The subject of this sketch can rightfully be termed one of the old settlers of Scott County. He was born in Tofeckin Parish, Linnickshire, Scotland, February 14, 1820, son of Thomas and Margaret (Lang) Pollock. Ile was educated in the common schools, his advantages being very limited on account of the death of his father before the son had reached his tenth year. He being the eldest of a family of five children, had to leave school and work hard to assist his mother in supporting the family.
In 1843 he was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Robertson, daughter of John and Jane (Crawford) Robertson, also natives of Scotland. The following spring (1811) in company with H. M. Thompson, John Robertson, John Grieve and their families, they immigrated to America, landing in New Orleans and coming thence up the Mississippi river to Davenport, arriving June 21 of that year. They secured accommodations for their families in Davenport, which was then a mere village, and at once set out for Winfield Township, where he filed up a claim on Government land, which he later developed into the farm on which he now lives. The three men built a house together, completing it in about four months. The families were then moved into it and all lived together for about a year, when Mr. Pollock erected a house on the site where his present residence stands. His first entry of land was forty acres, and as circumstances would admit of it he added to the original tract, until he became owner of a farm of two hundred acres.
When he settled in Winfield Township the country was all wild prairie and not more than three families lived between Long Grove and Davenport. He was poor, but both he and his very estimable wife were young and strong, and knew how to make the best of their situation. They worked and saved their earnings until a competency was obtained and they are now enjoying the fruits of their early labors. Two years ago they celebrated their golden wedding.
BIOGRAPHIES