USA > Iowa > Humboldt County > History of Kossuth and Humbolt counties, Iowa : together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 79
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the contract with the narrow gauge com- pany, as also want of confidence in the purpose of the Fort Dodge capitalists to build if they could defeat the Des Moines company withont building, rendered un- availing all efforts to defeat the consum- mation of the agreement, which was en- dorsed by a vote of 578 to forty-eight. Mr. Pearson, in speaking of the contest after the June election, said: "I do not wish to go to Heaven if S. H. Taft is go- ing there, for I have fought with him all I wish to in this world, and am sure we shall renew hostilities in whatever world we should meet."
The decisive vote caused the Fort Dodge company to commence building operations at once, and under the able management of Mr. Pearson, who not only superintended the work, but per- formed more hard labor than any two other men, the road was graded and tied into Humboldt county before winter set in. But the labor and exposure proved too much for Mr. Pearson's naturally vigorous consti- tution, for during the winter he was prostra- ted with a fever, which came near proving fatal, and from the effects of which he can never wholly recover. In the early summer following, the road was ironed and daily trains run over it. The com- pletion of this road into the county de- tracted from the importance of the narrow gange road and interfered with the sale of its bonds, so that it had made little prog- ress during the year. In the winter of 1878 George Bassett, secretary of the Fort Dodge company, wrote an open let- ter to Mr. Taft, in which he spoke of the narrow gauge company as without money with which to build, and asked why the
people of Humboldt did not abandon a helpless company, and co-operate with a company which was prepared to build at once. Mr. Taft replied that the people of the county were not convinced of the inability of the Des Moines & Minnesota Company to extend their road to the points named within a reasonable time, but should such prove to be the fact they would gladly extend to the Fort Dodge company the same aid promised to the other company. These letters were pub- lished in the Fort Dodge Messenger and the Humboldt Kosmos, and were the occa- sion of much discussion on the situation. The whistle of the engine on the Fort Dodge road could be heard every day, while the narrow guage road was still forty miles distant and the company was doing little in the way of building. Under this state of things, public senti- ment regarding the two companies changed rapidly. To this change the executive ability and straight forward dealings of Mr. Pearson largely contribu- ted. In the early part of May, Mr. Taft visited DesMoines, the headquarters of the narrow gauge company, to ascertain what might be expected of it in regard to the extension of its road; and learned that it did not intend to build even to Web- ster City, within the time specified for reaching Humboldt. The last of June, Mr. Pearson invited the people of Hum- boldt county to a fine ride to Fort Dodge, to which a good number responded by their presence at the time uamed. A number of the directors accompanied the excursionists on the return trip. At the end of the road Mr. Taft, being called upon by the excursionists to return thanks
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for the courtesy shown them, said in con- cluding his remarks "The utter failure of the narrow gauge company to fulfill its engagements with the people of Hum- boldt county absolves them from all fur- ther obligations to it, and I believe the time has come for us to change front, and extend to the Fort Dodge company and especially to its unconquerable superin- tendent, our hearty sympathy and co- operation." To which Mr. Pearson, step- ping forward and extending his hand, said: "Brother Taft, I am glad to shake hands with you across the bloody chasm-," to which all present responded with three cheers.
Finding that the people of Humboldt were looking with more favor on its enterprise, the Fort Dodge company asked of them to make known the terms on which they would co-operate with it. A committee composed of A. D. Bick- nell, S. II. Taft, W. II. Locke, An- drew Gullixson and H. J. Kitman were appointed at a public meeting, called for the purpose, to make answer. This com- mittee succeeded in making satisfactory terms with the company, and a petition extensively signed was presented to the supervisors asking them to submit to a vote the terms agreed upon between the committee and the company, but the rival interests represented in the board,together with a remonstrance against such submis- sion resulted in their refusal to order a vote on the question. The railroad question was now the principal topic of discussion everywhere, the result of which was fa- vorable. In the latter part of May a pub- lic meeting was called to take into con- sideration the request of the Fort Dodge
company, at which Messrs. A. D. Bick- nell, S. H. Taft, W. H. Locke, Andrew Gullixson and H. J. Kitman were ap- pointed a committee to arrange terms of co-operation with said company. This com- mittee came to a satisfactory understand- ing with said company and a petition, signed by 250 voters, was presented to the supervisors at a special meeting of the board held July 1, asking the submis- sion of the agreement to a vote of the county. But the rival interests repre- sented by the several members led to the refusal of the board again to order a vote as requested. But the board adjourned to meet again in three weeks, when the same petition, still more numerously signed, was again presented and again denied. This action of the board was severely criticised throughout the county, and resulted in promoting sympathy with the Fort Dodge company.
In the issue of the Kosmos, next follow- ing this action of the supervisors, the editor said: "We do not feel like writ- ing of railroads any more at present. We have written of railroads steadily and per- sistently for over four years, and before that, our predecessor wrote of them, way back to the time of chaos before the Kos- mos. If all the railroad articles that have appeared in the True Democrat, Republi- cun and Kosmos could be cut out and pasted together they would reach clear across the country to the present terminus of that nuused thirteen miles of the Du- bnque & Dakota road." A little later Mr. Pearson withdrew the train, which had been running a number of months, and locked up the engine, and as there seemed to be no further danger of the extension
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of the narrow gauge road into Humboldt county, a number of the directors advo- cated the removal of theiron and ties and putting them on the road bed graded from Fort Dodge through Wright county. At the September meeting the board did sub- mit to a vote, at the general election in October, a proposition to give the com- pany half the swamp lands when the road should be extended to the oft-named depot between the towns, providing also that the road should be built across sec- tion 17, on the east side of the East Des- Moines river. But this proposition was rejected by the company, although it re- ceived a majority of the votes cast at the election.
While things were in this chaotic state. leading men of Humboldt urged upon the company to make known the best terms on which it would extend the road, and to this request Mr. Pearson responded, by appearing before the board of supervisors, at its January meeting, and presented terms which were agreed to and a vote ordered to be taken upon the contract, at a special election upon the 14th of Febrn- ary following. By this contract, half of the swamp lands were to be conveyed to the company when the road was com- pleted to a depot between the towns, as before provided, and the other half when when it should extend its line six miles north.
The time intervening between the or- dering of the vote and the election was diligently devoted to the presentation of the claims of the proposition under con- sideration, and among the speakers who canvassed the county, no one worked as hard or successfully as Mr. Pearson, who
kept his appointments regardless of cold or storm, on one occasion making a jour- ney of eighteen miles over untrodden snow, when the thermometer stood twenty degrees below zero, and a strong wind was sweeping over the prairies. The result of the election was the endorse- ment of the contract, by a vote of 555 to 139. The next morning after this victory Mr. Pearson ran the engine, which had been locked up for months, to the end of the road, about six miles south of Hum- boldt, and gave a loud and long salute. Work was resumed on the road, on the opening of spring, and the grading was nearly completed to the Des Moines river, when it was announced by the Minneapo- lis & St Louis Railroad Company that its road was to be immediately extended from Forest City, Winnebago county, to the coal fields of Webster county. This move- ment awakened much interest everywhere, and much anxiety was felt regarding the location of the road, by the people in the central part of the county, as also, by the directors of the Fort Dodge company, for it was evident that if the Minneapolis road should be run as at first proposed, from Britt, straight to Fort Dodge, it would pass several miles east of the water powers and stone quarries of the towns of Humboldt and Dakota and destroy all prospect of there ever being a large busi- ness center in the county, while it would prove ruinous to the success of the Fort Dodge company. The directors of the last named company, appreciating the gravity of the situation, made favorable overtures to their northern neighbors for the sale of their road. But, as such an arrangement involved the lengthening of
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the road over three miles and greatly increased the expense in grading, the straight line seemed likely to be the one chosen. In 1879 a locating committee composed of Gov. C. C. Washburne, Col. C. F. Hatch, Capt. W. W. Ritch, Gen. W. D. Washburne and E. W. Gaylord passed over the proposed line to Fort Dodge, from which place Mr. Pearson came with them over the line of his road to Hum- boldt. Here, by Mr. Pearson's request, Mr. Taft met the committee, and united with him in presenting the mutual inter- est which would accrue to all parties by a union of the two roads. After a careful consideration of the advantages and dis- advantages of the proposed lines, Gov. Washburne, whose vote would decide the question, as the other members of the committee stood equally divided, said "1 believe the additional business which the towns, water powers, and stone quarrie, will give ns, warrant the additional ex- pense involved in building on this line." This question settled, the work of build- ing was rapidly carried forward, the road reaching Humboldt early in Septem- ber, and Livermore three months later.
In most of the votes taken on the swamp land grants, a five per cent tax, to be levied upon the taxable property of the county, was also attached as an additonal subsidy, and this cash was an important factor in all negotiations and transactions.
The location and building of this rail- road assured a future for the towns of the county, as it gave them the benefit of the transportation of its productions to mar- ket, and a fresh impetus was given to immigration, and the inflow of capital and men of business enterprise. So important
had these centers of trade become in a year or two that the Chicago & North- western Railroad, in building their road through Humboldt county, felt compelled to deflect from a straight line, so as to touch these two towns, and enter into competition with the rival road, for a share of their patronage. This was dur- the year 1881.
The other branch of the Northwestern crosses the northeastern corner of the county, having a station at Vernon.
The Burlington, Cedar Rapids & North- ern Railroad was built through this county during the year 1882, and has an impor- tant station at the growing town of Liv- ermore.
The Des Moines & Fort Dodge, or more properly, the Des Moines Valley Railroad passes through the southwest portion of the county and was built in 1882, also. Thus Humboldt county, that so long was without a railroad; that for years schemed aud worked for this end, and only suc- ceeded in getting the initial road in 1880, has now five lines traversing its territory, and all of these were built without any subsidy on the part of this community, with the exception of that presented to the first one.
The great natural advantages, and in- valuable resources possessed by Humboldt county, can now be, and are being rapidly developed. The time is not far distant when the really great water powers will be more fully utilized, the inexhaustible stone quarries more systematically worked, and Humboldt county enjoy the benefits of the rich storehouse of nature, that lies within her reach, and assume among the counties of the State, the station that be- longs to her by right.
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CHAPTER XIV.
AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.
Humboldt county is acknowledged as being among the best and most prosperous agricultural connties in Iowa. Its people are awake and keep step with the pro- gressive march of the times in all that per- tains to a civilization of happiness, indus- try and culture. Its future posibilities may be set high among the cluster of its hundred sisters, a star of pride to the noble . State. The early pioneers did not come loaded with wealth, and in fact few had more than enough to barely get settled npou their lands ; but they came with that which was, in those days, equal to it- training in agricultural pursuits, brawny hands that were able and not ashamed to do hard work, and in connection with in- dustrions habits, the energy and determi- nation to win success. The country was new, and there was no alternative but that suceess must be wrought from the soil- which was their only wealth and their .only hope. And, in spite of all the obsta- eles and inconveniences to be encountered, success has attended their efforts, and the transformation from the primitive to the present comfortable condition of things accomplished. Nor is the end yet reached, but the county still has a mine of agricul- tnral wealth yet undeveloped, which, as years roll on, will grow more and more valuable, and when years of cultivated
maturity shall dawn to transform the yet unsubdued prairie to waving fields of growing grain, Humboldt county will oc- cupy a place among the foremost ranks of Iowa's banner counties.
Early in the development of this country wheat was the main product, and for a number of years excellent crops were raised with seareely a failure. At the present tinre it has partially given up its former place to other cereals, while the farmers find many other avennes in which to devote their time and energies. The general theory- or it might be more prop- erly said-it is known in a general way, that the wheat belt has been traveling westward ever since it was first started at Plymouth, Mass., when the pilgrim fathers landed there over 260 years ago. At first it moved on its westward march, not in a very rapid way, until fifty years ago the valley of the Genesee, in New York, was the great wheat raising region. But, when Michigan, Illinois and Iowa were opened np for cultivation, the wheat growing center began its kanga- roo jumps toward the setting sun, and Iowa was for years its resting place ; but how long it will be before its now reced- ing line will pass elear beyond the con- fines of Iowa and land in Dakota and Ne- braska, time alone can determine. The
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gradual increase in stock raising has placed corn in the front rank at pres- ent. Flax of late years has been raised quite extensively. Rye, barley and all the cereals common to this latitude do well, and vegetables and small fruits grow abundantly where well cultivated. About one-quarter of the area of the county is under a good state cultivation.
HUMBOLDT COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
At a meeting of the citizens of Hum- boldt county, held at Dakota, March 6, 1858, for the purpose of organizing a county agricultural society, William W. Tucker was chosen president pro tem. and and S. M. Sherman, secretary. After the reading of an address, by the president, it was resolved to appoint a committee of five to draft a constitution. This com- mittee were : S. M. Sherman, John L. Lewis, William W. Tucker, George W. Hand and D. Williams. These gentle- men retired, and in a short time returned and presented the following fundamental law, as the result of their deliberation, which was immediately adopted :
CONSTITUTION.
ARTICLE 1. This association shall be styled the Humboldt County Agricultural Society ; and its object shall be the in- provement of agriculture, horticulture, arborculture, mechanics arts, rural and domestic economy.
ART. 2. The officers of this society shall consist of a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and one or more di- rectors from each civil township repre- sented in the society, in the county, they together, or five of their number, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
ART. 3. The regular annual meeting of this society shall be held at the time of the annual fair, which shall take place during the month of September or Octo- ber, in each year, at which time, or at an adjourned annual meeting the officers shall be chosen, by ballot, and shall serve one year, and until their successors are elected and qualified. Any vacancy that may occur in any of the offices may be filled by the board until the next annual meeting, or adjourned annual meeting.
ART. 4. Officers elected at an annual meeting, or an adjourned annual meeting, shall not assume their duties until the Ist of January following; and it shall be incumbent upon the retiring board to settle up the business of their year, and shall until the time above specified, per- form that duty.
ART. 5. The duties of the president and vice-president shall be such as usually attach to such officers. The president shall, if possible, attend the January meeting of the board of directors of the State society, and his necessary traveling expenses shall be borne by this county society. In case that it shall be impossi- ble for him to attend said meeting, the directors or executive committee.shall appoint some other member of the society to represent him at that time. These two latter clauses are subject to the board, tu be set aside or executed as they may think best.
ART. 7. It shall be the duty of the secre- tary to keep, carefully, the records of the society, and all papers relating thereto ; to respond promptly to all letters and cir- culars from the State society ; to make, annually, before the 1st of December, a
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a report to the secretary of the said State society, which report shall embrace such items of information, concerning the county society and such other statistical facts as may be required by the State board, and to perform all other duties under the di- rection of the executive committee that may be necessary for the welfare of the society, for which services he shall re- ceive, annually, as compensation, the sum of $10.
ART. 9. The principal place of business shall be at the residence of the secretary, and no capital is required other than the sums contributed annually by the mem- bers, the amount received from the State, and the proceeds of the annnal exhibitions, which can only be invested in grounds and fixtures necessary to accommodate the so- ciety, or other legitimate objects, thereof-
ART. 10. This society shall hold an an- ' nnal fair, at such time and place as shall be designated by the board of directors.
ART. 11. The president shall have power to call meetings of the board when- ever he may deem it necessary to do so, and the board may call special meeting of the society upon due notice being given.
ART. 19. Any person may become a member of this society by signing this constitution. The privileges secured by membership shall continue so long as the articles are complied with, or a member may withdraw by giving notice to the board and paying all arrears.
ART. 13. At each annual meeting a vote shall be taken, as to what amount members shall pay for the next year ; and any member failing or refusing to pay the amount thus agreed upon, shall forfeit all the privileges of membership, until
said amount is paid. The dues of delin- quents may be collected by law, the same as any other debt may he collected.
ART. 14. The board of directors shall, annnally prior to the Ist of April, estab- lish a premium list, to be awarded at the next fair.
ART. 15. Competitors for premiums must be members of this society ; and all articles offered for premiums must be owned by the persons offering them, or by members of their families. In the department of mechanics, the exhibitor must be the maker, inventor or improver.
ART. 16. Awarding committees of three persons each shall be appointed by the directors, for judging the different classes, and the preminms for the same.
ART. 17. Competitors for field crops shall comply with the requirements and rules of the State society, and the premiums on these crops shall be awarded by the exec- ntive committee, before they retire from office.
ART. 18. The board shall have power to enact any by-laws which may be deemed necessary for the good of this society ; provided, that they do not conflict with the provisions of this constitution or the laws of the State relating to agricultural societies.
ART. 19. This constitution may be altered or amended by a vote of the majority of the members present and voting, at any regular meeting.
Article 2 was so amended Jan. 26, 1878, as to declare three directors a quorum to transact business.
Some twenty odd members signed this constitution and the society commenced
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its existence under favorable auspices. At the meeting held April 3, 1858, the follow- ing were chosen the first permanent officers of the society : D. Williams, president ; John L. Lewis, vice-president ; J. C. Cu- sey, treasurer ; M. D. Collins, secretary ; William Tucker, Mr. Hutchinson, George Hart, Thomas Reed, Alexander McLean, S. B. Bellows, G. W. Hand and D. Wil- liams, board of managers.
The first fair was held upon the 5th of October, 1858, at the village of Dakota. According to the records this was quite a success, and encouraged the promoters of the enterprise to continue their efforts for the improvement of the various subjects mentioned. The first premiums awarded by the society were as follows:
J. C. Cusey, for the best cow; W. F. Hand, for the second; G. W. Hand, for the third; G. W. Hand, best bull; J. C. Cusey, second; W. L. Cusey, best two- year-old heifer; Thomas Read, best sow and pigs; G. W. Hand, best brood mare and two.year-old colt. S. B. Bellows was awarded the first premium on beets; Thomas Read, on potatoes; S. B. Bellows, on cabbages and radishes; John L. Lewis, on onions, sweet corn, rutabagas and beans; and A. McLean, on carrots. In domestic economy, Mrs. Thomas Read drew the premium for butter and cheese; Laura Bellows, sorghum syrup, and Mrs. A. McLean on catsup. S. B. Bellows was also awarded the first premium on sorghum.
The officers for the year 1859 were as follows: Dr. Williams, president; John L. Lewis, vice-president; M. D. Collins, secretary; J. C. Cusey, treasurer; A. Mc-
Lean, G. W. Hand and T. W. Read, from Dakota, William Tucker, HI. Knowles and George Hart, from Humboldt, directors.
The second fair was held during the month of October, 1859, and was a much better one than the first. Many more entries were made for premiums and the occasion was a general jubilee.
In 1860 the officers were as follows: D. Williams, president; J. L. Lewis, vice- president; M. D. Collins, secretary; Charles Bergk, treasurer; S. B. Bellows, A. McLean, G. W. Mann, H. A. Knowles, G. C McCauley and W. W. Tucker, direc- tors.
The third annual fair was held Oct. 3, 1860, with still increasing interest.
In 1861 the officers who managed the affairs of the society were: J. C. Cusey, president; Martin Maxwell, vice-president; G. W. Mann, secretary; Charles Bergk, treasurer; Walter Thomas, George Mo- Cauley, W. F. Hand and H. A. Knowles, directors.
The fourth annual fair was held at Hland's Grove on the 1st of October, 1861.
The following is the list of officers for each succeeding year in their proper order:
1862-D. Williams, president; M. Max- well, vice-president; G. W. Mann, secre- tary; Charles Bergk, treasurer; J. C. Cusey, G. W. Hand, H. A. Knowles, Jolin E. Cragg and G. C. McCauley, board of directors.
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