USA > Iowa > Jefferson County > History of Jefferson County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume I > Part 43
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Missouri River Railroad, thence in a southerly direction through Brighton, Fair- field, Birmingham and Keosauqua to the Missouri line," whence as planned it was to be continued to St. Louis by a "company to be formed in the State of Missouri." Articles of incorporation of the "Iowa and Missouri Railroad Com- pany" were at once submitted and adopted. Charles Negus, Joseph Ball and Charles David, all of Jefferson County, C. L. Moss, Charles Baldwin and Edwin Manning, all of Van Buren County, Anson Moore and J. T. Sales, both of Wash- ington County, and Levi J. Wagner of Scotland County, Missouri, were chosen the directors. The directors named Charles Negus president, Charles Baldwin vice president, A. R. Fulton secretary and Ward Lamson treasurer.
On January 24, 1867, the directors of the Iowa and Missouri Railroad Com- pany met in Fairfield at the office of Negus and Culbertson. They were in despondent mood. The ready response expected to their canvass for subscriptions for stock had failed them. While they retained their faith in the need and utility of their road, they deemed the time inexpedient to attempt to build it unless the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company would aid in extending its Muscatine branch. They were of the opinion that if such an arrangement could be brought about the work could go forward. As the time for that was not ripe, the whole matter was left in abeyance.
In December, 1868, Charles Negus learned that a company styled the Chicago and Southwestern had been formed to build a railroad from Washington, Iowa, to Cameron, Missouri; that the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Com- pany was interested in the project, and that it was designed to run it through Ottumwa. In consequence, on the 29th, he called together at his office a number of influential citizens and imparted this information. A committee was there- upon made up to devise means to divert this road to Fairfield. For this purpose, on January 26, 1869, the Iowa Railroad Company was organized. Its directors were Charles Negus, William H. Jordan, Anson Moore, Edw. Campbell, Jr., David Mendenhall, D. P. Stubbs, William Bickford, Robert C. Risk and James Jordan. Its officers were Charles Negus, president; Anson Moore, vice president ; J. J. Cummings, secretary, and William H. Jordan, treasurer.
At an enthusiastic meeting in Fairfield on March 27th subscriptions for stock of this company exceeded sixty thousand dollars. For the willingness to invest in it, there is no occasion to express surprise. That freight was costing $20 more per car when shipped from Fairfield to Chicago than when shipped from Ottumwa to the same destination, and that passenger fares were more direct from Fairfield to Chicago than they were by way of Ottumwa to that city, were convincing arguments for the establishment of competition.
In May the Chicago and Southwestern Railroad Company ran a preliminary survey through Fairfield. Its authorities, however, were in no haste to determine the location of the road. The interests of Ottumwa were played against the interests of Fairfield. The pride of one was pitted against the pride of the other. Both communities were afforded full opportunity to show how much they would pay to help themselves. Summer, fall and early winter passed before this merry game was ended. On January 11, 1870, a definite assurance was given that Fair- field should be a point on the road for the contribution of $125,000. On the 22d. the amount was obtained. On the 26th, the stockholders of the Iowa Railroad Company authorized the transfer of its assets under proper conditions to the
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Chicago and Southwestern Railroad Company, its object having been accomplished.
On March 31st, the successful issue of the long struggle was duly celebrated. Over this event James F. Wilson presided. Gifts from citizens of Fairfield, a gold-mounted ebony cane and a handsome gold watch were respectively presented through George Acheson to Charles Negus and through W. B. Culberston to H. M. Aller, the secretary of the Chicago and Southwestern Railroad Company. In accepting these tokens of appreciation of their services, the recipients responded in happy vein. There also were congratulatory addresses by Isaac D. Jones and D. P. Stubbs.
The actual work of construction was pushed with vigor. On September 29th, the first cars ran to Fairfield. On October 10th, regular trains were put on, . completing the connection with Chicago.
It is cause for regret that the hopeful anticipations were not all realized in the aftermath. The record would be incomplete without the statement that pay day, as not unusually happens, brought complaints, some litigation, much ill feeling, and in a few cases loss of personal popularity.
In September, 1869, it was suggested that from Fort Madison through Salem and Glasgow to Fairfield was a desirable location for a railroad. In lieu of this the Keokuk and Minnesota Railroad Company sought encouragement and material aid as an inducement to come to these places. At a conference in Fairfield, on January 26, 1870, when planning for a public presentation at night of the advantages to follow the carrying out of the undertaking, it was stated that the colored people had engaged the hall for a ball. "That is always the way," exclaimed Edw. Campbell, Jr. "The nigger never fails to turn up at the wrong time. He so turned up before the war, during the war, and now, when a rail- road meeting is to be held, he is again in the road." While all present were still in a state of perplexity, Jo. Dancey, a negro, came in and announced that the colored people had consulted and would give up the hall, and that, though a poor man, he would himself take a half share of $50 to bring the road to Fairfield. Campbell, quite equal to the demands of the new situation, shook Dancey's hand, said that he owed the colored people an apology, that he would join him in a share and he should have the whole of it. This little scene received hearty applause. The incident shows the attitude of all classes toward such enterprises.
In the following summer, two prospective railroads were discussed: one to run from Fort Madison to Oskaloosa and one to run from Memphis, Missouri, through Keosauqua and Birmingham to Fairfield.
On April 30, 1872, a convention was held at Fort Madison to promote the Fort Madison, Oskaloosa and North Western Railroad Company. Delegations were present from Fairfield, Batavia and Libertyville. James F. Wilson was chosen to preside over its deliberations. C. W. Slagle acted as one of the secretaries.
An immediate result of this gathering was the organization at Fairfield, on May 6th, of the Mississippi, Fairfield and North Western Railroad Company to build a road from some practicable point on the Mississippi in Lee County by way of Fairfield in a northwesterly direction. The directors were Charles
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Negus, C. W. Slagle, George Stever, Edw. Campbell, Jr., Charles David, W. W. Junkin and James F. Wilson. The officers were Charles Negus, president; C. W. Slagle, vice president ; J. J. Cummings, secretary, and George Stever, treasurer.
As the burden of private aid to railroads had been found to fall with heavy inequality upon generous and progressive citizens, legislation had been brought about in 1870 to permit cities, towns and townships to vote a tax for such pur- pose. Under the provisions of the law, the question of a tax was submitted on July Ist in the rival townships of Liberty and Fairfield. It was defeated in Liberty Township and carried in Fairfield Township.
At Keosauqua, on March 26, 1873, was organized the Keosauqua North and South Railroad Company. On the north, its objective point was Vinton in Benton County. Alternative routes, one by Fairfield, one by Mount Pleasant, were proposed. Despite a financial panic and a general business depression, it . was announced in October that the point of contracting for the construction and equipment of a portion of the line had been reached. This was soon verified by "breaking ground" and grading the section between Keosauqua and The Summit.
. The larger plan, known as the St. Louis, Keosauqua and St. Paul Railroad, of which this was part, was presented at Fairfield in January, 1874, to learn what financial assistance would be rendered it by the people of Jefferson County. It met with much criticism. The fear was freely expressed that it would not reach a southern market. To connect with St. Louis would be a desideratum, but to connect merely with Keosauqua would be of little moment. The assur- ances in respect to this objection were not sufficiently definite and positive to remove the doubt. Notwithstanding this feeling, the Legislature then in session was petitioned to pass a special act to authorize the transfer of the tax voted in Fairfield Township to the Mississippi, Fairfield and North Western Railroad Company to the St. Louis, Keosauqua and St. Paul Railroad Company. The request was too much at variance with public sentiment to be complied with. M. A. McCoid, state senator at the time, refused to give it his support.
In April, 1875, the St. Louis, Keosauqua and St. Paul Railroad Company, through its president, Charles H. Fletcher, again became active. His overtures, based upon the local purchase of its bonds to the amount of thirty-five thousand dollars, were favorably received. To improve the opening opportunity, the stock- holders at their annual meeting in December selected R. H. Hufford, James F. Crawford, George H. Case, David B. Wilson and George D. Temple to be five of the nine directors. George H. Case was made secretary, George D. Temple was made treasurer. Twelve futile months slipped by. At the next annual meeting of the stockholders in December, 1876, L. Hurst, W. B. Culbertson and W. W. Junkin were substituted for nonresident directors. Not much heart now remained in the venture. That it was vain was becoming painfully manifest. That it would or could affect the monopoly of transportation was not credited. It was accordingly suffered to leave the stage. That combination finally had eliminated competition was an accepted fact.
One reflection here claims a place. When shipments from. either east or west destined to points beyond the Mississippi River, in order to effect a crossing, had to be unloaded, ferried and reloaded, it was natural and proper that, as the
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termination of one haul and the commencement of another, it also should mark the closing of one freight charge and the beginning of another. This was the origin of the use of the Mississippi River as a basing point for rates. The practice continued and became the source of unjust discriminations after the cause for it was overcome and removed.
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CHAPTER XLIII
PROGRESS
With the return of peace, there came in an era of progress. It gathered momentum slowly. Changes occurred so naturally and at such intervals that they were little noted. Oxen as draft animals gave way to horses. Barbed wire sup- planted rails and subdued the prairies. Labor was converted into wealth. Barter decreased; trade increased. Material prosperity wrought better conditions of living. Personal and household comforts and conveniences were introduced and accepted as common and ordinary necessities of decent existence. Buildings im- proved. Schools were provided in every community. Churches, Catholic and Protestant, ministering to every peculiar spiritual want, were erected wherever a few like-minded believers could be assembled. Secret societies, representing numerous orders and serving various benevolent purposes, multiplied. The striv- ings of half a century produced striking contrasts and results to marvel at.
There was no sudden and arbitrary advance. In some instances, not in all, the successive steps are traceable. Yet an orderly relation of events always exists, although it may remain undiscovered. No crop is garnered before its harvest time.
In this upbuilding the newspapers of Fairfield performed an influential part. The Fairfield Ledger, under the direction of W. W. Junkin and of C. M. Junkin, father and son, adhered to a definite and consistent and helpful policy in all promising lines of endeavor, and covered the entire period. The Soldiers' Friend, published by Noah H. Ward through August and September, 1865, served only a political mission. No issue of it appeared after the October election. In December, the Home Visitor was started by Rev. Andrew Axline. In a business way, W. B. Murray and R. H. Moore, and in an editorial way, A. R. Fulton, were associated later with the publication. Its aim was to promote the cause of education. It was bought by W. W. Junkin in January, 1868, and merged in the Fairfield Ledger. The Iowa Democrat appeared in July, 1866, under the manage- ment of M. M. Bleakmore. In January, 1874, it was acquired by I. T. Flint and J. B. Kent. Under them it became the Industrial Era, which ardently and earnestly advocated the principles, doctrines and theories of Grangerism. Lack- ing support sufficient to sustain it, in September, 1875, it was removed to Albia. The removal was probably hastened on account of the revival of the Iowa Demo- crat by M. M. Bleakmore. The latter passed in August, 1877, to Woodward and Edwards, who renamed it the Fairfield Democrat. This was purchased in April, 1878, by Frank Green, who in turn made it the Fairfield Tribune. As that it has since continued. About October, 1880, the Fairfield Journal, a daily and weekly, was brought out by R. H. Moore. A weekly edition has also been issued as the
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Lockridge Herald. In July, 1897, the Jefferson County Republican was estab- lished by George H. Fraser. It supports temperance. Of the papers started in Pleasant Plain, Packwood, Batavia and Lockridge, save the Batavia News and the Community News-Topics of Lockridge, none remain.
In a measure banking facilities are an index to commercial needs. In 1865, the First National Bank of Fairfield was organized. There was a private bank carried on by George A. Wells. These two institutions met the financial require- ments of the county until 1875, when Samuel C. Farmer and Sons opened another private bank. Wells and the Farmers suffered reverses. In 1890, the Iowa State Savings Bank was organized. In 1901, the Jefferson County State Bank was organized. This, in 1908, was converted into the Fairfield National Bank. Other banks have been located and have found room to grow in East Pleasant Plain, Linby, Packwood, Batavia, Libertyville and Lockridge.
Industries in 1865 were in a state of transition. A few establishments in Fairfield had survived the stress and strain of war times. C. E. Noble was making sash and doors. Jacob Vote was making furniture. David Locke was building plows and wagons. Anthony Demarce was running a foundry and machine shop. John C. Keck was running a foundry and planing mill. No doubt others were turning out of their shops articles that are now the exclusive product of distant factories. This is the triumph of machinery, quantity and cheap transportation over hand-made goods.
In 1866, Dr. P. A. Woods and Capt. J. M. Woods projected a woolen mill. In the fall of 1867, spindles and looms were installed. "Cassimeres and blankets" were produced. The plant passed through troublesome experiences and in 1886 was finally closed down. In 1867, W. F. Pumphrey & Company engaged in the manufacture of fanning mills. In 1868, John C. Keck began building threshers, which he warranted "superior to all Eastern-made machines." In 1870, William Louden, who for some two years had been making, in a small way in Cedar Town- ship, a "universal hay pitcher" removed to Fairfield. His success with this, his original hay carrier, led him to undertake to manufacture a number of agri- cultural implements. The venture was too large for the hard times that soon stagnated business and so failed.
Merchants and business men, realizing the value to them and to the com- munity of industries that employ labor and add to the population, met on January 25, 1872, at Wells' Hall "to devise means to encourage the location of manu- facturing establishments." Dr. J. M. Shaffer, A. S. Jordan, M. M. Bleakmore, Johnston Moore, George A. Wells, Anthony Demarce and J. Fullen were directed "to prepare plans." It does not now appear what course of action was prescribed. The feeling that sent them on the quest and the spirit manifested on that occa- sion have been exhibited frequently in substantial aid and in investments when more financial strength was needed. The helping hand is ever extended.
In 1879, Isaiah Messenger built a brick and tile works. This marks the local beginning of the subterranean drainage of flat lands. It was the prophecy of a growing demand for tile. Rainey Brothers continued the enterprise. In 1880, the Fairfield Manufacturing Company revived the manufacture of furniture. In 1887, as the result of special effort, a canning plant was started. The big hind- rance in carrying it on was the difficulty of getting farmers to cultivate a suf- ficient acreage in tomatoes and sweet corn. In 1887, also, Joel Turney & Com- pany were induced to bring here their wagon factory from Trenton, Henry
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County. As this firm had abundant capital and an established trade, and used skilled mechanics, its coming was eventful. In 1892, the Louden Machinery Company was formed to market the inventions of William Louden. These are specialties for barns, farm and dairy. They have found favor in many foreign countries as well as in the United States. In 1893, W. H. Pence opened a machine shop. In 1902, he began making an oscillating wood saw of his own design. In 1900, M. C. Wallick introduced glovemaking. This business was taken over in 1905, and developed by the Fairfield Glove and Mitten Company. In 1901, A. K. Harper, who had been selling brushes for special household uses, determined to manufacture them. The Harper Brush Works is the outcome of that resolution. In 1904, the Iowa Malleable Iron Company established a foundry for the production of malleable castings. There is no other plant of the kind in the state and but one other successfully working west of the Mississippi River. In 1908, the Hawkeye Pump Company took up the making of pumps and tanks. In 1911, the Dexter Company was organized to carry on the manufacture of washing machines. In 1913, the Fairfield Pure Ice Company engaged in the production of artificial ice. The larger concerns only are embraced in this list.
These activities annually pay out approximately four hundred thousand dol- lars in wages and salaries. The value of their yearly output approaches and may exceed one and one-half million dollars. These two simple statements tell a story of remarkable achievement.
From the organization of the county, its helpless, indigent and mentally de- ficient were accepted as charges upon its funds. At first these dependents were kept here and there in private homes. This method, simple and practicable while they were few, but applied with more and more difficulty as their numbers in- creased, held on tenaciously. In the October election of 1866, authority to estab- lish a "Poor Farm" at an expense not to exceed six thousand dollars was asked of the voters. The upshot of this was 1,842 ballots granting it and 399 ballots refus- ing it. In 1867, in executing the measure, some two hundred and thirty-six acres near the center of Liberty Township were purchased. Improvements were added from time to time. In January, 1896, the houses sheltering the unfortunates burned down. A spirited discussion ensued over the utility and location of the farm. Some critics insisted that it was too large to be profitable; some that it would be more convenient if nearer to Fairfield. The debate was extraneous, but brought into prominence the need and extent of official charity. On March 5th, at a special election, the levy of a tax and the issuance of bonds to an amount not in excess of twenty thousand dollars to replace the loss was sanctioned, the former by a majority of 580 votes, the latter by a majority of 540 votes. The favorable result lies to the credit of the Abingdon precinct of Polk Township and of the townships of Locust Grove, Fairfield, Round Prairie, Liberty and Des Moines. Following the precedent of a previous issue, the bonds were offered to "bona fide residents of the county" and were quickly taken. A well planned "County Home," put under construction at once, was ready for occupancy in November. It cost $17,500 completed. The importance of the institution ap- pears in the average number of persons annually cared for. This average, which in 1876 was twenty-one, has gradually risen, in 1913 reaching fifty-eight.
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In 1867, baseball swept over Iowa. In May, it reached Fairfield, where it was enthusiastically received. After some preliminary meetings, on the 24th, the Jefferson Base Ball Club was organized. The officers were: Dr. J. M. Shaffer, Vol. 1 -25
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president; W. W. Junkin, vice president ; John R. Shaffer, secretary ; T. F. Higley, treasurer; and W. N. Stephens, G. W. Phelps and Galon Baker, directors. The first game was played the next day. On June 8th, the Mechanics' Base Ball Club completed an organization. Its officers were: A. R. Fulton, president; A. R. Byrkit, vice president; C. S. Byrkit, secretary; S. E. Bigelow, treasurer; and W. L. Daggett, John D. Rider and Henry Vote, directors. On July 27th, picked players of these clubs matched their skill on the diamond. The score stood 50 to 23 against the Mechanics. On August Ist, the first nine of the Jefferson Base Ball Club, Ed McNight, T. F. Higley, J. B. King, George W. Phelps, Fred S. Sanford, S. W. Pierce, N. S. Bright, William Mount and J. J. Gibson, met at Brighton a nine of the Washington Base Ball Club, Washington. They lost by a score of 35 to 54, but accepted their defeat with the philosophy of true sports- men. C. D. Leggett acted as their official scorer.
In the summer of 1871 croquet was introduced and at once became a popular pastime. Its common appellation was "Presbyterian billiards."
With the passing of the open lands, stock running at large began to trespass upon enclosed and cultivated fields. In 1868, the General Assembly took note of the fact and enacted provisions, applicable to a county and subject to adoption by its legal voters, for the restraint of stock "between sunset and sunrise." This remedy for the evil was quite weak and inefficient. In 1870, the General Assembly improved upon it by eliminating the restriction as to time. In 1871, the law was submitted in Jefferson County for approval or rejection. Popularly it was viewed as a blow aimed at the poor man and received little support. The ballot gave but 308 votes in its favor to 2,107 votes in opposition.
This result had been foreshadowed. In March, the City Council of Fairfield passed an ordinance to restrain horses and swine within the corporate limits. The enactment caused a commotion and was bitterly denounced. A remonstrance was filed. A citizens' meeting condemned it and asked for its repeal or a referendum. The councilmen remained unmoved. A second citizens' meeting demanded the resignations of the offending officials that they might give place to men "controlled by the will of the majority." Upon W. W. Junkin in particular, who represented the Fourth ward, was wrath visited. To quiet the clamor he resigned, but stood for reelection. He was sustained in his course by a majority of one vote. Mean- while the council so far yielded as to raise a special committee to hear complaints. This committee in time returned two reports. Two of its members, Christian W. Slagle and David B. Wilson, recommended the retention of the ordinance; the third member, J. S. Beck, recommended its repeal or its submission to the voters. There was no further action. Having failed in its effort, the agitation subsided.
A product of the contest was these satirical verses :
O Marshal, spare that hog, Touch not his lengthy snoot; But kill that ugly dog, And let the porker root. He's only hunting grubs, Thar, under Turner's fence, And champing little shrubs That ain't worth 15 cents.
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You say he'll "spile that yard, And peel that little tree," But then he's gainin' lard- It makes him plump, you see. All of my hogs are fat- And I've got fifteen head; And some weigh more than that, But don't cost me a red.
For I never keep a pig Unless he's on the root, And willin' for to dig His livin' with his snoot. You say the walks are sights, And many folks object; But ain't a hog got rights That people should respect?
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