LECLAIRE RIVERMAN

 

Part 9

 

HEIDENREICH WILLIAM

 

William Heidenreich was the watchman on the Jennie Gilchrist when the boat lost a cam rod and struck the bridge on October 27, 1881.  He claimed that he did not know his duty included watching over the passengers to get them safely off the boat.

 

 

1880 Census          State of Iowa    Scott County     LeClaire

 

Kaltenbracker  Charles      Head        52       Machinist

                         Alvena      Wife         40       Housekeeping

                          Charles     Son          12       At school

                          Harry        Son           8        At school

Heidenreick      William     Other        18      Apprentice

Harker               William     Other       17       Apprentice

White                Oliver P.    Other        44      Rapid Pilot

                     

           

Davenport Democrat, Wednesday, October 17,1883, page 1.

 

THE RIVER

 

  The steamer Nellie, Captain Whitney which has been engaged in these waters through the summer in government and city service, passed down early this morning with a barge in tow, and having French & Co.’s circus on board.  The company consists of some twenty-five people and five horses and carry a tent that allows covering for an audience of 600 to 800 people.  The circus exhibited at LeClaire yesterday, and shows at Keithsburg today.  They proceed south, and spend the winter in showing at small places on every stream which can be navigated by the Nellie.

 

Davenport Democrat, Thursday, November 15, 1883, page 1.

 

ITEMS IN BRIEF

 

  A fireman named William Heitenreight (Heidenreich), on the steamer Nellie, which went down the river with French’s circus, was drowned near Cape Girardeau in the 27th ult.  He has relatives in Davenport and $2,000 in one of the Davenport savings banks.  His home was LeClaire.

 

Davenport Democrat, Thursday, November 19, 1883, page 1.

 

HE WAS MURDERED.

 

  Our readers will recollect the announcement of the death of a young man named George Schliedwein (Heidenreich), who lived in LeClaire, and was drowned off the steamer Nellie, below Cape Girardeau, as she was en route south with Robert’s circus.  It occurred last month.  Mr. Charles Seims, at the request of the mother of the deceased and other relatives in this city, has been to Cape Girardeau to investigate the matter.  He found that the body had been recovered, and that a coroner’s request had been held--and the jury returned a verdict that “the deceased came to his death after a knock on the head, which rendered him senseless, so that he could be thrown overboard and drowned.”  Mr. Seims identified the remains when they were shown him, through a scar on the hand and a scar on the right caused by a gun-shot wound.  The remains were brought to Davenport, and the funeral took place today.  There is no doubt that the deceased was murdered for money.  He was saving of his wages, and carried sums about his person.  He had $2,000 or more in savings in a savings bank in Davenport.

 

 

JOHNSON CHARLES

 

 

Photo by Bob Jones

 

…”One of the crew, Charles Johnson of LeClaire, also had a remarkable experience.  He also was lying in his berth in the cabin, asleep.  He was blown through the outside door, or window, of his room, on his mattress, falling about forty feet from the boat in the river, where he caught a big oar that came sailing his way, and straddling this he paddled himself ashore without a scratch.  Without reporting back to the wreck, Mr. Johnson made his way to McGregor where he enjoyed himself for a few days, and then commandeering an old “dug-out” which was somewhat insecurely locked, he started for his home in LeClaire.  In the meantime news of the wreck had reached his home and he had been reported among the lost.  His family mourned him as dead, and inscribed the date of his demise in the family bible, and began negotiating for a mortuary slab to be erected to his memory.  Within a few days the dead man was sighted paddling his dug-out toward the levee by some boys who were in swimming.  It is said that they did not stop for their clothes, but fled from the specter for their homes: and it is said that as Johnson passed though the town he cleared the streets wherever he went of both great and small, the people believing that it was a sure enough ghost, and not a flesh and blood visitant that had arrived from above. “--George B. Merrick, Steamboats and Steamboatmen of the Upper Mississippi  The Saturday Evening Post of Burlington, Iowa June 27, 1914

 

  I expect that Charley (Windy) Johnson and I have pulled him (S. R Van Sant) from Beef Slough to Muscatine without hearing a murmur (that is, a mummer from him), but you might have heard the linesman doing a great deal of murmuring.  Sometimes as soon as we had gotten the lines on at the slough we would pull out for Alma.  “Just wait here till I send you a telegram or tow, boys,” and we would wait and wait and watch the boat go by and pass out of sight down the river sometimes giving us a six or eight mile pull, maybe catching the boat for a meal and then pulling out again.

  Did anyone ever hear of a strike on a Van Sant and Musser boat?  I never did.  There wasn’t anything to strike for.  Of course there were times when we had to work hard but so you did on all the boats and we lived better than any ordinary hotel all of the time and not a boat on the river led us in wages.  One day when Windy and I had pulled him out to Lansing we stopped at the wharf-boat and while waiting one of the Mc Donald boats came by.  She sent the skiff out for some supplies and Windy asked the linesman what they were paying and they said thirty-five dollars.  We had shipped out at thirty so when we finally got away, Captain Sam had set up in the hotel office and read the insides out of the paper (daily papers were scarce at that time), Windy told the Captain that he thought we ought to have a raise and after an inquiry Windy told him that such and such a boat was paying thirty-five dollars.  We were informed that we had been getting thirty-five for some time.

  When we got back to the boat after about a ten mile pull I went up to the office to investigate, as I hadn’t examined my envelope for several trips, just putting them back in the safe, and I found that not only were we getting thirty-five but that the linesmen were getting forty dollars.

“Sketch of Capt. S. R. Van Sant”, Saturday Evening Post Burlington Iowa, September 2, 1916.  Transcribed by Georgeann McClure.

 

The Daily Times, Tuesday, December 4, 1906, page 7.

 

Johnson

 

  Chas. A. Johnson of LeClaire died suddenly yesterday afternoon about 6 o’clock at Dr. Bailey’s office in LeClaire, the cause of death being apoplexy.  Mr. Johnson first complained of a bad headache about 10 o’clock Monday morning and as it did not seem to abate in the least, some of his friends persuaded him to go to a doctor.  After walking to the Doctor’s office he suddenly grew worse and continued so until his death.  His death was a shock to all who knew him, as Mr. Johnson had the appearance of being a strong, healthy man.

  Mr. Johnson was born in Fulton, Ill. Oct 30, 1855, but has lived in LeClaire most of his life.  He leaves besides his mother, who lives in LeClaire, four brothers and two sisters, as follows:  Wm and Wallace of Beloit, Wis., Harry and Clark of LeClaire, Mrs. J. E. Lancaster, also of LeClaire, and Mrs. Jennie Toole of Rockford, Ill.  He also leaves two children, Lynn and Miss Helen, of LeClaire.

  The funeral announcements will be made later.

 

The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Tuesday, December 4, 1906, page 14.

 

WELL KNOWN RIVER MAN DIES SUDDENLY

  _____________

 

Charles Johnson of LeClaire Expired After Bursting Open Blood Vessel.

  _____________

 

  LeClaire, Ia., Dec. 4.--(Special to the Democrat.)--Charles Johnson, a well known river man and a resident of LeClaire for the last nine years, died at 5:30 o’clock Monday evening after suffering a few hours from a broken blood vessel.

  Mr. Johnson was running after a street car early in the day and as the result of too much exertion sustained a broken blood vessel.  He walked back to a physician’s office and became unconscious and at the hour stated above passed away.

  Mr. Johnson was one of the prominent river men.  He was a power boat clammer and had planned for an extensive clamming season for next year.  He was born in Fulton, Ill., Oct. 30, 1855, and about nine years ago moved to LeClaire, where he resided until his death.  The survivors are his wife, his mother, two children, Helen and Leon, two sisters, Mrs. E. J. Lancaster, Mrs. Jennie Toole of Rockford, Ill. And four brothers, Harry, Clarke and William of LeClaire and Walter of California.

  The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon with services at the Baptist Church at 2 o’clock and internment in the LeClaire cemetery.

 

KEM JOHN

Kem John.JPG

 

The only time 11 was and captain, and Geo. Trombley Sr. was second. I am not sure, but think Sam Maxwell was head engineer and his brother, who was a good deal of dandy, was second. John Hanley was mate, Dan Hanley and I think Jake Berger, fireman. Jo Gallinor, if I remember correctly, was in charge of the kitchen. Bill (Muzzy) Carr and Geo. Trombley Jr. were running line, John Kim and Orrin Thompson were two of the men on deck and I believe the others were Hugh Sweeny, Charley (Windy) Johnson, Tom Malley and John Anderson but am not sure.

 

We built some little shacks on the bow of the rail and we put in considerable time down there. Some of the lads were quite small in fact they would only hold one person at a time. I remember Kim and Thompson had one in partnership and there was considerable maneuvering to see which could get the inside track and they used to work many sharp tricks to secure occupancy. Both were very much afraid of snakes and snakes were quite numerous that season. One day Kim was laying in the hut about half asleep and Thompson looking in said, “Look out for that snake Kim.” As Kim made a hasty exit Thompson crawled in and settled down for a nap. In the course of an hour Kim came by and hollered out, “Look out for the snake, Orrin.” And Orrin sort of grinned remarking that he wasn’t as big a sucker as some folks and leisurely turning over to resume his nap when he put his hand right on a big snake about two inches in diameter and about 4 feet long which was lying on the log right beside him.

 

Thompson and the snake both came right up thru the top of the shanty and demolished it so completely that they didn’t bother to rebuild more especially as they were both so badly frightened as regards snakes that they hunted the highest logs they could to sun themselves on and where they had a plain view of any snakes that might wish to become too sociable during the rest of the trip.

 

John Kim, I remember, was at the far end of the line as we stood along the bulkhead and just as we had enough to steady the jack John deliberately limped up to John Hanley to explain to him that he was suffering from rheumatism and that he could not stand to get in the cold water. John Hanley explained to him very briefly that he wasn’t hiring rheumatics and that it was up to him (John Kim) to get in the water right now, and he got. If he had stood still he would have been safe as he passed several to get to the front and was I believe the last man needed.--RECOLLECTIONS OF A. D. SUMMERS Collected From “THE OLD BOATS” Additional Information from Men Who Knew Them The Saturday Evening Post Burlington Iowa

1885 Iowa State Census                Town of LeClaire                 County of Scott

Kem             John                32              Laborer

                     Melinda          29        

                     Daniel               8  

                     Mary                 7

 

1920 Census               LeClaire Township          State of Iowa              County of Iowa

 

Kem          John             Head             52            Farmer

                  Malinda       Wife              53            None

 

Note:  The Davenport Democrat and Leader states the John Kem is from Princeton and Pleasant Valley but this researcher could only find in the census that he lived in LeClaire and Davenport.  The explanation could be that he lived close to the border between the two towns.

 

The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Sunday Morning, April 13, 1930, page 8.

 

JOHN W. KEIM IS SUMMONED

  _____________

 

Well Known Ex-Resident Of Princeton and Pleasant Valley Dies.

  _____________

 

  John W. Kem, 723 West Third Street, died at 5 a.m. Friday at Mercy Hospital.  Although ailing for the last eight years death terminated a serious illness of a week’s duration during which he underwent an operation.

  Mr. Kem was born in Mercer County, Ill., on March 7, 1855.  He came to Scott County with his parents when 12 years old and on July 5, 1874 he was married to Miss Belinda Heavlin at Princeton, Ia.  The couple resided in Princeton and LeClaire for many years and came to Davenport about 30 years ago residing here since.

  Surviving besides the widow is a son Daniel Kem of Davenport; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  A daughter, Mary, preceded him in death.

  Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the McGinnis Funeral Home with burial in Glendale Cemetery, LeClaire.

 

The Daily Times, Saturday, April 12, 1930, page 2.

 

JOHN W. KEM, WELL KNOWN DAVENPORT RESIDENT, IS DEAD

  _____________

 

  John W. Kem, well known Scott County resident, died at 5 p.m. Friday, at Mercy Hospital.  Although ailing for the last eight years, he was seriously ill for only the last week.

  Mr. Kem was born March 7, 1851, in Mercer County, Ill., and moved to Scott County at the age of 12 years.  Our July 5, 1874, he married Miss Belinda Havelin in Princeton, Ia.  For the last 30 years the couple have been making their home in Davenport.  The family residence is at 723 West Third Street.  During his long residence in Scott County, Mr. Kem attracted a large circle of friends who will be grieved to hear of his death.

  Surviving besides his widow are one son, Daniel A. Kem of Davenport; four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.  A daughter preceded her father in death.

  Funeral services will be held Monday at the McGinnis Funeral Home.  Interment will be made in Glendale Cemetery, LeClaire.

 

The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Tuesday Evening, April 15, 1930, page 17.

 

The Kem Funeral

  Funeral services for John W. Kem were held at the McGinnis Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Monday.  The Rev. A. H. Ziemer officiated.  Burial was made in Glendale Cemetery.

  Mrs. Harriet Basemann and Finley McGinnis sang “Some Day When the Shadows Flee Away” and “Beautiful Garden of Prayer.”

  Pallbearers were H. B. Tomasek, Alfred Spink, W. S. Knapp, Harry Lancaster, S. A. Sargent and John Rippie.

 

 

MCCAFFREY JACK (JOHN) CAPTAIN

 

Capt. John McCaffrey, LeClaire, Ia., was born in Ireland, 1842, son of James and Mary (Murray) McCaffrey, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to the United States when the captain was a mere child, and located in St. Louis, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1850.  Mother died about the same time leaving a family of five children, viz: Mary (now the wife of Henry Spinsby), Phillip, Kate (now the wife of George Tromley), Sarah, (now the wife of Stephen Rhodes), and John.  The captain commenced his river life in 1856, as a raft hand, and he said then if he got through with his trip he would leave the river, but becoming acquainted with the life still prosecuted the business since.  March 24, 1868, married Miss Sarah J. Davenport, a daughter of A. J. Davenport, an early settler of Scott County, where she was born Oct. 10, 1844.  The fruit of this marriage was four sons, three of whom are living, viz.:  Frank D., born Aug. 18, 1869; Henry S., born Sept 29, 1870; Jack, born, March 21, 1873.  The Captain came to LeClaire in 1856, where he has lived since.--“From History of Scott County, Iowa 1882 Chicago Interstate Publishing Co.”

 

 

 

 

 

Photos by Bob Jones.  This is the headstone of little Robert Adrian the son of Jack and Sarah McCaffrey who did not live to adulthood.

 

The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Monday Evening, July 30, 1917, page 12.

 

CAPTAIN JACK M’CAFFREY DIES AT BATTLE CREEK

  ____________________

 

Was One of the Pioneer Raft Pilots on the Upper Mississippi River.

  ____________________

 

  Captain Jack McCaffrey, for many years one of the best known raft boat pilots on the Upper Mississippi river, died Sunday at the sanitarium at Battle Creek, Mich.  He was 74 years old.

  Some five years ago Captain McCaffrey went to Louisiana where he purchased a large plantation.  This he has conducted since.  His wife died there within the past two years.

  Captain McCaffrey was born in Dublin, Ireland, and came to America when a mere boy.  The family settled in LeClaire and here Captain McCaffrey resided for many years.  He was regarded as one of the most skilled pilots on the Upper Mississippi.

  With the decline of this industry Captain McCaffrey  retired from active river pursuit and moved to Davenport.  For a number of years the family home was at Tenth and Brady streets.

  The deceased had been in failing health for some time and last week was taken to the Battle Creek sanitarium by his son, Duke.  The latter returned South Saturday, not realizing the serious condition of his father.  Another son, Captain Jack McCaffrey, Jr., passed down the river the same day in charge of the steamer Quincy.

  Surviving are the three sons, Frank, Jack and Duke and a niece, Mrs. Minnie McCraney of Davenport.  The remains will be brought to LeClaire for burial, the time of the funeral to be announced later.

 

The Daily Times, Monday, July 30, 1917, page 14.

 

DEATH SUMMONS CAPT. MCCAFFREY

  ____________

 

WELL KNOWN OLD RAFT PILOT DIES AT BATTLE CREEK, MICH.

  ____________

 

  Captain Jack McCaffrey, well known raft pilot on the Mississippi River, who for years resided in Davenport and LeClaire, died Sunday at Battle Creek, Mich. According to word received in Davenport today.  Captain McCaffrey was 75 years old at the time of his death.  Death was due to heart trouble.  The body will probably be taken to LeClaire where internment will take place.

  Captain McCaffrey was a well known raft pilot in the early days on the Mississippi.  He had the reputation of knowing every inch of the river north of St. Louis.  For Years he resided in Davenport and LeClaire.  About eight years ago he removed to Louisiana where he purchased a plantation.  Since the death of Captain McCaffrey’s wife, which occurred about three years ago, his son, Duke, had been making his home with his father.  A week ago Captain McCaffrey’s illness took a turn for the worse and it was decided to take him to Battle Creek for treatment.  He gradually became worse, however, until Sunday when his death occurred.

  Captain McCaffrey’s first boat was the steam James Means which he owned and operated for a number of years.  Later he purchased the boats owned by Schuenburg & Buckler, of St. Louis.  He retired from the steamboat business about 25 years ago.

  He is survived by three sons, Frank, Jack and Duke, a sister, Mrs. Sarah Rhoads and a niece, Mrs. Minnie McCraney.  The body will probably arrive in LeClaire Wednesday.

 

 

The Davenport Democrat and Leader, July 31, 1917, page 11.

 

McCaffrey Funeral

  Funeral services of Captain John McCaffrey, pioneer raft pilot, whose death occurred at Battle Creek, Mich., Sunday, will be held Wednesday morning at 10:30 o’clock from the M. V. Bois chapel, 323 Perry Street.

  The body will be shipped to LeClaire, the former home of the family, where internment will take place in the LeClaire Cemetery.

  The pallbearers will be E. M. Sharon, William Chamberlin, T. J. Stebbins, Waldo Becker, W. D. Petersen and O. B. Grant.  Bishop Morrison will officiate at the chapel and at the grave.  Friends are invited to attend the services at the chapel, but internment will be private.

 

The Daily Times, Tuesday, July 31, 1917, page 7.

 

McCaffrey Funeral

  The funeral services of Capt. John McCaffrey will be held at 10:30 o’clock Wednesday morning from the M. V. Boies chapel, 323 Perry Street.  Bishop T. N. Morrison is to officiate.  Friends are invited to the services at the chapel, but the burial services at LeClaire, Capt. McCaffrey’s former home, will be private.

 

The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Wednesday Evening, August 1, 1917, page11.

 

The McCaffrey Funeral

  Funeral services of Captain John McCaffrey, pioneer raft pilot, were held at the M. V. Boies chapel, 323 Perry Street, this morning at 10:30 o’clock.  There were many beautiful floral offerings.  Bishop T. N. Morrison officiated at the chapel and at the grave in LeClaire cemetery, where internment took place.

  Pallbearers were E. M. Sharon, Wm. Chamberlin, T. J. Stebbins, Waldo Becker, W. D. Petersen and O. B. Grant.

 

The Daily Times, Wednesday, August 1, 1917, page 7.

 

McCaffrey Funeral

  The funeral of Captain John McCaffrey, the aged river captain, whose death occurred early this week, was held this morning at 10:30 o’clock from the M. V. Bois Co. chapel, 323 Perry Street.  Bishop T. N. Morrison officiated.

  E. M. Sharon, Wm. Chamberlain, T. J. Stebbins, Waldo Becker, W. D. Petersen, and O. B. Grant served as pallbearers.  The services in LeClaire cemetery, where burial was made, were private.

 

MCCAFFREY JACK (JOHN) CAPTAIN

 

 

1880 Census                   Town of LeClaire       County of Scott           State of Iowa

 

McCaffrey John                    37                 River Pilot

                   Sarah J               35                 Wife

                   Frank                 10                  Son

                   Henry                  9                   Son

                   John                    7                   Son

 

 

 

1885 State Census            LeClaire                Scott County

 

McCaffrey John                     42              Pilot

                   Sarah M              40      

                   Frank                  15

                   Henry                  14

                   Jack                     11

Hankins      Maria                  18               Servant

 

Morning Democrat, Wednesday, September 4, 1957, page 6.

 

EX-PILOT ON RIVER IS DEAD

 

  Capt. Jack McCaffrey, former steamboat captain and a native of LeClaire, has died at his home, in Tallulah, La.

  (Unreadable) University and the State University of Iowa.

  Capt. McCaffrey operated steamboats on the Mississippi River as a young man and after the decline of packet transportation, operated boats on the Hudson, Tennessee and Cumberline rivers.  With the advent of present day tows on the Mississippi, he returned as a master pilot with the Federal Barge Lines, retiring in 1945 in the rank of senior captain.

  He is survived by his wife.

  Services and burial will be held in Tallulah, La.

 

The Daily Times, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 1957, page 12.

 

LECLAIRE

  _______

 

Ex-Pilot On River Is Dead

 

  Capt. Jack McCaffrey, former steamboat captain and a native of LeClaire had died at his home in Tallulah, La.

  He was born in 1874 in LeClaire, and attended Northwestern University and the State University of Iowa.

  Capt. McCaffrey operated steamboats on the Mississippi River as a young man and after the decline of packet transportation, operated boats on the Hudson, Tennessee and Cumberline rivers.  With the advent of present day tows on the Mississippi, he returned as a master pilot with the Federal Barge Lines, retiring in 1945 in the rank of senior captain.

  He is survived by his wife.

  Services and burial will be in Tallulah, La.

 

MCCALL EDMUND (EDWARD)

 

 

The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Wednesday, June 6, 1906, page 2.

 

LECLAIRE

  William Nesbitt and Ed McCall who are employed on the drill boats visited last Wednesday at home.

 

1910 Census          LeClaire Township           Town of LeClaire          County of Scott       State of Iowa

 

McCall          Thomas                          Head                75                  Own Income

                       Margaret                       Wife                 71                  Wife

                       Edward (Edmund)          Son                  27                   Driller                   River Steamboat

                       Eugene                          Grandson         18                   Deck Hand           River Steamboat

 

The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Wednesday Evening, September 2, 1931, page 15.

 

EDMUND H. MCCALL, FORMER RESIDENT OF LECLAIRE, DIES

  ______________

 

  Edmund H. McCall, a former resident of LeClaire, Ia., died Tuesday afternoon at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Rock Island.  He lived at 2516 Fifth Avenue, Rock Island.

  Mr. McCall was 49 years old, the son of the late Thomas and Margaret McCall.  He was born Oct. 9, 1991, at LeClaire, where he lived for a number of years.  He was married Aug. 6, 1912 to Miss Florence Dearden at Clinton, Ia.  The couple moved to Rock Island several years ago.  Mr. McCall had been employed for the past 15 years at the Bettendorf shops on Bettendorf.

  He was a member of the Christian Church and of Davenport Lodge No. 28, L. O. O. M.

  Surviving besides the wife are one son, James McCall of Davenport; two  sisters, Mrs. Mettie Smith of Onlaska, Wis., and Mrs. Sadie Carver of ST. Louis, Mo.; three brother, T.K. McCall of Santa Monica, Calif., J. P. McCall of Jacksonville, Fla., and David McCall of Chicago, and two grandchildren, Betty and David McCall of Davenport of Davenport.

  The body was brought here to the McGinnis mortuary where funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock.   Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery, LeClaire.

 

The Daily Times, Wednesday, September 2, 1931, page 2.

 

Edmund H. McCall, Former Resident of LeClaire, Dies

  ____________

 

  Edmund H. McCall, 2516 Fifth Avenue, Rock Island, and a former resident of LeClaire, died at 12:30 p.m. yesterday at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Rock Island, after a short illness.

  Mr. McCall was born in LeClaire on Oct. 9, 1881, the son of Thomas and Margaret McCall.  He married Miss Florence Dearden on Aug. 6, 1912, in Clinton.  For the past 15 years he had been employed at the Bettendorf Co.  Mr. McCall was a member of the Christian Church and the Davenport Lodge of the Moose.

  Surviving are his widow, one son, James E. of Davenport; two sisters, Mrs. Mettie Smith of Onlaska, Wis., and Mrs. Sadie Carver of St. Louis, Mo.; three brothers, T. K. McCall of Santa Monica, Calif., J. P. McCall of  Jacksonville, Fla., and David McCall of  Chicago, and two grandchildren, Betty and David McCall of Davenport.

  The body was taken to the McGinnis Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday.  Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery, LeClaire.

 

The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Friday Evening, September 4, 1931.

 

The McCall Funeral

  Funeral services for Edmund H. McCall were held Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the McGinnis mortuary with Davenport Lodge, No. 28, L. O. O. M., in charge.  The Rev. C. K. Gillum officiated.  Burial was in Glendale Cemetery, LeClaire.

  Fred W. Zabel, dictator of the Lodge, was in charge of the ceremony, and was assisted by Edward U. Meyer, prelate.  Louis Koenigsaecker, accompanied by Mrs. George Westphal, sang “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere” and “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” during the services.

  Bearers were Arthur Veach, Elmer Kelser, William Pries, Charles Seward, Harry Langtimm and Bert Seward.

 

The Daily Times, Friday, September 4, 1931, page 6.

 

McCall Funeral

  Funeral services for Edmund H. McCall were conducted yesterday at 2 p.m. at the McGinnis Funeral Home.  Davenport Lodge, No. 28, Loyal Order of Moose, assisted in the services with Fred W. Zabel, dictator, and E. U. Meyer, prelate, in charge.  Louis Koenigsacker, accompanied by Mrs. George Westphal, sang, “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere” and “Nearer My God to Thee.”  Rev. C. K. Gillum, pastor of the First Christian Church, preached the sermon and officiated at the grave in Glendale Cemetery, LeClaire.  Pallbearers were Arthur Veach, Elmer Keiser, William Pries, Charles Seward, Harry Langtimm and Bert Seward.

 

MCCAULEY JAMES “JIGGS”

 

 

 

 

Davenport Democrat and Leader, Monday Evening, May 18, 1942, page 15.

 

LECALRIE RIVER MAN MISSING; FEAR FOR HIS SAFETY

  ____________

 

  Jiggs” McCauley, old-time riverman residing at LeClaire, is missing from his home and relatives fear for his safety, Mayor Ferd Meyer informed Sheriff Walter H. Beuse Monday as he asked assistance in locating McCauley.  The man was last seen sitting on a barge tied to the river bank Sunday afternoon and some fear was expressed that he may have drowned.

 

The Daily Times, Monday, May 18, 1942, page 4.

 

“JIGGS” M’CAULEY IS MISSING; LAST SEEN ABOARD BARGE

  ___________

  James “Jiggs” McCauley, about 70, well-known LeClaire fisherman and former town marshal, was today reported as “missing.” -- “Jiggs,” as he is known to hundreds up and down the Mississippi river, was last seen at 1 p.m. Sunday, sitting on a barge anchored in the river near LeClaire, according to a report given to Sheriff Walter H. Beuse by F. G. Meyer, mayor of LeClaire.

  No report of his whereabouts has been received, and it is thought he might have fallen off the barge into the river and drowned.

 

Davenport Democrat and Leader, Monday, May 19, 1942, page 15.

 

MISSING MAN FOUND IN RIVER NEAR LECLAIRE

  ____________

 

Body of J. McCauley Recovered by Search; Discount Foul Play.

  ____________

 

  The body of James “Jiggs” McCauley, 72, long-time resident of LeClaire and veteran riverman, was found in 10 feet of water in the Mississippi river near the north end of town late Monday afternoon.

  McCauley was the victim of an accidental drowning, according to Coroner W. A. Hoepner, who said that a gash on the scalp about two inches above the hair line apparently was due to a fall on a rock near the water’s edge.

  The body was found by Louis McWilliams and Arp Gilbert, using clammer’s hooks; on their third drag about 20 feet from the shore line.

  The coroner and Deputy Sheriff Joe Atkinson discounted rumors of foul play as the cause said that they believed that McCauley slipped on rocks as he was walking along the bank and fell, striking his head on a rock beneath the surface.  He was reported to have been a good swimmer.

  McCauley was last seen about 1:30 p.m. Sunday by Roy Gilbert who, with Orrie Hammond, was McCauley’s partners in sand barge work.  Both Gilbert and Hammond are also residents of LeClaire.

  Gilbert told authorities that he saw McCauley sitting near the railroad tracts which parallel the river and that the latter said he wanted to get across the river to Pt. Byron, Ill.  Gilbert, who was on his way home at the time, told McCauley he would return with his son in about 15 minutes and take him across.

  When they returned, Gilbert said, McCauley was nowhere in sight.  They thought he might have wandered away but when he did not appear for work Monday morning.  Mayor Ferd Meyer of LeClaire and later Sheriff Walter H. Beuse were notified.  Dragging of the river bottom in the vicinity of where McCauley was last seen was then started and the body was recovered about 3:40 p.m.

BORN IN PT. BYRON.

  McCauley, father of nine children, the youngest of whom is eight, was born in Port Byron, Ill., September 25, 1869, and had made his home in LeClaire for the last 31 years.  On March 30, 1911, he was married in Davenport to Mary Myrtle Roberts.

  Surviving are the window; four daughters, Mrs. George Kensinger, New Boston, Illinois; Mrs. Leslie Fullmer, LeClaire; Betty, Mitchelville, and Mary, at home, and five sons, Kenneth, Moline; Wilford, Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo.; Russell and Daniel, both at home, and John, residing in New Jersey.

  He also leaves two sister, Mrs. Mabel Nelson, Albany, Ill., and Mrs. Grace Roberts, LeClaire, and five brothers, William and Hope W., both of Rock Island; Sam, Davenport; J. A., Oconto Falls, Wis., and Cy, McGregor, Ia.  A brother, Wesley died five months ago.

  The body was removed to the McGinnis funeral home and at 11 a.m. Thursday will be taken to the Full Gospel tabernacle in LeClaire for services at 2 p.m.  Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery, LeClaire.

 

The Daily Times, Tuesday, May 19, 1942, page 2.

 

Recover LeClaire Man’s Body From Mississippi River

  ____________

 

  The body of James “Jiggs” McCauley, 72, well-known LeClaire fisherman and former town marshal, today had been recovered from the Mississippi river.

  McCauley’s body was found by Louis McWilliams and Art Gilbert of LeClaire with the use of a dragline about 4 p.m. Monday.  McCauley had been missing since about 1:30 p.m. Sunday.  His body was found less than 20 feet from the shore at LeClaire and deputy sheriffs found marks on the bank, showing where the aged man had slipped on the gravel and apparently had fallen into the river.

  Officials said there was a cut on his head, indicating that McCauley might have been knocked unconscious by his fall.

  Acting coroner W. A. Hoepner said there will be no inquest as death was due to accidental causes.

     Born in Port Byron

  Mr. McCauley was born in Port Byron, Ill., Sept. 25, 1869 and married Mary Myrtle Roberts in Davenport, March 30, 1911.  The couple had made their home in LeClaire for 31 years.

  Surviving are his wife; four daughters, Mrs. George Kensinger of New Boston, Mrs. Leslie Fullmer of LeClaire, Miss Betty McCauley of Mitchellville, Ia., and Miss Mary McCauley, at home; five sons, Kenneth of Moline, Wilford of the U. S. Army stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Russell and Daniel, both at home and John of New Jersey; two sisters, Mrs. Mabel Nelson of Albany, Ill., and Mrs. Grace Roberts of LeClaire; and five brothers, William and Hope, both of Rock Island, Sam of Davenport, J. A.. of Oconto Falls, Wis., and Cy of McGregor, Ia.  A brother, Wesley, died about five months ago.

  The body was taken to the McGinnis Funeral Home where it will remain until 11 a.m. Thursday when it will be taken to the Full Gospel Tabernacle in LeClaire where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday.  Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery, LeClaire.

 

Davenport Democrat and Leader, Thursday Evening, May 21, 1942, page 15.

 

THE MCCAULEY FUNERAL

 

  Funeral services for James “Jiggs” McCauley, of LeClaire, veteran riverman whose body was found Monday in the Mississippi river north of LeClaire, were held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Full Gospel Tabernacle, LeClaire, with Miss Edna Watson officiating.

  Miss Watson and Miss Alta Suiter sang.  Burial was in Glendale Cemetery, LeClaire.  The McGinnis Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

  Bearers were Robert Gilbert, Louis McWilliams, Robert Moore, Thomas Bagley, Claus Grapp and Ed Dreese.

 

The Daily Times, Thursday, May 21, 1942, page 8.

 

McCauley Funeral

  Funeral services for James A. McCauley were held at 2 p.m. today at the Full Gospel Tabernacle, LeClaire, with Miss Edna Watson officiating.  Miss Watson and Miss Alice Suiter sang.  The pallbearers were Robert Gilbert, Louis McWilliams, Robert Moore, Thomas Bagley, Claus Grapp and Ed Dreese.  Burial was in Glendale Cemetery.  The body was taken to the Tabernacle at 11 o’clock today by the McGinnis Funeral Home.

 

 

MC CONNELL JAMES

 

  That season we had some very high water and on trip down we got into LeClaire just about time to change watch, so Little Jim and I told Mr. Carver and the other fireman (I believe it was Carver’s son-in-law Jim McConnell: that we would stay and cool her down and they could dress and be ready to go ashore as soon as we landed.  They did so going ashore with the line….

  You see we were victims of our own goodness as it wasn’t our watch at all.  Little Jim and the Captain have been gathered to their father.  Mr. Carver, Vital Burrow and Jim McConnell I have lost track of.  Brig Shannon and Jack Bailey are living in LeClaire.--RECOLLECTIONS OF A D SUMMERSCOLLECTED FROM “THE OLD BOATS” Additional Information from Men Who Knew Them. The Saturday Evening Post, Burlington Iowa

 

 

The Davenport and Leader, Monday Evening, February 4, 1935, page 6

 

JAS. M’CONNELL, VET RIVERMAN, DIES, AGE 84

  ______________

 

Native of LeClaire Succumbs in His Home in St. Louis.

  ______________

 

(Special to The Democrat.)

  LeClaire, Ia., Feb. 4.--A. B. McConnell has received news of the death of his brother, James McConnell, in St. Louis.  The decedent was a fireman on river boats for many years.  He was born in LeClaire and served first on Van Sant craft.  In later years he had been a stationary engineer in St. Louis.  He was 84 years old.

 

 

MCDONALD JOHN

 

100_0963.JPG

 

Photo by Sue Rekkas

 

The Daily Times, Tuesday, December 4, 1906, page 7.

 

LeClaire, Ia.,--Nov. 28.--John McDonald, employed several teams yesterday to move his household effects to Davenport where they will make their home.  Mr. McDonald has lived here for a long time and is a well known river man.

 

The Daily Times, Wednesday, January 21, 1925, page 6.

 

JOHN M’DONALD, VETERAN RIVER PILOT, SUMMONED

  _____________

 

  John McDonald, 827 Brown street, for more than 40 years a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi river, passed away at 12:10 o’clock this morning at the U. S. Marine hospital in Chicago.  His death terminated a lingering illness.

  Mr. McDonald was born at Albany, Ill., on April 16, 1858, and there on April 16, 1883, he married Miss Louisa F. Underholt.  He was a pilot on the Mississippi river for more than forty years, the last fourteen of which he was on the Lone Star of the Builder’s Lime & Cement Co. He was a member of Court of Honor and Camp No. 32 of Albany of the . W. A.  He came to Davenport in 1907.  Besides his wife he is survived by two sons, Harry L. and Ray L McDonald, both of Davenport, one daughter, Mrs. Orral Rivers of Los Angeles, Calif., two sisters, Mrs. B. L. Hanks of St. Paul, Minn., and Mrs. M. Ewing of Albany, Ill.

  Arrangements for the funeral will be made on the arrival of the body in Davenport.

 

The Daily Times, Monday, January 26, 1925, page 6.

 

DEATH NOTICES

 

McDonald Funeral

 

  The funeral of Capt. John McDonald was held from the home, 827 Brown street, in Davenport, Saturday afternoon.  Rev. M. A. Getzendaner officiated at the home and at the grave in Oakdale cemetery where interment took place.

  The pallbearers were H. Goos, M. Hanley, Capt. F. Wilson, Edward Knochle, Capt. H. Witt and Capt. G. Case.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MCKEE ALMON

 

 

Photo by Bob Jones

 

 

 

 

Iowa State Census 1856              Scott County                      LeClaire

 

                                        Age      Sex    Years in Iowa     Where Born   Occupation

McKee       Almon           35        M        3                       New York      Engineer

                   Elizabeth       33        F         3                       England

                   Emma            11        F         3                       New York

                   Lucy                9        F         3                       New York

                   Walter             8        M        3                       New York

                   George            5        M        3                       Wisconsin

 

 

DAVENPORT Daily Gazette, Saturday Morning, October 25, 1862 page 1.

 

  DEATH OF A CITIZEN OF LECLAIRE--It is reported that Mr. McKee  of LeClaire was killed by the rebels on the 18th inst., on the steamboat Gladiator, while she lay at Connell Bend, twenty-five miles below Memphis, loading cotton.  Mr. McKee had resided at LeClaire several years where his family still live.  He was long known to our river men, having long been engaged as an engineer on the upper Mississippi.  We have received the following account of the manner of his death:

  “It appears that several of them came on board the boat, the boat on which McKee was engineer, under pretence of being passengers and before the boat left the landing they stabbed McKee and the fireman, and were about taking possession of the boat when a gentleman passenger in reply to the Captain to know if there was any one on board who could engineer, said, “I will if it costs me my life,” and slid down the chain and commenced moving away from the landing, when the wretches got away, except two, who had to take to the water and swim ashore.”

 

MCWILLIAMS LOUIS

 

 

1910 census           LeClaire Township            LeClaire Town           County of Scott          State of Iowa

 

McWilliams           Alexander          Head             56               Laborer              Stone Quarry

                               Gertrude            Wife             57                none

                               Grace                 Daughter      19                none

                                Louis                 Son              22                Fireman             River Steamer

 

Photo by Bob Jones

 

Times Democrat, November 13, 1970, page 24.

 

LOUIS MCWILLIAMS

 

  Louis V. McWilliams, 83, of 1204 N. 2nd. Street, LeClaire, died Thursday in Mercy Hospital.

  Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday in the McGinnis Chapel, Bettendorf.  Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery, LeClaire.

  Visitation begins at 2 p.m. today at the funeral home.

  Mr. McWilliams had been a commercial fisherman.

  He was born in Cedar County, Iowa.  He married Olive Suiter in 1917 in Davenport.  She died in 1951.

  Mr. McWilliams is survived by daughters, Mrs. Walter (Olive) Knapper, Long Grove; sons, Louis, Bettendorf, and Lee, DeWitt, Iowa; 24 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren.

 

 

MADIN NATHEN

 

 

 

1880 Census                    Town of LeClaire              County of Scott              State of Iowa

 

Carter      Thomas        59                                           Watchman on River

                 Eliza            58              Wife                     Housekeeping

Madin      Nathan         14               Grandson             at School

 

The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Friday Evening, April 1, 1921.

 

RIVERMAN OF FORMER YEARS PASSES AWAY

  ___________

 

Nathan Madin, Engineer on Mississippi Waters, Dies at Drexel, M.

  ___________

 

  Another of river’s picturesque characters, and a man long identified with the LeClaire boat traffic, has passed away.  Word has been received here of the death at Drexel, Mo., on March 22, of Nathan Madin.

  For many years he was on the Mississippi boats, and was well known in LeClaire.  Death was due to apoplexy.  Born in St. Louis, January 8, 1866, he was united in marriage in 1891, with Miss Jessie Wright of LeClaire.

  He leaves three children, Mrs. Van Black of Drexel, Misses Jessie and Lenore at home, his aged mother, Mrs. Maggie Madin and six sisters, Mrs. Annie Kay of St. Louis, Mrs. Bertha Stiff of Davenport, Mrs. Blanche Light of Hampton, Ill., Mrs. Lillie Watkins of Pleasant Valley, Ia., Mrs. Lisa Stiff of Tipton, Ia., and Miss Grace at Drexel.

 

The Daily Times, Friday, April 1, 1921, page 11.

 

DEATH CLAIMS NATHAN MADIN, RIVER ENGINEER

  ____________

 

  Nathan Madin, for many years engineer on the Mississippi river boats, and well known in LeClaire, died March 22 at his home in Drexel, Mo., and was buried there.

  He was stricken with apoplexy while at work cleaning his automobile and died in a few minutes.  He was born in St. Louis Jan.9, 1866, and married Miss Jessie Wright of LeClaire June 17, 1891.  She died Dec. 25, 1919.

  He leaves three children, Mrs. Van Black of Drexel, Misses Jessie and Lenore at home, his aged mother, Mrs. Maggie Madin and six sisters, Mrs. Annie Kay of St. Louis, Mrs. Bertha Stiff of Davenport, Mrs. Blanch Light of Hampton, Ill., Mrs. Lillie Watkins of Pleasant Valley, Ia., and Miss Grace at Drexel.

  He was a member of the Odd Fellows, Rebekahs, Modern Woodmen, Engineers organization and of the Drexel Club.

  After running on the Mississippi river for many years he spent 16 years on the Yukon.

 

METZGER BENJAMIN CAPTAIN

 

 

 

1900 Census        LeClaire Township          LeClaire city        County of Scott             State of Iowa

 

Name                                       Relationship    When Born        Age         Occupation         Where born

Metzger         Benjamin           Head                 Dec, 1863         37            River Pilot          New York

                       Lelah                 wife                  May 1866         34            Housewife           Iowa

                      Arther W            son                   Oct. 1895            6            At home              Iowa

 

 

“J. W. VAN SANT”

 

  Stern-wheel rafter built at LeClaire, Iowa, 1890, by the LeClaire Navigation Company to take the place of the “Silver Wave,” worn out.  The new “Van Sant” was 140.0 feet long and 30.0 feet beam, 4.5 feet hold; 228.63 ton.  George Tromley, Jr., came out on her as captain and pilot and ran her for thirteen seasons, consecutively, with James Lyone, of Albany, Ills., as mate, James Steadman (Stedman) was chief engineer for a long time.  Other officers who served on her for a short periods were Robert Mitchell and John O’Conner as masters, Charles Trombley as second pilot, Ben Metzger as mate and Frank A. Whitney as assistant engineer.  She was owned by the Van Sant company as long as she ran.  She was burned at Wabasha, Minn., while in winter quarters in 1910. -- Steamboats and Seamboatmen of the Upper Mississippi by George B. Merrick.  The Saturday Evening Post of Burlington, Iowa, July 29, 1916.

 

Davenport Republican, Sunday, August 25, 1901, page 5.

 

LeClaire

 

Captain B. J. Metzger is home for a few days visit.

 

The Democrat and Leader, February 11, 1947, page 9.

 

CAPT. METZGER RIVER CAPTAIN DIES IN FLORIDA

  ____________

 

Worked on River for 36 years As Captain of Engineer Boats.

  ____________

 

  Capt. Benjamin J. Metzger, 84, formerly of LeClaire and a colorful and well known river captain, died at

His home in Gardner, Fla., Friday, according to word received here.

  Captain Metzger was born in Troy, New York, Dec. 25, 1863 and came to this county with his parents at an early age.  On March 25, 1895, he went to work for the army engineers and worked for the government continuously until his retirement on January 1, 1932 when he moved with his family to Florida.

  The Captain’s first job with the engineers was as a watchman, but he studied river navigation and finally became a master and pilot having command of several engineer’s boats.  Most of his work was in what was then known as the northern field area and he moved from LeClaire to Dubuque to be nearer to the scene of operations.  He also lived in Keokuk for a time.  His last command before retiring was the steamer Elinor.

  Surviving are the widow, the former Lelah Rambo, member of the well-known steamboat family, a son, Ward at home; two grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Julia Philips of Davenport and several nieces and nephews.

 

The Daily Times, Tuesday, February 11, 1947, page 10.

 

Death Notices

Metzger

  Word has been received by relatives here of the death of Captain B. J. Metzger, former LeClaire resident, which occurred Friday at his home in Gardner, Fla.

  Captain Metzger was born December 26, 1862 and at one time had resided in Dubuque.

  Survivors include his wife, the former Lelah Rambo of LeClaire; a son Ward Metzger, at home; a sister, Julia Philips, Davenport and several nieces and nephews.

 

 

 

 

 

MOORE SAMUEL

 

 

 

The Daily Times, Friday, July 8, 1910, page 4.

 

MOORE

 

  Samuel Moore, an old resident of LeClaire, Iowa, passed away at 2:30 o’clock Thursday afternoon at his home in LeClaire, after a lingering illness of heart trouble and other complications.  He was 73 years of age.

  Mr. Moore was born in August, 1836, near Marietta, O., and served during the Civil War in an Ohio regiment.  He was married soon after the war to an Illinois lady; and settled in LeClaire shortly thereafter.  He has made his home there ever since, and was employed in the boat yards the greater part of the time.

  Besides his wife, three sons and four daughters survive him, as follows:  Samuel of Clinton, Robert of LeClaire, Hobart of Davenport, Mrs. William Slabby of Iowa City, Mrs. W. Young of Fort Madison, Mrs. Frank Sanders of LeClaire and Miss Bessie Moore at home.

  The funeral announcements will be made later.

 

LECLAIRE

  ______

 

  Leo Van Hein left Thursday morning for Dubuque to assist in the engine room on the steamer Eclipse, during the absence of Robert Moore, who is in LeClaire on account of the illness and death of his father, Samuel Moore.

 

 

The Daily Times, Saturday, July 9, 1910, page 15.

 

LECLAIRE

 

  LECLAIRE, Ia., July 9.--Leo Von Hein left for Dubuque Thursday Morning where he will take the place of Robert Moore as engineer on the steamer Eclipse, Mr. Moor having been called home   on account of the serious illness of his father.

 

 

 

 

MOORE WILLIAM (BILLY)

 

 

 

Davenport Gazette, Wednesday, April 2, 1879, page 1.

 

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

  _____________

 

LeClaire

 

LeClaire, March 37, 1879.

  The ferry boat will be launched today and commence operations.  She has been thoroughly repainted and looks new and staunch.  Billy Moore continues in command.

                                                      WYTHE.

 

From Clinton Rivermen by Georgeann McClure

 

Moore rites on Thursday, May 4, 1932

 

Old River Captain’s Rites to Be at Home

 

Clinton Ia. May 4--Funeral services for Captain William Moore former riverman, will be conducted in the home Thursday at 2:30 o’clock by the Rev. S. V. Williams.  Mr. Moore will be laid to rest in Oakland beside his wife, who died last week.

  Captain Moore was born Dec. 16, 1851, in Pennsylvania.  He came to LeClaire as a Boy and began his work on the river when he was about 13 years old.  He was captain on various boats including a packet that ran from LeClaire to Dubuque many years.  He had been retired 16 years.  His marriage to Georgianna White of LeClaire was solemnized in Davenport in 1876, and they lived there until 1889, when he came here.

  Captain Moore was a member of De Molay consistory here, Kaaba Temple, Davenport, and the LeClaire Blue Lodge of Masons, also the Odd Fellows Lodge of LeClaire.

 

The Daily Times, Tuesday, May 3, 1932, page 15.

 

Capt. Wm. Moore Taken by Death At Clinton, Ia.

 

  CLINTON, Ia. May 3.--(Special)--Captain William M. Moore, pioneer riverman, died this morning in his home, 94 Twenty-fifth avenue, after many weeks of suffering with pneumonia.

  He followed his wife by one week.  Both became ill about the same time.  They came to Clinton after their marriage in 1876 in Davenport.  Survivors are two daughters and a son, Mrs. Hazel Campbell; Mrs. L. K. Russell, Clinton, and Archibald, Kansas City.

 

The Davenport Democrat and Leader. Tuesday Evening, May 3, 1932, page 21.

 

CAPT. MOORE, CLINTON, DIES

  _________

 

Follows His Wife by One Week; Ill Many Weeks.

  _________

 

Special to the Democrat

  Clinton, Ia., May 3--Captain William M. Moore, pioneer riverman, died this morning in his home 94 Twenty-fifth avenue north, after many weeks of suffering of pneumonia.

  He followed his wife by one week.  Both took sick about the same time.  They came to Clinton after their marriage in 1875 in Davenport.  Survivors are two daughters and a son, Mrs. Hazel Campbell, Mrs. L. K. Russell, Clinton; and Archibald, Kansas City.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NESBITT LAWRENCE

 

The Daily Times, July 30, 1926, page 28.

LAWRENCE NESBITT OF LE CLAIRE DEAD
 __________

 LECLAIRE, Ia., July 30.--(Special)--Lawrence M. Nesbitt, 47 years of
age, died at his home at 10:45 p. m. yesterday after an illness of
short duration of gallstones.
 Mr. Nesbitt was born in Le Claire Sept. 23, 1878, and had spent his
entire life in Le Claire and vicinity.  He was known as Larry by his
many friends in Le Claire and Princeton.
 He married Miss Cora Thompson, daughter of Charles Thompson of
Princeton in November 1905.  He was a member of the Woodmen of the
World and of the Davenport aerie of the Eagles.  He had been employed
for a number of years on government work on the river.
 Surviving are his wife and his mother, Mrs. H. G. Noddle of Dixley,
O.  Funeral services will be held from the home at 1 p. m., Sunday.
Burial will be in Glendale cemetery.

The Davenport Democrat and Leader, July 30, 1926, page 11.

L. M. NESBITT, LE CLAIRE, DIES AFTER ILLNESS
 _________

 Lawrence M. Nesbitt died at his home in LeClaire Thursday at 9:30 p.
m. after a short illness.
 He was born Sept. 23, 1878 in Le Claire and received his education
there.  He was occupied as a U. S. engineer on the government river
boats.  On Nov. 29, 1906 he was married to Miss Cora Ellis Thompson at
Princeton, who survives.
 Mr. Nesbitt was a member of the F. O. E. and the Woodmen of the World.
 The funeral will be held Sunday at 1 p. m. from the late home.
Interment will be in Glendale cemetery, Le Claire.

The Davenport Democrat and Leader, August 2, 1926, page 13.

OBITUARY

The Nesbitt Funeral.

 Funeral rites were conducted for Lawrence N. Nesbitt at the late
residence in Le Claire.  The Rev. R. L. Whitmore was in charge at the
home and at the grave in Glendale cemetery.
 The pallbearers were William Freehan, Leonard Holdorf, Russell
Brown, Edward Cassily, Carl Reinhart, and Harold McFate.

REITER JOHN

 

 

 

 

  

Photos by Robert Jones

 

 

1910 U S Census, Sate of Iowa, Scott County, LeClaire Township, LeClaire Town

 

Name                                         Age                 Occupation

Reiter  John           Head            44                    Fireman             River Steamer

            Eva            Wife             44                    none

            Raymond   Son              14                     none

 

 

Davenport Democrat and Leader, Monday, November 26, 1923, page 15.

 

OBITUARY

  _______

 

The Reiter Funeral

 

  Funeral services for J. Reiter, who passed away November 22 at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, at the age of 57 years, were held Saturday afternoon at his home in LeClaire at 2 o’clock.

  Rev W. E. Green officiated assisted by Rev. J.T. Stewart, Pallbearers were F. E. Speer, Clifford Stone, J. A. Teeters, J. V. Pollock, Edward Strohbehn and C. C. Hieman.

  Interment was in Glendale cemetery, LeClaire, Iowa.

 

The Daily Times, Monday, November 26, 1923, page 6.

 

Death Notices

  ________

 

Reiter Funeral

 

  The funeral of John Reiter of LeClaire who died at Mt. Pleasant on November 22, was held at 2 o’clock yesterday from the home on LeClaire.  Rev. W. E. Green, assisted by Rev. J. T. Stewart, officiated.  Pallbearers were F. E. Speer, Clifford Stone, J. A. Teeter, J. V. Pollock, Edward Strohbehn and C. C. Hillman.  Interment was in Glendale cemetery.  Mrs. Reiter was 57 years of age at the time of his death.

 

RHOADS SARAH

“…Trombley, who didn’t need a second at all as he was practically on watch all of the time.

 

I really believe he averages three hours of sleep a say during the season and he had Aunt Sarah Rhoades at her wit’s ends preparing delicacies to tempt his appetite as she was not used to having her cooking turned down and it worried her. She used to come around at breakfast and say: “Now Georgie, what shall I fix for your dinner?” and “Georgie” would say, “Oh, I don’t know, just make me so and so” probably some little tidbit she used to make for him when he was a little barefooted toddler and Aunt Sarah would put in a good part of the morning fixing up fancy dishes only to have him say, “Yes, that’s nice and I appreciate it but I am not very hungry today,” and do you know I have seen him when he was “roistering” on the Silver Wave in the old days just grab the batter cake plate out of the slush cook’s hand as he came in the door and we didn’t get a cake until he had about cleaned up our daily quota…”

 

“His appetite was also poor and I recall distinctly how assiduously his Aunt Sarah Rhodes who was cook at the time used to prepare him little delicacies such as he liked when a boy to tempt his appetite and how he tried to make her think he enjoyed them.”--RECOLLECTIONS OF A. D. SUMMERS Collected From “THE OLD BOATS” Additional Information from Men Who Knew Them,  The Saturday Evening Post, Burlington, Iowa

 

1870 Census          LeClaire City                      Scott County                   State of Iowa

 

                                                          Age                 Occupation           Place of birth

Rhodes          Stephen                  36                   Raft Pilot                 Mo

                        Sarah                       21                   Keeps house           La

                        Charles G                  3                                                     Minn

                        Mary Belle                2                                                     Mo

                        Maham Mahala     10                                                     Mo

 

 

1880 Census             Town of LeClaire                   County of Scott                 State of Iowa

 

Rhodes          Stephen                   44                                                      River Pilot

                        Sarah                       30                       wife                        Housekeeping

                        Glenny                     13                       son                         At School

                        Belle                         12                       daughter               At School

                        Luella                         3                        daughter               At Home

                        John                           1                        son                         At Home

 

1885 State Census       Town of LeClaire                 County of Scott

 

Rhodes            Sarah                     34             W         

                         Glenn                     18             S             Laborer

                         Belle                       17             S

                         Luella                       8              S

                         John                         6              S

                         Goldy                       3              S

 

..James and Mary (Murray) McCaffrey, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to the United States when the Captain was a mere child, and located in St. Louis, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1850.  Mother died about the same time leaving a family of five children, viz: Mary (now the wife of Henry Spinsby), Phillip, Kate (now the wife of George Trumley (Tromley), Sarah, (now the wife of Stephen Rhodes), and John.—“From the History of Scott County, Iowa 1882 Chicago: Interstate Publishing Co.”

 

 

 

The Daily Times, Tuesday, September 25, 1928, page 21.

 

DEATH NOTICES

 

Roads

  Mrs. Sarah J. Roads, 75 years old, died at 6 a.m. at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. B. Gordon, Moline locks, Rock Island arsenal, following an illness of five week’s duration with complications.  Sarah J. McCaffrey was born in New Orleans, La., on Dec. 17, 1852, where she married Stephen Roads sixty-one years ago.  Since that time has resided in Rock Island and at the arsenal.

  She is survived by one son and three daughters, Mrs. J. B. Gordon, Rock Island arsenal, Mrs. James Duncan, Moline, and Mrs. Theo. Olson, Rock Island, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.  Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday from the Danielson & Furgie funeral home, Rev. W. G. Oglevee, pastor of the South Park Presbyterian church of Rock Island, will officiate.  Burial will be in Riverside cemetery.

 

DEATH NOTICES

 

ROLFS CLAUS C.

 

 

1880 Census          Town of LeClaire           County of Scott         State of Iowa

 

Name                         Age            Relationship            Occupation

Rolfs     Maupeter       62                                                Farmer

              Mary              47             wife                            Housekeeping

              Claus             21              son                             Laborer

              Henry            15              son                             at school

              August           12              son                             at school

              Mary              11              daughter                    at school

              William           9               son                            at school

               Fritz               7                son                            at school

 

 

The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Sunday Morning, September 14, 1930, page 9.

 

CLAUS ROLFS, PIONEER COUNTY RESIDENT, DIES

  ___________

 

Former LeClaire Resident Succumbs After a Prolonged Illness.

  ___________

 

  Claus C. Rolfs, 70, 739 Sylvan Avenue, a pioneer resident of Scott County died at 10 o’clock Friday night at the family home.  Death terminated an illness of three year’s duration.  Funeral services will be held at the home at 3 o’clock this afternoon, with interment in St. Marguerite’s Cemetery.  The family requests that flowers be omitted.

  Mr. Rolfs was born in LeClaire, Ia., Mar. 4, 1859.  On October 14, 1896, he was united in marriage with Miss Kate E. Hanley, sister of Attorney J. A. Hanley, of this city.

  His father, Mass P. Rolfs, came from north Germany to Scott County in 1851 and died here about 30 years ago.  His mother lived several years later.

  Five children survived their parents, viz:  P. H. Rolfs, P. H. D., Brazil, South America; Dr. J. A. Rolfs, Aplington, Ia.; Dr. W. F. Rolfs, Mullen, Idaho; F. W. Rolfs, P. H. D., Stillwater, Okla.; and Mary M. Schuck, Aplington, Ia.

                 Eldest of Children.

  C. C. Rolfs was the oldest of the children, and thru his efforts, his brothers and sisters all graduated at the State Agriculture college, Ames, Iowa.  He furnished his brothers and sisters the money to go thru college and when this was accomplished, he was unable financially to take a college course for himself.  A wonderful sacrifice he made for his brothers and sisters and in later life the money he had advanced was returned with interest.

  P. H. Rolfs, brother of the deceased, for many years was at the head of the agriculture department of the state of Florida, and for the last 10 years has been in the employ of the government of Brazil in an effort to put that country on the same agriculture basis as the United States.

                 Started Life on River.

  C. C. Rolfs started life like many of the LeClaire boys by working on the river, and he followed the river for many years in the employ of the Weyerhaeuser and Denkman line of raft boats as a clerk and watchman.

His services were so highly appreciated by his employers that they changed him from the steamboats to the management of their lumber yard in Davenport known as the White Yard where he was employed for a period of about 15 years.

  Reared in poverty in his native town of LeClaire and by his own efforts he accumulated large property holdings in Davenport and owned stock in various corporations.

  He was the soul of honor in all of his business dealings.  He was a constant reader of the writings of great men and was also a student of politics though never striving to office holdings.

  He enjoyed the confidence and respect of his LeClaire friends to as great a degree as any native of that community.

  He was tolerant in all things and respected all forms of belief by others even though he disagreed with them.

  After the death of his father and mother, his brothers and sisters looked up to him as their own father, and he guided all of them to success though sacrificing his own desire of obtaining an education.

 

 

The Daily Times, Saturday, September 13, 1930, page 2.

 

CLAUS C. ROLFS, PIONEER SCOTT CO, RESIDENT IS DEAD

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 Claus C. Rolfs, 70, a pioneer resident of Scott County, died at 10 p.m. Friday at the family home, 739 Sylvan Avenue, Davenport, after an illness of the last three years.

  The decedent was born March 4, 1859 in LeClaire, Ia., the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Mass P. Rolfs, early settlers in Scott County.  He was the oldest of the children and through his efforts made it possible for his brothers and sisters to graduate from the State Agriculture College at Ames.  P. H. Rolfs, a brother of the deceased, was for many years head of the agriculture department of the state of Florida, and for the last ten years has been employed by the government at Brazil in an effort to put the country on the same agriculture basis as the United States.

  Mr. Rolfs spent his boyhood days by working on the river and for a number of years was employed on the raft boats of the Weyerhaeuser & Denkman line.  Later he was made manager of the White Yard where he was employed for 15 years.  On October 14, 1896, he married Miss Kate E, Hanley, sister of Attorney J. A. Hanley of Davenport.

  Surviving besides his wife are four brothers, P. H. Rolfs of Vicosa, in Brazil, Dr. J. A. Rolfs of Aplington, Ia., Dr. W. F. Rolfs, of Mullan, Idaho, and F. W. Rolfs of Stillwater, Okla., and one sister, Mrs. Mary C. Schuck of Aplington.

  The body was then to the McGinnis funeral home and will be returned to the family home, 739 Sylvan Avenue.  Burial will be in St. Marguerite’s Cemetery.  The family requests that flowers be omitted.

 

 

RUTLEDGE HERBERT

 

 

 

1870 Census        State of Iowa         Scott County        LeClaire City

 

Rutledge Herbert     25      Boat Caulker   

Rutledge Herbert     25      Boat Caulker   

                Susie        18      Milliner

                Sarah        57 

                Carrie       20

 

Old Times on the Mississippi

By J. D. Barnes

Port Byron Globe April 4, 1935.

 

“The next boat from the south after the Canada brought another installment of LeClaire boys into Stillwater.  It appears that …and Herb Rutledge had been calking down at La Crosse, but business being rather dull they came up to Stillwater for the purpose of rafting, so the place was well represented.”

From LeClaire Rivermen by Georgeann McClure and Susan Rekkas

 

The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Friday Evening, March 16, 1934, page 21.

 

Obituary

  ____

 

Herbert Rutledge

 

  Herbert Rutledge, 320, of 2527 Grant street, died at 5 o’clock this morning after a week’s illness.  The body is to be taken to the F. N. Pape chapel today, but is to taken home late today.  The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon from the family home.  Burial will be in LeClaire, former home of the decedent.

  Mr. Rutledge was born in the east, but came to Iowa when a youth and spent many years in LeClaire before coming to Clinton.  He leaves his wife, a daughter, Mrs. Lou Gerten of Fulton, Ill., and a son, Charles Klaes, of this city.

 

The Daily Times, Saturday, March 17, 1943, page 11.

 

HERBERT RUTLEDGE, PLAYMATE OF CODY DEAD IN CLINTON

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Special to The Daley Times

    (Special)--Herbert W. Rutledge, who died yesterday at his home here, was a chum of William F. (“Buffalo Bill”) Cody, and of former Governor Sam Van Sant of Minnesota.  He spent his boyhood and early manhood in LeClaire and the future plainsman and governor were his near neighbors.

  Mr. Rutledge was 90 years of age.  He was born in London. Eng., March 23, 1844, and was brought to America by his parents when he was a child of three.  They reached Davenport 87 years ago and the following year moved to LeClaire.

  He leaves his widow, two daughters, Mrs. Louis Gerten of Fulton and Mrs. Charles Klaes of Clinton; five grandchildren, John Gerten of Clinton, Pauline and Rosemary Gerten of Fulton, and Charles and Mervin Klaes of this city, and a great grandchild, Peggy Rae Gerten, also of Clinton.  Charles E. Russell of Washington, D. C., writer is his nephew.  A niece, Alice Robinson of Davenport and several nieces in Minneapolis also survive him.

 

The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Sunday Morning, March 18, 1934, page 10.

 

Herb Rutledge Was Friend of “Buffalo Bill”

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Special to the Democrat

  Clinton, Ia. March 17.--Herbert W. Rutledge, who died yesterday at his home, 2527 Grant street, was an old-time chum of William F. (“Buffalo Bill”) Cody, and of former Governor San Van Sant of Minnesota.  He spent his boyhood and early manhood in LeClaire, Iowa, and the future plainsman and governor were his near neighbors.

  Mr. Rutledge was 90 years of age.  He was born in London. Eng, March 23, 1844 and was brought to America by his parents when he was a child of three.  They reached Davenport 87 years ago, and the following year moved to LeClaire.

  He leaves his widow, two daughters, Mrs. Louis Gerten of Fulton and Mrs. Charles Klaes of Clinton; five grandchildren, John Gerten of Clinton, Pauline and Rosemary Gerten of Fulton, and Charles and Marvin Klaes of this city, and a great grandchild, Peggy Rae Gerten, also of Clinton.  Charles Russell of Washington, D. C., widely known book and magazine writer, is his nephew.  A niece, Alice Robinson of Davenport and several nieces in Minneapolis also survive him.

 

 

CAPTAIN JON SMITH AND THE ROYAL ARCH

 

  In the spring of 1856 she was put into the run between Rock Island and Dubuque, together with the Greek Slave, the boats making a daily line between the two cities.  Captain Jon. J. Smith, of LeClaire, familiarly known as Blacksmith, was in charge of the Royal Arch.  Every old timer knew John J. Smith, one of the best rapids pilots who ever turned a wheel, many steam boatmen claimed he was the very best of the rapids pilots; and if it were possible to demonstrate such a preposition the claim might have been prove.  In any case, he was as good as the best.  Captain Smith was unfortunate with the Royal Arch, however, as she picked up a snag and sank near the foot of Nine Mile Island, below Dubuque in 1856, with total loss.--The Saturday Evening Post, Burlington, Iowa, July 13, 1918.  Steamboats and Steamboatmen of the Upper Mississippi by George B. Merrick.