James G. Madden >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Madden, Spencer, Brownlee, Greer, Whistler, Taylor, Maw, Jackson, Johnson, Elmergreen. James G. Madden is recognized as one of the capable and enterprising business men of Scott county, now engaged in buying and selling stock in partnership with the Brownlee brothers. All hi life has been devoted to farming and stock-raising and he has labored diligently and earnestly to attain the success which is now his, making him recognized as one of the substantial residents of Winfield township. It was in that township that his birth occurred May 18, 1858, his parents being John and Ellen (Spencer) Madden, who were early settlers here and were long numbered among the highly respected residents of the county. The father was born in Wigton, Cumberland, England, August 8, 1817, and at the age of sixteen years became apprenticed to the a boot and shoemaker of Liverpool, serving for a seven years' term. It was the custom in those days for the parents to pay to have their sons instructed in a trade and such were the terms of Mr. Madden's apprenticeship. After he had completed the term of service he began business on his own account in Liverpool, having a store near the famous Royal theater in that city. There he made a specialty to furnishing "leather wear" for actors and actresses. He made everything in the line of leather goods used by the profession and in that way became acquainted with all the eminent players and singers of that period-the '40s. He knew Charles Kean! , Ellen Tree, Macready Creswick, Phelps, Anderson and Mrs. Warner among the actors, and Adelaide Kemble, Jenny Lind, Persiam, Grise, Mario, Rubini, Sontag, Henry Phillips, Lablache and Clara Novilio among the singers. He was acquainted with the stage managers of the Theater Royal and was often behind the scenes on big nights. His reminiscences of those days and of the famous players and singers were most interesting, for he had met many of them personally and could relate many anecdotes concerning them. Moreover, he was an excellent critic of both acting and singing. In February, 1843, John Madden wedded Miss Ellen Spencer, of Liverpool, who had almost as extended an acquaintance with the people on the stage as her husband. In the spring of 1850 Mr. Madden carried out the plan that he had cherished for some time of coming to the he United States and investing his savings in a good farm. He landed at New Orleans on the 20th of April, accompanied by his wife and children, and proceeded at once up the river, arriving at Davenport ten days later. He then purchased the farm in Winfield township, two miles west of Long Grove, which he occupied until his death. HE took out his first naturalization papers immediately after his arrival here and in May, 1855, received his second papers, and on that day was elected township clerk. He had already won the high regard and esteem of his neighbors, who expressed their confidence in and regard for him by choosing him for public office. From that time forward he was almost continuously in township or county offices and for more than twenty years was a school director. In business he was an energetic, progressive man, in his relations with his fellowmen was kind! and charitable and a benevolent spirit prompted him to give generous aid to the he poor and needy. He was one of the founders of the Scott County Agricultural Society, which holds its fairs at Mount Joy, served as a director of the society for four years and as its secretary for three years. His first wife died in January, 1881, and in February, 1882, Mr. Madden wedded Mrs. Rebecca Greer. There were eleven children of the first marriage, eight of whom were living at the time of the father's death, but all have now passed away with the exception of Mrs. Greer, James G. Madden of this review and George M. The death of Mr. Madden, in September, 1884, was occasioned by an accident. He was driving home form Donahue when it was thought his horse became frightened, reared, and turned and ran, going westward until it came to the he house of Henry Madden, brother of the deceased, where it entered the yard. The family recognized the horse and, fearing an accident, started out to inve! stigate, finding Mr. Madden lying dead at the side of the road. His demise was the occasion of very deep and widespread regret, for he was held in high esteem by all who knew him. HE was a member of the Eastern Iowa and Central Illinois Bee Keepers Association and in that organization he made many friends and, in fact, won high regard wherever he went. James G. Madden, whose name introduces this review, has spent his entire life in Winfield township and at the usual age entered the public schools, wherein he pursued his education. His school days over, he remained at home until his marriage, after which he rented the farm from his father, who, retiring from active business life, yet continued to live upon the old homestead, he and his wife occupying a part of the house. For four years after his father's death James G. Madden continued to rent the farm from the other heirs and then purchased the place, comprising two hundred acres of rich and productive land. He devoted his energies to its further cultivation until the holiday season of 1909, when he removed to his present home in Long Grove, which he purchased form W. T. Brownlee. During the greater part of his life he has carried on general agricultural pursuits, but is now concentrating his energies upon the business of stock buying in partnership with the Brownlee brot! hers. In this undertaking he is meeting with excellent success. He is also one of the stock holders of the Stockman's Bank of Long Grove and is serving on its advisory board. On the 15th of February, 1881, Mr. Madden was married to Miss Maria Whistler, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Taylor) Whistler. Her father was born in the county of Norfolk, England, September 30, 1813, became a farmer of that country and was married in England, September, 1845. In December, 1854, he came with his family to the United States, landing at New York, whence he made his way direct to Scott county, where he resided continuously until his death. At that time there were two children in the family, Sarah Ann and Christopher. On reaching Iowa Mr. Whistler settled in Buffalo township, where he purchased eighty acres of prairie land, on which he built a house, making it his home for a number of years. He then sold out in 1865 and invested in eighty acres in Allens Grove township. Upon that farm both he and his wife spent their remaining days, Mrs. Whistler passing away June 9, 1883, at the age of fifty-three years, while Mr. Whistler died February 21, 1891. In thei! r family were five children: Sarah Ann, deceased; Christopher S., who is living in Donahue; Mrs. Jane E. Maw, of Donahue, Mrs. Madden; and Mrs. Alice Jackson of Nebraska. At the time of the death of Mr. Whistler one of the local papers said: "In the death of Mr. Whistler the community has lost a good neighbor and true friend, who retained his trust in God's holy word and was a faithful believer to the end." His daughter Maria was born in Buffalo township, this county, October 7, 1857, and by her marriage to Mr. Madden has become the mother of three children. The eldest, Raymond J., who was born February 12, 1882, married Anna Johnson and has a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Winfield township, whereon he resides with his wife and two sons, Ralph J. and Clyde R. Emery C. Madden, who was born December 27, 1883, married Amanda Elmergreen and lives upon the old home place. Nellie M., born July 21, 1894, died in infancy and was buried in the Long Grove cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Madden have a wide acquaintance in Long Grove and throughout the county, and their many good traits of heart and mind have won for them the friendship and regard of all with whom they have been associated. The hospitality of the best homes is cordially extended to them and they are well worthy of mention in the history of the county where they have always lived. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES