USA > Iowa > Pottawattamie County > History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Containing a history from the earliest settlement to the present time biographical sketches; portraits of some of the early settlers, prominent men, etc. > Part 5
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The designation of the eastern terminus by the charter and signature of President Lincoln did not appease the wrath of the citizens of Omaha. and they determined to set the whole matter aside-went into Congress and then to the courts to accomplish this work, but the cit- izens of Council Bluffs followed them closely, and after many long and warm legal and other controversies, Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie gained the day, and to-day an extensive trans- fer depot stands in this city as a monument of the victory obtained over Omaha.
A company was organized to build the road known as the Council Bluffs & St. Joseph, Mo., Railroad, down the Missouri River Valley. This company was officered and urged by the citizens of Council Bluffs, and the city, by its officers, subscribed to the stock. This act, on the part of the officers of the city, was declared invalid by the Supreme Court of Iowa, on a case made to restrain the collection of taxes to pay interest on the bonds so issued. But the road proceeded, and on the 9th of November,
1859, ground was broken for the building of the road, on which occasion appropriate ceremo- nies were had. At this time, the county of Pot- tawattamie donated $40,000 of the proceeds of swamp-lands granted by the United States Gov- ernment. The completion of this road, through disturbing causes, was delayed until 1868, since when it has been a prosperous railroad. It was continued under the original name for four years, but when the railway system in Mis- souri, under the influence of peace, expanded, and Kansas City became an important point, a consolidation of the line between that city and Council Bluffs was made, and the corporation is now known as the Kansas City, St. Joseph and Council Bluffs Railway. It is a trunk line to the east and sonth, and as such is growing into public favor. It traverses one of the most beautiful and rich valleys to be discov- ered in the country. Its agricultural resources are unlimited, and this gives the road an ex- tensive local traffic. The trains began running to this city December 17, 1867.
The Sioux City & Pacific Railway has regu- lar trains running from Council Bluffs to St. Paul, via Sioux City, over a very rich and beautiful country. This road does a large business, and is growing into popularity under the management of Maj. J. H. O'Brien, who has his headquarters in Council Bluffs. This road began making regular trips to this city in 1874.
In August, 1882, Major O'Brien received a new appointment, and early in this month de- parted from Council Bluff's for Illinois, where he entered upon duty.
The Chicago & North-Western Railroad was the first road to reach Council Bluffs, on Janu- ary 22, 1871, and upon the arrival of cars in this city, a grand demonstration took place. The citizens, as well as the railroad men, were jubilant over the completion of the extensive work. The road crosses the entire State, from east to west, through a rich and thickly settled country, and its traffic is exceedingly heavy,
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
and is constantly on the increase. This being the first line completed to this city, the people here have more than an ordinary desire to see it prosper. Many settlers along this line of railway have become quite independent in worldy goods. J. T. Clark is General Agent in Council Bluffs; J. W. Mckenzie is the Local Passenger and Freight Agent.
The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway is one of the leading lines touching and hav- ing a terminus in Council Bluffs. It crosses Iowa from Davenport, passing through Iowa City, Des Moines and other important points where coal is found in large quantities and rich fields yield abundant harvests, and give to the road a very extensive traffic. Here this line connects with the Union Pacific, and, there- fore, it enjoys a through thoroughfare from Chicago to San Francisco, Cal. It also passes southwest from Davenport to Kansas City, a distance of 300 miles, where it makes a connection with all the West and Southwestern railroads. This railway was completed to Council Bluffs, May 12, 1869. S. S. Stevens, is the popular General Western Agent.
The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad is one of the leading roads passing through a large portion of Pottawattamie County, and having a center in Council Bluffs. It passes through a rich and populous portion of Iowa, and is doing a heavy freight and passenger business. D. W. Hitchcock is the General Western Agent, and has his headquarters at St. Joseph, Mo. This road first entered Coun- cil Bluffs in 1869.
Along about the Ist of July, 1882, the Chi- cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company entered Council Bluffs with their construction train. This road has branches extending all over the country, east and west, north and south. Its regular trains began to arrive in Council Bluffs in the fall of 1882.
The Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific is one of the very important railway lines reaching and
having a western terminus in the city of Coun- cil Bluffs. It has innumerable branches, which pass through Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Iowa, as well as Northern Missouri. This is a direct line to St. Louis from this city, and it is doing an extensive passenger and freight business. Trains on this road began running to Council Bluffs in the fall of 1879. J. B. Gault. General Agent, resides in this city.
We are informed that as early as 1853, Gen. G. M. Dodge, then a resident of Iowa City, and who had been employed as an engineer in the construction of a railroad from Chicago to Rock Island, surveyed a line for a railroad across the State of Iowa from Davenport to Council Bluffs. This line was called the Mis- sissippi & Missouri, and was the one adopted generally in the construction of the road be- tween the two points mentioned. Gen. Dodge extended his surveys across the Missouri River and up the Platte Valley, on what is now the line of the Union Pacific Railroad. He figured extensively in the construction of this line as engineer, and as its friend in Congress. In 1854, he brought his family to Council Bluffs, and was soon followed by his father and family, who located on the Elkhorn River, Neb., for a few years, and then located here.
In the fall of 1853, Hon. Samuel R. Curtis traced a railroad line across the State of Iowa, called the Philadelphia, Fort Wayne & Platte Valley Railroad, which, in after years, was called the "Air Line " road. S. S. Bayliss, who was always noted for his liberality to every object calculated to build up Council Bluffs, made a contract with Gen. Curtis for depot grounds in the event that the road should be built to the Missouri River. This road was never made. Gen. Curtis, in after years, took a great interest in the Union Pacific Railroad and the develop- ment of Pottawattamie County. During his life, he frequently visited this section, and, in in fact, died at the residence of Col. Nutt, in this city, when on a visit, in 1867.
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
CHAPTER V .*
EARLY AND PRESENT RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS AND SOCIETIES- SECRET AND BENEVOLENT FRATERNITIES, ORDERS AND SOCIETIES-SCHOOLS-THE PRESS- INCREASE AND PROGRESS, ETC.
TY every age and in every clime, religion has marched along with civilization, and, in- deed, without the Christianizing influence, it is doubtful if the progress in civilization would have been so rapid, or could have been main- tained. Wherever religion is entirely ignored, society becomes rough, and all civilizing influ- ences appear to depart. All protection to re- finement is gone, and people cannot feel secure. and the result is, that the best men and women will not settle in such community. Even the non-believer prefers to take his family into a settlement where religion is practiced, and has its civilizing and refining influence. If you will go with us to some of the mining camps in the mountains, where religion has not penetrat- ed, we can show you that the civilization pre- vailing there is of a low order, and the once refined gentleman has forgotten his early train- ing and only because of the abandonment of the religious practices of early life. And, again, where religion is entirely abandoned, education is neglected and all refinement is lost. It is because of these prevailing reasons that religion and civilization travel together, and benevolent, self-sacrificing people are found marching " in the wilderness, preaching to all." It is but right that in this history the churches, schools and societies should have a place.
In referring to the early religious organiza- tion, we find that the Catholics were the first to plant missionaries. They were here before the settlements by the whites, and labored among the Indians. It was in 1839 that Rev.
Fathers DeSmith and Veright established a Catholic Mission here. In September, 1870, Rev. Father B. P. McMenomy, Pastor of the Catholic Church in this city, opened a school for girls, and this school is in charge of the Sisters of Charity.
It is stated that Rev. William Rector. of Fremont County, preached the first orthodox sermon in this city.
In 1850, Rev. William Simpson organized the first Methodist Episcopal Church in Potta- wattamie County. At this writing, numerous churches are scattered over the county, and this people have become very strong and nn- merous.
On June 12, 1853, a Congregational organi- zation was perfected, and the foundation of a church building laid, August 9, 1854. It was completed and dedicated July 6, 1856.
In April, 1856, the Episcopalians organized a society, and in August, 1857, Bishop Lee laid the corner-stone of the St. Paul Episcopal Church. It remained in this condition until 1860, when a frame church was erected and consecrated by Bishop Lee.
The first Presbyterian organization was made October 12, 1856, and the society has a fine brick church. The organization is very large at present.
The first Baptist society was organized in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, in Jan- uary, 1868, with nine members. G. T. John - son, D. D., afterwards of Philadelphia, Penn., preached the first sermon, and Rev. T. F. Thickstun became the local minister. The new
*By W. T. Giles.
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
temple of this society was completed and dedi- cated to the worship of God on June 15, 1878.
The German Lutherans have a large society in the city of Council Bluffs, and are organized in other portions of the county.
The United Brethren have formed a society here, and have a comfortable frame building in which they worship.
Other religious organizations are in success- ful operation, among which are the Spiritualists. They have their own hall, and meet regularly every Sunday.
It is impossible to visit any portion of Pot- tawattamie County, where any settlement of note exists, without finding churches, schools, and other benevolent organizations, and wher- ever these institutions abound you will find refinement and the very best of society. The farmers appear more intelligent and prosperous, and, in fact, the stranger approaching such dis- tricts, feels perfectly safe.
SOCIETIES.
The church has not been able to rescue suf- fering humanity, and therefore secret benevolent societies have been formed in all sections of the world, and Pottawattamie County is not without her fair proportion of these societies. The Odd Fellows, standing upon the principles of religion and charity, were the first to organ- ize in Council Bluffs. This organization dates back to 1853, and the lodge was No. 49. In 1855, the Masonic order established a lodge, and held their first meeting in Odd Fellows Hall. This order has several different organi- zations at the present time, and all are in a flourishing condition. Every town of any im- portance in the county has its lodge.
The American Order United Workmen is of more recent date. and it is also growing into public favor. It is based upon an insurance plan, and in many cases has resulted in good to the families of destitute men who have been called to their eternal homes. Like other in-
stitutions of this kind, it finds a home in every place in the county where the population is sufficient to establish a lodge.
The lawyers, doctors and other professional men have each their respective organization.
Several German lodges and societies are in full operation, and our German citizens appear to be making as rapid progress in this line as other citizens. It is also a fact that their asso- ciations are generally well conducted and are financial successes.
The farmers also formed themselves into se- cret organizations for their better protection from extortions.
These orders have grown so rapidly, and so many new orders are springing up, that it is almost impossible to keep pace with them. But a few years ago this county was without any of these organizations, and for a long time they had so few members that it made the ex- pense heavy upon each, but now the orders number by the score, and the members by the hundreds. The increase can scarce- ly he told at the present time. Go where you will, Odd Fellows, Masons, Working Men associations of every description are to be found. These societies appear to have a good influence over the people where they prevail, in more ways than is generally supposed, and yet they have their opponents in men who know little or nothing about their teachings.
SCHOOLS.
We look back upon our early educational advantages with astonishment when looking at the schools of to-day, and even wonder how our people of the primitive times obtained so much information. The small log cabin has given place to the fine, large brick or frame building-the old books have been surrendered for new ones, and everything has been simpli- fied and perfected. Now it is a comfort to visit the schoolroom and behold the children well seated and enjoying fine, airy rooms. The con-
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
trast is so great that it seems as if children should make more progress than they do.
In this city, much of the grand result in our common schools can be attributed to the efforts made by Hon. D. C. Bloomer, who devoted his time and energies to building them up. In Crescent Township, we learn, David Dunkle, Esq., was one of the leading spirits in the ad- vocacy of free schools and good school build- ings. Many others ought to be mentioned in this county who were strong advocates of our free school system, and improved educational advantages. They can look back to their la- bors with joy, for their efforts have been crowned with wonderful success, even exceed- ing their greatest expectations. But few coun- ties in Iowa can boast of better schools and school buildings than are to be found in Potta- wattamie. Go where you will, and the large school building rises above all others. Gen- erally, care is taken in the selection of teachers, and our schools are the boast of our people. A few days since, we met a gentleman from the country, and his first remarks were in relation to the schools in his section, and he remarked " how different are our schools to what they were when I was young." He thought that children ought to take delight in going to the places of learning, for, said he, " they are pal- aces compared with where we were edu- cated."
In the early days of this county, say twenty- five years ago, but few children were here, but look at the thousands of scholars that fill our large buildings of to-day, and yet we have not school room enough. Council Bluffs alone has more school children now than the whole county had twenty or twenty-five years ago. It is to be hoped that our educational advantages will keep pace with the increase of our population. If our people will guard well the education of the children, the liberties of the American citi- zens will ever be safe. Our free institutions can only be secure in accordance with our in-
telligence, and this, in a measure, must depend upon our educational advantages.
A statement in relation to the increase of school buildings and number of schools in Council Bluffs alone will, in a measure, show the increase in the county, for all portions of the country have increased proportionately as they have increased in population. It is stated that twelve buildings, and mostly large ones, are filled with scholars, and a contract has been made for the building of another schoolhouse, to cost $8,000 or $10,000. Then we find that the Catholics maintain one or two schools. Be- sides these, several private institutions are do . ing excellent work in the way of educating our young people and fitting them for life's battle. What is true of this city is true of our whole county, and the educational interests of all classes are being well protected.
THE PRESS.
The first paper published in the county of Pottawattamie was the Frontier Guardian. It was first published in the summer of 1848, with Orson Hyde as editor, and Mr. Pyckett as publisher. A. C. Ford was assistant editor for some time. It was an organ of the Whig party, and was discontinued in the spring of 1853.
The Council Bluffs Bugle, a Democratic pa- per, was started in the spring of 1850 by A. W. Babbitt, who remained as editor and pub- lisher between two and three years. It was then sold to Joseph E. Johnson, who conducted it about two years, when the proprietorship changed to Johnson & Carpenter. From 1856 to 1864. it was published by Babbitt & Car- penter. The senior member of this firm was Hon. L. W. Babbitt, but no relation of A. W. Babbitt, the first editor. From 1864 to 1866, the publishers were Babbitt & Son. In Jan- uary, 1866, W. T. Giles bought the Bugle of L. W. Babbitt, and became the editor and pub- lisher till October, 1867. Mr. Giles also pub- lished a daily Bugle for several months.
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
It was W. T. Giles who started a German Democratic paper in 1867, and he employed Wenbone & Worden to edit and publish it. This paper was called the Council Bluffs Presse. In 1867, after the October election, which went Democratic, Mr. Giles then sold the Bugle back to Hon. L. W. Babbitt and his German type to Messrs. Wenbone & Worden, who ran the Presse for some months, and fail- ing to pay Giles, he then sold the establishment to IIerman Wagner, who also failed to pay for it, and the original owner was compelled to take the material back, at a considerable loss to himself.
In 1857, Col. Babbitt started the Daily Bu- gle, and continued the daily for about six months. The Bugle office passed through two fires, the first being November 14, 1853, and the last November 14, 1854. These were the worst fires ever experienced in Council Bluffs, the first being estimated at a loss of $180,000 and the last $130,000. In the first fire, the Bugle was nearly all destroyed, while in the last, two presses and a large amount of other material were destroyed.
In 1854, Jeremiah Folsom commenced the publication of the Council Bluffs Chronotype, with W. W. Maynard as editor. It was pub- lished as a Whig paper till 1857. It was changed into a Democratic organ this year, but only continued for a short time, and was edited by A. P. Bentley, and called the Demo- cratic Clarion.
In 1859, J. E. Jolison started a paper called the Council Bluffs Press. It was a Democratic organ, but did not last long. Pre- vious to this time, Mr. Johnson published a paper at Crescent City, called the Crescent City Oracle. It was Democratic, but was principally devoted to the interest of the new town where it was published.
The Council Bluffs Nonpareil was started in the spring of 1857, as a Republican sheet, by W. W. Maynard and A. D. Long. In 1862,
W. S. Burke bought Mr. Maynard's interest in the establishment, and soon after started the Daily Nonpareil. Mr. Burke was at one time the entire owner of this paper, we believe, and sold to Chapman & Maynard, and Mr. May- nard sold his interest to Mr. Walker, and for a time the firm stood Chapman & Walker. Several other changes have taken place in later years in the management and ownership of the Nonpareil, but at this time it is published by the Nonpareil Printing Company, and is in a very prosperous condition. John W. Chap- man, who is United States Marshal for the State of Iowa, is one of the largest stock owners in the company. He is energetic, and takes pride in making the Nonpareil a very excellent newspaper, while it is strongly Re- publican.
The Council Bluff's Democrat made its ap- pearance as a daily and weekly paper on May 3, 1868, with Alf S. Kierolf & Co., as pub- lishers. In about three weeks the name was changed, and it was called the Council Bluffs Democrat and Sentinel on the Border. In about a month the extention was dropped, and the paper again became the Council Bluffs Demo- crat. In September of this year, the office was purchased by Hon. B. F. Montgomery, but on the 1st of October, 1868, Alf S. Kierolf, again assumed charge of the paper. On the 31st of October, the last issue of the paper was sent ont, and this issue appeared as "Red Hot," and contained some very bitter and denunciatory articles. On December 12th, the press and materiał were sold under a chattel mortgage, and M. M. Pomeroy, of the LaCrosse Democrat, became the purchaser.
In 1878, Col. John H. Keatly, bought the Bugle, and edited and published it weekly for about two years. Col. Keatly is a fine writer, and has been at the head of some of the other papers of the city as the principal editor.
The Globe, a Democratic paper, was estab- lished in November, 1873, by S. W. Morehead,
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
and in February, the following year, Jacob Williams became the purchaser and editor. In June, 1875, J. C. Morgan bought a half inter- est in the paper and became an active part- ner. In May, 1879, Mr. Morgan purchased the half interest in the Globe owned by Mr. Williams, and the paper is now published daily and weekly by J. C. Morgan. The daily is an evening publication.
The Freie Presse is a German paper, claiming to be independent in politics. It was estab- lished in August, 1875, by R. P. Riegel, who continued its publication until December, 1878, when Messrs. Matthai, Faul & Betz, became owners. Mr. Betz retired from the paper July 1, 1880, and Messrs. Matthai & Faul re- tired August 1, 1880, when F. G. Pfeiffer be- came publisher and editor. It is now Demo- cratic.
The Macedonia Tribune was established in the town of Macedonia, by W. A. Spencer, in 1880, and is published weekly, and is Repub- lican in politics.
The Fairdealer is the name of a paper pub-
lished weekly, at Carson, this county, by J. G. Jullian.
The Northwestern Odd Fellow, a monthly paper of sixteen pages, devoted to the inter- ests of Odd Fellowship, was commenced by W. R. Vaughn, with Hon. D. C. Bloomer as editor, in January, 1871, and continued for two years in Council Bluffs.
The press has been a powerful lever in push- ing forward the great reforms of the world, and it has also done much to settle up and civilize the great West. Without the aid of the press, the American people, in a measure, would be in darkness and ignorance, and yet, many who should stand by it are frequently its bitterest enemies, simply because the press is so powerful, and because, when left free, it ex- poses false ideas, sophistry and hypocrisy.
In January, 1871, the Avoca Delta, a weekly paper, was first published in the town of Avoca, by C. V. Gardner and T. Ledwich. It was Republican in politics. Before the end of the year, this paper passed into the hands of J. C. Adams.
CHAPTER VI .*
ORGANIZATION OF TIIE COUNTY-ORGANIZATION OF AND DIVISION INTO TOWNSHIPS-OFFICERS -PATRIOTISM, ETC.
T THE county of Pottawattamie was organized on September 21, 1848, with only two or three voting precincts, which have been divided up into twenty-seven townships, and several wards in the city of Council Bluffs. But few of the early settlers of this county had any idea of what would follow in the short time that has passed. They did not dream of the railroads and triumphis that now astonish their vision. The growth and advancement of this section of country have been very much more rapid and extensive than could be foreseen by
the most observing or experienced in the early settlement of countries. It may well be re- peated, the change has been so vast and rapid as to "astonish the oldest inhabitant." Many stand amazed, and frequently express surprise that they should have lived to see the grand changes that have taken place. The red men who were here have departed, and given place to a sturdy, energetic and progressive white race, who allow no obstacle to retard their onward march. They are determined to recover every " lost art." and improve upon every invention, and herein lies the cause of
*By W. T. Giles.
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
the triumphs made and the progress developed in the new settlements of the great American continent. Every new discovery seems to sur- pass its former attainments, and one surprise is left to astonish the other, until surprises will become obsolete in the way of developments in our new countries and settlements. Even now, this section, of but a few years, is becoming too old for many of the early settlers, and they are talking of the " West," as if they were on the extreme of the East, and were too circum- scribed to enjoy life. These restless spirits have been the pioneers of every new country, and to them much of our wonderful success is due. It was this spirit that caused the diseov- ery of America by Columbus-that sent Lewis and Clark to explore this section and the Rocky Mountains; and in faet, it was this spirit that settled and caused Pottawattamie County to bloom and blossom.
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