USA > Iowa > Floyd County > History of Floyd County, Iowa : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 60
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650
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
July 4, 1858, a splendid celebration in St. Charles City, Floyd, and other places. In St. Charles a grotesque procession was made by the "St. Charles Invincibles," who closed their part of the day's programme with a mock oration at the public square. The speech contained many good hits, and created much merriment. The St. Charles Cavalry were early on the ground, and with their neat and tasteful nniforms, noble horses and good discipline, pre- sented a fine appearance. Major D. Allen was the orator of the day, who surpassed all expectations. I. W. Card read the Declara- tion of Independence. Eighteen toasts were introduced and re- sponded to, and the day was unmarred by accident. E. P. Harring- ton made an exhibition, in the Cedar River, of the celebrated " Diver, " a sort of armor to be nsed in diving into water.
Similar programmes were carried ont at the other places. At the " geographical center," of the county, on this day, a grand celebration was had by the friends of the removal of the county seat to that place, who had just carried the county in favor of their proposition, by a majority of nineteen. A full account of this is given in Chapter III.
The Good Templars took the lead in celebrating upon the 4th of July, 1860, in St. Charles City. The day was beautiful, and the attendance large. Early in the morning, the stars and stripes were floating from many a flag staff and edifice, and at the ap- pointed hour the marshals, mounted on beantifully caparisoned horses, formed a procession in the following order: Music; citizens generally, both ladies and gentlemen; Worthy Master and Worthy Deputy Master; male initiates; female initiates; banner; male degree members; female degree members; officers of the lodge; officers of the grand lodge; vice-presidents of the day; reader and chaplain; president and orator. The procession was a long one, and presented a gay and lively appearance. A large number of banners were borne in the procession, several of which were rich and elegant, and had various appropriate mottoes and devices. A procession so attractive and imposing had never before been seen in Floyd County, possibly in the State.
On arriving at the grove, a scene of beauty and enchantment burst upon the vision, due in most part to the skill of woman's fairy hand. The grounds were arranged in the order of a lodge room, and were well furnished and ornamented. At this place the order of exercises were: Martial music; prayer, by the Chaplain, Rev. A. D. Bush; singing, by the entire audience; the
651
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
opening ode of the Good Templars, " Friends of Temperance, welcome here," to the tune, "Watchman, tell us of the night;" reading of the Declaration of Independence, by James Jackson; the national hymn, "America," by the entire audience; oration, by John G. Patterson; martial music; temperance addresses, by J. Q. Detwiler; sentiments by A. B. F. Hildreth, and responses by the audience as follows.
1. The Day we Celebrate: Glorious in the past, honored in the present, may its luster brighten in the future. Response by James Jackson.
2. The Memory of our Revolutionary Fathers: Let it be enbalmed in the hearts of posterity. A silent response.
3. Washington: God caused him to be childless that a nation might call him father. Response by L. L. Huntley singing the song entitled " The Death Bed of Washington," and preforming an accompaniment upon the seraphine.
4. The Presidency of the United States: The noblest office in the world; its occupant should be one of the noblest of men. Re- sponse by Dr. J. W. Smith.
5. The Order of Good Templars: An invading "cold water army," at whose command the hosts of King Alcohol ever sur- render at discretion. Response by J. G. Patterson.
6. The Ladies: Gentle, patient, affectionate and ever zealous in a good cause; without them our men would be savages and our prairies deserts. Response by Dr. E. Cortright.
7. The Musicians: Without the harmonious strains the celebra- tion could not go on. Response by Mr. Huntley, singing a comic song.
8. Our Common Schools: Caskets containing the jewels of our country; we expect the teachers, as artisans, will see that they are rightly set. Response by Mr. Wilbur, the County Superintendent.
9. The Farmer: One of nature's noblemen. Response by Gen. Wilson, of Des Moines, Secretary of the Agricultural Col- lege and Farm.
10. The Clergy: Patient defenders of the Cross; may their reward be "manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting." Responded to by Rev. A. D. Bush.
11. St. Charles Lodge, No. 62, I. O. of G. T .: A moral reformer whose services are invaluable. Responded to by G. B. Eastman, W. C. T. of the lodge.
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652
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
12. The Benevolent Societies of the Day: Their "secrecy " is the tie that unites their members in the work of social reform. Response by E. A. Teeling.
13. Manual Labor: The stepping stone to virtue, health, happi- ness and independence. B. F. Cheney responded.
14. Lowa, the Home of our Adoption: May she, like Cornelia, point to her sons and say, "These are my jewels." Reply by I. W. Card.
15. The Officers of the Day: Well have they discharged their duties, and the thanks of the audience are theirs. Response by Judge Wiltse, President of the Day.
After listening to martial music, the closing ode of the order was sung,-" Heavenly Father give thy blessing,"-to the air, "Sicilian Hymn."
The marshals then formed a procession of nearly all who were upon the ground and conducted them to the lodge hall, whence the people dispersed for dinner.
No accident or blunder occurred to mar the perfection of the day and every person went home happy.
Dec. 27, 1860 (St. John's Day), was celebrated by the Masonic fraternity at St. Charles City in magnificent style with music, speeches, toasts and supper. A full report was given in the Intelligencer, occupying five columns of its issue of Jan. 3. 1861.
July 4, 1861, celebrations of independence at St. Charles City, Floyd, Rock Grove, Nashua, etc., all of which passed off credit- ably and satisfactorily. Much emphasis was, of course, laid upon the duties of the hour, mingled with fears and hopes concerning the future of the nation.
July 4, 1863, the grandest celebration ever before known in this part of Iowa, notwithstanding the great burdens of the war. It was estimated that 4,000 people were present in Charles City. D. M. Ferguson was Marshal of the day, and, with an impromptu horse company under command of Rev. E. G. O. Groat, accom- panied with music, escorted the several delegations into town. A full order of exercises was carried out. J. G. Patterson read the Declaration of Independence, and Rev. J. G. Witted delivered the oration. There were also a magnificent dinner, spirited songs, toasts of loyalty and patriotism, etc. Hervey Wilbur read a long but interesting response to the toast, "The President's Proclama- tion of Emancipation, and the Year 1863,-the Edict, and the Year of Jubilee to the Bondmen of America."
653
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
July 4, 1865, a grand and successful celebration. The war ended, and the Union saved, the people felt as if they had a glori- ous nation to shout for. Hon. Wm. B. Fairfield was President of the day; Capt. R. G. Reiniger, Marshal; J. Cheston Whitney, Reader of the Declaration of Independence, and H. O. Pratt, Or- ator. Music, toasts, etc., added to the interest of the beautiful day.
July 4, 1866, at St. Charles City, a successful and satisfactory celebration, winding up with a grand ball in the evening, at Hol- comb's Union Hall. There was also a splendid celebration at Floyd, at which place, after sundown, was a parade of the " Ante diluvians."
July 4, 1867, was celebrated in a lively manner, at Floyd and Marble Rock. At Charles City there was no formal, public pro- gramme, except a church picnic, but at two o'clock in the morning the " boys " created a great fire alarm by a big bonfire on the pub- lic square. Half attired, the citizens commenced running, with buckets, etc., in hand, and were much disgusted when the boys revealed the true state of the affairs by their loud huzzas. In the morning, the streets were found barricaded with vehicles, farm machinery, etc.
Decoration day, 1868, was observed in magnificent style. The weather was fine, and many were in attendance. This day is gen- erally observed in Floyd County.
The Centennial. U. S. Grant, the President of the United States, having recommended that the history of the townships and counties in the Union be written and read on this, the centen- nial 4th day of July, 1876, and his Excellency, Samuel J. Kirk- wood, having indorsed that recommendation, the people of Floyd County, irrespective of locality, creeds or party, forgetting the rivalries of the past, assembled at Charles City on that day, to again pledge their fealty to the strong and generous Government, which they protect, and by which they are protected. The Hon. John G. Patterson, a radical Republican and prominent attorney, of Charles City, presided over the assemblage. J. Strong Root, Esq., a radical Democrat and prominent attorney, of the same place, delivered an eloquent oration. W. H. Gaylord, of Nora Springs, read a condensed history of Floyd County. The cornet band of Nora Springs, consisting of thirteen members, under the leadership of Professor Israel Turner, together with promiscuous martial bands, furnished the music, enlivening and grand. The
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HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Rev. A. Miner, of Charles City, prayed for the future life and en- during prosperity of the Nation, and all true men and women everywhere, regardless of party or persuasion, will cheerfully re- spond, Amen.
July 4, 1882, was made prominent by the prohibitionists, who celebrated their great victory at the polls throughout the State, in favor of the late Constitutional amendment.
MARRIAGES.
For the first five years after men and women began to marry in Floyd County, the following licenses were issued by the recorder.
1855 .- Feb. 6, Wesley Ames and Delilah Castleman; Feb.21, Marvin L. Heath, Lucy A. Smith.
March 3, Chauncey Lyard, Florilla Morris; March 30, Wm. H. Welch, Susan Border.
May 7, Henry F. Rice, Mary A. Cook; Charles S. Stevens, Permelia Greenwood; May 23, Henry Green, Lydia Blunt.
June 2, Jacob Beeler, Huldah J. Downer; June 28, Charles Lutes, Martha Ann Long.
July 3, Lester Place, Carolina L. Wright; July 7, Sanders M. Howard, Frances P. Bennett; July 12, Peter Parish, Harriet Blanchard; July 23, Pyton Brentner, Eliza Ann Harvey.
Sept. S, Joseph Wright.
Nov. 3, Ambrose Baker, Catharine E. Little; Nov. 9, Samuel Niverson, Elizabeth Rolfe; Nov. 28, Jacob Johnson, Susan Cochran.
1856 .- Jan. 9, Isaiah M. Rogers, Elizabeth Strawn.
March 19, C. T. Ferris, Harriet Mckinley.
April 3, Wm. R. Cave, Floretta Goodhue; April 28, Luke Johnson, Nancy Baltimore.
May 4, Sidney S. Smith, Margaretta T. Horr; May 20, Edwin Klinetop, Emma Bassett; May 24, James D. Gilpin, Mary Jane Hogan.
June 5, E. Lynn, E. Roscile Scott; June 16, Jerome Mckinley, Mary A. Hart; June 26, Samuel Hayes, Lucy Jane Young; Wm. Dean, Harriet A. Gaylord; June 28, Wilbur Closson, Lucretia Johnson.
July 1, Amos Mckinley, Catharine Johnston; July 1, John W. Buckley, Azubah E. Holbrook.
Aug. 4, Samuel M. Goldsburg, Rachel Jane Wells.
655
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Oct. 6, Richard H. Jones, Caroline Hubbard; Oct. 13, J. Tay- lor, Sally Spafford; Oct. 20, Charles H. Towner, Louisa Bennett; Oct. 30, Sylvester Rice, Mary Ann Henry.
Nov. 10, Alex. Gale, Viola Lyon; Nov. 22, Joshua A. Ripley, Huldah S. Sutton.
Dec. 6, Christian Kuhn, Anna Bloom; Dec. 17, Levi Shepard, Jr., Mary E. Johnson.
1857 .- Jan. 15, James H. Pitcher, Frances L. Dutcher.
Feb. 4, Abram R. Foster, Amelia Free;, Samuel Sours, Anna M. Rex; Feb. 11, Egbert Davis, Fanny M. Ackley; Feb. 17, George Collett, Emily Balch; W. A. L. Dayton, Elizabeth Chatman; Feb. 18, John C. Holland, Melinda A. Palmer.
March 5, John Taylor, Lovey Ann Hudson; March 11, Nathan A. Palmer, Jane L. Holland; March 20, Zeiba E. Jackson, Melinda Carr; March 26, Egbert Sandford, Lydia Allison.
April 8, James M. Cooper, Sarah A. Womsley; April 15, Wilder Rutherford, Eleanora Hotchkiss; April 18, George F. Hubbard, Vienna Burroughs; April 22, Israel W. Snyder, Reggirma Carsner; April 27, Samuel Riddill, Sarah J. Griffith; April 28, James Bernham, Louisa Paddock; April 30, George Robertson, Charlotte Brooks.
May 13, Wm. Bunny, Sarah Cassaday.
June 11, Ira Harrison, E. Louisa J. Dean; June 17, Joseph Looley, Ursula Hunter; June 24, Calvin B. Douglass, Nancy V. Under- wood; June 30, Sidney D. Skelton, Mary Bell.
July 25, George Hauk, Louisa Scott; Josiah G. Quimby, Edith Knouse; A. D. Babcock, Sarah E. Biglow.
Aug. 10, Geo. W. Bensley, Eliza I. Smith; Aug. 11, Wm. Wagner, Elizabeth Rex; Aug. 13, Seth Terry, Laura Coon; Aug. 15, Wm. W. Dickman, Jemima J. Workman; Aug. 19, Hiram Smothers, Sarah E. Cooper; Aug. 26, George N. Johnson, Anna Brooks; Aug. 31, W. A. Austin, Lucinda A. Butterfield; Silas Stewart, Martha M. Niles.
Sept. 3, Jos. P. Cook, Mary M. Story; Sept. 12, James Tatum, Jr., Lucinda Hazzard; Sept, 16, Henry Green, Eleanor Nitcher; Sept. 21, Lorenzo D. Gardner, Sarah A. Sherman; Sept. 23, Henry F. Allison, Lovina Dawley.
Oct. 7, Charles W. Atkinson, Anna R. Jackson; Oct. 31, John Farer, Elizabeth Hill.
Nov. 7, Wm. Henry Welch, Angeline Scott; Winfield D. Bryant, Eliza J. Walling; B. F. Russell, Rosanna M. Bryant; 1
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656
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Rodney S. Baker, Nancy A. Wray; Thos. W. Hemphill, Leah Knouse.
Nov. 24, Orlando McEwen, Phobe Crowell; Nov. 27, Jeremiah Rider, Mary A. Hill.
Dec. S, Emiri Abbott, Lamira Abbott; Dec. 14, Wm. S. Ray- mond, Abigail Crowell; Dec. 30, Russell Arthur, Augusta Grow; Wm. H. Coffin, Amanda E. Allen; Dec. 31, L. Henry Hunn, Harriet Patton.
1858 .- Jan. 9, Maurice S. Cole, Mary A. Ingram; Jan. 11, John M. Parsons, Harriet M. Condill; Jan. 21, Peter Warburton, Mary Cassady.
Feb. 16, Ransom Knapp, Mary Dunham; Feb. 25, Jacob Bas- sett, Mary A. Jolly; Jan. 26, John S. Lefever, Florilla Brayton.
April 7, Joel Johnson, Mary Powers; April 15, John D. Yoder, Malvina Lyon.
May 5, Samuel Mitchell, Mary Tague; J. V. W. Montague, Martha Jackson.
June 9, H. I. Miller, - -- ; June 12, Seth Richardson, Catherine Defield.
Aug. 2, Matthias Cramer, Catherine Snick; Aug. 7, Philip Moore, Sarah Richardson; Aug. 24, James M. Newton, Francis P. Howard; Aug. 21, H. O. H. Vinton, Maria E. Hedges.
Sept. 1, Valentine Bogle, Malinda Searls; Sept. 13, Hiram F. Lambert, Harriet Greenwood.
Oct. 6, Barney Corby Numday; Sept. 13, Franklin F. Thomas, Mary Mansfield; Oct. 23, Henry Bumgardner, Ruth Ann Yoder; John McHenry, Sarah C. Y oder.
Nov. 9, James Morrison, Jane Shaw; Giles W. Mead, Caroline Powers.
Dec. 13, Jasper Gregory, Effa Ann Powers; Dec. 18, George Harshey, Susan Ball; Dec. 22, A. M. Slutter, Lyndia E. French; Dec. 30, Hiram S. Smith, Ruth A. Raymond.
1859 .- Jan. 10, Hugh O'Donnell, Elizabeth Carrell; Jan. 10, Jackson Wood, Helen L. Taylor.
April 1, Geo. W. Stannard, Elizabeth Wilson; April 8, James Jackson, Mary J. Clark; April 25. Alex B. Warren, Elmira Crowell; Charles E. Biglow, Hewwira Jackson.
May 5, Daniel Perrin, Emeline P. Harrison; May 9, George C. Ball, Mary L. Cory; May 23, Daniel M. Dean, Elmira Knouse; May 25, James Choate, Esther Miller; May 27, Charles H. Hart, Sarah E. Howard.
657
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
June 14, Titus Wray, Catherine Cassady.
July 14, Nathan J. Robbins, Ruth Ann Whitney; July 22, Amos Pettit, Matilda R. Young.
Sept. 1, Hiram Losee, Phebe Smith; Sept. 5, Philip Shafer, -; Solomon J. Askely, Emily Rex.
Oct. 14, Samuel Rex, Jane Askely; Oct. 15, Jared H. Lowder, Emeline L. Hutchins.
Nov. 17, Thompson Halsted, Antinetta Kinney.
Dec. 3, Harrison Ganett, Elizabeth E. Ready; Dec. 31, Wm. Christner, Mary Jane Halsted.
The number of marriage licenses issued for the several years from 1855 to September, 1882, inclusive, is as follows:
Year.
No.
Year.
No.
Year.
No.
1855
17
1865.
49
1875
114
1856
.25
1866
88
1876.
141
1857.
.57
1867.
69
1877
.136
1858.
27
1868.
81
1878.
141
1859.
45
1869
.96
1879
.132
1860.
14
1870.
118
1880
.114
1861.
16
1871.
111
1881.
113
1862
29
1872
120
1882, to Sept. 7
91
1863.
.35
1873
119
1864.
25
1874.
127
Total .
2,250
POSTOFFICES AND POSTAL ROUTES.
The first postoffice in the county was established in Freeman, in August, 1854, and the first postmaster was Robert L. Freeman, who kept the office in his store on lot No. 1, block G, in precisely the place where since has stood the dwelling-house of C. W. Leaman. In 1855 Freeman disposed of his interest in the mercantile business to S. C. Goddard, who then became postmaster. The same year John Blunt was appointed postmaster, who transferred the office into his store, that of Blunt & Collins, on the northeast side of the river, described elsewhere. This office retained the name of Free- man instead of St. Charles, as the latter was also the name of a postoffice in Madison County, this State. This was the first post- office northwest from Bradford, and to it people came from Mitchell and Cerro Gordo Counties, and even from Southern Minnesota. J. I. R. Frost claims to have been postmaster in Union in 1855.
During the year 1856 postal routes were established running from West Union to Freeman by way of Bradford, from Freeman to Shell Rock Falls by way of Rock Creek, and from Freeman to Mitchellville by way of Floyd, Gilmantown and Cora.
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HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
M. O. Walker, in 1856, ran a daily line of four-horse coaches from McGregor's Landing through West Union and Bradford to St. Charles, and a tri-weekly line from St. Charles to Mitchell Cen- ter. Distance from McGregor's to St. Charles, about ninety miles; fare, $6.50; from St. Charles to Mitchell, twenty-three miles; fare, $1.75. The stage from Dubuque intersected with this line at West Union. This contractor proved to be negligent, and a Mr. Sharpe, in 1859, commenced also to operate as mail carrier.
In October, of this year, D. D. W. Carver, of the Intelligencer, was appointed postmaster at St. Charles City. About this time a postoffice was established at Watertown, near the northern line of the county, in Floyd Township, but was soon discontinued in 1869, the mails for the people in that vicinity to be sent to Orchard, Mitchell County. Flood Creek postoffice was discontinued in 1861.
In the latter part of the winter of 1860-'1, a short time before Dr. Smith was appointed postmaster, many of the citizens of Charles City concluded to choose a man to present to the General Department for appointment as postmaster. Hand-bills were cir- culated, calling for a mass-meeting at Cheney & Brackett's Hall, March 2. In taking the vote, E. A. Teeling and R. G. Reiniger were appointed tellers, who used a hat for a ballot-box. Mr. Teel- ing noticed that one man deposited more than one ballot, where- upon a discussion arose which soon ended in a real row, the fisting and cuffing, for a rarity, commencing around the ballot-box (hat) at the secretary's table, and proceeding like a wild contagion toward the rear of the audience. During this melce the lights were put out, or went out. Sundry non-resistants perched on window- sills, or took points of observation in other out-of-the-way places, and looked on as witnesses. The whole situation was about as amusing as it was serious. The only declaration of the result of this "election" ever known was this: A citizen met one of the candidates next morning and said, "Good morning, Mr. ---; what was the result of the postoffice caucus last night?" "G- d- it ! what's that to you, young man?" was the reply.
Concerning this meeting, the Intelligencer has the following :
" The impression prevailed that more or less 'packing' had been done, and there was a determination on the part of some of the citizens that that process of carrying nominations should be stopped. The meeting organized by electing Milo Gilbert for Chairman and R. G. Reiniger, Secretary. An informal ballot was ordered, and resulted as follows : D. Davidson, twenty ; G. B.
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HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Eastman, nineteen ; A. W. French, fourteen : J. V. W. Montagne, ten ; J. W. Smith, two; E. B. C. Wright, two ; V. W. Baker, two ; S. Wiggin, one. A direct ballot was now ordered. To shut off Democrats, it was decided that none but Republicans should be allowed to vote. Soon our late Democratic postmaster offered his vote, and, being refused, insisted that he was a Republican,-a new convert, and a most zealous one,-and in proof he shouted 'Hurrah for old Abe.' His vote was received, double and treble voting was noticed, crimination and recrimination arose, and soon a half dozen quarrels were in full blast in various parts of the hall. The chairman sought in vain to keep order, and at length declared the meeting adjourned sine die. The hall was then cleared by putting out the lights. "
The above instance, however, does not show that the citizens of St. Charles were any more riotous than the best of communities anywhere, but the attempt to choose postmasters by popular vote under our system of government must always lead to bitter per- sonalities.
In September of this year (1861), the name of the postoffice at St. Charles was changed to Charles City, and the Intelligencer changed its heading accordingly.
Mail "facilities " having been for a long time very far from " facile, " a meeting of many of the leading citizens and business men of Charles City was held March 5, 1862, for the securing a more prompt and faithful transportation of the mails. A. B. F. Hildreth was Chairman of the meeting. For two weeks there had been no mail via Dubuque. The following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted :
WHEREAS, Since the transfer of mail route No. 11,013 (leading from West Union via Nashua to Osage), from Joseph Sharpe to M. O. Walker as contractor or carrier, the mails north of Brad- ford have been carried in an inefficient and exceedingly irregular manner,-the drivers often changing the running days each way without authority, thus losing time and failing to connect with other mail lines ; and
WHEREAS, There has been no mail received since February 28 (although many teams have since passed daily over the route), whereby over 20,000 inhabitants, who are principally supplied through this channel with their mail matter, have been deprived of the same, to the great detriment of the business interests of this region of country ; therefore
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HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Resolved, That we, together with all citizens residing together in the valley of the upper Cedar River and its tributaries, labor under serious disadvantages in the transaction of our business, and our grievances are just cause of complaint.
Resolved, That past experience justifies us in using our influ- ence with the proper authorities in requiring the present mail contractor to transport the mails over the route above specified according to the terms of this contract, or that he be promptly removed.
Resolved, That we earnestly protest against any person receiv- ing, in future, a mail contract who has repeatedly and persistently proved his faithlessness in former contracts ; and we will use our influence in withholding public patronage from such individual.
Resolved, That the secretary [of this meeting, Geo. C. Dean] be and is hereby instructed to forward a copy of these resolutions to the Contract Office of the General Postoffice Department at Washington, and to cause the same to be published in the Charles City Intelligencer.
This movement resulted in the appointment of Messrs. Nichols & Co., as mail contractors, who proved faithful to their trust.
In 1866 A. E. Haskell, of Fort Dodge, obtained the contract for carrying the mail tri-weekly between Charles City and Calmar, to which latter point the McGregor Western Railroad had been completed. A semi-weekly mail was carried between Charles City and Clear Lake, by J. C. Stearns, of Charles City.
Soou after this period the railroad was built through this county, and the principal points supplied with daily mails.
BRIDGES.
These are almost as great a necessity to the progress of a com- munity as the roads, of which they are often an essential part; but as they are comparatively costly, pioneer settlers cannot afford to build them, especially reliable ones, and hence a great privation has to be suffered, for many long years. Temporary bridges are built at first, of logs, boards and brush, to be carried away by the first freshet. The experience of Floyd County of course, has been no exception to the general rule. The first wagon road to become well marked by travel, was that up the Cedar River on the west side, from Cedar Falls and Nashua (or Bradford), to Floyd and Osage.
661
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
In pursuance of notice the citizens of Floyd County, met at Cheney & Brackett's Hall, St. Charles City, June 8, 1859, to de- vise ways and means to build bridges in the county. S. Hackey was appointed Chairman and R. G. Reiniger, Secretary. After some remarks from gentlemen in different parts of the county, it was thought advisable to give the voters a further opportunity to consider the matter; and that the subject might be more fully presented to them, the chair was instructed to appoint a com- mittee of three in each township, whose duty it should be to call a meeting of the voters of their respective townships to discuss the propriety of laying a tax on the property in the county for the purpose aforesaid, and to see that the several townships are fully represented at the next convention, agreebly to which the chair appointed the following committee:
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