USA > Iowa > Sac County > History of Sac County, Iowa > Part 25
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MUNICIPAL HISTORY.
Sac City ran along as other country county-seat towns in those times did. until 1875, when it was duly incorporated under the laws of the state. Eugene Criss, known as the "Father of Sac City," was elected the first mayor of the place when it was incorporated. He addressed the trustees ( council ) upon taking his seat as follows: "Fellow Citizens, I do not feel at perfect liberty to enter upon the duties of my office without first tender- ing you my thanks for the confidence you still have in me as the pioneer of your beloved city. It is nearly twenty years ago since I built the first cabin of your town, when the marks were yet fresh from the wigwams of the hos- tile Sioux Indians, who had chosen, as they later informed me, as the pride of their lives, this location. Nearly twenty years of the prime of my life have been spent right here, and today I can say that my expectations have been more than realized. Some of the most magnificent structures have been erected where but a few years ago all was in a stage of a real wilderness. Everything around us has the appearance of prosperity and happiness, and for this, with many other reasons, we ought to be thankful to God.
"And in entering upon the duties of our different offices to which we have been elected, let us try to have all our efforts crowned with success.
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And in order that this may be, it becomes our duty in framing ordinances that we observe the Sabbath day and that all public places be kept closed, except hotels and others in cases of necessity. Relying upon all good citi- zens to aid us in this new enterprise, we believe our labors will be crowned with success."
The first year's report on finances in the newly incorporated town shows the following: Revenues-Billiards, $87.50; beer and wine, $75.00: baga- telle, $10; restaurants. $12; dog tax, $51 ; shows, $8.00; sidewalks, $60.75; auctioneers, $5.00; fines and peddlers, $2.00; total, $311.74.
The city has progressed with the passing of the years, until it has come to be known as a "clean city," and also a saloonless city.
The incorporation owns a good city hall, in which the council chamber and fire department are located. Sac City now has an indebtedness of about fifteen thousand dollars. The city has been in the hands of good officials, for the most part. Among its mayors may be mentioned such men as Phil Schaller, W. H. Hart. J. M. Highland. D. Carr Early, C. E. Lee, J. H. Tait, Dr. J. H. Stalford, Orville Lee. W. O. Gishwiller and Dr. W. H. Townsend.
WATER WORKS AND LIGHTING, ETC.
In the month of July, 1884, the authorities of Sac City contracted with Fairbanks, Morse & Company, Chicago, to furnish all the necessary ma- terials to be used in the construction of a waterworks plant. The price paid for such material was three thousand five hundred dollars. The plant was located west of the Northwestern tracks. At first a wind-mill afforded the power with which the water was pumped from a large well, to a tank hold- ing one thousand six hundred barrels of water. The pump's capacity was five hundred barrels per day. The contract for digging the trenches was let to an Ida Grove man at one dollar and sixty cents per rod. The entire work of putting in the plant was fixed so as to be completed September 1, 1884.
This plant was never a success, and the town was under a great strain each year for want of good, pure water in a sufficient quantity to supply all demands upon it. Change after change was made until, in 1894, a company of enterprising citizens purchased a boiler and good pumping outfit, and leased same to the city authorities, after which a better service was given. In 1899 a new reservoir was added, giving double the capacity of the former one. The supply of water-the purest to be had in the country-is obtained
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from a series of big springs, out to the northwest of the city a mile or two, the same being piped to the immense stand-pipe in the city.
The electric lighting proposition was brought up in February. 1898. and submitted to the people, who decided by a large majority to install a fifteen-thousand-dollar plant, the same to be provided by individual subscrip- tions in stock of fifty dollars per share. This measure was adopted by the vote of the people, by a majority of two hundred and one. The plant was installed and the city first had electric lights September 14. 1908. The next great lighting improvement was in July, 1911, when the present electrolier system of street lights was set in motion. A demonstration was had; music and an automobile program and parade was carried out. This system was installed by a Des Moines firm and cost one thousand five hundred dollars for the twenty-five poles erected with their five globes of beautiful light.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Ever alive to the best interests and protection of the property of the place, Sac City has a well organized, well-trained fire company which stands high among the companies in the western part of the state. It has a mem- bership of forty, divided into two wings or divisions, Summit Hose Com- pany and the Clipper Company, the former having headquarters on the hill, which the latter has its home at the City Hall. The best type of young manhood makes up these two fire-fighting companies. They are well sup- plied by the city with the best of equipment, such as plenty of hose, hook- and-ladder apparatus, nozzles, hydrants, etc. When the alarm is given and the wagons start citizens know the fire will soon be extinguished. The firemen are backed by the best waterworks system possible to provide, a stand-pipe full of water, with great natural pressure. There are now forty- eight fire plugs or street hydrants in use. The department has two chemical engines, two hose carts, and two hook-and-ladder outfits.
The city officials in the month of March. 1914, are: Mayor. N. O. Gishwiller; clerk. W. F. Weary : treasurer. C. C. Jameson : police, George I. Cory : night watchman, J. E. Austin : health officer, Dr. W. J. Findley; city councilmen. J. Wilbur Neal, B. S. Wallace, Wesley Gilbert, John Anthony. J. I. Prentice, B. A. Young.
In March, 1907, an election was held in the city to determine on some course to be pursued by which the city might be assured of better park ac- commodations. It was proposed to take over the defunct agricultural so-
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ciety, and bond the town for twenty years by a two-mill tax. There were two hundred and eight women voted and four hundred and forty-two men. and the measure carried by sixty-four majority. No further action was ever had in the matter.
COMMERCIAL CLUB.
What is known as the Commercial Club, in Sac City, was organized in1 1910 and has accomplished big things for the place. It unites the busi- ness men and concentrates their aim on the general welfare of the place. Practically every business man here is associated with this club, which is purely a business institution for the upbuilding of Sac City. At first they were prominent in laying off the Hawkeye Cutoff, which runs from Fort Dodge to Sioux City. They aided in putting up sign-boards and also as- sisted in doing much towards good roads in the county. Among the early officers and committeemen were such men as the following: J. H. Stalford, F. W. Loring, George B. Perkins, J. M. Fox, L. R. Wayt, F. R. Brownell, WV. A. Ball, S. M. Elwood, Asa Platt, H. J. Drewry, Byron Wallace. J. W. Wilson and J. H. Harter. The Commercial Club works under the city's motto, "We do better- come and see."
The present officers ( 1914) are: R. L. McCord, Jr., president ; W. J. Findley, vice-president ; R. R. Cobb, secretary ; John H. Fox, treasurer.
The city is provided with an-to-date opera house, which was opened to the general public in December. 1883. "The Planter's Wife" being the first play put upon the stage. In 1906 the association was reincorporated with a capital of twenty thousand dollars and the present opera house was erected.
The Chicago & Northwestern railroad entered the city in 1879, and this greatly enthused the people to set about improving the place. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad entered the city in 1899, thus giving connections with two great trunk lines of steam railway.
Public drinking fountains were provided in the city, through the ef- forts of the Commercial Club, in September, 1911.
OAKLAND CEMETERY.
The manner in which any people-city or country-cares for its de- parted dead, is almost a true index to the real character of such people. This marks the distinction between the civilized and uncivilized.
What is known as Oakland Cemetery Association was formed and
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duly incorporated May 25, 1874, under the state incorporation laws pro- vided for in the statutes as a corporation, "not for pecuniary profit," and the articles provide that no stock shall be authorized, no certificates of stock shall ever be issued and no dividends ever be declared. The object of this corporation is to purchase, or acquire by gift or otherwise, lands suitable for cemetery purposes and to care for and maintain a cemetery to be known as "Oakland Cemetery" and to sell and convey lots herein for cemetery purposes only. No member has any interest in the assets and property of the association and all money received shall be used in buying additional real estate, caring for the property and beautifying the grounds. The affairs of this association are managed by a board of directors, and are in no way con- trolled by any religious organization or body. The grounds are kept up from the proceeds of the lots sold, and a small annual fee charged each lot owner for the care of his or her lots. The original cemetery, as above named, consisted of between fifteen and seventeen acres of land just north of the city, proper, and in the beautiful second-growth oak forest, near the bridge crossing the Coon river into Sac City. A cement walk runs from the main street of the city to the entrance of this portion of the cemetery. By reason of what nature has done for this site, and the improvements made by the association, it is called by visitors of extensive travel to be one of the finest burying grounds within all lowa. J. W. Sutherland has been the painstaking sexton for many years.
Only a few years ago it became manifest that the city would ere long need more extensive grounds and, wisely, the directors of the association purchased a large addition on the uplands, to the north of the first named grounds. Here there are already a goodly number of graves. At the entrance of the addition there stands an imposing granite monunment in memory of the soldier dead of the community. This was the work and dona- tion of Messrs. W. B. Wayt & Son, wholesale and retail dealers in granite and marble work, of Sac City. Its base and sides contain the following inscriptions :
"Presented September, 1906, by I'. B. Wayt and Son to the General IV. T. Sherman Post No. 28 G. A. R." "Dedicated to the Defenders of the Union -- 1861-1865." "SOLDIERS, SAILORS, CITIZENS."
"May the Remembrance of Their Valor and Patriotism be Perpetuated."
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These inscriptions are on the base and sides of the twenty-foot shaft. The monument stands where the south sunlight strikes it in full force. It is surrounded by a good cement circular walk, with a neat stone carved rustic seat where the passer by, be he an old veteran, the son of a veteran or a civilian, may pause and rest and there reflect upon the defenders of the flag of our country.
The character and style, as well as the expense of the hundreds if not thousands of tombstones and larger monuments throughout both the older and later sections of Oakland are a credit to those who had them erected to the memory of their friends. There are no very elaborate and expensive monuments, but all are of more than the average age, and bespeak taste and sentiment in keeping with the sacred enclosures. No more beautiful spot could have been selected by the people of the city for a last resting place of their dead. In the springtime, when all nature is at its best, on Memorial or Decoration day, the new leaves of the great number of native oaks cast a light shadow over the sacred mounds, which are carpeted with a mantle of grass, well cared for and mowed sufficiently to present a sight not soon to be forgotten by the beholder. Here rests pioneer, later settler, soldier and civilian. "And they sleep and heed it not."
The names of the original trustees of the cemetery association were D. Carr Early, B. W. Trout, W. H. Hobbs. N. W. Condron, S. W. Sinclair, J. L. Woodward, Thomas Alexander and Eugene Criss.
The first burying ground near Sac City was that near pioneer J. W. Tiberghien's farm southeast of the city two or three miles. There were buried a number of the earlier deceased persons of the county, and many of the pioneer settlers there rest from life's cares and joys. These grounds, consisting of about five acres, are cared for in a most sacred and scrupulous manner by J. W. Tiberghien, who takes great pride and considers it a duty imposed upon him, so long as he lives, to see that this spot of ground is properly protected and cared for. Here are tombstones showing many per- sons buried there to have been born before 1800, a thing not observed at another place in Sac county. These grounds were first used at the com- mencement of the Civil War by the public, but previous to that a few had been buried there.
Pioneer Hugh Cory states that at an early day there were found three Indian burying grounds, situated in triangular form, on the southeast corner of the present public square, and on the opposite side of what is now Main street, near the east end of Monument park. Here were excavated many
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Indian skeletons when the street was dug away for town improvement purposes.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Perhaps no better history of this institution can be given than the fol- lowing record which was made and deposited in the corner stone of the new Carnegie Library building, which record runs thuis :
"On the snowy night of January 11, 1907, a mass meeting was held in the courtroom to plan for a free public library. Miss Alice Tyler, secretary of the Iowa state library commission, gave a talk on "Public Libraries and the Practicability of Procuring a Library for Sac City." Professor Garrett, superintendent of the public schools, presided. At the close of the talk com- mittees were appointed to draft a constitution, secure members, and to solicit funds. The committee on constitution, composed of Professor Garrett, G. W. Lee and S. M. Stouffer, conferred and recommended a constitution adapting the requirements of the state library law to the needs of towns without maintenance tax. This was used until the town had such a tax. Miss Tyler brought with her a case of fifty books from the state traveling library and left them for three months and thus the library was started.
"In February a meeting was held at which it was found there had been one hundred and forty-six members secured, each paying one dollar a year membership fee. From this number a board of nine trustees was selected, as follows: Dr. B. P. Blackstone, J. H. Tait. Ed Welch, Jr., G. W. Lee, E. L. Ahrens, Mesdames Z. Fuller, E. N. Bailey, F. W. Loring and Miss Nellie Banes. The personnel of the board has changed but little, thus giving continuity and uniformity to the work. Dr. Blackstone was the first presi- dent : Mrs. Loring, vice-president ; E. L. Ahrens, treasurer, and Miss Nellie Banes, secretary.
"The council room, in the new city hall, was secured for the library, the city furnishing the light. From the beginning it has been open two after- noons and evenings, each week, and, for awhile, two hours each Sunday afternoon. Seven young ladies have served as librarians and much credit should be given them for their interest and faithfulness. They are Misses Eva Fitch, Nellie Banes, Mary Fuller, Clare Persons, Pearl Ahrens, Nan Denman and Ida Ahrens.
"The annual reports show the steady increase in interest which the move- ment had from the beginning.
"The first annual report, made March 4, 1908, shows the library associa-
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tion now owns eight hundred books, has two hundred and fifty borrowers and has received $307.19, expended $233.06, leaving a balance of $74.13 in the treasury. Plans were made at this meeting to raise a fund of $1,000 and $403 were subscribed.
"Second Annual Report .- This shows that on March 1, 1909, the nun- ber of volumes owned by the association. 710; number of books added during the year 450; hooks loaned, 2,600; expenditures, $308.41. Dr. Blackstone having removed from town. W. J. Dixon was elected to fill the vacancy.
"Third Annual Report, March 2, 1910: Number of volumes, 861 ; number of borrowers, 580; mimber of books donated. 25; number of books bought, 124: number of books loaned, 4.076; number of magazines taken, 4; number of books mended, 40: expenditures for the year, $210.85. Miss Edna Lyman, of the state library commission, visited the library and held a story hour for the different grades in the public school, meeting the people of the town at night. Story hours for the children were started and con- ducted by Miss Pearl Ahrens. These proved very helpful and gave the chil- dren a taste for the best literature. Later Mrs. J. Irving Brown gave the story hours in the high school building, calling the attention of the students to the best present-day fiction.
"Annual Report for 1911 : Number of volumes in library, 1,130; num- ber added during the year. 168; total circulation during the year, 6.385; largest daily circulation, 122 ; smallest daily circulation, 21 ; average, 64; per centage of children's books circulated, 51 5/6; of adults, 8 1/6; number books rebound, 3; number books repaired. 165: number of newspapers and magazines, 8; number of borrowers' cards in full force, 700; number of days open during the year, 100; number of hours open each week, 10: fourteen story hours were held.
"Movement For Maintenance Tax .- Steps were taken in 1909 to secure a Carnegie library building and a proposition was submitted to the people of the town to secure a library maintenance tax. This proposition was de- feated at an election held March 29, 1909.
"January. 1910, plans were again made to secure this maintenance tax and a campaign started. Intelligent interest grew and when the president, W. J. Dixon, appeared before the council submitting the following resolu- tion the council unanimously adopted it: the councilmen at the time were J. H. Stoner, M. M. Heptonstall. C. A. Schulte, A. T. Brownell and Ira Conger, with Dr. W. H. Townsend, mayor. The resolution read: 'Be it resolved by the city council of Sac City. Iowa, that a special election be called,
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the same to be held on the 12th day of July, A. D. 1910, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of the incorporated city of Sac City, Iowa, the proposition of providing and maintaining a free public library in the city of Sac City, Iowa ; that a tax not to exceed three mills on the dollar of the assessable property of the incorporated city of Sac City, Iowa, be levied for the maintenance of said library; that notice of the election be published in the Sac Sun and the Sac County Bulletin ; and that the requirements and con- ditions of Andrew Carnegie be complied with in accepting his donations for such purposes in establishing a free public library. the said city of Sac City guaranteeing for the maintenance of said library the sum of eight hundred dollars per year.'
"This special election resulted in a vote of three hundred and forty-nine for and one hundred and sixty-four against, and Sac City had a public library maintained by the people and for the people.
"At a council meeting held July 28, 1910, the following trustees were appointed as the board : W. J. Dixon, Mrs. F. W. Loring. E. L. Ahrens, Miss Nellie Banes, Orville Lee, E. N. Bailey, G. W. Lee. Ira Conger, and Mrs. Z. Fuller. The following officers were elected: President, W. J. Dixon ; vice-president, Mrs. F. W. Loring; secretary, Miss Nellie Banes; treasurer, E. L. Ahrens.
"Correspondence was resumed with Andrew Carnegie and a committee was appointed to secure a lot for the library building.
"In January, 1911. Mr. Carnegie gave to Sac City the promise of the sum of eight thousand dollars for a building. The site selected was that known as the old schoolhouse lots, being as follows: Commencing sixty- four feet west of the northeast corner of block 17, original town of Sac City, thence south one hundred and thirty-two feet, thence west one hundred and twenty feet, thence north one hundred and thirty-two feet to the place of beginning : being lot No. 2 and parts of lots I and 3 and the alley between lots 2 and 3 in said block 17. original town of Sac City, Iowa, Sac county, Iowa.
"W. J. Dixon, E. N. Bailey and Mrs. Loring were made the building committee. Miss Alice Tyler, of the state library commission, met with the board and gave a talk on the requirements and needs of a library building. Proudfoot, Bird & Rawson, of Des Moines, Iowa, were chosen as architects for the building. After submitting three plans to Mr. Carnegie and making the changes he desired, plans were accepted and work commenced in the spring of 1912, W. J. Gordon being the contractor. Owing to pressure of
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A CITY OF GOOD STREETS AND SUBSTANTIAL BUILDINGS
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THE CANNING INDUSTRY, SAC CITY
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outside business, Mr. Dixon asked to be released from the building committee and Mr. Ira Conger took his place, D. E. Hallett kindly assuming the super- intendency of the building. July 1, 1912, the corner stone was laid with the following program: Prayer, Rev. R. L. Barackman; music; laying the corner stone ; address, "Corner Stones," Rev. J. Irving Brown ; music ; bene- diction, Rev. Henry B. Burns.
"From the children of the town has come the greatest inspiration and for thent, for all the people and for future generations, the board of trustees lias sought to meet the needs of the times, to anticipate the needs of the future and to uplift for all time, through the best literature, not only this com- munity, but the communities which shall be touched by the citizens of this town."
In January, 1914. there were in this library one thousand eight hundred and seventy-five volumes ; a list of nineteen magazines and two daily and two weekly newspapers taken. The present librarian is Nan Denman.
REMEMBERING WASHINGTON.
The centennial of the inauguration of President George Washington was observed in Sac City, April 30, 1889, when a fine programme was had and in which the following made addresses: Judge Eugene Criss spoke of Washington from his childhood on down through his surveying experiences. and his military career. He was followed by J. E. Robbins, J. H. Tait, A. B. Mason, Hon. D. J. McDaid and W. H. Hart. At sunrise there was fired the salute of thirteen guns, representing the thirteen original states. The bells of the town rung out clear and musical at nine o'clock in the morning.
POSTOFFICE HISTORY.
The postoffice at Sac City was established in 1857. It was on the old stage coach line from Fort Dodge to Sioux City. Before its establishment mail was brought by individuals who were hired here and sent to Fort Dodge and given twenty-five cents a letter or newspaper brought back here to the little settlement. The advent of the stage was indeed a great event in the history of Sac county. Sac City had a stage station kept by pioneer Eugene Criss, who also kept travelers and homeseekers. His log house and spacious barn were ever open to guests and many a night, relates the venerable old Mrs. Criss, still surviving aged about ninety years. her husband nsed to be called up later than midnight, by weary teamsters and travelers who knew
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full well that here they might find rest for themselves and their beasts. She remarks that "We always found room for one more."
Sac City is now a second class postoffice, made so July 1, 1909. eight mails being received and eight dispatched daily. The free rural delivery routes now number six. The amount of savings deposits have so far only reached two hundred and six dollars. The amount of business transacted during the year ending November 30, 1913, was $9.992.03. This is exclu- sive of money order transactions.
The postoffice has been housed in its present quarters for twenty years. So far as now remembered, this postoffice has never had a loss by defalcation, fire or robbery.
The present force in the office includes postmaster Charles L. Early, his assistant postmaster, just nominated but not approved at this date: Fred C. Davis, first clerk : David W. Cafferty, carrier rural delivery No. 1 : Sanford R. Bodwell, No. 2; Claude B. Keir, No. 3: Lee Tiberghien, No. 4; Charles WV. Hurst. No. 5; and James W. Cafferty, No. 6.
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