French Duncan Bland

French Duncan Bland: A Witness to Keokuk’s Changing Times

Written by Erika Berrett

French Duncan Bland lived nearly a century in Keokuk, Iowa, witnessing the city’s transformation from a riverside settlement into a bustling industrial town. Arriving in Keokuk as a young child, Bland grew up during pivotal moments in American history, from the Civil War to the dawn of the 20th century. His life offers a unique window into the experiences of African Americans in small Midwestern towns during these transformative times.

Early Life and Family

Bland was born in 1858 near Albany, Indiana. His father worked as a porter on a steamboat, bringing the family to Keokuk when Bland was just three years old. His early years were marked by hardship; Bland lost both of his sisters to the diphtheria epidemic in 1875. Despite these challenges, he grew up in a tight-knit African American community, attending the local “colored school,” a four-room building where students were given their diplomas upon reaching the fourth grade.

A Life of Work and Community Involvement

At 19, Bland began working as a sleeping car porter on the “K” line, which ran between Keokuk and Louisiana, Missouri. It was during these early working years that Bland had a front-row seat to major events, such as the first Veiled Prophet celebration in St. Louis and the inauguration of the Des Moines River rail bridge in 1885. His work took him far and wide, exposing him to a world that few in his community had the opportunity to see.

In 1889, Bland left railroading to become a carpet layer for A.D. Drake and later for the Schell-Demple company. He freelanced for firms across the region, continuing to work until an injury in 1941 ended his career. Reflecting on his long working life, Bland noted, “If my leg was alright, I’d probably still be doing it.”

Memory Keeper of Keokuk’s History

Bland’s memories offer a rare and vivid account of Keokuk’s past. He recalled the first street fair in 1889, where flower parades and staged weddings were the main attractions, and how merchants set up tents much like they do at today’s fairs. “In those days, big weddings on stage and a flower parade were the main entertainments at the fair,” Bland remembered, illustrating the rich community life of his time.

He also recounted the city’s industrial growth and the colorful characters who inhabited it. Bland’s recollections of Keokuk’s early industries—soap factories, breweries, lumber mills—paint a picture of a thriving town on the banks of the Mississippi. He witnessed firsthand the construction of the canal and bridge that helped shape the city’s development and the intense labor conflicts that occasionally erupted, requiring even the national guard’s intervention.

Bland’s perspective on Keokuk extended to its social and cultural life. He joined Miller’s dance band around 1900 as a caller, and they played lively events featuring waltzes, Virginia Reels, and square dances. His vivid descriptions of bustling dance halls and community celebrations capture a vibrant cultural history that would otherwise be lost to time.

Legacy and Uniqueness

What made French D. Bland unique was his role as a living link to Keokuk’s past. His detailed recollections, from childhood days in a segregated school to his experiences as a porter and later as a skilled tradesman, provide invaluable insights into the African American experience in a small Midwestern city. His memories of pivotal moments—such as the first trains crossing the Des Moines River bridge or the grand parades of the street fairs—anchor Keokuk’s local history in a broader narrative of progress, struggle, and community resilience.

Bland’s nearly 100-year life in Keokuk symbolizes the endurance and adaptability of those who witnessed and contributed to the city’s transformation. His recollections serve not only as personal memories but as a testament to a community’s evolving landscape. French D. Bland’s legacy endures, reminding us of the power of lived experience and the importance of preserving local history through the stories of those who lived it.

Sources:

• Daily Gate City, February 4, 2023, "Celebrating Black Heritage in Keokuk: French D. Bland"

• Julia Huiskamp, August 18, 1953, original story reprint in Daily Gate City.