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