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Tag Archives: Civil War
The Mysterious Poisoning of the Foulk Children
It was a mystery that shocked the state of Iowa in October 1905. Who would leave poisoned candy in the room of an elderly widowed Civil War veteran with a note saying it was for his young children? Children who … Continue reading
The Truth Will Out: Annie Wittenmyer
In preparation for a recent program featuring Annie Wittenmyer and the orphanage she is forever linked to in Davenport, Iowa, inconsistencies within reference works were found bringing up a number of questions. Turning to some basic documents used for family … Continue reading
Captain J.S. Slaymaker
Jonathan Smith Slaymaker was born in York, Pennsylvania on March 31, 1835. He worked as a civil engineer for the railroad. He came to Davenport and lived with his uncle Henry on Brady Street, between 14th & 15th. On April … Continue reading
A December Thanksgiving in Davenport, 1865
One hundred and fifty years ago this coming week, on December 7, 1865, Davenporters observed a memorable National Day of Thanksgiving. In the words of Iowa Governor William M. Stone’s proclamation, printed in the Davenport Daily Gazette on the 6th, … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Advertisements, Civil War, Davenport Gazette, Edward Russell, shopping, Thanksgiving
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A New (Old) Look at the Iowa Soldiers’ Orphans’ Home
For many of us, when the name Iowa Soldiers’ Orphans’ Home or Annie Wittenmyer Home is mentioned we think of the beautiful two-story red brick cottages that exist today on the site. These were not the original buildings that the … Continue reading
Latest News By Telegraph: Pickett’s Charge
Latest News Headquarters Army of the Potomac, July 3 Semi-Official Report The decisive battle has been fought to-day, and the enemy repulsed with terrific loss. At daylight Lee’s right wing batteries opened upon our left, and shortly after those … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Battle of Gettysburg, Civil War, Latest News By Telegraph, Pickett's Charge, Telegraph
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Latest News By Telegraph: The Impending Battle of Gettysburg
By the mid-nineteenth century, newspapers were beginning to regularly use information passed through the telegraph for news stories. It was not unusual for some breaking stories to contain misinformation, but that must have been a minor inconvenience compared to the benefit of receiving … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Battle of Gettysburg, Civil War, Latest News By Telegraph, Telegraph
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Alexander Clark of the First Iowa African Infantry
Who would have thought that a man from the small town of Muscatine, Iowa, would have been the first person to offer to raise African American troops to serve in the Iowa regiment during the Civil War? First, one probably … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged African-Americans, Alexander Clark, Civil War, First Regiment Iowa African Infantry
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