Alexander W. Brownlie Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. To view the picture of Alexander W. Brownlie that accompanies this biography, please go to the main Scott county, Iowa page at: http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ and click on Pictures/ Documents section. Surnames: Brownlie, Neil, McCosh, Van Patten, Fluke, Thompson, Calderwood, Fleming. Alexander W. Brownlie needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for he has made his home within the borders of Scott county for more than three score years and ten, having been brought here by his parents when in the second year of his age. He was successfully engaged in farming and stockraising throughout his active business career but is living largely retired at the present time, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease. His birth occurred in Canada on the 22d of May, 1837, his parents being James and Ritchie (Walker) Brownlie, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The father was born on the 26th of November, 1807, and the mother's birth occurred in the year 1810. They were married in Canada and remained residents of that country until 1838, when the family home was established in Scott county, Iowa, the father coming here a few months prior to the arrival of his wife and three children. James Brownlie took up a timber claim at Long Grove, w! hich place at that time boasted only one shanty. He constructed a sod house or dugout and after residing therein for a year built what was considered a commodious log house in those days. In 1851 the primitive structure was replaced by another residence, which is still standing. James Brownlie accumulated about four hundred acres of land and devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and improvement. He held various positions of public trust and responsibility and was one of the six men (all Brownlie by name) who organized the Christian church at Long Grove, in 1839. Preaching services were conducted in his home from 1839 until 1846, when a log church was erected, and he served as an elder until his demise. This church is the oldest in Scott county. Mr. Brownlie was called to his final rest in 1893 and the community thus lost one of its worthy pioneer settlers who! se labors had proved a important element in the work of early development and upbuilding. His wife passed away in 1889. Their children were six in number, as follows: Jane, who id deceased, as is also her husband, James Neil; Mrs. Isabelle McCosh, who has likewise passed away; Alexander of this review; Catherine, the deceased wife of John Fluke, of Grinnell, Iowa; Andrew, who has also been called to his final rest; an Robert, who is a resident of Long Grove. Alexander W. Brownlie began his education under the preceptorship of his parents, as there were still no schools in the pioneer community. When he was about ten years of age a little "temple of learning" was established at Long Grove with Phillip Van Patten as instructor, and there he pursued his studies for a time. He remained under the parental roof until he was married and then purchased and located upon a tract of one hundred and sixty acres near Long Grove. Part of the land was broken and after the remainder had been made ready for farming purposes he erected a dwelling and there carried on his agricultural interests for about twelve years. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode on another farm of one hundred and thirty acres a little nearer Long Grove and, disposing of his original property soon afterward, was actively engaged in its operation for a great many years. In 1876 he became interested in the live stock business in association with his brothe! r Robert and they carried on their operations in this connection for about a third of a century, making a specialty of shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs and Percheran horses. He is still engaged in the live stock business to some extent but is living largely retired at the present time, making his home at No. 501 Kirkwood avenue in Davenport. He is one of the stockholders in the Stockmen's Bank at Long Grove, which he assisted in organizing in May 1907. On the 22d of January, 1862, Mr. Brownlie was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Thompson, who was born in England on the 22d of January, 1841, and who in 1844 was brought to Scott county by her parents, the Hon. Hugh M. and Jane Thompson. Her father represented this district in the state legislature for a great many years and was also the president and manager of the Iowa Agricultural College. Mr. and Mrs. Brownlie became the parents of four children. Sarah, the eldest, wedded M. H. Calderwood, of Davenport, and is now the mother of seven children, namely: Ethel, Blanche; Errett and Almeta, twins; Helen; Dwight; and Ruth. William, the cashier of the Citizens First Bank of Davenport, wedded Miss Mary E. Fleming, by whom he has one child, Aline. Annie, who gave her hand in marriage to John Neil, of Cherokee, Iowa, now has four children: Iola, Jennie, Laverne and Bernice. Andrew Brownlie is deceased. Mrs. Elizabeth Brownlie, the wife and mother, was called to her final rest! in the year 1874. Mr. Brownlie is a lifelong member of the Christian church at Long Grove and has always held official position therein, having continuously served as trustee since its incorporation and as elder and Sunday school superintendent for about thirty years. He has spent practically his entire life in this county and is therefore familiar with its development from pioneer times down to the present, having aided in the arduous toil which brought about the wonderful transformation that is everywhere apparent in this part of the state. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES