USA > Iowa > Iowa County > The history of Iowa County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c. > Part 62
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BRIDGES.
The first ferry was across the Iowa River at the old McKee place in the east part of town and operated by Robert McKee. This was in 1846. The ferrying was a good business till the bridge was constructed near the ferry. Especially was the ferry in great demand during the gold excitement in California in 1849-50, when a hundred teams have crossed in a single day. The first bridge across Iowa River was a wooden structure close by the old McKee ferry at the foot of Bridge Street. This bridge was carried away by the flood before the Civil War. Two wooden bridges have been con- structed since, but now the business enjoys the advantages of a good iron bridge one-half a mile above the town at the foot of Green Street. This is a fine structure and should receive a few comments. Previous to the build- ing of this bridge it was almost impossible at times to cross the river, but now the difficulty is entirely removed. This bridge is built of iron through- out and neatly painted so as to protect it from the weather. Iron bridges of this pattern are always handsome structures, very different from the clumsy wooden traps so common in many localities.
The bridge was put in place by the Kansas City Bridge Company. The inason-work on the piers was done by Mr. E. Thompson. The bridge, with abutinents, approaches and piling cost about $8,500. At first the bridge was found to be too short for the span, and it was taken and put over Bear Creek and another one ordered for Iowa River. Thus it is that a good iron bridge also spans Bear Creek just west of town.
WATER-WORKS.
As a fire extinguisher the Marengo water-works is a grand feature in the city. The expense, which has been about $10,000, was met partly by sub- scription and partly by issuing bonds.
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The water is obtained at the mill near the foot of Green Street, and con- ducted through the city by means of six inch pipe around the square, and a four inch pipe from thence to the depot. The pipes are laid five and a half feet deep in the center of the streets.
When there is cause for use the machinery of the pump, which is in a little brick house near the mill, is coupled with the shaft connected with the powerful turbine wheel used in the mill, the pumps are set in motion and the water all along the pipes receives a pressure of 300 pounds to the square inch, sufficient to throw four large streams of water at the same time a hundred feet high. This is always in readiness for the cry of " fire." In addition to this precaution there are two hose companies and a hook and ladder company, as has been mentioned.
STREETS, WALKS, ETC.
The hard, gravelly soil furnishes a good foundation for smooth roads. Green Street, which extends from the depot to the bridge over Iowa River, a distance of nearly a mile, is wide, well kept and an excellent driveway. Several of the other streets are nearly as good. The plank walks are kept in excellent condition and are found on both sides of all the principal streets. Street lamps are placed at convenient intervals on the street to the depot and around the square.
THE PARK.
In the center of the business of the town is a fine square, thickly set with trees which have now attained, in many instances, a diameter of two feet. Many of these trees were set by G. W. Wilson, Thos. Parker, Rob- ert McKee, James Paine, the surveyor, and others at various times. Some of the trees were set in 1861, others in 1862 and 1868. Now there are 150 large trees, and in the center is a handsome pagoda or band stand which was constructed in June, 1878, at a cost of about $100. Several fir trees were set but died.
OTHER PUBLIC INTERESTS.
The building of the court-house has been given in the general history as also the importants facts connected with the Agricultural Society.
The opera house is one of the best in the State, and great credit should be awarded M. W. Stover who has furnished such an enterprise. It will seat 600; was built in 1876 at a cost of $15,000. The whole cost of land and removing former building was $20,000.
Ths ice houses constitute a large feature in thatline. The marble-works are conducted by men of experience and their work is superior.
MARENGO BOARD OF TRADE.
This organization, though recently started under it present form, bids fair to become one of the most useful institutions of the young city, and is receiving the hearty support of the whole town. Herewith we make an extract from the Marengo Republican of December 8, 1880, which will give a correct statement to the reader:
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
" THE BUSINESS BOOM.'
" Pursuant to call of the committee on permanent organization appointed at the late business men's meeting, a large and enthusiastic gathering as- sembled at the court-house on Tuesday evening.
" On motion, Hon. J. N. W. Rumple was elected chairman, and J. G. Sehorn secretary.
"The chairman stated the object of the meeting to be to hear the report of the committee on permanent organization, and act npon the same.
" Mr. Branch, chairman of the committee, read the articles of incorpor- ation, after which they were taken up and each article passed upon, as follows:
"ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF THE MARENGO BOARD OF TRADE.
"ARTICLE 1. We, whose names are hereto affixed, do hereby associate ourselves and become incoporated under the laws of the State of Iowa as authorized thereby and herein set forth.
"ART. 2. The name of this corporation shall be the ' Marengo Board of Trade,' and it shall posess such powers and rights as are granted by law to such corporations.
"ART. 3. The private property of the members of this body corporate shall be exempt from liability for corporate debts.
"ART. 4. This corporation in its corporate name shall have power to make contracts and enforce the same, and acquire and transfer property, possessing the same power in such respects as private individuals now en- Joy.
"ART. 5. This body corporate shall have power to establish by-laws and make all rules and regulations deemed expedient for the management of its affairs, in accordance with law.
"ART. 6. The highest amount of indebtedness or liability, to which this corporation is at any one time to be subject shall not exceed two-thirds of its capital stock then subscribed and unexpended.
"ART. 7. The principal place of transacting the business of this corpora- tion shall be Marengo, Iowa county, State of Iowa.
"ART. 8. The general nature of the business to be transacted by this cor- poration shall be to aid in the construction of railroads, wagon-roads and manufacturies in and about Marengo.
"ART. 9. The amount of capital stock of this corporation shall be the sum of five thousand dollars, and the same is divided into 500 shares of $10 each, and the same shall be paid in by the members hereof to its anthor- ized officers as follows; to-wit., Ten per cent thereof on the completion of this organization, and the remainder by installments of ten per cent there- after, upon call of the board of directors hereof, not oftener than once in thirty days.
"ART. 10. The time of the commencement of this corporation shall be Jannary 1, A. D. 1881, and the duration of the same shall be for ten years thereafter, unless sooner dissolved by a vote of a majority of the stock at any regular meeting after due notice.
"ART. 11. The officers of this corporation shall be a president, vice- president, treasurer, secretary and executive committee of five members, who shall collectively constitute a 'Board of Directors,' which shall have
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general control of the business of this corporation and by which its affairs shall be conducted.
"ART. 12. The officers of this corporation shall be elected on the last Monday in December of each year, and shall hold their office for one year and until their successors shall have been elected and qualified.
"ART. 13. The capital stock of this corporation may be increased by a majority vote of its stock at any regular meeting of the stockholders, after due notice has been given that a proposition to so increase it will be offered at snch meeting, whereupon new shares of stock shall be issued to corres- pond with the increase voted.
"MARENGO, IOWA, Dec. 8, 1880. .
"The undersigned hereby subscribe the number of shares affixed to our respective names to the capital stock of the Marengo Board of Trade, in accordance with the provisions of the ' Articles of Incorporation,' adopted at a meeting of the citizens of Marengo, held on the 7th day of December, 1880.
"On motion, the report was received and committee discharged.
"On motion, a committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions to stock composed of the following gentlemen: T. J. Talbott, W. A. Snavely, J. But- terfield, M. W. Stover, J. H. Branch, H. Deffinbough and W. P. Ketcham.
"On motion, the meeting adjourned, subject to the call of the committee on stock.
"J. N. W. RUMPLE, Chairman.
"J. G. SEHORN, Secretary."
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Alum, John B., barber.
Alverson, Edwin C., druggist.
Allen, J. C., Supt. woolen mills.
Bailey Bros. & Rush, flour mills.
Baltz, George, grocer.
Bartlett, J. T., physician.
Banmer, A., grocer.
Beck, Win., merchant tailor.
Beem, J. T., lawyer.
Blasier, Lizzie A., milliner.
Branch, Fritz, saloon.
Branch, J. H., Pres. first national bank.
Baumer, C., bank cashier.
Brockman, D. C., physician.
Butler, James, hotel proprietor.
Butler, & Cronin, saloon.
Butterfield, W. E. & J., foundry.
Bingham, clerk in national bank.
Cartwright & Cntright, photographers.
Cole & Lewis, lumber and shingles.
Crenshaw, H. F., postmaster.
Crotzer, Rebecca, restnarant.
Cook, George, Park House proprietor.
Childress, G. T., furniture.
Carpenter, H. M., harness-maker.
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
Deffinbough, H., general store.
Dinwiddie, John C., land agent.
Dougherty, J. H., barber. Downard, Albert L., jeweler.
Eddy, W. M., druggist and physician.
Elliott, George, confectioner.
Elliott, Margaret I., restaurant.
Eckert, Chas., blacksmith.
Eyrich, Geo. F., boot and shoemaker.
Feenan, Hughes & Kirk, lawyers.
Flannagan, John M., saloon.
Freeman & Moynihan, general store.
Fisher, P. E., Western Union Telegraph operator.
Gilbert & Miller, abstracts and loans, and photographers.
Gode, Derdrick, boots and shoes.
Goldthwaite, Frank O., druggist.
Goldthwaite & Van Boskirk, dry goods.
Good, M. G. & Co., grain dealer and elevator. Green, Eli, dentist.
Green, George W., harness-maker.
Griffith, Horace C., physician.
Groff, Richard B., notions.
Gruber, Michael, blacksmith.
Holden, - , Central Hotel proprietor.
Hale, John, livery.
Hipp & Garns, grocers.
Hedges & Alverson, lawyers.
Henderson, Mrs. L., milliner.
Hogan, Edward, saloon.
Holbrook, N. B., real estate and loan agent.
Hopkins, Edmund, general store. Hueber, Anne, notions.
Huston, W. L., physician. Holm, G., justice of peace.
Jennis, Isaac H., harness-maker.
Keene & Son, carriages and wagons.
Kelly, Martin P., hotel proprietor.
Kennicott, J. H., Clifton House proprietor.
Ketcham & Bro., lumber and grain elevator.
Knepper, Frederick, brewer.
Leib, Elias N., grocer. Lewis, S. W., insurance.
Libby, Nelson, hardware.
Liddle, William R., blacksmith.
Liddle, Benjamin, blacksmith.
Lively, F. L., meat market.
Lyon, Asher M., boot and shoemaker
Lyon, Joseph B., restaurant.
Lyons, Daglin, saloon.
McBride, Andrew, flour and feed.
McBride, Lewis C., justice of peace. McCombs, James, hotel proprietor.
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MARENGO.
McCombs & Hickman, grocers. McFall, C. V., confectioner. McKenna, Peter, boot and shoemaker. Mabb, Thomas, restaurant. Marengo Savings Bank, N. B. Holbrook, president. Mays, W. H., barber. Merritt, Matthew, hardware. Miller, John, lawyer. Miller, Levi, justice of peace.
Nelson, Jolın W., boot and shoemaker.
Newbern, Alva, jeweler. Norton, Dillin & Co., general store.
Parkhurst, Hiram H., druggist.
Petrick, Joseph, tailor.
Rowell, R. C., carpenter. Ratlijen & Fris, furniture.
Redinan, Howard N., confectioner.
Reno, Benjamin F., grocer.
Reno, Lewis Q., furnishing and dry goods. Rowe, Henry, carpenter. Rowland, David M., marble works. Rumple & Lake, lawyers.
Stapleton & Dinwiddie, lawyers. Schultz, Wm. C., physician.
Scott, Alexander, coal and implements.
Sehorn, Jacob G., Weekly Democrat.
Shaw, J. M., U. S. Express agent ..
Shenerman Bros., dry goods. Simmons & Ratcliff, saloon.
Slater, Geo., blacksmith. Smith, M. P., lawyer.
Swezey, George, carpenter.
Schmoeke, Joseph, wagon maker. Snavely, Wm. A., hardware. Spering & Crenshaw, Marengo Republican. Stover & Morrison, loans and collections. Swezey, Mrs. Ann E., milliner. Stong & Blair, meat market. Talbott, T. J., livery, and sheriff of county.
Thompson, Sarah Jane, dry goods. Vogt, Philip, carriages. Vaeth, R., jeweler. Walts, John W., general store. Weisbeck, Henry, saloon. West, George W., meat market. Wilson, David H., lawyer. Wilson & Brown, grocers. Wilson, J. A., hotel proprietor. Yohe, Jacob, shoemaker. Zimmerman, Conrad, saloon.
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Fourth of July Celebration, 1859-The national independence day has been celebrated in some form since the year 1847 to the present time, but the eighty-third anniversary deserves especial mention. The procession, which was the largest up to that time, reached from Bear Creek to the pub- lic square, and contained about 2,000 persons. The procession was formed by marshal Josephus Talbott at 10 A. M. and headed by Hohman's Brass Band, then followed officers and aids, good templars. sabbath-schools, other societies and citizens. The procession marched to the grove where prayer was offered by Rev. A. Lemon, and the Declaration of Independence read by Hon. William H. Wallace. Rev. C. S. Jennis delivered an oration which was thought to be a master production. Rev. J. J. Watson then de- livered an address to the five sabbath-schools present. The whole crowd then partook of a bountiful dinner consisting of cakes, chickens, turkeys, etc., lemonade and some of the more " substantial " drinks. After dinner they again seated themselves in the grove and were highly entertained by toasts and responses in the following order: "The Day we Celebrate-the Sabbath of Freedom." Response by D. D. Dildine. "The Signers of the Declaration of Independence." Response by J. Dillin. "Washington, the Father of his Country." Response by A. W. Childress. "Our Country and her Institutions." Response by A. B. Eshileman. "Liberty, the Watch- word of America." Response by William McCullough. "The American Revolution." Response by D. D. Dildine. "The Constitution of the United States." Response by F. M. Connelly. "Young America." Re- sponse by H. M. Martin." "The American Flag." Response by L. Mil- ler. "Iowa, the Garden of Eden." Response by E. C. Hendershott. "The President of the United States." Response by A. J. Morrison. "The Union of the States." Response by N. B. Vineyard. "Woman-a gift from high Heaven to bless Man-ever his Guardian Angel-inay God bless her." Response by Judge W. H. Wallace. The responses, says our au- thority, were truly a "feast of reason and a flow of the soul." The procession was again formed and marched through the principal streets of the town when they were disbanded, happy with the day's experience.
Suicide-On Sunday night, August 29, 1858, Mrs. A. A. Myers, wife of S. S. Meyers, of Marengo, deliberately ran and jumped into Iowa River and drowned herself. Her husband, who was at the time in bed, supposed she had risen to attend a sick child, but after waiting sometime for her return, he proceeded to hunt for hier, and with the aid of a lantern discovered her tracks which led over the bank into the river. Her body was not re- covered till the next day.
Dr. Edward C. Hendershott-Who died June 2, 1865, was one of the early and prominent residents of Marengo. , He settled here and com- menced the practice of medicine in the year 1847, and up to the time of his death was actively engaged in the growing prosperity of the young city and county. He was treasurer and recorder of Iowa county two consecu- tive terms and has held numerous other offices of public trust. By the early settlers of the county he was well known. He was, at the general election of 1864. a candidate for the office of State Auditor, but being on the Democratic ticket, which was far in the minority, of course was defeated. When he died, Marengo and Iowa county lost one of her best and most useful citizens.
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MARENGO.
Drowned-Many have been the cases of drowning in the Iowa River. We shall not pretend to chronicle all but only a few that have come to our knowledge. Probably no less than a score have lost their lives in Iowa River within a mile of Marengo since the town was laid out in 1845. - It may not have claimed " a victim every year " like Niagara, but it has ap- proached very near it. Anthony and Edward Morley were drowned in 1866; a ferryman and many others were drowned at an earlier date. The death of Clinton Edwards by drowning was a sad calamity both to his own family and the people whom he had so faithfully served as editor of the Iowa Weekly Visitor for three years He was drowned in Iowa River on
Monday evening, July 18, 1859. It appears that, accompanied by his son, he went to the river to bathe; the father had come out of the water and was standing on the banks when his little son, who was still in the water, was washed by the current beyond his depth; the father, being alarmed by the peril of his son, plunged into the water to rescue him. The boy being greatly alarmed grasped his father's neck so firmly that after several efforts the father became exhausted and sank. The boy was saved by some other boys who happened near, but the father could not be saved. His funeral took place on Tuesday, July 19, 1859, at one P. M. He left a wife, three daughters and a son to mourn his loss. His wife became editor and continued as such until January, 1861. She now resides in Marengo. Another case of drowning will be seen in the following.
William Penn, an apprentice in the Iowa Valley Review office at Ma- rengo, was drowned in the Iowa River, near town, July 3, 1865. He was eighteen years of age and a young man of promise, the son of J. J. Penn, of Millersburg. He went swimming with his companions and getting into the current beyond his depth, was carried under, never to rise again. Dili- gent search by the citizens of Marengo failed to recover the body, and the father, who came at the first news of the accident, again returned to his sad home and the duties of life at Millersburg.
Fatal Accident-George F. Murphy, a boy of ten years, son of S. J. Murphy, who lived three miles west of Marengo, accidentally shot himself with a double-barreled shot gun June 16, 1857. He was passing through a pair of bars and pulling his gun by the mnuzzle after him, when one of the hammers caught on a bar, and the contents of one barrel were discharged into the unfortunate boy's breast, killing him instantly. The parents were broken with grief at this great calamity.
Robbery-On the night of the first day of October, 1857, a German ped- dler by the name of Hymen had his wagon of ready-made clothing robbed just east of Marengo. The value of the property taken was not less than $300. No clew to the robbers could be obtained, and the poor German re- turned to Iowa City entirely " strapped."
Death of Lincoln-At a meeting of citizens of Marengo held at the court-house on the evening of April 18, 1865, the following committee on resolutions on the death of Abraham Lincoln was appointed: J. T. Sim- mons, W. G. Springer, C. P. Reynolds, E. D. Akers and J. R. Serrin. The resolutions embodied the sentiments of grief and affection so universal at that time. The meeting was addressed by A. B. Cornell, Wm. Nicho- las, Esq., H. M. Martin, Win. G. Springer and Rev. C. P. Reynolds.
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
A DAMS, N. M .- County treasurer. Resides on section 13, Honey Creek township, where he owns a fine farm of 170 acres. Was born in Oneida county, New York, on the 28th day of August, 1842, and in 1858, with the remainder of the family he removed to this county, settling in Honey Creek township, on the place where he now lives. During the late war he. enlisted in August, 1861, as private in company H, Thirteenth Iowa infan- try, and participated in the battles of Shiloh, Siege of Vicksburg, Atlanta, Sherman's march to the sea, and Bentonville. After his returned lie en- gaged in farming until January, 1879, when he was elected to the office of county treasurer. His marriage was in this county, to Miss Mary White .. Their family consists of three sons and one daughter: James B., Charley, Willis (twins) and Elizabeth S .; have lost one daughter, Josie (aged three years). Mrs. Adams is a native of Muskingum county, Ohio.
ALVERSON, E. E .- Formerly of the firm of Hedges & Alvercon. This: gentleman is a native of Barry county, Michigan. Born August 10, 1849. Seren years later he with his parents came to Marengo, and he has lived: here with the exception of three years ever since. Mr. Alverson received the advantages of a good school education. He graduated from the law de- partment. of the State University in June, 1876. The following fall he: formed a partnership with Judge Hedges, which continued successfully un- til January 1, 1881, when Mr. Hedges took his place on the bench. Mr. Alverson is a good lawyer, stands high among his fellow practitioners,. and enjoys the confidence of all. He was married, December 20, 1876, to Miss A. J. Hunter. By this union they have one daughter, Ethel E. (born: June 27, 1879).
B ALTZ, GEORGE P .- Dealer in groceries, queensware, etc. Was born on the 14th of January, 1844, in Germany, and there grew to manhood and was educated. After leaving school he learned the book -. binding business, and in the summer of 1861 went to the commercial in- stitute at Darmstadt, graduating therefrom in 1862. Then went to Frank- fort-on-the-main engaging as clerk in a banking house. In the fall of 1862. he enlisted in first company First regiment of Hessian dragoons and served two years. Then returned to Frankfort-on-the-main, being em- ployed as clerk in the office of a machine and foundry establishment. He- followed his trade until January, 1867, and in that year obtained a position in a wholesale grocery store in Mainz on the Rhine. In May, 1868, he emigrated to America, landing in New York, and from there came to this. county where he followed farming until 1878. In the fall of that year he removed to Iowa City, and worked as book-keeper in the Union Brewery. until 1879, then returning to Marengo. In January, 1880, Mr. Baltz com- menced the grocery business which he has since followed, enjoying a good trade.
BEEM, J. T .- Of the firm of Beem & Fairall, attorneys at law. This. gentleman, whose portrait appears in another part of this work, is a native Hawkeye, having been born on the 22d of October, 1852, upon the very site. of his present law office. We are sure that this is an exceptional case, there. being no one else in the city, born here, who is now doing business on the place of his birth. Mr. Beem received the advantages of a good school education, and until 17 years of age employed his time in working- on a farın; after a time he commenced to attend the law department of the
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State University at Iowa City, and in June, 1875, graduated therefrom. He at once entered upon the practice of his profession, and in this under- taking has been very successful. As a lawyer he is acknowledged by the legal fraternity round about to be one of the best, and his arguments in a case are sharp and right to the point. For the last four years Mr. Beem has been secretary of the school board, a position he is admirably qualified to fill. He is the present incumbent of the same.
BERSTLER, JOSEPH G .- Auditor of Iowa county. Was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th day of July, 1832. When 3 years old his parents moved to Guernsey county, Ohio; here our subject was reared on a farm until he was 19, when he went to Beverly, Ohio. He here engaged in a woolen manufactory and learned the trade. In 1855 he came to this county but remained only a short time, when he went to Linn county and there worked at his trade about two years. He then returned to this county and engaged in agricultural pursuits until the breaking out of the war when he enlisted in company I, Thirteenth Iowa infantry, November 2, 1861, as fifth sergeant, was mustered out on July 31, 1865, as second lieutenant. He was engaged in the following battles: Shiloh, Iuka, Corinth, first and second Bolivar, Siege of Vicksburg, Atlanta, Sherman's march to the sea and through to Washington. On his return from the army he continued farming until 1869, when he was elected county audi- tor, to fill vacancy, and same fall was elected for a full term. He was again appointed in June, 1877, to fill vacancy, and elected the following fall, and re-elected in 1879. Mr. B., as a county official, has a good record and good business qualifications, is energetic and reliable in all business transactions, and enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him. He was mar- ried in Cedar Rapids to Miss Mary E. Plummer Jan. 1, 1857. She is a native of Bangor, Maine. They have had a family of seven children, of whom there are six living: Lydia A., Jennie, Wallace F., Charles S., Ella C., John, Lillie M. (died in April, 1878, aged 6 years).
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