USA > Iowa > Clinton County > The history of Clinton County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns &c., biographical sketches of citizens > Part 69
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There is no doubt that the citizens of Camanche made strenuous exertions to secure such railway and bridge connections; and we find that, at almost the first meeting of their City Council, after being incorporated, in 1857, action was taken to give aid to the "Great Western Railway." An election was called to vote upon the question of taking $50,000 stock in this enterprise, which was carried-ayes, 125; noes, none. This vote is significant. Evi- dently the adult male population was but about 125, and this stood unanimous for the tax, which would, if carried out, burden them with a per capita indebted- ness of $400. But the "Great Western " was not built. Aid was voted to other enterprises, but the combinations were against Camanche, and when the Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska Road became an established fact, leaving the plucky little city as a way station, instead of the terminus of a great railway, the hopes of her people were darkened. However, when the Southwestern project, in
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these later years, promised them a direct line through their city, they again bravely came to the front and voted liberal aid to this enterprise. But this scheme " sleeps the sleep that knows no waking."
When the county of Clinton was organized. in 1840, Camanche was designated as the seat of justice, and, for a time, nearly the entire business of the county was done here, both judicial, political und commercial. But there were jealousies in other quarters, and the county seat was soon removed to " Van- denburg," which occurred in the fall of 1841.
THE FIRST SCHOOLS.
The first schools in Camanche were taught in rooms hired for the purpose in the private houses of different persons. The first school we believe to have been taught in 1838, by Miss Ann Eliza Thomas, who married Horace Root and emigrated to Oregon. She was succeeded by Mrs. Jane Mobbs, who was her sister. Next in the succession of instructresses to the young Camanches, was Mrs. Sarah Root, and she was followed by Hannah Marks, now Mrs. Rob- ert Hogle, of Lyons. These schools were supported by subscription, and our narrator remarked that the heaviest demands were made upon the old bachelors of the city, of which he then was one.
The first school supported wholly or in part by public money was taught by Mr. Banker, who came from Troy, N. Y. The school building in which he presided was a log house, which was put up as a claim-house, and was situated about one-half mile northwesterly from the village, on what is now the Bovard farm. This schoolhouse was used for some two years, and the pupils came for long distances in all the section around, as far west as the Wapsie, and north nearly to the present site of Clinton. In the winter of 1850, this school was taught by D. W. Millard, a brother of R. B. Millard, of Low Moor. A brick schoolhouse was then built, in 1851, in Camanche, which was used for school purposes and also for religious meetings during the early days until 1860, when it was totally destroyed in the great tornado. A new frame structure was soon after erected upon the site of the old one, which has since been enlarged to its present capacity. The present school building is a two-story frame building, about 30x40 feet in dimension, with an extensive wing on the west of about 20x30 feet, with a tower and bell, and is divided into four departments. The present corps of teachers are as follows : Mr. A. P. Barker, Principal ; Mr. George A. Smith, First Intermediate ; Mrs. John Wilson, Second Intermediate ; Miss Martha Seymour, Primary.
NEWSPAPERS.
The first newspaper in Camanche was the Camanche Chief, which was established in 1854 by Bates & Knapp. The firm was afterward changed to Bates, McCormick & Co. It had, however, a short life, and was succeeded, in 1856, by the Iowa Register, published for a brief period by N. G. Parker, who was succeeded by L. D. Bradley. This venture was of about one year's duration. In April, 1860, B. C. Galliday established the Camanche Repub- lican; but, from all we can learn, this, too, was a short-lived enterprise. In May, 1866, S. J. Brown re-established the Camanche Chief, which he pub- lished until about November, of the same year, when he removed the office to Minnesota.
CHURCHES.
The information obtainable in reference to the churches of Camanche was somewhat meager. Of the early religious history we gather that Rev. O.
0
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HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
Emerson, a pioneer home missionary, held religious services in the dwellings of the settlers at an early day. His headquarters were at De Witt. Barton H. Cartwright, who made his home in Jackson County, a Methodist circuit rider, is also recalled by the old settlers as one of the earliest of the pioneer preach- ers. As we remarked at the first, their services were held from house to house, wherever they could find an audience; then in the schoolhouses, until the erection of houses of worship.
The Methodists .- Camanche was at first a station on the Charleston (now Sabula) Circuit, which comprised Charleston, Lyons, De Witt and Camanche. Mr. Cartwright was the first preacher on the circuit, in 1840. Afterward, this was made a separate charge, and, in 1855, the people completed a brick church edifice, which cost $3,000. This was completely demolished in the tornado in June, 1860. In the fall of 1861. they dedicated a new house of worship, and which they now occupy. It is a frame building, with a seating capacity of about four hundred. This charge has recently been connected with the one at Low Moor. and the present Pastor is Rev. W. E. McCormac.
Baptist .- The Baptist Church of Camanche was organized in 1851. The following were the first members of this little band of Christians : Mr. and Mrs. Robert Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. William Thomas, R. B. Millard, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Davison, Mrs. Samuel Dannatt, and Mrs. Dr. L. D. Manning. In 1852, they erected the first church building in Camanche, a neat and comfortable frame edifice in which they worshiped until June, 1860, when it was destroyed by the tornado. They, however, at once proceeded to rebuild, and their new edifice was completed in the fall of the same year. Their present house of worship is a neat and commodious frame building. The present membership is 160. The present Pastor is Rev. Edward Jones.
Presbyterian .- A Presbyterian Church and society was organized in 1858, and Rev. George D. Young was settled as Pastor. In 1860, they built a church edifice, which they still occupy. Mr. Young remained with them until 1870, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Hanna, who supplied the pulpit for some two years. Since then no regular services have been maintained, the society, by death and removals, having become depleted. A Sunday school is main- tained, of which Oscar A. Anthony is Superintendent.
SOCIETIES.
Shekinah Lodge, No. 42, I. O. O. F., was organized September 22, 1852, and flourished until the tornado in 1860, when, for a time, it became extinct. On the 7th of September, 1874, it was re-organized. The charter members were A. B. Ireland, John Kahl, Robert Wilkes, Samuel F. Dillon, H. W. Smith, S. Hyman and M. H. Spooner. The present membership is about fifty. The present officers are : William Welch, N. G .; J. B. Chamberlain, V. G .; W. S. Wallace, Secretary ; M. H. Spooner, Treasurer; H. W. Smith, Warden; George Waldorf, Conductor; L. R. Heilman, R. S .; S. F. Dillon, L. F .; H. Wendt, I. S.
In 1855, Camanche Lodge, No. 60, A., F. & A. M .; was instituted. The following were the charter members : Samuel Doolittle, John McLoskey, Amos W. Gordon, H. A. Hart, Lewis Birkhead, George W. Miller, Corley Tyler and A. M. Littig. Lewis Birkhead was the first Master of the Lodge; John McLoskey, S. W., and Samuel Doolittle, J. W. The Lodge is still in a pros- perous condition.
In 1857, Mt. Moriah Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was chartered. This was the first Chapter organized in this county, and for many years was the only
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one. In the tornado, their Hall was demolished, their furniture, jewels and charter blown away. They, however, continued their organization, and now occupy a hall in Dunning's Block. Their charter, which went away in the wind, was picked up by a farmer near Sterling, Ill., who not having "traveled in the East, "' did not know what his parchment indicated. He often exhibited the document as a relic of the cyclone. After some three years, a traveler, passing through the country, stopped for the night with this farmer. During the evening, the tornado being the subject of conversation, the host exhibited the charter. The stranger at once informed the possessor that he ought to return the parchment, which was done, and the original charter of the Chapter now hangs upon the wall of their lodge-room. The Tiler's jewel was also found, as we are informed, near Thompson, Ill. It came into the possession of a lady who had it metamorphosed into a silver shawl-pin. She was also informed as to where it belonged. and returned it, and it is now in the possession of the Chapter, an interesting relic of that terrible day.
Hope Lodge, No. 13, A. O. U. W., was organized January 22, 1875, and is a flourishing branch of this beneficiary brotherhood. The officers at present (1879) are as follows : C. C. Judd, P. M. W .; G. V. Vandever, M. W .; William Forsyth, F .; C. D. Manning, O .; Theodore Iloyt, Recorder; J. J. Anthony, Treasurer ; P. Muhs, Receiver ; A. Bailey, G .; B. H. Johuk, I. W .; W. H. Tallman, O. W .; C. D. Manning, Medical Examiner.
INCORPORATION.
The city of Camanche was incorporated by act of Legislature passed Janu- ary 28, 1857, with a special charter, and which act was to take effect after pub- lication in the lowa Register, published in Camanche, and the Clinton Mirror, published in Lyons. It was signed by James M. Grimes, Governor ; Samuel McFarland, Speaker of the House of Representatives; W. W. Hamilton, President of the Senate, and Elijah Sells, Secretary of State.
The charter was submitted to the people at an election held on the first Monday in March, 1857, and was adopted.
An election of officers was held on the first Monday in April, at which Dr. A. B. Ireland was elected Mayor ; O. A. Anthony and Isaac Hess, Ahlermen for the First Ward ; E. M. Ward and A. N. Lettig, Aldermen for the Second Ward ; S. Hyman was the first Recorder; Samuel Doolittle, Treasurer ; Rob- ert Miller, Marshal ; S. F. Dillon, Assessor.
The first meeting of the City Council was held April 22, 1857.
CITY OFFICERS.
The following is the list of city officers from date of incorporation until the present time, with the year during which they served :
Mayors .- A. B. Ireland, 1857; Thomas W. J. Long, 1858; A. B. Ire- land, 1859; William Botsford, 1860; S. F. Dillon, 1861; S. Hyman, 1863; George B. Young, 1864; E. G. Butcher, 1865; H. W. Smith, 1866; E. G. Butcher, 1867 and 1868; A. T. Anthony, 1869 and 1870 ; William R. Hart, 1871 to 1875; S. Hyman, 1876; J. H. Smith, 1877; R. B. Hoadley, 1878; John Hart, 1879.
It will be observed that no name appears for 1862. There is no record of any proceedings from September 4, 1861, to April 8, 1863. The disastrous tornado and the civil war had so decimated the men, and the entire engross- ment of all in these events had caused a neglect of lesser affairs, and the incum- bents of the previous year held over by common consent.
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HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
Aldermen .- Oscar A. Anthony, Isaac Hess, E. M. Ward, A. N. Lettig, 1857 ; W. McQuigg, I. W. Wilcoxson, T. C. Dyer, 1858 ; John Berry, John E. Brooks, C. H. Weise, T. C. Else, S. F. Dillon, T. C. Dyer, 1859 ; James M. Redfield, William Sennett, William R. Hart, 1860 : William H. Hoyt, Henry Gode, A. F. Ketchum, T. C. Dyer, 1861; A. Lillo, W. Beck. A. W. Lettig, 1863 ; Rosalvo Sage, William McQuigg. B. Bailey, 1864; C. H. Colwell, Henry Gode, James Neill, 1865; E. Greenough, A. Arp, James Gregwire, Hiram Leach. 1866; William E. Kernan, J. Henry Smith, S. F. Dillon, 1867 ; S. Hyman, A. H. Thompson, H. A. Seifert, 1868; Henry Tanner, J. H. Gosch. B. Bailey, 1869; H. Schlottman, J. D. Toy, H. A. Romahn, 1870; R. B. Hoadley, J. H. Smith, S. F. Dillon, 1871: II. Schlottman, A. Arp. A. A. Wagner, 1872; M. Palmer, J. H. Anthony, R. Wilkes, 1873 : F. Hoyt, A. Arp, S. F. Dillon, 1874; W. R. Anthony, H. C. Gosch, A. A. Wagner. 1875 : F. Landt, J. II. Smith. S. F. Dillon, 1876; William Ecker- man, W. H. Tallman, II. A. Romahn, 1877; John McLoskey, Thomas Butler. John Hart, 1878; J. H. Anthony, J. B. Finney, L. R. Heilman, 1879.
Recorders .- S. Hyman, 1857; H. W. Perkins, 1858; W. W. Pierce, 1859: P. C. McLean, 1860; R. J. Rickey, 1861; George B. Young, 1863; Oakley P. Lawton, 1864: W. R. Hart, 1865; George Tong, 1866; A. A. Wagner, 1867: H. C. Gosch, 1868; James Smoller, 1869 to 1873; H. C. Romahn. 1874 and 1875; B. F. Ilatcher, 1876; S. K. Monroe, 1877 ; L. R. Heilman. 1878; W. H. Hoyt, 1879.
Treasurers .- Samuel Doolittle, 1857; O. A. Anthony, 1858; H. W. Perkins, 1859: S. Hyman, 1860: H. W. Lee, 1861; Martin Dunning, 1863 and 1864: J. G. Anthony. 1865; W. H. Hoyt, 1866; W. R. Hart, 1867 to 1870: William H. Tallman, 1871 to 1875: John Hart, 1876 and 1877 ; L. B. Chamberlain, 1878 : Miles Palmer, 1879.
Assessors .- S. F. Dillon, 1857; W. Sennett, 1858; Orange Still, 1859; . B. Barker, 1860; H. W. Lee, 1861; Orange Still, 1863; Charles Colwell, 1864 ; A. T. Anthony, 1865 and 1866; H. P. Hart, 1867; George Willis, 1868 to 1872; Frederick Horn, 1873 to 1879.
Marshals .- Robert Miller, 1857; F. Campbell, 1858; W. H. Day, 1859; B. Barker, 1860; J. S. Butler, 1861; Eli Lanning, 1863; Edward Lum, 1864; William Beck, 1865; E. C. Lum, 1866; J. S. Butler, 1867; Lewis Barker, 1868; J. S. Butler, 1869 to 1871; Alvin Bigelow, 1872; J. S. But- ler. 1873; James Prichart, 1874; S. J. Thomas, 1875; V. O. Wilcox, 1876 and 1877 ; William W. Skiff, 1878; A. L. Stringham, 1879.
Wharfmusters .- I. Stoutenburg, 1858; T. C. Dyer, 1859; William Bots- ford, 1860: E. G. Butcher, 1861; O. A. Anthony, 1863; Asa Perkins, 1864; A. T. Anthony, 1865; J. H. Mudgett, 1866; M. Romahn, 1867; John Brenkman. 1868; M. Romahn, 1869; P. G. Monroe, 1870; W. W. Skiff. 1871 and 1872; Peter Kruse, 1873 to 1875; A. J. Romahn, 1876 ; J. B. Wiley, 1877 ; P. G. Monroe, 1878; S. Hyman, 1879.
EARLY BUSINESS MEN.
Among the early business men of Camanche was Martin Dunning, of the firm of Dunning & Monroe, of Chicago. This firm were engaged in business in Chicago, but in 1836, Mr. Dunning came to Camanche, bringing with him a stock of goods, hauled by wagons, and opened business in a building erected by F. K. Peck. They did business for several years, and also erected the first grist-mill in the county, which was situated a short distance above Camanche.
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on Mill Creek. Mr. Dunning afterward engaged in banking, which he suc- cessfully conducted for many years. He retired from business, and died at his residence in Camanche in 1875.
Charles Darrow, in 1836, engaged in general merchandising in Camanehe, and was soon afterward succeeded by Mellvaine, Happer & Co., who carried on the business, and also that of grain-buying, for many years.
Joseph W. Waldorf was among the pioneer merchants. and was one of the most enterprising mnen of the place. In 1858, he erected a large brick block, a part of which is still standing, a memento of his enterprise and also of the great tornado, in which it was sadly demoralized.
David Loy and John Smith kept hotels. Johnson Butler kept a livery stable. Dr. Manning was practieing medicine. E. M. Osborn was a cabinet- maker.
BURGLARIES.
An amusing story is told of the awakened fears of some burglarious persons who had entered Dunning & Monroe's store, in 1847. After securing such plunder as they desired, they left their compliments. in writing, upon the counter, with the facetious explanation of their reasons for not levying a heavier contribution upon these gentlemen, which was, "that the goods were marked so high that they could not dispose of them except at such a ruinous sacrifice that they feared it would break them up."
Mr. Dunning was also levied upon while engaged in banking, meeting with a heavy loss. During the night of August 9, 1866, his dwelling-house was entered by a party of masked men, who over-awed and bound every inmate. Mr. Dunning was then taken by a portion of the gang to his banking-house, and there compelled. under threats of his life. to unlock the safe and witness the robbery of its contents. The robbers secured between $8,000 and $9,000, and made their escape. Notwithstanding the most diligent efforts were made and continued for many months, no trace was ever discovered of the perpe- trators of the deed.
AN ECCENTRIC CHARACTER.
James Claiborne was an eccentric gentleman who lived at Camanche, and will be remembered by its old citizens. In 1842, under the Territorial Gov- ernment, he was appointed a Justice of the Peace. He imbibed the idea that this was a life-appointment, and he assumed to exercise the functions and pre- rogatives of this office for years after his judicial powers had ceased. His idiosyncrasy was humored by the waggish denizens of the town; and many mock trials, it is said, were conducted before him, over which he presided with great dignity, although his inability to collect his costs was always a source of much vexation to him. He went overland to California in 1849, and the tradition is, that when last heard from, he was holding a court at a camping- place of the train on the plains.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
The following is a directory of those now engaged in business in Camanche : W. R. Anthony & Co., saw-mill and lumber; V. R. Benham & Co., dry goods, boots, shoes and clothing ; Thomas Cutter, stoves and tinware; Cham- berlain & Carpenter. groceries and hardware; William Eckerman, blacksmith ; William Forsyth, engineer; J. H. Gosch, dry goods, boots and shoes ; John Gregoire, saloon ; L. R. Heilman, agricultural implements ; S. Hyman, grain, flour and feed ; U. S. Hart, real estate and Notary ; William H. Hoyt, carpen- ter and millwright ; T. H. B. Hatcher, sign and house painter ; Charles Judd,
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HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
dealer in pumps ; A. F. Ketchum, fruit grower and dealer : William Living- ston. shoemaker ; Barrett & Losee, butchers: T. W. J. Long, attorney ; August Lille, carriage-maker ; C. E. Lum, stock-dealer ; A. J. McKendrick. apiary ; Charles Muhs, painter : Peter Muhs. druggist ; A. R. Nessly, tobacco and cigars ; Miles Palmer, provisions and hardware ; Frank Rice. Phoenix Flouring-Mills ; H. W. Smith, attorney ; Charles Seward, machinist ; B. F. Smith, saloon ; William Stark, tailor ; J. C. Smaller, ice-dealer ; A. R. String- ham. New Haven House ; A. L. Tryon, wagon-maker; John C. Wilkes, groceries and restaurant ; A. J. Wolfe, bakery and confectioneries ; J. B. Wiley, blacksmith.
CAMANCHE TOWNSHIP.
The history of Camanche Township is so intimately related to that of the city of Camanche, that it will suffice to say that it was one of the original townships of the county. and formerly included the larger part of Eden Town- ship. extending west to Brophy's Creek, that stream forming the western boun- dary line.
Among its earliest settlers, many of whose names appear in the record as being identified with public affairs at an early day in the history of the county, as well as of Camanche, may be named Charles Bovard, Joseph Wilcoxon, Robert Welch, William D. Follett, Mr. Peoples, Aleck Dunn, John Dunn, Daniel Davidson, John Mathews, Samuel Lanning, Richard Crawshaw, Thomas Hudson, John Strahn, John Rempke (the hermit, who lived near what was called Rempke's Mill, a little northeast of Mill Creek Bridge), Frank Ketchum, John Brophy, Robert C. Bourne, William Watts (Black Bill) and Aunt Hannah. Friend Russells, Heman Shafto and others.
SPRING ROCK TOWNSHIP.
The township of Spring Rock was organized in October, 1844, and com- prises Congressional Township 81 north, Range 1 east. It was originally a part of Liberty Township. It is bounded on the north by Liberty Township ; on the east, by Olive Township ; on the south, by Scott County, and on the west by Cedar County. The Wapsipinicon River meanders through the eastern portion from north to south. Yankee Run Creek, with its north branch rising in Cedar County, enters the town near the northwest corner of the town- ship, and flows southeasterly ; its south branch enters nearly midway on its north and south line, and, flowing northeasterly, unites on Section 16; then flows east and south, emptying into the Wapsie on Section 23. Rock Creek also waters a portion of the southern part of the township. It is traversed from east to west by the Chicago & North-Western Railway, and from north to south by the Davenport & St. Paul.
Among the early settlers of this township were Eli Goddard, George God- dard, Peter Goddard, Martin Goddard, R. H. Randall, L. Snyder, J. H. Sny- der, J. Cummings, George W. Parker, Abner Davidson, Benjamin Davidson, Ira Cortright, Anthony Cortright.
The eastern portion of the township is bottom-land, and subject to inunda- tion. and is devoted to grazing and meadow-land. The north and northwest portions are rolling prairie, and is a choice farming section, and the southern part is rolling and somewhat rocky, with a fine growth of young timber where the land is not under cultivation. Along the Wapsie, originally, belts of heavy
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HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
timber were found by the early settlers, such as white, burr, red and black oak, ash, hickory, elm, soft maple, etc. Some fine pieces of timber are yet remain- ing, having been reserved by the owners.
The population of this township is largely German.
Eli Goddard was one of the earliest settlers and was a member of the first Board of Commissioners in the county and was always a prominent man in pub- lic affairs in that part of the county.
WHEATLAND.
The land upon which the city of Wheatland is built was purchased in 1855, by John L. Bennett. Upon the opening of the C. & N. W. Railway, in 1858, Mr. Bennett platted the city, and, being a great admirer of James Buchanan, he named the city after the residence of the President-Wheatland. It is sit- uated in Spring Rock Township, on the southeast quarter of Section 9, and the southwest quarter of Section 10, in Township 81 north, Range 1 east.
The first lot was sold to Jesse Stine and is the lot now occupied by him as a law office.
The first building erected aside from Mr. Bennett's farm house, was built by Case & Munroe for a hotel. The same building, having been enlarged and mproved, is now the Tucker House. W. J. Mecorney then built a dwelling- house and blacksmith-shop.
Martin L. Rogers first commenced trade at Wheatland in a shanty, where he sold clothing and groceries to the hands engaged in the construction of the railroad, and was the pioneer merchant. The station was first called Yankee Run, but the name of the town was afterward adopted. The first dry goods store was opened by William Hicks, in 1858. A post office was established, and M. L. Rogers appointed Postmaster in 1858, and continued as such until 1861. His successors have been : S. H. Rogers, 1861-70 ; John Walraven, 1870-71; W. H. Bayliss, 1871-75 ; Charles G. Rogers, 1875-79 ; John Wal- raven, 1879, and present incumbent.
William M. Magden was the first attorney, and located here in 1861; he was followed by Jesse Stine, who opened an office in 1862.
Dr. Thomas D. Gamble was the first physician to locate here in 1858, and is still engaged in the practice of his profession here.
Wheatland soon gave promise of becoming an important point for trade and for a grain market, having a rich and extensive farming country all around it, and which rapidly settled up under the impetus given by the opening of the railroad. The growth of the city was rapid, and many fine brick business blocks were erected as well as a large number of frame business houses, and also neat and commodious dwellings, some of which might properly be called elegant.
By the opening, however, of the Midland, the Sabula, Ackley & Dakota and the De Witt branch of the Davenport & St. Paul Railroad, the area of territory from which their trade was drawn was greatly circumscribed. Added to this, Wheatland has twice severely suffered by fire. The first fire occurred Decem- ber 12, 1872, in which several business houses were swept away; and, on July 4, 1874, came a still more disastrous conflagration, in which about forty build- ings, great and small, were totally destroyed, among them some of the best business blocks in the city. The loss was over $50,000, and was a severe blow for a small city. But a portion of these buildings have been rebuilt.
During the winter of 1870, the main line of the Davenport & St. Paul Railroad was opened through Wheatland and was continued north, and is now a part of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway.
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HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
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