USA > Iowa > Union County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 2 > Part 45
USA > Iowa > Ringgold County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 2 > Part 45
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The Baptist Church was organized in isot, and a church built in the northwest part of the village three years later, at a cost of 82,900. exclusive of the lot. The pastors have been Revs. Thomas Miller, A. Robbins, A. R. Hieks, A. H. Delano, William Carpenter and A. H. Lyons. The membership is now seventy-seven. The trustees last chosen were: D. D. Gregory and Joseph Cornelius (deceased). The deacons are: Daniel Clonghi and J. F. Creel. J. II. Crawford is superin- tendent of the Sunday-school, which has an attendance of abont ninety-five.
Evangelical Church .- The Hope Church, of the Evangelical Association, was located and bailt at Afton, Union County, Iowa, in 1869. It was built under the direc- tion of Rev. D. HI. Kooker. and is in size 30x60-cighteen feet high. The pastors have been, besides Rev. Kooker, Revs. Money- sinith, Schoenenberger, Kipplinger, Mell, Buz- zard, Kleinfelter, Yerger. Wirth and Beam. Services are held every Sunday.
Catholic Church .- Services were held at irregular intervals as early as 1875 at this
point. Father Phelan, of Creston. began to come here regularly in 1978. In December, 1879, was completed the church, in the north- ern portion of Afton. It cost, besides the lot, about $1.000. In the summer of 1885 Father Alvin took up the work of Father Phelan, and commencing with the autumn of 1SS6, Father Bede is in charge. He comes two to three times every month. About twenty families worship at this point.
The Seventh-Day Adventists have held meetings regularly on every Sabbath (Satur- day). They have no ordained pastor, but are under charge of Elder James Syp. Their house of worship was erected in 1576, at a cost of 8700. It is southwest of the new school-house, and 40x26 feet in size. The membership is now about forty, having been reduced from more. James Sylvester is superintendent of the Sabbath-school, which includes about twenty pupils. . Frank Sylves- ter is the deacon of the church.
SOCIETIES.
Afton Lodge, No. 151. A. F. & A. M., was chartered June S, 1860, J. F. Roberts, Samuel E. Robinson and J. F. Syp being named as the first members. The officers for 1886 are: J. II. Crawford, Worshipful Master; J. E. Cherry, Senior Warden; D. J. Guthridge, Junior Warden; T. F. Shunk. Secretary, and C. W. Pinkerton, Treasurer. Meetings are held on Friday evening preceding each full moon. The membership of the lodge is now sixty. The lodge has just purchased a tip ... story frame building at the southwest corner of the square, at a cost of $1.200. The lower story will be rented out for mereantile pur- poses, and the upper story reserved for lodge purposes.
Tessera Chapter, No. GT. R. A. M. was organized in 1872, with cighteen members, and the following first officers : E. C. Wilcox, Iligh Priest; A. F. Jckis, King; J. F. Syp, Seribe; C. L. Tilden. Treasurer ; W. F. Cornwall. Recorder. The chapter now bas
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY,
thirty-five members, and meets on Wednesday evening before each full moon. The officers for 1856 are: T. F. Sbunk. High Priest; J. F. Syp, King; I. N. Cherry. Seribe ; E. J. Emmons, Treasurer; B. T. Nix, Recorder.
Afton Lodge, No. 130. I. O. O. F .. was organized Angust 21, 1860, and chartered on the 18th of October, following. The first members were James M. Lamb, Noble Grand: James B. Robinson. Vice-Grand; James W. MeDill, Secretary; Thomas J. Myers, Treas- urer, and T. M. Robinson. The lodge meets every Saturday evening, in its hall on the sonth side of the square. It owns a two-story brick. which cost $4.700. The lodge yet owes $2,500. The lower story of the building is rented for mercantile purposes.
Afton Encampment, No. 61, I. O. O. F .. was chartered October 22, 1873, the charter members being M. V. Ashby, T. C. Ashby, Riley Marley. J. Draper, William Devolt, T. M. Richey and R. HI. Dehnege. The officers in September, 1680, are: C. M. Bird, C. P .; Henry Slater, Senior Warden ; George Brown, Junior Warden; R. Carter, H. P .; M. V. Ashby, Seribe ; D. Davenport, Treas- nrer. The membership is now thirty. Meet- ings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, at Odd Fellows' Hall.
Icy Lodge, No. 39, D. of R., was organi- zed in October, 1875, and after running about three years suspended. It was re-organized under the same charter, January 15, 1854, with J. E. Cherry as Noble Grand ; Mrs. R. S. Beymer as Vice-Grand ; R. J. Mckee as Secretary, and Mrs. Hubbell as Treasurer. The present officers are : Mrs. Crawford. Noble Grand: Mrs. J. E. Cherry, Vice-Grand; Miss Lovilla Bird, Secretary ; Mrs. Cramer. Treasurer. The membership is sixty, and meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
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'Tilden. J. E. Hays. L. V. Vickers, S. W. McElderry, T. C. Ashby and J. W. Alley. The officers at present writing are: M. V. Ashby, C. C .: C. W. Pinkerton, V. C .; II. E. Bolinger, Prelate; W. HI. Byrum, P. C .; S. M. Beall, K. of R. & S .; F. A. Shute, M. of F., and Truman Swaine, M. of E. The lodge has a membership of thirty, and meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, at Odd Fellows' Hall.
Henry Keating Post, No. 211, G. A. R., was organized July 18, 1863, with the follow- ing officers: C. D. Stayt. Commander; B. T. Nix, Senior Commander ; G. O. lckis, Junior Vice-Commander; R. J. MeKee, Adju- tant; E. J. Emmons, Quartermaster: J. II. Crawford, Chaplain ; J. F. Bishop, Officer of the Day ; C. M. Bird, Officer of the Guard ; W. T. Craig, Sergeant Major ; George Wick, Quartermaster Sergeant. The officers for 18SC are: B. T. Nix, Commander ; J. D. Kirkendall, Senior Vice-Commander ; Joseph Yeager, Junior Viee-Commander; M. V. Asliby, Adjutant ; E. J. Emmons, Quarter- master ; C. B. Stayt, Chaplain; W. E. Pridgen, Officer of the Day ; C. M. Johnson, Officer of the Guard; George Lane, Sergeant Major ; John IIntehins, Quartermaster Ser- geant. The post has a membership of ninety- four, and meets at Bishop's Hall, the first and third Mondays of each month.
George Il. Thomas Camp, No. 29, S. of V., was organized in the autumn of 1885. It has now nearly thirty members, and mests every two weeks at Bishop's Hall. W. H.
! Kesting is Captain ; William Bishop, First Lieatenant, and John Crawford, Second Lieu- tenant.
Company D. Fifth Regiment, Iowa Na- tions, Guard, was organized about 1876, John S. Elliott being the first Captain. The membership has been about forty all the time. !
Centennial Lodge, No. 31, K. P., was Officers in 1996: R. J. Mckee, Captain; M. W. Keating, First Lieutenant, and J. W.
chartered February 8, 1876, the first members being B. E. Raymond, O. E. Davis, J. N. . Rowell, Second Lieutenant. The company Rice, J. W. Beebe, Theodore F. Shunk, C. L. ; has been called out twice by the Governor.
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AFTON.
It usually meets every two weeks for drill, and every summer it attends brigade encamp- ment. The company has a suitable armory on the east side of the square.
The Afton Library Association was organ- ized in August, 1893. Judge MeDill being the first President. The library now contains nearly 1,000 volumes. It is open Wednes- days and Saturdays, from two to five o'clock. Present officers: Henry Bolinger, President : J. W. Lander, Vice-President ; A. W. Enoch, Treasurer; F. A. Shute, Secretary and Li- brarian. The membership fee is $1.00. Tickets are issued quarterly.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
The business firms of Afton in 1886 are:
W. S. Averill, dentist: F. W. Broekman & Co., general store; Brown & Creel, meat market and grocery; L. C. Beebe, drugs; Henry Bolinger, blacksmith; A. W. Bolinger, Machsmith ; T. G. Briggs, carpenter; J. r. Bishop, Tribune-News; Baxter & Claussen, Enterprise; J. P. Barber, painter; Curtis Bros., creamery and grocery; J. W. Cherry, drugs; W. P. Cowl, grain buyer; A. M. Cal- kins, American House; W. D. Christy, drugs; James Draper, livery; Epperson Bros., gen-
E.S.
cral store; H. Golisch, blacksmith; A. A. Haley, photographer and jeweler; James Harscher, blacksmith; E. Haddix, Madison House; John Hutchinson, harness-maker; W. R. Hunter, carpenter; L. B. Jones, bakery and grocery; Henry Keating, hardware; Joshua Keating, stoves and tinware; II. C. Killer, stock-buyer; J. L. Longhery, car- penter; H. C. Lassen, harness-maker; Mc- Kee & Emerson, boots and shoes; Fred. Mcclellan, livery; H. MeNeil, livery; II. R. Mester, jewelry; James McYoung, flour and feed; George Mertz, boots and shoes; W. J. Phillips, dentist; W. E. Pridgen, wagon- maker; J. M. Pinkerton, wagon-maker; Mrs. A. Robb, millinery; E. Ricedorff, plasterer; S. Richards, general store; L Raguet, grocery : E. D. Rand & Co., lumber; Smith, Occidental House; J. E. Smith, tin- shop; F. A. Shute, restaurant; W. K. Syp, general store: Truman Swaine, general store; Charles Samuelson. tailor; Syp & Emmons, hardware; R. Truman, bank; G. M. Violet, furniture; F. S. Van Patten, grain and stock- buyer; Mrs. W. Williams, millinery; J. C. Wagner, painter; John Wilford, painter; 2. II. Wheeler, restaurant; Joseph Yeager, clothing.
HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
CRESTON.
PHENOMENAL is the only word that can adequately express the growth of Creston. Now a city of 7,000 inhabitants, there are young men liviug who are scarcely old enough to vote, who can easily remember the time when there was no Creston, no railroad, in fact, in the county; and Union County was but a sparsely-settled prairie region in the then new country of Southwestern Iowa.
town of Creston was found to be the highest point on the line of the railroad between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, and in all respects most desirable for building purposes. Ilenee stakes were set, the town platted, and named Creston on account of its being the 'est" or highest point between the two great rivers, and in a few weeks the first buildings in the town began to dot the prai- rie. The site for the town was purchased by inside officials of the railroad construction company, who organized themselves into a town company. Their individual names are never used, the property being managed by a trustee. About 250 acres were included in the town as first laid out.
The round-house, machine shops and other railroad buildings were at once pushed to completion, to give the town a substantial appearance, and the road was rapidly extended westward. Stoek yards were built, and the embryo city ras thoroughly advertised among the old castern counties. The first store was erected by A. C. Rowell, on Union Street, shortly followed by Thornton, Way & Co., on an adjoining lot; the impression at that time being that the business part of the town would be located upon the south side of the
Seventeen years ago, at pres- ent writing, the site of the city of 1886 was covered with luxuriant prairie grass, dotted here and there with lovely wild- flowers. Soon the neigh of the iron horse, heralding the approach of the great Burling- ton & Missouri River Railroad, was herd. It was in 1860 that the road extended west from Afton, and with the advent of the railroad timbers were unloaded, to be framed; & tent was pitched, and shortly after a shanty was built to accommodate the workmen with a boarding-place. Then came the officers of the railroad looking for a site for a division sta- i railroad track. Subsequently the tide set in tion, and the location of their repair shops. A favor of the north side, where almost the en- survey was made, and the present site of the | tire business of the place is now transacted.
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CRESTON.
INCORPORATION.
In April, 1871, the town was incorporated, and at the first municipal election about fifty votes were polled, a small candy box being used to receive the ballots. The first officers were: S. D. Swan, Mayor; H. M. Way, R. P. Smith, James Butler, J. J. Leeper and J. C. Mullen, Councilmen; C. S. Rex, Recorder; J. D. Duggan, Treasurer; G. P. Butts, Assessor.
About this time a few brick buildings began to go up, and now the business district is al- most solid with two-story brick buildings. The residences are almost all frame structures, but many of them show wealth and taste on the part of the owners.
From the character of much of the carly population the saloon question became an important one. Local prohibition was hardly practicable, and high license was proposed as the next best thing During the mayoralty of J. B. Harsh, and largely through his efforts the saloon license was fixed at $1,000. Sub- sequently, and by stages, it was increased to $1,600, the highest, so far as known, in the world. The revenues of Creston from saloon licenses reached in one year 816,000.
GROWTH.
In 1872 the rapidly-growing town received an unusual impetus, which lasted for several years. While in 1870 the population was 411, in 1873 it had reached 1,087. It was 1,819 in 1875, by the State census, and the young city was now fanions. The Prairie Farmer of December 11, 1875, said of Creston: "At Creston we find a country unsurpassed in the West, and we found, on inquiry, that we were not alone of this opinion. Land in the vicin- ity of Creston has increased in value amazingly within three years; more than doubled, and in many instances trebled in value, in that short space of time. Neat, small houses, built upon a lot, may be rented to pay enormous rates of interest. One thousand dollars will buy a lot and build thereon improvements
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which rent readily for $150 to $180 per year. The business in Creston is conducted nearer on a cash basis than any other point along the line, in Iowa. It is here that the com- pany have a division station, where they have the largest engine house in the West, if not on the continent. A large number of the men employed by the company live and thrive in Creston. They here receive their wages, and, as all busy communities are wont to do, they spend their money at home. "
** Over $40,000 per month is here paid to the en- ployes of the road, by the Chicago, Burling- ton & Quiney Railroad Company, and is by the men paid out in Creston. Some of the finest residences in town are built and occupied by railroad employes. * Thus the surplus earnings of the men are being kept at home, and the profits aceruing are used in increasing facilities for the benefit of all."
In 1880 the !United States census was taken, showing a population for Creston of 5,081. The growth of the city continued at a more moderate rate for three years more, since when it has been about stationary. The State consns of 1885 showed 7,887 people in the city. Every city has its periods of depres- sion and slow growth and low values, and it could hardly be expected that Creston would be an exception. Such a period in the history of the city has come, and already gone, though few knew it, so slight was its effects. The years 1884 and 1885 and part of 1886 form this critical time in Creston's progress. The population being so entirely made up of young meu, restless and active, it was to be feared that with the first bad year an emigra- tion would begin to newer places. This has not taken place. Creston is once more on the rise of the wave. In this important respect the history of the town is unlike thst of most new places, which, springing up on the varions lines of railroad, flourish for a time, and then, having outgrown the surround- ing country, with [no vitality of their own, dwindle and decay. The location of the
724
HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
machine shops, stock-yards and division sta- tion here necessarily gives employment to a large number of workmen, who become citi- zens of the town, and contribute largely to the support of its business and municipal in- torests.
ADDITIONS.
The original town plat included about 230 acres. The railroad tracks and buildings oe- cupy about eight blocks. South of these was a nearly square area, six blocks north and south by eight east and west. North of the track there were twenty-two blocks of the original plat. These contain most of the business buildings.
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The principal additions laid out during the first six years were: West Creston, section A, twenty blocks; section B. of irregular shape but about the same size; Swigert's first and second additions, north of old plat, containing twelve and sixteen blocks respectively: Me- Donall's addition, east of these, but north of the track, over forty blocks; Devoe's addition, in the northwestern part of the city, and Stone and Elliott's Lake View addition, a mile west of the depot.
During the last ten years the principal additions have been: West Creston, section C, Baker and Higbee's first and second addi- tion, the "railroad addition," Levy addition. first northern addition, Swigert's north addi- tion, Devoe's second addition and MeDonald's addition, section C, all north of the railroad, and the first southern addition and South Hill addition, south of the railroad.
STREETS.
The principal east and west streets are: Harsh, Swigert. Carpenter, Jefferson, Sum- mit, Howard, Mills, Montgomery, Adams, Union, Clarke, Lucas, Monroc, Fremont, Page and Taylor.
The principal north and south streets are: High, Center, MeDonald, Cedar, Chestnut, Mulberry, Poplar, Cherry, Vine, Birch, Wal- nnt, Pine, Maple, Elm, Oak, Division, Page,
Wyoming Avenne, Livingstone Avenue, New York Averue, Broad Avenue, Sumner Ave- nue, Crescent, Russell, Sycamore, Spruce and Chestnut.
Besides the above there are some new or short streets in the numerons additions which have been laid out.
ARLA OF THE CITY.
The city of Creston contains an area of 2,540 acres; total miles of street, 85; total miles of sidewalk, 18; frontage of brick build- ings, 1,400 feet, and brick buildings estimated worth $720,000. There are 2.340 feet of sewerage, and a vast amount of water mains to be hereafter mentioned.
THE HEALTH OF THE CITY.
Creston has always been noted as a healthy city. It is high and dry, and the air salubri- ons. There are few hot days during the summer, and the people of Creston are seldon ; impelled to leave the city to escape the heat. There were only 109 deaths in Creston from July 1, 1884, to July 1, 1885, being only one death to every seventy-three inhabitants, and we doubt if any city in Iowa can show a bet- ter health record.
CITY OFFICERS.
Creston is a city of the second class. In March of each year the voters choose a mayo", treasurer, assessor and other city officers, and two aldermen from each of the five wards. The old books of the city have been wis- placed, so that the officers previous to 1882 cannot be given. D'or the past five years the officers have been :
1852 .-- Mayor, J. B. Harsh; Councilden, A. E. Keith, E. Derr, W. H. Hamilton, A. Christeson, L. C. Teed, B. Burch, S. L. Rus- sell and O. E. Bennett; Clerk, J. A. Leens; Marshal, William Skimmer; Street Commis- sioner, E. W. Luster; Fire Warden, C. W. Fallsing; Treasurer. W. E. Ward; Attorney, D. H. Ettien; Assessor, David Wooley.
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CRESTON.
1883 .- Mayor. F. J. Taylor: Conneilmen, J. B. Wilson. W. IT. Hamilton, O. E. Ben- nett. John Hall. E. Derr, S.L . Russell, Joseph Norton and Henry Brittenstein: Clerk, W. ... HIunsaker; Treasurer, A. V. Scott: Marshal, S. Rinchart ; Street Commissoner. E. W. Lus- ter; Fire Warden, C. W. Fahlsing.
1884 .-- Mayor, C. C. Fisher; Councilmen, J. B. Wilson, D. Brydon, John Hall, W. Il. Robb, E. Derr, P. Brennan, Joseph Norton and J. M. Wells; Clerk. W. J. Hunsaker; i Treasurer. Philip Derr; Attorney, W. A. Spurrier: Marshal, S. Rinehart; Street Com- missioner, D. J. Miller; Fire Warden, W. C. . Yancey.
1885 .- Mayor, F. J. Taylor; Couneilmen, J. B. Wilson, D. Brydon, W. H. Robb, M. :
A. Nye, P. Brennan, J. W. Frazier, J. M. Wells and F. HI. Doty; Clerk, I. S. Rose- berry: Treasurer. G. P. Butts; Marshal. John Wood: Street Commissioner. Georges ! Andrews; Fire Warden, John MeNeil.
1886 .- Mayor, A. E. Keith; Councilmen, : J. B. Wilson. J. A. Leens, E. J. Bush, Geo. W. Hicks, J. W. Frazier, W. W. Bradford, F. H. Doty, J. M. Wells, M. A. Nye and R. : S. Keith; Clerk. C. E. Steward; Treasurer. G. P. Batts; Attorney. J. L. Wieks: Mar- shal. William Jones; Street Commissioner, E. W. Lnster.
BUSINESS.
Though Creston has excellent railroad facilities. all lines are controlled by one rom- pany. Another line of road i needed and greatly desired, and efforts are being made to connect Creston with Des Moines, via Win- terset, where the competition of the Rock Island, Milwaukee, Wabash and other rail- roads would be secured. Several companies are filling in this gap, and it is confidently expected that in 1887, or the year following. the desired line will be secured, giving Cres- ton direct connection with the capital, which will greatly add to Creston's importance as a : wholesale, jobbing and manufacturing point.
giving her the benefits of competition in freights, making a rate as cheap as other im- portant points in the State, when, being 100 iniles from any city of importance, Creston's future as a manufacturing and distributing point will be assured and her prospects flat- tering. In all branches of mercantile busj- ness Creston is well supplied, for her present size and population. The supply in these branches is fully equal to the Jemand. Real- estate is held at a fair price, and money in- vested in real-estate has always brought a good per cent. in rents.
Not many manufacturing establishments are located here as yet. Among the principal · ones are: John Bartlett & Co., sash, door and blinds; Dietrich & Wallace, foundry and machine shops; the Breunan Machine Shops and Novelty Works; and the Bradford Flour- ing Mills. Page, Derr & Co. are starting a coop factory, employing fifteen hands. Fif- teen thousand dollars is invested in the es- tablishment, which has a capacity of 500 boxes : a week.
Light is furnished in the city by the Creston Gas Light Company, and Regan Bros. early in 1886 began furnishing electric lights to those who desired them. At present they run fourteen thirty-candle power lights.
The two daily newspapers employ, together, from thirty-five to forty hands. There are also a blank-book manufactory and bindery, a candy factory, two cigar factories, a sli: factory, a pop factory and a dye house.
BOARD OF TRADE.
March 16. 1886, an organization was ferr el by a number of the leading business inen of Creston, under the name of the Board of Trade. The design is, as stated in Article HI, the material advancement of Creston's interests. Below are the first seven of the articles of incorporation:
ARTICLE I .- The name of this carpeta- tion shall le the Creston Board of Trade.
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
ARTICLE II .- The principal place of business shall be Creston, Iowa.
ARTICLE III .- Its object shall be the advancement of the commercial and material interests of the city of Creston, Iowa.
ARTICLE IV. - The officers of this asso- ciation shall consist of a president, first and second vice-presidents, a secretary, a treas- urer and a board of directors. Said officers to be elected at the annual meeting to be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January of each year.
ARTICLE V .- The number of stockhold- ers shall be limited to 100. The capital stock shall be limited to twenty-five thousand dol- lars ($25,000). in two hundred and fifty (250) shares of one hundred dollars ($100) each. Said shares to be subject to quarterly assess- ments to be levied by the board of direc- tors.
ARTICLE VI .- The indebtedness of this association shall be limited to five hundred dollars ($500). Private property shall be ex- empt from any debts of the association.
ARTICLE VII .- The affairs of this asso- ciation shall be conducted by a Board of Directors consisting of five members.
The officers for 1886 are: President, C. S. Rex; First Vice-President, W. V. McQuaid; Second Vice-President, R. S. Keith; Treasurer, Phillip A. Derr; Secretary, S. A. Brewster; Directors, A. P. Stephens, HI. S. Clarke, James Griffin, Thomas A. Ileinly, W. W. Bradword.
The standing committees for ISSO are: Telegraph, Railroads and Public Carrier., W. N. Kelley, Il. F. Hamilton and A. E. Keith; Commerce, B. F. Ileinly, J. M. Scurr and D. II. Sain & Son; Manufactures, I. L. Mack- emer, W. A. Page and Thomas McGrath; Advertising and Memorials, S. A. Brewster, J. Friend and R. S. Mackemer; Immigration, W. F. Patt, W. D. McDonald and M. Martins; Statistics, E. J. Bush, Valentine & Co. and S. A. Brewster; Reception. John Becker. Jr., ! A. E. Keith and Ed. Derr.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Creston Fire Department was organized from the Knights of Pythias in 1873, as a volunteer company. Buckets were purchased and a year later a double-fountain Babcock fire-extinguisher was added. This ma- chine, which is drawn by horses, is well man- aged and has done efficient service. In 1875, the year after the water-works were put in, a carriage and 1,000 feet of hose were pur- chased. "Jose Company No. 1" was or. ganized in 1875, from the employes of the railroad company, under Captain Bissett. A hook-and-ladder truck was also obtained this year. In 1876 a team was purchased for the chemical engine, and one man was employed on full time. Two men now draw salaries from the city for work performed for the fire department. In 1883 a two-horse hose car- riage and team were added.
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