James Renwick 1805-1894

RENWICK LOCKBRI CONGDON

Posted By: Obituary Fairy (email)
Date: 8/3/2015 at 11:58:30

The Davenport (IA) Daily Leader; Wednesday, January 17, 1894; p. 8, col. 3:

In the death of Hon. James Renwick Monday, this city loses one of its most prominent citizens and one of its most conspicuous characters. The sad ending of his life was not unexpected, for the grand old man had passed his three score and ten a generation ago and for the past year or more had been in quite feeble health.

Born in Scotland April 6, 1805, he bore in his veins the sturdy blood of the old Covenanters and the Scottish martyrs. He received a liberal education and after serving a time in the employ of his father, he went to London to find his fortune. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Lockbri at Glasgow in 1826 and then went to Liverpool and engaged in business.

He came to Davenport in Oct., 1845. A big syndicate having been organized to manufacture lard oil in this country, Davenport had been selected as a suitable place to begin the manufacture. Circumstances prevented the carrying out of the original design, and for a number of years he engaged in buying lumber in the northern Mississippi country, finally engaging in the wholesale and commission business in the block at the foot of Brady street. The saw mill at the foot of Tremont avenue, now used by the Rock Island Lumber company was first built by him. A few years later he retired from active business. He was elected mayor of Davenport in 1868, declining a second term.

He survived his wife by fifteen years, she having died in 1878. They had celebrated their golden wedding July 10, 1876.

Two daughters, Margaret and Rebecca live here, another, Mrs. Elizabeth R. Congdon, living in Atlanta, Georgia. The only son died January 12, 1889 and two daughters died in infancy.

Deceased was a prominent Mason, being the oldest master Mason in this section, having taken the degree in Scotland. He was a life long Presbyterian and did much for charities of a deserving nature. He was always liberal, always kind, and his loss is one which the entire community mourns. Full of honors, full of years, he has fought a good fight and at last gathering the drapery of his couch about him, lies down to pleasant dreams.

The funeral will be held from the family residence, corner of Fifteenth and Brady streets at 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon. Interment at Oakdale.