Congressman Horace Mann, September 20, 1850

It is truly appalling to see the swarms of men who come on here from the North—and a full proportion of them are from Massachusetts—to re-enforce the interests of the manufacturers,—cotton, woollen, and iron particularly. Oh, if there were such alacrity, such zeal, such effort, for what is good! But though I have no doubt such a state of society will come at some time, yet that time is a great way off. If it is, then why should we not try to bring it nearer, as we may do?

. . . Last night I was taking my accustomed walk on the terrace, when there spread all over the western horizon one of the most gorgeous sunsets I ever beheld. Then I wanted more eyes than mine to see, and more sensibilities to feel what provision has been made to gratify sentiments whose use the mere utilitarian cannot perceive. The world needs educating up to the enjoyment of the pleasures which are strewn around them. So much beauty exists unknown and unperceived! So it is with truth; so it is with affection.

SOURCE: Mary Tyler Peabody Mann, Life of Horace Mann, p. 332-3

Fanning Mill Manufactory

Of all interests which are calculated to build up a flourishing city, there are none that contribute more to that object than its manufactories.  And we venture the assertion that there is no city in the West which presents more favorable inducements for all kinds of manufacturing establishments than that of Davenport.  Although we possess a goodly number at the present time, there are other branches which might be made lucrative, to which we may hereafter call attention.  It may not be generally known to our farmer friends that we have quite an extensive fanning mill, carried on by Messrs. Hunter and Davenport, on Rock Island street, who have now on hand about 100 of Reader’s celebrated mills, of the latest improved style.  They think they are fully prepared to meet all demands upon them for those celebrated mills.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1