USA > Iowa > Jefferson County > History of Jefferson County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume I > Part 30
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"Resolved, That we believe it would be to the interest of the state if those newly projected routes would withdraw their petitions and forces from Wash- ington and allow the original bill to pass; and further, that by so doing they will secure the grant and open the door for a supplemental act, by which the state policy may be changed and they come in for their quota."
A vote of thanks was returned the men who had sacrificed their personal interests in giving the right of way through their farms.
On the 13th, when the soliciting committee ended its labors, the subscriptions for stock amounted to $42,000.
On the 22d, at Burlington, the directors of the company, after inspecting the subscription books, examining the reports of the several surveys, and weighing the arguments presented for the different routes, located the road through Fairfield to Agency City.
The good fortune achieved by the long struggle called for a celebration. It was arranged for the evening of April Ist and was styled "A Railroad Supper and an Illumination." The supper was served at the three hotels, each of which provided for forty persons. These hotels were The National, on the north side of the square, The Eagle, on the west side of the square, and The Clay, which continues as The Leggett House. Tickets to the entertainment cost
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50 cents each and were "lifted at the table." A president and vice president were assigned to each. At The National these honorary officers were James Thompson and Alexander Fulton; at The Eagle, Dr. J. D. Stark and Thomas Moorman ; at The Clay, Dr. Darling and Smith Ball. The. feasts, which sustained the favorable reputations of the landlords, were followed by speeches and toasts. The regular toasts read at the three places were these:
"The B. and M. R. R. Company-May it prove a unit in all its actions, and may the efforts of the directors be successful to the speedy completion of the road.
"Railroads-The very articles by which to develop the resources and wealth of a community.
"The Mississippi and the Des Moines-May they soon be united by the iron bands, and may that union prove fruitful.
"Jefferson County-Third in rank, as name, it is but due to the enterprise and energy of her citizens that she rank among the first.
"Fairfield-Destined to be the Queen City of the Prairies-May her citizens ever prove true to her best interests.
"'Honor to whom honor is due'-May those who have employed their time and property to the furtherance of our railroad project meet with a speedy and liberal reward.
"Our Farmers-Success to them, one and all-May their harvests be abund- ant and their sales profitable.
"The 'Iron Horse'-May we soon witness the laying of the 'track' upon which he will come bounding with iron nerve across the prairies of old Jefferson, as though he were in fact 'a thing of life.'
"Our Merchants-May the time soon arrive when they will not have to 'wait for the wagon' for the transportation of their goods.
"The Hawkeyes-Deserving the appellation, they have commenced a work in the completion of which they view a brilliant future.
"Our Host and Hostess-Deserving of praise for the repast they have set before us-May they secure to themselves health and wealth by 'car' loads."
Volunteer toasts succeeded. At The National two were offered by D. Sheward.
"Judge Knapp of Van Buren County-A thoroughgoing railroad man-May Van Buren, through his influence, soon experience the benefits of a railroad." The judge responded.
"Our Presiding Officer, Colonel Thompson-and Vice President-Much praise is due them for the zeal and untiring energy made manifest in the furtherance of our railroad project." The president responded.
At The Eagle a number of volunteer toasts were offered.
By Dr. J. C. Ware: "The Railroad Is Located-Hurrah for Old Jefferson! Who shall dare say that our prospects are not destined to be brilliant-that we shall not take the first rank in the market as well as in the affairs of state? Our destiny is fixed, and henceforth ours is to be the Queen City of the West. May it bring an overflowing business to Fairfield."
By A. R. Fulton: "Our Worthy President, Dr. J. D. Stark-A zealous and energetic railroad man, deserving of the gratitude of the community for the interest he has ever exhibited in our railroad enterprise."
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By Thomas Moorman: "Fairfield-The Queen Town of the West-May she be the Queen City."
By A. R. Fulton: "Our Vice President, Thomas Moorman-A faithful worker in the good cause, may his cnergies be rewarded by the realization of our fondest hopes."
By H. L. Bassett : "The Steam Car-May it ever prove successful in pleasure trips to the ladies of Fairfield."
By Dr. J. D. Stark: "The Press of Fairfield-It has ever seconded all our railroad exertions-may a thousand and one successes attend it."
By J. W. Dubois: "Fairfield, Her Future Destiny-A bright particular star among the inland cities of the west-in the bright galaxy of railroad realities."
By J. W. Fulton: "The Eagle-May it fly away with the man who opposed the railroad tax."
By A. R. Fulton : "Jesse Williams, Our . Director-We have entire confidence in his fitness and ability for the discharge of the duties of his position."
By Ezra D. Thompson: "Libertyville-May her jealousy toward her big sister subside, and she again be received into the family circle."
By A. R. Fulton: "The Hotels of Fairfield-Where the stranger may ever find a comfortable home, and the weary traveler a resting place-may the cars of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad soon bring thousands to partake of their bounties."
At The Clay there were three volunteer toasts.
By 1. W. McManaman: "Our Jefferson County Citizens-Their energy for the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, their talents and sterling integrity would do honor to any state."
By Caleb Baldwin : "The West-Her brilliant prospects for the future-soil as rich as any in the world, with climate as healthful as could be desired-settled with a people unsurpassed in enterprise and intelligence, with room for more- she bids the world welcome."
By I. W. McManaman: "The Hawkeyes of Iowa, Sons of the Pioneers- Neither appalled by difficulties nor enfeebled by indulgence, they will rise to the elevation to which they are pointed by the example of their fathers, and to which they seem destined by Providence."
Before April passed, H. Thielsen, the chief engineer, advertised for pro- posals on grading and bridge work from Burlington to Ottumwa. Early in May contracts were "let in sections" numbered consecutively from the place of beginning; Alexander Fulton was awarded sections 54 and 55, which were a short distance west of Fairfield. He was the only local contractor.
On May 8th, the directors issued a call for the payment on June Ist of a first installment, on July Ist of a second installment, and on August Ist of a third installment, each of 5 per cent on the stock. Under the law this money had to be expended in the counties from which it was obtained. The sub- scribers in Jefferson County were authorized to make their payments to Henn, Williams and Company. Under this and the next call bonds for $30,000 were issued by the county judge, Moses Black.
On May 9th, there gathered at Fairfield a "railroad convention," the call for which originated at Keokuk. Its ostensible purpose was to urge Congress to pass the "Iowa land bill." There was a suspicion it meant something more.
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The Ledger voiced the common sentiment. "While we will do all we can to secure the grant under consideration that Keokuk may reap a portion of its benefits, we can do nothing that will in any degree diminish our aid in further- ance of the other enterprise in which we are engaged and to which we are pledged."
The meeting which named the Jefferson County delegation of sixty members also stated the local position. Their own rosy prospects were not lightly to be jeopardized by generous impulses toward other communities.
"Resolved, That we hail with pleasure the holding of a convention at this point, for the endorsement of the Iowa delegation in Congress in the course they have pursued relative to the memorials of the last State Legislature, asking for a grant of lands for the Dubuque, Davenport and Muscatine, Burlington and Keokuk and Missouri River Railroads, in presenting a bill which has passed the Senate, and is now pending in the House, and that while we firmly adhere to the policy set forth in said memorial we do not in the least wish to detract from the merits of the new projects now attracting the attentions of our neighbors.
"Resolved, That we desire the delegation to stand by the bill as introduced by Hon. A. C. Dodge, believing it to be in accordance with the memorials of our State Legislature."
The convention met with representatives present from the counties of Des Moines, Lee, Van Buren, Jefferson, Wapello, Keokuk, Davis, Appanoose, Lucas and Monroe. In the morning a temporary organization was effected. In the afternoon the permanent officers were seated. The president was James Thomp- son of Jefferson; the vice presidents were George Reynolds of Wapello, J. A. Williamson of Keokuk, A. White of Monroe, A. Mccullough of Lee, John S. Sheller of Lucas, J. D. Baker of Van Buren, I. Kister of Davis, and A. Harris of Appanoose. The secretaries were C. Franklin and George Mitchler.
The committee on resolutions, the members of which were D. Sheward of Jefferson, D. F. Gaylord of Wapello, J. C. Hall of Des Moines, and T. B. Cuming of Lee, submitted the result of their deliberations. A letter and resolutions purporting to come from a convention held by the friends of the Fort Madison, Keosauqua and Bloomfield route, were next read. Over these arose an exciting debate.
An editorial comment of The Ledger two days later discloses the different viewpoints. "We would rejoice at the passage of that bill as the best that we have any possibility of getting at present, but it is an utter absurdity to think of obtaining a grant in such a way as to harmonize the various conflicting inter- ests. Even if a general grant were.made to the state to be distributed by our Legislature, it could not be expected that that body could possibly succeed in rendering entire satisfaction to every town and county in the state."
The committee's report was accepted without change.
"Whereas, The subject of a grant of land for railroad purposes is exciting to some extent, the different portions of our state through which routes have been made and are now surveying; and
"Whereas, A bill known as the 'Iowa Land Bill' is now pending in the House of Representatives, having passed the Senate; and
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"Whereas, Said bill is drawn up in accordance with memorials passed by the Legislature of Iowa, at the session of 1852-3; and
"Whereas, Strenuous efforts are being made to defeat the bill, by foreign capitalists, as well as some of the friends of new and rival routes at home; and "Whereas, We believe it to be the duty of Congress to consult and carry out the wishes of the citizens of Iowa, as expressed in their state policy, and as we believe that the General Government (as a landed proprietor) would confer a great benefit upon itself, as well as the entire mass of our citizens, by granting the passage of said bill, therefore,
"Resolved, That our delegation in Congress have truly represented the interests of the state by adhering to the policy adopted by the last Legislature and that they are sustained in their efforts by the true friends of a grant of land to Iowa for railroad purposes.
"Resolved, That we call upon the congressional delegation from Iowa to stand by the sentiments set forth in the memorial, and none other, regardless of outside influence and the misrepresentations of the sentiments of the people of Iowa.
"Resolved, That the entire Iowa delegation in Congress merits the gratitude and thanks of our people for their zeal and labor, manifested in support of this measure.
"Resolved, That we repudiate and denounce the action of certain lobby members (non-residents of Iowa) had at Washington City, in opposition to this measure, and request that they make it convenient to turn their attention to some other purpose than that of opposition to the measure, known as the 'Iowa Land Bill.'
"Resolved, That while we deprecate the course that has been pursued at home and abroad, by some of the friends of the new projects, now attracting the attention of a portion of our citizens, we do not wish, in the least, to detract from the merits of any route; yet we are determined to stand by the policy embraced in the memorial, as the first wishes of our people, without addition or diminution."
In the evening session, James Thompson and Charles Negus were "consti- tuted a committee to report the names of suitable persons for the counties not represented to circulate memorials and obtain signatures praying for the passage of the 'Iowa Land Bill.'" The delegates present made such selections for their respective counties. L. F. Boerstler, W. F. Campbell, Jesse Williams, S. Clinton and W. G. Beck were chosen to perform this duty in Jefferson County.
All this work came to nothing.
On March 6, 1855, the "last rail" having been laid, the road connecting Burlington and Chicago was opened to traffic. This event was a strong incentive to push forward the construction of the road from Burlington west. The Iowa State Gazette sensed the danger of a long delay. "We have competitors who will take every advantage of our neglect, and unless we act promptly, we shall very surely find ourselves forestalled. . These are not times to slumber and sleep; future destiny hangs upon the present. We have reached that tide in the affairs of man which taken at the flood leads on to fortune; and if we omit the opportunity the future course of our city may be 'bound in shallows and in miseries.' We have done much-we have brought the iron horse here-but
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much remains to be done-we must still lead him onward till he slakes his thirst in the turbid waters of the Missouri. It must and can be done."
In the summer some interest in "The Ram's Horn," as the road from Dubuque to Keokuk had been styled in derision, was again manifested. "This road from north to south," an advocate wrote from Salem, "intersecting at two important points- Fairfield and Iowa City-the two great railways extending east and west, thus giving a northern and southern as well as an eastern and western com- munication, should again receive the consideration and support of a large majority of the citizens of our state. It having been surveyed, it requires no elaborate argument to prove the eligibility and utility of this road, as they are self-evident, written by the finger of Nature, as are also the great interests of our country which demand its construction,"
The actual building of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad progressed slowly. At the opening of 1856 it was not quite completed to Skunk River. To accomplish even this much all the available funds that had been raised both by public and private subscriptions in Des Moines and Henry Counties, amounting to about four hundred thousand dollars, had been used. That the amount already raised in a similar way in Jefferson and Wapello Counties, about two hundred and eighty thousand dollars, would not extend it to Ottumwa was certain. It was felt that to stop work only for a short time would be a calamity. The predicament of the company was explained in a published letter addressed by J. C. Hall, its president, to Jesse Williams and Robert McElhinny, its directors resident at Fairfield. In this a belief was expressed that, if each county would take additional stock to the amount of $100,000, ample means would be provided. It looked feasible and easy. Acting upon petitions Thomas Mccullough, county judge, on February 21st issued a proclamation submitting to the legal voters at the April election the question of taking this stock, issuing bonds and levying a tax to pay the principal and interest.
Although there was some open opposition to the measure, it caused no alarm to its friends who, confident of a successful issue, remained inactive. They were surprised and astonished at a majority of 294 votes against it. Possible con- tingencies frightened them. The election was on Monday, the 7th of April. They hastily called a meeting for Tuesday evening to confer over this untoward, happening. There was a large attendance. W. Duane Wilson was selected for chairman and D. Sheward for secretary. After speeches by James Thompson, Bernhart Henn, C. E. Noble, Dr. N. Steel, Dr. Lewis and others, they embodied their views and conclusions in formal resolutions.
"Resolved, That as citizens of Jefferson County, we receive with the most profound regret the intelligence of the defeat of the new county subscription to the stock of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad Company.
"Resolved, That our most sincere and grateful thanks are here presented to the people of Wapello County for their generous and magnanimous vote of an additional $100,000 to the stock of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad (Company), although our refusal to take the same amount renders her noble gift useless to us and to her.
"Resolved, That we deem it more necessary now than ever, to exert our- selves to secure all the advantages which we may have possessed previous to the
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submission of the late vote to the suffrages of the people, for further operations in the prosecution of the extension of said road.
"Resolved, That a committee of three-Dr. J. T. Huey, Alexander Fulton and James Rea-be appointed to immediately visit and confer with those who are friendly to the extension of this line of road in the county of Wapello, in order to prevent a diversion of their old subscription and influence to any other route.
"Resolved, That a committee of three-W. D. Wilson, R. McElhinny and Colonel Thompson-be appointed to go immediately to Burlington, to confer with the president of the board of directors, the contractors, and others inter- ested, in regard to the prospects of securing a new contract for the extension of the road through Fairfield to Ottumwa."
By an affirmative vote of 118, and no negative, it was also
"Resolved, That the county judge of Jefferson County is hereby requested to issue his proclamation, forthwith, authorizing a second vote to be taken on the proposition to take an additional $100,000 stock in the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad at the earliest possible day."
A committee of twenty-two was appointed to wait upon Judge Mccullough and convey to him information of this action. In performing this duty the com- mittee also offered to pay all costs of the special election in case the vote was not carried in favor of the loan. Judge Mccullough took the matter under advise- ment. On April 10th, he denied the request. It seemed to him that to require the voters "to lose another day at this busy season of the year, would be an out- rage, and that it would exhibit not only a factious resistance to the will of the people fairly expressed but be a gross insult to the intelligence and understand- ing of a large and respectable majority of the people of the county."
In reporting to another meeting and "To the citizens of Jefferson County" the committee took exception to "the spirit" in which Judge Mccullough couched his answer. After referring to the "unfair means" employed to defeat the loan, the report continued :
"In Fairfield, where before discussion, a large majority were opposed to the loan, it was found that there was a majority of about 335 at the polls for it, and similar results, it is conceded, would have been eventually shown in other town- ships, after a full and fair investigation of the subject. It is said that in some townships there was not a supply of tickets for taking the stock and tax; and, in the opinion of your committee, the words designated by the proclamation, to convey the wish of the voters, towit : 'For Taking the Stock and Tax' and 'Against Taking the Stock and Tax' did not truly state the issue." "Under these circum- stances," they held the firm and sincere belief "that they would in no way 'out- rage' or 'insult' their fellow citizens by asking a further consultation and another vote; but that by such further consultation and discussion, and by a vote separate from the influences attendant on all political elections, a result more decided in its character, and, to their minds, more correct, would be attained." They concluded with a suggestion of the propriety of securing a vote by peti- tion in the manner prescribed by the statutes.
For submission by petition, it was necessary to have the signatures of one- fourth the voters. So difficult a task prevented any serious consideration of the method.
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In September the situation and prospects of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad were set out in a communication from the president of the com- pany, W. F. Coolbaugh, to Judge Mccullough as the official representative of the people of Jefferson County. It was apparently a candid statement. About twenty-eight miles of road were in operation. It was expected by the Ist of November to complete eight miles more. This would carry the road across Skunk River. Beyond that point, owing to lack of means, it could not at once proceed. So many conditions attached to the county bonds that they were un- salable except at an undue sacrifice. The private stock subscribed had not been paid up as anticipated. The grant of land would not be available for a long time to come. The suggestion was made that if the county would authorize the issue of $200,000 of bonds bearing 8 per cent interest and payable semi-annually in New York in payment of an equal amount of stock to be subscribed, sufficient funds could be raised on them to extend the road to Fairfield by the first day of July next. In the event this should be done, the previous subscription and previ- ous issue of bonds were to be canceled and returned. Whether this course should be taken, or whether the extension of the road should be deferred for three or four years, was a question left to the judge and the people of the county to decide.
On November 27th, a massmeeting of which Thomas Mccullough was chair- man and A. M. Scott secretary, instructed the county judge to issue his proclama- tion submitting to the legal voters an issuance of bonds under conditions agreed upon. Before the election was called, the directors of the railroad company asked that the call be withheld to await further developments.
The delay occasioned anxiety. On January 10, 1857, there was another meet- ing of citizens. H. B. Mitchell was chairman and W. H. Seward secretary. Ward Lamson offered a resolution, but withdrew it to accept a substitute drawn by C. W. Slagle.
"Whereas, It is represented that if the bonds of the County of Jefferson were in such a shape as to make them more nearly available at their face, the Burling- ton and Missouri River Railroad Company would immediately proceed with the construction of the road to Fairfield, therefore
"Resolved, That as the sense of this meeting, the people of the County of Jefferson ought, and will, if called upon to vote upon the subject, make any reasonable change in the character of said bonds for the purpose of making them more available, and this meeting invites the company to make such proposition to the county judge as, in their opinion, will induce the necessary availability."
This was adopted unanimously. The secretary was instructed to transmit a copy to the president of the company. It was a fine exhibition of good .feeling and good will.
Congress, in May, 1856, having granted certain lands for the construction of particular railroads in Iowa, among them one "from Burlington on the Mis- sissippi River to a point on the Missouri River, near the mouth of the Platte River," and the state having accepted the grant and fixed the terms under which the lands would be transferred, the status of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad Company was so much improved that late in March, 1857, the sale of a large amount of its stock to eastern capitalists was successfully closed. These investors assumed control and prepared to push the work. Contracts were made
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for the grading of the line between the Skunk and Des Moines Rivers as the previous contracts of 1854 had long been abandoned. Section 52 was taken by Alexander Fulton, who again was the only local contractor. A vigorous activity was displayed. There was great hope of speedy results.
In the survey originally adopted the depot at Fairfield was located between Washington and Jefferson streets, the two which run north from the east and west sides of the square. In view of this adjoining lots were purchased for business purposes. In August, 1857, "A. Citizen" called attention to a change of location. He found cause for grievance in that the new site was without the town limits, while by the terms of the county loan Fairfield was to be a point on the railroad. The condition, as he construed it, meant that a depot should be established in the city, "not out a half mile, a mile or three miles." The news spread and aroused general indignation. It was felt the company had broken faith. The citizens met and took action to ascertain the reasons for the change. On August 31st they met again. George Acheson, the mayor, was chosen chair- man and A. R. Fulton secretary. James F. Wilson reported such facts as he had been able to learn. Explanations on the part of the railroad company were made by John G. Reed of Detroit, its vice president, and by H. Thielsen, its chief engineer. These were not convincing. The claims of the community were set forth by a considerable number of persons, among whom were C. W. Slagle, Ward Lamson and Charles Negus. The local feeling was expressed with no dis- sentient note.
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