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 6
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103
In November, 1836, a weekly mail between Dubuque and Des Moines was established. In 1836 Congress appropriated $40,000 for the improvement of the Mississippi above St. Louis. In 1836, so rapidly was the town growing and so improved were local condi- tions and business, that the citizens organized as the Wisconsin Hotel Company and attempted to raise $20,000 by subscription for a mammoth brick hotel that should fittingly represent the importance of the place. The hotel was to be located on Main street on lots bought of Mr. Allen at a cost of $2,000. Loomis, Sleator and King were the committee to oversee all arrangements. In August of this year E. C. Dougherty kept New House hotel on Locust near the Catholic church. The rapid growth was checked in the fall of 1836, because the necessary building material could not be obtained. though the stress was partly relieved by the rafts of boards and shingles brought down from Wisconsin by Ezekiel Lockwood.
In the fall of 1836 William Hale, of Peru, brought from Shawneetown, Ill., a drove of about twenty milk cows which he quickly sold to the settlers at $27.50 per head. Chauncey Swan & Company operated a distillery on Catfish creek two miles southwest of Dubuque. David Sleator began work on a sawmill at Eagle Point late in 1836. Settlers were pouring into the new lands on the west side of the rivers. In 1836 about fifty families from Phila- delphia and a large colony from Ohio crossed and settled in the open country to the westward. "Dubuque's Mines" was the name of the postoffice. M. H. Prentice was continued as postmaster. In June, 1836, a meeting was called for the purpose of forming a library association. At this date a Mr. Turner lectured here on "Temperance." The I'isitor said, "As heretofore we will be glad to receive also Sucker paper and N. Biddle." The editor was a Democrat and was making fun of the paper money of Illinois and of the national banks. Nicholas Biddle was at that date president of the national bank which was opposed by Presidents Jackson and Van Buren and all other Democrats. Already, in 1836, a canal to
57
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
connect the main shore of the river with the steamboat landing on the inner slough was discussed and projected. It was found neces- sary to dig one-third of a mile and through the "isthmus." The step was deemed necessary for two principal reasons: I. Boats could come up to the business part of town ; 2. a current would be formed through Lake Peosta and the canal and would drain the inner and other sloughs.
The first election of trustees of the town of Dubuque was held April 1, 1837, and the following board was chosen : William Myers, Thomas S. Wilson, Charles Miller, Thomas C. Fassett and Timothy Fanning. Mr. Wilson was chosen president of the board; Charles Corkery, clerk; Patrick Quigley, town treasurer ; Philip C. Mor- heiser, marshal and collector, and Ezekiel C. Dougherty, assessor. After the election the first regular business was the passage of the following resolutions :
Resolved, That for the purpose of removing the obstructions from the slough of the river next to the town of Dubuque and for rendering it navigable for steamboats, that the president and trustees of said town borrow such sums of money as may be deemed neces- sary to effect those objects, which money will be repaid as soon as a sufficient sum shall be in the town treasury.
Resolved, That a committee be formed whose duty it shall be to carry into effect the objects embraced in the foregoing resolution, to employ men and to superintend the work, and whose further duty it shall be to change the course of the water from the ravine near Mr. Lorimier's house to a channel more direct towards the river.
Messrs. Fanning, Miller and Fassett were appointed such com- inittee and later made report that instructions had been carried out so far as the high water would permit. Regular ordinances for the government of the town were then passed at subsequent meetings- defining officers' duties ; penalties for breaches of ordinances ; regu- lating the police ; to prevent running horses, etc. ; fines and forfeit- ures ; authorizing citizens to furnish fire buckets and ladders and to form themselves into a fire company.
At the meeting of May 6, 1837, the first steps to raise revenue by taxation were taken: ten days later the revenue ordinance was passed. Another early ordinance provided for the due observance of the Sabbath. Still others defined and marked the boundaries of the town, location of streets, etc. ; regulated wharves and steam- boats ; gave Alexander Butterworth and George Strasser permission to keep a "butchering yard or slaughtering pen within the limits of the town," etc.
Upon June 24, 1837, after further consideration, the trustees concluded to take no further action concerning the streets, in view of the fact that the commissioners appointed by the President of the United States to survey and lay off the town were then at work. On June 26 W. W. Chapman, lawyer, was employed for $50 to
58
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
attend the five cases of the town then pending. The assessment list returned by the assessor was found defective and a reassessment was ordered. Stephen Hempstead, attorney, specially employed for the purpose, gave his opinion that the board of trustees were author- ized and empowered by the act of incorporation to hold courts and impose fines; a day for such courts was thereupon set apart. Citi- zens were notified regularly to work the streets. G. W. Harrison was the regular surveyor of the town; copies of his original plots were made. It was agreed that Charles Corkery should be paid $200 annually for his services as clerk of the board. On August 26, 1837, Mr. Wilson resigned from his position as trustee and hence as president of the board. Peter A. Lorimier was elected his suc- cessor, but declined, and John Plumbe, Jr., was chosen and he accepted. Stephen Hempstead, for $200, agreed to attend to the legal business of the town for the remainder of the current year. In September a house to the rear of the store of John Regan & Company was rented for an office by the board ; they were to pay to George L. Nightingale, agent for Regan & Company, $5 per month for the house.
On September 16, 1837, the board caused to be circulated hand bills calling for a mass meeting of the citizens on September 23 "for the purpose of expressing public opinion and obtaining information relative to the survey of all such lots and parcels of ground as were intended for public use in the town of Dubuque by the original surveys." In September, 1837, Fassitt & Sherman were repaid the $50 they had loaned the board in April; and Gehon & Hendry were repaid $25 for a similar loan. An ordinance to regulate shows was passed October 7. In October steps to grade a portion of Main street were taken. Quigley & Butterworth and Patrick Finn were repaid sums loaned the board in April. On November 4 the treas- urer reported on hand a balance of $36. As early as November 18. 1837, a conflict of certain streets with the graveyard was reported and considered. The county commissioners and the town board, both, were at work on the Lorimier Hollow road, a very important highway leading westwardly; the board also worked the Dirty Hollow road.
"Dubuque is incorporated and though only laid out in 1833 now contains about 2,000 inhabitants. We have two stone and one wooden churches ; an excellent female school and another for boys ; several splendid brick houses; a bank which has never suspended specie payments ; a double steam sawmill and a grist mill about to be attached; a printing press which issues weekly the Iowa News; about thirty stores; two public billiard rooms; two coffee houses : an extensive public reading room ; four hotels ; two brick yards, etc. The mail arrives tri-weekly at present, but will run daily from January I next. Steamboats we do not pretend to count ; they come and go constantly. Navigation is now in the finest order. Laborers
59
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
receive from $20 to $30 per month and found; mechanics receive from $2.50 to $3 per day ; farmers receive for wheat $2 per bushel, corn $1, rye $1.50, oats 75 cents, potatoes 50 cents; beef is worth 6 to 7,cents a pound ; sugar 121/2 cents, coffee 20 cents."-(Iowa News, December 9, 1837, John Plumbe, Jr.) The town actually contained about 1, 100 inhabitants instead of 2,000. The Lafayette Circus Company, of New York, performed here several nights to large houses in 1837; a menagerie of wild animals was exhibited here, also, in 1837; and a fine collection of paintings.
In July, 1837, T. Fanning & Co. opened the Jefferson House at Main and O'Connell streets. A weekly mail connecting Dubuque, Peru, Durango and Cassville was established in July, 1837. In June, 1837, a public sale of lots was advertised at Eagle Point by Thomas McCraney, Mathias Ham, F. K. O'Ferrall and John Foley. Engle, Booth & Co. began the construction of a steam sawmill in May, 1837. Previous to the summer of 1837 not a foot of land in Iowa west of the Mississippi had been sold, though there were about 14,000 squatters. On June 3, 1837, the Iowa News succeeded the Dubuque Visitor, with Coriell, King and Russell proprietors. Mr. Coriell had been connected with the Visitor. Early in 1837, when the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature refused to place on record the protests of the citizens of Dubuque against the establishment of the capital at Madison, the people here protested vigorously.
In 1837 three fine brick houses were erected ; the Catholic cathe- dral was completed; the Presbyterian church of stone was up two stories high and ready for the roof. Charles Corkery opened the Shakespeare coffee house, an institution afterward famous for its convivial meetings, parties, etc. He kept a file of newspapers from all parts of the country, to which guests were admitted. He also kept liquors to which guests were admitted-"cash up." The stand had formerly been occupied by Gehon & Hendry.
"The Miners' Bank, of Dubuque, has just got into operation discounting liberally and paying specie. Can you say as much for any of your old and long established institutions?"-(John Plumbe, Jr., in lowa News, November 18, 1837. )
The Iowa News was suspended from October 14 to November 15, 1837, for want of paper. Richard Plumbe succeeded Thomas Graffort as proprietor of the Washington House. In 1837 O'Ferrall & Co. occupied their fine warehouse on the wharf. In August, 1837, flour was $12 to $15 a barrel ; bacon 10 to 12 cents a pound ; corn $1.50 per bushel ; labor $20 to $25 per month.
The steamboat arrivals and departures at Galena in 1837 were 717, according to the Saturday Evening Post, of Philadelphia, of January, 1838; the most of these boats touched at Dubuque. About the middle of February, 1838, the mercury sank to 25 degrees below zero at Dubuque. A railway to connect the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans and to connect the Mississippi and Lake Michigan was
60
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
seriously considered in 1838. In the spring of 1838 Dubuque had three or four church organizations and two stone buildings; one bank-the only one west of the Mississippi; thirty stores; three hotels ; one theater, one lyceum; two academies ; one reading-room ; one printing office ; one steam sawmill; one grist mill building ; one coffee house : several billiard halls ; several "elegant brick mansions" : the lead mines were in full operation, new veins, lodes or leads being discovered weekly, though there was no scientific mining here yet .- (John Plumbe, Jr., in Iowa News, February 10, 1838.) On Jan- uary 5, 1838, the Iowa News said it had received no mail for six days. The lyceum was organized December 27, 1837, at the house of James Langworthy. The Iowa Newes came within four votes out of twenty-four of getting the contract to print the territorial laws in 1837-8.
An investigation, in January, 1838, of the acts of the commis- sioners appointed to survey and lay off the town showed gross irregularities and unjust charges. They were entitled, it was shown, to thirteen days' pay and had drawn pay for three months. Other illegal acts were set forth in the records. The commissioners were Carver, Cubbage and Coriell.
In April, 1838, the following men were elected trustees : Alex- ander Butterworth, John Mckenzie, John Plumbe, Jr., Benjamin Rupert and Philip C. Morheiser. Joseph T. Fales became clerk and B. F. Davis marshal. An ordinance to prevent steamboats from landing freight on the Sabbath was passed in April, 1838. This caused objections from a number of citizens, whereupon a public meeting to consider the repeal of the law was called. Mr. Hemp- stead was employed as attorney of the board "at a fair compen- sation."
In June, 1838, the trustees conferred with the county commis- sioners with reference to the selection of a quarter section of land for county purposes as per act of Congress. The president of the board was authorized to confer with the commissioner of the Gen- eral Land Office with the "view of securing to Dubuque the benefits contemplated by the law of Congress authorizing the laying off said town."
In August, 1838, William H. Turner stated in reference to his testimony concerning the United States commissioners to lay off Dubuque that the "answers are not recorded as they ought to have been and are extremely incorrect. Mr. Corkery, clerk, stated that the answers as reported were substantially as Mr. Turner had made them.
In February, 1838, the citizens held a public meeting to devise ways and means to improve the mail service. A committee was appointed to petition Congress to afford additional mail facilities, as follows: I. A tri-weekly, four-horse, post coach route from Dubuque to Milwaukee; 2. a weekly horse route to the center of
61
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Delaware county; 3. a weekly horse mail from Dubuque to the Cedar River settlement ; 4. an improvement of the mails between Dubuque and Chicago and between Dubuque and St. Louis. Judge Lockwood, J. T. Fales and John Plumbe, Jr., served as such com- mittee. Early in 1838 the Iowa Thespian Association gave regular theatrical performances here in the Shakespeare House; the "Glory of Columbus," by William Dunlap, was rendered by the young men of Dubuque to overflowing houses and the performance was re- peated several times. Thomas C. Fassett, A. J. Anderson and George L. Nightingale were the committee on arrangements for the Thespians. In March, 1838, the citizens assembled at the Methodist church and organized a temperance society with Judge Lockwood president and John Plumbe, Jr., secretary, and decided on a basis of total abstinence. St. Patrick's day was duly celebrated at the Jef- ferson hotel. In 1838 Dubuque was made the office of this land district. Thomas McKnight was receiver and Joseph Worthington register. In June, 1838, the town board called for a loan of $3,000. The sale of lands in this district was advertised to commence November 5, 1838.
The commissioners appointed to lay out the town (William W. Coriell, George Cubbage and M. M. McCarver) gave notice in 1838 that they would sit in June to determine claims to pre-emption to town lots. These commissioners were later charged with gross irregularities if not downright dishonesty. They demanded an investigation and a committee of citizens found them blameless.
"Changes in Dubuque .- We heard a gentleman remark the other day that he had resided in Dubuque about five years, during which time he had lived, first, under no government at all, then under Michigan, next under Wisconsin, and now under Iowa." -- (Iowa News, July 14, 1838.)
In June, 1838, large flocks of wild pigeons alighted on the build- ings of Dubuque. On June 18, 1838, John King sold his interests in the Newes to Coriell and Russell. Richard Plumbe kept the Washington House in 1838. There was much complaint in 1838 over the fact that the butchers left offal and bones lying in the streets. The land office officials gave notice for claimants to come forward September 15, 1838, and prove their rights under the pre- emption laws. Land sales during the first four days amounted to $30,000. Late in 1838 hunting parties from Dubuque killed buf- faloes and elks on the headwaters of the Turkey and Maquoketa rivers.
The commissioners appointed to settle pre-emption claims having failed to act, a mass meeting of the citizens was held at the court house April 30, 1838, to consider the situation. It was "resolved, that a committee be appointed to prepare a memorial to the commis- sioner of the General Land Office setting forth the grounds for which the citizens of Dubuque desire the repeal of that part of the
62
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
amendatory law which empowers one set of commissioners to execute the provisions of the act of July, 1836, at the several towns therein mentioned and asking the appointment of a separate commis- sion for Du Buque in order that every person entitled to a certificate of pre-emption may receive the same without delay ; that this meet- ing view with much regret the arbitrary dismissal by one commis- sioner of Mr. Vliet, whose survey of the town of Du Buque under the instructions of the surveyor general had given general satisfac- tion to hier citizens." Stephen Hempstead, J. Fanning and M. H. Prentice were appointed such committee.
"Canal .- We are glad to see that two or three public spirited individuals have commenced this work upon their own responsi- bility. The great advantages to be derived from this connection of the river with the bay are too apparent to all to require from us a word in commendation of this laudable undertaking."-(Iowa Newes, October 29, 1838. )
Late in 1838 W. W. Coriell sold his interest in the News to John B. Russell, and Edwin Reeves joined the latter in conducting the paper. November 3, 4 and 5 Dubuque was crowded with settlers living to the westward, who came here to buy the homes they had pre-empted.
In 1838 there were but ten persons or firms whose tax exceeded $10 each and their tax exceeded one-fourth of the whole tax of the year. In 1838 the aggregate tax levied was $534-37; in 1839, $740.62; in 1856, $90,000; in 1857, upwards of $102,000 .- (Times, September 9, 1857.)
For the year 1838 the total receipts of the town of Dubuque were $64 and total expenses $211.5414 ; balance against the town. $147.5414. The receipts were mostly fines and licenses. The largest item of expense was $150 for salaries.
In 1838 among the business men were the following: Hempstead & Lorimier, grain and merchandise ; Paschal Mallet sold his grocery to M. Frichette ; G. B. Morrison, flour and whisky ; C. Kaltenbach, jewelry ; G. A. Shannon & Co., general store; Mattox & Markle, general store; Quigley & Butterworth, grocers; Scott & Taylor, merchandise ; Joseph McClay, flour, etc. ; Adam J. Anderson, wheel- wright, plough-maker and sleigh-maker; O'Ferrall & Harbeson, general store; Emerson & Crider, grocers; E. Lockwood, general store ; Nicholas Carroll sold lime; Gehon & Hendry, general store ; Timothy Mason, drugs; L. Longuemare & Bro., grocers.
The Dubuque Lyceum was in operation early in 1838, with T. R. Lurton, president, and John Plumbe, Jr., secretary. In February, 1838, a select committee of the territorial legislature investigated the Miners' Bank. Ezekiel Lockwood was president of the bank and Thomas Martin cashier. The following statement was issued at this time :
63
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
ASSETS.
Certificates for specie deposited in Detroit . $ 40,000.00
Bills discounted
40,809.05
Due bills of exchange. 1,450.00
Due from individuals.
2,060.00
Contingent expenses
1,010.26
Suspense account .
4,463.98
Real estate
950.00
Foreign bank notes.
20,155.00
Items counted as cash.
7,375.75
Specie on hand .
1,318.02
Total
$119,592.06
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock paid in.
$100,000.00
Discount received. 864.01
Profit and loss.
1, 113.00
Twelve months' notes in circulation
1 2,680.00
Notes on demand in circulation
1,350.00
Individual deposits.
3.585.05
Total
$119,592.06
There had been a sharp crusade against the bank by Edward Langworthy and others. John Dillon, cashier, swore that the bank had on hand, November 21, 1837, $41,147 in specie ; it had not yet suspended early in 1838. In 1837 it issued post notes. On December 5, 1838, the bank was found by the legislative committee to be solvent and comparatively sound. Its circulation was $10,990 ; post notes still out. $5,035 : individual deposits, $3,647-39 ; gold and silver on hand, $3,033; notes of other banks, $18,874; bills dis- counted, $71.597.72 ; real estate, $4,206. 11 ; capital stock, $100,000. The legislative committee was Warner Lewis, Hardin Nowlin and James Hall. At this time the bank advertised to redeem its post notes upon demand without regard to maturity.
The theatrical company of Mackenzie and Jefferson rendered several plays early in 1839 at the Shakespeare House, among them being "Honeymoon" and "How to Rule a Wife." Among the actors were Leicester, Germon, Warren, Sankey, Jefferson, Burke, Wright and Stafford and Mesdames Ingersoll, Jefferson, Germon and Mackenzie. Germon sang "Lass o'Gowrie" and Burke danced the "Sailors' Hornpipe." The company rendered a farce called "The Waterman." Tickets, $1 ; children, 50 cents; performance commenced at 6:30 p. m. and concluded at 10 p. m.
On January 28, 1839, it commenced to snow and continued for
64
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
two days, covering the ground to the depth of twelve to fourteen inches. This was the heaviest fall since the winter of 1830-1. It had been gloomy here before, but now all became merry. Parties, dances, sleigh rides and merriment took absorbing possession of all. "Sleigh bells are ringing; youngsters, old maids and even old bachelors are smiling; beaux are courting, all are dancing, and de'il take the one that has not felt the comforts of the times," said the Iowa News of February 2, 1839.
"The board of trustees of this place has held several meetings within the last ten days in order to set matters to rights prior to their retirement from the arduous duties of their office. This is right. If they have neglected for near a year to hold a meeting, letting the business for which they were elected go undone, they should before their term of office expires collect taxes sufficient to pay their salaried clerk at least. There has been but a small per cent upon the amount of taxes assessed as yet collected, leaving an amount due sufficient to put our streets in good order and repair the damage done to them in several parts of the town. This neglect comes hard upon many of our well-disposed citizens who have paid their taxes. Now when they utter a complaint against the board for its neglect of duty, they are answered that the taxes are not collected-the people won't pay." -- (Iowa Newes, March 16, 1839. )
The fact was that the citizens generally demurred to the payment of land and other property tax owing to the unsettled condition of their pre-emption rights and to the claims to all this soil by the heirs of Julien Dubuque.
"The theatrical company of Messrs. Mackenzie and Jefferson has been performing in this place for the last ten days to respectable houses, giving general satisfaction." Othello, Charles II., Rob Roy McGregor, Richard III. were rendered to good houses. Leicester was the leading tragedian ; Germon made a good villain. and Jef- ferson could always bring roars of laughter. They left after eleven days' performance.
The Iowa News was chosen by the legislature to print the session laws of 1838-9 and was required to give bond for $5,000. In preparing this bond the editor of the Notes came in conflict with W. B. Conway, secretary of the territory, whose arbitrary and dominating practices caused much vexation and anger. A citizen of Dubuque received a perpetual ferry privilege, investing him with the exclusive right at Dubuque. As trade improved he failed to improve on his rickety old house boat. This roused the ire of the citizens and he was deprived of his privileges by the United States District Court. Miss C. Morheiser opened an establishment for the ladies in April, 1839-millinery and mantua making. In December, 1839, the Dubuque Lyceum met in the basement of the Presbyterian church; A. Levi was secretary.
In April, 1839, the following trustees were elected : Samuel D.
LYN
CopyRIGHT-1907 BY ALEX SIMPLOT VOORHE
DUBUQUE IOWA 1846.
Alex Simplot Dela
65
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Dixon, Edward Langworthy, Patrick Quigley, Lorin Wheeler and Thomas C. Fassett. Benjamin Rupert became clerk and George A. Shannon treasurer. In April, 1839, the board took action "to con- sider the practicability of the citizens of Dubuque to commence a system of improvements the coming summer," and a committee was appointed to report on the best course to pursue. A resolution offered by Mr. Langworthy in April provided for the appointment of a permanent committee on finance one of whose duties was to learn at once if citizens who performed work for the town would be willing to receive as pay corporation certificates bearing interest at 8 per cent. At this time further inquiries were made by the board concerning the validity of titles in the town. Five hundred blank town orders were ordered printed May 15, 1839. Mr. Childs was paid $50 for a large copy of the original plat of the town. It was found best at this time to appoint a committee on claims. In June the basis for street grades was established at several points on the wharf. Estimates for grading and macadamizing certain streets were considered. In June, 1839, the board ordered the purchase of an engine then in the town, but the records do not show what the object of this action was. At this time the ferries stopped at McGeary's Landing. An embankment was ordered built from the lower landing to where Main street intersected Front street ; it was let out in several contracts by the yard and was paid for in town orders bearing 7 per cent interest. The base of the embankment was ordered made twenty-one feet wide and the top fifteen feet wide.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.