CHAPTER XIX.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE COUNTY.

THE CONDUCT OF THE COUNTY'S BUSINESS AFFAIRS - THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND ITS WORK OF ORGANIZATION - ROAD DISTRICTS AND VOTING PLACES - COUNTY JUDGES - BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - OFFICIALS FROM EARLIEST TIMES TO THE PRESENT - A RECORD FOR REFERENCE - GROWTH OF THE COUNTY IN WEALTH AND POPULATION.

Pictures included with this chapter are:  Soldiers' Orphans' Home, 1865 - Soldiers' Orphans' Home - Buildings at Scott County Poor Farm - Central Fire Station, Davenport - Scott County Jail.

PRESENT TIME.

Several changes have been made since the organization of Scott county in its courts and the title of the office under which the county's business affairs have been conducted.  The first officials were designated as commissioners, who transacted the business for the county until 1851, when the office of commissioner was abolished and the affairs of the office transferred to the Probate court.  This court was superseded in 1861 by the County court and that branch of government ceased to exist in January, 1869.

FIRST COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

The act providing for the holding of an election for the county seat on the third Monday in February, 1838, also provided for an election two weeks afterward for county officers, at which election Rockingham elected her candidates.  The commissioners elected were B. F. Pike, Alfred Carter and A. W. Campbell, with Ebenezer Cook for county clerk.  The first session of the Commissioners' court was held at the store of J. W. Higgins, in Rockingham.  The following are the proceedings of this first meeting:

"Present - Benjamin F. Pike and Andrew W. Campbell.

"The board proceeded to the appointment of a clerk.

"Ordered - That Ebenezer Cook be appointed clerk to the board.

"Ebenezer Cook having appeared in pursuance of his appointment, and taken the oath of office, entered upon his duties as clerk.

"Ordered - That clerk take the necessary steps to procure from the secretary of the territory a seal for the use of this board.

"Ordered - That this board do meet, at its April session, in the town of Rockingham.

"Ordered - That Benjamin F. Pike be allowed $3 for one day's service as county commissioner.

"Ordered - That Andrew W. Campbell be allowed $3 for one day's service as county commissioner.

"Ordered - That Ebenezer Cook be allowed $3 for one day's service as clerk.

"And the board adjourned to session in course."

At the April session, 1838, the county was divided into election precincts, and polls were ordered open at Rockingham hotel, Rockingham, and Marmaduke S. Davenport, William Lings, Lewis Ringlesby, appointed judges of election; at Davenport hotel, Davenport, Ira Cook, John Forrest, Adam Noel, judges of election; at house of Caleb H. Gardener, West Buffalo, Elias Moore, M. M. Bosworth, James Williamson, judges of election; at house of Roswell H. Spencer, Pleasant Valley, Stephen Henley, Jabez A. Birchard, John Work, judges of election; at house of Thomas Hubbard, Elizabeth City, Josiah Scott, William Rowe, Daniel Hyers, judges of election; at house of Ezra Allen, Allens Grove, Lester Hines, John K. Spicer, Isaiah Hurlburt, judges of election.

Christopher Rowe was appointed county treasurer, but failing to qualify, Ira Cook was appointed at the May term of the board, and at once entered into bonds and the discharge of the duties of the office.

At this same session Ira Cook was appointed and qualified as assessor in place of Joseph Mounts, who had previously been appointed, but failed to qualify.

The editor of the Iowa News, published at Dubuque, was allowed $6 for advertising an election to be held for the location of the county seat.

At this session the board took it upon itself to regulate the price of ferriage across the Mississippi and Wapsipinecon rivers, the rates of which may be found in another chapter of this work.

COUNTY DIVIDED INTO ROAD DISTRICTS.

The county was divided into eleven road districts; the first, second and third begin as follows:

Road District No. 1, to comprise all the territory lying within the following limits:  townships 77 and 78, range 2 east, except the east tier of sections.

Road District No. 2, the east tier of sections, townships 77 and 78 range 3, and sections 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, township 79, range 3.

Road District No. 3, one half of township 78, and southeast quarter of township 79, range 3; the west tier of sections in township 78, range 4, and sections 19, 30, 31, township 79, range 4.

Mathias Mounts was appointed supervisor of District No. 1; Otho G. McClain of No. 2; John Forrest of No. 3.

Pools were ordered opened at the town of Parkhurst, and Martin W. Smith, Eleazer Parkhurst and Thomas C. Eads appointed judges.

Polling places were also established for Clinton county, which was attached to Scott county at this time.

Grand and petit juries were selected at this session, for the first term of the district court, the names of which are given on another page of this work.

At the July session a two-mill tax was ordered levied on the real estate of the county, for opening and repairing public highways, and five mills for general purposes.

The first travern licenses were granted at this session, one to Samuel Barkley in Davenport, and one to H. W. Higgins in Rockingham.

November 12th, the commissioners met in Rockingham and adjourned to meet in Davenport, that town being declared the county seat, an election having previously been held for that purpose.  Only one of the three members went over to Davenport, and therefore there was no quorum, and the lone member adjourned.

A special session was called for November 26th, at Davenport, the newly elected county seat.  Alfred Carter was the only member of the board.  B. F. Pike, the third member, was in Rockingham and would not honor Davenport with his presence; therefore, Mr. Carter on the principle that "if the mountain would not go to Mohomet, Mahomet would have to go to the mountain," adjourned to meet in Rockingham.  But little business was transacted other than granting licenses for taverns and ferries.

In January, 1839, the board met again at Rockingham, no cause being assigned why they did not meet in Davenport.  The full board was present, including A. W. Campbell, whose resignation had never been acted upon, and was probably withdrawn.  At the annual election this year John Work was elected in place of B. F. Pike, whose term had expired.

At the January meeting in 1840, Ebenezer Cook, the commissioner's clerk, was ordered to bring suit against John Litch of Davenport, for violation of the license law, Mr. Litch persisting in selling liquor without a license.

At the annual election in the spring of 1840, the ticket favored by the Rockingham party for county commissioners was elected.

At a special session of the board of county commissioners held March 25, 1840, a proposition was read from Adrian H. Davenport and John H. Sullivan in which they offered to build a courthouse and jail upon certain conditions.

The commissioners made a proposition to A. H. Davenport and J. H. Sullivan, in which it was provided that in case of failure or non-acceptance, J. H. Sulliavan and A. H. Davenport were to convey 160 lots to the county which were to be sold and amout expended for the erection of a courthouse and jail.  The proposition was accepted.

The commissioners' clerk was ordered to insert proposals for the erection of a jail in the Iowa Territorial Gazette, published at Burlington, and also to advertise the sale of town lots in four different newspapers, the sale to take place July 4, 1840.

THE BOARD COMES TO DAVENPORT.

The county seat question being settled in favor of Davenport, the board of county commissioners met at Davenport in special session October 26, 1840.

But little business of public interest was transacted by the board for several years, the sessions being taken up in auditing bills and appointing committees and hearing reports on locations of public roads.

In 1845 steps were taken to organize the county into townships, and at the January meeting of the board in 1846, it was ordered that township lines as organized remain the same as precinct lines heretofore organized, except a slight change made in the line between Rockingham and Davenport.  The name of Parkhurst precinct was changed to Fairwiew township, and Point Pleasant precinct was called Winfield township.

At the April (1846) meeting of the board, part of Pleasant Valley township was added to Fairview, and the name of the latter was changed to LeClaire.

At the October meeting of the same year Allens Grove township was divided, the western part taking the name of Liberty and the eastern Allens Grove.

By act of General Assembly, approved January, 1851, the county commissioners' court was abolished and all the powers devolving upon that body were transferred to the county judge.

From the organization of the county to this time the following named served as county commissioners:

1838 - Benjamin F. Pike, Andrew W. Campbell, Alfred Carter.

1839 - A. W. Campbell, Alfred Carter, John Work.

1840 - A. W. Campbell, Alfred Carter,* John Work.

1841 - Same as in 1840.

1842 - John Work, John C. Quinn, Otho G. McClain.

1843 - Same as in 1842.

1844 - John C. Quinn, Asahel Hubbard, Otho G. McClain.

1845 - Otho G. McClain, John C. Quinn, Cyrus G. Blood.

1846 - John C. Quinn, C. G. Blood, Asa Foster.

1847 - C. G. Blood, Asa Foster, Stephen Thompson.

1848 - C. G. Blood, Asa Foster, E. S. Wing.

1849 - Asa Foster, E. S. Wing. A. C. Fulton.

1850 - E. S. Wing, A. C. Fulton, John W. Wiley.

*Resigned and John C. Quinn elected to fill vancancy.

COUNTY JUDGES.

The business of the county was transacted by the county judges from 1851 to 1861, a period of ten years.  List of county judges is given elsewhere in this work.

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

In accordance with an act of the general assembly entitled, "An act creating a county boad of supervisors, defining their duties and the duties of certain county officers," passed March 22, 1860, the county of Scott was organized under the new law and at the election held November 6, 1860, supervisors were elected.  Each township was entitled to one supervisor without regard to the number of inhabitants.  Davenport having over 12,000 inhabitants was entitled to three members of the board.

The first meeting of the board was held Monday, January 8, 1861.  C. Stewart Ells was elected president.

The representation was continued at one from each township and three from Davenport until 1866, when  one more was added to the latter's representation.  In 1868 the number was increased to five.

The law in 1870 was changed and instead of a board of supervisors, composed of a representative from each township, there were elected by the entire county, who had vested in them the same powers as the old board.

In 1894 the county availed itself of the privilege offered by the state law to increase the number of representatives on the board to five, which number is yet retained.

The following is a complete list of the members of the board from 1861 to 1910, inclusive:

1861.

Davenport - C. Stewart Ells, Thomas K. Fluke, Mathias J. Rohlfs; LeClaire - Horace Carpenter; Winfield - Henry G. Neal; Princeton - Giles M. Pinneo; Buffalo - Dan B. Shaw; Blue Grass - Daniel L. Lyon; Hickory Grove - James H. Ross; Pleasant Valley - Philip Earhart; Allens Grove - Ephraim Snyder; Liberty - Azotus M. Frost; Cleona - Benjamin P. Putnam; Rockingham - Elisha S. Mowrey.

1862.

Davenport - C. Stewart Ells, Thomas K. Fluke, George M. Matthews; LeClaire - Horace Carpenter; Winfield - John C. Quinn; Princeton - Giles M. Pinneo; Buffalo - Dan B. Shaw; Blue Grass - Daniel L. Lyon; Hickory Grove - James H. Ross; Pleasant Valley - Philip Earhart; Allen's Grove - Ephraim Snyder; Liberty - Azotus M. Frost; Cleona - Benjamin P. Putnam; Rockingham - Elisha A. Mowrey.*

*Died and John Coleman elected to fill the vacancy.

1863.

Davenport - John L. Davies, Thomas K. Fluke, George M. Matthews; LeClaire - Horace Carpenter; Winfield - Henry G. Neal; Princeton - Giles M. Pinneo; Buffalo - Warner L. Clark; Blue Grass - Daniel H. Lyon; Hickory Grove - James H. Ross; Pleasant Valley - Philip Earhart; Allens Grove - Montgomery Thompson; Liberty - Azotus M. Frost; Cleona - William M. Murray; Rockingham - John Coleman.

1864.

Davenport - John L. Davies, George M. Matthews, Moses C. Farber; LeClaire - Horace Carpenter; Winfield - Alenander Browlie, Sr.; Princeton - James McConnell; Buffalo - Warner L. Clark; Blue Grass - Samuel Little; Hickory Grove - James H. Ross; Pleasant Valley - Jesse L. Henley; Allens Grove - Montgomery Thompson; Liberty - Don C. Gates; Cleona - William M. Murray; Rockingham - Enoch Mead.

1865.

Davenport - John L. Davies, Moses C. Farber, George W. Matthews; LeClaire - Robert Scott; Winfield - E. S. Wing; Princeton - James McConnell; Buffalo - William Posten; Blue Grass - Samuel Little; Hickory Grove - James H. Ross; Pleasant Valley - Jesse L. Henley; Allens Grove - William Nutting; Liberty - Don C. Gates; Cleona - William M. Murray; Rockingham - George P. Whitcomb.

1866.

Davenport - John L. Davies, Moses C. Farber, George M. Matthews, Charles S. Watkins; LeClaire - Robert Smith; Winfield - C. H. Ficke; Princeton - Joseph McConnell; Buffalo - William Posten; Blue Grass - Samuel Little; Hickory Grove - James H. Ross; Pleasant Valley - Backus Birchard; Allens Grove - William Nutting; Liberty - James H. Freeman; Cleona - William M. Murray; Rockingham - Edward Ricker; Ben Butler - E. S. Wing.

1867.

Davenport - John L. Davis, Peter N. Lau, George M. Matthews, Charles S. Watkins; LeClaire - C. C. Applegate; Winfield - James McManus; Princeton - G. W. Pinneo; Buffalo - G. W. Baker; Blue Grass - William S. Schmidt; Hickory Grove - James H. Ross; Pleasant Valley - Backus Birchard; Allens Grove - John Heller; Liberty - Joseph Freeman; Cleona - George W. Murray; Rockingham - Edward Ricker; Butler - D. R. Stearns; Lincoln - John Larrimer; Sheridan - H. H. Fry.

1868.

Davenport - John L. Davies, Thomas Sindt, Christ. Kruse, Thomas Robeson, G. M. Matthews; LeClaire - C. C. Applegate; Princeton - Michael Moore; Buffalo - George W. Baker; Blue Grass - James Herron; Pleasant Valley - J. W. Means; Allens Grove - E. S. Newton; Liberty - A. M. Alpin; Cleona - F. Theodore Blunck; Rockingham - S. Bawden; Butler - D. R. Stearns; Lincoln - W. B. Murray; Sheridan - William Rigg; Winfield - Alexander Williamson; Hickory Grove - Julius Langheim.

1869.

Davenport - Thomas Sindt, Chris. Kruse, Thomas Robeson, Edwin Smith, B. H. Lahrman; LeClaire - C. C. Applegate; Princeton - Mark Matthews; Buffalo - Horace Miller; Blue Grass - Henry Goering; Pleasant Valley - James W. Means; Allens Grove - E. S. Newton; Liberty - J. H. Freeman; Cleona - F. Theodore Blunck; Rockingham - S. Bawden; Butler - William Cressler; Lincoln - William B. Murray; Sheridan - William Rigg; Winfield - Alexander Williamson; Hickory Grove - Julius Langheim.

1870.

Davenport - Thomas Sindt, John M. Lyter, John Lambert, H. A. Runge, B. H. Lahrman; LeClaire - Erastus Decker; Princeton - Mark Matthews; Buffalo - Horace Miller; Blue Grass - Henry Goering; Plasant Valley - James W. Means; Allens Grove - E. S. Newton; Liberty - J. H. Freeman; Cleona - John A. Gifford; Rockingham - Stephen Bawden; Lincoln - William B. Murray; Sheridan - William Rigg; Winfield - John Madden; Hickory Grove - Julius Langheim; Butler - William Cressler.

1871.

Julius Langheim, Erastus Decker, John L. Davies.

1872.

Julius Langheim, Erastus Decker, John L. Davies.*

*Died and George S. Shaw appointed to fill the vancancy.

1873.

George S. Shaw, Julius Langheim, George Murray.

1874.

Julius Langheim, John Madden, George Murray.

1875.

George Murray, Julius Langheim, George L. Dennis, John Madden, Frederick Kautz.

1876.

John Madden, George G. Dennis, George Murray, Julius Langheim, Frederick Kautz.

1877.

George Murray, Fred Kautz, Thomas W. McCausland, Julius Langheim, A. J. Emeis.

1878.

George Murray, Thomas W. McCausland, H. S. Garlock, A. J. Emeis, E. S. Newton.

1879.

T. W. McCausland, H. S. Garlock, Louis Schworm, E. S. Newton, H. Thomson.

1880.

H. F. Laverenz, H. S. Garlock, Louis Schworm, T. W. McCausland, E. S. Newton.

1881.

T. W. McCausland, H. F. Laverenz, F. A. Quistorf, Louis Schworm, John S. Ackley.

1882.

T. W. McCausland, John S. Ackley, Caspar Foster, F. A. Quistorf, H C. Chapman, Louis Schworm.

1883.

T. W. McCausland, Caspar Foster, John S. Ackley, H. C. Chapman, F. A. Quistorf, Isaac H. Sears, Henry Ruwe.

1884.

I. H. Sears, H. C. Chapman, Henry Ruwe, William B. Murray, Lorenz Rogge.

1885.

I. H. Sears, H. C. Chapman, Henry Ruwe, W. B. Murray, Lorenz Rogge, U. M. Kelsey.

1886.

I. H. Sears, H. Ruwe, W. B. Murray, L. Rogge, U. M. Kelsey.

1887.

I. H. Sears, H. Ruwe, W. B. Murray, L. Rogge, U. M. Kelsey.

1888.

I. H. Sears, H. Ruwe, W. B. Murray, L. Rogge, U. M. Kelsey.

1889.

I. H. Sears, W. B. Murray, L. Rogge, U. M. Kelsey, H. H. Sindt.

1890.

I. H. Sears, W. B. Murray, L. Rogge, H. H. Sindt, U. M. Kelsey.

1891.

I. H. Sears, W. B. Murray, L. Rogge, H. H. Sindt, T. J. Glynn.

1892.

I. H. Sears, W. B. Murray, L. Rogge, H. H. Sindt, T. J. Glynn.

1893.

I. H. Sears, H. H. Sindt, T. J. Glynn, J. G. Dutcher, C. Stoltenberg.

1894.

I. H. Sears, H. H. Sindt, T. J. Glynn, J. G. Dutcher, C. Stoltenberg.

1895.

T. J. Glynn, J. G. Dutcher, C. Stoltenberg, E. J. Dougherty, Paul Burmeister.

1896.

T. J. Glynn, J. G. Dutcher, E. J. Dougherty, Paul Burmeister, Henry Korn.

1897.

J. G. Dutcher, Henry Korn, E. J. Dougherty, Paul Burmeister, T. W. McCausland.

1898.

T. J. Dutcher, T. W. McCausland, Henry Korn, E. J. Hilton, H. J. Wulff.

1899.

T. W. McCausland, H. J. Wulff, E. J. Hilton, John W. Ballard, S. A. Wilson.

1900.

T. W. McCausland, H. J. Wulff, E. J. Hilton, John W. Ballard, S. A. Wilson.

1901.

John W. Ballard, H. J. Wulff, Peter Schwarz, S. A. Wilson, Frank G. Logan.

1902.

S. A. Wilson, H. J. Wulff, John Soller, Peter Schwarz, Frank T. Logan.

1903.

John Soller, H. J. Wulff, Frank T. Logan, L. Litscher, S. A. Wilson.

1904.

John Soller, Frank T. Logan, L. Litscher, Henry Stoltenberg, S. A. Wilson.

1905.

John Soller, S. A. Wilson, F. T. Logan, Henry Stoltenberg, Leonard Litscher.

1906-7.

J. G. Dutcher, John Soller, S. A. Wilson, Theo. Gasseling, Henry Schroeder.

1907-8.

J. G. Dutcher, Julius Sander, Charles Rich, Theo. Gasseling, Henry Schroeder.

1908-9

Theo. Gasseling, Julius Sander, J. G. Dutcher, Charles Rich, Henry Schroeder.

COUNTY OFFICIALS.

In this chapter is given a list of the county officials elected from the time of the location of the county seat in Davenport up to the present:

ELECTION AUGUST, 1842
Council
R. Cristie, Whig............................284
J. A. Birchard, dem......................235
Representative
J. M. Robertson, whig..................267
A. W. Campbell, dem...................259
Sheriff
A. H. Davenport, dem..................319
R. Bennett, whig...........................207
Recorder
John D. Evans, dem......................280
James Thorington, whig.................240
Commissioner's Clerk
John Pope, dem............................282
Alfred Sanders, whig.....................236
Assessor
Lyman Smith, dem........................259
William P. Eldridge, whig...............256
Coroner
W. L. Cook, dem..........................262
James McCosh, whig....................259
ELECTION, OCTOBER 3, 1843
Representative
G. C. R. Mitchell, whig..................241
James Grant, dem..........................218
Probate Judge
James Thorington, whig..................253
J. D. Evans, dem...........................209
Assessor
William P. Eldridge, whig...............246
_________ Pike, dem...................206
Treasurer
John Evans, whig...........................320
____________ Green, dem...........116
Surveyor
E. K. Gibbon, whig........................261
_______ Turner, dem....................168
Strong Brunell, whig.........................27
ELECTION, APRIL, 1844
Against Convention........................204
For Convention..............................143
ELECTION, AUGUST 6, 1844
Commissioners
Otho G. McLain, dem....................303
John Coleman, whig.......................248
Commissioner's Clerk
John Pope, dem.............................272
E. K. Gibbon, whig........................271
Recorder
John D. Evans, dem.......................330
James Thorington, whig..................212
Treasurer
A. H. Miller, dem...........................266
John Evans, whig............................234
ELECTION, APRIL 15, 1845
Council
L. Summers, dem...........................231
Z. Metcalf, whig.............................201
House
J. M. Robertson, whig....................255
E. S. Wing, dem.............................198
Constitution
Against..........................................291
For................................................169
ELECTION, AUGUST, 1845
Treasurer
A. H. Miller...................................243
John Evans........................................3
Surveyor
Willard Barrows, dem....................215
Jonathan Parker, whig....................201
Assessor
Stephen Henley, dem......................231
Samuel Hedges, whig.....................201
ELECTION, AUGUST, 1846
Representative
E. S. Wing, dem.............................275
Ebenezer Cook, whig.....................272
Sheriff
A. H. Davenport, dem....................338
E. A. Riggs, whig............................199
Commissioner
C. G. Blood, dem...........................281
A. C. Fulton, whig..........................266
Recorder
J. D. Evans, dem............................341
W. S. Collins, whig.........................193
Treasurer
A. H. Miller, dem...........................319
J. Morton, whig..............................229
Commissioner's Clerk
J. Pope, dem.................................305
J. Evans, whig................................240
Probate Judge
J. Thorington, whig........................311
C. Weston, dem............................223
Coroner
W. L. Cook, dem..........................296
H. S. Finley, whig..........................236
Constitution
For................................................296
Against..........................................245
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1846
State Senate
L. Wheeler, whig............................331
L. Summers, dem............................291
Clerk of District Court
James Thorington, whig...................351
J. C. Betts, dem..............................261
ELECTION, AUGUST, 1847
Sheriff
Harvey Leonard, dem.....................342
R. Christie, rep................................320
Recorder
A. H. Miller, dem............................330
William Inslee, whig.........................328
Presecuting Attorney
A. W. McGregor, whig...................326
V. M. Firor, dem............................324
Commissioner's Clerk
John Pope, dem..............................352
R. Ricker, Jr., whig.........................309
Probate Judge
James Thorington, whig...................380
John Rowser, dem..........................287
Surveyor
G. W. Gale, whig............................339
W. Barrows, dem...........................294
ELECTION, AUGUST, 1848
Representative
John D. Evans, dem........................347
A. C. Fulton, whig...........................341
Clerk of District Court
James Thorington, whig...................380
John Pope, dem..............................309
A. Logan............................................4
Commissioner
E. S. Wing, dem..............................347
S. Thompson, whig.........................339
ELECTION, AUGUST, 1849
Sheriff
Harvey Leonard, dem.....................495
Enos Tichenor, whig........................234
Recorder
Hiram Price, dem............................462
James McManus, whig....................269
County Commissioner's Clerk
John Rowser, dem...........................369
William P. Campbell, whig...............356
Surveyor
Willard Barrows, dem.....................297
Joanathan Parker, Ind. whig........... 240
Mr. Finley,.....................................178
Prosecuting Attorney
Alex W. McGregor, whig................366
S. R. Miller, dem.............................313
Coroner
T. V. Blakemore, whig.....................371
William McDade, dem.....................337
Probate Judge
James Thorington, whig....................327
ELECTION, AUGUST, 1850
State Senator
W. E. Leffingwell, dem....................404
L. Carpenter, whig...........................308
Representative
Laurel Summers, dem.......................402
A. C. Fulton, whig............................354
Clerk District Court
James Thorington, whig....................414
T. D. Eagal, dem..............................349
Prosecuting Attorney
A. W. McGregor, whig....................306
County Commissioner
J. W. Wiley, dem.............................410
D. B. Shaw, whig.............................358
ELECTION, AUGUST, 1851
County Judge
William Burris, whig..........................508
C. G. Blood, dem.............................342
Supervisor
J. A. Birchard, dem..........................458
S. Thompson....................................423
Sheriff
Harvey Leonard, dem.......................531
J. Bechtel.........................................371
Surveyor
Willard Barrows, dem.......................475
James Porter, whig...........................388
Coroner
J. Carney, dem.................................447
T. V. Blakemore, whig.....................418
Recorder
Hiram Price, dem..............................560
ELECTION, AUGUST, 1852
State Senator
E. S. Wing, dem...............................544
George Smith, whig..........................482
Clerk District Court
James Thorington, whig.....................559
T. D. Eagal, dem...............................471
Prosecuting Attorney
J. F. Dillon, dem...............................663
A. W. McGregor, whig.....................368
ELECTION, AUGUEST, 1853
Sheriff
Harvey Leonard, dem.......................997
D. C. Eldridge, whig.........................579
Surveyor
Jonathan Parker................................628
Samuel Perrin...................................324
Willard Barrows...............................313
Recorder
Hiram Price, tem...............................859
Robert Christie.................................411
Coroner
L. B. Collamer, tem..........................883
James Carney, dem...........................347
ELECTION, AUGUST, 1854
State Senator
A. C. Fulton, whig.............................834
J. A. Birchard, dem...........................453
Clerk of District Court
J. D. Patton, whig.............................706
C. G. Blood, dem.............................493
T. V. Blakemore...............................132
Prosecuting Attorney
H. G. Barner, whig............................851
A. Davison, dem...............................476
ELECTION, AUGUST, 1855
County Judge
William L. Cook, dem.......................968
William Burris, tem............................952
Sheriff
Harvey Leonard, dem.....................1054
L. J. Center, tem...............................869
Recorder
James McCosh, tem.........................968
William Gray, dem............................453
Surveyor
William P. Campbell, tem..................996
Henry Lambach, dem.......................938
Coroner
Cyrus Fisk, dem...............................976
William Crosson, tem........................956
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1858
Clerk of District Court
Ira M. Gifford, rep..........................2057
Joseph A. Crandall, dem.................1358
ELECTION, OCTOBER 11, 1859
State Senator
J. W. Thompson, rep......................2129
Edwin Smith, dem...........................1631
County Judge
R. Linderman, rep...........................2187
Charles Weston, dem......................1631
Sheriff
James Thorington, rep.....................1951
Harvey Leonard, dem.....................1858
Recorder
James McCosh...............................2368
William VanTuyl..............................1411
County Superintendent
Thomas J. Saunders, rep.................2137
Joshua Dial, dem.............................1675
Surveyor
W. P. Campbell, rep.......................2212
J. T. Hogan, dem............................1593
Coroner
J. W. H. Baker, rep........................2204
A. S. Maxwell, dem........................1612
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1861
State Senator
Benjamin F. Gue, rep......................2333
John B. Leake, dem........................1969
Hiram Wheeler...............................1046
George S. C. Dow............................839
J. W. Clark.......................................247
County Judge
Rufus Linderman, rep......................1863
John W. Van Hosen, dem................1068
Samuel B. Wyman.............................503
Sheriff
James Thorington, rep.....................1847
Harvey Leonard, dem......................1640
Treasurer and Recorder
A. F. Mast, dem.............................1846
James McCosh,  rep.......................1613
County Superintendent
Dudley L. Gorton, rep.....................1867
Joshua Dial, dem.............................1632
Surveyor
William P. Campbell, rep.................3279
Scattering.............................................2
Coroner
J. J. Tomson, rep............................1855
Jared C. Parker, dem......................1647
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1862
District Attorney
Lyman A. Ellis, rep..........................1981
Charles M. Dunbar, dem.................1177
State Senator
Thomas J. Saunders, rep.................1957
Thos. J. Saunders, (sold's vote).........217
David Higgins, dem.........................1197
David Higgins, (sold's vote).................17
Clerk of District Court
Ira M. Gifford, rep..........................1985
Ira M. Gifford, (sold's vote)...............327
Reimer Soehren, dem......................1167
R. Soehren, (sold's vote).....................37
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1863
County Judge
Rufus Linderman, rep.......................2632
T. D. Eagal, dem..............................1300
Sheriff
John M. Lyter, rep...........................2583
Harvey Leonard, dem......................1349
Treasurer and Recorder
John Collins, rep..............................2572
A. F. Mast, dem..............................1352
Coroner
J. J. Tomson, rep.............................2625
W. W. Parker, dem.........................1302
County Superintendent
Dudley L. Gorton, rep......................2609
William Geerdts, dem.......................1317
ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1864
Recorder
James Thorington, rep......................2688
J. Thorington (sold's vote)..................563
August F. Mast, dem.......................1348
Aug. F. Mast (sold's vote)......................4
Clerk of District Court
Mahlon D. Snyder, rep....................2718
M. D. Snyder, (sold's vote)................577
Hiram Wheeler, dem........................1320
H. Wheeler (sold's vote)........................6
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1865
Sheriff
John M. Lyter, rep...........................2067
Hugo Hoffman, dem.........................1835
Treasurer
Thomas K. Fluke, rep......................1911
Chester Barney, dem........................1835
Surveyor
William P. Campbell, rep.................2078
Scattering............................................28
County Superintendent
W. O. Hiskey, rep...........................1960
J. W. Moore, dem...........................1795
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1866
Recorder
James Thorington, rep......................3996
M. D. Snyder, dem..............................91
Clerk District Court
John Gallaghan, dem........................2654
John W. Collins, rep........................1726
County Superintendent
George P. Whitcomb.......................3014
D. L. Gorton.......................................18
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1867
State Senator
W. W. Cones..................................2500
H. R. Claussen.................................1806
Treasurer
L. S. Viele, dem...............................2487
T. K. Fluke, rep..............................1856
Sheriff
G. Schnitger, dem............................2491
F. M. Suiter, rep..............................1834
County Judge
T. D. Eagal, dem..............................2434
R. Linderman, rep............................1917
County Superintendent
John Gallagher, dem........................2480
Thomas J. Saunders, rep..................1855
Surveyor
Thomas Murray, dem.......................2524
William P. Campbell, rep..................1749
Coroners
G. Keepfuer, dem............................2518
J. J. Tomson, rep.............................1830
ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1868
Clerk District Court
M. D. Snyder, rep...........................3026
Fred Vollmer, dem...........................2281
Recorder
F. M. Suiter, rep..............................2888
M. J. Rohlfs, dem............................2312
Coroners
J. J. Tomson, rep.............................2777
James McCortney, dem...................2593
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1869
Supreme Judge
John F. Dillon, rep...........................2428
W. F. Brannan, dem........................1391
Auditor
R. D. Leonard, rep..........................2237
T. D. Eagal, dem..............................1580
Treasurer
Henry Egbert, rep............................1945
L. S. Viele, dem...............................1803
Sheriff
Gustavus Schnitger, rep...................1912
Harvey Leonard, dem......................1840
County Superintendent
Roderick Rose, rep..........................2074
John Gallagher, dem.........................1713
Coroner
J. J. Tomson, rep.............................2303
James McCortney, dem...................1417
Surveyor
Thomas Murray, dem.......................2016
William P. Campell, rep...................1745
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1870
Clerk District Court
M. D. Snyder, rep............................2105
W. W. Buell, den.............................1078
Recorder
F. M. Suiter, rep..............................2116
J. W. Jamison, dem..........................1070
County Superintendent
P. S. Morton, rep............................2087
Frank I. Jervis, dem.........................1080
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1871
Treasurer
Henry Egbert, rep............................2561
J. W. Jamison, dem.........................1345
County Superintendent
Philo S. Morton, rep........................2526
William Geerdts, dem.......................1357
Auditor
R. D. Leonard, rep...........................2531
T. D. Eagal, dem..............................1345
Sheriff
Harvey Leonard, dem......................1956
G. Schnitger, rep.............................1882
Coroner
J. J. Tomson, rep.............................2542
J. McCortney, dem..........................1352
ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1872
Clerk District Court
William K. White, lib........................2734
William G. Scott, rep.......................2338
Recorder
Frank M. Suiter, rep........................2645
James McNamara, dem...................2432
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1873
Treasurer
M. J. Rohlfs, anti-mon......................2446
Richard Smetham, rep......................1988
Auditor
R. D. Leonard, rep..........................2365
W. B. Barnes, anti-mon....................2078
Sheriff
H. Leonard, anti-mon.......................3244
Bernhard Finger, rep........................1207
Coroner
W. W. Grant, anti-mon...................2832
J. J. Tomson, rep.............................1621
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1874
District Attorney
Lyman A. Ellis, anti-mon.................2809
John N. Crawford, rep....................1301
Clerk District Court
W. H. Gabbert, anti-mon.................2756
D. B. Nash, rep...............................1328
Recorder
Joseph A. LeClaire, rep...................2298
Charles Freidrich..............................1794
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1875
County Superintendent
Charles H. Clemmer, dem................2408
P. S. Morton, rep............................1594
Sheriff
Harvey Leonard
Treasurer
M. J. Rohlfs for treasurer
Coroner
W. W. Grant for coroner
Surveyor
Thomas Murray for surveyor
ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1876
Clerk District Court
Joseph Andrews, rep.......................3370
W. H. Gabbert, dem.......................3332
Recorder
Joseph A. LeClaire, rep...................3667
John L. Boehl, dem..........................3011
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1877
Sheriff
Harvey Leonard, dem......................3173
John M. Lyter, rep...........................2123
Coroner
H. L. Baldwin, rep...........................2996
A. W. Campbell, dem......................2059
W. G. Peck, gr..................................249
County Superintendent
C. H. Clemmer, dem........................2579
J. F. Lavender, rep..........................2387
George W. Thompson, gr..................340
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1878
Clerk District Court
Joseph Andrews, rep.......................3204
W. O. Schmidt, dem........................1965
William Hafflebach, gr........................471
Recorder
Joseph A. LeClaire, rep...................3052
John Noth, dem...............................1907
Ed. J. Jennings, gr..............................654
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1879
Sheriff
Harvey Leonard, dem......................2685
John B. Rowse, rep.........................2499
W. W. Hathaway...............................142
J. M. D. Burrows...............................313
Treasurer
M. J. Rohlfs, rep..............................3219
A. F. Mast, dem..............................2094
J. S. McHarg.....................................220
J. F. Carter........................................256
Auditor
Thomas Winkless, rep......................3207
C. C. Campbell, dem.......................1999
Daniel Moore....................................222
W. T. Reid........................................317
County Superintendent
P. S. Morton, rep............................2760
C. H. Clemmer, dem........................2555
Maggie Ross......................................490
Coroner
H. L. Bawden, rep...........................3447
James McCortney, dem...................2169
W. G. Peck.......................................208
Surveyor
Thomas Murray, dem.......................2432
M. J. Higgins......................................508
ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1880
Clerk District Court
Joseph Andrews, rep.......................4484
W. J. Birchard, dem.........................2538
Recorder
Joseph A. LeClaire, rep.....................4000
C. H. Clemmer, dem..........................3041
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1881
Sheriff
Nathaniel Leonard, dem.....................2390
John B. Rowse, rep...........................2256
M. J. Leavitt, gr...................................126
Treasurer
M. J. Rohlfs, rep................................3058
Lemuel Parkhurst, dem......................1616
Benjamin Painter, gr.............................147
Auditor
Thomas Winkless, rep........................3188
A. R. Dixon dem................................1349
T. J. O'Meara, gr.................................245
County Superintendent
Philo S. Morton, rep..........................3104
August  Wulff, dem............................1396
Maggie Ross, gr..................................170
Coroner
H. L. Bawden, rep.............................3148
W. W. Grant, dem...............................107
J. B. Kessler........................................162
M. B. Cochran....................................284

  Sheriff
1882-91 Nathaniel Leonard
1892-97 Harvey I. Jones
1898-1906 E. G. McArthur
1907-1910 L. Eckhardt
  Recorder
1882-6 Henry Vollmer
1886-90 Fritz Susemihl
1891-7 F. Aschermann
1898-1902 Alonzo Bryson
1903-4 Alexander W. Carroll
1905-06 Charles Like
1907-09 Frank Holm
  Coroner
1878-83 H. L. Bawden
1884-6 J. H. McCortney
1887-9 H. L. Bawden
1890-7 J. H. McCortney
1898-1909 F. Lambach
1909-10 F. E. Rudolph
  Surveyor
1867-97 Thomas Murray
1898-9 Charles E. Sheriff
1900-6 Thomas Murray
1907-9 C. H. Beuck
1909 Allen R. Boudinot (to fill vacancy.)
  Prosecuting Attorney
1884-8 C. A. Ficke
1889-90 J. W. Stewart
1891-4 Fred Heinz
1895-6 William M. Chamberlin
1897-1902 Julius Lischer
1903-4 Fred W. Neal
1905-7 A. W. Hamann
1907-9 Fred Vollmer
  County Superintendent
1884-7 C. E. Birchard
1887-8 H. E. Downer (to fill vacancy.)
1888-97 C. L. Suksdorf.
1898-1901 A. A. Miller
1902-3 Fred J. Walker
1904-5 J. H. Jacobs
1906-9 W. D. Wells
1909-10 Henry E. Ronge (to fill vacancy.)
  Clerk District Court
1886-92 W. J. Birchard
1893-6 August A. Balluff
1897-1902 J. F. Cheek
1903-4 William G. Noth
1905-7 William Gruenwald
1908-9 H. J. McFarland
  Treasurer
1888-9 P. W. McManus
1890-3 Henry C. Struck, Jr.
1894-7 J. B. Frahm
1898-1901 P. W. McManus
1902-7 Rudolph Rohlfs
1908-10 Ben F. Luetje
  Auditor
1886-94 C. C. Campbell
1895-6 W. H. Martin
1897-1902 H. F. Jarchow
1903-4 Edward Berger
1905-7 P. W. McManus
1908-10 Edward Collins

GROWTH OF THE COUNTY IN WEALTH AND POPULATION.

The pioneers of this section of the country left their homes in the eastern states to better their condition and make for themselves and their posterity homes they could claim as their own.  Many of them were forced by circumstances to "seek pastures new" and brave every hardship and many dangers.  With assets chiefly limited to indomitable pluck and perseverance, they came here to carve out their own fortunes and in the outset were willing to take "pot luck" and trust in the future.  Hence, when the county first opened its official doors for business and the treasury drew on the people for money in the way of taxes to pay the expenses of the new and budding community, but little was forthcoming and even a deficit was reported by the incumbent of the county treasurer's office.  This is made clear by a few extracts from Mr. Barrows' excellent history which is given a place in this work.  Mr. Barrows relates that in 1838 the county treasurer received for taxes, licenses and fines, less than $500 and expended nearly $800.  In 1839 the receipts wer $2,578.04, which amount was paid into the treasury on licenses, ferries, fines and general taxes.  The expenditures amounted in that year to $1,804.63.  In 1840 the expenditures greatly exceeded the receipts.  There was paid into the treasury in that year $1,635 and paid out $2,121.  Seven thousand and nineteen dollars and nine cents was received in the county treasury for 1841 and $6,689.99 expended.  It would seem from this great increase in receipts and expenditures for this year that it was a highly prosperous one as compared with the former ones.  In 1842 the balance in the treasury was $484.48 and in 1843 the expenses of the county exceeded its receipts by $905.82.  The financial condition of the county in 1844 was considered very flattering as expenditures for that year were only $1,757.78 and the receipts $2,503.80.  A hiatus occurs in Mr. Barrows' records between the years 1844 and 1847.  For the last mentioned year he gives the following tabulated returns of the assessment on valuations on all kinds of property in the county:

73,264 acres of land valued at ..........................................$234,375
Value of town lots..................................................................71,970
Money at interest in the county.................................................1,675
Merchandise.........................................................................10,885
918 head of horses................................................................29,244
Machinery...............................................................................5,840
2,883 head of cattle..............................................................25,286
2,748 head of sheep................................................................4,013
3,960 head of hogs.................................................................4,224
5 head of mules..........................................................................210
Miscellaneous property..............................................................800
Furniture.................................................................................1,960
48 wagons..............................................................................1,825
                                                                                    _________
Total assessment...............................................................$396,307

Now the sum total of this assessment and the various items that come under the fiat of the law for the purpose of producing revenue for the ambitious and growing bailiwick of Scott, may well be used for the purpose of comparison with a statement of taxable property in Scott county for the year 1909 to show the wonderful progress the county has made in the busy and profitable pursuits of husbandry, manufactures and other multifarious industries that have added so largely to her present wealth.

ABSTRACT OF VALUATIONS AND TAXES LEVIED AND ENTERED ON THE TAX LISTS OF SCOTT COUNTY, IOWA, FOR THE YEAR 1909.

 

VALUATIONS

Lands........................................................$4,132,472.00
Lots............................................................7,386,093.00
Personalty...................................................6,086,753.00
Express companies.............................................6,123.00
Railway companies.........................................797,906.00
Telephone and companies.................................53,397.00
                                                                    __________
Total taxable value                                   $18,462,744.00
Exemptions for old soldiers...............................37,695.00
                                                                     _________
Net taxable value                                    $18,425,049.00

Taxes

                                                                    Mills  
State...............................................................3.4 $  62,645.17
University........................................................0.2       3,685.01
College...........................................................0.2      3, 685.01
Normal School................................................0.1       1,842.50
State Insane....................................................0.9     16,582.54
County............................................................3.1     57,117.65
Poor................................................................1.5     27,637.57
County Insane...................................................1.     18,425.05
County Road, outside city of Davenport.............4.       6,434.89
County Bridge, outsie of Davenport...................4.     25,739.57
County School..................................................1.     18,425.05
Soldiers' Relief................................................0.2       3,685.01
Juvenile Home.................................................0.3       5,527.51
Drainage, outside of Davenport........................0.1          634.49
     Totas.......................................................17.0 $252,076.02
                                                                ______ __________
Teachers'............................................................   185,632.82
Contingent..........................................................     88,561.26
School House.....................................................     36,561.67
Poll.....................................................................       4,566.50
Dog.....................................................................       3,640.00
Township Road...................................................     20,389.73
Cemetery Fund....................................................            91.68
Board of Health...................................................          628.45
Corporation, etc...................................................       7,313.50
     $4,761.89  corporation  
           785.11  electric light  
           785.11  water  
           196.28  sewer  
           785.11  bond  
Quarantine...........................................................          186.27
Highway..............................................................            69.40
Delinquent Road..................................................       1,932.49
  _________
     Total............................................................... $601.649.79

 

ABSTRACT OF TAXES BY TOWNS AND TOWNSHIPS LEVIED AND ENTERED ON THE TAX LISTS OF SCOTT COUNTY, IOWA, FOR THE YEAR 1909.

     Towns and Townships          Valuation           Tax      
Allens Grove Township................................... $     366,726.00 $  11,963.40
Bettenforf, Town of........................................        213,627.00     10,701.70
Blue Grass, Township.....................................        514,125.00     16,486.88
Blue Grass, Town of.......................................          47,531.00       2,024.70
Buffalo Township...........................................        230,371.00       8,556.10
Buffalo, Town of............................................          42,883.00       1,837.20
Butler Township.............................................        279,373.00       9,929.19
Cleona Township...........................................        430,552.00     12,747.28
Davenport Township......................................        737,873.00     25,146.56
Davenport, City of..........................................   11,990,157.00   387,689.53
Eldridge, Town of...........................................          83,744.00       2,800.30
Hickory Grove Township................................        472,589.00     13,694.27
LeClaire Township.........................................        283,402.00       9,263.86
LeClaire, Town of..........................................        106,432.00       5,908.54
Liberty Township...........................................        475,859.00     13,818.62
Lincoln Township...........................................        412,533.00     12,846.27
Pleasant Valley Township...............................        263,543.00       9,051.78
Princeton Township........................................        239,664.00       8,454.06
Princeton, Town of.........................................          47,832.00       2,399.22
Rockingham Township...................................        172,323.00       4,999.22
Sheridan Township.........................................        535,224.00     15,613.93
Walcott, Town of...........................................        122,834.00       4,451.11
Winfield Township.........................................        373,852.00     11,265.52
  ____________ __________
     Total......................................................... $18,425,049.00 $601,649.79

Mulct Tax Levies

Liquor.............................................$116,400.00
Cigarettes........................................         750.00

ITEMIZED REPORT OF PERSONAL PROPERTY AND VALUE, AS ASSESSED

FOR THE YEAR 1909.

Horses

     No.

Actual Value
Colts, one year old.........................................      844 $       38,163.00
Colts, two years old.......................................      802          53,505.00
Horses, three years old and over.....................   9,392        783,552.00
Stallions.........................................................        44          18,580.00

Mules, Etc.

   
Mules and asses, one year old and over..........      376 $       32,980.00
Swine, over six months old............................. 40,852        279,788.00
Sheep, over six months old.............................   1,867            7,267.00
Goats, over six months old.............................        50               160.00

Cattle

   
Cattle in feeding.............................................   2,626 $     102,110.00
Heifers, one year old......................................   3,801          57,319.00
Heifers, two years old....................................   2,738          55,081.00
Cows............................................................ 15,815        448,670.00
Steers, one year old.......................................   3,117          53,163.00
Steers, two years old.....................................   1,389          33,739.00
Steers, three years old....................................        12               425.00
Bulls..............................................................      972          30,376.00

Miscellaneous

   
Vehicles.........................................................   2,739 $     293,806.00
Furniture, etc..................................................          218,535.00
Moneys and credits........................................       7,759,710.00
Merchandise..................................................       5,038,431.00
Corporation stock..........................................       8,198,446.00
Manufacturing................................................              1,960.00
Other personal property.................................          730,426.00
Buildings on leased land..................................          100,820.00
    ____________
     Total.........................................................   $24,347,012.00

 

GROWTH IN POPULATION.

At the close of the year 1836, there were about 100 souls in Davenport and probably not more than that scattered throughout the then unorganized county.  From that time on up to 1847, when the first official census was taken, settlers came in slowly but gradually.  Below is given a table of the census of the county from 1847 to 1905:

1847.........................3,652
1849.........................4,837
1850.........................5,986
1852.........................8,621
1854.......................12,671
1856.......................21,521
1860.......................25,959
1863.......................26,277
1865.......................28,474
1867.......................34,362
1870.......................38,599
1875.......................39,736
1880.......................41,266
1885.......................41,956
1890.......................43,164
1895.......................45,869
1900.......................51,558
1905.......................55,910