History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 104

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1316

USA > Iowa > Butler County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 104
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 104

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The county was organized in August, 1853, at which time it had some eighty voters, and the amount of property listed for taxation was $43, 437. In August, 1854, the number of voters was one hundred and eighty, the amount of property listed for taxation $285,056

In August, 1855, the number of votes was three hundred and thirty, and the amount of

property listed for taxation was upwards of $600,000; since which time there has been erected and put in operation five steam saw-mills, one water saw-mill, one large and splendid flouring mill with two run of burrs, and two other water saw-mills, and one steam saw-mill nearly ready for operation. At present there are laid out in this county seven towns, the oldest of which is Janesville, which was laid out in the spring of 1852, by John T. Barrick, Esq., when the first store was established.

This is a flourishing little town, pleasantly situated on the east side of the Cedar river, some two or three miles above the junction of the Cedar and Shell Rock. It contains at this time, some two hundred and fifty intelligent and enterprising inhabitants, with two stores, a steam and water saw-mill, one hotel, a fine stone school house, 24x36 feet, and a printing office. Next comes the flourishing town of Waverly, the county seat, which was laid out in the fall of 1853, by W. P. Harmon, Frederick Cretz- meyer and Willianı Sturdevant, when was erected and put in the first saw-mill in the county, by W. P. Harmon. The town is pleas- antly situated on both sides of the Cedar river, about six miles above Janesville, on the west side of the well-known Big Woods of Cedar, which contain about forty sections of the choicest timber in this part of Iowa, and is one of the most flourishing towns of its age in the Cedar Valley. There are at present four hundred and fifty inhabitants of an enterprising and intelli- gent character, with nine dry goods stores, three groceries, two hardware stores, a tin shop, drug store, saddle and harness shop, two shoemakers, two blacksmiths, onc flouring mill, two hotels, fanning mill manufactory, two shingle machines, printing office, two physicians, two lawyers and a jail.

H. A. Miles, the first editor, was a man of considerable ability and integri- ty. His education, although somewhat limited was backed by sound common sense. He was the first clerk of courts

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

and was otherwise officially prominent in the early history of the county. His home is now in Texas. He continued in charge of the Republican until the 26th of November, 1856, when C. T. Smeed pur- chased and took editorial control. Mr. Miles in stepping down from the editorial tripod said:

With this number of the paper we transfer the editorship to C. T. Smeed who has purchased one-half of the Republican office and will hereafter conduct the paper.

It has now been about eighteen months since we commenced the publication of our paper and it was only the interest that we felt for our town and county that induced us to engage in a business with which we were wholly unacquaint- ed, and owing to our inexperience and the press- ure of other business, our paper has been very much neglected and it is with the greatest pleas- ure that we deliver it into able hands, hoping a continuation of the liberal patronage and sup- port it has ever received from the citizens of our adjoining counties. Our patrons will please ac- cept our sincere thanks and best wishes for un- merited favors.

In the same issue C. T. Smeed assumed the duties, and published a lengthy " Salu- tatory," setting forth the position he should occupy relating to various questions then rankling the public mind. The arti- cle is presented in full:

Salutatory.

Having taken an interest in the Waverly Re- publican. and assumed the care and responsi- bility of editing and publishing it, it is but due to its patrons that we indicate the course we in- tend to pursue.

Large promises are of no avail unless fully re- deemed, and it is somewhat difficult from un- forseen contingencies to redeeni such promises, we therefore, deem it best to make but few. We have, however, marked a general course we

intend to pursue as far as in us lies, which will yet be subject to the mutability of all human calculations.

We intend to have our say upon all and every topic that may arise through any discussion, and in so doing, we intend to be independent of the control of any party, faction or clique. There is nothing neutral in our composition and char- acter. Therefore, whatever eminates from us will be of a positive character. While we are positive, we shall endeavor not to be dogmatic, but weigh carefully and give due consideration to the opinions of everyone, and ask only the same from others in regard to our own.

We deem almost every subject that may arise, benefitted by discussion, if it be conducted in the proper spirit, and the fact that fanatics exist and many times damage the cause they espouse, is no good reason that discussions should be forgone. Our opinions are liable to change, and we hope they may ever be so, for we do not de- sire to become a fossil.

On some subjects it is but right that we should at this time declare our views, and in such a manner that no one can mistake them.

Politically, we have labored long and earnestly to organize a party entertaining and advocating the principles laid down in the platform of the republican party, which we aided in erecting. We are emphatically opposed to the extension of the area of bondage, by force or fraud, or even by the enactment of the general government.

We do not believe the Constitution grants to Congress the power to make such enactments. The party which proposes the most active and efficient means to compass the end of a complete divorce of the general government from the thrall and meshes of the slave power, will get our sympathies and support.

Now, therefore, if said party shall honestly redeem the professions made north of Mason & Dixon's Line, and dedicate Kansas to freedom and free labor, it will so far, merit and receive our support, otherwise it will meet our decided opposition.

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

This is the great political question of the day. Is this continent to be overrun with slavery, or is the fundamental principles of the Declaration of Independence to be carried out in good faith, as was intended by the illustrious penman of that important document?

This is the question that prevailed during the Canvass just passed, which has for the next Pre- sidential Olympiad, put the power of the gov- ernment into the hands of the aristocratic or slave power-not by a majority of the free and thinking people, but by the undue influence given the slave power through the cumberous machinery of the electoral college; and we be- lieve that ere the end of that period is reached, slavery will be theoretically, as far as enact- ments and decisions of court can do it, rendered national, or, in other words, established wher- ever the American Congress has jurisdiction over the Territory including, all the now mis- called slave States. It will be extended to all territory outside of organized States, by actual enactment, either of Congress direct or through Territorial legislation, by procurement of the ex- ecutive sustained by congressional enactment. In the States the constitutions and State enact- ments will be over borne by the decisions of the courts, and slave-holders will be allowed to drive their slaves where and when they please. Toombs will be supported by the United States Army, to put his threats into execution, of calling the roll of his slaves on Bunker Hill.

We wish to be understood. We do not say that Toombs will do that, but we do say that it is our prediction, that ere the end of the incom- ing Olympiad is reached, the powers of the gor- ernment would be exerted to that end, if Toombs should ask it. Our present position is, no more slave territory, no recognition of slavery outside of the present organized slave States, no polit- ical interference with slavery within these bounds.

If the powers that be, thrust slavery into Kan- sas, or in any other unorganized Territory, and organizes it into slavery States, then our position must change and we shall insist upon its being

expelled from such Territory. We shall not hold ourselves accountable for the consequen- ces, if the slave power compel us to change from the defensive position we now occupy to the aggresive one-of thrusting back slavery from territory thus invaded. Upon this point we believe we are now understood, and we will pass to the consideration of other matters. The farming interests of Iowa shall receive our special attention, and we ask the aid, counsel and assistance of the farming community in collecting statistics and usuful information in regard to that interest.

To local matters we intend to allot a large space, and ask the public to make this office the connecting point of local intelligence, that we may be able to disseminate the same through the ramifications of the postoffice, to the end of the earth.

C. T. SMEED.

On the 17th of April, 1857, H. A. Miles sold his interest in the Republican to J. O. Stewart, and the firm became Smeed & Stewart.

In June, 1861, Mr. Smeed disposed of his interest in the Republican to J. K. L. Maynard and Louis Case. The first num- ber under the new management bore date June 26, 1861. The new editors in defining their position stated that they were for "the Union, the Constitution, and the enforce- ment of the laws," and added:

We are now in favor of a complete and perfect vindication of the ability of the General Govern- ment to maintain its authority over every foot of Federal territory, and for our own part, we should rejoice to see each and every patriot united as one man, for its speedy accomplish- ment, even to the extinction of party lines; but the persistent efforts of certain democratic leaders will doubtless compel the republican party of Iowa to maintain a separate and distinct organization, in which case we should labor for the advancement of the interests of the republi- can party, believing in so doing we shall advance

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

the welfare and happiness of the citizens of our county and State. We believe that in politics the question of right should be considered; that politics and morals are not divorced, and we shall use all honorable means to maintain the right while we denounce the wrong.

The political department of the Republi- can was placed under charge of Mr. May- nard, while the local and miscellaneous columns were under charge of Mr. Case.

The issue of June 19, 1861, contained Mr. Smeed's valedictory. He said:

This step has been somewhat suddenly resolved upon. Duties to my country calls, and such duties are paramount to all personal or private consideration. It is with many regrets that I break up the numerous pleasant associations formed with the readers of my humble journal; and let my lot be cast in pleasant places or other- wise, my remembrances will ever recur to my many friends in this county and State, and my best wishes and constant prayers for their well being will be a part of my very existence. In my intercourse of years with the people, harsh things may have been wrongfully said, such I most sincerely regret. No ascerbity of feeling is now entertained by me toward any one; and whatever of harshness has ever been manifested toward me, is forgotten, to be remembered no more forever. Thanks, and thanks only, have I to tender to the citizens of Iowa, and more par- ticularly to those of Waverly and vicinity, for the thousand manifestations of kind consideration that I have received at their hands. * *

Next week I expect to leave Iowa, perhaps never to return, to go where my country's service call. Once ere this, at her call I sped to the scene of conflict. It may call me there again. If so, the call will be obeyed.

· Mr. Smeed-or, as he was always called "Tarbox" Smeed -- went into the army and never returned to Bremer county. A few years later, while in Washington city, he committed suicide.

On the 31st of December, 1871, the Re- publican suspended publication, the office having been consumed by fire, and for four months, Bremer county was withouta paper. The cause of the suspension was want of support and destroyal by fire. Mr. Maynard had, for a short time previous been running the paper alone, Mr. Case having retired from the concern in Novem- ber. On the 26th day of April, 1862, the paper was revived under the name of the Bremer County Phoenix, J. K. L. May- nard, editor and proprietor. Mr. May- nard, under the head of "Our County Paper," said that it was the universal re- mark that the county must have a paper, but he gave the people to understand that he would not publish and lose money. He promised to do his part if the citizens would give substantial encouragement to the enterprise. In regard to its name, the editor says that when he first purchased the office he thought of changing the name of the paper, for the reason there were a number of papers published in the State by the name, Republican. The office having been burned, and the new paper arising, as it were, from its ashes suggested " Phoenix."

In October, 1864, H. L. Halbert became joint partner with Maynard, but subse- quently withdrew, leaving Maynard alone again. Sometime in the summer of 1866, Maynard sold to James O. Stewart, a for- mer proprietor of the paper and Ezra C. Moulton, who assumed the editorship. At this time the name of Bremer County Phoenix was discarded and that of

THE WAVERLY REPUBLICAN .

again placed at the inast-head. Van E. Butler and C. F. Mallahan, were success-

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

ors to the above firm, the change taking place in the spring of 1868. Butler is now in some of the Western States, in the news- paper business. Mallahan was a very practical man and a good printer. He is now running a paper at Elk Point, D. T., and has served one term as clerk of the Territorial legislature.

On the 25th of November, 1869, the office was purchased by Daniel Fichthorn and J. B. Scott-the latter remaining in connection only a short time. In mount- ing the editorial platform, Mr. Fichthorn presented the following as his salutatory:

In making our bow to the readers of the Week- ly Republican, as editor and publisher thereof, we would remind them that we take upon our- selves no small responsibility

We expect to pass through many trials, trou- bles and vexations, which generally follow in the walks of those who launch their bark upon the waves of editorial felicity. We are well aware of the difficulties an editor has in pleasing everybody, and are also perfectly acquainted with the fact that an editor's work is never done. He is drained incessantly, and no wonder in many in- stances he dries up prematurely. Other people can attend banquets, weddings, and the gay and festive halls of amusement, where bright eyes sparkle and hearts made glad, but the editor can not -- he must be on hand to answer the cry of "copy," and attend to the hundred and one things essential to a well regulated printing office. The press, like a sick baby, must not be left alone for a moment. If it is delayed a sin- gle day, or the paper a few hours behind time, some inhuman subscriber indignantly orders the carrier boy to stop bringing that infernal paper, -there is nothing in it,-I wouldn't have it in the house. These are a few of the perplexities that editors have to put up with. So all can see that it requires a great deal of patience to stand the pressure.

In politics, the Republican as heretofore, will be radically conducted in the interests of the republican party-that party which relies for success upon its record in the past the promises which it presents for the future, while the dem- ocratic party relies for its success upon hav- ing its past record forgotten, and being taken entirely upon faith for the future, or, as the pat- riot and statesman, Senator Morton, of Indiana, has said: "The democratic party does not invoke the pleasure of memory but invites the blessings of oblivion,"

It is our intention to devote as much of our space as possible to general and local news. Hoping that our efforts in giving to the citizens of Brenier county a paper worthy of their pat- ronage, may prove a success, we trust our hopes for the future, to our energies and the liberality of the citizens of the county in sustaining us in our new enterprise. DANIEL FICHTHORN.

Mr. Fichthorn continued in charge of the Republican for about five years. Some- time in 1873, an interest was purchased by C. F. Case, and until April, 1874, the firm remained Fichthorn & Case. About the last of 1874, Daniel Fichthorn closed his connection with the paper and Mr. Case assumed entire control. In this shape the management continued until the 24th of of-September, 1874, when he sold to W. H. Tyrrell, and went to Minnesota. He is now editor of the Statesman in Marshall, Minnesota. Case was not a man of much ability, and a poor newspaper man, yet he was a good financial manager, and would make money in spite of hard times.

In bidding good-bye, he said that "Hav- ing sold to W. H. Tyrrell, late senior edi- tor of the Independent, he left the paper in a. prosperous condition, over a hundred subscribers having been added since last May, and he was glad to leave the Repub- lican in such good hands."

A. W. Briden

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

In taking charge, Mr. Tyrrell rather in- fringed upon the time honored and worn custom of devoting a column of space to a salutatory, but tersely says:

As Mr. Case bids you good-bye, and introduces me, not entirely a stranger to most of you, I will only say, that it will be my earnest endeavor to make the Republican worthy of your patronage. W. H. TYRRELL.

But Mr. Tyrrell did not long continue the management of the Republican alone. In October he sold a half interest to Capt. W. V. Lucas, and the firm became Lucas & Tyrrell, they having been prior to this, in partnership in the management of the Independent. This made a strong jour- nalistic company. This co-partnership continued until January, 1876, when Capt. Lucas withdrew, James Fletcher having purchased his interest in the paper. The Captain soon afterward removed to Mason City, Cerro Gordo county, where he en- gaged in another newspaper enterprise. He has served one term as Auditor of the State of Iowa, and was prominent officially during his many years residence in Bremer county. In the chapter upon National, State and County Representation, he is noticed more at length.

James Fletcher, who purchased Lucas' interest, soon took charge of the Republi- can and the firm has since remained Fletcher & Tyrrell-James Fletcher and W. H. Tyrrell. Upon taking the editorial chair, Mr. Fletcher, in a plain, practical talk with his readers, said:

I enter upon a new field of duty-that of editor of this paper. It was not my design to take part in the duties till the new year, but for private reasons of the retiring editor, Captain W. V. Lucas (justifiable to himself, and on the whole, satisfactory to me), 1 assumed the place

so ably filled by him, on the 18th inst. And now that I am installed in the editor's chair, grave question rise in my mind, foremost of which is, how to conduct the Republican so as to give the best satisfaction to its many readers. I see on its long list of patrons, many familar names, and withal personal friends of mine; friends whose kind patronage in years gone by has helped to place me in position to purchase this interest in our county paper. It is on those friends' account, as well as many others, whose names I hope to see on the subscription list by-and-by. that the above question arose. The near future will decide whether I anticipated their wants or not.

In this social chat with my friends I beg leave to state that the Republican will remain true in politics to the name it bears. This paper will not, however, he a shield for any one in their wrong doings, no matter what political banner they sail under. It has been too much the cus. tom of newspapers -- and deplorably so-to defend the official corruption of their political party. This is wholly wrong. A newspaper should be fearless in exposing villany, no matter on whose head the axe falls. Public exposure by the Press will soon cleanse all offices of rascals. It shall be the crced of the Republican to perform this duty, should occasion require it, at home or elsewhere.

Friendly criticisms will undoubtedly occur at times, but nothing of that nature shall be written in anger.

Sensation of all kinds will be carefully avoided, and facts only, instead of fancy, will find place in these colums.

Finally, I propose to meet the wants of our patrons by giving them, as far as lies in my power, the worth of their money, and to do this (having the hearty concurrence of my partner, Mr. Tyrrell), I announce that about the commencement of the new year, the Republican will be enlarged from its present size to a six column quarto. This change will incur just double the expense for material that it costs now. I hope our friends will appreciate our

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

effort, and recognize them in the manner always so acceptable to newspaper men ..

Respectfully, JAMES FLETCHER.

The Republican has always rested solely upon its merits, and stood for its intrinsic worth; with what success is shown by their present condition, as it to-day has undoubtedly as large a permanent circula- tion and as much influence as any paper in the county. At various times it has been enlarged, growing from a six page folio- the size of its first issue-to its present size, a seven column quarto, the largest in the county, the last enlargement being made in 1878. The last given salutatory, was written, it is but justice to state, by Mr. Fletcher, just after his return from a tour to the Old World, and finding one of his children dead, it is no wonder that his mind was in no condition to enter upon editorial duties, yet it is well and tersely written.

James Fletcher was born in Berkshire, England, in 1840. When five or six years of age he came to America and lived with relatives in Lawrence, Mass. There here- mained until twelve years of age, when he removed to Vermont. His youthful days were spent in school and at work, prepar- ing himself for college, and working for his board. When twenty years of age he enlisted in one of the first regiments which left Vermont for the war, and served three years. His health failing him, he was honorably discharged and soon afterward came to Waverly, arriving in November, 1865. He was deputy treas- urer of the county for two years, and then purchased an interest in the book store, which, with the exception of a few months

he has since owned. In November he purchased his interest in the Republican. Mr. Fletcher is an able and tasty writer, and is well adapted to the profession he has chosen.

William H. Tyrrel, Mr. Fletcher's part- ner, is a native of McHenry county, Ill., where he was born on the 26th of Decem- ber, 1848. His father was a farmer and stone mason. . When five years of age his parents removed to Bremer county, Iowa, where Mr. Tyrrell has since lived. In 1864 he commenced work at his trade, printing, and still continues it. His con- nection as to ownership, dates from 1872. He is a thorough printer and a gentleman.

THE DEMOCRATIC NEWS.

This newspaper was started at Waverly, in 1867, by Wright & Stow-Gancelo C. Wright and W. A. Stow. It first made its appearance on the 27th of June, 1867, as a six-column-folio, all printed at their office, one door east of the Bremer House. The paper was pretty well filled with advertise- ments, and presented a very neat appear- ance. In accordance with the immemorial custom of the craft, upon presenting a new paper, the publishers made a formal intro- duction of the News to the reading public, in which, after a brief reference to local matters, they said:

Ours is a business enterprise and not a politi- cal scheme, and is identified with the business interests of the place. As its name would indi- cate, the News takes its stand in the political field upon the side of democracy, and, planting its standard upon a platform of principles, will never be found beating the "policy" role. We shall raise at our mast-head the candidates only of regular democratic conventions, and shall ad- vocate such healthy democratic doctrines as:

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

945

Equal taxation and representation;

The sovereignty of States and the supremacy of civil law;

The Union of the States under the old consti- tution;

And white men for rulers.

* * We will seek to avoid giving needless offense, and endeavor at all times to show that courtesy and respect due an honest opponent. With these its objects, aims and principles; the News presents itself as a candidate for public favor.

In about six months the News was pur- chased by George Lindley. , He ran it for about three years, when it was finally changed to the

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 104

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company Number of Pages: 1316

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1316