Bawden4 on Family Tree Circles

Alexander SMART was born 4 December 1835 in Kinard Castle, Farnell Parish, Angus, Scotland to William and Jane Johnston(e)SMART. He was christened 27 December 1835 in Ireland. Living siblings listed in his father's obit (8 total) James Johnston, William, John Johnston and Alexander. William and Jane's 3 sons, Walter, Frances Kerr, and Charles, and dtr Agnes B. Donald not listed.

William was born 14 April 1800 in Brechin, Angus, Scotland. As a gardener/forester for the Carnegie estate, he thought there were better opportunities in the New World. In 1856 he sailed on the "Caroline", registered in Rockland, ME, from Liverpool to Boston and established a home in Andover, Essex, MA. He was a member of the Old Free Church of Scotland and was a man whose record for integrity and fidelity gained him uniform confidence and esteem. William died in Andover, 6 January 1878. No bio info for Jane, born 13 May 1798 in Scotland (no location) and died in Andover 1 September 1855. They are buried in Andover's South Church Cemetery.

Alexander was educated in Edinburgh, Scotland, and throughout his life has manifested many of the sterling traits of his race. He began learning the machinist trade while young and worked at this for 2 years. He worked for the North British Railroad for 2 years as engineer, in the same capacity between Edinburgh and Berwick.

In 1857, he came to the US at 21 years-of-age and settled in Boston as superintendent for Stone & Smart, where his brother (no name) was a junior partner. Alex managed their machine shop until 1859, when he made his way to Davenport, Scott, IA and engaged in farming in the vicinity of the city for about 2 years.

On 15 December 1859 in Chicago, Cook, IL, Alex married Miss Lucy A. Sanger, born in Danvers, Essex, MA, dtr of the late George W. SANGER of Watertown, Middlesex, MA (no mother listed). George was a native of MA and conducted an extensive and successful business as a contractor and builder. He died when Lucy was a child (no date) Lucy SANGER SMART died 26 August 1871 of typhoid and is buried in Davenport's Oakdale Cemetery. Interment date was 15 June 1872 as the body was moved from Dallas County, IA.

Alexander moved to Whiteside County, IL, two years later and again engaged in farming for 5 years. In 1866, he went to Malcolm, Poweshiek, IA and was an agent for the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad which sold its line to the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company. Mr. Smart built a grain elevator and engaged in business until 1868 in Malcolm when he moved to DeSoto, Dallas, IA, terminus for the CRI&P. The line was extended to Stuart, Adair, IA, and Alex took charge of the station and continued as agent until 1887. While in Stuart, Alexander served on the school board and was interested in progressive public measures tending to promote community welfare along business and intellectual lines.

Alexander married Emily H. ELDRIDGE PARKER 17 October 1872 in Davenport, Scott, IA. She was born (no date) in 1836 in Gloucester County, NJ, dtr of John M. (MULLEN?) and Mary Ann ADAMS ELDRIDGE. Emily had 2 dtrs in Davenport with husband Dr. Wallace William PARKER who died in a railroad accident on 8 August 1868 in Ames, Story, IA: Ida Helen born 1857 (no date), married Willard B. Conger, and Anna H. born 1860 who died of typhoid on 3 September 1869.

In 1887, Alexander was employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad.

On 15 May 1888, he came to Perry, Dallas, IA and was the agent for the CRIP until 1891, living in Guthrie Center, Guthrie, IA. He then went to Des Moines, Polk, IA and bought out the Blue Line Transfer Co. He carried on business until 1894 when he sold out and organized the Bazalt (basalt?) Hardwall Plaster Co., until 1899 when he again sold out and went to Guthrie Center. Emily ELDRIDGE PARKER SMART died in Guthrie Center on 24 July 1899. He took charge of the CRIP station. The Minneapolis and St. Louis RR purchased this line and Alexander was the agent until his retirement.

He died in Zenith, King, WA on 9 January 1935 where he was living in the Masonic home. He celebrated his 99th birthday there, where he arose at 4:30 each day. His long white beard and cheery smile were familiar to everyone. He joined the Masons in 1869 and was a Shriner since 1906. He was honored as being the oldest Shriner in the world in 1935 at 99 years old. No burial info as of Oct 2014.

My LIPPINCOTT line starts with Rebecca LIPPINCOTT, 2nd wife of Duncan Campbell ELDRIDGE. I don't have any of her siblings, so this is also a query. My reference begins in Duncan's bio - Duncan and Rebecca met probably in Haddonfield, NJ, as 'they were childhood friends'. married in Cincinnati, Hamilton, OH on 4 November 1829.

Rebecca was born 23 January 1807 in Haddonfield, dtr of Micajah and Sarah ROBERTS LIPPINCOTT. I have no ROBERTS BMD or lineage either. I have a photo of Rebecca. Email me and I'll send it.

Duncan was married to Rachel BROWN(E) on 8 Jan 1823 in Haddonfield. In 1824 they moved to Rochester, Monroe, NY. She died in 1827 after 18 mos. of marriage and 3 children. Only 1st child Jacob survived who is my 3g-grandfather. My reference says Rachel was possibly a descendant of Henery [yes sp] BROWNE of Mansfield Twp, Burlington, NJ. He may/may not have been her father.

I. Edward LIPPINCOTT b 1541 (no date, place, or other info except son Bartholomew).
A. Bartholomew LIPPINCOTT b 1567 (no date) in Sydbury/Sodbury/Sudbury, Devon, England, married Alice (no maiden) who was born 1571 in Sydbury. She died before 27 Mar 1635 in England. He died after Jan 1632 in East Wood (Eastwood?), Biddleford, Devon, England.
1. Anthony LIPPINCOTT b 4 Nov 1503 in Sydbury m. Margery/Katherine WEARE b 1595 Tregony, Cornwall, England. Anthony died 8 Jan 1619 in Biddleford. Margery also died in England (no date, place). No issue listed except Richard.
a. Richard LIPPINCOTT b 15 Mar 1615 in Stonehouse, Plymouth, Devon(shire), England m. Abigail GOODY 14 Oct 1640 in Roxbury, Suffolk, MA b ca 1621, Northumberland, England, d 2 Jun 1667 Shrewsbury, Monmouth, NJ. She signed a will on 5 Jun 1697 in Shrewsbury. She was buried on 5 Jun 1697 in Friends Burial Ground, Monmouth, NJ. Richard d. 25 Nov 1683 in Monmouth County, NJ.

Children of Richard LIPPINCOTT and Abigail GOODY:
1. Remembrance LIPPINCOTT (male) b 19 Sep 1641 (no location)
2. John LIPPINCOTT b 6 Nov 1644 (no location)
3. Abigail LIPPINCOTT b 17 Jan 1645/46 (no location)
4. Freedom LIPPINCOTT (male) b 1 Sep 1655 Stonehouse Parish, Plymouth, Devon, England; name chosen 'in commemoration of father's release from prison in Exeter' for siding with the Quakers. Freedom married Mary CURTIS b 1655 in Burlington, NJ, d 1697 in Burlington. Btw 1680-97, he was a tanner and blacksmith in Bridgeborough, Burlington, NJ. d 15 Jun 1687 in Willingboro, Burlington, NJ by lightning strike while shoeing a horse.
Freedom's 2nd son, Thomas LIPPINCOTT, was born 28 Dec 1686 in Shrewsbury, Monmouth, NJ. (no other issue listed for Freedom and Mary). Thomas married Mary HAINES on 19 Dec 1711 in Newton, Gloucester(Sussex), NJ. Mary was born 20 Apr 1693 in Evesham Twp, Burlington, NJ, She died 1729 in Evesham/Cinnaminson. He was a member of the Society of Friends (Quaker) btw 1704-1759 in Burlington, NJ. He purchased 1,034-acres extending from Pennsauken River to Swedes Run, joining the No-se-ne-men-si-on Native American tract. He built his first house in 1711. On the northern border lies the village of Westfield.
The Friends Meeting House was erected in 1800 in Thomas' western field. The first and subsequent meeting of Friends in this district (Cinnaminson) was held in Thomas LIPPINCOTT's house until 1800. He signed a will on 23 May 1755 in Chester Twp, (Newton), Burlington, NJ. Thomas died 5 Nov 1757 in Chester. He was an active and useful citizen.
5. Restore/Restoration LIPPINCOTT (male) b 3 July 3 Jul 1653 Plymouth, England d 20 Jul 1741 Burlington County, NJ; married Hannah SHATTUCK/SHATTOCK 1674 Monmouth County, NJ, dtr of William SHATTUCK (no mother) b ca 1654 in MA, died in Burlington County, NJ. Restore LIPPINCOTT m. Martha SHINN after 1727 (no other info, no issue noted).

Children of Restore LIPPINCOTT and Hannah SHATTUCK
a. Samuel LIPPINCOTT b 12 Sep 1675 (no location for following)
b. Abigail LIPPINCOTT b 16 Feb 1676/77
c. Hannah LIPPINCOTT b 15 Nov 1679
d. Hope LIPPINCOTT b 1681 (no date)
e. Rebecca LIPPINCOTT b 24 Nov 1684
f. James LIPPINCOTT b 11 Jun 1687 Shrewsbury, Monmouth, NJ, d 11 Jun 1760 Burlington County, NJ
g. Elizabeth LIPPINCOTT b 15 Mar 1689/90
h. Jacob LIPPINCOTT b 1692 (no date)
i. Rachel LIPPINCOTT b 8 Jan 1694/95
6. Increase LIPPINCOTT (female) b 5 Dec 1657 (no location)
7. Jacob LIPPINCOTT b 11 May 1660 (no location)
8. Preserved LIPPINCOTT (male) b 25 Feb 1662/63 (no location)

In my ELDRIDGE-BAWDEN Families gene study (see below), I have allied families who married LIPPINCOTTS. I don't have the lineage for these names.
A. Wallace LIPPINCOTT Junior of Waterford, Gloucester Co., NJ who bought land from Duncan ELDRIDGE 14 Dec 1824.
b. Bathsheba MATLACK/LOCK 7th child of John and Mary HANCOCK MATLACK, married Ezekiel LIPPINCOTT (no other info)
c. Anna MATLACK/LOCK first child of John MATLACK Jr (son of above) m. John LIPPINCOTT (no other info)

Jacob M. ELDRIDGE, arriving in Davenport in 1845, became an active and valuable factor in the business interests of the city and at the same time his opinions carried weight and his labors produced substantial results in financial circles. While he won success, his interests were never so self-centered that business excluded participation in projects and measures of progressive citizenship. On the contrary he was ever alert to the best interests of the community and his cooperation constituted a valuable force in inaugurating measures which were of public benefit. A native of New Jersey, Jacob M. ELDRIDGE was born at Haddonfield, New Jersey, November 20, 1824, a son of Duncan CAMPBELL and Rachel BROWN ELDRIDGE. Duncan was the first postmaster of Davenport.

Rachel died when Jacob was but four years of age and the boy then went to live with his widowed ELDRIDGE grandmother. His father, having remarried to Rebecca LIPPINCOTT of the publishing family, came west and had conducted a store in Davenport at the time of the death of the grandfather. Jacob M. ELDRIDGE, then a boy of thirteen years, was thrown upon his own resources and soon afterward commenced teaming.

Carefully saving his earnings, it was not long before he was able to purchase a team and in that field of activity he continued to labor for some time. Later he turned his attention to clerking and, actuated by the laudable ambition which was ever one of his strong characteristics, he soon made it possible to become the owner of a mercantile enterprise. This he conducted until 1845, when he came to Davenport, his attention having already been directed to this city by the fact that it was the place of his father's residence. He arrived in Rock Island [Illinois] on the 23d of December after a two months' journey from Philadelphia and spent Christmas eve in Davenport.

The next spring, however, he returned to the east to settle up his business affairs in that section of the country and in the succeeding fall again came back to this city. He had entered land from the government about three miles northeast of Davenport, for which he paid the usual price of a dollar and a quarter per acre.
The improvements which he placed upon it and the natural rise in value consequent upon the rapid settlement of this section of the country enabled him in 1874 to dispose of that farm for one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre.

He was one of the first land agents of this city and followed that pursuit during much of his life. His keen judgment and sagacity enabled him to make judicious investments and profitable sales and at the same time he contributed to the substantial improvement of this section of the state by his careful manipulation of
realty interests.

At all times Mr. ELDRIDGE was mindful of his opportunity to promote public progress and was actuated by a public-spirited devotion to the general good that was manifest in many tangible ways. He was prominent in the movement that extended the Chicago & Rock Island [rail]road to the river and continued its construction across the state as the Mississippi & Missouri road. The second line afterward consolidated, forming the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific. Mr. ELDRIDGE was also a member of the company that secured the franchise for the
second railroad bridge and he put forth earnest effort wherever he believed it possible to secure the adoption of a project that promised material benefit to the city, county and state. The town of ELDRIDGE was laid out by him and the city of ELDRIDGE, North Dakota, was named in his honor, though he never lived in either.

It was through the influence of Mr. ELDRIDGE that Frank P. BLAIR became a resident of this city and a most important factor in its later upbuilding.

In the field of politics Mr. ELDRIDGE was equally well known and prominent. He was a delegate to the convention held in Iowa City in 1855, which led to the organization of the republican party in this state. In 1872 he was sent as a delegate from Iowa to the convention of liberal republicans that nominated Horace GREELEY for the presidency. He regarded it as the duty as well as the privilege of every American man to uphold by his ballot and his influence the principles in which he believed and, while he never sought nor desired office for himself, he stood staunchly in support of those issues which he regarded as vital to
good government.

He conceived and instituted the idea of placing a memorial tablet in the rotunda of the courthouse in honor of the Scott county pioneers?a tablet which will preserve for future generations the names of several hundred residents who came here prior to 1848. He was one of the oldest and most faithful members of the Christian church, to the support of which he contributed generously, while in its various activities he took helpful part. One of the most honored members of the Old Settlers' Association, he filled all of its offices, including that of president. He was also president of the Board of Trade at one time and instituted various projects which were accomplished through the medium of that association.

In 1848 Mr. Eldridge was married to Miss Mary Louisa WOODWARD, who passed away eighteen months later. In June, 1851, he married Miss Mary HIGH WILLIAMS, and on 28th of September, 1866, he wed Agnes SMITH, who survives him. She was a daughter of Robert Smith, a farmer by occupation, who retired in 1861 and established his home in Davenport, where he spent his remaining days, dying at the age of eighty-eight years. The six children of Mr. ELDRIDGE were all born of the second marriage, namely : George Wallace., Mrs. Reuben R. ELDRIDGE [Dr. Elizabeth], Mrs. Samuel LYTER GLASPELL [Kate], Mrs. Carl E. SCHLEGEL [Minnie], Mrs. George W. BAWDEN [Jennie - this blog author's g-grandmother], and Frank Wallace.

The death of Mr. ELDRIDGE occurred June 8, 1892, and brought a sense of personal bereavement to a large majority of Davenport citizens, for during the many years of his residence here he was honored and respected by all who knew him. The value of his public work cannot be overestimated and his record furnishes a splendid example for emulation in its public-spirited devotion to the general good. As the architect of his own fortunes he built wisely and well and did equally good work for the city, his name being on the roll of the representative men whose labors have constituted the chief elements in progress and improvement here.

The life work of Dr. Jennings Price Crawford was of signal service to his fellow men in the city in which he long made his home. Not only his professional skill and ability but his social characteristics and his genuine personal worth endeared him to all who knew him. He was kindly and sympathetic in nature and he wisely used the talents with which he was endowed for the benefit of those with whom he came in contact.

His history, therefore, cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers. He came of an old New England family, the ancestry being traced back to John CRAWFORD, who left his home in the Scottish highlands and settled in the new world during its early colonization. To the same family belonged Colonel William CRAWFORD, who figured in both the colonial and Revolutionary wars, his military service covering thirty years.

Dr. CRAWFORD was born near Marion, Iowa, August 27, 1855. He and his twin brother. Dr. A. J. CRAWFORD, now deceased, formerly a distinguished physician of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, were the sons of Jennings and Sarah (Price) CRAWFORD.

In his youthful days Dr. CRAWFORD mastered the branches of learning in the public schools of his native county, thus spending a portion of each year in study until he reached the age of seventeen, when he had opportunity to attend Western College at Western, Iowa, and in that institution completed his literary course.

His professional education was acquired in the medical department of the Iowa State University, from which he was graduated in 1883 on the completion of a four years' course with the valedictory honors of his class. During the two vacations he had acted as house physician at Mercy Hospital in Davenport and thus to his theoretical training added the broad and invaluable experience of hospital practice. The late Dr. W. F. Peck was his preceptor and professor in surgery and, no doubt, he inspired Dr. CRAWFORD with his preference for surgical work as the latter always had the greatest admiration for his teacher, who was a noted surgeon. He took a postgraduate course at Bellevue Hospital College, New York City.

Opening an office in Davenport in 1883, Dr. CRAWFORD steadily advanced in his chosen field, winning high professional honors that made him regarded as one of the eminent physicians and surgeons of Davenport up to the time of his death. He never ceased to be a student of his profession but throughout his life read broadly and with thoughtful consideration carried his researches into the realms of scientific knowledge, doing everything in his power to promote his own efficiency and add to that general knowledge of medicine and surgery which constitutes a source of public health.

He stood high in the ranks of his profession, not only in this city but in the state, and was not unknown beyond the borders of Iowa. He held membership in the American Medical Association and frequently attended its meetings. He was also seen in the meetings of the Iowa State Medical Society, the Iowa and Illinois District Medical Association and the Scott County Medical Society. He was a frequent contributor to medical literature and one of his last public appearances was for the presentation of a paper which he had prepared on surgery before the Iowa State Medical Society, at Des Moines. The addresses which he delivered in such meetings were frequently published in the leading medical journals, for they were carefully prepared and presented not only the results of his own experience but also of his wide research.

He served as a member of the staff of both Mercy and St. Luke's Hospitals [now Genesis West and East] and was one of the most active promoters of the interest of those two institutions. His large surgical practice took him to the hospitals almost daily and his skill and ability were of such high order that his death came as a distinct loss to both. He acted as district surgeon for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad and took a prominent part in arranging for the meeting of the Iowa State Medical Society, which was held in Davenport about two years before his death ? an important meeting still pleasantly remembered by the physicians of this vicinity who shared with him in the honors and responsibilities of being the entertainers on that occasion. The Illinois Society met in Rock Island at the same time and joint gatherings were features of their meetings.

As his health began to fail Dr. CRAWFORD gradually withdrew from his professional service, for he realized the advance that was being made by the disease which eventually terminated his life.

In no other environment did Dr. CRAWFORD find the happiness and contentment which came to him in his own home, for he was a man of domestic tastes and his greatest joy was in the companionship of his wife and children. On the 14th of October, 1885, he married Miss Anna Williams, a daughter of A. F. Williams, who at one time was a member of the Seig Iron Company and prominent in the business circles of Davenport.

He died many years ago but is still survived by his widow, who spends the summer seasons in Davenport and the winter months in California, where she has a daughter living. Unto Dr. and Mrs. CRAWFORD were born five children, Frances Louise, Genevieve, Helen, twins Dorothy and Margaret b 1 Sep 1897 (Marg d 21 May 1915).

Dr. CRAWFORD held membership in the Calvary Baptist church, in which he was an active and loyal worker, being a trustee of the church and superintendent of the Sunday school for many years. He was also one of the charter members of the San Grail Club and belonged to the Masonic fraternity. He was interested in all those movements which had for their object the betterment of mankind and he was also a stalwart champion of projects for the public good, rejoicing in the growth, advancement and welfare of his city. He was so widely known and such was the hold which he had upon the affection of his fellow townsmen that his death, which occurred 24 March 1907, brought a sense of personal bereavement to the large majority of Davenport's citizens. On the Sunday following his demise, in place of the regular lesson in the Sunday school of the Calvary Baptist church, there was held a memorial service in his honor, in which many who had known him long and well testified to his goodness of heart and the honor of his life, which in all of its phases was of such high character as to constitute an example that is well worthy of emulation.

Alexander Fraser WILLIAMS, deceased, who stood as a splendid example of the enterprising, thrifty and loyal citizen and a faithful follower of the church, whose life did much to inspire and encourage others and whose memory is cherished in the hearts of all who knew him, was born in Westfield, New Jersey, on the 15th of June, 1826. His life record covered sixty-one years, his death occurring in Atlantic,Cass,Iowa, December 15, 1887.

His parents were Charles CLARK WILLIAMS and Eliza HIGH MILLER, who were married in Westfield, New Jersey, in 1818. They became the parents of seven daughters and three sons but only two are now living: William Belden, a resident of Nebraska; and Mrs. Margaret DOUGHERTY, of Iowa. Most of the ancestors of the family were farming people and all bear honorable records as honest, hard-working men and women, living in a quiet, humble way. The WILLIAMS branch of the family were Welsh. Nathaniel WILLIAMS, the grandfather of A. F. WILLIAMS, had three children : a son who died in early manhood; a daughter Ann, who became the wife of Willard BARROWS, one of Iowa's prominent pioneer residents; and Charles CLARK.

For a number of years Nathaniel WILLIAMS lived in Davenport with his daughter, Mrs. BARROWS, and there passed away in 1864, when more than eighty years of age. His mother was of American birth, a daughter of Charles CLARK, who served throughout the Revolutionary war. That he must have held rank as an officer is indicated by the fact that he wore a sword, the silver handle of which was afterward melted into six tablespoons, two of which were given to each of his three grandchildren ? Samuel CLARK, Charles CLARK WILLIAMS and Betsy SMITH. This was about eighty years ago and the spoons are still highly prized by the present generation.

In the maternal line A. F. WILLIAMS comes of English ancestry through his grandfather, Ezra MILLER, while his grandmother, Mrs. Mary (HIGH) MILLER, was of German descent, her father, John HIGH, having left Germany when a little boy.

Charles CLARK WILLIAMS, the father of Alexander FRASER WILLIAMS, was a man highly esteemed by all who knew him because of his upright life and fidelity to manly principles. An earnest Christian, he was for many years an elder in the Presbyterian church in Westfield and in Newark, New Jersey, and for several years was also one of the elders of the First Presbyterian church in Davenport, Iowa, where he died of cholera in 1852. All who knew him felt that he was a martyr to the unselfish care which he bestowed upon the laboring men who were victims of that terrible scourge. He had a most faithful and loving wife, who to her family was a devoted mother, her salient characteristics being such as endeared her to all who knew her. She made her home in Davenport and its vicinity for over thirty years and spent the last few years of her life in the home of her daughter in Nebraska, there passing away in 1878.

Alexander FRASER WILLIAMS spent his youthful days on his father's farm near Westfield, New Jersey, and was eleven years of age at the time of the removal of the family to Newark. There he spent several years attending the private schools and academy, and for one year was a student in a good school in Caldwell, New Jersey, so that he obtained a fair education. He was seventeen years of age when in 1843 the family removed to Davenport, Iowa, which was then regarded as the far west. He remained there for four years, assisting his father upon the farm, and also spent several months in making surveying tours through Iowa with his uncle, Willard BARROWS. He did not find agricultural pursuits congenial and, believing that he would obtain more pleasure and profit from commercial life, in 1847 he entered the dry-goods store of his uncle, Moses MILLER, at Racine, Wisconsin. After two years there passed his longing for the east, decided him to return to New York city, where he secured a situation in the wholesale hardware store of John C. TUCKER, in whose service he remained for three years, acquiring a good knowledge of the business during that period and thus becoming well equipped for the line of work to which he devoted the greater part of his' life. In 1852, receiving a more advantageous business offer, he entered the employ of ELY, BowXen [sp?] & McCONNELL, wholesale dry-goods merchants, conducting business on Broadway, New York. For six years he continued with that firm and during half the time had charge of the white goods department, making purchases for the same In the financial crash of 1858, following the widespread panic of the previous year, the New York firm failed and about the same time Mr. WILLIAMS received an offer to go into business in Davenport, where his widowed mother and family lived. This influenced him to return to the west.

On the 17th of February, 1858, Mr. WILLIAMS was united in marriage to Miss Frances Mary ROBINSON, of Chicago, and after spending some two months in the east, purchasing his stock of dry goods, thus combining pleasure with business, he returned with his bride to Davenport and in May, 1858, became the junior partner of the firm of ELDRIDGE & WILLIAMS, at No. 123 Brady street. During the succeeding three years the business increased rapidly, necessitating trips to New York and Boston, which Mr. WILLIAMS made three or four times each year in order to purchase goods in eastern markets. They were enjoying substantial success at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. Within a few months nearly all business was paralyzed and failures were the order of the day. ELDRIDGE & WILLIAMS were among the unfortunate ones and were obliged to succumb to the pressure.

The financial outlook was dark and discouraging but Mr. WILLIAMS was of an optimistic nature and believed that the obstacles and difficulties could be overcome by persistent, determined and honorable effort. He desired to take part in the struggle in which his country was engaged, but his only brother, Belden WILLIAMS, and Frank C. ROBINSON, his wife's only brother, were among the first to enlist, serving faithfully through the long four years of the war. With those two at the front, Mr. WILLIAMS felt convinced that his duty must lie at home in the care of his widowed mother, his young wife and child. Accordingly, in the fall of 1861, he accepted a position with Sickles & Preston, a prominent hardware firm of Davenport, with whom he continued for about four years, two of which he spent upon the road as traveling representative of their wholesale house that had just been established in Chicago. At the end of that time he received an offer from the well known hardware firm of William BLAIR & Company, of Chicago, bringing him a large advance in salary. He traveled for that firm for four years, at the expiration of which time he was quite ready to settle down in the city of his choice ? Davenport ? where his family had continued to reside during the six years which he had spent upon the road, giving the best powers and strength of his young manhood to the honorable canceling of all of his indebtedness.

In 1869 Mr. WILLIAMS formed a partnership in the wholesale heavy hardware trade with R. SIEG, under the firm style of SIEG & WILLIAMS. His comprehensive knowledge of the business naturally made him the buyer for the house and during the eighteen years in which he was connected with the business he contributed largely to the upbuilding of a profitable enterprise which is still continued under the name of the SIEG Iron Company. The firm of Sieg & Williams were extensive jobbers in heavy wagon stock and other manufacturers' hardware, and in addition to his mercantile interests Mr. WILLIAMS was a director of the Security Fire Insurance Company, a member of the Board of Trade and was connected with other business organizations. As the years went by he prospered in his undertakings, becoming recognized as one of the foremost merchants and leading business men of the city. His name stood as a synonym for commercial integrity, for he never made engagements that he did not fill nor incurred obligations that he did not meet. His methods were progressive and his course won for him the admiration and respect of his contemporaries and colleagues. Mr. and Mrs. Williams became the parents of four children, namely: Ella, who gave her hand in marriage to J. S. THOMPSON and now resides in Escondido, California; Anna, the wife of Dr. J. P. CRAWFORD, whose sketch appears on another page of this work; Frederick CROSBY, who passed away in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on the 21st of September, 1894, when twenty-four years of age; and Joseph ROBINSON, who died on the 19th of February, 1894, when a youth of eighteen years.

Mr. WILLIAMS passed away at Atlantic, Iowa, December 15, 1887, after a brief illness of ten days. He had for nearly thirty years been intimately associated with the growth and development of Davenport and was deeply interested in everything which promoted its prosperity. He felt a special interest in the Hennepin canal project and the building of the Davenport, Iowa & Dakota Railroad and was one of its directors. His cooperation could always be counted upon to further movements for the public good and he gave of his time and means, as it was possible, to aid in the work of general improvement. While in business in New York, he became a member of the Baptist church and for more than three decades was a consistent and active worker in the denomination.

He served for a number of years as senior trustee in the Calvary Baptist church of Davenport. While he became known as a prominent and representative business man, it was his Christian spirit that made him most honored, for he molded his entire life in conformity with the teachings of his Master, ministering to others as the occasion offered and giving freely of his means to the support of the church and charity. He was one of the teachers in the Sunday school, a worker in the Young Men's Christian Association and at the time of his death was taking a most active and helpful interest in the work of erecting a house of worship for the Baptist people, acting as chairman of the building committee.

It has been said: "Not the good that comes to us but the good that comes to the world through us is the measure of our success," and judged by this standard Alexander Fraser WILLIAMS was a most successful man.

Children:
1. Ella Ophelia b 5 Mar 1859, Davenport, m. John S. Thompson living in Escondido, CA 1928
2. Anna Williams b 26 Feb 1862 in Davenport m. 14 Oct 1885 Dr. Jennings Price Crawford, d 12 Oct 1928 in Los Angeles, CA
3. Frederick Crosby b 11 Sept 1870 in Davenport d of tb 21 Sept 1894 Colorado Spgs, El Paso, CO
4. Joseph Robinson b 19 Mar 1879 in Davenport d 11 Feb 1894 in Dav of brain tumor. "Rob" bur Oakdale with siblings.

George Ray "Ray" was born 27 November 1890 in Muscatine, Muscatine, Iowa, the middle son of 3 born to George Washington and Jennie ELDRIDGE BAWDEN of Davenport, Scott, Iowa. He attended Davenport schools and the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta social fraternity.

In 1912, after 2 years in Madison, Ray returned to Davenport to work with his brother Albert "AR" in the rapidly growing Davenport Postcard and Novelty Company.

On 18 June 1918, Ray enlisted in the Army, serving as a Sgt in the Quartermaster Corps; first, with Company 7 at Camp Meigs, Washington, D.C.; later with Company 11, 163 Depot Brigade at Camp Dodge, Des Moines, Iowa. AFter WWI, the three brothers - AR, Ray and Harry decided to form BAWDEN Bros, Inc. Ray was the first office mgr and bookkeeper.

Ray married Viola Katherine "Vi" DUVALL on 16 Feb 1921 in her parents' Bennett, Cedar, Iowa home. She was born 7 Apr 1895 in Beardstown, Cass, Illinois, oldest of 3 dtrs of John Frederick "Tom" and Katherine HANSMEYER/MEIER DUVALL.

After attending high school in Taylorville, Cass, Illinois, Vi came to Davenport where she lived with family friends and was employed by ABRAHAM's Ladies ready-to-wear store until her marriage.

Vi was president of Visiting Nurse Association and active in Republican Women's activities. At 90 she still able to live on her own in the home Ray built for her at the time in the Davenport boonies at 161 Forest Road.

Ray died suddenly of a heart attack 13 Apr 1954 in his home. He was president of BAWDEN Bros. Inc at his death. The family were members of the First Presbyterian Church. Ray and Vi are buried in Davenport's Oakdale Cemetery. Vi died 12 May 1987 in Davenport.

They had 2 children:
1. George Ray "Binc" BAWDEN, Jr. born 7 Mar 1924 in Davenport, this writer's father.
2. John Duvall "Tim" BAWDEN born 23 Sept 1929 in Davenport
Seperate blogs for each.