USA > Iowa > Allamakee County > Past and present of Allamakee county, Iowa. A record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. I > Part 32
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Since becoming a city of the second class, in 1901, the official roster has been as follows :
Mayor-C. A. Beeman, 1901-05; D. H. Bowen, 1905-06 (resigned in March 1906, and M. W. Eaton elected to vacancy ) ; M. W. Eaton, 1906-09; T. B. Stock, 1909-11; 1. E. Beeman, 1911-13.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Clerk-C. L. Bearce, 1901-02 ; C. M. Stone, 1902-II ; J. D. Cowan, 19II-13. Treasurer-H. Carter, 1901-09; M. A. Wittlinger, 1909-13.
Assessor-Robert Wampler, 1901-05; S. R. Thompson, 1905-1I; Robert Wampler, 1911-13.
City solicitor-A. G. Stewart, 1901-05; H. H. Stilwell, 1905-07: H. L. Day- ton, 1907-13.
Marshal-Dan Williams, 1901-09; James Foley, 1909-12. Offices of marshal and street commissioner were then combined, and deputy marshal dispensed with.
Deputy marshal and street commissioner-E. W. Cummens, 1901-03: John Painter, 1903-04; Lawrence King, 1904-12.
Marshal and street commissioner-Lawrence King, 1912-13.
Councilmen-1901-02: First ward, N. Colsch Jr. and T. F. O'Brien ; second ward, Joseph Haines and Halvor Simonsen; third ward, E. W. Goodykoontz and R. I. Steele.
1902-03: First ward, N. Colsch Jr. and T. F. O'Brien ; second ward, Joseph Haines and H. Simonsen : third ward, E. W. Goodykoontz and R. I. Steele.
1903-04: First ward, C. L. Bearce and T. F. O'Brien; second ward, J. A. Markley and H. Simonsen; third ward, E. W. Goodykoontz and R. I. Steele.
1904-05: First ward, C. L. Bearce and T. B. Stock; second ward, Joseph Haines and J. A. Markley ; third ward, E. W. Goodykoontz and L. B. Oleson.
1905-06: First ward, C. L. Bearce and T. B. Stock ; second ward, Joseph Haines and Ellison Orr : third ward, F. G. Barnard and L. B. Oleson.
1906-07: First ward, C. L. Bearce and T. B. Stock; second ward, J. C. Ludeking and Ellison Orr; third ward, F. G. Barnard and L. B. Oleson.
1907-08: First ward, C. L. Bearce and T. B. Stock; second ward, J. C. Ludeking and Ellison Orr (the latter resigned in December '07 and D. E. Hoag was elected to fill vacancy) ; third ward, F. G. Barnard and L. B. Oleson (the latter removed from the city in '07 and R. I. Steele was elected to vacancy ).
1908-09: First ward, C. L. Bearce and T. B. Stock; second ward, J. C. Ludeking and D. E. Hoag (councilman Hoag died in July '08 and Jas. A. Markley appointed to fill vacancy ) ; third ward, F. G. Barnard and R. I. Steele.
1909-II: First ward, C. L. Bearce; second ward, Jas. A. Markley; third ward, John M. Lee; at large, R. I. Steele and T. F. O'Brien.
1911-13: First ward, T. F. O'Brien; second ward, Jas. A. Markley; third ward, J. M. Lee; at large, W. H. Niehaus and Fred Straate.
1913: First ward, C. J. Hale ; second ward, F. A. Ludeking; third ward, J. M. Lee; at large, W. H. Niehaus and Fred Straate.
Dr. D. H. Strock has been health officer almost continuously since the town was incorporated, except for intervals in which Dr. J. C. Crawford and Dr. D. H. Bowen served.
At the city election in the spring of 1913 it was voted to annex the grounds of the Allamakee County Agricultural Society, thus adding about twenty acres to the area of the corporation. This was deemed advisable for the reason that the city water-works plant is situated thereon; and the fair grounds being also used for race meetings and base ball it was best to bring it all under the control of the city authorities. On the part of the Agricultural Society it was desirable, because they had become involved for necessary improvements and expenses,
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PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
and had in 1905 transferred the entire property to the city upon its assuming and paying off their debts to the amount of something over $4,000. The city leases the grounds to the society for all purposes of county fairs and race meet- ings, so the arrangement is mutually advantageous.
About the year 1901 the council caused to be made a complete survey of the city for the purpose of establishing by permanent markers the center lines and intersections of all the streets, and corners of blocks. This important work was entrusted to Civil Engineer Ellison Orr, with the result that he produced an elaborate map of the city on a scale of 100 feet to the inch, with minute details, which is of great value.
At the present writing steps are being taken for the paving of the business streets with concrete and brick.
WAUKON'S FINANCIAL CONDITION Spring of 1913
Assessed valuation for lands, lots and personal property except
moneys and credits $328,000.00
Moneys' and credits 326,000.00
Indebtedness.
Sewer outlet bonds outstanding, 5 per cent $ 2,500.00
Refunding bonds outstanding, 4 per cent 8,000.00
Robertson judgment 3,458.26
Total indebtedness of all kinds owing by city. $13.958.26
To offset this indebtedness as it becomes due the city
has the following cash assets :-
Cash on hand in the several funds
$ 7,377.34
Due from county treasurer
3,500.00
Balance of city indebtedness
3,080.92
Total
$13.958.26
Property owned by city.
Waterworks system
$ 46,000.00
City hall
10,000.00
Fair grounds 4,500.00
Sewer outlet and septic tank
7,500.00
$68,000.00
The tax levy for city purposes for the past four years were as follows :
In the year 1909 .24 mills
In the year 1910 23 1-2 mills
In the year 1911 27 mills
In the year 1912 .21 mills
EBA
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SCENE ON THE MORNING AFTER THE FIRE OF AUGUST 16, 1878, AT WAUKON Robbins and Hale block on the right. North side of Main street.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
In addition to the 21-mill tax in the year 1912, the city levied a 10-mill tax to pay the Robertson judgment in full, said judgment being the result of litigation begun in 1902. This together with a 1-mill raise by the state, and a 4-mill school tax raise, over which the city has no jurisdiction, accounts for the extra high taxes this year.
The past two years the city revenue was reduced $2,700 per year, this being the amount of mulct tax formerly derived from saloons.
This concise statement was compiled from the city records for the information of the public, by J. D. Cowan, city accountant, attested by the mayor and council.
FIRE DEPARTMENT AND FIRES
At a meeting to organize a hook and ladder company, held March 16, 1869, Robert Isted in the chair, a committee previously appointed reported the names of sixty signers. Those present proceeded to elect a captain and five assistants, as follows: Chas. M. Bailey, captain; H. H. Stilwell, Ist assistant; D. W. Adams, 2d assistant; N. Herron. 3d assistant ; C. J. F. Newell, 4th assistant ; Augustus K. Pratt, 5th assistant; A. J. Rodgers, secretary ; H. Low, treasurer. Committee on constitution and by-laws, W. C. Earle, C. J. F. Newell, D. W. Adamıs.
That there had been a prior organization of this character is evidenced by a notice appearing in the Waukon Standard at this time calling upon all persons having any articles belonging to the hook and ladder company to bring them at once to the corner of Main and Allamakee streets.
In 1870, September 15th, occurred the first important fire in the business section, destroying the Belden blacksmith shop, where Martin's furniture store now stands and the buildings on Allamakee street north to the stone block. But we find nothing further in the newspaper files about a fire company until after the fire of April 14, 1878, which burned the Farley saloon and the Rankin building, an old landmark which stood where the D. J. Murphy block now is. It was built by Uriah Whaley in 1856, and the upper part at one time served as a lock-up.
A preliminary meeting looking toward the organization of a fire company was then held at the courthouse, April 25th, at which D. W. Adams was chair- man and A. M. May secretary, and it was voted to organize a hook and ladder company. A committee was appointed to raise funds for the employment of a night watchman; and adjournment had to April 29. The adjourned meeting proceeded to organize a company to be called the Pioneer Fire Company, D. W. Adams was elected foreman, D. W. Reed first assistant, and a committee named to solicit membership. May 2d the organization was completed by electing F. H. Robbins, 2d assistant ; C. W. Jenkins, 3d assistant ; John Murray, 4th assistant ; John Oprecht, 5th assistant; G. M. Dean, 6th assistant ; E. B. Gibbs, 7th assistant ; E. K. Spencer, Sth assistant ; A. J. Rodgers was elected secretary ; John Farnsworth, treasurer. May 10th, John Oprecht was elected night-watch- man. At later meetings by-laws, rules and regulations were adopted, and a committee appointed to solicit funds for purchase of equipment. The foreman and assistants were directed to take charge of all hooks and ladders that were
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PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
previously made and had become scattered. And August 8th there was talk of buying a hand-brake fire engine.
Then the "big fire" occurred on the night of August 16, 1878, destroying ten frame buildings in block 10, north of Main street, and only with the greatest clifficulty was it then stayed. It originated in the two-story frame store and dwelling of John P. Farnsworth, where the First National Bank is now, and burned two frame buildings to the east, being stopped in this direction at the west wall of the Hlale brick block, in the middle of their present store. To the west it devoured the buildings of W. A. Pottle, Nesmith & Gilchrist, Luther Clark and I. O. Bearce, to the space burned out in the previous April. In the rear of these the Rankin barn, Hersey & Stone warehouse, and the large hotel barn of Tovey & Goodykoontz were consumed. The rear of the two frames on Allamakee street occupied by R. G. Pratt and Miss Candee, now replaced by the Hale grocery and the Stilwell office building were badly damaged. It may be recorded here. that this fire was incendiary, and was planned and executed from a small frame saloon located further to the west in the same row, which was "saved" by the intervening space before mentioned. The facts were nearly two years in coming to light, and the principals were finally punished with a brief term in the pen. The public exercised considerable leniency towards the culprits, partly because the old frame buildings were promptly replaced with substantial brick structures. But this by no means lessened the enormity of the offense in setting fire to buildings in which people were sleeping, although they fortunately escaped with their lives. The town was utterly unprepared to combat a fire of any magnitude, the local press recording the fact that a few unsuitable ladders and one large hook were the only equipment available. The old-fashioned bucket lines to cisterns, wells and springs, was the only water supply. A meeting of the fire company was called immediately after, but no record of the proceedings is found.
After the incorporation of the town in 1883 the question of fire protection was agitated from time to time, but no action was aroused for several years, and none but small fires occurred, until the night of April 10. 1890, when the Kennedy store building was burned. This by the way was an old land-mark, a one-story frame, built by Washington Beale in about the year 1855. He became postmaster in 1856, and the postoffice remained in this building for three years. This fire also destroyed two one-story frames to the south, where the Dillenberg block now is, but spared the little old courthouse.
Sometime in 1800 the council obtained of \. P. Petrehn of New Albin a small hand fire engine on approval, and a few hundred feet of hose, which played an important part in the next fire, the burning of the Boomer Opera House on the night of February 12, 1891, with the two frame buildings to the west. In our mind's eye we can still see E. B. Gibbs on his back in the gutter to escape the heat, while directing the nozzle of this little machine to play upon the fronts of the brick buildings opposite the fire, which helped to save them. The town council concluded that the machine had paid for itself, and purchased it of Mr. Petrehn soon after. It is still preserved by the fire company as a relic, but it is still capable of good service for a small place. Before the month of February was ended the burning of the National House barn and Winter's livery called for something to be done.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Pursuant to previous announcement a meeting was held at the city council room March 4, 1891, for the purpose of organizing a fire company, as proposed at a citizens' meeting, held on the evening of February 25th. C. M. Beeman was made chairman and T. C. Medary secretary. It appearing that a sufficient amount had not yet been subscribed to purchase the necessary outfit, the meeting adjourned until March 6th, for permanent organization, providing the $400 required for equipment be then in sight. At the adjourned meeting March 6, 1891, the financial requirements having been met, the proposed rules and regula- tions for the government of the company were read, and adopted article by article by the volunteers present, who then completed the organization of "Pioneer Fire Company No. I," by electing officers for the ensuing year as follows: Foreman, Hans G. Johnson ; assistant foreman, James E. Duffy ; sec- retary, C. M. Beeman ; treasurer, R. J. Alexander.
The volunteer members of the company who signed the original roll, which is carefully preserved were: Max Wittlinger, R. B. May, R. J. Alexander, Max J. Walker, A. B. Boomer, C. L. Reid, Henry Greeling, John Holahan, J. H. Heiser, Wm. Blanchard, Geo. Stone, J. B. Hays, J. S. Johnson, E. B. Gibbs, H. G. Fisher, H. G. Johnson, W. H. Hale, M. Heiser, Jr., H. Krieger, Frank Zimmerman, C. M. Beeman, C. L. Bearce, Jas. A. Markley, W. C. Brownell, Herman Thies, T. J. Kelleher, J. E. Duffy, H. V. Duffy, J. E. Mills, Leslie Bearce. Jerry Casey, J. C. Larson, L. A. Howe and A. B. Clarke.
New members were admitted by ballot from time to time until the limit of fifty members was attained. The company proceeded to purchase equipments, and interested its members with regular stated drills with the city fire apparatus.
In April, 1891, the town purchased a Howe Chemical Hand Engine for $575, which saw service in several instances and doubtless was a good invest- ment at that time. After the installation of the waterworks this machine was sold. in 1899, in exchange for $200 worth of hose. In 1893 the community was deeply stirred by a series of barn fires, undoubtedly of incendiary origin, and in at least two instances dwellings and lives were endangered. No prosecutions were had, but the need of increased protection was demonstrated, and steps were taken for the securing of a water supply. April 17, 1895, the northeast corner of Main and Allamakee streets was the second time burned off, which probably had an effect upon the election which had been called for April 22nd, resulting in the carrying of the city waterworks proposition by a decided vote. This fire originated in the Duffy store, second from the corner, and the O'Brien building next north was saved. The Martin store to the east was destroyed, but rebuilt with brick the same year. The corner was soon rebuilt with the present three-story bricks, and this was the last serious fire the town has expe- rienced to this date, an immunity largely due to the effective organization of our fire company. We have at hand no statistics of the calls to which they have responded, but they have been numerous, and have demonstrated the efficiency of the fire department and the system.
The city water system comprises two drilled wells 577 feet deep, one Downie double acting pump driven by electric motor, capacity 100 gallons per minute, directly over well; pumps to 116,000-gallon stand-pipe, 14 feet in diameter and 100 feet high. For emergency, one Smith Vaile fire pump located over well,
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PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
capacity 100,000 gallons per day. Also one steam engine to drive' Downie pump. Six and a half miles of 4, 6 and 8-inch mains, with 54 double hydrants.
The fire department consists of forty-nine members, with three hose carts and 1,200 feet of 21/2-inch hose, one hook and ladder truck with full equipment. Alarm bell on steel tower at city hall, operated from telephone exchange.
The Pioneer Fire Company. having the use of the upper floor of the city hall, have finished off the principal room and furnished it very pleasantly for their place of meeting, reading and recreation, and have invested something like $750 for this purpose. They have always been liberally patronized by the public in their entertainments, as they have themselves promptly responded to public call. A membership in such a company is an honor worth while.
Since the organization of the company in 1891, its officers have been as follows :
Foreman-H. G. Johnson to July, 1895: Wm. Blanchard to March, 1896; A. B. Clarke to 1906. ( The office has been designated as "Chief" since 1902) ; R. B. May, 1906-08: B. O. Swebakken, 1908 to 1913.
Assistant-M. A. Wittlinger to -: J. M. Frederick, 1906-08; Lawrence King, 1908-12; F. A. Ludeking, 1912 to present time.
Secretary-C. L. Bearce since November, 1891.
Treasurer-R. J. Alexander since organization, March, 1891.
The present subordinate officers are: Hook and Ladder Company, Herman Thies, captain; Hose Company No. I. E. W. Kiesau, captain ; Hose Company No. 2, John DeWild, captain.
In May, 1891, C. W. Jenkins was appointed chief of the fire department ; but for the past many years D. R. Walker has filled this position efficiently, now designated as Fire Marshal.
PUBLIC UTILITIES
On the 30th of July, 1894, the city council adopted an ordinance granting an exclusive franchise to M. B. Hendrick to erect and maintain an electric light and power plant for a period of seven years, which was approved at a special election held August 13th following .; but the terms and conditions under which the franchise was granted not being complied with it was allowed to lapse. March 28, 1896, a like franchise was granted Chas. F. Speed, which was approved at a special election held April 21st, and a plant was installed the same year.
In 1896 also the town acquired telephone facilities, upon the extending of suitable privileges to the Standard Telephone Company for the use of the streets for necessary poles and wires. The lowa Union Telephone Company had pre- viously obtained permission and strung its wires to the courthouse, in 1887.
By a vote of the electors in the year 1895, the city council was authorized to take the necessary steps toward the establishment of a waterworks system, and to issue bonds to pay for same. Contracts were duly entered into, and a well drilled on the county fair grounds north of the city limits, by Palmer & Sandbo, which was accepted in June, 1896, at a cost of $1.443.75; the well having a depth of 57772 feet, and supplying an abundance of excellent water. A pumping station and stand-pipe were thereupon erected, and in the course of the summer
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PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
the mains were laid, by contractors Crellin & Lovell, and the system put into operation under management of the city authorities. Some two years later it was found advisable to have a second well drilled, but it was not completed and accepted until September, 1899. From time to time the system has been extended, until it now comprises over six miles of 4 to 8-inch mains, besides a considerable extent. of 2-inch pipe.
A complete modern sewerage system was installed in the years 1910-II. Bids for the work were opened June 1, 1910, ten in number and ranging from $20,492.75 to $27,069.62, and contract let to the lowest bidders, Thill-Manning- Whalen Company, who completed about two-thirds of the work that year and the balance the following spring and summer. The outlet and septic tank was contracted and completed by John A. Dahlsad. This with extra compensation for various expenses not contemplated in the specifications bringing the total cost of the plant to approximately $25,000.
RAILROAD
On the 9th of May, 1857, several of the prominent citizens of Lansing adopted articles of incorporation of the "Lansing, Northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota Railroad Company," to build a railroad to the state line, towards the south bend of the St. Peters river in Minnesota, with a capital of $4,000,000. Not to be outdone, Waukon proceeded to organize the "Prairie du Chien & Mankato R. R. Company," with a capital of $5,000,000, the articles of incor- poration of which were signed at Waterville, October 15, 1857, by Scott Shat- tuck, F. Belfoy, Wm. F. Ross, W. H. Morrison, J. Beebe, N. A. Beebe, Col. J. Spooner, W. W. Hungerford, Geo. E. Woodward and L. T. Woodcock. The board of directors for the first year consisted of John T. Clark, William H. Morrison, J. Spooner, Francis Belfoy, Geo. E. Woodward, N. A. Beebe, William F. Ross, William W. Hungerford, A. B. Webber, J. T. Atkins, H. L. Douse- man, Albert L. Collins, and T. R. Perry ; and the officers were: John T. Clark, president ; Francis Belfoy, secretary; W. W. Hungerford, treasurer, and Geo. E. Woodward, chief engineer. The last mentioned has since become an architect of more than national reputation. Books were opened for the subscription of stock, and the line surveyed that fall through Winneshiek and Mitchell counties to the state line, commencing at the mouth of Paint creek.
We find a record of October 20, 1858, when the second annual meeting of the board of directors was held in the office of the company here. That meet- ing was largely attended and very enthusiastic. Every county along the line was represented. Over $14,000 stock was subscribed on that day. Letters were read from distinguished railroad men in Wisconsin and Minnesota, all speaking unqualifiedly of the Paint creek route as the very best west from the Mississippi in northern Iowa, and predicting its completion at an early day. For the second year J. T. Atkins was president ; N. A. Beebe, vice-president ; Hungerford, secre- tary, and J. T. Clark, treasurer and attorney.
April 27. '59, a delegation from Waukon attended an enthusiastic railroad meeting at Prairie du Chien, and were met at Johnsonsport by the ferry boat and brass band from that town. But it was all of no use. All hope was not abandoned, however, and April 15, 1862, the "Prairie du Chien and Austin R. R.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Company" was incorporated. This also came to naught, and February 4, '63, was organized the "Prairie du Chien and Cedar Valley Railroad Company," which resulted as had the others.
In 1871 the B., C. R. & M. road was extending up towards Postville, with the intention, as stated in railroad meetings at Independence and elsewhere, of extending on northeast by way of Waukon to the river. This gave new hope, only to be followed by disappointment again. Then Judge Williams' narrow gauge enterprise was planned and partially executed. Propositions were made to Waukon in 1872 for a branch to this place. We accepted, and did our full part, by way of voting aid, subscriptions, surveying, etc., till the eastern financial end of it collapsed, causing an abandonment of the project, but not until several lines were surveyed to Waukon from the Iowa Eastern, by way of Monona and Postville.
Waukon had become used to disappointments by this time, and the subject was pretty much at rest till the fall of 1874. Then Lansing began to agitate the county seat question again. This was the one thing needed to rouse our citizens to action, and they took hold of the matter in earnest. After consider- able talk and canvassing of the matter, articles of incorporation of the Waukon and Mississippi R. R. Company were adopted, with the following incorporators : W. C. Farle, A. E. Robbins, C. Paulk, Jacob Plank, H., S. Cooper, John Goody- koontz. P. G. Wright, C. Barnard, H. G. Grattan, Jeptha Beebe, C. O. lloward, G. P. Eells. H. 11. Stilwell, C. W. Jenkins, G. M. Dean. F. M. Clark, C. S. Stilwell, J. W. Pratt. L. Howes, J. A. Townsend and James Duffy. Until the first election by the stockholders, the officers consisted of C. D. Beeman, presi- dent ; H. S. Cooper, vice-president ; C. S. Stilwell, secretary, and John Goody- koontz, treasurer. At the annual meeting of the stockholders, April 6th, officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: D. W. Adams, president ; C. D. Beeman, vice-president ; Martin Stone, secretary; 1. W. Ilersey, treasurer ; and G. W. Stoddard, W. C. Earle, Jas. Holahan, H. G. Grattan, H. H. Stilwell, and Fred Hager. directors.
The directors authorized a survey as soon as possible, which was begun April 19. 1875, and completed May 21, under the direction of D. W. Adams, J. H. Hale, and J. W. Earle. Meanwhile a committee had been at work since January securing the right of way. May 22, payment of accrued claims was provided for. Contracts for grading were let May 28th, and about the first of June dirt began to fly, high hope being entertained of the completion of the road that fall. The grading was completed late that summer, many of the bridges put in, and ties got out ready for the rail. It was at first the intention to lay a hard- wood rail, but at a meeting August 25th, iron was decided upon. In December, an attempt was made to negotiate a loan, which failed, as did a similar attempt in January following. The difficulty was not so much in securing the money wherewith to purchase the iron, as in obtaining it on such terms as would save the road to the stockholders and not make it necessary that it should pass from their control. Efforts to this end were continually being made. At the general meeting in April, 1876, the old officers and directors were reelected. Up to April ist the sum of $33,533.57 had actually been collected on stock subscrip- tions. March 15th, a law was passed by the general assembly permitting town- ships and incorporations to aid in the construction of railroads, and in accordance
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