The Davenport Gazette

FIRST STEAM MILL IN DAVENPORT!

Last Saturday was a busy and a happy day for Davenport—one from which may be dated a new era in the history of our thriving town! Upon that day was first heard in Davenport the welcome notes of steam as applied to manufacturing. Fulton's steam mill was put in operation and found to succeed in every department.—

Five months and twenty-two days since, the foundation was dug to the mill, and two weeks later, the carpenters' work was commenced. At that time the bricks were unmade, the timber growing in the forest and the stone reposing in the quarry.—

Although absent a portion of the time, and under contract to finish the extensive brick mill of Messrs. Burrows & Prettyman's adjoining, yet with an energy, worthy a descendant of Robert Fulton, Mr. A. C. Fulton has, within less than six months from its commencement, got his mill in successful operation.

The building is 60 by 57 feet; 4 stories high, and built throughout in the most substantial manner. The boiler house is 50 by 27 feet.

Much credit is due the men who labored so assiduously with Mr. Fulton in hastening the completion of the mill. The millwright work was executed under the direction of Mr. J. W. Arner, of St. Louis; the engine and boilers put up by Mr. Abner P. Cluff; and the stones dressed and put in operation by Mr. A. Nugent, miller of the establishment. The machinery and castings were made at the Eagle Foundry of Messrs. Garrison & Brother, of St. Louis; and the Mill Stones by G. & C. Todd, of St. Louis.

In honor to the enterprise exhibited by Mr. A. C. Fulton and the exertions of his men, the citizens determined on Saturday morning to give them a public dinner, and with a celerity scarcely excelled in the speedy completion of the mill, by 3 o'clock had every viand to tempt the palate arranged on a temporary table in the second story of the mill. Turkeys, chickens, hams, tongues, etc., and pies, cakes, and biscuits made from the new flour, graced the table in abundance. Mr. Fulton and his workmen took their place at the table, when three cheers were given the former. Mr. F. followed in a brief address stating the embarrassments under which he had labored, and over which he had triumphed; alluding particularly to the immense barrier to the prosperity of Davenport presented by the Lower Rapids, hoping that all would unite their exertions to have the impediment removed.

So soon as he had concluded the citizens were requested to take their places at table, when the work of mastication begun. Chickens disappeared as rapidly from the well stored table as though Herr Alexander presided, and turkeys galvanized into new life walked off piecemeal, while cakes, crackers, and biscuits, imbibing the electrical spirit, again passed quickly through the grinder! It was a joyous time and after between 200 and 300 persons had dined, more than "seven baskets full" were left.

Judge Grant being called upon, gave a short speech. He stated that he had just arrived from Iowa City—previous to leaving that City a charter had been granted for the construction of a railroad from this place to Council Bluffs. Three cheers greeted this announcement. Mr. H. Price next addressed the assembly. In his remarks he stated that when the workmen first commenced the foundation of the mill, an old gentleman observed to him, "that he had always believed Mr. Fulton to be crazy, but now he knew it!" Mr. McCaman also addressed the people, when the following toasts were given, some of them accompanied by remarks and all followed by loud cheering. After which the citizens retired quietly to their homes well pleased with the afternoon's entertainment.

By A. Sanders,—A. C. Fulton and his men—May every revolution of the mill stones add a dime to their wealth and a good deed to their lives.

H. Price.—The Mill and the Dinner, both got up on the electro-magnetic principle, characteristic of the American people—may we never lack for either.

W. P. Campbell.—Success to Fulton and his mill; the first propelled by enterprise, the last by steam—may they continue to go until the father of waters ceases to flow.

V. M. Fisher.—A. C. Fulton—The propeller of enterprise and cotemporary with steam in Davenport, may he never lack fuel for his own boiler; while with iron nostrils and leaden bowels, may he whiten the earth with the flour of his zeal.

J. Grant.—The big gentleman at the other end of the table (A. Le Claire, Esq.)—"may his shadow never be less."

J. Porter.—The Etna Mill and its Proprietor—May the former never repudiate for the want of wheat, nor the latter for the want of friends.

A. Sanders.—Fulton's Steam Mill—The nucleus of a manufacturing emporium.

J. Parker.—The rival Steam Mills of Davenport—While we most cordially award all due honor and praise to A. C. Fulton, the enterprising originator of both mills, and the successful builder of this mill, may the only rivalry that shall hereafter exist between them be, which shall manufacture the best flour, and deal the most liberally with the citizens of Scott and the adjoining counties.

W. S. Collins.—A. C. Fulton, the pride of Scott county, the poor man's friend, the sole cause of two steam mills in Davenport—may the tide of prosperity and the stream of fortune pour into his bosom, till it shall overflow with joys unspeakable and full of glory.

W. S. Finley.—May Mr. Fulton's profits in making flour equal his enterprise in building mills.

V. M. Fisher—Scott County, the mother of produce and supporter of toil; 'tis hoped that she will feed with a bountiful hand the sons of her soil.

J. I. Davies—John W. Arner, the Millwright of this mill, The promptness, expedition and correctness displayed by him in this machinery, entitle him to the patronage of every builder.

W. P. Campbell.—Abner P. Cluff, the Engineer, may he, like his engine, ever keep up the steam of enterprise.

W. P. Campbell. Aaron S. Nugent, the Miller, may he keep himself as white and fine as the flour he grinds.