USA > Iowa > Dubuque County > History of Dubuque County, Iowa; being a general survey of Dubuque County history, including a history of the city of Dubuque and special account of districts throughout the county, from the earliest settlement to the present time > Part 17
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In June, 1865, J. Rich and G. T. Stewart became editors and managers of the Times, the former becoming editor-in-chief. About this time there were nearly 200 saloons in the city ; the license was fixed at $15 every six months; as many did not pay up, suit was threatened. A rainstorm of unusual violence late in June did immense damage all over the county and several lives were lost ; five bridges in Langworthy hollow alone were swept away. On July 4. 1865, eighteen baseball players of Dubuque went to Free- port, Ill., to witness a game between the Empire club, of that city, and the Empire club, of St. Louis; the latter won by a small margin ; it was pronounced a great game. The leading club here in 1865 was the Julien : they had good grounds. In July, 1865, the Times was controlled by W. S. Peterson, E. M. Newcombe, G. H. Marsh, W. J. Gilbert and Philip Ryan. A large delegation went over to Galena in August, 1865, to participate in the reception to General Grant. At the head of this movement were W. B. Allison, John Thompson, Henry A. Wiltse, H. L. Stout, George L. Mathews,
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
O. P. Shiras and others. In August, 1865, city scrip was worth 70 cents and county warrants 90 cents.
In 1865 the Julien baseball club consisted of two nines, which played several matched games. One of the games resulted as follows :
Winning side. 2 O I 3 9 I I 2 2 21
Losing side. O 2
3
I 0
I
I
2
2
12
Fly catches by winning side, 12; by losing side, 9; time of game, 2 hours and 15 minutes. The Herald said this was the best game ever played in the city, if not the best west of the Mississippi. It was the first time that there were full nine players on each side and full nine innings played. Gen. Henry Wiltse was umpire at the second game.
In 1865 John D. Bush proposed the laying out of Grand avenue, commencing at Quigley lane opposite the brewery on Julien avenue and extending along the ridge road until its intersection with the Military road on the top of Whisky hill. A real mad dog ran through the streets on August 19. In the fall of 1865 the citizens and press declared that the real future prosperity of the city depended upon the wholesale interests and meetings were held to expand business in this direction. The city was growing rapidly.
Late in September, 1865, the Empire baseball club, of St. Louis, came here and defeated the best Julien nine by a score of 35 to 29. Against the strong St. Louis team, Dubuque made a better showing than had been anticipated. On September 29 the Empires, of St. Louis, and the Empires, of Freeport, played a match game in Dubuque for the prize of a silver ball; the former won by a score of 12 to 5; S. J. Cox, of the Dubuque club, was umpire ; the game lasted three and one-half hours. On the 29th the Dubuque gave a complimentary supper at the Tremont House to the St. Louis and Freeport clubs. The next day the Empires, of St. Louis, defeated the Juliens by 16 to 9.
In the threatened injunction case of the city against the county to prevent the collection of bridge tax, the former agreed not to com- mence such proceedings providing the county would allow a portion of the expense of building bridges within the city limits. The driving park, consisting of thirty acres, was up Couler avenue and had a half-mile track ; it was opened in November, 1865.
MEMBERS OF THE EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.
Alexander D. Anderson. John V. Brown. A. L. Brown. Richard Bonson.
A. Christman. C. J. Cummings.
N. V. Descelles. J. H. Emerson.
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
J. R. Goodrich.
A. Levi. Dr. R. S. Lewis.
John Goldthorpe.
Jesse M. Harrison.
Timothy Mason.
Jonathan Higgins.
M. McNamara.
Henry Hunter.
William Myers.
W. F. Jaeger.
John W. Markle.
A. Keesecker.
John M. Moore.
John Spencely.
Christopher Pelan.
R. Spaulding.
John Palmer.
Genge Strasser.
T. C. Roberts.
J. H. Thedinga.
John Simplot.
Richard Waller.
H. L. Stout.
T. S. Wilson.
B. F. Davis.
R. C. Waples.
John R. Ewing.
P. Williamson.
John D. Graffort.
C. H. Booth.
Joseph Glew.
John Bell.
A. B. Harrison.
Thomas R. Brasier.
S. Hempstead.
Jacob Christman.
George WV. Jones.
William Crummer.
George O. Karrick.
Richard Cox.
Peter Kiene.
Mathew McNear.
P. A. Lorimier.
John Maclay.
S. M. Langworthy.
Elias McCants.
Edward Langworthy.
Rudolph Nolte.
Warner Lewis.
James Pratt.
C. J. Liest.
Benjamin Rupert.
A. McDaniel.
Xavier Reinfred.
John Simpson.
Nathan Simpson.
James Slone.
Alexander Simplot.
James W. Taylor.
Martin Shaffner.
H. A. Wiltse.
John King.
Peter Waples.
S. M. Lorimier.
I. E. Wootten.
Oscar A. Langworthy.
Jesse Yount.
In November, 1865, so unclean had the streets become, the citizens turned out en masse, formed a brigade, and cleaned them. It was now realized that the railroad bridge should have been built in 1860 and that the city during the war had paid large sums as unjust freight and transfer charges. Now, in earnest, the people demanded the bridge. It was called a "commercial necessity." Over 5,000 barrels of apples were stored here in November, 1865, for shipment to the back country during the winter. In 1865, for the first time, a regularly paid and disciplined police force was maintained. B. M. Harger and J. D. Langworthy represented the Dubuque baseball clubs at the baseball convention in Chicago late in 1865; the North- western Baseball Association was formed at this time.
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
The National State Bank succeeded the State Bank Branch in November, 1865; L. D. Randall was president.
In December, 1865, Howard and McArthur contracted to supply the city with gas; fifty lamps were in use-twenty-three on Main street. The Dubuque Produce Exchange was formed before 1865. In January, 1866, the National Savings Bank was established with Franklin Hinds as president ; this institution was closely associated with the First National Bank. In December, 1865, the boiler in Jaeger's distillery exploded, wrecking the building and killing one and injuring several persons. Williamn MeLenan was elected presi- dent of the Julien baseball club for 1866. At this time the council refused to appropriate $500 for the State Fair to be held here in the fall of 1866. Within a few days the citizens raised $3,421 to secure the fair for two years, prepare the grounds, etc. The city failed to get the fair in 1866. The city paid 70 cents on the dollar for its own scrip in February.
The Mississippi Navigation Convention was held here in Febru- ary, 1866, and assembled in the hall of the Produce Exchange. A large delegation from all upper river points was present, five states being represented. The Iowa legislature attended in a body. E. O. Stanard, of St. Louis, presided. The resolutions adopted demanded extensive improvements in the Mississippi, particularly at the rapids. The Dubuque Savings Institution was established in February, 1866, with $100,000 capital and George A. Blanchard, president, and R. A. Babbage, secretary and treasurer. The Young Men's Library was opened in Julien hall in February. The People's Savings Bank was opened in April, 1866, with John Thompson president and J. K. Graves treasurer. Henry A. Wiltse was chosen president of the Julien baseball club in 1866, vice McLenan resigned. D. A. Mahony, Stilson Hutchins and John Hodnett established the St. Louis Daily Times in June, 1866. Immense improvements on sewers and streets were made in 1866. A big Fenian demonstration occurred here July 4, 1866.
In the summer of 1866 a baseball tournament was held at Rock- ford, Ill. ; a golden ball and a gold-mounted bat were the prizes. Special prizes were offered to the best base runner, best thrower, most home runs, worst beaten club, etc. Ten clubs, including Julien, of Dubuque, were present. The latter's players were J. R. Clark, catcher; Cox, pitcher; J. Ware, short stop; Markell, first base; Langworthy, second base; Donaha, third base; C. Ware, left field ; Ballou, center field ; W. R. Clark, right field. The game with the Cream Citys, of Milwaukee, was as follows :
Cream City. 5 4 0 0 6 I 0 I 2
Julien
4
0 I5 I 2 I I 4 4 2 23
The Dubuque Street Railroad Company, in July, 1866. petitioned
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the council to grant them the right to occupy the streets ; Graves, Stewart, Randall and others were back of this step. Water works for the city were proposed in July, 1866. It was declared that the old method of hauling water from the river must be abandoned and a new modern system installed. From the bluffs north of the city a large supply of pure water could be secured, it was announced.
In July, 1866, a marine railway and boat yard was projected at Eagle Point ; Captain Webb inaugurated the movement. At this date the Young Men's Library contained 4,000 volumes and had 300 regular subscribers. Many buildings were erected this summer. A. Heeb and others petitioned for a ferry at Eagle Point. The council committee reported against granting the use of the streets to a railway company until such step was clearly authorized by the legislature. The citizens demanded a large public park at this date. In August, 1866, the council authorized the Water Company to lay pipes in the city. John H. O'Neill, city attorney, rendered the opinion that the council had no right to grant the streets to a cor- poration for street car purposes. Judge King expressed the opinion that the city already possessed that right. "Steam railroads already occupied the streets ; why could not horse railways do likewise?" it was asked. In September, 1866. C. C. Frinke, of Chicago, and S. J. Cox, of Dubuque, played a billiard match here-1,000 points. Cox was conceded 200 points and won by 42 points-cushion carom.
In one week in September, 1866, there were sold at the market- house 143 hogs, twenty-seven steers and five cows. In October the fire companies demanded higher pay. The horse fair of November, 1866, was the best ever held here. The horse Kirkwood trotted a mile in 2:3452, which was very fast for that period. The wagon factory of A. A. Cooper was one of the largest industries here. He was now finishing 600 wagons a year; they were used all over the West. By February, 1867, the town clock had cost $2,871.72. In March, 1866, the First National and National State banks were con- solidated, the combined capital being $300,000 and surplus $60,000. R. E. Graves became president and W. H. Clark cashier. The council had trouble with City Attorney O'Neill and dismissed him, but later rescinded the order upon his agreement to behave himself. Gas in 1867 cost $5.50, although the ordinance of 1853 limited the price to $3.50. The Excelsior baseball club in 1867 consisted of two nines-married men and single men-who played numerous games with varied results.
In the spring of 1867 the Dubuque and Dunleith Bridge was incorporated with a capital of $1,200,000, among the members being Platt Smith, H. L. Stout and W. B. Allison. After much contro- versy it was finally determined to submit to popular vote the ques- tion of permitting the horse railway to occupy the streets. The result was as follows: For the railway, 2,185; against the railway, 127. O. P. Shiras became alderman in April, 1867. At this time
DUBUQUE BOAT YARD, SHOWING THE "ALBATROSS." THE LARGEST STEEL BOAT EVER BUILT ON INLAND WATERS
MOUTH OF CATFISH CREEK, NEAR JULIEN DUBUQUE'S TOMB
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the Times and Staats Zeitung became the official city papers. The Key City Flouring Mills exploded April 22, 1867, killing four per- sons and wounding eight others; the mill was torn to atoms; the cause was "mill dust." On April 24 three distinct earthquake shocks were felt here ; chairs were set rocking, window panes rattled, pic- tures on the walls swayed and tilted, chandeliers swayed and plaster fell. People rushed from the buildings and many were nauseated. The shocks came like waves from north to south. The people demanded that the proposed railroad bridge should have a foot and wagon attaclinient.
On June 21, 1867, Odd Fellows hall, in Facade block, was dedi- cated. The Excelsior and Clipper baseball clubs played a match game June 27 and the former won-55 to 17; J. A. Miller was umpire. In June, 1867, Julien township was constituted the sixtli voting precinct. In July, 1867, the city was sued on the W. W. Corcoran loan -- the principal being $100,000, with a large amount of interest past due. E. McCeney was city attorney in 1867. By August, 1867, Dubuque had subscribed $600,000 for the river bridge and at this time W. B. Allison became president of the com- pany. The census of Angust, 1867, showed in the city a total popu- lation of 21,133 whites and 89 colored. The number of voters was 3,487. There were six colleges and academies ; manufactures were valued at $3,194,350. A new fire engine costing $5,500 was received September 5 and put in the new rooms on Iowa street; it was named the "J. K. Graves." Hawkeye Hose Company, No. 1, took possession of the new engine.
In September, 1867, the Manchester Excelsiors and the Dubuque Excelsiors, after several months of bluster and bragging, played a matched game of baseball at Dubuque. The largest crowd ever assembled here for baseball gathered to witness the contest, many ladies being present ; the game lasted three hours and resulted as follows :
Dubuque Excelsiors .. . 20 2 2 I 2 I 0 5 2
Manchester Excelsiors. 7 5 0 O
4
5 13 47
In September, 1867, A. A. Cooper's wagon factory was destroyed by fire; within one month he rebuilt temporarily and continued operations about as large as ever.
By ordinance of October, 1867, the Dubuque Street Railway Company and their successors were granted "the exclusive right and privilege to construct, operate and maintain over the streets of the city of Dubuque street railways for carrying passengers and freight for the term of twenty years." They were required to have at least two miles of track completed and in operation within one year. By act of July, 1883, additional rights and privileges were granted to the company and additional requirements were exacted from it. In
I
2
25
.
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
April, 1890, the right to operate an electric street railway was granted. Many provisions were added. In August, 1890, the company was granted the right to erect an electric light and power station within the city limits, and was limited to twenty-five years duration. Proper reservations were made by the city. By ordi- nance of September, 1890, the company was permitted to lay and maintain a double track on certain streets. An ordinance of February, 1892, permitted the company to extend its lines to cer- tain other streets. In August, 1891, the ordinance concerning an electric street railway was amended and additional rights were granted-one provision being that regular cars should be run to the main entrance of the Dubuque Driving Park. Additional rights were extended by the ordinance of July, 1897. The life of the com- pany was extended thirty-three years from April 25, 1915, and it was required "to construct, create, establish and permanently main- tain a park and pleasure resort on both sides of the Maquoketa river at Sageville," and to create and maintain therein a lake to be formed by damming up the waters of that river, the dam to be built about 100 feet west of Thompson's mill. The company was required to extend its lines to this park. Three years was the time fixed for the completion of the park and dam. The city reserved the right to purchase the entire plant of the street railway company and required half-fare tickets for working people during certain hours. Various other rights and extensions have been granted the company.
In November, 1867, the sheriff sold at public auction many lots of the Harbor Company for non-payment of taxes; they were all bought back by the Harbor Company. Settlement of the city with Mrs. Porter was finally effected in November; the original debt was $10,000. At this date Waterloo charged Dubuque with grain elevator frauds-five bushels on each car taken, a biased inspection, unlawful commissions, fictitious transfer rates, etc. ; the charge was laid by Dubuque to the Illinois Central railroad. In the fall of 1867 four church choirs united and under Professor Seager gave public concerts with great success, the benefits going to the Young Men's Christian Association. The first work on the street railway was donc late in November, 1867, near Heeb's brewery ; the first section ended at Tivoli gardens, whence extensions could be run to Eagle Point and to the driving park. The stables were near Heeb's brewery ; the company started with fifteen horses. Wharfage in November, 1867, amounted to $604.53. For years a steady revenue had been obtained from this source.
The lumber dealers in 1867 were Knapp, Stout & Co., E. R. Lumbert & Co., George Edwards, Pelan & Randall, Dubuque Lumber Co., Mitchell & Kiene, J. M. Robison, Johnson & Bro., Ingram, Kennedy & Co., Clark & Scott, Gibbs & Parmenter, Solo- mon Turck, W. H. & E. T. Allen, J. Scott & Co. and T. O. Sullivan. About 25,000,000 feet were landed here in 1867. In eleven months
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
18,033,668 feet were shipped, mostly westward over the Dubuque & Sioux City railroad.
Dubuque in 1867 handled in bushels : Wheat, 4,246,561 ; oats, 826,482 ; corn, 86,000 ; barley, 41,499.
H. Markell & Co.'s bank was closed forever January 6, 1868; assignment was made to H. L. Stout and T. C. Roberts, two of the heaviest creditors ; the liabilities were placed at $70,000. The cred- itors held an excited meeting.
The Library Lecture Course in 1867-8 embraced eight lectures of the following persons: Dr. Vinton, Dr. Holland, Dr. Hayes, Prof. Mason, Rev. J. C. Fletcher, Anna E. Dickinson, Prof. Youmans and E. P. Whipple. That of Anna E. Dickinson netted at the door $291.75 ; her house was worth $396.75 ; none of the others exceeded $100. Season tickets yielded $839.33.
The wharfage in May, 1868, amounted to $963.92. The Herald statistician said in January, 1868, that during 1867 about one hun- dred buildings had been built. The boiler of the Tschirgi & Schwind's brewery exploded in February, 1868, killing one person and severely injuring four others. Half a block on Main street between Sixth and Seventh was destroyed by fire in February, 1868, the loss being about $50,000. The hogs packed here in 1866-7 numbered 6,400; in 1867-8, 8,978. In March, 1868, the United States marshal sold at public auction the Central island property to Stout, Graves and others. All sales were subject to the Jesup mort- gage of 1853 for $30,000. This sale was made by order of the court under the Corcoran claim which had grown from $100,000 in 1857. to $175,000 in March, 1868. The city receipts for the fiscal year 1867-8 were $60,327.35 and expenses $68,029.60; cash on hand April 1, 1868, $19,215.61. J. K. Graves, retiring mayor, was accused of irregularities by a council committee appointed to examine his accounts. In May, 1868, old city bonds were worth 20 cents and new city bonds 85 cents on the dollar.
On May 27, 1868, Solon Langworthy rode on the first street railway trip in the city ; he rode over 120 acres which were bought thirty-four years before for $500 and broke up in the spring of 1864. The tract extended from Tenth to Eighteenth streets and from Iowa to the river. It was afterward divided between the four Langworthy brothers.
M. B. Mulkern was city attorney in 1868. The city complained in 1868 because, although it paid over one-half of the bridge tax, it received no benefit. The county replied that the city was benefited by the trade which came over the bridges to the city.
Immense damage all over the county was done by a furious storm which occurred June 5, 1868. All the bridges on the Dubuque & Sioux City railroad were swept away. Damage to the amount of $10,000 was done in the city. Portions of skeletons were washed out on the streets from the old cemetery. Another storm, June 27,
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
was almost as damaging. On May 10, 1851, there fell in Dubuque in about fifteen minutes 3.35 inches of rain. July 14, 1868, it was 102 degrees in the shade here. The J. K. Graves fire engine saved in one year all it had cost. A. A. Cooper's new wagon factory was dedicated in August, 1868, by over 300 couples who assembled to do honor to this first citizen of Dubuque. Sixteen sets at one time danced in the big hall. His employes thus showed their high regard for Mr. Cooper. City officials and bands were present. In 1868 Dubuque had seventeen dry goods houses, twenty-six groceries, four hardware stores, five drug stores, nine boot and shoe stores, fourteen clothiers, nineteen churches and free public schools worth $150,000. By September 17, 1868, the second span of the railroad bridge was up in place. Mathias Ham was called the father of the Eagle Point ferry, which started September 19, 1868.
The fastest horses in the West were at the driving park in October, 1868. Bashaw Jr. trotted a mile in 2:261%. A red fox was caught within the city limits late in 1868. Under a recent act of the legislature the city voted late in 1868 on the question of compounding the city debt ; new bonds were to be issued to cover all the old indebtedness, which aggregated nearly $1,000,000. The overwhelming question at this date was the city debt. Mass meet- ings with all shades of opinion were held. Many thought the city could secure a great reduction from creditors; a few wanted to repudiate ; but the great majority were willing to pay their honest obligations. The city had received the benefits of the money, mostly well spent, and should not now think of repudiation, was the better thought and conclusion. Judge Shiras had been sent to Des Moines to secure the passage of the law. The city under the new law could not issue more bonds than the sum of the old debt and interest. If the new bonds were not issued the city could borrow no more because its credit was gone with a vast debt hanging over it. The vote was finally postponed.
A prize fight between John Bernard and Peter Toohey was fought at Menominee station December 12, 1868, and was attended by a large number of Dubuque sporting men. The stakes were $200 a side and the fight was won by Toohey on a foul. William Daily was referee. On December 14, 1868, the draw for the railroad bridge was swung into position for the first time. The first pas- senger train crossed December 22. In 1868 there were erected in Dubuque about 150 buildings costing $800 or more each.
The Iowa Institute of Science and Art was organized here early in 1869, and its rooms were in the Facade building. Dr. Asa Harr was president ; for many years he had been the observer here of the Smithsonian Institution. Rev. J. W. Hanson was secretary. Many citizens contributed valuable relics. In February the fire companies disbanded, but immediately reorganized.
A committee of the council was sent East early in 1869 to com-
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
promise matters with the city creditors. Turck and Thompson, both ex-inayors, were on the committee. A brick house on Dodge street, bought of J. J. E. Norman before 1868, was converted into a house of refuge. It was burned probably to get rid of a nuisance early in 1869. On April 17 many ladies of Dubuque met at the residence of Mrs. D. S. Wilson and organized a society the object of which was "to secure the development and enfranchisement of women." Mrs. D. S. Wilson was elected president; Mrs. W. P. Large, vice presi- dent; Mrs. Austin Adams, corresponding secretary; Mrs. J. L. McCreery, recording secretary. All Iowa women in sympathy with the objects were invited to join the society.
The population of the city in May, 1869, was announced as 23,543. By ordinance of July, 1869, the council granted the Du- buque Lumbermen and Manufacturers' Railroad Company permis- sion with the right of way to construct and for fifteen years main- tain a railroad track along certain streets and public places in the city. The ordinance was elaborate and contained many requirements and provisions.
In June, 1869, at a special election to decide on compounding the debt, the vote stood: Yes, 228; no, 265. Thus the citizens decided against the issuance of new bonds to pay the old debt. Under contract with the council William Rebman graded down, leveled and planted with trees the old cemetery now called Jackson park ; all bodies were removed. At a fight here between a Chicago dog and a Dubuque dog owned by Mr. Sutton the latter won in fifteen minutes. The total eclipse of the sun in August, 1869, was wit- nessed by everybody here. Base ball was not thought much of in 1 869.
At the suggestion of George W. Jones the council, in September, 1869, prepared a memorial to Congress to grant 640 acres at Peru for a public park. The horse fair in October, 1869, was larger and better than ever. Over forty fast horses were present. The Mer- chants' Protective Union was organized in November, 1869. By the census of 1869 Dubuque city was shown to have a population of 17,969, 3,542 dwellings and 3,448 voters. In 1869 the fire depart- inent consisted of two steam engines, three hose carts, one hose carriage, sixteen men, eight horses, 4,500 feet of rubber hose, two hand engines-Washington No. I and Protection No. 2-an old hook and ladder truck and three or four ladders; public cisterns supplied water.
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