USA > Nebraska > Johnson County > Saint Mary > Bellevue, Larimer & Saint Mary, their history, location, description and advantages > Part 2
USA > Nebraska > Sarpy County > Bellevue > Bellevue, Larimer & Saint Mary, their history, location, description and advantages > Part 2
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In May, of this year, 1856, our city government was put in opera- tion, by the election of the following gentlemen as officers; Col. Reuben Lovejoy, Mayor; J. T. Allan. M. D Rowles and A. H. Burch, Alderman. These were the first principal officers of our city gov- ernment.
O tober 23rd the first number of the Bellevue Gazette made its appearanc ?. The establishment was first a company affair, but the number of the same has been much reduced. Its continued existenc is mainly due to the untiring energy and support of Hon. S. A. Strickland.
November, 1856, another election was held; and Messrs. L. L. Bowen and J. S. Allan were elected to the Council from this pre- cinct. Messrs. Strickland, Holloway, Finney and Dyson were the Representatives. In the nex' Legislature, in January, 1857, through the united anl untiring efforts of this delegation, the south part of Douglas county was erected into what is now known as Sarpy county. It received its name in honor of that distinguished pioneer, General Peter A. Sarpy, who had spent thirty years of his life upon the soil, and had dearly earned the compliment that was so cheerfully and unanimously awarded. Messrs. Bowen, Strick- land and Holloway were appointed the Commissioners by the
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HISTORY OF BELLEVUE
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MAP, describing the Country about the mouth of the Platte River; with a portion of the great PLATTE VALLEY, Nebraska Territory. by C. CHAUCER GOSS.
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HISTORY OF BELLEVUE
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HISTORY OF BELLEVUE
Legislature to locate the seat of said county. On the 26th of May, the county government was put in motion by the election of the foilow.n . officers: W. H. Cook, County Judge; W. W. Wiley, Treas- urer; C. D. Keller, Register; S. D. Bangs, Clerk, and H. A. Longsdorf, Superintendent of Common Schools.
This spring, 1857, our population greatly increased, as will be s'en from the fact that, at the election just referred to, we polled 500 vo.es. The frequent steamboat arrivals poured in emigration upon us. Every nook and corner of the two hotels were well filled, as well also as private residences. Property changed hands rap- idly, and advanced in value at almost every sale. Lots which two years before were bought at $25, now sold for $400. Several large and substantial brick buildings were also erected. The new Bank bu lding would be an ornament to many of the older towns of the East. Two brick-yards were also put in operation in the city. These, together with four sawmills, could not supply building ma- torial as fast as demanded. Our educational interests have not been neglected A large and tasteful school house has been com- pleted, in which is taught a first class school. Besides this, we have private schools; an institution of a higher grade is also contem- plated. A neat and substantial Church edifice has been erected by the Presbyterians, and another commenced by the Methodis's. The Congregationalists contemplate building soon. Rev. Wm. Hamilton was the first resident Pastor of the Presbyterian Church.
On the 6th day of August, the Bellevue Lodge, No. 4, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows was instituted. W. H. Cook and W. W. Harvy were its principal officers. Soon after, a Young Men's Library Association was organized, and many valu- able works have already been obtained as the nucleus of a library. An A ricultu: al Society has also been formed, which promises much advan age to the citizens, both of the city and county. Large rooms are soon to be fitted up for the use of this society.
This summer a valuable steam ferry was put upon the river at this point, by Col. Thomas H. Benton, Jr., of Council Bluffs. The boat sunk, however, during the winter, either as the result of accident, or some unknown cause. Other boats were immed- ately obtained, so that the travel might not be diverted. Mr. Benton deserves much credit for the interest manifested amid such adverse circumstances.
Thus we see that much of the early history of the Territory is connected with this region. The first white settlement was here. The first celebration of our Nation's birth-day, west of he Missouri, was here. The fi st newspaper in the Territory was printed here. Here was the landing place of most of our territorial officers. The first Masoni~ Lodge instituted on this soil was here. This was the first town site pre-empted; and the first patent issued by Congress, and duly recorded, was for the city of Bellevue.
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HISTORY OF BELLEVUE
1788291 DESCRIPTION OF BELLEVUE.
No one at all acquainted with 1h's region will accuse us of pre- sumption, when we claim for it the advantage of being the most beautiful of any upon the Missouri river. Like Jerusalem of old, it is, indeed, beautiful for situation. But passing by the sur- rounding country for a time, let us take a view of the spot itself upon which the city is situated. Casting our eyes around us, we discover an elevated plateau, of triangular form, about five square miles in extent, as level and beautiful as the hand of Nature could make it. Upon the eastern por ion of this plateau, overlook- ing the Missouri river, the city of Bellevue is situated, embracing within its pres nt topographical limits some two square miles. From this spot, with our eyes toward he rising sun, we look down uron the turbid waters of said river, which forms our eastern boundary. From this point we have a view of the river southward, and the valley of the same, for a distance of nearly fifty miles. Steamboats, with the black smoke curling from their chimney tops, may be seen gliding upon its waters hours before they reach our wharf. About two miles south, the Pappeo creek opens its mouth into the Missouri river. Eetween this plateau and the creek we have a high alluvial prairie bo tom, gradually sloping, and rich and fertile in the extreme .. Along this creek there is an abundance of timber, which is of great value in these regions.
Extending our gaze westward, we trace the plateau about two miles, covered with a smooth coat of green, where it is terminated by the Pappeo creek. This creek, which is a clear running stream, large enough for milling purposes, bounds this plateau upon the west as well as the southwest. Beyond this creek the valley rises gradually into a beautiful outspread prairie, of gentle waves and cones, s udded with groves of various sizes, as delightful as they are useful. This region is scarcely surpassed by the park scenery of England. Here the admirer of nature may feast to his heart's content.
Northward, the plateau rises gradually, and, receding, swells into gentle eminences, the summit of which is our northern bound- ary. From the center of the plateau to the summit, the rise is so gradual that it is unequaled for residences in the world. Ida Hill, the residence of T. B. Lemon, Esq., at this point, is unsurpassed. It is impossible to exaggerate respecting these swells or eminences. They surpass the skill of the most proficient artist. From them we overlook the who'e country cast, west and south, while the summit of the same potocts the city from the bleak winds of the north. From the top of the same, especially from that point known as Elk Hill, the view in every direction is almost unlimited. North-east,
16
HISTORY OF BELLEVUE
some eight miles distant, situated directly at the base of the bluffs, stands the town of Council Bluffs. An occasional residence upon the hill side, with the town neatly arranged under bluffs that tower some two hundred feet above them, serves to invest the back round with romantic scenery such as nature only can impart. For miles down the river, the winding of this broad stream among the numerous islands that dot its surface, is seen at intervals until lost in the distant horizon. Said a writer in the New York Herald, a year or two since, "Bellevue is situated on an elevated plateau of land stretching away to the south, in a plain of unsurpassed beauty. The ground rises gently northward and swells into hills of fine proportions. Take it all in all, it is one of the most mag- nificent situations that the God of nature has granted to this beautiful Territory." Col. Gillmore, writing to Col. Lovejoy, in 1854, says: "I have purchased a share in a town site, the most val- uable of any upon the Missouri river. It is in fact the most beautiful spot that I ever beheld." Manuel Lesa very appropriately named the spot when he called it Bellevue.
LARIMER.
This town is located directly at the junction of the Platte and Missouri rivers, upon the north side of the former river, and four miles south of the city of Bellevue. It was originally selected by the Agent of the American Fur Company, as the site for its opera- tions.
As soon, however, as this Territory was opened up to civilization, in 1854, this point was eagerly sought by the far-sighted and enter- prising pioneer. So important was it considered, that there was frequently much strife among the squatters as to who should possess it; and often the weaker among them were dispossessed by those who were more powerful. Among the earliest settlers claiming and maintaining their right to the land, we may mention the names of Daniel Turner and G. W. Tozier. In 1854, Philander Cook, John Enock and John Burch came in and engaged in the laudable business of cultivating the soil.
In February, 1855, a town project was entered into, very near the town under consideration. Col. B. P. Rankin, Gen. W. Larimer, Col. R. Hogoboom and Gov. T. B. Cuming were the proprietors of the same. This point was then known as La Platte, situated directly upon the Missouri river. The first building erected was a double log house, called the Buckhorn Tavern, owned and kept by Col. Rankin. Soon a steam saw mill was finished, at an expense of $7,000. About this time Mr. Turner sold his interest to Rev. John Hughes, who erected the large log house now standing upon the town site of Larimer.
The following spring, 1856, the La Platte town project having been abandoned, Col. Hogoboom purchased all the interest of Mr. Tozier, and Gen. Larimer that of Mr. Hughes, and a new town enterprise was immediately commenced. The residence of Col. R. Hogoboom was the first building erected after the town was platted. Soon a large hotel was erected by Col. R., which was opened and kept by Mr. Shannon. A store, warehouse, and other buildings, were soon completed; all showing the energy and enterprise of the town projectors.
About this time another town was commenced in close proximity
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HISTORY OF LARIMER
with Larimer, called Platono, by Daniel Grant, Esq., a prominent and energetic citizen of Omaha. This town is situated directly east of Larimer, between it and the Missouri river, occupying a part of site once known as La Platte. To see two towns spring up in close proximity, and flourish for a time, under different names, is no unusual occurrence in this western region. Many of the large cities commenced in this way; but by a legislative act they have become incorporated under one general name. Such will be the case in reference to the adjoining towns of Larimer and Platono. Their interests are one and identical, and the proprietors of each act in perfect harmony. Mr. Grant has erected a spacious hotel that would do credit to any of the towns of the East; be- sides other buildings of a superior quality.
These two towns, which are one in interest and soon will be in name, are located upon an extensive and beautiful plateau, directly at the junction of the Platte and Missouri rivers. This plateau is considerably elevated above the Missouri river, sloping gradually towards it, and admirably situated for a large business metropolis. The plateau is bounded on the east and south by these two rivers; on the north, by the Pappeo creek; and on the west, by a gradually sloping prairie, which rises to a level with the up- land lying west of the plateau. This plateau is about two square miles in extent, and embraces as beautiful a tract of land, lying toward the rising sun, as can be found in the world. At no distant day it will doubtless be dotted with the mansions of a large, active business population.
Standing upon one of the prominences at the west side of the town, called Observatory Point, the resting-place of the natives of other days, the eye gazes upon pristine beauty, defaced here and there by the hand of improvement. The rich scenery here pre- sented could scarcely be excelled by the rich views of Italy. About two miles north-east stands the village of Saint Mary, with its neat white buildings, and industrious inhabitants; while directly east, and clearly visible, the vigorous young Pacific City has grown up as if by magic.
The situation of Larimer upon the Territorial highway, especially at the point where it crosses the Platte river, is considered of great advantage. On this river Col. Hogoboom has put in operation a ferry, at great expense, which is kept running from sunrise to sun- set. If the river is ever bridged, which is not at all improbable, it will be at this point.
On the south-west side of the town, near the Platte river, are found extensive quarries of stone, of superior quality for building purposes. A blue limestone is found in the bluffs along the Platte river; especially is this the case at Fairvew, ten miles west of this place. Sandstone of the first quality may be obtained in blocks of almost any dimensions.
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DESCRIPTION OF LARIMER
Cedar island. between this place and Fairview, is noted for its good cedar timber.
Coal, too, of sufficient quantities, have been found, to warrant the assert on that it abounds in all this region. Excavations have already been made at Bellevue and Fairview, and a semi-bitum- inous or cannel coal found, in seams of various dimensions. As soon as a demand is created, this coal will be of much importance to this region.
If this place had no other advantage, the rich agricultural country around it must give it great prominence. The enterprising farm- ers adjoining the town, Messrs. Rankin, Mahon and Cook, are al- ready reaping the rich rewards of toil, and showing themselves worthy of their vocation.
SAINT MARY.
The town of St. Mary is situated upon the eastern shore of the Missouri river, in the state of Iowa, nearly midway between Larimer and Bellevue. The great highway upon the Missouri river, from St. Joseph o Sioux City, passes through this place; and stages intersect it from the north, south, east and west.
The history of this town dates back to the year 1852. During this year, extensive floods prevailed in all this western region. The valley of the Missouri was nearly inundated. At Traders' Point, upon its eastern shore, Gen. Sarpy was "completely drowned out"-an occurrence which had never happened before during the thirty years of his residence there. So high was the water that thousands of emigrants, en route for the gold regions of the Pacific, found it impossible to cross the river. At this juncture Gen. Sarpy, the pioneer of all this region, went out in search of a place where these numerous and every day increasing emigrants could cross the river, and speed their way to their far-off western destination. Southward from his Trading Post, Gen. Sarpy reached a green spot, high and dry, the spot now known as the town of St. Mary. To this place he removed his steam ferry, the first in all this western region. Runners were dispatched by him in all directions, and soon this place was known by western emigrants as the only dry crossing on the Missouri, from St. Joseph to Sergeant's Bluffs. So great was the ferry busi- ness at this time, that Gen. Sarpy received, during one season, $5,000 for crossing emigrants.
Daniel Heriford, a gentleman well and favorably known in this region, purchased this site of Congress, and immediately sold it to Gen. Sarpy, who surveyed and platted it as a town site. The streets are all laid out due east and west, and north and "outh; each street is 66 feet wide; the lots 66 feet front by 132 feet deep. In the spring of 1853, a large hotel was erected, called he Iowa House, which has continued to do a flourishing business. Additions also were soon made to the original town plat, by several prominent individuals. Among these were Messrs. Myres, Engles, Boyes. Kinney and Green. These additions were so platted as to harmonize with the original plat. A shingle wind-mill was put up by Mr. S. Barnes, and a grist wind-mill by Mr. Myres. Such
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HISTORY OF ST. MARY
public buildings went on increasing until five saw mills, two grist mills, two hotels, and one church edifice, beside stores and priv- ate residences, dotted the town site. In 1854, the Nebraska Pallad- ium, a weekly journal, was commenced by D. E. Reed, at this place. This was the first newspaper published upon the Missouri river.
Through this valley the Missouri river-often called the Big Muddy-winds its serpentine course, through and among numer- ous islands, now hugging the bluffs on one side, and now on the other, and often flowing directly in the center of the valley. In this region the valley is some three miles wide, the river being nearly in the center of the same, and St. Mary is situated directly upon the east bank of the river. Situated as St. Mary is, in the center of this valley, it presents a very beautiful appearance when viewed from B llevue, which is situated nearly opposite, upon the edge of the bluffs.
Concerning these bluffs to which I have already alluded, and which some have called the work of unknown generations of men, Col. Parker, speaking of them in this region, says: "I found them here in all varieties of forms and magnitudes, and were hundreds in number, and perhaps I may say thousands. Some of these were conical, some elliptical, some square, and some a parallelogram. One group of these attracted my attention more than others; and if they were isolated, who would not say that they were artificial? If these are not the work of the art of departed nations, whose history has survived the lapse of ages, their history is shrouded in darkness."
BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF BELLEVUE.
ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELLORS AT LAW.
Fenner Ferguson, Augustus Hall, Leavett L. Bowen, Silas A. Strick- land, Thomas B. Lemon, Charles T. Holloway, W. H. Smith, C. C. Norwood.
GENERAL LAND AND BUSINESS AGENTS.
C. T. Holloway, T. B. Lemon, C. D. Keller, S. D. Bangs, F. Davenport, W. H. Cook, W. H. Smith, W. W. Harvey, J. E. Pray.
PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS.
E. N. Upjohn, Thomas J. Boykin, A. Longsdorf, John Steinberger.
HOTELS.
Bellevue House, J. T. Allan; Robinson House, W. Robinson; Young America, C. Johnson.
Larimer Hotel, at Larimer.
Platona House, Platona.
Iowa House, St. Mary.
L. B. KINNEY & CO.,
Wholesale and Retail Dealers in Dry Goods, Groceries, Boots and Shoes, Hats and Caps, Glass, &c.
CLARK & BROTHER,
Wholesale and Retail Dealers in Provisions; Receiving, Forward- ing and Commission Merchants, and General Steamboat Agents.
BARTELS & METZ,
Wholesale and Retail Dealers in Groceries, Liquors, Clothing, Boots and Shoes, Dry Goods, &c.
JOHN A. NYE & CO.,
Dealers in Hardware, Cutlery, Stoves, Agricultural Implements, and Manufacturers of all kinds of Tin, Sheet Iron and Copper Ware.
SEATON & ROWLES,
Dealers in Dry Goods, Groceries, Boots and Shoes, Hardware, &c.
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BELLEVUE BUSINESS DIRECTORY
J. P. HORN & CO.,
Dealers in Wines, Provisions of all kinds, Dry Goods, Boots and Shoes, &c.
WM. FORD,
Boots and Shoes of all kinds Manufactured and kept constantly on hand.
A. WRIGHT,
Boots and Shoes Manufactured according to Eastern Fashions.
STEPHEN H. WATTLES,
Livery Stable-Horses and Carriages kept constantly on hand. Horses bought, sold, and stabled.
WM. ROBINSON.
Builder, in all its branches.
W. W. HARVY.
County Surveyor. Lands Surveyed, Towns Platted, &c.
W. HILLIARD,
House Carpenter and Joiner.
H. M. EBY,
Surveyor, Conveyancer and Engineer.
JOHN M. EBY,
Dealer in all kinds of Lumber, Shingles, Doors, Sash, &c.
PETER LANE,
Blacksmithing and Shoeing, in Eastern style. Carriages ironed, Sleighs shod, &c.
J. J. KAMM.
House, Sign and Ornamental Painter, Grainer and Paper Hanger.
J. Q. GOSS,
Agent of the American Sunday School Union.
P. E. SHANNON,
General Forwarding and Commission Merchant and Steamboat Agent, St. Mary's Landing, Iowa.
BOYES & CO.,
Home Mills-Flour, Corn, Meal, &c., kept constantly on hand. Grain bought, sold and exchanged, St. Mary, Iowa .
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BELLEVUE BUSINESS DIRECTORY
BELLEVUE CITY OFFICERS.
Mayor, Charles T. Holloway; Aldermen, John A. Nye, W. H. Smith, W. H. Longsdorf; Recorder, S. D. Bangs; Treasurer, C. D. Keller.
SARPY COUNTY OFFICERS.
County Judge, W. H. Cook; County Register, C. D. Keller; County Clerk, S. D. Bangs; County Treasurer, W. Wiley; County Surveyor, W. W. Harvey; Sheriff, A. W. Trumbull.
All the above officers reside at Bellevue.
TERRITORIAL OFFICERS.
Governor, Samuel W. Black, Omaha; Secretary, J. Sterling Morton, Nebraska City; Chief Justice, Augustus Hall, Bellevue; Associate Justices, E. Wakely, De Soto, J. T. Miller, Nebraska City; Attorney General, L. L. Bowen, Bellevue; U. S. Marshal, W. A. West, Nebraska City; Delegate to Congress, F. Ferguson, Bellevue.
OFFICERS OF THE VARIOUS TERRITORIAL LAND OFFICES.
DACOTAH LAND OFFICE. Receiver, Geo. B. Graff; Register, J. H. N. Patrick.
OMAHA LAND OFFICE. Receiver, P. F. Wilson; Register, John A. Parker, Jr. .
NEBRASKA CITY LAND OFFICE.
Receiver, E. A. Des Londe; Register, A. Hopkins. :
BROWNSVILLE LAND OFFICE. Receiver, C. B. Smith; Register, J. B. Nixon.
Surveyor General, Ward B. Burnett, Nebraska City.
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