USA > Iowa > Warren County > History of Warren County, Iowa : from its earliest settlement to 1908; with biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county > Part 29
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
John H. Monahan, 26th of December, 1854; Thomas J. Atkeson, 19th of De- vember, 1856; Luther B. Brisco, 22nd of July, 1855; J. HI. Knox, 19th of March, 1861; Gorhmm A. Worth, 20th of September, 1862; Jolm N. Andrew, 13th of February, 1868; J. II. Knox, 13th of March, 1875; T. D. Noble, 10th of April, 1879; W. W. Worth, 1883; Suel J. Spalding, 1887; T. T. Anderson, 1891; J. H. Watson, 1895; Evan B. Dowell, 1899, the present inenmbent. The fifteen men who have filled this office have been faithful and efficient servants of the people. There has never been a breath of suspicion as to the competency or honesty of any one of them, but each of them has enjoyed the esteem of the patrons of the office. Sometimes there has been active candidating for the office; even at the present there are several worthy aspirants. The office is now paying a salary of about $2,200 per annum.
RURAL MAIL.
Rural free delivery of the mail has added much to the desirability of farm life. Although it has been in operation but a few years, it has passed the ex- perimental stage. Further, it furnishes employment to a goodly number of men and a few women. It brings the daily paper within twenty-four hours to very, very many farm homes. The first rural routes from Indianola numbers one, two and three, were established in October, 1900, and extend respectively, twenty- nine, twenty-nine and twenty-eight miles, reaching one hundred and twenty, one hundred and sixteen and one hundred and ten homes, serving a population of six hundred, five hundred and eighty, and five hundred and fifty people. On May the 1st, 1901, ronte four was established. On October the 1st, 1903, routes num- ber five and six were established, changing the others somewhat. No county in the state is better supplied with mail facilities. The government has never done anything in all the past that has so delighted the farmers as establishing the rural free delivery. It has given new life to farm interests. The market reports are enjoyed by farmers beyond anything of which the townspeople can conceive. and the farmers' wives and danghters enjoy the enrrent news with as much zest as the ladies of the city.
LIBRARY.
In the Organic Act of the Iowa territory, is a section appropriating ont of any money in the treasury of the United States, $5,000, to purchase a library to be kept at the seat of government. When Governor Robert Lucas, of Ohio, was appointed governor of Iowa territory, on his way to Iowa to take charge of his new office, he stopped at Cincinnati to purchase a library. Iowa has from that time to the present been noted for its libraries. Its people are a reading people and in point of general intelligence, Warren stands in the front rank of Iowa counties. Early in its history the subject of a public library was agitated in Indinnola. Although the beginning was small and unpromising, yet the advocates of a public library persisted until they now have a comfortable building and a well selected lot of books. In 1879, a small association was formed, consisting of seventeen members, who have paid five dollars each for the purchase of one
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hundred books. One of the members, Mrs. W. H. Schooley, took charge of the books. During the following year, a room was fitted up for a reading room, and Miss Addie Hayden was appointed librarian. Slowly but regularly from time to time, more books were purchased. After struggling along for two years, they were obliged to close for want of funds. W. H. Schooley, Ed. R. McKee and Professor C. M. Grumbling were the trustees. In 1883, the books were moved to the recorder's office for safe keeping. February 14th, 1884, the stockholders voted to donate the library to the eity, provided : a tax was voted for its support. After some time the young people of Indianola formed an "Enterprise Club," for the benefit of the public library, working with great energy and in various ways, to secure money for the purchase of books and the maintenance of the library. In 1884, a library tax of one mill was carried by a good majority. This gave new life to the library, and its friends began to talk about the Indianola public library, and secured two large handsome rooms located in the central part of the city, neatly furnished by the "Enterprise Club," and city council. They started in these new rooms with five hundred and seventy-five books on hand, the old asso- ciation turning all their books over to the eity. A. P. VanTassel was chosen librarian. Dr. J. D. MeCleary, Dr. Erwin and O. K. Butler were the trustees. September 10th, 1884, Miss Hannah Babb, the present incumbent, was chosen librarian. The annual report for 1886, shows nine hundred and forty-three books in the library. They steadily increased until ten years later there were two thousand, nine hundred and twenty-nine books in the library. The library was again moved into a commodious room over the Indianola Bank, February 1, 1894. In July, 1894, the city library passed from under the control of the city council to a board of nine trustees, appointed by the mayor. In 1896, the tax levy was increased from one to one and one-half mills. April 18th, 1899, a free circulating library was opened. It became necessary for Miss Babb to have au assistant, so on January 8th, 1900, Miss Maude Fenner was given that posi- tion. Largely through the instrumentality of Mayor W. H. Schooley, Mr. Carnegie was induced to give $10,000 for the erection of a free public library building in Indianola, on condition that the city would agree to maintain a free public library at a cost of not less than $1,000 a year. The conditions were com- plied with by a unanimons vote of the council, January 26th, 1903. February 9, 1903, the levy for its maintenance was increased to two mills, and a levy of three mills voted for purchasing a site. The present site was secured at a cost of $3,550. The contract for the new building was let September 8th, 1903, and the building dedicated May 31, 1904. Subsequently, Mr. Carnegie made an ad- ditional gift of $2,000 on condition that the city would give $1,200 per annum for the maintenance of the library. This condition was met, and Mr. Carnegie's gift received. The number of volumes in the library now is five thousand and fifty-seven ; this does not include twelve or thirteen hundred government docu- ments. Miss Hannah Babb continues as librarian, and has for her assistant Miss Alice M. Dearth. The trustees are as follows: John Mayers, JJ. II. Whitney, George T. Perley. J. M. Anderson, J. L. Tilton, O. E. Smith, H. H. MeNeil, C. L. Price and J. W. Haneox.
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RULES: All residents over twelve years of age may draw books out for a week free, but are required to pay a two cent fine for each day over that time which they keep the book. Non-residents have the same privilege by making a deposit of $3.00, which is returned on the surrender of the card. The present library hours are from 12 o'clock a. m., to 8 p. in. Miss Babb and her faithful assistant, Miss Dearth, are universally esteemed for their kindness and efficiency as librarians.
As soon as books were made men began to collect them into one place for the convenience of scholars and truth-seekers. Very early in the history of books there were some extensive libraries, many of which have been destroyed by the ruthless ways of war, as well as by accident. There is no estimating the loss mankind has sustained in the destruction of libraries. Not until quite recently have the masses understood the value of public reading rooms. Law-makers have responded to the demand and provided for their establishment and maintenance. Iowa is not behind in this enterprise, but has provided for the public library in eities and towns. A great many of the benevolent rich have bestowed some of their charities in this direction, and some of the rich who have accumulated wealth in the dubious ways of dishonesty, are feeling the burning of ill-gotten gains to such an extent that they are unloading by the gift of large sums for library pur- poses. Perhaps the library will do just as much good as if it was established at public expeuse, or in any other legal way. The value of a library depends upon the quality of the books it contains. Just here the delicate question opens up for discussion. It is next to impossible to keep the average library free from bad or useless books. The general testimony of librarians is, that the young people read more trivial than helpful books. How to control this is the great burning library question of today. It is possible for a town library to contain books that will make it more harmful to a counnunity than a saloon would be. The librarian is a helpful factor in the usefulness of the library. There are schools for the educa- tion of librarians, but the villages ennuot afford to employ an expert. The wages ought to be sufficient to induce a competent person to remain for a long term of years. Some of our cities by taxation and the gifts of the rich, are erecting and maintaining libraries. New York now has one of the finest libraries in the world. The building is three stories high, and has three hundred and thirty-six feet front and will contain more marble than any building in the United States. It will have space for 1,250,000 books. The Astor, Lenox and Tilden libraries are all united in this magnificent building. Their combined endowment is about $3,500,000, the interest of which will be sufficient to maintain it in the very grandest style. There are two main reading rooms and fifteen special ones which will amply accommodate the public.
CITY PARK.
The Indianola park consists of two blocks, lying north of Simpson College campus. Win. Buxton, Sr., purchased the land, for which he paid $5,000, and donated it to the city of Indianola. Mr. Buxton is a public spirited man, noted for his liberality. He could not have made a better use of $5,000 than he has
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done in giving this land to the city for park purposes. The city proceeded to employ a competent man to lay off the grounds and beantify them. For some cause but few trees have been planted. but the people look forward to a time when Indianola will have one of the most beautiful parks in this part of the state. The report of the city clerk made April 1st, 1908, shows the following condition of the park fund, which arises from taxation.
PARK FUND.
RECEIPTS.
By Balance on Hand April 1st, 1907 $ 11.69
By Taxes From Treasurer 1,539.24
By Unpaid Warrants 390.98
$1,941.91
DISBURSEMENTS.
To Warrants Issued
$ 535.38
To Interest on Unpaid 1907 Warrants
46.91
To Unpaid Warrants
1,316.60
$1,898.89
Balance Cash on Hand April 1st, 1908
43.02
$1,941.91
ELECTRIC LIGHT PLANT.
About eighteen years ago the question of electric lighting was agitated in Indianola, and finally submitted to the voters on March 3rd, 1890, which resulted as follows: "For electric lighting," two hundred and ninety-nine; "against electrie lighting," one hundred and twenty-eight ; showing a clear majority of one hundred and seventy-one in favor of the city owning and operating an electric light plant. On the 29th of April. 1890, the city authorities entered into a contract with the United Edison Manufacturing Company for $9,500, and a further contract for the power with the Pond Engineering Company for $4.900. Bonds to the extent of $18,000 were authorized May 12th, 1890, drawing five per cent interest, to be paid semi-annually. These bonds were dated June 2nd. 1890, and were for twenty years, with a ten year option. A new engine, two new dynamos and three boilers were installed in the plant. in December, 1900, at a cost of $13,700. The present valuation of the plant is $41,000. The plant is being operated by the city, and is on a paying basis. The work of the plant is satisfactory to the public and to the patrons. The streets are well lighted. There is no single item connected with the city business that is more satisfactory than the electric light plant. The following is a statement made by the clerk in her report :
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RECEIPTS.
By Balance on Hand April 1st, 1907 $ 4,508.02
By Cash From Current 10,637.47
By Cash From Sale of Supplies 4,042.47
By Value Supplies on Hand April 1st, 1908 1,737.71
By Accounts Due April 1, 1908
900.30
By Unpaid Warrants 45.00
$21,870.97
DISBURSEMENTS.
To Expenses as Above Set Forth
$13.820.44
To Transfer to Reserve Fund
770.61
To Accounts Due April 1st, 1907
750.93
To Valne Supplies on Hand April 1st, 1907
1,475.84
To Old Warrants Paid
41.02
$16,868.74
$ 5,002.23
PANICS.
The great panies of the past occurred in 1842, 1857, 1873, 1893 and 1907. There is a great variety of opinion in regard to the cause of panics. That they have come and greatly disturbed business and brought financial ruin to many homes, all admit; but why, how and when we may expect them, are the questions that come home not only to every business man, but to every man and woman in all the land. One theory is that they come periodically, and they are confidently expected. This is a superstitious view of the subject. It forsakes reason and inquiry, and submits to uncontrolable fate. In regard to the panie of 1907, we are told that Wall street is responsible, that the stock gamblers in their manipu- lations of stock values, plunged the whole country into a serious panic, but any tyro knows that gambling neither increases nor diminishes the amount of money in circulation. Gambling is simply money changing hands without reasonable consideration. Another class charged the panic upon the "policies" of the president. The president was seeking to bring the rich men to account for violations of law, and these men retaliated by saying that the president's "poli- cies" have disturbed the financial conditions of the country. If this was true, it would be no argument against the aforesaid "policies," but rather an argu- ment in favor of them. Another class comes forward headed by the U. S. treasurer, charging the panie upon the common people, alleging that they had put their money into the famous "stocking leg;" when the facts are that the panie was fully inaugurated and began its work in New York before the common people of the country knew any thing about it. These various views. together with many others that have been promulgated. indicate the obstacles in the way
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of a correct analysis of the subject. It has often been said by men versed in American finance, that a few capitalists, say half a dozen, ean panie the country any day they so determine. There are some things calenlated to lead to the conclusion that they did so last October. When the panie came and the whole country was alarmed, the daily papers heralded the news all over the country that J. Pierpont Morgan had come to the resene with $20,000,000, thus proclaim- ing him as a great philanthropist. Others came forward with smaller sums, but the question suggests itself, how came Mr. Morgan to have $20,000,000 lying idle ? It would seem that he and other capitalists had withdrawn large sums of money from cirenlation. For what purpose? Only one answer can be given. That of disturbing financial conditions, and when the disturbance had reached a point satisfactory to them, they began to return their money to circulation. It closed a good many manufacturing establishments, it put more than one railroad into the hands of a receiver, it reduced the price of stocks on the board of trade, thus furnishing excellent opportunities for investment. Coming home, the question may be asked: In what way did the panic affect Warren county? Last September Warren county farmers who were feeding hogs confidently expected to get $6.50 per hundred weight, but the panie came, and the farmer who received $4.10 per hundred weight for his hogs was fortunate. The farmer had horses for sale, expected to get $150 per head, but the panie came and he received $110 per head. The same was true with regard to the price of cattle and poultry, and almost everything else that Warren county farmers had to sell, except corn. There was an unusual scarcity of corn, which made it the more important for the farmer to sell his stock even at panic prices. The result did not end with the farmers; the merchant found himself and elerks idle; day laborers found them- selves out of employment, and the whole country disturbed with the uncertainty of financial conditions. The banks in Chicago and New York refused to respond to the call for money made by their depositors all over the country. The local banks felt compelled to do the same by their depositors. If a man had money deposited in his local bank he could not get it. True this only continued for a short time, but long enough to convince the people of how easily the capitalists of the east can unsettle the whole country. This was a great time for capitalists who had drawn money out of circulation and put it into their own vanlts. The following item appeared in the papers three months ago: "By the opening of the Birmingham division of the. Illinois Central on April 19th, E. H. Harriman will be provided with a railroad link which will give him a route from the Pacific to the Atlantic." Other transactions might be recited to show that while the farmers of Warren county were suffering from the depreciated prices. the capitalists of the country were making their millions. The question might be asked: Why did not the goverment come to the rescue ? The U. S. treasurer did deposit money in various banks, but that only aided the banker, and left the poor people who were suffering from the panie, unaided. As soon as the panie was proclaimed, men began to say that Congress, early in December, will provide a remedy. Congress met as usual, and there has been much talk about financial relief, and abont a law to prevent a recurrence of October. 1907, but np to this day, (May 15th, 1908.) no congressional relief has come and no law has been
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enacted to prevent panies in the future. This whole subject shows how important it is for the masses to study the financial problems and qualify themselves for the proper exercise of the right of suffrage. The panie of 1907 differs from all others in some regards : first. before its influence had reached the west. the daily papers were saying: "The worst is over, everything will be restored to normal conditions in a few days." Every effort possible was made to minify the panic and to make the publie believe that its influence would soon be past. Now many of them are saying : "The panie after all was a good thing. it brought the people to their senses, enrtailed extravagances, indneed the masses to study and practice economy." But what of the farmer who suffered thirty-five per cent deprecia- tion in the prices of his live stock last winter, what of the merchant whose goods lay upon the shelf all winter. what of the day laborer who was out of employment ? If the panie was a useful lesson. it caused the classes referred to, to pay dearly for it. It is poor consolation to say to a man. your losses have tanght you a valuable lesson. namely : retrenchment of expenses. Such reforma- tory essays and sermons ought to be given before the panie, because any fool knows that when his income is ent off, there is need of retrenchment in expenses.
MARKET.
Below is given a limited report of the Indianola market May 15, 1908.
Corn 65 cents per bushel
Oats 45 cents per bushel
Wheat
80 cents per bushel
Barley 55 cents per bushel
Rye .60 cents per bushel
Eggs 13 cents per dozen
Butter
20 cents per pound
Chickens 9 cents per pound
Turkeys
10 cents per pound
Spring Chickens 16 cents per pound
Labor
20 cents per hour
ยท Mechanics from 25 to 40 cents per hour
Man ind Team
$4.00 per day
Top prices for hogs $5.80 per hundred
Top prices for beef steers $6.50 per hundred Top prices for cows and heifers
$3.50 to $5.00 per hundred
Top prices for draft horses $100 to $130
Top prices for carriage pairs $225 to $250
Top prices for mules $75 to $140
FARM LANDS,
In 1895, good average farms in Warren county could be purchased for $40 to $50 per acre. Now they will bring from $80 to $125 per acre. Town property has advanced but little, if any. Taxes have been increased more than 50 per cent.
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CHAPEL, SIMPSON COLLEGE
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These great changes in values have brought about many changes in farm meth- ods. in rents and farm improvements. Cheap money has made high land. Fifteen years ago, interest on money was from eight to ten per cent, now it is from five to six per cent. The number and amounts of mortgages have, in the last ten years increased rather than decreased, owing in part to low interest.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
BANKS.
First National Bank, Indianola Banking Company, Worth Savings Bank, Warren County State Bank.
GROCERIES.
Walter Peck, MeGranahan & Lundy. Fenner & Son, F. M. Shawver, J. H. Peterman. Anderson & Perley. Hughes & Bro., J. H. Osborne, Henry Spray, T. J. Dyke.
DRY GOODS.
G. E. Johnson. E. W. Perry & Son, Meck. & Robertson Co., Anderson & Perley.
CLOTHING.
Sam Cheshire, John L. Powers & Co .. R. L. Best & Co., F. S. Burberry.
BOOTS AND SHOES.
Giebrich's Shoe Store. Trimble Shoe Company. Meck & Robertson Company, W. R. Warthen, G. E. Johnson, A. W. Barker.
FURNITURE AND UNDERTAKING.
E. Haldeman Co., Proudfoot, Dyke & Smith.
CONTRACTORS.
Ira Waechter, W. J. Beymer, Fred Jeys.
HOTELS.
Arlington Hotel. T. E. Horner, Prop .; Todhunter House, J. J. Todhunter. Prop .; Traveling Men's Home, Mrs. M. J. Pritchard; Cottage Home, Mrs. Ed. Miller.
HARNESS.
F. C. Young, G. C. Richards, C. C. Reynolds & Co., McCoy Hardware & Harness Co.
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TAILORING.
Wm. Reith, Peterson Bros.
DRY CLEANING HOUSE.
Star Dry Cleaning House, Alva Morningstar.
DRUGGISTS.
J. W. Slocum. D. W. Husted. Arthur Lee.
MEAT MARKETS.
Hoover's Meat Market, Excelsior Market-Robert Graham.
STATION AGENTS.
C. R. I., C. B. MeLaughlin : C. B. & Q .. G. A. Shields.
AUCTIONEERS.
A. R. Guy, Thomas Pennington.
CEMENT WORKS, BUILDING BLOCKS AND FENCE POSTS. Silas Coryell.
PAINTING AND PAPER HANGING.
C. G. Davis. D. I. Hamilton, A. Moon. O'Neil MeKay, Wm. Burnett. E. E. Todd.
CARRIAGE SHOPS.
C. F. Keables. Bert Hope.
ART STUDIOS.
Zarley's Art Studio. Nickol's Avenue Studio, Webb's Art Studio.
MILIANERY STORES.
Mrs. M. E. Marlatt, Ida C. MeClelland Co., Mrs. D. M. Dashiell, Ragan Sisters.
AMUSEMENTS.
Lyric Theatre-Chris Shreiber, Crystal Theatre-Vatier Loring.
RESTAURANTS.
Sprague's. Hoyt's, E. V. Badley-Bakery. Swartslander's Cafe.
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VARIETY STORES. Clore's Big Variety Store, Harvey's Department Store, W. W. Barker.
MISCELLANEOUS.
A. W. Barker, Jerry Douglas: Poultry and Eggs.
Deitrich & Schrier: Shoe Repair Shop.
John Wells: Second Hand Store.
Indianola Cigar Factory : A. Hansch.
Indianola Broom Factory : Ralph Hughes.
Chas. Braucht : Machine and General Repair Shop.
W. K. Crabbe: Tanks. Glass and Paints.
Talbott Bros. : Live Stock.
John M. Prather: Steam Laundry.
Olympia Candy Kitchen: Chas. Hickman.
BOOKS, STATIONERY AND WALL PAPER.
Palace Book Store: E. P. Wright. Butler & Miller.
Haworth & Frank: Veterinarians.
Richard Crawford & Co .: Ice. A. D. Field : Nursery-man.
ATTORNEYS.
W. H. Berry, Henderson & Henderson. O. C. Brown. A. V. Proudfoot, H. MeNeil, H. H. MeNeil. J. R. Howard. J. O. Watson, HI. F. Burns, E. W. Hartman, S. H. Tidball. W. M. Wilson.
TINWORK AND PLUMBING.
Geo. T. Farley & Co .. Champlin & Son.
HARDWARE AND IMPLEMENTS.
C. C. Reynolds & Co., W. N. Bartholomew. McCoy Hardware & Harness Co .. Dan G. Peck.
JEWELRY, WATCHES AND CLOCKS.
C. W. Connoran, Butler & Miller, W. B. Spray.
BARBER SHOPS. John S. MeGuffin, Walter Murdock, Rowe & Robertson, Kress & Reese. F. R. Goode, Brown & Mccullough.
BLACKSMITHING.
J. HI. Schreiber, John Flesher, Julius Dennewill, Fred Hahn, C. F. Keables.
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LIVERY.
Cline & Shaver, S. G. Keeney, Carl McNeil. Pierce Bros.' Feed Barn, Farmer's Feed Shed.
DRAY LINE AND STORAGE.
Brack Short, Frank Shaw.
REAL ESTATE.
G. W. Speer. Thos. Frazier, S. A. Silliman, Ogg & Jackson, W. H. Swank. J. L. Browne. Barns & Goodman, Harry E. Hopper-Canada Lands,' F. E. Smith-Abstracts and Loans, Mel Parks-Insurance, G. Heiny-Insurance.
FEED STORES.
Jesse Bryson, JJ. M. Moore, J. H. Sweeney, F. C. Sigler.
.
LUMBER.
Harlan Lumber Company, F. C. Sigler.
COAL.
D. K. Jones, Misses Cocke, J. M. Moore, F. C. Sigler.
ALLEN TOWNSHIP.
TOWNSHIP OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1908.
Justices of the Peace: F. E. Stephens and O. B. Ayres.
Township Trustees: E. E. Morgan, Carlisle ; Thomas Ledlie, Carlisle ; J. E. Grant, Carlisle.
Township Clerk : Ed. H. Young, Carlisle.
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