USA > Iowa > Jackson County > The history of Jackson County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., biographical sketches of citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion history of the Northwest, history of Iowa miscellaneous matters, &c > Part 59
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EVENTS OF 1876.
Maquoketa had her centennial at home as well as enjoying the larger memorial at Philadelphia through the pilgrimage of many of her citizens.
As the clock divided the hour between July 3 and 4, 1876, the ringing of bells, the shriek of steam whistles, the roar of artillery, etc., disturbed the naps of those whom age had made weary of "such foolishness," and gave vent to the patriotism of those whose age manifests its patriotic feelings in noise. These demonstrations were renewed at sunrise, and, notwithstanding a drizzling rain, the day was ushered in in true Young American style.
A programme for the day had been arranged. The Marshal of the occa- sion was Mr. Dunlap. The oration was delivered in the court-room to those who could gain admittance, by the eloquent Hon. J. H. Murphy, of Davenport.
Later in the afternoon, a procession of the " Komical Fellars " appeared upon the street. In the evening, arrangements were made for a fine display of fire-works on Academy Hill, but in the midst of the exhibition, a shower of rain drove the assembled crowd to shelter and ended the pleasures of the day.
The rains of the early part of July were continued, and, in consequence, the streams north and south of the city were much swollen. At midnight pre- ceding July 9, McCloy's mill-dam broke away under the immense pressure of water, and the flood rushed down the valley, carrying everything before it. The dam three miles below was a massive affair, being 200 feet in length by 30 feet in width, and built of heavy stone cabled together with iron cables. This it was thought would stand the power of any flood that might come upon it, but when the wall of waters came roaring down the chasm, which narrows just above the dam, the heavy structure gave way like a frame of wood, and a breach of 100 feet suffered the waters to proceed on their destructive course. Fortunately there were no houses in the bottoms below, and, save the drowning of stock and crops to the value of several thousand dollars, no further damage was done.
Maquoketa, during the summer, enjoyed the excitement of a spiritualistic expose. Two men appeared in August by the names of Barnes and Little, the former an ex-Methodist minister from Albia in Monroe County, who claimed the honor of publishing the first Republican newspaper in Iowa, to which honor he was probably entitled. These gentlemen had held seances with great success in De Witt during the week preceding their arrival in Maquoketa.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
They rented the second floor of Sears' building, one end of which they fitted up as a sort of cabinet. Little was the medium. The expose took place, we believe, the third night. Little had been firmly tied into a chair in the cabi- net by a committee from the audience, and the music began. After about half an hour, when the medium was supposed to be in the midst of the trance, a hand appeared through the curtain and a voice from spirit-land. Various credulous females shook the hands of departed friends and enjoyed their words of comfort, when suddenly, with a movement quick as thought, Mr. William Sears sprang to the curtain, and, before the agile and watchful Barnes could intercept him, threw aside the drapery and exposed the astonished Little. who stood with extended hand, in his shirt-sleeves, having slipped out of his coat, leaving it tied to the chair.
The traveling humbugs were arrested on the spot by Marshal Halley and assistants, who were present by arrangement, and were carried at once to the lock-up. The next morning, they were tried before a Justice, under charge of procuring money under false pretences, they having charged 50 cents admit- tance to the hall. Little was acquitted, but Barnes was bound over in the sum of $100 for his appearance at next term of court.
SCHOOLS.
Taking as our authority the recollection of early settlers in Maquoketa, we presume we are safe in stating that the first school taught in that village was kept by one Richard Steers, in the winter of 1841. This was held in a log building of diminutive proportions, which had been called a roothouse, because built partly below the level of the ground, where roots might be kept somewhat after the manner in which they are preserved from freezing in a cellar. This roothouse had been used in turn as a hog-pen, a blacksmith-shop, and now was fitted up as a schoolhouse. For this purpose, it was covered with a sod roof, a log was cut out of the entire length of one side, and in this gap was placed the window. In this building was the village school. Here were religious meet- ings of various kinds held, as well as the elections for this precinct, at times.
Several years later, this building was superseded by a more substantial brick building, which was built, at a cost of $1,000, by a joint-stock company, whose shares were $10 each. The work of building was done by David Jones, of Dubuque. In this new structure was opened a private school by Preston L. Lake, who arrived from the East in 1849, and commenced teaching the sum- mer of that year. This gentleman conducted a very successful school, and it is spoken of to this day by the "old settlers" in terms of highest praise. Students came to the Maquoketa Academy, as it was called, from De Witt, Sabula and Dubuque, and were introduced to the mysteries of algebra, geometry, botany and physiology on the border. Mr. Lake continued to teach during two years and a half, when he was succeeded by J. P. Edie.
After this building had been used for a number of years, the stockholders surrendered their interests to the School Board of Maquoketa, and the build- ing passed into the hands of the public.
Mr. J. E. Goodenow, with his characteristic generosity, donated to the city the five acres upon which the present regal school building stands, and here, in 1854, it was resolved to build a larger schoolhouse, which should meet the wants of the growing town. A foundation was laid for the new building, 30x60 feet. On this, the school district of Maquoketa erected one story of a brick building, and second and third stories were added by the liberality of J.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
E. Goodenow and Alonzo Spaulding. The first floor was divided into two school- rooms, while the second and third floors were partitioned into rooms for the accommodation of those students who came from abroad as boarding pupils. This was the second academy. The boarding-school part did not prove a suc- cess, and, Spaulding and Goodenow having disposed of their interests to the Independent School District of Maquoketa, the latter removed the third story, and, having heightened the ceilings of the first and second floors, occupied two rooms on each floor. Even these accommodations eventually proved uncom- fortable and insufficient, and, in 1876, after tearing away the old building, was erected one of the finest structures for school purposes that is to be found in this part of the State.
The first move made toward securing this building was on March 9, 1874, at which time a committee was appointed to secure plans and specifications for a suitable school building. However, the work of this committee did not accomplish its purpose, and at the annual meeting of electors of the Maquoketa City School District, March 8, 1875, it was
Resolved, That the Directors be, and they are hereby, instructed to procure plans, specifica- tions and estimates for a new school building, to be located on the grounds now occupied by the old Academy building, and said building not to cost over twenty-five thousand dollars.
Resolved, That said Board be instructed to report said plans and specifications at a called meeting of the electors of said district on the first Monday of September, at which meeting the question of building said school building, and procuring ways and means therefor, shall be submitted to the electors of said district.
At the September meeting, the plans and specifications were submitted, and a proposition was voted upon to issue $18,000 in bonds of the district to pay for the same. The ballot showed 158 in favor, and 123 opposed.
A day was appointed for receiving sealed bids to erect said building accord- ing to the plans and specifications, at which time the following bids were opened : McAdam, Davy & Enderby, $22,300; Franklin Trout, $20,200; Franklin Kirk, $21,650; George Johnson, $20,950.
The bid of Mr. Trout was accepted, but he refused to enter into contract, and the same was awarded to Mr. Johnson, he being the next lowest bidder. The plans and specifications were made by Architect Mcclellan, of Daven- port.
During the time occupied in erecting this building schools were held wherever the Board could engage rooms. A couple of rooms were rented of L. B. Dunham. and another in the rear part of the second story of Truax's store.
The $18,000 in bonds were issued April 1, 1876, due in ten years or less, at the option of the Board, and drawing 10 per cent interest.
At a meeting of the electors held March 14, 1876, $3,000 more in bonds were voted, making in all $21,000. At the district meeting, 1879, it was voted to make a re-issue of $16,000 bonds, bearing 8 per cent interest, and upon sale of these to recall the 10 per cent bonds.
The building, which stands upon Academy Hill, bears an inscription on the front, " High School, 1876," but is generally known among the inhabitants as " The Academy." The school on this location has been known as "The Academy " since 1850, and probably will receive that misnomer for another generation. The building is a little over eighty feet square, and is built of brick with stone trimmings. It is three stories in height, containing, when com- pleted, twelve rooms, being four rooms on each floor. The third floor is yet unfinished, not now being needed to accommodate the district. The eight rooms which are occupied are neatly finished and seated in modern style. All
MRS. J. E. GOODENOW
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
the windows are hung with inside blinds, adding very much to the comfort of their occupants, and making it possible to adjust the light to the needs of the pupils, as can be done in no other way. A lofty belfry crowns the building and requires the ascent of 132 steps to reach it. The visitor is rewarded by one of the finest views that can be seen anywhere. A Troy bell from this cupola summons the urchins of Maquoketa to their daily tasks. In addition to this building, the district owns a schoolhouse in each of the other city wards, con- taining one apartment in each. There are, therefore, eleven apartments in the Maquoketa schools.
From 1865 to 1872, Mr. D. A. Fletcher was Principal of the schools most of the time. He was succeeded by W. H. Fort, who continued to fill that position until 1874. Then came A. E. Carhart for two years, after whose time, beginning in 1876, Prof. C. C. Dudley, at present Principal of the schools, took charge of the work.
The report for the month ending June 20, 1879, which is, however, one of the lightest months of the year in school attendance, shows the pupils belong- ing in the several departments to have been as follows: High School, 57; A Grammar, 44; B Grammar, 39; A Intermediate, 47; B Intermediate, 50; C Intermediate, 55; First Ward, 34; Second Ward, 56; Third Ward, 69; Fourth Ward, 28; showing the total number belonging to be 479. The aver- age attendance for the same month was 437 pupils.
The teachers elect for the coming year, so far as they have been chosen are: C. C. Dudley, Principal ; Miss I. C. Ray, B Grammar ; Miss Mary Blodgett, A Intermediate; Miss C. Cundill, B Intermediate ; Miss Minnie Fletcher, C Intermediate; Miss S. D. Stewart, Assistant Principal ; Miss Ella Harrington, First Ward; Miss A. V. Rhodes, Second Ward ; Miss A. S. Barnes, Third Ward.
The probable expenses for the coming year, according to the estimate made by the Board as a basis for a tax levy, are as follows : Bond Fund, $2,550; Teacher's Fund, $2,500; Contingent, $600; Total, $5,650.
The School Board for the current year, with the date of their expiration of office, is as follows :
S. D. Lyman and O. W. Joiner, office expires March, 1880; W. C. Greg- ory and D. A. Fletcher, office expires March, 1881; G. B. Huestis and C. G. Covell, office expires March, 1882.
O. W. Joiner is President of the Board; J. T. Wilbur, Secretary, and L. B. Dunham, Treasurer.
High School .- A course of study was adopted in the winter of 1873, pro- viding for nine years' course in the various schools below the High School, and a three-years course in that department. The High School course was modi- fied in 1877, and as is now conducted, consists of two courses or departme.its, as follows :
The English Course .- This includes grammar, rhetoric, physiology, physi- cal geography, general history, natural philosophy, higher arithmetic com- pleted, higher algebra through quadratic equations, with geometry and book- keeping optional. It will be seen that this course affords those desiring to teach in the public schools an opportunity to fit themselves thoroughly, without being obliged to spend time on those higher branches, a knowledge of which would rarely, if ever, be required in the common schools.
The General Course .- This includes all the studies of the English course, carrying the study of the higher algebra through arithmetical and geometrical progression, and also includes six books of geometry, and German or Latin for
K
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
three years, or both if desired, with trigonometry optional. Lessons in read- ing, spelling, writing, drawing, composition, declamation and select reading occur at stated times. In these and all other general exercises, all pupils are required to take part.
The English course may be completed in two years ; the general course, in three years. No study shall be counted as completed until, upon two thorough examinations, consisting of at least twenty questions each, the pupil shall have gained an average percentage of at least eighty. Pupils completing the English course may participate in the exercises of the graduating class, and receive a certificate of scholarship. Those completing the general course, shall, upon graduation, receive a diploma, the certificates and diplomas to be publicly presented by the President of the Board of Directors, at the regular graduating exercises at the close of the winter term of each year. Those hold- ing certificates or diplomas may, at any time, be allowed to recite with any of the regular classes, in any studies which they may have omitted, or which they wish to review.
The first class which completed either of these courses of study graduated March 27, 1879, and consisted of the following named students : Those finish- ing the English course, and entitled to certificate of scholarship-fibbie Smith, Charles Farr, Harlan Crane, Della Griffin, Sarah Davis, Charles Trout and Julia Doc. Those completing the general course, and entitled to diplomas- George Earle, Emma Dunbar, George Trout, Emma Spinkle, Willie Squiers, Imogene Mitchell, Edwin Weed, Theodore Smersh, Charles Fisk, the last named being valedictorian.
The Maquoketa schools bear an excellent reputation. The citizens are proud of them, and they have before them a promising future. The city sup- ports no private schools, and the best energies of the people, rich and poor, are directed to make for their children training-schools which shall fit them for cit- izenship and success.
THE PRESS.
No more infallible index to the state of society or the thrift of a community can be found than the press it supports. Decide the question as you may- whether the press is the power behind the throne or simply the mirror of public thought-the newspaper does not thrive in a virgin soil, but prospers only in a cultivated garden. Maquoketa has maintained for twenty-five years from one to three public prints which have been, and are, a credit not only to their editors but to the intelligence of the community which makes them a possibility.
The first paper which faced the type in Maquoketa was the Maquoketa Sentinel, of which No. 1, Vol. I, appeared May 25, 1854. It was edited and published by Swigart & Bro., a firm composed of Messrs. William C. and Ste- phen Swigart. It was started in what was then known as Goodenow's new brick block, and was printed on a press brought from Richland County, Ohio, where it had recently supported Samuel J. Kirkwood (now in the United States Senate from Iowa) as a candidate for the office of County Clerk, on the Demo- cratic ticket. This same press is now in Ottumwa, doing service for Mr. Kirk- wood and the Republican party.
This first issue of the Sentinel was a folio of seven columns to the page, and, at its head, declared itself " Devoted to Politics, Morality, Literature, Foreign and Domestic News, Manufactures, Agriculture, Mechanic Arts, etc." The salutatory observes : "We will ever consult, as our way-marks, those stanch and enlightened doctrines of the science of government which give
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
character to the Democratic party. Its wise and patriotic exponents, living and dead, such as a Jefferson or Calhoun, will be our monitors, and we will guide our course accordingly through prosperity and adversity ; for we feel assured that the success and prosperity of our government depend upon these principles."
Of the present residents of Maquoketa who had advertisements in this first number of the Sentinel, we note the following: Calvin Northrop, of Viall & Northrop), cabinet store and manufactory ; L. E. Howes, painter and glazier ; P. Mitchell, general store; Alfred Fellows, drugs, medicines, books, etc .; Thomas Wright & Co., woolen goods, proprietors of the Eagle Woolen Factory ; C. E. Shattuck, proprietor of the Goodenow IIotel.
As a curiosity, we publish the market reports of this first issue, with the last issue of the Sentinel previous to this writing, and invite the attention of our readers to the very slight difference in prices.
May, 1854.
Wheat
75c. to 85c.
July, 1879. 70c. lo $1.00 (according to grade).
Corn
25c.
25c. to 30c.
Oats
20c. 28c. to 31c.
Butter
12}c. 8c. to 10c.
Eggs
6c. to 7c.
6c. to 7c.
The junior member of Swigart & Bro. withdrew from the Sentinel, on account of ill health, in October, 1856, and died in the following February. William C. Swigart continued as proprietor until 1862, when the head printer, Mr. Henderson, went into the army, leaving an issue of the paper partly set up, in which condition the office remained until 1864, when the paper passed into the ownership of Messrs. Tilney & Walworth, who employed Mr. Swigart to conduct the paper during the Presidential campaign of 1864. The office finally passed into the hands of G. W. Hunt, who, in 1866, removed it to Le Claire, Scott Co., Ill.
In April, 1868, Mr. Swigart purchased new material and revived the paper under what he termed the " new series," beginning again with Vol. I, since which time the issue of the paper has been uninterrupted and its career pros- perous. In October, 1868, it was changed to a quarto of five columns, and the name became Jackson Sentinel.
In October, 1872, James T. Sargent entered into part ownership of the paper, and from that date until August, 1877, it was conducted by Swigart & Sargeant. When Mr. Sargent withdrew, at the last-named date, W. C. Swigart received into the firm his sons, J. M. and W. B., by which firm the paper is conducted at the present time, under the name of Swigart & Sons. The paper is now a seven-column quarto, and enjoys a good patronage. It has always continued Democratic in politics, of the modified type, however, which supported Greeley in 1872, and the Anti-Monops in 1874.
P. Moriarty, who was at that time State Printer, determined, some time in the latter part of 1855, to start a Republican paper in Maquoketa, the Repub- lican party being then almost unknown in many parts of the West. Accord- ingly, January 1, 1856, Mr. A. G. Henderson, as agent for Mr. Moriarty, went to Chicago to purchase material for printing the Maquoketa Weekly Excelsior. It proved necessary to send to Philadelphia for the type, and the same becoming " snowed in " in Michigan on the way West, the first copy of the paper was not issued until March, 1856. The growth of the paper was very rapid, and, on the 1st of the following August, it printed 54 quires, or 1,296 copies. A. G. Henderson was foreman, compositor and writer in the office until the fall of 1859. The sheet was then a seven-column folio.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
In March, 1858, A. W. Drips leased the office of Mr. Moriarty and con- ducted it until 1859, when Willard S. Eddy purchased the office. It was then published under the name of " Drips & Eddy, proprietors " until the spring of 1861, when the senior partner retired. The paper continued under the control of Mr. Eddy until 1865, when it was purchased by W. F. McCarron. Soon after, Col. J. J. Wood purchased a half-interest. Then came McCarron & Reeve, then W. F. McCarron as sole proprietor again, then Col. Wood as sole proprietor, from whom it was purchased by W. S. Belden, in 1869, who con- tinued the paper successfully until March, 1876, when it was sold to Messrs. Shaw & Matthews, the present proprietors.
During the war, or most of the time during the rebellion, the Excelsior was the only paper published in Maquoketa. It furnished, from its editors and employes, quite a list for the army, as follows : Peter Moriarty, founder of the paper, First Lieutenant Company I, Fifth Iowa Infantry ; A. W. Drips, Captain Company A, Ninth Iowa Infantry (killed at Pea Ridge in 1862) ; John F. Drips, private. Company A, Ninth Iowa Infantry (died in Memphis in 1862) ; A. G. Henderson, First Lieutenant Company F, Thirty-first Iowa Infantry (wounded at Vicksburg in 1863) ; George W. Bagley, private, Com- pany L, Second Iowa Cavalry. Edward Gordon joined an Ohio regiment of infantry. Of the editors since the war, Wilbur F. McCarron was First Lieu - tenant Company H, Eighth Iowa Cavalry ; J. J. Wood, Colonel Twelfth Iowa Infantry (wounded at Shiloh); W. S. Belden, Captain Company L, Second Iowa Cavalry.
The Excelsior, in May, 1876, was changed to a six-column quarto, and, at the same time, equipped with new type. The office, in May, 1878, was supplied by a Campbell power-press. The paper has always been Republican.
The present proprietors are young men, and have a promising future before them. Mr. Matthews is a practical printer, and gives special attention to the job office. Mr. Shaw spends most of his time in the " editor's sanctum."
In May, 1878, Capt. W. S. Belden, just mentioned as editor of the Excel- sior during some seven years, established in Maquoketa a medium sized folio under the name of Jackson County Record. It is issued weekly, and is the recognized organ of the Greenback party in the county. As yet, it is an infant, and its history is necessarily brief.
MANUFACTURES.
Maquoketa Mills .- Joseph McCloy built the first flouring-mill in Jackson County, in 1841-42. It was located at the present site of Maquoketa Mills, on Prairie or Mill Creek, on the south edge of Maquoketa City. The first mill was a frame structure, 26x30 feet, to which power was supplied by a brush - dam. Previous to the building of this mill, the settlers of Jackson County were obliged to go to Dubuque for grists, and after McCloy had his mill com- pleted, he had customers all the way from Clinton and Davenport, and, for the accommodation of those who came a great distance and had to wait a couple of days for their grists, he built a log shanty, that they might have shelter. To the first mill, an addition, considerably larger than the original structure, was added some ten years later, and recently thie mills have been equipped with new machinery throughout, so that grinding is now done by what is called the " new process." The water-supply is sufficient to furnish the power to two runs of stone during the entire year, unless the season is unusually dry. Four-foot French buhrs are used, which are turned by one turbine and one Caulbaugh
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
wheel. The mills are now operated by Maskery & Co., and enjoy a large patron- age, especially in custom-work.
Maquoketa City Tannery .- This establishment was built in 1875 by M. G. Gohlman, at a cost of near $4,000. The tannery is employed, for the most part, in the manufacture of calf and kip leather. Twenty-four vats are kept in operation. The bark used in tanning is mostly white-oak, and is obtained from the timber of Jackson County.
Eagle Woolen-Mills .- The Eagle Woolen-Mills were instituted some twen- ty-five years ago by one of the pioneers of Jackson County, the honored Thomas Wright. Mr. Wright, however, conducted the business on a limited scale. In 1875, the mills were purchased by J. Whitfield & Son, who enlarged thent to their present size, supplied them with a 45-horse-power engine, and equipped them with the finest machinery in use in the Western country. Twenty hands are constantly employed, running 480 spindles, and various cards and looms. Messrs. Whitfield & Son make a specialty of flannels and yarns and blankets, of which they manufacture some $60,000 worth annually. They also manufacture a limited quantity of cassimeres, satinets and jeans for local trade. Their staples are for wholesale custom, and are known in all parts of Iowa and the West.
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