USA > Iowa > Washington County > The history of Washington County, Iowa : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c. : a biographical directory of its citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men > Part 50
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In the spring of 1860, Nathaniel McClure, Michael Hayes, John Mather, William R. Nugent, O. H. Prizer, and others obtained an injunction against the county judge, restraining him from levying further taxes, two levies having already been made, and the county treasurer, from collecting the same. The first tax was mostly collected, the second but partially. About the same time the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad through Clark Durant, and the Philadelphia, Ft. Wayne and Platte Valley Air Line Railroad com- pany through Robert C. Schenck began suits against the county to recover the amounts due on the coupons attached to the bonds issued to each company, in the district court of the United States. Action in regard to these suits were taken at various times by the board of supervisors, the most important be- ing the following adopted by the board in June, 1864:
Resolved, By the board of supervisors of the county of Washington in the State of Iowa, that a committee consisting of three, John Rheinart, Enoch Ross and H. M. Holden, be appointed to confer with the holders of the bonds issued by the said county of Washington to the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad Company, and also with the officers and managers of said railroad company, or with the attorneys of either of them. That said committee be authorized and empowered to make any and all compromises which, in their judgment, may seem for the best interests of said county relative to the settlement of any and all suits now pending between said county and said bondholders or railroad companies, or any or either of them. That they be empowered and authorized to sell or dispose of in such manner as they shall deem proper, any and all railroad stock which is or may hereafter be acquired by said county; to purchase and buy in any and all railroad bonds or coupons which have been issued by said county, and generally to make such disposition of all railroad bonds and stocks of said county as their judgment may deem for the best, and to execute and sign any and all contracts, agreements and releases necessary to the carrying out of the spirit and in- tent of this resolution.
The Mississippi and Missouri Railroad was completed to Washington ac- cording to contract and was made the occasion of a celebration and festival which elicited from the citizens of the county a more general approval and hearty participation than most any other event in its history. The cele- bration was very well represented by Leslie's illustrated newspaper, the sketches having been made by Mr. Ronde, a resident of Dutch Creek town- ship.
On August 14th, 1858, a large number of people met at the court-house to arrange for the celebration. A committee of thirteen was appointed to make the necessary arrangements. The committee was as follows: Nor- man Chipman, James Dawson, A. W. Chilcote, Jonathan H. Wilson, John J. Higgins, Charles Foster, Joseph R. Lewis, A. T. Burris, E. H. Ludding- ton, Thos. Blanchard, John Bryson, Wmn. B. Carruthers and J. S. Beaty.
On the Monday following the committee met and adopted the following programme:
"The dinner to be given on Wednesday, September 1st, 1858. Mrs. Higgins, Mrs. Parker, Mrs. Rose, Mrs. Phelps and Miss Dawson were ap- pointed to select twenty-five other ladies to act as a committee to superin- tend the dinner. Joseph McKee, Ozro Phelps, and S. P. Young were appointed to devise a plan to shade the public square. One thousand tickets of invitation were issued to the neighboring towns. A. R. Wick-
402
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
ersham, E. H. Luddington, and Charles Foster were appointed a committee on toasts and responses. The celebration caine off at the time appointed.
The following description of the event, as published in the columns of the Washington "Press" will be of interest to those who did not witness the festivities and to those who were there and took part it will recall some pleasant reminiscences of the past:
"For several days our citizens have been very busy with the necessary preparations for the occasion,and last evening about 3,000 feet of table were completed in the court-yard, covered with a nice awning of green boughs, sufficient to accommodate some 2,000 guests. Several guests from the west -- Oskaloosa, Sigourney, and elsewhere, arrived in town last evening. Many anxious glances and sage prognostications, with regard to the weather, have been indulged in within a day or two, for on that as much as anything else depended the success of the celebration. But this morning the sun rose bright and beautiful, with only a few clouds skirting the hori- zon, giving promise of as fair a day as heart could desire, which has been fully realized, as the weather has been delightfully cool and pleasant all day. By 8 or 9 o'clock the citizens from the different townships began to arrive, and by 10 o'clock there were not less than 4,000 or 5,000 people in town.
"By this time the tables, under the superintendence of the ladies, began to assume a beautiful appearance, and most inviting to a good appetite, and when completed, about 11 o'clock, we think we can safely say without vanity or flattery, that a better arranged or more bountifully supplied table has seldom been set in the Western country. At half past 11 o'clock Capt. G. W. Teas, chief marshal of the day, with his assistants, formed the crowd into procession in as good order as possible under the circumstances, and marched them to the railroad to receive the guests from the east on the arrival of the cars.
"At a quarter past twelve a train of thirteen passenger cars came in, drawn by the splendid locomotive 'Washington,' gaily decorated, and all filled to overflowing with guests from Muscatine, Davenport, Iowa City, and other points, numbering 700 or 800. Mr. S. A. Russell, of Crawfordsville, received the guests with a few happy and appropriate remarks, which were responded to in a similar spirit by A. O. Patterson, of Muscatine. The procession was then formed, led by music from the Muscatine and Column- bus City bands, followed by the Davenport city artillery, Muscatine light guards, Columbus City Union guards, and guests and citizens generally, and marched to the tables in the court-yard, where they partook of the bountiful repast spread for them. The bands and military companies pre- sented a fine appearance, and by their music and various evolutions added much to the interest of the occasion. Among the military we noticed the Columbus City Union guards with their neat gray uniform, under the effi- cient training of our friend Captain Garner, performed their evolutions with a precision equal to the best of them. After dinner the Hon. Chas. Foster, president of the day, called the company, when toasts were read and responses made as follows:
"1. M. & M. R. R. Co., its officers and contractors-Their skill, energy, and perseverance elicit our admiration, deserve and receive our warmest acknowledgments. Our celebration to-day commemorates their triumph and exhibits our gratification. Responded to by Hiram Price, Esq., of Davenport.
403
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
"2. The Atlantic Telegraph .-- A chain of intelligence uniting the two hemispheres. May it ever bear glad tidings of great joy. 'Peace on earth and good will to men.' Let us to-day unite with the cities of the Old World and the New, in commemoration of this triumph of human genius. Responded to by Rev. J. B. Grinnell, of Poweshiek county.
"3. Chicago -- Queen city of the West. She grasps us with an iron hand, but not to oppress us. May our new connection prove a mutual blessing. Responded to by Mr. Bross, of the Chicago 'Press and Tribune.'
"4. Davenport-May our union this day consummated result in intimacy, and may our intimate relations prove the source of a common prosperity. Responded to by Hon. J. Thorington.
"5. Muscatine-Bound to us by bonds of iron and friendship-the pass- ing of trains may weaken the one, the passing of time will but strengthen the other. Responded to by J. Scott Richmond, of Muscatine.
"6. Oskaloosa-Our finest inland town. May she not have long to 'wait for the wagon.' Responded to by J. R. Needham, of Oskaloosa.
"7. Sigourney-Young, enterprising, and progressive she has our best wishes for future prosperity. Responded to by R. S. Leak, of Sigourney.
"8. Newspaper Press-Its freedom and independence the necessity and the result of a Republican government. Responded to by Mr. Sanders of Davenport 'Gazette.'
"9. Columbus City-A pleasant neighbor. May we always live in peace. Hon. Francis Springer was called, but was not in hearing.
"10. Burlington-Though opening a channel of trade in another direc- tion, we shall remember with pleasure our former commercial relations with her citizens. Fitz Henry Warren, of Burlington, was called for, but was not present.
"11. Iowa City --
'A capital town-'twas our pleasure and pride To acknowledge her rule till we reached our majority, And tho' ceasing to rank 'mong her tribute towns,
We still leave her a switch to maintain her authority.
"Responded to by Dr. Jesse Bowen.
"12. Fairfield -It is no discredit in a close race to come out a little be- hind. Responded to by Chas. Negus, Esq.
"13. Rock Island -- May the bridge that spans the Father of Waters long remain a bond of union between two States. What man's skill and energy have joined together, let no courts put asunder. Responded to by Mr. Nixer, of Rock Island.
"14. The Ladies-Honor and love to our mothers, sisters, sweethearts, wives, and daughters kind and good. Responded to by Hon. Judge Thayer, of Muscatine.
"15. Richland-Our next door neighbor on the west. We extend the hand of good feeling and fellowship. May prosperity attend her. Dr. Effner was called but not present.
"The following volunteer toast was also presented, but the hour for the cars to leave for the east having arrived. there was no time for a response. "The Laborer -- With strong arm to wield pick-ax and spade have scooped ont this channel of internal trade."
After the ardor of the Washingtonians had some little time to cool, and after the county supervisors had in vain attempted to compromise with the
404
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
holders of the bonds, litigation commenced in earnest. It seems that dur- ing the progress of the numerous suits there was quite a conflict between the state and national courts, and the board of supervisors becoming some- what contumacious they were arrested by the sheriff on an order from the district judge, and at the same time there was an order from the Federal court for their arrest. The sheriff had possession of these donghty champi- ons of the people and the United States marshal tried to get possession of them. Finally the sheriff released them and they appeared before the Fed- eral court, were reprimanded and sent home with instructions to levy a tax and provide for the payment of their bonds, which they accordingly did. Their example was followed by succeeding boards and the bonds were finally all paid off, the last ones having been taken up and canceled but a few years since. The people of the county learned from this bitter experience how much easier it is to issue bonds than to pay them. The payment of these bonds together with the expenses of the suits and interest, it is estima- ted cost the county near a half million of dollars. The county, and espec- ially Washington city, made it all back as for many years Washington was the great distributing point for a large region of country and its trade was immense.
Although it was the intention of the company to extend the road west from Washington and the people of the county, especially the citizens of Dutch Creek township, confidently expected it, and deserved it too, since in the hotly contested elections for the issuance of bonds they had almost inva- riably voted solid for the bonds, yet it was some twelve years before active measures were taken to extend the road.
In the mean time the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company succeeded in getting possession of the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad, and in such a way that the stock which the county held in the road became al- most if not entirely worthless.
During the latter part of the year 1869, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pa- cific Railroad Company began to agitate the project of extending the line to Leavenworth, Kansas, and quite an interest was soon developed among the people of the county, more particularly at Washington and Brighton. In January, 1870, a mass meeting was held in Washington in the interests of this extension. There were two proposed rontes leading southwest; one through Dutch Creek township to Ottumwa, and the other through Brighton to Fairfield. Jefferson county having first raised its subsidy amounting to $125,000, it was decided to build the road through that point. The city of Washington raised $40,000 and the right of way to the line of Brighton township. Brighton raised $30,000 and the right of way through that township. On the 23d of February, 1860, there was a meeting held at Washington for the purpose of completing the arrangements for the exten- sion and completing the contract. Judge Aller, the agent of the road was present, and through him arrangements were finally completed. The people of Washington delivered to the agent of the road notes to the amount of $40,000, and gave a bond signed by one hundred and fifty different individ- uals guaranteeing the right of way to the Brighton township line. The right of way was procured according to contract at an expense of $4,811.58, and work on the road was commenced early in March. The energy and promptness which characterized the building of this road after it was once determined on has scarcely a parallel in the history of railroad building in the West. By the middle of September cars were running on the road to
405
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Fairfield, and before the cold weather of winter put a stop to the grading the road was well on the way to the Missouri State line.
The next railroad enterprise was the building of a branch by the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Company westward through Sigourney.
In the fall of 1870, Ebenezer Cook, vice-president of this company made a proposition to build the road by the first of December, 1871, provided tlie people of Keokuk county would raise by subscriptions the sum of fifty thousand dollars, secure the right of way from the Washington county line, and provide suitable depot grounds in Sigourney. The committee to whom the people had delegated the management of this matter consisted of J. P. Yerger, J. H. Shawhan and George D. Woodin. This committee, on can- vassing the matter, wrote to Mr. Cook, stating that his proposition would be accepted, but they preferred to raise part of the subsidy by taxation, in sev- eral townships, under the laws of Iowa, instead of by subscription. To that the Rock Island Company assented, agreeing to take the amount assessed as a part of the fifty thousand dollars; but as a delay had been occasioned by these negotiations, thus preventing any work being done till the following spring, the time for completion was extended to July 1, 1872.
In January, 1871, elections were held in the several townships of Keokuk county which would be immediately benefited by the building of the pro- posed road. These townships were Lafayette, German, Sigourney and Van Buren. The vote in all these townships was in favor of the tax, and through the energetic efforts of the committee the riglit of way was soon se- cured. The depot at Sigourney was located on the farm of Messrs. Woodin and Clark in the north part of town. Having agreed to assist in purchas- ing the right of way for the road and depot grounds at Sigourney, these gen- tlemen furnished the land free of cost as a means of discharging their share of the obligation. The donation was a liberal one and went far toward less- ening the expense to those who signed the bond for the right of way. Work was commenced on the road in the summer of 1871 and was completed some time in advance of that specified in the contract; trains were running into Sigourney by the 9th of April following. The promptness which char- acterizes this company in all of its enterprises when it once determines to act was manifest in this instance and presents a marked contrast with the long years of vascillation and uncertainty which characterized the move- ments of the north and south road already described.
In the summer of 1875 Mr. Riddle, the superintendent of the C., R. I & P. Railroad, proposed to the citizens of Oskaloosa that the company would immediately extend their road from Sigourney if the citizens would raise the sum of $20,000 and furnish the right of way. At the same time J. P. Yerger, of Sigourney, was employed to secure the right of way from Sigour- ney to the Mahaska county line. The citizens of Oskaloosa raised the required subsidy by local subscription, and Mr. Yerger secured the right-of way to the Mahaska county line. The road was finished to Oskaloosa in February, 1876, and now extends to Knoxville, in Marion county.
The people of Muscatine, who had contributed liberally toward the build- ing of the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad to Washington, did not find the road as good an investment as they had anticipated, and when the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific finally got possession of the road they were more dis- contented than ever. After many unsuccessful attempts they succeeded in persuading the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railroad Company to build a branch line from Muscatine to a point in the northeastern part of Washington county. The road was completed to the Iowa river early in
406
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
the autumn of 1873, and, after some considerable delay in bridging the river, halted at a new town which had sprung up in anticipation of its coming. The site of the new town was near the old post-office of Yattan, established early in the history of the county, and was called Riverside. This new road was called the Muscatine and Western Railroad, and its ter- ininus remained at Riverside until about one year ago, when the project of extending it was extensively agitated in the northern tier of townships in this and Keokuk counties. A five per cent tax was voted in most of these townships, and during the summer and fall of 1879 the road was extended westward to the coal fields of Keokuk county. This enterprise was a very important one to English River and Lime Creek townships, and Muscatine also hopes to reap considerable profit from the trade she will secure along the line of the road.
The Burlington and Northwestern Railroad, a narrow-guage enterprise which originated many years ago, but never fully matured until recently, is also a Washington county road. It enters the county near the southeastern corner, and, passing through Crawfordsville, extends to Washington, where the present terminus is, and is likely to remain for some time. The people of Crawford township have long desired a road, and though the present one costs them heavily it will prove a good investment. In aid of this enter- prise Washington township voted a two per cent tax and Crawford town- ship a five per cent tax, beside a large amount in subscriptions. By the completion of this road Washington has virtually two competing lines to Chicago.
These aforementioned lines of railway are all which are now in active operation, and there is no immediate prospect for any more in the near fu- ture. Several other projects have been agitated, of which it is not neces- sary now to speak. The county is well supplied with railroads, and in this particular probably is not behind any other county in the State.
There are now in the county about seventy-seven miles of railway. The Oskaloosa Branch of the C., R. I. & P. has 25.49 miles, valued at $5,500 per mile. The stations are as follows: Ainsworth, Washington and West Ches- ter. There are 16.68 miles of the I. S. & M. N. Branch, valued at $5,000 per mile; there being but one station, Brighton. Of the B., C. R. & N. Railroad there are 25.50 miles, valued at $2,000 per mile. The stations are Riverside, Kalona and Wellman. There are about ten miles of the B. & N. W. Railroad in the county, and no valuation has yet been put upon it. The only two stations thus far established are Crawfordsville and Wash- ington.
The following tables will afford some idea of the business of the C., R. I. & P. Railroad, showing the amount of shipments at various periods to and from Washington:
Railroad shipments from September 6 to December 31, 1858, being the first three months after the road was opened:,
FROM WASHINGTON.
MONTH.
NO. HOGS.
NO.CATTLE
LBS. MER.
TOTAL LBS.
September
300
34
30,102
142.102
October.
300
561
46,840
654,840
November
7,740
85
89,870
2,107,870
December
4,080
68
162,210
1,314,210
Totals
12,420
748
329,022
4,219,022
407
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
. TO WASHINGTON.
MONTHIS.
BLS. SALT. FT.LUMBER. LBS. COAL. LBS. MER. TOTAL LBS
September
517
348,000
60,000
427,393
1,454,490
October
1,293
186,000
128,000
328,669
1,394,470
November.
276,000
260,000
215,562
1,151,562
December
276,000
260,000
307,140
1,203,140
Totals
1,810
1,086,000
708,000
1,278,764
5,203.762
329,022
4.219,022
Grand totals (lbs.)
1,607,786
9,422,784
. .
SHIPMENTS FROM WASHINGTON FOR THE MONTHS NAMED IN YEARS 1862 AND 1863.
MONTHS.
LIVE HOGS. DRESSED HOGS.
CATTLE.
October
3,074
340
November
7,308
35
102
December
16,240
462
170
January
13,456
2.332
130
Totals
40,078
2,829
742
..
The shipments of freight from Washington by railroad for the year 1864 were 20,254,081 lbs., and the shipments to Washington during the same time amounted to 12,526,297 lbs .; the grand total of freight being 32,780,378 lbs.
During the year 1878 there were the following shipments of stock from Washington: Hogs, 20,160; cattle, 2,412; horses, 340; sleep, 200.
During the year 1879 the shipments were: Hogs, 19,500; cattle, 1880; horses, 240; sheep, 200; oats, 141,505 bushels; corn, 138,505; wheat, 88,499; rye, 10,922.
THE PRESS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
It is generally considered that there is no education which surpasses in practical benefit the newspaper which visits the home, and dealing with home matters, home interests and local surroundings, appeals to the intel- lect and the pride of the family by making its readers acquainted with that which immediately surrounds them. The influence of the local newpaper is generally underrated. Its treatment of great questions may be weak, but its appeals on behalf of its county or city seldom fall unheeded, or are cast aside as useless. It is gratifying that we can enter upon the history of newspapers in this county, after a careful examination of them at every period in the history of the county since they were established, and see the good they have done, and find that they have been so strong and influential as they have. Few other counties have had a larger number of papers, and there has been no time in its history but its newspapers have compared most favorably with the best which surrounded them in other counties of greater popularity and pretensions. They have been found always on the right side of the great questions which affect the morals of a community; temperance, Sunday-schools, schools, and the higher education, and with every movement looking to progress.
408
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
There have been as many as eleven newspapers published in Washington county; possibly more. The papers which have been published are as fol- lows: "Argus," "Press," "Democrat," "Gazette," "Pioneer," "Star," "Reg- ister," "Reporter," "World," "News," "Times."
Of these at least six are no more. Although they appeared under favor- able auspices, and in the morning of life gave flattering promises of long and eventful career, they soon succumbed to the vicissitudes of time, decay immediately seized on their mortal remains and they would be forever for- gotten but for the little space herewith vouchsafed.
THE ARGUS.
The "Argus" was the first; established in 1844, Lewis F. Walden pub- lisher, and edited by J. F. Rice. Its patronage was meager; it lived after a fashion for about two years and departing left behind it the information that those to whom papers were dne could be supplied by copies of the "Press" for the amount due.
The "Argus" seems to have been Democratic in politics. It was furn- islied to subscribers at the low price of two dollars per annum, and payment, like the subscription price of all country newspapers, was, theoretically, to be made in lawful currency and invaribly in advance, but practically it was made at the option of the subscriber, and when made, consisted of ragged bills on bursted banks, country produce, whetstones, rags and sourkrout.
Its motto was "Devoted to the Interests of the Country." Although, from a specimen copy, dated June 8tlı, 1856, we are lead to believe that the "Argus"' was a doughty champion of all the local interests of the county, it is plain to see that politically it was devoted only to the interest of the Dem- ocratie party, and, notwithstanding its hundred eyes, was capable of seeing but one side of the question. We reproduce the leading editorial of the unmber in question as it shows the style of the editor, the political faith which passed for orthodox in the Democratic party, and moreover because it will be a pleasing souvenir of early days. It will be remembered that at the time when this editorial was written, that most exciting campaign, which took the State out of the hands of the Democracy and elected James W. Grimes, governor, was in progress. The editorial is entitled:
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