History of Harrison County, Iowa. Containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county. Together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of Iowa, and of the presidents of the United States, Part 15

Author: National Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, National Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1150

USA > Iowa > Harrison County > History of Harrison County, Iowa. Containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county. Together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of Iowa, and of the presidents of the United States > Part 15

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).

Drugs-D. & E. S. Satterlee, L. G. Tyler & Co., F. A. Dean & Co.

Groceries-S. E. Mabee, L. Felts, J. H. Burnette.

Boots and Shoes-Fox & Dabelstein.

Jewelry-Campbell Bros.

Agricultural Implements-A. D. Jones, J. A. Moore, O. W. Taylor & Co.

Grain-Dunlap Grain and Lumber Com- pany, S. G. Liscomb.

Lumber-Dunlap Grain and Lumber Co., J. R. Wheeler.

Photograph Studio-E. B. Waitley.

Merchant Tailors-P. Burke, E. S. Hicks, M. Barrett & Sons.

Furniture-Charles Reiher, S. Jensen.

Meat Markets-Griffin & Jensen, Farns- worth & Moore.

Livery-Samuel Baird, H. E. Pease, Samuel Probasco.

Roller Mills-Isaac Otis.

Live Stock-G. P. Moorhead, Gallup & Hull, John Dongherty.

Hotels-Railroad Honse, City Hotel and R. H. Randall House.

Harness Shops-R. Porter, Rolls Bros., J. B. Johnson.

Blacksmith and Wagon Shops-Z. W. Pease, R. H. Randall, Anthony Dixon, Frank Manchester.

Banks - First National and Dunlap Bank.

Newspapers-The Reporter and the Her- ald.

Restaurants-F. M. Ettinger, J. H. Bur- nette.

Barber Shops-G. B. Fouts, Colburn & Dearduff.

BANKING.

Dunlap Bank: This banking institu- tion was organized in 1871, by Lorenzo

137

HARRISON COUNTY.

Kellogg, Dr. Frank Clark and G. W. Thompson, with a capital of $10,000. The first Cashier was G. W. Thompson, who served until 1879. This bank was first opened in a small frame structure, which was rented temporarily until a small frame bank building could be built for them. This was the pioneer bank of Dunlap, and through its hands passed large sums of money. In the autumn of 1873 Mr. Clark sold his interest, and the same season George P. Moorhead was taken into the concern as Vice President; he still re- tains his membership. The bank was owned, controlled and operated until 1878, by Messrs. Kellogg, Thompson and Moor- head. In 1873 the capital was increased to $20,000. In 1878 four more members were taken into the firm : C. D. Mitchell, S. J. Patterson, Dwight Satterlee and Z. T. Dunham. In 1879 C. D. Mitchell, G. W. Thompson and Z. T. Dunham retired, and L. S. Amsden was elected Cashier, remaining until 1885, when S. J. Patter- son was elected and still holds such office.

The present (1891) officers are: Lor- enzo Kellogg, President ; G. P. Moorhead, Vice President; S. J. Patterson, Cashier ; Messrs. Moorhead, Patterson, and Satter- lee, Directors.

It was in 1878 that their present bank building was erected, at a cost of $6,000. This institution has had a steady, healthy growth from its organization-the first year's business showed assets of $28,000, while that of 1890 was $228,000.

The first National Bank of Dunlap was granted a charter September 24, 1889, and opened up October 14, with a cash capital of $50,000. The officers were: J. H. Pat- terson, President; John D. Bassett, Vice President; H. A. Moore, Cashier. The directors were: Edward H. Barrett, Ed- ward Lehan, J. D. Bassett, John Y. Ful-

ler, Malcom Baird, H. A. Moore, J. H. Patterson. They do a good banking and exchange business, and are looked upon as one of the strong banking concerns of the county.

FLOURING MILLS.

The Dunlap Mills were first erected by I. Scofield in about 1876. Isaac Otis, a practical mill man, bought the property in 1891 and re- built, putting in a complete "Roller System," with a capacity of sixty barrels per day. The mills are of much commercial importance to the city. The mills are propelled by the water of the Boyer River.

OPERA HOUSE.

What is known as the Dunlap Opera House was built in 1884, for the purpose of providing a skating rink for the place, which at that time was a national mania. But the builders, looking to the near fu- ture, to a time when all interest in a roller skating rink would cease, also planned the building so it might be easily con- verted into an opera hall. This is a ve- neered building, situated on the corner of Iowa Avenue and Eighth Street; it cost $8,000, and comfortably seats nine hun- dred persons. It is heated by furnace and is well furnished throughout. It was built by a stock company consisting of the following persons: S. J. Patterson, L. Kellogg, M Barrett, G. P. Moorhead, B. J. Moore, J. A. Brainard, B. F. Carpen- ter, B. Jackson, J. H. Gallup, O. W. Tay- lor & Co.

NEWSPAPERS.

The pioneer newspaper of Dunlap was the Dunlap Reporter, founded in July, 1871, by George Musgrave as the monied factor, and George R. Brainard as the ed- itor and general manager.

About 1873 the plant was sold to L. F.

138

HARRISON COUNTY.

Cook, who conducted it for nine years, during which time he edited a clean, re- spectable sheet, serving his patrons with much credit, considering the fact that he was not an experienced journalist at the time he took the paper.

In 1881 the Reporter was sold to Issa- cher Scofield, who, in 1885, sold to Miers & Waitley, and it was edited by a Mr. Rogers and G. W. Thompson until the property was bought, in 1887, by. J. H. Purcell, who exhibited more genuine jour- nalistic ability than had ever before been manifested.

From the first number, in July, 1871, the Reporter has been a regular stanch supporter of Republican party principles, giving out no uncertain sound. J. W. Ainsworth was at one time editor of this paper.

In 1890 it was sold to E. B. Williams, a sketch of whom elsewhere appears.

The Dunlap Herald was founded by T. M. C. Logan, October 30, 1890, as a Re- publican journal. It was at first an eight- page, six-column paper, under the man- agement of E. H. Wills. After three months it was enlarged to a seven-column paper. In February, 1891, the office was purchased by Mr Wills, who still edits and controls the same in an acceptable manner to the general community. The office is provided with a Prouty power press and "Peerless" job press. The Her- ald enjoys a weekly circulation of seven hundred papers.

POST-OFFICE.

The first postmaster at Dunlap was S. A. Willard, who operated a small general store. He received his appointment in 1867. He was succeeded in a few months by B. F. Carpenter, from whose hands the office passed to Dr. Dwight Satterlee, who held

it thirteen years. He in turn was fol- lowed by G. W. Thompson, who held it until President Grover Cleveland ap- pointed Miss Anna Brennock, who was succeeded in February, 1890, by S. M. Child, the present incumbent.

The office is now kept in a part of Moore's Block, which was fitted up for a bank, hence is provided with a fine fire- proof vault.

The total number of money orders issued to August 1, 1891, was 23,916; total postal notes issued to same date were 8,945.

INCORPORATION.

Seeing the great advantages to be had by becoming an incorporated town, steps were taken early in 1871, and in March of the same year the place was incorporated. The following is a complete list of May- ors, who have served in the order here given :

1871 L. G. Tubbs

1872 S. M. Williams

1873 William Sears

1874 William Magden

1875

J. A. Brainard

1876 J. A. Brainard

1877

WV. H. Covey

1878 W. T. Howard

1879 S. Baird

1880 F. W. Olmstead

1881

F. W. Olmstead

1882

F. W. Ohinstead

1883 H. W. Gleason

1884 H. W. Gleason

1885

W. L. Brown

1886.

. W. L. Brown

1887

W. H. Squires

1888 J. H. Sherman

. 1889 W. T. Howard

1890 W. T. Howard

1891 F. A. Jennings

In 1889 the city sought to procure a

139

HARRISON COUNTY.

supply of water for the place by sinking an artesian well. At the depth of thirteen hundred feet a flow was reached, which only came to within thirty feet of the sur- face, lience was abandoned at great ex- pense to the city.

POPULATION, ETC.

By reference to statistics it is found that in 1873 Dunlap had a population of 450; in 1875 it had increased to 636; the United States census of 1880 gave it 1,246; the State census of 1885 placed it at 1,408, while the last United States cen- sus advance sheets give it a population of 1,000.

For the falling off of population in this place there may be several reasons, but the chief ones are these : At one time Dun- lap enjoyed a trade extending over a very large scope of country, which was in the formative period-when lands were being bought, improved, and villages springing into existence with great rapidity, all of which built up a trade for Dunlap, but upon the building of the Maple River branch of the Northwestern system, as well as the Milwaukee line to the east, Dunlap's trade was cut down largely. Again, in 1867,. the round-house and re- pair shops of the Northwestern line, for the division from Boone to Council Bluffs, were located at Dunlap, which brought a population, directly and indirectly, of about two hundred more people. But as a result of various changes along the line of the great Northwestern system, these shops were abandoned in the '80s; this took away all the special railroad popula- tion. It is possible, too, that Dunlap had been building and settling faster than the surrounding farming district would de- mand; but to-day, surrounded by one of the finest agricultural sections the State

affords, the business of the town has sought its level with the progress of the farming community, and it is now a well-balanced business point, enjoying a substantial trade, which is carried on upon safe and correct business principles.

THE PARKS.

. "A thing of beauty is a joy forever." This has a significant meaning, in con- nection with the two pretty parks one finds at Dunlap. Indeed the town itself is situated within the environments of one vast natural park; but man must needs change and improve some things found unfinished by the hand of nature.

In 1873 arrangements were made so that when Dunlap should become a city of no small proportions, some cool, shady nook might be found as a retreat from the busy, dusty streets of commerce. So block No. 11 was duly laid out for a park, and trees were thereon planted at once. At this writing these trees have come to be beautiful monuments to the good sense and taste of the first settlers of the place ; for now, in mid-summer, their branches provide a shade for the passer-by who can- not but feel grateful to them for such ben- efits, especially when the mercury has elevated itself to "100 in the shade!" Upon these well-kept, though as yet not highly-improved grounds, are held all out- door and general public meetings, re- unions and encampments.

The other park spoken of is that oppo- site the railroad depot, which both the company and private citizens take much pride in keeping up, to the satisfaction of themselves, as well as to the delight of the tens of thousands of passengers who go and come through Dunlap annually. Here one sees an ever-flowing fountain, many symmetrical shade trees, rustic seats, a

140

HARRISON COUNTY.

well-kept lawn and rustic outbuildings, all calculated to afford comfort to those waiting for trains, and at the same time the picture of sweet-scented flowers and shrubs, surrounding the basin and foun- tain with its spray, attracts the attention of the traveling public from the car win- dows, for they are greeted with scenes sel- dom found about railroad depots in the . West.

EPIDEMICS, FIRES, ETC.

On April 1, 1873, there occurred a fire- though it was All Fool's Day, there was no "fooling"-the cry of "fire," "fire!" brought the entire populace out. The row of wooden buildings from Forrest's corner to Carpenter's Block, went like so many huge piles of kindling wood, much of value being thus suddenly swept from the town.

Again in December, 1875, the fire fiend caused many pale faces in Dunlap, the business part of which seemed doomed to ashes. It took out the buildings from Lehan's corner to Satterlee & Patterson's store, some of the original buildings of the town.

On June 27, of the same year, 1875, this section was devastated by a severe wind and rain storm. Houses were blown down, crops destroyed, etc. The roof of the Catholic Church was torn off and part of the walls demolished. The same fall, scarlet fever swept the place with all its deadly ravages, as well as far into the country. Thirty-five little spirits were called hence and were tucked beneath the sod of the cemetery in consequence of this epidemie.

In 1877 (early in the spring) that dread and fatal epidemic known as diphtheria made its appearance and again the angel of death hovered over many a hearth-stone.

Some families lost two, some three chil- dren, within a few days. One family whom scarlet fever had visited and claimed an only daughter, now lost an only son. Another laid an only son and daughter away within the same casket. No language can portray the agony found around many of the once happy firesides of Dunlap.

A sad affair happened at Dunlap in the year 1887, in which a fifteen-year-old boy lost his life. His name was George Wilson and he was a stranger in Dunlap, and was arrested and put in jail for steal - ing a suit of clothes. During an evening he induced a boy outside to give him some matches, with which near midnight he set fire to his bedding, intending to burn his way out of jail. Had he not been seen he would have been roasted alive, but as it was he inhaled the hot air to such an ex- tent that death ensued in a few hours. He claimed his people lived in Ohio, but no word ever came and the good people of Dunlap gave the unfortunate boy a re- spectable burial.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Being of a highly-cultured and well-edu- cated type, the first settlers in and about Dunlap took great care to lay well the foundations of her educational system, which wisdom is now manifest in the ex- cellent schools of the city. The earliest school was taught by Miss Wood in the Congregational Church in the winter of 1867-68.

In the autumn of 1868 H. H. McKinney was engaged to teach a school in a private building. July, 1868, an Independent District was formed of twelve sections of land, including the plat of Dunlap. In June. 1869, the district bonded itself for $4,000, for the purpose of erecting their

141

HARRISON COUNTY.

first schoolhouse, which was a two-story frame structure, built on lots 1 and 2 of block 25. This is now used by the Sisters, for a Catholic School. It servel, however, for a public school building until 1880, when the present fine, two- story brick structure, valued at $20,000, was . built. It was built by Heath & Rheam, of Marshalltown, Iowa. It is situated upon block 55, which was pur- chased at a cost of $1,000. This build- ing was at first heated by large stoves but in October, 1883, a steam heating plant was added at an outlay of $2,000. E. H. Collins & Sons had the contract of putting in this apparatus.

What is known as the "West Side" school building, is a structure built in 1873 and is still in use. It is a frame house which cost $1,000.

The first School Board of Dunlap was made up as follows: J. Williams, Presi- dent; J. Whiteley, T. Whiteley, S. Tark- ington, George Swartz, L. F. Coldren, Secretary ; H. B. Lyman, Treasurer.

The present (1891) Board is composed as follows: J. B. Patterson, President, G. P. Moorhead, G. L. Chapman, Henry Vollard, F. A. Dean, H. A. Moore, W. H. Squires, Secretary, S. J. Patterson, Treasurer.

The schools are now conducted by a Superintendent, seven assistants and a lady music teacher. In 1890 the official report shows the following facts concern- ing the Public Schools of Dunlap: The number of pupils enrolled was four hun- dred and forty-eight; male teachers em- ployed, two; female teachers employed, seven ; value of school property, $17,000.

Between 1880 and 1885 an attempt was made to establish a Normal School at this point, but after one year's experiment the project was abandoned and all the zeal

thrown in the one direction of improving the Public Schools, which to-day stand second to none in all the county.

The Catholic School is a very success- ful auxiliary to the Roman Catholic Church. The best of instructors are em- ployed and those finding the teachings of that faith compatible with their religious belief avail themselves of this school.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.

Whatever religious opinions one may hold, it must be and usually is, freely ad- mitted that Christianity and civilization go hand in hand, and that the most thor- oughly prosperous States and countries are those where the greatest number of church spires and schoolhouse domes pierce the overlooking sky. The stranger in astrange land notices these indexes and feels more secure when through these symbols he finds he is about to enter a land, wherein dwells a God-fearing, God-serving people. We come now to speak of the various religious denominations, who have organizations and are to-day heralds of the cross.

It was in the early autumn time of 1867 that the Methodist people held services and had preaching each alternate Friday evening at the home of J. Whiteley, con- ducted by J. P. Evans.

The first church was built on the south side of Court Street, between Sixth and Seventh, in the fall of 1867. It was erected by the Congregational Society and opened for public worship about December 1. This building was also used for school- house purposes and here will be extracted from a newspaper a historical sketch of Dunlap, written by a racy writer-Mrs. W. T. Preston in 1886:

"A Rev. Mr. Freeman in threadbare broadcloth, officiated as pastor in the Con- gregational Church, through the winter

112

HARRISON COUNTY.

and spring. I shall neverforget my impres- sions when I entered the room the first time, on a March Sabbath in 1868. Com- · ing directly from New England as I had, I was scarcely prepared for the unfin- ished state of things in the West. No paint adorned the pine seats, but instead, the pencil marks of children and even adults, I think, for the first thing that met my eyes was the legend "No salvation for railroad men," written in prominent let- ters on the back of a seat. I don't know whether the seven beer saloons, I found here at the time had anything to do with this inscription or not !"

The Congregational Church of Dunlap was organized May, 1859, under the direc- tion of Rev. Henry D. King. The orig- inal members were: Mrs. Henry B. Ly- man, Mrs. Jane M. Lyman, Theodore P. Kellogg, Mrs. Permelia D. Kellogg, James L. Roberts and Mrs. Mary G. Roberts. Rev. H. D. King was at that time located at Magnolia. The first services were held at a private house, the home of J. L. Rob- erts. The first Deacon chosen was H. B. Lyman, who was also the first Sabbath School Superintendent. Following Rev. Mr. King came Rev. George B. Hitchcock. October, 1866, Rev. John B. Lowry was elected pastor, receiving $200 per year. In 1868 came Rev. C N. Lyman at a sal- ary of $800. He served until 1871 and the society was without a pastor until 1873. In May of that year, Rev. Duncan Mc Dermid came to the pulpit. He was succeeded by Rev. J. Copeland in May, 1875, and he in turn by Rev. H. S. Mills in 1877. In 1883 Rev. A. Rogers took the pulpit, remained until April, 1887, when Rev. J. M. Cummings succeeded him and is still pastor.

The first church edifice was built on lot 3, block 43, in 1867, at a cost of

$1,000. This served until the present frame building was erected in 1876 and dedicated October 17, of that year. It cost $5,000. It is neatly furnished and has a fine pipe organ.

The present membership of the churchi is one hundred and twenty-five, while the full number belonging since the society was first formed is two hundred and sev- enty-nine. A good parsonage was pro- vided at a cost of $1,300. They sold that and bought the present building. The present officers of this church are: Dr. S. J. Patterson, Archie McMartin and Lo- renzo Kellogg, trustees; Jennie Wilmot, scribe; J. A. Phillips treasurer.

The Baptist Church at Dunlap was or- ganized July 27, 1872, by the following charter members: E. G. O. Groat and brother, J. A. Ostrom and wife, Mrs. M. J. Ostrom, Mrs. Pickett, S. J. Kelley and Mrs. G. W. Chamberlain. From the above date on down to 1879, this, like other denominations of the place, had to meet for worship wherever they could; but during that year, 1879, they erected a neat edifice at the expense of $2,000. The church was devoted and zealons and they practiced much self-denial that their church might be built up and prosper; but one change was made after another in the removal of members and other causes, until the society was no longer able to support a pastor, so that to-day, the church is not in a flourishing condition.

St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church at Dunlap now has a congregation of one hundred and twenty-five families. Dun- lap was the second place in the county to have a Catholic Church formed. It was in 1872 that Michael Barrett, Jacob Barrett, Ed. Lehan, Mrs. R. B. Hillas, James Cromie, S. J. P. Marsh, the McNally's and a few others of this faith, gave of their

143

HARRISON COUNTY,

time and money toward the erection of a neat chapel, costing $5,000, to which was soon added a rectory costing the same amount. The first priest to be stationed at Dunlap was Father Annan, followed by Fathers Gennahan, Moran, Lynch and McCormack. At one time this church numbered one hundred and ninety fami- ies.

In 1890 a fine school building was com- pleted in Dunlap, known as St. Joseph's Academy. It is a three-story building, costing $4,500. It is conducted by the Sisters of Mercy of Davenport, Iowa, and has a capacity for two hundred pupils. In 1890-91 it had one hundred and fifteen avorage attendance.

CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.

No better index can be had of any com- munity than to note its church edifices, the character of its public and private school buildings and the care taken to preserve and beautify its "silent cities,“ the cemeteries. A proper respect for de- parted friends bespeaks of friendship, love and true affection for the living. At best a burying ground is a sad place, yet a neat enclosure, pretty walks, thrifty trees and shrubbery, together with appropriate floral display do much towards lighting up the gloom of such places. Memorial Day, or "Decoration Day" has brought about a great improvement in these matters ; for at least one day in each year the living con- gregate by the side of the graves of de- parted friends and leave some kind tribute upon the little mounds which mark the resting place of the dear ones who dropped by the way ide and fell into a dreamless sleep.

August 5, 1861, a Cemetery Association was formed by forty persons, who sub- scribed $10 each for the purpose of pur-

chasing twenty acres of land on section 2, near the city. "Pleasant Hill" was chosen as a name for the silent city. The first President of this society was G. W. Thompson, and Charles Tyler was Secre- tary. Dr. Satterlee has been President for many years and S. J. Patterson is serving as Treaurer. At this time they have a fund of $800 on hand. All moneys are eventually to be expended on the im- provement of the grounds. It is a well- kept cemetery and is indeed a credit alike to the living and dead.

CIVIC SOCIETIES.

Whatever difference of opinion there may be regarding the various secret socie- ties of our land, it cannot be denied that wherever the highest moral type of civil- ized life exists, there one finds such fra- ternal orders. Indeed, they go hand in . hand with our Christian civilization. These institutions are quite well repre- sented and have been from an early day at Dunlap.

Hospitable Lodge No. 244, A. F. & A. M., worked under dispensation from July 1868, until June 2, 1869, when a charter was granted to them. The first officers elected for the government of the lodge were: Dr. Dwight Satterlee, W. M .; D. Smith, S. W. ; A. N. Warren, J. W. The Worshipful Masters have been, Dwight Satterlee. A. N. Warren, W. C. Chap- man, F. W. Olmstead, M. S. Bowman and B. Jackson.

The present (1891) elective officers are Dr. Dwight Satterlee, W. M. ; B. F. Phil- brook, S. W .; H. L. Preston, J. W .; I. A. Jackson, Secretary; S. J. Patterson, Treasurer.

At first this lodge met over the R. B. Hillas frame store building, which was de- stroyed by fire, next in the Dunham build -

144

HARRISON COUNTY.

ing, then over the Jones building. Then for a time they met in Odd Fellows Hall, but in 1886, when Moore's Block was built, a hall was designed and set apart for them, which they still lease. They sub- lease to the recently organized Knights of Pythias Order.

The present membership of the A. F. & A. M. lodge is fifty -six, in good standing.

Ark Chapter No. 89, R. A. M., was insti- tuted at Dunlap April 25, 1879, with ten charter members, as follows: M. S. Bow- man, B. Jackson, S. J. Patterson, F. J. Barber, O. Colburn, A. C. Gilchrist, D. M. Workman, S. M. Maynard, Charles Taylor and F. W. Olmstead.

'The first elective officers were: M. S. Bowman, High Priest; W. C. Chapman, King; Charles Taylor, Scribe. At this date (1891) the officers are: S. J. Patter- son, High Priest; O. Colburn, King; A. D. Jones, Scribe ; Fred Curtis, Secretary.

The chapter enjoys a membership of fifty-two brothers.

Golden Rule lodge No. 178, I. O. O. F., was organized October 21, 1869, by the following charter members : G. W. Thomp- son, W. W. Glanville, P. Souls, E. W. Holbrook, Fred Kimple.

The original officers were: G. W. Thompson, N. G .; P. Souls, V. G .; H. W. Cotton, Secretary ; W. W. Glanville, Treasurer. The present officers are: J. S. Hull, N. G .; E. B. Waitley, V. G .; J. H. Patterson, Recording Secretary ; F. A. Jennings, P. S. ; Z. W. Pease, Treasurer.

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.

History of Harrison County, Iowa. Containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county. Together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of Iowa, and of the presidents of the United States, Part 15

Author: National Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.) Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Chicago, National Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1150

Author: National Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, National Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1150