Republican Club Meeting

The adjourned semi-annual meeting of the Scott county Republican Club, for the election of its officers for the ensuing six months, was held at the Court House on Tuesday evening the 18th of February, 1862, pursuant to notice given in the Gazette and Der Demokrat.

The President, upon taking the chair, stated the object of the meeting, and propriety of keeping up, in accordance with the constitution of the club, our party organization.

The report of the Corresponding Secretary, J. W. Guiteau, and the Treasurer, Ed. Russell, on motion were received and adopted.

The sub-committee, consisting of the President, Treasurer and Secretaries, appointed by the Executive Committee of the club to conduct last fall’s campaign, presented, through, the Treasurer, a bill of Der Demokrat for $15, charged for publishing the call for last fall’s County  Republican Convention, and asked action of club upon same.  On motion of C. S. Ellis the Executive Committee were authorized, after some discussion, to pay the same if it should appear that the custom had been to pay Der Demokrat for such services.

On motion the club proceeded to the election of officers with the following result:

For President – John Collins.

For Vice-Presidents – J. H. White and Jos. Quinn.

For Treasurer – Ed. Russell

For Cor. Secretary – J. W. Guiteau.

For Recording Secretary – Earnst. Claussen.

On motion the club adjourned.

JNO. COLLINS, Prest.

J. W. GUITEAU, Acting Rec. Sec.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

From Cairo

CAIRO, Feb. 19.

The Chicago committee and surgeons have been assigned some to Paducah and some to Mound City.  There is no great necessity for nurses, as many being now here as can profitably be employed.

Another consignment of rebels will reach here to-night or to-morrow.

Nothing new from Ft. Donelson.

The Michigan 3d Cavalry arrived her to-night from St. Louis.

From recent investigations we are enabled to state that the whole number of killed on the part of the Federals at the recent battle of Fort Donelson, is about 300.  The killed, wounded, prisoners and missing will reach 1,000.  This is reliable.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

District Court

REGULAR TERM.

HON. JOHN F. DILLON, Judge.

IRA M. GIFFORD, Clerk.

THURSDAY, February 20.

Court opened at 9 o’clock A. M.  The examination of witnesses in the case of Dickson vs. Johnson, which commenced on Tuesday last and occupied all day yesterday, was closed this afternoon, when the counsel proceeded to argument.  Davison & True for plaintiff, J. N. Rogers for defendant.  The case was submitted to the jury to-night.

Court adjourned at 6 o’clock p. m., till 9 o’clock tomorrow morning.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

Dr. Wm. H. White

We had a call from this gentleman yesterday morning, as he was on his way to Cairo, going at his own expense and with the laudable object of doing all the good he can in his professional capacity to relieve the sufferings of the wounded soldiers.  Dr. White was surgeon of the First Iowa Regiment, and was the most successful physician that accompanied the Iowa troops.  He was with that Regiment in the State of Missouri during the four sickly months of June, July, August, and September, and of about twelve hundred and fifty cases that came under his hands, over one hundred of which were sunstroke , he lost only one man.  During that time his regiment lost but four men by disease, the other three dying while not under the care of Dr. White.  We mention these facts simply from the circumstance that reports have been circulated prejudicial to his reputation, as the record shows the least moratity by far in his regiment of any that have gone from our State.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

The Finance Committee was unable . . .

. . . on Wednesday, to call upon all of our citizens for their aid to the relief of the wounded soldiers.  In order that all may have an opportunity to contribute their mite, the finance committee have left the subscription paper with C. H. Eldridge, at the Post office, there all of our citizens, who have not contributed and wish to do so, can have an opportunity.

By order of the finance committee.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

Jacob Hoffman

Jacob Hoffman was born in Owen County, Ind., March 8, 1838. He was a son of Wm. and Katie (Houwk) Hoffman. When Mr. Hoffman was fourteen years of age he came to Iowa, locating in Buffalo County, where he made his home twenty years. He was among the very first to settle that county. In the fall of 1882 he became a citizen of Floyd County, and bought at that time 160 acres, where he still resides. At this date it was raw prairie, He has since brought it under a fine state of' cultivation and the best of improvements. His house and surroundings are indeed pleasant. It can be said of Mr. Hoffman, that he has caused the desert to blossom as the rose. He sold forty acres of this before improving it, at considerable of an advance of the price paid. Mr. Hoffman carries on quite a stroke of farming besides keeping considerable stock; keeps about twenty head of cattle and seven head of horses, and usually keeps from forty to sixty, has kept as high as 160. Mr. Hoffman was married in 1864 to Clarinda Kendell, immediately after his return from the army. He enlisted in 1861, in Company D, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Colonels Reed [sic] and Bellknap [sic] were the commanding officers; Captain Madison was his first Captain. Mr. Hoffman was wounded at the battle of Atlanta on the morning of the 22d of May, receiving a gun-shot wound in the right groin, the ball passing clear through, another lodging in his right leg just above the knee; another lodged in the left arm above the elbow, while another cut its depth across the top of his left shoulder. At this charge he had fourteen bullet holes pass through his clothing in different places. He had his musket shot out of his hands, three balls passing through it at once cutting it off at each of the bands. Through the effects of these wounds he lay in the hospital as a patient for about one year, under the care of physicians. For five months he lay with ice water dropping upon him to prevent mortification. He participated before this in fourteen hard-fought battles. Mr. Hoffman veteraned and returned to the army and accompanied Sherman on his march to the sea. He was mustered out the fall after the close of the war. Mr. Homan's army life, consisting of three years and three months, was one indeed long to be remembered. He certainly deserves the highest respect and admiration of every patriotic man, woman and child. He is a man of no boastful qualities, but takes his position as a humble citizen. Mr. Hoffman has always been a Democrat, though he votes for the best men for county officers.

SOURCE: History of Floyd County, Iowa, Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1882, Volume 2, p. 1111-2

John Ralston

In presenting to our readers the history of John Ralston we record the life work of one who has long been recognized as a leading, influential and respected citizen of Monroe county. He is now living retired in Albia, but for many years was engaged in farming and stock raising in Monroe county, and in his business affairs his conduct was so straightforward and honorable that his word was recognized as good as any bond. Mr. Ralston was born in eastern Ohio on the 15th of August, 1830, and is a son of James and Martha Ann (Gordon) Ralston, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The father spent the first eighteen years of his life in the land of the heather, and thence crossed the broad Atlantic in a sailing vessel, eventually becoming a resident of eastern Ohio. He first settled, however, in Virginia, and from that place removed to the Buckeye state. His first wife died during the early boyhood of her son John, who was the youngest of their three children, the others being Andrew and Nettie. After her death James Ralston was united in marriage to Elizabeth Mathers, who was born in 1807 and was a resident of Ohio. Five children graced this marriage: Martha, Samuel, Robert, James and Maggie. A third time Mr. Ralston was married, Miss Mary Reed, a native of Pennsylvania, becoming his wife. There was one son by that union, William. For several years James Ralston continued to make his home in Ohio, but in the fall of 1860 he severed his business connections there and came to Iowa, spending his last days in Madison county, this state, where he died in 1867 at the age of eighty years.

John Ralston spent the years of his minority in Guernsey county, Ohio, and on attaining his majority sought a home in Iowa, for he believed he would have better business opportunities in the western district, where competition was not so great. Here he took up carpentering, but in his earlier years he had taught school in Ohio. In 1860 he became a resident of Madison county and was living here at the time of his enlistment for service in the Civil war. He was in the army the last nine months of the long struggle for the preservation of the Union, being drafted for service, after which he became a member of Company D, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry. He was with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea, and after the close of hostilities was mustered out in Washington, D. C. His brother Robert served throughout the entire period of hostilities as a member of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry. At the close of the war Mr. Ralston returned to his home in Madison county and for twenty years was interested in farming and stock raising. In 1885, however, he took up his abode in Monroe county, settling in Albia, where he is now living. However, he spends about six months each year upon his farm in Madison county. About six years ago he established a tanning factory in Albia, organizing a stock company for this purpose, but eventually he sold out and the factory has since been moved elsewhere.

On the 22d of November, 1862, Mr. Ralston was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Bell, a daughter of William and Mary Bell, who were natives of Ohio. They became the parents of two children, Mary and Emma. The wife and mother, however, died in 1890, passing away at her home in Albia on the 5th of September of that year, after which her remains were interred in the Albia cemetery.

Mr. Ralston has always had firm faith in Iowa and its future. When he came here as a young man he believed that the state was entering upon a period of progressive development and was therefore anxious to ally his interests with those of the early settlers. Taking advantage of the business opportunities, he steadily worked his way upward, brooking no obstacles that could be overcome by determination and earnest purpose. His life record has at all times been one that would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny, and through his well directed business affairs he has not only won a competence, but has also gained the respect and regard of his fellow-men.

SOURCE: S. Thompson Lewis, Biographical and genealogical history of Appanoose and Monroe counties, Iowa, p. 615-7

The Dead Of Fort Donelson

The report of the death of Captain Slaymaker received mournful confirmation by the letter which we publish this morning.  It has been truly said, ‘Death loves a shining mark,’ and seldom has this adage received a more striking exemplification that this sad event.  The advices that give us this intelligence also tell us of the loss of four others of that company, and the wounding of twenty more.

JONATHAN SMITH SLAYMAKER was born on the 31st of March, 1836, at Margeretta, York county, Pa.  On the paternal side, he was descended from an old German family of Pennsylvania; while his maternal grandfather, Jonathan Smith, was long president of the United States bank at Philadelphia, and Gen. Persifor F. Smith, distinguished in the Mexican war, was his uncle.  Among his first occupations, Capt. Slaymaker was engaged as civil engineer on the Pennsylvania Central R. R., the experience there acquired being of service to him in the position he has so recently filled.  Coming to this city in 1856, he remained here, with short intervals, till the breaking out of the war.  At this time, he was among the first to volunteer for the war and was elected by his company first lieutenant, and was with his company mustered into service on the 28th of May.  On the resignation of Capt. Brewster, on the 5th of October, Lieut. Slaymaker was chosen to succeed him, and in that capacity led his company at the ever to be remembered charge at Fort Donelson, which proved so fatal to him.  Of all who have gone from this county to the seat of war, none has left behind a larger circle of will-wishing friends, by all of whom he was admired, not more for his truly soldiery qualities than for the modesty and quiet dignity which eminently characterized him in whatever position he might be placed.  Beloved by all his company, and fearless of danger, he was no doubt foremost in the fight, and perished where the balls fell thickest and fastest.  When this war is over, and its heroes are reviewed, none will stand higher in the esteem of those who have known or heard of him than the modest and gentlemanly captain of Company C.

GEO. W. HOWELL, of this township, is also reported among the dead.  He was a native of New York, and was about twenty-one years of age at the time of his death.  He is the son of Mr. Howell, cotton-batting manufacturer near Duck Creek.  This death has plunged into sorrow a numerous family, of whom he was almost the idol.

EDWARD PETERSON, another of the killed, was a native of Germany, and aged about 20 years.

C. H. LENHART, enlisted at Keokuk.  He was a native of Ohio, and aged about 25 years.

There is no person named Myers mentioned in the Adjutant General’s report.  There is a Martin L. Minor, of Andalusia, mentioned, which may be the person, but it is more probably some person who has joined the company since it left the State.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

Capt. R. M. Littler

Again the report is rife in our streets that Capt. Littler is among the killed at Fort Donelson. This time the rumor comes through a telegraphic dispatch from Chicago, sent by Geo. H. Parker, Esq., to the Democrat. No doubt such a report prevailed in Chicago, but we presume it to have been without foundation. The fact that Slaymaker’s death was telegraphed over the West through the regular dispatches; while no mention was made of that of Capt. Littler, and the additional circumstance of Mr. Haldeman giving the death of Capt. Slaymaker and other members of his company and making no mention of Littler, with whom he was personally acquainted, are proofs to us that the gallant Captain still lives, and will yet make his mark high up on the roll of fame.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

Alfred Ross Wilcox

On the long list of the brave men who went to the front as soldiers of the Civil war appears the name of Alfred Ross Wilcox. Unscathed, he faced death again and again on southern battlefields but met it at length by drowning when a passenger of the ill-fated steamer Golden Eagle that burned near Johnstown when making a trip on the Mississippi. Mr. Wilcox was a native of Gallia county, Ohio, born March l, 1835, a son of Hiram and Elizabeth Alvia Wilcox, the latter a native of the Buckeye state, and the former born in the town of Chenango, Tioga county, New York, November 9, 1797. They never came to Iowa but spent their entire lives in Ohio, where they passed away in the same year. The father was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Alfred Ross Wilcox pursued his education in the schools of his native county, was there reared to manhood and took up the occupation of farming. He continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits, following his removal to Iowa in 1850, at which time he located on Village creek near Ottumwa. There were still many evidences of frontier life in that section of the state at that day. With characteristic energy he began the development and improvement of his farm and converted the plains into rich and productive fields. He was living thereon when he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting as a member of Company K, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which regiment he served until the close of hostilities. He participated in many hotly contested battles, took part in the long, hot marches and the weary waiting in winter quarters. At the battle of Shiloh he was wounded in the left leg but as soon as able he resumed his place in the ranks and remained in that command until mustered out.

When the war was over Mr. Wilcox returned to the home farm near Ottumwa, having been married before that time to Miss Sarah McMillen, who died while they were living in Ottumwa, and was buried there. There were five children of that marriage: Alvenza, of Ottumwa; Mary, the wife of Harvey Bigford, of Kansas City, Missouri; Cora, who is the wife of Charles Keating, of Des Moines; Alvia, who died at the age of twenty-four years; and William, who was a twin brother of Alvia and died at the age of thirty years. Coming to Appanoose county Mr. Wilcox was here married to Anna Cole, who died at Lineville, Iowa. They had three children of whom one is now living, Josie, a resident of Des Moines. On the 3d of June, 1877, Mr. Wilcox was united in marriage to Louisa J. Crews, a daughter of James and Delania (Allard) Crews. The father, a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was of Dutch and Irish descent and throughout his life followed the occupation of farming. His wife was a native of New York and belonged to one of the old American families. On removing westward they located on the Goshen prairie in Missouri near Lineville, Iowa, where the father carried on farming for a few years and then took up another claim to which he removed five miles north of Lineville. They were among the early settlers of that section, locating in Wayne county, Iowa, seventy-five years ago. They built their cabin out of logs and experienced the usual hardships and privations of pioneer life at that early period. The father died in Holt county, Missouri, in 1881, and the mother passed away in Kansas in 1910, having survived him for almost three decades.

After Mr. Wilcox's third marriage he removed to Unionville, Iowa, where he lived for two years and then established his home at Eldon, Iowa, where he worked as a section boss until he was run over and had his left foot cut off. This left him in a crippled condition for life, rendering further labor of that kind impossible, so that he established a grocery and dry-goods store in Eldon. This he conducted with a fair measure of success until 1880, when he started for St. Louis for the purpose of purchasing an artificial leg. He took passage on the ill-fated steamer the Golden Eagle that caught fire and burned to the water's edge opposite Johnstown. His body was never recovered. Mrs. Wilcox conducted the store for a short time after his death and then closed out the stock, removing in 1883 to Centerville, purchasing here a nice home at No. 1012 West Maple street, where she has since lived. The children of the third marriage are: Lucy L., the wife of Charles Wilson; and Louisa J., of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson make their home with their mother and they have two children: Earl, twelve years of age; and Frankie, nine years of age, both attending the Central high school.

Mr. Wilcox was a republican but had no aspirations for office. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church to which his widow belongs and he was a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Grand Army post at Unionville. He had many friends among his fraternal brethren and enjoyed in large measure the confidence and trust of those with whom he was associated in the various relations of life. He always endeavored to live peacefully with his fellowmen, to do unto others as he would have they do unto him and was known as a reliable and enterprising merchant, a loyal citizen, a faithful friend and a devoted husband and father.

SOURCE: L. L. Taylor, Editor, Past and present of Appanoose County, Iowa, Volume 2, p. 97-9

James W. Allen

James W. Allen was twelve years old when his father, David Allen, arrived in Ingham township. He was a member of Company H, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry and was with Sherman on his noted march to the sea. Returning from the war, James took up the occupation of farming on section 16 in this township.

SOURCE: I. L. Stuart, Editor, History of Franklin County, Iowa, Volume 1, p. 274

Soldiers' Aid Society

The ladies of the Aid Society are requested to meet at Odd Fellows’ Hall this (Friday) morning at nine o’clock, to prepare necessary articles for the relief of our wounded soldiers.  The finance committee appointed at the meeting at the Le Claire House, have placed at our disposal the sum of fifty dollars, to be used at our discretion.  The society also acknowledge with pleasure the receipt of ten dollars form John L. Swits, Esq.  It is hoped that there will be a full and prompt attendance of ladies; and that they will come prepared to spend the entire day in work, that as much as possible may be accomplished in the shortest time – that we may be enabled to speedily send many useful articles, to be applied to the relief of those who have received honorable wounds in the service of their country.

SEC. OF SOLDIERS’ AID SOCIETY

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

The Second Regiment at Fort Donelson

The following letter has been kindly handed to us for publication.  It is from a Sergeant in the late Captain Slaymaker’s Company at Fort Donelson, to his sister [of] this city.  The letter was evidently written in haste but fully confirms what we have before heard of the desperate valor of the Second regiment on that occasion, and the severe loss suffered by one of our own companies. – It is as follows:

FORT DONELSON, Feb. 15th, 1862.

DEAR SISTER: I was in my first battle – the first of the Second Regiment.  We took a fortress, driving out the sharp-shooters, armed with six-barreled revolving rifles.  In fifteen minutes after we received the order we were across their breast works.  We drove them at the point of the bayonet.  The battle lasted two hours and a half, but seemed very short to us all.  Capt. Slaymaker, George Howell, Peterson, Myers, and Lenhart were killed; Lieut. Holmes and Doolittle severely injured.  Total loss five killed twenty-five wounded.

Two bullets passed through my clothing but did not draw blood.

I am tired.  We landed here on Friday morning, and it is now Sunday night, and I have not slept.  We have 10,000 prisoners. – The Second to-day had the greatest honor, and was the first to plant the red, white and blue in the enemy’s stronghold.

Mr. Morrison, flour dealer on Brady street, received a letter last evening from his son, James, also a member of Capt. Slaymaker’s company, in which he states that Lt. Holmes was struck in the leg by a musket ball, and is feared the limb will require amputation.  Capt. Slaymaker was killed while bravely leading on his men, shouting “Come on, my boys; give it to them!” a spent ball stuck him, and the noble soldier perished.  Mr. Morrison was slightly wounded in the foot.  He states that it is thought there are not more than two hundred sound men left in the regiment fit for duty.  All honor to the brave Iowa Second!  Its first meeting with the enemy has been a terrible but glorious one.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

Third Regiment

Mr. Alonzo Keables, of Company B, 3d Iowa Infantry, passed through here yesterday.  He left his regiment at Cairo on Tuesday; so of course the Third was not at the taking of Fort Donelson, as was stated by the Chicago Tribune.  Mr. Keables says it was reported at Cairo that the Seventh had been again badly cut up at the late battle – losing 500 out of 630, the number it took into the field.  This, however, is not probably, as the whole number of lost according to all accounts, does not exceed 1,300 at the most, and it is not all probable that one regiment has such a large proportion, though there is too great reason to fear the Iowa troops have suffered heavily in the encounter.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

Col. N. Perczel

We are indebted to our friend, Col. N. Perczel, Iowa 10th Regiment for a fine photograph remembrancer of himself.  As the letter accompanying it was written at Bird’s Point, Feb. 18th, we presume the brave boys of the Iowa 10th didn’t have the opportunity of signalizing themselves at the storming of Fort Donelson.  It is a shame that an officer of so much experience and ability as Col. Perczel should be kept in camp and under the authorityof  Generals who are his inferiors in age and military knowledge.  We hope our gallant friend may be the first man of the federal forces to enter the city of Memphis and that it may not be long before he does it.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

James Gould

James Gould, now deceased, was a farmer of Calhoun county for many years and in the latter part of his life lived retired in Rockwell City. An analyzation [sic] of his life record shows that he possessed various sterling qualities which endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. He was born near Jacksonville, Illinois, on the 11th of October, 1843, and was only about a year old when the family left that state and came to Iowa, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Johnson county, their home being near Iowa City. There James Gould was reared upon a farm, was married in that locality and continued to reside there until 1889, when he came to Calhoun county and purchased a farm in Center township, which at that time was only partially improved. He continued its further development and cultivation, with the result that a marked change was soon seen in its appearance. His fields brought forth good crops and all modern accessories and conveniences were added to his place. He used the latest improved machinery to facilitate the farm work and as the years passed on he won a gratifying measure, of success. His farm embraced one hundred and sixty acres, which he purchased for ten dollars per acre, but the place is now worth many times that amount. He continued to reside on the farm until October, 1913, when he removed to Rockwell City and retired. After about six months, however, he was called to his final rest, passing away on the 10th of February, 1914.

Mr. Gould is still survived by his widow, with whom he had traveled life's journey happily for forty years. He was married on the 29th of November, 1874, to Miss Mary M. Ewing, who was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1841, and was taken by her parents to Indiana when six years of age, the journey being made in a covered wagon, according to the primitive methods of travel at that time. They afterward went to Tazewell county, Illinois, and eventually came to Iowa in a covered wagon about the year 1854 or 1855, settling in Johnson county. They were thus identified with pioneer conditions in Indiana, Illinois and Iowa.

To Mr. and Mrs. Gould were born four children, but the two daughters died in infancy. The sons are: Frank A., a resident farmer of this county; and Ira A., who is farming in Montana.

Mr. Gould was entitled to wear the little bronze button of the Grand Army of the Republic, for in 1864, in response to the country's call for troops, he joined the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry as a private. He served for about ten months, going with Sherman on the memorable march to the sea, which proved the weakness of the southern confederacy, showing that the troops had been drawn from the interior to protect the border. He also took part in the grand review in Washington at the close of the war, when the victorious Union troops marched through the streets of the capital where thousands of onlookers expressed their gratitude by prolonged cheers. Mr. Gould was honorably discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, and returned to his home, having escaped without injury or capture. In his political views he was a republican but not an active party worker. For a half century he was a member of the Methodist church and his religious faith was the guiding principle in his life. He endeavored to closely follow the golden rule and lived up to the high standards which are set in Christian teaching, and when he was called to the home beyond it could be said of him "Well done, good and faithful servant."

SOURCE: Beaumont E. Stonebraker, Editor, Past and present of Calhoun County, Iowa, p. 104-7

The trains due Wednesday . . .

. . . on the M & M. RR., reached here yesterday morning between 1 & 2 o’clock.  The afternoon train caught up with the morning train at Wilton and the two tugged away through the snow, sending a man with a torch a mile ahead to show the way, till they arrived as above stated.  About a dozen of the passengers, recruits for Capt. Turner’s Muscatine Company in the 16th regiment, footed it in from Wilton.  No connection was made at Iowa City, yesterday, for the same cause – the great amount of snow on the track.  For the present there will be only one train a day on this road.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

Iowa Troops At Fort Donelson

–  It is now pretty well ascertained that there were not to exceed four Iowa regiments at the storming of Fort Donelson, Viz.: The 2d, 7th, 12th and 14th.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

Proclamation for the Observance of Washington’s Birthday

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19.

By proclamation of the President of the United States it is recommended to the people of the United States; that they assemble in their customary places of public worship on the 22d day of February, inst., and celebrate the anniversary of the birthday of the Father of his Country, by causing to be read to them his Farewell Address.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

CHAPTER 9

AN ACT.

To confirm and legalize the acts of John W. Thompson as Notary Public in and for Scott County.

WHEREAS, The commission of John W. Thomson [sic] a Notary Public in and for Scott County, expired on the seventh day of December, 1861.  And said Thompson, believing his commission in full force, did, after the said 7th December 1861, do and perform official acts as Notary Public; Therefore, be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Iowa.

SECTION 1.  That all acts of John W. Thompson as a Notary Public in and for Scott county, between the 6th day of December, A. D. 1861, and the 1st day of January 1862, are hereby declared and shall be taken to be as legal and valid as if the commission of said Thompson had been in full force at the time such official acts were done.

SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect from and after its publication in the Iowa State Register and Davenport Gazette, as by law required, anything in the laws of this State contrary notwithstanding, provided the same be done without expense to the State.

RUSH CLARK,

Speaker of the House of Rep.

JOHN R. NEEDHAM,

President of the Senate.

Approved February 12, 1862.

SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD.

I hereby certify that the forgoing is a true copy from the original roll on file in my office.

ELIJAH SELLS,

Secretary of State.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 2