Wiese...Dec 14, 1872 John W. ?im?cker...Dec 14, 1872 Peter Sabrealn...Jan 4, 1873 T??? Anderson...Feb 23, 1873 Henry Hamann...March, 1812 Unknown man found at Rockingham...May 15, 1873 Daniel Morrison...May 15, 1873 Detlef Stoltenberg...May 20, 1873 Ford S. Greer...June 3, 1873 Joseph Wilson...July 1873 Andrew McQuentian...Sept 16, 1873 Ju??? ?lannigan...Sept 30, 1873 Hannah ?iemeyer...Oct 24, 1873 THE CITY The wholesale murder of Thanksgiving turkeys has commenced. James McIntyre has sold to Isaac Cummins, lot 9 in block 4, Shaw's second addition, for $2,225. Mr. W.J. Skinner has purchased of John M. Lyter, his property near Brady and Eleventh streets, for $4,000 The new Third street horse railroad proprietors are running their line with the skill and precision of veterans. Cathy Joynt Labath Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm

Chapter 17 cont. THE RESTRICTED SCHOOLS. "Your committee appointed to consider the desirability of so changing the code as to admit into the membership of our societies those of known and acknowledged ability without regard to previous habits of thought or modes of practice, would respectfully report as follows:  We do not think it advisable to make the change specified:  first, because the code as it is, which we consider to be a most excellent professional standard and guide, requires no alteration to admit to membership homeopaths or others who may have abandoned their special practice.  Second, because without such reform on their part we must approach the problems of disease in ways so radically different that there coud be no harmonious and beneficient cooperation. "Supplemental to, and in further explanation of this report, we beg leave to present the following statement:  In view of recent accusations emanating from more or less prominent sources and made public through the press both of England and the United States, charging the regular profession with bigotry and illiberality in their attitude toward the homeopathic and other special schools, your committee deem it expedient and right that this society should at this time clearly define its position, which is also, we believe, that of the regular porfession the world over. "We hold that the practice of the healing art should be based on no dogma or article of faith, but on knowledge the most exact that scientific research and unbiased observation can obtain.  The terms 'Allopathist' and 'Old School,' as applied to members of the regular profession, are today obsolete, imapplicable and disclaimed.  Rational medicine, which we endeavor to practice, is a growing science to whose development all sciences contribute and whose votaries ackowledge the restrictions of no 'pathy' nor 'school.'  Because this is so there can be no common ground for efficient counsel between us and those who are controlled by any fixed medical creed, even though the elements of such creed are not in themselves irrational and absurd; nor can we trust or take counsel with those whose integrity is not such as to prevent them from assuming a name and professing principles with which their practice does not accord. "The Homeopathic society of Northern New York, having formally discarded the doctrine of infinitesimal doses, the regular profession of that state have sanctioned the recognition of some who have thus advanced to more tenable grounds.  When the homeopathists of Iowa shall take a like rational course and can establish the claim to a scientific medical education, we stand ready to welcome them under our ethical code as it exists, as co-laborers for the good of man.  But we see little prospect that even so much of a reform as that in New York like Iowa and Michigan continue to support in their state universities, side by side, departments for instruction in broad medical science and for the maintenance of a special medical creed.                                                                                    (Signed)                                                                                                                             J. W. H. Baker,                                                                                                                             A. S. Maxwell,                                                                                                                             C. H. Preston." Sunday, October 22, 1905, was issued from the Democrat office an illustrated souvenir number of that widely and most favorably known journal, and the many pages, beautifully designed and printed, were devoted to description and reminiscent articles pertinent to the affairs of the county and its people and growth of the preceding fifty years.  To be more exact, many of the contributors to this special edition, which took the title of  the "Half Century Democrat," permitted their memories to take a wide range in the matter of time, and consequently a great part of the very early history of Scott county has been preserved in these well-turned pages of the Democrat.  An article on the Scott County Medical society fell to the lot of Dr. C. H.  Preston, of Davenport, and the author of this work has felt free to copy most of the salient features of the article as it appeared in the "Half Century Democrat."  Dr. Preston goes on to say: "One of the most interesting discussions of the society seems to have been had in October, 1881, at the residence of Dr. Peck, on a paper by Dr. Middleton summing up the President Garfield case.  The remarks, while charitable in the main, were not all complimentary to Dr. Bliss; and it was considered that the daily bulletin would better have given simple facts without optimistic deductions, while the patient was losing weight at the rate of a pound a day. "Another case of scarcely less interest locally was that of the protracted illness from cerebral rheumatism of Dr. W. W. Grant, now of Denver, Colorado, at that time a successful and highly esteemed physician and surgeon of this city.  The case was reported by Dr. Preston, March, 1878. "In December, 1894, the question of license for the control of the social evil being under discussion, it was recorded as the unanimous sense of the society 'that the licensing of prostitution does not prevent or limit the spread of venereal disease-that on the contrary a false sense of security is the result, and an increase of disease.' "In February, 1898, the following resolutions expressing the convictions of the society on the subject of vivisection were unanimously adopted: "Resolved, That we strongly protest against the enactment into law of the so-called "antivivisection bill" now pending, for these among other reasons:  I.  We believe that vivisection, by giving information as to the nature of disease, information not otherwise to be obtained, is a means of preventing infinitely more suffering than it can possibly cause; that both medical and agricultural science are incalculably indebted to it, and that instead of in any way hampering biological research, to which vivisection is an essential aid, an enlightened govenment should rather give it every possible encouragement.  II.  The proposed bill puts arbitrary powers of control over matters vital to the health and happiness of the whole people in the hands of the commissioners of the District of Columbia, men who are not likely to be scientists, or possessed of expert knowledge on the subjects involved.  It makes illegal much useful experimentation, confirmatory and other, and provides for untimely reports and vexatious inspections such as must often injuriously interrupt important studies, many of which would be by it wholly prevented.  III.  There is already in operation in the District of Columbia a comprehensive and all sufficient law against cruelty to animals, which law prohibits vivisection except as properly conducted and in the inteest of science.  IV.  A law similar to the one proposed has operated in England to restrict biolotical research, driving such men as the world-benefactor, Lister, to set up their laboratories abroad.  V.  The unanimous protest of all the important scientific bodies of the country, including the American association for the Advancement of Science, the American Medical association, the American Public Helath association and the United States Veterinary Medical association, is presumptive evidence that the legislation proposed is unwise and uncalled for.' "On motion copies of the resolution were ordered sent to Senators Allison and Gear and Representatives Curtis and Henderson. "The unanimous voice of the society on another matter of national importance was expressed in the following resolution adopted at meeting of March, 1898, favoring the establishing of a national department of health: "Whereas, The conservation of the public health is a matter of primary importance, second neither to industrial, financial nor military considerations, and "Whereas, The United States, although severally provided, for the most part, with efficient state boards of health, are as yet without a co-ordination sanitary head, save as inadequately represented by a branch of the treasury department, and further " 'Whereas, The so-called "Caffrey bill" would clothe the Marine Hospital service with extreme quarantine powers without enlarging its sphere as to other health matters, and without removing its dependent status, while the other, known as the "Spooner bill," formulated by the American Medical association and endorsed by the American Public Health association, aims to establish a national department, or commission of health, subservient to health interests only, with full control over all national sanitary matters and advisory with the several states, therefore " 'Resolved, That while deprecating the former of "Caffrey bill," as a partial and ill-advised measure, we strongly endorse the association or "Spooner bill" and bespeak for it the active support of our senators and representatives in congress.' 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

Chapter 17 cont. THE RIGHTS OF MEDICAL EXPERTS. In December, 1872, initial steps were taken, through a resolution introduced by Dr. Peck, toward the securing of a statute defining and recognizing "the rights of the medical and surgical expert in courts of justice in Iowa." Among the matters in which the society has always taken an active interest is the commitment and care of the insane, those most helpless and most unfortunate wars of the state.  In February, 1884, through a committee consisting of Drs. Middleton, McCowen and Tomson, it memorialized the legislature in an admirable address urging state care of all the insane, whether supposedly incurable or not; holding that economy should not be considered before humanity, but that both could be secured in the cottage or "Kankakee" system.  This is favored as being at once economical, sanitary and safe, and adapted to growing needs.  The desirability of providing a large tract of cultivatable land in connection with each main institution, and the undesirability of remanding supposed incurables either to the county poorhouse or to separate state hospitals devoted to this class alone, were especially dwelt upon.  It was a concise and convincing argument which might well be presented anew today in view of apparent backward tendencies in certain quarters. Beside the members of the above committee Dr. Margaret A. Cleaves, a former member of this society, who now ranks with the foremost medical electricians of New York city, and Dr. J. H. Kulp, formerly physician in the Mount Pleasant asylum, and who was for more than thirty years in successful practice here, were especially interested in questions pertaining to the right care of the insane. The regulation of the practice of medicine by state law was early furthered by the Scott County society, a petition to this end, signed by thirty-six physicians, having been forwarded to the legislature in 1878 through Representative Seaman.  Again in 1885 delegates to the state society were instructed to urge that body to make this important measure an issue. In January, 1876, the society, through a committee consisting of Drs. Farquharson, Middleton and Preston, contributed its share toward the Philadelphia exposition by forwarding, on request, various statistics, with a history of hospitals, societies, etc., and a list of the medicinal plants of Scott county, prepared by Dr. Preston. On the subject of homeopathy and other restricted schools in the broad field of medicine, the following carefully considered resolutions expressing the convictions of the society a quarter of a century ago, will not be without interest today.  They were prepared by a specially appointed committee in view of the then recent recognition of homeopathy in the universities of Michigan and Iowa, and of the move toward affiliation in New York, being adopted, after free discussion, at the regular meeting, May 5, 1881: 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