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 8
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EARLY EVENTS.
The records inform us that at the first gen- eral election after the organization of the county, Henry Miller, one of the saints (Mor- mons), was elected to the State Legislature of the State of Iowa. He attended the session of that honorable body, and discharged his duties like the other honorable members, and returned to his home with all the honors attached to the office.
In 1852, another election came, and it was
again made the duty of the people to choose a Representative. At this election Judge A. S. Bryant was the gentleman selected to crown with the honor, probably because of his Mor- mon affinities, for he informs us that the Mor- mans elected him on this occasion. He went to Iowa City and drew his pay as any other honorable member of the Legislature should do, and he tells us now that nothing of importance transpired during all the session of that term of this honorable body. While this illustrates the early days and legislation of Iowa, the same can be said of other new States and Leg- islatures. Judge Bryant, in saying nothing of importance transpired, is only honest enough to admit what our present legislators will not do, that much of the legislation is to establish political capital. Judge Bryant is still living, and is in his eighty-first year, and goes forward with energy to accumulate a fortune, as he did in early times. Mr. and Mrs. Bryant have lived to see more years together than were re- quired for the golden wedding, and they will leave this world crowned with an abundance of means, but without a direct descendent. AII will say they were good citizens and saved their accumulations.
In 1859, the official conduct of John II. Sherman, County Judge, excited discussion by the people and through the press. On Febru- ary 18th of this year, the Grand Jury presented Judge Sherman to the District Court, charged gross mismanagement of the fiscal affairs of the county; with illegally issuing county orders, and with issuing orders payable to himself, and that they found the books and papers of the office in a very deranged and disorderly condition, and asked that he should be sus- pended from office until a full and impartial investigation could be made. A summons was issued by the court, but Sherman refused to answer at this term, as he was entitled to ten days notice before the commencement of the term. The case went over to the August
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
term. The people were dissatisfied with the delay, and called a meeting in Council Bluffs, on February 26, at which a variety of reports were made, and resolutions adopted looking to an investigation of the County Judge's office. An investigation was made by a committee ap- pointed by the people, and the report showed clearly that the charges against Mr. Sherman were sustained by his own books and papers, and in fact, most of the charges were admitted to be true by himself. During the brief period of nine months he had issued bonds for over $33,000. The swamp land and school funds were found to be in a bad condition. In An- gust, Judge Shermon was tried in the District Court, and found guilty of the charges pre- sented against him, and was removed from office. Upon the removal of Sherman, the du- ties of the office fell upon C. P. Kellogg, Clerk of the District Court, who performed the duties until October, when IIon. J. P. Casady was elected to fill the vacancy. During Sherman's official actions county orders were sold as low as 35, 30 and even 25 cents on the dollar. The interest on the school and swamp land fund was not paid, and many of the securities for thesc loans were found to be worthless. Judge Cas- ady upon assuming the duties of the office, endeavored to introduce a more economical system in the management of the affairs of the county, but it was some years before things were righted and the county was restored to good credit. Mr. Casady discharged the duties of the office to the fullest satisfaction of the people.
In the summer of 1857, the following bank- ing firms existed in Council Bluffs: Messrs. Officer & Puscy; Messrs. Green, Weare & Benton; Messrs. Baldwin & Dodge; Messrs. S. H. Riddel & Co .; Messrs. J. M. Palmer & Co. All of these banks, except the first named firm, dealt more or less extensively in Nebraska currency, of which large quantities were in cir- culation in this community. Col. Benton was
President of the American Exchange Bank, of Omaha, and also of a similar institution in Bellevue, Nebraska. The failure of these banks, early in the autumn, led to the closing of Mr. Benton's banking house in Council Bluffs, on the 25th day of September, 1857, inflicting heavy losses upon a number of depositors. It is stated that Col. Benton made earnest and persistent efforts to meet his obligations, but many of his banking loans were nearly or quite worthless, and after surrendering all these to meet his liabilities, together with his home- stead, a large amount remained unpaid. His failure was the beginning of a financial distress along the whole Missouri slope.
From this forward, money became scarce in Nebraska and Western Iowa for some time. The Nebraska banks, one after another, went by the board, and their bills became worthless, and speculation was severely crippled. Town lots rapidly depreciated in value, and real estate dealers grew blue over their depressed busi- ness. Lots that sold in Council Bluffs in 1856 and 1857 for from $3,000 to $4,000, at the end of four years, could scarcely be sold for one- fourth these sums. Resident property in the financial crash of 1857, never depreciated as did the business portion, probably because of the scarcity of homes.
The first exhibition of the Pottawattamie County Agricultural Society was held at Coun- cil Bluffs on October 13 and 14, 1858. The number of entries was large, and the display of stock and agricultural productions quite encouraging. Caleb Baldwin was chosen Pres- ident, and W. II. Kinsman, Secretary of the so- ciety. Among the largest exhibitors and most active in promoting its object were, L. W. Babbitt, D. B. Clark, William Garner, H. A. Terry, J. E. Johnson, M. Turley and others. Col. Babbitt's famous horse, Cherokee, received the first premium, which was $8. The ladies' tournament on the second day created a great deal of interest, and on this occasion two fine
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
saddles were awarded to the best riders. The persons contesting for the saddles were: Mrs. Gough, Miss Josephine Biggs, Mrs. Wright, Miss Amy White, Mrs. Milton, Mrs. Robinson, and Miss Delia Jackson. It is stated that on all such occasions a dance followed, and on the evening of the second day a dance was held, and it was largely attended by the citizens. The enjoyment was complete, and the refresli- ments were discussed for days after, as exceed- ing anything ever before presented at a public ball in the city of Council Bluff's. On October 27, 1864, a county fair was held in the midst of a severe snow storm. The frost came early this fall, and injured the crops extensively, and at the end of the year corn sold at $1 per bushel, oats 80 cents, and wheat $I. Butter sold at 40 cents a pound, while hard wood went up to $10 a cord. At this time the poor peo- ple had great difficulty to provide for their fam- ilies, for wages did not advance proportionately with other things.
In 1869, the farmers were generally well re- warded with excellent crops. Heavy rains fell in the early part of the season, and ceased about the time for harvesting and securing the crops. The yield this season was perfectly astonishing, in fact, so much so as to cause many of the farmers to measure their grounds and then the productions, to get the average per acre. We here give the result of several farmers, in different localities, as follows: J. W. Anderson, of Silver Creek Township, re- ceived 1,500 bushels of wheat from seventy- five acres; R. H. Woodmancy. of Macedonia Township, 480 bushels on twenty acres; J. S. Goss, of Rockford Township, 450 bushels on thirty acres; Josiah Trne, of Knox Township, raised 6,500 bushels of corn on 130 aeres; J. W. Story, of Center Township, grew 2,035 bushels of corn on forty-five acres; and Mr. Woodmancy, grew 1,052 bushels of corn on fifteen and one-half acres. The oats crop was placed on an average at about fifty bushels to
the aere. The prices paid this year in Council Bluffs were, for wheat, from fifty to sixty cents; corn, fifty cents, and oats thirty cents, per bushel.
In 1866, the Legislature of the State of Iowa decided upon the removal of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum from Iowa City, and a com- mittee was appointed by that body to select a site for the new building. The committee visited various portions of the State to select the spot for the institution, and when the gen- tlemen composing the committee arrived in Council Bluffs, the citizens interested them- selves in the matter, and showed the officials around, pointing out several locations, and of- fered the grounds to the State in the event that the buildings should be located in this county at a point that would be satisfactory to the cit- izens of this city. The selection was made, and the people of Council Bluffs paid for the grounds. The Commissioners who were ap- pointed to decide upon the plan of the build- ing did so in the fall of 1868, and let the con- tract for erecting the structure to William R. Craig, of Nebraska City, for $121,500. The first Commissioners were Caleb Baldwin, Thomas Officer and E. Honn. Dr. Honn died in 1869, when G. M. Dodge was appointed to fill the vacancy in the Board of Commissioners. The plan decided upon was authorized by the Legislature, when the work on the main build- ing and one wing was begun. The foundation stones were laid in the fall of 1868, under the supervision of William Ward, who was the architect and Superintendent. In 1869, the building reached the second story. The con- tractor made his brick npon the ground pur- chased by our citizens for the building. The asylum is finely located on the edge of the Missouri Valley, and about a quarter of a mile from the Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. A projecting bluff hides a part of this city, and still the site commands an extensive view over the surrounding country. Musquito Creek
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
crosses the north corner of the ninety acres upon which the asylum is located, and fur- nishes an abundant quantity of water.
The main building is 200x65 feet, five stories high, with two wings. In February, 1877, the east wing was destroyed by fire, without injury to the inmates. Immediately after the fire, the construction of the west wing was entered upon and soon completed. In August of this year, a severe wind storm unroofed and blew down the upper story of the west wing. This build- ing secmed fated, but the ruin was repaired as rapidly as possible, and by Jannary, 1878, this wing was again ready for occupancy. The building is heated by steam, and lighted by gas manufactured in the institution. Hot and cold water baths are furnished to the pupils when required. The asylum grows most of the vegetables used by the inmates. The officers of the institution utilize the land and have a large garden cultivated. Following is a list of the officers of the institution :
Superintendent-A. Rogers.
Educational Department .- J. A. Kennedy, B. D., teacher; C. S. Zorbaugh, teacher; Edwin Southwick, teacher; F. W. Booth, B. S., teacher; C. Sprint, teacher; Miss Helen E. White, teacher; Miss Cora Van Dorin, teacher; Miss Virginia Cowden, teacher; Miss Jennie C.Cramer, teacher; Miss Alice Christie, teacher; Miss Mary Gallup, teacher; Miss Jean Van Tassell, articulation teacher; Miss Florence Clement, art teacher.
Instructors in Industries. - Moses Folsom, printing; W. W. Winter, carpentering; George W. Ramsey, shoe - making ; D. Rickabaugh, broom-making.
Domestic Department .- Mrs. Retta Harle, ma- tron; Mrs. M. J. Erwin, girls' supervisor; Mrs. Rosetta Fuller, boys' supervisor.
C. A. Weinstrand, clerk; Peter West, steward; W. S. Wilkins, engineer.
The grasshoppers first made their appearance in vast numbers in 1867, and did a very con- siderable damage to gardens, and in many in-
stances ruined fields of grain. They caused considerable alarm among thie people of the Missouri slope. Frequently these insects would collect in heaps like bees in a hive, and it was feared they would continue with us and destroy the crops of the country, but such was not the case. They left for a few years and then re- turned to do more damage than on their first visit, and again departed, since which time this country has been free from all their ravages. No fears of grasshoppers have crossed the minds of this people for several years, and the crops have grown without interference from in- sects. To see the grasshoppers go through a field of grain and lay it low was cause for the people to become alarmed.
It is stated in the Annals of Iowa that, in the early part of January, 1872, the first public meeting to promote the division of the county of Pottawattamie was held at Bird's school- house, in James Township. J. A. T. Bates was Chairman, and J.B. Harrod and David Hunt, Secretaries. Addresses were delivered by A. M. Battelle, J. C. Layton, C. V. Gardner, J. L. Fet- ler and Josiah True. Strong resolutions were passed in favor of the division, and a memorial was sent to the Legislature in favor of the meas- ure. It was proposed that the new county should comprise a strip of land eighteen miles in width, from east to west, taken from the eastern part of Pottawattamie County, and to contain in length, from north to south, twelve government townships, or twenty-four miles. A bill for the erection of the new county, to be called Belknap, was introduced in the General Assembly of Iowa in 1872, but it was defeated. In 1874, a bill was enacted by the Legislature to submit the question of division to the whole of the county at an election to be held for the purpose in October of the same year. The vote was taken, and the measure defeated. But even now many persons in the eastern portion of the county, with a few interested parties in the county seat, are anxious to have the division
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
take place, and they will continue to labor to this end, with a hope that, at no distant day, the work will result in the establishment of a new county, with Avoca as the county seat.
We frequently forget the severity of early seasons when in the midst of a terrific storm, but those who lived in Iowa in the winter of 1856-57 cannot forget what had to be endured then. Mails were shut out, stage drivers lost their way, and in several cases were frozen to death or lost some limbs. One driver between Council Bluffs and Boone got caught in a snow storm, and became so be wildered that he drove around in a small circle all night; and when found in the morning and taken to a house he was so frozen as to make it necessary to ampu- tate one or both feet. He said he was confident of getting into the road every moment, and never dreamed of going over the same ground the entire night. Snow in many places was drifted higher than the stage coach, and the mails had to be transferred in many cases from the coach to horseback, and in some cases were delivered on foot by strong men. The severity of the wind storms during this season was ex- treme, and caused more damage to farmers and stock-growers than can be told at the present time. In fact, the severity of this season drove many people from Iowa, and a few of these never returned. But after all, Iowa was not the only section visited by these storms in this winter, for the whole northern country suffered more or less from heavy snow and wind storms. We only mention these circumstances at this time to remove all idea that the storms of to- day are so much severer than in past times.
In 1854, the whole number of votes cast in the county of Pottawattamie for Governor was 422, Curtis Bates, Democrat, receiving 215, and James S. Grimes, Whig, 207 votes. The vote for Congress stood : Hall, Democrat, 268, and Clark, Whig, 140. At this election, James D. Test was elected to the State Senate and John T. Baldwin and Daniel S. Jackson to the House
of Representatives of the State of Iowa. Test and Jackson, long since dead, were at one time very active, energetic men of this county, and did much to aid in the early prosperity of it.
The following persons were elected this year as county officers : W. D. Turner, Treas- urer and Recorder; Edward Cutler, Sheriff; Thomas Tostevin, County Surveyor, and S. M. Smith, School Fund Commissioner.
We are informed that Samuel Wood, of Union- burg, Harrison County, was one of the first set- tlers in Pottawattamie County, and assisted in erecting the first block house in Council Bluff's for a fort. Mr. Wood married here, and has quite a family, some of the daughters being married, and also have families, who are still living in this county. This gentleman has ac- cumulated considerable property, and we un- derstand is a prosperous farmer in Harrison County, and also owns land in this county. He has seen many changes in this section since his location here. Mr. Wood is satisfied with the country, and, it is presumable, would not con- sent to exchange for any other section.
In 1847, Dustin Amy and his wife, Leo- nora Amy, arrived here from Orange County, Vermont. Their daughter, Mrs. Haynes, was the first white child born in this section. She was born at Florence, Nebraska, on August 24, 1847. She is now living with her husband, George A. Haynes, a prominent citizen of Maysville, Colorado. Dustin Amy identified himself with the Mormons, and followed them to Salt Lake, but in after years returned to his home and died here, having abandoned the Mormon faith, finding that this religion was not all that fancy painted it. During his ab- sence, Mrs. Amy and family were left to battle life as best they could. She is now well advanced in years, but still retains a wonderfully clear mind, and relates early incidents with accuracy.
Marshall Turley, who came to this county in 1853, began soon after his arrival to predict many sublime things for this section of Iowa,
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
and he has lived to see many of his supposed fancy ideas now a reality. The railroad bridge spans the Missouri, and is a great continental highway from the extreme East to the far West. Pottawattamie County has improved even be- yond the old philosopher's predictions, and abounds in more wealth than even his extrava- gant notions could foretell. Mr. Turley was a great advocate of free schools and education, though limited in education himself. He was also an inventor of some note, as the Washing- ton City patent office records will show.
Judge S. R. Clinton, who was one of the ablest lawyers in Iowa, has long been a worthy and respected citizen of Council Bluffs, Pottawat- tamie County. He has done much to advance the interest of both the city and county, and we are sorry to learn that his health has so far failed him as to compel him to retire from his chosen profession. But few lawyers were bet- ter appreciated than Mr. Clinton. He was hon- orable, and would never advise a person to go to law unless he believed the case was a just one, and litigation was absolutely necessary. To-day he has the respect of every citizen who knows him. Mr. Clinton is one of the oldest citizens, who merits the respect of old and new settlers, for he worked alike for all.
Hon. J. P. Casady has been in the State Sen- ate from Pottawattamie and Mills Counties ; bas filled many important positions in the first- named county, and always served the people with honor to himself and credit to them. His record will bear the severest criticism or the strictest investigation.
Judge W. C. James has filled the positions of County Judge. Mayor of Council Bluffs and other important offices with a greal deal of credit to himself and those who put him there.
Hon. D. C. Bloomer has been Receiver of the United States Land Office, Mayor of Council Bluffs, Chairman of the School Board, etc., and he is accredited with having filled every posi- tion to the satisfaction of the people, an honor
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that is highly complimentary to this gentle- man.
R. L. Douglass was chosen County Judge, and served with distinguished ability. He also filled several other important positions with honor.
A. V. Larimer was elected Representative in 1856; had filled the office of County Judge, and served in other offices of public trust with ability, and discharged every position held by him with credit to himself.
L. W. Babbitt was elected to the Legislature from this county in 1867; was in the United States Land Office and filled many important places of public trust, and in every position he discharged his duties well and honorably.
C. E. Stone has filled the office of Mayor of Council Bluffs, Justice of the Peace, Assessor, etc., and in each position he discharged his du- ties satisfactorily and honorably.
Messrs. Officer & Pusey, the oldest and, most prominent bankers in Council Bluffs, have been in public positions, and on all occasions dis- charged their duties with fidelity to the people and credit to themselves. They have the ut- most confidence of the public at the present time, and are looked upon as fair dealers and very competent bankers. They have always con- trolled a very large share of the public busi- ness of this section of Iowa, as well as some of the banking interests of eastern Nebraska. These gentlemen located in this county at an early day, and became identified with all the interests of Council Bluffs and this country, of which they are respected citizens.
Gen. G. M. Dodge, was at an early day con- nected with a railroad survey from the eastern boundary of Iowa to the Missouri River on the west. In after years, he became the Republi- can nominee for Congress, and was elected. He was on all occasions a great friend of the Union Pacific Company, and did much work for it.
Col. W. F. Sapp, a lawyer of ability, and resident of this county, was the nominee of
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ASBuy and
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
the Republican party for Congress in the Fifth Iowa district, and was elected. He constantly advocated every measure calenlated to do any good for Council Bluff's and Western Iowa. This gentleman is now at the head of one of the leading law firms in the Bluffs, and stands high in the legal profession. He has been a member of the bar in this county for many years.
Judge C. Baldwin, now deceased, was a very prominent lawyer of Pottawattamie County in early times, and made a fine record as a Judge. He held many honorable publie positions, and discharged his duties faithfully and well. and has left a record of which his family and rela- tive's can be proud. JJudge Baldwin was a ris- ing politician, and no doubt, had he lived, he would have been a leading man in the Republi- can party of this State. Even the opponents of this gentleman had great respect for him as a gentleman and a person of more than ordi- nary ability. He was a gentleman of strong attachments for his personal friends, and won a like feeling from his associates.
John Dohany, one of the early settlers in this eounty, and for many years in the livery business, has always been enterprising. Years ago he erected an opera house over his livery, that for the time was quite creditable, but its day having passed, he is now engaged in buikdl- ing a large opera house on Broadway. This building will cost $65,000 or $75.000, and will contain all of the late improvements and con- veniences, showing that Mr. Dohany retains much of his earlier spirit and energy. Such men are the life of every new country, and soon cause it to bloom.
In 1856, D. W. Price, of this county, was elected to the Constitutional Convention over D. E. Brainard, of Harrison County. Mr. Price made a very efficient member of the con- vention, and did credit to this section of the State.
1
F. L. Palmer has filled the office of Mayor
of the city and several other public offices, and it is said of him, he discharged his duties faithfully, and is entitled to the respect of those he served so well.
In 1873, Col. D. B. Daily was appointed, and ably discharged the duties of Prosecuting Attorney. In this year, Judge Douglass retired from the bench.
F. A. Burke has filled many of the city and township offices with the strictest fidelity to the people, and he is at present City Recorder and Police Magistrate. Mr. Burke is also one of the early settlers in this county.
In all new countries, the changes that take place in twenty or thirty years are numerous, and as varied as numerous, but in this latter particular Pottawattamie County, Iowa, has been a remarkable country. First inhabited by Indians; then came the French and Indian mixed, the American Fur Company, sokliers and missionaries, and again we find the Mor- mons, and soon after them arrive all manner of speculators-gamblers and men of every calling and persuasion. This city and county being on the great highway to the gohl mines of California, Colorado and Montana, and the city a central starting point, accounts for the admixture to be found here in early times. Considering all the circumstances connected with the settlement of this section of the coun- try, Pottawattamie County has made wonderful progress, and ranks high as a county of beauty, good soil, fine improvements, culture and good schools. It is doubtful if any other county in ten States has passed through as many changes as has this, and it still stands upon the road to a greater and grander future. We do not won- der that the people here take pride in being numbered among the early settlers. They recite their interesting stories with as much earnest- ness as the historian ever recorded any event. Many of these recitations are full of humor and peculiar events. In early times the ring poli- tician reigned as he does now; the trickster had
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