USA > Iowa > Linn County > The history of Linn county, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &t., a biographical directory of its citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics history of the Northwest etc > Part 45
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A large majority of those interested in the Soper-Gleason affair still remain in Cedar County. Many of them are among the wealthiest, and consequently most influential, citizens of the community, highly respected and generally use- ful. reliable and strictly law-abiding.
HI. ROBERTS.
Hiram Roberts, of Indiana, was the owner of a farm in Jones County, and frequently visited there to look after his interests. On these visits, his associa- tions were with that class of men who were under the ban of suspicion as horse thieves and counterfeiters. He frequently went over into Cedar County, and made protracted visits among people who were almost known outlaws. His most frequent stopping place was at James W. Hanlin's, four miles northwest of Tipton.
About the last of October, or first of November, 1857, Roberts was on one of his visits to the county, and having heard that he had been pretty severely threatened by the members of the Protective Association, he sent word to the leaders of the Association where he was stopping, together with an invitation for them to come and take him. His invitation was accepted. Word was sent
385
HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.
around among the people, and Roberts was arrested at Hanlin's. He was taken across the county line into Jones County, to the barn of Geo. Saum. When they arrived within the barn, Roberts was left in charge of a part of those con- cerned in his arrest, while the other part, a majority, perhaps, went a little dis- tance outside to consult. One of this number was a young man in the employ of a citizen who has always been prominently identified with the affairs of Cedar County, and who had been sent by his employer to represent him, because of other pressing engagements. It may be said, too, that the employer was a Justice of the Peace at the time, and this may have had something to do with his non- attendance. When this young man learned the desperate resolve of the men by whom he was surrounded, he turned away and started to the barn to get his horse and leave the scene. As he opened the barn door, he was horror-stricken to find that Roberts had already been tried, condemned, sentenced and hanged to a beam overhead, and that he was even then writhing in the agonies of death. After life was extinct, the body of Roberts was taken down, carried out and re- hanged to the limb of a tree, and left there to await the order of his friends.
It is said by some of those who participated in the Roberts lynching, that before he was hanged, he confessed that he had been engaged in counterfeiting and associated with counterfeiters a good many years, and that he had put in circulation more than $100,000 of spurious money.
The Coroner of Jones County was notified of the hanging of Roberts, and an inquest was held on his remains, and a verdict rendered in accordance with the facts, as far as the facts could be ascertained. Warrants were issued for the arrest of Charles Williams, Benjamin Freeman, Moses Bunker, William Dallas, George Saum and William M. Knott, charging them with the offense. The Jones County Sheriff and his Deputy came over to arrest the parties named. No resistance was offered, and by agreement and on recommendation of Judge Tuthill, then District Judge, they entered into bonds for their appearance before a Jones County Justice of the Peace, on a certain day named (within two weeks), for a preliminary examination. At the appointed time, Williams, Freeman, Bunker and the others mentioned, accompanied by about two hundred Cedar County citizens, appeared as per agreement, with Judge Bissell as their attorney. They waived an examination, and entered into bonds for their appearance at the next term of the District Court for that county. Their bonds were signed by not less than one hundred of the best citizens of Cedar and Jones Counties. At the Spring term (1858) of the Jones County District Court, the parties under bonds, accompanied by nearly two hundred Cedar and Jones County citi- zens, appeared in Anamosa to answer to any indictment that might be found against them ; but no indictment was returned against them, for want of suffi- cient testimony. In addition to the fact that the vigilantes had taken good care to get important witnesses for the people out of the way, one of the grand jury was in full sympathy and accord with the movement to free the country from the presence of dishonest characters. Besides that one juryman, there were several others who were indifferent as to the prosecution of the case, and it is fair to presume that they did not worry themselves very much about find- ing an indictment. Since then the affair has almost died out of memory, and the country has maintained a quiet and obedience to law that has made for Cedar County people a praiseworthy reputation. Charles Williams, one of the arrested parties, subsequently removed to Texas; Freeman died in Jones County about ten years ago; George Saum now lives in Davenport ; Moses Bunker, William Dallas and William M. Knott have maintained a continuous residence in the county, and are useful, respected citizens.
386
HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT.
The marvels of the last half century are not confined to the mechanic world alone, but reach out in the direction of the West, and include the social world as well.
The history of Linn County is one of comparative brevity, and is compre- hended to-day by the men who drove the first breaking teams over the virgin prairie ; but it is, nevertheless, one of the most remarkable in the list of Amer- ican counties, so famous in the eyes of all the peoples of the globe as akin to the miraculous types of the progress of mankind.
There is not a man in Linn County at the present time who is not willing to admit that the improvement of his favorite locality far excels his most san- guine expectations ; but that simply proves the extraordinary character of the social and material advancement of the section.
In the year 1840, Hosea W. Gray completed the first census of the county. Some idea of the popularity of the region may be formed by a comparison of the numbers which gathered at Westport, July 4, 1839, to " celebrate," and the returns made by Sheriff Gray. The celebration, as already remarked, drew to Westport many persons not residents of the county, and with such acquisitions to the people, there were, probably, two hundred men and women assembled on that day.
The census returns of 1840 show that there were then resident in the county no less than 1,373 men, women and children. The county filled up thus rapidly in that one year. The older settlers still living remark that the pro- cessions of immigrants were almost continuous. Claims were made with great rapidity, and the lands were staked out by the pioneers after the manner of the times. The new comers were plain, honest people for the most part, and came with the real determination of making homes for themselves and their children after them.
Andrew J. Mckean relates an incident of 1838 that is illustrative of the feeling entertained at that time by the settlers. When he arrived in the county and made known his wish to secure a claim, he was told that there were no vacant lands in the neighborhood of what is now Mount Vernon. Every foot of land had been secured by actual settlers, they told him.
" Well," observed Mr. Mckean, "I like this country, gentlemen, and. vacant lands or no vacant lands, I'm going to stay with you. I came here to locate, and I shall remain."
No sooner had he declared his intentions of becoming a bona fide resident of the county, than he was greeted with the utmost cordiality. There were plenty of unselected sites, and those who had first turned the cold shoulder upon him, fearing that he might be a speculator, were extremely officious in aiding him with his work.
As the forefathers had declared, "not one cent for tribute ; millions for defense," so the pioneers proclaimed, " not one foot of land for speculators ; thousands for settlement and cultivation." It is because of this rule and the rigid determination to observe it, on the part of the first men, that the county is to-day so far advanced in the scale of improvement.
During the three years following the census, the influx of settlers was unceasing, and by 1845 probably 4.000 persons had decided upon Linn as their abiding place.
387
HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.
The men who came here in the early '40's were ambitious, determined, experienced workers in their several vocations. Many of them knew from personal encounter that there were rocks in the sea of life, and were disposed to shun the errors of their former ways. Lessons learned in the school of experience are seldom forgotten, and the progress made by such as were of the less successful business class of the East, was slow but substantial. They felt their way cautiously along over the shoals of financial waters, until they reached a depth that enabled them to live freely and enjoy life.
Those days were not like the present times in point of luxuries. As late as 1855 there were but two pianos in the county, and not more than half a dozen spring buggies. Sewing machines were unknown. Domestic training consisted of the simple branches, devoid of all the modern accomplishments.
Now there is scarcely a farm house without its musical instruments and sewing machines, while the boys of the family drive spirited horses before the best of vehicles. Family carriages are not uncommon, and comforts of every description find their way into the large and elegant farm mansions which have taken the place of the old log houses.
The young members of the family have ceased to attend the District schools, and graduate with honor from institutions of learning with which the county is so well supplied.
The census of 1850 shows that 5,444 inhabitants were accredited to Linn in that year. The gold excitement in California, which began in the year '49, naturally drew many of the more venturesome spirits westward, and a number of Linn County men joined the long procession on its wearisome way over the plains and mountains.
Still this county continued to thrive. The soil was yielding ample returns for the comfortable support of its tillers, but markets were limited to the newer counties to the west of this, and farmers devoted all their energies to the actual improvement of their farms, rather than to any speculative ventures.
Another decade passed, and the statistics were returned to the proper bureau. Then it was discovered that the population had reached the hand- some figure of 18,947, and the future of Linn was a guaranteed success.
In 1870, there were 31,080 residents in the county, and in 1875 the State census shows a population of 31,815. Long before this time, the lands were taken up, and the augmentation of numbers depended upon the growth of business centers, instead of upon the agricultural classes. As the farms were improved, greater shipping facilities were required ; increased commercial con- veniences were demanded ; and the manufacturing population necessarily went to swell the total number of residents in cities and villages
Probably the present number of actual residents is as large as the rate of production demands or will be able to support for some few years, except in the larger cities. The county already ranks among the older regions of the East in numerical strength, and the demand for " pioneers " has ceased. Other sources of increase must be looked to for accretions, as is always the case where the area is no longer subject to first purchase.
The vote of 1839 numbered thirty-two ballots. The last vote cast in the county does not show the full strength of the adult population entitled to the right of elective franchise. There are, as reported in the census of 1875, 7,274 legal voters in the county.
For convenience as well as comparative exhibition. will be found on follow- ing page in tabular form a statement of the last Presidential vote, and the more recent " off year " ballot, in 1877, for State and county officers.
388
STATEMENT OF VOTES CAST IN LINN COUNTY FOR PRESIDENT IN 1876, AND FOR STATE AND COUNTY OFFICERS IN 1877.
COUNTY TICKET, 1877.
1876.
STATE TICKET, 1877.
President.
Governor.
Legislature.
Legislature.
Auditor.
Treasurer.
Sheriff.
Supt. Schools.
Surveyor.
Coroner.
Hayes.
Tilden.
Gear.
Irish.
Ure.
Jordan.
Hormel.
Bowdish.
Daniels.
Young.
Berry.
Platner.
Gillilan. -
Carskaddon.
Johnson.
Shapley.
Lyman.
Durham.
Lawrence.
Bardwell.
50
144
32
129
30
34
132
128
88
69
34
42
120
65
92
33
130
34
129
Bertram
217
78
63
78
123
142
73
115
162
65
158
77
151
75
127
104
1 4
100
158
76
Brown ..
108
129
64
92
79
77
101
103
79
101
78
49
125
66
111
79
100
78
101
Bowlder
37
87
27
71
28
28
71
71
28
70
28
34
60
28
69
28
71
28
71
Buffalo.
136
83
107
65
88
106
81
62
114
54
113
58
33
138
67
100
107
64
104
65
Clinton ...
111
127
39
91
78
85
97
89
90
86
87
87
95
73
88
57
86
90
83
92
College ..
138
109
95
93
103
100
90
93
101
93
101
93
101
93
94
97
98
93
99
93
Fairfax ..
53
81
23
76
76
30
25
89
15
83
20
39
63
80
24
81
23
81
23
Fayette .. ...
78
177
109
182
96
114
126
205
72
208
77
Franklin ( Mt. Vernon Precinct)" ...
257
120
110
66
206
194
86 *
48
159
4.
151
53
162
42
143
59
157
46
160
43
188
60
83
40
150
154
70
73
48
45
85
34
75
44
69
47
79
37
96
18
102
45
109
38
174
47
103
37
98
69
48
51
110
36
108
38
65
80
77
101
84
92
82
100
87
95
118
94
70
93
88
87
96
97
88
96
84
105
143
106
144
103
138
111
141
112
147
106
181
134
138
107
140
119
109
129
348
449
493
310
512
290
233
575
421
352
335
124
457
357
Marion ..
108
93
5.
78
16
15
147
145
97
66
67
75
18
143
59
100
33
134
62
77
Monroe .
97
67
86
52
80
66
74
60
91
51
88
54
49
93
85
48
75
99
90
51
Otter Creek.
47
88
40
70
45
38
69
67
41
69
43
66
42
68
22
40
70
42
86
Putnam ..
222
216
130
172
140
119
198
161
143
167
143
166
158
153
156
147
219
85
149
157
Rapids, First Precinct.
342
147
225
127
230
198
159
121
240
119
238
128
197
160
233
122
247
119
237
126
Rapids, Second Precinct ..
236
203
123
141
118
113
171
152
133
144
133
145
100
178
154
114
193
77
133
144
Rapids, Third Precinct ..
118
183
127
141
163
163
133
206
102
179
120
Rapids, Fourth Precinct ...
96
41
61
35
96
66
39
31
73
30
71
32
36
66
60
41
79
24
68
34
Rapids, Fifth Precinct ..
156
32
100
28
112
85
28
40
111
27
111
29
43
96
112
15
89
50
113
26
Spring Grove ..
136
201
87
170
70
70
181
179
256
....
89
171
101
138
110
133
89
176.
90
169
Washington
4332
2918
2524
2316
2814
2665
2630
2671
3422 2043
3098
2369
2361
3049
2899
2354
3009
2419
3072,
2380
Total.
* An error in this ballot threw the vote out of count; 50 ballots were cast for " E. C. Hormel," instead of for Frank C. Hormel.
HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.
·
·
.
.
.
.
.
· ·
.
·
.
.
·
·
·
..
Franklin (Lisbon Precinct)
42
Grant.
128
68
76
42
Jackson ..
Linn.
617
355
361
293
394
396
88
213
147
Maine.
·
281
142
168
123
183
155
154
122
191
157
46
76
100
128
101
71
TOWNSHIPS.
389
HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.
MATERIAL GROWTH AND PROSPERITY.
In the economy of Nature, there were bestowed upon Linn County such varied gifts as to insure the complete development of the section and still retain the products of native resources for immediate good. The lands, which are so rich in productive elements, are not alone the causes of revenue ; for through those fertile acres flow such powerful streams as are required to render profit- able the manufacture of crude products into marketable wares.
Nature was lavish of her wealth upon this region, and man has been wise enough to perceive the opportunities offered him at her hands. The early set- tler, even, was quick to discover the advantages of the stream upon which he located, but his attempts at the introduction of mechanical power were, as might be expected from one of his nature, rude and unsatisfactory.
From that day to this, the twin industries peculiar to the county have kept pace side by side. The earlier years were from necessity given over more generally to the construction of farms, but the sum total of the products, at a period but little later, was correspondingly great. For several years there were not sufficient returns from the farms to warrant heavy investments in mills or factories, but when the moment arrived at which capital could be profitably employed in manufacturing, men stood ready to pour it forth.
As late as 1855, there were not means of shipping surplus products east- ward, and producers were dependent upon the limited markets of Benton and the newer country to the West for sales. Even after the completion of rail communication with Chicago, the prices current were such as to prohibit the shipment of grain to that center of trade. Flatboats were loaded and floated down the Cedar and Iowa Rivers to the Mississippi and thence South, but these speculations were not of a very general or prudent character.
In 1848, N. B. Brown, of Cedar Rapids, erected the first woolen factory at that place, and introduced the industry into the country.
In 1862-63, owing to the increase in prices of provisions, the markets of Chicago began to be consulted. R. D. Stephens, of Marion, erected the first elevator at that place in 1862, and sent corn to the Mississippi. Cattle and hogs soon became articles of pecuniary value for transportation.
From the assessment rolls of 1866, a period chosen because of its marking the lapse of a quarter of a century from the date of actual settlement, allowing one crop on the average for the settlers who appeared in the census of 1840, as some came too late for a harvest that year, while others were able to secure returns in the year 1839, it is seen that the total acreage assessed was 452,486. The valuation was placed in accordance with the ruling rates of gold, which was much in excess of the present value of that standard. The land was then assessed at 3,012,754, exclusive of all land in towns and villages.
ABSTRACT OF THE ASSESSMENT OF LINN COUNTY, FOR THE YEAR 1878.
Lands exclusive of Town property.
449,457 acres,
$5,127,133
Cedar Rapids and Additions .. $1,488,774
Marion ..
282,663
Mt. Vernon.
86,440
Lisbon.
72,451
Center Point
37,829
Western.
22,216
Springville and Viola.
21,053
Central City and Waubeck 19,557
Other towns and villages.
60,221
$2,091,204
390
HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.
Aggregate value of realty in towns
Aggregate value of railroad property, asassessed by Executive Council under Chapter 5, Title X, of the Code of 1873.
528,444
Aggregate value of personal property (including horses, cattle, etc ) ... 1,885,151
Total valuation of the county
$9,631,932
Number.
Agg. Val.
Cattle assessed in the county.
31,872
$298,697
Horses
66 66
13,356
387,695
Mules 66 66 66
693
22,887
Sheep 66 66 66
3,958
4,686
Swine 66
.6
.54.450
141,173
Total valuation of live stock
$855,138
In 1878, the assessed valuation was given on 449,457 acres of land, a decrease of 3,029 acres in area. The diminution of territory is accounted for by the lands deeded to railroad corporations since 1866, and which are now assessed separately, and by the amounts of suburban property once claimed as farming lands, but now platted and assessed as city property.
On the 449,457 acres returned to-day, the taxable valuation of $5,127,133 is placed.
These estimates, it must be remembered, are made upon the present " hard pan " basis of real estate, and do not indicate the actual improvements made upon farm property during the twelve years past. In 1870, the farm realty was estimated to be worth, and so stated in the United States census of that year, $10,364,525.
The literal valuation of farming lands has decreased less than any other class of property during the stringent days since 1873. The prairies in the neighborhood of markets cannot be purchased for much less than they were held at prior to the panic. Wood lands are not so highly regarded as they formerly were, owing to the introduction of wire fences, and the common use of coal for fuel. On the other hand, open lands are steadily increasing in price. The products of the soil warrant a fixed rate of value.
If one bases an estimate, therefore, upon the reports of 1870, and takes into consideration the improvement of the past eight years, it seems within reason to place the real value of the farms of Linn County at but little below $15,000,000.
In the realty of towns and villages, a very marked increase of values is shown. Throughout the county there has been a healthy growth of business centers. In 1866 the aggregate assessed valuation, at "war prices," was $739,255. This year, the city of Cedar Rapids alone returns more than double the entire amount of value in the county in 1866, being $1,488,774 ; while the present total for the county is $2,091,204, and this, too, at such valuations as the property owners can induce the assessors to believe should be rightly attached.
The personal property returned in 1866 was $1,734,001, which included all horses, cattle, hogs, implements, etc., of farmers, and the movable property of towns and villages. This year the personal estate is reduced from the extravagant rates of gold to the basis of 100} premium, and amounts to $1,885,151.
There are, probably, not less than three-quarters of a million in purchase price of farm implements and machinery in the county to-day ; but, for assess- ment purposes, snch fragile property is justly placed at a lower estimate.
As returned, there is $528,444 worth of railroad property taxable within the limits of the county.
$2,091 204
391
HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.
The entire valuation of the county, as assessed, stands at $9,631,932, against $5,486,010 in 1866.
A comparative statement of the statistics of herds is interesting. In 1866 there were :
Cattle.
Number. 19,201
Value. $225,674
Mules.
258
12,333
Horses.
8,377
394,490
Sheep.
29,290
56,791
Swine.
20,321
136,896
In 1878 the returns show :
Number.
Value.
Cattle
31,872
$298,697
Horses
13,356
387,695
Mules.
693
22,887
Sheep
3,958
4,686
Swine.
54,450
141,173
In 1866, cattle were assessed at a fraction over $11.75 per head on the average. In 1878, the average fell a trifle below $9.37} per head. The state of the market is easily accounted for. The general markets were higher, and the far West had not then reached the point now held by it as a controlling influence in the stock trade.
It is proper to observe here that the method of assessing live stock is such as to furnish no correct idea of actual products of herds, flocks or droves. Hogs, for example, are taken at the first of January, in the estimate of num- bers. If fatting hogs are slaughtered after January 1st, but before the Assessor arrives, it is quite likely that many escape enumeration entirely, without inten- tional misrepresentation. Hogs under six months, also, pass without report. Hence the increase of the "pigs" which are slaughtered or sold for slaughter would swell the actual figures considerably. Assessed values are a poor guide, but in the present case are the best obtainable, as three years have elapsed since the last census reports were made.
Horses, in 1866, were assessed at $47.10 per head, while now they are but a fraction above $29. The markets were thoroughly drained of horses during the war, and the ordinary demands of dealers were greater because of the extensive sales which had been made during the years from '61-'65. Means of transportation were then limited, and this region had not reached the point of shipping which it now maintains.
Sheep were assessed at $1.93 and a fraction ; now they are rated at $1.18}. In 1875, there were 80,000 pounds of wool worked up by the factories of this county.
Swine show the widest range in market value, a fact which will be readily comprehended. In 1866, they were assessed at $6.76, while this year they reach only $2.59 on an average.
The foregoing comparisons are made solely for the purpose of showing the gradations of the markets, and not with the view of representing actual selling rates at the present time.
The statistics of 1875 furnish still fuller details of development, For example: There were 175,655 acres under cultivation that year. Spring wheat is the only variety grown extensively, and of that 656,597 bushels were harvested from 52,178 acres. From 91,773 acres there were taken 343,- 992 bushels of corn. There were produced 585,648 bushels of oats; 22,883 bushels of barley; 22,670 bushels of rye; 4,612 bushels of buckwheat; 28,- 495 tons of tame hay; 24,957 tons of wild hay; 1,536 bushels of grass seed;
F
392
HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.
127,621 bushels of potatoes; 202,595 pounds of grapes, from a part of which 784 gallons of wine were made. There are 63,383 acres of natural timber standing in the county.
It was estimated that the value of the farm product, in 1875, was $2,590,- 052: the herd product. $832,387; the dairy product, $212,259.
MANUFACTURES.
The manufacturing interests in 1875 were returned as follows:
Number of establishments.
250
Hands employed.
788
Material consumed in 1874 :
Wheat, bushels
326,000
Corn, bushels
125,700
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