USA > Iowa > Harrison County > History of Harrison County, Iowa : its people, industries and institutions, with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families > Part 31
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HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA. 345
First -- Relates to name, time of meeting and object of the organization. Second --- "The officers of said society shall consist of president, vice- president, secretary and treasurer. Any farmer's wife may become a mem- ber by signing the constitution. All moneys to be raised by subscription."
Third-"That this society may not become a burden to any one per- son, every lady shall bring from her store of catables, whatever she deems proper. The lady of the house at which the society meets, shall provide tea, butter, biscuits and condiments."
Fourth -- "That the society may not say BAD while it aims to do GOOD, a fine shall be imposed upon any lady who speaks disparagingly of another."
Fifth-"At every meeting some subject shall be presented for considera- tion at the next meeting, and it may relate to anything that pertains to the happiness and comfort of farmers' wives."
Sixth -- "Lest we forget the object of our society and make it an ad- vertisement of the latest styles in fashionable attire, every lady is requested to wear a plain home dress."
Seventh -- "Every lady shall bring her own work, unless some case of destitution shall be presented by the society, or some member, through sick- ness or other domestic affliction needs assistance."
Eighth-"While this society is designed for the farmers' wives, none are excluded and all are assured of a cordial welcome."
Signed-Mrs. Roberts, president. Mrs. Kellogg, vice-president. Mrs. Olmstead, treasurer. Mrs. Nay, secretary.
With the changes in times, and the formation of farmers' clubs, etc., the society just described went down, but not until it had been the means of doing great good in the community where it existed.
MILL CREEK FARMERS' CLUB.
Along in the early eighties there were many farmers' clubs formed in Harrison county, among them being the Mill Creek Club, organized Febru- ary, 1887, at the house of B. S. Green, in Harrison township, with B. F. Roberts in the chair. The charter members were Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Rob- erts, Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Mead. Mr. and Mrs. P. Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. B. S. Green, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Jackson. D. R. Rogers was the first president; B. F. Roberts, vice-president; G. W. Green,
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secretary; Mrs. B. S. Green, treasurer. This club served well the object for which it was formed, and it was not long before many more similar clubs were organized in various parts of the county. See La Grange township history for the first attempt at such a club in this county, which was started by those venerable people, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Stern.
THE TOWN OF DUNLAP.
With many beautiful town sites in Harrison county, certainly Dunlap on the upper waters of the Boyer valley, situated in the northeast corner of Harrison township, comes in for its full share of attractions, both by the hand of nature, as well as for what improvements have been added by the hand of enterprising men and women. It stands on a well-chosen elevation of the second bench, in a graceful bend of the Boyer river, the valley of which may be seen up and down for fully ten miles. Here one sces a grand panorama of all that an lowa rural district can present. To have once seen this landscape in mid-summer, with its growing crops and grazing stock. fixes it forever in one's memory.
Geographically, Dunlap is situated in the southwest quarter, and a part of the northwest quarter of section 2, also another portion is on the north- east quarter of section 3. township 81, range 41, the north line of the plat being one hundred and ten rods south of the north line of Harrison county. This tract of land passed from the hands of the government to John I. Blair, the great railroad king of the sixties and seventies, and by a company, styled the Blair Town Lot and Land Company, was platted. June 26, 1867, and called Dunlap, in honor of one of the railroad officials, George L. Dun- lap. The Chicago & Northwestern road had passed down the valley of the Boyer the autumn before and reached Council Bluffs. As soon as lots were thrown onto the market there was a rush to purchase the same. By October, 1867, there had come to exist quite a considerable town at this point. The first lot sale commenced July 15, 1867, when a long line of men stood ready to purchase. The first lot was sold to T. McDonald, and J. W. Lawson took the second. When the sun set there had been sold forty-seven town lots. For many days before the lot sale commenced there had been numer- ous persons camping out near the town site, waiting for business to spring up.
The honor of being the fust to "settle" in Dunlap must be accorded to J. Lovine, who drove his wagon into the prairie grass, where the town now stands, on a fine morning in June. He located there and boarded J. C. Bick- ford for seven weeks. Some freight cars had been set out there on a siding
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track, for the shelter of the railroad men, while S. M. Child, the first sta- tion agent, was given a car in which to care for company's business. He held the office of station agent until 1873. when he was succeeded by F. H. Morgan.
The population of Dunlap may be stated to have been at the dates named as follows: In 1873 it had four hundred and fifty; in 1875. it had in- creased to six hundred and thirty-six; in iSSo, the United States census gave it one thousand two hundred and forty-six; in 1885 the state census gave Dunlap one thousand four hundred and eight, while the advance sheets of the 1890 United States census reports gave it a population of one thousand. Coming down to 1910. the last census taken by the United States, it is given as one thousand one hundred and fifty-five. There are various reasons for Dunlap decreasing in population at times, and among them is the fact that, at one time, it enjoyed a trade that was largely cut off by the construction of other railroad lines and the establishing of other towns, such as have come to be good trading points, in the former trade radius of Dunlap. The build- ing of the Maple river branch of the Northwestern system, as well as the Milwaukee to the east had the effect to lessen trade. The country grew, but the town hardly held its own. Again, in 1867. the round-house and re- pair shops of the Northwestern road were located here, for the division be- tween Boone and Council Bluffs, which brought many railroad men, and in- directly others to Dunlap, all of which was changed when the round-house and shops were located elsewhere in the eighties. At one time in its his- tory it was the best commercial point in Harrison county. With the passing of years and decades, the rich agricultural section on all sides of this town has been developed into a real garden plot, and the business of Dunlap today is carried on with this resource in view only, and the commercial interests are large and well handled now, by men fully up to the requirements of the fast age in which we live.
BEGINNING OF BUSINESS.
Rufus Harrington, a railroad carpenter, erected the first house on the town site, from lumber shipped him by the railroad company. This build- ing was completed, or nearly finished. on the Sabbath before July 5, 1867. This first house stood where later the G. P. Moorehead building stood. The next structure was a saloon, styled on its sign, "Respectable flacc."
Less than two weeks before the sale of the lots, Col. J. R. Wheeler un- loaded a car of lumber and embarked in the lumber trade, which he continued
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for many years, being the first to sell lumber, at nearly every point on the line of the Northwestern railroad between Boone and Blair, Nebraska, al- though he continued to make Dunlap his home. He was a fearless fighter in the Civil conflict that had just ended before he came on to engage in the peaceful occupation of lumber dealer at these various western Iowa and eastern Nebraska town sites. He occupied one frame office in Dunlap for over a quarter of a century, at the end of which time seemed to be as good as when first erected.
Of the churches, schools, lodges and banking interests of Dunlap, other special chapters in this volume will treat, with those of other Harrison county towns and cities.
SOME IMPORTANT FIRST EVENTS.
The first child to see the light of day in Dunlap, was a child born to Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Harrington.
The first death was that of Henry Canfield, a soldier. He was buried on what is the old Lawson farm, but subsequently removed to the present cemetery.
The first marriage was that of a railroad hand to a servant girl of J. Whiteley. Rev. T. Williams performed the ceremony, while the young cou- ple were yet seated in a wagon, as the bride had met with an accident in the injury of her knee, by reason of which it seemed best not to have her re- moved from the wagon. So it was that the sacred vows were taken while they were on wheels, and beneath a warm autumnal sun.
The railroad hotel was opened in October, 1867. Alexander Crow conducted the house three years, and was followed by J. A. Brainard, who also remained mine host three years, when he was followed by Mr. Pierce, who, six years later, gave way to C. L. Chapman, who continued it until in the nineties.
The railroad round-house was completed in the fall of 1867, the rail- way men having a jolly time on Christmas day that year.
The first physician was Dr. Dwight Satterlee.
The first school of which we have a record was that taught in the fall of 1868 by I. H. McKinney.
Barrett Brothers erected the first brick building in Dunlap. It was on the northeast corner of Iowa avenue and Sixth street, and was completed in 1874.
G. A. Brainard started the first newspaper. (See Press chapter. )
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The first exclusive hardware store was started in 1867 by Story & Smith.
As soon as the people could procure town lots, building operations went forward rapidly. The first goods sold in the town were handled by R. B. Ilillas, who occupied a small building on Iowa avenue, built by William Orvis. C. D. Mitchell was second to open a merchandise store, but inside of a week's time he was followed by Wesley J. Williams. S. A. Willard was first postmaster and carried a small stock of goods; he only remained a short time. On the southwest corner of Eagle and Seventh streets was built what was styled the "Barracks," by William Fox. . In this was held the first religious services of the new town, on one Sunday in either July or August, 1867. In August, 1867, came B. F. Carpenter and built a store near that erected by Mr. Hillas. He also built a warehouse on the hillside. Like magic, the buildings sprang into existence from this date on. The first structure designed for exclusive hotel purposes was erecied by J. W. Lawson. It was made from cottonwood boards and was opened up to the traveling public September 9. 1867. No one complained for lack of ventilation, as the walls could easily be seen through.
The town was platted where stood a rank growth of prairie grass, and to prevent wet clothing and damp feet. the boarding-house keepers used to mow a swathe out of their places to the "down town district." In the au- tumn of 1867. the citizens clubbed together and hired William Fox for twenty-five dollars, to plow fire-guards around the place, and after this the citizens assembled, on a clear, calm evening and burned the prairie grass off within the town limits. There's no grass growing in her streets in 1915!
Cotton & Manning opened the pioneer drug store of Dunlap.
In many ways the first decade in the history of Dunlap was its best. As time grew apace, the small frame structures began to disappear and in their places rose the two-story brick buildings and the handsomer frame resi -. dences, of both of which the town has long since had its full share. It was during 1877-78 that many changes were wrought. The Taylor block, the Dunlap block, the Hillas block. the Lehan block, and the Moore block all soon came in to make the place look modern.
In 1888, the town had an opera house, built at a cost of ten thousand dollars; a Methodist Episcopal church at a cost of five thousand dollars: a Congregational church costing six thousand dollars; a Catholic church, cost- ing five thousand dollars; a Baptist church, valued at two thousand dollars. and a high school building costing twenty thousand dollars.
About 1876 the Dunlap flouring-mills were built by J. Scofield. Ile
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sold to Isaac Otis, a practical mill man, who took full charge in 1891 and rebuilt, placing in commission a complete roller system. It then had a capacity of sixty barrels a day. This mill was run by power furnished from the waters of the Boyer river. Fire consumed this mill many years ago and it was never rebuilt. But in the heart of Dunlap, soon after, the present flouring-mills were put in operation, and have been successfully operated ever since. They are now owned and conducted by the Merrett Milling Com- pany, who put out a superior grade of flour and do an extensive business.
POSTOFFICE HISTORY.
The postoffice at Dunlap was established in 1867. S. A. Willard was appointed first postmaster. The complete list of postmasters to 1914, as given by the department at Washington, for this special work, is as follows: Augustus Willard, appointed .August 23, 1867; B. F. Carpenter, January 2, 1868; Dwight Satterlec. January 5, 1871; George W. Thompson, December 20, 1881: Annie Brennock, July 6. 1885; Smith M. Child, January 20, 1890; Martin Barrett, April 5. 1894; Richard Randall. January 12, 1899; A. J. Enbody, February 11, 1903 : B. J. Moore, January 10, 1910; L. S. Edwards, March 11, 1914.
This is a third-class postoffice. There are five rural routes extending out into the surrounding country from this office. The office is now located in the Masonic block.
INCORPORATION HISTORY.
Early in the spring of 1871 the people of Dunlap, believing the time had come for the place to have the advantages of an incorporated town, adopted measures to bring this about, the incorporation being completed in March of that year. The following is a complete list of the mayors who have served the town, from its organization to the present date :
1871, L. G. Tubbs; 1872, S. M. Williams; 1873, William Sears; 1874, William Magden: 1875, J. A. Brainard; 1876, J. A. Brainard; 1877, W. H. Covey; 1878, W. T. Howard; 1879. S. Baird, 1880, F. W. Olmstead; 1881, F. W. Olmstead: 1882, F. W. Olmstead; 1883, H. W. Gleason; 1884, H. W. Gleason; 1885, W. L. Brown: 1886, W. L. Brown; 1887, W. II. Squires; 1888, W. H. Sherman; 1889. W. T. Howard; 1890; W. T. Howard; 1891, F. A. Jennings; 1892, Seth Thompson, P. F. Philbrook. S. M. Morton, T. M. Edwards, John P. Clyde, J. A. Traver, J. B. Johnson, F. W. Curtis, J. W. Rollin, I. Siglin, George E. Taylor.
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The officers of 1914 are: Mayor, George E. Taylor; clerk, R. W. Wettengel; treasurer, L. K. Moore: health officer, P. G. Ingersoll; council- men, C. M. Bowersox, Fred Wettengel, G. 1. Landee, M. Brennan, W. A. Chauncy.
WATER WORKS.
In 1889 the town believed they might procure an artesian well, and. after going to great expense. succeeded in getting one over thirteen hundred feet deep, but the water only rose to within thirty feet of the surface; hence the well was abandoned. But the pressing need for a good supply of water was felt and again, in 1912, bonds were issued for eight thousand dollars, running twenty years at five per cent, and other extensions and improve- ments were made, including a new gasoline engine and pumps. The arte- sian well from which water is secured is one hundred and fifty-three feet deep, and contains medicinal qualities, which cure rheumatism and other ailments.
The city is illuminated by electric lights furnished by a private com- pany, owned by L. R. Beck. It was installed in 1912.
PUBLIC PARKS.
Until a town or city has had the benefits and joys to be found in public parks it can never know its true value. Who does not love the quiet shady nooks of a public park? While Dunlap was fortunate in being located in a great park made by nature, with a landscape scene taking in valley and prairie lands, the windings of the pretty Boyer, and many other delightful views, almost as far as the eye can see, yet to desire a park improved by their own citizens, one that can be utilized by all at any time of the day, in any season of the year, was but natural. In 1873 plans were made, having in view the future as well as the present, and block number II was duly laid ont for park purposes and trees were at once planted. Many years ago these trees had come to be real living, growing monuments to the good taste of the citizens of the place. In mid-winter their branches keep back the wild wintry blasts, and in summer time the cooling shade is appreciated by one and all at home, as well as by the "stranger within the gates." This plat of land has been well improved and cared for, and there have been many public meetings, social, political and religious, hell here. A fine band stand has been erected and other accommodations have been arranged.
For many years the small park at the Northwestern depot was well
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cared for by the company and the citizens of the town. This was admired by thousands of passengers who passed through Dunlap, and gave them to understand they were passing through a place whose inhabitants were in every way up-to-date in their thoughts and actions regarding public affairs. There used to flow a pretty fountain, and the fragrance of sweet-scented flowers was in the air. Shade trees and rustic seats were in evidence, all of which should be kept there, and other improvements made.
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The present public library is one of the gifts of that great iron master, Andrew Carnegie, to the people. It was a gift of ten thousand dollars and was completed January, 1913, standing on Main street. It is maintained by an annual tax. under the laws, and there are now two thousand four hun- dred books on the shelves, besides a large number of periodicals and files of daily and weekly newspapers. The present library board consists of W. A. Davie, president; Mrs. B. H. Cutler, secretary; Mrs. B. J. Moore, treas- urer: Mrs. E. H. Barrett. John Huic, C. H. Van Slyke, A. N. Jordan. Lcc Edwards, Mrs. M. P. Brace. The librarian in 1914 was Mrs. Amanda Ed- wards.
COMMERCIAL INTERESTS IN 1914.
AAttorneys-E. R. Cadwell, M. B. Bailey.
Agricultural Implements-M. C. Dally, Davis & Moore, Houts Brothers. Banks-The Bank of Dunlap, Citizens and First National.
Boot and Shoe Store-S. D. Fox.
Barber Shops-George Leland. Grove Dyc, R. Reedy.
Blacksmith Shops-Graham Bros., Jack Callanan.
Bakery-Fred Landis.
Cement Workers-Rogers Lumber Co.
Clothing-E. B. Acton.
Drugs -- D. & E. S. Satterlee, Lehan Drug Company, F. E. Sellers.
Dray Lines-M. Van Meter, Messrs. Robson and Mills.
Dry Goods -- The Ledden Company, Nordaker Dry Goods Company, Robson & Remede, "Boys' Store," Bowersox & Stewart.
Elevator-Farmers Co-operative Lumber Company. Merrett Milling Company.
Furniture-Jessup & Barrett.
Grocer-Nels Baker.
Garage-William Channey & Son., Probosco Brothers.
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NORTH SIDE MAIN STREET, PERSLA.
STREET SCENE, DUNLAP.
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Hardwares-M. C. Dally Hardware Company, Davis & Moore, Houts & Houts.
Hotels -- The Central House, A. C. Jensen.
Harness-George E. Chamberlain, J. B. Johnson.
Jeweler-R. A. Williams.
Lumber-Rogers Lumber Company, Farmers' Co-operative Lumber Company.
Livery -- Scott McIntosh, Cover & Lantz.
Mill-Merrett Milling Company.
Moving Pictures-"Hub Theater" and "Becks."
Millinery-Mrs. Leland.
Meat Market-Fred O'Banion. W. H. McKnight.
Newspaper-The Reporter.
Physicians-Drs. P. G. Ingersoll, Slattery, Cobb, Powell, Beatty.
Photographs-Christ Rosenberger.
Restaurants-J. C. Taylor, James Forest, Walker Sisters.
Stock Dealers-James Quinn, Hans Hansen.
Tailor-C. A. Schroeder.
Veterinary-E. L. Manchester, R. G. Moore.
EARLY EPIDEMICS, ACCIDENTS AND FIRES.
On "All Fool's day"-April 1, 1873, there occurred at Dunlap a dis- astrous fire. The row of wooden buildings from Forrest's corner to the old Carpenter block, went up like so much kindling wood, and with them was destroyed much valuable property.
In the month of December the town seemed doomed by the fire's ravages. This fire took out the buildings from Lehan's corner to Satterlee & Patterson's store, some being the original buildings of the town.
Again on June 27, 1875, this section was devasted by a severe wind and rain storm. Houses were blown down, gardens and crops destroyed ; the roof of the Catholic church was torn off and a portion of the walls demolished.
In the autumn of the same year, 1875, the deadly scarlet fever struck Dunlap and the country surrounding it. Thirty-five gentle little spirits took their flight for the unknown world.
Early in the spring of 1877, that ever-dreaded disease, diphtheria, made its appearance, causing the death of many a dear child from the households of the town. Some families lost two and three children be-
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fore the plague had run its course. In one family an only daughter had been taken by scarlet fever, and now an only son was taken from the parents. One casket held the loved forms of an only son and daughter of another family. These epidemics cast a gloom over the town that was slow in clear- ing away.
Another sad affair was that of the burning of a youth who had been placed in jail at Dunlap, for stealing a suit of clothes. It was George Wilson, aged fifteen years. Some boys had given him matches and with them he set fire to his bedding, believing that by setting fire he might make good his escape. Had the fire not been seen in time, he would have been roasted alive, and, as it was. the fumes entered his lungs and he died within a few hours. His home was supposed to be in Ohio, but no clue was ever obtained and he was carefully and tenderly buried in the Dunlap cemetery.
CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.
Proper respect for the dead of any community bespeaks the true char- acter of any people. "Silent cities" are made less gloomy by the appearance of well-kept grounds, neat improvements about the sacred mounds, and the sight of appropriate, substantial monuments erected to the dear ones who have fallen into a dreamless sleep-awaiting the Judgment Day.
It was on August 5, 1871, when a cemetery association was formed, by forty persons, each of whom subscribed ten dollars for the purpose of buying twenty acres of land in section number 2, near the present town of Dunlap. It was named "Pleasant Hill." G. W. Thompson was chosen the first president and Charles Tyler, secretary. Dr. Satterlee was its president for many years, while S. J. Patterson was treasurer. In 1891 this associa- tion had funds on hand amounting to eight hundred dollars. All moneys received are to be expended in a judicious manner in improving the cemetery where repose the dead in the vicinity of Dunlap.
Memorial and Decoration days have had much to do with the improv- ing of burying places in all this country. Here, May 30 of each year, as- semble the patriotic sons and daughters, those loving and honoring the starry flag, and there is an orderly and appropriate fitness of things that has grown with the passing of a half century, since the close of the Civil War, for whose fallen heroes the day was set apart. The little narrow mounds are properly marked, the fresh green grass carefully trimmed, flowers and shrubs make beautiful the place which in other years was anything but attractive.
CHAPTER XXV.
ST. JOHNS TOWNSHIP AND CITY OF MISSOURI VALLEY.
This, the second civil township from the western line of Harrison county, is bounded on the west by Cincinnati township, on the north by Taylor and Calhoun townships, on the cast by La Grange township and on the south by Pottawattamie county. It contains an area of forty-two sec- tions, equal to twenty-six thousand eight hundred and eight acres. It is all of township 78, range 44 west, and six sections of range 43, of the same congressional township. It was formed into a civil township under Judge D. E. Brainard's administration as county judge, in 1856, and named Hoosier, which name it retained until 1860.
The population, including the city of Missouri Valley, the largest place in the county, in 1885, was three thousand, four hundred thirty-one. In IS90, the census report for the United States gave the township, including the city, three thousand, seven hundred ninety-two, while that of 1910 gives it as four thousand, forty-two, the city then having a population of three thousand, one hundred eighty-seven.
The Boyer and Willow rivers flow through this township. The timber is confined to the eastern portion of the domain. Spencer's Grove is in the northern section, and MeGavren's Grove in the southern portion, also that fringing the streams, provide a good supply of timber for a prairie country, for both hard wood and fuel purposes, though it is fast disappearing. The township is well supplied with great railroad systems, such as the North- western, Sioux City & Pacific; Fremont & Elkhorn and the more recent Illinois Central line. Missouri Valley city is the center of these roads, save the last named, which touches the southeastern portion of the township, leaving the city about a mile to the north.
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