USA > Iowa > Marshall County > The History of Marshall County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., a biographical directory of citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men etc > Part 48
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Resolved, That in carrying forward the object above indicated, we deem it to be of the utmost importance to avoid all local and sectional jealousy, to refrain from any attempt to dictate to the company which shall undertake the construction of a railroad through our county the line of its location, but are willing and desirous to allow the directory of said company to locate the road at their discretion, having due regard to the general public interest, and the best interest, present and prospective, of the company.
Similar resolutions were received from the several counties interested in the project. The convention was attended by the leading men of Marshall and all places along the projected line. It was an enthusiastic gathering, and indicated a determination to succeed.
Thereafter, the Times was filled with articles showing the advantages of opening up trade with Cedar Rapids, and encouraging by every conceivable argument the success of the plan.
The following address to the people was issued, and cast broadcast over the country. It is reproduced entire, as an ample explanation of the work pro- posed, as well as of the sentiment of the people at the time :
To the Citizens of Linn, Benton, Tama, Marshall, Story, Boone, Greene, Carroll, Crawford and Mo- nona Counties, in the State of Iowa :
At a convention of delegates representing the counties of Linn, Tama, Marshall, Boone and Greene, convened pursuant to notice, at the town of Marshall, on Wednesday, the 11th of May. 1859, for the purpose of considering our railroad interests, the undersigned were appointed a committee to prepare an address to the people interested, briefly stating the history of railroad operations so far as they point westwardly through our tier of counties, furnishing such infor- mation as we could command on the subject, and earnestly soliciting the future co-operation of the people all along the line, from the Cedar to the Missouri, in prosecuting such plans as will procure for ourselves the advantage of railroad facilities at the earliest practicable day.
In pursuance of the wish of the Convention, the undersigned ask the attention of those into whose hands this paper shall fall, for a few moments.
Sometime in the year 1853, the "Iowa Air Line Railroad Company " was organized for the purpose of constructing a road from Sabula, on the Mississippi River, westwardly on a straight line (or nearly so) to the Missouri. This company, it was intended, should be exclusively an Iowa company, owned, controlled and built by Iowa men. The company maintained its exist- ence, but without accomplishing any substantial good, for nearly three years, when Congress made a large grant of public lands along the line of the proposed road, to the State to aid in constructing a road. The amount of these lands is now ascertained to be over 600,000 acres. There were certain restrictions and conditions imposed by Congress, and, subject to these, and some others imposed by the Legislature, the lands were granted to said company.
Nearly all these lands lie west of the Cedar River, and the distance from the Mississippi to the Cedar, on the route proposed by Congress, although not exactly known to us, is probably nearly 100 miles. The Legislature required the company to build twenty miles of the road, and then authorized them to sell twenty miles of the land, and so on until the road should be com- pleted, and seventy-five miles of the road were to be completed and equipped by the Ist day of December, 1859.
A failure to comply with the conditions would work a forfeiture of the lands granted, and the law provided for the right of the State, in such case, to resume the control of the lands. Spasmodic efforts have since been made from time to time, by said company, to go forward with the work, and a great deal of money (considerably over $1,000,000) has been expended by them, according to their showing, yet not a rail is laid-and there is no hope that they will ever suc- ceed in their undertaking. They have delayed the work until rival roads have been constructed, taken possession of the field of operations, and though not precisely on the line of the " Air Line Road," they run so close and parallel with it, that the completion of the road, even as far as the work has been partially done by the Air Line Company, is almost rendered unnecessary for the convenience of those for whose benefit it is constructed. The company now has scarcely enough vitality left to keep up its legal existence, while its own friends have abandoned it as a hopeless and lifeless thing.
The city of Lyons, which is at the eastern terminus of the road as proposed by Congress in making the land grant, and which is more interested in the concern than any other town, has rescinded the vote by which it voted 840,000 of its bonds to the company, and other towns are taking the same course, and will probably arrive at the same result.
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HISTORY OF MARSHALL COUNTY.
It is now very certain that the Air Line Company will utterly fail to comply with the condi- tions of the land grant, and the lands will revert to the State.
But to add to all the disadvantages which rest like an incubus upon the affairs of that com- pany, recent investigation has disclosed a state of corruption and imbecility, unparalleled iu the history of railroad enterprise. The company is without funds, without credit, without charac- ter, and has nothing to depend upon in the future but the land grant, and that is departing from them as rapidly as the present year is passing away. It is not probable that even the existence of the company can be maintained for another year. Such, then, fellow-citizens, is the brief his- tory of that company-the only company to which we in this tier of counties, west of Cedar, have been in the habit, until recently, of looking for railroad facilities.
The land grant was made by Congress for the benefit of the interior of the State, to develop the resources of these counties, and create a demand for the remaining public lands lying in and near them. It was made to encourage us to settle in this tier of counties, and many of us came here, not doubting but that the liberal designs of the General Government would be carried out in good faith by the railroad company into whose hands these lands should be placed by the State. These lands do not belong and were never intended to be given up to the company with- out an equivalent to us. They belong to us virtually, and the State and railroad company are merely our trustees. Since, then, it is certain the Air Line Company will not be able to comply with the conditions of the grant, and since we are forced tothe conclusion that the last vestige of hope from that source has been removed by the corruption, mismanagement and delay, and even next to bankruptcy of that company, it becomes our duty, as it is our right, to cast about us and see what our interest, under the circumstances, requires at our hands.
The only substantial and material means within our reach (beyond a moderate subscription by corporations and individuals along the line of the railroad) for railroad purposes are the lands granted by Congress, and to make them available, they must be transferred from the Air Line to some other company. If this disposition of the lands can be procured at the next session of our State Legislature (and with the consent of Congress, if that be requisite-and we are unable to see why such a transfer may not be obtained if we do our duty, and send a proper Representative to the capital next Winter), we have then a good foundation laid for future opera- tions. Probably by the time this circular reaches you, the Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska Railroad will be completed to Cedar Rapids, fully one-fourth of the distance to the Missouri River from the Mississippi River, and probably more. Two plans are suggested, which we will state.
One is to organize a new company, to construct a road from Cedar Rapids, west, and the other is to unite our fortunes with the C., I. & N. R. R. Co., and get them to extend their road west, and in the event of either of these plans being adopted, to procure the transfer of the land grant to aid in the work.
It gives us great personal pleasure to second the unanimous wish of the Convention we repre- sent, by recommending the extension of the C .. I. & N. Road in preference to the organization of a new company, simply asking such proper representation in the directory as will protect our interests.
We the more heartily indorse this plan because of the entire confidence we feel in the integrity and soundness of the company. The company which, in the space of three years, by almost unaided private enterprise, and in the midst of strong competition and bitter opposition arising from local jealousies, and during these unparalleled hard times, has completed and equipped eighty miles of road is entitled to our confidence, and unquestionably stands well with the commercial and financial world; and this confidence is not a little heightened by a comparison of its operations with its once great but now dead rival.
The C., I. & N. R. R. completed to Cedar Rapids, and fully equipped and furnished with rolling stock, cost less than $1,500,000, while nearly all that amount has already been expended by the Air Line Company, and not a single foot of their road is completed or likely soon to be. No present inhabitant of these counties can hope to live to see the Air Line completed at the past rate of its construction ; and we are confident that the whole State is not able to foot the cost of it, at the rate of expenditure heretofore indulged in by its directory. The record of the latter company is one of weakness and folly, not to say crime, resulting in nothing but blasted hopes and ruined fortunes, while the history of the former is a record of wisdom, economy and enter- prise eminently crowned with success.
Another reason for indorsing this plan is that the line will be continuous, and under one directory, leaving no opportunity for conflicting interest and jealousy. This is no small matter, but taken in connection with the well established reputation and untainted credit of the company, is a conclusive and irresistible argument in favor of the plan proposed. No new company could hope to start under such favorable auspices.
The resources which we along the line, with the aid of the land grant, could bring into the field of operations, added to the strength, credit and experience of the C., I. & N. R. R. Co., with its eighty-two miles of road in complete operation, would insure the completion of our road sooner than we could possibly hope for one from any other source, or by any other scheme.
If we but regard our own interest we conceive that no time will be lost in bringing ourselves at once square up to the work in prosecuting the plan proposed. Let us go to work energetically and make the necessary sacrifice of present time and expenses for the future public good. Let
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us see to it that our Representatives at Des Moines next Winter are with us, and men of intelli- gence and influence. Let us avoid all sectional and local jealousy and contest for rival interests, resting satisfied if the common good of the counties along the line is kept in view. Let us do all these, and it will not be long until we have a railroad and markets. The undeveloped wealth of this part of Iowa will be made known to the Eastern world, and with an increased population and growth in material wealth, we shall advance to a higher civilization and enter upon a career of unexampled prosperity.
It has been agreed to hold a convention at Cedar Rapids on the 13th of June next, for the purpose of inaugurating the proposed plan of operations, at which it is expected that a large number of the Eastern stockholders and heavy capitalists who are interested in the C., I. & N. R. R. will be present. It is very important that every county along the line shall be represented, and it is recommended that five delegates be sent from each county.
Two delegates have already been appointed from each of the counties of Tama, Marshall, Boone and Greene. These were appointed at the convention at Marshall, on the 11th inst. Three more are to be selected by each of said counties, and a delegation of five from each of the other counties on the line, and we hope the people will take hold of the matter, appoint their strongest, most active and influential men, and those who will attend most certainly. Let there be a full attendance from each county at Cedar Rapids on the 13th of June. Consider the importance of the undertaking and govern yourselves accordingly.
W. W. WALKER, H. O. HENDERSON, Committee.
Pursuant to the call, a convention was held in Cedar Rapids June 11, 1859. Marshall County was represented by Messrs. James Allman, H. S. Patrick, T. V. W. Young, Thomas Schofield and H. C. Henderson.
The result of that meeting was the formation of a new corporation for the purpose of supplanting the old Air Line Company. The following gentlemen were chosen Directors : Robert M. Rippey, Greene County ; G. M. Woodbury, Marshall County ; L. C. Sanders, Boone County ; A. D. Stephens, Benton County ; James Hawthorne, Story County ; John Weare and John F. Ely, Linn County ; James W. Graham and W. C. Salisbury, Tama County ; Mr. Dennison, Crawford County ; John Bertram of Salem, Mass .; Oakes Ames, Boston ; L. B. Crocker, Oswego; John Wentworth and Charles Walker, of Chicago. The officers chosen were : President L. B. Crocker; Vice President, G. M. Woodbury ; Treasurer, John Weare; Secretary, W. W. Walker; Exec- utive Committee-L. B. Crocker, G. M. Woodbury, John Weare, John F. Ely and W. C. Salisbury.
The new company naturally encountered great opposition from the elements favorable to the old Air Line road. In August, 1859, we find that Mr. Wood- bury felt called upon to issue the following circular as an excitant : -
The time has arrived for the people of the counties on and near the 42d parallel of latitude to arouse themselves to earnest action in one great and united effort to save the Government lands donated to this State to aid in building a railroad on this parallel, and making them avail- able to the legitimate objects for which they were granted.
The delegates which these counties sent to the convention held at Cedar Rapids on the 13th of June, after carefully considering the whole subject, made the organization of this new com- pany, called the Cedar Valley & Missouri Rail Road Company.
The embarrassed, if not insolvent and bankrupt, condition of the Iowa Central Air Line Company, made it evident to the Convention that that company could not build the road if let alone; and it was believed unsafe and hazardous in the extreme for individuals or counties to make subscriptions to the stock of that company, lest their whole assets should be sold on out- standing obligations, which still exist to more than half a million of dollars, without any means of payment. Nor was the embarrassment of the company the only objection to its being made again the favored recipient, from the State Legislature, of the lands granted by Congress to aid this line of road ; objections far more fatal and alarming to the minds of that convention came up in such force as to compel them not only to withhold their confidence and support from the Iowa Central Company, but to take the most active and prompt measures to dispossess that com- pany of the use and perversions of the lands which it was their policy and intention to make.
They originally designed to use the lands, which are all west of the Cedar, and mostly west of the Des Moines, to build the road commencing on the Mississippi ; but they now propose to begin at Anamosa, some thirty or forty miles east of the Cedar, and apply the lands first to the cost of that portion of the road, by which it appeared that there being only lands enough to apply
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HISTORY OF MARSIIALL COUNTY.
to 170 miles of the road, they would become exhausted when they should reach the valley of the Des Moines, and the State thereby be deprived of a through road to the Missouri ; and the people west of the Des Moines would be compelled to see their own lands taken to build a road east of the Cedar, to compete with the Chicago, lowa & Nebraska, which is now in operation to Cedar Rapids, on a line ten miles shorter, and fifteen feet lower maximum grade, to the Cedar River than the I. C. line.
If, therefore, the Iowa Central Company could carry out their design, they should not be permitted to do so unless they, too, would begin at Cedar Rapids, in connection with the Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska road, and extend that better line and better grade through the State; and, even under the change of policy, they should be required to cancel their old obligations, stocks and bonds, and to come before the Legislature with clean hands and lionest faces and ask again the confidence of the people.
The Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska Railroad Company have, in the face of and under the shadow of this land grant, built their road during the past three years as an extension of the Galena & Chicago Union line, due west from Chicago to Cedar Rapids, and these two strong and well- managed companies now turn their attention to this further extension of their line from Cedar Rapids to the Missouri, stating in the Convention that they were ready to co-operate with any company of honest men who would organize and begin this road at Cedar Rapids, clean from debt and uncontaminated with frauds, and with an earnest and honest effort to build it with promptness and economy-that such a company could, with all confidence, look to them or their stockholders for such aid and support as was in their power to render.
These two Eastern companies desired the business of Central Iowa to pass over their roads to and from the East, and, to obtain this advantage, they were ready to do their part in prepar- ing a basis of progress.
The wisdom and even necessity of the organization of this new company must therefore be apparent to every intelligent mind.
We have slumbered too long already in passive acquiescence in the policy and plans of the Iowa Central Company ; we must now come together of one accord in defense of our rights and interests. We want a great commercial avenne through our State. The Chicago, Iowa & Ne- braska have built one-fourth of the distance without Government lands or State aid. Congress has recognized our necessities. Let the State now do her part. We, who are the interested parties, have organized a company of honest men from amongst ourselves to receive the Government lands, as we shall build the road in good faith, and this company will demand of the Legislature their confidence and support, and the people of the counties on or near the 42d parallel should demand of every candidate for legislative honors a pledge that he will make the grant of the Government lands to the Cedar Rapids & Missouri River Company the object of his most earnest efforts, and the completion of a railroad, as designed by this company, the object of his deep solicitude.
G. M. WOODBURY, V. P. C. R. & M. R. R. Co.
As the question of transferring the land grant from the Air Line to the new .company would come up in the Legislature in 1860, the matter was made a political one at the election in the Fall of 1859. The " People's Ticket " con- tained the name of William Bremner, who was nominated with the express understanding that he would favor the transfer, as he honestly and consistently could do. He was opposed by Mr. Boardman.
The Senator from the Thirty-fourth District was A. M. Pattison, of Marshall County, opposed to Mr. Gifford.
Mr. Bremner's majority was 323 ; Mr. Pattison's was 342.
The session of the Legislature was an animated one. The lobby was strong and active on both sides, and the events of that year were remembered by all who were in the least concerned in railroad affairs. Marshall County felt a greater interest in the proceedings than is usually the case, because the question of abolishing the County Judge system of government was also before the Leg- islature.
The new corporation, which was called the Cedar Rapids & Missouri River Railroad Company, did not have undisputed control of the field. When it became apparent that the Air Line had not sufficient vitality to resist the attack of the C. R. & M. R. Co., it was proposed to save the franchise and local aid along the first surveyed line, from Anamosa, Marion, Marietta, etc., to the river, by the formation of a new company, to be called the Dubuque, Marion & Western Railroad Company. This project received considerable support from
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HISTORY OF MARSHALL COUNTY.
the towns that would be left out in the cold by the success of the C. R. & M. R. Co. The lobby waxed warm, and the delegations from all parts of the State. concerned in the matter continued to increase. The Air Line had by this time lost the last trace of life, and the struggle was over the distribution of the estate of the defunct company. The relative merits of the lines East via Dubuque and Clinton formed the topic of many a newspaper article and public speech at this time.
On the 24th of March, 1860, the bill transferring the land grant to the C. R. & M. R. Company passed the Legislature. The bill was approved by the Governor and became a law.
The town of Marshall owes its success in this matter to Mr. Woodbury more than to any other individual. He was untiring in his labors to secure the passage of the bill, and devoted his whole time to work at the capital that Win- ter. The people of this section speak in unanimous praise of his indefatigable labor in their interest.
As an interesting reminiscence of this time, we quote the following editorial from the Chicago Press and Tribune of April, 1860. Only eighteen years have passed since the article was written in the metropolis of the West, but how great has been the development of the Far West since these predictions were made :
The President, IIon. L. B. Crocker, of Oswego; the Treasurer, John Weare, Esq., of Cedar Rapids, and other gentlemen interested in the Cedar Rapids & Missouri Railroad, are in this city, and from them we learn that the land grant recently transferred from the old Iowa Central Air Line to this company, is larger than was expected. Within fifteen miles of the line, a large amount of lands were pre-empted previous to 1858, which will be forfeited and made available to the company. They believe that the lands thus granted and made available for building the road will amount to 1,000,000 of acres. The landsare entirely unencumbered, and if properly managed, as we have not the least doubt they will be, they are worth more than the road will cost. Re- sponsible parties stand ready to build the 230 miles of road, depots, water tanks, etc., for $15,000 per mile. That would amount to $3,450,000, while the lands can be made to realize at least $5,000,000. That certainly will be sufficient to build and equip the road.
The building of 60 miles of road will carry it through the counties of Benton and Tama, and into Marshall. The two last are among the best cultivated and the richest counties in Iowa. Those best acquainted with their population and resources believe that they will furnish sufficient business to make the road pay.
We need not argue here the importance of this new road to the Missouri, to our city and to the Galena Air Line Railroad. Let any of our readers take a map and they will find it on the direct line to Pike's Peak ; and if it were done to-day, Chicago would command the lion's share of the trade in spite of all opposition. We are glad to know that the officers of the Cedar Rapids and Galena roads are to have a conference the present week, and it is to be hoped the whole matter will be laid before the stockholders of the latter road, and that it will be so carefully dis- cussed, that when they come together in June, they will be ready to take hold of this new road in right good earnest, and build the line as fast as men and money can do it. We hope also that our own capitalists will be willing to do something effective toward the building of this 230 miles. and thus secure to our city the rich trade of Pike's Peak and the Upper Missouri for all time to come.
Could the money be properly assessed upon our capitalists and business men, Chicago could afford to build half of the road within the next eighteen months, and make a splendid operation by it, if she never received a dollar of interest or principal from the investment. Let any one study the map for ten minutes in view of the flourishing communities which must soon be in the Platte Valley, and the untold riches of Pike's Peak, and the new State soon to beorganized there, and, withal, the richness and extent of the valley of the Upper Missouri, and he will be convinced that we have not overstated the importance of this road to the stockholders of the Galena Road. and to the trade of Chicago. Will our citizens take the time to examine the important subject ?
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