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Subject: [IASCOTT] 1910 A Tribute by Father Pelamourgues
Date: Mon, 3 Jun 2002 09:41:28 EDT

This concludes Chapter 11

A TRIBUTE BY FATHER PELAMOURGUES

Father Pelamourgues spoke at the third banquet of the Scott County Pioneer
Settlers association to the toast:  "Antoine LeClaire - the pioneer of
pioneers in this county, and the first president of the pioneers' association
- identified with our city and county by almost every old-time memory, and by
every association of feeling and interest - may he live long to bless the
festive occasions with his great presence, and to witness the full rearing of
these corporate structures, Davenport and Scott county, whose corner stones
his hands laid."

"Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen:  I am afraid that in responding to this
toast I shall do injustice to Mr. LeClaire, and to the Old Settlers
association, before which I have the honor to speak, and I am sorry that a
more competent person than myself was not selected to stand in my place.  It
is true a countryman of the great Lafayette is always welcome in an American
gathering, let his merits be ever so little.  I have so often, since my
residence among you, experienced the kindness of our first president and of
the old settlers, who always tendered me the hand of friendship, that I am
encouraged to say a few words.  My task is rendered light from the fact that
all of you are well acquainted with  Antoine LeClaire, all of you having been
like myself welcomed to the home of your choice by the pioneer of pioneers of
Scott county.  Many of you found, perhaps, a shelter under his roof - for it
is well-known fact that he tendred always to the stranger that benevolent
hospitality which was rendered especially pleasant by the unaffected kindness
of her who presided over his log cabin, who encouraged him in his hours of
trial, and who more than any one else has pointed to him the good that was to
be done.

"LeClaire and Davenport!  Those two names are and will be for a long time to
come, inseparable.  Davenport, though destined to be a city, might have
languished if it had not been for the enterprising genius and liberal mind of
Antoine LeClaire.  He is not a man of one idea; he seems to be made on
purpose for being the founder of a city.  Liberal in his views, he never
inquired of a man from what country he was coming, or to what creed he
belonged.  He was kind to all and encouraged all; he tried to be a benefactor
to all; he encouraged the mechanic and the professional man; he was the
friend of the poor as well as the rich.  He always knew how to accommodate
himself to circumstances and he was as cheerful trying his musical skill on a
three stringed fiddle, and amusing  some of the old settlers - who perhaps
now listen to me - as he is now in his elegant mansion surrounded by all
those comforts that can render a man happy if happiness can be found upon
earth.

"Davenport and LeClaire!  Names inseparable.  He built the first log cabin,
and in it every newcomer became his guest; he built the first church, in
which he continued for many years to lead in singing the praises of God till
his means permitted him to rear an edifice more suitable for the worship of th
e Almighty.  He erected that hotel which for many years attracted the
attention of all who passed in front of our village.  He was instrumental in
building the first foundry, helped that great benefactor of our town and
county, A. C. Fulton, to erect the first mill, and passing over many other
good deeds, he was the first man who worked on a railroad west of the
Mississippi river.

"I will close, Mr. President, by saying:  May he long live to bless these
festive occasions with his great presence and witness the full rearing of
those corporate structures.  Davenport and Scott county, whose corner stones
his hands laid."



Debbie Clough G-erischer


G-erischer Family Web Site http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/
Assistant CC, Iowa Gen Web, Scott County
http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/
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