USA > Iowa > Black Hawk County > Historical and biographical record of Black Hawk County, Iowa > Part 67
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The Cedar River Mills of John Forrest & Co., manufacture various brands of oatmeal, and are preparing to make, also, pearl barley and granulated corn meal. The building was originally built as a starch- mill, about 1870, but as such failed to profit its owners. It was sold to Harris & Cole Bros., who retained a portion of the build- ing for their pump factory, and leased the remainder to Canada parties who convert- ed it into an oatmeal-mill. This was pur- chased in October, 1883, by John Forrest & Co., who made improvements two years later. From twenty to twenty-five hands are constantly employed, and produce daily 200 barrels of oatmeal, the greater part of which is shipped to Europe. The capital stock of this company is $50,000.
The Cedar Falls Paper Manufacturing Company makes heavy straw wrapping paper, and was incorporated in December, 1882, by John Neff, George E. Wheeler and W. R. Graham. Messrs. Neff and Wheeler had commenced the business early in 1882. At the beginning of 1886, J. W. & J. C. Kingman became sole owners. The capital stock of the company is $60,000. They employ twenty-five to thirty-five
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hands, and the annual product is worth about $35,000. They pay $8,000 to $10,000 annually for straw, and as much more for labor.
The Cedar Falls Canning Company be- gan in 1883, with a capital stock of $25,000, and erected an engine-house and store- house, both of stone. The latter is 64 x 40 feet in size, with metal top. The main building is a two-story structure 84 x 40 feet in dimensions. Here the cans are made and filled with the food to be eaten the following winter on the tables of peo- ple in every State in the Union. The cooking is done in steam retorts in a bath- room 34 x 40 feet in size. Steam-power is used for most purposes. While prepared to put up both tomatoes and corn, the lat- ter is principally used. In 1885, 332,000 two-pound cans of corn were prepared and sold. That a fine article is made is shown conclusively by the fact that some of this corn was sold in the East at 10 cents a dozen more than the Eastern product brought in the local markets of Iowa. The canning season lasts from six to seven weeks. Charles A. Wise is President of the company; J. J. Tolerton, Vice-President, and T. B. Carpenter, Secretary and Man- ager.
Harris & Cole Bros., as before stated, purchased the old starch-mill in 1875, of E. M. Woodworth, and afterward sold a por- tion to the oatmeal manufacturers. In the part reserved for their own use they com- menced the manufacture of pumps in the winter of 1876-'7. They made 12,000 pumps in 1885, which were sold in Iowa, Nebras- ka, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Kan- sas. From twenty-five to thirty hands are employed here, and as many at Columbia, Tennessee, where the firm have a saw-mill.
The Cedar Falls Mill Company was in- corporated in April, 1883, though Rhodes & Dayton had carried on the business for twelve years before. Previous to the in-
corporation, Mr. Gandolfo was admitted to partnership. At present, M. N. Dayton is President; W. A. Dungane, Superintendent, and S. G. Moyer, Secretary and Treasurer. The full roller process is employed, and ten men receive wages. The capacity of the mill is 200 barrels per day. Their trade extends over Illinois and Iowa.
Bozarth & Son have a sorghum factory at "Cedar City," a suburb of Cedar Falls. It is an extensive concern, of large impor- tance to the agricultural community. Other manufacturing enterprises are the foundries of Albricht & Wilder and Goodman & Rus- sell, and S. Smith's creamery.
CHURCHES.
There are a goodly number of houses of worship at Cedar Falls. The oldest relig- ious organization is the
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. - The origin of the churches at Cedar Falls and Waterloo was the organization of a society east of the former place in 1851, by Rev. Asbury Collins. Cedar Falls Circuit was es- tablished by conference in the autumn of 1853, and Revs. Ingham and Smith were appointed to the charge. About the same time a class was organized at Cedar Falls. Revs. Burley and Kendall traveled the circuit in 1854-'5, and were succeeded by Rev. P. E. Brown. Rev. S. Alger was appointed in 1856, but resigned. Rev. Ed- win Lamb succeeded him, but died soon after, and the year was filled out by Rev. Hiram Hood.
Cedar Falls was made a station in 1857, Rev. Rufus Ricker taking charge. Rev. W. F. Paxton came in 1859. Although he was a fine preacher and an energetic preacher, he is best remembered for the dashing style in which he got his wife. Miss Dimheart was teaching in the public school, and Rev. Mr. Paxton had become decidedly smit- ten. Agentleman arrived from Wisconsin, expecting to marry her. Rev. Frank heard
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that he had come, and on what errand. He drove over to the school-house, got her into his buggy, proceeded to Waterloo, and married her off-hand.
Rev. David Poor followed in 1861, dur- ing whose stay a church was built, suc- ceeded by Rev. Landon Taylor and Rev. L. D. Tracy. Rev. John Bowman came in the autumn of 1862 and remained two years. During his pastorate, the society having outgrown the old church, another was built of brick. The new building was dedicated Sunday, December 4, 1864, the sermon being preached by Rev. A. J. Ky- nett to a large audience. The notables present were Rev. Messrs. William Brush, William Fawcett, John Van Anda and the presiding elder, R. Norton. The remain- ing indebtedness on the church, about $2, 300, was provided for during the day.
Rev. R. Norton filled the station from 1864 to 1866, succeeded by Rev. J. G. Dimmett, Rev. R. W. Keeler, Rev. D. Sheffer, Rcv. A. B. Kendig, Rev. R. D. Parsons, Rev. J. H. Rhea, E. K. Young, W. F. Paxton and S. W. Heald. The last named was assigned to this charge in the autumn of 1883.
The church has a membership of about 375.
The Sabbath-school was organized in 1857, by withdrawal from the Union Sab- bath-school, managed under the joint care of the Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist churches. The Sabbath-school is managed by five officers and twenty-five teachers, and has an average attendance of 175. J. J. Tolerton is superintendent.
BAPTIST CHURCH .- This church was or- ganized in the autumn of 1854, by Rev. L. Knapp, who held regular services for about two years, when he removed to Joliet, Illinois. July 31 the society had a meeting at the school-house, at which time the members resolved to place the church on a sound footing, and to seek rec-
ognition from the other churches, which was accomplished August 28. Rev. Mr. Dean, of New Hartford, preached to the little band till November 21, when Rev. W. K. Walton was invited to become the pastor, who was ordained December 23, and remained in charge till November 21, 1860. Hc was succeeded by Rcv. H. E. Bailey. Rev A. G. Eberhart became pastor September 1, 1862, and remained till No- vember 27, 1867. His was a prosperous ministry, for the church was largely in- creased, twenty-six being received into fel- lowship at one meeting.
The society had bought the old school- house and converted it into a parsonage in 1854. During Mr. Eberhart's stay the church was built. It was dedicated in 1863. Following Elder Eberhart came Elders D. N. Mason, Star and W. H. Stifler, covering a period of about eight years. Rev. G. W. Wisselius became pas- tor June 23, 1876, but resigned December IO. A difficulty had arisen between him and the church, which was the cause of much local and newspaper comment. He was succeeded by Rev. L. T. Bush, March 4, 1877, Rev. H. Williams in August, 1881, and Rev. William W. Onderdonk, July, 1885. The membership is now 175. The Sunday-school was first organized May 8, 1859, and has now an average attendance of seventy-five. Charles Locke is super- intendent.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH .- The beginning of this church dates from March 18, 1855, when the society was organized under the ministration of Rev. J. M. Phillips, with seven members, all of them now dead. Rev. Mr. Phillips remained till October 17, 1858, services being held usually in Mul- larky's Hall during his stay. Rev. William Porterfield was installed pastor December 31, 1858, and withdrew October 14, 1861, leaving an unpleasant impression behind him. The church was built during his
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stay, which was dedicated in October of that year, the Synod being in session at Cedar Falls during the time.
Rev. Stephen Waterbury became pastor December 9, 1861, and remained just three years. Rev. Albert True presided from May 21, 1865, to January 6, 1867, followed by Rev. D. Russell from April 7, 1867, to March 28, 1869, during whose stay a con- siderable revival was experienced. Rev. S. M. Griffith was called to the pulpit July 16, 1869, and ministered till August 31, 1872, leaving a good reputation. Rev. A. J. Compton remained only a short time- from October 11, 1872, to May II, 1873. On the latter date Rev. A. B. Goodale as- sumed charge of the church, and remained a little over four years. Mr. Goodale, who had been a missionary in the East Indies, proved a valuable pastor, for the member- ship of the church was considerably in- creased during his stay.
Rev. John Wood took charge Septem- ber 3, 1877, and was succeeded by Rev. Donald Fletcher in January, 1879, Rev. W. E. Mack in October, 1880, and Rev. Ed- ward Warren in April, 1884.
The present membership is about 125. The Synod has held two sessions here, and the Presbytery three.
The Sabbath-school is very large, there being about 140 pupils, under the superin- tendency of Caleb May.
ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH .- This is one of the oldest societies in Cedar Falls. The first mass was celebrated by Rev. Father McGinnis, at the house of Andrew Mullarky, in January, 1855, and in the even- ing of that day he lectured at the school- house. The main occasion for this visit was the recent birth of Elizabeth E. Mul- larky (Mrs. A. H. Morrill), Father McGin- nis having been summoned to administer the rite of confirmation.
In May of that year Bishop Loras, ac- companied by another clergyman, visited
Cedar Falls and provided for regular serv- ices, which were conducted for several months, by Rev. Mr. Brady, succeeded by Rev. Mr. Slattery. In 1856 Father Shields assumed charge, and in 1857, during his pastorate, a church was built on Washing- ton street, just above Seventh. Father Shields died at Waverly in 1870, and was succeeded by Father McLaughlin, followed by Father Gunn, who remained three years, and added a residence to the church property. His successors were Rev. Messrs. . O'Dowd, Flavin and Ryan. Next came Father Smith, under whose energetic man- agement a splendid church was built.
The corner-stone was laid August II, 1876. Mass was celebrated by Rev. Mr. Smith, assisted by Rev. Messrs. Scallon, of Waterloo, and Niemers, of Gilbertville. This was followed by a procession to the location of the new church, succeeded by a sermon preached by Rev. Mr. Smith, and the placing of the stone.
The edifice, which was erected near the former one, was dedicated November 4, by Rt -. Rev. John Hennessy. Mass was said in the forenoon by Rev. Mr. Smith, assisted by several pastors of neighboring churches. The services lasted far into the afternoon, the sermon being preached by Bishop Hen- nessy, with his accustomed eloquence and power. The music was supplied by the choir from the church at Waterloo. Not- withstanding that a severe snow storm was prevailing, the spacious church was densely crowded, visitors being in attendance from the churches in the vicinity of Cedar Falls. Next morning a large number were con- firmed at the church by the bishop in per- son.
Father Charles McCabe, the present pas- tor, came in 1878.
There are about eighty families con- nected with St. Patrick's.
ST. LUKE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH .- This society was organized in the spring of 1855,
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by Rev. James Keeler, at the school-house. Rev. James Gifford succeeded Mr. Keeler the following year, preaching alternately at Cedar Falls and Waterloo. Rev. Walter Loyd followed in 1861.
Rev. H. C. Kinncy assumed charge in 1864. He soon returned to New York, married, and brought his bride to Cedar Falls. By the free use of Mrs. Kinney's money and his own hard work the church was built. Mr. and Mrs. Kinney remained till 1869, leaving poorer in purse than when they came, but with a tender remembrance of them by all his parishioners. Rev. Ezra Isaacs occupied the pulpit for a short time in 1873.
Rev. F. Humphreys took pastoral charge in 1873, and remained until the winter of 1877-'78, when he was succeeded by Rev. Dr. Estabrook, of Independence. The pres- ent rector, Rev. W. F. Lloyd, came in August, 1882. There are now about thirty communicants.
A Sabbath-school has been maintained since the organization of the church.
GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH .- A society of this church was organized in the summer of 1865, by Rev. B. Durschner. Services were held in the Presbyterian church for a year; but by the exertions of Mr. Dursch- ner and the substantial help of Mr. Bæhmler (deceased), the society had a church of its own in the autumn of 1866.
Rev. L. Lish accepted a call to the church in the spring of 1867, and remained till July, 1868, followed by Rev. B. Fælsch, who came directly hither from Germany. Mr. Fælsch began by holding morning and evening services every Sabbath, and heard a Bible class every Wednesday evening, besides preaching, for a time, on alternate Sabbath afternoons at Waterloo. In 1880 came C. Mehrtens, and in 1883 Rev. Bar- kow, the present pastor.
The congregation numbers about sixty- five families. A school-house has been built
under Mr. Barkow, which is used for a parochial school.
GERMAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH .- The first services of this faith were held at the old school-house in 1857, by Rev. Messrs. Shafely and More, who preached three or four times. Rev. Mr. Phile visited Cedar Falls every three or four weeks, during 1859, usually preaching in dwelling-houses. Rev. Henry Klinsorge came in 1860 and remained one year. Rev. Henry Hinser came in 1861, remaining two years, under whose pastorate a revival was held, result- ing in fifty additions to the society. A. church was also built during his pastorate. His successors were Rev. Jacob Keiber, two years; Rev. Mr. Bernner, one year ; Rev. Mr. Harlacher, two years; Rev. Mr. Schultz, two years; Rev. Jacob Nuhn, one year; Rev. Mr. Harlacher, three years ; Rev. Mr. Klinsorge, two years; Rev. Mr. Bernner, three years ; Rev. Mr. Pfund, two years; Rev. Mr. Gruener, three years, and Rev. Mr. Raal, three years. During this time the church grew from a mission to a circuit, and from that to a station.
Another church was built in 1876, and the old church was converted into a day- school room. The new building is 36 x 64 feet, with spire 114 feet high, and cost $6,- 500. The dedication ceremonies were held on Sunday, December 24, the sermon being preached by Bishop Esher, of Chicago.
The church includes about seventy fami- lies. The Sunday-school was organized in 1 869.
DANISH LUTHERAN CHURCH .- This so- ciety was organized in 1871, by Rev. A. S. Neilson, who settled in Cedar Falls the same year. The project for building was en- tered on in the following year. The edifice was dedicated September 7, 1873, the ser- mon being preached by the pastor. The building is 40 x 60 feet in size, with vesti- bule and spire, and cost about $4,000. It is located toward the southwestern part of
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the city. The membership is about seventy. The next pastor after Rev. Neilson was Rev. J. Jensen, who came in September, 1879. The present pastor, Rev. C. Chris- tianson, came in 1885.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH .- In accord- ance with letters missive, a council met at the Congregational Hall in Cedar Falls, July 7, 1860, to consider the question of organ- izing a Congregational church. The min- isters attending were: J. R. Nutting, Bradford ; J. C. Holbrook, Dubuque ; H. N. Gates, Earlville ; I. Russell, Buffalo Grove ; O. Emerson, Twelve-Mile Creek ; O. W. Merrill, Waterloo. Revs. J. R. Upton and L. B. Fifield attended, though not as members. The following day -Sunday-the church at Cedar Falls was organized with seventeen members- six males and eleven females. The sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Holbrook, and the fellowship of the churches extended by Rev. H. N. Gates.
Rev. L. B. Fifield, of Manchester, was invited to become pastor, which he did at that time, and remained until June 10, 1870. Mr. Fifield was an excellent preacher, his matter being better than his manner. He was a studious, bookish man, reserved in manner and made acquaintances slowly. One peculiarity was his inattention on the street to his acquaintances, frequently pass- ing without seeming to see them.
The society in 1862 purchased the build- ing which had been erected by the Meth- odists. The church received help until 1872 from the Home Missionary Society, when, through the exertions of the present pastor, Rev. C. Gibbs, who assumed charge shortly after Mr. Fifield's withdrawal, the society became self-supporting.
The present membership is about 100 ; there having been in all about 200 names borne on the church book. The Sabbath-school was organized in 1860. Its superintendents have been G. N. Miner,
James Miller and W. C. Bryant. About 130 pupils attend.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Black Hawk Lodge, No. 65, A. F. & A. M., was organized in 1853. The present officers are: E. L. Andrews, Worthy Master; W. H. Hurd, Senior Warden; A. Grundy, Junior Warden ; Will F. Whittaker, Secre- tary ; H. B. Cropper, Treasurer ; William Morris, Senior Deacon ; Hans Hyer, Junior Deacon ; F. Peterson, Tiler. The present membership is seventy, and meetings are held on Monday evening, on or before each full moon.
Valley Chapter, No. 20, R. A. M., was or- ganized under dispensation, November 3, 1857, with James Keeler as M. E. H. P. ; John Garrison, E. K .; S. H. Packard, E. S .; M. Simons, Treasurer; John H. Brown, Secretary ; Charles R. Arnold, C. H .; Robert Lapsley, P. S .; S. P. Brainard, R. A. C .; S. A. Bishop, 3d V .; John Hartman, 2d V.
The charter was issued in October, 1858.
The present officers are : L. H. Severin, H. P .; C. H. Rodenbach, K .; W. H. Stick- ney, Scr .; W. H. Hurd, Treasurer ; H. B. Cropper, Secretary ; S. Van Der Vaart, C. of H .; H. H. Piersol, P. S .; Hans Hyer, R. A. C .; P. Hoagland, 3d V .; W. R. Graham, 2d V .; W. A. Bennett, G. The chapter has sixty members and meets the Tuesday evening on or before the full moon.
Baldwin Commandery, No. 1I, K. T .- The dispensation of this body was issued by W. E. Leffingwell, Grand Commander, December 15, 1866, and the commandery was organized and instituted by E. A. Guil- bert, D. G. Commander, April 3, 1867. The charter was issued November 13, 1867, and the officers chosen were: G. B. Van Saun, E. C .; S. A. Bishop, Gen .; E. Townsend, C. G .; A. G. Thompson, Prelate; J. M. Benjamin, Treasurer ; S. H. Packard, Recorder ; Frank Neely, S. W .; A. B. Ses-
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HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY.
sions, J. W .; L. N. Fabrick, St. B .; E. A. Haskell, Sw. B .; P. Pickton, W .; J. G. Dimmitt, S.
The officers for 1886 are: C. A. Wise, Com .; H. B. Cropper, Gen .; C. C. Knapp, C. G .; C. H. Rodenbach, S. W .; L. H. Sev- erin, J. W .; W. A. Bennett, Treasurer ; W. H. Hurd, Recorder; H. H. Piersol, Warder; William Morris, St. B .; W. J. McNally, Sw. B .; C. Schellenger, Sentinel. The commandery has seventy members, and meets on Friday evening, on or before each full moon.
Cedar Falls Lodge, No. 71, I. O. O. F., was established October 10, 1855. Among its charter members were Dr. H. H. Meredith, B. B. Smith, Andrew Kennedy and J. M. Benjamin. The officers at present writing are: T. L. Story, N. G .; John Haskett, V. G .; A. W. Warren, Secretary; Zach. Mc- Nally, Treasurer. The lodge has fifty-seven members and meets every Thursday even- ing.
Cedar Valley Lodge, No. 223, I. O. O. F., was instituted by a dispensation, naming Henry Pfeiffer, Jacob Pfeiffer, Sebastian Klaus, Jacob Geier, F. Bepler, Adam Clos, Philip Hopp, Morris Leopold, Chas. Hesse and John Collman. The charter was granted October 17, 1872. The pres- ent officers are : Rodolph Fegerst, N. G .; Chris. Waldoff, V. G .; Abram Wild, Sec- retary ; John Rapp, Treasurer. The lodge has thirty-one members and meets on Wed- nesday evenings.
Mt. Moriah Encampment, No. 25, I. O. O. F., was organized in June, 1883. The of- ficers at present writing are : M. Davis, C. P .; Abram Wild, S. W .; T. L. Story, H. P .; H. N. Wheeler, J. W .; A. W. Warren, Secretary. The membership is thirty-four and meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.
Cedar Falls Lodge, No. 32, A. O. U. W., was organized October 23, 1875, with the following as officers: S. H. Packard, P.
M. W .; R. O. Beeson, M. W .; Phil. Boehm- ler, Foreman; Francis Cox, Overseer ; T. F. Beswick, Guide ; L. O. Howland, Re- corder ; S. N. Pierce, Financier ; W. P. Overman, Receiver ; H. C. Shaver, I. W .; F. H. Hurd, O. W .; T. F. Beswick, Francis Cox, F. A. Hotchkiss, Trustees. The present officers are : Jay W. Smith, P. M. W .; M. N. Dayton, M. W .; F. Matthias, F .; Z. McNally, O .; L. Pennington, Recorder ; George A. Newman, Fin .; C. C. Knapp, Receiver ; M. Davis, G .; H. P. Leland, I. W .; George Mornin, O. W .; S. N. Pierce and J. W. Young, Med. Ex .; E. Townsend, F. Matthias and C. Boehmler, Trustees. The lodge has 102 members and meets the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month.
James Brownell Post, No. 222, G. A. R., was mustered in June, 1883, with less than fifty members. This number is now in- creased to more than 100 and meetings are held on alternate Thursday evenings. The present officers are : E. Townsend, Com .; S. B. Humbert, S. V. C .; Dr. S. Van Der Vaart, J. V. C .; Dr. George A. Newman, Adj .; C. H. Boehmler, Q. M .; S. M. Pierce, Sur .; J. Bowman, Chap .; E. A. Glanville, O. D .; D. Mettler, O. G.
Potomac Camp, No. 63, S. of V., was or- ganized early in December, 1885, with near- ly thirty members. The camp meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The officers for 1886 are : W. H. Hunnewell Capt .; F. C. Waterbury, First Lieutenant ; W. H. Crandall, Second Lieutenant ; C. E. Locke, Chaplain; E. S. Philpott, O. S .; T. G. Mills, S. G .; A. E. Glanville, Q. M. S .; Fred Hogan, P. G .; W. L. Carter, C. G .; George Humbert, C. S.
The Women's Relief Corps, auxiliary to the G. A. R., was organized in 1885 with twenty members, which number is now in- creased to about thirty-five. It meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month, and is now officered as follows: Mrs.
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Sarah Townsend, President; Mrs. Addie Humbert, S. V. P .; Mrs. Alice Newman, J. V. P .; Mrs. Lanie Hemenway, Secretary.
Red Cedar Lodge, No. 83, K. P., was or- ganized in 1882 with twenty members, which number is now doubled. Meetings are held every other Friday. The present officers are : Frank Jackson, C. C .; George Shearer, V. C .; George Shillinglaw, K. of R. & S .: D. Cameron, M. of E .; M. Chap- man, M. of F.
Golden Star Council, No. 488, Royal Ar- canum, was established in June, 1880. The officers for 1886 are : J. Thompson, Reg .; C. A. Severin, V. R .; J. D. Corcoran, P. R .;
L. H. Severin, Treasurer ; Charles Law- rence, Col .; John Fox, Secretary. The membership is thirty-four, and meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.
Cedar Falls Lodge, No. 75, I. L. of H., was started in 1880, and now has about 100 members. Meetings are held on the first Friday evening of each month. The pres- ent officers are : E. H. Cobb, P .; Henry Johnson, V. P .; Fitzroy Sessions, R. S. and F. S .; G. T. Boehmler, Treasurer; John Jeffers, Chaplain ; Ish D. Corning, Usher ; H. Leland, D. K .; W. S. Philpott, Sentinel; Fitzroy Sessions, Rep. to G. L.
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HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY.
LA PORTE CITY AND SMALL TOWNS,
LA PORTE CITYK
HIS pleasant town, located on the south half of section 25, township 87, range 12 (Big Creek), was sur- veyed by Wesley Whipple, June 5, 1855; plat filed for record July 16, 1855, by the proprietors, Jesse Wasson, Junia Was- son, W. Catlin and Rosella Catlin. At least a dozen additions have been made to the original plat. The town was named by Dr. Wasson in honor of La Porte, Indiana, where he had previously lived.
The first settler in town was Dr. Jesse Wasson, who built the first building on the town plat, on the corner of Main and Lo- cust streets, in April, 1855. It was designed as a storehouse and was opened as such with a stock of goods in May following; but he occupied a portion of it for a dwelling until he completed his house, which he built during the ensuing summer.
Among the early settlers were G. Bishop, the first attorney in the new town; W. L.
Fox, R. Moutray, W. C. Kennedy, R. A. Brooks and George Cook.
The first saw-mill was erected by Dr. Wasson in 1856, on Big Creek, near the present railroad bridge.
The first grist-mill was built by Lewis Turner in 1855-'6, about 200 feet above the present mill. This mill was burned about 1860, and was not restored until 1864-'5, when T. H. Elwell built another about 200 feet below the site of the old one. Elwell's mill was and is one of the best flouring- mills in Iowa, is supplied with all the most approved machinery and modern improve- ments, and manufactures the highest grades of flour. The roller process was introduced in 1881. Mr. Elwell sold an interest in the mill property to his son-in-law, Babcock, and the mill was run by Elwell & Babcock. Since Mr. Babcock's decease there has been no change in the firm name, Mrs. Babcock retaining her interest.
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