USA > Iowa > Benton County > History of Benton County, Iowa. From materials in the public archives, the Iowa Historical society's collection, the newspapers, and data of personal interviews > Part 28
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35
314
HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY
to Gideon B. White, who, in turn, soon transferred it to James Leverich. All the members of the Leverich family were suspicious characters, to say the least; Joel Leverich, of Linn county, was one of the most notorious outlaws of the late '40s and the early '50s. It is also known that Chauncey, the first settler on the site of Fre- mont or Vinton, was a resident of West Union, Fayette county, in 1851, and that after building a hotel there he went to Clermont and then to Minnesota. IIe laid out the town of Austin, in that state, and about 1854 was killed in a drunken saloon brawl in that place. In April, 1849, when the question of removing the county seat from Northport, or Vinton, to a point nearer the river (Fremont). was submitted to the people, the only building on the original town plat was the log cabin and grocery built by this Chauncey Leverich in 1845.
James Leverich was therefore proprietor of the town of Fre- mont, which was laid out by Irwin D. Simison, county surveyor. on the 24th of November. 1849, and the plat recorded five days later. Not to repeat the various contests between the champions of Northport, Fremont and other localities for the county seat, which, have been detailed in the general history, it is sufficient to remember that Fremont was finally successful and that both Northport and Fremont were finally included under the name of Vinton (which Northport had been rechristened in 1848).
PIONEERS OF VINTON.
James F. Beckett, with his family, settled at Vinton in the spring of 1849, and in the following year was appointed first post- master of Fremont. HI. R. Sanders. Beckett's son-in-law, built a house on the street north of the court house square, and the third building (counting Chauncey Leverich's as the first) was erceted on Beckett street by J. R. Beckett, son of James F. Among those who settled in the new town soon afterward were Dr. J. C. Traer, Dr. C. W. Buffum, Cyrus C. Charles (later sheriff of the county). Harrison Bristol. John Alexander, James Crow, W. C. Stanberry and J. S. Tilford. Mr. Charles, who kept a few goods in a little building, was the first merchant to open a store after Fremont was platted. Russell Jones, however, is credited with being the first business man of "any account." As agent for Green & Brothers, of Cedar Rapids-the same firm which bought the bonds which built the second court house-he displayed a fair stock of goods
٠٠
315
HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY
in the lower story of the old log court house, but evidently changed his quarters before the fire.
LOOKING FOR THE COUNTY SEAT.
Soon after the platting of Fremont an Englishman named James Wood appeared upon the site and, after looking around for a time in an inquiring way, asked how far it was to Fremont. He was informed by one of the Becketts that he stood upon the public square and that the shell of a log building which he thought was a cow stable was to be the court house of Benton county. The Englishman was depressed for a moment, but returned in the following year, established himself as the first blacksmith of the county seat, and, with true pioncer generosity, threw open his shop to the second grand jury which ever sat. Ilis shop and all the first buildings erected at Fremont were supplied with timber from the sawmill erected on Mud creek in 1849 by John Royal and C. C. Charles, both early sheriff's of the county.
The preaching of the first sermon in 1850 and the opening of the first school in 1852 have been already narrated, the old court house being the seat of these honors and many others before it went up in flames. It may be added that the details regarding the founding and growth of the local schools and churches will be found in the chapters devoted to the educational and religious institutions of the county.
VINTON'S (FREMONT'S) FIRST REAL "FOURTH."
The first celebration of Independence day at what is now Vinton occurred in 1852. Thomas Pound then had a store in Fremont and threw it open to the crowd of fifty who represented both the city and country elements of Benton county. James Rice was president of the day; W. C. Stanberry was vice president; John H. Kelsey read the Declaration of Independence; everybody responded, and all went "merry as a marriage bell." The au-
dience was worked up to such a pitch of enthusiasm that the vice president in a moment of hilarity and forgetfulness kissed a comely German woman. Greenbury Luck, the mail carrier, who had done somewhat more than his share of imbibing. but was wide of eye, arose unsteadily. in the midst of the speech making, and proposed three cheers for "the man who had kissed the Dutch woman." The direction of his gaze was unmistakable, and Vice
316
HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY
,
President Stanberry left the room in confusion, not returning until he had been assured that Inek was fast asleep.
After the speech-making had died of exhaustion, the women present served a dinner, which included the mutton supplied by the sheep which Mr. Vardeman had killed for the occasion. Mr. Pound had brought some lemons from Dobugne, which formed the basis for lemonade, and Dr. Traer furnished some "pop." Outside of Brother Pound's store it is said that a few broke con- siderably over the limit of "light drinks."
. FREMONT BECOMES VINTON.
In January, 1853, the Iowa legislature changed the name of Fremont to Vinton, by which it has since been known. Other decisive steps in the progress of Vinton were the founding of its first paper, the Eagle. in 1855; the erection of the Vinton flouring mills by J. F. and W. H. Young, at a cost of $20.000. in the fall of 1857; the incorporation of Vinton as a city of the second class in August, 1869, and the arrival of its first railroad train over the Burlington and Cedar Rapids line December 12th, of that year.
To recapitulate :- Vinton has been known by the various names of Northport, Fremont and Vinton. a portion of its town site having been selected in 1846 as the seat of justice by the com- missioners appointed by the general assembly of the state for that purpose. By these commissioners it was called Northport. After- ward another portion of the town site was laid off by James Leverich, and named by him Fremont. In 1851 John S. Tilford laid off another portion of the town site, to which he gave the name of Tilford's Vinton. The establishment of the postoffice was a matter of controversy between some of the citizens of Vintou. According to Jehu S. Tilford the office was first established about three miles east of the present city. under the name of Vinton. named in honor of a congressman of that name from Indiana. In 1851, according to the same authority. the office was removed to the village, and its name of Vinton, retained, and in 1853, by legislative aet, the name of the town of Fremont was changed to Vinton. These statements fully account for the founding of Vinton and its name.
VINTON "EAGLE" ITEMS, 1856-9.
January 9, 1856 .- According to a census just taken by Mr. W. Whipple, Vinton contains a population of 766. Of that number
-
317
HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY
426 are males and 340 females. Of the aggregate 260 are from Ohio; 96 from Indiana ; 70 from New York; 56 from Pennsylvania ; 19 from New England and the balance from various other localities. The town, by this showing. has increased in population 100 per rent the past year.
April 9, 1856 .- Winter is now fairly over and spring has brought with it the usual amount of busy preparation for the im- provements of the coming summer. We have no rival town in the county; there are other towns which are improving rapidly but Vinton seems to be the center of attraction. Unlike our neighbors who are quarreling about the location of their county seats, we are able to bring all our energies to bear in pushing our place forward.
November 13. 1858 .-- Town lots in Vinton range from $100 upward and farming lands in the immediate vicinity are valued at from $50 to $100 an acre. Timber lands exclusively, across the river, bear almost any price from $100 down. The best lands a mile or so from town, can be had for $4 cash or $5 on time. We have seen fine corn in the valley of Genesee, on the Western Re-
OLD WOODEN BRIDGE, FOOT OF MAIN STREET. (WASHED AWAY BY HIGH WATER).
318
HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY
JAY STREET VIADUCT, VINTON.
4
319
HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY
serve, and the flat prairies of Illinois, but never any that equaled the present crop of the Cedar valley.
December 11. 1858 .- We take pleasure in informing our readers that a Literary Association has been formed in our town. It is the intention of those who have organized it, to have a course of lectures delivered during the winter months.
MUNICIPAL OFFICERS 1869-1910.
1869-James Wood. mayor; W. W. Means, marshal; W. F. Kirkpatrick, clerk: A. A. Wentz. clerk. First Council-Paul Correll. Nathan Hayes, M. Donelan. J. A. McDaniel, Cornelius Ellis, D. Stick, John Gilmore, IJ. H. Sterling.
1870-James Wood, mayor: G. M. Gilchrist, solicitor; A. A. Wentz, clerk: W. H. Hanford, treasurer: Levi S. Miller, assessor; Ezra Bigelow. marshal. Second Council-J. L. Tinkham. J. F. Yonng. Nathan Haves. M. Donelan, W. A. Gwinn, John Gilmore, C. Ellis. R. N. Young.
1871-J. C. Traer, mayor: G. M. Gilchrist, solicitor; A. A. Wentz. clerk : Wm. H. Hanford, treasurer ; Levi S. Miller, assessor : W. W. Means. marshal. Third Council-J. L. Tinkham. J. F. Young. Nathan Hayes, W. B. Reynolds. Geo. W. Ridge, John Gil- more. R. N. Young. Cornelius Ellis.
1872-J. C. Traer, mayor; G. M. Gilchrist, solicitor: A. A. Wentz. clerk; Wm. H. Hanford. treasurer ; John A. Bills, assessor : Ezra Bigelow, marshal. Fourth Conneil -Geo. Horridge. J. F. Young. W. B. Reynolds. Nathan Hayes. Geo. W. Ridge. W. K. Flatt. C. Ellis, D. Il. White.
1873-A. Haines, mayor; G. M. Gilchrist. solicitor; A. A. Wentz, clerk; S. E. Keith. treasurer; L. S. Miller, assessor; Geo. Ridge, marshal. Fifth Council-Geo. Horridge. J. M. Crandall, Nathan Haves. L. S. Miller, W. K. Flatt, R. H. Quinn, D. II. White, C. C. Lawton.
1874-A. IIaines, mayor; G. M. Gilchrist, solicitor; G. M. Taggart, clerk ; E. Evans, treasurer : Jolm Shaffer, assessor ; W. W. Means, marshal. Sixth Couneil-J. M. Crandall. A. H. Ellis. L. S. Miller, M. Donelan, F. R. Voris, H. Stanton. D. H. White, C. C. Lawton.
320
HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY
1875-W. B. Reynolds, mayor; D. E. Voris, solicitor; C. S. Bennett, clerk; W. H. Young, treasurer; John Shaffer, assessor : John C. Slasson, marshal. Seventh Council -- H. H. MeElroy, A. H. Ellis, M. D. L. Webb. John Ryder. J. A. McDaniel. H. Stanton, J. B. Locke, D. H. White.
1876-W. B. Reynolds, mayor; D. E. Voris, solicitor; C. S. Bennett. clerk: Geo. Knox. treasurer; Levi S. Miller, assessor: John C. Slasson. marshal. Eighth Council -- F. M. Crandall. H. H. McElroy. Nathau Hayes. John Ryder, J. W. Inman, J. A. Me- Daniel. D. H. White, J. B. Locke.
1877-W. B. Reynolds. mayor; C. R. Clinghan. solicitor; C. S. Bennett. clerk; J. W. Smock, treasurer; J. R. Christie, assessor : S. D. Redfield. marshal. Ninth Council -- John Stickney, F. M. Crandall, Paul Correll. Nathan Hayes. F. R. Voris. J. M. Inman, G. M. Gilehirst. D. W. White.
1878-Levi S. Miller, mayor: G. W. Burnham, solicitor; C. S. Bennett, clerk ; J. W. Smock. treasurer ; J. R. Christie, assessor; W. W. Means. marshal. Tenth Conneil-J. F. Young, John Stickney. E. Forrester. Paul Correll. Daniel B. Corning. F. S. Voris, D. H. White. G. M. Gilchrist.
1879-W. R. Reynolds, mayor: W. P. Whipple. solicitor: C. S. Bennett. clerk: J. W. Smock. treasurer: J. R. Christie, assessor : John C. Haines. marshal. Eleventh Council-A. D. Griffen. J. F. Young. Paul Correll. E. Forrester. R. W. Barker. Daniel B. Corning. Win. Westover, D. II. White.
1880-S. D. Redfield. mayor: W. P. Whipple, solicitor: C. S. Bennett. clerk : J. W. Smock. treasurer: J. R. Mitchell. marshal. Twelfth Council -- J. P. Matthews. A. D. Griffen. E. D. Forrester. Paul Correll. W. C. Lawton. R. W. Barker, W. HI. Young. Wmn. Westover.
1881 -- S. 1). Redfield. mayor: Jacob Wetts, solicitor: C. S. Bennett. clerk: J. W. Smock, treasurer: J. R. Christie, assessor : W. W. Webb. marshal. Thirteenth Council-A. D. Griffen. J. P. Matthews. C. D. Kimball. E. D. Forrester. Matthew Brown, W. C. Lawton. P. A. Locke. W. H. Young.
321
HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY
1882 -- L. S. Keagle. mayor; W. P. Whipple, solicitor; C. S. Bennett, clerk: George R. Knapp, treasurer; Stewart Jordon, assessor ; Ezra Bigelow. marshal. Fourteenth Council -- A. S. Chad- bourne, A. D. Griffen. Paul Correll, C. B. Kimball, J. C. Traer, Matthew Brown. G. M. Gilchrist, P. A. Locke.
1883-L. S. Keagle, mayor; W. P. Whipple. solicitor; C. S. Bennett. clerk : Geo. R. Knapp. treasurer; Stewart Jordon, assessor; J. R. Mitchell. marshal. Fifteenth Council-W. S. Palmer, A. S. Chadbourne. C. B. Kimball. Paul Correll. Matthew Brown, J. C. Traer, A. Il. Hanna. G. M. Gilchrist.
1884-D. E. Voris, mayor: W. P. Whipple, solicitor; C. S. Bennett, clerk : Geo. R. Knapp, treasurer: h. S. Miller, assessor ; Ezra Bigelow. marshal. Sixteenth Council-A. S. Chadbourne, Stinsin Robinson. W. H. Brown, C. B. Kimball. J. C. Traer, Mat- thew Brown. George W. Tannehill, A. H. Hanna.
1885 -- D. E. Voris, mayor; W. P. Whipple, solicitor; C. S. Bennett, clerk ; W. H. Young. treasurer ; L. S. Miller. assessor ; W. W. Means, marshal. Seventeenth Council-J. W. Barr. A. S. Chad- bourne. C. B. Kimball. W. H. Brown. Matthew Brown. J. C. Traer, Wm. Westover. Geo. W. Tannebill.
1886-D E. Voris. mayor; W. P. Whipple, solicitor; C. S. Bennett, clerk: W. Il. Young. treasurer; L. S. Miller, assessor ; J. R. Mitchell. marshal. Eighteenth Council-A. S. Chadbourne, J. W. Barr. IL. T. Lauderbangh. C. B. Kimball, A. B. Dowell, Matthew Brown. G. W. Tannehill, Win. Westover.
1887 --- I. S. Keagle. mayor: J. C. Traer. solicitor; C. S. Ben- nett, clerk: W. C. Ellis, treasurer; S. T. Shortess, assessor; J. R. Mitchell, marshal. Nineteenth Council-J. E. Marietta. A. S. Chadbourne, D. W. Mills. II. T. Lauderbaugh, Matthew Brown, A. B .. Dowel. William Westover. Geo. W. Tannehill.
1888 -- L. S. Keagle, mayor: J. C. Traer, solicitor: C. S. Ben- nett, elerk; W. C. Ellis, treasurer: S. T. Shortess, assessor; J. R. Mitchell, marshal. Twentieth Council-II. B. Kelley, J. E. Marietta, IT. T. Landerbangh. D. W. Mills. A. B. Dowel, Matthew Brown, Geo. W. Tannehill. Win. Westover.
Vol. 1-21
322
HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY
1889-L. S. Keagle. mayor; W. C. Connell, solicitor; C. S. Bennett, clerk; W. C. Ellis, treasurer; A. O. Adams, assessor; Homer Holcomb, marshal. Twenty-first Council-A. D. Griffen, II. B. Kelley. J. Q. Montgomery, H. T. Lauderbaugh. Matthew Brown. A. B. Dowel, Win. Westover, Geo. Tannehill.
1890-L. S. Keagle. mayor; W. C. Connell, solicitor; C. S. Bennett, elerk; W. C. Ellis, treasurer; A. O. Adams, assessor ; Homer Holcomb. marshal. Twenty-second Council -- J. W. Barr, A. D. Griffen, E. H. Coleord, J. Q. Montgomery, M. Meredith, Matthew Brown, D. H. White, Wm. Westover.
1891-J. D. Nichols. mayor; W. C. Connell, solieitor; C. S. Bennett, clerk; W. C. Ellis. treasurer; A. O. Adams, assessor ; Homer Holcomb, marshal. Twenty-third Council-A. D. Griffen, J. W. Barr. Frank Wilson. E. II. Colcord. W. C. Boggs, M. Mere- dith, W. D. Haskell, D. H. White.
1892-J. D. Nichols, mayor; W. C. Connell. solicitor; C. S. Bennett, elerk: W. C. Ellis, treasurer; A. O. Adams, assessor ; H. A. Wilson, marshal. Twenty-fourth Council-H. B. Kelley, A. D. Griffen, E. II. Coleord. Frank Wilson, Matthew Brown. W. C. Boggs. D. Il. White. W. D. Haskell.
1893 -- Matthew Brown. mayor: C. Nichols, solicitor; J. E. Whipple, clerk ; Frank G. Ray, treasurer ; J. L. Tinkham, assessor ; HI. A. Wilson. marshal. Twenty-fifth Council-A. M. Rowe, H. B. Kelley. J. E. Ravenscroft. E. IJ. Coleord. W. C. Boggs, B. Murphy. W. H. Anderson, D. Il. White.
1894-Matthew Brown. mayor: C. Nichols, solicitor: J. E. Whipple, clerk: Frank G. Ray, treasurer; J. L. Tinkham. assessor : W. H. Wood, marshal. Twenty-sixth Council-II. B. Kelley, A. M. Rowe. Frank Wilson, J. E. Ravenscroft. B. Murphy, W. C. Boggs, D. H. White, W. IT. Anderson.
1895-Matthew Brown. mayor: C. Nichols, solicitor; J. E. Whipple, clerk; Frank G. Ray. treasurer; J. L. Tinkham, assessor: W. HI. Wood. marshal. Twenty-seventh Council-A. M. Rowe, H. B. Kelley. J. E. Ravenscroft, Frank Wilson. E. S. Tobey, B. Mur- phy, W. II. Anderson, N. P. Carl.
323
HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY
1896-Matthew Brown, mayor: C. Nichols, solicitor; J. E. Whipple, clerk : J. L. Tinkham. assessor ; Frank G. Ray. treasurer; W. Il. Wood. marshal. Twenty-eighth Council-Wm. Westover, A. M. Rowe, Frank Wilson, J. E. Ravenscroft, B. Murphy, E. S. Tobey. N. P. Carl, W. H. Anderson.
1897-Alex. Runyon, mayor: C. Nichols, solicitor; G. K. Col- vert. clerk : Frank G. Ray. treasurer; Wm. Wallace, assessor; W. HI. Wood. marshal. Twenty-ninth Council-A. M. Rowe, Win. Westover, H. T. Jones. Frank Wilson. J. C. Downs. B. Murphy, W. H. Anderson, N. P. Carl.
1898-Alex. Runyon, mayor ; C. Nichols, solicitor ; G. K. Covert clerk; Frank G. Ray. treasurer; Win. Wallace, assessor; W. H. Wood. marshal. Thirtieth Council-Win. Westover. A. M. Rowe, Frank Wilson. E. A. Buxton. A. C. Parsons, Win. Miller. N. P. Carl, W. H. Anderson.
1899 --- E. M. Evans, mayor ; C. Nichols, solicitor : G. K. Covert, clerk: Frank G. Ray. treasurer: J. M. Fisher, assessor; W. H. Wood. marshal. Thirty-first Conneil- - J. E. Marietta. Win. West- over. E. A. Buxton. Frank Wilson, Win. Miller. A. C. Parsons, W. Il. Anderson, N. P. Carl.
1900-E. M. Evans. mayor: C. Nichols, solicitor; E. L. Stick- ney, clerk ; Frank G. Ray, treasurer : J. M. Fisher. assessor; W. H. Wood. marshal. Thirty-second Council-J. W. Westover. J. E. Marietta. J. M. Ravenscroft. E. A. Buxton, A. C. Parsons. Wm. Miller. N. P. Carl. W. H. Anderson.
1901 -- E. M. Evans, mayor: C. Nichols, solicitor; E. L. Stick- ney. clerk : Frank G. Ray. treasurer: J. M. Fisher, assessor : W. H. Wood. marshal. Thirty-third Council-J. E. Marietta. J. W. Westover. E. A. Buxton. J. E. Ravenscroft. Win. Miller. A. C. Parsons. W. II. Anderson. N. P. Carl.
1902 -- E. M. Evans, mayor: C. Nichols, solicitor: E. L. Stick- ney, clerk : Frank G. Ray, treasurer : J. M. Fisher, assessor; W. H. Wood, marshal. Thirty-fourth Council -- J. W. Westover. J. E. Marietta, J. E. Ravenscroft. E. A. Buxton. A. C. Parsons, Wm. Miller, N. P. Carl, W. IT. Anderson.
324
HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY
1903-E. M. Evans. mayor; C. Nichols, solicitor; E. L. Stick- ney. clerk ; Frank G. Ray, treasurer: J. M. Fisher, assessor; W. II. Wood, mar-hal. Thirty-fifth Council-J. E. Marietta. J. W. Westover, E. A. Buxton. J. E. Ravenscroft. Wm. Miller. A. C. Parsons, Arthur Grant. N. P. Carl.
1904-E. M. Evans, mayor; E. A. Murphy, solicitor; W. E. Klingaman. clerk ; Frank G. Ray, treasurer; J. M. Fisher, assessor ; W. H. Wood, marshal. Thirty-sixth Council-Geo. D. McElroy. J. E. Marietta, J. C. Downs. E. A. Buxton, J. M. Beatty, Wm. Miller, L. W. Latham, Arthur Grant.
1905-E. A. Buxton. mayor; Fred Wyckoff. solicitor: W. E. Klingaman, clerk: John Young, treasurer; J. M. Fisher, assessor ; W. HI. Wood. marshal. Thirty-seventh Council -- V. W. Aikley. G. D. Me Elroy. S. S. Graeber, J. C. Dowus, T. J. Wood, J. M. Beatty, C. JJ. Kline, L. W. Latham.
1906-E. A. Buxton. mayor: Fred Wyckoff. solicitor; W. E. Klingaman. clerk : John Young, treasurer; J. M. Fisher. assessor ; W. H. Wood, marshal. Thirty-eighth Conneil-G. D. MeElroy, V. W. Aikley. J. C. Downs. S. S. Graeber. J. M. Beatty, T. J. Wood, C. J. Kline.
1907-E. A. Buxton, mayor: Edward Murphy, solicitor; W. E. Klingaman, clerk ; John Young, treasurer: A. M. Rose, assessor ; W. IT. Wood. marshal. Thirty-ninth Council-G. D. MeElroy, V. W. Aikley. J. C. Downs. S. S. Graeber. J. M. Beatty. T. J. Wood, C. J. Kline. George Kelley.
190S-E. A. Buxton, mayor: Edward Murphy, solicitor : W. E. Klingaman. clerk: John Young. treasurer: A. M. Rose. assessor : W. H. Wood, marshal. Fortieth Council -- G. D. M. Elroy, V. W. Aikley, J. C. Downs. S. S. Graeber. J. M. Beatty. T. J. Wood. C. J. Kline, George Kelley.
1909-E. A. Buxton, mayor: Clarence Nichols, solicitor; W. E. Klingaman, clerk : John Young, treasurer; A. M. Rose. assessor ; Frank E. Boyden, marshal. Forty-first Conneil-Charles W. Mil- ler. Dr. Benjamin Schwartz, Harry Allen. W. Stripple. J. C. Downs and George D. MeElroy.
325
HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY
1910-E. A. Buxton, mayor; Clarence Nichols, city attorney ; W. E. Klingaman, clerk; John Young, treasurer; A. M. Rose, as- sessor; Frank E. Boyden, marshal. Forty-second Council -- Harry Allen, B. F. Schwartz, W. Stripple, J. C. Downs, George D. Me- Elroy, C. W. Miller.
OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT OF GOOD MEN.
The special committee of the Vinton city council which reused the municipal ordinances and published them in 1906, also compiled a list of those who have served the corporation since its creation in 1869. Their contents upon it are so applicable that they are reproduced: "Elsewhere in this volume we publish a list of the officers of the city of Vinton, from the date of its incorporation to
€
.
ROCK ISLAND DEPOT, VINTON.
the present time. By referring to the same it will be seen that the first mayor of Vinton was James Wood. The other city officers were: Judge G. M. Gilchrist, city solicitor; W. F. Kirkpatrick, city clerk; Levi S. Miller. assessor: Wm. H. Hanford. treasurer; and W. W. Means. marshal. The city council consisted of Panl Correll. M. Donelan, Cornelins Ellis, John Gilmore. Nathan Ilaves J. A. MeDaniel. D. Stick and HI. H. Sterling.
"The lives and attainments of this imposing group, lie before
326
HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY
ns like an open book. They have left the impress of their strength of character. industry, perseverance and honor upon our city, our municipal institutions, our churches, schools, banks, business enter- prises, social functions, and homes, and these institutions are evidences of the high standing of our community.
"Other men whose lives and labors constitute a part of the history of Vinton, whose names are recorded on the early official roster and who are equally as deserving as their predecessors are : J. C. Traer, A. Haines, W. B. Reynolds, Levi S. Miller, S. D. Redfield, Levi S. Keagle. D. E. Voris, and J. D. Nichols, who in turn succeeded each other as mayor ; D. E. Voris, C. R. Clinghan, G. W. Burnham and W. P. Whipple, who occupied the office of city solicitor: A. A. Wentz. G. M. Taggart. and C. S. Bennett, who filled the office of city clerk: S. E. Keith. E. M. Evans, W. II. Young, Geo. Knox. J. W. Smock, Geo. R. Knapp and W. C. Ellis as city treasurer ; Levi S. Miller. John A. Bills, John Shaffer, J. R. Christie and Stewert Jordon as assessor and Ezra Bigelow, John C. Slassou, S. D. Redfield. John C. Haines, W. W. Webb and J. R. Mitchell. as city marshal.
"Many of the above served on the city council at different times and among their associates in that body were : J. L. Tinkham. J. F. Young, W. A. Gwinn, R. N. Young. Geo. Norridge. W. K. Flatt, D. H. White. J. M. Crandall. R. H. Quinn, C. C. Lawton, A. JI. Ellis, F. R. Voris. H. Stanton, H. H. MeElroy. M. D. L. Webb, John Ryder. J. B. Locke. J. M. Juman. John Stickney, F. M. Crandall. E. Forrester. A. D. Griffin. R. W. Barker, Win. Westover. and many others. The longest official service of any one indivi- dual officer, was that of C. S. Bennett, who served as city clerk for eighteen consecutive years, from 1875 until 1893. For length of continuons service W. H. Wood comes next. He is now serving his thirteenth year as city marshal. E. M. Evans occupied the office of mayor from 1899 till 1905, which entitles him to first place for length of continuons service in that office. L. S. Keagle, how- ever, served an equal number of years. but his administration was not continuous.
"All those who were active in the organization and early operation of the city government have long since retired from the scene of public and business life, except Judge Gilchrist, who. since the organization of the free public library has been serving an 'indeterminate sentence' as president of its board of trustees."
327
HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY
VINTON'S FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Soon after the incorporation of the city in 1869 the council commenced to earnestly agitate the necessity for a more effectual protection from fire than the means then at hand. Learning of a second-hand Button fire engine at Charles City, it appointed a committee to go there and look it over. The result was that it was shipped to Vinton for trial. in the spring of 1872, but as it did not "throw water" as represented it was not put into active service. In the fall of the year the council purchased a new Button engine, holding the second-hand one for an emergency, and in December the S. Il. Watson Fire Company was organized, with C. E. Porter as foreman. This was the nucleus of Vinton's present paid department.
The company received its name in honor of Mr. Watson, who had presented the boys with one hundred dollars for the purchase of uniforms.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.