BIOGRAPHIES
Dwight
G. Kreul, M.D.
From "Vol 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago
Dr. Dwight G. Kreul, a well known and successful medical practitioner of
Davenport, was born in Wisconsin on the 11th of December, 1870, his parents
being John C. and Theresa (Schmidt) Kreul. The father, a native of Saxony,
Germany, obtained his education in that country and was a graduate of Prague
University. In early manhood he set sail for the United States and after landing
on the shores of the new world took up his abode in the state of Wisconsin.
There he was actively and successfully engaged in mercantile pursuits throughout
the remainder of his life, passing away in 1871.
Dwight G. Kreul supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the public
schools, by a course of study in the normal school, while subsequently he
entered the University of Wisconsin. After completing his more specifically
literary education he took up the study of medicine at Marquette and in 1897 won
the drgree of M. D. Locating for practice in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he there
remained for a year, on the expiration of which period he went to Europe and
spent about twelve months in post-graduate work at London and Vienna. On
returning to the United States he opened an office in Davenport, Iowa, and has
here been engaged in the general practice of medicine to the present time, his
patronage steadily growing in volume and importance as he has demonstrated his
ability to cope with the intricate problems which continually confront the
physician.
In 1901 Dr. Kreul was united in marriage to Miss Emma Schmidt, a native of
Davenport and a daughter of Robert Schmidt. They are now the parents of two
children, Phyllis and Gregor. Dr. Kreul is a worthy member of the Masonic
fraternity, exemplifying its teachings in his daily life. Realizing fully the
obligations that devolve upon him in his professional capacity, he performs all
duties with a sense of conscientious obligation and has won favorable regard by
reason of his skill and his personal worth.
Transcribed
by Debbie Gerischer
Claus Kroeger
From "Vol 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago
Claus Kroeger is numbered among those representative German-American citizens
who came to this country from the fatherland and here found the opportunities
for advancement which they sought along business lines. He is numbered among the
old German settlers of Scott county and for almost four decades was actively and
helpfully identified with its agricultural interests. As the result of energy,
perseverance and well directed efforts he is now able to spend the evening of
life in retirement, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of former years of
toil. Born in Holstein, Germany, on the 14th of April, 1829, he is a son of Hans
and Lena Kroeger, whose entire lives were spent in the fatherland.
For the educational advantages which Mr. Kroeger enjoyed during the period of
his boyhood and youth he is indebted to the common schools of his native
country, and he remained under the parental roof until the outbreak of the war
of 1848-50 with Denmark, when he joined the German army and served throughout
the period of hostilities. Returning home, he remained with his parents until
1854, when he responded to the call of the new world and, bidding adieu to home
and fatherland, sailed for the United States, hoping to find better
opportunities for advancement in business than were offered in the old world. He
left Germany on the 15th of March and upon arriving in this country came direct
to Davenport, which point he reached on the 20th of May, more than two months
being consumed by the journey. His first work here was in the capacity of farm
hand and thus he labored by the month for about six years. His inherent
characteristic of thrift prompted him to carefully save his earnings and at the
expiration of that period, feeling that the capital which he had accumulated was
sufficient to justify such a step, he established a home of his own by his
marriage, on the 21st of August,1860, to Miss Anna Lage, who was born in Germany
on the 9th of March, 1839, a daughter of Henry and Anna Lage, old German
settlers of Scott county. In 1847, when a little maiden of eight years, she came
with her parents to the United States, the family landing at New Orleans, whence
they came up the Mississippi River to St. Louis. After remaining in that city
for about six weeks they continued their northward journey until they arrived in
Scott county, Iowa, where the father purchased a tract of wild praire land
which, by means of untiring industry, indefatigable energy and unceasing
perseverance, he converted into a highly cultivated farm which later became the
home of our subject.
After his marriage Mr. Kroeger took up his abode upon the farm in Davenport
township upon which his father-in-law originally located, continuing to devote
his time and energies to its development for more than thirty years. In the
meantime he made a thorough study of agriculture, practiced rotation of crops
and carried on his farming interests in a capable and businesslike way that
brought most desirable results. Annually his fields yielded rich harvests as a
reward for the care and labor bestowed upon them, and his agircultural interests
proved a source of gratifying revenue. He purchased a farm in Lyon county, Iowa,
which he later sold at a very advantageous price. That his efforts were crowned
with a very substantial success is indicated by the fact that in 1893 he was
able to retire from further active work. He removed to Davenport, purchasing a
home at 1162 Fourteenth street, where he has since resided, a goodly competence
making it possible for him to enjoy the comforts of life without further
recourse to labor.
With the passing of the years the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kroeger was blessed with
six children, as follows: Henry, a progressive farmer operating the old
homestead, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume; Lewis, of Lyon
county, Iowa; Emma, the wife of Henry Goettsch, of Lyon county; Gustav, also
residing in Lyon county; Minnie, the deceased wife of Henry Bolt, of Davenport;
and one who died in infancy. Politically Mr. Kroeger is independent and while
still active in the world's work held several township offices. He holds
membership in the German Pioneers Association and also in the Schleswig-Holstein
Society, and he is widely known throughout Davenport township, where his circle
of friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance. He has
never had occasion to regret his determination to seek his fortune in this
country, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and by earnest,
persistent and unfaltering effort carried himself forward to the goal of
success. He has now passed the eighty-first milestone on life's journey and can
look back upon a past that has been characterized by honest labor and honorable
purposes.
Transcribed
by Debbie Gerischer
Hans Kruse
From "Vol 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clark Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago
Among the residents of Davenport who are now living retired, their present
comfortable financial position being the direct result of former activity and
enterprise along agricultural lines, is numbered Hans Kruse. He is one of those
sturdy, industrious and frugal German citizens who through their untiring
efforts, indefatigable energy and strong purpose have lived their lives to good
efforts, indefatigable energy and strong purpose have lived their lives to good
advantage and are entitled to a place among the substantial and representative
citizens of Scott county. Born in Holstein, Germany, on the 7th of September,
1838, he is a son of Jochim and Anna Kruse. The father, who was a blacksmith by
trade, came to the United States with his family in 1854, the ocean voyage
requiring fifty-six days. After landing at New York the family did not tarry in
the eastern metropolis but came by rail direct to Rock Island, Illinois, and
then across the river to Davenport. In this city the father established a
blacksmith shop on Fourth street and there followed his trade for about two
years. At the expiration of that period he sold out and took up agricultural
pursuits as a renter in Davenport township. Later he purchased land in Iowa
county and developed a good farm, upon which he and his wife passed their
remaining days. His death occurred when he had reached his seventy-third year,
while his wife survived until ninety-one years of age. In their family were six
children: Hans, the subject of this review; Claus, now deceased; Jochim, also
deceased; Peter, of Iowa county; Brant, a resident of Alaska; and Lena, the wife
of Henry Martin, of Davenport.
Hans Kruse acquired a good education in the common schools of Germany and was a
lad of fifteen years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the
new world. After his arrival in Scott county he was employed as a farm hand for
about four years, at the expiration of which period he went to work on the farm
which his father had rented in Davenport township. There he remained for about
six years and then, on the 12th of November, 1867, established pleasant home
relations of his own through his marriage to Miss Ida Hahn, a daughter of Wolfe
Hahn, of Davenport township. After their marriage the young couple took up their
abode on a farm of eighty acres which Mr. Kruse had purchased in Blue Grass
township. When it came into his possession it was all wild prairie land, but
with characteristic energy he fenced it in, erected a house and began the
cultivation of the soil, breaking the sod and transforming the land into fertile
and productive fields. With the passing of the years he brought the farm under a
high state of cultivation and became so prosperous by reason of the careful
conduct of his agricultural interests that he was able eventually to purchase
more land in that township. He continued to make his home on that place for
twenty years and then purchased a farm in Davenport township, to which he
removed, leaving one of his sons to operate the old homestead. He remained on
the new farm for eleven years, devoting his energies to general farming pursuits
with such success that at the end of that time he was able to withdraw from
active life and retire from business with a competency sufficient to supply him
with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He came to Davenport
in 1898 and here erected a fine residence on Brown street, where he has since
made his home. A farm on one hundred and sixty acres in Davenport township,
another of one hundred and twenty acres in Blue Grass township, and valuable
town property are the visible evidence of a life of thrift and industry on the
part of Mr. Kruse, whose success has come to him as the ligitimate and logical
result of intelligently applied labor and well directed efforts.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kruse were born two sons, namely: Charles, operating his
father's farm in Davenport township, who married Katie Rugi, by whom he has two
children, Erma and Ella; and Henry, on the old homestead in Blue Grass township,
who married Amelia Rilk and has three children - Hilda, Ella and Norma. The wife
and mother, who was born in 1847, passed away on the 3d of April, 1906, her
remains being interred at Fairmount cemetery.
Mr. Kruse, whose residence in Scott county extends over a period of more than a
half century, is numbered among the old settlers of this district, where he has
gained an extensive circle of warm friends, and he is one of the prominent and
honored members of the German pioneers Association. Since age conferred upon him
the right of franchise he has given stalwart support to the men and measures of
the democracy but has never sought nor desired public office as a reward for
party fealty. He has, however, at all times been most public-spirited in his
citizenship and although born across the water, has ever been thoroughly
identified with American interests and institutions, while Scott county has no
more worthy and representative citizen than this adopted son.
Transcribed
by Debbie Gerischer
Major Morton L. Marks
From "Vol 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago
Major Morton L. Marks, whose title is indicative of faithful and long continued
service in the Union army during the Civil war, has for more than four decades
been a representative of commercial life in Davenport. A progressive spirit has
always been tempered by a safe conservatism, and evenly balanced judgment has
constituted the forceful element in the success which has made him one of the
leading wholesale merchants of the city. He was born on a farm in New York, his
parents being Enoch and Margaret (Welton) Marks. His ancestral history is one of
early connection with the settlement of Connecticut. It was in that state that
his grandfather followed farming in the vicinity of Burlington. Enoch Marks was
born in Connecticut in 1803, was reared to agricultural pursuits and
subsequently removed to New York, where he carried on farming, while later he
engaged in the real-estate business in Chicago, making his home in the suburb of
Oak Park. While there he made some very profitable investments in real estate.
He afterward came to Davenport, where he lived retired, passing away in this
city at the venerable age of eighty-three years.
Major Marks was a little lad of four years when the family removed to Camillus,
New York, and his early education, which was there acquired, was completed in
the high school at Syracuse, New York. He afterward came to the middle west and
lived with a brother on a farm near La Salle, Illinois. He afterward engaged in
teaching school for about three years in Mount Carmel, after which he took up
the study of law, devoting about a year to his reading. The outbreak of the
Civil war however, caused him to put aside all business and personal interests
that he might defend the Union cause and, enlisting in the One Hundred and
Twenty-second New York Volunteer Infantry as a private, he went to the front. He
was chosen by his company for the position of first lieutenant and was afterward
promoted to the captaincy of Company B. Later he was transferred to Company H as
its captain and he now has his three commissions. At the close of the war he was
brevetted major in honor of his gallant and meritorious service. During most of
the time he was on active duty with the Army of the Potomac and served with
distinction, participating in various important battles, including the
engagements at Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. In the winter of 1863-4
he was in Sanducky, Ohio, where his regiment guarded rebel prisoners. While
there he became ill but as soon as possible again went south, rejoining his
regiment just after the Battle of the Wilderness. He then participated in the
engagements at Culpepe, Court House, Cold Harbor and Peterburg. When General
Early was making his dash through the Shenandoah valley, Major Marks' regiment
was sent back and met the enemy at Fort Steven, repulsing the Confederate
forces. They then proceeded southward as far as Harper's Ferry and took part in
the battle of Winchester. Major Marks was in command of his company at the
battle and during a charge was wounded and was in the hospital for about thirty
days. On the expiration of that period he rejoined his regiment, which took part
in the fight at Cedar Creek and later returned to Washington, where the winter
was spent. Later Major Marks joined the Army of the Potomac, with which he
remained until the close of the war. His regiment then went to Danville,
Kentucky, where he served as provost marshal. Subsequently he returned to
Washington, where he was honorably discharged. He has always maintained pleasant
relations with his comrades who wore the blue through his membership in the
Grand Army of the Republic and in the Loyal Legion and he has served as
quartermaster commander of the post in this city.
Removing to Davenport, Major Marks bought out the senior partner in Albert &
Van Patten's Grocery Company in the year 1867. He organized the present
wholesale grocery company in 1903, became its president and in its management
has met with excellent success, extending its trade interests to embrace a wide
territory. Its sales annually reach a large figure and the policy of the house
is such as to commend it to the confidence and support of all.
On the 20th of January, 1869, Major Marks was united in marriage to Miss Helen
Sanders, of Yonkers, New York, a daughter of Joseph P. Sanders, who was one of
the distinguished members of the Odd Fellows society in the east, attending all
the annual meetings for fifty consecutive years. His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Elvira Ferguson, is still living in New York, at the age of eighty-eight
years. Unto Major amd Mrs. Marks were born four children: Margaret and James,
now deceased; Lewis M., who married Georgia White and has three children,
Margaret, Morton and George; and Charles R., of the Security Fire Insurance
Company of Davenport, who married Lola Fisher.
Since coming to Davenport in 1867, Mr. Marks has been closely identified with
the business interests of the city and in public affairs has wielded a wide
influence, his support always being cast on the side of progress, reform and
improvement. He is not only most practical in private business interests but in
all of his relations to the public and has therefore done good service for the
upbuilding and progress of the city. Honored and respected by all, there is no
man who occupies a more enviable position in commercial and financial circles in
Davenport than Major Morton L. Marks.
Transcribed
by Debbie Gerischer
James H. Marriott
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago
An enterprising and progressive business man of Long Grove is James H. Marriott,
who was born in Newmarket, Maryland, in 1857, and is a son of Augustus Marriott,
who was engaged in the shoe business in that city. There he received his early
education and lived until the approach of manhood, when he removed to the
advancing west. For a time he resided in Newman, Illinois, and subsequently
located in Eldridge, Iowa, where he was engaged in the painting business.
In 1887 he came to Long Grove as a clerk for George W. Curtis. After two years'
experience there, in which he proved that he was endowed with considerable
business acumen, he was taken into partnership by his employer, and together
they conducted the general store for a number of years. Mr. Marriott finally
purchased Mr. Curtis' interest. After conducting the store for a number of years
by himself he reorganized a company, incorporating it under the name of
Marriott, Wolf & Briceland. During the two years of its existence, they have
built up a large and profitable mercantile establishment, filling a long felt
need in the community of Long Grove. Mr. Marriott is its president and manager,
so that to his ability and progressive spirit is due the large and up-to-date
line of general merchandise to be found upon its counters and shelves. He makes
every effort to satisfy the wants of his patrons and has, in consequence, met
with a generous support from them. In 1890, with others, he organized the Long
Grove Creamery Company, of which he is the president. It has a capacity of from
one thousand to two thousand pounds of butter each day and employs a large
number of men. The product of the creamery finds a ready market in Davenport and
Chicago.
Since 1900 Mr. Marriott has been the postmaster of Long Grove, fulfilling his
duties with the care and ability which has characterized his operations in the
mercantile world. Whenever he has occasion to exercise his right of franchise he
casts his vote for the candidate of the republican party, feeling in greatest
sympathy with its principles. He has ever been distinguished by a desire to
promote the welfare of his fellow citizens, whose unqualified respect he enjoys.
Transcribed
by Debbie Gerischer
Herman Henry Meyer
From "Vol 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago
Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to lose, and the
sudden demise of Herman Henry Meyer removed from Davenport one who occupied a
prominent place in the business circles of the city, sharing in the honor and
respect of his associates and colleagues. He was the secretary and treasurer of
the Davenport Foundry & Machine Company and instituted this enterprise,
which takes rank with the leading productive industries of the city. He was one
of those men of substantial character and sterling worth that Germany has
furnished to Iowa and in his boyhood days he accompanied his parents on their
emigration from the fatherland to the new world, arriving in this country in the
'50s. For a brief period they made their home in a Wisconsin town and afterward
removed to St. Louis, but Herman H. Meyer soon came from that city to Davenport.
Here he was united in marriage to Miss Lida Lerchen in 1865, and they
established a home in which domestic felicity and happiness ever reigned. During
eight or ten years Mr. Meyer acted as bookkkeeper at the Klambach grain depot
and on removing from Davenport in 1867 he became a resident of Denver, Colorado,
where he secured a position as bookkeeper in the German Savings bank.
Subsequently he was a partner in the Handy & Meyer machinery building
concern, but eventually returned to this city to organize the Davenport Foundry
& Machine Company. From its inception he managed its growing business and
its development was attributable in large measure to his enterprise and powers
of organization. He continued in business until the time of his death, which
occurred when he was fifty-three years of age. He was thus cut off in the prime
of his usefulness and his loss was deeply felt in business circles as well as by
friends and relatives.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Meyer were born two children: Harry H., who was educated in
the State University at Champaign, Illinois; and a daughter. In October, 1892,
Mr. Meyer went to Quincy, Illinois, to visit a brother and while there became
ill and passed away on the 22d of the month - a life of usefulness and honorable
activity being thus ended.
Mrs. Meyer is a daughter of Charles Lerchen, who came to this city from
Wheeling, West Virginia, August 29, 1850, and was engaged in the saddlery
business here for many years. He afterward went to Colorado, where he spent his
remaining days. Since her husband's death Mrs. Meyer has made her home in
Davenport, where she has a wide acquaintance including many warm friends.
Transcribed
by Debbie Gerischer
Severin
Miller
From "Vol 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago
The life record of Severin Miller seems in harmony with nature's laws, for
nature evidently intended that the evening of life should be quietly and
restfully spent following years of well directed activity. Earnest,
indefatigable labor, intelligently directed through many years, will always in
the end win success and it has been by this means that Severin Miller acquired
the competence that now enables him at the age of eighty-six years to live
retired. He was born in Prussia, Germany, October 17, 1824, and is a son of
Bartholomew and Anna Marie Miller, both of whom died in that country. Severin
Miller attended school there and learned the machinist's trade under the
direction of his father. He was a young man of twenty-two years when in 1846 he
came to the United States, landing at New York after a long and tedious voyage
of three months on a sailing vessel. He went to Philadelphia, where he secured
employment at his trade and subsequently removed westward to St. Louis, where he
entered the service of Beard & Brother, safe manufacturers, as a machinist.
He was thus employed until about 1850, when he came to Davenport but after a
brief period he returned to St. Louis, where he resided until 1857. In that year
he again came to Davenport and built a shop and dwelling house on a lot at the
corner of Gaines and Second streets, which he had purchased in 1852. There he
started in business for himself, giving his attention mostly to repair work,
doing much work on threshing machines and other farm machinery. He afterward
admitted Charles Schaeffer to a partnership but after a short time they
dissolved partnership and Mr. Miller continued the business alone until 1875,
when he sold out and retired. In the meantime, however, he had extended the
scope of his activities to include the manufacture of pumps and had also carried
on a foundry business. He wisely used the opportunities that were presented and
by his close attention to his business and his honorable methods secured a large
trade.
On the 24th of June, 1862, Mr. Miller was married in Davenport to Miss Christina
Baussmann, who was born in Hessen, Germany, in 1835, and died in 1872, leaving
four children: Cornelia, now the wife of Dr. E. M. Singleton, of Marshalltown,
Iowa, by whom she has one daughter, Miriam; Severin, a resident of San
Francisco; and Julia and Helen, at home. Mr. Miller erected his present
residence during war times and has occupied it for more than forty years. it is
one of the old landmarks of his section of the city and has ever been a
hospitable home, open for the reception of the many friends of the family.
Transcribed
by Debbie Gerischer
Judge
G.C.R. Mitchell
From "Vol 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago
NOTE: This sketch was taken from a biographical article written by M. Elizabeth
McCullough, a granddaughter of Judge Mitchell.
A scholar in the breadth of his own wisdom and the appreciation of Knowledge, a
statesman in his understanding of the vital problems of government, a lawyer of
superior ability and a gentleman because of the innate refinement of his nature
that rejected everything opposed to good taste, the names of Gilbert Chris
Russell Mitchell is written large on the pages of Davenport's early history and
his influence was a most potent element in shaping the early progress of the
city in professional, social, educational and moral lines. The intensely human
side of his nature, that which held friendship inviolable and expressed itself
in acts of kindness and deeds of generosity, was never in any way overshadowed
by the strength of his intellect, which, however, was far in advance of the
great majority of men of his day. Born in Dandridge, Jefferson county,
Tennessee, December 26, 1803, he was the only son of Nathaniel and Ann (Rhea)
Mitchell. The father was born in Albemarle, now Nelson county, Virginia, in
1778. During the war the records in the courthouses of Virginia were burned,
consequently little is known of his ancestry but many of the name of Mitchell
from Virginia are on the Revolutionary honor roll. The family is of Scotch
lineage. The father was a man of sterling qualities, honorable and high minded.
He served in the war of 1812, holding the rank of colonel. His wife was born in
New River county, Virginia, in 1783 and was a daughter of Archibald Rhea. Later
the family removed to Tennessee, settling about a mile above Knoxville, and it
was in Knox county that she became the wife of Nathaniel Mitchell. The
progenitor of the Rhea family belonged to the Scotch house of Argylle - Matthew
Campbell by name. Known as "The Rebel," he fought in many wars in
Scotland and was finally obliged to flee to the north of Ireland, where he
changed his name to Rhea. Members of the Rhea family were remarkable for
attaining influence and honor wherever they lived in this country. Coming of
Scotch convenanter stock, there was a strong tendency toward the Presbyterian
ministry. In a single generation not only one son but two or three would enter
upon that calling. Mrs. Ann Mitchell was a devoted Presbyterian and became one
of the ten charter members fo the Presbyterian church of Davenport in 1839 and
assisted in building the first chapel. The Rhea family were very prominent in
the upbuilding and development of the south.
It was among the "over mountain people" that G. C. R. Mitchell spent
his boyhood and early manhood. Though the early settlers of that locality are
recognized as having been of an unusually high type, it is rather surprising
that almost before the echo of the Indian war cry died away, it was possible for
a boy to be as finely educated as was Gilbert Mitchell. As a child he was
singularly beautiful. His health was delicate, so that he was carefully nurtured
and during these early years he was laying the foundations for his thorough
mental attainments and accomplishments. He spoke French and German and was
versed in Greek and Latin; in his boyhood he learned to play the flute and the
violin, and also understood surveying. For a time the family lived in
Russellville, Alabama, and in 1818, then fifteen years of age, Judge Mitchell
was attending school in Knoxville. He was afterward a student at East Tennesee
College, now the University of Tennessee, where the curriculum was highly
academic, and was a member of the first graduating class in the fall of 1822. He
was always an apt student, at the head of his classes, and the fine
"speeches" which he delivered in those days show that he was already
thinking out along broad lines relative to the country, its development and
welfare. He was particularly interested in the Mississippi river country, for
even in boyhood his thoughts were turned to the west. Some of his college
speeches are still preserved and are well worthy of perusal, showing a marked
difference from the present in habits of thought; all show a remarkable command
of language and clearness of thought, qualities which were afterward of value to
him in his legal career. He also wrote verses, but whether at this period or
later is not known.
Following his graduation Mr. Mitchell went to Moulton, Lawrence county, Alabama,
where his parents were then living, and took up the study of law in the office
of Judge A. F. Hopkins. He was admitted to the bar in 1825 and practiced
successfully in Alabama for several years while living in Moulton. Here he was a
partner of David A. Smith. For the greater part of that period he was clerk of
the circuit court and was a candidate for the office of circuit judge but was
defeated. In 1828 he traveled in the west with the idea of settling there. He
returned, however, to Alabama and was living in Courtland in 1830 but he had not
given up the idea of going west. In 1832 he went again to St. Louis but returned
to Courtland, where he lived until 1834, in the meantime selling his land, with
the idea of leaving there permanently. Investigation into possibilities of the
middle west at length brought him to Davenport and from the time that he came to
the city he sprang into instant prominence. However, he spent a year in a tour
among eastern cities before coming west permanently but did not find that
section of the country attractive to him. While living in the south he was
seriously ill with typhoid fever and a change of climate was advised. This gave
him his opportunity. He visited St. Louis, Fort Dearborn (Chicago), Galena and
Dubuque, then came to Stevenson, as Rock Island was called, in May, 1835. In
that your he purchased a squatter's right in Davenport - the tract of land which
was later known as Mitchell's addition. He built thereon a little pioneer home,
which he occupied until 1837. His parents followed him to Davenport in 1836 and
his father bought land also. An old record seems to indicate that he purchased
land of Antoine LeClaire but most of his property was obtained by taking up a
regular squatter's claim and then buying from the government when the land was
placed on the market. When this was done the claims that had been taken up by
the early settlers did not conform to the government surveys, which were made
about 1840. The land office was opened at Dubuque and the settlers of Davenport
and vicinity agreed that Judge Mitchell should purchase all the land that were
thus conveyed. Thus by a mutual give and take system each owner was bounded by
the section lines of the survey. As Judge Mitchell had the confidence of all,
his dictum settled all discontent. There were many instances in the early
history of the community where Judge Mitchell was called upon to settle
difficulties, his legal knowledge and fair-mindedness giving him unusual
equipment for arbitrator. He was, moreover, "the leading practitioner of
law in Davenport from his earliest settlement." On the 23d of February,
1836, a meeting was held, presumably at the home of Colonel George Davenport, on
Government Island, to found the town of Davenport, on which occasion Judge
Mitchell was present. The instrument was executed in his fine, clear handwriting
and is now in possession of Louis A. LeClaire, a nephew of Antoine LeClaire. In
an account of Davenport in 1836 the Democrat-Gazette of 1889 in speaking of
Judge Mitchell said: "Our first lawyer has no taste for office. Attractive
in ways of chat, scholarly, intelligent, at home in classic lore or modern
thought, a thorough jurist, observant of the county's men and laws and politics,
quick to see, faithful in memory, yet shunning the crowd he loved his home, his
papers and his books. With these he constantly communed. His library was the
best in Davenport and its owner knew its contents."
At this time Iowa was a part of the territory of Wisconsin and there is in
existence a document executed February 15, 1837, by Henry Dodge, governor of the
territory of Wisconsin, appointing G. C. R. Mitchell master in chancery of the
county of Dubuque. This office carried with it the title of judge. At the time
that Rockingham and Davenport each sought to become the county seat Judge
Mitchell was nominated for representative to the legislature but was defeated.
However, it was acknowledged that he was "largely instrumental in securing
for Davenport the enviable distinction of being made the county seat of Scott
county." With all that pertains to the early life of the city and the
upbuilding of this section of the state Judge Mitchell was closely identified.
Although not a Catholic at the time, he gave liberally toward the building of
St. Anthony's church, which was dedicated May 23, 1838. It was for many years
the largest public edifice in the town and was used by all large assemblies to
deliberate upon matters of public interest. It was there that the first district
court met. Father Pelamourgues, the priest in charge, "deemed it no
desecration of the holy place to have it temporarily used as a temple of
justice."
G. C. R. Mitchell and Jonathan Parker were the lawyers for the defense in the
first case docketed in the Scott county district court and the answer of the
defense is in the plain, leisurely written hand of Judge Mitchell. He also wrote
the document and his was the first signature to an agreement made October 9,
1838, by the members of the Iowa bar regarding the return of court notices. In
1838 or 1839 Judge Mitchell became one of three directors of what was called
"the Rock River and Mississippi Steam Navigation Company," an
enterprise that did not prove a profitable venture. In 1840 he was one of three
who issued a call to organize an Agricultural Society and became its vice
president. He was also among the first to advertise in the Iowa Sun, which was
printed in 1838. This publication was succeeded by the Davenport Gazette in
1841. In the Davenport Academy of Science are now found bound volumes of the
Burlington Hawkeye of 1834 and 1844, which are Judge Mitchell's copies. When the
Judge died one room in his house was entirely filled with files of newspapers in
perfect order - a notable collection - and the most valuable of these files was
that of the Niles Register, published in Baltimore during the period following
the Revolution. At his death the Register was given to St. Ambrose College.
Judge Mitchell never sought office and in fact preferred to leave office holding
to others. Yet he had no patience with those who evaded public duties. When he
was nominated for judge the Iowa State Democrat said: "Judge Mitchell is a
man who never seeks office and has never shown any desire for official honors
but such men are just the proper persons to be nominated and they have no right
to decline, unless the sacrifice of accepting office is too great." In 1843
Judge Mitchell was again a candidate for the territorial legislature on the Whig
ticket. When that party dissolved Judge Mitchell affiliated with the Democratic
party. He was elected as representative of Scott county to the sixth territorial
legislature which convened in Iowa City, December 4, 1843. If the life of a
people is reflected in the laws they frame the proceedings of a legislature are
a valuable index to the times. In his message the governor made reference to the
removal of the Sac and Fox Indians to the "west of the temporary boundary
of Iowa" and deplored the vicious habits of the Winnebagoes. He also spoke
of health conditions in the state and urged ascertaining the wishes of the
people in regard to framing a state constitution. This matter was taken up
during the session and referred to a select committee, on which Judge Mitchell
served. He was also prominent on the committee to which was referred the
protection of the frontier, for at that time militia officers were negligent in
reporting the number and equipment of their respective commands, so that it was
impossible for the war department to furnish them with the arms to which proper
returns would entitle them. Judge Mitchell was on three standing committees, the
judiciary, military affairs and engrossing bills. He was also on a committee of
one from each electoral district to prepare rules for the government of the
house and later when the standing committee on the library was appointed he
served on it. The judiciary committee has always been the most important and his
work in that connection was evidence of his great ability in legal matters. He
was chairman of a special committee to which was referred a bill to amend the
law then in force regarding grand and petit jurors, and served on a committee of
three appointed to report on such alterations of the law regulating wills and
administrators as might be deemed necessary. To the judiciary committee was
referred a bill to district the county of Scott for the election of county
commissioners; a bill to amend an act for the election of constables and the
defining of their duties; and a bill relative to proceedings in chancery, Judge
Mitchell was one of two appointed as committee of conference regarding the last
named bill. The judiciary committee dealt also with a bill to amend an act
defining crimes and punishments. All these questions show more or less clearly
the formative condition which then prevailed and Judge Mitchell was active in
framing laws and instituting measures which have been important forces in the
state's development and government. Among the petitions presented by Judge
Mitchell from Scott county was one praying for the establishment of a
"territorial road" between Davenport and Iowa City. He introduced a
memorial to the postmaster general for additional mail facilities, and most
important of all was the ill he introduced for the purpose of abolishing
imprisonment for debt, supplementary to a law on the same subject previously
passed. Several divorces were applied for and referred to the committee on
judiciary. The legislature had heretofore granted divorces. The committee
offered a resolution to the effect that in their opinion such matters should be
brought before a judicial tribunal rather than before the legislature. The
report made on the subject is voluminous and reflects the universal seriousness
with which divorce was then regarded.
In 1846 Judge Mitchell received the whig nomination for congressman at large
from the state. The Gazette of that date says: "G. C. R. Mitchell, Esquire,
is so well and favorably known from his long residence in the territory - having
lived here when it was embraced in that of Wisconsin - that it is needless for
us to speak of his qualifications. As a jurist, a scholar and an honest man we
doubt if Mr. Mitchell has a superior in the territory. The Whigs can rest
assured that in him they will find a faithful exponent of their principles. As
representative from this county to the legislature he gave general
satisfaction." He was, however, defeated by the democratic candidate.
Throughout these years Judge Mitchell continued in the practice of law,
occupying his place as "the foremost lawyer of Davenport in the early
days."
On the 14th of April, 1852, G. C. R. Mitchell was married in St. Anthony's
church to Miss Rose Anna Clarke, daughter of William and Catherine Clarke. She
was born December 23, 1823, near the town of Tullamore, Kings county, Ireland,
and in her early girlhood her parents brought the family to this country,
settling near Cincinnati, in Brown county, Ohio. Her eldest sister, Mary, became
the wife of George Meyers, one of the earliest residents of Rock Island, and a
second sister, Sarah A., married George L. Davenport. Theirs was the first in
the record of marriages of St. Anthony's church. When Rose Clarke was eighteen
years of age she came to Davenport by steamboat from St. Louis in 1842, and for
ten years she lived with her sister, Mrs. Davenport. Judge Mitchell was the
first gentleman she met after her arrival. The fame of her beautiful voice had
preceded her and for years she was a prominent member of St. Anthony's choir, to
which Judge Mitchell also belonged. There was no organ or no melodeon in those
days but they had flute, clarionet, 'cello and violin. Later when St. Anthony's
secured a melodeon, Rose Clarke played on it, singing while she played. She was
also an accomplished horsewoman and rode a great deal in her younger days. Judge
Mitchell and his bride went south for their wedding trip. It is said that while
they were in St. Louis they spent one thousand dollars in furnishing their new
home, which was then considered a very unusual outlay. Most of this furniture
was finely carved mahogany and a mahogany rocking chair which was a wedding gift
from George L. Davenport is now in possession of their daughter, Mrs. William J.
McCullough. After living for a time on the west side of Main street, between
Fourth and Fifth streets, Judge Mitchell and his family removed to the corner of
Eighth and Marquette streets. Separate from the house but on the same grounds
was the office, built so after the southern custom. Later, removal was made to
the present location of St. Mary's Home. Mrs. Mitchell and Mrs. Davenport, the
"Clarke sisters," were considered the best housekeepers in Davenport.
Recognizing the needs of the city in many directions, Judge Mitchell devoted and
found time to support and cooperate in movements that met these needs. In 1854
he became engaged in a new venture, becoming associated with C. S. Whisler in
establishing a ferry after obtaining a ten years' charter from Iowa. In the
winter of 1854-55 they made an effort to obtain a charter from the Illinois
legislature but failed. Having authority to carry but one way, business was
unprofitable but in the latter year they sold their Iowa franchise to their
competitors for two thousand dollars and afterward disposed of their boat, the
Ione. It was also in 1854 that Charles E. Putnam came to Davenport and studied
law under Judge Mitchell, by whom he was admitted to a partnership that existed
until 1857, when Mr. Mitchell became district judge. From 1855 until 1857 his
activity in public life reached its height. Old files show that on the 1st of
March, 1855, a meeting of Scott county democrats was called by G. C. R.
Mitchell, G. E. Hubbell and others, for the formation of a democratic club. In
the same year he was a member of the city council. At that time Davenport was
plunged into bonded indebtedness beyond its constitutional limit. Judge Mitchell
was very conservative and opposed increasing the indebtedness in all the votes
he gave as alderman. In 1856 he was elected mayor and in his official capacity
appointed a committee to commence action, enjoining the continuance of the
bonded indebtedness. The action succeeded and the injunction was made perpetual.
The following spring a bar convention held in Lyons offered him the nomination
for judge of the fourteenth judicial district. This was the first attempt in the
district to take the election of judges out of politics, a plan now followed. In
the Iowa State Democrat appeared the following editorial comment: "G. C. R.
Mitchell is too well known in all the three counties of this district to render
it necessary to speak of his abilities. He has one of the best judicial minds of
any man in the district and he is the soul of honor. His most intimate and
dearest friend could never move him to any act of partiality so long as he
should wear the ermine. So spotless is his reputation in this respect that no
man will be found with hardihood enough to question it." Another newspaper
characterized him as a man "of eminent qualifications for the post to which
he had been nominated." Though the Gazette tried to make the election a
party issue, Judge Mitchell was elected by a handsome majority - a fact
indicative of his personal popularity and the high regard entertained for him in
a professional way, for he was the only democrat elected. Though he resigned
from the office of judge in the fall of the year in which he went upon the
bench, he left a strong and lasting impression upon the judicial history of
Iowa. Davenport Past and Present, in a biography of Judge Mitchell published
before his death, says: "As a jurist Judge Mitchell takes a high position.
He is profoundly discriminative, a keen, careful analyst, and one whose
deductions are always reliably correct. His mental processes are seemingly slow
but in reality rapid, for while others would dash to a conclusion (often the
wrong one) with an imperfect view of a few contiguous facts, he traverses the
whole ground, omitting nothing, however seemingly trivial or great; and although
he may be twice as long in evolving a question as another, he performs ten times
the labor and his conclusion is in the same proportion more worthy of credence.
If he has one trait more prominent than another, it is his thorough
comprehensiveness, his ability to include everything in his examination of a
subject, and add to this a nice instinctive and cultivated perception of the
character and weight of a fact, and one may see why he rarely goes wrong, or
commits errors in conclusions." Elsewhere the statement is found that
"he stood the peer of the greatest men of his time in Iowa."
In December, 1858, Judge Mitchell was called upon to go as a delegate from Scott
county to the general convention at Iowa City to consider taking action
regarding state aid to railroads. He was chairman of the meeting and was also a
member of the committee of five which memorialized the governor to call an extra
session of the legislature relative to the matter. In the later years of his
life Judge Mitchell lived quietly, happy in his home life with his family and
his friends and his books around him. Unto him and his wife were born six
children, of whom Henry M., Anna M. E., Mary Catherine and Martha M. died in
childhood. The eldest son, Nathaniel Stephen, lived to the age of thirty-three
and at his death left a wife and five children. He inherited brilliant gifts of
mind and while at college was considered an exceptional student in all the
branches of general education. He was talented along artistic lines and was an
excellent musician. For many years he directed the choir at St. Marguerite's
church. He was a lawyer by profession. The only living child of Judge and Mrs.
Mitchell is Josephine Mary, the wife of William J. McCullough. She is convent
bred, having received an excellent education, and is a woman of great beauty.
She is also an artist of ability. She has a gentle, serene nature and above all
else is the devoted wife and mother. Mr. and Mrs. McCullough are the parents of
six children.
On one occasion Judge Mitchell lost ten thousand dollars, all of the cash which
he possessed, in a bank failure, but he was the owner of valuable property that
included a large tract of land north of his residence and known as Mitchell's
Bluff. He was very liberal with his wealth, gave generously to the poor and
often loaned money when he knew it would never be returned. He never refused his
professional service to those unable to pay and when he died there was sixty
thousand dollars due him as fees which was never collected. He was especially
generous to the church, gave the land on which St. Kunigunda's (now St.
Joseph's) church was built in 1855 and also the land on which the new church
building next to the old one was erected. Mrs. Mitchell after her husband's
death was a most generous supporter of St. Mary's church, for which she selected
the name. Judge Mitchell and George L. Davenport donated ten acres of land to
the Sisters of Charity, on which in 1859 was established a school for young
ladies that was the beginning of what is now the Immaculate Conception Academy.
Judge Mitchell possessed one of the finest private libraries in the state and
was ever a man of broad and liberal culture, thoroughly informed concerning
philosophy and kindred subjects, history and general branches of learning and
research. He was extremely modest regarding his gifts of mind and would never
attempt to write on law or literature, although his friends frequently urged him
to do so. He spent some time in travel, especially in the south. To slavery as
an institution he was strongly opposed but did not take an active part in
slavery agitation. He suffered a stroke of apoplexy December 6, 1865, and died
on the evening of that day. Funeral services were held December 8th, the
impressive rites of the Catholic church being celebrated over the remains at St.
Kunigunda's church, on which occasion Father Pelamourgues delivered a feeling
and appropriate address, while the members of the Old Settlers Association
attended the services in a body. Mrs. Mitchell survived her husband almost
forty-two years. She was a woman of strong qualities, possessing a fine, grave
nature. After his death she developed an unusual business ability, was a
splendid manager and, like Judge Mitchell, was very generous. One of the
newspapers of recent years said: "Mrs. Rose A. Mitchell lived on one of the
city's most beautiful eminences, where she passed her declining years in works
of quiet charity and the profoundest piety." She died March 23, 1907, after
a week's illness at the home of her daughter, Mrs. McCullough, and the funeral
services were held in St. Mary's church on the 26th of March.
The Schmalhaus portrait of Judge Mitchell, which was taken from a daguerreotype
of an early day, was placed in the courthouse at the request of the members of
the Scott county bar. Judge Mitchell was far above the mediocre, the
commonplace. Such men as he are rare. In the story of his life can be found
nothing discreditable or ignoble. Of wonderful fineness and sensitiveness of
nature, remarkably gifted mind and endearing qualities, public-spirtied,
honorable and high-minded, he stands out vividly as an incentive and an
inspiration. So long as the history of Davenport and Scott county is remembered
will the name of Judge Mitchell be held in honor.
Henry Moeller
From "Vol 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago
Henry Moeller is one of the most prominent and wealthy of the many successful
agriculturists of Cleona township, although he has now forsaken the active work
of the farm, to which he devoted himself with such energy for so many years and
now makes his home in the village of Walcott. He was born in the province of
Mecklenburg, Germany, September 17, 1848. His parents, John and Caroline
Moeller, were also natives of the fatherland and came to the United States in
1854. Immediately after their arrival in this country they came to Scott county,
Iowa, locating in Blue Grass township, where Mrs. Moeller died. She was not able
to withstand the hardships of travel in those early days when there was nothing
to shorten the tiresome journey across the ocean, and the means of crossing the
mountains and prairies were most primitive. Mr. Moeller himself did not live to
see the great change which transformed the character of this county for he
passed away seven years after his advent here. Only two sons were born to him
and his wife - Henry, the subject of this review; and Charles, a resident of
Shelby, Iowa.
Henry Moeller, when being deprived of his father's guidance in his youth, found
employment and a home upon his uncle's farm, where he remained until he reached
man's estate, and, having married, was filled with the natural desire to make a
home of his own. Accordingly he bought a large tract of land in Cleona township,
to whose cultivation he devoted himself assiduously until May 22, 1906, when he
left that a large income, the generous return of his years of labor, entitled
him to the respite from toil he desired and he took up his residence in Walcott.
He had previously built a fine residence, whose many modern conveniences
indicate the progressive spirit which was as potent a factor in his success as
the industry and frugality. In addition to operating his own place, Mr. Moeller
improved and cultivated a fine tract of one hundred and thirty-four acres
belonging to his wife and another of sixty acres owned by his mother-in-law.
On the 6th of February, 1876, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Moeller and
Miss Caroline Feuerbach, who was born in Cleona township, this county, April 14,
1858, and is a daughter of John and Mary Elizabeth (Dietz) Feuerbach. Her father
was a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, where his birth occurred May 20, 1817,
and he came to the United States in 1853. He was accompanied by his sister
Lizzie, who later became the wife of Jacob Adorney and was the only other member
of his family to come to America. She like her husband has now passed away. Mr.
Feuerbach had learned the trade of a carpenter in the land of his birth, but
after coming to this country worked in the mines of Pennsylvania while that
state was his home, and when he took up his residence in Scott county, Iowa,
devoted himself exclusively to agricultural pursuits. He first bought
forty-eight acres of land in Cleona township, to which he added extensively in
the course of years until at the time of his death he owned five hundred acres.
This is now in the possession of his widow and part of it is operated by his son
Henry. In Pennsylvania, July 11, 1853, Mr. Feuerbach was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Elizabeth Dietz, who was also born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany,
December 18, 1832. In 1853 she came to America with her parents, John and Marie
Elizabeth (Mock) Dietz, who settled in the Keystone state and latter came to
Scott county, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Caroline, who is
the wife of Mr. Moeller, and Henry, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this
work, where the children granted to Mr. and Mrs. Feuerbach.
Mr. and Mrs. Moeller have seven children, namely: Willie, who resides upon his
father's farm; Bertha, who is the wife of John Hein, of Cleona township; Amelia,
the wife of Louis Gibson, of Blue Grass township; Theresa, who married Julius
Hein, a brother of John Hein, and a resident of Cleona township; Elizabeth, the
wife of Adolph Rodgens, of Cleona township; Ella, who married George Reisen, of
Fulton township, Muscatine county, Iowa; and Ferdinand, who lives with his
brother Willie on the home farm.
Mr. Moeller is one of the most substantial representatives of the German race
who have come to this country, and through the strong traits of their character
have raised the standard of citizenship here, while at the same time they have
contributed to the sum total of the prosperity which distinguishes this county
and state.
Transcribed
by Debbie Gerischer
Rev. Francis I. Moffatt
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago
Rev. Francis I. Moffatt is now living retired in Davenport, but for many years
gave his time to the work of the Presbyterian ministry. He now derives his
income from a good farm which he owns in Cedar county. He was born in New
Castle, Pennsylvania, September 8, 1835, his parents being James and Hannah (Moffat)
Moffatt. So far as the ancestry records show, the family originated in Scotland.
Both parents died at New Castle, where the father followed farming as a life
work. They were the parents of seven children, but the only one still living is
Francis I., of this review, W. J., a twin brother of our subject, was a minister
of the gospel and passed away on the 25th of January, 1910. His health became
impaired while he was a missionary in Indian Territory and prior to his demise
he lived retired at New Castle, Pennsylvania. Hannah K., Sarah J., Mary and
Eliza J. are all deceased. Robert T., the youngest, died from the effects of
military experience. He was a prisoner at Libby and Andersonville for a
considerable time during the Civil war and when paroled returned home and died
soon afterward.
Rev. Francis I. Moffatt remained a resident of his naive town until about
eighteen years of age and then entered the Westminster Collegiate Institute at
New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, to supplement the education which he had already
acquired in the public schools. The year of his matriculation was 1854 and of
his graduation, 1857. He there pursued a general course and afterward entered
the Western Theological Seminary at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he studied
for the ministry, completing a three years' course by graduation in 1860. He was
licensed to preach on the 20th of June of that year as a minister of what was
then known as the Free Presbyterian church. His first charge was in Lancaster
county, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, where he remained for about two years.
He afterward had charge of different churches in Pennsylvania and in 1866 made
his way westward to Illinois, where he took charge of the Irish Grove church in
Sangamon county near Springfield. In the meantime he had withdrawn from the Free
Presbyterian church and entered the regular Presbyterian church on account of
its attitude concerning the question of slavery. He remained as pastor of the
Irish Grove church for six years, after which he took up his abode at Cornwall,
Henry county, Illinois, where he continued in pastoral labors for eleven years.
On the expiration of that period he became minister of the Red Oak church in
Cedar county, Iowa, where he continued for five years, after which he came to
Scott county and took charge of the Summit church in Lincoln township. He lived
in the parsonage there for five years, during which time he earnestly and
zealously pursued his ministerial labors, after which he retired and removed to
the town. He continued to supply the church, however, for about a year, or until
they could obtain a regular minister. He also acted as supply in the church at
Eldridge. Conscientious, earnest and consecrated in all of his labors, his work
in behalf of the church was of a beneficial character with far-reaching effects.
Logical and entertaining in address, strong and unfaltering in purpose and
actuated at all times by a deep love of humanity, he put forth his efforts in
pastorate work and as a preacher labored for the benefit of all mankind, nor was
he denied the rich harvest nor the aftermath.
Rev. Moffatt was married October 12, 1878, to Miss Elizabeth Orr, a daughter of
Mathew and Susanna Orr, of Henry county, Illinois. They have become parents of
seven children. William, now living in Oklahoma, married Julia Brown Shillito,
and they have one son, Philip J. Florence M. is the wife of William B. Bennett,
of Madison, Wisconsin, and they have one child, Florence Louise. John J., now
living in Muskogee, Oklahoma, married Hazel Woods and is engaged with his
brother William in the real-estate business. Robert T., who married Della Booth,
is living on his father's farm. Mary E. and Edwin are at home, and Foster O.
died July 31, 1897, at the age of four years. Four children of the family were
graduated from the Wisconsin University, where they pursued literary and
scientific courses. All have been liberally educated and the Moffatt home has
ever been one of advance, intelligent culture, emanating an influence for good
that is felt throughout the community. Actuated by the higher influence for good
that is felt throughout the community. Actuated by the higher purposes of life,
Rev. Moffatt has given his attention to a work that has made him a man of
far-reaching influence and his precept and example have been factors in
promoting righteousness, justice, truth and morality among his fellowmen.
Transcribed
by Debbie Gerischer
S.H. Moorhead
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago
It is seldom that an individual wins distinction in more than one line of
business or has time to devote himself to more than one line of activity. An
exception to this rule, however, is found in the life record of S. H. Moorhead,
who not only is identified with various lines of business in Buffalo, but is
also a well known and influential figure in financial and political circles of
the community.
Scott county, Iowa, numbers him among her native sons, his birth occurring in
Buffalo township on the 28th of October, 1861, a son of H. C. and Mary Moorhead.
The former came to Scott county in 1835, from Zanesville, Ohio, and here
purchased what was then known as the Campbell place, consisting of three hundred
and twelve acres of land in Buffalo township, just west of the village of
Buffalo. There he reared his family and spent his remaining days. Our subject
was one of a family of four sons and two daughters born unto Mr. and Mrs. H. C.
Moorhead, and of this number three sons and two daughters lived to reach mature
years. The brother, William Moorhead, who still survives, makes his home on a
portion of the old homestead, while one sister, Mrs. D. B. Morehouse, of
Davenport, is now deceased.
On his father's farm S. H. Moorhead was reared to manhood, acquiring his
education in the public schools of Buffalo, and devoting the time not given to
his text-books to the work of the fields, early becoming familiar with the tasks
that fall to the lot of the farm lad. Amid the busy activities of the farm he
learned many lessons concerning the value of industry, integrity and
perseverance - lessons which served as an excellent foundation stone upon which
to build his future business success. After leaving school he devoted several
years to the occupation to which he had been reared, engaging as a farm hand,
and then, on the 1st of September, 1886, in connection with his brother-in-law,
Mr. Dorman, started his present lumber business. In 1889 he purchased his
brother-in-law's interest in the business and has since conducted the enterprise
alone. He does a general business in lumber and building materials, having an
extensive trade, not only throughout Buffalo township, but also in several
Illinois towns lying across the river. A man of excellent business ability and
wise sagacity, he has made a close study of the demands of the trade and has
ever kept in close touch with the lumber market, so that he not only knows where
and when to purchase, but also how to sell to the best advantage, and has become
a well known and prominent figure in lumber circles of Scott county.
Mr. Moorhead has also found time to direct his attention to other business
channels and has dealt considerably in real estate. He is the owner of a section
of land in Canada and also owns a part of the old homestead farm, upon which his
brother William resides. In April, 1909, he became the prime mover in the
organization of the Buffalo Savings Bank and was elected its first president, in
which office he is still incumbent. This bank has already become an important
factor in financial circles, taking its place among the safe and reliable
moneyed institutions of the community, and much of its rapid progress and
success is due to the well directed efforts of its president, whose reputation
for integrity and honesty in all business dealings is universally conceded. He
is thoroughly identified with its interests and is doing everything in his power
to increase its influence and standing in the locality.
In June, 1891, in Buffalo, Mr. Moorhead was united in marriage to Miss Amelia
Dorman, a daughter of Henry Dorman, of Buffalo, and this union has been blessed
with one daughter, Flora, who is at present a student in the Davenport high
school.
The religious connection of Mr. Moorhead is indicated by the fact that he was
baptized in the faith of the Episcopal church, while fraternally he holds
membership in Banner Lodge, No. 16, K. P., and in Buffalo Camp of Modern Woodmen
of America. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, he has given
stalwart allegiance to the republican party and has been called by his fellow
citizens to fill various local offices, including that of councilman. He has
also served as a member of the school board, the cause of education ever finding
in him a stanch advocate. Preeminently a man of business, his efforts in
connection with various enterprises have served as potent factors in stimulating
activity along those lines, and he justly deserves a foremost place among the
substantial, influential and representative citizens of Buffalo township, within
whose borders his entire life has been spent and where he is respected, trusted
and admired by an extensive circle of warm friends.
Transcribed
by Debbie Gerischer
J.B. Morgan, D.D.S.
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago
Dr. J. B. Morgan, who enjoys the distinction of being the oldest practitioner in
dentistry in Davenport, was also one of the first of Iowa's sons to go to the
support of the Union when the great struggle between the north and south was
inaugurated. He was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, July 6, 1839. His father,
James B. Morgan, was native of England and came to the United States when about
eighteen years of age. He settled in Pennsylvania and there married Miss
Margaret C. Boyd, who in her girlhood days had left Ireland, her native country,
and had become a resident of the Keystone state. When Dr. Morgan was but six
months old his father died and the mother afterward married again. In 1844 she
came to Iowa, settling in Delaware county, where she continued to make her home
until the time of her removal to Dakota a few years prior to her demise.
Dr. J. B. Morgan, who was but five yars of age when brought to Iowa, was reared
upon the home farm in Delaware county and after mastering the branches of
learning taught in the district schools attended Lenox College at Hopkinton.
When the first call for troops was issued by President Lincoln he made quick
response, enlisting on the 20th of April, 1861, as a member of Company I, First
Iowa Infantry. On the expiration of his term of service he was honorably
discharged August 21, 1861, but soon reenlisted, becoming a private of Company
K, Twelfth Iowa Infantry, on the 7th of September. On the 25th of November of
the same year he was promoted to rank of first sergeant. Later he was discharged
and reenlisted as a veteran volunteer of Company K, Twelfth Iowa Infantry,
February 17, 1864, and on the 5th of February, 1865, he was promoted to the rank
of first lieutenant of that company, with which he remained until his military
service was ended in March, 1866. The First Iowa Infantry was the only three
months' regiment that went from this state. In was organized at Camp Elsworth,
Keokuk, and left Iowa, June 12, 1861, being assigned to duty along the Hannibal
& St. Joe Railroad from Hannibal to Mason City. The troops were there
relieved in order to join General Lyon at Boonville, and an advance was made on
Springfield, Missouri, from June 27 to July 5. Dr. Morgan participated in the
action at Forsyth, Missouri, on the 22d of July and at Dug Springs, August 2,
followed by the battle of Wilson's Creek on the 10th of August.
The Twelfth Iowa Infantry, his second regiment, was organized at Dubuque and
mustered into service November 25, 1861. They moved to St. Louis, November 28,
and were on duty at Benton Barracks until January 27, 1862. Proceeding to Cairo,
Illinois, they thence went to Smithland, Kentucky, and were on duty with the
First Brigade, Second Division of the District of West Tennessee, from February
until April, 1862; with the Union Brigade, District of Corinth, Department of
Tennessee, to December, 1862; First Brigade, District of Corinth, Sixteenth Army
Corps, of the Tennessee, to January, 1863; Third Brigade, Third Division,
Fifteenth Army Corps, April to December, 1863; Third Brigade, First Division,
right wing Sixteenth Army Corps, to November, 1864; Third Brigade, First
Division, detachment Sixteenth Corps, to February, 1865; Third Brigade, First
Division, Sixteenth Corps, Army of the Gulf, service; expedition up Tennessee
river, February 5-6, 1862; capture of Fort Henry, Tennessee, February 6; Fort
Donelson, Tennessee, February 13-16; duty at Fort Donelson until March 12; moved
to Pittsburg Landing, March 12-21; battle of Shiloh, April 6-7; advance and
siege of Corinth, Mississippi, April 26 to May 30; pursuit to Brownsville, May
31 to June 12; duty at Corinth until December 18; battle of Corinth, October
3-4; pursuit to Ripley, October 5-12; ordered to Davenport, Iowa, December 18;
defense of Jackson, Tennessee, December 20, 1862, to January 4, 1863; moved to
Davenport, Iowa, January 4-7, and on duty there until March 27th; thence to Duck
Port, Louisiana, April 9-14; movement on Bruensburg and turning Grand Gulf, May
2-12; Jackson, May 14; Big Black river, May 17; siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi,
May 18- July 4; assault on Vicksburg, May 19-22; surrender of Vicksburg, July 4;
advance on Jackson, July 5-10; siege of Jackson, July 10-15; Brandon, July
19-20; camp at Big Black river until November expedition to Brownsville, October
16; moved to Memphis, November 7-12; on general duty to January, 1864; moved to
Vicksburg, Mississippi, Feburary 1-6; expedition to Canton, February 25- March
4; on veteran's furlough, March and April; moved to Memphis, April 28- May 2;
Smith's expedition through Mississippi, June 16- July 18; Pontotoc, July 11;
Harrisburg, July 13; Tupelo, July 14-15; Old Town Creek, July 15; expedition to
Oxford, July 31- August 23; Tallahatchie river, August 7-9; Abbeville and
Oxford, August 12; Hurrican, August 13-14; College Hill, August 21-22;
Abbeville, August 23; moved to Duvall's Bluff, September 1; pursuit of Price
through Missouri, September 7- November 15; moved to Nashville, Tennessee,
November 23 - December 1; battle of Nashville, December 15-16; pursuit of Hood
to the Tennessee river, December 17-30; duty at Clifton, Tennessee, and
Eastport, Mississippi, until February 7, 1865; moved to New Orleans, Louisiana,
February 7-22; thence to Dauphine Island, Alabama, March 7-8; siege of Spanish
Fort and Fort Blakely, March 25- April 8; Fort Blakely, April 9; capture of
Mobile, April 12; march to Montogomery, April 13-25; duty there until May 12;
moved to Selma, May 12, and duty there and district of the Talladega until
December; and detached at Selma for duty in the organization of the Freedman's
Bureau.
Such in brief is the history of Dr. Morgan's connection with the Union army but
it tells little of the long, hard marches, the difficult sieges and the long and
weary waiting in winter quarters. All the experiences meted out to the soldier
were his, but never did he falter in the performance of any duty and from first
to last was at the front valiantly defending the Union cause.
Upon leaving the army Dr. Morgan returned to the pursuits of civil life. In the
fall of 1866 he began attending lectures at Rush Medical College, of Chicago,
with the intention of making the practice of medicine his profession. After
attending one course of lectures he decided to take up the study of dentistry
and accordingly entered the Philadelphia Dental College, from which he was
graduated in 1868. The same year he came to Davenport, which has since been the
scene of his professional activities. On the 1st of June, 1869, he purchased the
office and practice of Dr. Gunckle, and the forty years of his labors here make
him the oldest dentist in the three cities which are linked by common interests.
He is not only the dean of the profession but has remained throughout the years
a foremost representative in all that indicates progress and capability.
Reading, research and study have kept him in touch with the onward march of the
profession, his methods of practice today being utterly dissimilar to those
which were in vogue when he started out four decades ago. His office is equipped
with the latest appliances and at all times he has enjoyed the highest regard of
his fellow practitioners as well as the general public.
On the 28th of September, 1871, Dr. Morgan was united in marriage to Miss Minnie
C. Harris, a native of Sag Harbor, New York. He has long been a member of the
Grand Army of the Republic, of the Loyal Legion and of the Union Veterans Union,
thus maintaining pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He is indeed a
wonderful man for his age, faithful, cheerful and vigorous, as fond of a fishing
trip or outing as many a one of fewer years and enjoying life with the full zest
of his juniors. He stands high both professionally and socially and in
citizenship is as loyal to his county as he was when he followed the old flag on
southern battlefields.
Transcribed
by Debbie Gerischer
