History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 39

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 39
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 39

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).

To. commence at the beginning of the matter, we must carry the attention of the reader back to 1853, when the first attempt

to organize Butler county was made. This having been a part of Buchannan county, Judge Roszell of that county appointed a board of commissioners to locate the county seat. This board arrived to do as directed in May, 1853, and were met by Messrs. Thomas, and Jeremiah Clark, and W. S. Wamsley, whose residences were about one mile north of the present village of Clarksville, and were prevailed upon to locate the seat of justice on their lands. Or, in the words of a local writer: "The matter was taken into consideration by that august body, and they concluded, for reasons not known, to do as requested." The location being decided upon, the cere- monies had so far proceeded, that one of the commissioners was in the act of driv- ing the peg-of dealing the fatal blow upon the "stake" with an ax, when his attention was arrested by an unearthly yell, not unlike that which at "times like those" might have proceeded from the throats of the aborigines. On lower- ing the fatal instrument, with the undoub- ted determination of saving his strength and blows, that they might be more par- ticularly needed in a different quarter, he saw, far to the south, the forms of two of nature's noblemen, who, upon nearing, were recognized as G. W. Poisal and Seth Hilton, Sr. They bade them hold the proceedings-with not too welcome infor-

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mation to Messrs. Clarks and Wamsley -as they knew a much more desirable location for the seat of justice. The com- missioners heard their "tale of love," went with them, and in one short hour the solid sliver of oak was driven home, on section 18, township 92, range 15, on the spot where the school-house now stands. How- ever, a conciliation was necessary to be made with the former interested gentle- men, and D. C. Hilton, on whose claim the county seat was located, gave Thomas and Jeremiah a one-half interest in his "forty." This was in May, 1853. In August, 1853, Judge Roszell surveyed the original town, immediately after the survey of the State road to Clarksville. Within a few years (about 1856), a court house was commenced, which was comple- ted in spring of 1858, when the first court was held, and the county offices were moved into it. This building is of brick, 40x60 feet, two stories high, and cost about $20,000. The building is now in use as the School-house in Clarksville, having been sold, after the removal of the county seat, to the school district for $2,800.

Even before the court house was finished, the jealousy of other towns was visible, and the excitement was wrought up to a high pitch, every one having a preference and agitating the question. Finally a town was platted and recorded embracing forty acres, in the geographical center of the county, at the four corners of Jefferson, Jackson, West Point and Ripley town- ships, as the future county seat of Butler county. This town was called George- town, and the plat was the best drawn, and made a better appearance-on paper -than any in the county. The village

prospective had not a building, nor a sign of habitation; but was to remain unbuilt until a vote was secured and the matter settled. A large petition was gotten up, extensively signed-except in Clarksville -- praying that the matter be submitted to a vote. This was presented to Judge Converse, who granted the request. The matter was voted upon at the April elec- tion, in 1858, and resulted in Clarksville receiving 327 and Georgetown 320; leaving a clear majority of "7" for the former, This put a quietus to the fond hopes and anticipations for the promising village of Georgetown, and nothing remains of it, except probably a few corner lot stakes. It is an admirable corn-field.

The matter, however, "would not down," and again, in the latter part of 1858, it was agitated. Finally a partial agreement was made among the outsiders to consoli- date and wrest it from Clarksville by all working in the interest of Butler Center, which, although having no railroad con- nection, was nearly in the center of the county. A petition was circulated and over 400 names secured to it, asking that the matter be submitted to a vote as to the removal of the seat of justice from Clarksville to Butler Center. The peti- tion was granted, and the matter was sub- mitted to popular vote on the 4th of April, 1859.

This was the second attempt at remov- ing the county seat, and resulted in Clarks- ville receiving 336 votes and Butler Gen- ter 357, a majority of 21 for the latter. This seemed conclusive, and the following entry was made on the records of the county court, bearing the date of April 11, 1859, which explains itself:

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"Be it remembered that on this 11th day of April, A. D., 1859, the returns from the clection from all the townships having been received, the County Judge calling to his assistance George McClellan and John M. Nicholas, two justices of the peace of Butler county, proceeded to canvass the said returns of the vote cast upon the question of the county seat on the 4th day of April, 1859, between Clarks- ville, the existing connty seat, and Butler Center, and it appearing that a majority of all the votes cast were in favor of Butler Center, the point designated in the peti- tion asking for a vote upon the question; therefore, in accordance with the provis- ions of Chapter 46 of the Acts of the Fifth General Assembly of the State of Iowa, Butler Center is hereby declared to be the county seat of Butler county, Iowa."

At this there was "joy and excceding rejoicing" among the good folks of Butler Center, who threw up their hats, and it is said, shouted with joy until they were black in the facc. But this was suddenly stopped. The Clarksville people sucd out a writ of injunction for the purpose of staying the removal voted until certain legal objections on their part could be duly adjudicated. In July following the District Court adjudged the election void, because of certain irregularities in its conduct.

Then the joy changed hands, and Clarks- ville did an unseemingly amount of jollifi- cation. But the people of the Center werc not satisfied, and kept at work-agitating -until early in 1860, a petition signed by upwards of four hundred voters was obtained and presented to the Board of Supervisors, asking that the matter be

again submitted to vote. This was granted, and on the 2d day of April, 1860, the elec- tion was held. The canvass of votes was held on the fourth of the same month, and resulted in the declaration of a majority of over eighty votes in favor of Butler Center over Clarksville. It was therefore declared that

BUTLER CENTER WAS COUNTY SEAT,

And the jollification held over the matter, this time, was not without causc.

The books, documents and county offices were accordingly removed to Butler Center on the 5th day of April, 1860. The court house used at that place is a most unpretentious frame structure, 26x36 feet in size, and two stories high. The upper story, which was always reached by an outside wooden stairway, was, by courtesy, called the court-room; the lower story, divided into three apartments of the most inferior character for such uses, were occupied as county offices. This structure, erected in 1860 at a cost of $2,000, was donated to the county together with about two acres of land appurtenant thereto, by Mr. Andrew Mullarky, of Cedar Falls, since deceased, who owned a large amount of land in the vicinity, and who was greatly instrumental in securing the removal of the county seat from Clarksville.

The seat of justice remained at Butler Center for about twenty years. Every year or two heavily signed petitions for its removal to other points were presented to the board of county supervisors, as will be seen by a glance at the history of their proccedings, elsewhere in this volume; but they were always out voted until the new town of

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ALLISON CAME INTO THE FIELD AS A COM- PETITOR.

On the transit of the Dubuque and Dakota Railroad across the county, and the commencement of this town within a short distance from the geographical center of the county, silent notice was taken by the public, rather instinctively, that the county seat question would again come before the people, with Allison as the objective point. In the summer of 1880, in anticipation of the presentation of the question, the people of Bristow published a notice, and circulated a petition for the removal of the county seat to that place. But Allison was not to be out done, and was soon in the field with a petition, ask- ing the supervisors to submit the question of removal from Butler Center to Allison. The fight waxed warm, and the pent up bad feelings were vented in stump speeches, the press, and the school houses were filled with the advocates of the towns in contest. It did not last long, however, as the Alli- son petition got a majority of 400 signa- tures. At the November election, follow- ing, the question of removal to Allison carried by a majority of 265 votes; Allison receiving 1,529 and Butler Center 1,264. It was therefore declared that

ALLISON HAD WON THE COUNTY SEAT. And by an order of the board of super- visors, at the January, 1881, session, the records were removed to Allison on Janu- ary 10th. No buildings having been erected for the reception of the records, the clerk, recorder and sheriff were put into quar- ters in the upper story of a building owned by A. M. McLeod. The auditor and treasurer were stationed in the drug store

of Dr. Riggs for a few days, until a small county office building, which had been erected at Butler Center, was moved over, into which they moved.

In the submission of the vote for removal, the Allison Town-site Company, repre- sented by John R. Waller, of Dubuque, filed a bond with the county auditor, in the sum of $25,000, securing to the county, in case of the removal of the county seat from Butler Center, and re-locating the same at Allison, the building of a court house 50x55 feet in size, two stories high, with vaults, court and office rooms, finished in an appropriate way. Also the deeding of ten acres of ground, so long as it should be used for county purposes on which to locate said building. The proposed build- ing was to be of wooden frame with brick vaneer, full specifications and draft of which accompanied the bond.

The removal being voted by the people, the Allison company were on hand ready to fulfill the conditions as above; but it being evident that public opinion favored the erection of a better court house, and one which would be a credit to the county, a compromise was effected between the supervisors, and the Allison company was to deposit to the credit of Butler county $7,000 in cash, and the county to appro- priate a sum to be used in connection with the $7,000 in the ere ction of the house, in the proportion of $1 to $3. In the spring of 1881 the contract was let to L. D. Har- vey, of Clarksville, for the sum of $10,680. The building was finished, and the various officers assigned their rooms in October, 1881. It is two stories in height, with a basement story of ten feet. The structure

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

307

is 50 by 55 feet, and makes an imposing appearance. Thus ended the hard and bitter struggle for county seat honors; and

as the bitter feeling occasioned is becom- ing allayed, Allison will in all probability hold the "county capital."

CHAPTER IX.

THE NEWSPAPER PRESS.

Butler county has had abundant oppor- tunities to test the value of newspapers as aids in building up business centers and making known its resources to the outer world, while the civilizing influence is almost unlimited; and, as a general thing, its citizens have always manifested a liberal spirit or purpose towards the various journalistic enterprises that have been inaugurated in their midst. It must be truthfully said, that in dispensing their patronage to the press, they have. been tolerant and magnanimous, as they have been reasonably generous to journals of all parties. It may be difficult to correctly estimate the advantages derived by Butler county in a business point of view, from the influence of the press, which at various times has called into requisition respecta- ble, if not eminent talent in the advocacy of local interests, which have had a ten- dency to inspire its citizens, as well as friends, far and near, with hope and con- fidence in its prosperity.

In every community there are shriveled souls, whose participation in the benefits

of enterprise is greater than their efforts to promote the public welfare. These are the men who will never subscribe for a newspaper, but will always be on the alert to secure, gratuitously, the first perusal of their neighbors' papers. These are the croakers, who predict evil and disparage enterprise. But, with very few exceptions the press of this region, or the community through which they circulate, has never been cursed with such drones. On the contrary, as patrons of the press, Butler county citizens have established a good name. As records of current history, the local press should be preserved by town and county governments in their archives for reference. As these papers are the repositories wherein are stored the facts and the events, the deeds and the sayings, the undertakings and achievements that go to make up final history. One by one these things are gathered and placed in type; one by one the papers are issued; one by one these papers are gathered together and bound, and another volume of local, general and individual history is laid away

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imperishable. The volumes thus collected, are sifted by the historian, and the book for the library is ready.

There should be some means devised by which press records might be preserved and made accessible. This of course is attempted in all offices; but as a general thing files are sadly deficient; still by dili- gent search and much enquiry, enough date has been gleaned to supply a tolerably accurate record of the county press; but if any inaccuracies or omissions are notice- able, they may be attributed to the absence of completeness in the files.

THE BUTLER TRANSCRIPT.

This was the first newspaper established in Butler county. It first saw light in 1858, at Clarksville, which was then the county seat, under the management of Palmer & James. It was republican in politics, and was a spicy little sheet. But the county was too new to. support it, and in 1860 it was suspended and the material moved to Wintersett, Madison county, Iowa.

BUTLER COUNTY JEFFERSONIAN.

This paper was the second to be issued in Butler county, and was published at Butler Center, in Jefferson township, so the name seems well bestowed. It was started by William Haddock, in August, 1860, and between that time and October, 1861, only about thirty-six numbers of the paper had been issued. In October, 1861, it was purchased by Martin Bailey, who, in January, 1862, changed the name to the

STARS AND STRIPES,

And for two years it made its appearance regularly, and was one of the most able

papers ever published in the county, as Mr. Bailey was a pungent writer and a well educated and well read man. Mr. Bailey then went to the war and the publi- cation of the paper ceased. In August, 1865, the material and office furniture was purchased by McCormack & Francis, who with it established

THE BUTLER COUNTY ARGUS.

They continued this newspaper - for about six months, and in February, 1866, sold it to Judge John Palmer, who changed the name to

THE STILETTO.

In the spring of 1866, Judge Palmer's interest in The Stiletto became the prop- erty of his son, W. L. Palmer, who rc- moved it to Shell Rock. In the fall of 1866 it was consolidated with the Clarks- ville Gazette. A sketch of John Palmer is found in connection with the judicial his- tory. W. L. Palmer was an able writer, and in addition to his newspaper writing compiled a history of Clarksville, which is an interesting little work.

THE CLARKSVILLE GAZETTE.

This newsy representative of the press was brought into existence in the summer of 1866 by the efforts of Van E. Butler, a smooth and pithy writer, and one of the most capable newspaper men who ever handled a "stick" in the county. In the fall of 1866 it was consolidated with The Stiletto, which was then being published at Shell Rock by W. L. Palmer, and the publication was continued at Clarksville under the firm name of Butler & Palmer, and title of

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THE STAR OF THE WEST.

In the winter following, of 1867 and 1868, the paper changed hands and be- eame the property of Frank C. Case, who changed the name to

THE CLARKSVILLE STAR.

It still retains this name. In April, . 1872, Mr. Case disposed of the Star to James O. Stewart, a gentleman of much newspaper ability, and who by enterprise and energy soon made it one of the lead- ing newspapers in the county.

Mr. Stewart opened the year 1875 with a determination to let nothing remain un- turned to make the Star an interesting and instruetive paper. About the second issue in January he commenced publish- ing a complete history of Butler county, which ran through the paper after the manner of a continued story for the greater part of the year. For the histo- rian he secured the services of Mr. Van E. Butler, one of the most able writers who have ever been in this part of the State, who had been a resident of the eounty since boyhood and was therefore familiar with pioneer life in this part of the great Hawkeye State. The history was not only valuable as a history, but was also very in- teresting reading. This enterprise was indeed commendable in the Star, and was the only attempt at such ever made in the county. The history, too, was appreciated by the readers of the paper, as the writer, in his historieal interviews and researches, has often had the matter called to his at- tention in most complimentary terms.

Mr. Stewart, in closing the year 1875, says:

"With this number we close volume eight of the Star, fold it up and lay it away, and count it among the things of the past. How well we have suited our patrons we leave for them to say. We have tried to do so. That we have made some enemies and some friends during the year we are very well aware, but have the conseiousness that in either case we have done so in earrying out what we honestly believed; hence we have no excuse or apologies to make. If we have been in the wrong we are willing to lay the ill feeling away with volume eight and the old year 1875, and wish all our patrons a happy new year."

Mr. Stewart continued in management of the paper until in June, 1882, when he sold out to Mr. L. O. Hull, who is the present proprietor. Mr. Stewart in leav- ing the paper in the new management, in the Star's. issue of the 29thi of June, 1882, said:

Good-by.

With this issue the undersigned surrenders the pencil, scissors and paste-pot and vacates the editorial ehair in the Star office, in favor of L. O. Hull, of Waterloo, Ten years ago we took charge of the Star with some hesitancy as to our ability to give you a readable paper, but with a full determination to do our best, and spare no efforts to do so. How well we have succeeded we leave our many readers to determine. How- ever, we feel we will be pardoned for entertain- ing the thought that we have reasonably suc- ceeded. What our future has in store we have no idea, but be what it may or where it may, we shall always hold in kindly remembrance the people of Clarksville and Butler county. To our friends we say, God bless you; to the other "fel- lers," look out for yourselves.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

We heartily commend to the Star family and the people generally, our`successor, Mr. Hull, He is a young man of ability, is a farmer's son, who, by dint of hard work, steady habits and a laudable ambition, has already gained a credit- able place in the editorial profession. He is a good writer, and an industrious news-gatherer, and we have no doubt will make the Star a much more welcome guest than ever before. We ask for him all the favors you have extended to Yours Truly and Sincerely, J. O. STEWART.

Mr. Hull, in assuming control, greeted his readers with the following:

Greeting.

With the last issue of the Star, Mr. Stewart, who has labored long, earnestly and honorably for the people of Butler county, laid down his pencil, and we have no doubt that our readers will long miss bis familiar style. All his friends will join us in the hope that he my live long and prosper, wherever his lot may be cast. The present proprietor asks for a continuance of the favor of all the old friends of the Star, and promises his most earnest endeavors to make the paper a worthy representative of the people of Butler county. We have come here to stay and labor with and for the united interests of the whole people. The interests of the people are our interests, and it is our ambition to grow and increase as Butler county grows in population and influence.

The Star will be republican in its politics, and, at the same time, will endeavor to treat demo- cratic principles with candor and fairness, and democrats as friends and brothers, having an eqnal stake in the country.

The Star will, in the contest which is immi. nent as a result of.the prohibition election in this State, use its influence in favor of the sup- port and enforcement of law, and also endeavor to " be temperate in all things "

The Star believes in Christianity and free thought, and that individual conscience, and

not restraining creed, should be the rule and guide of life.

The Star will remember its friends, and, if it shall have enemies, will try not to forget to treat them with kindness and generosity.

We cannot close this article without thanking the press for their generous comments on our purchase. The notices given us by papers pub- lished in the county are especially gratifying to us. We are also nnder large obligations, which . we will try to repay by earnest work, to many good people of Clarksville and Butler county for a generous and hearty welcome.

Sincerely Yours, L. O. HULL.

L. O. Hull, son of Lorenzo and Emily (Stewart) Artlip, was born in Illinois, March 18, 1855. When he was thirteen monthis old his father died, and a few months afterwards his mother also; not, however, until they had given him to Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Hull, by whom he was adopted and whose name he bears. With them he moved to Sheboygan . county, Wisconsin, in 1858, settling in a neighbor- hood of "copperheads." His intercourse with that class of boys at school had con- siderable to do with the formation of his political character, which is, and always has been, republican. He remained there until twelve years old, when he removed to Fon du Lac county, Wisconsin, settling on a farm. At the early age of fourteen years he demonstrated a natural capacity for editorial newspaper work. Asa result of this ability-augumented by a jndicions selection of reading matter-at this age he contributed considerably to the pages of the county papers. At the age of eighteen he removed to Fon du Lac. At the same time his parents came to Iowa. He re- moved to Black Hawk county in the fall

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of 1873, remained there engaged in various businesses until July, 1881, when upon the solicitation of Matt. Parrot, editor of the Iowa State Reporter, he removed to Waterloo, and was given editorial charge of that paper. He came to Butler county in July, 1882, and purchased the Clarks- ville Stur. Under his efficient manage- ment this paper has already been enlarged from four pages of eight colums, to eight pages of six colums each; is well supported by the public, and in a prosperous con- condition.

He was married at Dubuque, Iowa, Octo- ber 5, 1882, to Miss. Lizzie I. Beck, daugh- ter of Wm. P. Beck, of Sioux City.

Mr. Hull is a member of the First Baptist Church, Waterloo. He is an able writer, a good newspaper man, and will make the Star take front rank in the Butler county press.

PARKERSBURGH TIMES.

This paper was started at Parkersburgh, in the spring of 1870, by W. L. Palmer; but as no files of it have been preserved, we are unable to present any particulars as to size. The Times had rather a hard existence, and as all the material had been purchased by subscription among the citizens, there were too many managers- the "too many cooks spoiled the broth." In 1871 it was purchased by C. G. Bundy, who finally made up his mind that a change of location was desirable, and in July, 1872, changed the name to the Butler County Times, and removed it to Maude- ville, which was then the Iowa Central Stock Farm. The paper survived until September, 1873, when it quietly suc- cumbed.

THE SHELL ROCK ENTERPRISE.

This was the first newspaper established at the village indicated in its name. It first made its appearance on the 23d of August, 1872, with J. H. Boomer & Co. as editors and proprietors. It presented a neat and tasty appearance, and indicated that the managers were experienced news- paper men. In the salutatory published in the first number its editor says:

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 39

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