USA > Iowa > Butler County > History of Butler County, Iowa: a record of settlement., Volume 1 > Part 35
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When Bristow was incorporated it had a population of 200 and in 1910 the number of inhabitants was given in the census returns as 291. These figures show a slow and not very important or encouraging growth. The reason for this condition may justly
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be ascribed to its contiguity to Dumont on the west and Allison on the east, both of which are but a few miles away; however, Bristow is a busy little trading point, has a number of well built business houses, churches, a school building and many fine resi- dences. But it has not reached the stage, in the estimation of the leading citizens, that demands a town hall, waterworks, sewer- age, electric lights and paving. These utilities will come in time, it is anticipated by those optimistically inclined, and an effort is now in a formative state, to secure an electric current from Hamp- ton for an electric light system.
THE SCHOOLS
Bristow was included in the territory comprising West Point township when the system of school districts was adopted. But in June, 1876, it became an independent district, which took in four sections of land-17, 18, 19, 20. To this were annexed in the winter of 1881-2 section 13 and the northeast quarter of section 24, in Pittsford township. A small frame school building was erected on section 19 in West Point township, on land owned by F. E. Newberry and on section 14 in Pittsford. Here the chil- dren of the town and vicinity received instruction for some years; the school on section 19 was abandoned about six years ago.
In 1880, a two-story frame schoolhouse was erected in Bristow, containing four rooms, at a cost of $2,200. The first teacher was O. H. Scott; his assistant was Mrs. Ella Gibson. For some years past this school has given employment to five instructors, a princi- pal, an assistant principal and three grade teachers. But the building itself has become inadequate, insanitary and inconveni- ent. This condition was realized by many of the advocates for a new structure, and by their efforts they caused a special elec- tion to be called in the year 1913, for the purpose of submitting the question of building a new schoolhouse, and issuing bonds in the sum of $15,000 for the purpose. Unfortunately for the project, the innovation failed by the narrow majority against it of four votes. The project will again be brought to the attention of the electorate in March, 1914.
THE POSTOFFICE
The first postoffice established in this vicinity was located on section 24, Pittsford township and named Boylan's Grove. H.
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A. Early was the first appointee of the office and received his commission about 1856. In a few years the office was moved to West Point, now Bristow, and Julius Hoffman was placed in charge. He was succeeded by C. L. Jones, October 10, 1862, and A. Durand followed as postmaster in 1862, when the office was removed back into Pittsford township and there remained until the appointment of James Butler, when the office again became a part of West Point. Mr. Butler was the postmaster until 1868, in which year he was succeeded by H. J. Playter. The last named was in office but a few months, when J. C. Underwood was appointed and took charge of the mails. In 1876 the name of the office was changed from West Point to Bristow. Before his death, which occurred in 1912, C. L. Jones was the postmaster at Bris- tow about twenty successive years. A daughter, Miss Anna Jones, has been the incumbent since then.
THE CITIZENS STATE BANK
By a glance at the deposit of the Citizens State Bank, the reader will appreciate the fact that this financial concern is one of no little importance to the community and that it flourishes by reason of a grounded confidence of a large list of patrons in its integrity and stanchness. This bank was organized under the laws of Iowa, April 11, 1907, and was the outgrowth of the private banking house of J. W. Ray and H. A. Foote, established in 1897. The present bank was capitalized at $25,000 and had for its first officers J. W. Ray, president; W. F. Ray, vice president; and H. A. Foote, cashier. Mr. Foote died in the year 1908 and since then J. F. Jungking has been cashier. The present staff of officers is composed of W. F. Ray, president; F. T. Wells, vice presi- dent; F. J. Ray, vice president; J. F. Jungking, cashier. Capital, $25,000; deposits, $180,000. The bank's home is a fine two-story brick building, erected in 1903.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
A Methodist Episcopal Society was organized at Bristow in the summer of 1855, by Rev. Swearingen, of Clarksville, who came into the neighborhood for the occasion, and remained as the pastor until 1857. Among the first members were John Lash and wife, P. Miller and wife and Mrs. George Lash. A church
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building was soon erected and a parsonage, where Rev. Alva Freeman, who came in 1857, was the first pastor to reside. This church continued on with resident pastors at uncertain intervals, but for many years past the church was attended from Allison. Since 1913 the pastor at Dumont has been in charge of the Bris- tow church, which now has a membership of probably sixty souls. The church was erected in the summer of 1896, at a cost of $2,500, and dedicated free of debt July 12, 1896.
The United Brethren Church has been established at Bristow for many years and the writer was promised the necessary data relating to its history, which has failed to materialize. Conse- quently all that can be said of it in this work already has been said.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The Presbyterians at one time had a strong organization at this place. The church was established at Jamison's Grove, Octo- ber 31, 1857, taking the name of the Pisgah Church. On this occasion Rev. Williston Jones officiated. The names of the origi- nal members follow: Samuel Armstrong and wife, John A. Staley and wife, Mrs. Susannah Harlan, Henry Meyer, wife and two sons, Henry and Frederick; Mrs. Brotherton, Mrs. Hannah Moore, Mrs. Isabella Jamison and Mrs. Diantha Wickham. In June, 1872, the Pisgah and Butler Center churches consolidated and were incorporated as the Pisgah Presbyterian Church. The following year a house of worship was erected, 42x60 feet, at a cost of $2,400, for which the people of Bristow donated a bell. About this time there were seventy members, but in the '80s the number had dwindled to one-half and eventually the members became so few that regular meetings ceased. For years past there has been no resident minister.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The Episcopal Church established a society of that faith in Bristow a number of years ago, and built a tastefully designed and comfortable little chamber, where the members held regular services under the ministration of a resident pastor. But his people were so weakened in numbers that many years ago the church was abandoned and the building converted into a hall for the various fraternal lodges of the town.
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FRATERNAL ORDERS
Garfield Lodge, No. 436, I. O. O. F., was organized November 17, 1881, with the following charter members: Peter Ebling, Jacob Krebbs, C. H. Wilbur, C. W. Smith, John C. Kline. First officials: Peter Ebling, N. G .; C. H. Wilbur, V. G .; J. Krebbs, recording secretary; W. R. Nichols, treasurer; T. M. Early, permanent secretary.
Snowball Lodge, No. 299, Daughters of Rebekah, was organ- ized in October, 1895, with the following charter members: Frank S. Kilson, Francis E. Newberry, Charles T. Coonley, William Arnold, D. C. Graham, John W. Kocher, M. H. Barnes, A. E. Barnes, George G. Smith, Sarah Kilson, Sophia Newberry, Emma F. Coonley, Sarah E. Arnold, Bertha J. Graham, Ida Kocher, Eva R. Barnes, Cornelia B. Barnes and Alfred Meese.
Vulcan Lodge, No. 498, A. F. & A. M., was organized June 4, 1889, with fifteen charter members. A. F. Hobson was inducted into the office of W. M .; C. C. Shattuck, S. W .; and C. L. Jones, J. W.
Bristow Camp, No. 825, M. W. A., was organized February 4, 1889, with the following members: D. M. Anderson, George L. Arnold, E. H. Best, Henry C. Bentroth, O. J. Early, D. C. Graham, E. L. Hewitt, T. J. Hart, C. G. Kilson, William McAdoo, F. K. Spaulding, N. W. True, Amos Vogt. The lodge meets in the old Episcopal church.
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CHAPTER XXXI ALLISON, THE COUNTY SEAT
The town of Allison, the present county seat of Butler county, is situated on the east half of section 25 of West Point township, about one and one-half miles north of the geographical center of the county. The plat was drawn with the idea of providing for the location of the county seat here, hence it centers around a Court House Square ten acres in extent with broad streets lead- ing out from this center in all directions. The growth of the town has been chiefly to the west and south. It comprises at the pres- ent time an area of approximately fifty city blocks north of the railroad, most of which are improved by the construction of sub- stantial residences and business buildings. The principal busi- ness street extends from the railway station to the Court House Square a distance of five blocks which are bordered on either side by buildings occupied by the various firms engaged in commerce and trade in the town. These comprise at the date of present writing one bank, one hotel, two restaurants, three general stores, two drug stores, two hardware stores, two millinery establish- ments, one furniture store, one meat market, one clothing store, one photograph gallery, two harness and shoe repairing shops, two blacksmith shops, one livery stable, one printing office, two barber shops and pool halls combined, one sash and door factory, one steel evener factory, two lumber yards, two elevators, one cooperative creamery, and several other buildings used for tele- phone, law and abstract, physician's and dentist's offices. There are two automobile garages and one auto livery.
Allison lies in the heart of one of the best and most prosperous farming sections of this rich agricultural county. Its prosperity is based upon the most stable of foundations, that of the necessity of the surrounding community for an outlet for their surplus products and a trading place where they may obtain the neces- sities and luxuries of life. Land values in country and town show
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a steady increase that bespeaks a continuance of the present prosperous conditions.
EARLY HISTORY
This town is the youngest incorporated town in the county, having been laid out and platted on the land belonging to the Iowa Central Stock Farm in 1879. Previous to this time, this farm had passed from the hands of its first owner, Mr. R. A. Bab- bage, into those of Mr. H. L. Stout of the Knapp, Stout Lumber Company of Dubuque. As early as 1875 a line of railroad, first known as the Iowa & Pacific railroad, had been surveyed through the county from east to west passing through the present site of Allison. Before this in 1871 on the 11th of February, West Point township had by a majority of nine votes refused to vote a special tax for the benefit of this road. The road was, however, actually graded before the project was abandoned. H. L. Stout was one of the backers of this project and was active in securing the reorganization of the company for the construction of this line of road under the name of the Dubuque & Dakota.
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In 1877, the rails were laid as far as Shell Rock. Later con- struction was completed to Clarksville. In the spring of 1879 a special election was held in West Point township and a five mill tax was voted for the aid of the new railroad on condition that the road be completed through the township by the following fall. The company fully lived up to its agreement and the first train of cars was run into Allison on July 4, 1879, and into Bristow on July 12.
On April 11th, 1879, Messrs. F. D. Stout, John R. Waller, and Mr. Knowlton of Dubuque surveyed the town plat of Allison. On August 19th, Harry Daggett, the first station agent arrived and took charge of the interests of the railroad and the traveling and shipping public at this point. In the fall of this same year, a three-story frame hotel was completed by the town company, the members of which were John R. Waller, Gen. C. H. Booth, R. E. Graves, Frank D. Stout and James Stout, all of Dubuque. The hotel building was constructed by M. M. Flick of Dubuque in accordance with plans and specifications prepared by F. D. Hyde of the same city. Its size was originally 32x36 feet, three stories high and cost approximately five thousand dollars. On the 2nd day of January, 1880, the new hostelry opened its doors
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The Hotel Main Street, looking north
Scene on Main Street
A Residence Street SCENES IN ALLISON
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to the public by Manager C. W. Corwin. In August, 1881, an addition 32x50 feet in extent and three stories high was con- structed, thus more than doubling the capacity of the building. At the same time a kitchen 20x28 one and one-half stories high was built on the rear. The total cost of the building and equip- ment was in excess of thirteen thousand dollars. When com- pleted it gave Allison the most commodious and best equipped hotel between Dubuque and the western terminus of this line of railroad. This building stood and under various managements continued to serve the traveling public until the winter of 1909- 10 when it was burned to the ground. At the time. this disaster was considered as almost a death blow to the prospects of the town. Later, however, through the enterprise of the Ray brothers, W. F. and F. J., the present magnificent structure was erected for hotel purposes, modernly equipped throughout and again Allison enjoyed the distinction of possessing the finest hotel on the line of the Great Western railroad between Dubuque and Fort Dodge.
The town company also erected an elevator in 1879 which com- menced operations in January, 1880, under the management of George Woodward, who came for the purpose from Minnesota.
The first settler in the new town was George E. Martin, who had been living on a farm in the vicinity. In September, 1879, he moved his family into a house which he had built on the new town site and opened a livery business which he continued to carry on until his retirement in favor of his son, A. T. Martin, some years ago. Mr. Martin is still a resident of Allison, serv- ing at the present time as deputy sheriff.
The second settler was Charles Waters who opened the first lumber yard and erected a number of the first buildings in the town.
Frank Elliott, J. J. Cleaver and L. E. Lincoln, respectively a mason, a painter and a carpenter and builder were the other arrivals in the town during the remaining months of 1879.
In 1880 the settlement continued with a reasonable degree of rapidity. C. B. Bishop, J. K. Winsett, Michael Wieres, Louis Pharo, James Gillan and Sweeley being among the settlers at this time.
As noted fully elsewhere in the fall of 1880 by decisive vote of the people of the county the county seat was located here. This naturally was the cause of a marked business boom and eventu- Vol. 1-27
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ally resulted in the practical movement of all the population and the most of the buildings from Butler Center, the former county seat, to Allison. Among those who came here from Butler Center were G. M. Craig, W. A. Lathrop, James W. Davis, John Barlow and Mrs. F. Digman. George M. Dopking came from Shell Rock to Allison in 1880 to engage in the livery business with George E. Martin. He is still a resident of the town although for several years the state of his health has been such that he has not been able to engage actively in affairs.
Fletcher Moore opened the first mercantile establishment in Allison in January, 1880. J. K. Winsett, J. A. Riggs & Company, C. D. Williams and Birkbeck Brothers were other pioneer mer- chants. Dr. J. S. Riggs was the first physician here. He later sold his interest in the drug store conducted by his brother John A. Riggs to Dr. S. E. Burroughs, whose period of active practice in this community closed only a few months ago with his removal to Holland, Iowa. Dr. Jerome Burbank was the second physician to locate in the village and opened the second drug store on the cor- ner where the Allison Furniture Company is now located.
The first blacksmith in the town, Michael Wieres, is still at work with forge and anvil. Of recent years he has been chiefly engaged in the manufacture of the Wieres Steel Safety Evener, an article of his own invention and patenting. A stock company composed of Allison citizens are associated with Mr. Wieres in this enterprise.
In the fall of 1881, the Digman Hotel was moved from its former location in Butler Center to Allison and was relocated on its present site of Main street. For many years it continued to be used for hotel purposes, ceasing to serve the public in this capacity only after the opening of the New Hotel Allison in Feb- ruary, 1912.
INCORPORATION AND OFFICIAL RECORDS
The town of Allison was incorporated in 1881, the first elec- 1 tion being held on August 13, 1881, when the following officers were elected to manage the affairs of the community: W. A. Lathrop, mayor; George A. McIntyre, recorder, and W. W. Pat- tee, George E. Woodward, Louis Pharo, J. K. Winsett, G. M. Craig, and D. K. Harbert, trustees. Fifty-seven votes were cast in this first election. W. A. Lathrop received forty-nine votes
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and I. E. Lucas eight votes for mayor. George A. McIntyre received an unanimous vote for the office of recorder. Twenty- one candidates received from one to forty-four votes for trustee, G. M. Craig receiving the highest number.
I. E. Lucas was appointed the first town treasurer, S. S. Bur- roughs, street commissioner, and James W. Davis, assessor.
The first case in the mayor's court was that of John Huss, who was fined the sum of $10 on January 2, 1882, for violating the ordinance on saloon licenses by keeping his saloon open and sell- ing beer on Sunday.
The first telephone line into Allison was constructed by the Iowa and Minnesota Telephone Company in accordance with per- mission from the town council in June, 1882.
The matter of fire protection engaged the attention of the mayor and council from an early date. In the summer of 1883 three wells were dug on Main street for the purposes of supply- ing water for fire protection. In May, 1884, a hand fire engine was purchased together with 400 feet of fire hose at an agreed cost of $900. At a meeting of the volunteer fire company this engine was named "W. B. Allison" and the hose cart "Mam- brino Boy."
In May, 1884, Dr. S. E. Burroughs was appointed the first health physician.
Plans and specifications for an engine house were drawn up in the summer of 1884, and the contract for its construction let to L. E. Lincoln for the sum of $439. The building was erected on a lot leased free of charge by M. Wieres for ten years just west of his shop. The building was completed and accepted on Sep- tember 1. The first fire alarm was a piece of railroad iron which was used as a gong. M. Wieres was the first fire chief.
In April, 1885, the present Allison cemetery site was purchased from E. W. Kester for $325 cash and other considerations.
The town possessed at its outset no adequate highways leading out into the surrounding country. On June 1, 1885, H. L. Stout. deeded to the town a highway leading south from Main street, to the southern line of section 25. In the following year the road leading west from the courthouse square was secured from the town company, and Elm street was extended north to the north line of the section. This gave the town its present excellent sys- tem of highway avenues of transportation.
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The minutes of the meeting of the council on December 6, 1886, contain resolutions of respect in memory of the life and services of James W. Davis. Mr. Davis has been noticed at length in connection with the history of the county which he served long and faithfully in various capacities. His death was felt as a per- sonal loss to every citizen of the town with which his later years had been identified.
WATERWORKS
The question of a city water system began to be agitated as early as 1887. No definite steps were taken to secure such a sys- tem, however, until December 5, 1898, when a petition signed by ninety-eight citizens was presented to the council calling for a special election to decide the question of issuing waterworks bonds. This election was held on January 9, 1899, and resulted in seventy-one votes for and five votes against the issuance of these bonds. In February an agreement was arranged with the county board of supervisors whereby they were to allow the pump- ing station to be located on the courthouse square, were to sink the well and pay the cost of the pump from the county funds on condition of being allowed the use of the water in and around the courthouse. The contract for the construction of the system of waterworks was let to Fremont Turner for the sum of $3,911.50. Michael Wieres was the first superintendent of the waterworks.
The work was completed with dispatch, accepted and put into operation at once. It was found, however, that a mistake had been made in the quality of mains used. After an infinite amount of tinkering and repairing and trouble of various sorts a contract for the laying of new mains was made with the National Con- struction Company of South Bend, Indiana. This contract was ratified by the voters in a special election in April, 1904, when by a vote of sixty-four to four, bonds in the sum of $2,500 were voted to be issued by the town for this purpose.
Since that date the well has been redrilled and at present the system is giving satisfactory service both for purposes of ordi- nary use and fire protection.
STREET LIGHTING
The first provision for lighting the streets of Allison was made by the purchase and erection of a number of kerosene lamps on
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posts in 1891. In 1896 fifteen gasoline street lamps were pur- chased from Albert Lea, Minnesota. These failed to give satis- factory service and, after several other experiments, the present lights were installed. They in turn are about to give way to a . modern system of municipal electric lighting, the installation of which will place Allison on a par with any town of its size in the state in the matter of conveniences.
In 1892 a lot was purchased on Main street and the engine house moved to its present location. At the same time the con- tract for the erection of a calaboose was let to L. E. Lincoln.
In the spring of 1900 the community suffered the loss of one of its most prominent citizens in the person of W. A. Lathrop. Mr. Lathrop was one of the first citizens to move to Allison from Butler Center, was its first mayor and continued to occupy this office with honor for a number of years. The town council hon- ored itself and the community which they represented by causing resolutions of respect to be entered on their minutes in commemo- ration of the services which Mr. Lathrop had rendered this town and the surrounding community.
Permanent cement sidewalks were provided for by act of the council in 1904. Since that date practically every foot of side- walk in the town has been reconstructed on a permanent basis. Today these sidewalks form one of the chief evidences of the pro- gressive spirit of this community.
In 1904 G. Hazlet, who was then serving as mayor, resigned his office. The town council filled the vacancy by the choice of S. W. Burroughs to the position. At the same time they filled several vacancies existing in the council itself. It having appeared that the action of the council was somewhat irregular and in excess of its powers, action was brought in the district court for the removal of the officers so appointed. By decision of the court in the May term of 1905 these offices were declared vacant and N. W. Scovel was appointed mayor in the place of Mr. Burroughs. Some little feeling was engendered over the occurrence at the time, but it soon died away.
At different times projects looking toward the construction of a north and south railroad through Allison have been put forward. Most of them have never progressed beyond the stage of discus- sion. In December, 1903, though, a franchise was granted to a corporation known as the Marshalltown Street and Interurban Railway Company for the construction of its lines through this
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town. The road was not constructed, however. It is altogether probable that such a line of road will eventually be constructed through this section. It would undoubtedly greatly facilitate the means of reaching Allison at present rather inconvenient for many residents of the outlying parts of the county.
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