Iowa News from across the
Country
- 1840 -
Alton Telegraph
Alton, Illinois
February 29, 1840
Boundary Question Between Missouri and Iowa.
This question has arisen from the different opinions as to what
was meant by the terms "Rapids of the River des
Moines," as used in the act of Congress, defining the
boundaries of the State of Missouri. Missouri contends that
certain Rapids in the River des Moines, are the Rapids intended;
while Iowa asserts that the Rapids in the Mississippi, just about
the mouth of the River des Moines, are the Rapids intended by
Congress. Doctor Lewis C. Beck's Gazetteer of Illinois and
Missouri, published in 1823, (fifteen years before the
commencement of this boundary dispute,) favors the opinion
entertained by the Iowans. Dr. Beck resided in Missouri at the
time of compiling his Gazetteer. The following is extracted from
this work, page 178: -- "The Rapids of the river des Moines,
are about nine miles in length, and they terminate half a mile
above the mouth of this river. -- These are in the Mississippi,
but take their name from the circumstance of their being at the
junction of the stream which I have just described."
[transcribed by S.F., Nov. 2003]
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Pittsfield Sun
Massachusetts
June 4, 1840
Wonderful Escape from Death - Three or four weeks ago a Mr. Ladd,
who was travelling on foot in Iowa Territory, near Fort Madison,
was fallen in with by three other men, to whom, in the course of
conversation, he imparted the knowledge of his having 4 or $500
about him, which he was going to pay at the land office. The
three strangers instantly determined to obtain the money, and on
their reaching a broken part of the country attacked Mr. L. with
clubs and knives, killed him as they thought, robbed him, threw
him into a ravine, covered him with brush and then continued on
their journey. A rivulet of water flowed down the ravine in which
Mr. Ladd lay buried, and the cooling and refreshing element
coming in contact with his wounded head, had the effect of
cleansing the wounds and restoring him to life. Knowing the route
of the robbers, he instantly set out in pursuit of them -
reaching Fort Madison, where he heard they had descended the
river - procured a skiff - reached St. Louis, and in an hour or
two apprehended two of the ruffians. The third had not yet
reached the city, and was arrested on landing a short time
afterward. The villains were the next day taken back to Iowa, and
the Court being in session, were instantly tried, convicted, and
sent to the penitentiary, one for 5 years; another for 10 and the
third for 23. How much of the money Mr. L. was able to recover we
have not heard.-- Peoria Register.
[transcribed by C.J.L., July 2005]
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The Atlas
Boston, Massachusetts
Friday, July 10, 1840
Married. In Bloomington, Iowa, June 4, Mr. Joseph Bridgman, of
Masachusetts, to Miss Eliza Ann Weed, daughter of Dr. Benj. Weed,
of Connecticut.
[transcribed by S.F., August 2015]
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The Pittsfield Sun
Massachusetts
July 16, 1840
MARRIED.
At Bloomington, Iowa, June 4th, Mr. Joseph Bridgman, of
Massachusetts, to Miss Eliza Ann, daughter of Dr. Benjamin Weed,
of Connecticut.
[transcribed by C.J.L., July 2005]
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Ohio Statesman
Columbus, Ohio
Wed. September 2, 1840
Married. In Bloomington, Iowa Territory, on Thursday evening
last, by the Rev. Mr. Stockers, Mr. Jno. W. Brady, merchant, to
Miss Clarinda Dibble, of Connecticut. -Iowa Gazette
[transcribed by S.F., August 2015]
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New England Weekly
Review
Hartford, Connecticut
Sat., September 12, 1840
Died. At Iowa city, Iowa Territory, August 9th, Mr. John P.
Goodrich, aged 25, formerly of Glastenbury, Ct.
[transcribed by S.F., August 2015]
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Ohio Observer
Hudson, Ohio
Thurs., October 15, 1840
Died. At Fort Madison, Iowa Territory, on the 26th of September,
Lucy, wife of James Pitkin, son of Rev. C. Pitkin of this place,
in the 22nd year of her age. Her disease was inflammation in the
breast. Her sickness, which lasted only from Wednesday to sunrise
on Saturday, was short and distressing. A few months previous to
her death, while in health, her mind was called seriously to the
concerns of her soul, and after a season of deep conviction, she
cherished hope of an interest in Christ, and her subsequent life
has confirmed in her friends the hope that she has gone to rest
with her Savior.
[transcribed by S.F., August 2015]
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Dover Gazette &
Strafford Advertiser
Dover, New Hampshire
Tues., November 3, 1840
Married. In Burlington, Iowa Territory, on Wednesday evening, the
7th Oct., by the Rev. John Betcheldor, Col. Charles Nealley,
Merchant, and formerly of Northwood, in this State, to Miss
Abigail, daughter of His Excellency, Gov. Lucas.
[transcribed by S.F., August 2015]