USA > Iowa > Buchanan County > History of Buchanan County, Iowa, and its people, Volume I > Part 76
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JOHN W. MALONE.
May 21, 1857 TRULY GOOD
Independence is becoming quite a law abiding town. Hardly a day passes but some man is "hauled up" to answer to some charge or other. The prevailing mania appears to be to punish offenders against the liquor law.
June 10, 1858
GROWING
We can count nine buildings which have been erected on Main Street within the last two months, all to be occupied as business houses.
July 4, 1858 SPEAKING OF A RIVAL TOWN
Quasqueton, that consummation of old fogyism, went dead against the rail- road tax-only six votes being polled in favor of it. Who cast those votes, we do not know, but we have no doubt they are known and avoided in that "lively" town as sharpers, and that their children and children's children fifty years hence, will be pointed out and spurned as descendants of men who were chimerical and foolhardy enough to want a railroad.
April 2, 1857 POSTOFFICE CHANGE
We are sorry to say that Doctor Brewer has been removed from the postoffice in this place. The Doctor has held the office from its first establishment-when we had but one mail a week, and the office consisted of five or six pigeon holes up
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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
to the present time, when we venture to say, a neater and better regulated post- office does not exist west of the Mississippi than the one which has grown up under the hand of Doctor Brewer. Lorenzo Moore, Esq., has been appointed the Doctor's successor.
April 30, 1857
PROHIBITION
Pursuant to a call to the citizens of Independence, to come out on Saturday evening to the brick schoolhouse, east side of river, and discuss the merits and demerits of prohibition, prior to the vote to be taken in May, the meeting occurred at the time and place specified.
Colonel Brooks was called to the chair and W. G. Donnan chosen secretary. Without long debate, and with remarkable unanimity, the meeting passed the following resolutions :
Resolved, first, That we cheerfully support the prohibitory law on the 24th of May next.
Resolved, second, That a minute of this meeting be published in the Civilian. P. A. Brooks, president; W. G. Donnan, secretary.
March 25, 1858
THE PRAIRIE FIRES
Quite a novel sight to most of the world may be seen on any clear evening from town-prairie fire in every direction-often so intense that immense banks of fire and smoke surge up to the very zenith, and the town is engulfed in the smudge.
May 6, 1858 SIDEWALKS WANTED
We think it a disgrace that our beautiful town, numbering some sixteen hun- dred inhabitants, cannot boast a single plank walk. In stormy weather we are covered with mud, in pleasant, with dust-one about as bad as the other. As we see no chance of ever being incorporated, and thus getting some publie improve- ments in that way, we suggest that there be organized a "dime society," the pro- eeeds of which shall be expended in building sidewalks. What say you, ladies and gentlemen ?
January 20, 1859 JOBBING TRADE
It may appear curions to some of our neighboring towns, but it is nevertheless true, that Independence is doing quite a business at wholesaling to many of the merchants residing in Butler, Bremer, Hardin, Franklin, Wright and Kossuth counties, who pass by Cedar Falls and Waterloo and other towns further west. Scarcely a week passes but we see loads of goods packed on wagons to be taken farther inland by persons who have purchased them of our merehants, for the purpose of again retailing them.
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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
January 20, 1859 'TWAS EVER THUS
Notwithstanding the apparent prosperity which is to follow to Independence in consequence of the extended trade which it enjoys, there is one thing, disguise it as we may, which, if the error is not rectified, must prove a serious drawback- we mean the want of manufactures, and the apparent indifference with which our citizens appear to view their establishment. The selling dry goods cannot alone build up a large inland town, there must be manufactures also. The town should in a great degree, consume what the country around produces-and it should also be able to produce what the country consumes. Although we may say it with reluctance, it is nevertheless true that several of our neighboring towns are distaneing us in manufacturing-not because their facilities are better, but because they are opening their eyes in this branch of business. And we of Independence must do the same thing, or we may awake to the reality sometime that ours is not what nature intended it to be-a first class town.
February 3, 1859
WANTING THE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE
In another place will be found a proposition from the Board of Trustees of the lowa State Agricultural College and Model Farm. This institution is, as yet, not located, and proposals will be received until the 9th of next May from per- sons or communities-the one which offers most liberally, will get the college. This is an object which should demand the attention of the people of this county, who feel any interest in building it up into one of the most flourishing in the state. The location of such an institution is worth striving for; and although we may not succeed in getting it, we most assuredly shall not if we do not try. We hope then, that property holders throughout the county will send in their propo- sitions as soon as practicable, and make them as liberal as possible.
September 20, 1860 THE FIRST BRASS BAND
Last Saturday night we had the pleasure of listening to the playing of the brass band, and were agreeably surprised at the progress they are making. C. F. Herrick, the leader, tells us that they propose giving concerts and dances this winter, the proceeds to be applied toward purchasing new instruments.
December 27, 1860
"EDGEY" AND "HARRY"
Mr. Edgecomb and H. A. King, late of Kalamazoo, Mich., have formed a co; partnership in the livery business. They have a lot of new cutters and sleighs, and the sleigh-riding community ean always procure of them fast horse-flesh and "appurtenances thereto belonging," in comparison.
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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
LUMBER, LATH AND PICKETS !!
We, the undersigned, have now in successful operation, four separate saws, producing the above-named articles at a rapid rate. We have spared neither labor nor expense to so arrange our machinery that the above-named articles shall be produced in a condition justly meriting the appellation of
FIRST QUALITY
We have already received and filled numerous orders for lumber and are pre- pared to fill more. All orders under five thousand filled within ten days after acceptance.
ANY QUANTITY OF LAATII
Can be obtained-from twenty-five thousand upwards-immediately. No extra charge for sawing lath to order.
RIPPING OF EVERY KIND
of lumber promptly and satisfactorily performed. Drive up, you who camp 'neath canvas and bark, with "mother earth" for your floor, perforated with gopher holes! Drive up, you who bump your heads against the rafters night after night ; you who already have your hands and forked continnations filled with slivers, having lived so long in immediate proximity with the rude studs and siding! Drive up, you whose garden seeds germinate and are rooted in twenty- four hours, through the ageney of those animals which act out human nature, in spite of shot guns and the hog law !!! Drive up to the Fairbank Steam Saw Mill and your wants shall be supplied by your ob't serv'ts.
PHELPS & HASTINGS.
VILLAGE LOTS FOR SALE
The subscriber offers between two and three hundred
VALUABLE VILLAGE LOTS
for sale. To those who wish to purchase a lot for the purpose of building and residing upon it, the subscriber will sell on terms that
CANNOT FAIL TO BE SATISFACTORY
Indeed he offers his lots, and has as
GOOD AS ANY IN THE MARKET
on the most reasonable terms-as cheap as the cheapest.
W. H. FARGO.
TREATY FOR PEACE BARTLE & WRIGHT
Would beg the farmers and others to cease hostilities on their timber for feneing, and call on us and get Osage Orange Plants of two years' growth, which will make a good fence in
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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
THREE TO FIVE YEARS
We are well aware that there are some who feel hostile, and will object by saving that they will freeze out in winter. We only ask those to call and examine our plants, which have stood in the
FIELD ALL WINTER !
And we have not lost any. We propose to sell the plants by the thousand, or to contract for fencing-any way to satisfy the farmer to let his timber stand and get a better fence. Remember that all those who wish to avail themselves of this opportunity must call on or before the 20th of May next.
BARTLE & WRIGHT.
There is an abundance of timber, and no mill privileges for at least fifty miles above us, thus giving us the benefit
OF ALL THE UP-RIVER TRADE.
We are also directly on the railroad route from Dubuque west ; and if that road should run up Beaver Creek, as now proposed, it must necessarily strike at, or near this place, and as we have the
VERY BEST ROCK BANKS!
and a good ingress and egress, we especially call the attention of the railroad company to this point. I think that no person who will give us a call, will fail to credit us with the finest site for a town on lowa River.
HENRY ALDEN, Proprietor.
DISSOLUTION
The copartnership heretofore existing under the name and firm of Hart & Jamison is this day dissolved by mutual consent.
Mr. Hart ean be found in Scott's Building, second story, and Mr. Jamison at the old stand.
L. W. HART, JAS. JAMISON.
NOTICE
There will be one box of goods sold at Morse's Hotel for charges, marked. "W. D. Grover," at the expiration of the usual time for advertising.
D. C. TRACY, Agent Western Stage Co.
PERFUMERY ! PERFUMERY !
A full assortment of the various kinds of Harrison's Perfumery, Inks and Extraets, constantly on hand and for sale by
THOS. W. CLOSE
At his Grocery, in Independence.
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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
POSTOFFICE NOTICE
llereafter. on Sundays, the postoffice will be open for the delivery of letters and other mail matter, only, from 9 o'clock till 10 o'clock A. M., and from 2 o'clock till 3 o'clock P. M. Matter for mailing may be deposited in the box on the door, when the office is closed.
E. BREWER, P. M.
WITHDRAWAL OF LANDS IN IOWA
By the kindness of the llon. James Harlan, we are enabled to inform our readers that in consequence of the passage of the late railroad grant all the Gov- erment lands in this state are withdrawn from market except the following : Office at Decorah, all the lands north of the line between townships 92 and 93. Office of Sioux City. all the lands north of the line between townships 91 and 92. This notice, by the commissioner. Thomas A. Ilendricks, was issued May 21, 1856.
September 15, 1859
The steam engine crossed Pine Creek for the first time Tuesday morning and is still promised that the track and train will be here by December 1st.
December 15, 1859
FIRST LOAD OF FREIGHT
Mr. G. R. West, of the firm of West & Hopkins, who has resided among ns for a few weeks past, has the honor, credit, and satisfaction of having loaded and despatched the first freight car that left our village on the D. & P. R. R. It consisted of four tons of pork and 300 bushels of wheat.
September 24, 1861 LOCATION OF THE FAIR
The show of cattle and horses of the Buchanan County Agricultural Society, will be on the ground west of the Empire House. That of domestie manufactur- ers will be in the rooms of the Empire House.
March 18, 1861 SARCASTIC
Cracked-the town bell .- Guardian.
August 20, 1861 THE BELL
Doctor Warne informs us that the bell and the firm it was bought of has gone to - (it won't do to put in that word, will it, Doe ?). This will give the ladies a fine chance to get up another dinner next fourth.
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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
March 18, 1862
MOURNING
The town flag, since Friday afternoon, has been suspended across Main Street, draped in mourning in memory of those who fell in the reeent battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, who went in the Ninth Regiment from this village and vieinity.
1
CHAPTER XXXIII PROMISCUOUS FACTS
NOTES OF INTEREST-UNUSUAL INCIDENTS
The first boarding house in Buchanan County was kept by Mr. Styles. It contained three rooms and a small kitchen, and was constructed out of logs and of rather superior workmanship, having split sides of the logs that formed its floors, hewn and smoothed with the then indispensable broad ax. No other abode in the eounty possessed such artistie and splendid furnishing. Some of the seats nsed were formed by sawing off three to five inches of the end of a log, and boring three or four holes in it. Three and sometimes four legs were fitted in these and this made a substantial, if not a very comfortable, bench to sit on.
In 1858 both the democratie and republican district conventions were held at Independence on account of its central location and excellent hotel accom- modations, which shows how progressive our town was in the early days.
After the Union victory in the county in 1863, a great jollification was held in Independence. The enthusiasm and hilarity knew no bounds, the Unionists cheered, whooped and yelled, got ont the band and eannon and got lots of good music out of both. Lager (as nsnal) flowed freely, but not to excess, as the paper intimates. In one of the saloons it was proposed that that crowd should adjourn to the residence of Doctor Warne, where the Soldiers' Aid Society was in session, serenade them and take up a collection for their benefit. This was no sooner proposed than acted upon and the spontaneous generosity resulted in a collection of $25.10.
After three cheers for the aid society, the soldiers, the band, the Union victory in the township, the enthusiastic crowd adjourned to the courthouse.
A contest over the election of justice of the peace was instituted in Inde- pendenee in 1863 or '64. Mr. Chandler had defeated Mr. Welch by one vote, and the grounds for contest was that several votes were cast for "Chandler" without designating which Chandler. Straining at gnats, and especially since Mr. Chandler was the only republican eleeted in the entire township.
Agitation to have the town incorporated was begun on account of con- tagious diseases in 1864. A petition was circulated and signed by a great majority of the property owners and voters. The next step was to advertise, then it was brought before Judge Barton. There being no opposition, an order of eourt was granted to hold a special election, when it was determined by a vote of all the citizens whether or no.
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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
A special election was held on the 10th of May, 1864, to determine whether the county would borrow the sum of $5,000 to repair the loss which the county had suffered by the robbery and whether a tax of 21/2 mills on the dollar should be levied that year for the payment of the proposed loan.
This was to meet the current expenses and outstanding indebtedness of the county. This proposition was defeated by a large majority, although it seemed to be the only plausible solution of this financial calamity, and money was all the time becoming more scarce and a high per eent was charged.
Some of the farmers in the county had been swindled by receiving for their produce what was called stumptail currency of Illinois and Wisconsin in 1865.
Independence ladies furnished two rooms in the orphans' home at Cedar Falls, in 1865.
Senator Hart introduced a bill in the senate to legalize the incorporation of the City of Independence in January, 1866.
On the abstracts of title recorded in the Buchanan County recorder's office in the early days will often be found the name Morris K. Jessup, for whom the Town of Jesup was named. Jessup was one of the incorporators of the Du- buque & Sioux City line, now the Illinois Central. The spelling of the name was abbreviated to Jesup.
The city calaboose was finished and ready for occupaney November 26, 1869. The Bulletin suggested that the place be christened with the name of the first occupant and there was great conjecture whether it would be Smith or Jones. The great inducement was that this would win for the name-sake fame and immortality.
The first occupant happened to be Smith Robinson, so doubtless this was the name instead of something more enphonins
In 1869 fire ordinances on Main Street extended from Center Street to Court Street and on that from Main to Green streets.
Governor Merrill visited Independence and the public schools in 1869.
Thompson & Everts got up a new map of Buchanan County in 1870.
Board and lodging was $4 per week in 1870.
The first public school organ was purchased in November, 1870, with money contributed by generous citizens. Over one hundred dollars above expenses were received.
A big soldiers' reunion was held in Des Moines in 1870. One hundred passes were issued to Buchanan County soldiers. General Sherman and See- retary Belknap were present. The attendance was 60,000.
Grant Ensign was another patent right man in 1870.
The census of Independence in 1870 was 2,926, an increase of 209 in one year.
The first postal cards were issued in the year 1873.
A strange fact told by the early hunters and corroborated by the Indians is respecting the aetions of the elk and deer, and noticed in the locality of the Wapsipinicon River. The river formed the dividing line between their territories; the elk claimed possession of the east side of the river and the deer the west side, and neither was allowed to trespass on the other's domain, and only did so at the risk of being attacked and killed by its enemies.
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IHISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
In 1870 the farmers had conceived a new industry whereby to get a little more of the "filthy luere." It was the trapping of prairie chickens, which at that time were commanding liberal prices in the East. As high as $4.90 per dozen had been paid by the shippers in Indiana. One farmer brought in one week's trapping which he sold for $120 in greenbacks. This would partially, at least, compensate for the low price of farm products. Parties engaged in the business were working strennously before the closed season after the 1st of January.
As late as 1880 L. S. Ford, of Littleton, found a wolves' den in which were eight half-grown whelps. He sneceeded in scalping them and securing a hand- some bounty.
An exhibition of real Indians was given at the opera house on March 22, 1880. The program was made up principally of dances, such as aborigines in- dulge in, and the audience complained of the lack of variety of the entertain- ment, which was only in part compensated for by the novelty of the exhibition.
Probably this was the last appearance of original tribes of Indians in vaude- ville in Independence.
SCHOOLS
The question of foreign languages being retained in the public schools was made the issue of a lively campaign at the school election in March, 1880. Public debates and paper eonflabs were indulged in for over a year. C. R. Millington was utterly opposed to the introduction of languages and Colonel Lake just as loyally supported those branches.
One of the numerous arguments was that the publie school system had become a matter of grave concern with the best educators of the country on account of the extravagance that had been introduced and the consequent frightful cost entailed upon the people and its utter collapse from these eauses was by some anticipated at an early day. The only way to avert that result was by judicious pruning of the altogether too numerous courses then constituting the public school curriculum in order to reduce the school tax to such proportion that it would neither drive wealthy tax payers out of the community nor into perjury.
Another argument displaying an equal amount of sense was that there are approximately 5,000 facts that a pupil must learn before completing his knowledge of English; and Latin, not being his mother tongue, would furnish about 40,000 facts more which woukl impose a physical and mental impos- sibility upon the pupil. This agitation touching a vital spot with the voters resulted in a majority voting to exclude the foreign languages.
County Superintendent Parker and Professor Ely of the Independence public school held a series of public debates at the opera house, Mr. Parker supporting the negative and Mr. Ely the affirmative. The whole community was greatly stirred up over the proposition, and in view of the present extensive system of education which is now inelded in the high school enrrienlum, their opposing arguments seem short sighted and trivial.
This item in April, 1880, depiets a peenliar state of affairs. "Several of the enterprising eitizens have planted shade trees, largely elns, along the sidewalks
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IHISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
before their residences, an example worthy of being extensively initated." Among the premises thus improved were those of several citizens, and very com- mendatory remarks for the same were expressed. Now the town has so many trees that many are being ent down, and during the past summer (1914) tree doctors and "dentists" have been industriously employed trimming, thin- ning out and filling cavities of the Independence "forest reserve." The yards are filled with trees and every side of every block now has a row of trees adorning it and on many of the streets the trees on either side form a canopy of green over head ; in faet, Independence is noted for its beautiful shade trees. The trees and the beautiful Wapsie, with its excellent boating and fishing. win the admiration of all strangers and are the attractive features that induee so many visitors to seek Independence for vacation pleasures.
In the 1880 census the female population of Independence exceeded the male by the astonishing number of 212, and by that census Independence in five years had lost about two hundred inhabitants, probably men, which would account for the disparity in numbers.
The first second-hand store was established in Independence in November, 1880.
In 1891 a board sidewalk was built by public subscription from the city out to Rush Park. nearly half a mile long. In those days thousands of eager people walked that board highway to witness the fastest racing this country had ever seen. It served the suburbanites well for thirteen years and was then torn up and replaced by a new walk.
In the year 1897 it was a remarkable fact that an unusual mumber of venomous snakes were killed in the county. Why the reptiles should put in an appearance after almost entirely disappearing for a number of years was unaccountable. Rattlesnakes and copperheads had been in evidence in almost every neighborhood and there were reports that several had been found in the houses. A large copperhead. two feet long and well developed in girth, was killed on MIr. I. E. Palmer's lawn on North Walnut Street. Independence. Several snakes had been discovered coiled up in hammocks and were found crawling in second-story windows from the branches of trees adjacent to the building. This unusual snake story ilbeited wide newspaper comment, but the editors stood pre- pared with witnesses to verify their statements.
The gramophone was first introduced in Independence by C. F. Herrick in 1897. This was the occasion of several public concerts to hear the machine that talks and sings.
The Roentgen Ray was first introduced in this vicinity at the insane hos- pital in January. 1897, and mummerous tests were made. Several people in Independence were photographed for the purpose of locating bullets which had remained in their bodies, sometimes for years. The institution has used this apparatus to practical purpose ever since.
In February, 1897, the Northeastern lowa editors met at Independence, among them some very noted gentlemen. John Brigham, then editor of the Midland Monthly, now state librarian, was the most noted and gave a fine lecture on twentieth century journalism.
In 1899 the tramp nuisance had become of such alarming magnitude that a rock pile was inaugurated for the employment of such persons as are con-
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ITISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
vieted of vagrancy and other misdemeanors and hard labor at the rock pile with a ball and chain attachment has proved an antidote.
WILD MAN OF THIE LITTLE WAPSIE
In August, 1892, a considerable excitement had been stirred up in the vicinity of Triumph School District, Fairbank Township, by some strange being that lurked in the woods around the Little Wapsie. Several people had seen a strange man in various places around that vicinity who eluded people and acted very strangely. An old log cabin near that place con- tained unmistakable signs of occupancy. Numerous hunts were inaugurated but always proved futile. Little children claimed that the man wore no clothes and appeared like a veritable jibbernoisee, or wild man of the jungles. A bright light was seen at the old cabin and three or four of the neighbor- hood boys went to investigate and on arriving at the place saw a man sitting on the ground calmly looking into the fire. Perceiving his visitors he imme- diately fled.
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