USA > Iowa > Polk County > Centennial history of Polk County, Iowa > Part 23
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WALNUT CREEK MILL.
'Coon River was dammed, and a race was cut from it to a point on Walnut Creek, on which Baker's flouring and saw mill, was erected, thus operating a mill on one stream by the water of another. This mill was continued until about 1860, when it was abandoned to decay.
STEAMBOATS.
Our friend C. A. Mosier, to whom we are indebted for many valuable facts of history, states that he has seen as many as six steamboats, at one time, at the Point, that is, at the junction of the Des Moines and 'Coon rivers.
FIRST ORCHARD.
The first apple and peach orchard in Polk County, was set out by E. Mosier, in 1848, on what is now called Burn- ham Farm, two miles north of the city, on the Ft. Dodge stage road. Two heavy crops of peaches were produced in 1855 and 1856; but the trees were winter-killed in 1857.
327
OF POLK COUNTY.
DR. J. C. BENNETT.
In one of the old stage barns erected by U. S. troops in 1843, Dr. J. C. Bennett was, compelled to suppress the sale of his work, entitled "Expose of Mormonism." Ropes and revolvers were freely used to bring about this result.
POLK'S COMPLIMENTS TO GUTHRIE.
A glance over Mrs. Maxwell's interesting and well writ- ten History of Guthrie County, shows that Polk County played an important part in shaping the destinies of that prairie commonwealth. As late as 1859, Des Moines was the Guthrie county settlers' base of supplies for the pur- chase of groceries and dry goods. Here, also, they came for flour and meal.
Mr. Lewis Whitten, of Polk, and David Bishop, of Mad- ison, were the Commissioners to locate the county seat.
The Baptist Church was organized in August, 1858, by Rev. J. A. Nash.
Hon. Isaac Parrish, of Des Moines, was the first resident attorney, and was District Attorney in 1855.
The first editor in the county, if we are correctly in- formed-Mr. John E. Parrish, also went from Des Moines.
The first religious services held in the county, were in Jackson township, Rev. Michael Hare, a Methodist clergy- man from Des Moines, officiating.
In 1852, in the same township, a post office was estab- lished, named Allen, in compliment to B. F. Allen.
The first criminal prosecution was that of Wm. Rhoades and Noah Trogler, for larceny. There is yet in existence the receipt of " W. H. McHenry, Sheriff of Polk County," for the prisoners who were sent to Des Moines for safe keep- ing. If there's anything connected with old settlerism any- where in this vicinity that our Bill hasn't had a hand in, it has not yet been made public .- State Register, Nov., 1876.
328
CENTENNIAL HISTORY
THE LATE ELECTION.
The following is the result of the late election in this county, November 7, 1876:
For President-Hayes, 4,324; Tilden, 2,382; Cooper, 482.
For Secretary of State-Young, 4,337; Stubenrauch, 2,374; Macready, 476.
For Auditor of State-Sherman, 4,349; Groneweg, 2,367; Brown, 477.
For Treasurer of State-Bemis, 4,330; Jones, 2,382; Fry, 476.
For Register of State Land Office-Secor, 4,323; Ridenour, 2,356; Walker, 507.
For Attorney General-McJunkin, 4,327; Cook, 2,379.
For Judge Supreme Court-Seevers, 4,329; Hayes, 2,379; Negus, 476.
Jor Judge to fill Vacancy-Rothrock, 4,311; Graham, 2,316; Jones, 453.
For Superintendent Public Instruction -- Von Coelln, 4,263; Nash, 2,799.
For Congress-Cummings, 4,178; Gilpin, 2,332; Hastie, 640.
For Circuit Judge-Mitchell, 5,701.
For Clerk of Courts-Keys, 4,508; King, 2,244; Mcwhorter, 434.
For Recorder-Read, 4,380; Stutz, 2,350; Norris, 416.
The Republican majorities range from 1,500 to 2,300. The total vote cast in the county on the President was 7,188, while 3,477 were cast in Des Moines.
THE CAPITAL CITY.
There is no grander site in the country, on which to build up a magnificent city, than the one which was chosen for the Capital of Iowa. Shrewd and sagacious men, who had
329
OF POLK COUNTY.
the ability to comprehend the great natural advantages of this site, and who had the ability, likewise, to penetrate the future, anticipating the prospective greatness of our city, made early investments here, knowing that the time would surely come in which they would reap a rich harvest of prosperity. Well do we remember the impression made on our mind, nearly a quarter of a century ago, when, for the first time, we stood on Capitol Hill, and looked westward over the luxuriant landscape, in the midst of which the em- bryo city reposed in all its positive, as well as its prophetic beauty.
From the eminence whereon we stood, our eyes were cast downward along the slope of the hill, the surface of which was dotted by forest trees and occasional residences. Far- ther on, we saw the plain, or beautiful valley, stretching away from the base of the hill to the river, covered here and there with unpretentious buildings, erected by the pio- neers of the Capital City. In the center of the valley, penetrating it from north to south, we saw the river Des Moines, whose limpid and placid current flashed back a myriad rays of light from the sun which was smiling in the noonday sky, as though conferring its benediction on the infant city.
Following the course of the river southward, we saw its fine tributary, the Raccoon, moving in its quiet and rippling flow from the West, and bringing its mass of sparkling waters, as a tribute of respect and reverence, to the beauti- ful stream with which it became blended.
Looking beyond the Des Moines river, our eyes fell on the old town of Fort Des Moines, nestling in the valley, and impressing us with the beauty and picturesqueness of the prospect. Here, near the river, the dwellings and business houses became more numerous and more ambitious ; and beyond these, the plain which extended to the bluffs, was
42
330
CENTENNIAL HISTORY
not only magnificent in itself, but was large enough to form the site of a vast metropolis.
In the splendid panorama, spread out before our delighted vision, we could not fail to survey with pleasure the bold and romantic hights, which, on both sides of the two rivers, en- compassed the valley, seeming to come down from their tree crowned eminences, to do honor to the young city which was destined in time to become the metropolis of Iowa. Now, then, if the reader has followed us in our de- scription, so as to comprehend the beautiful scenery of this locality, with its spacious valley, separated by the rivers, and its cordon of wooded heights, standing around it like invincible sentinels, watching through the years its progress and security, he will agree with us, in the declaration, that there is no city amid the landscapes of earth, on which Na- ture in her benevolence has lavished more kindness, than our beloved Des Moines.
SILVER WEDDINGS.
We have just space ·enough at the close of this volume, to state that the silver weddings of W. W. Moore, Dr. W. H. Ward, and L. P. Sherman, were celebrated at the resi- dence of the first named gentleman, Tuesday evening, No- vember 25, 1876. Dr. Ward came to this part of the country in 1848, and was united to Miss Allie Yount, on North river, in Warren county. He practiced medicine many years at Carlisle, before removing to Des Moines. Rev. Sanford Hoines solemnized the marriage.
W. W. Moore and Mary Ann Winchester were wedded at the old Winchester residence in Des Moines, which occu- pied the site of the Valley Bank. Rev. J. A. Nash officiated at the ceremony. Mr. Moore is the veteran merchant, hav- ing been longer in that business in Des Moines than any of his present cotemporaries.
Mr. Sherman was united in this place to Miss Susan R.
331
OF POLK COUNTY.
Lawson, Rev. Thompson Bird officiating. The ceremony took place at the residence of James Hall, corner of Court Avenue and First street. Mr. Sherman was the pioneer editor; Dr. Ward was the pioneer physician, and Mr. Moore was the pioneer merchant.
The old settlers' gifts, at this rare celebration, consisted of a silver set donated to each couple; the three sets being worth $500.00. The recipients of these fine gifts were un- prepared by any previous intimation for their reception. Judge W. W. Williamson, by invitation, addressed Mr. Sherman and his lady, Judge Phillips, also by invitation, addressed Mr. Moore and his lady; and Judge Casady was called out to address Dr. Ward and his wife, to which he gracefully responded. Messrs Thomas Hatton, Jr., J. P. Sharman, and Misses Jennie Nash, and Carrie Laird, with Professor Proctor at the organ, furnished the choicest music for the occasion. Rev. J. A. Nash, in behalf of the principals, acknowledged the reception of the silver sets from the Old Settlers.
CRYSTAL LODGE.
Crystal Lodge, Mitchellville, No. 313, was organized No- vember 20, 1871. The charter members were: S. S. Moore, H. J. Grismer, N. W. Cram, E. S. Hagaman, J. R. Sage, Peter Miller, J. Russell, D. N. Darley, Joe Riggott, and C. C. Ellis.
The first officers were: S. S. Moore, W. M .; H. J. Gris- mer, Sen. W .; E. S. Hagawan, Jun. W.
The present officers are: Robert Ball, W. M .; W. S. Jones, Sen. W .; L. W. Cannon, Jun. W.
This Lodge has sixty members. Seven have demitted, and one has been called from labor to refreshment, since organization.
INDEX.
-
PAGE.
Aboriginal Population
16
Ancient Documents
48
Army of the Tennessee 132 Arsenal, State. 135
Agricultural Implements. 157
Agriculture.
177
Central Iowa District Association
178 Agricultural Societies 179
Adjutant General Baker
287
Allen, Captain James. 304
Argument, A Knock-down
323
Births and Deaths, first. 22
Brooks, Dr. T. K.
42
Bridges and Roads
141
Banks
273
Baker, N. B., Adjutant General.
287
Block-House, etc
291
Bear Story.
324
Bennett, Dr. J. C.
327
Bands, Brass and String
280
Claims and Pioneers 21
County Seat Location
22
Claim Association
36
County Government.
90 90
Board of Commissioners.
Judges of Election appointed.
County Precincts organized
Election Judges
Court House.
County divided
Elections of 1849
Court House and Jail
96
Board of Supervisors.
98
New Court House. 99
County Officers and deputies 100
County Farm. 106
Centennial Fourth.
135
Caledonian Club
235
Conductors' Brotherhood. 238
Citizens' Association 277
90 91 92 93 94 94 95 96
Probate Judges
County Judges.
334
INDEX.
Cadets-Political
285
Celebration-a noted.
300
Carpenter-Governor
320
Churn-a primitive.
321
Cooper, Isaac.
323
Celebration-first.
324
County Seat controversy
325
Capital City
328
Dedication
3
Discovery of Iowa
10
Des Moines River
11
District Court.
108
Judges and other officers
110
Officers and Attorneys ..
110
Attorneys admitted in 1851
111
Des Moines Coal Companies ..
147
Des Moines Coal Company ..
148
R. W. Sypher
149
Excelsior Company
149
Watson Company.
149
Pleasant Hill Company
150
Eureka Company
150
Eclipse Company
151
Iowa Central Company
151
Hawkeye Company ...
151
Cooley's
152
Lindsey's ..
152
Peterson's.
152
Driving Park Association
182
Directory-Des Moines
193
Dr. Brook's brick house
298
Desperadoes-early
321
Election, first
23
Early Settlers' Association
41+
First Members
43
Dead of same
43
First Festival.
44
Historic Items.
45
Old Settlers Death
46
Unrecorded Deaths
47
132
Schools and Colleges.
196
St. Ambrose School { Catholic).
201
St. Mary's Catholic German School ..
201
Kindergarten 202
St. Paul's Guild 202
Seabury School.
202
Select School.
203
Normal School
203
Independent School Association.
203
Enrollment, Board of.
196
Educational
PAGE.
335
INDEX.
Educational-Continued.
PAGE.
Business College 204
Law College 205
Des Moines University 205 College Literary Association. 208
Engineers' Brotherhood. 238
Express Company ... 265
Equitable Life Insurance. 277
Election, the late.
328
Fort Des Moines.
24
Outlook from 1846 to 1850
24
Situation in 1849
31
Extinction of 'Title
35
Fleming War
40
Farmers' Exchange and Club
279
Fire Companies.
281
First Odd Fellow's Burial. 288
Flood of 1851
299
Grist and Saw Mills 164
German Turner's Association 237
Gas Companies. 269
Guard House
320
Hotels 267
Hawkeye Fire Insurance.
276
Hospital and Workingmens' Club
283
Horace Greeley's visit.
298
historic Items.
298
Habitation-curious.
325
Indian Traders, etc. 20
Iowa Exposition Building 278
Indian Chiefs 289
Journalism
183
State Leader.
183
Iowa State Register
185
Homestead
187
State Journal.
188
Iowa Progress
189
Iowa State Gazette
189
The People
189
Daily Bulletin.
189
Patrons' Helper
190
Western Jurist
190
Temperance Platform.
190
Plain Talk.
191
Baptist Beacon
191
Analyst
191
Anzeiger
191
336
INDEX.
Journalism-Continued.
PAGE.
Herald of Liberty
191
School Journal.
192
The Motor
192
New Broom
192
Pomologist
192
Monroe's Special Train
192
Iowa Printing Company
193
Jealousy-effects of
297
Johnson murder 303
326
Library Association 236
Mounds -- Ancient.
15
Mitchell Seminary
58
Miscellaneous Items.
98
Murder-first
111
Military Companies.
132
Mineral Resources.
143
Mining- first systematic.
145
Manufactures.
152
Plow Shops.
154
Foundries and Machine Shops.
155
Oil Mills.
156
Furniture.
157
Planing Mills.
158
School Furniture
158
Scale Company.
158
Potteries.
159
Woolen Mills.
159
Marble Works
159
Organ Factory
160
Spice Mills
160
Bricks.
161
Carriage Factories.
161
Miscellaneous.
162
Medical Society, County
251
Mineral Springs.
285
Musical Composer
286
Mormons-the
302
Mysterious disappearance.
304
Mr. Mitchell's Narrative
305
Methodist Reunion
319
Mill-Walnut Creek
326
New Capitol. 140
Narrative of A. D. Jones. 308
Official History.
7
Resolution by Congress, suggesting such a work. 7
Proclamation of Governor Kirkwood, authorizing. 7
Jordan, J. C.
337
INDEX.
Official History-Continued. PAGE.
Invitation by the Centennial Commissioners for such
8
Old Lang Syne-Poem
Orders-the different. 225
I. O. O. F., Fort Des Moines Lodge. 225
Jonathan Lodge 226
Capital Lodge
226
Rebecca Lodge
227
Ebenezer Encampment.
227
A. F. & A. M., Capital Council
228
Home Lodge.
228
Capital Lodge.
228
Corinthian Chapter
229
Emanuel Consistory 229
Pioneer Lodge .. 230
230
Eastern Star
231
North Star
241
Crystal (Mitchellville).
331
Benefit Association 231
232
United Workmen
233
Des Moines Lodge 233
Capital Lodge 233
Knights of Pythias, Myrtle Lodge 234
Capital City Lodge. 234
239
Jewish Order
241
I. O. G. T., Des Moines Lodge
245
Union Lodge.
245
Eureka Temple
246
Jocelyn Temple. 246
246
Polk County Granges-P. of H. 247
252
Omnibus Line. 265
Old Land-mark Gone. 293
One of our old land-marks 294
Orchard, the first. 326
Preface
5
Physical Features
16
Primitive Justice 24
Pork Business 165
Publishing Houses 194
Poets, Polk County 287
Photographers, first .. 289
Polk county and Agricultural College 301
318
Prisoner, the first.
321
Polk's Compliments to Guthrie .:
327
Raccoon River
13
Relief Association. 126
Reunion, Grand Military
131
Temple Commandery
Improved Order of Red Men
Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Sons of Temperance
Polk City Lodges
Pioneer Experiences.
a history 73
43
338
INDEX.
PAGE.
Roads and Bridges.
141
Railroads
169
Our present Railroads.
175
Railroad Stations
176
Religious Organizations
209
Fifth Street M. E. Church
209
Wesley Chapel M. E.
210
Asbury Chapel M. E
211
East Fifth Street M. E.
211
Centenary M. E.
211
Burns Chapel M. E
212
African M. E. Church
222
Presbyterian Churches
213
Baptist Churches.
214
Episcopal Church
216
Plymouth Church
216
First Christian Church.
218
Church of Christ.
219
English Lutheran Church
219
German Lutheran.
220
St. Ambrose Church (Catholic).
220-
St. Mary's Catholic Church.
221
Hebrew Church.
221
Children of Israelites.
222
United Presbyterian
222
Methodist Protestant.
222
United Brethren
222
German Methodist.
223
Universalist Church
223
Swedish Churches.
223
First Spiritual Association
223
Evangelical Association
223
Young Men's Christian Association.
224
Friends .
224
County Denominations
224
Railroad Officers.
272
Reminiscences
299
Race course, Old
323
State and County
11
Skunk, or Chicaqua River.
14
Soldiers, U. S.
19
Soldiers, Polk County
113
Second and Third Infantry
113
Company E, Fourth Infantry, etc.
117
Tenth Iowa Infantry
119
Co. B, 15th Iowa Infantry, etc.
120
Co. F, 16th Iowa Infantry, etc
121
Co. B, 17th Iowa Infantry, etc
121
Twenty-Third Regiment. 122
123
Thirty-Fourth Regiment ..
123
Thirty-Ninth Regiment ..
124
Forty-Seventh Regiment.
First Infantry, Colored. 124
Second Cavalry 124
339
INDEX.
Soldiers, Polk County-Continued.
PAGE.
Eighth Cavalry.
125
First Battery
125
Second Battery, etc
125
Soldiers, Our
126
State Capitol
138
Saw and Grist Mills
164
St. George's Society
237
Street Rail Road
275
State Officers
276
Supreme Court.
276
State Insurance Co., (Fire).
277
Saloon-primitive
292
Spirit Lake Massacre.
302
Scott, W. A.
320
Sioux-the hostile
321
Steamboats.
326
The Townships.
51
Township Organizations.
51
Allen
52
Beaver.
56
Bloomfield
59
Camp.
60
Delaware
63
Douglas.
65
Elkhart.
66
Four Mile.
67
Franklin
68
Jefferson
69
Madison
70
Saylor
85
Walnut.
86
Washington
88
The County
136
Typographical Union.
235
Temperance Association-Peoples'.
247
Town and City-Original Plats and Additions
253
Cemeteries
254
Fort Des Moines
254
City of Des Moines.
256
May ors.
259
City Officers.
260
Post Masters
261
The Taxidermist
291
U. S. Land Office.
112
U. S. Pension Office ...
129
Weddings, First
21
Woman Suffrage Association
239
Western Stage Company 263
270
Water Company
270
White inhabitants, first.
295
Well, the first.
321
Wolves. 322
Weddings, silver
330
Telegraphs ..
276
Water Works
S. F. HANNA,
DEALER IN
HATS, CAPS, FURS.
402 WALNUT STREET, SAVERY BLOCK.
STRAW GOODS,
Gloves and Mittens,
UMBRELLAS, -AND-
Buffalo Robes. -0- - & SIGN OF THE BLACK BEAR. CO
DES MOINES, IOWA.
S. B, MOORE & SON., -DEALERS IN-
DRUGS, MEDICINES, CHEMICALS FINE TOILET SOAPS, BRUSHES, COMBS, &C.
FANCY ARTICLES AND PERFUMERY IN GREAT VARIETY 0-+ PURE BRANDY, WINES & LIQUORS FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES PHYSICIANS' PRESCRIPTIONS CAREFULLY DISPENSED.
621 Walnut Street, - - - Des Moines, lowa.
T. B. ROBINSON & CO.,
TEAS,
GROCERIES AND PRODUCE, NO. 607 WALNUT STREET, DES MOINES,
IOWA. 340 HS
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