USA > Iowa > Clay County > History of Clay County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1909 > Part 11
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THE FIRST RAILROAD.
The first railroad entered Clay county about the middle of September, 1878, being an extension of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul from Algona. Its reaching Spencer was really an epoch in the history of the town. On the road entering Spencer, the town seemed to take on new life. The elevator, moved by Frank M. Tuttle from its site near the Milwaukee depot to a site near the Minneapolis & St. Louis depot, was erected, and the farmers from a distance of over thirty miles and often more began to market their grain and stock here. Now the larger store buildings were erected; larger and better stocks of goods were placed in them and, in less than a year, Spencer grew from a small village to a good sized town. It soon became a little city of about one thousand inhabitants.
The railroad land was placed on the market and it was bought up rapidly. New settlers came in and in less than three years from the coming of the rail- road the population of the county had increased from about two thousand to more than six thousand, which all thought was pretty rapid development.
1
93
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
The first church erected in Clay county was in 1869, in Douglas township, and was known as the Welch Pioneer Baptist church. Their first pastor was Rev. Jones. It continued to be the only house of worship in Clay county until June, 1873, when the first church was erected in Spencer. This was the Meth- odist Episcopal church and it was erected on the present site of Frank Smith's residence, on the corner of Second and Mill streets. Their first regular pastor was Rev. C. B. Winter, who came to Spencer in the fall of 1871. He first held services in the little old schoolhouse, on the site of the present west side building, but later transferred to the courthouse hall on its completion. The Methodists continued to occupy the new building until February, 1877, when it was destroyed by fire. They had to go to other quarters to hold their services and this they continued to do until the coming of the railroad, when they erected a small frame building on the site of the new and elegant house of worship on the corner of Fourth street. They continued to occupy this building until about ten years ago, when they erected a commodious addition. The enlarged building served as a house of worship until the present brick and stone building was completed in the spring of 1908. The present building was begun in the spring of 1907, and completed about a year later, at a cost of over twenty-six thousand dollars, not including the fine new pipe organ, which cost about three thousand dollars. This was put in by the Estey Organ Company. It is one of the finest houses of worship in this part of the state.
This same denomination has churches in Peterson, Everly, Dickens and Fostoria and one or more country churches.
Speaking of the pioneer churches, the first church was occupied by the Welsh Baptists, and they continued to occupy it for a number of years, but it was finally outgrown and a new and better building was erected on the same lots occupied by their first building in Douglas township. They still occupy this building but the congregation is large and prosperous. It is the only church of the denomination in the county.
The Free Baptists were pioneers here, coming in 1866. There were two families came here by the name of Wills and Calkins and soon after they organized a society. Rev. D. N. Coats was their first pastor and he continued to serve them for five or six years, then his son, Rev. R. A. Coats, succeeded him. He continued here for a great many years, but he is now living in Maine, Minnesota. Their first services were held in private homes until the schoolhouse was erected, when they occupied that. Later they held services in the court- house hall. They continued to occupy this hall until 1882, when was erected a small frame building on the site of their present church. They have added to their building from time to time until it is at present very comfortable and convenient.
The Christian church. was organized here in 1883, and the first regular pastor was Rev. F. O. Fannen, now of St. Louis. The present house of wor- ship was erected in 1885. It has also undergone changes and additions from time to time until it is quite comfortable and convenient.
The first Congregational minister to visit Clay county was Rev. David Wirt, of Fort Dodge. He came to Spencer, August, 1871, and preached for the few scattering Congregationalists in that part of the county. During the same
94
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
trip he visited Peterson and preached there. He was a man of fine education, pleasant appearing and left a good impression wherever he went. Early in 1872, the Congregationalists organized in Spencer, and held their services in the courtroom. Their first pastor was Rev. W. L. Coleman. In 1874 they erected their first church, located on the site of the present parsonage, on the corner of Mill and East Third streets. They continued to occupy this building until 1893, when their present commodious and fine building was erected. The old building was sold to the Friends, who moved it to a site on East Second street, but later to its present site on East Fourth street. Mrs. Coffin was the first regular pastor. Under her guidance the church grew and prospered, until it is one of the prominent religious bodies in Spencer.
The Episcopal church was organized in 1882, placing a small building on West Second street, about a block west of Main street. They continued to hold service here for a few years but owing to members moving away, it was found necessary to discontinue the regular services. About 1890 they erected their present building on East Fifth street. It is a very pretty and comfortable building. The church has grown considerably in numbers since the erection of its new building.
The Catholic Society has a very nice small building on West Fifth street. Services have been held here since in the seventies. The present building was dedicated in 1895.
The German, Danish and Swedish Lutherans have small churches in the north part of Spencer.
The German Methodist Episcopal church, on West First street, was estab- lished about 1895, and it has grown much in numbers and is now one of the important churches of the city.
The first birth in the little town of Spencer was in October, 1871. A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. MI. M. Peeso.
The first death in the town was that of a Mr. Polk, who was burned to death on a farm north of the town, by a prairie fire.
The present cemetery was established in 1885, by the town of Spencer.
As an illustration of the character of the Spencer people, there were no persons sent to the penitentiary during the first twenty years of the organization of the county. The first person sent to the penitentiary was a man by the name of Rasmuss Martin. He recklessly let a prairie fire get away from him and this was called criminal carelessness.
The first crime of any importance was that committed by George Elliott. He attempted to cash a check on Adams & Griffin's Bank some years ago and he was sent to the penitentiary for this.
Among the first comers to Spencer might be mentioned the following : J. W. Masten, deceased; M. M. Peeso, deceased; Tuttle, Goodwin & Co. The members of this company were Mark M. Tuttle, deceased; James Goodwin, deceased, and A. H. Wilburn, now of South Dakota.
Frank M. Tuttle, residing on North Grove street, is a son of Mark M. Tuttle, deceased.
A daughter of James Goodwin was married to W. H. Webb, who is now one of Spencer's leading men. She is also deceased. Mr. Roy Webb is a
95
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
grandson of James Goodwin, deceased; and he resides on the old homestead in Summit township.
Another business man of Spencer, in, the earlier days was Horace Smith, who came here in 1871 from Wisconsin, and engaged in general merchandise. His son, H. W. Smith, is now residing in Milwaukee.
Another of Spencer's business men was. M. S. Green.
Jacob Merritt, now deceased, came here from DeWrite, Wisconsin, and engaged in general merchandise. His son is now running the post card store on South Main street.
Another firm was that of Field Bros. They came here from Wisconsin in the early days. Henry Field is now on the road as a traveling salesman, and his brother, Charles, is living on a farm in southern Kansas.
James A. Bond came here from Algona early in 1872, and engaged in general merchandise. T. P. Bender was in partnership with him. Mr. Bond afterward moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, and Mr. Bender to California.
Jacob Rood, deceased, and his son, W. I. Rood, came here in the fall of 1871. They erected a building on South Main street and engaged in photog- raphy. He is still in the business at the old stand.
Dr. Egleston, from Wykoff, Minnesota, came here and established a drug store. He lived here for a great many years, when he finally moved to Santa Monica, where he still resides.
James Ward established the second drug store in Spencer. He continued here for a number of years and then sold his business to M. P. W. Albee, who became one of the prominent business men of the town. A few years ago he moved to Berkeley, California, where he now resides.
SPENCER AGAINST THE SALOON.
In the spring of 1881, the town of Spencer held its first city election. There were two parties at that time, one in favor of the saloon and one against it. Jacob Merritt was the candidate on the anti-saloon ticket, and W. C. Gil- breath was candidate on the ticket in favor of saloons. Mr. Gilbreath was elected by a large majority. This indicated that the little town was in favor of the saloon. The first two years the saloon-favoring candidates were elected. The third year they were badly defeated. E. E. Snow was elected as mayor and it was a splendid victory. The year following it was reversed and those in favor of the saloon were again in power. But the next year their candidate was badly beaten and affairs have always remained in this condition since. For over a quarter of a century there have been no saloons in the city of Spencer. The sentiment today is very decided against the saloon. In 1898 the last big fight on the question of saloon or no saloon was decided and the saloon element was badly defeated.
SPENCER WATERWORKS.
In the fall of 1886, the people of Spencer decided to establish the water- works. This was done in the name of the city and it has always owned and operated them since that time, and they have always been very satisfactory to the people. The first organized system was to put down an artesian well.
96
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
It was put to a vote whether the city should control and operate these wells and it was carried. The city then issued bonds to the amount of six thousand dollars. Up to date the waterworks have cost the city upwards of twenty thousand dollars.
The first waterworks erected in Spencer was a large tank on lower Main street. There was an abundant supply of water obtained at a depth of about four hundred feet. This was utilized. This plant and fixtures cost the city about three thousand dollars. The town had a small office in connection with this, where a good fire burned in the winter time to keep the pipes from freezing and bursting. The building took fire and the tank and all were destroyed. This was quite a loss for the little town.
The next move was to change the location to where the present electric light plant is, just north of the Milwaukee & St. Paul depot. Here another large tank was erected, very much on the plan of the former one. They put down several large wells here. Things remained in this condition until 1906, when the present large steel tank, supported by other steel work, was erected. The system has three large wells, one nine feet in diameter, one sixteen feet and one thirty-three feet. They are sunk to a depth of about fifteen feet and an abundant supply of water is obtained. The water is of a very good character as it has been examined by good chemists. The Milwaukee road has had the water examined several times and found as good water at only one place on their road between the lakes and the Missouri river.
SPENCER FIRE DEPARTMENT.
There was a volunteer fire company established at the time the first water- works was put in and it has always served the city well.
The fire company has always been a volunteer company but it has saved the town from a great many bad fires. There has never been but one real destructive fire and that occurred the next day after the waterworks burned. The entire street was swept by the flames, from Fourth to Fifth streets, on Main street. The loss was about twenty-five thousand dollars and this was only partially covered by insurance.
SPENCER HOTELS.
The first hotel in the town of Spencer was erected on the corner of Main and East Second streets in 1871. This building was a small two-story affair, containing about fifteen rooms, owned by W. H. Hunter. It was called the Hunter House. This hotel burned about three years later.
The next hotel in Spencer was known as the Sioux Valley House, on the present site of the First National Bank building. J. H. Robins was the pro- prietor. It was moved to make room for the present building.
The next hotel was what is known as the Commercial Hotel. The first part of this was built in 1872, but it has been added to at various times. Its first landlord was Dolph Edwards. Its present landlord is Frank Cady.
The first modern hotel in Spencer was the Earling, situated on North Main street, at the corner of Main and Pine streets. The first part of this was built
97
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
in 1886, by a stock company, mostly citizens of Spencer, but Mrs. Kaynor owned one-half of the stock. It is now owned by J. A. Beck, of Spirit Lake, Iowa.
The Merchants Hotel was built in 1890 by Mr. Franklin Floete, situated on West Fourth street, near Main. It is now conducted by Judson A. Poole.
The Central Hotel was built about the same time as the Merchants. The Central is located on Main street between Fifth and Pine sreets.
The Hay Press Manufactory was established about 1890 by F. X. Maurer for the manufacture of what is called the Maurer Press. This press is one of the best manufactured for the purpose in the United States. They employ about fifteen men the most of the time. They receive orders for these presses from all over the United States and Canada.
Straight Bros.' Brick & Tile Factory was established about 1900. They employ upwards of forty men. They turn out a great amount of very high grade brick and tile. It is often shipped out by the train load. Their factory is run by L. W. Peirson, and it is situated about one mile northeast of town.
The Hilliard Brick & Tile Works is situated northwest of town. They usually employ about twenty-five men. They also manufacture a fairly good grade of brick and tile.
The Cement Tile Factory is located at the east end of Fourth street and it is owned by Messrs. Kruse & LaGue. This was erected in 1907. They employ about ten men. They turn out a very good grade of cement tile. These cement tile are being used to drain the land a great deal more at the present time than the former poor grade of tile.
OFFICIAL ROSTER.
We herewith give a complete official list of the vote by years for all the county offices. There are two reasons for furnishing this in detail: First, That the reader may get an idea of the gradual growth of the county in num- bers ; and, secondly, that he may form some faint idea of the close and exciting elections held :
1858. County Judge.
Charles C. Smeltzer .
9
Superintendent of Schools.
Ambrose S. Mead.
9
James Bicknell. 13
Ambrose S. Mead. 4
Township Assessor.
Eli Wilcox. 9
John Kindelspyer 4
A. S. Mead. I
Constables.
S. W. Foreman
5
Henry Wilcox 18
Charles Oldfield.
2
Coroner. Christian Kirchner . 18
Drainage Commissioner.
John Kindelspyer . 17
Justice of the Peace.
John Kindelspyer 16
Treasurer and Recorder.
S. W. Foreman. Sheriff.
17
Henry Brockschink.
18
Clerk of Courts.
Ezra M. Wilcox .. Surveyor.
J. A. Kirchner . 18
98
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
Township Trustees.
S. W. Foreman 18
J. A. Kirchner 18
John Kindelspyer 17
Township Clerk.
Harvey Gardner.
18
Road Supervisor.
A. S. Mead. 18
1859. County Judge.
C. C. Smeltzer. IO
Treasurer and Recorder.
John Kindelspyer . 10
Sheriff.
W. H. Bain. 10
Surveyor.
H. E. W. Smeltzer IO
Coroner.
A. S. Mead.
IO
Drainage Commissioner.
H. E. W. Smeltzer.
6
William Crozier.
4
County School Superintendent.
G. A. Kirchner
6
WV. R. Blain.
1
1860. Clerk of Courts.
H. E. W. Smeltzer II
William Crozier . 9
Erecting Courthouse.
For the proposition.
14
Against the proposition .
7
1861.
Representative.
C. C. Smeltzer 18
A. S. Collins.
County Judge.
C. A. Clark. 14
C. C. Smeltzer 3
Treasurer and Recorder.
C. Kirchner, Sr. 16
John Kindelspyer
Sheriff.
5
Joseph Goodnow.
18
Coroner.
F. W. Brockschink 7
A. S. Mead.
3
Superintendent of Schools.
Isaac Enders.
21
Surveyor.
H. E. W. Smeltzer.
18
Drainage Commissioner.
Jacob Kirchner
I6
1862. Clerk of Courts.
J. A. Kirchner
7
C. W. Clark 5
1863. County Judge.
C. H. Brockschink
9
Treasurer and Recorder.
C. Kirchner, Jr.
IO
Sheriff.
R. B. Crego.
8
Coroner.
J. W. Brockschink.
9
Drainage Commissioner.
Jacob Kirchner
IO
Superintendent of Schools.
J. A. Kirchner .
IO
Surveyor.
F. W. Brockschink.
IO
1864 Clerk of Courts.
R. B. Crego
30
Recorder.
C. Kirchner .
16
John Kindelspyer 13
C. H. Brockschink
I
Surveyor.
William Crozier.
16
Clerk of Court-(To Fill l'acancy).
Jacob Kirchner
II
1865. Treasurer.
J. J. Bicknell
19
S. T. Collins
18
County Judge.
J. L. Crozier.
20
D. W. Inman
17
Sheriff.
George C. Kindelspyer
33
Coroner.
J. W. Brockschink
17
99
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
Surveyor.
J. L. Crozier. 20
Jacob Kirchner . 17
Drainage Commissioner.
H. H. Mead.
16
Superintendent of Schools.
N. L. Chesley .
16
1866. Clerk of Courts.
R. B. Crego. 51
William Y. Crozier 37
Recorder.
C. Kirchner, Jr.
52
P. M. Moore
37
Superintendent of Schools.
R. A. Coates
44
Ellis George.
32
Drainage Commissioner.
R. S. Hough. 35
County Judge.
P. M. Moore
56
J. L. Crozier.
I
Clerk of Courts.
S. W. Dubois.
42
Jesse Pickering.
24
Treasurer.
D. N. Coates.
35
J. J. Bicknel
31
Sheriff.
David Watts
61
D. Coates. II
Joseph Crozier .
I
Superintendent of Schools.
R. A. Coates
65
Surveyor.
P. M. Moore.
66
Coroner.
J. L. Crozier.
62
Drainage Commissioner.
J. W. Brockschink 8
Alfred Van Norman I
O. C. Potts
2
Joseph Crozier.
I
1868. Clerk of Courts.
S. W. Dubois. 60
Jesse Pickering
14
Treasurer.
J. J. Bicknell.
73
L. Smith
I
1869. Treasurer.
S. W. Dubois.
70
J. J. Bicknell
44
Auditor.
Samuel Gonser.
68
Joseph Crozier
39
George Crozier.
3
Sheriff.
T. C. Dodd.
87
George M. Collins.
24
Clerk of Courts.
Samuel Gonser
51
Joseph Crozier.
27
George Crozier .
3
Superintendent of Schools.
Charles Carver.
8I
Surveyor.
P. M. Moore
5I
Coroner.
J. W. Brockschink
96
P. M. Moore.
I
1870. Clerk of Courts.
Joseph L. Crozier.
266
Recorder.
J. G. Dodd.
267
Sheriff.
John Copper
262
Coroner.
Thomas McCormick.
258
1871.
H. B. Wood.
561
Treasurer.
M. E. Griffin.
350
S. W. Dubois.
232
Auditor.
L. M. Pemberton
415
C. K. Matteson.
154
Sheriff.
Albert Wheeler
383
George F. Martin.
193
Superintendent of Schools.
J. E. Chase.
387
H. D. Parsons
179
100
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
Surveyor.
Mark Hunt 403
P. M. Moore. 55
Coroner.
C. J. Wright. 356
S. J. Egleston.
36
For Location of County Scat.
Spencer
359
Peterson
200
1872 .. Clerk of Courts.
Ackley Hubbard. 385
J. L. Cline.
257
Recorder.
John Copper
379
S. W. Dubois 261
J. L. Cline.
3
Coroner.
Marshall Hines 639
Scattering
2
1873.
Representative.
H. B. Wood. 412
C. W. Inman 118
L. G. Ireland.
43
Auditor.
L. M. Pemberton.
576
J. E. Chase.
3
Treasurer.
M. E. Griffin
408
William Abbey
176
Sheriff.
Albert Wheeler 373
W. Hunter. 20.1
W. Richards 4
Superintendent of Schools.
J. E. Chase.
399
Mattie McPherson
172
Surveyor.
Mark Hunt.
426
J. T. Painter.
158
Coroner.
Charles McAllister
581
1874.
Clerk of Courts.
Ackley Hubbard.
447
Recorder.
A. H. Cheney
283
John Copper .
208
Coroner.
Charles McAllister 443
M. E. Hines
4
1875. Auditor.
L. M. Pemberton
387
J. M. Spencer .
341
Treasurer.
M. E. Griffin
309
J. C. Tabor
328
Sheriff.
J. E. Francis
269
J. R. Patterson
208
J. G. Dodd.
52
A. H. Wilber
10.4
W. H. Hunter.
64
Superintendent of Schools.
J. E. Chase.
255
D. W. Crouse
181
Mark Hunt.
162
E. C. Green
I18
Coroncr.
J. Rood
292
E. E. Harris
152
Ezra Hockett
26
Scattering
16
Surveyor.
A. W. Drake.
60.4
Winslow Abbey
77
John T. Painter
33
Mark Hunt.
2
1876 Clerk of Courts.
Harry Chamberlain
457
Charles M. Squires
20I
Scattering
5
Recorder.
S. W. Dubois.
504
Winslow Abbey
16.4
1877.
Representative.
Charles McAllister.
609
101
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
Auditor.
Ackley Hubbard. 322
A. F. McConnell. 302
R. A. Coats 5
Treasurer.
M. E. Griffin.
363
J. Messenger
268
Sheriff.
J. E. Francis.
342
J. R. Patterson
286
Superintendent of Schools.
Samuel Gillespie.
394
George H. Williams
220
J. E. Chase.
6
Surveyor.
A. W. Drake.
330
E. N. Jencks
302
Coroner.
Jacob Rood.
636
1878. Clerk of Courts.
Harry Chamberlain 440
H. B. Wood.
192
Recorder.
S. W. Dubois 450
J. P. Evans.
187
1879.
A. T. McCargar
461
H. C. Brown
42
Treasurer.
P. E. Randall.
787
Scattering
6
Sheriff.
J. R. Patterson
410
P. W. Madden
302
M. G. Shull.
87
Superintendent of Schools.
Samuel Gillespie .
419
Lottie Kirchner.
379
Surveyor.
E. N. Jencks 656
A. W. Drake.
127
Coroner.
J. Rood.
781
E. A. Maker
II
1880. Clerk of the Courts.
Harry Chamberlain
796
L. Sutherland.
124
Recorder.
S. W. Dubois.
386
A. F. Masterman
159
Charles Darrow
282
T. L. Bailey
93
1881. Auditor.
H. B. Wood
703
Scattering
6
Treasurer.
P. E. Randall.
713
Sheriff.
P. W. Madden
399
J. R. Patterson
394
E. A. Maker.
120
Superintendent of Schools.
M. M. Gilchrist.
392
O. W. Towner.
314
Surveyor.
E. N. Jencks.
515
J. T. Painter
153
A. W. Drake.
40
Coroner.
A. K. Train.
669
Scattering
92
1882.
Clerk of Courts.
Harry Chamberlain. 893
Recorder.
Mrs. N. O. Dubois
830
J. E. Steele.
45
Scattering
4
1883. State Senator.
C. C. Chubb.
806
Alexander Mitchell.
33I
Representative.
C. W. Fillmore.
809
J. J. Condon
294
Z. A. Wellman
31
Auditor.
Henry B. Wood
916
L. Sutherland.
219
102
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
Treasurer.
P. E. Randall 938
W. W. Scott 195
Sheriff.
P. W. Madden. .
947
Morgan Shull
184
Superintendent of Schools.
M. M. Gilchrist.
790
Louis Lange.
330
Coroner.
Jacob Rood.
902
S. J. Green 229
Surveyor.
John T. Painter 803
E. N. Jencks.
315
1884. Clerk of Courts.
Harry Chamberlain 1367
Recorder.
Mrs. N. O. Dubois. I359
Mrs. E. N. Dickinson
7
1885. Auditor.
Henry B. Wood. 940
George W. Anderson. 369
Treasurer.
Peter E. Randall.
989
Eben Bailey.
331
Sheriff.
P. W. Madden
1072
S. J. Green. 240
George Mann I
County Superintendent.
George Mann.
654
M. M. Gilchrist.
613
Surveyor.
John T. Painter 989
S. B. Gould. 333
Coroner.
Alonzo Chamberlain
940
John H. Lewis
373
1886. Clerk of Courts.
A. H. Cheney . 744
Harry Chamberlain. 706
Scattering 8
Recorder.
Mrs. E. N. Dickinson.
833
Mrs. N. O. Dubois.
643
Scattering
5
County Attorncy.
A. C. Parker
1445
Scattering
2
1887. Representative.
C. W. Fillmore.
1023
S. Sturdevan.
343
Auditor.
H. B. Wood.
556
A. F. McConnell.
467
E. C. Green.
IIO
F. G. Alvord.
254
Treasurer.
George E. Runyan. 650
J. C. Tabor
I35
J. H. Hale.
254
J. S. Brownell
IOS
A. M. Jones
256
Sheriff.
P. W. Madden
1037
George Andrew
198
J. O. Hodgin
66
J. S. Green.
96
County Superintendent.
John Dolvin
493
George Mann
398
L. C. Ford.
490
Surveyor.
John T. Painter .
766
A. W. Drake.
475
Coroner.
A. Chamberlain
1063
H. M. Clopper .
284
1888. Clerk of Courts.
A. H. Cheney.
1671
Fanny Hagerty
37
Scattering
5
Recorder.
Mrs. D. N. Dickinson
1704
Scattering
IO
County Attorney.
A. C. Parker
1692
Scattering
8
103
.
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
Board of Supervisors.
1871-J. F. Calkins, chairman; J. J. Duroe, J. C. Tabor. 1872-E. H. Puffer, Chairman ; J. J. Duroe, J. C. Tabor. 1873-Wesley Gross, chairman ; E. H. Puffer, J. C. Tabor.
The board during this year decided to increase the number to five members. 1874-J. C. Tabor, chairman; E. H. Puffer, Wesley Gross, William Harvey, C. H. Wait.
1875-William Harvey, chairman; Wesley Gross, C. H. Wait, J. C. Tabor, A. F. McConnell.
1876-William Harvey, chairman; C. H. Wait, A. F. McConnell, D. F. O. Cuttell, Eben Bailey.
1877-A. F. McConnell, chairman; Eben Bailey, D. F. O. Cuttell, H. S. Bender, J. F. Calkins.
1878-Eben Bailey, chairman; D. F. O. Cuttell, J. E. Calkins, H. S. Bender, J. D. McDonald.
1879-J. J. Duroe, chairman ; John F. Calkins, H. S. Bender, J. D. McDonald. Charles Hunt was duly elected but failed to qualify and Jacob Merritt was appointed to fill the vacancy.
1880-James Goodwin, chairman; J. D. McDonald, J. J. Duroe, Horace Smith, Reuben Somers.
1881-J. J. Duroe, chairman ; James Goodwin, H. Smith, John Dodge, Reuben Somers.
1882-T. P. Bender, chairman; James Goodwin, John Dodge, R. Somers, Hiram Watts. The latter resigned and J. G. Dodd was selected to fill the vacancy.
1883-John Dodge, chairman: T. P. Bender, James Goodwin, J. P. Mills, J. G. Dodd.
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