THE MOST CHARMING " 'The country around Davenport is, in our opinion, the most charming that the eye ever beheld.  Davenport is, of itself, one of the greatest natural beauties on the Mississippi.  The "old fort," not to speak of its military association, is, in turth, an object on which the eye delights to dwell.  The flourishing town of Stephenson upon the Illinois shore, adds greatly to the attractions of the scene; and Davenport, with its extended plains, its sloping lawns, and wooded bluffs, completes one of the most perfect pictures that ever delighted the eyes of man.  The interior of the territory is rich, beautiful and productive from end to end.  Enterprising and industrious farmers my flock in from all quarters, and find a rich reward for moderate toil.  The interior is healthy and every section of land admits of easy cultivation.' " The claim upon which the city of Davenport was first laid out was made in 1833, and was contended for by a Dr. Spencer and Mr. McCloud.  The matter was finally settled by Antoine LeClaire buying them both out, giving them for the quarter section $150.  In 1835 Mr. LeClaire sold his holding to a company which was formed for the purpose of purchasing and laying out a town site.  The company thus formed was composed of Major William Gordon, Antoine LeClaire, George Davenport, Major Thomas Smith, Alexander McGregor, Levi S. Colton, Philip Hambaugh, and Captain James May.  In the spring of 1836 the site was surveyed and laid out by Major Gordon, United States surveyor, and one of the stockholders.  The spot selected included the area bounded on the east by Harrison street, on the north by Seventh, west by Warren, and south by the river.  It included thirty-six blocks and six half-blocks, the latter being the portions lying adjacent to Warren, on the west. The cost of the entire site was $2,000, or $250 per share, - a price which now would purchase by a very indifferent building lot in the least valued part of it.  In May the lots were offered at auction.  A steamboat came up from St. Louis laden with passengers to attend the sale, and remained at the levee during its continuance, in order to afford the conveniences of lodging, edibles, and the not less essential item of drinkables.  The sale continued two days, but owing to the fact that the titles were simply such as were included in a squatter's claim, and purchasers fearful that such were not particularly good, only some fifty or sixty lots were sold, and these mostly to St. Louis speculators.  The lots brought from $300 to $600 each, a smaller sum than the proprietors calculated upon.  The remaining portion of the site was then divided among the proprietors. 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