 |
|
Iowa News from across the
Country
- 1840 -
Alton Telegraph
Alton, Illinois
February 29, 1840
Boundary Question Between Missouri and Iowa.
This question has arisen from the different opinions as to what
was meant by the terms "Rapids of the River des
Moines," as used in the act of Congress, defining the
boundaries of the State of Missouri. Missouri contends that
certain Rapids in the River des Moines, are the Rapids intended;
while Iowa asserts that the Rapids in the Mississippi, just about
the mouth of the River des Moines, are the Rapids intended by
Congress. Doctor Lewis C. Beck's Gazetteer of Illinois and
Missouri, published in 1823, (fifteen years before the
commencement of this boundary dispute,) favors the opinion
entertained by the Iowans. Dr. Beck resided in Missouri at the
time of compiling his Gazetteer. the following is extracted from
this work, page
178: -- "The Rapids of the river des Moines, are about nine
miles in length, and they terminate half a mile above the mouth
of this river. -- These are in the Mississippi, but take their
name from the circumstance of their being at the junction of the
stream which I have just described."
[transcribed by S.F., Nov. 2003]
-----
Pittsfield Sun
Massachusetts
June 4, 1840
Wonderful Escape from Death - Three or four weeks ago a Mr. Ladd,
who was travelling on foot in Iowa Territory, near Fort Madison,
was fallen in with by three other men, to whom, in the course of
conversation, he imparted the knowledge of his having 4 or $500
about him, which he was going to pay at the land office. The
three strangers instantly determined to obtain the money, and on
their reaching a broken part of the country attacked Mr. L. with
clubs and knives, killed him as they thought, robbed him, threw
him into a ravine, covered
him with brush and then continued on their journey. A rivulet of
water flowed down the ravine in which Mr. Ladd lay buried, and
the cooling and refreshing element coming in contact with his
wounded head, had the effect of cleansing the wounds and
restoring him to life. Knowing the route of the robbers, he
instantly set out in pursuit of them - reaching Fort Madison,
where he heard they had descended the river - procured a skiff -
reached St.
Louis, and in an hour or two apprehended two of the ruffians. The
third had not yet reached the city, and was arrested on landing a
short time afterward. The villains were the next day taken back
to Iowa, and the Court being in session, were instantly tried,
convicted, and sent to the penitentiary, one for 5 years; another
for 10 and the third for 23. How much of the money Mr. L. was
able to recover we have not heard.-- Peoria Register.
[transcribed by C.J.L., July 2005]
-----
The Pittsfield Sun
Massachusetts
July 16, 1840
MARRIED.
At Bloomington, Iowa, June 4th, Mr. Joseph Bridgman, of
Massachusetts, to Miss Eliza Ann, daughter of Dr. Benjamin Weed,
of Connecticut.
[transcribed by C.J.L., July 2005]