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Iowa History Project |
A
Glimpse of Iowa in 1846
By John B.
Newhall
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Pages 80-89
| 80.
Druggists and Apothecaries.- Joseph F. Myers,
A.F. Allen. CORPORATION OF FORT MADISON. Mayor- Thomas Hale. HISTORY. As early as 1805, Gen. Pike selected
this point as a military station, and it was occupied for that object in 1808.
Aboutthis time the Indians, consisting of the Sacs and Foxes, Chippewas, Ottawas,
Winnebagoes, Pottawatamies, and several other tribes, were in league with great
Britain; and during the war, which was shortly afterwards declared between the
United States and that country, these tribes were very troublesome to the few
scattered settlers in what was then a vast wilderness. |
| 82.
Forwarding and Commission.- E.B. Kinson, A.M.
Miller. |
| 84. most charming that the eye ever beheld. Rock Island is, of itself, one of the greatest natural beauties on the Mississippi. The "old fort" not to speak of its military associations, in in truth, an object on which the eye delights to dwell. The flourishing town of Stephenson, near the Illinois shore, adds greatly to the attractions of the scene; and Davenport, with its extended plains, its sloping lawns, and wooded bluffs, completes one of the most perfect pictures that ever delighted the eyes of man." Mr. Atwater thus describes this country, in his tour in 1829, being then in a state of nature: "About thirty miles below Rock Island, the beautiful country on the west side of the river opened to view, and from the first moment we saw it, all eyes were turned towards it. At every turn of the river, as we moved along, new bursts of wonder and admiration were poured out by all the passengers. The ladies were enraptured at the numerous and beautiful situations for dwelling houses, where they pictured a life of rural bliss. Nature had done all; man nothing; and not a human being was seen upon either shore, nor a human habitation. That such a beautiful country was intended by its Author to be forever in the possession and occupancy of wild fowls, wild beasts, and savages, who derive little benefit from it, no reasonable man can for one moment believe, who sees it. * * * * * We could hardly persuade ourselves, many times, when we first saw any one of these beautiful spots, that all the art that man possessed, and wealth could employ, had not been used to fit the place for some gentleman's country seat; and every moment, as we passed along, we were ready to look for some princely mansion, erected on the rising eminences." The location of Davenport may be regarded, as decidedly healthy. Its position near the foot of the rapids, will cause it to become a place of commercial importance. Water power, building stone, and bituminous coals are convenient, and a sufficiency of timber to be found upon the bluffs and neighboring streams. |
| 86. Druggists- Henry Whelin, Benjamin Barker. Physicians- F.W. Taylor, C.H. Ober, H.H. Barker, John D. Elbert, D. Peck, J. Tarbell. Lawyers- James B. Howell, H. M. Shelby, George G. Wright, J.C. Knapp, S.E. Seargent, Richard Humphreys, Augustus C. Hall, S.W. Summers, J.D. Devine. Carpenters- Jamison & Gilchrist, Walker & Hartzell, ____ & Jamison, Dugen & Servicer. Cabinet Makers.- Ruble & Thornburg, Greene B. Morton, Russo King. Coopers- E.F. Burton, ___Anderson. Tailoring Establishments.- J. Kinnersly, Robert Orr. Shoemakers.- William Hoker, A.B. Moore. Jewelry.- E.J. Harper. Blacksmiths.- Hinkle & McCrary, Richard Benjamin. Saddle and Harness Makers.- George W. Games, Joseph Barker. Wagon Makers.- Benson Hinkle, Philip Hartzell. Brick Masons- Jesse Winn, B.F. Pearson Bakery- E.F. Burton. Tanneries.- C. Baldwin & Co., G.W. Games, _____ Anson. Groceries & Coffee Houses.- Julian & Billops, Griffiths & Livingston, David & Pease. Mills. - Steam Flouring and Saw Mill, G.W. Games; Steam Flouring and Saw Mill, Hugh Brown; Steam Flouring and Saw Mill, D. Magwire. Printing Offices.- "Des Moines Valley Whig;" published by Howell & Cowles, editors and proprietors. "Iowa Democrat;" published every Friday by J. & J.M. Shepherd, editors and proprietors. Lodges- Keosauqua Lodge, No. 10; Free and Accepted Masons. Keosauqua Lodge, No. 3; I. O. of Odd Fellows. Keosauqua Lodge, No. 1; Iowa Hunters. Hotels.- Keosauqua Hotel, J. Bruyet; Des Moines Houes, _____ Clymer. Churches.- Methodist, Congregational and several other denominations. |
| 89. Hotels- National, kept by Samuel Shuffleton; Eagle, Mrs. Beck Churches. Old School Presbyterian; Pastor, Rev.
L.G. Bell. Is rapidly assuming an important position among the commercial towns of Iowa. Its situation, at the foot of the Des Moines Rapids, and near the confluence of the Des Moines and Mississippi rivers, renders it the natural depository for the surplus produce of one of the most luxurious portions of the Mississippi Valley. Unless the obstructions of the Upper Mississippi Valley are speedily removed, it requires no gift of prophecy to foretell the rapid and certain destiny of Keokuk. It already contains some eight or ten mercantile establishments; various mechanics; supports a weekly newspaper; and contains a population of about 1100 inhabitants. KEOKUK DIRECTORY - 1846 Mercantile Establishments.-
Chttenden & McGavic, R.B. Hughes & Co., J.M. Chapman & Co., A. Hine,
Patterson & Roberts, Layman & Johnson, James Death, James Ivens. |