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 54
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The death of General James A. Williamson, of New York, in September and his burial in Arlington cemetery, near Washington, on the 9th, brought back to many still living in Des Moines memories of their former townsman who had gone from them to the war and had won fame and high position as a soldier, and later had won honors and wealth as a railroad builder. General Williamson was commissioner of the general land-office under President Grant. Later, he became commissioner of lands with the Atlantic & Pacific railroad and took charge of construction work. Later, still, he became president of the company. With large ability as a lawyer, General Williamson had still larger ability as a practical man of affairs. He died at the age of 73.
The Odd Fellows of the Country in Des Moines.
The Sovereign Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows convened in Iowa's Capital city on the week beginning Sunday, November 14. Dr. Breeden delivered the annual sermon. Nearly all the states of the Union were represented-and many of the states with large delegations. The regular proceedings were enlivened Wednes- day forencon by a grand parade in which, as was reported, from eight to twelve thousand Odd Fellows were in line. On that evening a banquet was served by the local Odd Fellows, at which about six hundred brethren sat down together. Toasts and responses happily filled the hours after the dinner. Thursday fore- noon, the Patriarchs Militant, the uniformed rank of the Odd Fellows, gave a prize drill on the Fair Grounds. The many tents, and the many signs of tent- life, to be seen on the grounds recalled the days of '98 when "the big four" regi- ments of Iowa Infantry were there in camp. Thursday evening, the Iowa de- partment of the order. gave a reception to the visiting Patriarchs Militant. On the same evening, Crocker Post gave a "smoker" in honor of Confederate and Union ex-soldiers in attendance on the Supreme Lodge. General Given and Dr. Hutchins eloquently welcomed their guests. Judge Semmes, of Alabama, as eloquently responded.
In October, Secretary Shaw made final decision in favor of the Walnut street, or river front, site for the new post-office. There had been some opposition to this site; but the excellence of the carrier system had made the location question one of little interest to the average citizen, and there was general satisfaction with the Government's contribution to the beautification of the river front.
The Homestead newspaper and plant, a valuable property, was put under the hammer, October 16,-the final outcome of a long struggle in the courts be- tween James M. Pierce, the incumbent and Samuel F. Stewart, formerly a part-
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ner. Mr. Pierce outbid his rival for possession, and the much coveted Home- stead property was sold to him for $162,010. The fact that the property was to remain with Mr. Pierce was the occasion of a joyful demonstration from the employes. Both parties seemed highly pleased with the outcome; Mr. Pierce, because he knew the growing value of the plant, and Mr. Stewart because he had made Pierce pay well for the property.
The eloquent Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt, president of the National Equal Suffrage Association, addressed the state convention of equal suffragists in Des Moines, October 29, and was welcomed by many local suffragists.
The appointment, in November, of Richard P. Clarkson, ex-editor of the Register, to the Pension Agency of Iowa and Nebraska, came just in time to "round out the career" of a man who had done much for Iowa and for its Capi- tal city.
The venerable General William Booth, his daughter Mrs. Booth-Tucker, and other prominent general officers of the Salvation Army, arrived in Des Moines Friday night, December 6. The General addressed three large audiences on Sunday.
1903 --- THE YEAR ROOSEVELT CAPTURED DES MOINES.
C. H. Getchell, one of Des Moines' strong men, died January 25, aged 62. He had resided in Des Moines since 1861, when with his brother-in-law George C. Tichenor, he founded the lumber business of Getchell & Tichenor, on the corner of Seventh and Locust. Later, he became a gold-miner. After three years spent in the far west, he returned to the lumber business in Des Moines, this time with his father and brothers, under the firm name of H. F. Getchell & Sons. The firm established branch yards throughout the state, and a wholesale business in Chicago. He aided in founding several institutions in Des Moines. To him and C. A. Dudley belongs the honor of doing most toward founding the Des Moines Public library. He was one of the projectors of the narrow-gauge road from Des Moines to Ames. He was vice-president of the Des Moines National Bank, and was identified with other successful institutions.
Early in the year 1903, there was a general movement in the Catholic diocese of Davenport to create a new diocese with Des Moines as the See city. From time to time thereafter the movement received new impetus; but not until the fall of I91I was the diocese created and Des Moines named as the See city.
On the 2d of February, W. L. Brown, for fifteen years manager of the Sav- ery, entered into a contract with D. S. Chamberlain for a new hotel to be erected for him on Seventh and Locust streets. Mr. Brown retired from the Savery, March I, to supervise the construction of the building. It was origi- nally planned for four stories, but the now well-known Chamberlain Hotel has six floors, with a large annex on Grand Avenue.
In February, '03, the Park Commission bought of the. Clifton Heights Land Company forty-three acres west and north of South Park, for $24,000, thus giving the South side of the city a capacious and beautiful park.
The Wellington Hotel, built as an experiment by Henry C. Hansen, was early in 1903 enlarged and improved, adding 120 guest-rooms to the 105 already in use. And even this enlargement proved inadequate, for eight years later Mr. Hansen entered into a contract to more than double the hotel's capacity.
Work on the immense warehouse and storage plant of the Blue Line Trans- fer Company was begun early in the spring of 1903, the building covering a quarter-block on Third and Elm.
The Capital City Woolen Mill was destroyed by fire on the night of March 7 with a los's of about $60,000, covered by insurance.
Mr. and Mrs. George White, pioneers, celebrated their golden wedding March 10. They had resided in Des Moines since 1863. Both have since died, leaving two daughters, Mrs. W. E. Mason, wife of ex-Senator Mason of Illi-
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nois, and Miss Frances R. White of Des Moines. Mr. White was a successful merchant in the Capital city, and Mr. and Mrs. White were pioneers of the Uni- tarian church in Iowa.
The consolidation of four local ice companies, the Crescent, the Arctic and the Des Moines, with the Iowa Ice Company was an important business change in March. The incorporators of the new company were O. E. Danielson, A. L. Clinite, J. M. Willoughby, J. A. Ruskin, V. L. Pugh and F. E. Clinite.
The long-heralded Jefferson Day, 1903, was celebrated, April 2 with a ban- quet in the evening and William Jennings Bryan and Gen. Adlai E. Stevenson the guests of honor. The General pleaded eloquently for party harmony and was applauded to the echo. A letter from William Randolph Hearst was read by Charles E. Russell, his personal representative, advocating harmony. Jerry B. Sullivan, of Creston, (now of Des Moines) made eloquent protest against "Imperialism." Gen. J. B. Weaver, of Colfax, had "come a thousand miles to attend the banquet" and spoke with his old-time fire in eulogy of Jeffersonian principles. But the climax was reached when, despite the lateness of the hour -- for it was nearly three a. m .- Mr .. Bryan was called on for a response. The "matchless orator" was greeted with a remarkable demonstration, verifying the fact that he had lost nothing of popularity in Iowa. He spoke first of "har- mony"-true and false -- and plainly stated that differences still existed. "Re- organization means retreat," said he, "and retreat means demoralization and dis-
aster. The party polled nearly a million more votes in support of the Chicago and Kansas City platforms than were polled by Mr. Cleveland even before his political crimes were exposed." In no uncertain terms did he pay his respects to the would-be reorganizers.
The corner-stone of the new courthouse was laid with ceremony on the 20th of April, the Masonic lodges of Des Moines, Mitchellville, Altoona, Valley Junction and Adelphi officiating. It was preceded by a Masonic parade. The principal address, a strong appeal to civic duty and civic pride, was delivered by Governor Cummins.
The Des Moines Ministerial Association went on record, on the forenoon of corner-stone day, with resolutions protesting against the "usurpation" "by a secret fraternity" of "a public function which should be performed only by a rep- resentative of the sovereign people;" also against the inscription of the name of that fraternity and of its "Most Worshipful Grand Master" on the corner- stone.
Sidney Lee, of London, the great Shakespearean scholar, lectured in Des Moines April 25, on "The Truth about Shakespeare and his Life." Dr. Lee convinced his auditors that he was a far better writer than lecturer.
On the 18th of April, occurred the death of James B. Locke, a master-builder whose name is associated with the erection of many of the largest edifices in the State of Iowa. His first work of magnitude was as a builder of railroad bridges. His supervision of work on the new State Capitol included the steps, the stone coping and curbing. In 1870, he became a partner of Robert S. Finkbine in the construction of state buildings, railroad bridges, banks and business houses, in which work he won a name for thoroughness and integrity and in the prosecu- tion of the work acquired a competency. Only three months before this sad death, Mr. and Mrs. Locke had celebrated their golden wedding, with their three living children and several grandchildren about them.
Roosevelt Captures Des Moines.
Preparations for the postponed visit of President Roosevelt (April 28) be- gan in the middle of March. The city officers and the Commercial Exchange made all the arrangements for the day. Governor Cummins, Senators Allison and Dolliver, Representative Hull, Mayor Brenton and a party of prominent citizens met the President at Clarinda early on the morning of April 28, and proceeded with their distinguished guest to Des Moines, arriving in the city at
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2:20 p. m., where carriages awaited the party. A question of official etiquette raised by Mayor Brenton was settled by the selection of the Governor and the Mayor to ride with the President from the depot, barring out Representative Hull who had first been named, with the Governor, for the temporary honor. The other plans were carried out without friction. The carriages moved slowly, of necessity, through the vast crowd, escorted by Capt. H. H. Polk of "Troop A." A gorgeous display of bunting lined the street, with flags floating overhead. Along the line of the procession, were thousands of school children whose greet- ings met with generous response from the President.
Large delegations came in the morning from all parts of central and north- ern Iowa, and it was no exaggeration to say that at least a hundred thousand people saw the President. In response to an expressed desire to have a view of the city, President Roosevelt was given an hour's drive through the principal streets. The other hour was given over mainly to speech-making. During the drive, the President gallantly shook hands with a young lady on horseback, and, at a brief stop along the line, improved the time shaking hands with several ladies and kissing one very kissable baby.
A flying visit was paid the Shriners at the Auditorium. A three-minute speech, and he was off again for his last stop at the State House grounds, where he ac- commodatingly divided time with the thousands in front, and other thousands at his right and left and in the rear. He was in high spirits and made a pleasing impression on an easily pleased audience.
The President was gratified to meet a number of old friends, among them Captain Hull, "Lafe" Young, Editor Howell of Atlanta and others; but he ex- pressed no greater pleasure than when he met Eugene Waterbury, who was a corporal in Company B, of Colonel Roosevelt's "Rough Riders." "Waterbury, I'm mighty glad to see you, old man!" was the hearty greeting given.
The talk at the Auditorium was a keenly appreciative expression of pleasure in being in Iowa and in her Capital city and of the enthusiastic greeting given him. His general theme was Iowa's prominence in agriculture and the necessity of legislation which would make rural life more desirable.
Reaching the State House grounds forty minutes behind time, he looked over the broad acres of humanity with the imposing State House in the background, and said to Governor Cummins: "This is the most magnificent spectacle I have witnessed, and nowhere have I been given so hearty an ovation. I speak truly when I say that this is a sight I shall never forget."
The President's first utterance was "My friends and fellow citizens, I have almost begun to think I have seen all Iowa !" He paid high compliment to Gov- ernor Cummins and Congressman Hull; spoke eloquently of the veterans of the Civil War, representatives of whom sat before him; he congratulated Iowa on her soil and climate, on her crops and products, "but especially upon her crop of children," adding: "They seem to be all right from the standpoint of both quality and quantity ! And as I like the stock, I am glad it is not dying off."
Much of the speech was devoted to the Civil War and Iowa's glorious part in the struggle; but the President did not forget to pay tribute to the representa- tives of the War of 1898, adding: "Now you and I, of the younger genera- tion, did not have the tasks that they, the men of the great war had. All we had to do was to show that we were willing-I trust I may say anxious-if op- portunity arose, to show ourselves not wholly unworthy of the men of the days of 1861 to 1865."
On May 15, 1903, occurred the death of John Wyman, a resident of Des Moines since 1867. Mr. Wyman was a pioneer dry-goods merchant of the city. He was. later, one of the organizers of the New England Loan & Trust Com- pany and was the company's first president. He was also a founder and the first president of the Des Moines National Bank. About three years before his death,
DEER AND FAWN Grand View Park
BIRDLAND, UNION PARK
ELKS IN PADDOCK, GRAND VIEW PARK
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he resigned the presidency of another company of which he was one of the or- ganizers, --- the Iowa Deposit & Loan Company. He was long a member of the school board, and was interested in everything regarded by him as likely to benefit his city.
A mass meeting of citizens without credal or racial distinction was held in Des Moines in May to protest against Russian cruelty toward the Jews of Kis- hener, and as a result more than $1,000 was raised in aid of the sufferers.
Still Higher High-Water Mark!
Even the high-water record of 1902 was beaten by that of 1903. Not since the historic floods of '51 had the waters of the Des Moines and the Raccoon risen as high as in 1903. The damage of the earlier period was much lighter because there was less improved property for the flood to work upon. But in 1903 there was nothing like the general distress which followed the floods of fifty-two years before, for the little community then was practically cut off from the outside world of supplies; while the sufferers of the later time were promptly relieved through the organization of our modern social life. Late in May, occurred a tornado in South Des Moines which resulted in two deaths and the destruction of several buildings. This was followed by unusually heavy rains. The river rose very fast. Rain continued to fall swelling the flood, until on the 28th, all records for fifty-two years had been broken. The highest record made by the Des Moines was 23 feet 5 inches above high water-mark. On that day, water began flowing into the power-house of the street-railway, stopping the city's street-car system. The entire lower levels of the city were several feet under water and hundreds of families were compelled to vacate. The streets approach- ing the Capitol looked like canals and the entire southern portion of the city was a vast lake dotted with half submerged houses. Part of the Melan arch of the new Sixth Avenue bridge went out, jeopardizing the bridge below. A workman trying to save the false work of the bridge was drowned.
On the 30th, after the flood reached the height of 23 feet, 5 inches, the water began to subside, and the danger was past. More than fifteen hundred homeless ones temporarily housed in the hotels, churches, schools, and the State Capitol building went back to their homes. Life in the bottom lands soon resumed its various activities as though nothing had happened. The loses from the flood were considerable, estimated by the press at not less than $350,000.
Late in September, 1903, it was announced in the press that the possessions of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick M. Hubbell had been conveyed to Frederick M., Frede- rick C., and Grover C. Hubbell as "trustees of the Frederick M. Hubbell Estate," the conveyance providing "that in case there are no lineal descendants of Fred- erick M. Hubbell at the end of the trust period the estate should go to the State of Iowa to be used in founding a college of learning in the city of Des Moines." The trust period would terminate twenty-one years after the death of the last of the parties named in the instrument, namely: Mrs. Hubbell and the children and grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Hubbell. By this conveyance the Hubbell estate will be kept intact after the decease of the head of the family.
The opening of "the Iowa Falls road" formally named the St. Paul and Des Moines, and recently absorbed by the Rock Island system, was an event so marked that on the 18th of September, 1903, 269 business men of Des Moines celebrated it by a trip to the northern terminus of the road, in response to the invitation of the builder and president, E. C. Ellsworth. A delightful ride to Iowa Falls, a bounteous noon lunch served by the ladies, an address of welcome by Mayor Funk, a hearty response by D. B. Lyon, a number of impromptu speeches, a tramp through the picturesque glen and a ride about the beautiful little city, are among the pleasurablemembered incidents of the day. Among the incidents was a Vol. I-25
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"mock council" held on the stage of the opera house by a quorum of the Des Moines council, presided over by Mayor Brenton. The proceedings were humor- ously suggestive of the then recent meetings of that body.
Three Prominent Iowans Pass Away.
In the fall of 1903 occurred in quick succession three deaths of men who are part of the history of the State and its Capital city.
First, September 23, came the death of Col. John Scott, long a resident of Nevada, but during his last years a resident of Des Moines. A veteran of the Mexican War and of the War of the Rebellion, a legislator, a distinguished agri- culturist and stock-breeder, stalwart and vigorous in mind and body, genial and companionable to the last, at the age of 79, his life was rounded into a degree of completeness attained by few.
The month had not yet passed (September 27), when John H. Rollins, long one of Des Moines' most prominent business men, closed his long career of use- fulness. He, too, was 79 years of, age, and, when the end came, was apparently in the enjoyment of excellent health. A stroke of paralysis in the morning re- sulted in his death in the evening. Mr. Rollins was identified with a number of extensive interests. He was president of the Iowa Pipe and Tile Company and of the Rollins Vinegar and Pickle Company, and a director and heavy stockholder in the Citizens National, the German Savings bank and the Security Loan and Trust Company. He had loyally served for ten years as a member of the city council at a time when membership of that body was full of embarrassment to a genuinely public-spirited citizen.
On the 20th of November came the announcement of the death of Gen. Francis M. Drake, ex-Governor of Iowa. His four years' residence in Des Moines, his extensive interests centering here, and his intimate acquaintance with Des Moines' leading citizens, caused many to regard his death as a positive loss. It was fitting that the University which bears his name and to which he had gen- erously contributed much time and money, should hold Memorial services after his death. On Monday afternoon, November 23, at the hour of his funeral in Centerville, the students, faculty and friends of Drake University assembled in the chapel and joined in personal tributes to the character, public services and ยท benefactions of their departed friend. But the tributes to the memory of General Drake were not confined to the University. Nearly all the officers of State, and many prominent citizens of Des Moines went to Centerville in a special car, that they might show the General's family and friends the strength of their personal regard for the distinguished railroad builder, soldier, statesman, financier and philanthropist. The will of the late Francis M. Drake, for which search had been diligently made, finally, late in November, came to light, having been deposited by the Governor with the Des Moines Consistory of the Scottish Rite Masons. In this will Drake University was remembered to the amount of $50,000.
1904-THE YEAR OF THE STATE HOUSE FIRE.
The most startling local occurrence of the new year, 1904, was the fire on the 4th of January, which came near destroying the splendid Capitol building, one of the finest structures in the country, as viewed from the architect's standpoint, and, with the building, the State Library with nearly a hundred thousand volumes, many of which could scarcely have been replaced.
At II a. m., parties approaching the Capitol from the west saw a cloud of smoke arising from the north end of the building. The nearest alarm was turned in and the entire fire department of the city was soon upon the ground. The firemen guided by Capitol officials proceeded to the great attic above the House of Representatives and found it a mass of flames. Soon the water pressure was found to be wholly inadequate and the efforts of the firemen, directed by Chief Burnett, and of the State officers and employes, led by Governor Cummins in
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person, were mainly directed to the prevention of the spread of the flames to the rotunda and so to the attic on the south side and to the library, separated from the House of Representatives by a single brick wall and from the attic by a ceil- ing in which there was a large stained-glass imitation skylight. This brick wall grew hotter and hotter, until the Governor directed that, with such pressure as the firemen could command, the water should be turned on the east wall of the library. The water could not reach the high ceiling, and those most interested could only watch the fire through the stained glass and wonder whether it would make headway or die out. Meantime firemen and employes were battling heroically in the rotunda overhead to prevent the spread of the flames south- ward. At about 2:30 p. m., when the destruction of the library seemed inevitable, chutes were improvised and extended from the upper windows of the library to the library-porch, and thence to the ground, and, under orders from the Gover- nor, and under direction of the State Librarian, some twenty or thirty thousand of the more valuable books were taken from the shelves to the chutes, and will- ing hands transferred them to the longer chute extending from the porch to the ground. Meantime there had collected on the library floor several inches of water which dripped down into the Supreme Court room, destroying the fres- cees on the walls. The fire extended into the south gallery of the House of Representatives and, with the water, made havoc in that beautiful auditorium. After a hurried consultation with Architect Liebbe, Governor Cummins directed that all the office-buildings as well as the library be cleared of furniture and valuables. The militia was called out to protect the State's property and preserve order if necessary.
At about the middle of the afternoon, the catastrophe developed into a tragedy. F. J. Elbert, a sub-foreman employed at the time of the fire in electrifying the building, was moving about in the attic above the House of Representatives, when, overcome by smoke, he stepped, or fell, upon the lathing which held the plaster, and the ceiling gave way. He fell with a heavy thud upon the floor of the House. The lifeless body was borne to an ambulance and taken to the El- bert home. Meanwhile the volume of smoke and tongues of flame continued to rise from the north wing, seeming to set at nought the efforts of the fire-fight- ers on the inside. But as night came on, the flame disappeared and the smoke diminished in volume, giving evidence that the fire was burning itself out in the attic. Watchmen stayed by it all night and for several nights thereafter to pre- vent the wind from fanning the smouldering fire into a blaze. For several weeks a thin curling column of smoke arose from one of the smaller domes on the north end of the building, but no trace of its origin could be found. Not until that ceased was the relief complete.
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