Bawden4 on Family Tree Circles
Journals and Posts
Category: THE ELDRIDGE SIDE
BAWDEN: Albert Ralph "A.R." marries twice, dir. Chamber of Commerce, Ruling Elder in First Presbyterian Church, pres. Rotary Club
Albert "A.R." was the oldest of 3 sons born to George Washington and Jennie ELDRIDGE BAWDEN in Muscatine, Muscatine, Iowa, where his lawyer father was president of the Iowa Mortgage Company.
In 1895 the family moved back to Davenport (parents natives) where AR graduated from Davenport [Central] High School in May 1905...two months after his father's death in March in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, of diabetes.
He began his career as a clerk with the First National Bank of Davenport until he purchased the newsstand of the I & I Interurban station at 217 Brady St. In 1908 his brother, George Ray "Ray" and in 1912, another brother Harry ELDRIDGE joined him in the business.
Albert married Mabelle/Mabel Maude BUFORD on 15 Oct 1913 in the home of her sister, George and Ella Mathilda SCHWENKER in Rock Island, Rock Island, Illinois. She was the daughter of John R., born Nov 1847 in Sweden and Mathilda OKERBERG BUFORD.
Mabelle was born 14 April 1886 in Moline, Illinois, and graduated from Moline High School. She was a member of Davenport's First Presbyterian Church, Women's Club and Ladies of the Davenport Rotary. She died 6 Nov 1940 of breast cancer and is buried in Davenport's Oakdale Cemetery public mausoleum.
On 24 May 1945, Albert married Margaret Theresa "Tess" HART in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California. She was born 26 Feb 1904 in Davenport to Leonard and Mary MULVAHILL HART, a descendant of Peter and Mary Margaret DOUGHERTY HART, who came to Davenport from Ireland with their children in 1854. Tess graduated from Smart Junior High School, formerly West Intermediate School, then from ELLIOTT FISHER Bookkeeping/Machine School in Rock Island. She was employed in the office of Davenport Locomotive works before becoming bookkeeper and cashier at BAWDEN Bros. Inc, the business her husband and 2 brothers founded from the I&I Interurban ticket office.
AR watched his business grow from a small newsstand in the interurban waiting room into a photo engraving and printing firm; he was president at his death on 1 Jan 1949.
He was director of the Davenport Chamber of Commerce and president of Davenport Rotary Club 1933-34. In 1942 he was elected to the highest layman office in the Presbyterian Church as Ruling Elder. Albert is interred in Davenport's Oakdale Cemetery public mausoleum. Tess died 12 Aug 1991 in Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois' St. John's Hospital and is buried in Davenport's Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Tess lived in their home at 29 Edgehill Terrace in Davenport with mother-in-law Jennie ELDRIDGE BAWDEN.
AR and Mabelle had 4 children all in Davenport: Virginia Jane born 6 Aug 1915 and died 6 August 1915; Marian Jane born 12 Jan 1920 (seperate bio); Robert Albert born 2 Jan 1927 (seperate bio).
AR and Tess had 1 child in Davenport: Ralph ELDRIDGE born 13 Aug 1946 (seperate bio)
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BUFORD INFO:
1. Ella Mathilda was born 13 Oct 1880 in Moline, she died 7 Nov 1963 in Moline. She married George SCHWENKER 25 Nov 1912.
2. Mabelle and Ella had a brother, LeRoy BUFORD, no BMD.
John and Mathilda OKERBERG were married 9 Nov 1879 in Rock Island, Illinois.
BAWDEN: George Washington, 7th child of Stephen and Mary TERRILL m. Jennie ELDRIDGE, has 3 "BAWDEN Brothers", alderman, mayor candidate, active in local corporations
George was born 9 May 1859 in Norristown, Montgomery, Pennsylvania, where his father emigrated to run his mining manufacturing business, Sawanee Mining. The family moved to Rockingham Township, Scott, Iowa in Sept. 1860, where Stephen's first land purchase is dated 1 Sept. 1860.
He attended Davenport public schools and graduated from the University of Iowa Law School in 1880 (Iowa City, Johnson, Iowa]. After the death of his father in 1881, George and his mother, Jennie ELDRIDGE BAWDEN moved to Davenport to live with George's sibling, widowed Mary BAWDEN ILES at 614 E. 13th St. (still stands).
George joined the law firm of Judge GRANT. Later he joined C. A. FICKE for 2 years.
On 14 Mar 1885, George married 19-year-old Jennie in her family home at 1530 Farnam. Jennie was born 15 July 1865 on the outskirts of Davenport on a Jersey Ridge Rd. fruit farm where all 9 children were born. She was the dtr of Jacob MULLEN and Mary HIGH WILLIAMS ELDRIDGE, early settlers of Davenport.
For the next 12 years, the BAWDENs made there home in Muscatine, Muscatine, Iowa where George practiced law with Allen BROOMHALL. In 1886 he became vice president of the Iowa Mortgage Co., of which uncle J.B. PHELPS was president.
In 1895 George returned to Davenport to form a partnership with Julius LISCHER. Nephew Stephen PHELPS BAWDEN joined the firm after 1895 graduation from University of Iowa Law School. In 1901 Fred W. NEAL joined the firm which dissolved in 1902 at LISCHER's death. George next formed the firm of BAWDEN and THUENEN. Henry THUENEN became junior partner.
Also in 1895, Jennie's father gave George and Jennie 80 ft. of land on Kirkwood Boulevard to build a home...now 511 Kirkwood Blvd.
George was an active member of the Republican Party and was prominent in Davenport politics. He was elected to 2 terms as 5th ward alderman (he declined a 3rd term, as well as the nomination for mayoral candidate). He was vice president and counsel for the Iowa and Illinois Railroad at the time of the building of the interurban line between Davenport and Clinton, Iowa. In 1902, GEorge became a stockholder and president of the Times Corporation which published the Daily Times newspaper under teh direction of E. P. (Phil) ADLER
George was Chancellor Commander of the Knights of Pythias and a member of the Davenport Turner Society.
He suffered from diabetes. In the Spring of 1905, he went to Excelsior Springs, Lafayette, Missouri to regain health where he died 23 March 1905 (see obit blog) at age 46. AFter George's death, Jennie and their 3 sons, Albert Ralph (A.R.), George Ray (Ray) and Harry ELDRIDGE lived in this home until 1911. They later lived at 1203 E. Second Avenue (9th St.) with Jennie's nephew's wife, Edna BAWDEN, (Stephen Douglas). Jennie lived there until 1928.
Jennie died 1 April 1959 in the DAvenport home of her daughter-in-law, AR's wife, Margaret Theresa HART BAWDEN ("Tess} at 29 Edgehill Terrace. Jennie was a member of the First Presbyterian Church at Kirkwood and Iowa [mother Mary was the first of this family to join]. Jennie and the boys rented pew #32 for 25 cents over and above the weekly tithing. She servied 2 terms as president of the Ladie's Society. Both she and George are buried in Davenport's Oakdale Cemetery with her parents.
Their 3 sons, all born in Muscatine, Muscatine, Iowa (seperate blogs for each)
1. Albert Ralph "A.R." born 6 Aug 1886
2. George Ray "Ray" born 27 Nov 1890
3. Harry ELDRIDGE born 8 Sept 1894
BAWDEN: Stephen PHELPS, youngest of Stephen Douglas and "Ella" WOODWARD, marries Edna CAMERON HASKINS, becomes local lawyer, asst county atty, alderman
Stephen PHELPS born 5 May 1877 in Davenport was named for his uncle.
He graduated form the University of Iowa Law School in Iowa City in 1894, and entered the law office of Julius LISCHER and George BAWDEN in Davenport. He joined the firm of DAVIDSON and LANE to take charge of their abstract and loan department. He served Scott County as an Assistant County Attorney, was nominated by the Republican party for County Attorney and was elected alderman of the 6th ward. He also managed the Valley Place Investment Company which was organized to sell lots in BAWDEN's Addition in west Davenport [still exists in Davenport Plat Books as BAWDEN's Addition].
Stephen married Edna Cameron HASKIN(S) 7 Sept 1905 in Trinity Cathedral, Davenport. She was the dtr of Charles and Alice Martha ROBESON HASKINS. Mr. HASKINS operated a livery stable on W. 4th St. in Davenport. The couple had no children and lived with the family at 1315 E. 11th St.
Stephen was an extremely outgoing and popular man and was a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity at U of I, the Commercial and Outing Clubs, and worked for many Davenport charities. He was a member of Trinity Cathedral, serving as Vestryman and Clerk and was also Treasurer for the Iowa Diocese of the Episcopal Church.
His sudden death of a stroke in the family home 13 Dec 1914 at age 37 shocked Davenport; flags were flown at half-mast, the mayor issued a special tribute and the newspapers carried a lengthy article which stated "Stephen BAWDEN had more friends than any man in Davenport, his popularity extending to all classes."
For several years after her husband's death, Edna HASKINS BAWDEN lived with Stephen's uncle's widow Jennie ELDRIDGE BAWDEN, wife of George Washington BAWDEN.
On 1 Oct 1919, Edna married James D. MASON in his parent's Des Moines, Polk, Iowa home. James was the son of James and Mary SAMPLE MASON of Davenport and a grand nephew of Jennie's mother, Mary HIGH WILLIAMS ELDRIDGE
BAWDEN: George Washington, son of Stephen and Mary TERRILL BAWDEN, married Jennie ELDRIDGE: obit posted in Davenport Daily Times newspaper, 24 Mar 1905
GEORGE W. BAWDEN DIES AFTER BRIEF ILLNESS
Davenport Attorney Passes Away at Excelsior Springs, Missouri
WAS PROMINENT IN BUSINESS CIRCLES
He was president of the Times Company and vice president of the I & I Interurban at time of his death
George W. BAWDEN passed away at Excelsior Springs, Missouri yesterday afternoon about 3:00, after an illness of several weeks. Davenport relatives had received word yesterday morning of his serious condition and his sister-in-law and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Carl SCHLEGEL [Minnie ELDRIDGE] were preparing to leave for his bedside. Before thay had left, however, word was received of his death. They proceeded on their way last night and will return with the sorrowing wife and the body tomorrow morning. Funeral arrangements will be then made.
There was a general sorrow expressed throughout the city this morning when the news of his death was made known. His prominence in legal and city affairs had made him widely known and his personality won friends and admirers for him among all with whom he came in contact.
Mr. BAWDEN went to Excelsior Springs about two weeks ago to recuperate, his health being poor, it was thought that the change and the treatment there would benefit him. Among his closest friends, however, there was little hope of his recovery, and although it was not thought that he would die soon, his ultimate death was expected from his recent illness. Diabetes is given as the cause of death.
George W. BAWDEN, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen BAWDEN, was born in Norristown, Montgomery, Pennsylvania, May 9, 1859. He moved to a farm near Davenport [Rockingham Twp] arriving in this city Sept 1, 1860. He was educated in the city schools and received a diploma from the Davenport high school. Shortly after graduating, Mr. BAWDEN entered the University of Iowa and remained in the institution until he graduated from the law school in 1880.
He then returned to Davenport and entered the law office of the late Judge GRANT, where he continued to fit himself for his profession. After studying under Judge GRANT for some time, the young man took a position in the law office of C. A. FICKE where he remained for about two years.
Being chosen as attorney for the receiver of the Iowa Mortgage Company, Mr. BAWDEN removed to Muscatine, where he established himself in the practice of law. While in Muscatine Mr. BAWDEN became a member of the Knights of Pythias and became past chancellor commander of one of the lodges in that city.
After living in Muscatine for 11 years he gave up his practice there and returned to Davenport in 1895. Shortly afterward he formed a partnership with Julius LISCHER which continued until Mr. LISCHER's death in 1902. Fred W. NEAL was taken into the firm when MR. LISCHER became county attorney but the partnership was dissolved by the death of Mr. LISCHER.
In January 1903, the firm of BAWDEN & THUENEN was formed. City Attorney Henry THUENEN being the junior member.
Mr. BAWDEN was a Republican in politics and has always taken a lively interest in public affairs. In the Spring of 1897 he was elected alderman from the Fifth Ward in the city council. His term expired in 1900 and he refused another nomination. Mr. BAWDEN was admirably fitted for the office of alderman. He was a thorough business man and no man could influence him to do a thing which he believed was not for the best interests of the people. His services in the council were appreciated by every good citizen in the city.
Since leaving the council, Mr. BAWDEN has devoted his time exclusively to his law practice and his duties as attorney for the Iowa & Illinois railway. He became the legal representative of the company when it was first organized and during the preliminary arrangements for the building of the road, he was indefatigable in his efforts to make the line a reality. The work of securing the right-of-way together with other matters which required his attention brought Mr. BAWDEN an immense amount of work but he never faltered through it all and much of the credit for the successful culmination of the project is due to his energy and determination.
About three years ago MR. BAWDEN became a stockholder in the Times company and was shortly afterward selected to be its president.
On March 4, 1885, Mr. BAWDEN was united in marriage to Miss Jennie ELDRIDGE, daughter of the late Jacob MULLEN ELDRIDGE, of Davenport. Three sons, Albert, Ray and Harry were born to them. He is also survived by three brothers, S.D. [Stephen Douglas], Thomas J. and Dr. H. L. BAWDEN, besides his wife and children.
See bio blog with a few other notes.
ELDRIDGE - BAWDEN: Jennie writes about her marriage to George Washington BAWDEN, son of Stephen and Mary TERRILL appeared in the Davenport Democrat newspaper, front page, 5 Mar 1885
A couple who are native to our town and who have the friendship and esteem of all who know them, were married last evening at the home of the bride's parents [Jacob MULLEN and Mary HIGH WILLIAMS ELDRIDGE]. Miss Jennie ELDRIDGE, daughter of J. M. ELDRIDGE, and George W. BAWDEN of Muscatine. Nettie B. CHENOWETH was the bride's companion at the altar, and Mr. Ed. IRWIN of Muscatine was the groom's best man. The bride is a young lady of charming graces and elegancies, and the young husband is greatly respected here in his native city [born in Norristown, Montgomery, Pennsylvania] and in his practice of law. The Journal (Muscatine newspaper) remarks that MR. and Mrs. BAWDEN will take up their abode in the Spring residence, Third Street hill, which has been handsomely furnished for the reception of the bride. Muscatine society will extend a warm welcome to the estimable young couple. Mr. BAWDEN, during his two year residence in this city, has won the high personal esteem of all with whom he has come in contact, and has proven himself a business man of fine abilities. The bride is one of Davenport's brightest and loveliest young ladies and will quickly win a place in the hearts of a whole host of friends in Muscatine.
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An undated account of the marriage of Jennie and George written by Jennie probably just before her death.
George BAWDEN, altho in business in Muscatine, remained with his sister when in Davenport [Mary TERRILL BAWDEN ILES], until his marriage to Jennie Eldridge in 1885, March 4th. The wedding taking place in her old home, Farnam Street and Kirkwood Blvd. At that time it was 16th Street, not acquiring the dignified name of Kirkwood Blvd until many years later. Just a quiet family wedding about 50 relatives and friends at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Anna Crawaford playing the wedding march. Then a wedding supper. Ed IRWIN was Mr. BAWDEN's best man, Nettie CHENOWITH my brides maid. Aunt Minnie being general hostess as Mother could only be seated through all the festivities being an invalid for many years. Then we took train at 7 p.m. for Muscatine, where a lovely apartment was awaiting our occupancy.
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Jennie wrote this about her husband (no date)
He was a brilliant orator and Public speaker - One day in Muscatine he addressed a large crowd in Court House square. Grandpa and Grandma ELDRIDGE [Duncan and Rebecca] came down to dinner and hear him make the address. AFter serving them all at dinner he told me he could not eat much - I wish I had made Albert serve the dinner.
BAWDEN: Elsie, dtr of Thomas John and Anna 'Annie' BENTON keeps a copy book and a story is printed here, also Harry's Family History notes
WINTER SPORTS - Jan 11th 1895
I had a very nice time during our holidays. We had no school for a week and a half. But I was glad when it began again. During every day since December 26th, 1894 except Sunday, my friends and I have been skating. At home we had a Christmas tree with which we had great fun and we had many presents. One Friday before Christmas we had public day at school. Each scholar got a present and a bag of candy. And nearly every scholar gave our teacher a present. We also had a Christmas entertainer at Sunday School. Every class took part in it but one. They also had a tree on which was a present for every scholar. New Years day we had company and we went skating. I spent my holidays in a very joyful manner and I trust that everyone did.
We young folks always enjoy the winter sports, at least I do. There are a great many kinds of winter sports which all boys and girls love to share in. There are two different kinds of winter sports - the indoor and outdoor sports. The outdoor sports are sliding, skating and snow balling.
The indoor sports are of a great variety. Some of the games which boys, girls and grown up people play are checkers, lotto and dominoes. The next I think of is Christmas which everyone shares some sports. This I think is the happiest time in all of the year. Now comes New Years. It is the beginning of the new year and a good-bye to the old.
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Harry BAWDEN writes in his Family History about Minnie ELDRIDGE SCHLEGEL [Minnie is the dtr of Jacob Mullen and Mary HIGH WILLIAMS ELDRIDGE, sister to Jennie, this writer's great-grandmother]
Minnie - a dynamic gal. She had a charming voice. Sang in the Presbyterian choir and also at her sister's wedding. AFter her sister's husband died, Minnie kept a helping hand over the Jennie BAWDEN family.
[Minnie's husband] Carl SCHLEGEL was an accomplished pianist. He could get more sound out of a piano than any one I ever knew. [Carl's father brought a piano to Davenport and gave lessons to children in his spare time]
The Jennie BAWDEN and Minnie SCHLEGEL families for years celebrated Christmas and the Fourth of July at each other's home. Often the BAWDEN boys (3 Albert, George, Harry) would throw bisquits at the SCHLEGEL girls (3 Claire, Lura, Paula). At Christmas each family had large Christmas trees lighted with candles and we all sang 'O Tanabam' [sic Tannenbaum].
Often between courses, Claire [SCHLEGEL] would lead us kids out doors and run around the house to make more room for the food to follow.
Lura {SCHLEGEL - not Laura] also was a musician played the organ in several western churches [west Davenport]. As a young gal at Christmas, I remember her singing a popular song 'I Want What I Want When I Want It.'
ELDRIDGE - BAWDEN: Jennie, dtr of Jacob M. and Mary HIGH WILLIAMS, writes about father; Harry BAWDEN writes about Agnes SMITH - Jacob's 3rd wife
Jacob ELDRIDGE married a third time after the children were all married and in homes of their own. Agnes SMITH, an elderly matron and delightful companion for his old age - she remained in the old home until father's death seventeen years after marriage. Very Happy - then Agnes (Grandma E) lived a number of years next to the BAWDEN home on Kirkwood [16th St.] having built a small home for herself. A delightful woman, loved by all who knew her especially her family.
Harry BAWDEN Family History - youngest son of Jennie and George BAWDEN
Jacob Eldridge's third wife Agnes Smith. Known as "Kitty Oma' one of the sweetest women we ever knew. They had no children. Once in a while he and Agnes would have the SCHLEGEL and BAWDEN family ofer to dinner and there would be so many of us they would have a second table. The younger children would have to sit on the family bibles [sic] - Paula and Harry.
Agnes -when quite old- gave a dinner party for the SCHLEGELS and BAWDENS and presented each of us grandchildren - Claire, Lura, Paula, Albert, Ray and Harry with a $100. That was something in our lives.
When Jacob died, Agnes had a beautiful painting made of Jacob. When Agnes died, she left the picture to Minnie ELDRIDGE SCHLEGEL (Jacob's dtr) who gave it to the Bawden boys [Albert Ralph, George Ray and Harry ELDRIDGE]. They hung it in their office until March 1963 when it was given to the city of Eldridge, Scott, Iowa to hang in their new Scott County Library. Granddaughter Claire SCHLEGEL ROSS. Harry E. BAWDEN and Nan BAWDEN HARTVIGSEN presented it to the city. This pastel on canvas by F. J. MORRIS for many years was owned by Agnes who upon her death, bequeathed it to Carl E. SCHLEGEL. In 1946, Mrs. Carl E. SCHLEGEL died and bequeathed it to BAWDEN Bros. Inc. and it hung in the office of the president, much to the admiration of the doting grandchildren - Albert, Ray and Harry.
ELDRIDGE: Mary HIGH WILLIAMS, 2nd wife of Jacob Mullen, she bore 9 children, author posts 10 June 1885 obituary
Davenport Democrat newspaper Wednesday, 10 June 1885
Death of Mrs. J. M. ELDRIDGE
Mrs. Mary H wife of Jacob M. ELDRIDGE was called home this morning at eleven o'clock. This most excellent wife and mother was born in Newark, New Jersey on the 27th day of September 1828, and came to Davenport with her father in 1843, and was married to her now bereaved husband July 25, 1851. Her father [Charles CLARK WILLIAMS] died of cholera in this town in 1851, her mother died in Nebraska in 1876.
Mrs. ELDRIDGE had been in poor health for about five years - suffering from nervous prostration, and much confined to her room, though riding out now and then, and even as recently as on Monday of this week. Her husband took her to their daughter in Dakota a few years since, hoping for a change for the better in that climate, but to no purpose. The immediate cause of her death was paralysis, which came upon her a few days since.
She leaves a family of six children - Miss Dr. R. T. ELDRIDGE (divorced then) of Boone, Iowa; Mrs. S. L. GLASPELL, Jamestown, Dakota [North Dakota was still a territory], Mrs. George BAWDEN, Muscatine, Frank and Minnie and George who live here. Of her near relatives thee are several living - Mr. A. F. WILLIAMS, and Mrs. N. W. McCANDISH of this city, Mrs. Ezra MILLARD of Omaha, and Mrs. Gen. Wm. E. VANDEVEER [sic?] of California.
This devoted wife and mother was a member of the Presbyterian church - was known for her many charities, her long and patient suffering, and was beloved by all who knew her and were about her. Though for some days deprived of the power of speech, her going to the better land was in perfect peace, surrounded by husband and four of her younger children. It was the first breaking of a large and happy family circle.
The funeral takes place on Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family residence, 16th and Farnam - interment at Oakdale.
ELDRIDGE: Mrs. D. C. [Rebecca LIPPINCOTT] Obituary 6 Oct 1889 Davenport Iowa Democrat newspaper
MRS. D.C. ELDRIDGE DEAD
One of the Oldest Pioneers of Scott County Passes Away
Another name has been added to the death roll of Scott County pioneers yesterday afternoon at 5 o'clock, after an illness of two months, occurred the death of Mrs. Rebecca Elizabeth ELDRIDGE at the ripe old age of 82 years. It was just 45 years ago yesterday since she arrived in Davenport with her husband for permanent abode. Rebecca E. ELDRIDGE formerly LIPPINCOTT, was born January 23, 1807 in Burlington County, New Jersey. She was married November 4, 1829 to Duncan C. ELDRIDGE in Cincinnati [Ohio]. With her husband she first landed where the city of Davenport now is Oct 5, 1835. They passed on up the river but finding no prettier spot to settle on returned here November 24, 1836, Iowa then being a territory. Her pioneer life was a continuous effort to make those around her comfortable and happy and to the afflicted, the sick, the dying, she was every ready with her sympathy and ministering care. Her house was always open freely to the new comers and strangers. The hospitality of herself and husband was remarked by all. It was at their house that the Christian church of this city was first organized July 28, 1839, they having both been immersed by the lamented James CHALLEN in the Ohio River in Cincinnati. May 29, 1831, and continued steadfastly in the faith to the end. November 4, 1879, the venerable couple, both hale and hearty, celebrated their golden wedding. Her husband died October 3, 1882. She has had in all eight children; two only are living, the eldest Charles H. in Kansas City, Missouri, and the youngest, Micajah L. in Davenport. The funeral will be private.
ELDRIDGE: Duncan CAMPBELL's Last Will and Testament, Scott County, Iowa - 11 Feb 1881
Scott County, Iowa Circuit Court #2030 - Probate
Now all men by these presents [presence?]: That I Duncan C. ELDRIDGE of the City of Davenport in the County of Scott and State of Iowa, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, and being desirous of settling my worldly affairs while I have strength and capacity so to do, have made published and declared. And now here do make publish and declare as and for my last Will and TEstament (hereby revoking all former wills by me made) in manner and form following that is to say -
I. It is my will that as soon as practicable after my death all my just debts if any there should be shall be paid in the manner provided by law.
II. All my property real personal or mixed, and of whatwoever kind or nature which I shall own and be in possession of as entitled to at teh time of my death, and which shall not be needed for the payment of my debts as aforesaid. I give and bequeath and devise onto my beloved wife Rebecca E. [Elizabeth LIPPINCOTT] ELDRIDGE, to have and to hold the same absolutely and forever, and free from any restriction, except as to the remainder after teh death of my said wife Rebecca E. ELDRIDGE, should there be any of my said property or the proceeds thereof left that any and all such remainder and remainders I give and bequeath as follows: The undivided one-half thereof. I give and bequeath and devise to my son Micajah LIPPINCOTT ELDRIDGE to have and to hold the same forever. The other undivided one-half thereof I give and bequeath and devise to my four grand children to wit: Mary Rebecca (sometimes called Birdie) ELDRIDGE, Anna ELDRIDGE and Rea ELDRIDGE, children of my son Charles Henry ELDRIDGE, and Lewis M. ASHER [son of dtr Sarah], my said grand children to share and share alike of the undivided one-half bequeathed to them to have and to hold the same forever.
III And I hereby appoint my said wife sole Executrix of this my last will and testament and I direct that she shall not be requried to give bonds for the faithful performance of her duties as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and have published and declared these presents as and for my last will and testament in presence of the witnesses whose names are subscribed hereto attesting such my acts and deeds, so done in the City of Davenport, Scott County, Iowa this eleventh day of February A.D. 1881. Signed - D. C. ELDRIDGE.
...in witness thereof we have at the request of said testator and in his presence or names as witnesses of such his acts and deeds. Signed C.H. KENT, Davenport, Iowa; M. D. SNYDER, Davenport, Iowa.
