USA > Iowa > Pottawattamie County > Council Bluffs > Bushnell's business and resident directory of Council Bluffs, 1869 > Part 2
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COUNCIL BLUFFS DIRECTORY.
offices, make up a grand natural situation for a city seldom equaled, never surpassed. The at present cheap rates of real estate, and in view of the large mechanical population which will be brought here in the construction of railroads, bridges, depots, and other works, we know of no other place on the American continent which presents better opportunities for the investment of capital, or which promises a more enduring prosperity. Council Bluffs, unlike many Western cities, is not built up by borrowed capital.
For the Western trade, what town so favorably situated? With the before-named advantages, to make it the market for West- ern Iowa, and insuring it cheap transportation from the east, it could not be better situated in reference to this trade ; and it may reasonably be expected that in due time its shipments of mer- chandise and produce to the plains and mountains will be very heavy. Indeed, the start already made in this direction is some indication of what may be expected in the future.
Viewed in the light of these facts, Council Bluffs possesses no ordinary interest; and he who studies the situation disinterestedly, will not undervalue its importance, or ignore its well-grounded hopes of future prosperity and greatness. It cannot hope to rival Chicago, or eclipse San Francisco; but it may reasonably expect to be the metropolis of Iowa. .
POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
The County of Pottawattamie was organized in 1851, by an act of the Legislative Assembly, and named in honor of the In- dians who had last inhabited the county. The same year, the county-seat was established at Kanesville, by a vote of the people of the County. The name of the town was subsequently changed to Council Bluffs, which is the only town of any importance in the county.
This county contains more than half a million acres of the best farming lands in the West. The surface is gently undulating, well watered by streams fed by springs, watering nearly every sec- tion of land. In the western part of the county timber is abun- dant-cottonwood growing in the Missouri bottoms and hard wood upon the hill sides-while the eastern portion of the county is but moderately supplied. There it is found skirting the larger 3
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COUNCIL BLUFFS DIRECTORY.
streams, with one or more groves within the limits of nearly every township. It is well adapted to grain growing or grazing, and is every way calculated to support a large agricultural population. Less rough than some counties adjoining it, it contains some of the best lands adapted to grain growing. We think the upland is mostly very fine in this county, though somewhat rolling, yet not sufficiently so to interfere with easy and profitable culture.
The County is rapidly filling up and being improved by enter- prising farmers from the East. The ready market found at Coun- cil Bluffs for everything produced by the farmer, and the rich re- munerative yield from everything planted in the soil, are rapidly enriching the farming community.
Pottawattamie county is a little south of the center, and on the west side of the State of Iowa. It has Harrison and Shelby counties on the north, Cass on the east, Montgomery and Mills on the south, and the Missouri river on the west.
The surface of the county is diversified by hills, valleys, and plains, groves of timber and prairie, and watered by numerous springs, brooks, creeks and rivers.
In some parts of the county limestone rock is plenty. As yet there has been no stone coal discovered in the county.
The soil appears to have been formed by decayed vegetable matter, and the land is very productive.
The climate is temperate, and congenial to the growth of hemp, wheat, corn, rye, barley, oats, potatoes, and fruits, such as apples, pears, plums, grapes, cherries, &c., &c.
As regards health, there is no place known to us more healthy.
The county contains about 600,000 acres-is twenty-four miles wide from north to south, and about forty-two miles in length from east to west, and is divided into twelve civil townships, viz: Kane, Walnut Creek, Knox, Center, Silver Creek, Macedonia, James, York, Crescent, Boomer, Rockyford, and Grove.
Now is the time to purchase farming lands. Prices are low. in the interior of the county land can be bought for from three to five dollars per acre-time usually given on one one-half the pur- chase money, by paying ten per cent. interest.
While the adjoining counties of Mills, Cass, Audubon, Shelby, and Harrison are equally favored in soil, water, and timber, we think all must concede that, in railroad facilities, and in furnishing transportation for produce raised within her borders, Pottawatta- mnie bears the palm.
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COUNCIL BLUFFS DIRECTORY.
COUNTY COURT HOUSE.
Some four years ago, Mr. E. McBride, then a member of the Board of Supervisors, deeming that onr county required a Court House, the matter was laid before the Board, who appointed a Building Committee, composed of Hon J. P. Casady, J. M. Philips, Thomas Officer, and Wm. Ward, to procure plans for the building. Mr. Ward being an architect, and wishing to furnish plans, re- signed his position, and prepared a plan, which, with the modifica- tions directed by the committee, was adopted by the board; and in January, 1866, it was commenced by Messrs. Johnson & Ham- mer. The building was completed at a cost of from $60,000 to $75,000. It is a splendid building, neatly and substantially con- structed, and is an ornament to the city and county. We are proud of it. Photographs of it can be had at J. Mueller's gallery.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The interest taken in the education of the youth is the most conclusive evidence of the intelligence of the community where they may be established. Here we have the best of schools all will admit. It is admitted by all who visit our town that we have about the finest school buildings in the State for public schools. There is not another city in the West where the public seems to take the same interest in all matters pertaining to the education and moral training of the children, that is evinced in Council Bluffs. There are at present five large public school houses; a very fine Young Ladies' Seminary, Rev. Mr. Little principal; be- sides many other select schools. We take pleasure in'stating that the German schools of this city are successsfully and satisfactorily carried on.
The teachers' institute which met here last fall was was largely attended, and very interesting, there being a good report from all parts. It will meet again August 30th.
There are some seventy district schools in the County. Of these, Council Bluffs has sixteen; Kane Township, eleven sub-dis- tricts and thirteen school houses; Rockford, four school houses ; Crescent, eight; Boomer, seven; York, one; Knox, five; Center, five; James, three; Macedonia, two; Walnut Creek, three; Silver Creek, three.
The schools outside of the city, as well as those in the city, are well supplied with apparatus, maps, &c. The school houses
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COUNCIL BLUFFS DIRECTORY.
GERMAN PAPER.
intil Bluffs
UD
PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY
BY LEPOLD MADER,
BANCROFT ST., COUNCIL BLUFF'S.
THE "POST" IS THE
Only German Paper in Western lowa.
ADVERTISEMENTS
Inserted at Reasonable Rates.
Connected with the "POST" is a
First Class Job Office
In the English, French, and German Languages.
PLAIN AND FANCY JOB PRINTING
Of Every Description will be Promptly Executed at Low Rates.
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COUNCIL BLUFFS DIRECTORY.
are well seated, mostly new, and many of them are of brick. The teachers are first-class, receiving from $30 to $40 per month in summer, and from $35 to $50 in winter.
SIOUXCITY BRANCH.U.P.R.R
CHICAGO & N.W.R.
00000000
MISSOURI
'DEPOTI & TRANSFER GROUNDS OF THE UNION PACIFIC
AMERICAN CENT
NTON 1
.
RR
1078 ACRES
KETHICAGO BOCK ISLD&PACIF
PACIFIC
RIVER
İ
R. R.
ST. JOSEPH R.R.
O CREEK.
NascuITO
RAILROADS.
COUNCIL BLUFFS &
BURLINGTON & MISSOURK R.
The benefits which are derived from railroad communication are untold, and can hardly be realized, when we remember that civilization and improvements of all kinds follow the iron horse. They are an almighty power. Whatever they undertake to do, as companies or corporations, they always seem to accomplish. If it is the building of a town on any of their lines, they make all to serve their plans by the mighty influence they exert ; and, almost like magic, cities and towns spring up where they plant the standard.
1
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COUNCIL BLUFFS DIRECTORY.
Economy being essential to success in any enterprise, so rail- road companies look to their own interests in the location and building of towns and roads, &c. The bridge which is being built across the Missouri River by the Union Pacific Railroad Company, at a point decided by them, was a matter of import- ance to all the other roads which are centering here, as well as to them, to have it located with a view to dispatch of business, and also to have a safe and permanent foundation to build on. It was located only after thorough investigation, and that being opposite the general transfer grounds of all the roads, on section two, in the western limits of our city, two miles from the river, and, ere long, the trains will leave Council Bluffs, pass over the Missouri (leaving Omaha to the right, as a stopping point, or way station). Then all will understand that Council Bluffs is the terminus of the Union Pacific Railroad, and that all the other roads which are here, and are coming from the east, north and south, tap the above-named road at this point, the great railroad centre of the Northwest. It will be interesting to see the iron horse glide ma- jestically and triumphantly across the western plain, thus conduct- ing the pioneer to the far West, to plant the standard of civiliza- tion and enlightenment.
NATURAL ADVANTAGES.
The natural advantages of this point as a railroad center must not be overlooked, as it was not by the engineers when they had in- vestigated the same, which report has been generally received by all, and endorsed by the seven roads which center here, especially. We know we have the natural advantages of grounds for one grand union depot, where freights and merchandise will be sent to and from all parts, not only of the United States, but will pass this way from all parts of the world, eventually, as this is a central point, equally distant from almost all the great cities.
But we will not forget Him who created all things for the best for these favors, to enable us to surpass our rival city, which, we think, misrepresented herself in the East, and to-day stands on a sandy foundation, built by wind and speculation, which is now, we are told, on the decline. Council Bluffs, on the other hand, with her many railroads, as so many arms, stretching all over the country, bringing thither the commerce of the world, is forming a mighty city by her tributaries, like the rivers which are tributary to and from the great ocean. We have then but to live in hopes
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COUNCIL BLUFFS DIRECTORY.
of seeing the Capital of our Nation removed to Council Bluffs, " The Great Railroad Center of the Northwest .. "
UNION PACIFIC.
The Union Pacific Railroad is one of the greatest lines of road on the continent, and in can be said that no road will be traveled more, in a few years. It is now finished. Its terminus is Council Bluffs, Iowa. All the other roads-seven in number-tap the Union Pacific at this point, making all tributary to it. By the energy of its Chief Engineer, G. M. Dodge, it has been pushed west to completion. The company have been buying a large amount of lands in Council Bluffs, adjoining the general transfer grounds and elsewhere, amounting to over half a million dollars. Reader, does not this seem like business, and show that some day the initial point of the Union Pacific will be second to Chicago- yes, out-rival the same. Webster Snyder, Esq., is Superintendent of the road, and Hon. Oliver Ames, President.
CHICAGO & NORTHWESTERN.
This is one of the longest single lines of road in the country. Its terminus is Council Bluffs, where it connects with the Union Pacific Railroad. It is doing an extensive business, and has been since its completion. Long trains of freight cars are coming al- most constantly, and we can judge of the prosperity of the road by the amount of freight and merchandise which is now here to be transferred. It passes through the best part of the country. The towns which have been established by the company are permanent and flourishing. Missouri Valley, Dunlap, Montana, Marshall- town, Cedar Rapids, and Clinton, are the principal town on the Iowa Division. The company has a very fine freight and passen- ger depot and other necessary buildings, on Broadway, corner of Sycamore street. They own a large amount of lands, and are buying inore adjoining. We are acquainted with the workings of this company ; and, as the officers and men connected with the road are thorough business men, transacting an honorable busi- ness, there is nothing to hinder its success. William B. Strong, Council Bluffs, General Western Agent.
COUNCIL BLUFFS & ST. JOSEPH.
This road was finished the first day of August, a year ago. We can now go to St. Joseph in twelve hours. Judging by the energy which has been evinced in the past, this will certainly be a
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COUNCIL BLUFFS DIRECTORY.
prosperous line. It is now competing with other roads. They are doing a big business now. The company has a new passenger depot building near the old one. This is well. Thanks, from the people of this city, for this connection with St. Joseph and other points South, to the company which has so rapidly built this road. From its present prospects, its past benefits to us, and the success it has had, the road must have success and prosperity in the fu- ture. As the company feels an interest in Council Bluffs, the ter- minus, and are doing all they can to build up our city; so we, as citizens, feel equally interested in the road that is to be the main arm from the South, which will help to make our city one of re- nown. W. H. Whitla, General Agent, Council Bluffs.
COUNCIL BLUFFS & SIOUX CITY
This road has been finished lately, and is doing a good busi- ness. It forms a junction at Missouri Valley with the Chicago & Northwestern railroad, and bids fair to be an important line. It has been built with dispatch, but well done. We see the im- portance of this line in the fact that the North and South are bound together, freights and merchandise passing by way of Coun- cil Bluffs.
CHICAGO, ROCK ISLAND & PACIFIC.
This road also connects with the Union Pacific here, as this is its terminus. It will compete with the other Eastern roads in the transportation of freights and merchandise. It is finished now. This, another great line across our State, terminating here, adds to our prosperity, evidently. Atlantic, Des Moines, Marengo, Grinnell, Iowa City and Davenport are the principal towns on the Iowa Division. The great growth, commerce, and trade of the West demand that this road should rank among the first in the land. S. S. Stevens, General Agent, Council Bluffs.
BURLINGTON & MISSOURI RIVER.
This road is to be completed this fall to this point, which is its western terminus. It is another of those tributaries of the great Pacific Railroad which the completion of the latter is hurry- ing forward. A large force is engaged upon the work. It is now completed to Afton, Iowa, and is expected to be finished and in running order this year at least, making another line from the Mississippi to the Missouri, across the State of Iowa-the garden of the West.
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COUNCIL BLUFFS DIRECTORY.
AMERICAN CENTRAL.
This line has been well considered by the principal railroad men, and noticed by the shipping and commercial tradesmen. It is certain that the enterprise is deemed fully accomplished. It will be an important route, as a thorough consolidation of certain roads from Fort Wayne, Indiana, eastward, and the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago and Pennsylvania Central ; but westward we have not yet learned whether a route has been established or not. Certain it is that the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago and Pennsylvania Central are well able alone to build a track to Council Bluffs, which will be done. This will be an important road, when built.
MUSCATINE, OSKALOOSA & COUNCIL BLUFFS.
The above-named road is talked of, and a meeting of persons interested in its construction was held at Muscatine a short time since, for the election of a board of directors, for the year ensuing, and for the transaction of such other business as may come before them. There is no doubt but it will be built.
GENERAL RESUME.
The information just given we have gathered as best we could. Is not Council Bluffs a railroad center, and destined to become a great city ? The following is a synopsis of the above-named roads : Railroads in running order, 5; now building and rapidly approach- ing, 2; eastern consolidation, 1-7; westward, the Union Pacific Railroad; eastward, the Chicago & Northwestern, Burlington & Missouri, Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific, and American Central Railroads ; northward, the Council Bluffs & Sioux City Railroad; southward, the Council Bluffs & St. Joseph Railroad. All of these roads have their termini at Council Bluffs, and within its cor- porate limits.
UNION PACIFIC BRIDGE.
The bridge will be of iron, on the plan of Lost's patent inflexi- ble truss, 70 feet above water surface, resting on iron cylinders 82 feet in diameter, sunk by the pneumatic process to the solid rock at a depth of from 70 to 80 feet below water surface, and filled with solid masonry from bottom to top. The spans are 250 feet each, and the total length of the bridge proper 2750 feet. The bridge was designed by Gen. G. M. Dodge, Chief Engineer of the Union Pacific Railroad, and is built by L. B. Boomer & Co. of 4
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COUNCIL BLUFFS DIRECTORY.
Chicago, under the direction of Gen. Wm. Sooy Smith, their Chief Engineer, and under the superintendence of T. E. Sickels, Chief Engineer of the bridge, in behalf of the Union Pacific Railroad Company.
This stupendous structure is one of the greatest triumphs of of successful bridge building in America. The design is a mas- terly exhibition of architectural skill, and unites strength and solidity with grace and beauty. It will be an honor to the Union Pacific Railroad, as well as to the twin cities which it unites. Its estimated cost is two and a half million dollars.
NEWSPAPERS AND PRINTING OFFICES.
The first paper that was printed in Council Bluffs was the Frontier Guardian, started in 1848, by O. Hyde. The Bugle was the next paper started, which was in 1850, by Babbitt & Car- penter. Next came the Chronotype. It started in 1854, W. W. Maynard editor. The Nonpareil started in 1856, edited by May- nard & Long. The Democratic Clarion started in 1850, edited by T. P. Bentley. The Times started in 1859, edited by J. E. John- son. The German Press, edited by Wenborne & Co., started in 1867. The Council Bluff's Democrat, edited by Alf. S. Kierolf & Co., started in 1868. The Council Bluffs Post was started the present year, by L. Mader, editor and proprietor.
The statement of the above named papers is enough to show the reader that many minds have been directed to Council Bluffs for many years, and that they thought it would be a place of im- portance some day. And to-day we see that it is an important point-the Great Railroad Center of the Northwest.
The papers that are here to-day are heralding its present pros- perity and future greatness.
The Daily and Weekly Nonpareil is published by Gray, Mill & Schermerhorn, who are live men, and are doing what they can to inform the people, far and near, as to the place (Council Bluffs) and attract those seeking homes and business locations.
The Evening Bugle (Babbitt & Son proprietors and editors) is likewise laboring in the same direction.
The Council Bluff's Post (L. Mader editor and proprietor), a German paper started this year, is a very fine sheet. It has a good circulation, and is doing what it can to help build up our city.
. Please notice their cards.
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COUNCIL BLUFFS DIRECTORY.
THE LANDS ADJOINING.
The lands adjoining Council Bluffs are unsurpassed by any prairie farming lands in the Northwest, and the lands along the different roads leading into this place by any in the world. The soil is fertile, and of remarkable depth. We venture to assert that no country on the face of the globe presents such varied and permanent attractions to the husbandman as the vast prairies and fertile valleys of Western Iowa, which offers homes to millions, at prices which, a year or two hence, may, and possibly will, be in- creased from five to twenty-fold. Hence, Council Bluffs is now, as it has long been, the depot of supplies for the cities west of it, less favored by nature. Vast trains daily pass over the Missouri from Council Bluffs, laden with the produce upon which depend near and remote communities westward on the line of the Pacific emigration. There is, therefore, a ready sale in the west for all the food which Western Iowa can bring into the market, at prices double and triple the prices ruling in the eastern cities and southern markets, being unaffected by eastern grain fluctuations. These lands are now also within the grasp of the farmer of small means and great thrift, and, simply as a matter of investment, are worthy of his most serious consideration.
Then, let it be known that such are the facts, and wise men will turn this way. May the many who are coming west stop at Council Bluffs. Yes, start for this place at first. Don't pass any other way than by way of Council Bluffs, that the garden of the world-the future metropolis of the Northwest-may be improved soon.
COUNTY OFFICERS.
Hardin Joneh, County Auditor; E. B. Bowman, Deputy County Auditor ; George A. Haynes, County Recorder ; E. F. Burdick, Deputy County Recorder; W. G. Crawford, Clerk of the District and Circuit Courts ; Wm. Siedentopf, Deputy Clerk of the District and Circuit Courts; Wm. Porterfield, County Treas- urer; E. A. Huber, Deputy County Treasurer; Perry Reel, Sheriff; R. Caywood, County Surveyor ; William J. Gates, Deputy County Surveyor; H. Stein, M. D., Coroner, office drug store *; G. L. Ja- cobs, County Superintendent of Common Schools *; James O'Neil, County Jailer. All except those marked * have offices at the Court House.
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COUNCIL BLUFFS DIRECTORY.
DAILY AND WEEKLY
COUNCIL BLUFFS BUGLE,
Office 381, Corner Broadway and Bancroft Street,
Council Bluffs, lowa.
Weekly, - -
-
-
Daily,
-
- $ 2 00 10 00
The WEEKLY BUGLE is published every Thursday, and is
The Largest Democratic Journal in Western Iowa.
Being printed on a sheet 28x43 inches, containing each week 36 Columns of valuable matter.
The DAILY BUGLE is printed every Evening, except Sunday, on a sheet 25 x39 inches, contains 32 columns of matter, and as an ADVERTISING MEDIUM is not surpassed in Western Iowa.
The Job Department
Is well supplied with first-class material of the very latest styles, and is under the immediate supervision of the proprietor, an experienced workman himself, who guarantees to give satisfaction in all work. In the line of
POSTER PRINTING
for Hall Shows, this establishment is without a rival in the West, having better material and more of it, for that class of work, than any other office.
Any kind of Job Work, from a single line visiting card to mammoth full sheet posters, done promptly and in good style.
Orders for Job Work and Subscriptions solicted.
Sample copies of the BUGLE sent free on appplication.
Address
Lock Box 1115,
BABBITT & SON,
Council Bluffs, Iowa.
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COUNCIL BLUFFS DIRECTORY.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
Jesse Wright, Boomer Township; John Smith, Center Town- ship; C. G. McIntosh, Crescent Township; Wm. Garner and Wm. Groneweg, Kane Township; R. H. Woodmancy, Macedo- nia Township; Josiah True, Knox Township; John Anderson, Silver Creek Township; John S. Goss, Rockford Township ; O. C. Whipple, Walnut Township; J. L. Tetter, Chairman, James Township; J. M. Strong, Grove Township; J. G. Maxfield, York Township.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF COUNTY POOR HOUSE.
Charles Allen, Thomas Jeffener, Directors ; William Garner, Chairman ; J. D. Edmundson, Clerk.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF KANE TOWNSHIP. Chas. Allen, N. C. Richards, and Thomas Jefferis.
CITY AND TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.
J. C. Fargo, City Marshal; Henry Warren, Treasurer ; W. J. Midler, Assessor ; S. J. Hanna, City Attorney ; J. D. Edmundson, Township Clerk; E. R. Donus and F. M. Baker, Justices ; A. J. Bump, Chief of Police: E. W. Jackson and J. J. Churchill, po- licemen.
STREET SUPERVISORS.
E. Thornton, First District; D. L. Spooner, Second District.
CITY COUNCIL.
D. C. Bloomer, Mayor ; J. F. Evans and J. B. Lewis, First Ward; J. P. Williams and J. B. Atkinson, Second Ward; J. T. Oliver and L. Kirscht, Third Ward; L. L. Spooner and J. W. Morse, Fourth Ward: John Huntington and L. W. Babbitt, Fifth Ward. F. A. Burke, Recorder.
SCHOOL BOARD AND DIRECTORS.
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