Chapter 14 cont. GREAT RIVER STORIES "Old Times on the Upper Mississippi River" - the recollections of a steamboat pilot from 1854 to 1863, was written by Captain George Byron Merrick and published in 1909.  Of his experiences on the Mississippi river he has the following, in part, to say: "The majesty and glory of the great river have departed; its glamour remains, fresh and undying in the memories of those who, with mind's eye, still can see it as it was a half century ago.  Its majesty was apparent in the mighty flood which then flowed throughout the season, scarcely diminished by the summer heat; its glory in the great commerce which floated upon its bosom, beginnings of great commonwealths yet to be; its glamour is that indefinable witchery with which memory clothes the commonplace of long ago, transfiguring the labors, cares, responsibilities and dangers of steamboat life as it really was into a mid-summer night's dream of care-free, exhilarating experiences and glorified achievements.  There were steamers running between St. Louis and Fort Snelling, near St. Paul, from the year 1823 in more or less regularity.  The Virginia, Captain Crawford, was the first steamboat to reach Fort Snelling, which occurred May 10, 1823.  The crowning achievement of Captain William Fisher, of Galena, was the taking of the City of Quincy from St. Louis to St. Paul, Captain Brock being his partner for the trip.  The City of Quincy was a New Orleans packet that had been chartered to take an excursion the length of the river.  The vessel was of 1,600 tons burden, with length of 350 feet beam and was the largest boat ever making the trip above Keokuk rapids.  Two or three incidents of Captain Fisher's river life, among the many which he related to me, are of interest as showing the dangers of the Mississippi.  The following is one which he believed was an omen prophetic of the war of the rebellion.  I give it as told to me: "I am going to tell you this just as it happened.  I don't know whether you will believe me or not.  I don't say that I would believe it myself if I had not seen it with my own eyes.  If some one else had told it to me I might have set it down as a 'yarn.'  If they never have had any experience on the river some men would make yarns to order.  It is a mighty sight easier to make them than it is to live them - and safer. "When this thing happened to me I was entirely sober and I was not asleep.  If you will take my word for it I have never been anything else but sober.  If I had been otherwise I would not be here now telling you this at eighty-two years old (the relator told the story in 1903).  Whiskey always gets 'em long before they see the eighty mark.  And you know that a man can't run a steamboat while asleep - that is very long.  Of course he can for a little while, but when he hits the bank it wakes him up. " 'This story ought to interest you because I was on your favorite boat when it happened.  The Fannie Harris was sold in 1859, in May, or June, to go south.  She came back right away, not going below St. Louis, after all.  I took her down to that port.  Joseph Jones, of Galena, had bought  the bar for the season when she was sold, and lost thirty dollars in money by the disposal of the boat.  Captain W. H. Gabbert, who died a few months since, was in command and I was pilot.  I left Galena in the evening.  It was between changes of the moon and a beautiful star-light night - as fine as I ever saw.  By the time we got down to Bellevue the stars had all disappeared and it had become daylight, not twilight, but broad daylight, so light that you could not see the brightest star, and from 11:30 to 12:30, a full hour, it was as bright as any day when the sun was under a cloud.  At midnight I was right opposite Savanna.  Up to this time Captain Gabbert had been asleep in the cabin, although he was on watch.  We were carrying neither passengers nor freight for we were just taking the boat down to deliver her to her new owners.  The captain woke up or was called and when he saw the broad day-light and that his watch indicated that it was only just midnight, he was surprised and maybe scared, just as everyone else was.  He ran out on the roof and called out "Mr. Fisher, land the boat, the world is coming to an end."  I told him that if the world were coming to an end that we might as well go in the middle of the river as at the bank, and kept on going.  It took just as long to get dark again as it did to get light - about an hour.  Then in another half hour the stars had come out, one by one, just as you see them at sunset - the big bright ones first and then the whole field of little ones.  I looked for all the stars I knew by sight and as they came back, one by one, I began to feel more confidence in the reality of things.  I couldn't tell at all where the light came from - but it grew absolutely broad daylight.  That one hour's experience had more to do with turning my hair white than anything that ever occurred to me, for it certainly did seem a strange phenomenon.  "Was it worse than going into a battle?" I asked.  Yes, a hundred times worse, because it was different.  When you go into battle you know just what danger is, and you nerve yourself to meet it.  It is just the same as bracing yourself to meet a known danger in your work - wind, lightning or storm - you know what to expect and if you have any nerve you just hold yourself in and let it come.  This was different; you didn't know what was coming next, but I guess we all thought just as the captain did, that it was the end of the world.  I confess that I was scared, but I had the boat to look out for and until the world did really come to an end I was responsible for her, and so stood by and you know that helps to keep your nerves where they belong.  I just hung on to the wheel and kept her in the river, but held one eye on the western sky to see what was coming next.  I hope when my time comes I shall not be scared to death, and I don't believe I shall be.  It will come in a natural way and there won't be anything to scare a man.  It is the unknown and mysterious that shakes him and this midnight marvel was too much for any of us.  We had a great many signs before the war and I believe this marvel was one of them, only we didn't know how to read it.' " Captain Merrick graphically describes a race between the Itasca and the Gray Eagle, which took place in 1856 on the Mississippi from Dunleith to St. Paul.  He says:  "As a race against time, the run of the Gray Eagle was something really remarkable.  A sustained speed of over sixteen miles an hour for a distance of 300 miles up stream is a wonderful record for an inland steamboat, anywhere, upper river or lower river, and the pride which Captain Harris had in his boat was fully justified.  'A' few years later she struck the Rock Island bridge and sank in less than five minutes, a total loss.  It was pitiful to see the old captain leaving the wreck, a broken-hearted man, weeping over the loss of his darling and returning to his Galena home, never again to command a steamboat.  He had, during his eventful life on the upper river built and owned or commanded scores of steamboats and this was the end."  Captain D. Smith Harris in 1855 brought out the Gray Eagle which had been built at Cincinnati at a cost of $60,000.  He built her with his own money or at least had a controlling interest and intended her to be the fastest boat on the river. Debbie Clough G-erischer FAMILY="SERIF" FACE="Rockwell" LANG="0 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/rw/Yl.2ADE/1903.1 Message Board Post: Am wondering how you are related to Jurgen Risch. I am a granddaughter of Jurgen Risch. My mother was Alma Risch (Hugo Ruwe). Would be interested in hearing from you through email or possibly we could exchange phone numbers as I have lots of information that you may or may not have. Thank you.

Davenport Times Davenport, Scott, Iowa Saturday, March 10, 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. Dickson, Miss Bessie, r 318 e Front Dickson, Miss Mary, cigmkr r 1348 2d av Dickson, Mary, wid Frank r 1348 2d av Dickson, Lieut. Tracy E Ordnance Dept r R I Arsenal Dieckman, Alphonse, wife Amelia r 320 w 5th Diederich, Albert, wks C R I & P r 322 Gaines Diederich, August, wife Wilhelmina, shoemkr, 322 Gaines r same Diederich, Fred W wife August cooper r Rockingham rd nr Lincoln av Diederich, Geo. wife Lena tmstr Schick's Exp r 1303 w 4th Diederich, Miss Julia wks Roddewig & S r 329 Gaines Diederichsen, Miss Christina, r 1333 w 8th Diederichsen, Lorenz H, wife Emma Practical Plumber and Gasfitter, 528 Brady r 1333 w 8th Diedrichsen, George I, driver bds 324 w Front Diedrick, Adam M wife Carrie, grocer, 1054 e Front r same Diehn (See also Dean) Diehn, August, grocer, 532 w 4th r 2119 w 4th Diehn, Christian C wife Emma sawyer Dav. Cigar Box Co r 2115 w 4th Diehn, George, lab, bds 531 w 2d Diehn, Henry wife Fredericka vice-pres Dav. Cigar Box Co 527 w 2d r 2119 w 4th Diehn, Henry jr wife Louisa foreman Dav. Cigar Box Co r 2020 w 5th Diehn, Herman asst treas Flick & J Con Co 53 Schmidt bldg r 2119 w 4th Diehn, Julius wks Dav. Cigar Box Co r 2115 w 4th Dieckmann, Henry W wife Amalia lab r 1329 Gaines Diekman, Joseph mch opr Brammer Mnfg Co bds 212 Scott Diemer, Arthur M collr R I Fuel Co r 509 Oneida av Diemer, Miss Grace E dressmkr r 509 Oneida av Dietrich, Frank C r 517 e 15th Dietrich, Lizzie L wid Wm J r 517 e 15th Dietrick, John wife Barbara r 2507 Grand av Dietz, John W clk R I & P, r Rock Island Ill. Dietz, Regina, wid Frank r 1218 Tremont av Dieudonne, Nicholas wks U N Roberts Co bds 415 e 4th Dillard, James C (col) bootblack, r 550 e 11th Dilley, Charlotte M wid S B r 1712 Iowa Dilley, Lewis A wife Edith A bkpr r 1329 Carey av Dilley, Miss Lillian M r 1712 Iowa Dillig, August wife Bertha porter R Krause Co r 920 Warren Dillig, Miss Catherine wks Dav. Pearl B Co r 706 w 2d Dillig, Christian wife Catharine, shoemkr 706 w 2d r same Dillig, Miss Clara wkd Dav Pearl B Co r 706 w 2d Dillig, Miss Ella, wks Dav Pearl B Co r 706 w 2d Dillon, Miss Belle M, nurse r 1136 e Locust Dillon, Miss Julia rest 315 Brady r 7 Petersen blk Dillon, Mary wid Thomas r 1136 e Locust Dillon, Michael wife Ann lab r 1039 w 2d Dillon, Wm H, r 624 w Front Dils, Miss Millie J r 825 e 15th Dils, Thomas M wife Mary F carp r 825 e 15th Dilzer, Adolph V wife Katherine S mach opr Sears-Frizzell Co r 1402 Taney Dinkelmann, Louis, lab bds 1844 Bowditch Dinsmore, Miss Viola G matron Soldiers Orphans' Home r same Dishinger, Edward clk Leonard Bros r 625 e 6th Dishinger, Jacob, wife Bridget lab r 625 e 6th Dishinger, Wm T wife Jennie wks C R I & P r 625 e 6th Dismer, Wm wife Lizzie farmer r 2604 Harrison Disney, Sherman T wife Anna G tmstr r 1636 w 3d District Court Room, 3d fl Court House Ditch, John , blksmith G Shado r Rock Island Ill. Ditewig, George U S meat insp bds 1410 Perry Dithmarscher Rye Mills W A Boetger propr 224 Howell Dittmann, Miss Amelia dom 1518 Perry Dittmann, Frank E elect r 1438 Catawba Dittmann, Frank W wife Adeline gardener r 1922 Brown Dittmann, Frederick H wife Minnie C lab r 2122 Scott Dittman, Harry C wife Mary, driver fire dept r 525 w 15th Dittman, Miss Ida M stenog H M Henley r 1922 Brown Dittmann, Miss Pauline O music tchr r 1922 Brown Dittmann, Miss Stella M launderss Buck & Co r 525 w 15th Dittmann, Wm G wife Emma M r 1432 Catawba Cathy Joynt Labath Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm

The Gazette Davenport, Scott, Iowa Jan 10, 1850 Alfred Sanders, Editor FROM THE CALIFORNIA EMIGRANTS Quite a number of letters, from those who went overland from this county to California, were received in this place last week. A letter from Mr. Thomas to Mr. Crossin, of Davenport, dated at Sacramento City, the 18th of Sept., states that his party arrived there on the 5th of that month. Mr. Hires, of Princeton precinct, Scott county, preceded him several days. Cheever & Fry of this county and Dr. Brackett of Rock Island, had arrived previously.-- John Fisher, formerly of this place, who was reported to have been shot, was at work on the American Fork. Mr. Thomas speaks of the hardships of the route, of the quantity of gold in California, wages, provisions, etc., in the same strain of Mr. Lambert in the following extract which we are permitted to make from his letter, dated at Sacramento City, Oct. 2d, 1849:- "We have all of us, who started from Davenport, got through safe, with our two wagons.- Dr. Brown, Daniel Hawley and R. Scroggins with one team; and David Rogers, S. Stockton and myself with the other. We six have messed together and traveled together, from Davenport to Sacramento City, at Sisters Fort. We have traveled over all kinds of roads, and mountains of the roughest kind; the dust of the roads in many places over our boot tops. But, thank God, we have all arrived safely in Sacramento. We have not lost an ox or broke a wagon since we left home, or any of us had serious sickness on the route. But there are thousands who have died and been laid beneath the clods of the prairies, away from their wives and children, from father, mother, brothers, sisters all the heart holds dear. And there are thousands who left the States who have lost their teams- some died and some stolen by the Indians- and a great many have been obliged to pack through on their own backs. what is to become of those who are behind us, we are said to number eight thousand teams, some of them four or five we eks behind! God only knows what will be their fate. There is not feed on all the roads over the mountains for one-half of the cattle.- God save the families of women and children that are yet behind. Although the government has appropriated one hundred thousand dollars and sent over cattle and provisions to assist the back emigrants, yet many must perish. We should have got through three weeks sooner only we took a new trail from Mary, on Humboldt river, and crossed the mountains up near the Oregon line, which made our road two or three hundred miles further than the old road; but we were obliged to take the new road on account of scarcity of food for our cattle in the old road. There is plenty of gold here if it will not all be got in fifty years. It has been very sickly in the mines this summer, but it is said to be now more healthy. I cannot tell what I shall do at this time. Carpenter's wages in the city are from 15 to 20 dollars per day, and any kind of labor, from 8 to 10 dollars per day. Pork sells for 40 dollars per bbl; and flour 16 dollars per bbl; sugar and coffee 15 cents per lb; cheese 1 dollar per lb; butter the same; potatoes 50 cents per lb; onions one dollar per lb; fresh beef 25 cents per lb; dry goods are cheap. It is now six months, within seven days, since I left home. There is the best opportunity here now to make money that I ever saw or heard of. Some make fifty thousand dollars in a few months, and some make nothing. We have been very busy this day getting ready to go up to the mines. We start to-night at 12 o'clock. We are going on the south branch of the American Fork, about 50 miles from Sacramento City. There are four of us in company, David Rogers, Robert Scroggins, Daniel Hawley and myself. We are taking up a load of provisions with our team. I shall write again soon. G.W. LAMBERT. Cathy Joynt Labath Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm

John Langseth Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Langseth, Soleberg, Tarbet, Rothstein, Innes, Young. John Langseth, who is the president of the Dixon Savings Bank and for more than a quarter of a century has been connected with the stock business in Iowa, was born in Christiania, Norway, September 29, 1846, a son of Hans and Christina (Soleberg) Langseth, who were natives of the same place as their son. The father followed farming somewhat in the old country and accordingly in 1854 came to America. He settled first in Rock Island, Illinois, where he secured work as a laborer, a few years later he resumed farming, to which he devoted himself with good success. In 1864 he moved his family to Scott county, Iowa, and in Allens Grove township secured a tract of land, which remained his home throughout the remaining years of his life. Two children were born to him and his wife: John, the subject of this sketch; and Mrs. Mary Tarbet, of Calamus, Clinton county, Iowa. John Langseth accompanied his parents when they came to the Unites States and on their removal to Scott county, living with them in Allens Grove township, until 1871,w hen he married and set out to make his own way in the world. For five years he worked on a farm in this county and then engaged in mercantile business in Buena Vista, Clinton county, which he conducted for about twenty years. At the end of that period, in 1896, he sold his store and went to Wright county, spending five years there, although he did not relinquish his connection with business during that time but was actively engaged in buying and selling stock. He returned to Dixon in 1904. In September of the following year Mr. Langseth became instrumental in the organization of the Dixon Savings Bank, of which he was elected president, and in this capacity he has continued to guide the policy of the institution. It is a flourishing concern, supplying a long felt want in the community, but while it has given ! a field for the exercise of the pronounced business ability which is one of Mr. Langseth's predominant characteristics, it has not wholly absorbed his time, for he is still interested in the buying and selling of stock, in which he has engaged, in connection with his other enterprises, for more than twenty-five years. It has been one avenue through which success has come to him, although in this as in the other walks of life, his good fortune has been dependent upon those sterling qualities of manhood which came to him as a heritage from his father. The latter was one of the substantial citizens of his community, although he ad come to this country a poor man, and, profiting by his example, the son has risen to a position of honor, respect and prosperity among those with whom he has come in contact. It was in 1871 that Mr. Langseth was united in marriage to Miss Ellen E. Rothstein, who was born in Mexico, Pennsylvania, June 29, 1850. In her infancy she was adopted by F. E. Rothstein, and at the age of two years was taken by him to California, where she lived for about seven years. At the end of that time she came to Scott county and was living in Allens Grove at the time of her marriage. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Langseth, namely: Elizabeth, now the wife of James A. Innes, of Eagle Grove, Iowa; Mary Elizabeth, the wife of J. F. Young, of Oklahoma; Ruth Irene, a senior at the State College at Ames, Iowa; John F., who died in 1885 at the age of seven; and Ervin S., who also passed away in that year when he was three years old. Mr. Langseth is a member of Dixon Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and of the Masonic Lodge at Wheatland. In both of these societies he is very active and plays a prominent part in their work and social affairs. Indeed he is a man who makes his way to the fore in whatever he undertakes, and the community feels the effect of his energetic personality and his power to accomplish the things upon which he sets his determination. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Thies Nagel Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Nagel, Kingsley, Sergent, Cosgrove, Jensen, Wessel, Jepsen, Junge, Russell, Gilmore, McDowell, Pringle. Labor is the law of life and the world has little respect for the idler. Not until old age is reached does it seem fitting that man should put aside the cares and responsibilities of business, thus relegating to others the burdens that he should bear. A very busy and useful life has been that of Thies Nagel and now, at the age of ninety-one years, he is enjoying a well earned and well merited rest. He was for many years associated with industrial interests in Davenport as a carpenter and cabinetmaker. He was born in Dithmarschen, Holstein, Germany, January 16, 1819, a son of Henry and Margaret Nagel, who spent their entire lives in Germany, where the father was employed as a farm hand. Thies Nagel had but limited opportunities in his youth but learned well the lessons of industry and frugality. After attending the schools of the neighborhood to some extent he took up the trade of carpentering and cabinetmaking. When he was asked by an educated man why he was coming to America he answered that in a new country they would need houses and there would be chances for the builder. He therefore boxed up his tools and work bench and started for the new world in 1852, accompanied by his wife and four children. After nine weeks spent upon the briny deep they landed at New Orleans and thence made their way up the Mississippi river by steamboat to St. Louis, where they arrived after at rip of eleven days. By that time there was so much ice in the river that they could not get a boat to Davenport, which was their destination. They, therefore, spent the winter in S. Louis and the following spring came tot his city. After arriving in Davenport Mr. Nagel was first employ! ed by Mr. Kingsley, an English carpenter boss. His shop was on the alley between Fifth and Sixth streets and Brady and Main. He not only worked at his trade but also began to learn the English language under the direction of his employer. He was very eager to master the language and to this end had studied all the way over from Germany. Among his fellow workers in that early day was George McClellan, who later became one of the most prominent men of Davenport. Mr. Nagel was in the employ of Mr. Kingsley for two years, his first labor being in connection with the construction of a building for Mr. Sergent at the head of Brady street. Mr. Sergent was the first banker of Davenport and Mr. Nagel made the doors and window frames of his house by hand, as there was no machinery for such purposes at that time. He afterward worked on the North Putnam building, which was known then as the LeClaire row. For a time he was engaged on the construction of that row, which when completed was the finest in the town. He was also employed on the building of a residence for Antoine LeClaire, which later became the home of Bishop Cosgrove. About 1853 he also worked on the St. Joseph's Catholic church at the corner of Fourth and Main streets, this being the oldest Catholic church in Davenport, and it was the first building on that block, the entire block being given by Antoine LeClaire for the purpose for which it was used. Carpenters in those times re! ceived a wage of a dollar per day. Mr. Nagel's employer had three prices--a dollar, a dollar and a bit and a dollar and two bits-according to the efficiency of the workman and the importance of the class of work which he did. Mr. Nagel was recognized as a fine mechanic but, as he was a new man, was placed in the middle class, as his labor was somewhat hampered by the fact that he could not be sent out alone on a job, as he did not them sufficiently understand the English language. In 1857 the country became involved in a financial panic and work became very scarce. Mr. Nagel was then compelled to go to Rock Island, where he worked for a year and his services were paid for only in merchandise. Times improving, however, he returned to Davenport and obtained employment in the furniture factory of Collins & Skeel, there continuing until the time of the war, when he turned his attention to bee culture and has since devoted his energies largely to the management of an apiary. During the war he purchased a small tract of land in the suburbs of Davenport, erected thereon a comfortable residence and lived there until 1893, when he went to live with his son, J. J., at his present home at No. 906 West Locust street. Mr. Nagel was married in 1843 to Ingeborg Jensen, who died in 1857, leaving four children: Margaret, the wife of Hartwig Wessel, of California; Jen J.; Christina, the wife of Hans Jepsen of Davenport; and Catharine, the wife of Ferdinand Junge, of Nebraska. Of this family Jens J. Nagel was born in Germany, June 26, 1846, and was brought to America by his parents when six years old. The first school he attended was at the corner of Fifth and Scott streets in Davenport and he passed through consecutive grades until he was graduated from the high school and also from the training school. Following his graduation he became a teacher in the country school in Liberty township, eighteen miles from Davenport there remaining for a year. This was during the period of the Civil war. He afterward returned to Davenport and entered the training school. Subsequently he spent two years as general delivery clerk under Edward Russell in the Davenport postoffice and then resumed teaching, since which time he has devoted his attention to the to the profession. He taught in Davenport until 1866 and then went to Minneapolis, where he became principal of a school, so continuing until 1869, when he returned to this city and was continuously numbered ! among its public-school instructors until 1909. He taught in the Madison school for thirty-nine years and at present is connected with Duncan's Business College. He is one of the best known representatives of educational interests in this part of the state and his labors have been a most forceful and beneficial factor in promoting the interests of public education. Professor Nagel was married July 2, 1872, to Miss Sadie Gilmore, a daughter of George and Maria Gilmore, of Minneapolis, Minnesota. They have become parents of six children. Walter, who enlisted for service in Company B, Fiftieth Iowa Regiment, in the Spanish-American war, contracted fever from which he died while in camp at Jacksonville, Florida, when twenty-six years of age. He was a graduate of Stanford University. Laura is a teacher of the high school in California. Alice is the wife of John E. McDowell, who is assistant registrar in the employ of the state government at St. Paul, Minnesota, married Ruby Pringle. Helen is now a member of the junior class in Stanford University. Margaret is a pupil in the grammar school of Davenport. Thies Nagel was a prominent member of the Lutheran church and in politics is a stalwart republican, having continuously supported the party since Fremont was its first presidential candidate. Professor Nagel and his family are member of the congregational church and he is an advocate of prohibition principles, casting his ballot in support of the men and measures that promote the temperance cause. Both father and son have led honorable, upright lives and their history is closely interwoven with the industrial and educational records of this city. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Frank H. Maass Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Maass, Parsell, Porter. Frank H. Maass, who from early manhood made his home in Scott county, passing away in Davenport July, 19, 1900, was born in Prussia, Germany, on the 1st of August, 1852. He remained a resident of his native land until his fourteenth year, when he came to America and for a short time resided in Cincinnati. He then came to Scott county and for a year was employed at farm labor after which he took up his abode in Davenport and established a livery business which he conducted until his death. He first drove a hack for Judge Parsell and managed his livery barn, but later formed a partnership and purchased a livery barn on Commercial alley, which he conducted until the fall of 1884. The following spring he sold out there and bought the livery business of Bob Porter on Fourth street. There he remained until his death and his barn was liberally patronized, so that his business proved a profitable enterprise. He also conducted an undertaking business for a time and bought and sold h! orses being seldom if ever mistaken in the value of an animal, so that his investments were directed by sound judgment and resulted in substantial success. At the husband's death Mrs. Maass became the owner of the livery barn and since that time has sold an interest in the business to Mr. Atkinson, who has charge thereof. Mr. Maass was a member of Unity Lodge, A. F. & A. M., in which he filled nearly all of the chairs and at one time served as master. He also belonged to Tecumseh Tribe, No. 32, I. O. R. M. In Masonry he attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and was ever an interested exponent of the principles of the craft. In politics he was independent, but was a public-spirited citizen and a charitable, kindly man, ever ready to lend a helping hand where assistance was needed. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Theodore Petersen Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Petersen, Klug, Kruse, Weis, Roddewig, Sonntag. The history of Theodore Petersen constitutes an interesting and important chapter in the commercial records of Davenport for through forty years he was classed with the leading merchants of the city. His devotion to his business interests, his close application and his thorough reliability were features in his life that won for him the respect of his colleagues and associates and constituted an example that is well worthy of emulation. He was born November 6, 1836, on the island of Fehmarn, Germany, and spent the period of his minority in his native country. But the opportunities of the new world constituted for him an irresistible call and in 1858 he severed the ties which bound him to Germany and crossed the Atlantic. For a year he remained a resident of New York and then came to Davenport, entering business circles in this city as a salesman in the employ of Otto Klug, with whom he continued for two years. He afterward went to Chicago where he remained for two years, being employed there by Sehn Brothers, the firm of Herzberg & Goodman and Kehoe & Company. On the expiration of that period he returned to Davenport and in 1872 formed a partnership with Fred Kruse at 310 West Second street. There they conducted business for many years and in that period developed an enterprise of large proportions, carrying an extensive stock and meeting the demands of the public in a liberal business policy and with prog! ressive methods. Systematic and methodical in the conduct of the business, careful in management and reliable in all commercial transactions and relations, he won an enviable reputation and was accorded a volume of business that made the undertaking one of substantial profit. After the death of Mr. Kruse in 1902 Mr. Petersen retired, tuning over his interests to his son, Julius N. It was in Davenport that Mr. Petersen was married to Miss Katherine Weis, and unto them were born five children: Theodore, who died in 1897 at the age of twenty-seven years; George P.; Julius N., junior partner in the firm of Petersen & Petersen; Olga, the wife of Louis E. Roddewig; and Elsa, the wife of Philip A. Sonntag. Mr. Petersen passed away on the 18th of April, 1904. He was prominent among the German-American residents of Davenport and was one of the organizers of the Turngemeinde, of which he was a member for over a quarter of a century. He preferred to do his duty as a private citizen yet was never neglectful of his obligations to the public welfare but gave of his time and means to further municipal interests. As the architect of his own fortune he builded wisely and well. No vain hope allured him to the new world. He had no untried standards but at all times recognized the fact that indefatigable labor is the basis of success and that commercial integrity constitutes an indispensable feature therein. He therefore labored earnestly to win his advancement and for a considerable period occupied a conspicuous and creditable place among the successful business men of this city. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

George Frauen Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. To view the pictures of Christian and George Frauen that accompany this biography, please go to the main Scott county, Iowa page at: http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ and click on Pictures/ Documents section. Surnames: Frauen, Golinghorst, Duge, Runge, Boll, Heilmann. A highly cultivated farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 20, hickory Grove township, is the home of George Frauen. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, February 22, 1852, and on the 1st of April following was brought to Scott county by his parents, Christian and Mary (Golinghorst) Frauen. The father was born in Holstein, Germany, July 25, 1819, and came as youth to America. For fourteen years thereafter he followed the sea, touching the ports of New York, Boston, Philadelphia and New Orleans. He then abandoned a seafaring life and, locating in the Crescent city, there he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Golinghorst, who was born in Hanover, Germany, January 1, 1828, and came to America a year or two prior to her marriage. They began their domestic life in the Crescent city but there remained for only one year, removing to St. Louis in 1850. It was while residing in that city that their two sons, John and George, were born, the former on the 4th of April, 1850. A! fter a residence of but two years in St. Louis, the father sought a home in Iowa, making a permanent location on eighty acres of land in Hickory Grove township, Scott county. He then took up the work of general farming, which he continued to follow throughout his remaining years, but in the meantime he added to his possessions, owning at the time of his death a half section of land. The wife and mother departed his life on the 10th of May , 1889, and the father, surviving for a long period, was called to the home beyond on the 7th of February, 1907, having reached the age of eighty-eight years. Both are buried on the home farm. This place is now owned by the son John, it comprising on hundred and sixty acres on section 19, Hickory Grove township. He is engaged in farming and is numbered among the substantial residents of this section of Iowa. George Frauen, the immediate subject of this review, was but a few weeks old when brought by his parents to Scott county. He was reared to farm life, spending his time in the usual manner of farm lads of that period. When starting out upon an independent career, he chose the occupation to which he had been reared, first renting land of his father and cultivating it for about fifteen years. In the meantime he prospered and in 1891 was able to purchase his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located on section 20, Hickory Grove township. Since taking possession he has made substantial improvements and now has a valuable property, the soil yielding rich harvests in their season. He gives his time to farming and stock-raising and is meeting with merited success. Mr. Frauen has been married twice. He first wedded, in 1875, Miss Doris Duge, who was born in Davenport and passed away in Hickory Grove township in 1891, at the comparatively early age of thirty-three years. She was a daughter of Louis Duge, a native of Germany. At her death she left eight children: Edward, a resident of the state of Washington; Mary, the wife of Louis Runge, of Allens Grove township, Scott county; Christ, who makes his home in Minnesota; George, who is located in Davenport; Dora, the wife of Charles Boll, a resident of Hickory Grove township; Henry; Louis; and Annie. Mr. Frauen was married on the 12th of April, 1896, to Hattie Heilmann, who was born in Bæarn, Germany, on Christmas day of 1872 and came to the new world in 1893. After a time spent in Chicago, she came to Scott county, where she has since made her home. By her marriage she has become the mother of seven children: Annie, John, Hugo, William, Helbert, Rosa and Leonard. Mr. Frauen belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Davenport and to the Knights of Pythias lodge at Walcott. He is an enterprising and progressive farmer, as is indicated by a glance at his well kept farm. Is one of the nice country homes of Hickory Grove township and its hospitality is one of its most pleasing features. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

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/492.1 Message Board Post: also looking for fullers in big rock ( bucnanan Va). andrew jackson Fuller married a watie lester.

Chapter 14 cont. THE BOATS OF OTHER DAYS Of the early boats stopping at this port Captain W. L. Clark furnishes the names, and the steamers that came up from St. Louis in 1827, for the government and for traffic at the Galena lead mines and with supplies for the few settlers; they were:  Red Rover, Captain Otis Reynolds; the Shamrock, Captain James May; the Indiana and Black  Rover, captains' names not recalled.  The captains in 1831 and 1832 were:  Throckmorton, steamer Warrior; O'Flagerty, Forsyth, VanHouten.  Captains from 1833 until 1836; Cole, Smith Harris, Orin Smith, Scribe Harris, Ben Campbell, Cameron, Clime, Ward, John Atchinson, George Atchinson, Mark Atchinson and Hardin Roberts; from 1836 until 1842; Leroy Gabbert, Blakesley, K. Lodwich, John Lodwich and Barger. Several of the commanders named above continued on the upper river until 1850, and three or four until the early '60s.   Mrs. Erie Dodge, of Buffalo, Scott county, kept a record of early years and noted the following list of names of vessels that plied the waters of the Mississippi:  1845 - War Eagle, St. Croix, Fortuna, Mungo Park, Monona, Mendota, Galena, Falcon, Lynx, Uncle Toby, Time, St. Louis, Oak, Sarah Ann, Cecilia, General Block, Osprey, Potosi, Reveille, Lebanon, LaSalle, Confidence, Amaranth, Brazil, Iron City, Iowa Mermaid, Dial, Nimrod, Otter, U. S. Mail, Herald, Iowa, New Haven, Archer, Jasper, Ohio; 1848 - Iowa City, Uncle Toby, Montauk, Bon Accord, Senator, Red Wing, Pearl, Domain, Clermont, Confidence, Falcon, Piazza, Mondoanna, Mary Blain, Ellen, Dubuque, St. Peters, Time and Tide, Alexander Hamilton, Highland Mary, Odd Fellow, Ohio Mail, Otter, DeKalb, Leiza Stewart, Kentucky, North Alabama, Dan Rice; 1849 - Senator, St. Croix, American Eagle, Dr. Franklin, Bon Accord, St. Peters, Time and Tide, Newton, Wagoner, Otter, Archer, Oswego, War Eagle, Dubuque, Clermont No. 2, Montauk, Highland Mary, Financier, Anthony Wayne, Cora, Kentucky, Red Wing, Bay State Planter, Oregon, Wisconsin, Palo Alto, Saranak, Revenue Cutter, Herald, American, Yankee, Mary Blaine, Domain, Allegheny Mail, Tiger, Piazza, Magnet, Danube, Minnesota, Caroline, No Name.  John P. Robertson, a  Davenport boy of long ago, loved the river and kept this list of boats which landed here from 1850 to 1852; Amaranth, Archer, Asia, Anthony Wayne, Bon Accord, Black Hawk, Brunette, Brazil, Ben Campbell, Ben Franklin, Cora, Caleb Cope, Danube, Di Vernon, Diadem, Enterprise, Express, Excelsior, Fortune, Falcon, Fleetwood, Financier, Galena, General Gaines, Golden Era, G. W. Sparhawk, Glaucus, Highland Mary, Iron City, Iowa, Ione, Irene, J. H. McKee, Jennie Lind, Lamertine, Lynx, Mendota, Minnesota, Monogalhela, Mary Blaine, Montauk, Martha No. 1, Martha No. 2, Mary O, Northerner, Nauvoo, Osprey, Ohio, Oshkosh, Oneoto, Ocean Wayne, Pembina, Potosi, Prairie Bird, Red Wing, Robert Fulton, Ripple, St. Paul, Shenandoah, St. Croix, Silas Wright, Swamp Fox, Senator, Time and Tide, Tempest, Tobacco Plant, Uncle Toby, War Eagle, Wisconsin, Warrior, Wyoming.  All these boats were built for freight and passengers and the most of them were side-wheelers.  Trade was immensely profitable.  Previous to 1850 there were no boat lines as we have today represented locally by agents.  Each captain solicited freight when his boat came to land.  Emigration was tremendous and freight rates high.  Steamboats costing fifty thousand dollars would pay for themselves in a single season.  In the season of 1855 from the arrival of the first boat, March 15th, to the time of the river closing, December 8th, there were 1,113 arrivals and departures of steamboats at the Davenport landing.  Of all these boats about six were lost during the season, four being burned and two sunk. 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: HOBBS Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Yl.2ADE/2314 Message Board Post: Hi! I am looking for more information regarding: Hobbs, Anna, d. 7 Mar 1907, 79 yrs, lot 268 O Hobbs, Oliver E., b. 27 Oct 1874, d. 13 Mar 1962, lot 268 O I am researching this HOBBS family (as my previous messages indicate) and took the above information off the web site. (Anna died on Mar 5, 1907 by the way.) I am interested to know who owned the plot and if anyone else is buried there. Any assistance would be greatly welcome. Does anyone know the address of this cemetery and who to contact? Thank you!!! Robyn

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: HARVEY, HOWERSTOCK, MOOTHART, YOUNG, HOUT, HAWKINS Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Yl.2ADE/2313 Message Board Post: HARVEY Mrs. Thomas HARVEY died Tuesday after a short illness of pneumonia. The deceased was a daughter of Levi and Hanna HOWERSOCK MOOTHART. Born in Stephenson county, Illinois, Sept. 16, 1862, and was the youngest of a family of 11 children. Her untimely death is expecially sad since eight small children are left to mourn. Two brothers and three sisters survive; Mrs. Mary YOUNG, Mrs. Ella HOUT, Thos. J. MOOTHART, W.P. MOOTHART, of this city, and Mrs. Kate HAWKINS of Ainsworth. Date: March 6, 1907 Source: The Davenport Democrat and Leader ***Disclaimer: I have NO additional information on this family and am not related!***

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: HOFSTEATER, MATTHEWS, ROWAN Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Yl.2ADE/2312 Message Board Post: HOFSTEATER Eli HOFSTEATER, aged 82, died Tuesday night at his home south of Ainsworth, after an illness of several days of pneumonia. The deceased was born in Columbia county, Ohio, Jan. 15, 1825. He came west in 1851 and located near Ainsworth. Five children survive: W.O. HOFSTEATER, of Rosalio, Wash.; Margaret HOFSTEATER of Ainsworth; Mrs. F.M. MATTHEWS of Kansas City; Mrs. R. J. ROWAN of Ainsworth; Howard HOFSTEATER of Talladega, Ala. Date: March 6, 1907 Source: The Davenport Democrate and Leader ***Disclaimer: I have NO information about this family and am not related!***

John Benedict Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Benedict, Keys. John Benedict, who is one of the prominent and successful business men of Davenport, was born in Rock Island, Illinois, September 2, 1864. His father, John Benedict, Sr., was a native of Pennsylvania, where he grew to maturity and was married, but with the hope of bettering his fortunes he brought his family west. He chose Rock Island as his destination, but at Geneseo, Illinois, was stricken with typhoid fever and there died. His widow, continuing to the end of the journey, took up her residence in Rock Island where she made her home throughout the rest of her life. John Benedict, reared in the city of his birth, is indebted to its public schools for the education he acquired. He was not long permitted, however, to devote his time to his studies, for at any early age he had to begin work. Then, as now, he believed that a man could do his best work when conducting his own business, and through pluck and industry, he was soon able to open an establishment of which he was the head, being engaged in the manufacture of reed chairs and children's carriages. He notably prospered while in Rock Island, but feeling that larger opportunities lay in Davenport, he removed to this city. Shortly after his arrival here he sold his business and became a traveling representative and later manager of the Morgan Match Company, continuing in the latter capacity until 1904, when he again established a business of his own. In the subsequent years he has dealt in building material, his trade covering a radius of two hundred miles from Davenport. While Mr. Be! nedict possesses in high degree those faculties which are so potent in winning trade, he is also endowed with the ability to so conduct his affairs that they will gain for him a well deserved success financially and the good will of those who have dealings with him. In December, 1889, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Benedict and Miss Minnie May Keys, a native of Rock Island. Two daughters, Almira May and Minnie Esther, have been born to them. Mr. Benedict is a member of the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and also belongs to other organizations of a social and fraternal nature. He is a republican in his political preferences but is not an aspirant for office. Nevertheless he has strong feelings upon the matter of government, and high ideals as regard citizenship in general but in particular in regard tot eh freedom of office from graft and all illicit practices. He has always taken a keen interest in matters of public concern, and, being a man of strong convictions and endowed with a power of expressing his views convincingly, his influence, ever asserted in worthy cause, is not without its effect. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Isaac Sears Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Sears, Howe, Haight, Jennings, Knostman, Dow, Murphy. Isaac H. Sears, long one of the most prominent representatives of the business men of Davenport, has been a resident of the city for more than a half century and, although he has now passed the eighty-eighth milestone on life's journey, he may still be seen each day at the Scott County Savings Bank, of which he has been the only president, called to this office in 1883. Although the snow of many winters has whitened his hair, in spirit and in interest he seems yet in his prime. Old age need not suggest as a matter of course helplessness or want of occupation. On the contrary, there is an old age which grows stronger and brighter mentally and morally as the years advance and continually gives out of its rich stores of wisdom and experience for the benefit of others. Such is the record of Isaac H. Sears, a man honored wherever known and most of all where he is best known. Mr. Sears was born near Ballston, Saratoga county, New York, October 9, 1821, his parents being Alexander and Mary (Howe) Sears, who were also natives of that locality, although the Howes were of an old Connecticut family, while the Sears came form Massachusetts. The father was a blacksmith by trade and died about 1845. The mother lived to be more than ninety years of age. Both the grandfathers of Isaac H. Sears were soldiers of the Revolutionary war. In the father's family were nine children, of whom three died in infancy. One of the sons, Epeneus Sears, was an early settler of Fremont county, Iowa, where he engaged in the practice of law and served as judge of the district court. Isaac H. Sears attended the common schools until eighteen years of age, when he left home in order to have better opportunities of earning a livelihood. The first year he was employed in a clerical capacity in connection with the Croton Water Works. He afterward went to Berlin, Connecticut, where he spent a year as a clerk for a brother who was a contractor for the New Haven & Hartford Railroad. He afterward occupied a clerical position in connection with the Erie canal which was being widened and deepened. He spent about a years in that way and also a similar period in the service of the Albany & West Stockbridge Railroad. Returning home, he entered the employ of a wall-paper manufactory which was organized about that time. Gradually he worked his way upward in that service until he became superintendent of the business, his connection therewith covering five years. In April, 1855, he came to Iowa and made his way at once to Davenport, which at that time contained a popula! tion of about seven thousand but had no railroad. In company with W. K. Haight he established the first wholesale and retail saddlery hardware business in Davenport, his store being located at the corner of Perry and Second streets. The business is still carried on under the name of the Sears, Frizzell Company. Mr. Sears began operations on a small scale but continued the business for over thirty years, during which time he gradually increased his stock to meet the growing demands of the trade until the enterprise assumed extensive and profitable proportions. After a time he purchased his partner's interest and a little later turned over the business to his sons, giving into their charge what had become one of the large and important mercantile interests of the city. In the meantime Mr. Sears had become one of the organizers of the Scott County Savings Bank, which was established in 1883. he was chosen a trustee and director and at the organization was also elected president, in which capacity he has continued to serve to the present time. The record of the bank is synonymous with his own honorable name and no name is more truly a synonym for business integrity and enterprise in Davenport. Mr. Sears also became a director of the Davenport Woolen Mills, was long vice president of the company and for four years has been president, succeeding Samuel A. Jennings. He has ever been recognized as a man of sound business judgment, carefully coordinating forces and utilizing methods which lead to legitimate success. He has been quick to recognize the essential, to do away with all that is unnecessary and to economize time, material and labor but never at the expense of high class production or capable service. In 1843 Mr. Sears was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Jennings, a sister of Samuel A. Jennings and a native of Saratoga county, New York. They became parents of seven children: Samuel, a member of the Sears, Frizzell Company; Alexander, who is located at Colorado Springs, Colorado; Minnie, the wife of George W. Knostman, of Davenport; Jennie, who died at the age of twenty-two years; Nancy, the wife of John F. Dow, of Davenport; Bertha, the wife of George W. Murphy, a civil engineer of Seattle; and Isaac L., manager of the leather saddlery business of the Sear, Frizzell Company. The wife and mother died July 1, 1900, after a happy married life of about fifty-seven years. In all the period of his residence in Davenport Mr. Sears has stood as the champion of those measures which tend to benefit the city along the lines of material, intellectual, poitical and moral progress. He is an old-school democrat, loyal to his belief, and for several years he served as a member of the city council and also as a member of the board of supervisors, being chairman of the board for some time, including that period in which the courthouse, the poor house and other public buildings were erected. He saw the courthouse built and paid for and then retired from the board. While living in the east he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has long been identified with the Episcopal church and his life has ever been actuated by high and honorable principles, in harmony with his professions. There are few men whose lives are crowned with the honor and respect which is uniformly accorded to Isaac H. Sears, but through more than a half century's conn! ection with Davenport's history his has been an unblemished character. With him success in life has been reached by his sterling qualities of mind and a heart true to every manly principle. He has never swerved from the path of duty and now, after a long and eventful career-in which his usefulness still continues-he can look back over the past with pride and enjoy the remaining days of his earthly pilgrimage with the consciousness of having gained for himself by his honorable, straightforward life the confidence and respect of the entire community in which he lives. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Joseph H. Skelly Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Skelly, Paulson, Jassoy, Mauwaring, Oelkers, Sieboldt. The death of Joseph H. Skelly occurred in Davenport, November 25, 1900, after a residence of seven years in this city. He was born in La Salle, Illinois, December 16, 1854. His father was a pioneer of that locality and engaged in teaming in La Salle. In his youthful days the son attended the Brothers schools and was baptized and confirmed in the Roman Catholic church at La Salle. When fourteen years of age he began providing for his own support, taking up railroad work, in which position he was advanced from office boy to clerk, operator and train dispatcher. He thoroughly learned the railroad business and became a warm personal friend of William C. Brown, they starting in together as telegraph operators. Mr. Skelly spent many years in the service of the Rock Island, Northern Pacific and the Burlington Companies, and while at Creston, Iowa became affected with telegrapher's paralysis in his right arm. In 1893 he came to Davenport from Kansas City and opened a cigar store, h! andling all kinds of smokers' supplies and winning for himself a large and profitable trade. He was popular with the people here and built up a good business, which enabled him at the time of his death to leave his family a comfortable competence. Mr. Skelly was married in Stillwater, Minnesota, in 1888, to Miss Ernestine P. Paulson, a daughter of P. A. Paulson, who came to Davenport in the '50s and was for many years one of the leading business men of the city, carrying on a jewelry store here. He was lost at sea in the wreck of the Schiller, May 9, 1875. His wife had previously passed away. He left five children, all of whom survive him: Mrs. H. T. Jassoy and Mrs. L. L. Mauwaring, both of Stillwater, Minnesota; Mrs. Theodore Oelkers, of this city; G. A., also of Davenport; and Mrs. Skelly. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Julia Sieboldt, was a native of Germany. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Skelly was born but one child, E. J., who is at home with his mother. The death of the husband and father occurred November 25, 1900. He was a member of the first Business Men's Club of Davenport, also held membership in the Masonic fraternity and gave his political allegiance to the republican party. Although confirmed in the Catholic church, he attended Grace cathedral, now Trinity cathedral, of the Episcopal faith, after his marriage. His marked qualities were those which won him kindly regard and warm friendship as well as the abiding love of his family. His success in business was attributable entirely to his own efforts, for at the early age of fourteen he started out empty-handed and labored for those advantages which others sometimes receive through inheritance or through the offices of influential friends. His own diligence constituted the key which unlocked for him the portals of success. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Fred Wernentin Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Wernentin, Doering, Berwald, Lembke. Fred Wernentin, Jr., whose life record has been characterized by an orderly progression, is now the secretary and treasurer of the Midland Plumbing Supply Company, conducting a wholesale plumbing and supply business that is hardly exceeded in the extent of trade in the state. Correctly judging of his own capacities and powers, he has utilized each passing moment to he best advantage and at all times based his business principles and conduct upon the rules which govern strict and unswerving commercial in integrity. Davenport is proud of his record, inasmuch as he is one of her native sons, his birth having occurred here in 1870. His parents were Fred and Mary (Doering) Wernentin. The former came from Germany when a young man. He had previously acquired a good education in that country, and, attracted by the reports of opportunities here offered, he crossed the Atlantic, hoping to benefit his financial condition in the new world. He came direct to Davenport, where he followed the stone-mason's trade, which he had previously learned in the land of his birth. He worked on Government Island for a time and later was appointed mail carrier, which position he filled for a number of years. He then entered the employ of John Berwald but all through this period was actuated by the laudable ambition and determination of one day engaging in business for himself. When his industry and careful expenditure made this course possible, he established a stationary and book business, in which he met with growing success, building up a good trade. Later, however, he disposed of his store and became connected with the C! orry & Wernentin Supply Company, when retired from active life to spend his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to America, for he has here found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization, as the years have gone by, has gained a substantial competence. Moreover, his social environment has been a pleasing one, for he has gained many friends during the period of his residence in the city. Fred Wernentin, Jr., is the second eldest of four children, the others being, Oscar, Edward and Clara Wernentin. At the usual age he entered the public schools but when still quite young took up the plumbing trade, to which he applied himself diligently until he had mastered the business and became an expert workman. He remained in the service of others for some time but desiring that his labors should more directly benefit himself, he embraced what he believed to be a favorable opportunity for starting out upon an independent venture. He joined John Corry in organizing what was then called the Corry & Wernentin Company. From the beginning the new enterprise prospered and its progressive policy has led to the continual expansion of the business, which more recently has been organized and incorporated under the name of the Midland Plumbing Supply Company, controlling one of the largest concerns of the kind in the state. They do a wholesale plumbing and supply business enterp! rises in Davenport. In 1898 Mr. Wernentin was married to Miss Annie Lembke, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lembke, and unto them have been born two children, but the elder, Elwin, is now deceased, having been unfortunately killed in June, 1909. The younger son Leon, is still in school. Mr. Wernentin is a very prominent Mason, the "Degree of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor" having been conferred upon him, an honor to which few attain. Diligent and determined, he brooks no obstacles that can be overcome by persistent and honorable effort, and his unfaltering industry has carried him into important business relations. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

J. C. Duncan Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Duncan, Wilson, McConnell, Freytag. One of the prominent citizens of Davenport, whose name at least is known throughout the state, is J. C. Duncan, of the Duncan Davenport Business College. He was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, December 14, 1840, of Scotch ancestors, for his grandfather, James Duncan, came from the land of hills and heather in the latter part of the eighteenth century. His son, James Duncan, was born in Virginia, but was reared by a farmer in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he made his home until 1844, when he came to Iowa, locating near LeClaire, Scott county. There he lived throughout the remained of his life and there died at the age of sixty-nine years. His wife, who had been Miss Jane Wilson, before her marriage, was a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and lived to the ripe age of sixty-eight years. Eleven children were born to them, all of whom grew to maturity and eight are still living. The second in this family and the eldest son, J. C. Duncan, grew to manhood with many of the responsibilities that fall to the share of the eldest among a number of children. He was about fourteen when his parents came to Iowa and can well remember the tedious trip by water in those days, when conveniences for traveling were few. He had received his early education in the state of his birth, but after his advent here attended the public schools of this county while giving the best of his labor to the cultivation of the farm under the guidance of his father. When he was nineteen he started out to make his own way in the world. He went first to Kansas with the intention of remaining for one month, but he discovered opportunities in that state and it was tow years before he returned to Scott county to take up farming. For the next fifteen years he toiled assiduously in the cultivation of the soil, except three years during the Civil war, but although he was successful in a meas! ure, he was confident that larger opportunities and a more congenial occupation awaited him elsewhere. Accordingly he entered, as a student, the Bryant and Stratton Business College of Davenport and, having competed the course of study, accepted a position as teacher in that institution, which he held until 1883, when he became part owner of the concern. Three years later, in 1886, he bought the interests of his partners, changed the name of his school to Duncan Davenport Business College and as such has conducted it to the present time. Its students and graduates are found throughout the country, but in the state of Iowa alone fifty-six cashiers of banks were initiated into the intricacies of business in his school. This is surely a gratifying percentage, but it does not include the many other graduates who are proving a credit to the institution and its head in positions of equal responsibility, for Mr. Duncan has made a name for himself as a thorough instructor, a man of ! fine business ability and high principles, so that the college I recognized a san institution in which thorough instruction is given and the nobler ideals of life inculcated. The students as they issue from his doors are well fitted to fill responsible positions and by their achievements spread the fair reputation of the Duncan Davenport Business College more effectively than paid advertising. In 1862, Mr. Duncan wedded Miss Nancy McConnell, who like her husband was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Of the children born to them three sons and four daughters are still living. They are Ella, now a teacher; E. H., head accountant for the Armour car lines of Chicago, Illinois; Violet, at home; Katie, the wife of Phillip Freytag, of Reynolds, Illinois; J. D., the manager of J. H. C. Petersen's general store in Davenport; Charles, who is in the wholesale grocery business in Davenport; being secretary of the company and also of the Crosset Timber Company; and Laura, a stenographer for the J. H. C. Petersen Company. For more than half a century Mr. Duncan has been a resident of Scott county, and while he has taken little active part in the affairs of local government his influence ha ever been exerted in behalf of the best interests of his fellow citizens. His support has always been given to the republican party. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen and the Masons. In the latter organization he is particularly active for he has advanced to the thirty-second degree, has been knighted I the commandery and has been admitted to the Order of the Mystic Shrine. He is one of the well known men of Davenport, where h enjoys an enviable reputation as the result of his many years of earnest endeavor and devotion to what he believed to be the right. During the dark days of the Civil war he manifested his patriotism by enlisting as a private August 15, 1862 in Company G, Twentieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, which was engaged in frontier service through Missouri, Arkansas, and Indian Te! rritory. The regiment also took part in the siege of Vicksburg and Fort Morgan and continued in active service until hostilities ceased. Mr. Duncan is now an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES

Chapter 14 cont. AN EARLY RIVER PANORAMA What did the young steamboat man see in his voyage from Cairo to Galena in 1823?  In his later years, in speaking of this trip he said that where Cairo now stands there was but one log building, a warehouse for the accommodation of keel-boat navigators of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.  Cape Girardeau, St. Genevieve and Herculaneum were small settlements averaging a dozen families each.  St. Louis was built almost entirely of frame structures and had a population of about 5,000.  The levee was a ledge of rocks with scarcely a fit landing place on the whole frontage.  Alton, Clarksville and Louisiana were minor settlements.  What is now Quincy consisted of one log cabin only, which was built and occupied by John Woods, who afterwards became lieutenant governor of the state of Illinois and acting governor.  This intrepid pioneer was "baching it," being industriously engaged in clearing a piece of land for farming purposes.  The only settler at Hannibal was one John S. Miller, a blacksmith, who removed to Galena in the autumn of 1823.  In later years Hannibal was to claim the honor of being the birthplace of Mark Twain, the humorist historian of the lower Mississippi pilot clans.  The last farm house between St. Genevieve and Galena was located at Cottonwood Priairie, (now Canton) and was occupied by one Captain White, who was prominently identified with the early development of the the northwest.  There was a government garrison at Keokuk which was then known as Fort Edwards, and another at Fort Armstrong on Rock Island.  The settlement at Galena consisted of but a dozen log cabins, a few frame shanties and a smelting furnace.  If Mr. Harris was looking only for the signs of an advancing civilization, the above probably covers about all he saw on his trip.  Other things came to his notice, however - the great river flowing in its pristine glory unvexed to the sea; islands set like emeralds in the tawny flood; the trees and bushes taking on their summer dress of green in the warm May sunshine; prairies spreading away in boundless beauty, limited only by his powers of vision.  Later, as his craft stemmed the flood and advanced up the river, he saw the hills beginning to encroach upon the valley of the river, narrowing his view; and later the crags and bastions of the bluffs of the upper river beetling over the very channel itself and lending an added grandeur to the simple beauty of the banks already passed.  His unaccustomed eyes saw the wickyups and tepees of the Indians scattered among the islands and on the lowlands, the hunters of the tribes changing the firelock for the spear and net as they sought to reap the water of its harvest of returning fish.  It was all new to the young traveler who was later to become the best known steamboat man of the upper river, the commander of a greater number of steamboats than any of his compeers and who was to know the river in all its meanderings and in all its curves better than any other who ever sailed - Daniel Smith Harris, of Galena, Illinois.  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