USA > Iowa > Clayton County > History of Clayton County, Iowa : from the earliest historical times down to the present : including a genealogical and biographical record of many representative families, prepared from data obtained from original sources of information, Volume I > Part 16
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CHAPTER V
ANTE-BELLUM DAYS-1860-61-DOMESTIC AFFAIRS
ELKADER COUNTY SEAT-LINCOLN CAMPAIGN-EVENTS OF 1860-RUSH TO PIKE'S PEAK-ELKADER MILL FIRE-BOARD OF SUPERVISORS-COUN- TY JAIL-COURT HOUSE-SUPERVISOR SYSTEM CHANGED.
P OLITICAL events were moving swiftly throughout the nation, and while the people of Clayton county were intensely interested in all that was going on round about them, they nevertheless pursued the even tenor of their way. The country was emerging from the bitter hard times, and the very intensity with which men grappled with the great moral issues seemed to be reflected in the business world. All of the various towns in the county were enjoying growth and prosperity and making many improvements. The influx of settlers was still great, although not so large as a few years previously. McGregor and Clayton were still great shipping points. There was no railroad to compete with them west of the Mississippi and north of Dubuque, and river traffic was still heavy.
McGregor Land Titles-At McGregor there was much building, but this was retarded by the uncertainty as to titles. Having won a decision in his suit against his brother, James McGregor, Jr., had notices served upon the business men of McGregor that they must either buy at his price, or sell to him, or be prepared to stand suit. This course was deeply resented by McGregor citizens, who claimed that the title had not been fully adjudicated, and that, under any circumstances, they were not prepared to pay any price which McGregor might ask. Duncan McGregor, representing the estate of Alexander McGregor, encouraged the business men to disregard these notices of suit, and offered to defend them in case of court action. The citizens met at the office of Noble and Drummond and decided to make no bargains with any party until the case was finally out of court. Sen- ator Hammer, with the aid of Representatives Merrell and Peet, secured the passage of a law to protect settlers from loss in such cases as that at McGregor. Some compromise was finally effected between the McGregor litigants, and James McGregor, Jr., advertises that he will soon be ready to make perfect titles, and the commissioners appointed by court divided portions of the property between the contestants. In April, 1860, the McGregor Land Company, composed of John Thomp- son, Jedediah Brown, Reuben Noble and O. C. Lee, with Willis Drum-
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mond as agent, offered lands for sale, guaranteeing perfect title and opening a new addition which was called "Brickyard Coulee." The litigation was not ended, however, and the matter hung fire for a long time before it was finally adjusted. The business men formed a close alliance, employing attorneys and pledging themselves, in writing, to act as a unit and not to make any personal settlement with James McGregor, Jr.
Elkader County Seat-The first part of the year 1860 was largely devoted to a settlement of the county seat question. Elkader was again in the field as against Garnavillo. Col. Eiboeck and his news- paper, the Journal, supported his home town, Garnavillo. The Register and the people of Guttenberg, embittered by their own defeat, sup- ported Elkader, just as Elkader previously supported Garnavillo, after its defeat by Guttenberg. McGregor took but little interest in the contest, the Times supporting Garnavillo, but in a mild manner. Among the leaders for Elkader were Judge Price, Mike Weaver, A. E. Wan- zer, H. D. Bronson, J. McBride and Lew Davis. The Garnavillo and Guttenberg papers were filled with editorials, contributed articles and burlesques on both sides. The election was held on May 2, and on that day the Journal publishes, in large black type, the following: "We understand that old Wanzer has been trying to mislead several voters, who happened to be Garnavillo men, as to the day of the elec- tion. Remember that the election comes off on Monday, the second day of April, 1860." There was one good thing about this election: it was apparent that the people had determined that this would be a final contest, that the county seat should cease to be migratory, and that some suitable buildings should be erected. The vote was Garna- villo, 1,380; Elkader, 2,019.
Immediate steps were taken for the removal of the county prop- erty. Judge Garber, Clerk Updegraff, Treasurer Nicklaus and Col. Eiboeck made a trip to Elkader to secure suitable quarters for the county seat. They describe Elkader, speaking of the large mill, and saying: "There are four stores in the place, one kept by H. Carter, one by Coates & Co., one by Mr. Boardman, and one by Mr. Ellsworth, recently of McGregor. There are two hotels. The judge was success- ful in procuring a building for the courthouse, which is a three-story brick house on First street, near the building that was formerly used as a courthouse."
Garnavillo tried to stop the removal, and Judge Williams granted an injunction based on the alleged illegality of the petition under which the election took place. This injunction was speedily dissolved, however, and the removal was made. This election aroused very bit- ter feelings among the people of Guttenberg, Garnavillo and Elkader. Garnavillo people were especially incensed at Guttenberg, and this feud between the two possible contenders in future elections was a factor in making the county seat permanent, Elkader having retained the seat of government since 1860, a period, now, of fifty-six years. The newspaper followed the county seat, and the Clayton County Jour- nal made its first appearance in Elkader on Monday, April 30, 1860.
Lincoln Campaign-The campaign of 1860 has no parallel in American history. It was felt on all sides that the issues involved,
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not the presidency alone, but that the question of war or peace, union or disunion, was to be settled. The Democrats met in national con- vention, were deadlocked for a long period, and finally nominated Stephen A. Douglas for president and Benjamin Fitzpatrick, of Ala- bama, for vice-president. Fitzpatrick resigned, however, and Herschell V. Johnson, of Georgia, was substituted as vice-presidential candidate. A large number of Democrats seceded from this convention and Breck- enridge was also nominated on a Democratic ticket. In the meantime, the Republicans met at Chicago, in May, and after a spirited contest, Abraham Lincoln was made the nominee. In the light of history it might seem that the sentiment of the northern states was all one way, but this was not the case, and the campaign was hardly fought in every state. The influence of the Buchanan administration was thrown to the Breckenridge ticket. Col. Richardson, of McGregor, was a per- sonal friend and strong partisan of Douglass ; he was also postmaster at McGregor and, rather than follow the dictates of the administration, he resigned his office. There were meetings some place in Clayton county during almost every night of the campaign. Douglass spoke at Dubuque and Col. Richardson chartered a boat and headed an enthusiastic delegation from McGregor and Guttenberg. The Wis- consin Democratic state convention was held at Prairie du Chien, and prominent citizens of Wisconsin spoke at McGregor. Henry Clay Dean, one of the most noted orators of democracy, spoke at McGregor and at West Union. Ben Samuels, Democratic nominee for Congress, and Vandever, his Republican opponent, had a series of joint debates, speaking, in this county, at McGregor, Elkader and Guttenberg. It was the fashion, in those days, to belittle every effort of the political opponent, so that no fair judgment of these debates can be obtained from the newspaper accounts. At all the towns in the county meetings were held at which local leaders of both parties spoke. D. Baugh, as Democratic chairman, announced meetings at Giard, National, Monona, Garnavillo, Clayton City, Wagner township, Elkader, Cox Creek town- ship, Volga City, Strawberry Point, Yankee Settlement, Elkport, Read township and Guttenberg. The Republicans were no less active. Upon receipt of news of Lincoln's nomination, a ratification meeting was held at Elkader, with James Davis as chairman and T. Updegraff secre- tary. S. L. Peck, S. P. Adams, of Dubuque, and Reuben Noble addressed the meeting.
A Lincoln Club was formed for Boardman township, with Charles W. Richardson as president, and a vigilance committee was named for each school district. At Strawberry Point, a Lincoln club was formed with Joseph C. Tremain as president and W. H. Stearns as secretary. Hon. R. E. Fenton, a New York Congressman, spoke in Strawberry Point. At Volga City the Republicans were addressed by Elijah Odell, before a crowded schoolhouse. The Republican county convention was held at Garnavillo. At this convention A. C. Rogers and William Leffingwell were candidates for clerk, but both withdrew in favor of H. S. Granger, who was nominated, although he was then in Kansas. James Davis, Reuben Noble, Elijah Odell, B. T. Hunt and Rev. Paul Stockfelt were among the Republican orators, and John T. Stoneman was one of the leaders of democracy.
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Men of statewide reputation came into the county to deliver addresses on both sides. Senator Seward spoke at Dubuque, and this was the great rally for northeastern Iowa. A pole raising was given by the Republicans of Elkport. This was attended by 800 Republicans, and a pole 120 feet high was erected, "exceeding in height the Douglass pole in that place by over 50 feet."
The first rooster which ever crowed in the columns of a Clayton county newspaper appears in the Elkader Journal of October 18, 1860, shrieking "Hurrah for Lincoln." This was in jubilation over the Republican success in the October elections in Pennsylvania and Indi- ana. There are a number of other small cartoons used in this issue, and the Journal boasts: "Those woodcuts in our paper this week were engraved by R. H. Copeland, our foreman. They are well executed, considering the tools he had, which were nothing but an old jack-knife." Thomas Updegraff and Mr. Geyhorn held a joint debate at Elkport. The Guttenberg Register, Democratic, declared that Mr. Updegraff was badly worsted, and the Elkader Journal, Republican, declared that he "got much the better of Mr. Geyhorn." The Lincoln rooster was again called into requisition to celebrate the "Glorious News! Lincoln Elected !" The vote of the county was: Abraham Lincoln, 2,089; Stephen A. Douglas, 1,572; John C. Breckenridge, 14. The rejoicing over the election, on the part of the Republicans, was tempered, how- ever, by the realization that the election of Lincoln meant southern secession and that secession meant war. During the last months of 1860 this became more and more apparent, and the heat of the cam- paign was succeeded by a glowing fever of patriotism which gradually swept away all partisanship. By the close of the year it was seen that secession was certain.
Events of 1860-Despite the excitement of the times there were many events of local importance, and the interests of the people were not entirely confined to political matters. The Good Templars were strong throughout the county and had many lodges. Total abstinence was their pledge, and the order had a large membership. On June 5 a county festival was held at Elkader.
A company of 30 German emigrants arrived at Guttenberg in 1860, having bought a tract of land in Volga township. There were many improvements at Elkader. Clayton was still flourishing, although it was being outstripped by McGregor.
The Fourth of July was generally celebrated throughout the county. At McGregor and Strawberry Point, particularly, were cele- brations held. G. L. Tremain was marshal of the day at Strawberry Point. The Odd Fellows had charge of the celebration at Garnavillo.
In pursuit of the wary new subscriber, Colonel Eiboeck made a canvass on foot throughout the county, and he gives a splendid view of the countryside. Among other things he said, "In walking a dis- tance of seven miles, in Boardman township, we counted eight new buildings. We entered Cox Creek township and wended our way to Communia, or the old German Colony, as it is called. The society which settled that place is no more in existence, the members being scattered all over the country and the land, which in reality is of the very finest in the county, is 'in law' and is being eaten up entirely by
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law suits. At Communia there is a postoffice, kept by B. F. Weis, who keeps a good variety store. There is also a wagon and blacksmith shop and one tavern, the latter kept by Mr. Bauman. A good German physician, Dr. Kraft, is located here, and a superior school is taught by a well-educated male teacher." At Littleport, Colonel Eiboeck noted the new store building being built by Peick & Morath. The farm of "Squire Quigley" is said to be one of the best in the county. He speaks highly of Strawberry Point, of which he says, "They have a fine church, occupied by various denominations; also two schools ; the stores in the place are doing a good business; M. O. Barnes and William H. Stearns are entered as merchants; J. B. Miller as a new lawyer and E. P. Rawson as a proprietor of a hotel.
Rush to Pike's Peak-It was during these years that there was great excitement concerning the gold discovery at Pike's Peak. Scores of men left this county for the long journey across the plains. They went from every portion of the county, and included not only the young, adventurous, free-footed, single men, but professional men and men with families. Mr. Kinniard of McGregor and H. S. Granger were among those to go. At one time a Pike's Peak ball was held at Garnavillo as a farewell to the many young men who were about to leave that vicinity. A vast majority of these men were disappointed and a large percent of them returned to the county.
Judge John Garber reported the receipts of the county for the year ending July 1, 1860, as $19,936.49 and the disbursements as $19,635.90. The outstanding warrants were given as $1,068.02. In August the contract was let to Daniel Mohr to rebuild the bridge which collapsed at Elkport. Improvements were also made on the abuttments of the bridge at Elkader. H. Emery, county superintend- ent, announced a select school at Monona for teachers and engaged Judge Murdock and Colonel Eiboeck as lecturers.
Concerning religious matters at Elkader, it is stated that "Rev. F. C. Mather of the M. E. Church is about to leave and that Rev. Norton of Volga City will preach in Elkader every two weeks." At this time the Universalists had the strongest protestant church organ- ization in the county, and a county meeting was held in Elkader in October, 1860. In September the county was visited by one of the severest rainstorms ever known. Cattle were destroyed by lightning and the wind did much damage. The county fair was held at National, in October, under the direction of the farmers of Farmersburg town- ship.
A proclamation for an election for a one mill tax for the purchase of a poorhouse farm was issued by Judge Garber, but this proposition was defeated by a vote of 723 to 307. In October, 1860, is found the first mention of kerosene oil as a lighting fluid. This is advertised by S. Ellsworth, and the Journal says of it: "We use it and find it a much cheaper and better light than can be had from any other oil or fluid, besides being very harmless." A portion of the advertisement consists of testimonials, S. I. Hess, B. S. Whitney, Lyman Tyler, J. Eiboeck and John Garber all testifying that they have used kerosene oil with most satisfactory results. A new paper, The Elkader Adver- tiser was started in 1860, with Mr. Ellsworth as editor. The prob-
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ability of secession and war caused a great falling off in markets and prices at Elkader, Nov. 30, 1860, are quoted as follows: Wheat 50c to 55c; oats, 15c; corn, shelled, 30c ; barley, 30c; potatoes, 20c. Among the freak election bets should be noticed the one made in Guttenberg by which William Potter solemnly agreed that "if Lincoln is elected he will not drink to exceed four glasses of ardent spirits per day for one month." Eliphalet Price was the other party to this wager and also solemnly swore not to take to exceed four drinks per day if Douglas was elected. This document was sworn to before James Schroeder, justice of the peace.
Elkader Mill Fire-On Thursday, December 20, Elkader suf- fered a severe loss when the mill, which was the center of all its industry, was destroyed by fire. The Journal gives the following account : "On Thursday night last the large flouring and grist mill in this place, owned by Messrs. Thompson & Davis, took fire and burned to the ground. There were from 8 to 10,000 bushels of wheat in the mill at the time, which were also consumed by the fire. The fire was discovered at about 1 o'clock at night, when the flames were seen bursting from out the third-story windows, on the east side of the building. It did not take long to arouse the citizens, but when they reached the spot they soon saw the utter impossibility of saving the mill, the fire having enveloped the whole upper portion of it in one sheet of flame. Notwithstanding this, the doors of the mill were broken open and nearly two hundred barrels of flour saved before the fire reached the first story. There was a strong breeze from the northwest when the fire broke through the roof of the mill, endangering the adjoining buildings; in fact, the whole village. The wind blew sparks of fire as large as a walnut, clear into the lower part of the town, setting fire to haystacks, etc., but which were observed in time and extin- guished. Almost adjoining the mill is a stone building, in which is the Journal office and a cooper shop. This house was expected to take fire every moment, and, if it had, it would have been impossible to save it, and the entire block would have been swept away. Our office was saved by tremendous exertions on the part of our friends. Messrs. Alpheus Scott and A. F. Tipton were on the roof of the building when the heat from the fire was so intense that, to keep from burning to death they had to pour water on each other, while on the porch on the second story Messrs. H. B. Carter and Delos Mills were stationed, enduring equal hardships and working as heroically as men could to save the building. They have placed us under ever- lasting obligations. After the flour was taken out the fire enveloped the entire building, when the citizens on the east side of the river hastened home to protect their own homes from the havoc which the sea of fire that covered the sky was threatening. On most every housetop could be seen some person sprinkling water on the shingles to keep them from burning. The Davis house, which adjoins the Jour- nal office, took fire several times from the sparks that flew onto it and which were fanned by the wind. It was fortunate that the fire did not spread further, though this loss, as it is, is heavy enough. According to Mr. Thompson's estimate, $35,000 or $40,000 will scarce cover the damages. And not only will Thompson and Davis suffer from this
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loss, but the whole village will feel it heavily. Right in town, a num- ber of persons were thrown out of employment, while in the country, the farmers, who hitherto depended upon the mill for their market, will be compelled to go elsewhere and farther off. The loss is felt by all. The origin of the fire is something that no one has as yet been able to tell. There are rumors that it was set on fire, but whether it is true we are unable to decide. There was no insurance. Mr. Davis declares that before next harvest time another mill will be in running order."
It was during 1860 that it was seriously proposed to run a horse railroad through the Turkey Valley to Dubuque, and Richard T. Mor- gan went into details, giving cost of construction and operation and probable receipts. Nothing came of this project, however, but it was agitated from time to time.
Board of Supervisors-In 1861 the new law went into effect by which the county judge was superseded by a board of supervisors. John Garber was the last county judge. The new board met January 7, 1861. They were elected one from each precinct, and they were among the most prominent men in the county.
Frank Smith was elected president pro tem, and Robert Grant secretary. The first business was the election of a chairman. D. W. Chase defeating O. W. Crary for his position by a vote of 11 to 10. The board then drew lots for one and two year terms. Those drawing one year were O. W. Crary, Farmersburg; Martin Garber, Volga ; L. R. Gilbert, Read; Philip Hunter, Millville; Buel Knapp, Boardman; E. Monlux, Wagner; G. S. Peck, Cox Creek; P. G. Bailey, Grand Meadow; W. G. Stoddard, Buena Vista; E. Wood, Jefferson ; D. W. Chase, Lodomillo. Those drawing two years were: S. G. Chase, Cass ; D. Daugherty, Giard; R. B. Flenniken, Mallory; R. Grant, Mendon; Daniel Lowe, Highland; P. M. Lown, Marion; A. C. Mohrman, Gar- navillo; P. P. Olmstead, Monona; G. W. Porter, Elk; Frank Smith, Clayton, and A. Bevens, Sperry.
The county judge submitted his final report, and turned the affairs of the county over to the new board. The most important action of the first session was the appointment of a committee to receive bids for building a bridge at Elkader. Aid was also voted for other bridges. This board also took up the matter of renting rooms for the county officers and the purchase of furniture for the courtroom. The financial report showed the county to be in good condition. The expenses for the six months preceding amounted to $6,520.65, the liabilities were $3,986.03, and the net assets, above liabilities, were given as $25,072.03.
In February the contract for the Elkader bridge was let to Milo Adams.
One of the first questions confronting the board was to make suitable provision to house the county officers, and arrangements were made with Bud Knapp to rent the brick building then occupied for $15 per month. In June it was agreed to rent the Stone Hall for $75 per year, for use only for the court and when the board was in session. Joseph Ross was appointed "fireman," with instructions to light the room and attend, generally, upon the board. In November, Reuben Noble and other members of the bar petitioned that a railing be
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placed around the desk and bar in the courtroom and that "the aisles of said room be provided with straw mattresses and cozy and com- fortable seats for the jury." The board granted this humble petition, but limited the cost to $25. In 1862 a special committee reported that the poorhouse as then conducted was expensive and in bad condition, and the board ordered it closed, the property leased and the goods sold. Later it was found that the township system of caring for paupers was still more expensive and, in June, 1864, it was proposed to appropriate $2,000 for a poor farm, and a committee was appointed to make the purchase. In October this first committee was excused and S. R. Gilbert was appointed. In January, 1865, Mr. Gilbert reported the purchase of sixty acres of land in Read township for $1,500, and the partial agreement to buy forty acres of timber land in addition. This purchase was approved and $2,000 voted for poor farm buildings. Later the forty acres of timber were bought for $480 and, in January, 1866, an additional $2,000 was voted for buildings. August Millen- hausen, of Guttenberg, was the first steward appointed.
The County Jail-The difficulties encountered in relation to the Elkader bridge have already been recounted. Another matter which required the attention of the board was that of the county jail. Although the courts sat in Elkader, the jail was still located at Garna- villo, and it was insanitary and unfit in every way. This condition was recognized at the June session, 1862, when the board proposed an appropriation of $2,000 for a jail at Elkader, providing the city would contribute an equal amount in cash or its equivalent and provide a site. Elkader was not sure of the county seat, and did not respond to this invitation, and repairs were made on the Garnavillo jail and a tem- porary jail ordered at Elkader. In 1864 the proposal to vote a tax for building a jail was submitted to the people and defeated. A like proposition, in 1865, met with a like fate; however, two sets of balls and chains were provided for the sheriff and handcuffs were purchased for every township in the county. In June, 1868, the grand jury reported that the jail was "a shame and a disgrace." Acting upon this report the board again submitted the question of erecting a $15,000 jail, and this was carried. Following the election, E. H. Williams, John Garber and James Davis were appointed to secure a site. They reported in favor of the purchase of seventeen acres from L. A. Beardsley's addition to East Elkader, for the sum of $1,700, and this report was accepted. James Davis, John Garber and D. W. Chase were appointed as the building committee, work was commenced at once, and by the close of 1869 the foundations were completed. E. W. H. Jacobs was the architect, and he, with James Davis, made an eastern trip to obtain ideas on construction. The work was pushed rapidly in 1870, with J. A. Hysham as superintendent of workmen and J. H. Sandusky as head mason. The jail was constructed without letting a contract except for the steel work, and it stands as a monument to the honesty and good workmanship of the builders. The total cost of the jail, including site, was $24,679.58. Under the war history has been given a statement of the various acts of the supervisors relative to bounties and the relief of soldiers.
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