Rock Island Argus., 1872-01-11
AW oxp YroMHNR.

Al the recent festival Of the Old Settlers
Association Of Scot. County, Judge Grant
read the following sketch Of the life OF one
Of our pioneers aud early river men.
Capt. Leroy Dodge was born in Russia,
Herkimsr county, New York, Dec. 10Th,
1911, and died June, l7th, 1871. he was
brought up on farm, receiving fair com
mon school education. After be became
of age he taught school ia his nelghoor-
hood until, in 1884, he had accumulated q
sufficient amount 10 bring him 70 the Far
West, striking the branch ct the Father OF
Waters a, Galena, Ill. Hs went into tho
post Office ct Galsaa as clerk. In 1888 he
went 10 Dubuque with Capt. George and
John Atchison, as clerk in variety store.
Having proved himself worthy Of confidence,
George Atohison took him as clerk OF the
steamer lone, where he remained until he
was promoted to q ospiAinoy, afterwards be-
coming part owner of the lone.
10 1886 his boat froze in at New Boston.
Having nothing 70 do bot enjoy life until
navigation opsued, Capt. Dodge occasion-
ally visited Rockingham, the then great
metropolis of Scott county. Her future
prosperity being very tlAtsering, be was in
duoed 20 purchase town lot or two IN the
lower pars Of the city for one thousand dol
lars, which he held until about 1856, when
he disposed of them to W. W. Westlake for
three psry ordinary calves.
In the year lS42 Capt Dodge purchased
Of James Grant and Jas. Davenport, admin
isirasors of the estate of Capt. Ben W.
Clark, the extensive tract of land which
constituted his home and where be spent his
last hours, surrounded oy his family. ln
1852 be was elected to the State Legislative
halls.
10 1854 Cap, Dodgs with Capt W. l..
Clark arranged with the keokuk x ST.
Louis Packet Company to pot in the first
regular line Of packets between the rapids
the company owing one.halt, Clark and
Dodge the other half. In the spring OF
1856 they bought out the entire line, which
was afterwards changed into . stock com
pany, of which Capy Dodge was elected first
President, on account OF age and experience
rs river man. Dur .ng the existence oi
said company they owned the well known
steamers j. Mckee, Jenny Lind, Ben Camp
bell Tishimiugo. Keokuk aud Blsckhawk
Aud when ia 1859 the company closed ~
busiasss, Capt Dodge retired 10 his farm
turning his almost entire attention to agri
cultural pursuits and stock raising. HC
spent much time in improving his property
aud built beautiful residence facing tht
noble river.
But alas how iudispu.abe the verdict
just As We are seemingly ready to live ",
ere called upon to leave our worldly posses.
sious aud facs an unlried future. ln convers
ing with Ghe writer Of ihis sketch, Capt
Dodge expressed regret that he had lived
too entirely for selfish motives. Also ex
pressed = determination to hereafter do O.
IN his power to advance the interests Of th
community into which Providence hsC
thrown him. Began from that time to shoV
great interest 10 the public school and th
promotion Of the cause OF religion, both il
relation TO Sabbath School and church oil
gAnizAtions. Living up TO the spirit of hi
determination in every respect, socially an
religiously, TO the day Of his death vhicl
was therefore received as serious and 20
looked for calamity 10 the community, who
was bereft of his influence aud good exam
pie, leaving a void which we fear canno
soon be filled.