Scott Co, Iowa - IAGenWeb Project

DAVENPORT PAST AND PRESENT

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CHAPTER XXXI.

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MILITARY.

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The first permanent organization in Davenport was that of theDavenport Rifle Corps-a German Company.  They now number forty men, Capt.Haupt; First Lieutant, Scherer; Orderly Sergeant, Winegardner.

The next Company organized was an American Company - theDavenport City Artillery.  It was organized June, 1857, under the auspicesof Capt. Schuyler - whose indefatigable exertions have more than anything elsebrought the Company to its present character.

OFFICERS. - C. N. Schuyler, Captain; W. W. Gallaer, 1stLieutenant; 2nd do., Chas. C. Harris; 3d do., John Johns.  Forty men andtwo six pounders.

Davenport City Guards (German.)  The officers of thisCompany are mostly old soldiers from Schleswig-Holstein.  Organized Feb.,1858.  Captain, F. Unrow; 1st Lieutenant, Steward; 2nd Lieutenant, JohnHempel; Orderly Sergeant, D. Hempel.  Forty men.

Davenport Sarsfield Guards, (Irish.)  Not organized fully.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

The Fire Department of Davenport never assumed prominence forefficient service until the matter was taken in hand by R. M. Littler, formerlyof Cincinnati.  Through his efforts a Company was organized July 26, 1856,and two of Honeyman's best Engines purchased, which arrived May, 1857.  Thecompany organized was the "Independent Fire Engine and Hose Company, No.1."  R. M. Littler was elected President.  In February, 1858, theFire Department was reorganized, and in March R. M. Littler was elected ChiefEngineer over O. S. McNiel by a majority of twenty.  The entire vote wastwo hundred and fifty-four.  Christian Mueller was unanimously electedFirst Assistant, and E. A. Tellibine, Second, over D. Moore.

The organization now consists of -

"Independent Fire Engine and Hose Company, No. 1." -Two Engines, two Hose Carts.  Fifteen hundred feet of Hose.  Cost$6500.  Chris. Buckholter and Issac Cummings, Foremen of Engines, and JohnGundaker Foremen of Hose.  One hundred and twenty-five sets of equipments,and one hundred and twenty members.  Engine House on Brady street, nearFifth.  Cost $6,000.

"Fire King Company, No. 2." - organized 1857. Smith's Engine, and eight hundred feet of hose.  Marsh Noe, Foreman. House in Davenport's Block.  One hundred and nineteen men.

"Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1." - OrganizedDecember, 1857. Ninety men.  Chas. Eyser and H. La Franz, Foremen. House on third street, near Washington Square.

"Engine Company No. 3." - House with Pioneer No. 1,Hook and Ladder - sixty-four men.  Officers to be elected 2d Monday inApril.

 

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