In writing the history of any community, authors, publishers and the general public recognize the fact that full justice is seldom done to the worthy women who have shared with their husbands the duties and responsibilities of life, and who are entitled to an equal share of credit for results achieved. History should not, however, be partial in the distribution of its favors, nor should it overlook the women who have contributed so much to the advancement of American civilization. Especially worthy of a place in history are the women who have helped to build up the social and religious institutions of the western States, and who have helped to promote the splendid prosperity of the present day.
A lady who belongs to this class is Mrs. Melvina Fanning, who was born January 30, 1845, in Linn County, Iowa, near Lisbon, daughter of J. T. and Mary A. (Rathburn) Pope. The fifth child of a family of nine children, she received a common school education in the schools of Pleasant Valley Township, after her parents had moved to Scott County. When she was fifteen years old her father bought a hotel in Princeton, and she was installed in the hostelry as landlady, remaining there about two years. Four years later, in October of 1864, she was united in marriage to John A. Fanning, who was born in Clayton, Jefferson County, New York, May 20, 1835. In 1857 he came west and settled in Moline, Illinois, where he remained until 1859, when he moved to Princeton, Iowa, and resided there until 1861. In that year he enlisted as a volunteer soldier, and was assigned to Company C, Second Iowa Cavalry, in which regiment and company he served three years. soldier he was brave and fearless, always foremost in the charges for which the famous Second Iowa Cavalry was noted. After the war he returned to Iowa, and continued to reside in this State up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1885.
That Mrs. Fanning has held a prominent place in the community, and enjoys a large share of the esteem of her neighbors, is evidenced by the following, which appeared on the editorial page of the Davenport "Weekly Democrat, under date of September 4, 1884:
"The County Convention on Saturday, of which an extended report is given on this page, was probably the largest one ever held in the County. The delegate conventions of the Democratic party in Scott County have outgrown the limits of the court house, where they have heretofore been held, and as large a room as the auditorium of the German Theater was required. The manager, John Hill, decorated it in excellent taste with the national colors, which concealed the balustrades of the galleries, and at the east end two superb flags embowered a large American eagle, which rested on its perch, as if to watch the proceedings. The place of each delegation was distinguished by a large double placard, which showed the name of Ward or Township, made strongly and neatly, so they may be used for years. Then, too, the table of each delegation was decorated with a splendid bouquet in pyramid form, supported in a crystal vase a happy idea and contribution of Sheriff Leonard."
The Princeton delegates to the County Democratic Convention returned home highly pleased with the proceedings. The bouquet which was placed upon their tables being given them, they had some discussion as to who should ultimately have it. As it would not do to give it to the handsomest one of the delegation (for each one would then claim it), they decided to give it to the staunchest Democratic lady of the Township. The delegation decided Mrs. John Fanning to be that lady, so it was presented to her by one of the best looking delegates, with words appropriate for the occasion. She returned the following letter of thanks:
To the Democratic Delegates of Princeton Township, I wish to say that I feel deeply touched, as well as flattered, by the compliment you have bestowed upon me, and that I heartily reciprocate the good wishes that accompanied the present. I accept the gift with pride and pleasure, and desire to offer my grateful thanks to the generous donors. May the Stars and Stripes float over you in sunshine and peace. "MRS. JOHN FANNING."
No woman in Princeton has done more for the advancement of the town and the welfare of its people than the subject of this sketch. She never had the advantages of a classical education, but she has gained by practical experience the knowledge she possesses, and excellent judgment has made her a woman of admirable business qualifications.
In 1883 she erected a three- story and basement building thirty-three by forty feet, with a hall on the second story, and for many years this was the largest hall in the town. It was dedicated that fall and used for a skating rink for several years, but is now occupied by the Grand Army of the Republic Post of Princeton.
In 1893 Mrs. Fanning visited the World's Columbian Exposition and made an extended trip through the East, visiting the birthplace of her mother in New York State and many of the leading cities of the State.
BIOGRAPHIES