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 33
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Many changes and enlargements have taken place in these car shops with the passage of years.
The union depot at Missouri Valley receives twenty-five passenger trains daily.
The electric light, heat and power company supplies five towns.
The water system, unexcelled anywhere, is of the purest of the pure in its quality, and inexhanstable in quantity.
The Iowa telephone system reaches hundreds of town and thousands of country homes.
The city affords fire protection through its volunteer fire company.
There are more than thirty fraternal lodges represented, and a score or more social and musical clubs sustained by the best element.
The city has an annual chautauqua and is the permanent home of the Harrison county fair.
It has three theaters, one flouring-mill, three grain elevators with a capacity of a million bushels, and two concrete tile and block factories.
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It also has a brick-making plant, with an abundance of superior clay; marble works: an excellent sewer system, and, during 1914, was paving her business streets with brick. The city offers "free factory sites."
While most of the wants of the community may be supplied at home, when anything is short here, one only has an hour's ride by rail to Council Bluffs or Omaha, where as fine shipping facilities as can be had west of Chicago are found. Also, such goods as are not at hand in Missouri Valley, may be sent there in an hour's time by freight, express or parcel post.
Of the modern schools, churches, lodges, banks and newspapers, other chapters in this volume will treat in detail, but suffice to state in this con- nection, that their name is legion.
THE MILLING INDUSTRY.
S. L. Berkley & Co. in 1875 erected what was styled the Phoenix Flouring Mill. It was thirty-seven by fifty-seven feet and stood four stories high. It was built in the southwestern part of the town, on Me- Gavren street, in Addise's addition. It was propelled by a sixty horse-power engine, and had a storage capacity of five thousand bushels of grain. It was the old style mill, and contained four run of burrs. The mill itself had originally been operated at Magnolia, but removed to Missouri Valley on account of shipping facilities. November 17, 1879, this property was burned to the ground. It was supposed from all that could be learned, that it was an accident that happened when burglars were attempting to crack the safe for the cash it was supposed to contain, and which. in some way, set fire to the mill. It was a total loss the following morning. It was a paying invest- ment and was soon rebuilt. MIr. Berkley sold to Matthew Blenkison, who in turn sold to L. M. Kellogg. In 1882 Alvah Edgecomb purchased a half interest in the property, and soon after it was converted into a full "roller process." In 1891 it had thirteen sets of "rolls," giving the mill a capacity of one hundred barrels of flour daily. The output was mostly consumed at and near Missouri Valley. These mills are still running and have been greatly improved and enlarged. They now make a superior grade of family flour that finds ready sale in this section of Iowa.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF 1914.
Attorneys-J. S. Dewell, C. W. Kellogg, Frank Tamisica, Ambrose Burke, Ross MeLaughlin.
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Agricultural Implements-E. F. James. V. I. Tamisiea and Mason & Seabury.
Banks-First National, State Savings and Valley Savings.
Blacksmith Shops -- Short Bros., Mike Kirlin.
Barber Shops-X. X. Huntsinger. Kepler & Gaines, Gaines & Gaines, Frank Alger, L. L. Fitch and Leo Tamisiea.
Bakeries-Helfrich Bros., W. A. Kemper, Mrs. Carlson.
Clothing Stores-F.d. D. Bradley & Co .. Moskovitz Bros.
Cement Works-Missouri Valley Cement Tile Company, Estate of W. J. Harlan.
Dentists --- 11. Warren. R. D. McEvoy, W. J. Booher and Dr. Crane.
Drug Stores -- R. W. Harvey, J. D. Brown & Son, Doty & Peterson, Shafer Drug Company, G. P. Shiley.
Dray Lines-Ed. Frazier, George Hosbrook.
Elevators-Updike Company, Deur & Tamisiea, E. F. James.
Furniture-T. Foss and Ivar Bolin.
Groceries (exclusive )-F. A. Heath, J. P. Egan, S. Brown & Son, Chris Peterson. Frank Hinds, T. M. Gilmore, L. Klaffke, Ed. Purcell.
Garages --- Mason & Seabury, Foote & Sahn.
Grain Dealers-Updike Company, Deur & Tamisica, E. F. James.
General Dealers-M. Fanger, Moskvitz Bros., L. R. Pike, J. H. South.
Hardware -- K. E. Brundige. V. I. Tamisiea, J. Bolin.
Harness Shop-Ed. Gill. (V. I. Tamisiea sells factory-made harness ).
Jewelers-N. S. Dahl. John Wehrli.
Lumber-C. Il. Deur, IJ. R. Newton & Co.
Marble Works-Bruce Starlin.
Mills-Deur & Tamisica.
Millinery-J. H. South, Muskovitz Bros., M. Fanger, Mrs. F. Manor. Newspapers-The Times, The News.
Physicians-Dr. G. W. Coit, Tamisiea & Tamisiea, S. F. de Vore, Dr. Heise, besides the usual run of Ostepaths, Chiropracters, etc.
Photographers-N. B. Spaffard, Adin Brown.
Restaurants-Double O ("O. O."). Lincoln Highway, Railway Eating House, Sam Blackburn. Young & McCain, A. L. Parker.
Real Estate Dealers-Fred Brown & Co., Stout & Schulmeister, Roden & Son, J. P. Martin.
Shoe Dealers-Valley Shoe Company, Ed. D. Bradley & Co., Muskovitz Bros., M. Fanger.
Stock Buyers-J. D. Alexander.
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ROBERTS LAKE. WILLOW DRAINAGE DITCH.
NOBLE'S LAKE. CHAUTAUQUA GROUNDS, MISSOURI VALLEY.
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Tailor -- V. A. Norberg.
Veterinary Surgeons-W. E. Bowen. B. L. Doyle, and the following horse doctors, to wit: John O'Gorman and F. H. Potter.
Wagon Repair Shops -- Short Bros., Mike Kirlin.
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The city is very fortunate in having secured so fine a public library, and this did not come by mere chance or accident, either. It cost much thought and work on the part of the citizens, especially the intelligent ladies of the place. Then to the great iron-master, Carnegie, must be given credit for ten thousand dollars.
No better account can now possibly be given of the carly struggles by which this institution finally gained foothold, than to quote largely from the historic section of an address, by Mrs. A. H. Sniff, of The Newes, the same being delivered at the dedication of the new library building. New Year's day, 1912:
"One evening in the fall of 1880, Mrs. Doctor Coit, president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, of Missouri. Valley, while visiting in an eastern city, chanced to pass a room on a main thoroughfare that at- tracted her attention. It was filled with men and boys, seated around tables, some reading, others quietly conversing. while in other parts of the room games were being enjoyed. Upon inquiry she learned that it was a reading room for men and boys, furnished and maintained by some local organiza- tion.
"On her return to Missouri Valley a few weeks later, she called a meeting of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and proposed that such a room be established here. This met with the approval of the organ- ization, and committees were appointed to canvass the town and county for money and books wherewith to found such a reading room in this town. The blanks furnished were headed, 'We, the undersigned, promise to pay for the establishment of a Missouri Valley Public Library.' The several committees returned very favorable reports, and all were encouraged with the results of their first canvass. A meeting was called, to be held in the old Presbyterian church, May 7, 1881, and at this meeting the little band of Woman's Christian Temperance Union workers gave the founding of the library into the hands of an association, to be known as the Mis- souri Valley Public Library Association. A board of trustees were (24)
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chosen, M. Holbrook acting as presiding officer and D. M. Harris, as secretary. . The officers elected were: President, Mrs. Anna Shultz; vice-president, Mrs. F. L. Mandeville; secretary, M. S. Frick; treasurer, Mrs. C. A. Foster. * The library association was incorporated May 11, 1881, and is recorded in book 52, page 271, of Harrison county records, A. K. Grow, recorder. It was provided that the association should continue for twenty years. The building first occupied was on the corner of Fifth and Erie streets, owned by G. S. Greer, who received eight dollars per month. In ISS2 the city council agreed to give a room in the new city building, then in course of erection, providing the association would furnish and keep the same up. Later, the council proposed that the association use the council room as a library, furnishing shelving, curtains, matting, etc., which was gladly done, and for many years the library was in the council rooms. The question of maintenance was the most serious question. The librarian, Mrs. Anna Shultz, received five dollars per month, and not only acted as librarian, but also as janitor, for years, the library being. open on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and evenings. Membership tickets were sold at two dollars cach per year. Entertainments of various kinds were given to raise money for the purchase of books. The first mentioned in the records was a society minstrel show, given under the direction of a Mr. Harrison and one hundred and seven dollars were the net receipts. The ladies gave many suppers, dinners, old-fashioned spelling schools, danc- ing parties, and, in fact, every form of entertainment that would be attrac- tive and bring in the dimes and quarters with which to keep the library open to the boys and girls and furnish them with good wholesome reading matter. In 1892 Mrs. Clara A. Davis was elected secretary, which position she held with great efficiency until the time of her death in 1908. It should here be added that to Mrs. Davis, more than to anyone else in Missouri Valley, are we indebted for the maintenance of our library all these years. In 1893 the city council proposed that the library move into the upper front room in the building, offering to furnish light and heat if this was done. The offer was accepted and the books moved, but at the end of the year the books were again moved to the old council rooms, where they remained until moved into their present building.
"In March, 1898. the business men having become tired of constant importuning for money, suggested that the association petition the city council to take charge of the whole matter by establishing a free public library and reading room, according to the provisions of the statutes, the association to give the city the present collection of books, should they do
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so. Mrs. Davis drew up the petition and with Mrs. Boies circulated the same. No definite action was taken and in November a committee, consist- ing of Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Lahman, waited upon the mayor and arrange- ments were made. An election was held and the city assumed charge in March. Mrs. M. E. Boies was empowered, as president of the association, to execute the bill of sale, transferring all the association's property to the city of Missouri Valley. The number of books on hand at that time was eighteen hundred and eighty, and five dollars and seventy cents in money with which books were to be purchased. The mayor then appointed trus- tees. B. W. Carlisle was elected president; Mrs. Clara A. Davis, secretary, and Miss Turner, librarian. .
"In August the first levy of one mill for the maintenance of the library was asked for, and our library placed on a firm foundation. In September, 1908. the question of a new Carnegie library building was introduced by Mrs. II. C. Heckert, secretary of the board of trustees, and as the result of the three years' work following we now have this beautiful building. It has been hard work, but work we have most thoroughly enjoyed.
"And now, at the close of this review, I have a most pleasing office to perform. Mrs. Hills, president of the musical organization, which has given us such delightful music this afternoon, knew that the library would be incomplete without a musical instrument, and with her able and willing co-workers, has made it possible that we have such an instrument. And now, in behalf of the Treble Clef, I present to the board of trustees of the Missouri Valley Free Public Library, and through them to the city of Mis- souri Valley, the beautiful piano that is before you. And, from time to time, as' you hear its beautiful tones, 'may the cares that infest the day, just fold their tents like the Arabs and silently steal away.'"
The library building is constructed of dark pressed brick for the base- ment story and light sand-stone pressed brick for the main floor with Bed- ford store entrance and trimmings. The foyer has a tile floor with pure marble wainscoating. The structure is forty-one by sixty feet, facing the east, with beautiful parking surrounding it. The basement has convenient ladies' rest room, and an auditorium seating one hundred and fifty persons, also a stage and retiring room.
The building committee was as follows: J. S. McGavren, C. H. Deur, Dr. Warren and H. Il. Dickman. The library board was C. H. Deur, Dr. Warren, Mrs. 1. II. Sniff, J. S. MeGavren, H. HJ. Dickman, Mrs. E. A. Boies, Mrs. C. C. Lahman, Mrs. H. C. Heckert and Mrs. R. C. Hills, with Mrs. Mattie Graybill, librarian.
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A. H. Sniff, editor of the Harrison County News, offered a set of ap- propriate resolutions which were adopted, including the following: "To the Hon. Andrew Carnegie, for his material financial aid in the sum of ten thousand dollars, for the erection of this building.
"To the noble women of Missouri Valley and vicinity, for their un- tiring zeal and indefatigable efforts through long years to the same end that they might see this happy consummation of our desires.
"That we, as a people, here and now dedicate ourselves to a higher plan of living and the performrince of these higher duties of citizenship, that the possession and enjoyment of so useful a public institution involves."
Mrs. Mattie J. Graybill served as librarian until May, 1912, when she resigned and moved to South Dakota, and Miss Josephine Johnson was elected as her successor.
In 1913, under the direction of Supt. L. I. Reed, the high school library was transferred to the public library, thereby increasing the number of volumes to three thousand eight hundred and sixty-four. all of which have been thoroughly cataloged and classified. A splendid reference department is being built up and the closest co-operation exists between the public library and the public schools.
During 1914 the board of trustees was composed of the following : C. H. Deur, president : Dr. Horace Warren, vice-president; Dr. R. D. Mc- Evoy. secretary; J. S. McGavren, treasurer; A. W. Graham, Mrs. A. H. Sniff, Mrs. R. C. Hills, Mrs. W. M. Carlisle, Mrs. Dan Finley and Miss Josephine Johnson, librarian.
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CHAPTER XXVI.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
This is the extreme southeastern sub-division of Harrison county. It was constituted in 1872, and named for the "father of his country." George Washington. It comprises congressional township number 78, range 41. It is south of Cass township and Shelby county; west of Shelby county; north of Pottawattamie county, and cast of Union township.
This civil township is well supplied with small streams and drainage is excellent. The streams include the Mosquito and Keg creeks, with many smaller tributaries. Walker's grove, in the southern portion, and Linn grove in the center, are all the native timber to be found in the township. But artificial groves are to be seen here and there, standing out on the prairie plain like so many stalwart sentinels, denoting the forethought and good sense of the pioneer hands that planted them when small saplings. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad runs through this township en route from Council Bluffs to Chicago, entering the township from the south in section 32, and taking its exit from section 4. The station points within Washington township are Yorkshire and Persia. The Great Western line touches section 36, en route from Council Bluffs to Harlan.
This township. in 1885, had a population of five hundred and ninety- three; the federal census of 1890 gave it as having one thousand, two hun- dred and twenty-two, including Persia and Yorkshire. In 1910, the same authority gave the population as one thousand, one hundred and thirty-five, including Persia, which town at that date, was placed at three hundred and fifty-eight.
FIRST SETTLEMENT.
The first man to come to this township for the purpose of making a permanent settlement was Ilugh Walker. He arrived in 1849, settling at the beautiful grove, which was given his name by the pioncers.
In 1853 Isaac M. Atkins came to the county. Ile rented land near the Little Sioux river until 1854, then moved to Pottawattamie county, settling in Washington township in 1880. He claimed a part of section 17.
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HARRISON COUNTY, JOWA.
John W. Kirkpatrick came in 1858 and took land in section IS, as early as the land was in the market.
William Champlin came about 1860, locating in section 32, and re- mained until 1888, when he removed to California.
Orson H. Stoker, of section 32, came in December. 1863, from Pot- tawattamie county. It was in January, 18644, when he purchased land in this township, but he went away and remained until 1868. He bought a half section of land, which made his home farm, and later he owned, in all, six hundred and sixty-two acres of excellent land in Harrison county.
Another who came in from Pottawattamie county in 1864 was Wil- liam Spears. He located at Walker's grove, in section 32. In the eighties he removed to a place near Neola.
William A. Graybill, of section 32, came to this county in 1864.
Andrew J. Graybill, of section 32, came in 1865 and lived with his brother until 1878, when he purchased in section 32.
Charles II. Lytle came to Harrison county in 1866, sctiling in section 10 of Washington township. He saw about all there was to be seen in southern Harrison county.
Thomas Hodgson was a settler of 1867 in section 15.
Lucian Wilson located in section 16 in 1867. He purchased a quarter section of land.
David Chambers settled in section 4. in 1869, on forty acres, but sub- sequently owned over four hundred acres. It was this gentleman who named the township "Washington."
William Chambers also came in 1869, settling in section 5.
Joseph Seddon came to this township in the autumn of 1870, locating on a quarter of section 4, where he remained until 1884, when he engaged in the mercantile business at Persia. He was soon known as the leading business factor in his town and township.
John Chapman settled in Union township in IS70, remained six years, sold and moved to Missouri. In July, 18So, he located in section 4, of Washington township, this county.
Jonathan McKce, Sr .. and family, came from Pottawattamie county in 1872, locating in section 50. Later he moved to Union township, the change being effected about 1889.
Milton J. Kilmer came from Bellevue, Nebraska, in 1873, locating in section 33.
John Kilmer located in section 10 in 1872. remained until 1886, and moved to Woodbury county.
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HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA.
Jonathan V. Watson settled in 1874 in section 14.
Charles Howard, of section 29, arrived in the spring of 1874, having purchased his land in 1871.
William D. Bullard came to this township in the fall of 1875, locating in section 4. where he remained, a substantial settler.
In March, 1876, came John Paul to section 24, where he purchased eighty acres, to which he later added another similar-sized tract of land.
Lemuel E. Osborn, of section 26, came to Harrison county in 1876, purchasing forty acres of wild land.
James T. Hadley came in the spring of 1876, locating in section 13, purchasing three hundred and sixty acres of wild land. He became one of the township's heaviest land owners.
Edwin Dunn, of section 23, arrived in the spring of 1878. He lived in this township as early as 1875, buying wild land.
Dr. C. B. Colm arrived in the fall of 1886, and at once engaged in the practice of medicine and bought a drug store of F. M. Gardner at Persia.
Francis M. Kern settled in 1881 in section 25.
Andrew J. Walker located in section 3 in February, 1880.
Adam C. Snyder came to the township in 1880, locating in sections 3 and 10, where he remained until 1889, when he moved to Persia.
In December, 1876, Edward C. Campbell arrived in the county and, the following year, moved to his own land already purchased.
Paul Mowry came from Shelby county in 1882. Albert Wilson, G. A. Albertus and William Reed also came in that year. Reed was a blacksmith and Albertus engaged in the grain and coal trade.
Those who helped settle this township, but who came in at a later date, can hardly be styled old settlers, though many have resided here for a score or more of years.
The early schools, churches, lodges and banks of this township. having all been treated in separate chapters, need not be referred to in this con- nection.
THE TOWN OF PERSIA.
Persia was among the later plattings of llarrison county. It was sur- veyed and recorded by L. C. and Alice Ballwin, June 6, 1882, in parts of sec- tions 4 and 9 of township 78, range 41. This place is on the Mosquito creck, in the center of a magnificent agricultural district. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad was constructed through the township in the summer of 1881. The first to engage in trade here was Jolin McWilliams,
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who opened a grocery store in the winter of 1881-82, his building being the second erected in Persia. Carl Pederson's blacksmith shop was the first building on the platting, erected in 1881. The first store just mentioned, stood on the corner of Main and Second streets. The next building was a hotel on Main street, erected in March, 1882, by George A. Courtwright, and was for years known as the Allee House. It was burned January, 1912, and the present hotel erected on the old site.
Next in order of business came the hardware store of Melvin Mattson.
INCORPORATION IIISTORY.
Persia was incorporated in 1891 and its mayors have been elected as follows: 1891, B. S. Tupper; 1892, Joseph Sedden; 1894-5. William Chris- topher; 1896, James Atkinson: 1897-8, James Laing; 1899-1900, George W. Atkins; 1901, George Atkins; 1902-03, M. Matson; 1904-05, O. E. Medell; 1906-07, J. F. Bell; 1908-9-10, Robert Iven; 1911, Robert Iven; 1912-13, W. A. Moss.
The officers of the municipality in 1914 were: Mayor, H. A. Moss; clerk, J. F. Small; marshall, M. Nixon; street commissioner, J. A. Shuping ; members of council, Harm Harmsen, J. E. Peterson, Andrew Petersen, Henry Martens, John Yeaman.
A system of water works was installed in Persia in the summer of 1908. Bonds were issued for this purpose to the amount of five thousand dollars.
POSTOFFICE.
The Persia postoffice was established July 3, 1882, and the following have served as postmasters and postinistresses :
Melvin Mattson, appointed July 3, 1882; James Laing, October 28, 1885; C. A. Brace, May 10, 1889; James Laing, May 19, 1893; Melvin Mattson, May 21, 1897; Joseph Seddon, August 1, 1901; Libbie Ivens, January 26, 1910.
There are now two free rural delivery routes extending from Persia to the surrounding country.
BUSINESS INTERESTS IN 1914.
Agricultural Implement Dealer-J. E. Peterson.
Blacksmith Shops-J. F. Bell, Andy Dwyer. Barber Shops-Fred Smith, J. A. Laing.
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Banks-People's Savings Bank. Persia Savings Bank.
Cement Blocks -- Reese Sprinkle.
Drugs -- F. E. Judy.
Elevators-Nepla Lumber Company; Fruden Lumber Company.
Garage-J. E. Peterson.
General Merchandise-Burns & Kibler (J. A. Burns and George Kib- ler ). Henry Martin, Williard Brothers and Iwen.
Grain and Stock-John Schley.
"Globe"-M. P. McElroy, editor. Harness Shops-A. P. Lathrop, J. A. Cook.
Hotel -- Hotel Schley.
Hardware-J. H. Becker, Yeaman & Miller.
Jeweler-George Iloffman.
Lumber-Fruden Lumber Company, Neoloa Lumber Company.
Livery-J. N. Medill.
Postmistress-Miss Libbie Ivens.
Restaurants-Mrs. Anna Swanger, W. S. Cheney.
Physician --- Dr. J. F. Stageman.
Shoes -- F. C. Winter.
The lodges and churches are as follows: Masonic, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Yoeman. Modern Woodmen of the World and Modern Woodmen of America. These are all mentioned in special chapters of this work under general county headings on such topics.
The people of Persia voted to issue five thousand dollars in bonds in August, 1908, for the purpose of putting in a system of water works, which now gives fire protection and supplies the citizens with good drinking water. The water is of the purest, and comes from a large well near the town. from which the water is pumped to a steel tower two hundred and eighty feet above the level of the down-town Main street's curbing, giving an im- mense pressure. This was not installed until four years after the disastrous fire that swept away so much of the town. April 19, 1905.
There is an electric lighting plant, owned by Herman Bredenkamp, and installed in 1910. The equipment consists of a kerosene oil engine, driving a twenty-four horse-power engine ; a seventeen-kilowatt generator and a sixty- eight-cell storage battery. An all-day-all-night service is given and the plant is well patronized. In fact, every business concern in town uses it to- day, as do all churches, lodges and many residences.
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