USA > Iowa > Polk County > Des Moines > Des Moines, the pioneer of municipal progress and reform of the middle West, together with the history of Polk County, Iowa, the largest, most populous and most prosperous county in the state of Iowa; Volume I > Part 53
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Greenwood, with 81 acres, which, with improvements down to date, had cost the city $84,000.
Waveland, 190 acres, the cost to date, including improvements was $30,000.
A park of eighteen acres on the south side, west of Ninth street, had cost $6,500.
Boatman's Island, and property adjacent thereto, on the West side oppo- site and a part of Union Park, about 18 acres, the cost of which could not then be closely estimated.
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Bates Park, about three acres, on Clark and Fourth streets, half donated, representing an outlay of about $1,600.
Other donations were Carpenter's Square, one twentieth of an acre, between Cottage Grove avenue and Kingman boulevard, and Highland Park, a half-acre lying between Seventh and Ninth streets, north of Franklin avenue.
In Lee township (on the east side) there was Union Park, the principal property, which-including Boatman's Island-had a total of 9812 acres-on both sides of the river. The total cost of this property with maintenance, at that time was $98,000.
Franklin Square, two and a half acres; East Park, one acre, and Grand View Park consisting of ninety-eight acres, altogether represented a cost of $39,000.
The total number of acres was 498.78. The total first cost was $203,477.80. The total cost of improving and maintaining this property was $86,505.83, and the total cost to 1901, $289,983.63.
Mr. Foster stated that he was elected a commissioner in 1898 on the issue of the improvement of the river front, and had done all in his power to that end : but not until the last February were the park commissioners given possession of and title to the six acres lying on the river front where old Fort Des Moines once stood. It was the united purpose of the commission to beautify as much of the river front as the means at its disposal would permit.
A movement for the restoration of the log cabins of old Fort Des Moines went so far as to interest Major Sherman, Judge Casady, "Commodore" Hussey and other early settlers in the production of a drawing of the buildings as they once stood. It is to be deplored that the purpose was not carried into execution. No other "show-place" would attract more attention than "the Point" with a reproduction of the log cabins in which Captain Allen and his dragoons passed the years of 1843-5.
The death of John D. Seeberger, on the afternoon of April 19, 1901, removed a widely known, highly respected and successful pioneer hardware dealer of Des Moines. The wholesale house established by Mr. Seeberger on the south-west corner of Fifth street and Court avenue, where the beautiful McCune building now stands, was long the center of the hardware trade of Iowa. He died at his home on Nineteenth and Grand.
His widow alone survived him.
An Interstate Oratorical Contest brought the locally successful orators of Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and Iowa together in the auditorium on the second day of May. The auditorium was packed, and a more enthusiastic audience never assembled in the city. First place was won in the contest by Robert Loofbourrow, of Baker University, Kansas.
The United Presbyterian Church of America held its General Assembly with the First church on Ninth and School streets, commencing on the evening of May 22. This notable gathering brought together the strong men of the church from all parts of the country. Rev. J. A. Thompson, D. D. of Tarkio College, Mo., was moderator.
E. H. Sothern's "Hamlet" closed the theatrical season in Des Moines on the 23d. This talented young actor at least succeeded in keeping alive the memory of greater Hamlets, in an era that knew not, and apparently cared little for, the great Master of Tragedy.
The next national church gathering in Des Moines was the General Synod of the Lutheran Church, on the 29th of May. Governor Shaw, Mayor Hartenbower and Rev. Dr. Wirt, of St. John's Lutheran Church, welcomed the General Synod to Des Moines and to Iowa. Twenty-four synods sent clerical and lay delegates.
The Melan-arch bridge for Sixth Avenue, to which a former council committed the city, after many tribulations, was on June 3, 1901, progressed in so far as the council could progress it by voting to readvertise for bids on the proposed bridge !
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Capt. J. E. Wilkins died in Joplin, Mo., June 9, of injuries received while alighting from a train. The Captain was long connected with the Fair Store on the east side, and later negotiated a deal by which his sons, the well-known Wil- kins Brothers, became established in the dry-goods trade on West Walnut street. From 1894 to 1898 he served as alderman-at-large. He was a member of the city library board at the time of his death. He was 71 years old. He served in the 112th Illinois and since the war had been engaged in mercantile pursuits- twenty years or longer in Des Moines. His sons are Capt. Harry Wilkins of the regular army and V. A. & E. J. Wilkins, the well-known merchants of Des Moines.
Waveland Park was dedicated June 29. Several thousand people visited that beautiful stretch of rolling prairie. A handicap golf contest was the event of the day.
The dry, hot weather proved too much for the Chautauqua in 1901. The management were left with a deficit of about $800. This, following a series of moderate losses covering a period of six years, resulted in a temporary suspen- sion. The debts of the association aggregated nearly $5,000.
The Builder of the Capitol.
The death of Robert S. Finkbine, July 8, removed one of the best known and most highly esteemed men in Iowa. It resulted from a stroke of paralysis, the third since the year 1892. Governor Shaw, on learning of his death, suggested that the remains be brought to the Capitol, there to lie in state until the funeral, but the widow's delicate health compelled the family to decline the Governor's kindly offer. The funeral was held at the Finkbine home on the Ioth, Dr. Frisbie officiating. Mr. Finkbine was in his 73d year. His life was one of rare achieve- ment. As carpenter, a master-builder and contractor, he had risen step by step to fame and fortune. Born in Ohio, a resident of Iowa City from 1852 to '67, he early became identified with some of the largest building contracts made by the State. In '63, Messrs. Finkbine & Lovelace built the College for the Blind, in Vinton. In '64, and '66, Mr. Finkbine represented Johnson county in the General Assem- bly of Iowa. In '73, he was named by Governor Kirkwood, in association with Messrs. Dey, Foote, and Fisher, to take charge of the work of erecting the new Capitol building. He came to Des Moines at once and entered upon his duties and continued until 1886 to represent the State in the construction of that edi- fice. His family remained in Iowa City until the completion of the education of his four sons, three of whom are honored citizens of Des Moines. In 1890 Mr. Finkbine was appointed, by Mayor Carpenter, a member of the Board of Public Works. After four years of resultful service for the city, he practically retired, leaving behind him a record for honest, efficient, resultful public service.
John M. Owens, for many years president of the Iowa Loan and Trust com- pany, and in other ways prominent in Des Moines business circles, died July 19, in his 82d year. He was vice president of the Loan and Trust company from 1876 to '86, and president from that time to '96, when he tendered his resignation. He was one of the organizers of the company in '72, and a stockholder in local banks and other corporations.
All local heat records were broken, between 4 and 5 o'clock, on Monday, July 22, 1901, when the record of 1886 was passed and the mercury climbed to 108 degrees.
Notwithstanding the intense heat of the summer of 1901, the campaign for the republican nomination for Governor was pushed with much vigor. The friends of the rival candidates carried the contest into every doubtful county in the State. On the first ballot Mr. Cummins won the nomination by 8601/2 votes, a majority over the five other candidates.
On his return to Des Moines on the evening after his nomination, Mr. Cum- mins was the recipient of an enthusiastic ovation, which began at the Northwest- ern depot and extended to the Grant Club rooms where the speech-making, begun at the depot, was continued to a late hour.
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The death of Mrs. Martha C. Callanan, on the 16th of August, removed from Des Moines one of the strongest characters recalled in the city's history. She was the wife of James Callanan, one of Des Moines' millionaires. For many years she shared with Mrs. Coggeshall the honor and financial burdens of leader- ship in the woman suffrage cause. She was a strong advocate of prohibition and gave freely of time and money for that cause also. The old Callanan mansion, in the woods, on the hill north of the Ingersoll car-line, was for years the scene of many social activities. Late in life, Mrs. Callanan organized and generously contributed to the Business Women's Home. She was a director of the Benedict Home, and president of the Home for the Aged. Her benevolences were broad and liberal. At her death Mrs. Callanan was 75 years old. But for a sad acci- dent, her life would doubtless have been spared many years.
The shooting of President McKinley in Buffalo, on the afternoon of Sep- tember 6, sent a thrill of anguish through every heart in Des Moines. In com- pliance with the proclamation of President Roosevelt, echoed by Mayor Harten- bower, memorial services were held in many of the churches on Thursday, Sep- tember 19. Business was suspended in Des Moines during the holding of the funeral services at Canton, Ohio. In the afternoon, a memorial meeting was held in the Auditorium with Mayor Hartenbower presiding. Eloquent addresses were delivered by Congressman Hull, Judge Prouty, Sidney A. Foster, W. L. Read, Edgar A. Nye and Walter McHenry. In the evening, the Good Citizen- ship League held a meeting in the same place, with addresses by Judge Given, and others. In the forenoon of the day, several of the city schools held memorial exercises.
Alonzo F. Dicks, who, in the fall of 1849 came to Fort Des Moines and with his father engaged in the hardware business, remained in the business until 1899, when he retired altogether, having been afflicted by a stroke of paralysis a few years before. He died September 29. He had been associated with Odd Fellowship and with the First Methodist Church ever since his young manhood.
At last in November, 1901, ignoring all previous contracts, new contracts- one for the Sixth Avenue bridge and one for the east Sixth street bridge-were signed by the city with the Capital City Brick and Pipe Company, work to begin in the spring of 1902.
The burning of the starch-works in December was reported a loss of about $250,000, practically covered by insurance.
Marcus Kavanaugh, one of Des Moines' oldest citizens, father of Judge Marcus Kavanaugh of Chicago, was another prominent citizen whose career. closed in the year 1901. He was a native of Ireland and was 68 years of age. He was a successful railroad builder. The Winterset and Des Moines railroad was built by him, also the Indianola line. He built a portion of the Texas-Pacific also. He was for sixteen years a member of the city council of Des Moines.
1902-IN WHICH A DES MOINES MAN BECOMES GOVERNOR.
Captain William Merrill came to Des Moines in 1860 and organized the firm of Merrill, Keeney & Company, furniture manufacturers, long located near "the Point." In '88, the firm went out of business and the Captain organized the Merrill Brick Company, with which he remained until '93. Going back to the war period, William Merrill early enlisted as a private in Company E, Twenty- third Iowa Infantry. He was promoted to a lieutenancy and during the latter part of the Siege of Vicksburg was in command of his company. He later served as regimental quartermaster. Returning to Des Moines in '64, he was elected captain of the home guards organized to protect the Capital from the threatened raid of Price. Captain Merrill died in Des Moines January 3, 1902, at the home of his son, A. W. Merrill, a teacher in the high school.
Des Moines' appreciation of the honor done Governor Shaw by President Roosevelt was evinced by the banquet given the newly appointed Secretary of
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the Treasury, at the Savery Hotel, January 9, to which about four hundred citi- zens and visitors sat down together. Governor-elect Cummins acted as toast- master. Responses were given by Judge McPherson, Editors Perkins, of the Sioux City Journal, Rosewater, of the Omaha Bee, and Young, of the Des Moines Capital, President MacLean of the State University, Col. Charles A. Clark, of Cedar Rapids, and others. The ex-Governor and the Governor-elect were given flattering ovations. Secretary Shaw made a speech which contained few of his wonted flashes of humor but dwelt with all seriousness on the opportunities for public service offered by the Secretaryship of the Treasury and the grave re sponsibilities of the position to which he had been called.
There was more than the usual local interest in the inauguration ceremonies of January 16, 1902, a prominent citizen of Des Moines having been elected governor. The day's program consisted chiefly of a parade from the Capitol to the Auditorium, the inaugural exercises, the address of the incoming Governor and a Governor's reception at the State House in the evening. The military features of the parade were unusually imposing. Fifty carriages in line were or- cupied by leading citizens of the State. The Auditorium was beautifully dec- orated and the boxes were filled with ladies and gentlemen of prominence in the city and the State. Governor Cummins' statesmanly address covered the whole range of the state's activities, and through it ran a trend of hope for better condi- tions, which it was afterwards the Governor's pleasure to see realized, in large measure at least. The attendance at the evening reception was almost over- whelming.
A Man of Large Constructive Ability.
David R. Ewing, senior member of the pioneer lumber firm of Ewing & Jewett, and a resident of Des Moines since 1864, died suddenly at the home of his daughter, Mrs. N. E. Coffin on the 25th of January. Mr. Ewing had been prominently engaged in business in Des Moines for more than thirty-eight years. As a contractor, builder and dealer in lumber, he had been remarkably success- ful. In 1876 he was superintendent of the Centennial Exposition in Des Moines. In '78 he became a member of the city council, and sat in that body for several years. In '79 he became a member of the firm of Chandler, Ewing & Jewett. On Mr. Chandler's retirement he became the senior member of the firm. Mr. Ewing organized the Retail Lumber Dealers' Insurance Association, and was for years its president. On retirement from active business he bought a large farm in Bloomfield township and devoted much time thereafter to fruit culture. In '89, Mr. Ewing was selected as superintendent of construction of the new Central Church of Christ, and was a liberal contributor to the construc- tion fund of that church. In '91 he was elected president of the National Con- vention of the Church of Christ. He was for many years vice-president of Drake University, and was a liberal contributor to the endowment fund of that institu- tion. The funeral of Mr. Ewing was attended by many friends and fellow- citizens.
The musical event of the new year was an evening at the Auditorium on March 8, with Madame Nordica as the prime attraction. Of all the great sing- ers who have sung in Des Moines, no one has left a more delightful impression.
The first banquet given by the City Federation of Women's Clubs, at the Savery on the evening of March 17, was a brilliant affair. Mrs. P. B. Durley, presided. The principal response of the evening, by Mrs. J. H. Windsor, was an eloquent address entitled "The Club Women of To-day." Other responses were made by Judge Prouty, Governor Cummins, and others.
The Seventh street viaduct, now a substantial fact in steel and cement, was anticipated by the so-called "Teachout Viaduct bill" which on the 3Ist of March,
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1902, was messaged over from the House, substituted for the Dowell bill and passed the Senate without dissent. It was in the form which had been agreed upon by the Commercial Exchange, the railroads and others specially interested in the bridging of the tracks.
The Folly of Party Politics in Municipal Affairs.
The spring election in 1902 was an eye-opener to many who had acquiesced in the unbusiness-like and absurd custom of carrying party politics into munici- pal elections. The republicans swept everything before them. "It was a famous victory ;" but-going no farther down than the head of the ticket,-it placed in the mayor's chair one James M. Brenton as the successor of a fairly capable and honorable democratic mayor, J. J. Hartenbower by name. Mr. Brenton brought to his office few qualifications for the position. A fluent talker, a generous prom- iser and a general "jollier," he rode into office upon indefinite pledges of reform. The Brenton administration measurably broke down, and many a party man vowed he would never again support a candidate simply because he had captured a party nomination. The Brenton episode in local politics was but another prep- aration of men's minds for the on-coming revolution in municipal affairs.
The largest meeting ever convened under the auspices of the Commercial Exchange was held at the Grant Club on the night of April 4. E. H. McVey announced it as a "harmony meeting" and many and various views were ex- pressed, all in the spirit of good-fellowship and with an evident purpose to "brace up" the new mayor. The chief interest centered upon Mayor Brenton, and the attitude he might take on public questions. Mr. Brenton was grateful for the support he had received and was proud to claim he was a republican. He approached the street railroad question guardedly, admitting that there were elements at work with which it was nearly impossible for him to cope. He had been mixed in politics for twenty-three years, and thought he knew some- thing about the game, but recent campaigns had shown him that he had not even graduated from the kindergarten! He frankly declared that in naming mem- bers of the police department he purposed to consider two things: their qualifi- cations for the position and "their friendliness to Jim Brenton"! He closed with a promise to give the city a clean administration.
One of the most baffling of mystery murders was that of the Peterson chil- dren, Lena, aged 16, and Thomas, aged 13, at about 9:30 on Sunday night, April 13, 1902. The deed was done at a lonely spot on Madison avenue, about a half-mile northeast of Highland Park College. The commonly accepted theory is that an assault was attempted on the girl, but was prevented by the resistance of the boy, and that the girl's life was taken, with that of the boy, to prevent the exposure of the criminal. No definite clue to the murder has ever been obtained.
The combined Myrtle-Capital Lodge No. 9, Knights of Pythias, already the largest Pythian Lodge in Iowa, on the 22d of April admitted the largest class of - candidates for membership-250 in number-ever admitted into any Pythian lodge. The addition made "No. 9" the largest Pythian domain in America.
The reported complete exhaustion of the general contingent fund with ten months of the current fiscal year yet remaining, and a prophesied diminution of future receipts from the police court, was the prospect with which the city council "viewed the remains" in May-two months after the famous partisan victory at the polls !
A local association of bookkeepers and accountants was in session May 14, with a view to affiliation with the State Association then temporarily organized. Louis Pritchard was president of the local body; Mrs. E. N. Blackman, vice president ; E. R. Snyder, secretary, and Franklin Campbell, treasurer. "The
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Loose Leaf and Card System," now so commonly used, was a question up for discussion at a later meeting of the association.
Again the Bugle-Call.
Fourteen years had elapsed between the first and the second meeting of the State Department of the Grand Army at the State Capital. The first encamp- ment was in 1888; the second, in 1902.
The return of the Grand Army of Iowa to the State Capital, in a two-days' celebration of the 28th anniversary of the order in Iowa, was an event of much interest locally. The encampment opened Tuesday, the 20th of May, with Gen- eral Given in the chair. Addresses of welcome were given by the Governor and the Mayor, with responses by Governor Van Sant, of Minnesota, General Dodge of Iowa, and others. The General gave many interesting personal recollections of Sherman. Governor Cummins received the visiting veterans at the Capitol. The event was made the occasion of many reunions-that of the "Vicksburg Survivors" being the most notable. The Veterans of the Spanish-American War held an interesting camp-fire, the Sons of Veterans renewed their youth, and the ladies of the Grand Army held a meeting for the election of officers.
The procession of several thousand veterans through the streets of the city was an impressive sight and was witnessed by throngs of people eager to pay tribute to the members of a fast-diminishing host.
Finally, on the 29th of May, 1902, the end came to the long life of the vener- able Noah Brockway Bacon. The centenarian passed peacefully into rest at the advanced age of 102 years 5 months and 10 days.
Memorial Day, 1902, was especially memorable by reason of the presence of the eloquent Gen. James A. Beaver, of Pennsylvania. The General's plea for the soldier was all the more eloquent because of the evidence the orator bore on his own person of the sacrifice he himself had made in the war for the supremacy of the Union.
The Ladies' Improvement League, on the 26th, dedicated the new fountain in City Hall Park, turning the ceremonies over to the Elks. Mrs. W. N. McKay, on behalf of the League, presented the fountain to the city and Mayor Brenton responded. Mrs. F. J. Van Horn and ex-Alderman John Gibson delivered ad- dresses strongly appealing to civic pride.
The Register Absorbs the Leader.
The first day of July, 1902, is the date of an important event in the history of Iowa journalism. On that date the Des Moines Leader, having half-completed it's eighteenth year, and the Iowa State Register, having half-completed its forty- third year, were merged into the Register and Leader. The Leader office was closed, and the consolidated paper was thereafter issued from the Register office.
The retirement of R. P. Clarkson was deeply regretted by the old office force of the Register. On the night of the 28th of June, just as "time" was called for lunch, the foreman of the composing room presented the venerable ex-printer, ex-publisher and ex-editor with a solid gold printer's rule, upon one side of which appeared the words: "December 6, 1870-June 30, 1902" -- the dates including the years of Mr. Clarkson's proprietory service on the Register.
The flood of July, 1902, exceeded any one of several disastrous floods recalled by the oldest inhabitant-always excepting that of 1851. The water-gauge at the highest point, July 10, showed 21.3 feet above the mean level, which was eleven inches higher than the highest previous high water mark. The submerged area covered several miles on the south side. The Great Western bridge went out-a loss of $20,000. But one fatality occurred, though many suffered great inconvenience and loss. A conservative estimate of the losses from the flood was $300,000.
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Articles of re-incorporation of the Warfield-Pratt-Howell company, filed July 14, increased the paid-up capital stock of the company from $500,000 to $1,000,- 000, and the authorized stock to $1,500,000. The increase was provided by a transfer of the surplus and undivided profits of the corporation to the capital stock account. The incorporators and directors were J. W. Howell, W. J. Pratt, W. S. Warfield, E. C. Finkbine, D. E. Howell, J. G. Berryhill and H. B. Shepard.
The death of Isaac Cooper in California, late in August, removed a veritable "ancient landmark." Mr. Cooper came to Fort Des Moines early in the forties and his many and varied activities made his career part of the history of the town. He died in his ninetieth year, survived by his three children, Mrs. F. M. Hubbell and Mrs. W. H. Ginn, of Des Moines, and Fenimore Cooper of Oleta. Mrs. Ginn was with her father at the time of his death. The remains were con- veyed to Des Moines for burial.
The armored cruiser "Des Moines" was launched September 20, in the ship- yards of Quincy, Mass. A party from Des Moines, including Governor Cum- mins and several other State officers, Mayor Brenton and a number of other citi- zens of Des Moines, witnessed the launching. Miss Elsie Macomber, a native of Des Moines, christened the cruiser.
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