Davenport Times Davenport, Scott, Iowa March 22, 1900 THE TIMES 20TH CENTURY DIRECTORY Errors in Names and Locations and Any Changes From the Way the Names Appear in The Times, Including Removals, Must be Reported to the Office or the Directory Manager in The Times Building Within 48 Hours From This Evening, as These Names Will go in Book Form Then. McClane, James A wife Mary molder r 1717 w 7th McClaren, David F wife Betsy A plasterer r 311 w 18th McClarren, B.P. wife Minnie editor The Republican rms 706 Brady McClellan, John wks Stearns Paint Co bds Walker House McClelland, Miss Annie r 121 e 6th McClelland, Miss Eliza J housekpr B 602 Brady McClelland, George R wife Rose bkpr T W McClelland Co r 413 e 15th McClelland, Mrs. Julia r 821 Brady McClelland, Thomas W wife Anna M pres T W McClelland Co 304 Main r 121 e 6th McClelland, T W Co T W McClelland pres sash, doors, blinds 304 Main and lumber 302 w 4th McClelland, Wilson, wife Anna R sec T W McClelland Co 304 Main r 1820 e Front McCloskey. (See also McLoskey) McCloskey, Miss Annie r South av nr Orphans' Home McCloskey, Joseph H wife Margaret M baker 1226 Fulton av r same McCloskey, Michael wife mary gardener r South av nr Orphans' Home McCloskey, Thomas F r South av nr Orphans' Home McClure, Don P dept mngr The Fair r 205 e 18th McClure, Miss Mae tchr Sch No 2 r 205 e 18th McClure, Martha wid James r 205 e 18th McClure, Miss Zoe r 205 e 18th McClurg, Henry C chiropodist 105 Main r same McCollister, De Forest C meat market 1320 Grand av r 534 Esplanade av McCollister, John D wife Christian sec Board of Education r 534 Esplanade av McConchie, Albert A wife Barbara I mach r 716 case McConnell, George W wife Martha J r 1226 Harrison McConnell, H C pres R I Fuel Co 800 e Front r Chicago, Ill. McConnell, Miss Jennie tchr Dav Bus College rms 116 e 2d McConnell, John T wife Maud fireman r 409 Western av McCormack, MissAlice M r 1224 Rock Island McCormack, Charles V clk Beiderbecke M Co r 1224 Rock Island McCormack, Edward C bkpr A P Doe & Co r 1224 Rock Island McCormack, Kate, wid Edward r 1124 Rock Island McCormack, E B sec Kelly S Rubber Tire Co 1124 e 4th bds 839 Brady McCormick, E B sec Kelly S Rubber Tire Co 112 e 4th bds 839 Brady McCormick Harvesting Machine Co, J F Utley gen agt 307 Harrison McCormick, Joseph D wife Agnes M real est 211 Main r 707 e 14th McCormick, Ralph V r 707 e 14th McCortney, Charles J clk R Thelemann r 819 Brady McCortney, James, physician 107 e ???? r 819 Brady McCosh, Mrs Annie E (McCosh & Co) 308 e 3d r 1010 Harrison McCosh, James K wife Annie E mngr McCosh & Co r 1010 Harrison McCosh, S Everett, wife Maggie S (McCosh & Co) 308 e 3d r 1619 Le Claire McCosh & Co (A E & S E McCosh) coal 308 e 3d McCowen, Miss Jennie physician 15 Franklin bldg r same McCoy, Miss Bridget r 1424 Farnam McCoy, Ellen wid Patrick r 128 e 11th McCoy, George E molder Metal Wheel Co r 214 Brown McCoy, James lab r 1424 Farnam McCoy, Mary N wid Wm r 214 Brown McCoy, Michael janitor Morbonia Hospital r same McCoy, W H wife M Agnes Mngr Times 20th Century Directory r Keokuk, Io. McCrellias, Wm S wife Sophia M lineman r rear 1517 Bridge av McCrossen, Miss Alice r 1458 w 6th McCrossen, Charles F horseshoer W McCrossen r 1458 w 6th McCrossen, Miss Mary r 1458 w 6th McCrossen, Miss Nellie r 1458 w 6th McCrossen, Wm wife Sophia horseshoer 518 w 2d r 1812 w 5th McCrum, Miss Anna J S r 123 Cambria McCuddy, Wm wks Metal Wheel Co bds 731 e 6th Cathy Joynt Labath Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm The Irish in Iowa http://www.celticcousins.net/irishiniowa/index.htm

I will mention one little incident that occurred in 1840, showing the difficulties and hardships of those every early days.  Female hired help was not to be obtained.  I assisted my wife all I could - probably did as much house work as she did.  She was not strong and was unaccustomed to such work.  In July my son, Elisha, was born.  We had no help but had been looking for a girl for months.  Mrs. John Owens and Mrs. Ebenezer Cook, one living a mile above and the other a mile below our house, took turns in taking care of my wife and the child, one during the daytime and the other at night; but they had to neglect their own families to do so.  I knew this state of things could not last and determined to find help at any cost.  Having no clerk yet in my store I was obliged to lock it up and with the key in my pocket rode three days all over the county, in search of a girl. The first day I went up to LeClaire, canvassing Pleasant Valley thoroughly, but with no success.  The next day I rode through the southern part of the county and Blue Grass, as far as there was any settlement, but all in vain.  On this trip I was told there was a family in Walnut Grove where there were two grown daughters who, it was understood, sometimes went to nurse sick neighbors.  I determined to go there and, on leaving home the third day, told the ladies that if I did not get back that night they need not be alarmed, as I would not return without help.  When I reached Walnut Grove, at about 11:30 in the morning, I found the coziest and neatest farm house I had yet seen in the territory and Mrs. Heller, with two full-grown, healthy looking daughters, all as neat as wax.  The house was better furnished than any I had seen.  The window-curtains and bedspread were as white as the driven show.  The floors shone like silver.  I introduced myself and made known my business.  I told Mrs. Heller my situation was desperate - that I had come for one of her daughters and would not go away without one.  She said she would leave the matter altogether with their father, who was at work in the field,half a mile a way.  She invited me to sit down and wait until he came in to dinner, which would be in about half an hour.  But I said: "My business is too important to admit of delay.  I will go to the field."  I found Mr. Heller cradling wheat and not a stranger, as I supposed, for when we met we recognized each other, having been on a jury together a few months before.  I told my story in as few words as possible.  He hung his cradle on the fence and we went to the house, as it was about dinner time.  He said he would like to help me out of my trouble; that they were working hard to open a farm and he was not able to do much for his daughters, and whatever they earned they had to clothe themselves with; but they never had gone away from home except to help sick neighbors sometimes.  He knew from what he had seen of me that I would treat them well, and he would be glad to have one of them go with me to relieve me.  When we arrived at the house he told his daughters what I wanted and that it would please him if one of them would go with me.  The youngest one spoke up and said, "I will go," and I was happy.  She returned with me and lived in my family seven years, until she married.  My wife and myself always looked upon her as a sister or a child.  She married one of the most respectable men of the day, an owner of a good farm and a member of the state legislature.  They are both living in Davenpoort at the present time.  That young woman is now (in 1888) nearly seventy years old. The times were very hard then, and for some years after.  Our land had just been brought into the market by the government and all money in the country went into the land office.  Some of our best farmers paid fifty per cent for money to enter their lands and were kept poor for years paying interest.  Meanwhile they used all the money they could get hold of to break, fence and stock their farms, spending as little as they could with the merchant, and what trading they did was generally on a year's credit. No one can realize the difficulties of doing a produce business in those days.  We had no railroads.  Everything had to be moved by water and, of course, had to be held all winter.  To keep up with the rapid growth of the country and provide for the surplus required not only money and credit but, what in those days was more important than either, nerve. ~~~~~~~~~~ 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

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: High, Lowery, Berner, Drymann, Kahlin, Morris Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Yl.2ADE/2318.1 Message Board Post: Thanks for the name of the cemetery in Rock Island, IL. I'll check that out. Pat in NV

The following files have recently been uploaded to the Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project pages at http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm >From Maggie: Obit of Sophia Durnin, 1901 http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/scottobitpage.htm#sdurnin Obit of George Durnin, 1911 http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/scottobitpage.htm#gdurnin ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >From Betty VandeVoort: Tombstone Photos: Pioneer Cemetery (liberty township): Picture of Entrance, History of Cemetery Stone, Dutton Marker http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/pioneercemetery.htm Dav Memorial Park Cem Photos for Ewoldt, Misfeldt, Garlock, Voelkers, Hintze, Gray http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/davmemorialparkcemetery.htm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >From Debbie Clough Gerischer: "Vol I History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago Chapter 16... Looking Backward. J. M. D. Burrows, merchant, miller, packer, handler of produce, looks back over his busy life and tells some incidents - Davenport a hamlet of 15 houses - A remarkable career - Hummer and his bell - Rev. John O. Foster tells of boyhood days in Rockingham - The view from the Decker home - A relic of Credit island battle http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/chapter16.html Also Added the following pictures from the same book: Old Turner Hall Northwest Davenport Turner Hall, Davenport Music Pavilion In Schuetzen Park Schuetzen Park Club House German Pioneers of Scott County Memorial Shaft Of The Kampfgenossen-Verein of 1870-71 In Washington Square The Free German School Memorial Of Kampfgenossen-Verein of 1848-1851 In Washington Square H. R. Claussen Colonel George Davenport - In whose honor the city of Davenport was named Hon. J. H. Murphy, Levi Humphrey, Mrs. Clinton and Miss Anna Penrose watching the high water of March 10, 1886. From Scott House balcony Station and Elevated Tracks, Rock Island System http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/indexvol1picture.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >From Elaine Rathmann: Introduction and Surnames contained in Diary of Mary Edith Raff Bell http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/diaryintro.htm Diary Transcription, Endnotes, Picture of Mary Edith Raff Bell http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/grandmasdiary.htm Letters & Postcard Collection of Mary Edith Raff Bell http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/letters.htm Historical Sketch of 16th Iowa Infantry http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/16thia.htm Bios from "Vol II History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/1910.htm Fred Heinz, H.B. Betty, Mrs. Christina Lamp, Warren Teele, Philip Morgan, P.J. Thede, Louis Bennewitz, Charles Glynn, John Egel, Harvey Weeks, Wilhelm Wulf, Peter Boyle, Johannes Thede, Charles Alt, Wm. Schmidt, Frederick Rock, Albert Hamann, B.L. Schmidt, Alfred Goldschmidt ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >From Cathy Labath: 1900 Times Directory Dittmann-Dygert (end of "D" Surnames) http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/1900ddir.htm Aug-Nov 1850 Marriages & Deaths http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/1850clip.htm 1874 Pioneer List http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/1874clips.htm Cathy Joynt Labath Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm

I'm posting the following with permission of Cathy O'Hare who would like to know if anyone is familiar with the song/poem or knows who authored it and when. When my mother died in 1978 one of the "items" I found when cleaning out her closets was a box old papers, letters, news clippings, etc. The time period covered was about 1900-1920. The most interesting thing about all of this was that none of this "stuff" was hers. It did not even belong to anybody we knew. It was just somebody else's "junk" that would have been tossed long ago, had my mother not picked it up from wherever it was dumped. Whatever it was that made my mother save it must have been in the genes that she passed along to me because I packed them up and brought them back to California with me. They have been packed away in MY closet for 23 years. I recently went through and sorted them and am attempting to return the letters to the authors families and the birth, graduation and wedding announcements to the descendants through the Genweb as well as sharing other information that I have gleaned from the papers. The point of telling you all of the above is because among the papers was an old brittle, yellowed clipping of a poem/song from a newspaper that I thought you would appreciate and I wanted to share it with you. I don't know if it would "fit in" anyplace on the web, but it sure gives me goose bumps when I read it. I don't know the author. A Package of Old Letters In a little rosewood casket that is resting on the stand, There's a package of old letters written by a cherished hand; Will you go and bring them, sister, and read them all to-night? I have often tried, but could not, for the tears would blind my sight. Chorus: In a little rosewood casket that is resting on the stand, There's a package of old letters written by a cherished hand; Come up closer to me, sister, let me lean upon thy breast, For the tide of life is ebbing, and I fain would be at rest, Bring the letters he has written, he whose voice I've often heard. Read them over, love, distinctly, for I've cherished every word. Chorus: Tell him, sister, when you see him, that I never ceased to love, That I dying prayed to Him in the better world above; Tell him that I was supported, ne'er a word of censure spoke, But his silence and his absence this poor heart have well-nigh broke. Chorus: Tell him that I watched his coming when the noontide sun was high, And when at eve the angels set their star lights in the sky; But when I saw he came not, tell him that I did not chide, But I spoke in love about him, and I blessed him when I died. Chorus: And when in death's white garments you have wrapped my form around, And have laid me down to slumber in the quiet church-yard ground, Place the letters and the picture close beside my pulseless heart, We for years have been together, and in death we will not part. Chorus: I am ready now, my sister, you may read the letters o'er, I will listen to the words of him whom I shall see no more; And e'er you shall have finished, should I calmly fall asleep, Fall asleep in death and wake not, dearest sister, do not weep. The end. Cathy O'Hare ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Davenport Times Davenport, Scott, Iowa March 22, 1900 THE TIMES 20TH CENTURY DIRECTORY Errors in Names and Locations and Any Changes From the Way the Names Appear in The Times, Including Removals, Must be Reported to the Office or the Directory Manager in The Times Building Within 48 Hours From This Evening, as These Names Will go in Book Form Then. McAninch, Bert S, wife Viola r 119 w High McAninch, Geore W, wife Lottie A wks Dav. Ladder Co r 1728 Fulton av McAninch, George W wife Margaret wks Metal Wheel Co r 328 w Locust McAninch, Miss Myrtle B tchr r 328 w Locust McAninch, Wm A wife Sarah, lab r 1609 Fulton av McArthur, Edgar G wife L May sheriff 2d fl Court House r 428 Ripley McBee, Mrs. Bertha L re Pleasant nr Belle av McBride, Agatha wid Patrick r 701 Iowa McBride, Miss Joanna A bkpr P Haugh r 701 Iowa McBride, John W wife Esther G P prin Sch No 2 r 1206 Brady McBurney, Henry G wife Lena E clk Io Tel Co r 1613 Ripley McBurney, John wife Laura saloon 202 e 2d r same McCabe, Miss Annie T r 928 Eastern av McCabe, Frank wife Ann lab r 928 Eastern av McCabe, Frank H wife Theresa wks Arsenal r 714 w 17th McCabe, John F agt T Richter & Sons r 928 Eastern av McCabe, Miss Mary A wks Woolen Mills r 928 Eastern av McCadden, D Foster r 625 Judson McCadden, Frank J wife Emily E blksmith r 625 Judson McCaffrey, Frank D wife Anna B vice-pres J McCaffrey Mining & Towing Co Levee nr Main r 627 Brady McCaffrey, Henry, lawyer room 2 Dittoe bldg r 1005 Brady McCaffrey, Jack sec J McCaffrey Mining & Towing Co Levee nr Main r 1005 Brady McCaffrey, James P wife Anna (Lannon & McCaffrey) 318 e 3d r 1109 w 2d McCaffrey, John, wife Sarah J pres J McCaffrey Mining & Towing Co Levee nr Main r 1005 Brady McCaffrey, John, Mining & Towing Co John McCaffrey pres F D McCaffrey vice pres Jack McCaffrey sec and treas Levee nr Main McCaffrey, Wm wife Martha mach r 121 w Locust McCahill, Miss Margaret dressmkr r 403 Brady McCall, Miss Mary H r 1631 Rock Island McCall, Nelson wife Fredericka clk Robeson & Sons r 604 w Front McCall, Robert S porter Windsor Hotel r 2113 Ripley McCall, Robert B, wife Abbie C capt Stmr Rutledge r 2113 Ripley McCandless, Charles R wife Mary S dentist 55 McManus bldg r 629 e 14th McCann, Miss Mary housekpr St. James Hotel McCann, Thomas filer Christian Mueller & Sons r Rock Island Ill. McCarl, Frederick A r 1901 Ida av McCarl, Harry L r 1901 Ida av McCarl, Henry wife Maria C brakeman C R I & P r 1901 Ida av McCarl, Miss Kathryne A dressmkr Orphans' Home r 1901 Ida av McCarl, Miss Larua B r 1901 Ida av McCarthy, Miss Anna C r 1727 w 5th McCarthy, Miss Bridget laundress Hotel Downs McCarthy D F wife Ann r 106 Rock Island McCarthy, James blksmith r 1020 Eastern av McCarthy, James P, wks Arsenal r 753 Esplanade av McCarthy, Luke wks Arsenal r 1020 Eastern av McCarthy, Martin F stonectr r 1727 w 5th McCarthy, Miss Nellie launderss Buck & Co r 1727 w 5th McCarthy, Patrick F wife Alice stonectr r 1731 w 5th McCarthy, Patrick J wife Catherine r 1727 w 5th McCausland, T W, chairman county board of supervisors, 2d fl Court House r McCausland Io McChesney, Miss Belle r 407 e 6th McChesney, Charles L wks Arsenal r 407 e 6th Cathy Joynt Labath Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm The Irish in Iowa http://www.celticcousins.net/irishiniowa/index.htm

In looking over the "Annals of Iowa" to refresh my memory, I saw an article on the Rev. Michael Hummer, who was a very early settler and, I believe, taught a private school or academy in Stephenson, now Rock Island city, Illinois, in 1838.  In the spring of 1839 he received a call from the Presbyterian church in Davenport, just organized, to preach for them for six months, which he accepted.  He was a very talented man and was considered, for years, the ablest clergyman in the state; but he was very peculiar.  He possessed a high temper and did not hesitate to show it if occasion required. After fulfilling his appointment with the Presbyterian church of Davenport, the Rev. Hummer accepted a call to the Presbyterian church in Iowa City.  While occupying that position he was sent east to solicit aid for a church they were about to erect.  Among other donations he procured a church bell which was bought out and properly hing in the church steeple.  After some time he and the congregation falling out, in his imperious style he claimed possession of the bell as his property, which claim the church contested.  The Rev. Hummer left Iowa City and went to Keokuk.  After a good deal of wrangling he appeared in Iowa City, one day, with a wagon and ladder and, going to the church with the aid of his ladder he succeeded in getting into the steeple and, unfastening the bell, lowered it into the wagon.  The citizens immediately took the ladder down and drove his team away with the bell, which they hid in the Iowa river, leaving the Rev. Hummer to his meditations in the steeple.  So many persons have inquired of me about this affair that I thought it would be interesting to weave the facts into this narrative.  I copy from the "Annals of Iowa:" The future historian of Johnson county will, doubtless, devote at least one chapter to that talented but most unscrupulous individual, yclept the Rev. Michael Hummer, with whom, in the minds of the oldest inhabitants of Iowa City, his bell is so inseparably connected. That bell, famed both in caricature and story, as the highly prized jewel of Hummer, so singularly abducted and so secretly and securely concealed, was the subject of some hastily written versicles entitled "Hummer's Bell," and at the time attained considerable popularity, not so much, perhaps, from any intrinsic merit of their own, as from the incident that gave rise to them. The first copy of the brochure was given by me to Stephen Whicher, Esq., who, upon his own volition, had a number privately printed and circulated in which, greatly to my annoyance, several changes and interpolations appeared, totally at variance with the original; and as it is extremely doubtful whether a correct and perfect copy can, at this time, be found.  I have thought it might be sufficiently interesting, as one of the reminiscences of former years, to have "Hummer's Bell," like the fly preserved in amber, embalmed in the pages of the Annals of Iowa. A part of the first verse was the improvisation of the Hon. John P. Cook, the legal vocalist of the day, who, upon hearing a ludicrous story of the bell's departure, broke out in song to the infinite merriment of the members of the bar present and, in his sonorous and mellifluent tones, sang the first six lines, to the well known popular air of "Moore's Evening Bells"  Stephen Whicher, Esq., who made one of the merry company, carefully noted down the fragmentary carol and, meeting me soon afterward, earnestly solicited me to complete the song, as he termed it.  His request was immediately complied with promptu production, of which I append a copy, verbatim et literatum, from the original manuscript now lying before me and which has never been out of my possession: HUMMER'S BELL. Ah, Hummer's bell!  Ah, Hummer's bell! How many a tale of woe 'twould tell Of Hummer driving up to town, To take the brazen jewel down. And when high up in his belfre-e, They moved the ladder, yes, sir-e-e; Thus, while he towered aloft, they say The bell took wings and flew away. Ah, Hummer's bell!  Ah, Hummer's bell! The bard thy history shall tell; How at the east, by Hummer's sleight, Donation, gift and widow's mite, Made up the sum that purchased thee, And placed him in the ministry. But funds grew low while dander riz; Thy clapper stopped, and so did his. Ah, Hummer's bell!  Ah, Hummer's bell! We've heard thy last, thy funeral knell; And what an aching void is left - Of bell and Hummer both bereft. Thou, deeply sunk in running stream. Him in a Swedenborgian dream. Both are submerged - both, to our cost. Alike to sense and reason lost. Ah, Hummer's bell!  Ah, Hummer's bell! Hidden unwisely, but too well; Alas, thou'rt gone!  Thy silvery tone No more responds to Hummer's groan. But yet remains one source of hope, For Hummer left a fine bell-rope, Which may be used, if such our luck, To noose our friend at Keokuk. I was well acquainted with Mr. Hummer when he lived in Davenport and always had a great deal of charity for him, as I always thought him non composmentis.  When he left Iowa City he moved to Keokuk and, after creating a great deal of excitement in propagating his views on spiritualism, which he embraced in his latter days, he became so unpopular that he went to Missouri, not far from Kansas City, since which time I have lost track of him but have been told he is dead.  The celebrated bell, I understand, has been recovered from the sands of the Iowa river and is now in possession of the Mormons, at Salt Lake. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Debbie Clough G-erischer G-erischer Family Web Site http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/ Assistant CC, Iowa Gen Web, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ List Manager for: IASCOTT-L * G-erischer-L * D-encker-L Fitzpatirck-L * V-lerebome-L * Huntington-L * Otis-L * Algar-L EIGS-L * Pickens-L * McNab-L * Patris-L - Rankin-L

The following poems were found with my G grandfather, Almon Keeler Raff's, effects. They were written on one sheet of stationary. The handwriting is tiny, very ornate and exquisitely beautiful and, except for the title of the first poem, quite legible. (Although I confess my bifocals were not up to the task in spots and I had to get out the magnifying glass! :)) The second word of the first poem's title looks like "Queechy". (A nickname?) Only the first poem is signed and dated. I'm wondering if they were treasured copies by a published poet, or if someone named "Fleda" wrote them for him before he went off to the Civil War. If anyone recognizes them, please let me know! >From Queechy "Cold blew the east wind And thick fell the rain, I looked for the tops Of the mountains in vain; Twilight was gathering And dark grew the west, And the wood-fires crackling Toned well with the rest. Speak fire and tell me Thy flickering flame Fell on one in years past- Say, am I the same? Has my face the same brightness In those days it wore? My foot the same lightness As it crosses the floor? Methinks there are changes- I am weary to-night,- I once was as tireless As the bird on her flight; My bark in full measure Threw foam from the prow;- Not even for pleasure Would I care to move now. 'Tis not the foot only That lieth thus still,- I am weary in spirit, I am listless in will. My eye vainly peereth Through the darkness to find Some object that cheereth- Some light for the mind. What shadows come o'er me- What things of the past, Bright things of my childhood That fled all too fast; The scenes where light roaming My foot wandered free, Come back through the gloaming,- Come all back to me. The cool autumn evening, The fair summer morn, The dress and the aspect Some dear ones have worn, The sunshiny places,- The shady hill-side,- The words and the faces That might not abide. Die out little fire- Ay, blacken and pine! To have paled many lights That were brighter than thine. I can quicken thy embers Again with a breath, But the others lie cold In the ashes of death." "Fleda." 1861 ~~~~~*~~~~~ The Chestnuts "Merrily sang the crickets forth One fair October night;- And the stars looked down, and the northern crown Gave its strange fantastic light. A nipping frost was in the air On flowers and grass it fell; And the leaves were still on the eastern hill As if touched by a fairy spell. To the very top of the tall nut trees The frost king seemed to ride; With his wand he stirs the chestnut burrs, And straight they are opened wide. And the squirrels and children together dream Of the coming winters hoard; And many I ween, are the chestnuts seen In hole or in garret stored. The children are sleeping in feather-beds- Poor Bun in his mossy nest,- He courts repose with his tail on his nose On the others warm blankets rest. Late in the morning the sun gets up >From behind the village spire; And the children dream, that the first red gleam Is the chestnut trees on fire." ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann ACC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Davenport Times Davenport, Scott, Iowa Mar 20, 1900 Eldridge Eldridge, Ia., March 19- C.F. Clapp of Davenport, spent several days here last week...Billy Evans, of Long Grove, was here Sunday...Several tramps passed through here last week. They wouldn't work if they had a chance..."Eldridge is going to incorporate" is heard on every corner. Men who are in a position to know say it is to be a go this time...Sheridan township has voted for lightning rods and cyclone caves for all the school houses in the township. The next thing will be carriages and negro drivers to haul the kids to school...C.W. Baughman and Lillie Fessenden were married at the residence of the bride's parents last Wednesday. Their host of friends here wish them a long and happy life...John Farber of Davenport was here on business Saturday...Mrs. David Snyder was on the sick list last week...The D.R.I. & NW freight trains were run over the Milwaukee road to DeWitt Tuesday and Wednesday of last week...Wm. Smith is hauling several carloads of rock this spring: he will build a large and commodious residence this summer. Long Grove Long Grove, Ia. March 19- On Saturday evening, March 17, friends to the number of 60 or more met at Long Grove with their conveyances and were soon in line headed west. They brought up at "Bob" Johnson's where they unloaded with a yell and captured the burly Scotchman without the loss of a man. Baskets of the good things for which Long Grove is noted wre taken out by the ladies and carried into the house. After all were in and wraps removed, Hon. C. Marti, in behalf of the friends, presented the good wife of "Bob" witha barrel (not Uncle Sam's barrel) but a barrel of dishes, this being the twentieth anniversary of their marriage. After two or three hours of social pastimes, story telling and a hearty supper, the friends declared they had a good time and pulled for home...The Long Grove Pressed Brick Company is putting the plant in good repair for the season's run on their celebrated fine brick... There are several farmers arranging to build houses in the neighborhood, contracts being already let for two or three...The Sunday school will hold an entertainment for the benefit of India's sufferers on April 4. Maquoketa Maquoketa, March 19-E.D. Hansen has refused the Democratic nomination for alderman of the Third ward and D.H. Anderson is named as nominee...J.W. Bulen, of Clinton, supreme organizer of state for the Knights and Ladies of the Golden Precept, was up Friday evening and assisted Timber City Lodge, No. 23 in the initiation of twelve new members. After the initiatorial services were completed, Mr. Bulen gave an address which was followed by a general good time. Refreshments were also served...E.C. Johnson, captain of Co. M. of this city, is a candidate for first mayor at the election of officers, which is to be held Monday, April 6. Captain Johnson served a year in the Spanish-American war and by his ability and close attention to his duties, won the praise and esteem of his superiors. Besides this service the fact of his being ranking captain and an expert in military tactics make him the logical candidate for the office...Fred Ingalls had cause to celebrate St. Patrick's day as his wife presented him with a fine bouncing boy... R.W. Crane arrived home from Chicago Saturday evening where he had been visiting his daughter...Otto V. Eksner has increased his force at his millinery establishment. Besides Mrs. Pearl Gates, who is his assistant trimmer, he has the Misses Baker, Bicker and Eades assisting him. Maquoketa is probably the only city in eastern Iowa which has a man milliner...Mrs. Wm Delarm of Andrew died at her home in Andrew Thursday morning at 4:30. Funeral services were held at teh Methodist church at Andrew Friday at 1 p.m., Rev. Eberhart officiating...Mrs. H.R. Maskery's funeral was held Friday at 2 p.m. at the Methodist church, Dr. T.E. Fleming officiating... Cathy Joynt Labath Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm

Davenport Times Davenport, Scott, Iowa March 12, 1900 THE TIMES 20TH CENTURY DIRECTORY Errors in Names and Locations and Any Changes From the Way the Names Appear in The Times, Including Removals, Must be Reported to the Office or the Directory Manager in The Times Building Within 48 Hours From This Evening, as These Names Will go in Book Form Then. Dressel, Mrs. Emma r 1101 Gaines Dressel, Robert, clk C A Behrens, r 1101 Gaines Dressel, Wm. mach opr Metal Wheel Co r 1101 Gaines Dressler, Johanna, wid E A r 723 w 3d Dreves, Anna wid John r 1621 w Locust Drew, Alexander C civ eng r 519 Rock Island Drew, Miss Anne L r 519 Rock Island Drew, Miss Dorothea B r 519 Rock Island Drew, George J civ eng r 519 Rock Island Drew, John L, wife Sarah C land cmor C R I & P r 519 Rock Island Drew, Miss Katherine H, tchr Sch No 4 r 519 Rock Island Drews, Axel, wife Anna carver r 2308 Bowditch Drexel, Andrew lab r 86 Putnam bldg Drexel, Mrs. Caroline r 86 Putnam bldg Drexler, John boilermkr Dav. Boiler Wks r ft Taylor Driffill, Alfred, clk r 736 e 14th Driffill, Benj L, clk r 736 e 14th Driffill, Louis B, wife Minnie, forman Egbert F & C r 736 e 14th Driffill, Walter F r 736 e 14th Driscoll, Jeremiah E, druggist Drost, Alfred, r 612 w 4th Drost, Miss Anna, milliner A C England & Co r 612 w 4th Drown, Eliza A, wid Asa r 907 LeClaire Druehl, Charles, clk Miller's Hotel Druehl, Wm wife Mary wks Arsenal r 223 w High Drummond Bros & Campbell (G B and W H Drummond, Charles Campbell) Merchant Tailors 401 Brady Drummond, George B wife Mary A (Drummond Bros & Campbell) 401 Brady r 841 Kirkwood boul Drummond, Wm H wife Ida B (Drummond Bros & Campbell) 402 Brady r 719 e 13th Du Bois, Miss Emma dom 207 Brady Du Bois, Harvey H, storekpr Orphan's Home r same Ducharm, Garnie P wks Knostman & P Furn Co r 914 w 14th Duerr, Miss Annie C wks Woolen Mills r 2119 Fulton av Duerr, Frederick, wife Louisa lab r 2119 Fulton av Duerr, Miss Louisa E r 2119 Fulton av Duffey, Miss Fannie O r 323 e 9th Duffey, James wife Laura lab r 323 e 9th Duffey, Miss Mary A wks Woolen Mills r 323 e 9th Duffin, Vina wid G W r 1920 Brady Duffy, Bernard C wife Henrietta G hostler r 1215 3d av Duffy, Miss Ellen C dressmkr bds 208 Brown Duffy, Miss Rose, waitress Hotel Downs Dugan, George F wks Arsenal r 907 w 8th Dugan, Thomas F wife Margaret mason r 907 w 8th Duggan, John wks Metal Wheel Co bds 431 e 3d Duggleby, Alfred, wife Elsie r 1018 e 15th Duggleby, Johnson wife Gertrude, meat mkt 224 e 3d r 1020 e 15th Duggleby, Wm clk J Duggleby r 1018 e 15th Duke, Henry P (col) lab r 310 LeClaire Dulle, Wm wife Sophia W cooper r 1433 South Dun, R G & Co A D Sallee mngr 55 Whitaker bldg Duncan, Charles clk Van Patten & Marks r 116 e 2d Duncan, Miss Ella tchr Dav Bus College r 116 e 2d Duncan, James C wife Nancy J prin Duncan's Dav Business College r 116 e 2d Duncan, Miss Laura r 116 e 2d Duncan, Minnie wid Wm r 823 Brown Duncan, Raymond r 823 Brown Duncan, Miss Viola J r 116 e 2d Duncan's Davenport Business College J C Duncan prin 112 to 116 e 2d Duckhorst Soap Co 423 w 3d Dunham, James W wife M Lizzie clk Ry M S r 4 Arlington ct Dunkelberger, Louis wife Sarah salesman W Bryson r 318 Harrison Dunker, Emil J mason r 218 Ainsworth Dunker, Henry C wife Sophia (H C Dunker & Co) 304 Harrison r 1022 w 9th Dunker, Henry C Jr, wife Louise (H C Dunker & Co) 304 Harrison r 2219 w 3d Dunker Henry C & Co (Henry C & H C Dunker jr and C E Reed) Plumbing & Heating, 304 Harrison Dunker, Henry F, wife Thekla tmstr r 1007 w 3d Dunker, Miss Minnie clk N Liepold & Co r 1022 w 9th Dunker, Miss Nettie M bkpr H C Dunker & Co r 1022 w 9th Dunker, Wm wife Emma driver D R Baker r 1031 w 3d Dunklau, Wiebke, wid Hans r 209 Fillmore Dunlap, Catherine wid Patrick r 738 Case Dunlap, Miss Catherine G tchr Sch No 8 r 738 Case Dunlap, Elgin H wife Nora elect Tri-City Electric Co r 321 Harrison Dunlap, George M, wkd Impl Mnfg Co r 738 Case Dunlap, John wife Mary, trimmer Gas Co r 738 Case Dunlap, Miss Mary A r 738 Case Dunlap, Wm wife Jessie W r 2104 Scott Dunn, Ann wid Mert r 820 w 14th Dunn, Edward A wife Mary cigmkr r 424 e 9th Dunn, Elizabeth C wid Alex r 316 Kirkwood boul Dunn, Miss Margaret wks R Krause Co r 820 w 14th Dunn, Miss Mary dom 325 College av Dunn, Mert J salesman A J Smith & Son r 820 w 14th Dunn, Michael J wife Dora cooper Dav Vinegar Wks r 618 Vine Dunn, Wm H wife Maude agt r 528 w 2d Dunning, Mrs Ann r 520 Main Dupuis, Louis O wife Ethel M r 315 e 14th Durfee, Cornelius S wifeAmanda P optician 308 Brady r 1118 Rock Island Durfee, Willis B wife Marion A clk Red Jacket Mnfg Co r 1920 Grand av Durfee, Mrs. Irene tchr Sch No 4 r 1517 Perry Durnin, George D wife Sophia W paymaster Arsenal r 22 Walling ct Dussel, Louise wid Charles rms 1621 Harrison Dutcher, Forest L mach Republican rms 304 w 3d Duvall, George W vice-pres Lee B & D Co bds Windsor Hotel Duve, Charles H clk Mrs N A Duve r 1820 w 7th Duve, Herman J wife Nora A mngr Mrs N A Duve r 1820 w 7th Duve, Mrs Nora A shoes 316 Brady r 1820 w 7th Dvorak, Jennie V sid C B r 521 w 3d Dwinger, Fritz F, r rear 415 Gaines Dwinger, John O wife Mattie lab r rear 415 Gaines Dwyer, Mrs Agnes bkpr N Liepold & Co r 1120 Iowa Dwyer, Alice wid John r 1003 Farnam Dwyer, Henry J r 1003 Farnam Dwyer, John J stenog E M Sharon r 1003 Farnam Dwyer, Miss Margaret E clk Petersen's Sons r 1003 Farnam Dwyer, Mary wid Thomas r 541 Bridge av Dwyer, Miss Theresa M r 1003 Farnam Dygert, Arthur H wife Grace A waiter O H Lahrmann r 530 w 5th Dygert, Ward D, clk Pittsburgh Glass Co r 625 w 2d Cathy Joynt Labath Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm

In this letter, my G grandmother, Ella Sanders Raff, refers to the aborted visit made by her husband, Almon Keeler Raff's, cousin Frank (Frances Ebi) a few days before. Frank had taken the train from Davenport to see if she could help out, but Ella sent her back home after a short visit. (See A. K. Raff letter posted yesterday.) She describes her daughter Nellie as being "quiet" and "growing thinner each day". Nellie had been sick with consumption for a long time.~~~ Muscatine Dec. 25th, 1893 Dear Frank, This Christmas evening, what is left of it, I have to myself. Fred and Edith have gone to the Sunday school entertainment at our church, Nellie quiet, and so concluded I could employ it in no better way than doing a little letter writing or at least acknowledging Christmas gifts. Fred went to the Post Office this morning to see if there was any mail from Keeler and not only found two letters from him but a stack of other mail and notice of packages at the Express office. He came home loaded down, a package from you, one from Mary, one from Ma and from Keeler. It made me feel mean to think we should have received so much and given nothing but we enjoyed them all the same and thank you all very much for them. I hope we can return some of your kindness but now I had no means, nor time nor heart to do anything. Your nice little visit here helped me in a good many ways. I think too you went home pretty well posted as to what our needs were for Christmas as the contents of the box proved. You may be sure they will all be put to good use. I did not expect to be possessed of a pair of those over shoes so soon as this when I was speaking to you about them. I am afraid you must have hurried yourself to get them made, I would have thought myself fortunate to get the pattern. Helen proves herself to be as good a cook as ever, her cookies, cake and candies are better than ever as we have judged not only by the looks but taste too, for she could not expect Nellie to make way with such a quantity. Nellie has been very much the same since you left. Eats less and less and grows thinner and weaker but has seemed brighter today, talked more and noticed the gifts received, there were several from town, Mr. Prosser gave her a beautiful boquet of cut flowers, Keeler wrote in his letter about gettin! g his mail at council Bluffs. Your letter among the rest and how glad he was to hear from you, he has now started on a trip farther west than he has yet been. I must close this letter now and begin another. I will thank you once more and give you all our best wishes for a "Happy New Year". Ella ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Letter typed verbatim. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

William Schmidt Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Schmidt, Paustian, Holdorf, Meier, Lehmkuhl, Brockmann, Seemann, Hinz, Boecken, Wessel. William Schmidt is a native son of Iowa and possesses the enterprising spirit which has been the potent force in the rapid upbuilding and development of the middle west. He is now engaged in farming in Sheridan township, Scott county, where he owns one hundred and sixty acres of productive land, pleasantly situated about a half mile east of Eldridge. His birth occurred in Butler township, this county, on the 9th of March, 1860, his parents being Detlef and Catherine Schmidt, both of whom were natives of Holstein, Germany. The father was a blacksmith there and came to America when a young man, making his way westward to Davenport. Soon afterward he secured employment as a farm hand in this county and, carefully saving his earnings, was at length enabled to purchase land in Butler township, whereon he resided until his death, which occurred when he was forty-two years of age. His widow long survived him and died at the age of seventy-four. In their family were eight children: Anna, the wife of Adolph Paustian, of Pottawatamie county, Iowa; William, of this review; Sophia, the wife of Charles Holdorf, of Pottawattamie county, Iowa; Charles, who is living on the old homestead farm in Butler township; Adolph, of Pottawattamie county; John, of the same county; Nancy, a resident of Davenport; and David, whose home is in Butler! township. William Schmidt was a pupil in the district schools of Butler township in his boyhood days and afterward worked on the home farm up to the time of his marriage, when he removed to another farm in Butler township, which was owned by his mother. After occupying and cultivating it for ten years he removed to his present place of residence, first renting the land, while in 1900 he purchased the property from Claus Meier, his father-in-law. He has since erected a fine residence and made other improvements which add much to the value and attractive appearance of his place, his farm being one of the well developed properties of the township. The place is neat and thrifty in appearance and indicates the careful supervision and practical methods of a progressive owner. It was on the 15th of March, 1884, that Mr. Schmidt was united in marriage to Miss Anna Meier, a daughter of Claus and Catherine (Lehmkuhl) Meier, who were natives of Germany and early settlers of this county. Her father came to the United states when a young man and established his home in Scott county, Iowa, purchasing land in Lincoln township. He now lives retired in Davenport. His first wife died at the age of twenty-three years, leaving two children: Henry, now a resident of Allens Grove township; and Anna, now Mrs. William Schmidt. For his second wife, Mr. Meier married Miss Gretge Paustian a native of Holstein, Germany, and to them were born four children, namely: Albert, who is married and lives on the homestead; Louisa, the wife of Carl Brockmann, residing near Donahue, Scott county; Adele, the wife of Julius Seemann, of davenport; and Walter, who married Minnie Hinz and lives on a farm near Davenport. The mother of these children died February 9, 1909. Mr. and Mrs! . Schmidt have two children: Olga, the wife of Ernest Boecken, of Walcott, Iowa; and Arthur, who lives on the home farm. He married Millie Wessel and thy have one child, Leota. Mr. Schmidt has spent his entire life in Scott county and has, therefore, been a witness of its growth and progress for fifty years. This half century has witnessed many notable changes for all of the evidences of pioneer life have been replaced by those of modern civilization. He has always advocated progress and improvement and in as far as possible has aided in the work of general advancement. He is regarded as an enterprising farmer and his success is well merited as it has been attained entirely through his own labors. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Frederick Rock 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. Frederick Rock 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: Rock, Kleinschmidt, Wilson, Carstens, Baustian. A public-spirited man with an eye single to the general good, even at the occasional expense of personal interest, is a credit and a boon to any community. Such a one is Frederick Rock, a citizen of Walcott. He was born December 11, 1834, in the principality of Waldeck, Germany, his parents being Christian and Wilhelmina (Kleinschmidt) Rock. Early in life he became imbued with the desire to come to America, whose wholesome ideas in the matter of equality had in some way reached him across the seas. He did not allow this ambition to remain a dream but came to America in 1857, landing in New York in the month of May. He made his way almost at once to Davenport and in a short time found employment with Robert S. Wilson, a Scott county farmer, with whom he remained for four years. At the end of this time he had become sufficiently well acquainted with the ways of the land of his adoption to make a more independent venture and he rented a farm in Hickory Grove township, where he! lived for another four years. In 1863, as the result of excellent management, he was enabled to purchase a farm, a very desirable tract of eighty acres located on section 4, Hickory Grove township. Here he lived until 1906, when he retired and removed to Walcott to make his home. In 1865 Mr. Rock was united in marriage to a lady of his own nationality, Miss Margaretha Carstens, daughter of Claus Carstens, a native of Holstein, Germany. Three children were born to them but only one is living, Ella, now the wife of Otto Baustian. Mr. and Mrs. Baustian reside on the old Rock homestead in Hickory Grove township. An evidence of the esteem in which Mr. Rock is held is the fact that he has been called upon to fill several important offices. He has served as trustee of Hickory Grove township and for over twenty years was justice of the peace. In the latter capacity he made a most remarkable record, for in all the twenty years a case was never appealed to a higher court after he had made his decision, his keen insight and unimpeachable justice being readily recognized. Mr. Rock is at present an advocate of the principles of the republican party and its administration of affairs, but he was originally a member of the democratic party. In 1893 he received the nomination of the gold democrats for the legislature but retired from the race before the election. He holds the position of president and secretary of the Mutual Fire insurance Company of German Householders and is secretary of the Walcott Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He is a stock holder in the Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank ! of Davenport and also in the Farmers Savings Bank of Walcott, having at one time been vice president of the latter institution but compelled to resign on account of ill health in his family. In a word Mr. Rock is in all his relations worthy of respect and confidence, a man of integrity and progressiveness. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Albert W. Hamann Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Hamann, Koenig, Hass, Heuck. Albert W. Hamann, prominent as a representative of the legal profession and also active in political circles in Davenport, has found I these two fields scope for his energy and laudable ambition-his dominant qualities. One of Iowa's native sons, his birth occurred in Audubon county, November 8, 1876. His father, C. H. Hamann, was a native of Germany and, coming to America in 1855, established his home in Davenport, where he resided until 1873. In that year he removed to Audubon county, where he turned his attention to farming. He later returned to Davenport, where he established a wagon manufactory, becoming one of the pioneers in this field of business in the city. He retired from active life in the year 1890, and died in 1899, respected and honored by all who knew him. In early manhood he had wedded Marie Koenig, who was also a native of Germany and came to Davenport in 1856 with her father, Carl A. Koenig, one of the early settlers of this city. Brought to Davenport during his early boyhood, Albert W. Hamann acquired his education in the public schools here, passing through consecutive grades to his graduation from the high school as a member of the class of 1893. He then entered the University of Iowa, where he won the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and with broad literary knowledge to serve as the foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional learning he entered the law department of the Iowa State University and was graduated in 1898. The following year he pursued a post-graduate course in law at Columbia University of New York city and returned to Davenport. When he entered upon practice here his equipment was unusually good. To an understanding of uncommon acuteness and vigor he added a thorough and conscientious preparatory training, while in his practice he has exemplified all the higher elements of the truly great lawyer. He became associated with Carl F. Hass, and under the firm style of Hass & Hamann the partnership has since been maintained. His diligence and energy in the preparation of his cases, as well as the earnestness, tenacity and courage with which he defends the right as he understands it, challenges the admiration of his associates. His fidelity to the interests of his clients is proverbial, yet he never forgets that he owes a higher allegiance to the majesty of the law. From his youthful days Mr. Hamann has been actively interested in politics and served for one term in the twenty-ninth general assembly of Iowa, giving earnest and careful consideration to each question which came up for settlement. In 1902 he was a member of the code supplement committee. In 1904 he was elected county attorney and acceptably filled that position for four years. His standing among fellow members of the bar is indicated in the fact that in 1908 he was elected president of the County Attorneys Association of the state. In 1902 Mr. Hamann was united in marriage to Miss Clara Heuck, a native of Germany, who came to Davenport with her parents in her girlhood days. They are prominent socially, and Mr. Hamann is a popular member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is recognized as a young man of high character who has demonstrated his worth in his chosen profession and in citizenship, and undoubtedly has before him a bright future. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

B. L. Schmidt Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Schmidt, Moeller, Martzhan, Kohrs, Sternburg, Struck, Koch, Kroeger. B. L. Schmidt, president of the Schmidt Brothers company of Davenport, is a man of considerable force of character who has risen to his present position through the exercise of his native ability, combined with hard work and strict economy. Mr. Schmidt was born in Davenport, October 22, 1869, a son of Carl F. and Sophia (Moeller) Schmidt, both natives of Germany. The father came to Davenport in 1847, and although a cabinet-maker by trade, he farmed in Blue Grass township for fourteen years after coming here. Later he removed to a suburb of Davenport, where until his death, in 1889, he raised grapes and made wine. He and his wife were married in Scott county, and they had eight children, five of whom grew to maturity: L. W.; Minnie, now Mrs. A. F. Martzhan; B. L.; Hulda, now Mrs. J. L. Kohrs, and F. L. B. L. Schmidt was educated in the public schools of this county, and after leaving school learned the trade of a machinist with William Sternburg in Davenport. After working at his trade for five years, he took a course in the Davenport Business College, and following this was made deputy county treasurer under Henry C. Struck. He then became associated with Voss Brothers in the manufacture of furniture fixtures, sash, door and blinds, making a specialty of wooden soled shoes with leather tops. This connection lasted five years, when Mr. Schmidt purchased the interests of Voss Brothers, and, taking his brother F. L. into partnership, the firm became Schmidt Brothers. This was in 1897 and until 1902 they were jobbers in the above mentioned lines, but in the latter year they sold their business and bought the patent on the Little Giant ice crusher and organized the Davenport Ice Chipping Machine Company, as well as the White Lily Manufacturing Company, B. L. Schmidt being pre! sident of both until 1909, when he sold the plant of the White Lily Manufacturing Company. After this they purchased the engine department of that company, to which they added the Ice Chipping Machine Company, and changed the name of the firm to Schmidt Brothers Company. In addition to this flourishing business, Mr. Schmidt is vice president of the Davenport Slaughter & Refining Company; a director of A. F. Koch Company; a director and vice president of the De Lux Textile Company; and a director of the Union Life Insurance company, of Chicago. He was one of the first directors of the Commercial Club and was one of the committee who raised the funds to build the club house. In 1896 Mr. Schmidt married Johanna Kroeger, who was an old resident here. They have two children: Amy Louise and George L. While never an office seeker, Mr. Schmidt was one of those who worked to secure the present form of government in Davenport. Whenever any measure is on foot for the betterment of his beloved city he is to be found in the front ranks, giving freely of both time and money. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight Templar and Shriner. He has always worked with untiring force, and seems to enjoy it. Capable and full of plans for the future, he is very popular, and his genial manner and kind heart win him friends everywhere. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Alfred G. Goldschmidt Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Goldschmidt, Henrechsen, Bremer. Alfred G. Goldschmidt, city electrician, belongs doubly to Davenport, by birth as well as by choice, since it was this place which witnessed his nativity March 30, 1868. His parents, Peter and Eliza (Henrechsen) Goldschmidt, were natives of Germany. The father early in his career followed the trade of cabinetmaker, which upon the widening of his business horizon he changed to that of furniture dealer and undertaker. He and his wife landed in New York in 1852, on the Fourth of July, which proved to be happily significant for he was to become an enthusiastic American. Ten children were born to these good people, of whom Alfred G. is the ninth in order of birth. Five of these are deceased. Mr. Goldschmidt's paternal grandmother joined her relatives here after the death of her husband in the old country, and here lived until her demise. The father located in Davenport almost immediately and this city has ever since been the family home. For four years Alfred G. Goldschmidt attended the old German school of davenport and after this primary preparation he entered the public schools, attending Nos. 8 and 3. He was graduated in 1882 and later attended the high school for one year. He then matriculated in the University of Illinois, where he qualified in that line to which his natural talents inclined him-mechanical engineering, receiving at the end of his course the degree of Bachelor of Science. His first practical experience was gained experience was gained in the employ of the Davenport Foundry Machine Company, where he served for a year as a draughtsman. Then going to Chicago, he entered the offices of the United States Electrical Company and work of this nature exerted upon him such a fascination that he has ever since associated himself with electrical concerns. He has divided his time and energies between Chicago and Davenport. For two and a half years he was in the service of the Bettendorf Company of ! Davenport. On August 1, 1895, he was appointed city electrician by the city council, who created the office at this time, Mr. Goldschmidt being the first incumbent. On January 1, 1901, he was succeeded by J. E. Moore. He was then frequently out of the city on general construction business for a Chicago form, at one time having charge of the Silvis plant in Rock Island. In 1903 he became the superintendent of the Davenport Gas & Electric and Street Railway Companies, which responsible positions he held for two years. He then resumed his former position as city electrician, which includes in its duties the inspection of all the wiring in the city. His offices are located on the third floor of the city building. On June 28, 1894, Mr. Goldschmidt married Miss Anna Bremer, whose parents came from Germany and were among Scott county's early settlers. Their attractive home at 2222 West Fourth street receives additional interest from the presence of two children, Erma C., who is attending the public schools; and Alfred, Jr., who is four years of age. Mr. Goldschmidt's fraternal relations extend to the Elks, the Owls and the Knights of Pythias, in all of which his membership is valued. He is a man who by sheer native brilliance ha made his mark and placed himself in one of the finest positions in the bestowal of the city. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Our first burying place was in a corner of a field on the Cook farm, on the north side of the Rockingham road, nearly opposite the west end of the present Davenport City cemetery.  This was used but a short time.  The next burying place was at the corner of Sixth and LeClaire streets.  It was a miserable section and was soon abandoned.  I officiated as pallbearer on two occasions while we buried there.  The first was the burial of Judge Mitchell's father.  It being early spring, we found the grave half full of water and had to wait until it was bailed out.  But the water came in so fast that the coffin was nearly covered before we could fill the grave.  The other was a Dr. Emerson, who died in the LeClaire House, and was the owner of the celebrated slave, Dred Scott. Our next burial place was the present Davenport City cemetery.  The writer and a few other gentlemen, not considering this location desirable (it being too near the rapidly growing city), nor the extent of the grounds sufficient for the purpose, and seeing the need of a city for the dead, combined to secure one that would be a credit to the city when we were dead and gone.  It resulted in Oakdale, particulars of which will be given hereafter. About this time, the first newspaper was established in Davenport.  It was called the Iowa Sun.  Andrew Logan was editor and proprietor.  He worked hard to bring the town into notice, with his puffs and marvelous stories of our prolific soil.  On my claim was a little piece of ground, some four or five acres, which had been broken up and fenced before I bought.  That I immediately planted and raised the best garden in the county.  The two lads, my brothers, Lewis and David, seeing the wonderful accounts in the Iowa Sun of the productions of other parts of the county, determined to outdo them.  We raised in those days that king of potatoes, the Neshenocks.  It was a large potato, with numerous prongs.  Selecting some half dozen of the largest, the boys fastened them together with dowels, or wooden pins.  When I came home at night they brought it to me. "See what we dug today!" they said.  "Don't that beat anything the Iowa Sun has published?" I replied, "I think it does.  What a monster!" I was completely "sold."  I said I would take it up in the morning and give it to Mr. Logan.  The next issue of the Iowa Sun did full justice to the wonderful production, defying any other soil to produce its equal.  The editor said if any one thought it an exaggeration, the skeptic could call and see the monster, as it was hanging up in his office, where he should keep it a few weeks on exhibition, after which he proposed to try its eating qualities.  About two weeks later, during which time the prize potato had been examined by hundreds, our fellow citizen, John Forrest, took hold of it, and noticed that one prong was wrong end foremost.  So he pulled it apart and the trick was exposed.  Had the boys not made that mistake the potato would doubtless have been cooked before the joke was discovered.  It created a vast amount of fun and a big laugh at the expense of the Iowa Sun.  It is said that Mr. Logan abstained from eating potatoes for over a month. After the discovery, Mr. Forrest hastened up town to my store.  He said:  "Burrows, they have a big joke on you down town about that big potato."  He then told me what had occurred.  I told him I was "sold" with the rest, for I knew nothing about it.  He advised me to keep away from Logan for a few days, or I would lose my scalp. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/Yl.2ADE/438.1 Message Board Post: you can find more info about this family in stark county N.D. or contact me .and i have some info you can have

Letter from Almon Keeler Raff to his cousin Frances (Frank) Ebi in Davenport. Almon was a farm implement dealer and found himself in Nebraska at Christmastime. Almon's daughter, Nellie, was dying slowly of consumption. Almon's wife, Ella, apparently did not want any help in nursing her, or running the household and had turned Almon's sister, Frank, away when she showed up in Muscatine to help out. In this letter, Almon is trying to smooth things over with his cousin. Fremont Neb Dec. 23, 1893 Dear Frank, I was surprised as well as greatly pleased over the receipt of you letter that reached me yesterday at C-Bluffs, and I thank you for it. It was certainly very kind in your going to Muscatine and offering your services as either cook or nurse and hope you don't feel badly that your good intentions were not better received and appreciated. I know if I was sick I'd only be too glad to see you "buzzing" around, or if I had any disagreeable work to perform I'd only be too happy in having your relieve me of it. Some people are more particular than I am. I'm not a bit proud when I need help, "or old clothes." I feel badly at times when I think of Nells condition, and it almost brings tears to my eyes when I realize how poor Ella has to slave from week to week; never getting away from home nor never seeing the end of her work. It surprises me that she is able to stand it. We are told that every cloud has a silver lining and sincerely hope it will prove true in her case. Of course I'm not going home for a frolic next Monday. Believe this will be the first Christmas I've been away from the "buzzum" of my family since I had one. You are doubtless aware that this is not my own choosing-not a bit of it-wasn't consulted in the matter at all. Was told to go, and I went. Reminds me a good deal of the orders "Dennis" and I were under in the army. Forward march and ask no questions. My trip will take me nearly to Colorado on the west and close to Dakota on the north and if I get through my work by the middle of February will be in great luck. Expect to be here till Tuesday as my customer has gone to Council Bluffs and cant see him till then. Fremont is quite a thriving young city of about ten thousand inhabitants, and boasts of three or four rail roads, a line of hoss cars; a fine U.S. Post office building built of Missouri stone, a large brick opera house; many fine churches and store buildings; besides two good hotels and paved streets. Am not anticipating much of a time at Christmas, and my thoughts will often wander back to old Muscatine on that day. If I had more paper with me I'd write you more of a letter, so take the will &c. Am now getting even with Ella, do you see? Don't tell her I've written you. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, with much love, K ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Davenport Times Davenport, Scott, Iowa Thursday, March 15, 1900 LONG GROVE Long Grove, Ia. March 14- The country roads will bear the sign now in many places "no bottom"...The Old Maids' convention was a success socially and financially, but we fear the main object was not secured. More than a hundred bachelors are yet to be seen scouting in the neighborhood heartwhole and fancy free. The rejuvenating machine introduced which was to transport old spinsters into lovely maidens of sweet 16 worked fairly well, but in some instances when the subject was born again she was born a boy! A married woman made an attempt to fool the machine but when she entered the hopper the wheels refused to turn and she was compelled to withdraw...W.J. Evans whose plunge into the icy waters of the Wapsie were chronicled in Tuesday's Times, is himself again and is ready for another experience. He purchased a new horse of C.F. Jacobsen today...Dr. Maxwell had an upset and runaway last week without serious consequences...The school election Monday was a quiet affair, only 20 votes being polled...William Reimers was chosen to succeed James Hardes who has held the office for many years and was a faithful and efficient director...The brick yard will open up for business again this week. Mr. Ditch has taken a contract to burn five large kilns the coming summer...John Seastrand has moved into the late home of John Hansen...The W.O.W., the oldest and strongest benevolent insurance order here, has run for ten years without a death...These are now about 90 members in good standing. They are talking of building a suitable hall as their present quarters are rather inconvenient. The Court of Honor, Modern Woodmen and Modern Brotherhood also have a substantial and growing memberships here. WILTON Wilton, March 14- The man who has seen the first robin is very numerous, but the first robin is very scarce...James Murrison is spending the week with relatives in Davenport and vicinity...Miss Agnes Breniford, who wields the rod in Scott county, near Davenport, spent Sunday at her home in Wilton...Miss Edna Giesler, who formerly resided in Wilton, but now of Muscatine, is spending the week with her young friends here...Misses Lula and Verda Dose of Iowa City spent a few days during the past week in Wilton...Mrs. George J. Nicolaus and Mrs. J.Y. Monahon attended a large dinner party at the home of Misses Freysmith in Bloomington township last Thursday....Misses Vay and Libby Boer, who are attending school at the state normal at Cedar Falls, are enjoying a vacation with their many Wilton friends... Cathy Joynt Labath Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm