USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > The History of Muscatine county, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c. > Part 71
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
interest of Tuthill & Hull, and carried the business on in their own name, adding to the business that of grain and pork buying.
Mr. Giesler, about this time, received an appointment as Postmaster, and had his office in their store-room.
About this time, also, a small house was erected by J. M. Smith. on a lot given him by Green & Stone (now the property of James Keefover), in which Mr. J. C. Wate kept a small eating-house and a few groceries.
In November of this year, Mr. Butterfield sold one-half of his three-fifths interest in the original town, and a half-interest in what is now known as his addition (being the part north of the railroad and west of Cedar street), to Mr. Servetus Tufts, receiving $30 per acre for that now in the addition.
The construction-train reached Wilton October 1, and December 1 the passenger-trains commenced to run to Wilton.
At this time. Messrs. Cook & Sargent. bankers at Davenport, owned a large amount of stock in the M. & M. R. R .. and were interested in building up Durant, in opposition to Wilton. and for a time a sharp warfare was waged. As soon as cars commenced running on the branch from Muscatine, the trains were run by Wilton and transferred at Durant, and the name " Wilton" was not allowed to be called on the cars-the brakemen would call out, "Musca- tine Junction." A fine depot was erected at Durant, while the only accommo- dation afforded at Wilton was a small shed-roof building at the west end of the "Y." The ticket-agent, Mr. Robinson, sold tickets on the cars. The same parties built plankroads over bad places between Durant and Tipton, and run a line of four-horse stages between those places. But Wilton was destined to triumph ; and to-day few know of the aspiring efforts of the Duranters and their wealthy and influential backers.
During the winter of 1855-56, a great many lots were sold, and, in the spring of 1856, commenced the most active operations in building and improv- ing ever witnessed in the history of Wilton. Early in the spring, Rider, San- ford & Butterfield commenced building a store, where now stand the frame buildings owned by F. Bacon, and when nearly completed, the building caught fire and burned, being the first fire in Wilton. Owen Syas and Eli Ross were the contractors. A second building was immediately commenced and finished, being the frames standing one door south of the Review office.
Mr. Moses Garretson commenced what was called the first hotel, in a small building in the southeast part of town. This enterprising citizen also run the first bus and express-wagon from the depot to his hotel. it being a buckboard wagon, drawn by oxen. These he would place by the side of the shanty depot and call out : "A free bus to the Garretson House !" "Have you any bag- gage !" In the spring, the De Gear House was built, by Mr. De Gear. on the corner of Fourth and Cedar streets, and is now owned by the Burk estate. This was. really, the first hotel that could reasonably lav any claim to such a title.
Mr. Garretson commenced building a new hotel this year, on the corner of Fifth and Cherry streets, and completed it the following year. This hotel is now known as the Wilton House, and is kept by Mr. Iliram Mooney.
During this year. a great many buildings were put up. and often a score of new frames could be seen going up at the same time. Many of the first build- ings are yet remaining, being principally built in 1856, a few of which we will mention, as follows : One now owned and occupied by B. F. Tufts. and that of Mr. Dave Moore's ; the one owned by the widow of Daniel Stark, Mr. S B. Windus' house, the Harker residence, and the one now owned and 'occupied by
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
John Wiley ; the hotel on the corner of Railroad and Cherry streets, lately burned.
In the year 1858, the grading was done between Wilton and Tipton, on the Muscatine, Tipton & Anamosa Railroad, the ruins of which can, at this day, be distinctly traced through the fields between these places. The grade was completed and bridges built, when all work was stopped and the project failed. Owing to the hard times, the employes were paid for their work in dry goods and groceries, by certain persons interested in the construction, at Muscatine, which gave the road the name of " the calico road."
It will always be remembered with patriotic pride that, when the war of the rebellion broke out, Wilton responded nobly to the call for troops. Two full companies were organized in Wilton of nearly two hundred men. The first was Company D, of the Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry. The second was Company G, of the Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. The first company (D) was organized in September, 1860, and was officered as follows: A. J. Shrope, Captain ; B. F. Jackson. First Lieutenant ; Andrew Walker, Second Lieutenant.
DISASTROUS FIRE.
Thursday, the 20th day of August, in the year 1874, will be an epoch in the annals of Wilton. The town had just entered upon a fall business of unex- ampled prosperity. The products of thousands of surrounding fertile acres, attracted by the excellent prices and shipping facilities here, had begun to pour through this gateway to the East, and business of every kind quickened under the impulse of dollars thus thrown into circulation. Wednesday was a field- day, and Thursday was fast following in its wake, when. suddenly, at a few minutes before 3 o'clock, the ever-dreaded cry of fire !- now rendered doubly dreadful by instant consciousness of the parched condition of everything, and the absence of any adequate means of resistance-rang through the streets !
The fire began in Reed & Dow's elevator, on Third or Railroad street. The cause is not certainly known. It is generally attributed to sparks from a locomotive, but there are those who affirm that the fire was first inside the building. The dense black smoke drifted up and across a little cast of north, hanging like a pall over the now thoroughly-alarmed village. Flames soon followed the smoke, and wrapped the tall building from foundation to roof- ridge, the wind, which quickened with the heat, flinging them over the narrow street in such a manner as to speedily disperse the brave men who were on the roofs of Steiner's buildings, making unavailing efforts to save them. Other men were striving to save the valuable steam elevator a few rods west, belong- ing to J. G. Lyford, but all to no purpose. It was but a few pregnant moments after the seizure of Steiner's buildings before the frame tenements occupied by Rexroth, Lanty and Opitz, and then the elevator opposite them, were a seet :- ing mass of flame. Then it did begin to look as if Wilton must burn !
Attacked both in side and rear, the buildings north of Steiner's, fronting on Cedar street, were taken in quick succession. First, Illingsworth's two small frames-one occupied by Pearno's barber-shop, and the other by a har- ness-shop. Next, Graaf & Sons' two-story frame, occupied by Graaf Brothers, with a large stock of clothing, most of which was saved. Then there was a narrow street, where one more desperate attempt was made to stay the flames. But there was no organization, but little water and comparatively no facilities, and the willing and brave men were soon forced to give over the unequal contest.
"Save the east side !" was now the cry, "or the whole town will go!" The undertaking looked almost hopeiess. Opposite the raging fire was a row
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
of wooden buildings, with fire-traps of awnings reaching out, and, as it were, inviting destruction. Men threw water upon them while the heat would per- mit them to stay in the street, and then opened doors to dash it out, or poured it down from over the roofs, which were now well occupied. This, together with a most fortunate change of the wind from southwest to south, under Prov- idence, won the battle. But all this time, the hungry fire was marching on up the west side of the street, and much more rapidly than we are telling it. Fred Frieden's two-story frame, occupied as a saloon below and a dwelling above, was quickly run over to catch the old frame dwelling with a brick front, belonging to J. L. Reed, and occupied by G. T. Coffee for a general store. A two-story brick belonging to Mr. Reed, and occupied below by the Grange
store, was next. In the upper part of this, Dr. Mudge had but a day or two moved both his dental office and residence. He lost nearly everything ; part of the goods below were saved. The fine and handsomely-finished brick occu- pied by Reed's Bank was the next victim. The Cashier saved the money and most valuable books. U. P. Scovil's book store and restaurant followed into the fiery baptism so rapidly that very little was saved ; and the same was the case with Hubbert's, also a frame. Mr. F. C. Conant, who lived up-stairs, had an ill wife to remove, and lost a good part of his furniture. Another frame belonging to D. T. Gilman, and occupied by C. J. Hutchinson with a large and valuable drug stock, but little of which was saved ; then Blizzard's clothing store-and then another street and another chance for life.
And here the successful fight to which we have alluded, on the east, was supplemented by a like effort on the north, and, with the aid of the streets and brick buildings on both opposite corners, the hungry fire was compelled to take a large dwelling in the rear of Blizzard's, belonging to John Wicke, and be content. But all this time flying brands had been threatening buildings in almost every part of town. Men, women and children were watching-and saving-their homes. But the German Lutheran Church, some three blocks from the fire, and one of the best church-buildings in the city. seems to have been unnoticed till too late, the parsonage, which was close by, going with it. This concludes the sorry enumeration, and does not represent the events of much more than a single hour after the first alarm was given. The Davenport Fire Department was telegraphed for help within fifteen minutes after the fire was discovered, but, although they made all haste to respond by a special train that made twenty-five miles in twenty-four minutes, the fire had substantially run its course when the Fire King steamer and Rescue hand-engine arrived. They went manfully at work and exhausted the supply of water in playing upon the vault of Reed's Bank and the piles of burning grain, for an hour or more. They did all they could, and did it willingly and promptly, impressing all, both with their gentlemanliness and efficiency.
CITY OFFICERS.
The first City Council consisted of W. N. McNaghten, President ; R. A. McIntire, Recorder ; A. J. Friend, Henry Giessler and O. J. Grover. The present city officers are : S. L. Lawrence, Mayor; John Wiley, Recorder ; S. C. Root, Robert McGuire, Owen Syas, E. Klepper, James Hesnan and George M. Frenzel, Trustees ; James W. Kelly, Marshal : M. C. Ott, Treasurer ; A. S. Healy, Assessor.
SCHOOLHOUSE.
On the 17th of July, 1875, ground was broken for a new schoolhouse on Lots Nos. 9 and 10, Butterfield's Addition to the town of Wilton. . The plans
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
were draughted by J. P. Walton, of Muscatine, and Hancock & Walker took the contract for its erection. It is in size 60x72 feet, three stories high and basement. The first and second floors are used as schoolrooms, and the third floor is occupied by a hall calculated to hold 700 persons, seated with chairs, and has a good stage. The building was dedicated December 30, 1875, and cost $12,000. The present corps of teachers is a good one, and is composed of eight members, under the efficient direction of Prof. G. S. Bradley, Superin- tendent, and ranks among the leading schools of the State. The Board of Education is composed of the following members : S. L. Lawrence, President ; John Wiley, Recorder ; J. D. Walker, James Davis, Dennis Mahanna, Dr. W. H. Baxter, Hon. I. K. Terry.
CHURCHES.
Presbyterian .- The Presbyterian element in Wilton was originally a part of the Sugar Creek Church, in Cedar County, which was organized in 1856.
As early as 1855 or 1856, Presbyterian services were held in Wilton by Rev. John Hudson, meeting for worship in what is now known as Lyceum Hall, the old schoolhouse on the hill, and elsewhere.
In 1859, Rev. William C. Mason, of Illinois, preached in Wilton Presby- terian Church for six months.
On May 14, 1860, the congregation at Wilton was set off from Sugar Creek, and, by a committee of Cedar Presbytery, formally organized into a church. The following-named persons were original members : J. H. Hobert, D. Burk, J. H. Robinson, B. Kelley, J. Cooper, P. Heinley, R. A. McIntire : Mesdames Hobert, Pomeroy, Burk, Harker, Robinson, Cooper, McIntire, Passmore, Parish, Kelley, Heinley and Mason.
In the fall of 1866, the present brick edifice was built in Marolf's Addition to Wilton, and was dedicated in February, 1867. The size of the building is 32x48 feet, and cost $2,800.
In the summer of 1874, the present frame parsonage-building was built on a half-lot adjoining the church, and cost $1,100. The present number of active members is seventy-five. Pastor, J. W. Hubbard.
On the 27th of August, 1872, the church-steeple was struck by lightning and destroyed-the same moment the Presbyterian Church was struck. In the fall of 1874, the parsonage and schoolhouse were rebuilt, and, during 1875, the house of worship was replaced. Connected with the Church is a Sunday school, also a day school, both taught by the Pastor, Rev. W. T. Strobel. The present membership consists of 67 communicants, 22 voting members, and, in all, 101 baptized members.
Owing to a dissension of this Church from the Synod, there is at present a lawsuit pending in the Supreme Court. The membership being divided, two Pastors are stationed here, whose congregations occupy the church alternately. The other minister is Rev. J. Landeck, who has also under his charge the Lutheran Church at Moscow. This congregation has an attendance of about seventy.
Evangelical Lutheran .- The Church in Wilton was organized in December, 1856, by the late Rev. John Kiesel, and, shortly afterward, a small frame church-building was built, in size 24x24.
In 1867, a fine brick building was erected, and took the place of the small frame building for holding services in. A commodious parsonage-building had also been erected.
Both the church and parsonage buildings were destroyed by the conflagra- tion of August 20, 1874.
Q
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
In 1875, both buildings were rebuilt-the church-building of wood, instead of brick.
Grace Reformed .- This Church was organized by Rev. J. Riale, Saturday, April 14, 1860, in the old public school-building, where the congregation wor- shiped at first ; afterward, in the Congregational and Presbyterian Churches.
The corner stone of the present church-edifice was laid June 26, 1870, and October 16, 1860, the new church was dedicated. Its size is 34x52, and cost about $3,000.
The congregation at present numbers seventy-seven confirmed members, and fifty-six baptized, unconfirmed members. Present minister, Rev. S. C. Long.
Methodist .- This Church originally formed a part of and was embraced in what was called Museatine Circuit. As early as 1836, Rev. Daniel Cartwright preached at Bloomington, now Muscatine, services being held in a log building used as a post office.
In 1856, the General Conference divided the Iowa Conference, and the towns of Wilton and Moscow were made a station.
Rev. H. Wharton, of Hebron Circuit, Cedar County, held the first services in Wilton, in the depot or freight-house ; but on account of the division, Rev. D. Thompson was appointed to the work without any missionary appropriation, and upon complaint being made by the brethren, Wilton was merged into Mus- catine Circuit, with Rev. John Harris, Pastor.
In 1857, Rev. J. B. Hill conducted a successful revival in Wilton, and over fifty persons were received in the Church. The meetings were held in the Gar- retson House (now the Mooney Hotel.)
In 1859, meetings were held in what is now known as Lyceum Hall.
In 1860. a church-building was erected and dedicated.
In 1865. the name of the Circuit was changed from Muscatine to Wilton Circuit.
In 1866. it was voted at the fourth Quarterly Meeting, to divide the Circuit, leaving Wilton a station, with regular preaching every Sunday, which was accordingly done.
In 1867, under the labors of Rev. Morey, over one hundred members were added to the Church.
The present beautiful church-edifice was built in 1878, under the direction and supervision of Rev. U. B. Smith, the present Pastor, at a cost of $3,800, including the old house, which was accepted by the contractors in part pay. The parsonage was built in 1876, under the supervision of Rev. E. L. Briggs, at a cost of $2.000. The present membership is 208.
Free - Will Baptists .- In the spring of 1864, February 20, this Church was organized, with Rev. I. Dotson, as Pastor, by a committee chosen for that pur- pose. The membership consisted at that time of eleven members.
Rev. Dotson was relieved November 30, 1866, and Rev. O. E. Baker took his place, and continued until November 22, 1874, when he was succeeded by Rev. Charles Payne.
From a membership of eleven. the Church has increased until now the num- ber is one hundred and eighteen.
The society have no church-building, and have, since organization, worshiped in the chapel of the Wilton College building.
Congregational .- This church was first organized by Rev. James Berney, in Sugar Creek Township, Cedar County, July 9, 1854, at a meeting in a brick schoolhouse, near Mr. Evans' residence, and was to be called the First Congre- gational Church of Sugar Creek.
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
October 29, Rev. D. Knowles was called to officiate as Pastor.
August 3, 1855, the location of the church was changed to Moscow, but immediately afterward was again changed and located at Wilton, and at a meet- ing held at the residence of Rev. Knowles, June 20, 1856, new articles of incor- poration were submitted and adopted, and the name changed to that of First Congregational Church of Wilton.
July-13, 1856, steps were taken to erect a church-building, and August 30, 1857, the building was completed, and services for the first time held in it, Rev. D. Knowles, Pastor.
The present membership is fifty-eight. The church property, including the parsonage, is valued at $5,000. Connected with the Church is a Ladies', also a Children's, Missionary Society. The Pastor, Rev. E. P. Smith, also supplies the pulpit of the Congregational Church, of Durant, Cedar County.
Catholic .- Some time in the autumn of 1867, the first mass was celebrated in Wilton by the Rev. Peter Mahn. This event took place in the house now owned and occupied by John Brown, situated on the eastern terminus of Fourth street.
The second mass was celebrated the following spring, in the house now occu- pied by P. Kent.
During the summer of 1858, the first church was planned and erected by Rev. Mahn. It was a small frame building, and was located in the south part of town.
From this time until 1863, Revs. Mahn and Emonds, of Iowa City, offi- ciated, when Rev. Shanahan was located at Wilton, as the first Pastor. He was succeeded by Revs. McGinnis, Laurent and Quigley.
During the pastorate of Rev. Quigley, the plans for the present brick church were matured and in the fall of 1867, the foundation was laid, when Rev. Quigley was superseded by Rev. Walsh, who came in November, 1867.
Shortly afterward, Rev. Walsh was superseded by Rev. P. A. MeCabe, and during his pastorate the church was completed sufficiently to hold services in. Rev. McCabe was succeeded by James Welch, who officiated until August, 1874, when he died at Davenport, from cancer in the stomach. In January, 1875, the present Pastor, Rev. N. Dugan, was assigned to the pastorate made vacant by the death of Rev. Welch.
The German Evangelical Church, was built in the summer and dedicated in the fall of 1876. Previous to this time, there had been occasional preaching by visiting ministers, but no regular organization existed until then. The first resident preacher was Rev. Jacob Knocher, who was succeeded by Rev. John Abrams, the present Pastor. Connected with the Church is a Sunday school. The Church property is valued at $1,500.
The German Methodist Church was organized by branching off from the mother church located three miles south of Wilton, November 25, 1876, with Rev. F. W. Fiegenbaum as Pastor. The house of worship was built the same fall. The original membership was sixteen, which number still constitutes the congregation. There has been no change of minister. The Pastor has three country churches under his care. Connected with the Church is a Sunday school. The Church property is estimated at $2,000.
The Blue Ribbon Club was organized February 8, 1878, with some five hundred members. The first officers were: T. E. Ingham, President; Dr. W. H. Baxter, Vice President; J. E. MeIntire, Secretary ; J. E. Myers, Treasurer. The present officers are: Prof. G. S. Bradley, President; A. C. Elliot, Secretary ; S. L. Lawrence, Robert MeGuire and John Wiley, Vice Presidents ;
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
J. E. Myers, Treasurer. The present membership is about one thousand. The Club meets alternately in the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches.
The Ladies' Union Aid Society was organized October 19. 1871, with the following first officers : Mrs. S. B. Rider, President ; Miss H. Peterson, Vice President : Mrs. D. S. Gilman. Secretary ; Mrs. H. A. Hubbert, Treasurer. Present officers : Mrs. Prof. Bradley, President : Mrs. Sherwood, Vice Presi- dent : Mrs. F. Gillespie, Secretary : Mrs. C. Straw, Treasurer. The present membership is about fifteen.
LODGES AND BANDS.
Wilton Lodge, No. 167, A .. F. S. A. M., was instituted by dispensation April 21, 1863. and chartered June 3, 1863. The charter members were : James 1I. Leech. W. M .; C. P. Reynolds, S. W .: A. B. Yeager, J. W .: A. L. Ilealey. Treasurer ; W. N. MeNaghten, Secretary ; W. H. Baxter, S. D .; J. S. Addes. J. D .; C. M. Macomber. Tiler. Present officers are : W. H. Baxter, W. M .; W. V. Stevens, S. W .: A. Cockshort, J. W .: Aaron Park, Secretary : S. C. Root, Treasurer : S. H. Wise, S. D .: A. Barnard. J. D .; M. Dell, Tiler. The present membership is sixty-seven. The Lodge meets at Masonic Hall on Fourth street, and has property valued at $1,200.
Pulaski Lodye, No. 107, I. O. O. F., was instituted under dispensation June 5. 1857, and chartered October 15 of the same year. with the following charter members : J. D. Walker, William N. MeNaghten, P. D. Dale, Isaac Wise, P. S. Corey. F. P. Hubbert and George Dale. The first officers were : J. D. Walker, N. G .; William N. McNaghten. V. G .: F. P. Hubbert, Record- ing Secretary: P. S. Corey, Treasurer. The present officers are: I. P. Nissen. N. G .: D. Walters. V. G .: D. Moore, Recording Secretary ; J. D. Walker, Treasurer ; J. M. Rider, Permanent Secretary. The present member- ship is forty-one. The Lodge mects in Masonic Hall, and has property estimated at $400.
Security Lodge, No. 100, 1. O. U. W .. was instituted February 16, 1877, by D. D. G. M. W. Noble. The following were the charter members : David Agnew, George P. Arnell, Henry C. Bell. Winslow Blanchard, William A. Cooper, Thomas Curtin, F. C. Conant. L. F. Creitz, A. A. Cooling, C. H. Dow, J. G. Ellis, C. J. Edinborough, J. H. Graaf. R. M. Hiley. George H. Hancock. E. S. Hoover. B. C. Ludlow. David Lynn, A. N. Lindsay, J. E. Myers, llenry MeDaniel, M. C. Ott, J. S. Ring, O. B. Strong, William V. Stephens. B. F. Tufts, S. H. Wise, A. L. Williams. The first officers were : J. S. Ring. P. M. W .; B. F. Tufts, M. W .; R. M. Huey, G. F .; C. J. Edin- borough, O .; W. V. Stephens. Recorder : C. H. Dow, Financier : A. A. Cool- ing. Receiver; W. A. Cooper, Guide; T. Curtin, I. W .: D. Lyman, O. W. The present officers are : William V. Stephens, P. M. W .: \. A. Cool- ing, M. W .: A. E. Williams, Foreman : E. Klepper, O .: D. E. Michael, Recorder : J. G. Ellis, Financier : J. S. Ring, Receiver : E. S. Hoover, Guide; James Hessman, 1. W .; Jasper Dawson. O. W. The present membership is fifty.
The Wilton Union Band was organized in September, 1878, with twelve members. The first officers were : Benjamin Tufts, Leader : Charles Gabriel, Assistant Leader : C. J. Edinborough, President. The membership and officers still remain the same. Most of the instruments are owned privately by the members.
Maurer's Band was organized July 8, 1875, with the following members : Fred, John, Albert and Henry Maurer, Albert and Peter Grunder, John and Henry Walker and John Marolf. Fred Maurer is the Leader.
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Graaf's Orchestra was organized in September, 1878, with the following members : H. G. Graaf, Director ; J. H. Graaf, R. Burnett, John Markey and H. Nichols. This is an entirely private enterprise.
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