About the 1st of March, 1839, I received letters at Cincinnati, saying the Mississippi was about to break up and at once I commenced making arrangements to return.  Being anxious to add to the population of the little settlement in Iowa, I persuaded two brothers-in-law, Wheeler Crane, a carriage maker, and Joseph Beach, a painter, also my two brothers, Lewis and David, stout lads in those days, to accompany me.  Our journey was without incident until we reached the lower rapids, where we had a tedious time, getting fast on the rocks and being nearly a week getting over. At last, on the 4th day of April, we reached our future home, being put ashore on the bank of the river, about half way between Perry and Rock Island streets.  I remember the day well.  It was a gloomy day, the wind blew a perfect gale, and everything looked cheerless. I found that the man whom I had engaged to put up my house had betrayed me.  The money I had left with him to purchase lumber he had applied to his own use, and there was nothing on the ground but the naked frame which I had purchased in the fall.  The first thing to be done was to find shelter for my wife and child.  I succeeded in renting two small rooms, just finished, about twelve feet square, at the corner of Third and Ditch (now Harrison) streets.  The rooms were very small and inconvenient for a family of seven persons.  We were obliged to go out doors from one room to get into the other.  They had been built for offices, but in those days we had to do the best we could. In about two weeks I had my house weather-boarded and shingled, and, putting down loose boards for a floor, moved in at once and then finished it, a room at a time.  I found the little town a busy place, every one anxious to secure a home.  Some settlers, besides myself, came in that spring and a number of houses had been commenced, and the inhabitants of the little town were as active as a swarm of bees.  But the great excitement was the Rockingham war, and a few weeks later the Missouri war.  I served in both, like a true soldier and patriot.  The Rockingham war was tedious, lasting about two years, and four pitched battles were fought, with varying success.  The contest was for the county seat, which Rockingham had and was loth to give up.  She had been the emporium of Scott county, outnumbering Davenport in population and business.  But two years made a change.  Davenport had grown materially, both in population and capital, while poor Rockingham had reached her growth, some of her citizens deserting to the enemy and at the last election, sixteen of her people voted for Davenport, the citizens offered to build the court house and present it to the county, free of all expense, promising it should be equal to the court house across the river, at Stephenson, Illinois; and it was a facsimile. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: Lowery, High Albrecht, Salseider, Berner, Drymann, Reddy, Golden, Morris Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Yl.2ADE/2302.1.1 Message Board Post: New email address granny305003@yahoo.com Dear Ron, Thanks for the information on Josephine High. My Dad said she was his Aunt. I have seen her listed on the 1900 census with the John & Sarah Jane Lowery High family. So far have not figured out how she is related to our family. Regards, Pat in NV

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Yl.2ADE/2302.1 Message Board Post: Checked my marriage index cds and couldn't come with Josephine. I did find this however, Mary C. Lowery married William R. High on Oct 27, 1855 in Scott county.

As long as it's been quiet, could someone look up Jacob Strasser of Davenport, 1720 Perry street in the 1870 census? I'm trying to find Laura, his daughter, who was married to Emiel A. Dammy 15DEC1873. She was mentioned in her mother's will in 1873. Philomena died February 1873 of typhoid. Where would she have been buried? Jacob bought a plot at Oakdale where several of his children are buried. His cremains, Jenny's, Pauline's and Gustav's are together in a monument built after Jenny died in 1946. Do you have a Eugene L. Strasser in the cemetery listings? He was Gustav and Bessie LaForgie Strasser's son. He was a commercial artist in Chicago. His parents divorced. Is there a listing for him in the marriage records? He was born ca 1900 in Davenport. Gustav worked and lived in Chicago until he became disabled and went to live with his mother in Davenport where he died. Is Dammy an Iowa surname? Is he on the roster for the Strasser band? Or is he just a figment of my imagination? You can tell I've been working on this toooo long! Thanks for any help offered.

In 1860 Davenport, SCott County, Iowa page 371 I found the following: James Armstrong 26 NY Lawyer Mary 25 NY Julia 4 months (as of June 1860) born in Iowa I looked in the records for Scott County cemeteries on the internet and didn't find a Julia Armstrong, but that doesn't mean anything. It's hard, as you can imagine, to find death info for anything before 1880, so I don't know...the Davenport library may have something in the church records, and there could possibly be something in cemetery books they have there. Then again, she may have died in NYC like you said. If there's anything else you want me to try, please don't hesitate to ask. Good luck in your search. Chris in Iowa In a message dated 6/25/02 12:10:50 AM Central Daylight Time, BCofer612@aol.com writes: > To CMurcia: That's a very generous offer, and I'm going to take advantage > of > it right away! : - ) > > Although all of my g'grandfather's family was from NY (Dutchess Co. & NYC), > > for some reason, he moved to Davenport, Iowa sometime prior to 1866, and > then > returned to NYC ca 1873. My grandmother was born in Davenport on 12 March > 1866, to James and Mary Eliza (Baker) ARMSTRONG. The oldest child, Julia, > was born 1860, but I don't know where (NY or IA, prob.), then my > grandmother, > Allie, in 1866, and James ARMSTRONG , Jr., in 1869. > > James Sr. was a lawyer and I believe he practiced law with a partner, in > Iowa > (Davenport?) while there. > > I doubt any cemeteries would have anything, although Julia did die young, > but > I think it was after their return to NYC) > > Any info you could find, would be very gratefully received! >

Davenport Democrat Davenport, Scott, Iowa Saturday, Mar 31, 1900 THE COURT CALENDAR It Contains Seventy-eight New Causes for Trial The April term of the district court will open on April 3d (next Tuesday) with Judge Bollinger on the bench. There are 78 new cases listed on the docket. Clerk of the Court Cheek has just received a bundle of them for distribution. The Divorce Cases There are 25 cases filed for divorce to be tried during the next term of court. During the January term there were only 14 cases tried of this character. April will almost double the budget. The list of divorce cases is as follows: Josephine Keller vs Charles William Keller Emma C. Pauli vs Amelia Kibby Albert Grace vs Eva Grace Mary E Donaldson vs Peter A Donaldson Marie Scharff vs John Scharff Cynthia A. Rowley vs Francis S. Rowley Bertha McBee vs Ballard McBee Sophie Briggs vs Albert Briggs Preston Miller vs Amanda Miller Edna June Reed vs Charles S Reed Hannah M. Runge vs Edward C Runge Caroline Drexel vs Andrew Drexel Herman Stoltenberg vs Kataubka (or Katauhka) Stoltenberg Lillian R Cameron vs Charles F Cameron Anna F. McElroy vs Francis McElroy Heinrich Koch vs Anna Maria Koch Bertha Sophia Hartmann vs Jochim Hartmann Emma G. Littig vs Peter N. Littig Florence Munger vs Nelson Munger Emma Abraham vs Julius Abraham Ella Klinck vs John Klinck Annie Schampe vs Frank E Schampe Mollie Lorch vs Lorenz Lorch Edward Plogmann vs Ida Plogmann Cases At Law The cases at law number 24 and are as follows: Dora Krack, admrx, etc vs Glucose Sugar Refining Co. Thomas Bequette vs B C R & N Railway Co Jacob Eckhardt vs John McCaffrey et al. John Harder et al vs William J Westphal James Hansen vs Tri-City Railway company Julius Goos vs Hans Harkert Christina Wieland vs M. Bridenbach D.H. Stuhr Grain Co vs Hubbard & Palmer Co Armour & Co vs W.A. Carpenter J.L. Pahl vs Louis Pagel John A Littig vs William F Fry Sickels, Preston & Nutting Co vs S.A. Murray et al Herf & Frerichs Chemical Co vs Crystal Ice & Cold Storage Co and Crystal Ice Co L.E. Mallette vs C.J. Lee et al Mary Wessel vs M H Holliday et al C. Gervaise Brown vs Clarence P. Brown et al E.S. Carl vs Amanda M Cook et al Mary Kivlin vs C R I & P Railway Co Emma Jacobs vs City of Davenport Charles Maher vs John Littig Clause Bischoff vs Charles Ehrsam C.N. Voss, cashier vs C F. McDonald et al First National Bank, Mankato, Minn. vs D.H. Stuhr ...to be continued... Cathy Joynt Labath Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm

Davenport Democrat Davenport, Scott, Iowa Nov 5, 1925 JOHN GUINEY, A FORMER POLICE OFFICER, DEAD Department Member for 25 Years; Was Also Inspector for City. John Guiney, a former Davenport police officer, having served on that department for 25 years, and for several years a city construction work inspector, died at Mercy hospital Wednesday evening at 7 o'clock. His death terminated an illness of one month's duration. Mr. Guiney was a resident of Davenport for 70 years, and was born in Ireland, on April 1, 1854. He was well known throughout the city. Surviving are five children, Walker Guiney, Ruth Guiney and Burdette Guiney of Saginaw, Mich., Mrs. C.T. Slocum of Kalamazoo, Mich.; one brother, Patrick Guiney of ......[cannot read one blackened line]...Harvey Whitcomb of Davenport and five grandchildren. The funeral will be held on Saturday from the Halligan funeral home to St. Anthony's church at 9 a.m. Interment will be in St. Marguerite's cemetery. The family kindly request that flowers be omitted. SEE AMERICA, SURE, BUT SEE SHERIFF FIRST Murray's Keen Vision Costs Him Drink But Saves Him from Arrest William (Bill) Murray, proprietor of a temp. bar at Sixth and Division streets, has revamped the old slogan of "See America First" to read "See the Sheriff before he sees you and thereby escape going to jail. The new slogan was working in good shape last night when Sheriff Frank Martin and his deputies swooped down on the bar in raiding formation. But "Bill" saw them first. When the sheriff and his deputies entered the barroom, "Bill" was busy dumping a mysterious liquid into the drain behind the bar. The officers searched the premises but failed to discover any liquor. No arrest was made but the case will be called to the attention of the grand jury now in session, attaches of the sheriff's office announced this morning. Murray's bar has been raided at least twice within as many months. COURT HEARING STATE'S PLEA FOR RESTRAINING WRIT The state's application for a temporary writ of injunction restraining Mary Winters from violating the prohibition law was argued before District Judge W.R. Maines this afternoon. Mrs. Winters is contesting the issuance of the writ. Smith and Swift are her attorneys. Wed in April; Wins Divorce in November Pauline Frisch Conklin, who married Leo Conklin on April 18 last, was granted a divorce and the right to resume her maiden name of Frisch by District Judge W.R. Maines today. She accused her husband of cruel and inhuman treatment and the charge was not denied. Harold Metcalf was her attorney. Edna Suess was granted a divorce from Maximillian Suess on the ground of cruelty by District Judge D.V. Jackson. The decree gives her custody of their minor child, Sheldon, together with the right to remarry within the year. Harold Metcalf was the attorney. HARRY E LITTIG The nominating committee of the Davenport Kiwanis club today recommended the name of Harry E. Littig for president. Mr. Littig has been the secretary of the club for several years and the announcement of the nomination for the presidency was greeted with a tremendous cheer. Mr. Littig is the general manager of the People's Light Co. R.O. "Ted" Byerrum was nominated for vice president and E.J. Dougherty for treasurer. The following six men, three of whom will be elected, were nominated for directors: J.F. Zelders, Lawrence L. Howe, Ben Comenitz, Martin Hansen, John Schultz and Harry Schnoor. The election will be held in two weeks. Cathy Joynt Labath The Irish in Iowa http://www.celticcousins.net/irishiniowa/index.htm Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/paloalto/index.htm

Davenport Democrat Davenport, Scott, Iowa Nov 4, 1925 LANNON Patrick Lannon died at the family residence, 319 E. Eleventh street, Davenport, at 12:15 o'clock this morning. His death terminated an illness of only one week's duration. The deceased was born in Ireland in 1852 and had been a resident of Davenport for about 50 years. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Ann Lannon and 2 children, Margaret and Edward Lannon. The funeral will be held from the home on Friday morning at 8:45 o'clock, to Sacred Heart Cathedral at 9 o'clock. Interment will be in St. Marguerite's. Cathy Joynt Labath The Irish in Iowa http://www.celticcousins.net/irishiniowa/index.htm Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/paloalto/index.htm

Davenport Democrat Davenport, Scott, Iowa Sep 4, 1925 S. O'CONNOR, PIONEER OF CITY, CALLED Resident of Davenport for Over 70 Years Dies at the Age of 90 Stephen O'Connor, a pioneer resident of Davenport, having resided here for over 70 years, died at his home, 430 West Pleasant street, at 6 o'clock Thursday evening. His death terminated an illness of the past two weeks, altho he had been ailing for some time. Mr. O'Connor was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, on Dec. 20, 1834, having reached the age of 90 years. He came to America when 15 years of age and had been a resident her for over 70 years. In spite of his advanced years Mr. O'Connor was a good conversationalist and his genial kindly disposition made for him a host of friends which he kept during his life time. For over 30 years he was employed at the French & Hecht company. The deceased was united in marriage in 1858 to Miss Mary Heeney in the old St. Margaret's church, which now is known as Sacred Heart cathedral. His wife died 43 years ago. Surviving are one son, John J. O'Connor and two daughters, Elizabeth A. O'Connor and Mrs. Ellen Priest, all of Davenport. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. The funeral will be held from the late residence, 430 West Pleasant street, at 9 a.m. Saturday to St. Anthony's church at 9:45 a.m. Interment will be in St. Marguerite's cemetery. Remarried after 13 Years Separation Friends and fellow employes of Mrs. Allie Jeffers, ticket clerk in the Rock Island lines here, were surprised to learn upon her return from a vacation trip spent in the west of her remarriage, Aug. 24, to John Jeffers at Salt Lake City, from whom she was divorced 13 years ago. Mrs. Jeffers has been employed by the Rock Island lines for the last five years. Her husband is an actor playing in dramatic stock. He will continue his dramatic work for the time being and Mrs. Jeffers will remain in Davenport. Her parents reside in Ainsworth, Ia. CARL FERRIS IS ACTING MAYOR AT ROCKINGHAM Carl Ferris has been appointed mayor-protem of Rockingham to serve in the place of H.E. Kohlhammer, resigned. He will serve until a special election is held. Mr. Kohlhammer who has resigned the office, will spend most of his time in St. Paul where he has business interests. His term of office as mayor does not expire until April 1, 1926. Cathy Joynt Labath The Irish in Iowa http://www.celticcousins.net/irishiniowa/index.htm Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/paloalto/index.htm

Davenport Democrat Davenport, Scott, Iowa Thurs., Nov 5, 1925 OCTOGENARIAN OF LECLAIRE ANSWERS CALL Fractured Hip Causes the Death of Mrs. Bridget Dolan, Last Night. Mrs. Bridget Dolan of LeClaire, Ia., 80 years old and a well known resident of that town, died at Mercy hospital at 13:30 o'clock last night as a result of a fractured hip sustained in a fall in the yard of her home in LeClaire two weeks ago. Despite her advanced age Mrs. Dolan lived in her own little home at LeClaire and was known and loved by all of the people of the town. Born in County Tipperary, Ireland, on September 24, 1845, she came to America when but 16 years of age. She was married to Thomas Dolan in St. Louis in 1878. They moved to LeClaire 38 years ago and her husband preceded her in death 30 years ago. The survivors are one son James F. Dolan of Chicago and one daughter Mrs. Mary Brough of Davenport, as well as one grand-daughter Mary Margaret Brough of Davenport. The funeral will be held Saturday morning, further arrangements to be announced later. Cathy Joynt Labath The Irish in Iowa http://www.celticcousins.net/irishiniowa/index.htm Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/paloalto/index.htm

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/2314.1.1 Message Board Post: Chippianock Cemetery is in Rock Island, Il, just across the river from Davenport. The address and phone number are: 2901 12th St., Rock Island, 61201 309-788-6622 They requested a donation, but they didn't specify an amount.

Just staying in touch and want you to know what a great job you are doing-IASCOTT is the highlight of my day-love all the history etc. Kindest Regards-Marianne

The great prairies of Illinois were a magnificent sight - one vast sea of grass and flowers and most of them as level as a floor.  We passed very few farms.  Fifty years ago there were not many settlements in Illinois.  We crossed a number of prairies, where, as might be said, we were out of sight of land - not a house or a tree to be seen.  There was a great deal of sickness on our route.  We had to attend our own horse, and most of the time, sleep on the floor, with a blanket and a pillow for our bed.  Ten days and a half from the time we left Cincinnati, we forded Rock river and soon reached our future home.  At that time Stephenson, on the Illinois side of the Mississippi, was a considerable town and a much older and more important place than Davenport.  Rock island contained no inhabitants except Colonel George Davenport and his family.  Old Fort Armstrong with its block houses, occupied the west end of the island. Mr. Owens and myself spent some three weeks in thoroughly examining the country.  One of the best settlements was in Pleasant Valley.  The Hydes, Captain Hawley, Moss & Bradley, Sam Hedges, C. Rowe, Adam Donaldson, the Henleys and Fennos were there.  There was a small sawmill on Duck creek, and a grist mill, containing one small run of stone on Crow creek.  Both these streams contained twice as much water then as now.  We drove back to Allens Grove, also to Walnut and Hickory Groves, where we found John Dunn, L. Lathrop, Dennis R. Fuller and the Carters, all of whom were hard at work making themselves homes.  Below Rockingham, Enoch Mead, David Sullivan, Captain James Murray, Foster Campbell, James E. Burnsides, Lewis W. Clark, and others, were busily engaged in laying the foundation of Scott county's future prosperity. After a thorough examination of the county and making the acquaintance of many of the settlers, we both determined to emigrate, and purchased the eighty acre tract west of and adjoining the town.  It was a squatter's claim.  We paid $450 for it and each wanted it, so we agreed to divide it and to draw cuts for the first choice.  I won, and chose the half next to the town, for which I paid $250, Mr. Owens taking the other half at $200.  We then concluded to lay claim to a section of land and selected section 17.  We divided it north and south, and, each again wanting the half adjoining the town, we drew cuts as before.  I won, and took the part I wanted.  Fearing we would have trouble to find our claim, we hired Strong Burnell, who was breaking prairie in the vicinity, to plow three furrows around the whole section, for which we paid $30 - $10 a furrow.  We proposed to plant this strip of plowed ground with locust trees. The next thing I did was to make arrangements to build a house on my forty acres.  I found a man in Davenport, a settler of that year, who had bought a lot and erected a frame on it, but who had become discouraged and wished to return east.  I bought the frame standing, paying $125 for it, and engaged B. F. Coates to take it to pieces and put it up on my land, leaving money with him with which to buy weather boarding, sheathing, etc., and it was agreed that I should bring the shingles, flooring, doors and windows with me in the spring from Cincinnati, which would be much cheaper and better. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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

Hello everybody, I am researching my Kruse line. They came to US(Davenport) in 1854, most moved on to Iowa county(my home) in 1868 but 2 of the kids stayed in Scott county and raised families. I believe there are still descendents of these families still living in the Walcott area(Lahl & Dietz), I would love to hear from them.. Anyone with more info on these families or that may be related please contact me. Here is what I have on the one family...... 5 Hans KRUSE B7Sept1838 D2Mar1910 M12Nov1866 Ida Dorthea HAHN B29Nov1846 D3Apr1906 Both are buried at Davenport Ia. They had 2 known children, I think they may have been twins?       5a Charles KRUSE B29Apr1867 Walcott Ia D7Jun1936 Davenport Ia M Catherine (Katie) RUGE B26Nov1866 D6Jan1953           5a1 Etta KRUSE B 6June1896 D18Dec1993 M Robert POLSON B17June1890 DDec1972 they had 3 children           5a2 Irma KRUSE B7July1893 D22 Sept 1992 M Dr Charles(John) PEART B27Dec1895 DAug1977 2 children. Irma ReM George GRALLEY B8Feb1897 DNov1986      5b Henry Wolf KRUSE B29Apr1867 Walcott Ia D15Jul1947 Davenport Ia M16Feb1888 Amelia ROEHLK B12Feb1868 D18Apr1940 had 3 daughters           5b1 Norma KRUSE B2Oct1898 D21Jan1976 M25Jun1927 George GIBSON Babt1894 D? she remarried Mads JENSEN Babt1894           5b2 Ella Catherine KRUSE B28Jul1894 DNov1987 M3Dec1919 Herbert DIETZ B10Sep1895 D17Jul1978           5b3 Hilda KRUSE B14Mar1891 D11Mar1969 M27Sep1916 Adolph LAHL Babt1887 D 1957 Pine Hill Cem                  5b3a Allen LAHL B9Sep1917 DAug79                    5b3b Elaine LAHL B? D? M Mr. Gustafson B? D?                  5b3c Dorothy LAHL B? D? M Mr. THIERING B? D?                  5b3e Howard LAHL B? D and here is the second family, there isn't alot known here..... 4 Lena KRUSE B20Apr1850 D4May1901 Davenport  Ia M2Jan1869 Henry MARTENS B1846 D? they had 1 known  daughter...       4a Blondina MARTENS B? D? M Mr. RICHTER B? D? 1 child that I know of.               4a1 Rudolph RICHTER B? D? M? Any help would be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU! Jeff Kruse Marengo Ia

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/2318 Message Board Post: I lived in the Davenport for many years and Chippiannock Cemetery is located in Rock Island, IL.

Chapter 16 will have 10 parts and then a narritive from Rev. John O. Foster Part 1.... CHAPTER XVI 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 FIFTEEN 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 (Picture included with this chapter are:  Pioneer Settlers of Scott County - View in Central Park) On the 27th day of July, 1838, I was on board the magnificent steamer Brazil, Captain Orrin Smith, my destination being Stephenson, now Rock Island, Illinois.  When I arose in the morning the steamer was just landing at Buffalo, Scott county, Wisconsin territory, now Iowa.  The scene upon which I gazed enchanted me.  The sloping lawns and wooded bluffs, with the sea of beautiful wild flowers, were a picture of loveliness such as I never had beheld before.  The remainder of the trip I spent on the guards of the boat, enraptured with the beauty of the ever changing scenery. We arrived early in the day at the village of Stephenson.  Before night my business was accomplished.  My landlord, of the Rock Island House, informed me that I could not be able to get a boat until the return of the Brazil, some two days later.  I will say here that the Rock Island House was a credit to the town and a much better hotel than I expected to find in this then new country.  On the next day, after partaking of a good breakfast, I decided to cross the river and examine the lovely little hamlet of about a dozen houses, which looked so cozy, nestled under the bluff.  At that time the ferry was run by that veteran, Captain John Wilson, and consisted of two steamboat yawls and a flat-boat.  There were several passengers besides myself, and as soon as we left the shore, the old gentleman began to collect his fares.  I noticed that each passenger paid 25 cents.  I tendered my quarter, when I was informed my fare was 50 cents.  I demurred of course, and was surprised as well as somewhat amused to be told that for "citizens" the fare was 25 cents, but for strangers it was 50 cents.  I replied, "Oh! that is the way you do it here, is it?  Where I came from, they treat strangers the best." On landing I found a beautiful little hamlet of fifteen houses, with a population of about 150 persons.  I did not expect to see any one that I had ever seen before, but I soon met a man whom I had known well in Cincinnati - a carpenter - B. F. Coates.  He received me warmly and introduced me to D. C. Eldridge and several more Cincinnatians.  The little town was settled mostly by people from Cincinnati.  They all insisted that I should close up my business in Stephenson, and wait in Davenport until my boat returned, and they would spend the time in showing me the most beautiful country the sun ever shone upon.  I consented and Mr. Coates took a horse and buggy and drove with me out some five or six miles in different directions. It was just the time of year when the country showed to the best advantage.  The prairies were covered with wild flowers and the beautiful landscape was unsurpassed.  I said to myself, "This shall be my home." On the return of the Brazil I left with the intention, if possibly could, to emigrate.  As soon as I returned to Cincinnati.  I advertised my place for sale and in a few weeks found a purchaser.  I then determined to return immediately and to make a more thorough examination of the country before taking such an important step.  Both the Ohio and Mississippi rivers were at that time (October), very low and navigation tedious.  I decided to make the trip by land, so purchased a horse and buggy and was making arrangements for the journey, when I was called upon by John Owens, whom I had never seen before.  After introducing himself, he said he understood I intended to make a trip to Wisconsin territory, and he wanted to go along.  He offered to take a half interest in the outfit.  He was not quite ready to go, and I agreed to wait ten days for him.  At last the day arrived, and lo! it was a Friday.  Owens said he would not begin so important an enterprise on Friday and insisted that we should wait until Saturday, which I opposed, on the ground that it was too late in the week.  We were both anxious to be off, so we agreed to start on Thursday evening, and go two or three miles, which we did, setting out about sundown and driving some three miles.  We found the roads through Indiana very rough and tedious, a great share of them being what was called "corduroy;" but through Illinois they were excellent, although there was a great want of bridges and in fording streams we found it quite dangerous. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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

To CMurcia: That's a very generous offer, and I'm going to take advantage of it right away! : - ) Although all of my g'grandfather's family was from NY (Dutchess Co. & NYC), for some reason, he moved to Davenport, Iowa sometime prior to 1866, and then returned to NYC ca 1873. My grandmother was born in Davenport on 12 March 1866, to James and Mary Eliza (Baker) ARMSTRONG. The oldest child, Julia, was born 1860, but I don't know where (NY or IA, prob.), then my grandmother, Allie, in 1866, and James ARMSTRONG , Jr., in 1869. James Sr. was a lawyer and I believe he practiced law with a partner, in Iowa (Davenport?) while there. I doubt any cemeteries would have anything, although Julia did die young, but I think it was after their return to NYC) Any info you could find, would be very gratefully received! Barbara in MO (but originally from NYC)

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: SNEATH, WHITAKER, CELLS/SELLS, CARPENTER Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Yl.2ADE/2317 Message Board Post: Seeking information on a Robert Sneath, who may have also gone by Whitaker, or Cells/Sells, or Carpenter. His mother was Lula Sneath in Davenport in 1905 era. Step father was John Sneath.Born about 1892 somewhere in Iowa. He was not with his mother when she moved to Denver, Co, in about 1911-13. Believe he attended Davenport Public Schools.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Yl.2ADE/1833.1 Message Board Post: I saw the surname FREES in your subject line. I am also researching FREES in southeastern Iowa. Cheryl FREES WESTFALL

Now I have the most unpleasant part of my story to tell.  After the Indians had crossed the river and were almost defenseless, having lost most all their guns and ammunition in crossing the river, our army put a band of these merciless Sioux on their trail who, knowing how perfectly helpless they were, were glad of the opportunity to destroy them.  I will give the account of this terrible massacre as given by a squaw, who had lived with a white man by the name of Nathan Smith.  I knew them both well.  She said her brother, by the name of Wishita, a fine looking man and a chief of considerable standing, was wounded while crossing the Mississippi, but he, with great exertion, reached the western shore.  Here the bank being steep, she tried to get him out, but could not succeed, and was obliged to leave him behind her on account of her company, which was already in advance of her.  She had crossed the river on a pony, carrying her child, about a year old, before her.  They hurried on, fearing an attack of our army, or an attack of the Sioux, as they were now in their country.  They had traveled that day and night and until the latter part of the next day, without food, when they succeeded in killing some game, and camped for the night.  That night they, for the first time in many weary days and nights, had plenty to eat.  They had camped in a valley and the morning was very foggy.  They had eaten an early breakfast and were about starting on their journey, she just mounting her hourse, when the Sioux with a great noise, whooping and yelling, broke into their camp, killing large numbers of them regardless of age or sex.  She rode off as fast as her horse could possibly go, carrying her child before her.  She said the motion of her horse was so hard on her child she thought for some time it was dead, and looked for some thick bush or weeds that she could throw it in to hide it from the Sioux.  She knew by keeping a southern course it would bring her to her friends.  After traveling more than 200 miles without another human being save her child, without food and expecting hourly to be overtaken by her enemies, she at last found a trail where Keokuk had been out on a buffalo hunt.  Following this trail it brought her to the Indian village on the Iowa river. This last battle fought on the Mississippi was the noted battle of Bad Axe and Black Hawk, feeling that he and his people were thoroughly overcome did not cross the river but went up the river and gave himself up to the Winnebagoes, who brought him a prisoner to Prairie du Chien.  Black Hawk's son, Seoskuk, Neapope, Pashpahaw, the stabbing chief, and several of the principal men, accompanied him to prison.  They were sent to Washington about the latter part of the summer, where they remained until the next spring, when they were set at liberty and started on their return home, passing through New York city.  President Jackson and a paty of friends happened to be with Black Hawk on their way to New York and General Jackson's friends complained that the Indians diverted the attention of the people too much from the president.  There was a great demonstration in New York at that time and the Indians received much attention.  Many of the ladies kissed Seoskuk, which was a matter of little comment, as one rarely meets so fine a specimen of humanity in a life-time.  The ladies took their rings off their fingers and gave them to the Indians.  Black Hawk showed me some of the rings and said he had fifty just as fine.  From New York they went by the canal to Buffalo, through the lake to Green Bay, up the Fox river, down the Wisconsin to its mouth and down the Mississippi to Rock Island.  Here, fortunately, I happened to meet Black Hawk, and he was unusually talkative.  He told me of their trip to Washington, of the crowds of people they saw in New York, and showed me some of the many presents he had received on the journey.  He told me of the great wonder of seeing a man go up in a balloon.  He said the man had a great knife in his hand (meaning a sword) which he waved back and forth and then he went up, up, up, and looking and pointing up, he said "Panoche! Panoche!" meaning a great way off.  He was in good spirits, expecting to reach his family the next day. Major Garland, of the army, under whose charge they had traveled, being instructed to secure a kind reception for them from their nation, sent a messenger to advise Keokuk of their arrival.  Keokuk was encamped on the Iowa shore of the river, about twenty miles below, and although Black Hawk and his party were his enemies, he determined to give them a respectful and cordial reception.  A message was returned to that effect; and at noon the following day the dull sound of the Indian drum proclaimed the approach of the chief.  He, with his three wives, in two canoes lashed together with a canopy over them, followed by many of his braves, came up the river to the foot of the island and then landed on the right bank, where they remained painting and dressing themselves for some time.  Keokuk, followed by his braves, crossed the river and before coming to Black Hawk's camp said to them:  "The Great Spirit has sent our brothers back; let us shake hands in friendship."  On reaching the spot where Black Hawk and his friends were encamped, they found them seated in front of their tent, silent and motionless - doubtful, perhaps, of the reception that would be given them.  Keokuk extended his hand to Black Hawk and then to the rest of his party, without speaking, his followers imitating his example, and then the whole company seated themselves on the ground.  No one spoke, each waiting until the chief should break the silence.  After about fifteen minutes Keokuk asked Black Hawk how long he had been on the way, adding that he had been expecting him and was on his way to meet him when he heard of his arrival.  The next day, in the council Black Hawk thanked Major Garland for his kindness.  He said:  "I and my son, and all our party, thank our Great Father for what he has done.  He is old, I am old; we shall soon go to the Great Spirit, and be at rest.  He sent us through his great villages.  We saw many white men and were kindly treated.  We thank them - say to them we thank them.  We thank you for treaveling with us.  Your path was long and crooked.  We never saw so many white men before; but when with you, we felt as safe as if among friends.  When you come to the Mississippi again you shall come to my lodges; now I have none.  On your road home you will pass where our village once was.  No one lives there now - all are gone.  I give you my hand; we may never meet again, but we shall remember you.  The Great Spirit will be with you and your wives and children.  I will shake hands with my brethren here and then I am done."  Black Hawk thanked Keokuk and his nation for their attention to his wife and children, as they had given them shelter when they had none, and had protected them while he was far away.  He felt happy to have escaped with so slight punishment, as when he gave himself up he hardly knew what would be the result.  It must have been quite humiliating to the old man to have to yield up all his rights as head of the nation to a young man like Keokuk.  Sad must have been his heart when he said, "I will listen to Keokuk.  I will soon be far away, where I shall have no village, no band - I shall be alone."  Still we must admire the generous course Keokuk pursued with him, when, in after years, they took a trip together, taking in their course all the principal eastern cities.  They, with other Indians, were sitting in council in the presence of the secretary of war, when Keokuk arose and said:  "There is one here who does not belong to the council, but he has been accustomed to sit with us at home and is our friend; we have brought him here with us and hope he will be welcome." Black Hawk lived until the year 1838, when he died on the 3d of October at his village on the Des Moines river and his body was disposed of, at his special request, after the manner of the chiefs of his tribe.  He was placed upon the ground, in a sitting posture, his hands grasping his cane.  They usually made a shallow hole in the ground, sitting the body in up to the waist, so the most of the body was above ground.  The part above ground was then covered by a buffalo robe, and a trench about eight feet square was dug aobut the grave.  In this trench they set picketing about eight feet high, which secured the grave against wild animals.  Not long after Black Hawk died some one, more troubled with phrenology than reverence, took his head and carried it away, which so distressed his family that his sons came into Burlington to Governor Lucas, who was then governor of the territory of Iowa, to see if the government would not have it restored to them.  But they did not succeed in getting it. When I first came here there were quite a number of these high picketings still standing, where their chiefs had been buried, and the body of a chief was disposed of in this way while I lived near their village.  The common mode of burial was to dig a shallow grave, wrap the body in a blanket, place it in the grave and fill it nearly full of dirt; then take split sticks about three feet long and stand them in the grave so that their tops would come together in the form of a roof; then they filled in more earth so as to hold the sitcks in place.  I saw a father and mother start out alone to bury their child about a year old.  They carried it by tying it up in a blanket, and putting a long stick through the blanket, each taking an end of the stick.  I have also seen the dead bodies placed in trees.  This is done by digging a trough out of a log, placing the body in it and covering it.  I have seen several bodies in one tree.  I think when they are disposed of in this way it is by special request, as I knew of an Indian woman who lived with a white family, who desired her body placed in a tree, which was accordingly done.  Doubtless there was some particular superstition attached to this mode, though I do not remember to have heard what it was. Our nearest neighbor living fifty miles southeast from here, on the old mining road leading from Beardstown to Galena, where the road corssed Henderson river, was an old man by the name of Atwood, an Englishman by birth.  I do not consider him a fair representative of an old settler, but as many who lived here in early times have come in contact with him I cannot forbear to give him a passing notice.  He said he was a lord in England and when he took ship for America great crowds of people gathered to see him safely started.  His fame had reached New York in advance of his arrival and large numbers were gathered kneeling on the shore to receive him.  He told them to stand up, as he was only a man.  Mr. Atwood's settlement there was a year or two before ours here, so we had occasion to do some trading with him in his farm products.  After a few months' traffic with him he sent us word that he had all the paper money he could secrete, and as paper money was liable to be stolen or burned up, if we continued to trade with him we would have to bring either gold or silver, which he could bury in the ground.  In stopping with him he told me of a remarkable cure he had performed upon a man where gangrene had set in.  Among a great many eminent physicians who had visited this man and given him up as incurable, was Dr. Franklin.  I said to him that I did not know that Dr. Franklin practiced medicine.  His wife spoke up and said:  "Yes he did, all through North Carolina, where I lived."  I asked the old man how many hogs he had.  He hesitated some time and began to make excuses.  His hogs "had strayed away and were lost - the Indians had killed a good many - and now he only had about 700 left."  There were not 700 hogs within twenty miles of him.  One of his neighbors by the name of McGee, a blacksmith, was at work in his shop at a very difficult job.  Being a good deal plagued with his work, the old man came in and began telling some of his long yarns, when McGee stopped his work and addressed the old man in this way:  "I make it a practice to believe some men because they tell the truth, others to accommodate them, but," bringing out an oath, said:  "I won't believe you upon any consideration."  He said he was not troubled again for a long time with the old man.  His neighbors said they had calculated the time it would take to do the different things he had done and the different places he had lived, and the number of years he had stayed in each place, and ascertained he was over a thousand years old, being the oldest man we have any record of. I now feel it now only a duty but a great pleasure to make some mention of the old settlers of Rock Island county.  I came to the state at such an early day and traveled over it so extensively, making my home at two different times in very new parts of the state, that I had a great opportunity of judging of frontier life and of frontier men.  Of all my knowledge of the settlement of the state our old settlers were the most intelligent and best informed of any who came under my notice.  There have been some statements made about us, which have had a large circulation, in regard to our abusing the Indians and whipping their women, which are basely false, or if not, never came under my notice.  Our relation to the Indians, after the first summer, was very peculiar.  We have had a good title to our lands from the government, felt that we were entitled to be protected in our rights, while the Indians claim the lands to be theirs with just as much assurance.  Under such conflicting circumstances, losing the greater part of our crops, being compelled, a part of the time, to stay in the fort for safety, we lived almost three seasons together without any serious outbreak among us, which seems to me to be flattering to both whites and Indians.  I feel that the old settlers of Rock Island county are very nearly related to me.  Our privations and hardships brought us very near to each other, and I cannot but sympathize in the sorrows of each old settler, and rejoice in his well doing. 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