USA > Iowa > Wapello County > History of Wapello County, Iowa, Volume I > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43
About the year 1887, the municipal fire department system came into vogue in Ottumwa, displacing the volunteer companies, and for years past the fire department of the city has been maintained at a high grade of efficiency. For some time there was but one station-at the city hall-but in recent years the number was increased to three. In March, 1901, the contract was let for the construction of a new station, to be called No. I. A two-story brick building was erected on a lot adjoining the city hall on the north, and in the fall of that year fire company No. I moved into modern and very pleasant quarters, built at a cost of $4.500. Installed here are seven firemen, whose dormitory, rest room and other conveniences on the second floor are first class in every respect. On the ground floor are the well-groomed and trained horses, hose, hook and ladder, and chemical wagons, and about six thousand foot of 21/2-inch hose.
123
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
No. 2 station is a one-story brick. The building was erected in the 'gos, on Church and Ransom streets, South Ottumwa. There are two men in charge, and the equipment consists of horses, a combination hose and chem- ical wagon and other apparatus. No. 3 station was built on Iowa Avenue in 1908, and within a few weeks after was destroyed by fire. It was immedi- ately rebuilt, and served its purpose until some time in 1911, when the house was closed, owing to lack of revenue for its maintenance. At the head of the department is a chief, who has an assistant chief. In 1914 Charles W. Sloan was the official head and John Shockley his lieutenant.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
With a population of 25,000, the City of Ottumwa is policed and kept in peaceful quietude by a staff of six officers. This condition was made necessary by reason of the abolishing of the liquor traffic in 1911, which meant a diminution of revenue. At the time the saloons were closed the municipal police force was composed of twenty-two men, and every one of them seemed necessary. The mulct license helped materially in furnishing funds for the department, but when that was cut off the police force had to be reduced. However, the six men of the police department keep the city measurably well in hand, and the Municipal Court has comparatively little to do. At its head is a police judge, Lewis Cass Hendershott, son of the late Judge H. B. Hendershott. The managing head of the police is Chief Peter Gallagher, and the captain is John A. Smith. There are two desk sergeants, a day patrol and a night patrol. To facilitate arrests a patrol wagon has been long in the service.
WATERWORKS SYSTEM
In the year 1876, certain of the progressive citizens of Ottumwa, realiz- ing that valuable water power could be secured from the Des Moines River, organized the Ottumwa Water Power Company, with a capital of $100,000, the stock of which was subscribed for at home. A contract was let the same year, to put in dams in the vicinity of Turkey Island, to construct head and tail races and other accessories. The work was completed the following year, but at an unanticipated cost, owing to excessive rains and floods, which consumed four-fifths of the capital stock. Employing S. L. Wiley & Com- pany, contractors, additional work on the utility cost a further sum of $80,000 by the end of the year 1879. As a result, the original stockholders lost their entire investment and their stock became valueless.
In 1882 the company was reorganized and incorporated as the Ottumwa Hydraulic Power Company, by S. L. Wiley, a large creditor, and others. The power plant was conveyed to the new corporation, the original concern was dissolved, and for some years thereafter the court records were well
124
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
sprinkled with engrossments of actions against the Ottumwa Water Power Company.
The Hydraulic Power Company was also compelled to borrow money to meet its obligations and unlooked-for expenses in defending itself in a number of damage suits brought against the company. Farmers, living along the river between the dams and for some distance above the Des Moines River bridge, conceived the idea that their lands were greatly injured by back water from the dams and the seepage through the banks and under the soil. The power company combatted this view and con- tended that the damage sustained by the property owners through failure of crops was due solely to a series of rainy seasons. O. P. Bizer was one of twenty or more who brought suit against the company in 1882, and over one hundred witnesses for both sides to the controversy were examined. Bizer won his case and the company appealed to the Supreme Court, which reversed the decision and sent the case back to the lower court, but before reaching a second hearing the matter was abandoned.
The expense of these litigations and of keeping up its property sapped the company of its strength, and seeing no other way out of its predicament the Hydraulic Power Company transferred its interests in the enterprise to the Iowa Water Company in 1887.
This is the history of the Water Power Company, which inaugurated an enterprise that had many attractive features while in its nascent stage. At the first mass meeting of citizens held to discuss the project, J. W. Dixon presided and H. B. Hendershott, William McNett and William Daggett composed the committee that drafted articles of incorporation. Those who signed the articles of incorporation were the following named persons : Charles F. Blake, William McNett, Daniel Eaton, H. D. Palmer, George A. Brown, H. B. Hendershott, William L. Orr, William Lindsey, A. Lotspeich, J. W. Carpenter, William Daggett, J. W. Dixon, J. M. Hedrick, R. H. Warden, L. Lillburn, B. B. Durfee, R. N. Harlan, E. I. Laubach, J. O. Briscoe, S. A. Swiggett, W. B. Bonnifield, B. J. Boulton, W. M. Morse, J. M. Kiser, A. H. Hamilton, C. Inskeep, W. H. Resor. A board of directors elected W. B. Bonnifield, president ; A. H. Hamilton, vice president ; John O. Briscoe, secretary, and Charles F. Blake, treasurer.
The franchise for the building and maintaining of a system of water- works in the City of Ottumwa had been granted in August, 1877, to S. L. Wiley & Company, the life of which was twenty-five years. The same year Wiley organized the Ottumwa Water Works Company, which took over the franchise granted S. L. Wiley & Company. The time fixed for the completion of the works was January, 1879, yet this consummation was not realized until July, 1880, the council having generously given the company an extension of time.
The Ottumwa waterworks was largely constructed on borrowed capital. In 1887 the plant was burdened with a mortgage of $120,000. This mort-
OTTUMWA WATERWORKS, POWER PLANT AND TAILRACE
1
125
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
gage was assumed by the Iowa Water Company in the year last mentioned, when it took over the Hydraulic Power Company's plant and that of the Ottumwa Waterworks. The new company was capitalized at $750,000, and upon the purchase of the corporations' interests above mentioned and the assumption of their obligations, the cost of the two properties totaled about a half million dollars. To this must be added a further outlay of some $60,000 in 1891 and 1892, when improvements to that amount were made, one of which was the extension of mains to South Ottumwa.
By defaulting on the interest on its bonds in April, 1894, and in February, 1897, the mortgages were foreclosed and the property passed into the hands of a bondholders' committee the following July. A new corporation was formed, under the name and title of the City Water Supply Company which, in September, 1897, acquired full legal possession.
After the Iowa Water Company went into liquidation, improvements to the amount of $75,000 were placed on the plant, including a filter. The City Water Supply Company placed mortgages amounting to $475,000 on the property, and later, from time to time, differences arose between the company and the city in respect to the quantity and quality of the water furnished, the pressure afforded, and other contentions. Finally the city authorities initiated a movement toward municipal ownership of a water supply system, and to this end passed ordinances on the 30th day of March, 1901, by and under which a provisional contract was entered into with a St. Louis contracting firm, subject to the ratification of the electorate, for the construction of a system of waterworks, to cost the sum of $400,000. Agreeably to the ordinance an election was called for May 6, 1901, to ascer- tain the voice of the voters in the approval of the contract. At this juncture the City Water Supply Company filed a bill in chancery in the United States Court, asking that the city be restrained from holding the election, from issuing bonds, or carrying out the contract in contemplation. Consequently a temporary restraining order was issued, and on July 30 the court ordered that the city be enjoined from consummating the contract and from issuing bonds upon the ground that to do so would violate that provision in the Constitution of Iowa limiting the right of cities to become indebted in an amount exceeding 5 per cent on the value of taxable property at the last assessment. The court declined to enjoin the city from holding an election. The result of the election was in favor of approving the contract. But, on account of the court order, it was ineffective.
The service rendered by the Public Water Company, which was the successor to the City Water Supply Company, continued to be very unsatis- factory, and as the franchise under which it was operating had expired, there was a very pronounced sentiment against granting the company a new franchise. But on the presentation of a new franchise for twenty-five years, the terms of which provided that certain improvements would be made within a period of four years, such as the extension of certain mains, the
126
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
installation of a sedimentation and filtration system, the erection of a new power house, an intake pumping station at Turkey Island, a flow line there- from to the main pumping station, together with other improvements, the franchise was approved by the City Council and submitted to and ratified by the electors of the city, December 3, 1903.
It was further provided in said franchise that the city could at certain specified periods purchase the water plant for the sum of $275,000, plus the value of the permanent improvements made after the granting of the franchise.
Only a part of the promised improvements, but amounting to approxi- mately $200,000, were made up to the year 1909, when they were unable to complete the same for the lack of money.
They then proposed to sell to the city, and after a long series of nego- tiations, finally offered to sell the entire plant for $280,000. This offer was accepted by the City Council, and, after a spirited contest, ratified by the electors, and the city took possession December 1, 1910.
Since the purchase by the city it has been managed by a board of three trustees, H. L. Waterman, chairman ; D. F. Morey and H. C. Williams. Under their direction improvements at a cost of about $146,000 have been made, consisting of the laying of twelve miles of additional mains; the instal- lation of a sedimentation and filtration plant of 4,000,000 gallons daily capacity ; a clear water basin of 5,000,000 gallons capacity; the installation of two high service pumps and the laying of a high pressure main from the pumping station to Fourth Street, thus doing away with, except for emer- gency purposes, the pumping station at the hill reservoir ; the widening of the tail race and various other improvements. Since the installation of the filter plant in November, 1911, the citizens of Ottumwa have been furnished an ample supply of clear, pure water for all purposes, without a single mishap, and for the first time in the history of the city.
On account of the long period during which muddy water only was furnished by the waterworks, unfit for household purposes, the number of consumers was small, the people relying on cisterns and wells.
While the number of consumers has increased since good water is provided, the growth has been slow. There are at present only about 1,800 consumers.
Notwithstanding the comparatively small number of consumers, the operation of the waterworks by the city is fast improving sanitary conditions and securing to the users water free from contamination. It has, likewise, proven a financial success. The net earnings of the plant from December 1, 1910, to December 31, 1913, after paying all operating and maintenance expenses, were $51,171.06, and after deducting interest on bonds ($36,956.25) there was left of earnings $14,214.81, which has been used toward the extension of the plant. No charge was made for the 294
127
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
hydrants for fire protection, which would have cost the city $25,420 under the Public Water Company's franchise.
While there has been an annual levy of 7 mills for waterworks purposes, every dollar raised through such tax has been applied to permanent improve- ments of the plant, together with over $14,000 in earnings from operation. The waterworks trustees recommended that there be a future expenditure of $125,000, to replace the present wood dams with concrete structures, the installation of the necessary machinery and wiring, and the city do its own street lighting. The proposition was approved by the City Council and ratified by the electors at a special election held February 2, 1914, the vote being 4,203 for and 1,152 against. Bids were received for the sale of the bonds, $100,000 (the waterworks to put in $25,000 out of its revenues) for the building of the dams, and the purchase of necessary machinery. The highest bid on the bonds carried a premium of over $2.400, and the bids on the dams and machinery were considerably below the estimates made by H. A. Brown, the efficient engineer and superintendent of the waterworks.
At this juncture the question as to the navigability of the Des Moines River and the requirements as to the construction of the dams was raised, and awarding of the contracts was deferred pending settlement of said question.
OTTUMWA ARTESIAN WELL COMPANY
A franchise was granted to L. E. Gray and associates on February 15, 1892, for the period of twenty-five years, for supplying the citizens of Ottumwa with water taken from artesian wells.
From a drilled well 2,250 feet deep, near the foot of Vine Street, with a pressure of about forty pounds, the water is conveyed in underground pipes through a large part of the business portion of the city.
The water is not suitable for boiler use, but it has been used to quite an extent as drinking water; especially was this the case during the long period that filtered water was not provided by the city waterworks.
COMING OF THE GAS LIGHT
During the tallow dip and candle days of Ottumwa the idea of public lights had not even suggested itself to the men who were struggling for a foothold in the river town. On dark nights lanterns were used by pedes- trians to light the way over streets full of chuckholes, stones and other obstructions. As the town grew, kerosene lamps, on wooden posts, were erected on the main thoroughfares and then the advent of gas revolutionized the system of illumination, both public and private.
128
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
To A. E. Swift & Company is rightly given the credit for the introduc- tion of gas as an illuminant into Ottumwa. Having been granted a franchise September 22, 1870, the company sold its privileges in the following month of November to the Ottumwa Gas Light Company, of which A. E. Swift was president. The capital stock was $100,000 and the company under its charter, was authorized to manufacture gas and deal in coal. A plant was erected and from hard coal a product was manufactured that met the increasing needs of the community. In 1875 the concern passed into the hands of Tillotson, Murdoch & Bannister, and in 1878 Dwight Bannister, as president, and J. R. Murdoch, vice president, were the ruling spirits of the institution. Many changes have occurred, both in the management of the works and in the method of making gas. The present product is known as water gas, to manufacture which entirely new machinery had to be installed. Since 1912 old buildings of the plant were razed to the ground, new and additional street mains were laid and other improvements inaugurated, which means an outlay of probably $100,000. In 1913 the plant was com- pletely remodeled and now it has no superior in the state, where size and capacity are considered. The present officials are: President, Frank T. Hulswit ; vice presidents, Richard Schaddelee, J. F. Porter, Claude Hamil- ton ; secretary and treasurer, Benjamin C. Robinson; assistant secretaries and treasurers, C. M. Hurd, L. H. Heinke; general manager, A. J. Goss.
ELECTRIC LIGHTS
When gas was introduced as an illuminating element the world concluded that the acme of man's genius had been reached in discoveries in this line of invention. The use of gas for lighting the homes, business rooms and public places revolutionized old systems and came into general use throughout the civilized world and remained the standard light until in the '8os, when a new and mysterious element, electricity, was brought under control of the irrepressible genius of man. This intangible and invisible something was commercialized and naturally drifted into universal use. Ottumwa had become a city, with all the aims and desires that the name implies. Its people were possessed of the ruling spirit of progress and realized the beauties and vast capabilities of the new light giving force. They desired electricity in their homes, for their streets, factories and other places of business activities, and in 1884 a company of local capitalists, among whom may be mentioned W. R. Daum, J. B. Sax, Charles F. Blake, George P. Daum, C. H. Brampton and Lewis B. Doud, organized the Ottumwa Electric Light Company, and securing a charter erected a plant and began furnishing arc light service to the merchants, employing two 20-light Sperry arc machines for the purpose. The machinery was installed in the corner of a furniture factory on Commercial Street, about a block west of the present splendid plant, and the revenue in the beginning was about $400 per month.
129
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
The following year the electric light people had the works in the water company's power house, where power to drive the machinery was pur- chased of the lessor. At this time two 60-K. W. Edison, 115-volt bipolar dynamos were added to the equipment and the furnishing of incandescent lights began.
Having purchased the property of the Ottumwa Electric Light Company, the Ottumwa Railway Electric Light & Steam Company began operations in 1889. The company's original idea was to build and operate an electric street railway, but later decided to add electric lighting and steam heating. Upon acquisition of the property just mentioned, the Sperry arc machines were discarded and two 50-light arc machines were added to the equipment. These with the two Edison bipolar machines were operated in the power house of the water company until 1894, when they were moved to the power house on Commercial Street, built in 1889. At this time the building was enlarged and a 250-horse-power Sterling water tube boiler and a Hamilton Corliss 600-horse-power engine was purchased. In 1890 a 500-volt, 100- K. W. engine Edison railway generator was installed, and in 1892 a Ball engine and a 200-K. W. 500-volt generator were placed in the plant. In 1891 the company was reorganized under the name of the Ottumwa Electric Railway, with a capital of $300,000, but in 1896 it was forced into the hands of a receiver, and J. H. Merrill was appointed to perform the duties of that office, which lasted until July 1, 1898, at which time the property was bid in by the bondholders and a reorganization effected under the name of Ottumwa Electric & Steam Company. New machinery was purchased, the incandescent lighting system changed to 150-volt A. C., and General Electric Company's Hartford system of arc lights installed.
On October 1, 1901, the company again was reorganized, this time under the title of the Ottumwa Traction & Light Company, which after a few years began the erection of a power house on Jefferson Street, but while these improvements were under way negotiations were entered into with H. M. Byllesby & Company, of Chicago, for the sale of the plant, which finally took place November 7, 1905.
Another reorganization was consummated January 1, 1906, under the name of the Ottumwa Railway & Light Company. This company made many improvements on its property, fitted up offices in the brick building on the corner of Second and Market streets, and converted the large room on the ground floor into a convenient and comfortable waiting room for its patrons using the street cars.
CITY PARKS
Among the various officials of Ottumwa are the park commissioners, whose duties are to subserve the wishes of the people in furnishing them pleasure spots where they can enjoy the natural beauties of green grass, Vol. 1-9
130
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
flowers and shade trees. The men who have been delegated these duties have fulfilled them acceptably and to the lasting benefit of the community. Recently Rock Bluff, a beautiful natural park of over thirty acres, was purchased from the Ottumwa Water Works Company, which plot of ground is situated west of the city along the Des Moines River, where the commissioners purpose to add much to its already natural and scenic beauties, and inviting surroundings.
The City Park is practically coextensive with the life of Ottumwa, and although it is a little spot in the center of the city still its location, facing the courthouse, is not such as to bring it within the hurly-burly of the business section. In the summer evenings many are attracted to this park, which is illuminated by massive electroliers. In its center is a pagoda, where the splendid Fifty-fourth Regiment Band discourses high-class selec- tions to admiring crowds during the summer. Then there is the south side park which is known as Riverside. This outing place was formerly a river slough and a convenient dumping place for the flotsam and jetsam of the city. Many trees have been planted, which afford shade to those seeking it. The levee along the river has been made a part of it, and a pretty view of the river is obtained, and at the same time cool breezes from that source are enjoyed by all who happen in the vicinity.
Wildwood Park presents another attractive resort of Ottumwa. Through its beautiful grounds Kettle Creek winds its way. A bridge over the stream at a most advantageous point and a boulevard stretching out and toward Wildwood countryside has been established.
Foster Park is in East Ottumwa, and is being gradually improved by the planting of trees and flowers, and otherwise beautifying the grounds.
Caldwell Park is situated on a bluff in West Ottumwa and is the most popular of all the places for outing at the present time. This is a great resort for picnickers and often the Fifty-fourth Regiment Band entertains music lovers during the summer months.
Ballingall Park, near the Union Depot, is not large, but is a counterpart to the City Park in its walks, verdure and lighting.
PETER G. BALLINGALL
Peter G. Ballingall was born in Scotland. In 1839, at the age of seven years, he crossed the Atlantic with his stepmother, who established a resi- dence in Canada. When still a boy Peter found his way to Chicago and worked in hotels in various capacities. Later, he became receiver of the Lake House and in 1855 opened the Briggs House, still one of Chicago's popular hostelries. The same year Mr. Ballingall was manager of the Haskell, at Galesburg, and in 1856 The Ivins, at Keokuk. From there he went to The Ashland, at Bentonsport, and later was at Fairfield. The Revere was opened by Mr. Ballingall at Agency City, and in 1859 he came
THE UTT BUILDING. OTTUMWA
THE BALLINGALL HOTEL, OTTUMWA
131
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
to Ottumwa and became one of its active citizens. For nine years he maintained a stage line from Ottumwa to Bloomfield and also one to Sigourney. The Ballingall House was erected in 1864 and always has been the leading hotel of the city. He became prominent in military circles, assisting largely in the state organization of that body of men. He was elected major of the Fifth Iowa, and was also a member of the General Assembly in 1883. As a hotel man he had a national reputation. While returning home in 1891 from a trip around the world Mr. Ballingall died on board ship on the high seas. His body was shipped from a Japanese port to Ottumwa.
Mr. Ballingall never married. Most of his valuable property was devised to the City of Ottumwa. This consisted of The Ballingall, which by a pro- vision of the will, always is to be maintained as a first-class hotel; and a tract of land east of and adjoining the Union Depot, now known as Ballingall Park.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.