USA > Iowa > Buena Vista County > Past and present of Buena Vista County, Iowa > Part 1
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IVO (Buena Vista Co.) Wegerslev
IVO (Buena Vista Neuer
٢٠١١ ٠٠١٥ ١٠٠
١٤٩ ٢٠٠٧
PAST AND PRESENT
OF
Buena Vista County IOWA
By C .. H. WEGERSLEV and THOMAS WALPOLE
Illustrated with Portraits and Views
Also Biographical Sketches of Some Prominent Citizens of the County
CHICAGO THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING CO. 1909
A
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 99768B
AST R, LENOX AND TILLLA FOUNDATIONS R
1941 L
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PREFACE.
In presenting the first history ever compiled of Buena Vista county the editors are conscious of many shortcomings and inaccuracies which must exist. The task has been met with hardship at every step because of the deplorable condition of the public records in the county. In reading the following pages it will be seen that in 1866 all of the records of the county, bearing in any way on the financial transactions of the board of supervisors and officials, were earried away by two absconding county offieers and were never recovered. Again, in 1877 the courthouse burned and the only records saved at that time were the minute books of the Board of Supervisors.
No one, who has not undertaken to trace the history of the county, can realize the disadvantage under which the historian labors when confronted by such conditions. It has been necessary to depend upon the memory of men, uncertain at best, for everything, and while we have been treated with uniform courtesy by all who have been consulted the inability of our informants to remember dates and the unreliability of their recollections must be apparent.
We have had much help from the files of county papers, especially of The Storm Lake Pilot, in getting data upon which to base our fragmentary history. Judge G. S. Robinson, now of Des Moines, but formerly a prominent citizen of this county, compiled a sketch of the early history of the county which was published in 1870, and this has been of mueh help. James D. Adams, another early settler, published a series of papers of early history in The Alta Advertiser in 1884 and James M. Hoskins published W. S. Lee's notes in The Sionx Rapids Republiean in 1891, both of which have helped us. Mr. Hoskins has also kindly verified many of the statements made in these pages and as he had an active part in county affairs for more than twenty-five years, and his memory is remarkable, we believe the dates and incidents related are correct.
Our sincere thanks are dne to the gentlemen named, and to many others, for their assistance in gathering the data upon which the first part of this work has been based. It is a beginning, at least, to preserve these matters in perma- nent form, and it is our hope that some future historian of the county may find the time to complete the work.
In conclusion it may be said that C. HI. Wegerslev is responsible for what may appear here. Mr. Walpole has given valnable assistance and advice, but as he is a busy man he has had time to contribute little to the writing. Mr. O. M. Olson of Alta has compiled the church and society history and we believe he has done it well.
HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY, IOWA
TIIE BEGINNING OF OUR COUNTRY AND STATE.
Arbitrary political divisions, large or small, do not necessarily determine ownership or establish a clear title. In tracing the title to our county, we find it cloudy at the further end. A complete abstract, meeting all the requirements of a sensitive conscience and fulfilling exact justice, cannot be made and no court of record can possibly grant it. Originally there was no right of title or ownership other than the flimsy and absurd "right of discovery"-the real occupants and owners not being taken into consideration -- a custom adopted by European nations in accordance with an understanding among them that the discoverer could hold possession by establishing colonies. The country west of the Mississippi river, of which our county is a small integral part, was discovered by the Spaniards and held by them for a time, but they never perfected the title, such as it was. Subsequently it was visited and occupied by the French for nearly one hundred years and was then, in the course of European affairs, veded back to Spain, which afterwards made some effort to colonize and govern the great tract later known as Louisiana. The Spaniards had control of three hundred miles of the Mississippi river and established military posts at different points on the east bank from New Orleans northward to the mouth of the Ohio river, exacting heavy duties on all imports by way of the river to the Ohio regions.
Every boat ascending or descending the river was forced to submit to the most arbitrary exactions of the Spanish authorities. This the American citizens considered a elear case of "hold up," and resolved to endure it no longer than measures could be taken to suppress such highway robbery. It was a live question of immediate and personal concern to the western population of the United States. The pressure which was brought to bear from this section led our government to demand the free navigation of the river-not as a favor, but as an absolute right. Publie sentiment was unanimons on this question, and President Jefferson, responding to the demands of the people, sought to solve this vexations problem through the peaceable methods of diplomaey.
Congress anthorized him to send commissioners to the courts of Spain and France, and vested him with large discretionary power to make the best possible terms. Fortunate, indeed, for our republic was the treaty made between the two powers mentioned, on March 1, 1801, by which France again obtained possession and control of the vast territory of Louisiana. Our commissioners were chosen, given due authority and hastened on their journey. Arriving at
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HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY
Paris, they laid before the French government the object of their visit. İn conversation with Talleyrand, Napoleon's prime minister, it was learned that Franee was well disposed and a satisfactory arrangement could easily be made ; it was even hinted that possibly she would sell outright her possessions in the new world. The commissioners were advised by the French statesman "to think it over" during the night. The next day Napoleon himself told Mr. Livingston, one of the commission, that he would "give them a splendid bargain for a mere trifle." and thus an undertaking which originally contemplated merely the establishing of trade relations, opened up the question of the pur- ehase of a vast empire. No doubt Napoleon was influenced in this matter by his comparative helplessness to defend this great territory against the English, with whom war was inevitable. The price which he finally named was fifteen million dollars, and after considerable parley, this was agreed to by the eom- mission and the transfer was duly made. The price agreed upon seemed to many at that time a fabulous sum-"enough to pay all expenses of the govern- ment for eighteen months." The timid Yankees of that early day were alarmed on account of the enormous debt which this sum in bonds would represent, which demonstrates how limited is the foresight of even the wisest in any generation of men.
This transaction was the most important event of our history sinee the formation of the National Union. accomplished through the patriotism, courage and devotion of the founders of our government after having endured eight years of the stress of war. Soon afterwards our flag was unfurled in triumph over the city of New Orleans, typifying our national sovereignty in the newly acquired possessions. From that time our nation has steadily expanded, extend- ing its domain west of the Mississippi to the Pacific ocean and north from the Gulf of Mexico to British America. We sought merely an outlet to the Gulf and obtained by peaceable methods,-by barter and sale,-an empire of un- paralleled richness and extent.
The transfer of this imperial domain from Europe to America was one of those transactions which render the period of their accomplishments memorable for all time. "Our Revolutionary Fathers," says Lowell. "were men with empires in their brains." men of prophetic foresight, and the actual results of their labors far surpassed the ulterior dreams of the wisest of them. The vast territory acquired was greater in extent than France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Spain and Portugal combined and is now occupied by fourteen great states of the American Union, whose taxable wealth exceeds seven billion dollars, and whose population is over sixteen million. It is true that in any event the acquisition of this territory by the United States could hardly have been delayed, although had it passed into the hands of England. our history might have been far different. It was well, however, that it came into our possession so early. The spirit of the age, under the guidance of that Providence which direets the great movements of human society, conspired to accomplish this event, so fraught with blessings to mankind, and this in spite of the ambitions and conflicting characteristics of the distinguished actors by whom the deal was made. On the one hand was Napoleon, who dreamed of establishing a Latin empire reaching from the Gulf to the Pacific ocean, assuring in future ages
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HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY
the glory and power of France, and he of all the sovereigns of Europe seemed least likely to yield up so glorious a projeet. On the other hand was Jefferson, who was wedded to the doctrine of strict construction of the American constitu- tion and doubted that it permitted the acquisition of this territory by purchase. He was wisely guided, however, "by the spirit that giveth life and not by the letter that killeth." and he stands vindicated in history. No human influence could have controlled either of these men and it seemed as if they obeyed the mandate of fate which was. in the case of each, the mandate of enlightened patriotism. France having divested herself of this eneumbrance, was better fitted for the supreme gladiatorial effort which awaited her and Jefferson gained immortal fame by preferring an immense benefit to his country rather than consistency in the narrow construction of the written law.
The first year after the acquisition, the territory was placed under the jurisdiction of the judges and governor of Indiana. Two years later it was designated as the Territory of Louisiana and after abont eight years more was included in the Territory of Missouri.
Nine years afterwards, in 1821, that portion of the purchase which includes Iowa was forever dedicated to freedom by a compromise with the forces of slavery and for fourteen years our present state was a political orphan without governmental parentage. For the purpose of temporary government, it was attached to the Territory of Michigan. The capital was in the eastern part of the territory, at Belmont, Iowa county, (now Lafayette county) Wisconsin, where the first session of the Territorial Legislature was held in 1836. Governor Mason, in his message of September 1. 1834, referred to the inhabitants of the Iowa country as "an intelligent. industrions and enterprising people who depended alone on their own virtue, intelligence and good sense as a guarantee of their mntnal and undivided rights," and he urged the immediate organiza- tion by them of one or two townships in each county. This suggestion was aeted upon in "An act to lay off and organize counties west of the Mississippi river" which was passed and approved. The counties of Des Moines and Dubuque were subsequently formed. This act provided that each county should consti- tute a township, and provided also for an election of township officers on the first Monday in November, 1834. It appears that the offices of the newly acquired counties-each of these large enough to make a respectable state-were filled by the governor of the Territory of Michigan. by and with the consent of the Legislative Council. The people were impatient because of existing con- ditions, there being no courts of eivil or criminal jurisdiction, and, impelled by the sentiment of American liberty with a desire to govern themselves, held a delegate convention in November, 1837. Here the attention of congress was called to this subject of vital importance to the people west of the Mississippi. The people of the western part of what had been the Territory of Michigan had framed and adopted a state constitution as early as 1835, and had elected state officers, but on account of a dispute with Ohio as to boundaries, congress was in no hurry to recognize the new state. The territorial epoch of our history dates from the 4th of July, 1836, when Wisconsin was constituted a separate territory for the purpose of temporary government, and our first code of law was an act to establish the territorial government of Wisconsin. We must remember at
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HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY
that time Iowa was a constituent part and not an adjunct of Wisconsin and that the area west with indefinite borders, was largely in excess of the area cast of the Mississippi river. After one session of the territorial legislature, the seat of government was transferred from Belmont to Burlington. In the year 1838 the name "Iowa" was given to that portion west of the river. known as the "Black Hawk Purchase," which was a strip of land along the eastern border of Towa, beginning fifty miles north of the border of Missouri and extending to the mouth of the upper lowa river. containing perhaps six million aeres. The western line of the territory was parallel with the Mississippi river. After this organization was affected. the people at once became interested and eager for the formation of a new territory separate from Wisconsin. Meetings were held and a general campaign of education inaugurated among the people throughout the proposed state. The people of Des Moines county were the first to make a move in this direction, owing probably to the fact that Burlington, the capital, was located in its borders, and would give them a commanding influence in the movement. A spontaneous outpouring of the people in this little town of six or eight hundred inhabitants occurred September 16, 1837, and in the spirit of onr democratic institutions it was resolved that "while we have the ntmost confidence in the ability. integrity, and patriotism of those who control the destinies of our present territorial government and of our delegates in the Congress of the United States, we do nevertheless look to a division of the territory and the organization of a separate territorial government by congress. west of the Mississippi river, as the only means of immediately and fully seur- ing to the citizens thereof the benefits and immunities of a government of laws." In less than two months afterwards. delegates from seven organized counties formulated and sent a memorial to congress relating to pre-emption. the northern boundary of Missouri and a division of the territory. The meeting was well timed, coming during a session of the Legislative Assembly. The members of its body were observers of the carnestness and impressed with the justice of the laim and joined with the people of the proposed new state of Iowa in their movement for statehood. issuing a lengthy recommendation to congress that their request be granted. Congress accordingly took the matter under consideration and favorable action was taken by both Honse and Senate, which received on June 12. 1838, the approval of President Van Buren.
There was, however, persistent hostility to this act from southern members of congress who were jealous of the growing power and influence of the north. which they considered a menace to their peculiar institution of slavery. To preserve the balance of power between the two sections. they insisted they would oppose the admission of free states so long as the fanatical North poured into the House memorials against the annexation of Texas. Mr. Shepard of North Carolina found other reasons. Ile contended that the object of the measure was really to open up fresh fields for land sharks and speculators and to find places for political favorites. In the course of his remarks he stated that he had no sympathy with the settlers, whom he styled "squatters." "who have left their homes and seized upon the public lands. cut down the timber, built houses, and rultivated the soil as if it were their own property." " These are they who require a governor and council. judges and marshals. when every art of their
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HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY
lives is contrary to justice and every petition which they make is an evidence of their guilt and violence. We, who are insulted, whose anthority is trampled under feet, are asked for new privileges and favors. The guardians of the law are approached by its open contemners and begged to establish for these modest gentlemen a dignified government." He was very emphatically in favor of putting them off at the point of the bayonet if they did not behave more peace- ably. Hle declared that if the Territory of Iowa be now established it would soon become a state "and if we eross the Mississippi under the powerful patronage of this government. the cupidity and enterprise of our people will carry the system still further, and before long the Rocky Mountains will be sealed and the valley of the Columbia river included in our domain." He declared that it was high time to call a halt. The policy had been deeply injurious to the South. "If all the people born in North Carolina had remained in its limits. our swamps and low grounds would have rivaled the valley of the Nile in pro- duction and our pine barrens would have been flourishing with the wine, olive and mulberry. Others may act as it pleases them. but I will never sustain a poliey so fraught with disaster to the people with whom I am connected. If these remarks be unavailing. the patriot should fear for the republic." Senator Ewing declared that he would not objeet to giving each rascal who erossed the river one thousand dollars in order to get rid of him. They were otherwise referred to as a lawless and undesirable rabble. These and similar utterances were inspired by prejudice. jealousy and ignorance, ignoring the real purpose of the so-called "squatters." Notwithstanding all this, the well organized opposition came to naught. Iowa became a territory and her territorial govern- ment began in 1836 and closed in 1846.
General ITenry Dodge was the first territorial governor. TIis snecessor was Robert Lucas, venerable in years and of wide political influence. Ile was born in Virginia, was governor of Ohio two terms and had served in the legis- lature in that state in 1832. when he was named as the chairman of the first National Convention of the democratic party. Armed with the authority of a commission from President Van Buren, he arrived in Burlington in Angust, 1838. His administration was noted for free use of the veto power and he often clashed with the Territorial Legislature when their views did not coincide with his own. It was early in the session of the council that it was resolved "that when an act is presented to the governor for approval he shall, within reasonable time, make known to the House in which said act should have originated, his approval thereof; or if not approved, the act shall be returned with his objection thereto." Some time after the governor said officially. "I see no place in the organic law that vests the Council and House of Representatives with the right to dietate to the Executive in the discharge of his official duties." The Council then took steps towards the regulation by statute of all official intercourse he- tween the legislative and executive departments of the territorial government. The governor vetoed this bill, closing his official objection with the statement that "any aet will be retained under advisement or returned to the Legislative Assembly with my objections as such time and in such way and manner as I may for the time being deem to be most advisable." The House and Council by resolution asked the governor to respond with his approval or rejection, immedi-
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HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY
ately after the act should be presented to him. The governor respectfully declined to agree to this. James W. Grimes. a member, reported that the Governor's exeentive veto was uncalled for and unwarranted. Other members proposed that the people should be heard by those who represented them; that their wishes should be regarded in preference to the authority of the Federal Government or a Federal officer: that as free men they could not aeqniese in such high handed proceedings. Another resolution was passed, stating that Robert Lucas was unfit for governor of a free people and asking the president to recall him immediately. In this both houses joined, declaring that he who dared not defend his rights in the hour of peril and "stand as a sentinel to guard them, would be unworthy the name of freeman." The governor's faults were paraded before the president, who took no action in the matter. The legislature met again in 1839. when the governor, without alluding to the tempest through which he had passed, closed his message as follows: "It is with heartfelt grati- tnde to Almighty God that I am through His special providence permitted to address this Legislative Assembly." In this message the governor presented strong reasons in favor of creating a state and called attention to the fact that the states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois had made rapid strides after they emerged from territorial to state government.
Again in 1840 he renewed his recommendation and the matter was submitted to the people to provide for a State Constitutional Convention. The official returns showed a signal defeat of the proposed measure, there being ninety-seven votes for and two thousand nine hundred and seven against. The three years of office of Governor Encas had expired without seeing his hopes realized and he could hardly be expected to be re-appointed as the Whigs had elected William Henry Harrison to the presidency. John Chambers of Kentucky, who was ap- pointed to the governorship, proved a fortunate selection ; a man of experience and sound judgment, Governor Chambers believed that the population had so increased that statehood was fully warranted. The "Distribution Aet" which proved that Iowa along with twenty-six other states, should participate in the pro rata distribution of the vast proceeds from the sale of publie lands, and the fact that five hundred thousand acres of land for internal improvements should be granted to each new state, were reasons still further warranting admission to the Union. This, he insisted, would overcome the objections of the voters to the expense of state government, as the revenne would amply provide for this and taxation, therefore, be no heavier than in territorial form, where the expense was borne by the general government. Like his predecessor. he importuned the third legislature to pass an act providing for an expression of opinion on the part of the people at the polls, which was immediately put into effeet, and approved on February 16. 1842. A "viva voce" vote on "convention" or "no convention" resulted as before, in a declaration against statehood. after the most notable and exciting campaign in territorial history. The struggle had now largely been transferred to politics and it became a strife for narty suprem- ary. There were ambitions and aspiring patriots who would be willing to serve the people in positions of honor and trust-for a consideration. Both the democrats, who were in the majority. and the whigs, who hoped to gain ascendeney by seizing upon some issue that would capture the voters, entered
STORM LAKE IN 1875.
1
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HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY
the eampaign with the spirit so characteristic of blind party zeal. The election of August, 1842 was disappointing to the advocates of statehood, the returns showing every county against it. The whigs were elated and the democrats «hagrined. Another year passed on and Governor Chambers again deelared that, as there were seventy-five thousand people in the territory, it would eer- tainly be admitted as a state, and again recommended that the wishes of the people be ascertained by a vote. He advised the Assembly further "to apply to Congress to fix and establish during the present session a boundary for the proposed state and to sanction the calling of a convention to make provision for our reception into the Union as soon as we shall be prepared to demand it." TIe said: "The establishment of a boundary for us by Congress will prevent the intervention of any difficulty or delay in our admission into the Union which might result should we assume limits which that body might not be disposed to concede us." The viva voce vote was taken at the township elections in 1844. The campaign was very similar to the preceding one --- parties divided as before- but there had been a reversal of public sentiment and the proposition for "con- vention" carried by a majority larger than that by which it had been defeated two years before. Accordingly at the August election of the same year, seventy- five delegates were elected, the democrats winning a great vietory over their opponents and electing more than two-thirds of their members. The convention met at Iowa City, adopted a constitution and fixed boundaries that did not meet with the approval of Congress, the reason being given that they embraced too wide a territory.
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