USA > Iowa > Dubuque County > The history of Dubuque County, Iowa : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc. > Part 86
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706
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY.
The condition of affairs quoted as the results of railroad enterprise lasted, according to the statements of those who were on the ground, about five months. At the expiration of that period, the road was completed further west, and business began to drift thither. This, supplemented by the memorable panic of 1857, destroyed the hopes that had been elevated, dashed bright dreams and substituted realities as bitter as they were undeniable. Property which went up like a rocket, came down like a stick ; business, which had been "rushing," fell flat; improvements, which had been contemplated or con- tracted for, were left to the future. As one of the present residents says : " When the railroad quit, and the panic struck us, it floored the citizens com- pletely. There was no business, no building, no nothing, but weeping and swearing and gnashing of teeth."
In the midst of this depression, three notable persons settled in the towil, whose coming at that particular time was a source of wonder only equaled by the admiration they have inspired during subsequent years. Two of these were Henry and Barney Holscher, brothers, who presented bone and sinew as recommendations, with industry, thrift and integrity as their future sponsors. After years of diligence, application and enterprise, they are to-day among the wealthiest residents of Dubuque County, universally respected and esteemed not less for their wealth and influence than for their probity and enterprise.
The third representative was the Rev. W. H. Heu de Bourgh, a French Huguenot, who came to Dyersville and enlisted in promoting the cause of relig- ion. He secured subscriptions toward the erection of the Congregational Church, which was completed, furnished and consecrated under his administra- tion, when he remained in charge of the society thus attracted for seven years. He also purchased a tract of 400 acres, two miles south of town, on which he built him a parsonage of large dimensions and palatial appointments, expend- ing therefor a sum estimated at $25,000. Here, surrounded by a family con- sisting of a wife, one son, and five daughters of surpassing loveliness, as is said by one conversant with the situation, he led the life of an elegant follower of the meek and lowly Savior, dispensing a lavish hospitality, and receiving the admiration of the public, tinctured with the envy of brethren loss fortunate in their possessions. He returned to Canada about 1875, and the estate he cul- tivated so assiduously and carefully passed into the hands of a Chicago oper- ator named Fanning.
The town did not recover from the effects of the panic as rapidly as cities more materially injured, and it was not until after the breaking-out of the war that times became at all similar to those of 1856-57. During the war, Dyers- ville took an active part in contributing men and money to the cause. Large meetings were held, at which the greatest enthusiasm was manifested, finding expression in volunteers and subscriptions.
The larger portion of the Twenty-first Iowa Infantry was enlisted in New Wine Township, and the services rendered by those who faced the guns of Lee and Hood reflected no discredit upon those who remained at home and read the papers.
The enforcement of the draft created more than a ripple of excitement among the residents, and caused a well-defined anxiety to become visible, lead- ing to the front many a substitute, in consideration of sums varying from $600 to $800, in hand paid, the receipt of which was afterward acknowledged by active service.
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY.
In 1863, times began to improve, and from then to 1870, money was plenty. As a result, improvements took another start ; a new bridge was sub- stituted for the one erected by Judge Dyer, nearly thirty years previous, and other alterations, additions and reconstructions were perfected. It was during this decade that the farmers amassed wealth, and it might be here parenthet- ically observed that the farmers of the township of which Dyersville is the chief town are among the wealthiest in the State, nearly all of them living upon the interest of money made at this period. There may be isolated cases of penury or impoverishment, but if such exist among this class, they are beyond the ken of those who should keep themselves informed as to the responsibility of their patrons. At that time, pork sold for $15 a hundred ; wheat, for $2.65; oats, $1, and corn for 75 cents per bushel; and, from the proceeds of repeatedly abundant crops, the agricultural branch of the community laid by sufficient to tide them over the rainy days that came thereafter.
In 1870, times began to weaken. Prices became low, scarcely worth the cost of placing commodities upon the market. Crops failed, and all the evil influences that stay progress, prevent success and promote failure, seemed to work together for evil. They succeeded in this attempt and continued until 1873, when Dyersville experienced the "tightest times " ever known in the wvicinity. It was then that the treasure laid up by farmers, merchants and traders fulfilled its mission in relieving the strain that would otherwise have been imposed, and prevented the contracting of debts either on private account or for public uses. One of the results is, that Dyersville, as a corporation, has yet to know the nature of an obligation, and the same may be said of many who have been instrumental in procuring this independence.
In 1873, the village was organized as a town, and, at an election held in March of that year, the following gentlemen were named as officials ; Will- iam Trick, Mayor ; J. A. Limback, Treasurer ; John Morley, Recorder; A. Limback, C. C. Chesterman, D. S. Smith, A. Krapfl and A. Muehe, members of the Common Council.
Previous to this the village had been governed by statutory laws applicable to villages, and were without other than the forms of law. No tax was levied for its support, the same being contributed from revenue derived from saloon and other licenses. There was no Assessor or Tithing Master; William Trick acted as Justice of the Peace, and expounded the law when called upon, which was rarely.
Since that day improvements have been gradual but substantial. A Howe truss-bridge spans the river, erected in 1874, at a cost of $4,300, and numer- ous brick buildings have been added since 1870.
There are four church organizations, with substantial buildings of brick or stone, aggregating in value not less than $40,000 ; two good schools, and other facilities for moral culture.
Its business is in a prosperous and healthy condition, and its shipments of live stock the largest in the State, which may be inferred from the fact that from 800 to 1,000 car loads of hogs and cattle, and half that number of car loads of grain, are annually sent to the Chicago markets. During a space of five months, ending on the 1st of March, 1880, fully $500,000 was paid for these articles of traffic in the town alone. There are also well-stocked dry- goods, drug, hardware, boot and shoe stores, well supplied with goods ; three hotels, and other evidences of the prosperous state of affairs therein existing.
The assessment of property for the year 1879, was, for the township, $950,000 in real estate, and $370,000 of personal property. Of this,
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY.
$225,000 in real, and $185,000 in personal, property, was assessed in the town of Dyersville, the assessments being about 3 per cent on one-third these amounts. The town and township are without debt, and independent, with all that the term implies.
With the incorporation of the town the streets were improved, sidewalks were laid and the general appearance of the place greatly improved by sanitary and police regulations. The citizens, too, caught the spirit of improvement which has resulted in fine residences, neat, tasty yards, shade trees along the level avenues, etc., until there is no town in Northeastern Iowa more advan- tageously situated either for homes or business.
OFFICIAL ROSTER.
Mayor .- William Trick, 1873 to 1880, inclusive.
Recorder .- John Morley, 1873-75; Henry J. Freiberg, 1876; William McFadden, 1877 ; Cilo Chesterman, 1878 to 1880, inclusive.
Treasurer .- Elected by the Common Council .-- Joseph A. Limback, 1873; A. Limback, 1874; H. Holscher, 1875; A. Limback, 1876; C. C. Chester- man, 1877-80.
Marshal .- Elected by Council .- W. E. Bagley, 1873; George Canfield, 1874; Joseph Hinckley, 1875; J. Weidenbacher, 1876 ; James Drew, 1877-78; Peter Day, six months, succeeded by Joseph Hinckley, 1879-80.
Members of the Common Council .- C. C. Chesterman, A. Limback, D. S. Smith, A. Krapfl and A. Muehe, 1873; C. C. Chesterman, A. Krapfl, A. Limback, C. H. Kuhlman and H. Holscher, 1874; Henry Holscher, C. C. Chesterman, A. Limback, C. Kramer and N. Esch, 1875; H. Holscher, C. C. Chesterman, D. S. Smith, A. Muehe and N. Esch, 1876; S. A. Tremain, J. G. Bailey, J. Limback, H. Holscher and P. S. Malvin, 1877; H. Holscher, J. G. Bailey, A. Limback, J. P. Fischbach and F. Rohenkohl, 1878 to 1880.
THE TOWN HALL.
When the town became such by act of incorporation, the City Fathers first assembled to deliberate in the schoolhouse, at the corner of De Witt and Union streets, where possession was maintained until 1874. In that year they removed to a room over J. G. Bailey's stove store, remaining there until the schoolhouse was purchased for $500, in 1877, and fitted up for aldermanic purposes, when a final and permanent move was made into the new quarters, where they have since remained.
The building is the same first occupied by the town authorities, contains the Mayor's and other offices, and is provided with a commodious hall, in which entertainments, lectures, balls, etc., are held.
EDUCATIONAL.
Schools were taught in the township wherein Dyersville is situated, as early as 1842, when Miss Hannah Martin began the system of education which has since obtained with beneficial results. She continued in her capacity of edu- cator for several years, and was succeeded by Miss Anna Trick (afterward Mrs. Baxter), who remained in charge for one or two terms. In 1853, when the present Dyersville Hotel was partially completed, the necessity of a school became more apparent than ever before, and found expression among those whose children were deprived of the advantages to be derived therefrom, by its absence. The desires of the limited circle of inhabitants were not susceptible
709
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY.
of realization, it seems, and when the new brick hotel assumed a local habita- tation, the determination to supply the absence of a scholastic institution was one of the most prominent features of daily life. Acting upon this conclusion, Room No. 10 in the hotel was set apart and furnished for a schoolroom, when how and where to secure a competent pedagogue became one of the important duties imposed upon the inhabitants. A question of such moment and gravity was debated for some time, with a disposition to reach no definite conclusion until arrangements, both permanent and in all respects satisfactory, had been effected. This was accomplished during the fall of 1853, the committee to whom the trust was confided selecting Miss Elizabeth Foote, daughter of O. L. Foote, who had built the hotel. The young lady entered upon the discharge of her duties at once, and began with but few pupils, to which number others were added as the term advanced. Among those included on her roster were James, Annie and Henry (better known as " Doc") Dyer; Jennie, daughter of John Dyer, Susie Northey, O. L. and Leverett Foote, and others. She taught until summer, when the advent of the cholera, leaving its dreaded mark upon the "doorpost" of most every household, put a period to teaching, as also to every other other profession and occupation. Thereafter a combination of adverse circumstances prevailed to prevent even a partial realization of the hopes of parents, and, beyond an occasional interval, the prospective town was not supplied with the means of education. Children were taught at home, by the pastors who occasionally visited Dyersville, or sent to more favored neigh- borhoods, where instruction was afforded and the birch wielded by the pro- verbial " country schoolmaster." Miss Mary Plaister (now Mrs. John Mor- ley) ventured the experiment for a season after 1854, and continued in the service until other cares and attractions called her to new fields. Mrs. Douglas opened an institute for both sexes along in 1857, in a house on Victory, between Willow and Walnut streets, and there were other institutions improvised and maintained for a brief period, of which no record remains to guide the historian in his pursuit of facts.
Soon after, the progress made elsewhere in the State, in the maintenance of township district schools, secured the attention of residents of Dyersville, and an effort was made to establish, if not improve upon, that system in the village. Of course, such measures do not always readily respond to the over- tures made in that behalf, and the efforts proposed were unattended by an exception to the rule. In fact, it was not until some years later that any prac- tical benefit was derived from an appropriation of the system.
In May, 1872, as the records indicate, a township district school was organ- ized in Dyersville, under the tutorship of W. H. Sampson. Accommodations were procured in the Clarendon Building, and he began instruction with the major portion of the youth, gathered from miles around, as pupils. The cur- riculum embraced the studies ordinarily included in the common schools of the day, and were such as to afford an adequate knowledge of the principles of education to some still living, who recall their experience under his mentorship with pleasure and gratitude. In 1863, the Methodist Church property, since metamorphosed into the town hall, was purchased by the Township Trustees for about $800, and, with two teachers, Principal and assistant, the plan of delighting youthful ambition with a knowledge of primary and advanced sources of valuable information first obtained vantage ground.
When the Legislature adopted a law for the formation of Independent Township District Schools, the citizens of Dyersville changed their plan so as to conform therewith, and applied its provisions to the school taught in the
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY.
whilom Methodist Church. It was here continued for many years, sending out graduates to distribute its results and advantages broadcast, and growing in the number of its pupils and the influence it exerted.
In the spring of 1875, the comparatively measured facilities afforded as to room, accessibility and other causes, necessitated a removal, and, as there were no other quarters to be had that would sufficiently supply their needs, it was decided to erect a new school edifice of modern style, at the corner of Wil- low and De Witt streets, that should serve as a monument to the enterprise of the citizens, as also an ornament to the town. Township bonds to the amount of $7,000 were issued for the purpose and sold at par, and, during the ensuing summer, work on the building was commenced. Completion followed about fall, when the building was occupied and has since equaled all expectations as to comfort, capacity and convenience. It is of brick, with stone facings, three stories high, containing four school, class and recitation rooms, etc., thoroughly heated and ventilated, supplied with the latest improvements, and costing, com- plete, a total of $8,500.
The school is divided into primary, intermediate and high departments, requiring the services of three teachers, and capable of furnishing a substantial education to pupils. It is under the control of a Board of six Directors, one being elected every two years, at present consisting of Cilo Chesterman, J. G. Bailey, C. H. Toogood, J. H. Limback, J. S. Collings and H. Holscher, with Cilo Chesterman President, and John Morley Secretary. It is supported at an annual cost of $1,600, derived by taxation, at the rate of 10 mills on the dollar, and is a worthy evidence of the enterprise of the town.
RELIGIOUS.
In the year 1849, James Dyer, Sr., fitted up an apartment in one of his houses for church and Sabbath-school purposes. The location was one mile east of the present town of Dyersville, near the cemetery, in which the Rev. William Trick, Sr., preached regularly and held class and Sabbath school for a number of years.
In 1854, Mr. Dyer aided in the erection of a small frame church, on the corner of Dewitt and Union streets, now standing, and used by the corpora- tion fathers as offices and council chamber, the first church edifice in the vicinity, and the foundation of what afterward became the Methodist church. Into this the Rev. Mr. Trick moved his class and began preaching.
The next societies were the Catholic, established in 1856; the Congrega- tional and German Lutherans in 1858, and the Episcopal in 1875, which conclude the sources of spiritual pabulum to be found in Dyersville-save a small colony of Presbyterians, composed of farmers, who meet for worship at long intervals.
Methodist Episcopal Church .- This church, as has been stated, was organ- ized in 1849 or 1850, as a kind of appendage to the Dubuque Circuit, which embraced Dubuque City and a large tract of the surrounding country: The Rev. W. H. Reed had pastoral charge of the circuit, and gave some attention to Dyersville, but the special work was left in charge of the Rev. William Trick, Sr., who preached the first sermon heard in Dyersville. At the conference in 1856, Dyersville appeared on the minutes as a separate charge, with A. S. Lee, Pastor. The town was then enjoying the novelty of a rapid growth, and this, in conjunction with a season of revivals inaugurated at about this time, created an awakening of the spirit, under which auspicious circum- stances the present brick church, corner of Walnut and Victoria streets, was
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY.
suggested and soon after completed. It is of brick, 42x70 feet, two stories high, with center tower and steeple which can be seen for ten miles. The building is divided into Sabbath school, library and class rooms on the first floor, the second story containing the auditorium, with a capacity of four or five hundred, and cost, complete, about $8,000. The parsonage has been erected on a lot east of the church edifice, is a homelike, comfortable building, and cost $800.
The following ministers have had pastoral charge from the organization of the class : The Rev. William Trick to September, 1856; S. A. Lee to 1858 ; William Brush to 1860; S. N. Fellows to 1861; W. W. Bailey to 1862; F. C. Wolfe to 1864; F. W. Vinson to 1866; R. Swearingen to 1868; W. E. Mc Cormack to 1871; Thomas Thompson to 1874; J. B. Albrook to 1877 ; E. Skinner to fall of 1877 ; S. C. Bronson to June, 1878; E. W. Jaeffres to fall of 1878 ; J. H. Rigby from October, 1879, still in charge.
The congregation numbers 215 communicants, and the church property is valued at $11,000.
Christ Church (Episcopal) was organized in 1874, through the assistance of John Dyer, William Trick, Joseph G. Bailey, Caleb C. Chesterman, Cilo Chesterman, John Alsop, Charles E. Leigh, George Price, James C. Bennett, E. Mellish, Robert Maisey, William McFaddan, Daniel Stallard, James Millard, William Lane and John Wilcox.
The first services were held in the Congregational church edifice, under the charge of Rev. H. L. Everest, a lay reader officiating at St. George's Church, Farley. During the following year the present church was erected, a handsome brick building with stone facings, elaborately finished, and having capacity for about 300 worshipers. The Rev. H. L. Everest was formally called to officiate, and, accepting, remained in charge until July, 1877, when his resignation was accepted. In September of the same year, the Rev. Edward Magee, of the Michigan Diocese, became Pastor, and continued in the work until September, 1878, when he resigned. On the 22d of February, 1879, the Rev. John Q. Archdeacon accepted a call, and is the present incum- bent.
The congregation numbers twenty-nine, though the average attendance at worship is estimated at three times that number. The church property is valued at $5,000, and since the advent of the present Pastor the church debt has been reduced from $1,000 to $700.
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, located at the corner of Victoria and Vine streets, on the west side of the river, originated and was organized in 1856. At that date, the congregation worshiped in a frame house on Main street, near the bridge, under the care of the Rev. Father Longfils, who remained for five months. During the succeeding three years, the church was without a Pastor, the congregation being attached to the parish of New Wine. Mean- time, a portion of the brick church now occupied was built, and, in February, 1861, the Rev. Father A. Kortenkamp was assigned as Rector, and the con- gregation again formed a separate parish. The church was completed in 1862, but, in 1870, enlarged at a cost of $5,000, to supply accommodations for the increased number of worshipers. In 1874, a parsonage was built on a lot west of the church, and, in 1876, a schoolhouse, on the opposite corner, both costing $10,000.
The congregation numbers 225 families, and the school, which is under the charge of Franciscan Sisters, has an average daily attendance of 100 pupils. The value of church property is stated at $25,000.
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY.
German Lutheran Church was organized, in 1858, by the Rev. M. Van Vliet, of the German Theological Seminary, Dubuque. At first, services were conducted by students of the seminary in a schoolhouse on Robert Gads- den's farm, to the south of town. A move was made, during the following year, to the Clarendon Hotel, from where, after a brief stay, a second removal was effected, this time to the Methodist Church, corner of Union and De Witt streets, now occupied as the town hall. In 1872, the stone church on Walnut street was built by the Lutherans, at an expense of $4,200, since when the pulpit has been supplied by students from the Dubuque Seminary, except dur- ing the pastorates of the Rev. C. Schwindt, which continued from 1868 to 1871 ; the Rev. L. Trist, who died of yellow fever during the epidemic of 1878, in New Orleans ; and that of the Rev. Gotlieb Moer, now officiating.
The congregation includes about thirty worshipers, and the church property is valued at $5,000.
The Congregational Church is now without a Pastor or congregation, the Rev. Amos Jones, who preached up to two years ago, dissolving his connection about that time. The society was organized in 1858, by the Rev. W. H. Heu de Bourgh, an able and enthusiastic laborer in the vineyard, who came hither from Canada for the purpose of entering the religious field. Great dif- ficulty was experienced in establishing the church, and the partial success that finally attended his efforts was due entirely to ceaseless labor and an abiding faith in the cause. He procured liberal subscriptions in the East, which he applied to the erection of the church at an expense of $6,000, and, when the same became in a measure self-supporting, he resigned the pastorate and returned to Canada. Since his departure the congregation has dwindled until to-day it is far from being large, and as a consequent the church is given over to vacancy.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Post Office .- It was not until 1854 that this indispensable acquisition to every settlement was established in Dyersville. Previously the mails for resi- dents of the township had been sent to Little Rockville, in Delaware County, and gathered weekly by one of the settlers. In 1854, however. an office was opened in the building now occupied by the drug store of I. J. Bigelow & Co., on Main street. C. C. Chesterman officiated as Postmaster for two years. the mail being received tri-weekly from Dubuque. Capt. Alexander Hancock succeeded Mr. Chesterman and held court in a house on Chestnut, between Victoria and Dewitt streets. In time Mr. H. yielded place to D. S. Smith,. and the office was changed back to its original location. With the advent of Republican administration, John Dyer was appointed to the office, which, under his tenure, was located on Main, between Chestnut and Union streets. He served until about 1866, when D. S. Smith succeeded him, and still remains in discharge of the duties, the office being at his drug store, near the corner of Main and Union streets. The business of the office is large, and yearly increasing.
Pacific Mills .- In 1853, James J. Dyer, the founder of Dyersville, and a man of inestimable value to youthful but enterprising settlements, saw the necessity of a mill in the vicinity of the proposed town, and determined upon inaugurating measures looking to that end. Accordingly he selected the pres- ent site of the Pacific Mills, and, having completed plans for their construction, next turned his attention to the water-power, theretofore unappropriated by residents along the North Fork of the Maquoketa. After the expenditure of
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