This concludes Chapter 11 A TRIBUTE BY FATHER PELAMOURGUES Father Pelamourgues spoke at the third banquet of the Scott County Pioneer Settlers association to the toast:  "Antoine LeClaire - the pioneer of pioneers in this county, and the first president of the pioneers' association - identified with our city and county by almost every old-time memory, and by every association of feeling and interest - may he live long to bless the festive occasions with his great presence, and to witness the full rearing of these corporate structures, Davenport and Scott county, whose corner stones his hands laid." "Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen:  I am afraid that in responding to this toast I shall do injustice to Mr. LeClaire, and to the Old Settlers association, before which I have the honor to speak, and I am sorry that a more competent person than myself was not selected to stand in my place.  It is true a countryman of the great Lafayette is always welcome in an American gathering, let his merits be ever so little.  I have so often, since my residence among you, experienced the kindness of our first president and of the old settlers, who always tendered me the hand of friendship, that I am encouraged to say a few words.  My task is rendered light from the fact that all of you are well acquainted with  Antoine LeClaire, all of you having been like myself welcomed to the home of your choice by the pioneer of pioneers of Scott county.  Many of you found, perhaps, a shelter under his roof - for it is well-known fact that he tendred always to the stranger that benevolent hospitality which was rendered especially pleasant by the unaffected kindness of her who presided over his log cabin, who encouraged him in his hours of trial, and who more than any one else has pointed to him the good that was to be done. "LeClaire and Davenport!  Those two names are and will be for a long time to come, inseparable.  Davenport, though destined to be a city, might have languished if it had not been for the enterprising genius and liberal mind of Antoine LeClaire.  He is not a man of one idea; he seems to be made on purpose for being the founder of a city.  Liberal in his views, he never inquired of a man from what country he was coming, or to what creed he belonged.  He was kind to all and encouraged all; he tried to be a benefactor to all; he encouraged the mechanic and the professional man; he was the friend of the poor as well as the rich.  He always knew how to accommodate himself to circumstances and he was as cheerful trying his musical skill on a three stringed fiddle, and amusing  some of the old settlers - who perhaps now listen to me - as he is now in his elegant mansion surrounded by all those comforts that can render a man happy if happiness can be found upon earth. "Davenport and LeClaire!  Names inseparable.  He built the first log cabin, and in it every newcomer became his guest; he built the first church, in which he continued for many years to lead in singing the praises of God till his means permitted him to rear an edifice more suitable for the worship of th e Almighty.  He erected that hotel which for many years attracted the attention of all who passed in front of our village.  He was instrumental in building the first foundry, helped that great benefactor of our town and county, A. C. Fulton, to erect the first mill, and passing over many other good deeds, he was the first man who worked on a railroad west of the Mississippi river. "I will close, Mr. President, by saying:  May he long live to bless these festive occasions with his great presence and witness the full rearing of those corporate structures.  Davenport and Scott county, whose corner stones his hands laid." 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