USA > Iowa > Polk County > Centennial history of Polk County, Iowa > Part 10
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By reference to the Census Reports, for which we are in- debted to the politeness of our good Secretary of State, Mr. Young, we find that in the year 1847, one year from the date of organization, the county had a population of 1,792, showing an increase in one year, of 1,492. In 1849 the pop- ulation was 4,214; in 1850, 4,444; in 1851, 6,000; in 1852, 5,939. The decrease indicated by the last figures had two specific causes, one of which was the depression occasioned by the unprecedented flood of 1851, and the other was the large emigration from Iowa to the new gold fields of Cali- fornia. The fear, too, of hostile invasion from the border tribes of Indians, had, perhaps, something to do in the pro- duction of this result.
In 1854, the same and other causes operating to retard growth, our population was 5,368; but in 1856, at which time the spirit of immigration to the West was peculiarly active, we had increased to 9,417, revealing the splendid gain in two years of 4,049. In 1859, right in the midst of the disastrous monetary troubles, our population amounted to 11,238. In, 1863 the inhabitants were augmented to 12,956, notwithstanding the fact that the great Civil War was devastating the country, and decimating the ranks of the people. In 1867, our population had increased to 22,630, 18
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY
displaying wonderful gain in four years. In 1869, we had 21,768, two-thirds of whom were included in that part of the county lying east of the Des Moines river.
In 1874, the population was 30,892; in 1875, it was 31,558; and now, taking the same ratio of increase which prevailed from 1874 to 1875, we have to-day in Polk county, a popu- lation in round numbers of $3,000! When we take into consideration from first to last, the causes which have greatly obstructed our growth, including the flood of '51, the finan- cial pressure of '57, and the late desolating war, it is a sub- ject alike of wonder and congratulation, that our advance- ment has been so rapid and so enduring. The thought that from the little nucleus of three hundred citizens, distributed over our prairies thirty years ago, grappling with the harsh and rough experiences of pioneer life, our city and county have grown into their present commanding proportions, con- strains our hearts, to throb in thankfulness toward those men and women of early days, who through toil and peril, and even [through blood, gave to us the vast heritage of pros- perity which we now possess and enjoy!
STATE CAPITOL.
At an early period, the question of relocating the State Capitol began to agitate the people. Iowa City, then the seat of government, was situated within a short distance of the eastern boundary; and it became evident that in time, the removal of the State Capitol to a more central point, would be recognized as a popular necessity. In 1849, the Legislature appointed commissioners of relocation, who, in the execution of their trust, overlooking the advantages of Des Moines, selected a verdant site in Jasper county. Not long afterward, the wisdom of their choice was bitterly questioned; and the result was, that, after the new location had been surveyed, and before any improvement was made, it was abandoned to the wildness of primeval nature!
139
OF POLK COUNTY.
In 1851, bills were introduced into the Legislature, one of which relocated the Capitol at Pella, and another at Fort Des Moines. These bills were lost. In 1853, another bill was introduced into the Senate, fixing the location at Fort Des Moines. It seemed for a time, that this bill would pass, but it was lost on the final vote.
In 1855, a bill fixing the State Capitol within two miles of the Raccoon Fork, passed by a decided majority; and the following Commissioners of Relocation were appointed: Messrs. Pegram of Council Bluffs, J. H. D. Street of Wapel- lo, Stewart Goodrell of Washington, J. A. L. Crookham of Mahaska, and Guy Wells of Lee county.
The bill to which we refer, was approved by Governor Grimes, January 15, 1855. The citizens of the place mani- fested much liberality and public spirit, in donations of land, etc., for the Capitol.
The present Constitution of the State, which was adopted by popular vote at the August election in 1857, contained a clause which fixed the State Government at our city. Oc- tober 19th, 1857, Governor Grimes issued his proclamation, announcing that Des Moines was the State Capital, and ordering the archives of the Commonwealth to be removed hither from Iowa City. In December of the same year, the removal was partially accomplished. The State safe, the last to come, was drawn one hundred and twenty miles on two bob-sleds, by ten yoke of oxen, arriving at its destina- tion January 11th, 1858, just in time to be present at the opening of the first session of the General Assembly which convened that month at Des Moines.
A private association, composed of Messrs. W. A. Scott, J. A. Williamson, J. M. Griffith, A. Shaw, T. K. Brooks, and others, was organized in 1855, for the purpose of erecting a State House. The building when completed, was trans- ferred to the State, and it has been occupied ever since as the Capitol. Its site, as well as that of the new edifice, is
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY
situated conspicuously on Capitol Hill in East Des Moines, Some years since, the State took the old Capitol from its owners, releasing them, at the same time, as compensation for the structure, from a certain indebtedness to the School Fund of the Commonwealth, which they had incurred.
NEW CAPITOL.
The bill which made the first appropriation for the erec- tion of the new Capitol was approved by Governor Merrill, April 13th, 1870. Polk County was at that time represent- ed by B. F. Allen in the Senate, and by J. A. Kasson and George W. Jones in the House. The following Commis- sioners were chosen: Gov. Samuel Merrill, President ex officio, G. M. Dodge, James F. Wilson, James Dawson, Simon G. Stein, James O. Crosby, Charles Dudley, Jno. N. Dewey, and Wm. L. Joy. Besides these, there were A. R. Fulton, Secretary; Cochrane & Piquenard, Architects; Jas. Appleyard, Local Superintendent ; Frank Pelton, Engi- neer.
The ceremonies connected with laying the corner stone of the new edifice occurred November 23d, 1871. A large and imposing procession, embracing many of the high dig- nitaries of the State, was formed under the direction of the Chief Marshal, N. B Baker. Addresses were made by Hon. J. F. Wilson, Governor Merrill, Hon. John A. Kasson, and others. Among the articles deposited in the corner stone were, a copy of the Bible, rosters of Iowa Regiments, many books and newspapers, a large variety of gold, silver, and copper coins, and many other interesting memorials.
The work of excavation commenced in the fall of 1870, and the first stone on the foundation was put in its place, on a bed of concrete masonry, two feet in thickness, Au- gust 17th, 1871. The greater portion of the foundation walls was erected ten feet above the concrete in Novem- ber, 1871.
141
OF POLK COUNTY.
Up to June 6th, 1876, the State had expended on the new Capitol $850,243.87. It will require more than two millions of dollars to complete this grand structure; but when com- pleted it will rank among the most magnificent State Cap- itols in the Union.
The Board of Capitol Commissioners are: President, Gov. Kirkwood; Maturin L. Fisher, Jno. G. Foote, Peter A. Dey, R. S. Finkbine; Ed Wright, Secretary. Mr. Finkbine is Superintendent of Construction, and Ed Wright, Assistant Superintendent of Construction ; and John G. Foote, Su- perintendent of Finance.
ROADS AND BRIDGES.
In 1843 a road was laid out from Des Moines to Tool's Point, now Monroe, Jasper county; and the following year, Peter Newcomer built a bridge over Four Mile Creek, for which Captain Allen gave him permission to make a claim out on the prairie, four miles east of town. In 1845, the first mail route established communication between Ft. Des Moines and Keokuk, via Tool's Point, Oskaloosa, Eddyville, Ottumwa, and Agency City. The mail was weekly, arriving Wednesdays and departing Thursdays.
In 1846, a horse ferry, operated by Edward Martin, crossed ' the Des Moines at Adelphi, over which the Mormon tide of immigration in 1847, en route for Kanesville, or Council Bluffs, was very heavy.
It will be seen by reference to the article on County Gov- ernment, that for several years after the organization of the County, ferries were employed as the only means to trans- port persons and vehicles across both rivers. In 1856, the Des Moines river was spanned on Sycamore street by a pon- toon bridge. This was followed in the winter of 1857 by a trestle bridge over the same river on Market street, con- structed under the direction of Alex. Scott, who died at Pike's Peak a few years since. This structure was unfor-
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY
tunate, being destroyed by the freshet of 1859. It was af- terwards reconstructed by J. C. Warner, but in the Spring of 1861, it was finally washed away. No attempts have since been made to construct a similar bridge at that place.
The piers for Court Avenue bridge were erected in 1856; and the superstructure, under the direction of U. B. White, architect, was built in the winter of 1857-8. In time, this bridge began to give evidence of decay, and it was rebuilt by Messrs. White & Turner in 1866. In 1869 this bridge was washed away; and in 1870 new piers were constructed, and the present fine bridge, of the Post Truss model, was erected. It is one of the best structures of the kind in the West, and is under the control of the City Government.
On the 23d day of March, 1866, S. F. Spofford and Frank Laird, Bridge Committee, contracted with T. H. Napier, for $26,000, to construct a bridge of the Howe Truss pattern, across the Des Moines river on Walnut Street, to be finished in six months from that date. On the 3d day of September, in the same year, the bridge was formally accepted by the committee, and Mr. Spofford was the first to cross it with his buggy and span of horses. October 22, 1866, it was open to public travel as a toll bridge.
By the way, Mr. Spofford has in his possession the first twenty cents, and the last twenty cents, fractional currrency , which were taken as toll on that bridge, the last being taken November 3, 1867, at which time the structure was made free to the public. It was then placed under the control of the city government.
The first Walnut street bridge was broken down in 1866, by a drove of horses crossing it; and in 1871, it was followed by the present Iron Bow String Girder, which spans the river at that place. Like the other bridges of Des Moines of the same character, it is controlled by the city, and rates of toll, except for foot passengers, are exacted. The rates, however, are extremely low; and the time is not distant when
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OF POLK COUNTY.
all these structures on both rivers, will be made free to the glad public.
About fifteen years ago, the Board of Supervisors for Polk county, gave to Dr. M. P. Turner a permit, with cer- tain stipulations, to build a bridge across Raccon river, near its mouth. In 1862, U. B. White and Dr. Turner erected the first bridge at this place; and in February, 1865, it was swept away by a pressure of ice against it during a freshet. It was rebuilt in July of the same year, by the same parties. This structure did service until it was superceded in 1872 by the present bridge.
The Seventh Street combined railroad and wagon bridge across 'Coon, was erected in 1871.
The bridge for the Rock Island railroad, across the Des Moines river, was built in 1868; and the one for the D. V. R. R., in 1869.
Few counties in the West, if any, have been more liberal in their appropriations for bridges and other internal im- provements. Every stream, small and great, which demands improvements of this character, is spanned by durable and economical structures; and although thousands of dollars have been expended in this way, the popular expression is that these investments have been wise and judicious.
The toll collectors for Court Avenue and Walnut street bridges, are I. W. Griffith for the former, who has held the post from the beginning, and Wm. Hallet, for the latter. The collectors for the 'Coon bridges are, William Hall, for Second street bridge, and Matthies Winters, for Seventh street.
MINERAL RESOURCES.
Some of the soldiers stationed at the garrison, are report. ed to have been the first discoverers of coal in the vicinity of the river Des Moines. It was soon ascertained by prac tical investigation, that all this region of country belongs
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY
to the great coal measure of the State, and is underlaid by an inexhaustible supply of this mineral, easy of access by the hand of skill and enterprise, and waiting the processes of development in the future. It was certainly a grand act of compensation in nature, to counterbalance our deficiency in timber, by placing just beneath our feet countless tons of coal, to be used as a protection against cold, and as a means of promoting our varied systems of manufactures, all through our coming civilization.
The first coal shaft and stone quarry, were opened by A. N. Hays, and Captain Allen, on the banks of the Des Moines, in 1843. The coal products in this case were but little used, as timber was plentiful.
The coal which existed in such abundance here, and in many other parts of the county, is of the bitumninous quali- ty; and for all the purposes to which it is devoted, it is fully equal to the average class of this kind of mineral, found in other parts of the country. It is demonstrated by analysis, that ninety parts out of one hundred of this coal are pure combustible matter.
Our coal companies have greatly multipled in number and importance during the past few years, as statistics will show hereafter; and men of brains and capital, controlling the labor of an army of operatives from the mining dis- tricts of Europe and the United States, are busily engaged in sinking shafts, and in bringing up the stores of wealth which are imbedded in such exhaustless profusion beneath the surface. As the years advance, and as the country be- comes more populous, and more appreciative of its abun- dant manufacturing facilities, this department of industry, already so extensive in supplying the popular wants, both at home and abroad, will expand its proportions, until it shall become the marvel and the wonder of the world!
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OF POLK COUNTY.
FIRST SYSTEMATIC MINING.
Prior to the year 1870, quantities of coal were developed in this vicinity, principally for home consumption. The coal which was obtained, lay generally a short distance be- low the surface, and in some instances, it was visibly crop- ping out, and, therefore, easy of access. In time, however, the fact was recognized, that if Des Moines were destined to become a great manufacturing center, some more system- atic means must be devised by which our vast mineral re- sources would become available. The State Geologist had reported that the great coal measures of Iowa cropped out here; and it was well understood that, in order to meet the coming demand for coal, the miscellaneous and superficial system of mining which had been adopted, must be aban- doned, and some surer and more comprehensive plan must be substituted.
In 1870, our fellow citizen, Wesley Redhead, whose name has become familiar to our people, commenced prospecting for mineral. At several points, he made persistent efforts to reach success, calling to his aid, at the same time, all the well known pluck and energy of his personal character. He expended much time in fruitless toil; and in addition to this, drew on his financial resources to the extent of $8,000. Many men under such circumstances of discourage- ment, would have become disheartened, and vacated to other more fortunate persons the whole rich field of discovery and fruition. Instead of this, however, Mr. Redhead made another more signal attempt to acquire success, and this time he did not fail.
Meantime, he had secured the services of John Gibson, of Derbyshire, England, a gentleman whose large experi- ence in this department of labor, made him a very useful auxiliary in the new enterprise. A few rods south of 'Coon railroad bridge, on land belonging to Mr. R., west of South
19
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY
Park, a drill was introduced in 1873, under the direction of Mr. Gibson, foreman. In the descent, seventy feet were attained, the drill passing through three inferior veins of coal, and reaching at the depth indicated, a flint rock, so stubborn and invincible as to bring discouragement, even to the old Derbyshire miner, who advised Mr. R. at this point to abandon the work. Even the Geologist had stated that if success were not realized within that distance of the sur- face it would be useless to proceed farther.
Mr. Redhead did not participate in the gloomy view of the subject. He quietly enquired of the foreman how many feet of rod were left, and being answered that there were twenty, he urged the employment of every surplus inch, declaring that if this did not bring the anticipated triumph of human enterprise over stubborn nature, he would furnish a hundred feet more, and work these up before he would abandon his long-cherished plans. They went to work again, consuming all of four weeks, at the slow rate of three inches per day, in perforating this massive rock, three feet in thickness. When the drill finally passed through the resisting mass, it quickly descended through a vein five feet thick of Black Diamond Coal, signalizing in its passage, the superiority of genius over inanimate matter.
It was late in the evening when this great triumph was achieved; but late as it was, James Clark, an employee of Mr. Redhead, who had been a witness to the thrilling scene just enacted, hurried away to report to that gentleman the auspicious result. To Mr. Redhead, this report must have been intensely gratifying. He had spent years, and was down to the last dollar of his resources, in these baffling discoveries. He had penetrated the earth, in this enterprise alone, to the depth of one hundred and fifty feet, overcom- ing the most stupendous obstructions which nature could throw in his way; and to have failed after all this, would have been a sore and terrible humiliation. He immediately
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OF POLK COUNTY.
went to B. F. Allen, and on communicating bis grand dis- covery, secured from the banker an.investment in the Black Diamond Coal Mine, of $35,000.00. A shaft was sunk to the required depth; and in a short time, all the appliances be- longing to a first class mine, were visible to the spectator, and scores of operatives, down deep in the earth, were busily engaged in bringing out from this vast store house of nature its exhaustless treasures! To add to the general triumph, a pure vein of Cannel coal, fifteen inches thick, was discov- ered beneath the bed of the river. This, with four hundred acres of mineral lands, including the site of the Black Diamond mine, and the rich vein of Cannel coal overlying an affluent vein of bituminous coal, was a treasure indeed; and Mr. Redhead might well pause in his labors for a brief spell, to give himself time to rejoice over the victory which he had gained.
It was not long before two miles of T rail traversed the passages of this mine, and forty men were employed in working the rich lead. A large building surmounted the shaft, in which were placed a boiler manufactured by Mc- Donald & Meara, and two horizontal engines of thirty-five horse power, from the shops of Waldron Brothers of this city.
DES MOINES COAL COMPANIES.
We have taken the trouble to call, either in person or by proxy, at the different coal offices in the city, in search of such statistical exhibits as we needed in making up this article. In the statements which are appended, we have in every instance, so far as we had the ability, accepted and adopted the language and the figures employed by the re- spective representatives of the companies, in making out their reports for our use. We have no interest under Heaven, and no motive indeed, in speaking more flatteringly or ap- provingly of one company than another. We have simply
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used the material as we have obtained it from the officers of these organizations; and if mistakes are made, or if any- thing which seems to be invidious is published in this con- nection, we desire the public to understand that the respon- sibility for such mistakes, or partial statement of facts, be- longs not to the author. With these introductory remarks, which we trust will be wisely heeded, we shall proceed now to the consideration as proposed of our numerous Coal Companies :-
DES MOINES COAL COMPANY.
This Company was organized August 17th, 1865, by Wes- ley Redhead, James M. Starr, William Vincent, B. F. Allen, Wm. Phillips, Hoyt Sherman, J. Teesdale, Jas. W. Davis, L. W. Dennis, Franklin Butler, and E. Sanford. The mines were at that time located in the north part of the city. They were worked successfully until the basin of coal was ex- hausted. At this period, Wesley Redhead, having bought up the interest of the other members of the Company, com- menced prospecting for mineral on the south side of Des Moines.
He selected the place for experiment, to which we have referred under the head of "First Systematic Mining." The reader has already been made familiar with his discovery of an extensive mine, south of 'Coon, containing Cannel and Bituminous Coal. This is the lowest vein of coal yet discovered in the County, developed as it is from a depth of one hundred and fifty feet from the surface. As a con- sequence of this great depth, the mineral is harder, stronger, and therefore more economical for service than coal which is superficially obtained. It is extensively used on account of its great popularity. It is called the Black Diamond Coal.
This was the first' Coal Company organized in Central Iowa. To show the increase of its business, from the infancy of
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OF POLK COUNTY.
the organization until the present time, its books report that in 1867, when the Rock Island Railroad was completed to Des Moines, one or two car loads per day were sufficient to meet the demand. This Company now supplies twenty car loads per day in the busy season, and it gives employment to 150 miners and laborers.
R. W. SYPHER.
The mines which this gentleman works, are located on the line of the Indianola Railroad, one and a half miles from the Court House. According to the tabular statement ap- pended, reported to us by Mr. Sypher, it will be seen that it was opened in 1874:
YEAR.
Capital Inves-
No. of hands
employed.
No. of Bushels
Mined.
No. of Bushels
No. of Bushels
consumed in
City.
Total Value.
1874
$10,000
15
154,000|100,000| 54,000|$15,400
1875
12,000
30
265,000 177,000
88,000
26,500
1876
15,000
30
250,000|170,000
80,000
25,000
EXCELSIOR COAL COMPANY.
This Company, composed of John Lumsden and Joseph Beck, was organized in the fall of 1874. The mines are located south of 'Coon, near Munzenmaier's Brewery. The number of hands ordinarily employed is twenty. The ag- gregate number of bushels mined per year is 169,895, one- third of which are shipped at ten cents per bushel, and the. remaining two-thirds are sold at home for fourteen cents per bushel.
WATSON COAL COMPANY.
This Company was organized December 31st, 1867, with the following officers: President, Rufus Ford; Secretary,
Exported.
ted.
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY
J. Henry Brooks, Boston; Treasurer, Jno. L. Lathrop, Han- nibal, Mo .; Superintendent, Samuel Stansbury ; Cashier, A. W. DeForest. Board of Directors: Rufus Ford, Buda, Ills .; and J. W. Brooks, George B. Chase, W. S. Hough- ton, and J. N. Denison, of Boston. Capital stock, $200,000. The mines are at Centerville, Iowa, and Des Moines.
From June 1, 1875, to June 1, 1876, this Company mined 1,113,967 bushels, of which 382,915 bushels were sold in Des Moines, and 731,052 bushels were exported. Multiply- ing the aggregate number of bushels mined during the last year by nine, the product at that price per bushel reaches the magnificent proportions of $100,257.03.
Average number of men employed per month, ninety.
PLEASANT HILL COMPANY.
This Company, of which Hoyt Sherman jr., is principal, was organized September 1, 1875. The mines are situated on the line of the Indianola Railroad, one and a half miles from the city. Capital invested, $5,000.00. The vein of coal is four and a half feet thick.
The number of bushels mined from September 1, 1875 to July 1, 1876, was 75,000, of which 50,000 bushels were sold in the city, and 25,000 were exported. Receipts to July 1, 1876, $9,000.00. Average number of men employed, fifteen.
EUREKA COAL COMPANY.
The officers of this Company are: President, Norman Haskins; Secretary, James Cormack. Authorized capital, $50,000.00. The mines are located South of 'Coon, near the First Ward school house. The Company are engaged in putting in new works, which, when completed, will greatly promote their mining interests.
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