IVO
T)X
-A
uaoe. Co,
C5-oodsi>ec:4
HISTORY
OF
DUBUQUE COUNTY
,,.:'^ IOWA
Being a General Survey of Dubuque County History,
Including a History of the City of Dubuque and
Special Account of Districts throughout the
County, from the Earliest Settlement
to the Present Time
WESTON ARTHUR GOODSPEED, LL. B.
Author of History
KENNETH CORNELL GOODSPEED
Author of Biography
J
d^
FACSIMILE SIGNATUBB OF JCLIBN OUBCQUB
GOODSPEED HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
CHICAGO
341^^^^
R 1841! L
PREFACE
AN examination of this \olume by subscribers will reveal that
a vast extent of original research for material has been
made in newspaper files, public documents and private rec-
ords of various kinds. The object has been to compress
into the pages, even at the partial expense of finished literary style,
interesting and valuable data concerning the county so far as space
would allow. In additi(5n, though the subscription list is small,
the number of pages has I^een extended over two hundred beyond
what was contemplated at the outset, in order still further to save
from permanent loss thousands of interesting items usually over-
looked or disregarded by local historians. Thus a permanent foun-
dation for a future perfect historical work, which can be elaborated
and improved by subsequent writers, has been laid. Generally,
statistical tables have been avoided and a narrative form has been
adopted. The book necessarily contains errors, though it is believed
they will be found comparatively few. The publishers stand ready,
as is their custom, to correct all such by a special errata sheet to be
sent to subscribers to be pasted in the books. As a whole we feel
confident that subscribers will appreciate this fine volume.
The Publishers.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HISTORY
CHAPTER TAiSE
Geology, Lead and Zinc Mining, etc 17
Dubuque 's Settlement, the Indians, etc 31
City of Dubuque, 1788 to 1849 46
City of Dubuque, 1850 to 1859 88
City of Dubuque, 1860 to 1869 131
City of Dubuque, 1870 to 1911 167
Boating, Eiver Commerce, etc 204
Railway Projects 240
Military Record 251
PoUtics 324
County Affairs 391
Practice of Medicine, Dentistry, etc 421
Protestants 431
Bench and Bar 447
Townships, Settlement, etc 467
CathoUcs 871
Education 903
Miscellaneous Events 935
BIOGRAPHY
PAGE
A
Abeln, Frank G 818
Adams, Shubael P 773
Aitchison, Albert Wallace 783
Aitchison, William C, Jr 811
Allen, Leonard P 699
Allison, .Tames Emerson 797
Altman, Franc W 647
Andres, Claus 679
Arendt, Charles F 699
Armstrong, David 593
Armstrong, David W 82.3
Armstrong, .Tames 592
B
Baird, William 537
Baldwin, Charles Dunn 530
Baldwin, Isaac W 529
Barker, W. T 455
Barmeier, Harry 752
Barry, Rev. Michael 852
Baumann, Rev. Father .Tohn S. . 515
PAGE
Beattv, .Tames W 512
Beaubiues, The 501
Beck, Guido 651
Becker, August 619
Beiler, Frank A 644
Benton, Charles 572
Benton, Curtis D 568
Berg, Christopher H 704
Beringer, John F 771
Sevan, .Tames W 533
Bigelow, Dr. Isaac S 861
Bisenius, Nicholas John 695
Blocklinger, Dr. Albert Herman 755
Blocklinger, Benjamin Franklin 684
Board, Charles L 812
Bockensted, Anton 737
Boeckensted, Frank 741
Boldt, Gustav H 703
Bonsoii, Richard 643
Bonson, Hon. Robert 650
Brede, .Tohn F 710
Brede, Louis H 749
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAOS
Briggs, Thomas G 551
Briggs, Thomas Howard 552
Brinkmau, Herman 693
Broell, John C 582
Brouillarii, Henry 784
Brownson, Dr. Orestes A 752
Brueekner, Edward 604
Brumnier, John W 647
Brunkow, Ferdinand W 837
Buckley, Henry L 850
Bueehele, John Paul 777
Bueehele, Theodore E., Sr 777
Bullinger, Francis Xavier 864
Bunker, Horace F 847
Burdt, Frederick C 846
Burlage, Simon, Sr 620
Burns, John F 502
Byrne, John M 863
C
Campbell, Edmond H 791
Carey, Eugene C 793
Carey, Rev. Michael H 851
Carkeek, Thomas T 708
Carney, Frank 501
Chesterman, Caleb C 606
Christman, Charles 630
Christman, Mrs. Christiana 857
Clancy, Mathew C 843
Clark, Alfred L 845
Clark, Rev. Arthur M 514
Clarke, Dr. E. Lincoln 560
Clarke, Frederick M 565
CoUis, George 691
Conlin, James L 535
Conlin, Thomas J 556
Connell, Charles W 566
Conzett, Arthur M 847
Cooley, Mrs. Clara Aldrich 762
Cooley, Hon. D. N 761
Cooper, Augustin A 499
Cox, Walter G. . . 584
Craft, George W 538
Craft, William 689
Crawford, Hon. Phineas W 770
Crawford, Theophilus 656
D
Dchner, Henrv L 532
Dell, Charles H 824
Dement, Herman 676
Deming, Judson Keith 566
Denison, .lohn D., Jr 728
Denlinger, Martain 807
Dersch, Francis H 701
Deyen, George B 822
Dickinson, George F 526
Doerr, Phillip 522
Doerrmann, Fred 686
Dorr, Col. Joseph B 532
Dreher, .loseph J 648
Drexler, Anton 735
Drexler, Frank L 820
PAGE
Dubuque Academv of Music. . . . 742
Dubuque. Julien.". 19, 31, 43, 46, 391
Dufifv, James J 618
Dyer, Judge J. J 452, 453
Ede, David F 6TS
Eighmey, Charles H 653
Elmer, Mrs. Phoebe 857
Ellwanger, Andrew 719
EUwanger, John 631
Ellwanger, Otto 720
Emerson, J. Hannibal 661
Emerson, James M 657
Ersehens, Peter F., Jr 639
Even, Peter 605
Evers, Henry 586
F
Fagan, James 527
Faha. Frank 604
Fanning, James 664
Fanning, Timothy 664
Farrington, Earl J 834
Feigner, Emil 736
Fengler, Edwin A 520
Fengler, Leo M 521
Ferring, Anton W 841
Finn, .lohn J 516
Fitzpatrick, Thomas J 623
Flick, Arthur R 524
Pober, Joseph L 702
Poulke, H. B 459
Prantzen, J. P 665
Freeman, L. P 814
Freking, Ferdinand , 863
Friedman, Anton 694
Friedmann, George 711
Friedman, Jacob 713
Frith, Eugene E 737
Fromm. Dr. Lawrence 588
F^udden, Hon. A. F 652
Fuhrman, Edward 720
Fuhrniann, Frank P 774
G
Ganfield, Henry 789
Ganfield, Samuel 788
Garrigan, Matthew 816
Gebhard, John B 820
Gehon, Gen. Francis 251
Gehrig, Joseph 692
Gehrig, D. A 869
Gerken, Prof. George F 580
Gerkon, Henry 580
Giegenrich, Albert 636
Glab, Adam 581
Glab, .lohn 579
Glab. Nicholas 581
Glaser, August L 545
Goetzinger, Nicholas 641
Gorman, Very Rev. Daniel M.,
LL.D 664
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Gostlen, Henry 789
Graffort, Thomas 665
Graham, William 744
Gregoire, Charles Hypolitte 501
Gregory, E. James 775
Guthrie, James R., M.D 663
H
Haas, Hon. Daniel J 640
Ham, Mathias 799
Ham, Moses M 673
Hammel, August 771
Hamil, Andrew Preston 792
Hamil, Thomas A 783
Hamilton, Judge William W 665
Hammond, William A 528
Harkett, William A 636
Harragan, Joseph F 717
Harrington, Cornelius Daniel. . . 578
Harris, Capt. D. S 205, 218
Harris, James H 666
Hartniann, Anthony A 833
Hartmann, Leo. L 834
Haudeushield, Jacob 836
Hauer, Lorenz 626
Hawkins, Benjamin 718
Hawkins, Reuben 750
Hav, Robert 621
Heald, Burton D 548
Healey, Mrs. Elizabeth 857
Healej', George W 662
Heeb, Anthony F 611
Heer, Fridolin Joseph, Sr 597
Heer, Rev. George W 650
Heery, William 814
Heffernan, Thomas Henry, M.D. 603
Hein, George L 540
Heim, John L 655
Heisey, David J 719
Heitzman, William 668
Heles, John B 587
Hempstead, Gov. Stephen 497
Henderson, Col. D. B.. .377, 384, 386
Herod, Joseph 664
Herdmann, Thomas A 830
Heme, Gustavus A 838
Higbee, Herbert G 510
Higgins, Eugene 803
Higgins, Warren 804
Hillvard, Lorenzo 0 610
Hinds, Franklin 639
Hirons, Harvey 551
Hodgdon, Gen. John 661
Hoefer, Adam J 576
Hoerr, Peter 671
Hoifman, Mathias M 724
Holmes, Dr. Harry Lowell 511
Hollnagel, Charles H 683
Holscher, Bernard, Sr 732
Honerbaum, Barnard 809
Horchem, B. J 781
Huplshoff, Bernard H 645
PAGE
Huntoon, D. C 866
Hyde, Lucien R 517
J
.Jaeger, Frank M 753
Jackson, Dr. Edward R 605
Johnson, A. C 523
Jonas, Dan J 763
Jones, Gen. George W 865
Jones, Rudolph 689
Jungk, Philip 825
K
Kapp, John 572
Karrick, Capt. George 0 252
Kearney, Frank J 687
Kearney, William S 812
Keckevoet, John 831
Kehoe, John C 557
Kelly, Thomas 540
Kenline, Henry Charles 749
Kenneally, Daniel J 669
Kennedy, Michael 815
Kenter, Clemens 818
Kerper, .Jacob • 575
Kerper, .John A 539
Kessler, .Jacob 634
Kiene, Emil 559
Kiene, Henry 538
Kiene, Peter, Jr 501
Kiene, Peter, Sr 501
Kies, John L 777
Kif er, John H 805
Kingsley, Thomas 681
Kinsella, .John A 677
Kirchen, John P., Sr 751
Klauer, Peter 617
Klauer, WMlliam H 834
Kleis, Charles E 507
Kluesner, .John 765
Knapp, Dr. Horace G 505
Knight, William J 465
Knoll, Dr. Oscar A 800
Knowlton, Henry A 676
Ivoch, John Adam 705
Kohlmann, Henry W 527
K:olck, Richard 531
Kremer, George 716
Kretschmer, Prof. Charles G. . . . 627
Kretschmer, Frederick N 577
I\retschraer, Herbert C 576
Kuhn, Prof. Albert 799
Kumpf , Edward E , . 795
Kutsch, Frank P 844
Kutsch, Joseph P 504
L
Lange, Dr. Frank X 582
Lange, Otto Fernando 734
Langel, Adolph 868
Langel, John 869
Langworthy, Edward 507
Langworthy, Dr. Henry Glover. 658
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Lungwort hy, James L 313
Langworthy, James Lyon 696
Langworthy, Luiius H 498
Lattner, Samuel B 746
Lcarv, James 860
Leffert, Daniel 806
Leigh, (Jharles E 758
Leman, Adolph Warburg, M.Th. 738
Lemper, Henry P 730
Lenz, Nicholas Martin Phillip. 733
Levens, Capt. Thomas 532
Levi, James 588
Lightcap, Leonard L 702
Limbach, Joseph H 596
Linehan, Dr. Charles M 591
Linehan, Edmund A 860
Linehan, J. J 591
Linehan, Dr. Mathias D 633
Link, James F 822
Loetscher, Christian 725
Loizeaux, Charles, E., M.D 603
Lorimier, Peter A 497
Lubok, Louis C 782
Luchrsmann, Dr. Bernard H... 596
Lufhterhand, Fred L. M 709
Lusk, William H 523
Luther, William C 622
Lyon, Col. D. E 550
Lyons, Michael Edward 722
Lyou, George T 550
M
MacHogan, William 819
Maguire, Daniel D 842
Maguire, John E., M.D 552
Maiers, Peter J 856
Manson, John W 525
Manson, Walter 632
Martin, William B 843
Martin, Moses H 546
Martin, Robert 790
Massev, Frederick 1 695
Mason, Dr. Timothy 636
Mathes, Lee Dandrige 657
Mathiesen, Julius H 837
Matthews, Alphous 722
Matthews, Hon. Matthew C. ... 794
McCollins, John J 713
McCraney, Thomas 646
McEnanv, Michael 835
McFadden, Prof. John A 729
McGee, George 573
McGee, Isaac L 569
McNamara, C. B 766
McXaniara. John F 726
Menke, John W 864
Jlorkes, Thomas 707
Mesi-her, Henry J ". 817
Mctcalf, George 643
Meuser, Jose])h A 542
Meyer, Joseph L 549
Miiim. John .1 717
Moes, Dr. M. J 706
P.\GE
Moes, Mathias 707
Moloney, Lawrence 754
Monger, Shubael A 727
Monroe, Thomas M 455
Mueller, Dr. Emil F 594
Mueller. Henry 546
Mulgrew, Thomas J 851
Mulkern, Hon. M. B 4.53,454
Mullany, John 1 624
Mullen, Richard D 544
Muntz, Samuel E 774
Murphy, John Stanford 766
Murphv, William C 687
Murray, P. C 796
Myers, Dorrance Dixon, Sr 602
N
Nabor, Bernard A 585
Newburgh, Joseph W 858
Newton, Rev. Isase 571
Neyens, John 784
Nightingale, George L 517
Noel, John B 712
Norman, J. J. E 639
Norton, John W 829
Norton, Patrick 854
O
Ovel, John G 583
O'Neill, John 810
O'Neill, .John H 456,459
Oneill. William B 543
O'Malley, Rev. Peter 848
O'Farreil, James 832
Otto, Prof. Rudolph Franz 719
Oberbroekling, Rev. Frederick
William 671
Orvis, Rev. Gurnev Mahan 648
Ott, Joseph John ." 660
P
Palmer, William A 728
Pape, Rev. Frederick W 629
Perkins, Solon B 787
Pond, Dr. Alonson M 801
Planiondon, Isidore J., Jr 555
Pitman, John A 564
Pottebaum, Henry 508
Patterson, Samuel 519
Pitschner, Charles 840
Palen, Dr. Charles 849
Preston, Gustavus V 828
Poole, Horace 697
Pfersch, Philip C 633
Q
Quinlan, Robert W 859
Quigley, Patrick .1 654
R
Rankin, .John 547
Hanson, Franklin Adelbert 571
Rath, George C 510
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Redding, James E 560
Reinold, John F 680
Renier, Philip J 798
Reynolds, Joseph 238
Rhomberg, Alphons L 534
Khomberg, Alphonse J 535
Rhomberg, Frank M 574
Rliomberg, Joseph Andrew 532
Rhomberg, Joseph H 574
Rhomberg, Titus E 536
Rider, Peter 615
Rittscher, John A 616
Roberts, Thomas C 458
Robinson, Frederick C 634
Roche, Michael 674
Rodgers, Robert W 802
Roedell, Alfred T 868
Rose, George De Forest 616
Roshek, John Jerome 867
Rowan, Joseph J., Jr 553
Ryan, the Rt. Rev. Roger 848
Ruete, Theodore W 656
8
Samuels, Ben M 635,451
Manner, John P 816
Sauer, Daniel 747
Sauser, J. P 813
Sauser, Michael H 685
Schaetzle, Joseph W 740
Sc-haul, Adolph 855
Schemmel, Theodore 736
Schenimel, Joseph 587
Schemmel, William 588
Seherr, Bernard C 613
Scherr, Franz 613
Sehiek, Arthur D 559
Schollian, Alexander 672
Schmid, George, Jr 518
Schmid, George, Sr 517
Sehmitt, Paul J 521
Schroeder, Frank N. 637
Sehrup, Nicholas J 592
Schrup, John 592
Sehruj), Dr. Joseph Henry 715
Schublin, August 828
Schulte, Bernard 756
Schulte, George G 757
Schulte, John J 757
Schultz, Daniel 786
Schunk, Henry A 746
Schwind, Benjamin J 619
Sehwind, John W 612
Sehwinn, Phillip 669
Sebo, Nicholas 808
Segur, James F. 705
Seippel, Peter J 667
Shaffer, Nicholas M 541
Shiras, Hon. Oliver Perry 778
Simplot, Alexander 690
Singrin, William 827
Skemp, Charles P 612
Skemp, Charles W 608
PAGE
Sleator, Col. David 665
Slocum, Prof. Perkins S 554
Sniead, John S 556
Smith, Albert Hugo 614
Smith, George P 842
Smith, Prof. Harry B 721
Smith, Thomas 548
Spahn, Charles J 714
Speilman, Jacob 862
Spencer, John 688
Spensley, Harker Brent 849
Spoden, John N 764
Spoden, Peter 765
Staheli, Christopher E 852
Stampfer, Joseph Frederick.... 594
Stedman, Benjamin F 585
Stetfens, Dr. Cornelius M 731
Steuek, Carl A 854
Stichler, George W 553
Strief, Samuel L 562
Stronck, Michael 626
Stronck, Peter 627
Stuber, John William 514
Sullivan, Timothy 756
Summerfiekl, Adolph G 682
Sumpman, Dr. Hubert Anton... 595
Sweenev, Dr. Robert J 727
Swift, Samuel T 578
T
Tavlor, Stanley Morgan 607
Tavlor, Thomas J 830
Tegeler, Henry 743
Tegler, Bernard 821
Tibbals, William R 698
Tingley, Patrick 643
Traub, Eugene 735
Traufler, George 730
Traut, Paul 780
Tredway, Alfred 570
Tredwav, Harry E 570
Trexlerl Adolph M 567
Tromblev, Robert H 853
Tschudi," Fred 709
Tucker, Edward 809
U
Utt, Anna M 824
Utt, John B 824
Ilrbach, Abe 670
Urbaeh, Milton 670
V
Van Horn, Charles 590
Van Vors, Jason F 839
Voelker, Christian Anthon .... 638
Von Der Heide, John Henry... 733
Vorwald, Henry ^ 624
Vorwald, John and Annie 609
W
Walker, Marshall M 563
Waller, John R 629
-io TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE PAGE
Walsh, Jamea M 589 Wilson, Mrs. Frances P. (Stoke-
Walter, John B 748 ly) 498
Walton, Charles Wesley 658 Wilson, Judge T. S 453, 463
Waples, Peter 517 Wiltse. Gen. Henry A 660
Weaver, Gassoway S 503 Wise, Benjamin C 509
Webb, Capt. N. F 204 Wood, Fernando H 642
Weigel, Frederick 758 Wright, William Scott 682
Wieland, Dr. Frank W 678 Wunderlich, Henry J 529
Wieneke, August W 840 Wunderlich, Henry 529
Williams, John B 615
Winner, Milton F 589
Willv, Ulrieh 506
Wilberding, Henry 827
Wilson, Judge David S 452, 462 ZumhofT, William 683
Winner, Milton F 589 „ t, u » ^ tha
Willv, Ulrieh 506 ^''""S' ^"^"^ *^
Wilberding, Henry 827 Z
ILLUSTRATIONS
Name Facing page
Allison, William B 369
Asylum 113
Beck, Guido 651
Birdseye View of Dubuque 257
Boldt, G. H 703
Chriatman, Mrs. Christiana 857
Cooley, Hon. D. N 761
Cooley, Mrs. Clara Aldrich 762
Cooper, A. A 499
Cooper, Mrs. A. A 500
Country Club 129
Dubuque, 1846 65
Dubuque 's Monument, Julian 177
Dubuque in Early Days 33
Dubuque Club 113
Dubuque Boat Yard 161
Dubuque Views 471
Eagle Point 145
Eagle Point High Bridge 225
Ellwanger, John 631
Elmer, Mrs. Phoebe 857
Fitzpatrick, T. J 623
Frantzen, John P 665
Glab, John 579
Guthrie, Dr. J. B 663
Ham, M 799
Ham, M. M 673
Healey, Mrs. Elizabeth 857
Heeb, A. F 611
Heer, F. J 597
Henderson, Hon. David B 385
Herod, J 664
High and Railroad Bridges 241
Hollnagel, Charles fiS3
TABLE OF CONTENTS II
Name Facing pack
Hollnagel, Mrs. Charles 683
In and around Dubuque 193
Jones, Gen. George W 49
Keane, Archbishop John Joseph 896
Kiene, Peter, Sr 501
Kieue, Peter 502
Klauer, Peter 617
Kleis, C. E 507
Kretschmer, Charles G 627
Linwoofl Cemetery 97
Matthews, Alphons 722
Matthews, M. C 794
Hazzuchelli, Fr. Samuel 871
Mouth of Catfish Creek 161
Mississippi River View 225
Oldt, F. T 903
Pape, Rev. Frederick W 629
Park and Country Views 273
Patterson, Sam 519
Picturesque Dubuque 289^
Quigley, P. J 654
Khomberg, F. M 574
Rockdale, Street Scenes, etc 321
Roman Catholic Church, Dyersville 455-
Ruins of Old Mill 97
Schwind, Jacob 612
Smith, H. B 721
Steps to Cemetery Hill 257
St. Boniface Catholic Church 423
St. Joseph 's Sanitarium, Dubuque 390^
The J. 8. and W. W 209
Thole, Rev. A. J , 629
Trexler, A. M 567
Trinity Catholic Church, Luxemburg 671
Waller, John R 63a
Y. W. C. A. Building 129
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
GEOLOGY, LEAD MINING, ETC.
DUBUQUE COUNTY lies only partly within the driftless
area of this region; this area extends down from the north
along the Mississippi in varying widths to about seven miles
below the city of Dubuque, where it runs to a point. It
extends up the Catfish some ten or twelve miles and up the Little
Maquoketa about twenty miles. This region is represented by the
Pre-Cambrian system and the remainder of the county by the
Ordovician system.
The valley at Dubuque lies about 600 feet above the sea, and
above the valley tower the bluffs a few hundred feet higher. The
plain back of the bluffs is an important feature of the county. This
plain is cut by abrupt ravines and valleys, the principal streams
draining Dubuque county being Turkey, Big and Little Maquoketa
and Tete des Mort rivers and Catfish creek. The Mississippi flows
through a narrow valley bounded by steep bluffs or mounds. This
narrow valley and high bluffs are exceptional. Between two long
tributaries of one of the smaller streams the upland reaches out in
a long, finger-like promontory ; between two tributaries of the
Mississippi there is instead a sharp canyon wall, as if there had
existed promontories which later were truncated half or three-
quarters of a mile back from the main stream. Thus the valley
reverses the normal habit of rivers, becoming narrower here than
farther up stream. Certain other streams show this same tendency
in a less marked degree, and in addition Maquoketa river and
Catfish creek now join the Mississippi through new valleys up
stream, having deserted old open valleys having the normal down-
stream course usual for tributary valleys. These and other pecu-
liarities are unusual in the formation of water courses.
"This region is one of unmetamorphosed, little disturbed, sedi-
mentary rocks of the Paleozoic age and there are no igneous rocks
in it or recent ones near it. It has been at least once worn down by
erosion to mature topographic development and afterward uplifted
and is now being redissected. The rocks have a very gentle dip to
17
i8
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the southwest, superimposed on which are numerous shallow folds
of local extent. Within the ore-bearing district only Ordovician and
Silurian beds occur." The principal exposures of rock at Dulnique
are the Galena formation. I'he Maquoketa shale and Niagara dolo-
mite are seen elsewhere in the county. The lead and zinc deposits
lie within the well-known driftless area.
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The Pre-Cambrian rocks lie i,ooo to 1,500 feet below the sur-
face ; they do not outcrop in Dubuque county. The Cambrian rocks
are represented by about 1,000 feet of sandstone with minor por-
tions of shale and dolomite. The Pre-Cambrian and Cambrian
rocks slope gently toward the southwest. The Ordovician rocks
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 19
are the only ones of importance in the mining operations of
Dubuque county. Where this formation is fully developed it
embraces (i) a dolomite at the base; (2) a sandstone in the middle;
(3) a second dolomite. Above the latter lies the St. Peter sand-
stone ; then the Platteville limestone ; then the Galena dolomite, and
then the Maquoketa shale. Above this are the quaternary deposits.
Lead ore was discovered at Dubuque by the Indians as early as
1780, and about four years later Julien Dubuque, then at Prairie
du Chien, was informed of the existence of that mineral at Dubuque
by the Fox Indians. From 1788 to 18 10 he worked these mines
with hoe, shovel, crowbar and pick, but sank no shafts. He had a
furnace at the mouth of Catfish creek and another at Eagle Point.
In 1805 Lieutenant Pike learned that Dubuque mined from 20,000
to 40,000 pounds of lead annually.
After his death the Indians burned Dubuque's house and fences
and destroyed all traces of his mining operations so far as possible
in order to keep out other white men. The Indians themselves
continued to work the mines intermittently and sold the ore to
traders who had furnaces on the islands in the river. In 1830
J. L. Langworthy and others, having previously obtained the con-
sent of the Indians and the Dubuque heirs, crossed the river and
began work in the mines. The Eagle Point crevice, it is said, was
located at this time. Troops drove out the miners and burned their
cabins. Evidently the Durango diggings were worked before 1820,
because Schoolcraft, who visited this locality in 1820, says they
were known and called "Mine of Maquanquitons."
"Very likely Dubuque himself worked these mines, because so far
as known no others were permitted to do so. The ore in this
locality is the common sulphuret of lead, with a broad foliated
structure and high metallic luster. It occurs massive and dissemi-
nated in a reddish loam, resting upon limestone rock. It generally
occurs in beds or veins which have no great width and run in a
certain direction 300 to 400 yards. . . . The lead ore at these
mines is now (1820) exclusively dug by the Fox Indians, and as
usual among savage tribes the chief labor devolves upon women —
also old and superannuated men ; they use hoe, shovel, pickax and
crowbar. . . . When a quantity of ore has been gotten out it
is carried in baskets by the women to the banks of the Mississippi
and then ferried over in canoes to the island, where it is purchased
by the traders at the rate of $2 for 120 pounds, payable in goods.
The traders smelt the ore upon the island in furnaces. Formerly
the Indians were in the habit of smelting the ore themselves, upon
log heaps, by which a great portion was converted into what are
called lead ashes and thus lost. Now the traders induce them to
search about the sites of the ancient fires and carefully collect the
lead ashes for which they receive $1 per bushel delivered at the
island payable in merchandise." — (Schoolcraft.)
20 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
When tlie Blackhawk Purcliase was made in 1832 tlie settlers
again crowded into tliis connty, but again they were forced to leave
by tlie soldiers because the treaty had not been ratified. After
June, 1833, they were no longer opposed.
The first geological survey of this region was made by D. D.
Owen in 1839. I" 1846 tlie system of leasing mineral land by the
government was abolished and much of the mining land was thrown
into market.
The early mining at Dubuque was for lead ores. Pockets of this
ore are yet found and individual pockets sometimes contain over
500 to 1,000 tons. Since 1880 zinc carbonate or "dry bone" has
been more extensively mined than galena or lead ore. Neither !ias
been mined except above high water of the river. In 1898-00
mixed carbonate and sulphide of zinc were worked at the Alpine
mine. At the same time several carloads of mixed blende-galena-
marcasite ore were taken from the Pike's Peak mine just below
water level by the Dubuque Lead Mining Company. The ore at
Dubuque occurs almost entirely in crevices and openings and within
the corporate limits of the city. It is also found at Durango and
in Jefferson, Table Mound and Mosalem townships. The crevices
are vertical and are nearly always found extending east and west
and in the long, finger-like ridges reaching out toward the river.
There are "top," "middle" and "third" openings. The first is
worked at West Dubuque. The "middle" is forty to fifty feet
farther down. The "third" is twenty-five to thirty feet below the
"middle." The richest deposits have been found at the cre\ice
crossings.
There was no market for zinc ore previous to i860, in which
year the La Salle smelter began operations ; later the ones at Mineral
Point. W^aukegan and Peru were built and buyers were sent here.
The rise in the price of zinc ore in 1887 caused miners here to begin
operations.
John P. Sheldon, register of the Dubuque District previous to
1838, in his report to the General Land Office said: "The mining
country on the west sicle of the Mississippi in the Wisconsin Terri-
tory was opened to the miners in June, 1833, under my superin-
tendence as sub-agent ; the duties of which office I continued to
perform until the month of September, 1834, during which time
rent lead to the value of about $30,000 was collected. The regula-
tions were in all respects like those which had been in force on the
east side of the river, and permits were given to those who had
subscribed to them, to mine, to build cabins, to make gardens, and
in several instances to enclose and cultivate fields and raise grain
for their teams. The number of permits gi\-en I cannot recollect,
but they were numerous, perhaps over a thousand. . . . On the
west side of the Mississippi lead ore has been discovered in the tract
of country extending north and south about thirty-five miles and
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 21
lying between the waters of Turkey and Big Maquoketa rivers.
The main diggings, however, are adjacent to the Mississippi and
near the towns of Dubuque and Peru." He further said that the
mining lots embraced ten acres each, had been more or less dug up
and cultivated, and now the claimants wanted the benefits of pre-
emption. "When the act of June 24, 1834, was passed, there were
many \aluable mining lots in the possession of miners who had a
legal vested right in them, because they had complied with the
terms required by the government ; and in law this right could not be
invalidated unless it could be shown that the President had no right
to suffer the lots to be occupied. In the eye of justice certainly the
rigiits of the miners were sacred. These lots may be considered a
species of grant, and if they be not so considered the act alluded to
must be characterized as improvident, unjust, and, in view of the
previous laws and proceedings of the government in relation to the
lead mines, illegal." The land office at Mineral Point was opened
October 21, 1834. "It is necessary that provision be made for
settling the claims of the miners (in Dubuque county on the west
side of the Mississippi) simultaneously with those of the other
settlers who may claim under the pre-emption law."
In 1835 several very promising mineral leads were discovered
near Durango. These discoveries caused many miners in this
vicinity to flock to that locality and as a result thirty to forty houses
were erected there, two general stores, five groceries, shops, etc., and
the growth of the place seemed assured. But the mineral was soon
exhausted and the miners went elsewhere. The four or five families
that remained turned their attention to farming. — (Iowa Nczvs,
quoting the Peoria (111.) Register, November 18, 1837.)
In the neigliborhood of Dubuque in November, 1836, there were
five blast furnaces that smelted seventy pigs per week each. Of
these the one owned by Mr. Hulett smelted 70,000 pounds per week;
a cupola furnace conducted by Mr. McKnight smelted about the
same ; the one owned by Mr. Lorimier at Rip Row smelted 60,000
pounds per week ; several log furnaces smelted each week seventy
pigs of seventy pounds each. Mr. O'Ferrall's furnace smelted
100,000 pounds per week; it was 70 x t,^ feet and new. Although
there were five sawmills and two grist mills in this vicinity, the bulk
of the supplies of all sorts still came from the river. Morrison &
Prentice bought and shipped mineral in 1836, paying about ^2;^ per
1,000 pounds. "The Maquoketa mines situated in the neighborhood
of Peru (a handsome village a few miles above us) we are glad to
learn continue to yield large quantities of mineral." — (Visitor, May
II, 1835. ) At this date valuable leads were being discovered almost
weekly by O'Farrall, Saucier & Morrison half a mile from Du-
buque; Taylor, Nix & Co., near Center Grove; another was on
Rocky Mount Lot, three miles distant ; Van Buren Diggings, five
miles north, and many others. It was noted that many of the best
22
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
leads were found in east and west crevices and that the mineral
often appeared in blocks.
"A few months ago times were so good that many heretofore
industrious miners had acquired a considerable quantity of the
ready and seated themselves down to enjoy it as gentlemen of
leisure, but the hard times and constant complaints of those around
them have brought them to the conclusion that by industry is the
most secure mode of obtaining a living and have accordingly taken
up the pick and shovel and gone to work like good fellows. Alineral
is now selling at $15 per thousand pounds and we understand the
miners are beginning to draw it out in fine style." — (Iowa Ncti's,
July 29, 1837.)
"We are glad to perceive the fair prospects of better tmies m the
lead mines. Mining operations are greatly increased and we under-
stand that many more lately made discoveries likely to prove val-
uable. At the Snake Diggings the times are much better. Mineral
is sold at about $18 per thousand pounds." — (Iowa Nezi's, August
19. 1837.)
"We observe general activity in mining. .Ml the smelting fur-
naces are actively engaged in making lead and large quantities of
ore are being raised. Though money is very scarce and the pressure
severe, the energy of our citizens remains unabated." — (Iowa Ncxvs,
August 26, 1837.)
In August, 1836, a new and very valuable mine two miles north-
west of Dubuque was discovered by Mr. O'Mara. Mineral was
found on Sleator's lot, Wootton's lot, Herd's lot, and in scores of
other places, no record of which was kept. O'Ferrall & Cox, gen-
eral merchants, bought and shipped the mineral. Two men — Cole-
man and Carpenter — were killed near Dubuque in May, 1839, by
the caving in of the mine where they were working. In August,
1837, Wilson & Wharton took out on the South Fork of Little
Maquoketa 8,000 pounds of mineral in twenty-four hours.
Chauncey Swan & Co. discovered near Dubuque in January, 1838,
a valuable lead and raised over 10,000 pounds in a few days.
In 1838, according to the Visitor, not less than six million pounds
of lead were shipped from Dubuque. It was said in the Visitor that
"men are as numerous here as blackberries in summer, but females
are quite scarce. This fact is observable in the houses of worship
where there are five males in attendance to one female. ... In
this county females receive from $16 to $24 per month for house-
work and are glad to be had for that." In the autumn of 1836,
wlicn tlie first territorial election in Wisconsin was held, there were
polled here 621 votes, "and the entire population could not have
doubled those figures."
In the spring of 1841 there were many new mineral discoveries;
it was noted by the News that there was four times as much min-
eral raised then as at anv time during the previous four years.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 23
New discoveries almost daily caused a sudden "boom" in this
industry at this time. In Fefcruary, 1840, lead was quoted in St.
Louis at $4.37>2 per hundred.
In the spring of 1843 mining was very successful — had never
been better. The hard times drove the miners and loafers to work
and all made money.
According to Lucius H. Langworthy, the amount of lead ex-
ported from the Dubuque mining district from 1833 to 1856 varied
from 40,000,000 to 60.000,000 pounds annually. He said that this
result was reached by "surface scratching" and "dry diggings" and
that a greater profit would probably result from deep mining. —
(Express and Herald, February 28, 1856.) If the average price
during this period was $20 per thousand pounds, and it could not
have been less, the annual receipts from this source varied from
$800,000 to $1,200,000. In a large measure it was this mineral that
enriched many of the first capitalists and laid the foundation for the
prosperity of Dubuque from 1833 to 1857 and enabled the city to
recover itself during the Civil war and ever since that period.
The government had no authority to lease the Dubuque lead
mines. The act of Congress did not apply to this locality. A
government leasing agent came here in 1836, but did not do much.
In 1842 another came, but before this date the citizens had staked
off their claims — Langworthys, Waller, Bonson, Parker, Carter,
Booth, Ewing and hosts of others. Two agents appeared under
authority of John C. Spencer, Secretary of War, put up at a hotel
and proposed to lease, and did lease, some of the mines discovered
by the above claimants. They paid no attention to the rights of the
claimants, but leased to whoever would pay the most. The result
was disturbance and legal controversy. It was decided in the district
court of the county that there existed no such right to lease the
luines and so the controversy ended. Richard Bonson suggested
that the development of the mines added to the value of the lands
and that therefore the damage to the government was nominal.
This was shown at the trial. — (Herald, March 19, 1875.)
In the spring of 1845 there were pending in the district court
here at one time four suits against individuals for mining lead on
government land. The people generally were indignant at the gov-
ernment and demanded that the mineral lands should be thrown into
market.
In the summer of 1849 there were seven smelting furnaces near
Dubuque and it was estimated that they turned out a total of 30,000
pigs during that year. The price varied from $17 to $25 per thou-
sand pounds. In 1847 there were sent to market from Dubuque
140,000 pigs of lead and in 1848 there were shipped 30,000 pigs.
These figures show how the amount of ore raised per annum varied.
The most of these shipments, but not all, were mined near Dubuque.
24 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
At times as high as 3.000 men were thus employed, though usually
not so many.
From April i to July 28, 1857, West & Hopkins shipped 12,687
pigs of lead, the aggregate weight being 913,536 pounds.
In October, 1850, the Thomas Levins lead two and a half miles
northwest of the city, near Booth's cave, was struck and the crevice
was penetrated for 300 yards ; from 300,000 to 500,000 pounds of
ore was in sight at one time. This mine became renowned, and is
said to have yielded its owner $200,000. If mineral was worth $20
per thousand, this sum would represent about 10,000,000 pounds of
ore raised. The shaft was 120 feet deep and horse power was used
to raise the ore; there were caves and chambers below where the
walls were lined with the mineral ; in one cave were 90,000 pounds ;
small cars on rude tracks brought the ore to the shaft from a dis-
tance of several hundred feet. Other large leads at this date were
owned by Nightingale, Burton, McNear, Karrick & Company,
Fanning & Curran, Riley. The mining industry was very pros-
perous at this date and well repaid the land owners and the lessees.
In July, 1852, mineral was worth $26 per thousand. In the spring
of 1853 the price reached $40 per thousand. West & Shields bought
large quantities at that figure. This was the highest price up to that
date. George O. Karrick and John Richmond owned rich mines in
1853; there were a dozen others. In 1855 Hall and Whitney,
geologists, surveyed this locality.
Each spring, upon the opening of navigation, immense quantities
of pigs were shipped to St. Louis by the first steamers. On March
10, 1858, West & Hopkins shipped at one time 14,000 pigs. Old
lodes reworked yielded handsome profits.
"The lead mines of Dubuque have long made it like her neighbor,
Galena, well known. The country for fifty miles north and south
and twenty miles east and west seems underlaid with lead ore. At
times vast caverns are found, walled, ceiled and paved with crystal-
ized lead, so rich that it shines like silver, and so pure as to yield
85 per cent merchantable lead. The revenue of our city from this
source for some years back has increased from $500,000 to
$900,000."— (£. & H.. April 18, 1858.)
In the spring of 1858, while working upon the foundation of a
house at Caledonia and digging holes there for fence posts, work-
men threw out lead ore. Lodes as far back as thirty miles from the
river were discovered. The Fountain Hill Diggings near Peru were
very productive at this date. There was a great revival of the old
interest and excitement.
In May, 1858, the miners assembled at the court house and organ-
ized the Dubuque Miners' Association ; it was a joint stock organiza-
tion and started with about 250 members. At this date many mines
had been abandoned owing to water in the leads. There was no
approved method of getting rid of this water. The Karrick lead
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 25
was 250 feet above high water in the river and yet water was very
troublesome at the depth of 130 feet; pumping was too expensive.
The association considered horizontal shafts in order to drain off
the water. With the view of reopening the old mines the associa-
tion in May caused a complete survey of this locality to be made
and recommended horizontal shafts just above high water mark.
Early in the fall of 1858 C. D. Mullin struck a rich lode east of the
Karrick diggings. At a depth of sixty feet he struck a sheet five
feet high by two feet thick ; the prospect was estimated to be worth
$30,000. At this time there was a distinct revival of the old mining
spirit and enthusiasm.
Rich and valuable new leads were struck on the bluffs back of
Eagle Point in August, 1858. This ground had been prospected
over and over again, but now large yields were uncovered. They
were called "clay diggings" and were not considered so valuable as
"rock diggings." Baxter & Company took out on Mr. Thedinga's
land from May to August over 200,000 pounds of ore. Others with
valuable discoveries were Michael Karrick, Matthias Ham', Starr,
Karrick & Beckett, Horr & Brother, on whose grounds were twenty-
five windlasses at work. Masses raised weighed 300, 400 and 600
pounds. Thousands of pounds lay in heaps at the top of the shafts.
On September i, 1858, the miners held a big celebration at
Dubuque ; they came with their old mud-covered suits, carts, picks,
shovels, sledge hammers, etc., and enjoyed the day to the utmost.
"Mining. — We hear of several new prospects being struck in our
vicinity and learn that a large number of persons are profitably
engaged in mining. This is the time for miners to reap a golden
harvest. Mineral is now bringing $31 to %Tf2 per thousand and in
gold." — (Daily Ledger, September 14, 1858.)
A reorganization of miners was effected in Dubuque during
September, i860, for the purpose of arbitrating all minor differences
among themselves. Connected with this association were Richard
Bonson, John T. Everett, Joseph Herod, M. M. Hayden, W. G.
Stewart, J. H. Bartlett, C. Childs, James Carr, B. J. O'Halloran,
Charles Rose, S. Langworthy, Thomas Levins, Richard Waller,
J. L. Langworthy, George Wilde, John Palmer, J. H. Emerson,
Thomas Waters, R. O. Anderson, James Pratt, M. G. Karrick,
William Carter, Allen Leathers, J. H. Hollingsworth, John King,
James Thompson, H. L. Stout, P. A. Lorimier and others. They
had a constitution, by-laws and officials and kept their affairs in
order. A meeting of the miners was held October 2, on which
occasion George O. Karrick served as chairman and speeches were
delivered by himself, Solon Langworthy and others. Capt. M. M.
Hayden offered resolutions to perpetuate the memory of Julien
Dubuque ; they were adopted by acclamation. Solon Langworthy,
George W. Starr, George O. Karrick and T. McNear were appointed
a committee to prepare a constitution for the society.
26 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
In the Dubuque lead district in i860 there were four smehing
furnaces, as follows: Wild's, at the foot of Southern avenue;
Watters & Bronson's, a mile west of Catfish Mills; Brunskill &
Watters', a short distance east of Center Grove, and Fern & Sim-
son's, a mile or so west of W. G. Stewart's. All were located in
ravines, as water was needed in the operation of smelting. Lead
ore was composed of two parts or ingredients — lead and sulphur,
about 84 per cent of the former and 16 per cent of the latter.
Smelting was nothing more than a roasting process whereby the
sulphur was consumed by the action of fire and the residue thor-
oughly washed of dirt, ashes, etc.
"Since last November, or at the close of navigation, the Dubuque
lead region has yielded 4,500,000 pounds of mineral. The average
value of this has been $30.50 per 1,000 pounds, or a total of
$122,500. The mining interests employ about 1,000 men." —
(Herald, June, i860.) "John Owen has taken out of his new
discovery since last Tuesday morning 60,000 pounds of mineral." —
(Same.) Three miles from Dubuque was Pike's Peak, a mining
center.
The Julien Mining Company was doing a large business in
February and March, i860. In one day they drew out 20,000
pounds of mineral. A new lead was struck a few miles south of
Catfish creek, where some lumps weighed over 1,000 pounds.
"The amount of mineral raised for the week ending June 30,
i860, was about 250,000 pounds, and the amount smelted aggre-
gated close to 200,000 pounds. In this connection it may not be
out of place to remark that from 5,000 to 10,000 men can find
profitable employment in the Dubuque lead mines. The Dubuque
lead region is contained within an irregular semicircle of not less
than twenty miles in diameter. Only comparatively a small por-
tion of the ground has been 'proved,' and it is no unreasonable
estimate to suppose that 5,000 miners would not exhaust the region
in a period less than one hundred years." — (Herald, July i, i860.)
"Week before last there were smelted here over 200,000 pounds
of lead. During the last week 201,600 pounds were smelted. The
amount raised during the same time is a little in advance of that
figure and will probably reach 250,000 pounds." — (Herald, June
24, i860.)
An excursion of the "Chicago Academy of Sciences" to the
Dubuque mining region was an event of October, i860. Several
hundred came and were formally received and entertained by com-
mittees of citizens appointed for that purpose.
Two Missouri miners — John Harrington and Peter Holman —
struck it rich in an old place near Southern avenue close to Mr.
Kcmpf's store and only twenty or thirty rods from the point of the
bluff. They were at first laughed at, but they found mineral withiiT
two feet of the top. By November 12 they had sold 17,000 jwunds
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 27
and had 5 000 more out. Two hundred men were now prospecting
in tlie mines in this vicinity.
The war in Missouri drove here many lead miners, several of
whom made big strikes. The melting of the deep snows and the
heavy rains seriously interfered with mining in the spring of 1861,
by flooding the mines and diggings. Near West Dubuque about
100 pound mass of iron ore was found in April, 1861. It was
strongly magnetic.
On March 22, 1861, George Wharton and Joseph Brunskill went
down into Brunskill & Watters' diggings at West Dubuque to
examine a cave that had just been struck. The cave was some
3,000 feet from the bottom of the shaft and was reached by a rough
crevice. They soon lost their supply of candles and those within
hands were soon burned up, leaving them in total darkness and
unable to find their way. After a reasonable time their friends went
after them, but they had spent the whole day there in great anxiety.
In April, 1861, it was complained that the land owners near
Dubuque charged too high a rent for their mineral lands — that it
worked too great a hardship on miners, particularly on those who
had bad luck — the bad luck and high rents combined to make the
lot of many worse and worse. The argument was that "the true
policy of the land owner was to be liberal with the miner, for the
more inducements that were held out for the production of any
article the more of that article will be produced. So with the
mineral; the lower the rent the more will engage in mining." The
mining association should have a system that would work and be
fair in all cases. And owners should give a bonus for big finds to
stimulate further discoveries. Owners should ask no rent for the
first 100,000 pounds of mineral ore. The miners at their public
meetings passed strong resolutions against the existing currency.
The lead caves were one of the attractions of Dubuque for visitors.
In May, 1862, mineral was worth %2>7 P^r thousand pounds; by
December it was $44. James Hughes built a shot tower in 1862 in
one of the old mining shafts. Mr. Mallett at the Durango Diggings
in 1862 made a rich strike and cleared up in less than six months
over $25,000. The mineral raised within the city limits in 1862 was
about 1,000,000 pounds, worth $40,000. Miners thoroughly ex-
plored the Maquoketa, Catteese and Catfish neighborhoods.
On February 1 1, 1863, mineral was worth here $48 per thousand.
By March 2 it had reached $53. In 1863 Judge Lovell and others
raised 150,000 pounds of mineral at Pike's Peak, this county. In
August, 1 86 1, the Dubuque Shot Manufacturing Company were
making drop shot of all sizes. In August, 1863, mineral had fallen
to $40 per thousand. Prof. James Dale Owen, son of Robert Dale
Owen, geologist, exhibited specimens at the State Fair here in 1863.
October 10, 1863, mineral was worth $52.50. Back of the city in
28 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
a mineral shaft ninety feet underground there were found in 1864
the molar teeth of a mammoth in a fair state of preservation.
In March, 1864, mineral was worth here $71 in greenbacks per
thousand pounds; on July i, 1864, it was quoted at $84 in green-
backs; on July 15 it was $90; this was about the highest point it
reached. As the reserved mineral lands of the county were now in
market and had been for some time, opportunity for fortune making
was not lacking.
Several very valuable discoveries were made in 1865 — one on the
south side of Dodge street ; another, the Wootton crevice, in which
Chapman, Ratcliff. Bunting, Peacock and others were interested.
By August, 1865, little mineral was being raised ; it was worth from
$53 to $55 per thousand.
In 1866 the old Burton mine was reworked; S. P. Smith and
General Vande\-er were interested in this work ; out of this shaft
there had been taken formerly 5,000,000 pounds of mineral worth
probably from $150,000 to $200,000. In six weeks in the fall of
1867 400,000 ])ounds were taken from the old Tom Kelly mines on
the bluffs. Valuable new leads were found near Center Grove in
1868. The famous Coakley & Faulhopper lode was discovered two
miles northeast of town in Langworthy Hollow in 187 1. The
miners held a festival in February, 1871, and a large attendance
enjoyed the occasion. T. C. Roberts was the principal speaker. He
said that for forty years about $250,000 worth of lead annually
had been taken from the mines of the Dubuque district. The fol-
lowing is an extract from a poem read at this festival :
"They're gone, they're gone to the unseen shore.
Their life work is all well done,
Brave Julien and Kelly and many more
Flave followed there one by one ;
But why, brave knights of the giant will,
Why not, ere you strike your tent.
Of the limestone rock they did cut and drill
Uprear them a monument?"
The drybone ore from which zinc is made is found in the hills
around Dubuque, in the old lead holes and near them, and for many
years was mined more than the lead mineral itself. Late in the
eighties George Perry, on the old Randall farm, took out consid-
erable drybone ore; he had found several paying crevices. It was
found to exist from the cap rock down to living water about sixty
feet below. At the termination of one drift the crevice was about
eight feet wide and completely filled with ore. J. F. Rebman about
the same time discovered on the old Stout farm a number of heavy
zinc deposits ; his cre\'ice was about forty feet wide. From Rhom-
berg hill to the Western brewery Trieb & Company and Trieb,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 29
Southwell & Brunskill discovered and worked valuable deposits;
they were considered the most extensive zinc mines west of the
river. Burt, McNulty & Cooper worked the "Ave Top" mine on
Julien avenue near Nevada street ; it had turned out nearly 2.000,000
pounds of lead, but in the eighties was worked for zinc by Hird,
Oatey & Watters, and paid. Mr. Goldthorpe mined a lot of drybone
at Center and Fourteenth street. Many men and teams in the
eighties were thus employed. It was thought that with a home
reducing plant and full time worked the Dubuque drybone mines
would yield from 100 to 200 tons per day. One mine in 1890
offered to contract to deliver twenty-five to fifty tons a day.
In 1899 there was a revival of zinc mining in Dubuque county.
Considerable was found near Buncombe — Rowley mine, mill and
roaster ; Northwestern mine and mill ; Buncombe Hill mine and
Big Dad mine. In nearly all the old lead mining districts drybone
has been found, often in paying quantities.
Among other rich strikes in the sixties was one in August, 1868,
on the hill south of the French brewery, near Langworthy Hollow.
Lead ore to the amount of 100,000 pounds had been taken out there
many years before.
In 1867 there was found in the old Kelly cabin $4,000 in gold;
later a boy in kicking over a tin can at the cabin uncovered $1,800
in gold; search revealed $1,500 more in an old tea canister. These
discoveries caused a thorough search to be made, but no more gold
was found. The search, however, led to several discoveries of lead
ore in the old Kelly mines.
In 1875-6 Collins & Rooney shipped large quantities of lead ore,
often from 3,000 to 5,000 pounds a day. Edwards & Luther's old
mine, though eleven years old, seemed to grow better and better
in 1876.
The Dubuque Ore Concentrating Company was organized in
1892 with the following ofBcers : John Babcock, president ; E. E.
Jones, vice president; S. J. Southwell, secretary; Philip Pier, Sr.,
treasurer. By this date (1892) considerable drybone was being
mined in this county, but as yet there was no reduction plant here.
The above company laid plans to mine drybone, black jack and
galena on an extensive scale ; its plant was on Southern avenue.
Early in 1893 the Dubuque Zinc Company, with a capital of
$100,000, prepared to manufacture zinc from drybone on an exten-
sive scale. E. T. Goldthorpe, in 1891, operated one mine near
Durango and three near Dubuque ; in that year he shipped fifty
carloads of ore, the freight charges on which were $r,6oo. In four
years previous to 1892 he shipped over $100,000 worth of zinc and
lead ore from this vicinity to Mineral Point for reduction.
30 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
It is related on unknown authority that some time after Du-
buque's death, an Indian fighter and pioneer, John T. Smith, took
possession of the works and attempted to carry on mining and
smelting, but received no encouragement, and soon encountered
open opposition from the chief Pi-a-nos-ky, who, with a band of
warriors, tore down his buildings and drove him and his com-
panions across the river.
The Avenue Top Company in recent years; their mine in Du-
bucjue township yielded about $150,000 in lead ore, then $25 in dry
bone, and later o\er $100,000 in blackjack. The old Rarrick mine
yielded over $500,000 worth of lead ore; Bartlett & Stewart raised
about $150,000 worth; Levins, about $250,000; Burton, Jarrett &
Glab, $200,000, and others. Many "bunches" were formed worth
$10,000 to $20,000. The Stewart cave is about 900 feet long and
in one place it is 100 feet wide. Sunflower cave at Kaufifman ave-
nue is forty feet wide, 800 feet long and sixty feet high in places.
West Dubuque has numerous other caves.
In August, 1894, Kimball Goldthorpe discovered a rich lead of
ore in West Dubuque. At the depth of 190 feet he found two solid
sheets. In 1895, ^leehan, at the depth of 130 feet, struck a valu-
able lead on Southern a\'enue. The Shearn mine was one of the
richest ever struck here; during the summer of 1895 about 400,000
pounds of ore were raised. The Goldthorpe, Jones & Kimball mine,
near the old Karrick diggings, was very valuable ; at one time 10,000
pounds were taken out daily. Three mines — Karrick's. Shearn's
and Sloan's — have yielded a total of approximately 15,000,000
pounds. Cheney's, Levins', Horton's, Emery's and Bartlett's mines
have been successful. In 1896 large quantities of "ore dust" were
shipped from Durango ; it was used for smelting purposes. J. W.
Halpin & Company made a valuable strike in 1898; they took out
20,000 pounds of ore in a week in West Dubuque. The Pike's Peak
and Alpine street mines were valuable.
The Dubuque Ore Development Company was incorporated in
1905. Large beds of blackjack were found in 1906 at Pike's Peak.
The Key West Mining Company had valuable mines in 1906; this
year rich discoveries of ore were made on Southern avenue and on
Cascade road. This year, also, the Avenue Top Mining Company
found large quantities of pure resin jack. This company sold five
carloads of zinc ore in January, 1908. In July the richest strike of
blackjack yet made here was unearthed on the Miller farm. West
Dubuque. The Harriman Company was organized in 1906. The
Tri-State Mining Company is a recent organization. The Goose-
born Mining made important discoveries on Grand View avenue.
Other valuable discoveries are in progress, and the end of ore
wealth is not in sight.
DUBUQUE AND THE INDIANS.
THE conveyance of the Fox Indians to Julien Dubuque in
1788 was as follows: "Copy of the council held by the
Foxes, that is to say, of the branch of five villages, with
the approbation of the rest of their people, explained
to Mr. Quinantotaye, deputied by them, in their presence, and in
the presence of us, the undersigned: that is to say, the Foxes
permit Mr. Julien Dubuque, called by them the Little Cloud, to
work at the mines as long as he shall please and to withdraw
from it without specifying any term to him; moreover, that they
sell and abandon to him all the coast and the contents of the
mine discovered by the wife of Peosta, so that no white man
or Indian shall make any pretension to it, without the consent of
Mr. Julien Dubuque; and in case he shall find nothing within, he
shall be free to search wherever he may think proper to do so, and
to work peaceably without anyone hurting him or doing him any
prejudice in his labors. Thus we chief and braves, by the voice
of our villages, have agreed with Julien Dubuque, selling and
delivering to him this day as above mentioned, in presence of the
Frenchmen who attend us, who are witnesses to this writing.
"At the Prairie du Chien, in full council, the 226. September,
1788."
"Blondeau,
Ala Austin (his X mark).
AUTAQUE.
"Basil Teren (his X mark), ^
Blondeau D'Ouirneau, 1- Witnesses."
Joseph Fontigny." J '
On the day this document was executed Dubuque is said to have
delivered goods to the Indians in payment for the tract of land,
which this writing purported to lease or convey; and a few days
afterward, it was also said, the Indian chiefs, in the presence of
Dubuque, allowed monuments to be erected at the mouths of Little
Maquoketa and Tete des Morts rivers as boundaries of the tract
along the river.
The petition of Julien Dubuque to Governor Carondelet was as
follows: "The most humble petitioner to your excellency, who is
called Julien Dubuque, having formed a habitation upon the fron-
tiers of your government, in the midst of the savage tribes that
31
32 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
are tlie inhabitants of the country, has purchased a tract of land
from these Indians, and the mines which it contains ; and through
his perseverance in surmounting all the obstacles arising as well
from dangers as heavy expenses, has at length succeeded, after
many troubles, in being the peaceful owner of a tract of land situated
on the western bank of the Mississippi river, to which he has given
the name of the 'Mines d'Espagne' (Mines of Spain or Spanish
Mines), in honor of the government to which they belong. As the
locality of the habitation is but a point and the different mines he
works are sparsely spread, and at a distance of three leagues from
each other, the most humble petitioner prays your excellency to be
pleased to grant him the peaceful possession of the said land and
mines; that is from the upper hills of the small river Maquauquitois
to the Mesquabynonques hills, which is about seven leagues upon the
western bank of the Mississippi, by three leagues in depth; which
demand the petitioner hopes to obtain from your goodness. I pray
the same goodness, which makes the happiness of so many subjects,
to excuse my style and to be willing to accept of the pure simplicity
of my heart for want of my eloquence. With all my power I
beseech heaven to preserve you, and to pour all favors upon you,
and I am and shall be all the days of my life, of your excellency
the most humble, obedient and submissi\'e subject."
"J- Dubuque."
"New Orleans, October 22, 1796.
"Let information be given by the merchant Don Andrew Todd
on the nature of this demand."
"The B.\ron de Carondelet."
The exact langaiage of Andrew Todd was in part as follows :
"I have to say that, as to the land for which he asks, nothing occurs
to me why it should not be granted if you find it convenient; with
the condition, nevertheless, that the grantee shall obser\'e the pro-
visions of his majesty relating to the trade with the Indians ; and
that this be absolutely prohibited to him, unless he shall have
consent in writing."
The board of commissioners for ascertaining and adjusting land
claims in the Territory of Louisiana sat at St. Louis, September 20,
1806; it was shown, and reported as follows:
"Julien Dubuque and Auguste Chouteau claim a tract of one
hundred and forty-eight thousand one hundred and seventy-six
arpents of land situated on the river Mississippi at a place called
the Spanish Mines, about four hundred and fortv miles from St.
Louis, forming in superficies an extent of about twenty-one leagues.
They produce, first, a petition by the said Julien Dubuque to the
Baron de Carondelet, praying for the peaceable ])ossession of an
e.xtent of land of alwmt seven leagues on the west side of the Missis-
'^f^fii-ic Library,
frS'^!^:"^ m
^m itfT' ^^ -^y^ -
e;b^^'.i.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 33
sippi, beginning at the heights of Mesquabynonques, being in front
on said river about seven leagues by a depth of three leagues — the
whole forming the said tract called the Spanish Mines ; together
with a reference by the Baron de Carondelet to one Andrew Todd,
an Indian trader, of the above demand, under the date of the 22d
of October, 1796, with the assent of said Andrew Todd to the
granting of the same provided the said petitioner should not inter-
fere with his trade, the same dated 29th October, same year."
The prayer of the petitioner was granted by Carondelet in the
following language : "Concedido como se solicita baxo las restric-
ciones que el comerciante Don Anstres Todd expresa en so in forme,
10 Noviembre, 1796" (Granted as it is demanded, tmder the restric-
tions mentioned by the merchant Don Andrew Todd in his infor-
mation).
"I, the undersigned, William Henry Harrison, governor of the
Territory of Indiana, and commissioner plenipotentiary of the
United States for treating with the Indian tribes northwest of the
Ohio, do hereby certify and declare that after the treaty which was
made with the Sacs and Foxes at St. Louis on the 3d day of
November, 1804, was drawn up and prepared for signing, I was
shown a grant from the governor general of Louisiana to a certain
Dubuque for a considerable quantity of land at some distance up the
Mississippi and where the said Dubuque has for many years resided.
Finding that this tract could be considered receded by the treaty as
it then stood, the additional article was written and submitted to the
Indians. They readily consented to it; and the undersigned
informed them that the intention of it was to embrace particularly
the claim of Dubuque, the validity of which they acknowledgecl.
Given under my hand and seal at Vincennes, the ist day of January,
1806."
"William Henry Harrlson."
The principal objection to the claim was as follows, in the lan-
guage of Mr. Gallatin, then secretary of the treasury : "The prin-
cipal question made on this claim is one which, perhaps, in the
whole history of Louisiana titles, is peculiar to itself. There is no
fraud imputed; no want of authority to make the supposed grant;
no uncertainty of its location. It is not challenged for want of being
possessed in good faith ; and no exception is taken to the capacity
of the grantee. But conceding all these facts it is objected, that, on
the face of the papers, in their purpose and meaning, no title of any
sort in the land v.'as intended or has been created; that the whole
transaction was but to obtain a personal privilege, or usufruct, at
will; and whatever of concession or stipulation there is, was but
for a temporary personal protection and which has not been other-
wise validated as a title" (See Vol. i. Laws United States, p. 562).
An adverse report of the Senate committee in 1841-2 (Senate Docs.,
34 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Vol. V, No. 341 ) "assumes essentially the same ground as Mr.
Gallatin and regards the Indian contract as a personal privilege to
Dubuque to work the mines ; the governor's concession but an
affirmance of this power; that the right was acquired without con-
sideration, and died with the person ; that the Indians had no right
to sell the lands, and that it was the policy of the Spanish govern-
ment not to sell its mines, etc."
But the Senate committee found otherwise as follows : "That
no precedent or example can be found of such grant of personal
privilege in the use of lands being made up between the Indians and
the Spanish government in the whole history of the provincial
administration in Florida and Louisiana; that the Spanish authori-
ties indulged the Indians with a power of sale to individual white
men, subject to a ratification of title by the government authorities
of the province; that such sales had already been confirmed by the
boards of land commissioners, by Congress, and by the courts of the
United States ; that the article of sale to Dubuque by the Indians
contained the following language : 'That they sell and abandon to
him all the coast and the contents of the mine discovered by the wife
of Peosta, so that no white nitm or Indian shall make any pretension
to it, without the consent of the Sieur Julien Dubuque.' And the
article further said that 'In case he shall find nothing within (the
mine sold to him) he shall be free to search ivherei'er it shall seem
good to him, and to work peaceably without any hurting him, or
doing him any prejudice in his labors.'
"The committee readily acknowledge this part is but a personal
permission. But it is a permit beyond the sale and conveyance, not
purporting, as in the preceding, a sale and surrender of possession
with a covenant of warranty against all pretensions of the white man
or Indian; that this was intended to be a sale in fee so far as the
Indians could make it ; that Dubuque's application to Carondelet
must have been in order to secure a confirmation of his title, because
he already had held possession for over eight years."
"What Todd understood to be the object of Dubuque's requete
is too manifest to be disputed by any. Apprehending the motives
of the petitioner to be apparent and palpable he in plain and simple
brevity replied to the governor that 'As to the land for which he
(Dubuque) asks nothing occurs to me why it should not be
granted.' This information seems to have satisfied the governor;
and hence the conclusion is irresistible — the governor understood
Dubuque's requete as Todd did, viz. : a simple petition for a grant
of the lands specified and wliich had been purchased of the Indians.
The lead mines were an incident of the lands of so little importance
at that time, that Todd never alludes to them."
It was shown that on November 3, 1804, in a treaty made in St.
Louis between the government and the Sac and Fo.x nations of
Indians, "the general boundary line between the lands of the United
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 35
States and of the said Indian tribes shall be as follows, to-wit :
Beginning at a point on the Missouri river opposite to the mouth of
the Gasconade river; thence in a direct course so as to strike the
river Jeffrion at the distance of thirty miles from its mouth, and
down the said Jeffrion to the Mississippi ; thence up the Mississippi
to the mouth of the Wisconsin, and up the same to a point which
shall be thirty-six miles in a direct line from the mouth of said
river; thence by a direct line to the point where the Fox river (a
branch of the Illinois) leaves the small lake called Sakeagan; thence
down the Fox river to the Illinois river and down the same to the
Mississippi." The Indians ceded to the United States all the lands
mcluded within the above described boundary. In this treaty the
following language was used : "It is agreed that nothing in this
treaty shall affect the claim of any individual or individuals who
may have obtained grants of land from the Spanish government,
and which are not included within the general boundary line laid
down in this treaty, provided that such grants have at any time
been made known to the said tribes and recognized by them." In a
letter dated Vincennes, January 4, 18 16, and addressed to Auguste
Chouteau at St. Louis, William Henry Harrison used the following
language : "Enclosed you have the certificate on the subject of
Dubuque's claim. I hope it will be sufficient for your purpose.
I have no doubt of the validity of your claim and never had any."
On October 20, 1804, Dubuque sold to August Chouteau, 72,324
arpents of said land for $10,848.60, the undivided half or moiety of
which was afterward sold by the said Chouteau to John Mullanphy,
and on September 20, 1806, they presented their title papers to the
board of commissioners — Lucas, Penrose and Donaldson. Mr.
Lucas dissented from the opinion of a majority of the board "upon
the ground that it was not a perfect, but merely an inchoate and
incomplete title." The Senate committee said: "In reviewing the
decision of the board of 1806 in favor of the claim, the committee
are satisfied their decision was right and just in its general result,
but that the board erred in pronouncing it 'a complete Spanish
title.' It is obviously but a concession of land without a natural or
ascertained boundary. And for this reason a survey, the customary
prerequisite, was wanting, preparatory to executing the grant in
complete fomi. But the dissenting opinion of Mr. Lucas, for this
reason, is manifestly against all legal and equitable principle applica-
ble to the case. And regarding the claim as reported by him to be
'an incipient or imperfect title,' it is, as such, equally with perfect
titles, protected by the treaty ceding Louisiana, and therefore was
entitled to his decision in its favor (Am. St. Papers, Public Lands,
Vol. Ill, pp. 586-587).
The memorial or petition of Pierre Chouteau, J. Ferdinand Ken-
nett and others stated "That some time in the year 1774 Julien
Dubuque, a mineralogist, emigrated to the Province of Louisiana
36 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
and settled among the Sac and Fox nation of Indians, on the Missis-
sippi, near the site of tlie present town of Dubuque."
In the journal of his "voyage" to the sources of the Mississippi
in the years 1805 and 1806, Lieut. Zebulon M. Pike speaks of Julien
Dubuque. He commences by saying: "Sailed from my encamp-
ment near St. Louis, at 4 o'clock P. M., on Friday, the 9th of
August, 1805, with one sergeant, two corporals and seventeen pri-
vates, in a keel boat, 70 feet long, provisioned for four months ;
water very rapid. * * * First September, Sunday — Embarked
early; wind fair; arrived at the lead mines at 12 o'clock. * * *
We were saluted with a field piece and received with every mark of
attention by Monsieur Dubuque, the proprietor. There were no
horses at the house and it was six miles to where the mines were
worked; it was therefore impossible to make a report by actual
inspection. I therefore proposed ten queries, on the answers to
wliich my report was founded (see below). Dined with Mr. D.,
who informed me that the Sioux and Sauteurs (Chippewas) were
as warmly engaged in opposition as ever; that not long since the
former killed fifteen Sauteurs, also on the loth of August Sauteurs
killed ten Sioux at the entrance of the St. Peter's; and that a war
party composed of the Sacs, Reynards and Puants (Winnebagoes)
of two hundred warriors, had embarked on an expedition against
the Sauteurs, but that they had heard that the chief having had an
unfavorable dream, persuaded the party to return, and that I would
meet them on my voyage. At this place I was introduced to a chief
called the 'Ra\en of the Reynards.' He made a very flowery speech
on the occasion, which I answered in a few words, accompanied by a
small present. I had now given up all hopes of my two men (who
had strayed away and become lost), and was about to embark, when
a perogue arrived, in which they were, with a Mr. Blondeau and
two Indians whom that gentleman had engaged above the rapids of
Stony (Rock) river. The two soldiers had been six days without
anything to eat except muscles (clams), when they met Mr. James
Aird, by whose humanity and attention their strength and spirits
were in a measure restored, and they were enabled to reach the
Reynard village, where they met with Mr. B. The Indian chief
furnished them with corn and shoes and showed his friendship by
every possible attention. I immediately discharged the hire of the
Indians and gave Mr. Blondeau a passage to the Prairie Des Chiens.
Left the lead mines at 4 o'clock."
Having concluded their trip to the headwaters of the Mississippi
and been gone all winter, they returned down the river in the spring
of 1906. On the 15th they passed through Lake Pepin. They
arrived at Prairie Des Chiens on tlie i8th. Here Pike ilined with
Mr. Campbell in company with Messrs. W'ilmot, Blakely, Wood,
Rollet, Fisher, Frazer and Jearreau.
"April 2T), Wednesday — After closing my accounts, etc., at half
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 37
past 12 o'clock left tlie prairie ; at tiie lower end of it was saluted by
seventeen lodges of the Puants. Met a barge, by which I received a
letter from my lady. Further on met one batteaux and one canoe of
traders. Passed one trader's camp. Arrived at Mr. Dubucjue's at
10 o'clock at night, found some traders encamped at the entrance
with forty or fifty Indians; obtained some information from Mr. D.
and requested him to write me on certain points. After we had
boiled our victuals, I divided my men into four watches and put ofif
— wind ahead.
QUERIES PROPOSED TO MR. DUBUQUE WITH HIS ANSWERS.
1. What is the date of your grant of the mines from the sav-
ages? Answer: The copy of the grant is in Mr. Soulard's office at
St. Louis.
2. What is the date of the confirmation by the Spaniards?
Answer : The same as to query first.
3. What is the extent of your grant? Answer; The same as
above.
4. What is the extent of the mines? Answer ; Tw'enty-eight or
twenty-seven leagues long and from one to three broad.
5. Lead made per annum? Answer: From 20,000 to 40,000
pounds.
6. Quantity of lead per cent of mineral? Answer: Seventy-five
per cent.
7. Quantity of lead in pigs? Answer: All he makes, as he
neither manufactures bar, sheet-lead, nor shot.
"Dubuque remained in the uninterrupted possession of the said
land from the time of its purchase from the Indians in 1788 until his
death, which occurred in the month of March, 18 10, during the
whole of which time he worked the mines and cultivated a portion
of the land. He died in possession and was buried upon the land on
a high bluff near the present town of Dubuque; and so great was the
veneration entertained for him by the Indians, that for many years
after his death they kept a fire burning upon his grave and watched
it by day and night. Pierre Chouteau, Jr., one of your petitioners,
having been repeatedly urged by Dubuque to join him in business
on the land aforesaid, left St. Louis in the spring of the year 1810
for the residence of Dubuque, where he intended to remain for some
years at least. Upon his arrival he found that Dubuque had departed
this life some few weeks before. Dubuque often spoke to the
Indians of the expected arrival of his friend, the said Chouteau, and
a short time before his death enjoined it upon them, as your peti-
tioners are informed and believe, to receive and treat him as a friend.
The chief of the said nation received the said Chouteau w'th every
demonstration of respect and kindness, and informed him that it
38 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
was tlic request of Dubuque that he should take possession of his
property and occupy his liouse. In compHance with that request
the said chief gave to the said Chouteau the immeihate possession
of the home formerly occupied by Dubuque. He had frequent
conversations with the chiefs of the said nation relative to the
claim of Dubuque to the said tract of land and was informed by
them that lie (Dubuque) was entitled to the same. The said
Chouteau did not remain all the time upon the said land after his
arrival in 1810, but continued to do business there until the com-
mencement of the war of 1812, when he returned to St. Louis.
After the death of Dubuque, Augtist Chouteau qualified as his
administrator and as such obtained an order from the probate court
of St. Charles county, in the Territory of Missouri, to sell the
interest of Dubuque in said lands for the payment of debts. The
land was divided by the administrator into lots or parcels and sold
under the order aforesaid, when John P. Cobanne, Pierre Chou-
teau, Jr., William Russell and others became the purchasers.
"Shortly after the treaty between the Sacs and Foxes and the
United States, concluded on the 21st of September, 1832 (by which
the former ceded to the United States a large tract of country,
within tiie limits of which the Dubuque tract of land now claimed
is situated), your petitioners took possession of such land and pro-
ceeded to erect houses upon and occupy the same in like manner
as lands claimed under similar titles have always been occupied
and held in the country ceded by France to the United States and
believed that they were under the protection of the law in so doing,
and that the government of the United States would not disturb
them until it was ascertained that their title was invalid, or at any
rate, until some provision should be made for testing its validity.
But so far from doing this the extraordinary spectacle was exhibited
of an ejectment by military force under an order of the secretary
of war."
William Wirt, attorney general of the United States, expressed
the opinion, February 14. 1825, concerning the removal by force
of Mr. Henderson, one of the claimants under the Spanish title,
"that it is not competent to the executive to remove him (Hender-
son) by force under the Act of March 3. 1807, 'to prevent settle-
ments being made on lands ceded to the United States until author-
ized by law.' "
"By the treaty of September 21, 1832, the Indians sold to the
United States only such land as was 'right fully claimed bx them,'
for as they, at the treaty of November 3, 1804, did not only disclaim
the ownership, but expressly recognize the Dubuque claim as a
valid Spanish grant (the possession of which was then in Dubuque),
tlie United States acquired no title to that tract of land bv tlie
treaty aforesaid. Your ])etitioners having taken possession of said
land under and by \'irtue of a grant from tlie Si)anish go\-ernment,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 39
were not intruders upon tlie public lands and ought not to have
been so regarded and treated by the secretary of war" (see Senate
Documents, 29th Congress, 2d session. Vol III, No. 218).
Finally, the Senate committee "are fully satisfied that justice
demands that the report of the board of commissioners aforesaid
should be approved and that the title to the said tract of land
should be confirmed by the United States to the said Julien
Dubuque, his heirs, assignees, or legal representatives; and in con-
formity to these views they have reported a bill and recommended
its passage." (March 3, 1847, see No. 218, Senate Documents,
29th Congress, 2d session. Vol. III).
The Senate committee on public lands, on July i, 1842, "thought
it very obvious that the grant, permit, or concession, by whatever
name it may be called of the Indians in council to Dubuque, was
never intended by either of the parties to give any greater interest
in the land or mines to Dubuque than a mere personal permit or
privilege of working the mines as long as he pleased and of leaving
them whenever he should think proper."
Tliey therefore concluded that the government preemption laws
should apply to the Dubuque tract. In other words that settlers
could preempt land there as on other land owned by the United
States. (Senate Documents, Vol. V, 27th Congress, 2d session,
No. 341.)
The House of Representatives committee on public lands reported
that they felt "assured that the Indians considered the privilege
granted by them to Julien Dubuque as a personal privilege, from
the fact that, as early as the year 1830, and previous to the cession
by treaty of the land called the 'Black Hawk Purchase' to the
United States (and which includes this tract of land) and while
all of what is now comprised within the limits of the territory of
Iowa belonged to the Indian tribes, divers persons crossed the
Mississippi river and commenced mining upon this tract of land
(the Dubuque claim) ; which occupancy was resisted and com-
plained of by the Indians, and upon proper representations being
made the government sent a military force to expel such persons,
which was accomplished ; and said military force was then sta-
tioned at the place where now stands the town of Dubuque. After
the making of the treaty of September 21, 1832 (the Black Hawk
Purchase), and previous to the ratification thereof, the whites again
crossed the river and commenced mining and making gardens in
the vicinity of what is now the town of Dubuque. By the said
treaty it was stipulated that the Indians were to retain possession
of the lands so ceded until the ist of June, 1833. To keep which
stipulation inviolate the government again sent a military force
to expel its citizens, which was as far as practicable effected ; and
that after the due ratification of the said treaty, to-wit : On the
1st day of June, 1833, said military force was withdrawn, and the
40 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
settlers were permitted, eneoitnujed and iirriled Ijy the government
to occupy said tract of land under the government." ( See H. R.
Docs., 27th Congress, 2d session. No. 894.)
Those who petitioned Congress regarding the Dubuque claim
and title in 1835-6 were Elizabeth Mullanphy, Octavia Mullanphy,
Ann Biddle, Mary Harney, William S. Harney, Bryan Mullanphy,
James Clemens, Jr., Eliza Clemens, R. Graham, Catherine Graham,
Charles Chambers, Jane M. Chambers, Cerre Chouteau (in her own
right and as executrix of Auguste Chouteau, deceased). E. Chou-
teau, Henry Chouteau, Gabriel S. Chouteau, Aug'te P. Chouteau
(by Pr. Chouteau, Jr.. attorney in fact). They had been dispos-
sessed of their property under this claim and asked to be restored to
the possession of their property until the title should be adjudicated.
In 1842 the citizens who had settled upon the Dubuque claim
petitioned Congress to the following effect : That they had settled
there after June 6, 1833, and were therefore entitled to the privi-
leges granted by the preemption laws; that the privilege of making
proof and payment for their homes under such laws was denied them
by the register and receiver at Dubuque on the ground that the tract
was reserved from sale as shown by a letter from the commissioner
of the general land office dated April 4, 1839. The House com-
mittee of Congress took the position "that the privilege given to
Julien Dubuque by the Indian tribes was the mere personal privilege
of hunting, mining, smelting, fishing, etc., within certain limits
(twenty-one miles front upon the Alississippi river by nine miles
in depth) and was not intended to convey to him any further right
or privilege." The committee showed that the government had
"not only on all proper occasions heretofore denied the validity of
such claim, but has since purchased this same tract of land from
the Indians by treaty dated September 21, 1832, at Rock Island,
and given through its agents to the settlers written permission to
reside on and occupy said tract of land and to work at the mines
thereon, to erect houses for their protection and enclose gardens for
the support of the settlers, they paying to the agents of the United
States for the benefit of the E'nited States, certain proportions of the
amount of mineral raised or lead ore smelted by them." For these
and other reasons the committee reported a bill in favor of the
relief prayed for by the petitioners.
The Miners' Express of July 2S, 1842. contained the report of
the committee on public lands in the United States Senate, to whom
was referred a bill extending the right of preemption to settlers,
etc., on the Dubuque claim, denying the validity of the claim, which
was accompanied by a bill providing that settlers might enter tiieir
lands as if no claim existed ; that patents issued for lands so entered
should be considered as a relinquishment of the title of the United
States to the land; but, if, at any future time the claim should be
declared valid by a proper tribunal and the patentee should be
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 4«
lawfully ejected, the purchase money should be refunded to the
patentee.
Much land in the county was unentered previous to March, 1847,
owing to the Duliuque claim, but at this date Congress removed
the ditficultv and ihe land was thrown into market.
Iowa, in the language of the Indians, means "the beautiful land."
What is now Dubuque county was seen first by wlute men in 1673;
in that year Joliet and Marquette passed down the Mississippi and
may have landed in this county. Joliet was sent out on an expedi-
tion to find the "great river" and a water route to the Soutli Sea,
as the Pacific ocean was then called, and Marquette was chosen to
accompany him. The latter called the Mississippi "La Conception."
Later La Salle called it "Colbert." In 1788 the Fox Indians pos-
sessed the soil, the lands of the Sacs being farther down the river.
In 1836-7 Congress ordered the town of Dubuque surveyed and
platted, but this act did not remove the claim of Dubuque's heirs
and for many years the land was kept out of market on this
account. In Congress a strong delegation worked persistently in
favor of the Dubuque-Chouteau claim.
"Afterward when the lands were ordered to be sold and the
proclamation of sale duly made, and when Iowa was unrepresented
in that body, the United States Senate passed a resolution request-
ing a withdrawal of the land from sale. This startled our people
and Messrs. Hastings and Leffler, our representatives in Congress,
were interviewed. They called upon the President and learned
that the act of the Senate could not be disregarded ; but they
learned that if the House should pass a resolution ordering the sale,
it would proceed. Mr. Hastings accordingly presented such a reso-
lution in the House, whereupon a Missouri member violently pro-
tested against it and raised such a commotion that when the vote
was taken it was difficult to decide whether it was passed or not.
The clerk thought it was lost and so entered it on his memorandum.
At the adjournment Mr. Hastings (familiarly known as 'Old Red')
went to him for a copy of the resolution. The clerk replied : T
thought the resolution failed to pass.' He replied. 'No, sir. give me
a certified copy to be handed to the President.' The clerk did so,
the copy was presented to the President and the sale proceeded.
This act of Mr. Hastings was one of more benefit to our city and
county than any other single act in the history of our legislation.
Had that sale not taken place at that time, it might ne\Tr have taken
^lace, for the claim of Chouteau might have been confirmed by
Congress and this confirmation would have depopulated the eastern
half of this county, or if the sale had ever been made it would
have been after years of delay, fraught with destruction to the
prosperity of our city and county. After the public sale Mr. Chou-
teau brought a suit against Mr. P. Maloney, one of our worthy
citizens, to test the validity of his title, and the decision before
42 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
releired to was made by the United States Supreme court. Another
temporary incubus upon tlie prosperity of our city and county was
the attempt to take the mineral leads from our early miners by
pretended government agents, who claimed to have authority to lease
these lands. Certain adventurers procured such appointments and
granted to their own secret agents and tools, leases of rich lodes
discovered after much labor and expense by such men as Richard
and Robert Waller, the Langworthys, Antoine Loire and many
others and these pretended agents asked the judge here for an
injunction to prevent all working of our mines without a license
from him. The judge decided that the law authorizing this leasing
did not apply to Iowa, whereupon the secretary of war, Mr. Spencer,
wrote to the judge to prepare himself for a removal from office for
the reason that the law did apply to that part of Iowa which was
east of the Mississippi. Daniel Webster hearing of this, called
upon Mr. Spencer, gave him a short lesson in geography and the
judge was not removed." — (Judge Thomas S. Wilson in Herald
of September 4, 1883).
Comparatively little is known of Dubuque during the twenty-one
years' residence here. So far as known no portrait of him is in
existence; all such are purely imaginary and should have no place
in history. Neither is it known that he had an Indian wife. Elipha-
let Price, an early settler near here, said that one of Dubuque's
employes told him that Dubuque had no Indian wife. If he had
one what became of her after his death? If there were any children
what became of them? Would not the wife and children have
claimed his estate here and elsewhere? Not the slightest trace of
them has ever been found. — (See Judge T. S. Wilson in Herald,
February 6, 1887). Peosta was a Fox chief and a warrior of the
Kettle Chief's Tribe. The name Peseta usually bestowed upon
Dubuque's alleged Indian wife, seems to be a distortion of Peosta.
Dubuque and nine other Frenchmen, it is said, came here in 1788.
It would be interesting to know who his white companions were,
how long they remained, the terms upon which they worked for
him, etc. Dubuque wrote his name as it is now written ; he did not
use a capital B. In French the name is written Debuc. — (See
Herald, January 8, 1866.) At his death Dubuque was concealed
on the bluff where his monument now stands ; his body was placed
in a cave. In 1823 when this cave was opened, Mr. Langworthy,
who was present, said the skeleton was yet there with the hat still
on the head or skull. — (Miners' Express, September 18, 1850). It
is said that the Indians for many years kept a fire burning at the
cave or grave. His Indian name was "La Petit Nuit." The Great
W'ashington of the Foxes, Kettle Chief, was buried on the same
mound. On the cross at the grave is the following inscription in
French. "Julien Dubuque Mineure De La Mine D'Espagne, Moret
Le 24 Marse, 1810; Agee 45^4 anne." — (Translation: Julien
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 43
Dubuque, Miner of the Mines of Spain, died the 24th of March,
18 10, aged 45 years and 6 months). Dubuque was thus a young
man when he came here — about twenty-four years old.
Dubuque was a Frencli Canadian born in the Province of Quebec,
January 10, 1762, and was a mineralogist. At the age of twenty-
two years he settled near Prairie du Chien and soon learned of the
lead ore near the mouth of Catfish creek, where the Kettle Chief's
village was located, containing about four hundred Indians. In
1788 he secured the right to work the mines. He opened stores,
built smelting furnaces, bought furs, built liouses and horse mills,
opened gardens and farms, sold or traded goods and mined lead for
market. From time to time he had Frenchmen to assist him and
no doubt also Indian women and old men. He was doubtless good
to the Indians, treated them fairly, taught them how to secure many
comforts and become strong and it was no wonder they loved,
respected and obeyed him. Twice a year he took a boat load of
lead ore, furs and hides to St. Louis and returned with fresh goods,
money and supplies of food, clothing and ammunition. The inscrip-
tion on his grave, or cross, says that he died March 24, 1810, aged
forty-five years and six months ; if so, he was born about September,
1764, instead of the date given above.
A new impetus was given to the growth of Dubuque by the final
settlement of the Dubuque claim. This settlement was practically
made by Congress in 1846-7. The President by proclamation adver-
tised the lands for sale, whereupon the Senate presented a resolution
asking for a postponement of the sale, but this was prevented by
an Iowa member, who asked that there be no postponement unless
upon petition of the settlers. This passed and was sanctioned by
the President. Previous to 1846-7 all titles at Dubuque were con-
sidered uncertain. Many pioneers refused to settle here. All who
settled prepared their affairs so as to meet the Dubuque claims in
case his heirs won. Dubuque was thus crippled for years. In 1847
the growth was large as a consequence of the Congressional act of
1846-7. Over 150 buildings were erected in Dubuque from March
I, 1847, to December i ; a majority were brick.
When the case of Chouteau vs. Maloney (the Dubuque claim
case) was called in the Supreme court of the United States in
December, 1853, every member of the Iowa delegation in Congress
was present. The case was concluded in January, 1854. Judge
Thomas S. Wilson, of Dubuque, first addressed the Court and
upheld the views of Albert Gallatin. He was followed by Mr.
Carmack, who assailed the views of Gallatin and upheld the justice
of the old Senate committee report. Piatt Smith spoke, as did
Judge Wilson ; so did Attorney General Gushing. The whole Pierce
administration favored the Iowa contention. Briefly the points
made by Judge Wilson were as follows: i. The Indians could
not and did not sell the land, as it belonged to Spain. 2. Dubuque
44 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
had only peaceable possession and not full proprietorship. 3. The
bounds were indefinite. 4. Carondelet only gave permission to
work the mines, as his language was not such as was usually used
in making land grants, and no process verbal nor order of survey
accompanied his order. 5. Carondelet had no authority to make
such a sale or grant. 6. If Carondelet had such power, he could
gi\-e only an inchoate and imperfect title — one that would avail
nothing in a court of law. 7. There must be a compliance with
Spanish law and there was not in this case, and therefore no sale
was meant. 8. The land was acquired from France in 1803 and
from the Indians in 1832; Congress had authorized the sale to the
settlers, had recognized their preemption rights and had given them
patents to their tracts of land; would the government now reverse
all this, and exclude the thousands of settlers? Justice Wayne
delivered the unanimous opinion of the Supreme court in favor of
the settlers. On February 28, 1854, there was received here a
telegram that the Dubuque case had been decided in fa\or of Iowa.
Immediately an impromptu celebration was held ; the cannon was
fired, bells were rung and all congratulated each other on the out-
come and the good news. Thus at last this vexatious case was
settled forever.
Dubuque county has little Indian history, because the tribes were
removed before the arrival of the pioneers. The early settlers
found the usual artificial mounds which doubtless were thrown up
by the Indians and not by the Mound Builders proper. Several of
these mounds stood originally where Dubuque's monument now
stands. "One opened in Dubuque county disclosed a vault di\-ided
into three cells. In the center one were found eight skeletons sitting
in a circle and in the center of the group was a drinking vessel
made from a sea shell. The whole chamber was covered with logs
preserved in cement." One mile northeast of Dyers\ille, on section
29, township 89 north, range 2 west, were formerly a group of
Indian mounds — nine in all, seven circular and two embankments.
Originally the Dakota family of Indians possessed what is now
Iowa. In this family were the Iowa, Omaha, Winnebago, Mascou-
tin, Otoe, Sisseton and other tribes. Farther south were the Illinois,
Fox, Chippewa, Attouays, Pottawattomie and other tribes of the
great Algonquin family. In the fierce wars between the two fami-
lies the Sacs and Foxes gained possession of what is now Dubuque
county and were found here by the first white men. Dubuque
secured his grant from the Foxes, and lived with them until his
death. A large Fox village of sixty to seventy bark and log dwell-
ings stood on the present site of Dubuque, and nearby in the valley
were the Indian corn, bean and pumpkin fields. Before the whites
came, the Sioux, it is related, were attacked on the bluff about
two hundred yards below the mouth of Catfish creek, on the first
bluff below the one on which stands Dubuque's monument, by a
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 45
large band of Sacs and Foxes. In the rush they endeavored to drive
the mounted Sioux over the bluff. Many were forced over the
steep bank and the Sioux were defeated in the end. As a proof of
this battle the first settlers found at the bottom of the bluff, on the
east side, many Indian skeletons, more or less disjointed, scattered
around for a considerable distance. Bones of Indians and horses
could be seen there as late as twenty or thirty years ago. During the
fight, it is related, a Sioux leaped his horse down the north side,
which was not so steep, and escaped, from that circumstance the
bluff has been known as Horse Bluff. The date of this battle is
not known, but was before August 19, 1825, at which date a treaty
removed the Sioux permanently farther northward. The Horse
Shoe Bluff there is named from the shape of the small valley.
In 1832 the Sacs, Foxes and Winnebagoes ceded a large tract,
including Dubuque county, to the United States government for the
consideration of $20,000 per annum for thirty years ; $50,000 to
be paid to Indian traders; 6,000 bushels of corn, fifty barrels of
flour; thirty barrels of pork; thirty-beef cattle, and twelve bushels
of salt.
Late in May, 1838, a few wandering and dissipated Winnebago
Indians came down the river and camped on an island opposite the
lower end of town. A night or two later a few roughs from
Dubuc|ue went there for dishonorable purposes and were resisted
by the braves and squaws, during which a squaw was mortally
wounded. She was buried by the people of Dubuque and the
roughs were pursued and punished. Several were wounded in the
struggle. One of the roughs escaped. Joseph Ducoste, who was
charged with the murder of the squaw, Se-a-co, broke jail at
Dubuque in June, 1838, and Sheriff Cummings offered a reward of
$50 for his arrest.
"Indians About. — A company of about forty Indians of the
Pottawattomie tribe were encamped at Table Mound, near this city,
during last week. We understand they were a little amusing to the
people in that neighborhood. In a drunken frolic they had three
of their horses killed. Those that visited the city were fine looking,
well-dressed Indians." — (Miners' Express, June 6, 1849.)
"We were amused at the antics of a party of Pottawattomie
Indians who were allowed to ride backwards on the tender. They
evidently thought it great sport as they whooped and hallooed until
they rivaled the neigh of the iron steed. But the shriek of that
animal evidently took them down some — or up rather, as one fellow
jumped three feet into the air when the engineer let the whistle
loose." — E. &- H., June 4, 1855).
CITY OF DUBUQUE, 1788 TO 1849.
SO FAR as known, Julien Dubuque and his French companions
were the first wliite persons to reside permanently in what is
now Dubuque county, Iowa. They came here probably in
1788 and began to work the lead mines, and Dubuque, at least,
lived here more or less continuously until his death in 1810. After
the latter date until 1827, it is not probable that any white persons
resided permanently here, though doubtless, in spite of the fact that
the Indian title was not extinguished and the Indians themselves
were hostile to such advances, white explorers from the older Galena
and Wisconsin districts, invaded cautiously this county with the ob-
ject of settlement when the lands should be secured by treaty and
thrown into market. It is also known that white traders resided more
or less permanently on the islands in front of Dubuque from 18 10 to
1830. The period from 1827 to 1832 has thus been called the
period of exploration when white men on the east side of the
Mississippi invaded the wilds west of the river to select homes with
the view of early future settlement. This invasion was doubtless
one of the sequences of the Indian treaties of 1804, 1818, 1824, etc.,
which forecast the speedy acquirement by the government of lands
west of the river. Many who afterward became permanent resi-
dents of this county made explorations during this period ; among
them were James L. Langworthy, Lucius H. Langworthy, James
McPeters, E. M. Wren, Samuel Scales, George W. Jones, Thomas
McCraney, Anton Loire and others.
A party of ladies and gentlemen from Galena celebrated the
Fourth of July, 1828, at the mouth of Catfish creek, Dubuque
county. This was probably the first time in what is now Iowa that
the flag was raised and that day celebrated. In 1832 another party
from Galena celebrated the same day at the same place. — (Herald,
November 2, 1865.)
George W. Jones came here to trade with the Indians as early as
1828; he then resided at Sinsinawa Mound. In order to convey
his ox team and cart across the river, he lashed two canoes or other
boats together and then put his whole outfit on board and all were
ferried over by the Indians. He obtained lead and gave money
and goods therefor. The Langworthys and a dozen other men who
afterward became settlers here were thus engaged, several of them
as early as 1827. Some times they dealt with the traders on the
46
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 47
islands and sometimes directly with the Indians. It is said that one
or more of Dubuque's French companions resided here or on the
islands until 1826.
When the first explorers arrived they found a large village was
still standing silent, solitary and deserted, at the mouth of Catfish
creek. Every Indian had vanished. About seventy buildings, con-
structed with poles and the bark of trees, were all that remained.
The council house, though rude, was large and contained a great
number of furnaces where kettles had been placed to prepare the
feasts of peace or war. On the inner surfaces of the bark of the
council house were paintings of elks, bufifaloes, bears, panthers and
other animals. Even their sports, feasts and fights were thus repre-
sented. Here seemed to be a rude record of their history. The
whole place was destroyed by fire in the summer of 1830 by some
visitors in a spirit of vandalism, much to the regret of the first
settlers.
The treaty with the Sacs and Foxes by which what is now
Dubuque county became open to settlement, was concluded Sep-
tember 2, 1832, and took effect in June, 1833. No sooner was it
learned that the treaty had been concluded than miners, adventurers,
explorers, families and homeseekers generally began to cross the
river in order to secure first choice of permanent locations. This
fact reaching the knowledge of the authorities caused orders to be
issued to the soldiers at Prairie du Chien to remove all such per-
sons ; whereupon Lieutenants Gardonnier, Abercrombie, Wilson and
Davis (the latter becoming afterwards President of the Southern
Confederacy) came to what is now Dubuque and compelled the
invaders to re-cross to the east side, though many went no farther
than the islands in the middle of the river, where traders had
sojourned for many years. Being fully convinced that the treaty
would soon be confirmed, the settlers returned when the soldiers lost
their vigilance or were withdrawn. The result was that a score or
more of permanent settlers made their claims in Dubuque county
late in 1832 and early in 1833. After the spring of 1833 the sol-
diers did not longer seriously molest the settlers here. Some score
or more of the first settlers date their settlement here from 1832,
because they came then and went away temporarily only because
the soldiers compelled them to go.
The chief object of the first settlers was to work the lead mines
and incidentally to secure tracts of land advantageously situated.
By the spring of 1834 the village contained 300 inhabitants — set-
llers, miners and temporary residents. In the spring of 1833 the
first log cabin was built near where Finn's old tavern afterward
stood. During this year Milo H. Prentice became the first postmaster
and the first sermons — Protestant and Catholic — were preached. In
1833 also Robert Read established a farm on what afterward became
the W. G. Stewart place in Dubuque township. Hosea T. Camp,
48 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
whose daughter married John Pahner, brouglit tlie first family to
reside here permanently in 1833. In June P. Weigel brought his
family ; three of the children are yet living in Dubuque. Rev.
Erastus Kent, Presbyterian, of Galena, and Rev. Burton Randall,
Methodist, held services here in 1833. The first raft of lumber
was brought down the river by James H. and Ezekiel Lockwood
in 1833. Mrs. Camp and Mrs. Susan F. Dean, later Mrs. Law-
rence, were the first women to come here for permanent residence —
1833-
In May, 1833, Patrick Quigley arrived in Dubuque. The cabins
or shanties were so few that for the first two or three months he
was obliged to sleep out of doors more than half of the time. In
August he moved into his own house, which had neither doors nor
windows. The first flurry of snow late in autumn obliged him to
enclose his quarters. He was the first justice of the peace in
Dubuque and received his commission from Governor Horner of
Michigan territory. The next year the first hotel was built — Bell
Tavern — partly of logs — and stood a few rods north of where the
Julien House is now located. The houses then were few, poor and
huddled together. The growth of the place this year (1833) was
rapid. In 1834 the town did not advance in population and appear-
ance as rapidly as it had in 1833. Many who had come here
to mine, left, not meeting with success. Others were perhaps fright-
ened away by the cholera which appeared here. A Methodist chapel
was built this year, and a Catholic cathedral of stone in 1835. The
masons and carpenters who worked upon it charged $5 per day.
Saloons were numerous and nearly everybody drank.
In the summer of 1834 a public meeting was held and attempts
were made to change the name of Dubuque to that of Washington.
The former had been adopted by common consent and not by any
formal act of the inhabitants or the authorities. However, it was
not thought wise to change the name, as the place had already
become widely known as Dubuque. In 1S34, the Fourth of July
was celebrated on Bee branch. Simon Clark was the orator and
Clark and Lucius H. Langworthy sang the "Star Spangled Banner."
On May 18, 1834, Rev. Burton Randall became regular pastor of
the Methodist church which had been organized the year before ; he
preached in a log building which stood on the present site of the
Julien House. The first church was a log structure, which stood
where Washington Park now is. By act of June 28, 1834, Congress
attached the Black Hawk Purchase to Michigan territory, and on
September 8, 1834, the Legislature of Michigan territory formed
the two counties — Des Moines and Dubuque. Thus, prior to 1834,
Dubuque may be said to have had no law, but it was not altogether
lawless. It was a typical mining town, with dram shops where
armed men congregated to drink and fight. Although it is usual
to attempt to make the village previous to 1834 appear intensely
THE NEW H)RK
PUBLIC LiBRAkY
ASTORv lEtrox Am
■rajQEN FOUNDATIONS
B L
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 49
wild and wicked, it was not so in reality, because the lawless were
held in check by men like the Langworthys McCraney, John King,
Mile H. Prentice and others, who united to secure good order and
morals and were immensely aided by the first ministers and the
first religious congregations. But moral suasion was supplemented
by a set of orders or resolutions drawn up by John King and adopted
by the citizens as a guide of law and order to serve until the usual
courts could be set in operation.
A young man named Wheeler was tarred and feathered in
Dubuque in the spring of 1834. He had been engaged by the citi-
zens to take an insane person to his father in Illinois. Upon his
return he was charged with having pocketed most of the subscription
and with having left the insane man in destitution down the river.
Wheeler declared he was innocent and asked his accusers to write
to the father of the insane man; but they refused, tarred and feath-
ered and dumped him out of town. A little later the citizens received
a letter from the father of the insane man requesting them to thank
Mr. Wheeler for tlie care and attention given his son on the journey
down the river. After that not a person who had preferred the
charges against Wheeler or was concerned in his tarring escapade
could be found. In order to get a fight it was only necessary to .
ciiarge someone with participation in the outrage. — (Eliphalet Price
in Herald, July 13, 1865.)
"The population almost without exception was of the roughest
sort, being composed mostly of miners, whose amusements con-
sisted in gambling and drunken frolics on the most villainous
whisky. A miner would work until he had accumulated sufficient
for a spree and until cleaned out at keeno or some other game he
alternated between drunk and drunker — between drunk enough to
howl and fight, or too drunk to do either. The standard of morality
was infinitely low; the taking of life or any other species of crime
was regarded less a wrong than a pastime. Acts of extreme law-
lessness, however, were rare, for there was a regular system of
organization among the miners by which was administered a set of
laws with inflexible impartiality. The streets such as they were
presented different aspects than at present. Then a ragged Sac or
Dacotah, blending in his presence the savage dignity of the red man
and the unsteady evolutions of a modern top-heavy civilization and
barbarity trying to affiliate. A half dozen miners — fierce in unkempt
locks and ragged beards, eyes glaring and bloodshot, swaying with
unsteady pace from shop to shop, going from bad whisky to worse
and varying the performance by an occasional fight." — (Early
description of Dubuque, Herald, April 17, 1859.)
During the winter of 1835-6 a small band of Sacs and Winne-
bagoes encamped on an island in front of the town, killed one of
their number — a large man — and left him, terribly mutilated, lying
on the ice. It was thought he was killed for cruelty to his squaw.
50 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
This circumstance was narrated at a later day by Re\-. H. W. Reed,
who came to Dubuque in 1835. At that time he was the only
Protestant minister in this region. His cabin stood eight or nine
miles west of Dubuque and was built of round logs, with a single
three-light window with oil paper for glass. The roof was so poor
that during storms pans were used to catch the water running
through. There his first child was born and there it died. On
Sundays he traveled eight miles to the bluffs to preach to the miners
at 9 o'clock ; then at 1 1 o'clock he preached in the village below the
bluffs ; at 3 o'clock at Peru, and in the evening again at Dubuque.
At Peru there was no church building and on two occasions he
preached in gambling rooms. He preached occasionally at Durango.
Card playing was a fa\orite amusement — Sundays and week days.
It was about 1836 that the local paper here advertised for a min-
ister— -"One who can reason, preach, sing and enforce the fourth
commandment."
At the close of 1835 the population of Dubuque was estimated at
1,000. The people were then described by Lieut. A. M. Lee in his
"Notes on Wisconsin" as exceedingly active and enterprising, carry-
ing on a brisk and lucrative mineral trade and supplying the miners
with the necessaries and comforts of life. When the territory of
Wisconsin was set off in July, 1836, it was thought that Dubuque,
owing to its central location, might become the seat of government.
Belmont and Madison competed with it for this honor and Belmont
won. The final struggle between Madison and Dubuque was earnest
and exciting. The speeches of the Dubuque members of the Legis-
lature were effective and eloquent. Patrick Quigle)' was one of
them. He compared the founding of cities here with those in
Europe and said, "They traversed the Caspian, the Black and the
Mediterranean seas and founded their Constantinople, their Car-
thage and their Rome, not as gentlemen are attempting to raise
Madison in a wilderness of swamps, but where there were good and
commodious harbors and where commerce and jiopulation invited."
The slowness of travel is shown b}- the following extract taken from
the Visitor of October 19, 1836: "A goodly number of the Visitors
left Dubuque on the 14th of September for Chillicothe, Ohio, but
after traveling as far as Indianapolis. Indiana, became w^orn out and
being destitute of covering returned to Dubuque. We have again
dressed them in a new livery, put them into an old worn-out. two-
horse stage — (we like unifoiTnity), and cautioned them to keep the
driver from using them as a seat (which is the common practice),
and they would probably see their friends in Chillicothe in time to
receive their New Year's gift."
In the autumn of 1836 a weekly mail was established between
Dubuque and Fort Des Moines. Previous to that year no surveys
had been made here, except by pri\ate citizens, who were aided by
subscrii)lion. .\mong these private surveys was one by George W.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 51
Harrison, who laid off between twenty and thirty blocks in the
central part of the city. In 1836 Gen. George W. Jones, congress-
man, secured a grant of the section, which then constituted the
town. By this act public surveys were made and the town was
laid off in lots and outlots, the proceeds of the latter to be devoted to
the improvement of the fonner.
In an oration, July 4, 1836, W. W. Coriell, in speaking of the
struggle between Madison and Dubuque for the capital, said : "Only
three years have elapsed since the white man came into possession of
the country in which Dubuque is situated, and already, including
the county of Des Moines, it is estimated that we number more than
twelve thousand inhabitants on the west side of the Mississippi,
being about one-half of the population of the whole country of
Wisconsin. Our town and its immediate vicinity has doubtless a
population of two thousand industrious and enterprising citizens as
any to be found in the broad extent of the United States. Dubuque,
from its commanding situation, being easy of access from any
point, from the fertility of the soil and the vast mineral resources
of the country in its vicinity, from the number of its population,
being greater than that of any other town in the territory, may
well aspire to be tlie capital." — (J^isifor, July, 1836.)
The first child born here was Susan Ann McCraney, who mar-
ried John S. Barnes. A Mrs. Butterfield, aged no years, died here
about 1850. David Stiles, aged 106, died in 1871. George Cubbage
taught school in 1833. Catholic services were held at the residence
of Patrick Ouigley late in 1833. A Mr. Fox died in 1833 — the
first ; he was probably the first person buried in the old cemetery at
Jackson square. Ira Williams, Warner Lewis and Patrick Quigley
were the first justices — 1834 and 1835. On March 9, 1834, the first
temperance meeting was held. In August, 1834, a meeting to sup-
press vice and to expel gamblers and other bad characters was held.
In November, 1836, William A. Burt made the first county surveys;
he was the inventor of the solar compass. The first brick house
was built by Leroy Jackson in 1837. Alexander Levi was the first
alien to receive naturalization papers — 1837. Saloons were closed
for the first time on Sunday in August, 1835. George W. Jones
made the first political speech in 1835. George Zollicoffer made the
first wine from native grapes in 1834.
In 1836 there were very few buildings north of Fifth street. At
Locust and Sixth were two frame buildings which were torn down
in 1873. At the corner of Fifth and Locust was the Visitor in a log
house. Sixth street was once called Church because it led to the
old log church at what is now Washington square. The original
Athenaeum was built in 1S40 by Emerson and Crider at Sixth and
Main. Here the Express and later the Herald were issued; this
was called "Democratic Corner." In 1846 it became the Key City
hotel. In 1863 it was transformed into the Athenreum bv W. G.
52 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Stewart and the public hall therein became famous. Here the the-
atrical stars of the country appeared — Sallie St. Claire. Anna
Bishop, Edwin Forrest, Lawrence Barrett, Edwin Adams, James E.
Murdock, J. W. Wallack, Jr., Daniel Marble, J. B. Rice, Julia Dean,
J. B. Booth, \V. J. Florence, John Wilkes Booth, E. A. Sothern and
others, and here appeared also, under the auspices of the Young
Men's Association, \\'endell Phillips, J. G. Holland, Horace Greeley,
Victoria Woodhull. Anna E. Dickinson. Stephen A. Douglas, E. T.
Youmans, B. F. Taylor, L. Agassiz, H. \V. Beecher, the Hutchin-
sons, Adelina Patti, Ole Bull, and others.
On May ii. 1836, the Dubuque J'isitor, the first newspaper in
Iowa, and the first west of the Mississippi and north of St. Louis,
made its appearance in Dubuque. It was edited by John King, who
was assisted in June by William C. Jones, and from the start by
Andrew Keesecker.
Its motto was, "Truth Our Guide — The Public Good Our Aim."
It was issued at "Dubuque Lead Mines, \\'isconsin Territory." and
was printed by Mr. Jones on a Smith press which was afterward
used on the early newspapers at Mineral Point, Wisconsin ; St. Paul,
Minnesota, and Sioux Falls, Dakota. The J'isitor was first located
at Church and Main streets, the former being then a street between
Fourth and Fifth. It was a two-story log building, 20x25 i^^^r
erected in 1834 by Pascal Mallet for a residence. In October, 1836,
King claimed nearly 1,000 subscribers for the Visitor. In about six
months the office was remo\'ed to the east side of Main street, just
above the Globe building. In 1837 the name was changed to Iowa
Nezvs and the office was changed to the east side of Locust street
near Fifth and there remained until discontinued about 1842. The
material for the J'isitor in 1836 was obtained at Cincinnati. Both
Jones and Keesecker wrote articles for the J'isitor. The latter set
the first type in the territory ; he continued to set type in Dubuque
until his death in 1870. King and Keesecker were Democrats, but
Jones was a Whig. Later the latter went to New Orleans and
finally to California, where he died in 1867. King was a Virginian
and came to Dubuque in 1833, and from the start bore a prominent
and useful part in the development of the city and county. He was
justice of the peace in 1835, was postmaster about 1839; assisted
Plumbe in promoting the first Pacific railway in 1836; was a mem-
ber of the city council from 1854 to 1866, and at his death in 1871
was paid great honor by an immense concourse of citizens.
The old graveyard was laid out before the act of Congress was
passed, which provided for a survey of the town of Dubuque in
1836. Before that date the citizens had taken possession of the
tract, buried their dead there and placed around it a good fence.
An act of Congress sanctioned the lots already surveyed, occupied
and improved.
"From 500 to 800 head of stock cattle might be advantageously
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 53
disposed of at this place." — {Visitor, May 11, 1836.) "Artisans
of almost every description are needed at Dubuque and would find
immediate employment at good wages, particularly brickmakers and
masons." — {Visitor. May 11, 1836.) Great improvements were
made in 1836 and early in 1837 ; streets were straightened, cut down,
leveled and drained.
"Congress accordingly passed an act on July 2, 1836, giving the
inhabitants of Dubuque and other towns in Wisconsin named in
the act, pre-emption rights to the town lots occupied and improved
by them, so tliat title by occupation and improvement will be per-
fectly good. . . . There is no Spanish or French grant to
lands at or near Dubuque. The claim of the heirs of Dubuque and
Chouteau is but a baseless fabric which was decided upon by Albert
Gallatin when that gentleman was at the head of the Treasury
Department and declared to have no validity. It appears from the
papers in that case that Julien Dubuque was only a tenant at ivill of
the Fox Indians by the permission of the governor of Louisiana
and held by no tenure which ever could entitle his heirs or assigns
to the fee simple. Dubuque died in 1810 and the country which he
occupied was abandoned to the Foxes in 1812 and not again settled
upon until the year 1832." — {Iowa N'cius, June 17, 1837.)
Early in 1836 the citizens were informed by George W. Jones,
their delegate to Congress, that if they would prepare a petition to
that effect he would cause the sale of the public lots in Dubuque and
the expenditure of the proceeds upon the harbor. This petition was
duly prepared and forwarded.
Great complaint was made against the irregularities of the mail,
which, according to contract, should have been conveyed three times
a week between Galena, Dubuque and Peru, as shown by the
following :
"The mail that was due on Wednesday last came the next day
and the carrier, fatigued with his extraordinary exertion, leaving
his mail bag in town, took a small jaunt into the country by way of
recreation and did not return until tlie next day ; consequently our
papers and letters were detained from Galena twenty-four hours.
The mail was due again on Sunday, but the carrier being probably
conscientiously opposed to traveling on that day, it did not come
until brought by a steamboat passenger on Monday. The variety of
times in which tlie mail makes its trips is only equaled by the variety
of means used in its conveyance. It comes on horseback, in wagons,
big and little, in carriages, occasionally in stages, and not infre-
quently in order to have an easy trip, is retained at Galena for the
arrival of a steamboat ; and sometimes, to save trouble and expense,
it waits till next time." — {Visitor. May 18, 1836.)
Thomas Graffort kept the Washington hotel at Oak and Locust
streets. At a citizens' meeting it was "Resolved, That the persons
who first selected the present place of burial be a committee to lay
54 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
ofl and siiperinlend the fencing of tliis piece of ground, viz. : James
L. Langworlhy. Thomas McCraney and Hosea T. Camp." John
Evving, Hosea T. Camp and James Smith were appointed to collect
subscriptions to defray the expense. It was asked at this time, why
not remove the graveyard to the bluffs back of town? Another
meeting was held in July, 1836, to consider the proposition of "cut-
ting a canal through the isthmus." James L. Langworthy, Hiram
Loomis and James Co.x were appointed a committee to call for pro-
posals to cut a canal that should "connect the main slough with the
bayou — sixty feet wide at the top, forty feet at the bottom, an
average of six feet deep and 1,600 feet long.
"The tide of emigration is pouring in upon us an immense number
of families this spring. Every steamboat from below is crowded
with passengers. We have had twenty-five different arrivals by
sixteen ditYerent steamboats, as follows: Galenian — Captain Rogers;
Wisconsin, Du Buque, Olive Branch, Heroine, Banner — Captain
Dickerson ; Cavalier — Captain Patterson ; Missouri, b\ilton,
Palmyra — Captain Cole ; Warrior — Captain Gleim ; Far West,
Envoy, Frontier — Captain Harris ; Ouincy — Captain Cameron, and
others." — ( Visitor, 1836. )
The congressional act of July 2, 1836, for laying out Dubuque
and Peru made the following requirements ; That lots and streets
previously laid out should be properly observed ; town lots to be not
more than half an acre and outlets not over four acres each; lots to
be ofifered at public sale within six months ; no town lot to be sold
for less than $5 ; the lots to be divided into three classes according
to relative value ; persons who had complied with the law as regards
claims and improvements to have first chance to buy their lots; no
person could buy more than four acres unless he iiad made actual
improvements thereon; "that a quantity of land of proper width on
the river banks of the towns of Dubuque and Peru and running
with the river the whole length of said towns shall be reserved from
sale (as shall also the public squares') for public use and remain
forever for public use as public highways and for other pubHc uses."
The grant at Dubuque embraced a section of land and the original
survey was made by G. W. Harrison. In August, 1837, Thomas S.
Wilson resigned as trustee and John Plumbe. Jr., became his suc-
cessor. Thomas C. Fassett was elected president of the board. The
act of March 3, 1837, pro\ided for the laying out of Dubucpie and
Peru by commissioners.
The congressional act of July 2, 1836, provided for surveying the
lots and streets of Fort Madison. Burlington, Bellevue, Dubuque,
Peru and Mineral Point, and $3,000 was appropriated to cover the
expense. On March 3, 1837, an amendatory act was passed by
which three commissioners were ap])ointed to hear all evidence
under the claims made pursuant to the act of July 2, 1836. The act
of Marcli 3, 1839, ])ro\idcd that said commissioners should be paid
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 55
$6 per day for their services. The latter act made it the duty of the
register and receivers to expose and sell the lots provided for by the
act of July 2, 1836. The act furtlier provided that the receivers
should pay over any residue to the town authorities. Tiie following
amounts were received by the receivers: Mr. McKnight received
for lots sold in Dubuque $5,573.26; Dr. S. Langworthy, $1,200.90;
Col. George McHenry, $34-70; Major Mobley, nothing. Of the
receipts $3,000 went at once to the commissioners for surveying the
towns mentioned in the act — six towns. The sum of $1,404 was
applied to the survey of Dubuque, which sum was deemed too large
— nearly one-half of the whole. Nearly complete settlements were
made by 1847.
The Fourth of July, 1836, was elaborately celebrated. Hiram
Loomis was chairman and W. W. Coriell, secretary, of the meeting
called to make arrangements. Ezekiel Lockwood was marshal of
the day ; D. Gillilan, assistant marshal ; Rev. S. Mazzuchelli, chap-
lain; M. H. Prentice, reader of the Declaration; W. \V. Coriell,
orator; Dr. S. Langworthy was president of the day and Patrick
Quigley, J. M. Harrison, Dr. Timothy Mason and W. C. Jones,
\ice presidents. Toasts were offered by Dr. Langworthy, Rev.
Mazzuchelli, W. W. Coriell, Patrick Quigley, Jaines McCabe, John
Iving, Augustus Coriell, Leroy Jackson, J. M. Harrison, David
Sleator, William Blake, M. H. Prentice, S. W. Masters, W. B.
Green, William Cardiff, J. H. Swan, Eli Chittenden, A. Morgan,
Charles Corkery, B. F. Davis of Peru, William Hutton, Ezekiel
Lockwood, Michael Norton, E. G. Chittenden, W. Vance, Cyrus
Harper, William Allen. H. W. Sanford, Davis Gillilan, William C.
Jones, Peter Davis, W. W. Chapman, David Sleator, D. F. Blythe,
T. C. Fassett, Capt. Francis Gehon, John King and Warner Lewis.
R. C. Bourne, P. A. Lorimier, Dr. F. Andross, P. Samuels, Hosea
T. Camp, Edward White, John Ewing, L. Wheeler, John Loraine,
Hiram Loomis, Thomas Fassett and others were also present.
On November 30, 1836, the Miners' Bank of Dubuque was ciiar-
tered with a capital of $200,000, the subscribers being Ezekiel Lock-
wood, P'rancis Gehon, John King. William Myers, Lucius H. Lang-
worthy, E. M. Bissell, Robert D. Sherman, William W. Coriell and
Simon Clark ; they were authorized to sell the stock.
In October, 1836, Dubuque contained about 1,200 population; it
had three churches, two or three schools, fifty stores of all kinds,
including shops: fifty-five dwellings, one warehouse built in 1836,
and was spread over four principal streets and seven cross streets —
approximately from First to Seventh and from Locust to Clay.
The number of votes polled in October, 1836, was 621 in Dubuque
village and over 1,000 in Dubuque count}'. The original survey of
the village embraced thirty-five blocks which were subdivided into
220 town lots. Among the business men in 1836 were D. Gillilan,
dry goods; F. K. O'Ferrall, real estate; O'Ferrall & Cox, merchan-
56 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
disc ; A. Levi & Co., groceries and provisions ; John M. Davis, tailor ;
Dubuque Tavern, Jeremiah Penix, proprietor; L. Bruly, boot and
shoe maker; W. M. Baker & Co., hquors; E. Lockwood, merchan-
dise; Philip C. Morheiser, sign painter; Wilham Myers, merchan-
dise ; Emerson & Crider, merchandise ; Timothy Mason & Co., drugs ;
Wheeler & Loomis, merchandise ; George S. Nightingale, merchan-
dise; Dr. R. Murray; C. H. Gratiot, merchandise; Fassitt & Sher-
man, merchandise; Ouigley & Butterworth. groceries; Baptiste
LaPage, confections ; Sleator & Swoker, merchandise ; John Regan
& Co., merchandise; Gartrell & Dougherty, liquors, groceries, hard-
ware, etc.; R. C. Bourne, groceries; S. C. Parish, bakery, confec-
tionery; Swan, Webster & Co., merchandise; McClay & Bellows,
merchandise; F. B. Everett, merchandise; John Amer, merchandise;
H. L. Massey & Co., merchandise.
In November, 1836, a weekly mail between Dubuque and Des
Moines was established. In 1836 Congress appropriated $40,000
for the improvement of the Mississippi above St. Louis. In 1836,
so rapidly was the town growing and so improved were local condi-
tions and business, that the citizens organized as the Wisconsin
Hotel Company and attempted to raise $20,000 by subscription for
a mammoth brick hotel that should fittingly represent the importance
of the place. The hotel was to be located on Main street on lots
bought of Mr. Allen at a cost of $2,000. Loomis, Sleator and King
were the committee to oversee all arrangements. In August of this
year E. C. Dougherty kept New House hotel on Locust near the
Catholic church. The rapid growth was checked in the fall of 1836,
because the necessary building material could not be obtained,
though the stress was partly relieved by the rafts of boards and
shingles brought down from Wisconsin by Ezekiel Lockwood.
In the fall of 1836 William Hale, of Peru, brought from
Shawneetown, 111., a drove of about twenty milk cows which he
quickly sold to the settlers at $27.50 per head. Chauncey Swan &
Company operated a distillery on Catfish creek two miles southwest
of Dubuque. David Sleator began work on a sawmill at Eagle
Point late in 1836. Settlers were pouring into the new lands on the
west side of the rivers. In 1836 about fifty families from Phila-
delphia and a large colony from Ohio crossed and settled in the
open country to the westward. "Dubuque's Mines" was the name
of the postofiice. M. H. Prentice was continued as postmaster. In
June, 1836, a meeting was called for the purpose of forming a
library association. At this date a Mr. Turner lectured here 011
"Temperance." The Visitor said, "As heretofore we will be glad lo
receive also Sucker paper and N. Biddle." The editor was a
Democrat and was' making fun of the paper money of Illinois and
of the national banks. Nicholas Biddle was at that date president
of the national bank which was opposed l)y Presidents Jackson and
Van Burcn and all other Democrats. .Mready, in 1836, a canal to
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 57
connect the main shore of the river with the steamboat landing on
tiie iimer slough was discussed and projected. It was found neces-
sary to dig one-third of a mile and through the "isthmus." The
step was deemed necessary for two principal reasons: i. Boats
could come up to the business part of town; 2. a current would be
formed through Lake Peosta and the canal and would drain the
inner and other sloughs.
The first election of trustees of the town of Dubuque was held
April I, 1837, and the following board was chosen: William Myers,
Thomas S. Wilson, Charles Miller, Thomas C. Fassett and Timothy
Fanning. Mr. Wilson was chosen president of the board ; Charles
Corkery, clerk ; Patrick Ouigley, town treasurer ; Philip C. Mor-
heiser, marshal and collector, and Ezekiel C. Dougherty, assessor.
After the election the first regular business was the passage of the
following resolutions :
Rcsoh'cd, That for the purpose of removing the obstructions
from the slough of the river next to the town of Dubuque and for
rendering it navigable for steamboats, that the president and trustees
of said town borrow such sums of money as may be deemed neces-
sary to effect those objects, which money will be repaid as soon as a
sufficient sum shall be in the town treasury.
Resolved, That a committee be formed whose duty it shall be to
carry into efifect the objects embraced in the foregoing resolution, to
employ men and to superintend the work, and whose further duty
it shall be to change the course of the water from the ravine near
Mr. Lorimier's house to a channel more direct towards the river.
Messrs. Fanning, Miller and Fassett were appointed such com-
mittee and later made report that instructions had been carried out
so far as the high water would permit. Regular ordinances for the
government of the town were then passed at subsequent meetings — ■
defining officers' duties ; penalties for breaches of ordinances ; regu-
lating the police ; to prevent running horses, etc. ; fines and forfeit-
ures ; authorizing citizens to furnish fire buckets and ladders and to
form themselves into a fire company.
At the meeting of May 6, 1837, the first steps to raise revenue by
taxation were taken; ten days later the revenue ordinance was
passed. Another early ordinance provided for the due observance
of the Sabbath. Still others defined and marked the boundaries of
the town, location of streets, etc. ; regulated wharves and steam-
boats ; gave Alexander Butterworth and George Strasser permission
to keep a "butchering yard or slaughtering pen within the limits of
the town," etc.
Upon June 24, 1837, after further consideration, the trustees
concludecl to take no further action concerning the streets, in view
of the fact that the commissioners appointed by the President of the
United States to survey and lay off the town were then at work.
On June 26 W. W. Chapman, lawyer, was employed for $50 to
"58 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
attend tlic five cases of the town then pending. The assessment list
returned by the assessor was found (lefecti\e and a reassessment
was ordered. Stephen Hempstead, attorney, specially employed for
the purpose, gave his opinion that the board of trustees were author-
ized and empowered by the act of incorporation to hold courts and
impose fines ; a day for such courts was thereupon set apart. Citi-
zens were notified regularly to work the streets. G. W. Harrison
was the regular surveyor of the town ; copies of his original plots
were made. It was agreed that Charles Corken,' should be paid
$200 annually for his services as clerk of the board. On August 26.
1837, Mr. Wilson resigned from his position as trustee and hence
as president of the board. Peter A. Lorimier was elected his suc-
cessor, but declined, and John Plumbe, Jr., was chosen and he
accepted. Stephen Hempstead, for $200, agreed to attend to the
legal business of the town for the remainder of the current year.
In September a house to the rear of the store of John Regan &
Company was rented for an office by the board ; they were to pay to
George L. Nightingale, agent for Regan & Company, $5 per month
for the house.
On September 16, 1837, the board caused to be circulated hand
bills calling for a mass meeting of the citizens on September 2t, "for
the purpose of expressing public opinion and obtaining information
relative to the survey of all such lots and parcels of ground as were
intended for public use in the town of Dubuque by the original
surveys." In September, 1837, Fassitt & Sherman were repaid the
$50 they had loaned the board in April ; and Gehon & Hendry were
repaid $25 for a similar loan. An ordinance to regulate shows was
passed October 7. In October steps to grade a portion of Main
street were taken. Quigley & Butterworth and Patrick Finn were
repaid sums loaned the board in April. On November 4 the treas-
urer reported on hand a balance of $36. As early as November 18,
1837, a conflict of certain streets with the graveyard was reported
and considered. The county commissioners and the town iDoard,
both, were at work on the Lorimier Hollow road, a very important
highway leading westwardly : the tioard also worked the Dirty
Hollow road.
"Dubuque is incorporated and though only laid out in 1833 now
contains about 2,000 inhabitants. We have two stone and one
wooden churches: an excellent female school and another for boys;
several splendid brick houses ; a bank which has never suspended
specie payments ; a double steam sawmill and a grist mill about to
be attached; a printing press which issues weekly the Iowa Ncvjs;
about thirty stores: two public billiard rooms; two coffee houses;
an extensive public reading room; foiu^ hotels; two brick yards, etc.
The mail arrives tri-weekly at present, but will run daily from
January i next. Steamboats we clo not pretend to count ; they come
and go constantl}'. Navigation is now in the finest order. Laborers
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 59
receive from $20 to $30 per month and found ; mechanics receive
from $2.50 to $3 per day; farmers receive for wheat $2 per bushel,
corn $1, rye $1.50, oats 75 cents, potatoes 50 cents; beef is worth
6 to 7 cents a pound; sugar I2j/^ cents, coffee 20 cents."- — (Iowa
News, December 9, 1837, John Plumbe, Jr.) The town actually
contained about 1,100 inhabitants instead of 2,000. The Lafayette
Circus Company, of New York, performed here several nights to
large houses in 1837; a menagerie of wild animals was exhibited
here, also, in 1837; and a fine collection of paintings.
In July, 1837, T. Fanning & Co. opened the Jefferson House at
Main and O'Connell streets. A weekly mail connecting Dubuque,
Peru, Durango and Cassville was established in July, 1837. In June,
1837, a public sale of lots was advertised at Eagle Point by Thomas
McCraney, Mathias Ham, F. K. O'Ferrall and John Foley. Engle,
Booth & Co. began the construction of a steam sawmill in May,
1837. Previous to the summer of 1837 not a foot of land in Iowa
west of the Mississippi had been sold, though there were about
14,000 squatters. On June 3, 1837, the Iowa News succeeded the
Dubuque Uisitor. with Coriell, King and Russell proprietors. Mr.
Coriell had been connected with the Visitor. Early in 1837, when
the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature refused to place on record the
protests of the citizens of Dubuque against the establishment of the
capital at Madison, the people here protested vigorously.
In 1837 three fine brick houses were erected ; the Catholic cathe-
dral was completed; the Presbyterian church of stone was up two
stories high and ready for the roof. Charles Corkery opened the
Shakespeare coffee house, an institution afterward famous for its
convivial meetings, parties, etc. He kept a file of newspapers from
all parts of the country, to which guests were admitted. He also
kept liquors to which guests were admitted — "cash up." The stand
had formerly been occupied by Gehon & Hendry.
"The Miners' Bank, of Dubuque, has just got into operation
discounting liberally and paying specie. Can you say as much for
any of your old and long established institutions?" — (John Plumbe,
Jr., in Iowa Nc7vs, November 18. 1837.)
The Iowa Nezvs was suspended from October 14 to November 15,
1837, for want of paper. Richard Plumbe succeeded Thomas
Graffort as proprietor of the Washington House. In 1837 O'Ferrall
& Co. occupied their fine warehouse on the wharf. In August, 1837,
flour was $12 to $15 a barrel ; bacon 10 to 12 cents a pound ; corn
$1.50 per bushel; labor $20 to $25 per month.
The steamboat arrivals and departures at Galena in 1837 were
717, according to the Saturday Evening Post, of Philadelphia, of
January, 1838 ; the most of these boats touched at Dubuque. About
the middle of February, 1838. the mercury sank to 25 degrees below
zero at Dubuque. A railway to connect the Atlantic and the Pacific
oceans and to connect the Mississippi and Lake Michigan was
6o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
seriously considered in 1838. In the spring of 1838 Dubuque had
three or four church organizations and two stone buikiings : one
bank — the only one west of the Mississippi; thirty stores; tliree
hotels; one theater, one lyceum; two academies; one reading-room;
one printing office; one steam sawmill; one grist mill building; one
coffee house ; several billiard halls ; several "elegant brick mansions" ;
tiie lead mines were in full operation, new veins, lodes or leads being
discovered weekly, though there was no scientific mining here yet. —
(John Plumbe, Jr., in Iowa Ncivs, February 10, 1838.) On Jan-
uary 5, 1838, the Iowa Nexi's said it had received no mail for six
days. The lyceum was organized December 27, 1837. at the house
of James Langwortliy. The Iowa Nci^'s came within four votes out
of twentv-four of getting the contract to print the territorial laws
in 1837-8.
An investigation, in January, 1838, of the acts of tlie commis-
sioners appointed to survey and lay off tlie town showed gross
irregularities and unjust charges. They were entitled, it was sliown,
to thirteen days' pay and had drawn pay for three months. Other
illegal acts were set forth in the records. The commissioners were
Carver, Cubbage and Coriell.
In April, 1838, the following men were elected trustees: Alex-
ander Butterworth, John McKenzie, John Plumbe, Jr., Benjamin
Rupert and Philip C. Morheiser. Joseph T. Fales became clerk and
B. F. Davis marshal. An ordinance to prevent steamboats from
landing freight on the Sabbath was passed in April, 1838. This
caused objections from a number of citizens, whereupon a public
meeting to consider the repeal of the law was called. Mr. Hemp-
stead was employed as attorney of the board "at a fair compen-
sation."
In June, 1838, the trustees conferrtd with the county commis-
sioners with reference to the selection of a quarter section of land
for county purposes as per act of Congress. The president of the
board was authorized to confer with the commissioner of the Gen-
eral Land Office with the "view of securing to Dubuque the benefits
contemplated by the law of Congress authorizing the laying ofif
said town."
In August, 1838, William H. Turner stated in reference to his
testimony concerning the United States commissioners to lay ofif
Dubuque that the "answers are not recorded as they ought to have
been and are extremely incorrect. ]\Ir. Corkery, clerk, stated that
the answers as reported were substantially as Mr. Turner had made
them.
In February, 1838, the citizens held a pul)lic meeting to devise
ways and means to imi)rove the mail service. A committee was
appointed to petition Congress to afford additional mail facilities,
as follows: i. A tri-weekly, four-horse, post coach route from
Dubuque to Milwaukee,; 2. a weekly horse route to the center of
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 6i
Delaware county ; 3. a weekly horse mail from Dubuque to the
Cedar River settlement ; 4. an improvement of the mails between
Dubuque and Chicago and between Dubuque and St. Louis. Judge
Lockwood, J. T. Fales and John Plumbe, Jr., served as such com-
mittee. Early in 1838 the Iowa Thespian Association gave regular
theatrical perfomiances here in the Shakespeare House; the "Glory
of Columbus," by William Dunlap, was rendered by the young men
of Dubuque to overflowing houses and the performance was re-
peated several times. Thomas C. Fassett, A. J. Anderson and
George L. Nightingale were the committee on arrangements for the
Thespians. In March, 1838, the citizens assembled at the Methodist
church and organized a temperance society with Judge Lockwood
president and John Plumbe, Jr., secretary, and decided on a basis of
total abstinence. St. Patrick's day was duly celebrated at the Jef-
ferson hotel. In 1838 Dubuque was made the office of this land
district. Thomas McKnight was receiver and Joseph Worthington
register. In June, 1838, the town board called for a loan of $3,000.
The sale of lands in this district was advertised to commence
November 5, 1838.
The commissioners appointed to lay out the town (William W.
Coriell, George Cubbage and M. M. McCarver) gave notice in 1838
that they would sit in June to determine claims to pre-emption to
town lots. These commissioners were later charged with gross
irregularities if not downright dishonesty. They demanded an
investigation and a committee of citizens found them blameless.
"Changes in Dubuque. — We heard a gentleman remark the other
day that he had resided in Dubuque about five years, during which
time he had lived, first, under no government at all, then under
Michigan, next under Wisconsin, and now under Iowa." — (Iowa
Nni's, July 14, 1838.)
In June, 1838, large flocks of wild pigeons alighted on the build-
ings of Dubuque. On June 18, 1838, John King sold his interests
in the News to Coriell and Russell. Richard Plumbe kept the
Washington House in 1838. There was much complaint in 1838
over the fact that the butchers left offal and bones lying in the
streets. The land office officials gave notice for claimants to come
forward September 15, 1838, and prove their rights under the pre-
emption laws. Land sales during the first four days amounted to
$30,000. Late in 1838 hunting parties from Dubuque killed buf-
faloes and elks on the headwaters of the Turkey and Maquoketa
rivers.
The commissioners appointed to settle pre-emption claims having
failed to act, a mass meeting of the citizens was held at the court
house April 30, 1838, to consider the situation. It was "resolved,
that a committee be appointed to prepare a memorial to the commis-
sioner of the General Land Office setting forth the grounds for
which the citizens of Dubuque desire the repeal of that part of the
62 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
amendatory law which empowers one set of commissioners to
execute the provisions of the act of July, 1836, at the several towns
therein mentioned and asking the appointment of a separate commis-
sion for Du Buque in order that every person entitled to a certificate
of pre-emption may receive the same without delay : that this meet-
ing view with much regret the arbitrary dismissal by one commis-
sioner of Mr. Vliet, whose survey of the town of Du Bucjue under
the instructions of the surveyor general had given general satisfac-
tion to her citizens." Stephen Hempstead. J. Fanning and M. H.
Prentice were appointed such committee.
"Canal. — We are glad to see that two or three public spirited
individuals have commenced this work upon their own responsi-
bility. The great advantages to be derived from this connection of
the river with the bay are too apparent to all to require from us a
word in commendation of this laudable undertaking." — (Iowa
Nezvs, October 29, 1838.)
Late in 1838 W. W. Coriell sold his interest in the Nezi's to John
B. Russell, and Edwin Reeves joined the latter in conducting the
paper. November 3, 4 and 5 Duljuque was crowded with settlers
living to the westward, who came here to l)uy the homes they had
pre-empted.
Ill 1838 there were but ten jiersons or firms whose tax exceeded
$10 each and their tax exceeded one-fourth of the whole tax of the
year. In 1838 the aggregate tax levied was $534.37; in 1839,
$740.62; in 1856, $90,000; in 1857, upwards of $102.000. —
(Tillies, September 9, 1857.)
For the year 1838 the total receipts of the town of Dubuque were
$64 and total expenses $211.54^4; balance against the town.
$I47.54_54- The receipts were mostly fines and licenses. The
largest item of expense was $150 for salaries.
In 1838 among the business men were the following: Hempstead
& Lorimier, grain and merchandise ; Paschal Mallet sold his grocery
to M. Frichette ; G. B. Morrison, flour and whisky ; C. Kaltenbach,
jewelry; G. A. Shannon & Co., general store; Mattox & Markle,
general store ; Quigley & Butterworth, grocers ; Scott & Taylor,
merchandise : Joseph McClay, flour, etc. ; Adam J. .Anderson, wheel-
wright, plough-maker and sleigli-maker ; O'Ferrall & Harbeson.
general store; Emerson & Crider, grocers; E. Lockwood. general
store: Nicholas Carroll sold lime; Gehon & Hendry, general store;
Timothy Mason, drugs; L. Longuemare & Bro., grocers.
The Dubuque Lyceum was in operation early in 1838, with T. R.
Lurton, president, and John Plumbe. Jr., secretary. In February,
1838, a select committee of the territorial legislature investigated
the Miners' Bank. Ezekiel Lockwood was president of the l)ank
and Thomas Martin cashier. The following statement was issued
at this time :
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 63,
ASSETS.
Certificates for specie deposited in Detroit $ 40,000.00
Bills discounted 40,809.05
Due bills of exchange 1,450.00
Due from individuals 2,060.00
Contingent expenses 1,010.26
Suspense account 4,463.98
Real estate 950.00
Foreign bank notes 20,155.00
Items counted as cash 7.375-75
Specie on hand 1,318.02
Total $1 19,592.06
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock paid in $100,000.00
Discount received 864.01
Profit and loss 1,113.00
Twelve months' notes in circulation 12,680.00
Notes on demand in circulation 1,350.00
Individual deposits 3-585-05
Total $1 19,592.06
There had been a sharp crusade against the bank by Edward
Langworthy and others. John Dillon, cashier, swore that the bank
had on hand, November 21, 1837, $41,147 in specie; it had not yet
suspended early in 1838. In 1837 it issued post notes. On
December 5, 1838, the bank was found by the legislative committee
to be solvent and comparatively sound. Its circulation was $10,990;
post notes still out, $5,035; individual deposits, $3,647.39; gold and
silver on hand, $3,033; notes of other banks, $18,874; bills dis-
counted, $71,597.72; real estate, $4,206.11 ; capital stock, $100,000.
The legislative committee was Warner Lewis, Hardin Nowlin and
James Hall. At this time the bank advertised to redeem its post
notes upon demand without regard to maturity.
The theatrical company of Mackenzie and Jefferson rendered
se\-eral plays early in 1839 at the Shakespeare House, among them
being "Honeymoon" and "How to Rule a Wife." Among the
actors were Leicester, Germon, Warren, Sankey. Jefferson, Burke,
Wright and Stafford and Mesdames Ingersoll, Jefferson, Germon
and Mackenzie. Gemion sang "Lass o'Gowrie" and Burke danced
the "Sailors' Hornpipe." The company rendered a farce called
"The Waterman." Tickets, $1; children. 50 cents; performance
commenced at 6:30 p. m. and concluded at 10 p. m.
On January 28, 1839, it commenced to snow and continued for
64 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
two days, covering the ground to the deptli of twelve to fourteen
inches. This was the heaviest fall since the winter of 1830-1. It
had been gloomy here before, but now all became merry. Parties,
dances, sleigh rides and merriment took absorbing possession of all.
"Sleigh bells are ringing; youngsters, old maids and even old
bachelors are smiling; beaux are courting, all are dancing, and
de'il take the one that has not felt the comforts of the times." said
the Iowa Nczi's of February 2, 1839.
"The board of trustees of this place has held several meetings
within the last ten days in order to set matters to rights prior to
their retirement from the arduous duties of their office. This is
right. If they have neglected for near a year to hold a meeting,
letting the business for which they were elected go undone, they
should before their term of office expires collect taxes sufficient to
pay their salaried clerk at least. There has been but a small per
cent upon the amount of taxes assessed as yet collected, leaving an
amount due sufficient to put our streets in good order and repair
the damage done to them in several parts of the town. This neglect
comes hard upon many of our well-disposed citizens who have paid
their taxes. Now when they utter a complaint against the board
for its neglect of duty, they are answered that the taxes are not
collected — the people won't pay." — (Iowa Navs, March 16, 1839.)
The fact was that the citizens generally demurred to the payment
of land and other property tax owing to the unsettled condition of
their pre-emption rights and to the claims to all this soil by tlie heirs
of Julien Dubuque.
"The theatrical company of Messrs. Mackenzie and Jeflferson has
been performing in this place for the last ten days to respectable
houses, giving general satisfaction." Othello, Charles II., Rob Roy
McGregor, Richard III. were rendered to good houses. Leicester
was the leading tragedian; Germon made a good villain, and Jef-
ferson could always bring roars of laughter. They left after eleven
days' performance.
The Iowa News was chosen by the legislature to print the session
laws of 1838-9 and was required to give bond for $5,000. In
preparing this bond the editor of the Nezi's came in conflict witli
W. B. Conway, secretary of the territory, whose arbitrary and
dominating practices caused much vexation and anger. A citizen
of Dubuque received a perpetual ferry privilege, investing him witii
the exclusive right at Dubuque. As trade improved he failed to
improve on his rickety old house boat. This roused the ire of the
citizens and he was deprived of his privileges by the United States
District Court. Miss C. Morheiser opened an establishment for the
ladies in April, 1839 — millinery and mantua making. In Deccnil)er,
1839, the Dubuque Lyceum met in the basement of the Presbyterian
church ; A. Levi was secretary.
In April, 1839, the following trustees were elected: Samuel D.
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 65
Dixon, Edward Langvvorthy, Patrick Quigley, Lorin Wheeler and
Thomas C. Fassett. Benjamin Rupert became clerk and George A.
Shannon treasurer. In April, 1839, the board took action "to con-
sider the practicability of the citizens of Dubuque to commence a
system of improvements the coming summer," and a committee was
appointed to report on the best course to pursue. A resolution
offered by Mr. Langworthy in April provided for the appointment
of a permanent committee on finance one of whose duties was to
learn at once if citizens who performed work for the town would be
willing to receive as pay corporation certificates bearing interest at
8 per cent. At this time further inquiries were made by the board
concerning the validity of titles in the town. Five hundred blank
town orders were ordered printed May 15, 1839. Mr. Childs was
paid $50 for a large copy of the original plat of the town. It was
found best at this time to appoint a committee on claims. In June
the basis for street grades was established at several points on the
wharf. Estimates for grading and macadamizing certain streets
were considered. In June, 1839, the board ordered the purchase of
an engine then in the town, but the records do not show what the
object of this action was. At this time the ferries stopped at
McGeary's Landing. An embankment was ordered built from the
lower landing to where Main street intersected Front street ; it was
let out in several contracts by the yard and was paid for in town
orders bearing 7 per cent interest. The base of the embankment
was ordered made twenty-one feet wide and the top fifteen feet
wide.
In September, 1839, the trustees met in a back room of the
building occupied by Nightingale & Dougherty. The center of the
embankment being built at Front street was ordered located forty
feet east of the west line of Main street. The contractors of the
embankment were James Currin, John AIcMahon, John Blake,
Hugh Tranor (Treanor) and John Chapman; they were each
required to give bond for $100 and obligate themselves to complete
the work by November i, 1839. Several of the contractors backed
out and were released and others were appointed. Contractors were
paid forty-four cents per square yard. F. Guerin was one of the
contractors. They were permitted to take dirt out of Third and
other nearby streets. In October. 1839, an embankment was
ordered as follows: From First street, on the east side of Main
street, until it should intersect the embankment leading to the lower
landing. A committee was appointed to memorialize the legislature
to the effect that the ferry privileges here were the property of the
corporation of Dubuque. In order to continue Eighth street west-
ward the board bought a portion of the garden of Mr. Lorimier late
in 1839. In November, 1839, the board borrowed $100 of the
Miners' Bank of Dubuque. After November 11, 1839, the trustees
66 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
met at the office of Dr. Timothy Mason, who had l)ecome a member
of the board.
On December i6, 1839, the proposed city charter was referred to
a committee. It was duly considered by the board ten days later,
amended and a copy forwarded to Edward Langworthy, member of
the legislature. On February 10, 1840, an election on the city
charter was ordered held at the court house on the first Monday in
March, 1840. A. Butterworth, J. F. Fales and Leroy Jackson were
appointed judges of election. On March 18, 1840, the board
decided to memorialize Congress concerning the disposal of the
proceeds of the sale of town lots. Timothy Mason prepared the
memorial.
On April i, 1840, B. F. Davis was allowed a bill as per ordinance
"informing on O'Mara, Hedges. Downs and LaPage for violation
of the Sabbath." The vote on the city charter was polled in a house
at the corner of Main and Third streets. E. M. Bissell, for with-
holding the "profiles" from the board, was ordered sued in trover
in April, 1840.
The trustees in April, 1840, were Quigley, Dixon, Mason,
Wheeler, Farley and Miller. Benjamin Rupert became clerk. The
board met in the store of Mr. Hawkins on Main street. Persons
who were using the graveyard as a pasture were ordered to desist.
The Iowa Neivs of February i, 1840, contained the following
editorial : "Du Buque. — Never to our knowledge has our city been
so well supplied with all the necessaries of life at this season of tlie
year as at the present time. Flour which in the winter time was
always held at the prodigious and extortionate price of $18 and
even $20 a barrel can now be had readily at $7, $8 and $9 per barrel,
and all other articles in the same proportion. It is true, money is
scarce, but the great difference in the price of provisions is not
owing to that circumstance. The soil is beginning to be extensively
cultivated. In addition our citizens are occasionally treated with
luxuries which our eastern brethren do not enjoy. Prairie chickens
by the sled load are frequently peddled out through the streets at a
bit apiece and venison is in abundance. The time is near at hand
when we will no longer have to depend upon the lower country for
our supplies of provisions. Indeed, tliat sort of speculation may be
considered at an end already." Jordan's Ferry was opposite
Dubuque. There stood a tavern, grocery, stable and there ferry
privileges could be had. In 1840 there were a first class new horse
boat, a flat, and skifTs. This property was offered for rent in
February, 1840, by George W. Jones.
"Upon a level we suppose the snow to be about ten inches deep,
which, together with the others before it, makes a greater fall this
winter than any one since the settlement of the country." — (Iowa
Netvs, February 15, 1840.)
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 67
"NOTICE. — Ran away from the subscriber on the 22nd inst. a
servant girl about eleven years of age ; had on a small figured blue
calico dress, short black hair and black eyes. I hereby caution all
persons against harboring or trusting her, under penalty of the law,
as I will enforce it against anyone to the uttermost extent.
"Du Buque, Jan. 25, 1840. Charles Swift."
Dubuque was incorporated as a city at the legislative session of
1839-40, with the following boundary : "Beginning at a point in the
middle of the main channel of the river Mississippi, east and parallel
with the south line of the town of Dubuque, as surveyed and laid off
by the commissioners appointed under an act of Congress to lay off
the towns of Fort Madison, Burlington, Du Buque, etc., and running
westwardly with the said line to a stone which marks the southwest
corner of said town ; thence northwardly to a stone which marks the
northwest corner of said town; thence with the line of said town to
the slough; thence east northeast to the middle of the main channel
of the Mississippi river; thence with said channel to the place of
beginning." An election of one mayor and six aldermen was
ordered held on the first Monday of April, 1840; they were to
hold their offices for one year.
"The mails are getting far behind. For the last ten days we have
had but one eastern mail. ... A southern breeze for a few
days past, together with a moderate rain, has poured such a quantity
of water on the ice as to threaten a breaking up soon. Mr. Karrick,
mail contractor, informs us that in crossing the river last evening
one of his horses broke through the ice and would have gone under
but for the firm footing and strong exertions of the other. There is
no safety in the ice at the present time." — (Iowa Neivs, February
22, 1840.)
"When Dubuque first became a corporate town, very little interest
was manifested about it — the meeting was not attended by many
citizens and very few of the large property holders and influential
citizens attended. The first board of trustees was composed of men
every way worthy of their station. The Hon. Judge Wilson was
president of the board and I am happy to say they discharged their
duties with fidelity, but the people generally evinced an apathy in
their acts — they stood aloof and when they happened to enforce the
laws they were not backed and supported by their fellow citizens."
— (Civis, in Iowa News, February 22, 1840.)
The Ncivs was suspended from March 7, 1840, to May 5, same
year, and was then revived by W. W. Coriell and Edwin Reeves ;
the former was ov.'ner and the latter associate editor. The Dubuque
Sawmill Company was dissolved in May, 1840, the members being
Caleb H. Booth, Francis K. O'Ferrall, Charles E. Harbeson and
Peter Hill Engle. At the monthly meeting of the Catholic Tem-
perance Society in March, 1840, over three hundred persons were
68 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
prescnl, inckidiiig many ladies; nineteen persons took the pledge.
Among the s])eakers were Quigley, Benton, Davis, Bradford, Good-
rich and Collins, nearly all of whom were lawyers. The Protestants
also had a large temperance society. It was thought at this date
that soon one-third of all Dubuque would have signed the pledge.
There were weekly lectures during February and March, 1840, at
the Lyceum ; Mr. Collins lectured there on "Education" to three
hundred persons. The office of town marshal was created May 5,
1840.
NOTICE.
To Pre-onption Clalmanfs to Tozvn Lots i>i the Toi^'ii of Ditbitqur,
lozva Territory:
You are hereby notified that all lots in the above town not entered
by pre-emption before the 20th day of June next will be then
advertised to be sold at public auction to the highest bidder in
accordance with the act of Congress of the 3d of March, 1837, at
this office.
B. Rush Petrikin, Register.
Thomas McKnight, Receiver.
Man\' settlers gathered here to attend the land sales ad\-ertised for
May 18, 1840. About one hundred encamped on an island in the
river in front of the town. The hotels and boarding houses were
filled. No speculators were here — they dared not appear. The
buyers who came had the cash for their lands. Here was seen the
pioneer in all his might and all his glory. At this sale lands in
Taylor, Iowa, New Wine and Cascade in Dubuque county were
ofifered.
In May, 1840. several new buildings were in progress: lumber
was abundant and cheap ; there were many new mining prospects ;
the smelters were busy and credit was getting better. There was a
duty of 3 cents a pound on pig lead; 3J/ cents on leaden shot and
balls ; 4 cents on red or white lead, dry or ground in oil, and 2 cents
on lead ore or mineral. The streets of the town were infested with
hogs and there was much complaint.
"As the season for fleas is approaching we beg leave to direct the
attention of the corporation to the droves of hogs which infest our
streets." — (Iowa A^ezvs, June 16, 1840.)
"The taxes assessed by order of the board of trustees upon
houses and lots in the town of Du Buque, to which the government
title has not yet been extinguished, being illegal, our citizens are not
willing to pay, without better evidence is furnished them, that the
money heretofore collected has been expended in a way to benefit
the town. It is time enough to pay our taxes when we have our
evidences of title in our pockets." — (Iowa Nczi's. June 16, 1840.)
On June 20, 1840. private entries of town lots by pre-emption
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 69
were permitted. In June $70,000 was received at the land office in
one week. The steam sawmill of Booth & Martin, in June, 1840,
was busy cutting from 2,000 to 3,000 feet of pine lumber per day.
Their logs came from the Chippewa and Black rivers. Business
here was dull in June, 1840.
A large raft of sawed pine lumber arrived here from Plover
portage on June 16 and fifteen more from the same place were on
their way down. "If the water in the Chippewa and Wisconsin
rivers should continue high a little while longer, the towns on the
upper Mississippi will be literally deluged with pine lumber.'" —
(Iowa Ncx^'s, June 23, 1840.)
|ohn King was postmaster in 1840. The Iowa Ncivs was sus-
pended from June 14, 1840, to May 29, 1841. The Fourth of July,
1840, was celebrated on an immense scale. In September, 1840,
there were many lots in Dubuque to which no certificates of pre-
emption under the act of March 3, 1838, had been issued; also lots
the certificates of pre-emption to which were granted and issued
illegally and the claims to which had been rejected; also a few
forfeited lots.
On June 29, 1840, the marshal reported that he had completed
the fence around the gra\'eyard. Provision for the safe keeping of
gun powder was made. On July 1 1, 1840, it was "ordered that the
note held by William E. Trask for the fire engine, amounting to
$400, be renewed by another payable October 18, 1840, for $410.66,
at 8 per cent interest. Work on the south end of Main street was in
progress in August, 1840. Proposals for building a town powder
magazine were ordered received.
The act of Congress of March 3, 1837, gave to the inhabitants
of Dubuque the net proceeds of the sale of 640 acres of land on
which the town was located, to enable them to construct streets,
wharves, etc. By September, 1840, there were left about sixty lots
upon which no pre-emption claim had yet been made. In view of
these facts the trustees determined "to see that all lots left as public
lots should be sold at a fair public sale open to all bidders." In
September, 1840, a committee was appointed "to petition the Secre-
tary of War for the survey of the port and harbor of the town of
Dubuque. In November, 1840 there was pending a case entitled
United States vs. President and Trustees of the Town of Dubuque.
As a measure to prevent fires an examination of all stove pipes and
chimneys in town was made in December, 1840. Hay scales were
ordered bought in January, 1841.
"Lately visiting Dubuque we found it progressing finely in build-
ings, mining and dry goods business; but the retail grocers (wet)
wore long faces. A complete temperance reformation has been
effected by the zeal of the Catholic clergy among its much abused
Irish citizens in whose hands the glass has given place to implements
of industrv. Nor is the reformation confined to them alone — it has
70 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
spread throughout the community, embracing every class and eveiy
denomination. Ahnost every Irish Catholic has signed the pledge
of total abstinence. In politics she is slumbering — not a movement
save secret caucuses which are held weekly by the leaders of the
party. This is no time for Democrats to be idle ; wake up to duty,
Democrats." — (Bloomington //craW, April i6, 1841.)
"We are happy to perceive a spirit of energy in the movements
of our new corporation which will before long remedy the evils
under which our citizens have so long suffered. The work of
straightening Eighth street and repairing the road through Lorimier
Hollow, over which a considerable portion of the business of the
town with the country in its rear is done, will not only be of great
benefit to our trade, but will stop the rush of water which for the
past two years has been ruining the property at the south end of
Locust street. It is also in contemplation to commence the excava-
tion of the long-desired canal between the outer and inner sloughs
as soon as the fall of water will permit. After this improvement is
completed a current will be thrown into the inner slough which will
render its waters sweet and healthy and enable steamboats to
approach the wharves in ordinary stages of water. We have too
long remained in a state of apathy in regard to the disadvantages
suffered on account of the obstructions to our harbor and the conse-
quent injury to the health and business of this place. No town on
the upper Mississippi has so many natural resources as Dubuiue.
It is only necessary to apply the enterprise of an industrious tncl
vigorous population to insure a rapid advance to prosperity. A fter
this canal is commenced all our citizens who feel interested ii its
speedy completion will have an opportunity of affording uch
assistance to the corporation as they may deem expedient either in
teams or labor." — (Iowa Nrccs, May 29, 1841.)
In 1841 the citizens petitioned Congress for a survey ot Dubuque
harbor with a view of improving navigation. In the spri.15 of 1841
a bill for the final settlement of the Dubuque claim was introduced
in the United States Senate.
In March, 1841, the ladies of the Dulnique Benevolent Associa-
tion gave a public dinner and were patronized by almost »'verybody.
The voluntary speakers were Patrick Quigley, Charles Corkery,
G. C. Collins, Timothy Davis and Rev. J. Cretin. In tbr* spring of
1841 bills of the Miners' Bank to the amount of about $j e,ooo were
deposited and as usual a certificate of deposit for specie tvas issued,
but when the specie was demanded two days later it was announced
that the bank had suspended.
The first number of the Miners' Express was issued about August
I, 1841, by Thomas and Keesecker. Avery Thomas, r<f Dubuque,
went to Cincinnati by boat and purchased the materials. The citi-
zens previously had urged the need of such a sheet here. No doubt
proper encouragement and perhaps pecuniary assistance were ex-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY yl
tended. D. S. Wilson related that when it came to naming the paper
many titles were proposed ; finally the Miners' Express was unani-
mously chosen. During its existence it was often called "The Thun-
derer," like the London Times, because it swayed at will the old
democracy of this portion of the West.
On March i, 1841, the citizens of the town voted on the question
of a charter and city government — fifty-eight votes for the charter
and thirty-eight votes against it. This vote was an acceptance of
the charter and an election of mayor and six aldermen was ordered
held April 5, 1841. H. W. Sanford, Augustus Coriell and Dr.
Timothy Mason were appointed judges of that election.
The first city officers elected were C. H. Booth, mayor, and J. P.
Farley, Charles Miller, E. Langworthy, W. W. Coriell, H. Simplot
and T. Fanning, aldermen. Mr. Coriell was chosen president of
the board. On May 3, 1841, Benjamin Rupert was elected city
clerk ; B. F. Davis, marshal and collector ; E. C. Dougherty, assessor
and street commissioner; William Lawther, treasurer, and Charles
Miller, weigh-master. At this time there was considerable money in
the land office here due the city from the sale of city lands; it was
decided to ask the Secretary of the Treasury to order this sum paid
to the city of Dubuque.
On May 26, 1841, it was determined by the board to begin at
once the improvement of the harbor under the supervision of the
street commissioner, who was directed to open a canal to connect
the outer and inner sloughs at the best practical points. He was
directed "to deepen the channel which now connects the slough at
the lower landing with the inner slough and levee the same on the
side next the town so as to make as good a steamboat landing as
may be practicable." Mr. Farley voted against this ordinance.
The board opened Eighth street and appointed a jury to assess
the damage thereby to the property of Peter A. Lorimier; they
found the damage to be $70. On May 31, 1841, the board ordered
issued in the denominations of $1, $2, $3 and $5 blank orders to the
amount of $2,000. Proposals for work on the canal were called foi
in June, 1841 ; this work was paid for in city scrip. Another $1,000
was appropriated for canal work on June 21, 1841. Steps to deepen
the mouth of the inner slough at the lower landing were taken in
August, 1 84 1. Another $1,000 for canal work was appropriated
late in August, 1841. Previous to September 6, 184 1, there had
been appropriated for the opening of this canal a total of $3,500;
the canal to connect the outer and inner sloughs. The board on
September 6, 1841. pledged the fund due the city from the land
office from the sale of public lots for the payment of the above
appropriation. The board investigated the accounts of the land
office so far as the sale of city lots was concerned. A great many
grocery (wet) licenses were issued about this time; the license was
$100.
72 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Gen. James Wilson was appointed surveyor general for Iowa
and Wisconsin in the fall of 1841. It was stated at the time though
denied that he hought the printing plant of the Iowa Neti'S with the
intention of establishing here a Whig newspaper.
The Dubu(|ue Insurance Company was organized in Februan',
1842, by Edward Langworthy, \Villiam Lawther, J. P. Farley.
Charles D. Townsend, Timothy Davis, Patrick Ouigley. Robert
Waller and Henry Simplot. A mechanics' institute was incorpo-
rated a little while before this date. D. S. Wilson and A. Keeseckcr
were editors of the Miners' Express. The winter of 1842-3 was
unparalleled for its long continuance and exceptional severity. It
began about the middle of November with snow after snow and
severe cold, .\side from a dozen fair days late in January, it was
snowing nearly all the time. Nine days in February, 1843. the
mercury was below zero and of the first twenty-three days in March
eleven were below zero. The river did not open until late in April
and the ice was more than thirty inches thick. In 1842 the Miners'
Bank, after suspension, changed owners and afterward was con-
trolled by the Gas Light Company of St. Louis, under which it
resumed for a short time, but then suspended again. A bill was
introduced in the legislature to repeal its charter, but this step
roused the citizens of Dubuque who agreed to raise $50,000 in
specie to strengthen the bank, providing tlie charter was not re-
pealed; whereupon the bill was defeated in the council though it
passed the House. It was still the only bank in Iowa territory, and
thougji the Democrats opposed it the Whigs fought hard to retain it.
"The Miners' Bank of Dubuque a few weeks ago was selected by
the brokers of St. Louis as tlieir next victim. They refused its
notes, decried them, and soon they were finding their way to the
shaving shop at a discount. Two somebodys were sent up to
Dubuque to examine its affairs, who returned and reported that she
would resume specie payments on the first of July next. This story
told, the brokers could pass her notes at par, wiiich they had taken
in at a great discount." — (Bloomington Herald, July 17, 1842.)
"The Miners' Bank of Duliuque has, we are informed, gone to the
, where we wish all Ijanks could be sent. Give us the barrel
and we know when we inil our hands upon it that it is there and no
mistake." — (Bloomington Herald. July 22. 1842. )
In April, 1842, Samuel D. Dixon was elected mayor and John
Thomp.son, J. P. Farley, James Fanning, Joseph Ogilby. A. Ciine
and Joseph T. F"ales, aldermen. The council elected the other city
officers. The water which came down Lorimier Hollow (Eighth
street) in early flood times caused severe losses and was very
troublesome. Much time was spent in examining the extravagant
cliarges of the commissioners appointed originally to lay ofif Du-
buque. A ditch carried the water down Eighth street to the slough
and had to be bridged at several places. The fire engine was ordered
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 7^
transferred to a company of firemen formed about this time. The
trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church agreed to sell the old
meeting house to the city council for $ioo. John D. Bush and
William B. Smith, who laid claim to lots on the public square,
refused to vacate until they were paid $ioo per lot each.
The old fire engine on May 2, 1842, was turned over to the
following enrolled fire company : John R. Harvey, Warren Emer-
son, D. McGouldrich, James M. Emerson, William H. Robbins.
James V. Campton, David S. Wilson, A. Keesecker, Rufus Miller.
Charles Miller, Samuel Dodge, R. C. Anderson, William Rebman.
Jacob Evans, B. F. Davis, J. E. Whitcher, George W. Starr,
William Young, James H. Warren, William Newman, C. Pelon,
Timothy Smith and William W. Anderson.
On May 9, 1842, the council prepared a memorial to Congress
asking that body to donate to the city authorities the islands in
the Mississippi river opposite the city ; the memorial was forwarded
to Hon A. C. Dodge, delegate in Congress.
"Orders have been received at the land office to suspend business
until the new register shall arrive and be duly qualified. The conse-
quence of this will be detrimental to hundreds of settlers who have
not yet proved up their pre-emptions under the act of 1840 and the
time will expire in a month from this." — (Miners' Express, Mav 19,
1842.)
The erection of a market house was first broached June 20, 1842.
and again considered July 11. The city procured considerable lum-
ber at Hale's mill. On July 12 Cline, Fales, Fanning and Ogilby
voted in favor of a market house and Farley against it. A com-
mittee of three prepared plans and specifications for the building.
The council, in October, 1842, inquired into the expediency of erect-
ing bridges across the sloughs, so that access to the main channel of
the river could be secured. In December, 1842, the receiver of the
land office here issued a statement as to the amount of money due
the city, the number of lots yet to be sold, etc. In December the fire
company petitioned for ladders and hooks which were made for
them by Joseph Ogilby upon order of the council.
In 1842 the Washingtonians and other temperance organizations
had strong followings in Dubuque. In 1843-4 Congress appro-
priated $14,500 for the Dubuque harbor. In the fall of 1843 f^^e
trade of Dubuque was much larger than ever before; grain and pork
in enormous quantities came here in wagons from a hundred miles
to the westward. Every business here felt the stimulus. In No-
vember, 1843, Pi'of. M. De Bonneville who had taught French at
Harvard University lectured here on animal magnetism. It was
said he could stop a woman's tongue by merely shaking his finger at
her. He organized a private class and it was declared humorously
that all who had scolding wives became members. It was claimed
that he performed sex'eral remarkalile cures — deafness, lameness,
etc. The first number of the Iowa Transcript was issued lat*^ in
74 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
May, 1843, by H. H. Houghton, of the Galena Gazette. It claimed
to be Democratic, but favored Clay for President. The Express
favored Van Burcn. Owing to ill health Mr. Houghton was forced
to suspend the paper temporarily about August i, 1843. The
Miners' Express said February 17, 1843, that mercury a few days
before stood in Dubuque at 40 degrees below zero. — (Bloomington
Herald, February 24, 1843.)
'"We had a tremendous hail storm here on Tuesday evening last.
It broke upwards of twenty panes of glass in the house in which our
office is situated. Six of the hailstones weighed a pound." —
{Miners' Express, May, 1843.)
The famous "Bill Johnson" who had played the part of a villain
in Maine and along the Canadian border came west to Buchanan
county, Iowa, in 1843 and began similar tactics. He had spread
consternation along the entire Canadian border. It was alleged that
the man of that name in the West was not the same person as the
Maine buccaneer. The one in the West was finally lynched by a
party of regulators, but his lynchers were sent to the penitentiary by
the United States District Court sitting at Dubuque. The western
"Bill Johnson" had a lovely daughter who attended the trial and
riveted all eyes by her unusual feminine charms. Mr. Keesecker, of
the Miners' Express, wrote of her in extravagant terms — "heavenly
charms, deep blue eyes, matchless grace, piercing glances, queen-like
dignity, soul-subduing countenance," etc., and was laughed at by
the whole press of the West. He resented this interference and
came near having a duel with John B. Russell, the editor of the
Bloomington Herald. Apparently the only obstacle to the encounter
was their disagreement as to the place of meeting. The blood
curdling articles of the editors make good reading.
The election of city officers in April, 1843, was held at B.
Rupert's office ; Dr. T. Mason and Gen. F. Gehon were judges of the
election. Wilson and Keesecker of the Miners' Express did the city
printing for several years about this period. David & Crawford,
attorneys, represented the city in the case of City of Dubuque vs.
United States Commissioners. At the April election, 1843, James
Fanning was chosen mayor, and Timothy Fanning, David Sleator.
P. C. Morhiser, John H. Thedinga, F. K. O'Ferrall and Joseph
Ogilby, aldermen. There were bridges at Bluff, Locust, Iowa,
Clay and other streets, for which lumber was obtained from Hale's
mill. W. B. Smith was city clerk. An ordinance prohibiting the
opening of saloons and stores on Sunday was lost in June, 1843:
ayes — Fanning and Ogilby ; nays — Thedinga, Morhiser and Sleator.
New bridges were built on Bluff, Main, Iowa, Clay, Locust and
White streets and Lorimier Hollow. In June, 1843, citizens peti-
tioned for the erection of a market house. The city had great
trouble to get its dues from the land office. It was necessary to
dig drains from Bluff street to the slough across Locust, Alain,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 75
Iowa, Clay and White streets on Eighth. Sevenlli and others. Lum-
ber from Sage's mill was used on city bridges. A suitable place for
the fire engine was obtained in January, 1844. At this time the
council resolved itself into a board of health for the suppression of
smallpox.
By May, 1844, the notes of the resuscitated Miners' bank were
at par with specie. About April i, 1844. H. H. Houghton sold the
Transcript to Royal Cooper. The paper expired in September, 1845,
at whicii date the materials were removed to Rock Island.
In April, 1844, F. K. O'Ferrall was elected mayor, and Fanning.
Thedinga, Blake, Rogers, Dwelle, Shields, aldermen. Grocery (wet)
license was fixed at $100. The town lots remaining unsold in
Dubuque were listed in 1844. A general examination of the public
improvements going on here was ordered in April, 1844. Culverts
on all the cross streets had to be built. Again on May 9, 1844,
the council asked the recei\er at the land office why the money due
the city was not paid over. Eleventh street to the canal was opened
in the spring of 1844. The ordinance closing groceries (wet) and
stores on Sundays went into effect in May, 1844. Several mines
were discovered in the forties on city property, which were leased
for mining purposes. J. P. Farley was authorized to build a pow-
der magazine, and all persons who sold powder were required to
deposit the same therein. The council met in a room owned by
R. Cox in 1844-45. In November, 1844, Farley & Bonson pre-
sented a bill of $206.85 ^O"" building a powder magazine. E. Lang-
worthy was asked to appear before the council in November, 1844,
to report the amount of mineral due the city from the Third street
mines. The city's share of this mineral was one-fourth and was
worth $83.30 in specie. Immense sums in the aggregate were spent
on street improvements. The survey of the harbor in detail was
duly considered in December, 1844. Captain Barney, in charge of
the government surveys of the harbor, was consulted and assisted.
The question of a market house was again considered in February,
1845. Levi and Simplot agreed to donate to the city ten feet front-
ing on their lots on Fifth street between Main and Iowa, providing
the same should be used for a market-house. Steps to raise the
means to erect the building were taken in February, 1845. James
Wilson and E. Dwelle leased the city mines on Third street.
In April, 1845, F. K. O'Ferrall was again chosen mayor, and
Elisha Dwelle, Robert Rogers. Timothy Fanning, John H. The-
dinga, John G. Shields and John Blake, aldermen. Twenty feet
on the south side of Fifth street between Main and Locust streets,
owned by Charles Miller, was obtained for a market house. J. P.
Farley improved and fenced the public square and was paid therefor
$136.50. The Couler Hollow road was greatly improved in 1845,
so also was Dodge street up Madden Hollow. Captain Barney gave
the council the hydrographical map of the upper Mississippi in
76 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
April, 1845. The council considered the contemplated improve-
ments on the harbor. L. H. Langworthy having exchanged with
the city important lots on the Couler, was required to furnish the
city as a part of the compensation 10.000 good building brick.
G. W. Starr was paid $5 "for fixing and hoisting the American
flag on July 4, 1845." ^- Hooper prepared specifications for the
market house at this time. A stone wall sixty-four feet long and
two and one-half feet thick was ordered built on the west side of
Locust street between Second and Third. In July, 1845. Warner
Lewis informed the council concerning instructions received at the
land ofiice in regard to the vmsold town lots and issued instructions
as to what should be done to enter and pay for the same. December
I, 1845, was the day set to close the sale of such lots. "Cash or its
equivalent in city scrip" was a term often used at this date in the
payment of bills. It was necessary to build a bridge on the landing.
Mr. Cook's plan for a market house was finally accepted. Sealed
proposals for the building were called for. A cistern was ordered
built in the market house — to hold 200 barrels of water. All
slaughtering within the city limits was prohibited from September i
to November i, 1845. This order was in response to a petition to
that efifect. Todd & Humboldt ofifered to build the market house as
per plans for $883.
In January, 1845, A. Keesecker sold his interest in the Miners'
Express to George Green, who had formerly been a member of the
territorial council from Cedar, Linn and Jones counties. Through
the exertions of Charles Corkery there was subscribed in Dubuque
in 1845 $1,000 for a hospital; he also managed to secure the title
to eight acres within the city limits for a site. In 1846 the ladies
of Dubuque, among whom were Mrs. G. \V. Jones and Mrs. J. P.
Finley, gave a public supper by which to raise funds to buy a fire
engine. They gave several others and by 1848 the fund amounted
to $125.60, which the council endeavored to obtain, but w'ithout
avail, unless they should furnish an equal amount. The sum was
put in bank and continued to draw interest. In January, 1845,
pursuant to act of Congress of December 26. 1844, Col. J. J. Abert
and Capt. T. J. Cram, of the United States Topographical Corps,
made the following report of the survey of Dubuque harbor.
The chart of the survey of Dubuque harbor showetl that the
harbor was not in the main river, but in one of its collateral chan-
nels, of which there were several near Dubuque. In times of high
and medium water boats of the largest class could enter the harbor,
but during the usual low and the extreme low stages of the water
boats of that class could not enter all the secondary channels leading
to and from the harbor, owing to the shoaliness of the water. The
shoals were the result of sand and mud de])osits due to the currents
and the islets. At a stage of four and one-half feet above extreme
low stage the mean maximum velocity of the running prism of
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 77
water in these channels was only .962 miles per hour, maintaining
an average maximum depth of nine feet ; wiiile the velocity in the
main river in tlie contiguous reacli was 1.5 miles per hour with an
average maximum depth of fourteen feet. It was shown that there
would be no difBculty in removing the existing shoals by the simnle
process of dredging so as to allow steamers of the largest class to
enter the harbor at the lowest stages ; but the dredging would have
to be repeated periodically.
In the law making the appropriation for the harbor the following
language was used: "For the improvement of the harbor at the
town of Dubuque, Iowa, seven thousand five hundred dollars.
Proz'idcd, Upon due examination and survey, under the direction
of the secretary of war, it shall appear that a permanent improve-
ment can be accomplished and completed for this amount so as to
admit the landing of steamers of the largest class navigating the
river at the town of Dubuque at all seasons of the year." It was
stated that "the upper Mississippi rose in June and July, 1844, to an
elevation of twelve feet two inches above its extreme low stage at
Dubuque and did not subside to a stage admitting of taking the
soundings until in October following, when it was down to a stage
lower than the elevation of the June and July flood by seven feet
eight inches. This is the stage to which the soundings recorded in
the chart are all referred and which is four feet six inches above
extreme low stage."
Among the plans proposed for the improvement of the harbor
were the following :
la. Dredge the bed of the main river near Eagle bluff for an
extent of 1,000 feet ; cost, $2,000.
2b. Excavate a steamboat canal from bank of main river from
lower extremity to the head of Lake Peosta for 1,800 feet; cost,
$12,690.
3c. Dredge present bed at head of Lake Peosta for an extent of
1,600 feet; cost, $2,371.
4d. Dredge bed of channel from near foot of Lake Peosta to
head of existing artificial canal; cost, $750.
5e. Deepen that canal, also the head of the natural basin just
below as far down as the foot of Orange street — dredging 2,250
feet; cost, $5,087.
6f. Dredge head of natural channel from Langworthy's ware-
house down to Jones street. 1,600 feet; cost, $1,501.
yg. Dredge head and remove from natural channel from Jones
street down along bluff into the main river, 7,000 feet ; cost, $9,240.
8h. Machines, superintendence and contingencies, $9,400. Total
cost, $43,039. This plan carried out would give open navigation at
the lowest water for the largest class of steamers then on the river
from the main river near Eagle Bluff down to the main river below
the town, four and three-quarters miles.
78 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
The second plan was not to use Lake Peosta at all, but to deepen
the secondary channel just east of that lake about i.2CX) feet, and
then dredge. All of this would cost $34,181.
The third plan was to improve the natural channel, abandon the
existing canal and in lieu cut a new steamboat canal south from that
channel into the basin; total cost, $31,857.
The fourth plan was to improve natural channel, dig a deep
feeder for the basin, open a steamboat canal from deep water in the
basin to deep water in the secondary channel; dredge bed of the
channel, and by dredging keep the channel free of deposits ; cost,
$25,042.
The fifth plan contemplated constructing a deep feeder to supply
the basin from the channel, a steamboat canal, dredging the bed of
the channel, construction of a dam, etc. ; cost, $15,689.
Plan six included a deep feeder, a steamboat canal, dredging the
bed of channel, etc. ; cost. $10,277.
Plan seven embraced a long canal .straight through everything out
to the main river, with dykes to protect its sides, a dam across lovv'er
end of basin, sluice-gates in the canal, etc. ; cost, $25,375.
Plan eight contemplated a causeway from the town to the bank
of the main river, where good landing would be found for all
classes of boats at lowest stages ; cost, $64,875
Plan nine embraced a causeway that would be submerged and
would cost $22,333.
The total amount of money paid out by the corporation from
April I, 1843, to March 31, 1844, was $1,491.61 ; total city indebt-
edness, including the above amount, $5,461.84. The total actual
receipts were $1,43465; and the total resources, including this
amount, were $6,302.27.
The total amount of money paid out by the corporation from
April I, 1844, to April i, 1845, was $2,926.11. The corporation
owed W. A. Trask $565.67 and interest for the fire engine which
was bought in July, 1840. On iNIarch 31, 1845, there was yet owed
for the powder magazine $206.85, ''i"'' <^'ty orders to the amount
of $3,337.36 were outstanding. At the public land sale on March
27, 1843, there were sold 170 city lots for about $1,700. The total
receipts of the city for the year ending March 31, 1845, were
$2,662.55. This sum and the other resources due the city and
the public property were estimated at $8,263.06.
The council continued to have much trouble in getting the funds
due it from the land office. Heavy grading on Main street was
done in 1845. Clay street was ordered graded in November, 1845.
In 1845 amendments to the city charter were discussed; a com-
mittee was appointed to make suggestions of changes. Saucier and
Mattox were permitted to mine on Fifth street, they to pay one-
fifth of the mineral found to the city. The council paid $20 for
liaving the willows cut from the island opposite the canal made by
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 79
tlie government under the superintendence of Captain Barney. The
assessed valuation of $600 on the library of Bishop Loras was
reduced to $300 in January, 1846. It was ordered in January, 1846,
that no city scrip should be issued for less than 75 cents on the
dollar.
On March 10, 1846, the citizens petitioned to have the city divided
into wards. Accordingly the council immediately formed the fol-
lowing wards: First ward — All of the city lying south of Third
street. Second v/ard — All of the city between Third and Eighth
streets. Third ward — All of the city north of Eighth street. It was
decided that two aldermen should be elected from each ward and a
mayor from all the wards jointly. Todd & Humboldt were paid
$135.61 for extra work on the market house.
In April, 1846, in spite of their efforts to prevent it, the city
fathers saw city scrip fall to 70 cents on the dollar. In April, 1846,
F. K. O'Ferrall was re-elected mayor, and Hugh Treanor, Michael
McNamara, W. H. Robbins, Mordecai Mobley, Amos Mat-
thews and Lewis L. Wood, aldermen. W. B. Smith was
rechosen clerk. Mr. Trower was the first market master — chosen
in April, 1846. John T. Cook was paid $10 for his plan for the
market house, the same having been accepted. In April, 1846, the
citizens petitioned to have the public scjuare ornamented. A council
room was prepared in the new market house in 1847. The rent of
inside stalls in the market house was fixed at $15 per annum ; choice
stalls were offered publicly to the highest bidder. In May, 1846,
C. J. Leist succeeded Mr. Trower as market master. All articles
of produce or meat were required to be sold in the market house.
A cannon was ordered for $25 for city use. Market hours were
from 3 a. ni. to 10 a. m. each day except Sunday — from May to
October. Mr. Fulweiler's slaughter house was ordered removed
from its then location, it having become a declared nuisance. The
same of Mr. Straper's butchering establishment. ■ Billiard license
was fixed at $25. The beer license was $25. George L. Nightin-
gale became city clerk in 1846. The market receipts from May 12,
1846, to August 10, 1846, amounted to $36.25. The city advanced
William Rebman $25, to be used in buying a cannon; but as he had
not done so by August 24, 1846, he was ordered to refund that
amount. J. P. Farley and Ciiarles Corkery were paid $40 in
Augtist, 1846, for improvements on the public square. John D.
Bush, owner of a slaughter house, was ordered to change his location
in August, 1846.
In September, 1846, the council appointed a committee to draft a
new charter for tlie cit}^ of Dubuque, to be submitted to the Legis-
lature the coming winter.
In 1844 Congress appropriated for the improvement of Dubuque
harbor the sum of $7,500, and later $7,000 more was appropriated
for the same purpose. In November, 1846, the work not progress-
8o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
ing as well as expected by the council, they called upon Captain
Barney, superintendent in charge, for a report as to how much of the
money had been spent, amount on hand, time yet required to com-
plete the work, etc. In December, 1846, the council caused to be
enumerated all of the islands opposite the city for the purpose of
petitioning Congress for a donation of the same to the city, previous
to the public sale which was to take place in March, 1847. Such a
petition was prepared by the city attorney.
To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives in
Congress assembled :
"We, the undersigned, the mayor and aldermen of the city of
Dubuque, would most respectfully solicit your honorable bodies to
enact a law donating to the city of Dubuque certain islands situate,
lying and being opposite said city and between the city and the main
channel of the Mississippi river; or otherwise, if your honorable
bodies should deem it inexpedient to donate the same, to grant to the
city the exclusive right and privilege of purchasing the same at the
same rate that other lands of the United States are sold. We would
most respectfully urge upon your consideration the following rea-
sons, as among numerous others, for our request : The situation
and locality of the islands are such, that if they should fall into the
hands of private individuals, the city of Dubuque would be almost
entirely cut off from the main channel of the river, and subject the
citizens to great inconvenience, and the most unconscionable exac-
tions from them on the part of prix-ate speculators. For the purpose
of more fully exhibiting to you our peculiar situation and the
dilemma the city would be placed in should the title to those islands
happen to fall into hands other than the city, we have caused a map
to be made and hereunto annexed, by which it will appear that what
has been and is alleged by us is true; and by which it will
also appear that we ask from you to grant the city only those lands
which are absolutely necessary to its growth and commercial impor-
tance; in which also the whole nation as connected with the great
national thoroughfare — the Mississippi river — have a deep interest
and must be materially benefited ; to grant to the city the following
lands, to-wit : All of sections 19 and 30, township 89 north, range 3
east, and a fraction of section 25, township 89 north, range 2 east,
as is more particularly marked and designated upon the map afore-
said, and must in our ojiinion most clearly manifest itself to the Con-
gress of the United States. We are fully impressed with the opinion
and firm belief that after the national legislature has, in its liberality,
granted us a tract of land upon which is located the city of Dubuque,
they will still continue to exhibit their regard for our welfare, by
granting us a boon which is so essential and necessary for its future
prosperity and happiness and which cannot, at the present time, in
any material way affect the previously vested rights of ]iri\-atc indi-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 8i
viduals. We would further most respectfully state to your honor-
able bodies, that unless Congress pass a law enabling the land before
described to become the property of the city of Dubuque, the appro-
priations which have already been made by that body for the
improvement of the harbor, a part of which has already been
expended, will prove to be entirely useless, worthless and of no avail
to the city. We would further represent that the lands above
described are entirely unfitted for cultivation or habitation, and can
only be useful to the city for commercial business, and for city pur-
poses, and that they would be valuable to the city alone and to none
other, except for those who designed speculating upon the necessi-
ties of the city, and the rise of property in the neighborhood of a
growing city.
"F. K. O'Ferrall, niayor; William H. Robbins, L. L. Wood, M.
McNamara, M. Mobley, Hugh Treanor, Amos Matthews, aldermen.
Attest: George L. Nightingale, clerk. Dubuque, December 15,
1846." (Senate Documents No. 256, 29th Cong., ist session.)
The total amount of money paid out by the city for the fiscal
year ending April i, 1846, was $3,438.51; the total receipts were
$3,432.15.
In a communication to the Senate committee dated January 29,
1847, James H. Piper, acting commissioner of the general land
office, stated that "there would not appear to be any preemption
claim preferred for any of the islands in the Mississippi river
opposite the city of Dubuque;" that "with regard to their probable
value this office has no means of knowing;" and that "the bill
enclosed by you gives authority for the entry of 'the islands in the
Mississippi river opposite the said city' and then characterizes them
by saying, 'which are fractions within sections 19 and 30, township
89 north, range 3 east; and in section 25, township 89 north, range
2 east;' while, from the diagram referred to, it will be seen that
the above special designations include only parts of said islands,
leaving out the following, viz. : Fractions in sections 17, 18, 20
and 31, township 89 north, range 3 east, amounting in the aggre-
gate to 73.13 acres." (Senate Docs., No. 109, 29th Cong., 2d
session.),
In 1847 George L. Nightingale was appointed public bidder at
the sale of the mineral reserve. He performed his arduous and
delicate duties to the satisfaction of all.
In 1847 members of the Mechanics' Institute debated in the hall
over Terry's saloon the question: "Rcsoh'cd, That the Wilmot
proviso is right and ought to be sustained by the American people."
Late in 1847 the Dubuque Philharmonic Society gave a series of
concerts at the Congregational church, rendering both secular and
sacred music to large audiences. Captain Barney's work on the
harbor was still in progress. Many new and fine residences were
erected in 1846 and 1847 — notably by General Jones, Gilliam, Reed,
82 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Gildea, Rogers, Peacock and otlicrs. A ^Ir. Spencer gave exhibi-
tions of animal magnetism as it was then called. In 1847 George
Grten was editor and proprietor of the Miners' Express and Wil-
liam H. Merritt was associated with him as editor.
In 1847 the Waples House was kept by H. Curtis; the Western
hotel by W. S. Berry, George McHenry had formerly kejjt the
Western hotel ; David Jones was architect and builder ; H. P. Leach
kept school in the basement of the Methodist church. In 1847
many Dubuquers attended the immense river and harbor conven-
tion at Chicago. Early in 1847 A. P. Wood established a weekly
newspaper called the Tribune. It was about this time that the
first large steam flouring mills were put in operation here by
Nadeau, Rogers & Co.
Steps to organize three fire companies were taken in January,
1847; the old fire engine was found to be practically useless; fire
ladders were ordered for the upper, lower and central sections.
The Hibernian Benevolent Society was permitted to occupy the
city hall. The Fulweiler slaughter house was ordered removed
from the city limits in February, 1847; but evaded the order and
remained. The islands in front of the city were reserved from
public sale. By paying $50 the council obtained permission to use
for fire purposes the well of Emerson Shields on Fourth street.
Upon the payment of $100 Timothy Fanning was given exclusive
ferry pri\ileges in 1847-8. The grading of Bluff street from Dodge
to Twelfth was ordered in May, 1847. A room for a calaboose was
ordered rented and fitted up; it was ready in July. In August,
1847, the mayor was authorized to buy the islands in front of the
city — three of 85.47, 149.75 ^"*^1 4-^~ acres, respectively.
In December, 1847, Martin L. Morris succeeded Chauncey Swan
as proprietor of the Morris hotel. Before this date the Masons
and Odd Fellows had strong organizations here. Doctor Reynolds
lectured on "Astronomy" over Terry's saloon in December, 1847.
"Variety — Wood, butter, cheese, lard, eggs, flour, potatoes, wheat,
corn, chickens and pork will be taken in payment for the Express."
— {Miners' Express, December 8, 1847.)
Many bogus half dollars were in circulation here late in
1848; they were made near here. Late in 1848 Harrison Holt
ancl A. Keesecker were proprietors of the Miners Express.
William A. Adams was president of the Dubuque Debating
Society late in 1848. The Dubuque Mutual Fire Insurance
Company began operations in April, 1848, with C. H. Booth presi-
dent, and Mordecai Mobley secretary. The following merchants
had immense stocks of goods in 1848: S. M. Langworthy, Curtis
& Waite, Murphy & Burke, P. & R. C. Waples (had in stock over
$36,000 worth of goods), Waples & Zirkle, Goodrich & Bro., the
Smiths and Emerson & Shields. The wholesale trade was very
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 83
large. Dan Rice, the famous Shakespearean jester, was here in
June, 1848. Performances were given at the Waples House.
Yani<ee Hill gave representations of down-east characters.
The Express failed to make its appearance on time late in Janu-
ary, 1848, the reason being that someone entered the office on the
Sunday night before, threw all matter into pi, except one form,
which was almost entirely destroyed by blows from a hatchet.
"The monster who would perpetrate this act would be guilty of
the worst species of robbery, rapine and murder. Let those row-
dies who were engaged last Sunday evening in interrupting the
service at the Methodist church by touching off trains of powder
upon the fence mark well their future course," said the editor
January 26, 1848. The c^uestions of importance in the spring of
1848 were the improvement of Lorimier Hollow, the harbor being
built by Captain Barney and his dredge-boat; regulation of the
liquor trade, and removal of filth from the streets.
R. Spaulding was a book seller, music dealer and generally a
patron of art; his book store was the first in Dubuque. In May,
1848, W. H. Merritt withdrew from the Miners' Express and Wil-
liam Y. Lovell became sole proprietor of that sheet. Peter Waples
kept the Waples House at Second and Main streets in the spring of
1848. R. Plumbe kept the City hotel. A semi-weekly of the
Miners' Express, started March 29, 1848, was discontinued in
December, 1848. In the spring of 1848 Dubuque demanded a free
ferry across the river or a cessation of high ferry rates. As high
as $1 had been charged in emergencies for ferriage. Early in 1848
R. Spaulding established and maintained a library of standard
periodical literature, to which persons were admitted upon the pay-
ment of $3 per annum. In 1848 the Irish Shamrock Society and
St. Raphael's Temperance Society united to celebrate St. Patrick's
day. In March, 1848, James Pratt & Co., owners of the Dubuque
Flouring Mills, called for 50,000 bushels of wheat and 4,000 flour
barrels.
A "Countryman" in the Miners' Express of February 23, 1848,
asked why the road leading up Lorimier Hollow was not widened.
He said that it was so narrow in places that two wagons could not
pass each otlier, and further said : "Several serious accidents have
recently occurred on this much-traveled, very crooked, pinched-up,
starved out, narrow contracted, Lorimier-fenced-up, disreputable,
dangerous, leg-breaking, skull-cracking, wagon-smashing, horse-
killing, badly-located, poorly-worked, corporation neglected, tire-
some and hilly road."
W. D. Wilson and Mr. O'Reilly were rival telegraph agents here
in the spring of 1848, each trying to get the support of the citizens
to extend his line to this city. Each claimed the right to the Morse
patents. Shares in the lines were offered at 50. It was claimed
that the Barnes and Zook register was superior to that of Morse.
Whether the ferry privilege of Timothy Fanning was exclusive
84 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
under liis charter, and what ferry rights were owned by Jones &
Gregoire, were inquired into in May, 1848. The city attorney hav-
ing filed with the council his written opinion against the right of the
city to establish a free ferry across the ^Mississippi, the council
resolved that it was their "opinion that the city has the right to
establish a ferry from this and the opposite side of the river and
that the charter of Mr. Fanning is not exclusive." In June, 1848,
the council refused to appropriate $375 at the request of Captain
Barney to assist him in work on the harbor. In July, 1848, the
council offered a reward of $150 for the apprehension of the per-
sons "guilty of the outrage on the United States property emplo3'ed
in improving the harbor, and that a guard of twenty men be author-
ized for the protection of the same, provided they can be obtained
free of expense." To drive out smallpox $365.75 was spent in
July, 1848.
In September, 1848, the first telegraph line was completed and
opened to Peru, Illinois. The first messages were as follows :
"Peru, September 15, 1848. The compliments of C. S. Oslere to
the ladies of the Waples House by lightning: would be happy to
receive a 'flash' from them. C. S. Oslere." The following answer
was "flashed" back : "Dubuque, September 15, 1848. C. S. Oslere:
The ladies of the Waples House thank Mr. Oslere for his burning
communication ; it wanned their cold hearts ; they rejoice to know
that they have a 'spark' in Peru. Ladies of Waples House."
The California gold excitement struck Dubuque county in Decem-
ber, 1848. On December 30 a public meeting was held at the
courthouse to form an organization of all who desired to go to the
gold field. Mr. Morrison of Cascade was conspicuous in the Cali-
fornia exodus. Late in 1848 citizens demanded that the unfinished
harbor be completed.
The cholera at New Orleans in January, 1849, caused Dubuque to
take extra precautions against the disease. W. Y. Lovell owned the
Express for about six months, when it passed back to Holt and
Keesecker late in 1848. On March 19, 1849, fourteen wagons
bound for the gold field crossed the river here. Merritt, Mobley,
Hammond, Gilliam, Alverson, Cox, Coriell and others left for
California via the Isthmus of Panama. The California Society
was organized, so great was the excitement. In the spring of 1849
the Northtvest Demokrat was issued here by V. Hauf; it was in
the German language. The Galena and Dubuque Mining Company
was an organization which, with fifty-three teams, crossed the plains
to California in 1849. The snowfall of the winter of 1848-9 at
Dubuque aggregated five feet one and one-half inches — the greatest
on record. Many shade trees were planted in Dubuque in 1849;
it was almost a "fad" at this time. The terrible roads leading west-
ward from Dubuque checked nearly all business with the back coun-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 85
try at muddy times. John King, postmaster for over ten years,
resigned in April, 1849. The Alleghanians (minstrels) were here
in May, 1849. By April 24, 1849, the Express said that over sixty
citizens of Dubuque had gone to California. Week after week the
streets were crowded with gold seekers. The Southwestern circus
was here in July, 1849.
In March, 1849, the public was given notice of the approaching
charter election and of the fact that voters would be required to
decide whether the city should borrow $7,000 for public improve-
ments, etc.. and for establishing a free ferry. A mark on the
Emerson & Waples building was established as a permanent basis
for the regulation of street and building grades.
In April, 1849, Warner Lewis became mayor. In May three
causeways were ordered built on Bluff street at First, Second and
Third streets. Drs. J. T. Boone, R. S. Lewis and G. W. Scott were
the sanitary committee in 1849. The council bought fifty barrels of
lime for distribution in view of the appearance of cholera here in
1849. Drs. Boone and Holt were constituted a board of health.
A house for cholera patients was rented of B. Rupert for $4 a
month. A house owned by T. Davis was also thus occupied. The
council bought of Smith & Co. their interest in the powder maga-
zine for $425. John Stafford was permitted to mine on Third
street, the city to receive one-fifth of the mineral raised.
It was realized in June, 1849, that the plan for a Dubuque harbor,
which seemed most likely to be best, was to build a levee out to the
main channel and fill in the intermediate sloughs. Some plan that
would improve existing conditions was deemed imperative. The
Miners' Express of June 13, 1849, said: "Already the largest town
west of the Mississippi and north of St. Louis, situated precisely at
the point of latitude at which the railroads extending west from
the towns upon the lakes must strike the river; surrounded by a
country on all sides, almost illimitable in extent and inexhaustible in
its agricultural and mineral resources — it requires no gift of pro-
phecy to foresee that Dubuque is destined to become and to remain
the great commercial city of the Northwest." This was the spirit
which animated the citizens at this period — Dubuque was to be the
great city of the Northwest. It was realized that Galena aspired
to this proud distinction, but her pretensions were belittled and
denied. However, before even Dubuque could expect such great-
ness and grandeur, a suitable harbor would have to be built, all
admitted. "The space between the present landing and the main
channel of the river, when once filled up, will amply compensate for
the expense to be incurred in executing the work."
During the year 1849 over eighty brick buildings were erected
in Dubuque, many of them large and costly. Main street was vastly
improved — bumps were cut down, hollows filled and buildings of
brick took the place of the old and faded wooden structures. New
86 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
stores were built by Powers, Busb, Mangold, Mason, Heeb, Lang-
worthy and the fine Globe buildings at Main and Fifth by Wilson
& Smith. Judge J. J. Dyer, of the United States District court,
had built an elegant mansion on Main street. The city contained
twenty-two stores with stocks ranging from $10,000 to $80,000; one
large wholesale hardware store; two drug stores; one book store;
one boot and shoe store; two tinware manufactories; two auction
and commission merchants; three bakeries; one large manufactory
of confectionery ; seven master builders ; six plasterers ; seven mason
bricklayers; four painters; two master stone masons; one marble
worker; two saddle and harness factories; se\en boot and shoe
factories; nine tailor shops; three milliners and dressmakers; three
jewelers and watchmakers; six cabinet and chair factories; five
blacksmith shops; three carriage and wagon factories; two gun-
smiths : three cooper shops ; five butcheries ; one soap and candle
factory; two livery stables; two large steam flouring mills; one
steam saw mill ; three newspaper and job printing offices ; four
weekly newspapers — two Whig and two Democratic, one of the
latter in German ; eight or ten hotels ; eleven physicians ; seventeen
lawyers; thirteen preachers; churches, one each of Episcopalian.
Catholic, Methodist, Congregational, Christian, Baptist, German
Congregational and German Methodist. The Roman Catholics had
laid the foundation of their large cathedral, the cost being esti-
mated at over 100,000. The Episcopalians were finishing their
Gothic church on Locust street. The Congregational church had
been very much enlarged in 1849. The government offices here
were those of surveyor general, where eight or ten clerks were
employed at from $800 to $1,200 each per year, and with a patron-
age of from $50,000 to $75,000 annually; receiver and register;
judge of the United States district court ; I\Iasons, Odd Fellows and
Sons of Temperance. Population, near 3,500. The first brick
building was erected in 1836. In 1844 the place began to put on a
stable appearance on the ruins of the miners' shanties. The city
now wanted a harbor, railroads to the East, good roads to the West
and other railroads to the western country.
"One would suppose that the millers and merchants of Dubuque
could afford to give as good a price for wheat as is given in the
northern portion of the state. Such, however, appears not to be
the fact. Also buyers at Bellevue have recently paid as high as
68 cents for wheat, while our millers and merchants have been
paying for the best prime wheat 60 cents. We must not be blind
to the effects of this state of things. If the merchants here will not
buy the wheat and pork of the farmer at the best price they can
afiford to give, the farmer will very naturally go where he can do
better, and there he will buy his groceries, clothing, etc." — (Miners'
Exl^rcss, December 12, 1849.)
The total value of taxable property in Dulnu|uc in June, 1849,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 87
was $675,000; at the maximum rate allowed by law this would
yield a revenue of $10,125 ; a tax of 3>:i mills was levied for general
city expenses. In September, 1849, a second California "fever"
struck Dubuque and many more departed. A sharp frost on August
30, 1849, wilted vines and vegetables. Valentine Glenat, prominent
merchant and judge of probate here, died of cholera in the Rocky
mountains while on his way to the gold fields. The harbor question
engrossed much attention in 1849. This year the postoffice was
removed to the Globe building at Main and Sixth streets. William
H. Robbins was postmaster and Alexander Levi was his assistant.
Late in 1849 Holt and Keesecker issued the Miners' Express; Wood
issued the Tribune, and McCraney issued the Telegraph; the latter
leaned toward the Whigs. Thomas McKnight succeeded Warner
Lewis as register, and M. Mobley succeeded George McHenry as
receiver under the change of national administration in 1849.
Cholera on the steamer War Eagle in 1849 frightened the city.
CITY OF DUBUQUE, 1850 TO 1859.
IN January, 1850, Dubuque was without a fire department
of any kind; the loss of a few buildings caused people
to think. "When a building takes fire here, as was the
case with the Goodrich building, everyone runs toward
the scene, anxious to assist in subduing the destructive ele-
ment; but what avails an unorganized set of men and boys
without apparatus of any kind whatever — without an engine,
buckets or hose." — (Express, January 16, 1850.) In January,
1850, Col. Samuel R. Curtis, whose plan was to build a levee
not less than fifty feet wide on top from the city out to the main
channel of the river, estimated the total cost at $29,648. It was
thought at the time that this was tlie cheapest, most practical and
most speedily built of any plan yet proposed.
_ For the fiscal year ending April, 1850, the total receipts of the
city were $6,034.81. and at this time the balance against the city
was $2,484. Among the items of expense were $425 for a powder
house; $168 to Emerson & Shields for lime to sprinkle in the
streets and alleys to ward ofif the cholera, and $100 to Drs. Boone
and Holt for their services as a board of health.
In 1849-50 the Dubuque subscribers to the American Art Union
of New York were Hon. George Green, Francis C. Smith, Timothv
Mason, James Reid, Alfred L. Brown, Eustace H. Smitli, A. D.
Anderson, Harrison Holt, Thomas H. Benton, Jr., William J. Bar-
ney (2), Stephen G. Fenimore and R. Spaulding. Five prizes were
drawn by the Dubuquers as follows: Painting, "Jephtha's Daugh-
ter," worth $350, F. S. Smith, who had recently died; painting,
"Sunset," S. G. Fenimore; outline painting, W. J. Barney; medals,
Timothy Mason and R. Spaulding.
In February, 1850, Dubuque buyers paid more for wlieat than
was paid at any other point on the Mississippi — 75 cents. Daven-
port was paying 60 cents; Galena 60 cents; Bellevue 70 cents;
Catfish Mills y^ cents.
Early in 1850 Dubuque was connected by new mail routes with
Iowa City, Bellevue, Andrew, Tipton, Delhi, Colesburg, Garnavillo
and Muscatine. Major Mobley was connected with the Telegraph
early in 1850 ; so was John B. Hogan. Mobley was a leading Whig,
as also was George L. Nightingale ; they quarreled ovev government
patronage.
C. C. Hewitt, who had lived here many years, upon leaving for
88
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 89
California in 1850, was thanked by the council for his untiring and
fearless efforts to suppress cholera in 1849. B. M. Samuels was
city attorney in 1849-50. J. H. Emerson was elected mayor in
April, 1850. In April the register informed the council that he
was instructed "to allow the constituted authorities of the city to
enter certain tracts in front of it," whereupon the steps to enter
such tracts were at once taken. At this time an ordinance giving
justices of the peace concurrent jurisdiction with the mayor was
passed. The smallpox was here again in 1850, but was checked at
once. The old powder house stood on Eighth street. In June,
1850, the council ordered a complete survey from Lorimier's fur-
nace up the inner slough, through the lake and across to Eagle
Point, with a view of building a canal along the whole city front.
Three members of the council and fifteen other citizens were placed
in charge of this movement. They were E. Langworthy, L. D.
Randall and H. V. Gildea, aldermen, and P. A. Lorimier, William
Waples, M. McNamara, C. H. Booth, W. J. Barney, J. G. Shields,
J. H. Thedinga, Peter Kiene, T. M. Craney, Mathias Ham, R.
Plumbe, H. A. Wiltse, B. J. O'Halloran, H. S. Hethrington and
Timothy Fanning. A steamboat channel sixty feet wide and four
feet below low water was contemplated. Large quantities of fresh
lime were scattered throughout the city in 1850 and all public places
were cleansed. The powder house was ordered sold at public auc-
tion to the highest bidder in August, 1850. Four public cisterns
were ordered built for protection against fires. An election was
ordered in 1850 on the question of borrowing $20,000 for use on
the steamboat channel from Lorimier's up to Eagle Point. Six fire
ladders and four fire hooks were bought in November, 1850. A
meeting of the citizens was held and a fire company was organized
at this time. They called themselves the "Hook and Ladder Fire
Company." The vote on the question of securing a loan of $20,000
for the proposed steamboat channel was — for the loan 315. against
the loan 14. D. Murphy was granted the privilege of mining in
the graveyard upon paying to the city one-fifth of the mineral
raised. M. McNear was allowed the same privilege on Fifth street.
A harbor tax was ordered levied to meet the $20,000 authorized for
harbor improvement. Abel Havvley was the contractor for the
steamboat channel. It was found necessary to buy for $10,000 a
large dredge boat to be used on the proposed steamboat channel.
In April, 1850, the citizens voted down the proposition to secure
a loan of $10,000 for harbor improvement. Boats passed through
Barney's cut to the wharf. "We announce the defeat of this meas-
ure as we do the death of a friend — briefly and sorrowfully. On
the first day of April, a majority of the citizens of Dubuque decided
that they would have no harbor unless someone would make it for
them." — (Miners' Express, April 3, 1850.)
The Western hotel was burned in April, 1850; the city was with-
90 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
out fire apparatus or fire orgauization. In April, 1850, the Dubuque
Emigrating Association consisted of fifty-four men and twenty
wagons bound for California. The organization occurred at Coun-
cil Blufifs. Pratt & Co. owned the Catfish Mills. Mr. Codding, the
mesmerist, then called "biologist," was here in June, 1850, and
astonished all by his performances. The famous Dubuque Nursery
stood about two hundred yards north of the city limits and embraced
four acres on which, in' 1850, were 12,000 apple trees; the pro-
prietor was W. L. Johnson. Already much of the trade of the
southwest was lost to Dubuque— the settlers going to Muscatine.
The land office was reopened in October, 1850, with Mobley and
McKnight in charge.
"A Town Full — The city of Dubuque is literally filled. There
has been a greater call for houses within the last two months than
ever before known. Houses are being finished every day, but are all
engaged long before they are complete. More are building, how-
ever; don't be discouraged."— (M/»rr/ Express, October 23, 1850.)
In 1850 H. S. Hetherington built four cisterns for the city and
was paid $121.50. In November, 1850, corn was worth 20 to 25
cents, wheat 65 cents and live hogs $2.50 to $3. In November the
livery stable of Lyman & Shomo was burned and nine horses out
of sixteen perished. There were loud demands for a fire engine and
fire organizations. The canal committee recommended in 1850 a
steamboat channel from Lorimier furnace to Eagle Point through
Lake Peosta and the sloughs ; the council ordered 600 copies of the
report printed and distributed. The committee recommended a
channel 100 feet wide and four feet below the low water standard
of Captain Barney; total excavation to be 279,190 cubic yards;
length of improvement. 24,220 feet; cost of dredge, $8,000: two
flatboats, $300; channel to be extra wide in places to permit boats
to pass each other; the channel to skirt closely the inner shore
line of Dubuque; distance by river from Lorimier furnace to Eagle
Pomt, 25,800 feet; shortening of the line would cause a quicker cur-
rent ; stagnant water in the sloughs w-ould be drained ; $20,000 must
be raised to make this improvement, either by subscription or taxa-
tion; completion of the canal would advance property at once 25 per
cent. At this date the steamboat arrivals were about 200 annually.
With a charge to each of only $5 for each landing the wharfage
would amount to $1,000 yearly. "Shall our city three years hence
be without a harbor and' out of debt or shall we, by creating the
debt, construct a harbor worth $250,000 the moment it is com-
pleted? Without a harbor or any facilities to overcome the want of
one, at an objectionable distance from the bank of the river and
this bank separated from the main river by a series of sloughs often
too shallow for steamboats, Dubuque has nevertheless derived her
existence and growth from the navigation of the Mississippi. With
these difficulties she has had constantly to struggle and by such
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 91
efforts she lias attained to sufficient size and capital to command
a harbor of unsurpassed excellence." — (Express, September 18,
1850; Report of the Harbor Committee.) The committee reported
against a boat canal from the main channel across the sloughs and
islands to the city shore proper — boats would have to go back after
coming in.
"The undersigned citizens of Dubuque and the adjoining counties
most respectfully solicit and earnestly request our honorable mem-
bers of Congress to obtain of the War Department the establish-
ment of a military road, commencing at Dubuque and terminating
at Fort Clark (Fort Dodge) on the Des Moines river:
M. M. Hayden, J. H. Emerson, J. M. Marsh, George M. Henry,
Henry S. Hetherington, William Donnellan, Peter Waples, Charles
Bogy, L. D. Randall, J. Sprague, Charles Corkeiy, Timothy Fan-
ning, E. D. Turner, S. R. West, C. H. Booth, F. V. Goodrich, E.
Langworthy, Owen Smith, I. E. Wootton, B. J. O'Halloran,
Michael Nolan, Patrick Byrne, J. J. E. Norman, W. J. Sullivan,
William Roche, Francis Mangold, J- L. Langworthy, A. H. Miller,
Michael O'Brien, John Palmer, J. P. Farley, Jacob Christman, A.
Linn and Dennis A. Mahony."
The object of this petition was, by opening such a road, to secure
to Dubuque the trade at Fort Clark and other points on the upper
Des Moines river ; that Fort previously had obtained all its supplies
from Keokuk, which was distant 280 miles ; Dubuque was distant
only 180 miles. J. J. Abert of the topographical engineers, said:
"By the Nicollet map the distance from Dubuque to Fort Clark is
about 180 miles, and the distance from Fort Clark to the mouth of
the Des Moines about 300 miles. This last distance is represented
as the usual traveled distance with supplies, making the difference
between the routes — both are land routes — of about 120 miles, the
route from Dubuque being that much shorter. This fact gives to
the Dubuque route great advantages. The only difference deserving
of notice is that to arrive at Dubuque, the Mississippi has to be
ascended about 200 miles; but as this distance during the season
when supplies are forwarded can be passed by steamboats, it reduces
a comparison of the difference on this account between the routes to
200 miles of steamboat navigation and 120 miles of land carriage.
This fact also gives to the Dubuque route great advantages. Under
all circumstances, therefore, the Dubuque route is much to be pre-
ferred and the making of a road on this route would cost but little
more than half for a road on the other route."
In 185 1 the public square was ordered rented to the highest
bidder; grocery (wet) license was fixed at $150, and beer license
at $75 per annimi in May, 185 1. Thomas S. Wilson was authorized
to sell the city's $20,000 bonds in New York city.
Proposals for furnishing a steam ferry to ply between Dubuque
and the Illinois shore were called for in June, 1851. At this time
92 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
a proposition to build a suspension bridge across the Mississippi
was received from A. G. Garver. The council considered building a
plank road from Blufif street to the western boundary of the city in
185 1. The proposition of S. L. Gregoire to furnish a steam ferry
was accepted. The offer of T. Davis of ten acres and a house to be
used as a hospital, at a cost of $625, was accepted by the council.
In August, 185 1, the ferry rates were fixed as follows: Footman,
10 cents; man and horse, 25 cents; wagon and two horses or oxen,
75 cents; one horse and wagon, 50 cents; minors under 16 years,
free; minors over 16, 5 cents; loose freight, 5 cents per 100 pounds;
cattle, per head, 10 cents; each hog, sheep or calf, 3 cents. It was
found necessary in August, 1851, to borrow more money to con-
tinue the work on the harbor. The northern boundary of the city
under the charter was ordered surveyed and marked. Early in Sep-
tember, the contract to dredge the steamboat channel was signed
with Abel Hawley. More city bonds were ordered issued to meet
the harbor improvement expenses. The new graveyard boundaries
were defined in October, 1851. The sum of $15 each was ordered
paid to the Dubuque delegates to the "Rapids Ci")nvention." The
cholera was here again in 185 1. In December, 1851, the harbor
bonds of $20,000 were cancelled and destroyed. In January, 1852,
George W. Burton and others were granted the riglit to cut a canal
through the island opposite First or Second street to intersect the
channel through which steamboats were then admitted from the
main river. The steam ferry boat of A. L. Gregoire was to be
ready by April 15, 1852.
George L. Dickinson kept a popular teinperance hotel in 185 1.
Cook, Sargent & Co. had an exchange banking iiouse and land
agency at this time. The land office and many land companies and
firms made this city the liveliest real estate center west of Chicago.
"It must be apparent to every observing man that our fair city
was never in a more flourishing condition. Strangers are constantly
pouring into the city from every quarter seeking opportunities for
investing capital. Property to the amount of thousands is changing
hands ; buildings going up in every direction ; and new business
firms opening on almost every square of Main street. * * *
The health of the city was never better." — (Express.)
In March, 185 1, the Daily Tribune, A. P. Wood, editor, made
its appearance, but after a year was discontinued, but was issued
again about 1854 by Adams and Hackley. The Daily Miners'
Express appeared first August 19, 185 1, under William H. Merritt
& Co.
"Cholera — We understand there have been one or two cases of
cholera in the city since our last issue. It behooves our citizens to
give diligent attention to all such means for the prevention of the
disease as have so frequently been recommended." — (Herald, July
14, 1851.)
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 93
In 185 1 new and better buildings in all directions were taking the
place of the pioneer structures. Never before were there to be seen
on the streets so many strangers looking for homes and business
opportunities. So rapidly were buildings going up, materials ran
out and artisans were lacking and thus operations were checked.
During 185 1 the dredge boat did excellent work on the harbor,
cutting through the island without trouble. Mexican war land
warrants for 160 acres were worth here $170 in 1851. T. L. Rivers
took daguerrotypes in September. A town clock was called for.
J. D. Jennings was connected with the Express in August. "Dubuque
is destined to be the Queen City of the Northwest, the opposition of
interested parties and rival towns to the contrary notwithstanding,"
said the Express, September 5. At this date the city had about
4,100 population. It had two fine hotels and many others; two
steam flour mills ; nine churches and two others going up ; one
Mason, three Odd Fellows and one Temperance lodges ; three fer-
ries— two in the city and one at Eagle Point ; one pottery yard ; one
marble yard ; two railways approaching from the east ; a railway
projected westward; many schools, etc. In 1851 the city was liter-
ally deluged with showers of shinplasters — many of doubtful value
and unknown parentage.
Late in September, 1851, work was begun by Abel Hawley of
Milwaukee to cut the channel from Lorimier's furnace to Eagle
Point, one hundred feet wide and four feet deep at low water, for
$24,300. Between Fifth and Sixth streets the channel was to be 200
feet wide. Late in 185 1 the work was pushed rapidly; Hawley was
paid by installments as the work progressed. B. J. O'Halloran,
Caleb H. Booth, Henry A. Wiltse and Edward Langworthy were
the committee of supervision. The work was to be completed in
two 3'ears. "The part of said improvement along the surveyed por-
tion of the city is to be constructed so as to leave a levee at least
one hundred feet wide between the lots fronting the water and the
extreme outer edge of said improvement."
The year 185 1 was wet and cold. High water prevailed the whole
year. There were landed here in 185 1 from steamboats 2,824 per-
sons. The numerous rains ruined crops and prevented mining.
Dubuque exported 4,287 tons of merchandise and imported 24,663
tons. Work on the Dubuque and Sageville plank road was com-
menced in September, 1851, under Joseph C. Jennings, engineer.
The road was to be completed by April, 1852. In September, 185 1,
exchange on New York was i^ per cent, St. Louis i per cent,
Chicago I per cent.
The Dubuque and Maquoketa plank road was projected in 185 1,
but languished ; it was the original intention to lay the planks as far
as Table Mound before winter set in. The Express, Herald and
Tribune were the dailies in 185 1. D. A. Mahony assisted Holt on
the Herald; so did A. A. White and W. A. Adams. The Dubuque
94 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Atiienreiim was established in 185 1 under J. J. Dyer, president, and
P. W. Crawford, secretary.
The custom of the early settlers to enter and cut timber on gov-
ernment land for their own private gain had become so firmly
grounded in 1852 that when they were taken into court by govern-
ment agents they became indignant and in January of that year
held a large meeting at Dubuque to protest against any interference
with such custom. A steady revenue was obtained from the sale of
city lots ; this was a state of affairs not fully appreciated by the city
fathers, in view of the lack of such re\enues in other cities. In
April, 1852, an appropriation of $20 was made to pay for an oyster
supper to the city officers. At this time 300 forest trees for the
public square were contracted for. At the suggestion of Charles
Corkery the methods, or lack of methods, of keeping the city records
were reorganized and improved. A temporary quarantine hospital
was located a quarter of a mile south of Webb's old furnace below
Dirty Hollow. Bogy's steam ferry boat was required to land only
between Fourth and Fifth streets. Fanning's ferry landed at Sec-
ond and Fourth streets. The city calaboose was in the second story
of the market house. The temporary quarantine hospital was
opened about June i, 1852, and cost $325; mattresses cost $8. It
was agreed at this time that the government's plans for the harbor
and the city's plan conflicted in several important particulars. In
June, 1852, the city borrowed $10,000 and issued bonds for the
loan; the sum was used in street and sewer improvements. The
vote stood — For the loan 131, against it 46. There were found
shallow places in Barney's cut ; they were deepened. Fanning com-
menced suit against Gregoire and Bogy, alleging they were inter-
fering with his ferry rights. The council had granted to Gregoire
and Bogy ferry rights against the advice of the city attorney. James
Jones was warden of the temporary hospital. L". H. Langworthy
exchanged ten acres adjoining the hospital for a tract called "Grave-
yard" on the hill at the northern boundary. In 1852 the city becom-
ing delinquent in tlie payment of county ta.x on city lots, was ordered
by County Judge Lovell to make payment or take the consequences.
The $10,000 in city bonds sold for $10,438.89 in New York city;
the city received net $10,188.89.
"The improvements in Dubuque during the current year, includ-
ing dwelling, storehouses and offices, will not fall short'of one hun-
dred."—(Da//)' Miners' Express, July 27, 1852.) "Why is it that
property has advanced some 30 or 50 per cent within the last year
in this city and that so many married men are flocking to the place,
anxious to invest their means among us?" — {Dail\ Miners' Express,
May 20, 1852.) "Never did a spring open in Dubuque with more
flattering pro.spects of a healthy and lucrative trade. Our hotels are
crowded beyond their capacity to accommodate; our merchants,
builders and mechanics arc active: our smelting mills and foini-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 95
dries, etc., are enjoying a season of the highest prosperity; our
streets are crowded with immigrant wagons; the demand for
dwellings and business houses is beyond the capacity of our prop-
erty holders to meet ; the best and fastest steam ferry boat on the
Mississippi is actively engaged ; the harbor improvement is pro-
gressing rapidly ; and everywhere is seen growth and prosperity." —
{Daily Miners' Express, April 9, 1S52. ) "Within a few months
there "has been established in this city a large foundry, rope works,
soa|-> and candle factory and steam saw mill, and there is now being
erected an additional steam saw mill." — {Express, August 12,
1852.)
A strong temperance movement swept the city early in the fifties ;
the Maine liquor law was advocated by many. Steps to raise Locust
street above high water from Fifth south to the city limits were
taken in April, 1852. G. J. Adams was manager of the National
theater at this time; his rendition of Macbeth was praised. Mr.
Mobley's bank offered 6 per cent on all deposits of six months or
longer. Mount Pleasant and Air Hill were located back on the
bluffs. W. A. Jones sold his interest in the Express at this date.
At this time the land agencies of W. J. Barney & Co., Clark &
Bissell and Wiltse & Lovell did an enormous business. About
July I, 1852, Dennis A. Mahony bought Dr. Harrison Holt's inter-
est in the Herald ; F. J. Stanton later secured this interest. Mr.
Stanton's father lived at Dyersville, where later Mr. Stanton con-
ducted the Dyersville Mercury. The telegraph line which had long
been suspended resumed operations in July, 1852; the company
was the Illinois and Mississippi Telegraph Company, in which sev-
eral citizens of Dubuque held stock. Connected with the plank road
were J. J. Dyer, J. P. Farley, Piatt Smith, L. Maloney and H.
Thompson; three-inch oak plank were used and the cost was $3,175
per mile. The levee between Fourth and F"ifth streets was com-
pleted in August. The council of 1852-3 deserved and received
great credit for wide improvements to the city.
Treasurer O'Halloran, in October, 1852, roused the ire of the
council by making charges against them which reflected on their
integrity; a committee was appointed to see what action if any
should be taken. Several meetings were held and much difference
of opinion was expressed. A draft of the council was refused
payment by Mr. O'Halloran on a disputed point, whereupon he was
fined $100 by the unanimous vote of the council. The draft was
for $3,000, which called for 612 sovereigns at $4.90 each and
$1.20 in change. But the treasurer had only offered to give for
sovereigns $4.85 each, thereby causing a loss of $30.60 to the agent
or the city. The treasurer the next day claimed that the market
value of sovereigns in New York was only $4.85. Legal action
resulted, Mr. Burt serving as counsel for the city and Mr. Clark as
counsel for Mr. O'Halloran. Due charges were preferred against
96 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUXTY
the latter, to which Judge Clark demurred on the ground of want
of jurisdiction. The treasurer finally asked for a compromise on
a proposition suggested by one of the aldermen and approved by
the mayor. The council refused to accept the compromise offered.
Mr. Jennings, also representing the treasurer, appealed to the coun-
cil not to pass the expelling resolution, declaring that action was
taken "to save the treasurer harmless from loss in the receipt of
currency." The mayor and Mr. Stout, alderman, opposed the
resolution. Mr. Burt spoke at length for tiie city. The resolution
removing him from office passed, Mr. Stout alone voting in the
negative. Robert C. Waples, after a sharp contest in the council,
was chosen treasurer to succeed Mr. O'Halloran. The latter was
ordered to turn over all books, etc., belonging to the city and make
final report.
In 1 85 1 the city exports were 4,287 tons; in 1852 they were
13,284. The boat arrivals in 185 1 were 351 and in 1852 were 417.
A census of the city in February. 1852, showed over 5,000 inhabit-
ants; by January, 1853, the population was about 6,500. In 1852
about 100 new buildings of all kinds were erected, many of them
were large brick structures.
The new land districts of Chariton, Northern and Missouri river
in 1852 took much business away from Dubucjue. Sealed bids to
raise all streets in the southern section above high water were
called for in August. The capital of the Plank Road Company was
raised from $8,000 to $25,000, but the road languished and failed
to pay dividends. Permission to cut a channel through the outer
island opposite Barney's cut was granted to a number of citizens.
The lower part of Main street was paved in 1852. A new market
place for the northern section was established between Eleventh
and Twelfth streets on White; cost, $2,500. In the summer of
1852 cliolera again made its appearance here. Private individuals
claiming an extension of their lots into the public cemetery caused
contention and bitterness in 1852; there was a strong demand for
a new and better cemetery at once. A ten-acre tract bought of
Timothy Davis in 185 1 for a future cemetery was enclosed for
hospital purposes. The old graveyard at what is now Jackson park
was first laid out in 1833-34, and was fenced by subscription. In
1853 the new cemetery was first opened, lots were sold and
improvements were made. People whose fences had protected in
part the old cemetery now removed them, leaving the grax'es exposed
to cattle and hogs.
Early in 1853 the new territory brougiit within the city limits
was attached to the old wards. In b^ebruary. Colonel McHenry
was sent East to bu}' a fire engine. A loan of $20,000 was
desired to carry on the following improvements : To continue the
present harbor work ; to extend the work on the levee ; to improve
the main roads leading out of the city ; to secure grounds for public
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
R L
RUINS OF THE OLD MILL
LINWOOD
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 97
building, including schoolhouses ; to purchase fire apparatus; to
improve streets; to put in operation a system of common schools as
per charter. In November, 1853, the five wards were bounded as
follows: First — All west of Main and south of Fifth; Second —
All east of Main and south of Eighth; Third — All east of Main
between Eighth and Seventeenth ; Fourth — All west of Main and
between Fifth and Seventeenth; Fifth — All north of Seventeenth
and Mineral streets. Propositions to light the city with gas were
received in August, 1853, from George Oelwine and others of Bos-
ton, and Barker & Spellman of Cleveland. For schools $10,000 of
the $20,000 loan was used. Temporary markets were permitted in
1853. Bee Branch was being improved. Washington Fire Com-
pany No. I presented its constitution in October, 1853, and asked
for apparatus and buildings. A mass meeting in January, 1853,
petitioned the council to buy an up-to-date fire engine and at once
proceeded to organize hook and ladder and hose companies. M.
Mobley was chairman of the citizens' fire committee. In 1853 there
was a strong element in the city which began to oppose the con-
struction of the canal along the city front; they demanded that the
work on the canal should be abandoned and the inner and other
sloughs should be filled. Their plan meant the ultimate filling of all
the sloughs and islands out to the main river channel.
Early in 1853 the corporate limits were extended as follows:
"Begmning at a point in the middle of the main channel of the
Mississippi river in the south line continued of section 31, township
89 north, range 3 east; thence west and on the south line of said
section and of sections 36 and 35 in the same township and range 2
east to the west line of said section 35 ; thence north on the west line
of sections 35, 26, 23 and 14 to the north line of section 14; thence
east on the north line of sections 13 and 14 to the range line between
ranges 2 and 3 east; thence north along the same to the north line of
section 7 of same township in range 3 east ; thence east along the
north line of said section 7 and on the same continued to the middle
of the main channel of the river, thence down said river to the
beginning."
Cook, Sargent, Barney & Co. began a banking and exchange
business in April, 1853. The old banking house of W. J.
Barney & Co. was dissolved. The work of Abel Hawley and
of Captain Barney on the harbor continued to conflict, but peace
was patched up by the council. F. S. Jesup & Co. began
banking in April, 1853. Mr. Mobley was still doing a general
banking business. The famous Iowa Iron Works began operations
about this date, under Farley & Rouse. By the spring of 1853
work on the canal was not profitable to the contractors and opera-
tions languished. Dorzan, Delay & Murphy were contractors.
The four original squares given to the city were the cemetery, after-
ward Jackson park ; a ten-acre tract where the courthouse stands
98 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
and northward; one where tlie old jail stood; and one where Wash-
ington square now is. The ten-acre tract was secured in order
to be used as a donation to secure the state capital, and if that
object should fail, to be vised for any other public object. The
ground at Washington square was intended originally for a sem-
inary. It was declared in 1853 that all these squares except Wash-
ington, had been diverted from the uses originally intended. —
{Express, February 23, 1853.) In April a fire engine was ordered
from Hunnerman & Co. In 1852-3 Waple's cut afforded access of
boats to the wharf ; it was where the ice harbor now is.
"We never saw more strange faces in Dubuque than at the
present time. Applications for dwellings and business houses are
daily made, but with little success. We want more buildings in
Dubuque. Rents are high." — (Express, May 4, 1853.)
Bricks, lumber and other building materials were so scarce in the
spring of 1853 that frantic calls for more were made by citizens
and newspapers.
"Strangers — Our city is crowded at this time with strangers.
Every other man we meet on the street, nearly, is a stranger. Many
of them are seeking locations for business." — (Express, May 18,
1853-)
In May, 1853, James Burt, M. McNamara and H. L. Stout, a
committee of the council appointed to investigate and report upon
the finances, issued a statement showing that for the previous year,
instead of there having been a shortage of $2,116.24, there was
really a surplus of $508.76 due to a mistake in figures. Hospital
grounds costing $625 and bonds to J. P. Farley on the dredge boat
to the amount of $2,000, wrongly charged, made this difference.
Another $2,000 on the dredge boat had been wrongly charged. It
was now figured that there was in the treasury $360.18. The har-
bor tax of 1852 realized by May, 1853, $10,999.50; city tax of
1852, $2,780.59; sale of bonds (filling up), $4,000; $10,000 city
bonds sold, $10,188.89; Bogy's ferry license, $100; wharfage, $195;
fine on B. J. O'Halloran, $100 ; tax on dogs, $120. These and other
items gave a total of $32,104.65. Among the expenses were $232.85
on the public square; lime for streets, $164.83; coffins, digging
graves, etc., $212.73 ; fencing graveyard, etc., $191.41 ; Marine hos-
pital building, $325; furnishing and attending the same, $170.26;
candles for the council, $5.43 ; city health officer, '$2y ; raising Locust
street south, $734.48; raising other streets south of First, $4,000;
work on wharf and landing, $1,626.04; sewer on Fourteenth street,
etc., $2,249.65 ; spent on Bluff street, $576.75 ; spent on Second and
Fourth streets, $900; improvements north of Tenth street, $650;
spent on Sixth street, $800; harbor bond and interest to Farley,
$2,374.70; paid A. Hawley on dredging contract, $2,750; same
dredging slough, $1,200; canal excavation, $710. Quite a large
sum was paid out for interest on tlie various loans. The total
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 99
expenses were $24,859.21, leaving on hand $7,245.44. During llie
fiscal year 1852-3 there was received in city scrip $4,938.55; and
in harbor and loan fund orders, $14,770.90. Of bonds and scrip
there was only a small amount left outstanding. Fault was found
that the merchants' licenses sliould aggregate less than $400. "The
enlarged limits of the city will yield a large increase of revenue for
the coming year at the lowest rate of levy heretofore adopted; and
your committee anticipate with pleasure the relief granted to their
fellow citizens from the harbor taxation which has been levied for
the past two years, but which has now expired," said the committee.
The citizens were congratulated on the promptness with which they
had paid their harbor tax, there being delinquent at the close of the
year $16,885, and $186.51 paid by the citv at tax sales. — {Express,
May 18, 1853.)
The city printing went from the Express to the Herald in May,
1853. All of the positions except two in the surveyor general's
ofifice went to the Democrats as a result of the change in the
national administration in the spring of 1853. Captain E. Vanmeter
and Andrew Keesecker became connected with the Express in Tune,
1853. The city vote on the question of borrowing $20,000 was
III for the loan and 55 against it. In June, 1853, Dubuque suc-
ceeded in securing the postoffice distributing station from Galena,
to the intense regret of the latter and the joy of the former. There
were several.
"Never did the general appearance of things in our midst indi-
cate so much life, buoyancy and prosperity in every description of
business. New houses are going up in all parts of the city on
ground hitherto unoccupied and old buildings (and often good ones)
are tearing down to make room for more substantial and magnifi-
cent edifices. Our hotels are thronged with strangers and the tide
of immigration, though the season is far advanced, is still unchecked.
Business of all kinds is stirred with astonishing activity. These
things are apparent to every eye. The natural advantages of
Dubuque are rapidly developing under the thoroughgoing enter-
prise of her people. These things let us know that a brilliant future
for Dubuque is no longer hypothetical." — (Express, June 29, 1853.)
"No period within the history of Dubuque has presented a greater
amount and variety of improvements than the present. Buildings
are going up or being torn down in all directions. One year ago
we predicted 20,000 population in the space of five years. We
were then laughed at. One thing is settled, Dubuque is to be the
great central business focus of the Northwest." — {Express August
3, 1853.)
In Augiist, 1853, the river was at the lowest stage and two
dredge boats were at work on the harbor. In August, 1853, Patrick
Quigley, recei\'er, took from this land office to St. Louis by the
steamer Lamartine $260,000 in specie ; this sum had been received
SU252B
lOO HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
at Dubuque, Iowa City, Fort Des Moines and Chariton. The new
fire engine was expected in September, 1853, and steps to organize
companies were tai<en, but many asked, "Why organize when we
have no water?" It was argued that the reservoirs along Main
street were amply sufficient, but they were private property.
In August, 1853, Jesup & Co. agreed to take the entire issue of
$20,000 city bonds, providing the city would give them a mortgage
on the islands opposite the city as security. They agreed on the
same conditions to take the former issue of $10,000 in bonds. All
of tiiis was agreed to by the city council. Barker & Spellman were
awarded the gas contract in August for a term of twenty-five years.
J. A. Linnell wrote good poetry for the newspapers in 1853. The
Du!)uque savings bank was opened by Jesup & Co. in 1853. The
large store of Waples & Co. in McClure's building at Main and
Seventh streets was burned in September, 1853; the total loss was
about $20,000; Waples' net loss was $9,500. Cherry Hill was the
name given in 1853 to the new cemetery. The contract for gas with
Barker & Spellman provided that the cost to the city should not
exceed $2.50 nor to individuals should not exceed $3.50 per thou-
sand feet. The organization became known as the Key City Gas
Company. Their charter has been continued from time to time
down to the present date. In September, 1853, a large bar had
formed in tiie main river and was a great hindrance to navigation.
In 1853 there was much conflict between the upper and lower
sections of the city over council favors ; neither receivetl an improve-
ment that was not begrudged by the other. "If one got a plum the
other must have two." Late in 1853 the location of the depot of
the Dubuque & Pacitic railway became a bone of contention between
the two or three sections and caused much ill will and vexation.
Late in 1853 the demand to change harbor plans became too strong
to be hushed or ignored. "l-"il! up, fill up!" was the cry. The
Herald favored filling the sloughs ; so did General Jones. Orig-
inally, and but a short time before, the citizens had voted almost
unanimously in favor of the canal plan.
"Two short years ago the almost unanimous vote of the citizens
of Dubuque was in favor of tlie present harbor improvement that is
now denounced. Much time and labor was expended in adopting
the present projected improvement which is now condemned by
persons who have never taken the trouble of examining the subject
for themselves. Thus too it was with the Dul)uque and Keokuk
railroad ; thus it was with the Big Sioux railroad : thus it is with
the Dubu(jue and Pacific railroad, and thus it is with all our steam-
boat projects; they excite us for the time by their novelty, but that
over they are consigned to oblivion. Dubuquers, hear me ! Such a
vacillating course never attained an extraordinary advantage, nor
never will. Question: Has anyone any idea of wliat it would cost
to fill up the sloughs and islands abo\'e higli water mark to the main
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY loi
river along the whole front of the city?" — (A Tax Payer, in
Express, February 14, 1854.)
In January, 1854, there were two dailies — Herald and Miners'
Exj^ress; one tri-weekly, the Herald; four weeklies, Tribune
(Whig), lozva State Democrat, Miners' Express, North West
Detnokrat (in German) ; two monthlies, School Journal and Legal
Inquisitor. There was demanded here early in 1854 — better harbor
work; improvement of city finances; more wholesale houses; better
fire protection; improvement of the mail service; better market
places ; a new jail ; better sanitation ; better men in office, and more
dwellings and business houses. The proposition of giving Brush
island to the Dubuque and Pacific Railway Company as a site for
their depot was considered early in 1854 and submitted to the voters
with the following result: For the grant, 666; against the grant,
285. The Third and Fifth wards voted against it. This vote was
understood to indicate that the sloughs and islands were in time to
be filled up. The Herald favored the grant and the Express opposed
it. Companies to fill up the sloughs were projected early in 1854.
One causeway was planned to extend along the south side of
Waples' cut (now the ice harbor). Its cost was estimated at
$74,000.
"In whatever part of the city you visit you will discover the
preparations for extensive building this spring and summer. We
understand that contracts for the erection of some twenty new
business houses on Main street are already let. There never has
been a spring within the history of Dubuque when such an activity
prevailed in the building line." — (Express, March 11, 1854.)
"All know our city has sufifered greatly for the last fifteen years,
in her business and reputation, at home and abroad, in consequence
of the extreme difficulty of getting to and from the river in low
water. Strangers destined for Dubuque (ladies not infrequently)
have been landed from steamboats at niglit upon the outer island
and were compelled to grope their way by land and slough to the
city, benumbed and saturated with rain. Our own merchants, busi-
ness men and hotel keepers can attest the hardships they have been
subjected to, in getting to and from the river a great portion of the
year." — (John King, in Express, March 14, 1854.)
"From present unmistakable indications Dubuque in 1855 will be
a city of ten if not twelve thousand inhabitants. Scarcely a day goes
by that it does not bring new acquisitions to the city. The streets
are crowded with strangers, new signs are going up in every direc-
tion and strangers daily inquire in vain for dwellings and business
houses. Business men predict that three times the number of build-
ings will go up this season than have ever gone up in any one season
before." — (Ex'press, March 14, 1854.)
"A perfect army of emigrants passed up Main street about one
102 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
o'clock in regular military order with rifles on their shoulders." —
{Express, March 15, 1854.)
"Visitors and emigrants are flocking to the city by scores. Never
before was this citv so crowded with strangers." — {Express, March
28, 1854.)
An immense meeting of the citizens to consider the propriety and
utility of building one or more causeways from the main land to the
river was held early in 1854 and resolutions favoring that project
were passed and referred to the city council. Before this date a bill
in Congress relincjuished to the city the old cemetery at the "north
end of Main street" (Jackson Park). Rev. Henry Clay Dean lec-
tured on "Temperance" at Globe hall in February, 1854. The
Express had opposed his views and was caustically criticised by Mr.
Dean. In February, 1854, the first number of the Dubuque
Observer was issued by C. J. Chapline & Co. It was a W'hig sheet
and from the start savagely assailed the Catholic church. In
February, 1854, the Express claimed 7,000 population for Dubuque.
The city was growing beyond all expectations and to the delight
and astonishment of the older residents. The outlook was bright in
the extreme. Within one year real estate had doubled and tripled
and rents had gone up correspondingly and were soaring to still
higher altitudes. There was great demand for a steamboat landing
where boats could come to the main land at the lowest stages of
water.
In March, 1854, W. A. Adams succeeded A. P. Wood as pro-
prietor of the Tribune. The long expected new fire engine arrived
April 3, 1854. and the same day the Washington Company appeared
in uniform and gave it a trial. The Baubiens were patrons of the
turf, ran daily stages westward and had a large livery stable and a
number of fast horses, among them being the famous "John," a
trotter with time of about 2 :40. J. B. Dorr was with the Herald in
1854. The newly submerged insulated gutta percha telegraph wire
or cable was in operation in March, 1854: Air. Linnell, operator.
At this time two rooms in the market house were fitted up for the
new fire engine. In April, 1854, there were four daily newspapers
— Express, Herald, Tribune and Observer. At this time the hotels
were turning away hundreds of guests — were filled to overflowing;
citizens proposed to erect a new and gigantic hotel. The rent of
Waples' storeroom at Main and Fifth was fixed at $1,200, an un-
heard of price here. The total receipts of the city for the fiscal year
1853-4 were $38,952.96 and the total expenses, $41,415. The
Lorimier hollow improvement alone cost $7,000. The city council
occupied Globe hall at an annual rental of $175.
The Philharmonic Society was organized in May, 1854, the object
being "to cultivate a knowledge of music." It was noted May 30,
1854, by the Express that in six squares on Main street alone
twenty-two l)uildings were in progress of erection. In May, 1854,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 103
Mr. Anderson, who had just taken the census of the city, reported
a population of 6,715 of actual residents and between 600 and 700
non-residents.
"Advance in Property.— One year ago last January the Waples'
House was bought for $12,500. Recently the Messrs. Gages, pro-
prietors of the Tremont House, Chicago, offered $25,000 for it, all
cash up. The offer was refused and the property was held at
$35,000. This is a sufficient commentary upon the growth and
prosperity of Dubuque." — {Express, May 23, 1854.)
Two-thirds of the citizens petitioned the council to pave Main
street from First to Eighth streets, the citizens and the city each to
bear one-half of the expense. Lots here were valued at $100 a front
foot. The new fire engine proved to be poor and unsatisfactory ; the
company in disgust disbanded.
In lieu of the old plan of a long canal, the causeway plan
proposed to build a plank road bed supported on piles at an elevation
above that stage of water affording free ingress and egress to boats
of the largest class, of not less width than Main street and with a
landing 300 feet long and about 150 feet wide sloping toward the
water. Two causeways were planned — one just south of Waples'
cut and one just north of Barney's cut, both to extend out to the
main river channel, the two cuts and the canal to remain open. The
gas company announced that as soon as they received 200 steady
customers they would begin to supply gas. In August, 1854, the
council planned to buy the Plank road, providing the company
would accept city bonds in payment. F. E. Bissell was sent to
Milwaukee to settle with Abel Hawley. The latter gave up the
dredge boat and $1,000 to be released. In September, 1854, the
council voted four to three in favor of submitting to the voters the
question of a $50,000 loan to be used in building causeways to the
river.
The Dubuque Gas Light and Coke Company was incorporated in
September, 1854, with a capital of $150,000. On September 28,
1854, a public meeting to organize a board of trade was held at
Globe hall. The meeting was adjourned and at the second meeting
few were present and not a miller. Later the organization was
effected with F. V. Goodrich, president; Edwin James, Jr., secre-
tary, and M. Mobley, treasurer. Early in October, 1854, a Mrs.
Jones delivered to the ladies of Dubuque a course of lectures on
anatomy and physiology. The big cistern for the gasometer was
down fifteen feet by the middle of October, 1854. "Verily, this is
an age of progress — Dubuque and gaslight," said the Observer.
The attempt in October to form a temperance league did not receive
much encouragement.
The Methodist conference was held in this city in October, 1854.
Rev. Henry Clay Dean was present and delivered from the pulpit
an address attacking in severe terms Knownothingism, which
I04 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUXTY
address was caustically commented upon by llie Obscnrr. His
utterances concerning Catholicism particularly unbottled the wrath,
criticism and denunciation of that paper.
"We learn that the cholera is prevailing at Dubuque to such an
extent that many people have left the city in consequence thereof."
■ — St. Paul Express. "There have been a few cases of cholera in
Dubuque, confined principally to the floating population, and some
few have died. To our knowledge there has been no panic or
excitement whatever in regard to it, and we have not heard of any
of our citizens flying from it." — -{Observer, August l8, 1854.)
In October, 1854, J. B. Dorr withdrew from the Herald; where-
upon that sheet and the Miners' Express united under the name
Express and Herald.
"The Daily Miners' Express is dead, buried and resurrected — its
death was sudden, decomposition rapid and fusion with neutral
elements instantaneous. Out of this fused union of apparently
incongruous elements springs into the glorious life and liberty of
democratic existence a journal to be entitled the Express and
Herald, to be enlarged and issued from the Herald office. Who
fathers this new production, or who will nurse its infancy and
guide it to manhood doth not yet appear. The union is wonderful
— chemical synthesis is at fault for Merritt and Mahony are one."
— (Said the Observer, October 27, 1854.)
During 1854 Main street was macadamized and guttered, its
pavements were improved and sheds and awnings in front were
done away with. "When all are remo\-ed, the streets lighted with
gas and the many splendid blocks of buildings now in process of
erection are completed, Dubuquers may well be proud of the main
street of their growing city." — {Observer, November 3, 1854.)
"Among the few things yet necessary to make Dubuque a city
of conveniences may be enumerated water works, gaslight, a few
more hundreds of dwellings, harbor improvements completed,
reliable connection with the railroad at Galena and a line of steam-
boats to secure the Minnesota trade." The board of trade promised
to accomplish these improvements.
In September, 1854, there was paid at one time for improve-
ments on the Lorimier hollow road the sum of $14,375.56. The
estimated cost of the lower causeway was $39,353. In November,
18 S4, the citv secured a deed to that portion of the Plank road
within the city limits. By November, 1854, several four-story
brick buildings were standing on Main or cross streets. It was in
1854, at the time the board of trade was organized, that herculean
efforts to extend the wholesale trade were made with much success.
Dr. Thomas was connected with the Dubuque Observer, which was
the enemy of Catholicism and an advocate of Knownothingism.
At this time a wave against Catholicism swept the whole country;
in fact, Knownothingism was a manifestation of this wave. A
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 105
typographical union was organized in November, 1854, with
Andrew Keesecker president. Money was very tight at this time.
The Female Benevolent Society, a Protestant organization, did
much good during the winter of 1854-5. City water works were
demanded in November, 1854, to take the place of the water ped-
dlers. On November 21 the first gas pipes were laid on Main
street. The Dubuque Teachers" Institute opened December 10.
Robert C. Waples founded Key West in 1854.
In December, 1854, Merritt, Mahony and Dorr were publishers
and proprietors of the Express and Herald. In December, 1854,
there was not a pork packing house in the city. Why not ? was
asked by the press.
During the year 1854 the tonnage of imports to Dubucpie
amounted to 97,633, the largest items being, square timber, 40,580 ;
pine lumber and shingles, 14,972: cordwood, 11,400; groceries,
9,052; emigrants' fixtures, 7,320; dry goods, 5,226; iron, steel and
nails, 3,600. The total value was $4,933,208. The tonnage of
exports from Dubuque amounted to 1 1 ,736, the principal items
being, lead, 4,385; iron, steel and nails, 1,200; groceries, 780; flour,
880; cattle, 650; household furniture, 720; potatoes, 480; wheat,
540; dry goods, 265. All were valued at $1,573,408. The total
number of tons exported from Dubuque on the Mississippi river
for 1853 was 7,482 ; value, $1,006,710. The same tonnage for 1854
was as above, 11,736, value, $1,573,408. In 1854, 38,400 men,
women and children crossed the ferry at Dubuque; wagons, 4,300;
carriages, 2,100; cattle, 9,518; sheep, 2,708; hogs, 6,630. In 1853
the number of persons who crossed the river was 6,200 ; wagons,
2,404; carriages, 3.010; horses, 6,821; cattle, 5,506; sheep, 300;
hogs, 520. In 1854 about 9,000 of the persons crossing were Iowa
emigrants. The steamer arrivals in 1854 were 672; departures,
670, an increase of about 175 over 1853. Navigator, Hamburgh,
United States dredge boat G. W. Jones, ferry boats A. L. Gregoire,
Utah, Dora and Eagle wintered at Dubuque 1854-5 ; also several
flats and barges. In 1854 the steamboat lines had all done a good
business. The remarkable number of t,t,t, new buildings were
erected in Dubuque in 1854, of which 37 were stores, 107 dwellings,
3 churches, 12 schoolhouses, i market house, 3 hotels, 3 wagon
shops, 2 breweries, 2 warehouses, etc. At the close of 1854 the
city had 1 1 churches, i female college, i college, 5 select or summer
schools, 28 dry goods stores, 22 groceries, 5 hardware stores, 7
drug stores, 14 clothing stores, 7 boot and shoe stores, 8 hotels, 5
warehouses, 10 millinery shops, 18 land agency offices, 24 law
offices, 14 medical offices, 13 beer houses and all other branches of
business ; 1,520 mechanics, 38 lawyers, 23 doctors. Nine stages left
Dubuque daily. Total value of Dubuque county property for taxa-
tion, $5,390,230; city tax, $17,000; total county tax, $57,000. —
(Statistics furnished the papers by G. R. West, January 8, 1855.)
io6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
During the winter of 1854-5 business men suffered great incon-
venience and loss at Dunleith by freiglit liandlers who purposely
delayed goods in order to obtain freight charges and who when
they advanced the freight to the railway charged 5 per cent for
such service. These and the ferry and dray charges were too heavy
to be borne with patience and the business men justly held indigna-
tion meetings.
There were several business failures early in 1855. In February
the city was almost wholly without fire fighting apparatus. Efforts
to form a new company were made. In the spring of 1855 the
Sisters' hospital was used by the city. In 1855 W. Langworthy
sold fruit trees at Pleasant Hill nursery back of the city. In
January, 1855, H. L. Stout and sixteen others, upon petition, were
granted the exclusive privilege of supplying the city with water by
water works. Seventy-five citizens petitioned to have Sixth street
extended to the river, but this was evaded or refused and the council
called for proposals to extend First and Seventh streets to the river.
The council offered a reward of $500 for information leading to the
con\'iction of any person guilty of arson within the city limits. A
bill for the suppression of intemperance was opposed in the legisla-
ture by Representative Samuels on constitutional grounds; this
prohibitory law was passed in February, 1855. City scrip at this
date was worth 90 cents on the dollar. In January, 1855, the
proposition of a company of citizens to fill in lands on the front
upon certain conditions was refused by the council. As public sen-
timent and judgment favored some such plan at this time, the
council finally called for plans to extend Seventh street to the river.
The city received four proposals to extend Seventh street to the
river: I. J. H. Emerson and others; 2. Jolm D. Bush & Co.; 3.
Alfred McDaniel, and 4. M. Mobley and others.
The Mobley proposal, which was substantially accepted, planned
to fill up Seventh street extension and bridge the sloughs with double
track bridges in three months or fifteen months at the most ; fill up
Seventh street forty feet on top in twenty months ; build a levee 320
feet long and sixty-four feet wide. Consideration was to be a strip
of ground one block wide out to the river on one side of Seventh
street extended, blocks to be 206 feet deep, as soon as the work
was half done; also alternate blocks on the other side; also tlie right
to use the dredge boat for three years. This organization was
known as the Harbor Improvement Company. In it were M.
Mobley, Lincoln Clark, L. H. Langworthy, J. L. Langworthy, T. S.
Wilson and James Ogilliy. Anotlier company, called Dubuque
Harbor Company, composed of Charles Gregoirc, H. L. Stout and
eight others, agreed to build a similar causeway south of Waples'
cut, the consideration to be all the city land south of the cut except
enough for streets, alleys, etc. They agreed to extend Jones or
Dodge street to the river. Both of tlie above propositions were
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 107
accepted by the city council, and tlius Second and Seventh streets
were to be extended to the river. In short, the Gregoire Company
was to build 800 feet of levee to be used as a public highway. They
completed their contract within one year, and were incorporated in
February, 1856, as the Dubuque Harbor Company; their land
extended from the Waples' cut southward about 3,400 feet. The
city reserved the frontage on the river and on Waples' cut. The
railroad owned a small tract below the cut ; they exchanged this for
ten acres farther south and extending from the river to Main street.
The Dubuque Harbor Company sold many lots at good prices to
private individuals.
Any bridges between Barney's cut and Waples' cut were to be
draw bridges ; all bridges above Barney's cut and below Waples' cut
were to be fixtures. Thus boats passing in at either cut could go on
through the canal and out at the other cut. From time to time
changes were made in the original contracts with these companies.
The lower company built a railroad from the bluffs to the sloughs to
convey earth, stone, etc.
In the spring of 1855 Washington Fire Company No. i raised
the means to buy a new fire engine and 500 feet of hose. In March,
1855, when the Bishop of Dubuque issued a communication to his
clergymen favoring the passage of the Iowa Prohibition law, the
Tribune, really a Knownothing sheet, commended the act in wami
terms, while the Herald laughed at the incongruity ; the latter pub-
lished twenty-five objections to the law. Immense temperance
meetings were held here while the bill was pending. One of the
big meetings of Protestants thanked Bishop Loras for his letter to
the Catholics of Iowa. Rev. W. Guernsey, a fiery Congregational
minister, called Ben. M. Samuels, who had opposed the prohibitory
law in the legislature, the "gutter champion." The Bishop later
said he favored no political party — was simply in favor of tem-
perance and against the liquor interests. The Germans of Dubuque
did all they could to defeat the prohibitory law. They held mass
meetings and passed resolutions denouncing the bill.
In March, 1855, Horace Greeley lectured at the Congregational
church on "Henry Clay." In April, 1855, A. W. Hackley was
editor and proprietor of the Daily Tribune. General Jesup wrote
for local newspapers his memoirs of forty-five years in the army.
April 10, 1855, there was about $20,000 city scrip in circulation and
not a dollar in the city treasury with which to redeem it.
"It Opens Well. — The spring business never before opened with
such flattering prospects as it does this season. Dubuque is unmis-
takably going ahead. It is as much as we can do to keep posted on
the progress of the place." — (Express and Herald, April 12, 1855.)
The first city gas lamps were erected April 23, 1855, one at the
corner of Main and Fifth streets being the first ; it stood in front of
the Globe building. The posts were of cast iron and were made by
io8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Farley & Rouse. For the fiscal year 1854-5 the total recei])ts were
$35,162, and the total expenses $35,923 ; the total city debt in .Vpril,
1855, was $51,167.40. Of this sum the two items of $10,000 and
$20,000 were bonded and were taken by Jesup & Co. and sold in the
East. Alderman Bissell gave his legal advice to the council in
1854-5, refused compensation therefor and was thanked by the
council. Several mad dogs and madder citizens were seen upon the
streets in 1855. C. C. Childs issued a city directory this year. In
1855-6 the council paid $200 for the use of Glol)e hall. George W.
Jones asked to have Lorimier hollow road widened and the name
changed to Appian Way. Alderman Samuels objected and had the
street named Julien a\'enue. The buildings on Main street were
numbered in April. Theatrical performances were rendered in
Globe hall. In ^lay a joint stock company was formed to build a
theater. Allen Leathers was granted exclusive onmibus privileges ;
he ran a bus every thirty minutes the whole length of Main street.
In 1855 the city council passed an ordinance against steamboats
receiving or discharging freight here on Sundays ; many objected to
this ordinance and asked, "Why not stop ferry whistles and close
all shops?"
"Yesterday morning about half past seven o'clock the construc-
tion train of the Illinois Central railroad came through to the
terminus of the road opposite this city. Passenger trains will com-
inence running regularly to and from Dubuque and Dunleith on
Monday next. This event should be commemorated by our citi-
zens."— {Express and Herald, June 2, 1855.)
"There is now a bridge across the slough and connecting the
main island with the business part of the city. Boats are now
landing on the outer island and hacks and carts are running to and
from Main street to the deep water of the Mississippi. This is an
important fact for Dubuque. Seventh street also will soon be com-
pleted to the deep water of the main ri\er." — {Express and Herald,
June 13, 1855.)
At Globe hall in 1855 were presented Othello, Lady of Lyons,
Merchant of Venice, Richard III., The Drunkard, King of the
People, The Wife, etc.
In June, 1855, the council appropriated $500 to celebrate the
completion of the railroad to Dunleith and the introduction of gas
in the city. On June 22, eleven steamboats arrived here ; there
were from four to six arrivals every day. Mrs. McCready, dramatic
reader, was here and was assisted by Miss Nellie Bishop. Mahony
and Dorr were state printers from 1853 to 1855 inclusive. In 1855
the bodies in the okl cemetery were removed by H. Krohl to the
new cemetery. In 1855 the mayor who had no veto power was
granted the right to file his objections to any act he was compelled
to sign. The liquor license was $150. Caroline Lee Phelps was
secretary of the Female Union Benevolent Society in 1854; Mrs.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 109
J. C. Higginson succeeded her in 1S55, at which time Mrs. F. V.
Goodrich was president. The first train arrived at Dunleith June
26, 1855, and on July 18 the event was celebrated here. General
Tripp was marshal of the day. At sunrise a salute was fired from
the bluff, during which the right arm and left hand of a James Best
were badly mangled; this frightful accident marred the whole day.
A subscription was raised for him ; he had four little children.
Many prominent men were invited to be present. Delegations came
from Cleveland, Chicago and other cities. The Masons, Odd Fel-
lows, city and county officials, workingmen and others paraded.
Lincoln Clark welcomed the guests. Stephen A. Douglas, Mayor
Cook of Buffalo, Ben M. Samuels, George L. Nightingale, Judge
T. S. Wilson and others addressed the audience at Washington
Park. There was much complaint in 1855 because the council did
not take definite action concerning the public schools. Action
against liquor dealers who violated the Iowa prohibitory law was
taken in July, 1855, by the seizure of liquors. On August 2t,
Brooks ascended in the balloon Comet from the hill near General
Jones' ; crossed the river into Illinois and landed safely far down
the stream. A large crowd saw the ascension. An old lady present
exclaimed, "What a happy man he is to get so near heaven ; bless
the Lord!" By the last of August, 1855, the bridges over the
sloughs on Jones and Seventh streets were almost completed. Jones
street was hurriedly graded at both ends so that teams could reach
the levee. The north half of the island between the river and outer
slough and above Barney's cut went to the Dubuque & Pacific rail-
road.
After September 23, 1855, passenger trains over the Illinois
Central railway ran regularly to and from Dunleith ; the ferry
ran in connection with the trains, but there was much complaint
over delays and unfair tactics. A general plan to widen and
improve all the streets and adjacent roads was set in operation
late in 1855. The leading hotels were: City Hotel, by C. C.
Hewitt & Co. ; Julien House, by Kingman & Rhodes ; Peaslee
House, by A. H. Peaslee ; Key City House, by O. H. Lockwood,
and Washington House, by Lee and Gray.
"Indian trails and miners' paths there were through Dirty hollow,
over Whisky and Hamilton hills, through the tortuous windings of
Madden hollow, over the rugged ascent of Lorimier hollow, naw
Julien avenue, and through several other wild ravines and over the
craggy steeps of the bluffs around the city. The only unobstructed
approach to the city was by way of what is called the Couler at the
upper end of town. Farmers, of course, complained, but their com-
plaints were for some time unheeded. They had to watch the
opportunity of fair weather to come to town and wait for each other
at the foot of the hills to double and sometimes treble teams to help
each other through. This process went on for years until other
no HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
markets superseded this largely. Galena enterprise put a ferry
across the river at Tete des Mortes and secured much of the trade
of Jackson and southern Dubuque counties. Other points — Bellevue,
Muscatine and Davenport — drew from the county west. It was
then realized that Dubuque would have to improve its Indian trails
and miners' paths." — (Express and Herald, October 24, 1855.)
Mahony and Dorr had business difficulties in the Express and
Herald which were settled by the courts, Dorr remaining in pos-
session. An immense coal yard, one of the first, was established
here in October, 1855 ; coal was worth 30 cents a bushel and wood
$5 a cord. In October, 1855, city scrip was worth only 75 cents on
the dollar. Immense public works were under contract and the city
needed at once $100,000. The Dubuque Library Association was
organized late in 1855 with Piatt Smith president; Austin Adams,
vice president ; J. S. Blatchle\-, librarian. The object was to collect
a library of general literature. In October, 1855, a special census
showed 12,056 population in the city. Mandel Brothers (after-
wards of Chicago) were prominent merchants in 1855. In a vote
for the issuance of $100,000 in city bunils for general improvements
the result was ninety-seven for the loan and forty-seven against it —
a very light and unsatisfactory vote. The measure carried, being
over two-thirds of all the votes polled. Protection Fire Company
No. 2 was organized November 6 with thirty members under J. A.
Parker, foreman. The Express and Herald under Dorr was less
abusive, personal and libelous than it had been under Mahony. The
city had over 12,000 inhabitants, but no efficient apparatus to fight
fire. Two boxes sent from the land office here to New York and
supposed to contain $25,000 in gold was found in New York to
contain buck shot, pressed balls and sheet lead. The express com-
pany offered $10,000 for the reco\'ery of the money and $15,000
for the arrest and conviction of the thieves. On November 16,
1855, the suspended Dubuque Literary Institute was reorganized
with John Hodgdon president ; a series of lectures was planned
On November 24 C. C. Flint began the publication of the daily and
weekly Republican.
James L. Langworthy, Edward Langworthy, Lucius H. Lang-
worthy and Solon M. Langworthy did a large banking business in
Dubuque in 1855 under the name of "J. L. Langworthy & Brothers.
Exchange Bankers." They ofifered to enter land for any one in the
Dubuque, Decorah, Brownsville and Winona land offices on time.
They received deposits and sold exchange on the East. They dealt
in real estate.
"Many of us remember and some of us exult over the victory
obtained by the people in their contest with the Miners' Bank of
Dubuque, yet most of us meanly submit to be swindled by less
responsible financiers than were the heads of the monster which
the people have exultingly slain. Why was it that the Mmcrs' B;nik
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY in
was put down while tlie notes of other banks are circulated amur.g
us as money ? There is no reason for making this distinction — for
preferring the notes of the Bank of Galena, for example, to those
of Major Mobley." The editor ended by appealing to the citizens
"to get rid of the lying, swindling promises to pay that have driven
from us the eagles, half eagles and sovereigns and we shall soon
again be gratified with the sight of old friends who never break
their promise. It is an injustice to our fellow citizens who have
the peculiar talent for the business of financiering to place them
under a ban, while strangers are given the preference."
"Dubuque Loan. — The city and county of Dubucjue have nego-
tiated a loan of $400,000 by Marie and Kanz, of New York, and
F. S. Jesup & Co., of Dubuque. The loan was made to pay the
subscriptions of the city and county to the Dubuque & Pacific rail-
road. The coupons are payable in Berlin, Prussia, and the bonds
bear 8 per cent interest. They are guaranteed by an equal amount
of the stock of the road." — {E. & H., Noveniber, 1855.)
In 1855 the future prospects of Dubuque were bright and
auspicious. Settlers were pouring by the thousands into Iowa, and
in fact into the entire West. Chicago was growing with astonish-
ing rapidity, as indeed were hundreds of other villages, towns and
cities in the Mississippi valley. It was believed here that Dubuque
was certain to become one of the greatest, if not the greatest, cities
in the United States at no distant date — fifteen years, said the
Express and Herald of November 27. It was noted that never
before had the prospects of the city been so promising. "A person
cannot take a minute's walk through this city now without having
his attention engaged by evidences of progress and commercial
prosperity, no matter in what direction he may turn his eyes. In
anticipation of what Dubuque is destined to be every dollar that
can be spared is invested in real estate." It was advised that all
lead of this region should be manufactured here into lead products,
and the same of wheat, which was not the case at that time. "Here
in the midst of the lead region Dubuque ought not to send away a
pig of lead except in the shape of white lead, shot, etc. ; but instead
of this being the case, this city exports the raw material to be
manufactured elsewhere and brings back the same lead manufac-
tured into shot, white lead, leaden pipe and other commodities.
Not a bushel of wheat ought to be exported from this place, except
as manufactured into flour; yet it is notorious that vast quantities
of wheat find its way to the eastern and southern markets from this
city." Many new business houses and buildings were promised for
1856. At this time five different railways had reached or practically
reached the Mississippi river from the East, and it was firmly
believed here that with proper efifort Dubuque could be made the
metropolis of the Mississippi valley. And the citizens prepared to
112 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
make such effort. In one day in November at Dubuque applications
were filed for 200,000 acres.
"Yesterday ]\Ir. Quigley, son of the receiver of public moneys at
Dubuque, deposited with the sub-treasurer the sum of $300,000
received in payment for public lands. The money was conveyed on
the Illinois Central and the Oliio & Mississippi railroads in the
charge of five persons employed for the purpose." The express
company was angry and made unwarranted exactions that caused
sharp criticism.
'"A larger number of good, substantial buildings have been erected
in Dubuque this season than in any previous year." — {Express and
Herald, November 30, 1855.) Buildings by Doyle & Shine, Peaslee
& House, Kniest & Lenssen, J. P. Farley and forty to fifty others of
less note, among which was that of John D. Jennings, called "Com-
mercial Row," containing a dozen or so of business occupants
were erected. "The number of new firms is alone sufficient testi-
mony of the rapid expansion of every branch of business. The ad-
ditional number of houses does not at all diminish the business of
those already established." — (Express and Herald, December i,
1855-)
In 1854 the exports were 11,736 tons and the imports 97,633
tons; in 1855 the exports were 24,237 tons and the imports 276.690
tons. The value of each had nearly tripled. Men, women and chil-
dren crossing the ferry in 1854 were 21,020; the number in 1855
was 38,400. The steamboat arrivals in 1855 were 846. In 1854
333 new buildings of all kinds were erected; in 1855 471 were
erected, among which were one college, one church, twenty-seven
stores, three hotels. At the close of 1855 the city had twelve
churches, seven common or select schools, forty-one dry goods
stores, thirty-two groceries, ten warehouses, twelve hotels, five
breweries, ten drinking saloons, twenty-four land agencies, twenty-
eight law offices, sixteen medical offices, forty-eight lawyers, thirty-
one doctors and 2,600 dwellings. From April to January the city
spent $23,565 on streets. The city assessment in 1854 was
$4,323,530; tax, $32,006. In 1855 the tax was $50,006; licenses
alone brought $18,000. — (G. R. West's statistics.)
"City Improvements. — Strangers visiting this city are struck
with surprise at the rapid growth and enterprise manifested here.
In every part of the city is heard the carpenter's hammer and the
voice and din of business. Dubuque certainly has a bright and
glorious prospect for the future, and nothing will impede its prog-
ress but the want of enterprise and public spirit." — (Express and
Herald. December 6, 1855.)
In January, 1855, the Express and Herald installed an Adams
book and news steam press of the largest size, weighing about six
tons. Owing to ulterior reasons this press was not operated in
1855. In the meantime, in November, 1855, the Davenport Ga::ette
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
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ASYLUM
DUBUQUE CLUB
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 113
also established and put in operation a large steam press. Thus,
though Dubuque was the first to install, it was second in putting in
operation the first steam press in the state. G. W. Rogers built a
shot tower here late in 1855. Graded common schools were estab-
lished in 1855. The famous Hutchinson family of singers were
here late in 1855 — Judson, John and Asa.
On December 18, 1855, Washington Fire Company No. i, with
their new engine, "threw three streams at once over the flouring mill
of Nadeau & Rodgers, nearly eighty feet in height — each pipe
having 100 feet of hose. They then tried their engine on Main
street and threw a stream about ten feet over the flag staff of the
Julien House." — {Express and Herald, December 19, 1855.)
Lorimier Hall was not built by Peter Lorimier. It was erected
by Coates & Wilde and christened in honor of P. A. Lorimier, one
of the oldest citizens of Dubuque. The policy of having the city
pay half the cost of paving the streets in vogue here was ridiculed
and denounced here in December, 1855. It was demanded that the
lot owners should pay the whole cost in proportion to their front-
ages. Late in 1855 Odd Fellows Hall buikling was projected, to
cost $40,000, and to be located at Eighth and Bluff streets.
The Northwestern Express Company (J. C. Burbank & Co.)
had been in existence here for many years. They dispatched pas-
sengers and freight to St. Paul, etc. E. Hayden was local agent in
December, 1855.
At a meeting of the board of trade December 22, 1855, it was
decided that on January 10, 1856, the merchants and business men
of Dubuque should commence to reject the issues of the Georgia,
Tennessee and Nebraska banks. The best men of the city to the
number of 120 signed the refusal. — {Express and Herald, December
24, 1855.) The banking house of W. J. Barney & Co. and F. S.
Jesup & Co. refused to join the movement. They were criticised
sharply by the press.
The postoffice in 1855 was only eighteen or nineteen feet wide
and at the rush hours people had to wait in line to get their mail,
so great had become the business of the office. This room had been
occupied in the spring of 1855 and was on Sixth street on what was
called the "public square." Numerous sites were discussed at this
time — land owned by General Jones, L. Molony's lot, Jesup & Co.'s,
the new concert hall in the proposed new city hall at Sixth and
Locust streets, and elsewhere.
On December 3, 1855, the following prices prevailed in Dubuque :
Timothy hay, $20 per ton; prairie hay, $15 to $18; wheat, $1 to
$1.09 winter and 90 to 95 cents spring; corn, 40 to 45 cents; oats,
45 cents; barley, $1.12; pork, $4.50 to $5; beef, 7 to 9 cents;
mutton, 7 to 9 cents; venison, 8 to 11 cents; butter, 18 to 20 cents;
potatoes, 50 to 55 cents; hides, green, 5 cents, dried, 11 cents; flour,
$8 per bbl. "Never before in the history of Dubuque have farmers
114 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
received at this season of the year 40 to 50 cents for corn and oats."
— {Express and Herald, December 3, 1855.)
"The business in Dubuque seems scarcely to have diminished
until the present week since the close of navigation, either in the
busy market, the warehouses on the levee, at our wliolesale and
retail stores, or in the produce buying in the streets. The past
season has been one of unexampled prosperity for our city." —
(Express and Herald. January 8, 1856.)
Several strong organizations for poor relief were in operation in
January, 1856. On January 9 it was 26 degrees below zero here.
From July 4, 1855, to January i, 1856, 5,200 persons registered at
the Peaslee House ; others showed immense registries. F. D.
Henning & Co., of Pittsburg, opened a banking house in January,
1856; other bankers were Mobley, Dubuque Savings, F. S. Jesup
& Co., W. J. Barney & Co., Dexter & Ripley, tlie Langworthys and
others.
The old calaboose was removed in 1856 and tlie lot on whicli it
stood was leased for building purposes. It was dark, low and damp
and the terror of topers wlio were put tliere to "cool off." In
February, 1856, the cellar and first floor of the store occupied by
Coates & Wilde were leased for $1,600 per annum. This was about
the highest rent thus far charged. In February, 1856, there came
here in one wagon load tiiirty-two deer, brought from Bremer
county by a Mr. Fogle.
On February 4, 1856. the firemen held a grand parade and ball,
on which occasion Washington No. i and Protection No. 2, both
new engines, were exhibited and greatly admired by the citizens.
The engines were decorated with banners and festoons of artificial
flowers.
J. P. Farley and others petitioned to have the old cemetery con-
verted into a public park. New market grounds were secured in
January, 1856, at Iowa and Clay streets — the present city hall now
stands on these lots. On January 15 a water works ordinance
passed the council. In March the islands were ordered surveyed
and platted. In April, 1856, the Harbor Improvement Company
asked permission to extend Fifth street to the river. Many ware-
houses were going up along the levee and along Seventh and Jones
streets. In February, 1856, a $1,000 share in the Harbor Improve-
ment Company was sold to a Pittsburg gentleman for $2,000. Over
a dozen new wholesale houses were established here during the last
half of 1855. In 1856 judgment for $1,000 was obtained again.st
Abel Hawley, at Milwaukee. Eighth street extended was the
northern boundary of the Harbor Improvement Company's tract.
Fire limits were established in February, 1856. Main street wa=
continued south to Jones street. The $100,000 for city improve-
ments was obtained from W. W. Corcoran, the famous philan-
thrn])ist of Washington, D. C. In March, 1856, the Dubuque
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 115
Library Association had sixty members and 200 volumes ; the mem-
bership fee was $5. On March 13 all persons having friends
buried in the old cemetery were requested to remove them to the
new cemetery. J. Bittman was connected with the Stoats Zeitung
in 1856.
"Never before in the history of Dubuque did the preparations for
building commence so early in the season as appears to be the case
now. No city of the Mississippi valley should be allowed to surpass
her in the beauty, style, commodiousness and convenience of her
buildings." — (Express and Herald, March 6, 1856.)
It was in 1856 and 1857 that Dubuque dealers awoke to the
importance of the wholesale business here. Jobbers here for almost
the first time agreed to duplicate St. Louis or Chicago bills.
Herron Brothers, of Pittsburg, opened a banking house here in
March, 1856 — on Main, between Third and Fourth. The Varieties
theater in Lorimier hall presented Othello, Damon and Pythias,
Black Eyed Susan, Ingomar, Virginius, School for Scandal, Romeo
and Juliet, Iron Chest, Richard III., The Wife, Lucretia Borgia,
Rob Roy. Irish Lion and Uncle Tom's Cabin early in 1856. Among
the performers were W. S. Forrest, manager ; H. Van Liew, lessee ;
H. Gossen, G. W. Johnson, Mrs. Powell, .Miss Laura Bentley and
Miss Azlene Allen. Theatres exhibited also at Globe hall. Mr. Bell
packed about 700 hogs in 1855-6. At this time (spring of 1856)
the following companies were conspicuous here : Harbor Improve-
ment, Harbor, Dubuque & Pacific railway, Dubuque & Western
railway, Dubuque & Minnesota Packet, Minnesota Packet, Water
Works, Dry Dock, Tunnel. A fire alarm bell was demanded at
this time. It was noted that in April, 1856, there were forty-one
wholesalers here. From first to last such houses have constituted
the backbone of Dubuque's business and prosperity. In the spring
of 1856 the first three vessels upward bound brought 1,000 pas-
sengers. The upper country was growing enorrrtously and there-
fore the great success of wholesaling here. Along Main street
cisterns holding 1,000 barrels each were built for fire protection.
A private house was converted into a calaboose in April, 1856. J.
C. Jennings was resident government agent in charge of harbor
improvement in 1856. It was necessary to open a smallpox hos-
pital in April. Temporary fire engine houses were erected on the
public square. On May 11, 1856, for the first time in Iowa, a
newspaper was printed, dated and issued on Sunday. North's
great circus was here in 1856; Colonel Wood's museum also;
Professor Fowler, phrenologist, also; Ole Bull, violinist, and
Adelina Patti, prima donna, also. The latter sang at the Congrega-
tional church to an immense audience.
"Pure Water. — One of the things to which we wish to call the
attention of the city fathers is the fact that most of the water which
is supplied by the water carriers of Dubuque to their customers is
ii6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
obtained along the inner levee and at other most improper places." —
(Express and Herald, May 31, 1856.)
In 1854 a water company was chartered by the legislature, but
nothing further occurred at that time. The gas pipe on Main street
was re-laid in 1856. A big public schoolhouse in the Third ward,
with a capacity for 600 children, was ready in September, 1856.
The shot tower of George W. Rogers & Co. stood on an extension
of Seventh street. The cost of the tower by November, 1856,
was $7,000; total cost would be about $10,000. The total height
was about 150 feet — no feet of stone and 42 of brick. The
measurement at the base was 18 feet 10 inches — walls three feet
thick at base and twenty inches at top of the stone work. There
were nine stories in the tower. When completed its daily capacity
was from six to eight tons of shot.
Among the Masons of Dubuque in September, 1856, were the
following: Dubuque Council of Royal and Select Masters: Charles
T. Gilliam, R. Spaulding, A. D. Anderson, C. H. Booth, A. Levi,
G. W. Cummins, M. Hooper. Dubuque Roval Arch Chapter: A.
Biles, J. T. Everett, H. Rouse, J. H. Lull, B. R. Watson, W. P
Allen, C. H. Booth, W. W. Woolsey, A. D. Anderson, A. H. Dillon,
A. Harr and Wm. Hooper. Charles Gilliam was W. M. of Dubuque
Lodge, No. 3, and T. S. Nairn was W. M. of Metropolitan Lodge,
No. 9.
In the fall of 1856 gas lighting was extended to the leading side
streets. The bluffs back of the city began to be covered with resi-
dences. Crowds of strangers thronged the city in the fall of 1856.
The first two public cisterns were built at First and Second streets
in September, 1856. Taylor Richards and Burden were bankers
at Fifth and Main. The city was filled with law-breakers and
robbers at this date. So bad was the money situation here late in
1856 that mass meetings of business men endeavored to devise
means to improve the situation. In one meeting the merchants
agreed to take at par the post notes issued by the Dubuque Harbor
Company and expressed confidence in the post notes of the Dubuque
& Western railway. At another meeting attended by Burt, Lewis,
Wilson, Mills, Waples, Dorr, Stimson, Hackley and Bancroft reso-
lutions of confidence in these post notes were voted down 116 to
103. This meeting demanded that the members of the companies
should file a paper legally binding tiiemsches as individuals to
redeem the notes.
In October, 1856, the Express and Herald people installed their
steam press and connected with it was a book-bindery.
The New England Society was a strong organization in 1856.
The Sons of New York was another. The A'ortlncest. a newspaper,
was issued here in 1856 by H. D. LaCassitt.
J. F. Jesup, at his death in 1856, made the following bequest
among others : "All the residue of my estate I gi\e in trust to
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 117
Morris R. Jesup, Piatt Smith and Louis Boisot, to be used by them
for tlie benefit of the poor of the city of Dubuque." — (Express and
Herald, November 12, 1856.) Immense quantities of slaughtered
hogs were marketed here in November, 1856. The Northwestern
Stage Company put on extra coaches for the trip to St. Paul from
Dubuque during the winter of 1856-7.
Late in 1856 Dubuque was infested with gangs of thieves, which
fact caused the cit}' authorities to double their efforts to catch and
punish tliem. Morehiser was captain of police at this time. In
1856 (December) Judge Corkery was postmaster with office on
Eighth street in the Odd Fellows building.
The Express and Herald of February 4, 1857, said : "Twelve
years ago (1844) Dubuque was what we may call a small village,
remarkable for nothing more than its being in the lead mining
region. It had then, if our recollection be correct, about 700 inhab-
itants all told. There was not a single street of what is now the city
of Dubuque graded. There were but two brick houses, most of the
rest of the buildings being frame shanties. A few stores were suf-
ficient to supply Dubuque and all the country for six miles around in
Iowa with all the commodities of household, mechanical and agricul-
tural use. Main street lots that would now sell for $400 a front
foot could be purchased then for from $100 to $200 for a 64- foot
lot. Lands in the vicinity of the city that now sell for $1,000 an
acre, could then be taken up as claims and bought from the govern-
ment at $1.25 per acre. The hotels then were the Jefferson, the
Washington and the Western, three frame buildings, not a vestige
of which remains we believe to awaken in the minds of the old
settlers reminiscences of the early days of Dubuque. General Har-
rison and Tim Fanning were then the principal caterers. Look at
Dubuque now and judge whether she does not give warrant for
future greatness which we anticipate she will ere long attain."
"A Cold Snap. — Sunday was the coldest day of the season.
Before sunrise the thermometer marked 2>7 degrees below zero, at
8 o'clock 28 degrees below, and at noon 10 degrees below." —
{Express and Herald, January 21, 1857.)
"It is almost incredible to what a degree real estate has appre-
ciated in this city within a twelve-month past. Take the Miller
farm near town. A year or two ago it sold for $130 an acre. Now
it is rated at $1,000 an acre. A short time ago Mr. Sanford bought
two lots corner of Seventh and Iowa streets for $30,000. The same
lots were offered a year ago for $6,000 and could not find a pur-
chaser at that price. It is within bounds to say that all the real
estate within the city limits of Dubuque has doubled in value within
a year. Some portions, we admit, have not risen at all apparently,
while in other localities they have appreciated a thousand per cent."
— (Express and Herald, January 28, 1857.)
"We own to having become considerably indignant at the course
ii8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
pursued by our city banks in relation to paper money. They bring
bank notes here for circulation by the hundred thousand and after
paying them out to the community for good money, they refuse to
take them back the next day unless perhaps at a discount." —
{Express and Herald, January 28, 1857.)
The Central Improvement Company was organized January 23,
1857, with a capital of $2,100,000. It became the owner of two
islands with an aggregate of twenty-eight acres and with enough
shallows to make a total of sixty acres when filled in. Its boun-
daries extended from the line of the Harbor Company on the south
to the line of the Harbor Improvement Company on the north. Its
design was to make a levee the whole extent, to fill all tlie interven-
ing lands and sloughs and to run First. Second, Third and Fourth
streets to the Mississippi. The corporators were Jesse P. Farley,
Franklin V. Goodrich, Austin J. Goss, Robert C. Waples, Chris-
topher Pelan, Robert M. Walmsley, Alexander Anderson and Fred-
erick E. Bissell. The company began swift operations.
Early in Januaiy, 1857, the bankers of Dubuque gave public
notice that they would not guarantee tlie currency paid out by them
beyond the day in which it should be paid out. In this extremity
the press cautioned people to insist on specie in all their money
transactions.
In January, 1857. tiie Central Improvement Company was organ-
ized; they secured a large tract in front of the city between the
grants to the Harbor and the Harbor Improvement companies. In
February, 1857, Redman & Keim, bankers, succeeded T. S. Jesup
& Co. and became associated with W. Y. Lovell under the name of
Redman, Lovell & Co. In February Gen. John Hodgdon assumed
editorial charge of the Northivest during the temporary absence of
M. B. Mulkern, editor. In April Mulkern retired from the paper.
The new constitution of Iowa was published in full here in March,
1857. The establishment of the Republican here in 1857, by A. P.
Wood in June, 1857, gave the city its fourth daily. Thomas F.
Meagher, Irish patriot and orator, lectured here in June on "Royalty
and Republicanism"; he had been banished to Van Dieman's Land,
but escaped and came to America; lie lectured also on "Life and
Times of Daniel O'Connell," at the Julicn theater. The firemen
paraded in June — Washington, No. i, had fifty-four men in line;
Protection, No. 2. thirty- four men; Mechanic, No. 3, forty men;
they gave an exiiibition of water throwing. The new Lorimier
House at Blufi:' and Eighth streets was erected in 1857 at a total
cost of about $90,000.
In 1857 Dubuque & Pacific stock was worth 90 cents on the
dollar; Dubuque & Western, 85 cents; Dubuque Gas Light & Coke,
75 cents; Dubuque Union Insurance, $1.15; Dulniquc General Im-
provement Company, 10 cents: Dubuque Harbor Company, 7^
cents ; Dubuque Harbor & Improvement Company, 2 cents.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 119
"Life and Business. — What a stir was on the streets yesterday.
On Main, for the major part, as far as the eye could reach, up and
down, a living mass of beings were jostling each other — men,
women, children, horses, wagons and drays — all one gay, happy,
moving panorama of city life. It did one's heart good to witness
it." — (Express and Herald, March 18, 1857.)
"It is astonishing with what rapidity frame tenements and build-
ings of diflferent character are going up. We remarked a week ago
or more that the season had commenced, but we did not dream of
anything like the magical springing up of structures that the past
few days have brought forth." — (Express and Herald, March 18,
1857.)
On June 3, 1857, the money market here was very tight ; higli
rates for loans were demanded. All bills were rigidly scrutinized.
"Yesterday B. P. Power & Co. shipped to Dyersville seven boxes
of merchandise, four of them weighing 1,220 pounds; twenty- four
plows, I hogshead of sugar and thirteen large packages of groceries.
This firm made the first shipment over the road. They have shipped
to St. Louis during the past week over 2,000 bushels of wheat." —
(Express and Herald, May 20, 1857.)
The Dubuque Times was started here in the spring of 1857 with
Jesse Clement editor, and in politics was Republican. "An unusual
stringency pervades our money market and business, generally
speaking, is extremely dull." — (Express and Herald, July 28, 1857.)
"As early as August, 1857, a horse railroad to be extended from
Dubuque through Couler valley was projected and considered. It
was proposed by W. R. Hopkins, who argued from experience that
one should be built." — (Times, August 27, 1857.)
The Secretary of the Treasury, in March, 1857, gave the contract
for the new custom house and post office in this city to John Bostater
and Jacob Fonts for $87,334.50, the lowest bid.
The Dubuque Times was first issued June 15, 1857, by a corpora-
tion composed of twenty-four prominent Republicans. J. P. Farley
was president ; D. N. Cooley, secretary ; M. Mobley. treasurer, and
George G. Lyon, editor. The object was to establish here a perma-
nent Republican organ and job office.
Work on the new jail was in progress in May, 1857. Kerosene
oil explosions began to occur too frequently in 1857.
On February 10, 1857, the new Odd Fellows building at Eightli
and Bluff streets collapsed, the roof falling in and part of the wall
falling out, crushing Capt. S. C. Foss and his wife to death in their
home adjacent. There were many narrow escapes. The post office
was buried in the ruins. Captain Foss was an old soldier of the
War of 1812, and was one of the famous Dartmouth prisoners. —
(Express and Herald, February 11, 1857.)
In August, 1857, Dubuque had six daily newspapers — fi\c in
120 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
English and one in German, as follows : Times, Tribune, Express
and Herald, Republican, Northzvest and Democrat.
In August, 1857, there were nine large w-arehouses in course of
construction on the levee.
A rumor against the M. Mobley bank caused a heavy run there by
depositors on September 1 1, 1857, by the German and Irish popula-
tion which held his certificates of deposit. Observing this run a
notice was promptly issued by forty of the best business concerns
and wealthiest citizens of the city pledging themselves to sustain
"his entire ability to redeem any promise or other pecuniary lia-
bility at call." The men thus voluntarily backing Mr. Mobley were
worth nearly $4,000,000. In August, 1857, the assessor's list
showed over 240 concerns and persons here assessed over $10,000
each. Among the wealthiest citizens were the following: J. D.
Bush, $67,940; Richard Cox, $90,480; Jesse P. Farley, $72,200;
M. Ham, $92,657; J. L. Langworthy, $126,090; E. Langworthy,
$170,060; S. M. Langworthy, $74,725; P. A. Lorimier, $65,875;
L. H. Langworthy, $90,475; A. McDaniel, $62,600; J. Ogleby,
$63,025; William Rebman, $128,150; H. W. Sanford, $93,200.
The wealthiest concern was the Dubuque Harbor Company, which
was assessed at $330,000. The total footing of all assessable city
property for 1857 was $10,645,663. — (Express and Herald, August
12, 1857.)
The Tribune alone of the newspapers here opposed the issue of
post notes by the Harbor Company. It demanded that such notes
should draw interest and declared that their issue was a violation of
state law. The post notes of the Harbor Company began to make
their appearance about November 18, 1857. They were in bills of
$5 and $10 and were beautifully engraved in New York. Although
the Express and Herald was "unalterably opposed to banking in all
its forms," yet it favored the issue of the post notes by the Dubuque
Harbor Company. It did so because it believed they were perfectly
good and would relieve the situation here and did so as a "temporary
necessity."
Every banker in Dubuque except the house of J. L. Langworthy
& Bros, agreed to take and use the notes of the Harbor Company,
and they did not probably because they were interested in the
Harbor Improvement Company and not in the Harbor Companv.
The Tribune opposed the post notes of the Harbor Company, but
not those of the Harbor Improvement Company, or the Central
Island Company. Much of all this maneuvering was due to personal
interests. "In the money market we have nothing new to report
excepting the presence of the long expected notes of the Harbor
Company, which made their first appearance some days since and
are very readily taken by a greater portion of our merchants, bank-
ers and Ijusiness men," said tlie Express and Herald, November iS,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 121
1857. The notes of the Harbor Company were redeemable in specie
one year from date.
At a meeting of the friends of the Harbor Company's post note
issues held late in November, 1857, there were strong delegations
from both "Dublin" and "Germany." Over 100 of the best mer-
chants and business men agreed to take the notes at par. There
were present at this meeting George W. Jones, Warner Lewis,
Robert M. Walmsley, E. S. Norris, M. Mobley, J. B. Dorr, R. C.
Waples and J. H. Emerson. The following resolution was passed :
"That we do most earnestly request the Dubuque Harbor Company
to continue the issue of their post notes." Mr. Emerson, a member
of the company, explained that the company did not want to issue
the notes but had reluctantly consented to do so upon the earnest
solicitation of many of the business men, and even then only on the
ground that it might be a measure of relief to the community and
not of profit to the company. — (Express and Herald, November 25,
1857.) There came at once from many places in northern Iowa
demands or requests for the post notes.
M. Mobley's bank suspended and closed its doors early in De-
cember, 1857. He issued a card in which he stated that his assets
to the amount of over $100,000 over all liabilities would be turned
over to his creditors if they so desired. He would keep back noth-
ing except enough to feed and clothe Iiis family. He said that all
creditors would be paid in full. This failure caused great excite-
ment here, coming as it did upon a money market already greatly
depressed. "The past week has been one of unusual severity, in a
financial point of view, causing a deep indigo tinge to pervade all
business circles," said the Express and Herald of December 9.
The Musical Association of Dubuque gave a brilliant entertain-
ment at the Julien theater November i, 1857. Among the leaders
were Abel, Dickinson, Newtli and Adams. An investigating com-
mittee of the city council found considerable irregularity, if not
downright dishonesty, in the letting and management of the city
printing. Late in December exchange on the East could not be
procured here at any price. The money market was extremely
stringent.
Major Moble}', banker, who had suspended in 1857 during the
panic, reopened his bank again late in May, 1858. He was the
oldest banker here. The public charge that the post notes of the
Harbor Company caused the suspension of the Mobley bank was
answered in the negative by that gentleman. On the contrary, he
said that they had aided him and that the charge was ridiculous. He
needed them, because otherwise, in order to obtain currency, he was
obliged to send gold to Chicago and that course could not long
continue.
Strong efforts to force down in value the Harbor notes were
made. Farmers throughout the county generally believed them the
122 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
best paper money they had and much was used in every township.
A merchant in Cascade said the farmers there hked them better than
any other paper money. Anotlier in Washington township said the
same thing. The Central Impro\'ement Company also issued post
notes. Before the issue of the post notes the bankers here were
compelled to bring in the notes of Wisconsin and Illinois banks, but
after the issue of the post notes they were not forced to do so. —
(Express and Herald, December i6, 1857.) A Mr. D. S. Moody
engaged in buying wheat at Dyersville, used Harbor money exclu-
sively with the fanners, who received it at par, while nearly all other
paper currency was at from 3 to 10 per cent discount. A consider-
able amount of city scrip was in circulation late in 1857.
The city held $80,000 of the Central Improvement Company
bonds in December, 1857. The city issued its own scrip in is, 2s, 3s
and IDS. In 1857 a new city charter was demanded. The Protestant
churches united on a plan to relieve the destitute late in 1857. The
Catholic churches acted likewise independently. Late in 1857 work
on the new passenger station at Iowa and Jones streets was com-
menced. The manufacture of shot was begun here in 1857. but was
suspended and resumed in 1859.
The real reason why no more could be paid here for wheat and
other grains was because it cost too much to be put down in St.
Louis. Wheat that was bought here for 50 cents per bushel cost
70 when put down in St. Louis, where the market price was 62
cents only.
The Central Improvement Company issued post notes about
December 7, 1857. The stockholders were made individually liable
for them. They were made payable at different times and bore 10
per cent interest. During the winter of 1857-8 the newspapers were
full of charges and countercharges concerning crookedness in the
assignment of city printing. The points were fought out with great
bitterness. A committee appointed to investigate made a majority
and a minority report.
The extensive flouring mill of James Pratt & Co., adjoining
Dubuque, was a notable feature. It had been started about eighteen
years before 1858, or as early as 1840. An old mill was of wood,
but an immense brick addition had been built. The mill had cost
$20,000. There were three runs of eight buhrs each with a capacity
of 300 barrels in twenty- four hours. The power was water with an
overshot wheel fourteen and one-half feet in diameter and fifteen
feet wide. The dam and flume iiad cost $4,000 and the tail race
$2,000.
Tlie People's theater was opened in September, 1857; the drop
curtain, representing Cole's "Voyage of Life," was executed by Mr.
Gulic, of Dubuque. Late in 1857 the heavy bank and business fail-
ures in the East caused extreme caution here ; bankers loaned spar-
ingly at 2 per cent a month. In October the census then taken
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 123
showed a population of 15,957. In September, 1837, the horse-
railroad question was again considered ; a number of citizens applied
to the council and were granted the riglit to construct a road ; N. A.
McClure was connected with this movement. In October, 1857,
the panic struck this city; the houses of Flaven & Co., Flinn & Bro.
and A. C. Pearson suspended. Mass meetings of citizens decided it
prudent for the harbor companies to issue post notes to relieve the
situation. Later Cameron & Fry and Kemler & Cannon suspended.
In January, 1858, Gray & Waldron and C. W. Arthur closed
business.
Among the improvements at this time were the following: In
1856, 502 buildings of all kinds were erected and in 1857, 378;
gas works, custom house commenced, Second Presbyterian church.
First Presbyterian church, market house at Jones and Main, Malo-
ney and Rebman five blocks, St. Raphael's church under way, Cen-
tral market, Tammany stables, jail building at Clay and Eighth,
Tremont hotel, Lorimier hotel, Congregational church started,
county poorhouse commenced ; on Jones street levee nine ware-
houses, on Seventh street levee three warehouses, white lead works.
From April 13, 1857, to December i, 1857, the city spent in paving,
grading and macadamizing $93,932. It built over ten miles of side-
walks, eight miles of curbing. The three harbor companies had made
vast improvements — they were Dubuque Harbor, Dubuque Harbor
Improvement and Central Improvement. Gas pipe laid extended
4,550 feet. "We are at the most important point on the upper Mis-
sissippi, a point which has given our city the soubriquet of 'Key
City.' As the key she commands the whole of northwestern Iowa
and southern Minnesota." — (Statistics of Express and Herald,
January i, 1858.)
An act of the Legislature, January, 1858, revised and consolidated
the laws of Dubuque and established a city court, of which the chief
officers were judge, clerk and marshal. In December, 1857, the
railway land in Dubuque county was restored to market. The whole
number of business houses which had suspended, assigned or closed
out during October, November and December, 1857, and the first
half of January, 1858, was sixty-one, and yet the city and business
houses had fair credit and prosperity. By January 12, 1858, the
following companies had issued post notes : Dubuque Harbor,
Dubuque Harbor Improvement, Dubuque Seventii (Central) Street
Improvement, Dubuque & Pacific Railway, Dubuque & Western
Railway, and City of Dubuque.
In January, 1858, the immense new St. Cloud hotel on Main
street between Ninth and Tenth, 113x194 feet and five stories high
and 200 rooms and nine fine store rooms, was burned. It had
cost $95,000 and was insured for $80,000 ; this was by far the worst
fire ever here up to this date.
In February, 1858, the new city hall at the corner of Thirteenth
124 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
and Clay streets was occupied by the recorder, auditor, treasurer,
board of education and engineer of the city. There the mayor's
court was held thereafter.
The Express and Herald attacked roughshod the "city plunder-
ers" in I'ebruary, 1858. "Not only are the 'city plunderers' to be
headed off from their attempt to subjugate the First and Fourth
wards, but the street commissioner is to be hauled over the coals."
Among the reforms accomplished in city government in 1858-9
were the following: Reduction of ferriage; blending of offices;
closing of House of Refuge and City Hospital; macadamizing
streets partly at private expense ; upbuilding of city credit ; funding
of the city debt; providing for the payment of interest; abolishing
the office of city printer, etc. A large bell was placed in the city
hall on May 21, 1858. It weighed 3,098 pounds and cost the city
$1,352. It was cast at Troy, New York.
Mayor Hetherington, on taking his office in April, 1858, delivered
an inaugural address from which the following points are extracted :
He had taken the census here himself in 1852 and there were then
4,012 inhabitants. Since that date to April, 1858, there had been an
annual increase of about 30 per cent. "The outward signs of pros-
perity are awfully deceptive. They indicate the disease and corrup-
tion at work upon the citadel of life. Notwithstanding the apparent
prosperity our city has become profligate, spendthrift, has wasted
her substance and ruined her credit and good name by fast living,
by projecting and carrying on costly improvements and going into
extravagant expenditures, and not having the ability to meet the
expense thus incurred. She is forced to make short loans and nay
exorbitant interest until the regular interest upon the funded debt,
together with heavy shares upon short loans, are swallowing up
almost her entire revenue."
He then reviewed the finances of the city and showed the extent
of the extravagance. The whole amount of railroad bonds voted
was $1,500,000, of which $550,000 had been issued. He showed
that the last city council had expended $350,000, while the revenue
amounted to only $137,000. For the fiscal year 1857-8 the gross
expenditures of Dubuque were $350,963, and the gross receipts
$137,817. The total liabilities or indelitedncss of the city on April 6,
1858, was $727,678. Of this amount there was outstanding city
scrip to the amount of $47,926; city bonds to the Dubuque and
Pacific railroad, $200,000; city bonds to the Dubuque Western rail-
road, $250,000. There had been issued during the year $93,208 in
city bonds to retire city scrip. The new market liouses liad cost
$54,686, there being four in all. Street improvement cost $67,671 ;
schoolhouses, $51,765; loss on city scrip and on Seventh Street and
Central Island Company's bonds paid out, $25,308.
Erackctt & Howland packed ])ork here in 1857-8. The bankers in
February, 1858, were Taylor. Richards & Burden: Redmand, Lovell
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 125
& Co. ; Markell, Darrow & Co. ; W. J. Barney & Co. ; Finley, Burton
& Co. ; Gelpcke, Winslow & Co., and the Langvvorthys. In the
spring of 1858 H. H. Heath was postmaster. In 1858, on the pro-
posed general banking law, Dubuque and Julien Township voted as
follows : For the law, 1,105 ; against the law, 40. For a State bank,
1,260; against it, 32. There was much complaint in 1858 over the
management of the House of Refuge; the keeper was declared to be
a brute ; it had been established several years earlier. In August,
1858, as high as 175 teams were here in market at one time. On
August 16, 1858, the Queen's message was received here over the
newly laid Atlantic cable ; an immense celebration of the event was
held. In the fall of 1858 A. Bayless, formerly of the Milwaukee
Commercial College, opened here in the Maloney building the
Dubuque Commercial College, which is yet in existence. Odeon, a
German theater, opened in 1858 on Main between Eighth and Ninth.
Of the new State bank in 1858 F. N. Goodrich was president and
R. E. Graves cashier. It was called "City of Dubuque Branch of the
State Bank of Iowa;" there were 109 stockholders. The Dubuque
Musical Union gave attractive performances at Globe hall in Sep-
tember, 1858. H. S. Hetherington was president.
The Dubuque Daily Ledger was established in September, 1858,
by Flaven & Co., publishers. The number of families in Dubuque
in 1857 was 3,939, and in 1858, 4,411. The gas company, in viola-
tion of their agreement, raised the price from $3.50 to $4.50 per
thousand feet. The company reported a debt of $120,000 and
receipts that did not warrant a continuance at the old figures.
The Daily Times was discontinued in November, 1858, but in De-
cember it again resumed lively existence. Jesse Clements wrote
good poetry in 1858. In October, 1858, the National Dcmokrat
began as a daily. Late in 1858 C. Childs wrote a history of
Dubuque in 400 quarto pages.
"Saturday the thermometer reached 98 and 100 in the shade;
Sunday 100 and 103, and yesterday from 102 to 105." — {Express
and Herald, August 10, 1858.)
When the Central Island Company bought the islands, they
assumed the Corkery loan of $100,000, the Jesup loan of $20,000
and agreed to pay the city $80,000 in ten years with 10 per cent
interest — in all $200,000. The company in 1858 notified the council
that it would be unable to meet the interest on the bonds. The city
held a mortgage on the property for $80,000, leaving $120,000 not
provided for by mortgage. Against the proposition for the city
to take back the property of the Central Improvement Company, 400
citizens remonstrated. The company had failed and was seeking a
way out of its troubles.
There was a big reduction in rents in Dubuque in the fall of
1858. '"Dwelling houses that a year or eighteen months ago would
rent from $300 to $400, can now be rented for less than half the
126 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
amount, and in many instances go begging at these rates for tenants.
Also stores which from eighteen months to two years ago were
grasped by shylocks as soon as finished or empty and re-rented at
bonuses at high rates from $i,ooo to $3,000 per annum, are now
rented at from $400 to $600, $800 and $1,200 per annum." —
{Express and Herald, September 12, 1858. )
By September 27, 1858, the amount of city bonds issued in Heu
of scrip was $127,647.32. They ran for one, three, four and five
years.
At this time, owing to the great financial and commercial dis-
tress prevailing throughout the country, the following resolution
was passed : "That hereafter this council will not authorize, coun-
tenance or consent to the issuing, sale, use or negotiation of the
bonds above described, or any part thereof, or any transaction,
arrangement or scheme which shall require the issue or expenditure
of money other than for the payment of interest already con-
tracted for, from the city treasury for railroad purposes." It was
passed unanimously.
In the autumn of 1858 there arose a serious controversy between
the school authorities and the city council as to the ownership of
the school property in the city. It was vested in the city, but the
school ofiicers insisted it should be vested in their name and that
they should have sole and exclusive jurisdiction over the same.
The city council could not see the matter in the same light. Accord-
ingly an agreed case was made an issue and argued by J. David,
George L. Nightingale and D. S. Wilson for the city, and J. E.
Bissell for the school authorities.
In January, 1859, the outlook at Dubuque was anything but
promising. The crops had failed largely, the financial crisis was
still in existence and the railroads seemed at a standstill. There
was little money at home and no credit abroad. But late in 1859
the Dubuque & Pacific was finished to Independence and the
Dubuque Western to Langworthy. Late in 1859 the city had
grown rapidly, but its credit was low and its scrip far below
par. In this emergency the house of Gelpcke & Co. agreed to
advance the required funds and ineet the different engagements as
they became due, and to be repaid for the advances by the succes-
sive collection of ta.xes. The ta.xes were not collected as expected,
but the company promptly met every engagement according to
agreement and only asked 10 per cent for the use of its money.
No city scrip was issued in 1859, no floating debt was created.
In 1857 the Dubuque city council had adopted the subterfuge of
issuing bonds in lieu of scrip. It was a temporary financial expedi-
ent to prevent the immense amount of scrip outstanding from
becoming utterly worthless and to make room for a still heavier
issue, exceeding in the space of six months $150,000. Holders of
scrip were allowed to con\ert it into bonde drawing 10 per cent
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 127
interest. All this led to an additional interest tax to meet the
bonds as they became due. Being unable to meet these extra
expenses, the city authorities were obliged to resort to the scheme
for exchanging their bonds for new coupon bonds on longer time.
Thus really the scrip was transformed into a permanent debt draw-
ing a high rate of interest. "At the present value of scrip the hold-
ers will have the full cost returned to them in less than four years
in the shape of interest, continuing to enjoy the comfortable income
of 25 per cent on their investment. The scrip upon which these
bonds are based has been issued at from 40 cents to 75 cents on the
dollar. It was necessary to continue this bond issue, otherwise the
scrip would fall much lower." Probably the value to the city of
scrip issued did not exceed 50 cents on the dollar. To meet the
interest on the bonds there was required by 1859 an annual tax of
$13,000.
A committee of citizens prepared a new charter for the city in
January, 1859. At this date the city had three fire engines, three
hose carts, and one hook and ladder brigade ; there were sixteen
public cisterns, each holding 600 barrels. The entire system was
yet wholly voluntary. J. B. Howard was chief, and Philip Sage,
assistant. At this time the city recorder announced that thereafter
no paper money except of the branches of the State bank would be
accepted in payment of taxes.
All winter, 1858-9, this county and community suffered from
dogs and mad dogs. Scarcely an issue of the papers was seen with-
out accounts of "some doggoned canine outrage."
"As predicted, yesterday witnessed the consummation of the
scheme of plunder long known as the 'Central Island proposition.'
The company and the members of the council in their interests
(B. B. Richards, Franklin Hinds, Robert Mitton, Samuel Virden,
N. Nadeau) have at last succeeded in binding the city of Dubuque
to pay the debt which two years ago Jesse P. Farley, F. V. Good-
rich, A. J. Goss, F. E. Bissell, R. C. Waples, R. W. Walmsley, C.
Pelan and A. Anderson bound themselves honorably to pay. Nay,
more, by the villainy of these members of the city council the city
is now made to pay $120,000 and interest amounting at least to
two-thirds of the purchase money for one-third of the property
then purchased for $200,000. Neither Jesse P. Farley nor any
other man in the city can justify the manner in which the company
then obtained the property ; but bad as it was it was righteous and
honest compared with the present plunder scheme." — {Express and
Herald, March 11, 1859.) "Gentlemen, I wash my hands of the
whole Central Island fraud and shall enter my protest against it."
said Mayor Hetherington. It was openly charged that the mavor
was not sincere in this statement and that he secretly favored the
transaction.
A petition seeking to limit tlie power of the city council to buv
128 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
and sell real estate and to incur indebtedness was circulated and
largely signed at Dubuque in March, 1859.
So great was the feeling against the city council in the spring of
1859, the press and public did all they could to purge that body and
elect inen of known character and honesty. "One thing the men
of property — the tax payers and all upright citizens — must remem-
ber, that if good men refuse to take office and suffer from the
wasteful or corrupt management of city officials they have no right
to complain. We want men of substance, standing, integrity, busi-
ness capacity — who will not go into the city council in order to
promote selfish schemes of their own," said the Express and Herald,
March 10, 1859.
James E. Murdock, the celebrated actor, appeared here in April,
1859. Miss Matilda Herron was here in April also, and was fol-
lowed by James K. Hackett ; he made an excellent Falstaff . Henry
Farren, actor, was given a "benefit" in May.
Murdock, Hackett and Miss Herron were the earliest theatrical
stars of the first magnitude to appear in Dubuque ; but they were
not well patronized. Henry Farren had made great and expensive
efforts to provide a treat for the citizens, but was not remunerated
for his enterprise. He had an excellent stock company. Mrs.
Farren was an actress of more than ordinary taste, versatility and
popularity. Mr. W. Edwards had great range of ability — excellent
in comedy, good in tragedy. Mr. McClannin made an excellent old
man. Mr. Pardy was good. Mr. J. F. Lytton was easy and a
good singer. Miss Reignolds and ]\Irs. McClannin were good.
Miss Llewellyn was a verj- graceful dancer. Mr. Noyes was good
and improving rapidly. Mr. Farren was able, a favorite here, and
usually took second part to the stars who came to Dubuque. They
were the principal members of the Dubuque stock company.
The dramatic season here closed on May 14, 1859, and the actors
departed for other places. The profession was roundly abused by
the Christian Witness for acting at all. It was known that the
company had made great efforts to please the people and had
mainly failed owing generally to the prejudice against the stage.
Many citizens, however, favored the continuance here of the com-
pany. Welsh Edwards and such other actors as he could get, con-
tinued to give performances in Dubuque during the summer of
1859. After the burning of the People's theater his company
appeared in the Julien theater. Many amateurs made their
appearance.
In April, 1859, Pelig Talman & Co. leased the shot tower and
began operations. The old Central market stood at Locust and
Fifth streets. M. Mobley was one of the three state directors of the
State Bank of Iowa in 1859. George W. Jones, who had been
apjiointed minister to Bogota, New Granada, was tendered a public
dinner by about 200 of the most prominent citizens of Dubuque in
TILPEN IHJViSBAfifi^S
Y. W. C. A.
w
COUNTRY CLUB
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 129
May, 1859. He was compelled to decline for want of time. During
the spring of 1859 the papers were filled with accounts of the move-
ment westward to Pike's Peak. From the opening of navigation
to May 18, 1859, there passed through Duhuque bound for Pike's
Peak 720 teams. The press here did all it could to check this
movement. Prices at Dubuque on May 24, 1859, were as follows:
Flour, extra, $7; wheat, $1 to $1.10 old, 60 to 90 cents new; oats,
old 55 cents, new 35 to 45 cents; corn, 55 to 57 cents; barley,
45 to 50 cents; butter, 12 to 13 cents; eggs, 63^ cents; potatoes,
65 to 70 cents.
At a fire here on May 27, 1859, there were destroyed Odd Fel-
lows' block, People's theater. Masonic hall and several stores.
Many small concerns and individuals lost heavily. The total loss,
deducting insurance, was $58,350. The postoffice matter was all
saved. Two big hotels had been burned here within eighteen months
before — Merchants and St. Cloud.
The disbanding of the police force in the spring of 1859 was
followed by an increase in all manner of crimes in Dubuque — fires,
burglaries, pickpockets, etc. During three months in the spring of
1859 there were stolen in Dubuque alone twenty-five cows. This
was one of the results of the disbanding of the police force.
"A fellow who was trying to sell one of our citizens some ever-
greens Thursday assured the citizen that the trees which lie already
possessed were of 'the ordinariest kind.' We learn that Stanton of
the Dyersville Mercury has entered suit against the fellow for
trespass." — (Express and Herald. June 26, 1859.)
The corner stone of Turners' hall was laid June 20, 1859, at Cla}'
and Twelfth streets. The names of the founders of the society
were recorded as follows: George Weigel (died in 1854), Fred
Wetzel, William Smith, Fred Jenkel, Charles Kerlike, Frank E.
Deggendorf, Hugo Deggendorf, J. Kutscli and Gustave Ebert.
Speeches were delivered by Dr. Hillgaertner, O. P. Shiras and
Adam Koch. The Nortlnvcst was revived about June i, 1859,
under H. H. Heath, editor, and P. M. Guthrie, publisher. There
were here also the Sun, Times, Herald, Republican and Tribune.
In the spring of 1859 city scrip was worth 65 cents on the dollar;
old Harbor Improvement scrip, 50 cents ; new Harbor Improvement
scrip, 65 cents ; Central scrip, 50 cents ; Dubuque & Pacific due bills,
30 cents; Western railroad scrip, 10 cents; Western railroad bonds,
1 5 cents ; short city bonds, 45 cents ; city coupon bonds, 60 cents ;
old school orders, 90 cents; new school orders, 50 cents; Dubuque &
Pacific land scrip, 30 cents; Harbor Improvement land scrip, 10
ce.its; Central Island coupon bonds, 50 cents; Central Island con-
struction bonds, county warrants, par.
On July 6, 1859, the Daily Express and Herald became the
Dubuque Herald, with J. B. Dorr & Co. as publishers. On July 4,
1859, the corner stone of the custom house was laid with due cere-
I30 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
niony by the Masons. On July i6, 1859, it was 99 degrees in the
shade.
Previous to 1859 there was no old settlers' association at Dubuque
— there had been an old settlers' supper a year or two before, but
no organization.
In October, 1859, the following breweries were in operation:
Stahlman's, on Julien avenue ; Western, Tschirge & Schwind pro-
prietors ; Schmidt's, in West Dubuque ; Heeb's, at West Dubuque ;
Seeger's, near the bluff. The capital invested in breweries was
$124,000; barrels made in 1859, 22,000; barley used, bushels,
44,000; barrels exported, 7,443; men employed, 125. Mr. Schwind
expressed the opinion to the Herald reporter that from thirty to
forty glasses per day was about right for each individual. He said :
"Too moosh visky ish too moosh, but too moosh logger bier ish
choost enoof." The press late in 1859 wanted to know why
Dubuque did not pack more pork ; it was behind in this industry
almost every other large city in the state. The Turners dedicated
their new hall at Clay and Twelfth, December 16, 1859. The Rock-
dale and Dubuque debating societies contested on many questions in
1859-60. At a shooting match in December, 1859, Samuel Cox,
J. Van Alstine, William Ellison and J. McAleer contested for a
purse of $20; twenty-one yards rise, ten birds; McAleer won with
nine out of ten.
The leading hotels here in May, 1859, were as follows: Baubien
House, Mark Baubien, proprietor; Peosta House, Gilliam & Shields,
proprietors ; Belfield House, T. Belfield, proprietor ; Tremont House,
Plumbe & Alexander, proprietors ; Oregon House, William Schod-
der, proprietor; American House, Joseph Miller, manager; Julien
House.
"Dubuque dogs are superior to ordinary dogs ; they breed faster,
howl more mellifiuously and longer every night, are homelier and
present more varieties than anv other dogs of any other city in the
Union."
The Rockdale and Wasliington Literary clubs held several debates
during the winter of 1859-60. A mock court was organized in Feb-
ruary among the lawyers and citizens. In the Catholic Institute
was a mock legislature and a debating club. The Washington Liter-
ary club held weekly debates.
CITY OF DUBUQUE, 1860 TO 1869.
DUBUQUE during the fifties and sixties enjoyed the lectures
deHvered here by prominent men and women of the coun-
try under the auspices of the Young Men's Literary Asso-
ciation.
In January, i860, Benjamin F. Taylor of Chicago lectured on
"Washington Irving" before the Young Men's Literary Association
and repeated the lecture by request. The new German theater at
Turner's hail was opened in January. It seated 600 persons.
Jackson's victory and Burns' and Thomas Paine's birthdays were
celebrated. The chief speaker at the latter was Christian Wul-
weber. Joseph Duggendorf proposed the following toast : "Thomas
Paine and Thomas Jefferson — the discoverers of freedom, human-
ity and intellectual progress." It was responded to by John Bittman.
The committee on finance of the city council reported as follows
in February, i860: "The present is a critical time in the financial
history of the city. Ne\'er will cautious and prudent management
be more needed. The day of lavish expenditures is past, public
improvements of all kinds abandoned, the credit of the city
exhausted, a heavy burden of debt to be borne and the only source
of revenue the taxation of a community embarrassed by unfortunate
speculation and many of its numbers struggling to save tJiemselves
from total ruin. The indebtedness of the city on the first of Janu-
ary, i860, consisted of the following obligations :
Clark, Dodge & Co. loan $ 10,000.00
Jesup loan 20,000.00
Ahern loan 2,000.00
Corcoran loan 100,000.00
Dubuque & Pacific loan 200,000.00
Dubuque Western loan 250,000.00
Loan of 1857 100,000.00
Total of coupon bonds $682,000.00
Short bonds, irregular sums 97,030.89
Interest due and unpaid 76,253.36
Scrip outstanding 25,168.91
Other debts 8,326. 13
Grand total debt $888,779.29
131
132 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
This sum was due, in varying amounts after the year i860. The
total amount that must be met by January i, 1861. was $228,995.49.
The property within the city limits, as assessed for taxation in 1859,
was as follows: Realty, $3,931,639; personalty, $922,363; total,
$4,854,002. These figures showed a reduction of $5,791,661, or 54
per cent, from the assessment of 1857, and a reduction of $2,879,255
or ;i7y2 per cent from that of 1858. The total resources from taxes
to January i, i860, was $126,183.49, much of which was delinquent
taxes. Two important steps were necessary : Settle the debt past
due and reduce tlie interest rate on the whole debt. The house of
Gelpcke, Reutgen & Co., of New York, early in i860 began an
injunction proceedings to prevent the city from paying out its
revenues until its dues were settled. The city began counter pro-
ceedings to dissolve the injunction and ordered that no further pay-
ments should be made to that company.
"Tlie year i860 has Ijeen remarkable in this section for a sort of
voluntary temperance movement. There has been no organization,
no apparent external movement ; but simultaneously as it were, in
the month of January, a large number of hard drinkers voluntarily
suspended opeiations in this direction. It numbers among the vic-
tims men of all classes, ages and conditions — honorables, ex-honor-
ables, lawyers, doctors, bootblacks, horse jockeys, editors, printers,
river men, hodcarriers — fellows who indulged in Heidsieck, Mous-
siere lager, 'hale' and all the brands of whisky from 'instant death'
and 'just around the corner' to the longer ranges such as 'eiglity-rod'
and 'Minie rifle.' There are other changes as marked." — {Herald,
March i, i860.)
On February 28, i860, the following prices were quoted at
Dubuque ; City scrip, 65 cents : Harbor Improvement scrip, 75
cents; the same new, 75 cents; Central Improvement scrip, 20 cents;
Dubuque & Pacific due bills, 30 cents; Dubuque & Pacific land scrip,
20 cents; Dubuque & Pacific bonds, 30 cents; Western Railroad
scrip, 8 cents ; Western Railroad bonds, 20 cents ; city short bonds,
30 cents ; city coupon bonds, 30 cents : old school orders, 60 cents ;
Harbor Improvement land scrip, 10 cents; Harbor Improvement
bonds bearing interest, 95 cents; Central Island coupon bonds, 30
cents; Central Island construction bonds, 20 cents; county warrants,
85 cents.
In May, i860. Andrew Keesecker became connected witli the
Herald. "Mr. Keesecker is the oldest printer in Iowa and it was
by his hand that the first newspaper in Iowa was struck off. He
ivas for a number of years publisher and editor of the Miners'
Express, a paper which was subsequentlv merged in tlie Herald." —
{Herald, May 16. i860.)
A section in the southern part of Dubuque was called Dublin and
became well known. Nearly all who lixcd there were guilty of the
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 133
crime of being poor and whisky was their greatest enemy, said the
Herald.
"At ahnost any time from September (1859) up to May (i860)
McGregor, Cassvilie and other points up and down the river paid
from 2 to 6 cents more per bushel for wheat than our Dubuque
buyers. * * * If the fault is with the Ferry company then we
say that no monopoly has a right to exist whose operations succeed
in driving thousands of bushels of grain per season to other and
less accessible points. If, however, the fault is found in the pic-
ayunish spirit of our grain buyers, a different but none the less
needed remedy is demanded. We lay down this proposition with a
perfect confidence of its entire truthfulness: Dubuque did not buy
the last season but a very little over one-third of the grain which
naturally falls to this point." — (Herald, July 13, i860.)
The Rockdale House at Catfish Mills was kept by William John-
son in i860 and was one of the best in the county. It had excellent
and extensive stabling.
During the summer of i860 for the first time the fact that Chi-
cago was the central market for the West for grain and stock was
fully recognized here. The Grain Exchange here then paid for the
first time Chicago prices less freight rates and no longer paid serious
attention to St. Louis as either a grain or a live stock market. —
(Herald, September 5, i860.)
Dubuque lacked facilities for receiving and shipping grain in bulk
and on July 14, i860, the grain buyers and millers met for the pur-
pose of establishing a grain market with a view of regulating
freights and prices ; G. R. West presided. At the second meeting
steps to establish a grain market were taken.
Gen. George W. Jones, upon his return from Bogota in July,
i860, was tendered a public reception by the citizens of Dubuque.
On August 8. i860, about fifty of the grain buyers and millers
duly organized the Dubuque Grain Exchange.
During the summer of i860 the Dubuque Temperance Society
petitioned the city council to close saloons, gardens, etc., on the
Sabbath. At the same time a petition signed by several hundred
citizens asked that no such Sunday law be passed. After sharp
debate both petitions were laid on the table. It was claimed that
the existing Sunday law was strong enough if enforced.
In August the petition for a grain market was considered by the
council. It was signed by forty-five millers and others, and asked
that the First ward market be designated the grain market. There
were two counter petitions signed by many citizens. The council
finally established the market in the First ward.
In August the city council, made desperate by want and while
endeavoring to "raise the wind," passed an ordinance providing
that 10 per cent of the proceeds of all sales of property not assessed
for city purposes made by auctioneers within the limits of the cor-
134 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
poration should be paid into the city treasury. This act was
denounced by the press as unprecedented and extraordinary and void
on its face. It was passed in response to an urgent and numerously
signed petition.
On October 20, i860, city scrip was worth 65 cents; Harbor
Improvement scrip, 95 cents ; Central Improvement scrip, 20 cents ;
city short bonds, 60 cents; city coupon bonds, 35 cents; school
orders, 60 cents; Harbor Improvement land scrip, 10 cents; Central
Island coupon bonds, 30 cents; county warrants, 82]/^ cents^
exchange on New York, % buying, ij4 selling; exchange on Chi-
cago- Vi discount buying, 1/2 premium selling; gold, ^ to Ij4
premium.
"Just now there is huge rejoicing among the sons of Nimrod, for
air, bluff, estuary, river, marsh and morass are teeming with game.
Quails, salmon, turkeys, geese, ducks, squirrels, raccoons, partridges,
snipes, etc., are thick beyond all imagination. Sportsmen just now
are in their element. Never was game plentier or weather finer than
at present." — (Herald, October 26, i860.)
"Large numbers of fatted hogs are daily coming into town —
some stopping here, others going East. The packing season is hardly
yet commenced, but will be as soon as the weather will permit.
Very extensive preparations are being made for packing here tliis
{a\\."— (Herald, October 26, i860.)
The Brancli of the State Bank issued new bills in September,
i860, of the denominations of $1, $2, $3, $5 and $10. They were
very handsome.
The comparative merits of Milwaukee and Chicago as a grain
market for Dubuque were duly considered in i860. It was argued
that Chicago was the better, because the grain that went there v.as
more like that from Dubuque than that which went to Milwaukee.
"The Harbor Improvement Company will ofifer for sale at auction
at their office on Seventh street today at 10 o'clock 200 lots in their
addition to Dubuque. The land dividend scrip of the company will
be received in payment." — (Herald, November i, i860.)
"Pork — The pork business is or ought to be one of the heaviest
departments of business in our city. Heretofore it has been neg-
lected— any quantity of hogs liave passed through here and been
carried to other points. This is a mistake. Dubuque should not,
under any circiunstances, allow a hog or any cattle of any kind to
pass through here. The trouble heretofore has been a lack of
capital. No one had sufficient to embark in the business. A few
have done so, but with limited means; and they have been obliged to
sell immediately after packing in order to turn their money. This
was shown last spring, when dealers in pork were obliged to import
from St. Louis the very article which they sent thither last fall."—
(Herald, November 14, i860.)
With the close of the Presidential campaign in i860, J. B. Dorr
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 135
retired permanently from the editorship of the Herald, with wliich
he had been connected over eight years. This left D. A. Mahony
to manage the paper alone.
The annual assessment in Dubuque for a series of years was as
follows :
1854 $ 2,762,638 1858 $ 6,080.917
1855 4.323-560 1859 4.854,002
1856 8,221,228 i860 2,625,862
1857 10,200,000
From 185 1 to 1857 there was a natural growth of great rapidity
due primarily to its excellent reputation and to the capital already
secured. This growth continued because it was believed Dubuque
was fitted with natural facilities possessed by no other city of the
Northwest, and because it was believed that the river, the approach-
ing railroads and the vast tributary country to the westward and
northwestward must contribute to the permanence of its growth.
By 1857 other cities had made great gains in securing the western
trade which Dubuque had coveted ; the river traffic began to decline
— due to the appearance of the railroads. On the heels of all this
came poor crops and the dreadful panic of 1857 — all of which
together dissipated in a large measure the dream of future greatness
and metropolitan distinction and proportion. Business men lost
heart as fast as they lost trade permanently and many closed their
shops and stores and went elsewhere. During 1858 and 1859 ^ com-
plete blight fell like a frost on all commercial transactions here,
but in i860 there was a much better feeling and a distinct revival
of prosperous conditions.
"Judging from the evidences of activity in business, the lowering
of city indebtedness, the absence of foolhardy speculation, the incom-
ing of immigration, the inquiries for real estate, the improvements
begun or projected, Dubuque has passed through the valley and
shadow of financial Death and is now with vigorous steps climbing
once more the ascents beyond." — {Herald, November 24, 1860.)
A well ten feet in diameter was dug on Tenth street between
Jackson and Washington for the use of the fire department, in
November, i860. It was thought the well would be better than cis-
terns. The tri-weekly Demokrat was discontinued and only the
weekly issued after November 17, i860. By November 17 exchange
on New York was up to 5 per cent premium selling. Exchange on
Chicago had not risen, was at from ^ per cent discount to V2 pc
cent premium. City scrip was worth 65 cents and county warrants
85 cents. On the 19th city scrip advanced to 67^^ cents. The
Dubuque banks began about November 20, i860, to throw out the
bills of all doubtful institutions, and to exercise great care in the
circulation handled.
136 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
J. H. Kothe composed music here late in i860: one of his com-
positions was tlie Dubuque Waltz, published by \V. J. Gill)ert of
this city — all home productions. The Germanic band arranged it
for the street. Dubuque caught the billiard fever which was raging
over the country late in i860. S. S. Palmer was cliosen chief
engineer of the fire department December 3, i860.
The large grain elevator of the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad
and the Dubuque, Marion & Western Railroad, comjileted late in
i860, had a capacity of 150,000 bushels. The cost of storage for
twenty days was 2 cents a bushel, for four months 4 cents. It
adjoined the track of the railroads.
On December 4, i860. New York e.xchange was quoted at 7 per
cent premium selling; gold, 10 per cent selling: city scrip, 70 cents;
county warrants, 85 cents.
In Dubuque, in December, i860, in one house on Sixth street
near Clay, were some fifty or sixty negroes — all black Republicans.
They got in a row over the right of a state to secede, whereupon
one of them seceded from the others, was arrested and fined and
sent to jail for thirty days for assault, said the Herald. "Very few,
if any, live hogs are being cut up in this city, but are carried through
to Chicago. This is wrong. We think our dealers are missing it.
very materially." — (Herald, December 18. i860.) A lodge of Good
Templars was organized in Dubucjue in December, i860, with E. R.
Shankland as worthy chief.
On January 4, 1861. the National Deiiwkrat (German ) entered
upon its fifth year, four of which it was under Hon. F. A. GnifTke.
"Yesterday forenoon Conductors Northrup's and Cawley's trains
both came in. The latter left here one week ago last Tuesday, the
former one day later. Cawley was frozen at Jesup and Northrup
two miles the other side of Independence. Slow traveling to and
from Jesup in eleven days — yet fast enough considering the going."
— (Herald, February 2, 1861.) In January, 1861, there was strong
talk of building a horse railroad from Dubuque up the valley of the
Turkey river and eventually on to the Minnesota line.
"Two years ago the same property (lots in Davis', West's and
Cook's additions) or any other ofifered for sale at auction would
not have attracted three Jsuyers. In fact, at that time a man would
no more bid on real estate than he would on an elephant or an acre
in some valley of the moon. Thursday, however. Jordan's auction
room was so crowded at the hour of sale that perhaps a hundred
people were unable to gain admittance. The bidding was spirited
and we believe the prices, although almost infinitely below those of
'55-'6, are an indication of a healthy condition. As an illustration
of the character of the tremendous expansion and collapse of things
hereabouts we will cite the history of two or three of the above lots:
Lot 308 of Davis' Farm addition was bought by D. A. Mahony of
Mr. San ford for $500 in April, 1857. It was sold Thursday for
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 137
$105 — just about wliat it is actually worth. The two Locust street
lots were bought by H. W. Sanford in 1852 for $800. In 1856 he
sold them to Captain Kinsey for $7,000 on ten years' time. Major
Mobley, who was regarded as one of the shrewdest business men
in Dubuque, very shortly afterward gave Captain Kinsey $5,000
cash for his bargain ! Thursday both were bought by A. McCann
for $1,920. Such have been the changes through which real estate
has passed in the last five years. There is now, however, eveiy indi-
cation that the valuation of real estate is upon a substantial basis. —
{Herald, February 2, 1861.)
Delinquent Taxes, March, 1861.
Delinquent tax of 1857 $17,161
Interest i i>7S5
Delinquent tax of 1858 24,278
Interest 10,318
Delinquent tax of 1859 22,813
Interest 3-992
Delinquent tax of i860 35.494
In February, 1861, Col. Richard P. Morgan proposed a horse
railroad and argued that as steam railroads had really taken trade
away from Dubuque horse railroads could and would bring it back
if extended as they should be. The Herald noted that previous to
February 13, 1861, snow to the depth of nineteen inches had fallen
and most of it still lay upon the ground either where it had fallen
or in drifts. On the 13th and 14th fifteen inches more fell. In
February, 1861, Adam Jaeger began here the distillation of alcohol
and the manufacture of whisky on Bee Branch.
On March 22, 1861, city scrip was quoted at 55 cents; school
orders, 50 cents ; county warrants, 90 cents ; exchange on New York,
6 per cent premium selling; gold, 6 per cent premium. E. C. David
received the appointment as postmaster of Dubuque late in March,
1861. About the middle of March, 1861, the Herald began the issue
of a bi-weekly in addition to its daily and weekly editions. It was
issued as an experiment.
Newman & Cooper and Cooper & Smith were large manufac-
turers of wagons and plows in 1861. The former were selling
from five to ten wagons a week in March and the latter were turn-
ing out annually 1,000 plows. They also manufactured harrows
and other agricultural implements.
The banking houses here in March, 1861, were as follows : State
Bank Branch, H. Markell & Co. ; J. L. Langworthy & Bros. ; Bab-
bage & Co. ; Theo. Gelpcke & Co. The second mentioned were the
successors to Markell, Darrow cS: Co., and the last mentioned were
the successors to Gelpcke, Winslow & Co.
138 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Mike Blumenauer's scliool of g>-mnastics had a class of twenty-
five men and about fifteen boys early in April, 1861. Gymnastics
had been taught here before by Professor Schill. The Cincinnati
Price Current said that Dubuque in 1860-61 packed 5,068 hogs,
against 3,400 the year before.
For the fiscal year 1860-61 the recei])ts were $55,249.05, and the
expenses $36,484.76.
Of the receipts above nearly $50,000 was delinquent or old school
and special tax previous to i860. From the special interest tax of
1859 and the delinquent tax of the same year alone the receipts
were $26,000. The largest items of expense were $8,665.90 inter-
est on coupon bonds and $9,425.30 for outstanding city bonds.
The Dubuque Elevator Company during the winter of 1860-61
shipped large quantities of grain to Chicago. Many times it sent
from 10,000 to 20,000 bushels at one date. In the spring of 1861
it was shown that in Dubuque few if any residences either of the
rich or poor had water, gas or proper ventilation. Few if any
houses had been constructed with a view to ventilation. Many
houses had no water in their yards, and not over a dozen in the
city had water accommodations inside. This was, no doubt, owing
to the absence of waterworks. Gas was a luxury scarcely to be
afforded by the richest citizens and for the average and poor citi-
zens was quite out of the question. — (Herald, April 11, 1861.)
The failure of Gelpcke & Co., May 6, 1861, caused great excite-
ment among the depositors and throughout the business circles of
Dubuque. A large crowd collected at the bank. It became rumored
that Theo. Gelpcke had left the city, taking all the gold with him,
or else had secreted himself here. About fifty men accordingly
gathered at his residence on Locust street with the intention of
searching the premises. Upon learning that he was not at home
the crowd, now about one hundred, moved down Main street, where
they were addressed at the Washington House bv William B.
Allison, who stated that he, as assignee, was preparing a statement
of the bank's condition. He said he had $5,000 of the bank's
cash and that the amount due depositors was about $40,000, and
notes soon due to the amount of about $12,000 more. He promised
to do all he could for depositors. Rev. Mr. Dennis also addressed
the crowd (now over 200) and advised moderation. He said on
authority that 50 to 60 per cent of the bank's debts would be paid.
Tlie crowd slowly dispersed. In June the assignee paid 20 per cent :
total liabilities about $37,000.
On May 15, 1861, New York exchange was 10 per cent pre-
mium selling, and American gold 15 per cent same; Chicago
exchange was at par. The merchants assembled in mass meeting
late in May, 1861, to devise means to get rid of the pest of depre-
ciated currency from which all suffered. F. V. Goodrich was chair-
man. The subject was fully c<Misidcred, and protests against any
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 139
action were presented. At an adjourned meeting Patrick Quigley
presided. The committee appointed at tlie previous meeting recom-
mended the E. K. Willard & Co. list of Chicago for Illinois bills.
An 80 and 90 cent list was recommended for Wisconsin bills. They
further recommended 35 cents for depreciated Illinois bills and 40
cents for depreciated Wisconsin bills. There was much difference
of opinion as to what should be done, and all realized that any list
adopted would need constant revision.
The Eighteenth Annual Grand Communication of the Grand
Lodge (Masonic) commenced at Dubuque, June 4, 1861, in Tur-
ner's hall. Thomas H. Benton, G. M. of Council Bluffs, was pres-
ent and in his official position. E. A. Guilbert, of Dubuque, was
senior grand warden: J. S. Dennis, of Dubuque, grand chaplain;
W. K. Hall, of Dubuque, A. G. T., and H. S. Jennings, of Dubuque,
G. P. They passed resolutions regretting the death of Senator
Douglas.
On June 20, 1861, New York exchange was 10 per cent premium
selling; American gold, 15 per cent premium selling: city scrip,
55 cents ; county warrants, 90 cents ; school orders, 50 cents ; Cen-
tral Improvement scrip, 10 cents; city short bonds, 50 cents; city
coupon bonds, 30 cents. By the last of June, i85i, the walls of the
custom house were up and ready for the roof — no more could be
done yet. On July 21, 1861, the Herald came down to the new
financial gold basis and quoted New York exchange at 2 per cent
premium and American gold at 1/0 per cent premium. The Fourth
of July, 1861, was celebrated here in grand style. Lincoln Clark
was the principal orator. A chorus of eighteen singers rendered the
national airs. Bands, parades and boat excursions were features.
On Wednesday, July 29, 1861, the mercury reached 98 degrees in
the shade; on the 30th, 98; on the 31st, 99, and on August i, 91.
There was much complaint because hogs were permitted to roam
the streets. The city had plenty of laws, but the hogs would not
mind them, humorously observed the Herald.
In August, New York exchange was 2 per cent premium selling,
American gold i/^ per cent premium selling, city scrip 50 cents,
county warrants 88 cents, school orders 50 cents.
"In passing around town and seeing now and then an empty
building once filled with goods or occupied four or five years ago
by some man who soon ran his peculiar race of folly or extrava-
gance, we are reminded of the contrast between the flush times of
1856-57 and the dullness of 1861-62." — (Herald, August 10,
1861.)
One of the most extensive branches of business here in 1861 and
before was the lumber trade. Seven or eight firms were thus
engaged with a large capital.
In September, 1861, over 130,000 bushels of wheat were received
here by railroad from the West. There were also received 5,000
I40 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
barrels of flour. In one week 48,000 bushels of wheat were
received. One of the best improvements of the city council in 1861
was the building of Southern avenue in its continuation over
Cavanaugh hill ; it cost over $200, but was considered well worth
the money.
Samuel McNutt succeeded J. B. Dorr in editorial charge of the
Union. A new cable was successfully laid across the ri\er from
Dunleith to Dubuque, September 3, 1861. Furniture on a large
scale was manufactured here in 1861, but it was a recent industry
on so large a scale ; only a few years before Dubucjue had bought
its furniture in the East. Herancourt began this business in 1846,
and ten years later built a big factory and employed from twenty-
five to forty men; he made chairs, sofas, tables, desks, etc.
Immense quantities of "stumplail currency" of Eastern institu-
tions were in circulation here and throughout the West in Novem-
ber, 1 86 1. Farmers were warned against it and advised to take
nothing but gold and silver for their wheat, etc.
Large quantities of wheat arrived here in November, 1861, and
were handled by the Dubu<iue Elevator Company. The Elevator
Company was shipping thirty to forty carloads of wheat per day —
12,000 to 14,000 bushels. The Elevator Company was now ready
to store wheat for the winter.
"Look Out for Bad Money — The farmers are beginning to
'smell a rat' about the State Bank paying out the 'promises to pay'
of Tom, Dick and Harry's Eastern bank instead of the notes of
the branches of the Iowa State Bank, the only bank paper that any
farmer ought to take for his produce. A sensible German farmer
slightly opened the eyes of one of the wheat dealers yesterday who
offered him checks on the State bank. Said he, 'No. I must gold
haben for my veat.' And he got the gold. If the wheat dealers
are in the bank's interest in shoving off rags that in a few weeks or
months may be like the Illinois or Wisconsin currency, paid out by
the State bank and that hit the fanners, lead miners and everybody
else six months ago, it is time for the farmers to understand it." —
{Herald, November 16, 1861).
In December, 1861, the Herald favored the recommendation of
Secretary Chase concerning the establishment of National banks,
because it believed they would drive out wildcat issues. Late in
December Eastern banks began to suspend specie payments and
trouble here was anticipated and in a measure forestalled. Samuel
McNutt retired from the Union in December, 1861, and the daily
ceased to be issued.
Dubuque market, January 3, 1862. — Extra flour. $4.75; wheat,
choice, 58 cents; eggs, 12I/2 cents; oats, 12 to 14 cents; corn in ear,
15 to 17 cents; hay, timothy, $6; butter, 10 cents; potatoes, 35 to 40
cents; prairie chickens, $1.50 per dozen; quails, 65 to 70 cents per
dozen; dressed pork. $2 to $2.50; dressed beef, $2.25 to $3.50 ])er
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 141
cwt. ; beef steaks, 6 to 7 cents a pound; pork steaks, 5 to 6 cents a
pound ; turkeys, 40 to 65 cents each.
A Mr. K. bought flour at a mill and received in change a half
dollar coin which he was later told was bogus. He returned,
demanded good money, was refused and brought suit before Justice
O'Meara. There were several witnesses and a long trial. Sud-
denly the court thought best to test the coin, whereupon a jeweler
pronounced it genuine. It was suggested that the constable should
pay the costs.
Pat, an Irishman in the wood market here, described to the
Herald reporter his girl in Ireland, as follows : "A fine, strappin'
goil wus Mary as iver tied a shafe of corn or driv a lump of a pig
to market. The divil a bit of harm was in her and she was as full of
fun as an egg is of mate. She was as straight as a rush wid the
complexion of the rose and peaches united in one."
"Send Us Treasury Notes — We will take United States treasury
notes for subscription to the Dubuque Herald in preference to any
bank notes, whether of Iowa, Ohio or Indiana. Persons remitting
us money will act accordingly." — (Herald, January 19, 1862.)
The marshal began to sieze game under the game law in Janu-
ary, 1862. Bayard Taylor lectured here in January. Gen. Tom
Thumb was here also. On January 31 all trains were stopped by
a big snowstorm. A concert of 200 children under Mr. Wheeler
was an interesting event of the winter of 1861-2. This concert
was repeated several times by request — "Wheeler's Juvenile Con-
cert." Another feature was the immense shipment of wheat to
Dunleith by teams.
Pork Packing in Dubuque, Winter of 1861-62.
Firms. Hogs.
F. Weigle 360
Strobel & Rath 800
H. Brinkman & Co. . . . 825
Mr. Rosenburg 350
J. Hughes 930
Richard O'Brien 300
Brackett & Morse 4,750
Totals 8,315 2,048 3,305 3,344
In addition about 5,000 were shipped from here in bulk, and
many live hogs were shipped during the winter.
Tlie old Express and Herald office was sold by the sheriff and
bid in by H. Knowlton for $1,500, subject to a mortgage of $2,000
held by W. H. Merritt ; the power press alone was worth the $1,500.
Weight,
Aver.
Barrels
Lard.
Mess
Pork.
320
290
299
280
141
226 tc
253
140
97
300
187
80
290
310
280
250 tc
45 tc
1,200 bbIs
350
130
2,200
142 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
After much tribulation tlie council finally paid James Rowan for the
market ground — $7,000 for the $10,000 owed him. On February
2, 1862, the mercury reached 28 and 30 degrees below zero on the
bluffs. In February the price of pork was the lowest in years —
$2.25 to $2.40 per cwt. In February it was rumored that the State
bank branch here would soon suspend specie payments. Everybody
welcomed the treasury note bill — it was expected to relieve the dis-
tressful local currency condition. Rouse & Williams operated iron
works, built engines, etc. Many shooting matches were held in
February. A grand musical service was held at the Julien theater,
mainly by Dubuque musicians. It ended with a grand tableau and
festival at St. John's Episcopal church, February 13. The new
Iowa banking law made Iowa State bank notes and United States
treasury notes receivable for taxes — the former only in case it did
not suspend specie payments. Another immense snowfall late in
February tied up hundreds of carloads of produce all over northern
Iowa.
Cooper & Smith in 1862 conducted a big plow and harrow factory
here. Early in 1862 the Legislature refused to repeal the prohib-
itory liquor law, though strongly urged to do so by Dubuque and
other river cities. Early in 1862 it was noted that the price of
pork was governed largely by successes and reverses on the battle-
field. McNutt was editor of the Times in February, 1862.
This law provided that on the affidavit of any person private
houses might be searched for liquors and the right of a change of
venue was cut off. "A greater outrage than this has never been
attempted in the most despotic countries on earth," said the Herald.
"Dubuque has never yet had the advantage of a prominent pork
packing establishment and the want of it has been a serious loss to
this city. Instead of packing every hog brought to this market for
sale, the great bulk of the pork is shipped either on foot or in the
carcass to Chicago or some other distant point. This city loses also
by its failure to manufacture lard, lard oil, stearine, etc. Instead
of grinding up all the wheat brought to this market this city is
scarcely more than a station on an accommodation railroad route." —
{Herald, February 19, 1862.)
The bill of 1862, which aimed to stop the manufacture and sale
of lager beer in Iowa, was vehemently denounced here by press and
mass meetings. Dimes, quarters and half dollars of zinc were thick
here in April. Nearly every business man had a few in reserve to
work off on his neighbor. There was great complaint against the
extortions of the Illinois Central Railway company in April, 1862;
it was even found advantageous to ship to Chicago via Prairie du
Chien. In June city scrip was down to 40 cents. Edward Everett
lectured here on "Hi.story of the Origin and Character of the War;"
he took the usual northern view and the Herald said, "Whatever
Mr. Everett believes we do not belie\e." In June, 1862, City Treas-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 143
urer Guthrie announced the dehnquent tax of 1857 at $13,272.87;
interest on the same, $7,034.62. He announced that dehnquents
could pay in city scrip at 50 cents on the dollar. Immense quanti-
ties of wheat were conveyed to Dunleith by the ferry-boat and
barges in June. The Herald said in July that McGregor was a
better wheat market than Dubuque, owing to the lack of enterprise
and concert here. Sometimes as high as 700 wagons loaded with
wheat reached McGregor in a single day. It came from as far as
200 miles and lumber was cheaper there.
The Fourth of July, 1862, was generally celebrated all over
Dubuque county. At Dubuque the day was ushered in with a salute
of cannon and with the peals of bells. Major Brodtbeck was cliief
marshal. Everybody joined the parade. Rev. A. A. E. Taylor was
principal orator. Judge T. S. Wilson was president of the day.
Resolved, by the council, That the holders of all bonds known by
the name of short bonds, may have the ordinary evidence of claim,
i. e., city orders or scrip, issued them for the same by returning
them to the office of the auditor, who will cancel them and cause
slips to be issued for the same, for the amount of the original at
face named (less 10 per cent) and with 6 per cent interest thereon
from the date of said bonds." Adopted July 3, 1862.
Early in 1862 specie began wholly to disappear as it was steadily
overreaching in value all paper issues. A number of business men
made the attempt in July, 1862, to retire all small change then in
circulation and have the banks substitute therefor their own change
or scrip checks.
H. Markell & Co. and Babbage & Co., bankers, issued scrip about
July 15, 1862, as follows:
Dubuque, July 15, 1862.
Tzventy-Fivc Cents
Redeemable in United States or Iowa Currency in sums
of One Dollar, at the Banking Houses of H. Markell &
Co. and Babbage & Co.
Jno. Ware, Jr., Teller.
R. Scott, Teller.
"We are very sorry to know that these bits of paper are to drive
out what little silver change there is among us, but derive some con-
solation from the fact that it will not be a general system of plasters
— the tradesmen and merchants refraining from going into the busi-
ness while the bankers are prosecuting it. Undoubtedly great incon-
venience is felt from the scarcity of change but the prevention is
144 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
worse than the cure. Good-hye Httle lialf dime and soporific
quarter." — (Herald, July 17, 1862.)
In July, 1862, A. Heeb sliipped beer to Memphis, the river thereto
having been opened by Union gunboats and troops. By July, 1862,
the delinquent tax of 1858 was $29,822.33 ; interest, $12,527.97. In
1862 Rouse & Williams made iron columns for Dubuque and out-
side buildings; Woodworth's new brick block contained them. Peo-
ple hoarded silver and passed as soon as possible all paper received.
A new lot of city scrip was issued in August, 1862. The new frac-
tional currency of the government was anticipated in August with
much confidence. A floating planing mill — an ingenious contriv-
ance— was here in August doing work at the levee. Prof. O. S.
Fowler lectured on "Phrenology" in August. Owing to the enforced
absence of Mr. Mahony in August, 1862, Stilson Hutchins became
editor of the Herald. The Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows assembled
here October 22, 1862. W. P. Allen, of Dubuque, was elected
R. W. G. representative. In 1862-3 a new passenger depot for the
Dubuque and Sioux City line was built. In October, 1862, county
warrants were worth 80 cents on the dollar; school orders, 65
cents; city scrip, 40 cents; gold, 22 per cent premium selling. In
October, Welch Edwards appeared here with his theatrical troupe.
On September 30 and October i , 2 and 3 the State Fair was held
in Dubuque. The city and county ma'de donations of money to
secure this event. The city also at its own expense and that of the
leading business men enclosed the grounds, cleared the track, erected
the buildings. The local committee were Richard Bonson, E. R.
Shankland, Judge King, Solon M. Langworthy, W. C. Chamberlain,
H. S. Hetherington and Peter Melendy. The fair was a great
success, much to the credit of Dubuque.
"Awful. — Coal oil is up to 70 cents a gallon; potatoes to 50
cents a bushel; wood, $4 a cord; butter, 15 cents a pound; eggs, 12
cents a dozen ; shirting, 30 cents a yard ; cotton batting, 40 cents a
pound, and the end is not yet." — (Herald, October 30, 1862.)
Under the delinquency of 1858, 1859 and i860 a great deal of
land all over the county, even in the city of Dubuque, was sold for
taxes.
Mr. Dorr, who held a mortgage on the Herald, foreclosed it and
took possession of the office in November, 1862. Stilson Hutchins
bought the office of the old Northicest and part of the office of the
old Dubuque Times and prepared to issue the Dubuque Democratic
Herald to take the place of the Herald of Mahony. By this time
there was no gold nor silver in circulation; there were sufficient
treasury notes for all ordinary purposes. The Dubuque skating
club was organized in December. For many years skating had
been the principal pastime during the winter months. A hog weigh-
ing 980 pounds came here from Monticello in December : it passed
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 145
on to Chicago. Ten acres of the cemetery were ordered laid off
into lots and streets at this date.
A committee of the council appointed to investigate the harbor
question reported at the January session, 1863, that in a short time
the harbor would be wholly unfit for landing purposes unless the
formation of the sandbars could be prevented ; that the bar was
caused by the filling up of the inner slough at the Third street
bridge ; that the Third street bridge should be removed or extended
in one span over the whole slough and that the right of the city to
remove such bridge which had been built by the Central Improve-
ment Company was in doubt.
On the loth of September, 1853, the city of Dubuque executed
to F. S. Jesup a deed of trust on the Central island to secure a large
amount of indebtedness, say about $30,000. On October 24, 1856.
the city also executed to W. W. Corcoran a mortgage on Central
island, with other lands, to secure the payment of $100,000, payable
at New York, May i, 1876. The Jesup trust was not acknowl-
edged, so far as the records showed. On March 20, 1857, the city
contracted with J. P. Farley and others known as the Central Island
Improvement Company to convey the said island to said company
in consideration that the company should assume the indebtedness
of the city to Corcoran and Jesup. The company thus assumed
such indebtedness and on October 19, 1859, the city executed a deed
of Central island to the Central Improvement Company by which
the city conveyed all the right it then had or might afterwards have
in the island and the beds of sloughs with the right to fill or dredge
the same. On March 3, i860. Congress granted to the city all the
title of the state of Iowa to the sloughs and beds of sloughs within
the said property. Whatever right this act conferred upon the city
would thus inure to the benefit of the Improvement Company
under the prior act. On March 14, 1859, in consideration of a
release from the indebtedness before assumed, amounting without
interest to $120,000, the company made a contract with the city by
which the company reconveyed to the city every third lot of the lots
into which the island was laid out. In this contract the company
obligated itself to pave a levee on the main channel of the Missis-
sippi river along the entire front of the island and to have the work
done by January i, 1861 ; also to fill and grade Second and Fourth
streets from the east line of lots of the old town of Dubuque not
less than forty feet wide with proper slopes for embankments and
to have Second street finished by January i, 1862, and Fourth street
by January i, 1863. These conditions were never fulfilled, nor the
work of paving or grading the streets ever commenced. This con-
tract was never signed by the city, but the company claimed the
contract to be valid, inasmuch as the company signed it and made
the conveyance to the city of the said lots and the conveyance was
afterward accepted by the city by resolution. By January i, 1863,
146 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the incumbrances on the island were far beyond its then actual
value. There was the indebtedness of $120,000 and interest for
several years and a county tax of $6,447.31 from 1857 to 1861
inclusive. In addition there was the city ta.x due and unpaid.
On January i, 1863, tlie office of city auditor was declared vacant,
that official having been absent for a long time and neglected his
duties. On January 9 about 250 wagons of pork were here at one
time. On another day 100 wagon loads of firewood were on the
streets; wood was worth $4.50 and $5, much higher tlian usual.
George Francis Train lectured here January 17 on "English Shams:
American Realities." John G. Armstrong, of Dubuque, formed a
business connection with liim and took the road. The printers had
a big festival on Franklin's birthday. During 1862 and much of
1863 there was a great scarcity of small change; small packages of
postage stamps were used — 5, 10 and 25-cent packages. There was
a great drouth in January, so that water haulers were employed to
fill the city cisterns to be in readiness for fires. January, 1863, was
very mild, so that ferry boats ran as regularly as in summer. In
January live hogs were worth only $2.90 to $3.25 ; wheat, 95 cents
to $1 ; beef cattle on the hoof, $1.75 to $2.25, and whisky was going
up, notwithstanding the efforts of most men to put it down. The
Democrats here called the fractional currency "Chase's shinplasters."
Immense quantities of ice were put up in 1862-3, George Zumhoff
alone storing 45,000 tons.
Early in January, 1863, Dubuque was shut off for a week from
the outside by the deep snow and intense cold. Many domestic
animals throughout the county perished. About this time $50,000
was offered for Kelly's bluff, but the eccentric owner refused to sell.
James Burt was president of the skating club. Treasury notes on
March 2 were at a small premium on 'change, city short bonds were
worth 45 cents ; county, warrants, 97^ cents ; Iowa state warrants,
98 cents; quartermaster's vouchers, 90 cents. In February green-
backs were here in abundance and were accepted by all business
houses and farmers. In February all prices began to advance in
leaps and bounds. The Herald seemed to lose no opportunity to
denounce the branch of the State Bank. Gold ran up to about
$1.70 here, but soon fell to $1.45. Early in 1863 Professor
Lascelles and his assistants gave their series of grand concerts at the
Julien theater; parts of the performance were "Blue Beard," "The
Ship on Fire," "The Spirit of the Storm," "St. Patrick's Day," etc.
The press declared this to be the grandest musical event ever in
Dubuque up to that date. "The Lascelles third concert was
attended by a large audience, which testified almost breathlessly to
the rare and beautiful music. Mrs. Lascelles possessed a soprano
voice of rare sweetness and compass, and Miss Anna Lascelles cap-
tured the audience with her Yankee songs. Mr. Lascelles played
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 147
and sang with a power and sweetness never approached on a stage
in Dubuque.
A special committee, consisting of Aldermen Quigley, Mason and
Matthews, found that the indebtedness of the city of Dubuque on
March i, 1863, was as follows:
Outstanding coupon bonds $ 682,000.00
Interest due March i, i860 76,253.36
Interest due March i, 1863 204,600.00
Interest on short bonds, $97,000 22,050.00
Outstanding short bonds, March i, 1863 48,800.00
City currency and scrip out 16,047.30
Due Rowan for central market 3,500.00
Due Harbor Company for repairs 3,951.61
Other debts and judgments 7,250.00
Total $1,064,452.27
The amount of bonds issued by the city for railroad purposes:
Dubuque & Sioux City Railway Company, $200,000 ; Dubuque &
Western Railway Company, $250,000. The Gelpeke Company
brought suit to recover interest on the railway bonds for over three
years. The county was interested to the extent of $200,000, which
it voted the Dubuque & Sioux City Railway Company.
By the recent supreme court decision both city and county now
had to pay up. This sad fact caused people to be despondent.
War claims added to the crushing burden; yet in spite of all the
city and county were prosperous owing to the flush of war.
In March, 1863, the air was dark with countless myriads of wild
pigeons on many days. There was a big strike on the newspapers
late in March, 1863; half sheets were issued. In the end the union
which demanded better wages was forced to give up the fight.
In 1861-2 there were packed in Dubuque 8,315 hogs; in 1862-3,
13,285. In the latter year Burlington, Des Moines, Farmington,
Fort Madison, Keokuk, Muscatine and Ottumwa packed more than
Dubuque — a few three or four times as many.
In 1863 the mail distributing office was removed from Dubuque,
which act was believed to be due to the opposition to the war shown
here. John Hodnett had been and was yet connected with the
Herald. D. A. Mahony and Stilson Hutchins conducted in the
Herald one of the ablest papers in the West; they assailed the Lin-
coln administration with ability, vigor and severity. The council
in May declared cottonwood trees a nuisance and ordered them cut
from city lots, streets, etc. A. Schaefle conducted a book bindery
here in 1863.
Dubuque county warrants were at par June 8, 1863. A
Sylvester's patent grain separator was the invention of a Dubuque
148 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
man. A dispute between the saloons and breweries was settled in
May, 1863, by fixing $9 as the price of a barrel ; elsewhere the price
was $10. On June i, 1863, Assessor Kniest reported in Dubuque
2,719 dwellings; families, 1,600; males, 5.998; females, 6,628;
total population, 12,626; voters, 2,409; colored population, 65.
Dubuque real estate was assessed at $1,893,000; personalty,
$867,434. In a horse race at Bee Town between Kitty Clyde and
a Bee Town horse for a stated purse of $700 a side, distance 500
yards, the horse won by four and one-half feet; it was said that
over $8,000 changed hands as the result of the race; $100 green-
back bills were numerous. On June i, 1863, the Times was
enlarged to eight columns. About this time the Chicago Times was
suppressed by order of the military authorities, but after a few days
was permitted to continue. D. N. Cooley, agent, called for the
federal ta.x in June and announced that it must be paid within ten
days or a 10 per cent penalty would be added. The board of trade
was again organized in June; it issued for a while the Commercial
Reporter. Every cistern in the city was dry in June ; water haulers
did a big business — 15 to 20 cents below, and 25 to 35 cents per
barrel above the bluffs.
"A Game of Ball. — The Fourth ward recently challenged the
Third ward to try a star game of baseball for the championship
belt. An enormous set-to came off lately between the clubs of the
several wards. ... A very exciting and astonishing game was
played. The Third ward after two hours threw up the sponge and
the Fourth ward were proclaimed victorious." — (Herald. June 9,
1863.)
The "Up-town" club and the "Down-town" club were pitted
against each other. In the former were Markell, Root, Cox,
Blatchley, Bates, J. Ware, C. Ware, Donaha and Perigo, and in the
latter W. Mills, N. Mills, Waples, Lewis, Bugh, Morgan, Pinto,
Potter and Coyle. The "Up-town" won in July at the race track.
They also played on the circus grounds near the Third ward school-
house. Another club here at this time was the Key City. This was
the first year that matched games were played.
The old cemetery at Dubuque consisted of twenty acres, about
one-half of which was laid out into lots. It was not well drained,
because a circular tract in the middle was lower than the surround-
ings. It was thus thought best to secure another 20-acre tract
lying immediately west and contiguous to the old yard. It was
arranged that 70 per cent of the proceeds of the sale of lots should
be paid to the owner of the land, and the other 30 per cent go to
the treasury to be used in laying out the ground, fencing it, etc.
To Alderman Kiene was due this successful plan of securing the
new tract. Mr. Norris laid out the lots, etc. The cemetery thus
laid out and expanded consisted of forty acres in a regular square,
beautifully situated and commanding a view both of the Mississvi:)pi
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 149
and the city. The price of the lots was fixed at sums varying from
$5 to $25 eacli. About four acres were set apart for a potter's field.
The cemeteiy was named "Linwood" by the city council.
In July, 1863, drovers began to drive large numbers of cattle
across the river to Dunleith for shipment to Chicago. Immense
herds of sheep passed through Dubuque, bound for farms to the
westward. A hunting party in July killed over 100 woodcock on
the upper river and another party returned from northern Iowa
with over 300 prairie chickens. C. Brownson established a big
tobacco factory here in July. At this time the following com-
manded the highest prices ever known here — timothy hay, $18;
best prairie hay, $15; slough hay, $12.
"Certain parties in town are figuring for the establishment of a
national bank. If they succeed there will be two after the first of
January next,- as other parties have the same object in view." —
(Herald, August 24, 1863.)
Late in July, 1863, boats under necessary restrictions passed down
the river to Vicksburg and New Orleans. Considerable beer was
sent down by Dubuque brewers ; no mails were permitted on the
boats. In September, 1863, during the fair the streets were lighted
with gas and the press asked to have it made permanent. Several
fast horses were at the fair: Young Bashaw, Tom Hyer, Kitty
Hunt, Grey Hawk Morgan, May Day, Abe Lincoln, etc.
In October, 1863, Professor Steiner ascended in a balloon on
Main street, between Seventh and Eighth ; reached an altitude of
10,000 feet, passed southeastward down the river, was visible for
forty minutes, and landed safely near Bellevue ; he used city gas to
carry him aloft. A complete set of counterfeiters' tools was
unearthed at White and Thirteenth streets in October; they doubt-
less belonged to a gang that was convicted in 1859 and sent to the
penitentiary. Telegraph poles were erected in November; they
were for the new line west to Cedar Falls, etc. A large grey eagle
was shot near Dubuque ; it fell into the river and was secured. The
new postoffice and custom-house was about half finished in No-
vember. The Brothers of New Milleray sold many fat hogs here
and at Dyersville — no such in November brought them $412. A
panther appeared near Dubuque in the fall of 1863, and killed pigs,
chickens, calves, tore a bull terrier to pieces, frightened women and
children; it evaded hunters who went after it and left the neighbor-
hood ; it had been seen near Stewart's place. The southern part of
Dubuque was called Dublin, the northern part Germany, and the
center was called Babel. A carload of twelve fine elks passed
through here in November, 1863, bound for the stock preserves of
Victor Emanuel of Italy and brought $1,500 put down in New
York; buffaloes and antelopes were also shipped thus later.
"National Bank. — We learn that a national bank is to be started
150 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
in tills city after January next by parties who generally succeed in
what they undertake." — {Herald, November 29, 1863.)
On December 3, 1863, the telegraph line to Cedar Falls was
finished. The freight blockade late in 1863 caused great loss to
Dubuque business men. Mass meetings failed to improve matters.
The old plan to drain the adjacent mines to secure pure water were
again considered at this time.
The year 1863 saw much improvement in the city, more in repairs
and ornamentation than in new buildings. There were no vacant
houses. Among the improvements were buildings by Emerson
Shields & Co. (Peosta House), Bishop Smyth, General Hodgdon,
Capt. J. W. Parker, Richard O'Brien. Custom House, Dr. E. L.
Clark, engine house at Washington Park, Woodworth & Jaeger's
brewery on Lake Peosta, round-house for the railway, Plenis &
Beach's soap factory, etc. Late in 1863 Dubuque newspapers
received telegraphic dispatches several hours ahead of Chicago.
The large panther was again seen in Stewart's grove late in
December, 1863; several hunters went after it but it had left the
neighborhood. On January 7, 1864, the first mail from the East
for a week arri\-ed : there had fallen deep snows and the cold was
intense.
The coldest period since 1856 extended from December 29, 1863,
to January 2, 1864. On the 29th it was 4 degrees below at 3 p. m.,
10 below at dark, and 15 below at 10 p. m. ; on the 30th it was 29
below in the morning, 20 below at 3 p. m., and 15 below at dark;
on the 31st it was 21 below in the morning, and below all the rest
of the day ; on January i it was near zero all day, but always below ;
on the 2d it was 13 below at sunrise, 2 below at 2 p. m., and 6 below
at 6 p. m. The 2d was the severest as a cutting wind blew almost
a gale.
The Gelpcke case against the city and county for $650,000 and
interest at 10 per cent went to the supreme court of the United
States. It was on the railroad bonds issued in the fifties by both
city and county. The recent decisions in the Iowa courts had led
the people to expect that the bonds would be declared unconstitu-
tional by the highest court. The case came up in January, 1864,
and the supreme court of the United States held that the bonds
were valid in the hands of bona fide purchasers. Several other cases
of a similar nature were decided at this time — all mantaining the
validity of such bonds. It was now seen that the city and the county
of Dubuque would have to pay these bonds and accumulated
interest ; this caused much despondency and in a measure checked
the growth of the city. City and county were tlius large stock-
holders in the roads.
Hose Company No. i disbanded January 8, 1864. The North
American Fur Company advertised for $20,000 worth of furs. The
first mail from the West in six days arrived January 5. Eighteen
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 151
tons of wild game passed through to Chicago in one lot. Sporting
men held several cock fights here in January. Two large wolves
were seen near the city. Horses were raced on Lake Peosta.
Hogs packed in 1862-3 :
Brackett & Morse 5,935
J. Hughes 1 ,600
H. Brinknian & Co 1,100
Mullally & Walsh 500
Quigley & Brown 500
Coates 600
Rosenberg 350
Strobel & Rath 1,000
W. Lawther 100
F. Weigle 700
Tutwiler 200
12,585
Hogs packed in 1863-4:
Brackett & Morse 8,000
Curtiss & Parker i ,700
Strobel & Rath i ,000
F. Weigle & Co 700
H. Brinkman & Co : 600
Coates & Roberts, Nagle & Co., Dunn, Flynn & Conway. . . . 1,200
13,200
Bought and shipped from Dubuque 25,800
Number barrels pork packed 3,500
Number tierces lard 1,300
Packed 1861-2 8,315
t,
A produce dealer here early in 1864 estimated the following
receipts by wagon in this city for 1863: Wheat, 250,000 bushels;
oats, 50,000 bushels; flour, 25,000 barrels; dressed hogs, 20,000;
pork, 5,000 barrels. — {Herald, January 26, 1864.)
Thirty tons of prairie chickens passed on to Chicago; they were
worth $1.60 per dozen; they retailed here for 6 cents each. Tschirgi
& Schwind doubled the capacity of their brewery in January, 1864.
In February the Herald was enlarged to eight columns.
On February 9, 1864, county warrants were 95 to 98 cents; city
scrip dull at 30 cents ; treasury notes at i/o per cent premium ;
national bank notes at a slight discount, because it could not be used
in paying taxes; gold, $1.57; silver, $1.47; demand notes, $1.58;
Chicago exchange at par; New York exchange, ^ of i per cent
premium.
152 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Professor Agassiz delivered several lectures here on natural his-
tory in February. On March i, 1864, Mahony, Hutchins and
Hodnett left the Herald permanently; Robb and Ham took their
places as editors and managers. "I need not say with what mingled
feelings of pleasure and pain I make the announcements-pleasure
that I am no longer obliged to fight a profitless battle, pain that I
thus become virtually separated from so many brave, consistent,
self-sacrificing Democrats," said Mr. Hutchins. "We do not enter
upon the undertaking without some reluctance and a full apjjrecia-
tion of the duties, difficulties and responsibilities which the position
involves. We shall endeavor to make the Herald thoroughly Demo-
cratic in its principles and usages, dignified in its tone, candid in its
opinions, reliable in its statements and particularly valuable for its
news, always seeking the harmony and welfare of the party and the
preser\-ation of our free republican institutions," said the three new
managers, Patrick Robb, F. M. Ziebach and M. M. Ham. Under
the new editors the Herald was mild and agreeable to what it had
been.
"First National Bank. — We understand that a national bank is
about to be started in this city in Molony's block where the State
Bank formerly was. F. Hinds is to be president and H. M. King-
man, cashier." — {Herald, March 4, 1864.)
In April, 1864, the local bankers, in mass meeting, agreed as had
been done in Chicago to throw out all wild-cat issues after May i ;
there were a few exceptions. The city was under Democratic rule
in 1862 and under Republican rule in 1863. On March 31 wood
was worth from $10 to $12 a cord — the highest price by far on
record. At this date Congress appropriated $30,000 for the com-
pletion of the custom house. City scrip was 40 cents on the dollar
in March. Early in 1864 the canal convention was an important
event ; it passed resolutions fa\'oring a canal to connect Lake Mich-
igan with the Mississippi. "Has the county a right to tax the city
to secure a fund to be used in building bridges within the city
limits?" was the main question early in 1864. Plans to commence
a negro school were prepared in June. J. K. Graves bought the
interest of Charles Aldrich in the Times in June.
"The First National Bank of this city opened today for business
and issued its notes." — (Herald, June 20, 1864.) Franklin Hinds
was president and H. M. Kingman cashier. The first quarterly
report, issued July 4, 18G4. was as follows:
ASSETS.
United States bonds $128,150.00
Due from banks 1,793.22
Circulation on hand 54,400.00
Loans and discounts 2,000.00
Specie and other lawful money 22,654.89
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 153
Furniture and fixtures paid 1,987.75
Exchange paid 37i-3i
Total $211,357.17
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock $100,000.00
Circulating notes received 90,000.00
Deposits 17,395.61
Due to banks 3,906.90
Other items 54-66
Total $21 1,357.17
For the month of July, 1864, Mr. Jaeger paid a government tax
of $12,573 o" 1'''^ distillery product. In the summer of 1864 it was
proposed to issue new bonds to take up the interest and floating
debt and thus reduce the city obligations to system and order with a
view to future liquidation.
"All that is now necessary to reduce the indebtedness within
limits that can be readily met and liquidated is for the capitalists
of the city to come forward and take the $180,000 or $200,000 in
bonds which the Council proposes to issue and with which they can
place our finances in a healthy and comparatively easy condition.
These bonds bear 8 per cent interest and one-half of the city tax is
pledged each year to payment of the interest, which is ample for that
purpose." — (Herald, July 15, 1864.) This step was taken and the
new bonds were issued August 8. On August 22,, 1864, Mahony
and Crane, trustees, deposited with Babbage & Co., bankers,
$174,000 in railroad bonds and unmatured coupons. There were yet
to be surrendered $26,000.
"In natural advantages, enterprise and improvements Dubuque
has no equal in the state. Other things being equal, these are suf-
ficiently attractive to insure her a leading and commanding position.
But we are greatly and overwhelmingly in debt. Probably a million
of dollars would not liquidate our liabilities at their face. This
debt operates as an incumbrance in all property here or that comes
here, and if our citizens are wise and consult their own interests they
will not let matters rest in this condition any longer. Its principal
creditors now propose a compromise by which the entire indebted-
ness of the city can be paid with less than $200,000. But to do this
the requisite sum must soon be raised. This the Council proposes
to do by issuing bonds bearing 8 per cent interest and payable to
the amount of about $20,000 annually. The project is liberal, safe
and feasible and must not fail. About $80,000 in bonds have thus
far been subscribed for, while some of our heaviest capitalists have
as yet hardly stretched forth a helping hand. . . . The city
154 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
taxes now amount to about $80,000 annually. One-half of this is
pledged to the payment of the interest and maturing installments
of these bonds. The current expenses of the city are now reduced
to the greatest economy compatible with efficiency and will not
increase. Here then will be an iinconsumed tax of $30,000 coming
into the treasury annually not needed for either the current expenses
or the sums falling due on the bonds, and this amount could be
applied at once to the redemption of bonds before maturity. We
venture the opinion that when this arrangement is completed and
the city debt, all but this $200,000, is lifted, the aggregate value of
property in Dubucpie will be increased in a sum greater than the
amount of the bonds." — (Herald, August 7, 1864.)
Nearly all bills except greenbacks had disappeared by August 10,
1864. City scrip sold at 60 cents in August. There was a great
increase in crime at this date, due to an attempt to run the city
without adequate police protection. In this emergency the marshal
recommended an ordinance establishing a chain gang and his advice
was accepted.
"The wife of the market gardener residing at Eagle Point gave
birth in August, 1864, to twins which had heads and necks resem-
bling snakes. In other respects they were normal. The physicians
in attendance, it was said, let them bleed to death. A few months
before this date her husband had frightened her by throwing a
snake in her lap." — {Herald, August 21, 1864.) Later this event
was confirmed by the Herald, and was published throughout the
country. It was not generally known what became of the monsters.
Several baseball clubs were organized in 1864, but they did not
flourish as they had in 1863. Two were called Key City and
Hawkeye.
A committee of the city council in September, 1864, after due
examination and deliberation, reported that in its opinion it had no
authority to open a harbor on Third street as desired by officers of
a packet company. The council thereupon passed a resolution
instructing the harbor committee "to open a channel at the inter-
section of Third street with the slough leading into the inner harbor
and to build a bridge across said channel with a draw of sufficient
width to allow boats to pass up into the inner slough, thus giving
steamboats access to the inner harbor and levee, affording a safe
and convenient place for laying up steamboats and barges in winter
and also furnishing a convenient place for building barges and doing
all kinds of steamboat repairs; that the committee be also instructed
to take up the bridge which now crosses the inner slough at Third
street and to fill up the channel under said bridge."
On November 29, 1864, $11.76 was paid for fancy dressed hogs.
On December 9 the price jumped to $13.50. Five days later they
sold at $14.06. "Pork has reached such a high figure that it is a
luxury. Landlords talk of striking it from the bill of fare and
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 155
serving it only on important occasions. Who wouldn't be a hog?"
— {Herald, December 11, 1864.) The First National Bank's state-
ment of October 3 showed $208,837 in deposits; specie and legal
tenders on hand, $117,414.22. It was thus in a healthy condition.
In April, 1865, the German Savings Bank, with a capital of
$150,000, opened at 57 Main street. Its president was J. H.
Thedinga ; cashier, William Fuchs.
In 1864 Rhomberg & Co., distillers, operated sixteen fermenting
tubs, each with a capacity of 300 barrels; three high wine receivers
of 200 barrels' capacity each, and could handle when working at its
best 1,000 bushels of grain per day. This distillery was put in full
operation late in 1864. Soon after the war the famous suit of the
Government against J. H. Rhomberg & Co. for about $755,000 was
instituted. The claim was that the Rhomberg company had manu-
factured some 9,000 or 10,000 barrels of whisky or distilled spirits
upon which it had paid no revenue. The property of Mr. Rhomberg
was finally seized, but every step was fought in the courts. Other
seizures were made here by the government agents. The case finally
came up in the United States Circuit Court at Des Moines and a
judgment for $103,000 was secured against Mr. Rhomberg. Green
B. Raum, commissioner of internal revenue, said there was no do'ibt
as to the justness of the government's contention; but Mr. Rhom-
berg's friends here declared their belief in his innocence and assisted
him all in their power. The best legal talent obtainable was
employed in the case. In the end, after many years, the case was
compromised.
Late in 1864 and early in 1865 the freight accommodations at
Dubuque were so burdensome and extortionate that there was a
general demand for a railroad bridge across the river. Numerous
meetings were held, protests registered, and relief was demanded.
The transfer system was robbery, it was declared. Numerous hold-
ups, burglaries and shootings at this time roused the city and caused
the council to take steps to end the reign of terror at all hazards.
Haas", Bissell's, Bradley's, Johnson's, Woodworth's, Scott's, Hodg-
den's, Taylor's and other residences were burglarized. The council
ordered removed by April 17, 1865, all bodies in the old cemetery
outside of the fence. During the fiscal year 1864-5 the Gelpcke
interest was settled ; revenues were increased ; the reign of terror
was ended, and better transfer facilities were secured from the
Illinois Central Railway Company.
On January 19, 1865, Dubuque was lighted with gas from Iowa
coal for the first time. At this time Woodworth & Jaeger planned
an immense distillery. The new Merchants' National Bank stock
was all subscribed late in January. F. H. W. Sheffield became
president and R. A. Babbage cashier; it began business May i.
The branch bank here had a circulation of $283,837 and total
resources of $859,465. Later this bank took steps to go out of
156 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
business and change to a national bank. Early in February the
stock of the Second National Bank was subscribed and a charter
was sought.
At the celebration of Washington's birthday in 1S65 the right
hand of George Higley was so mutilated by a premature discharge
of the cannon that it had to be amputated.
The amount received by the city treasurer for the fiscal year
ending March 31, 1865, from all sources was $50,208.53; total
dirl)ursements, $39,286.25. Of the expenses $9,894.59 was in old
debts, principal of bonds and scrip redeemed. The total amount of
old debt settled was $23,684.50.
On June 10, 1865, the early settlers organized as the "Early
Settlers Association." The first members were P. A. Lorimier,
John Simplot, George W. Jones, Jesse M. Harrison, S. M. Lang-
worthy, A. McDaniel, Richard Bonson, J. R. Goodrich, N. V.
Descelles, Mathew McNear, A. B. Harrison, B. F. Emerson, S. M.
Lorimier, T. C. Roberts, A. Levi, T. S. Wilson, George O. Karrick,
J. D. Grafifort, Peter Wapies, H. A. Wiltse, John King, J. H.
Thedinga, Jacob Christman, M. McNamara, Joseph Ogilby, Nathan
Simpson, J. H. Emerson, John Goldthorpe and C. H. Booth. This
was the first list, but others were immediately added. Timothy
Mason was elected president of the association, and P. A. Lorimier,
Patrick Quigley, John King, Edward Langworthy and George W.
Jones, vice presidents ; J. H. Thedinga, treasurer, and C. Childs,
secretary. Eliphalet Price, of Clayton county; Ezekiel Lockwood,
of Washington, D. C, and Patrick Quigley, Thomas McKnight and
C. Childs, of Dubuque, were elected honorary members. They
passed suitable resolutions upon the death of Lucius H. Langworthy.
— (Herald, June 13, 1865.)
In June, 1865, J. Rich and G. T. Stewart became editors and
managers of the Times, the former becoming editor-in-chief. About
this time there were nearly 200 saloons in the city ; the license was
fixed at $15 every six months; as many did not pay up, suit was
threatened. A rainstorm of unusual violence late in June did
immense damage all over the county and several lives were lost ;
five bridges in Langworthy hollow alone were swept away. On
July 4, 1865, eighteen baseball players of Dubuque went to Free-
port, 111., to witness a game between the Empire club, of that city,
and the Empire club, of St. Louis ; the latter won by a small margin ;
it was pronounced a great game. The leading club here in 1865 v.^as
the Julien ; they had good grounds. In July, 1865, the Times was
controlled by W. S. Peterson, E. M. Newcombe, G. H. Marsh,
W. J. Gilbert and Philip Ryan. A large delegation went over to
Galena in August, 1865, to participate in the reception to General
Grant. At the head of this movement were W. B. Allison, John
Thompson, Henry A. Wiltse, H. L. Stout, George L. Mathews,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 157
O. P. Shiras and others. In August, 1865, city scrip was worth 70
cents and county warrants 90 cents.
In 1865 the JuHen baseball club consisted of two nines, which
played several matched games. One of the games resulted as
follows :
Winning side 201391122 21
Losing side 023101122 12
Fly catches by winning side, 12; by losing side, 9; time of game,
2 hours and 15 minutes. The Herald said this was the best game
ever played in the city, if not the best west of the Mississippi. It
was the first time that there were full nine players on each side and
full nine innings played. Gen. Henry Wiltse was umpire at the
second game.
In 1865 John D. Bush proposed the laying out of Grand avenue,
commencing at Quiglc)' lane opposite the brewery on Julien avenue
and extending along the ridge road until its intersection with the
Military road on the top of Whisky hill. A real mad dog ran
through the streets on August 19. In the fall of 1865 '^'"'^ citizens
and press declared that the real future prosperity of the city
depended upon the wholesale interests and meetings were held to
expand business in this direction. The city was growing rapidly.
Late in September, 1865, the Empire baseball club, of St. Louis,
came here and defeated the best Julien nine by a score of 35 to 29.
Against the strong St. Louis team, Dubuque made a better showing
than had been anticipated. On September 29 the Empires, of St.
Louis, and the Empires, of Freeport, played a match game in
Dubuque for the prize of a silver ball ; the former won by a score of
12 to 5; S. J. Cox, of the Dubuque club, was umpire; the game
lasted three and one-half hours. On the 29th the Dubuque gave a
complimentary supper at the Tremont House to the St. Louis and
Freeport clubs. The next day the Empires, of St. Louis, defeated
the Juliens by 16 to 9.
In the threatened injunction case of the city against the county to
prevent the collection of bridge tax, the former agreed not to com-
mence such proceedings providing the county would allow a portion
of the expense of building bridges within the city limits. The
driving park, consisting of thirty acres, was up Couler avenue and
had a half-mile track; it was opened in November, 1865.
MEMBERS OF THE EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.
Alexander D. Anderson. A. Christman.
John V. Brown. C. J. Cummings.
A. L. Brown. N. V. Descelles.
Richard Bonson. J. H. Emerson.
1^8
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
J. R. Goodrich.
John Goldthorpe.
Jesse M. Harrison.
Jonathan Higgins.
Henry Hunter.
W. F. Jaeger.
A. Keesecker.
John Spencely.
R. Spaulding.
Genge Strasser.
J. H. Thedinga.
Richard Waller.
T. S. Wilson.
R. C. Waples.
P. Williamson.
C. H. Booth.
John Bell.
Thomas R. Brasier.
Jacob Christman.
William Crummer.
Richard Cox.
Mathew McNear.
John JNIaclay.
Elias IMcCants.
Rudolph Nolte.
James Pratt.
Benjamin Rupert.
Xavier Rein f red.
Nathan Simpson.
Alexander Simplot.
Martin Shaffner.
John King.
S. M. Lorimier.
Oscar A. Langworthy.
A. Levi.
Dr. R. S. Lewis.
Timothy Mason.
M. AlcXamara.
William Myers.
John W. Markle.
John M. Moore.
Christopher Pelan.
John Palmer.
T. C. Roberts.
John Simplot.
H. L. Stout.
B. F. Davis.
John R. Ewing.
John D. Graffort.
Joseph Glew.
A. B. Harrison.
S. Hempstead.
George W. Jones.
George O. Karrick.
Peter Kiene.
P. A. Lorimier.
S. M. Langworthy.
Edward Langworthy.
Warner Lewis.
C. J. Liest.
A. McDaniel.
John Simpson.
James Slone.
James W. Taylor.
H. A. Wiltse.
Peter Waples.
I. E. Wootten.
Jesse Yount.
In November, 1865, so unclean had the streets become, the citizens
turned out en masse, formed a brigade, and cleaned them. It was
now realized that the railroad bridge should have been built in i860
and that the city during the war had paid large sums as unjust
freight and transfer charges. Now, in earnest, the people demanded
the bridge. It was called a "commercial necessity." 0\er 5.000
barrels of apples were stored here in November, 1865. for shipment
to the back country during the winter. In 1865, for the first time,
a regularly paid and disciplined police force was maintained. B. M.
Harger and J. D. Langworthy represented the Dubuque baseball
clubs at the baseball convention in Chicago late in 1S65 ; the North-
western Baseball Association was formed at this time.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 159
The National State Bank succeeded the State Bank Branch in
November, 1865; L. D. Randall was president.
In December. 1865, Howard and McArthur contracted to supply
the city with gas; fifty lamps were in use — twenty-three on Main
street. The Dubuque Produce Exchange was formed before 1865.
In January, 1866, the National Savings Bank was established with
Franklin Hinds as president ; this institution was closely associated
with the First National Bank. In December, 1865, the boiler in
Jaeger's distillery exploded, wrecking the building and killing one
and injuring several persons. William McLenan was elected presi-
dent of the Julien baseball club for 1866. At this time the council
refused to appropriate $500 for the State Fair to be held here in the
fall of 1866. Within a few days the citizens raised $3,421 to secure
the fair for two years, prepare the grounds, etc. The city failed to
get the fair in 1866. The city paid 70 cents on the dollar for its
own scrip in February.
The Mississippi Navigation Convention was held here in Febru-
ary, 1866, and assembled in the hall of the Produce Exchange. A
large delegation from all upper river points was present, five states
being represented. The Iowa legislature attended in a body. E. O.
Stanard, of St. Louis, presided. The resolutions adopted demanded
extensive improvements in the Mississippi, particularly at the
rapids. The Dubuque Savings Institution was established in
February, 1866, with $100,000 capital and George A. Blanchard,
president, and R. A. Babbage, secretary and treasurer. The Young
Men's Library was opened in Julien hall in February. The People's
Savings Bank was opened in April, 1866, with John Thompson
president and J. K. Graves treasurer. Henry A. Wiltse was chosen
president of the Julien baseball club in 1866, vice McLenan resigned.
D. A. Mahony, Stilson Hutchins and John Hodnett established the
St. Louis Daily Times in June, 1866. Immense improvements on
sewers and streets were made in 1866. A big Fenian demonstration
occurred here July 4, 1866.
In the summer of 1866 a baseball tournament was held at Rock-
ford, 111. ; a golden ball and a gold-mounted bat were the prizes.
Special prizes were offered to the best base runner, best thrower,
most home runs, worst beaten club, etc. Ten clubs, including Julien,
of Dubuque, were present. The latter's players were J. R. Clark,
catcher; Cox, pitcher; J. Ware, short stop; Markell, first base;
Langworthy, second base ; Donaha, third base ; C. Ware, left field ;
Ballou, center field ; W. R. Clark, right field. The game with the
Cream Citys, of Milwaukee, was as follows :
Cream City 540061 i 42 23
Julien 142102140 15
The Dubuque Street Railroad Company, in July, 1866. petitioned
i6o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the council to grant them the right to occuin- the streets; Graves,
Stewart, Randall and others were back of tliis step. W^ater works
for the city were proposed in July, 1866. It was declared that the
old method of hauling water from the river must l^e al)andoned and
a new modern system installed. From the bluffs north of the city a
large supply of pure water could be secured, it was announced.
In July, 1866, a marine railway and boat yard was projected at
Eagle Point ; Captain Webb inaugurated the movement. At this
date the Young Men's Library contained 4,000 volumes and had
300 regular subscribers. Many buildings were erected this summer.
A. Heeb and others petitioned for a ferry at Eagle Point. The
council committee reported against granting the use of the streets to
a railway company until such step was clearly authorized by the
legislature. The citizens demanded a large public park at this date.
In August, 1866, the council authorized the Water Company to lay
pipes in the city. John H. O'Neill, city attorney, rendered the
opinion that the council had no right to grant the streets to a cor-
poration for street car purposes. Judge King expressed the opinion
that the city already possessed that right. "Steam railroads already
occupied the streets; why could not horse railways do likewise?"
it was asked. In September, 1866, C. C. Frinke, of Chicago, and
S. J. Cox, of Dubuque, played a billiard match here — 1,000 points.
Cox was conceded 200 points and won by 42 points — cushion carom.
In one week in September, 1866, there were sold at the market-
house 143 hogs, twenty-seven steers and five cows. In October the
fire companies demanded higher pay. The horse fair of November,
1866, was the best ever held here. The horse Kirkwood trotted a
mile in 2:34^, which was very fast for that period. Th.e wagon
factory of A. A. Cooper was one of the largest industries here. He
was now finishing 600 wagons a year; they were used all over the
West. By February, 1867, the town clock had cost $2,871.72. In
March, 1866, the First National and National State banks were con-
solidated, the combined capital being $300,000 and surplus $60,000.
R. E. Graves became president and W. H. Clark cashier. The
council had trouble with City Attorney O'Neill and dismissed him,
but later rescinded the order upon his agreement to behave himself.
Gas in 1867 cost $5.50, although the ordinance of 1853 limited the
price to $3.50. The Excelsior baseball club in 1867 consisted of two
nines — married men and single men — who played numerous games
with varied results.
In the spring of 1867 the Dubuque and Dunleith Bridge was
incorporated with a capital of $1,200,000, among the members being
Piatt Smith, H. L. Stout and W. B. Allison. After much contro-
versy it was finally determined to submit to popular vote the ques-
tion of permitting Ihe horse railway to occupy the streets. The
result was as follows: For the railway, 2,185; against the railway,
127. O. P. Shiras became alderman in April, 1867. At this time
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY i6r
the Tunes and Staats Zcihtng became the official city papers. The
Key City Flouring Mills exploded April 22, 1867, killing four per-
sons and wounding eight others ; the mill was torn to atoms ; the
cause was "mill dust." On April 24 three distinct earthquake shocks
were felt here; chairs were set rocking, window panes rattled, pic-
tures on the walls swayed and tilted, chandeliers swayed and plaster
fell. People rushed from the buildings and many were nauseated.
The shocks came like waves from north to south. The people
demanded that the proposed railroad bridge should have a foot and
wagon attachment.
On June 21, 1867, Odd Fellows hall, in Facade block, was dedi-
cated. The Excelsior and Clipper baseball clubs played a match
game June 2j and the former won — 55 to 17; J. A. Miller was
umpire. In June, 1867, Julien township was constituted the sixth
voting precinct. In July, 1867, the city was sued on the W. W.
Corcoran loan — the principal bein^ $100,000, with a large amount
of interest past due. E. AlcCeney was city attorney in 1867. By
August, 1867, Dubuque had subscribed $600,000 for the river
bridge and at this time W. B. Allison became president of the com-
pany. The census of August, 1867, showed in the city a total popu-
lation of 21,133 whites and 89 colored. The number of voters was
3,487. There were six colleges and academies; manufactures were
valued at $3,194,350. A new fire engine costing $5,500 was
received September 5 and put in the new rooms on Iowa street ; it
was named the "J. K. Graves." Hawkeye Hose Company, No. i,
took possession of the new engine.
In September, 1867, the Manchester Excelsiors and the Dubuque
Excelsiors, after several months of bluster and bragging, played a
matched game of baseball at Dubuque. The largest crowd ever
assembled here for baseball gathered to witness the contest, many
ladies being present ; the game lasted three hours and resulted as
follows :
Dubuque Excelsiors. . .20 2 2 i 2 i 5 i 13 47
Manchester Excelsiors. 75004025 2 25
In September, 1867, A. A. Cooper's wagon factory was destroyed
by fire ; within one month he rebuilt temporarily and continued
operations about as large as ever.
By ordinance of October, 1867, the Dubuque Street Railway
Company and their successors were granted "the exclusive right and
privilege to construct, operate and maintain over the streets of the
city of Dubuque street railways for carrying passengers and freight
for the term of twenty years." They were required to have at least
two miles of track completed and in operation within one year. By
act of July, 1883, additional rights and privileges were granted to
the company and additional requirements were exacted from it. In
1 62 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
April, 1890, tlie right to operate an electric street railway was
granted. Many provisions were added. In August, 1890, the
company was granted the right to erect an electric light and power
station within the city limits, and was limited to twenty-five years
duration. Proper reservations were made by the city. By ordi-
nance of September, 1890, the company was permitted to lay and
maintain a double track on certain streets. An ordinance of
February, 1892, permitted the company to extend its lines to cer-
tain other streets. In August, 1891, the ordinance concerning an
electric street railway was amended and additional rights were
granted — one provision being that regular cars should be run to the
main entrance of the Dubucjue Driving Park. Additional rights
were extended by the ordinance of July, 1897. The life of tlie com-
pany was extended thirty-three years from April 25, 191 5, and it
was required "to construct, create, establish and permanently main-
tain a park and pleasure resort on both sides of the Maquoketa river
at Sageville," and to create and maintain therein a lake to be formed
by damming up tlie waters of tliat river, tlie dam to be built about
100 feet west of Thompson's mill. The company was required to
extend its lines to this park. Three years was the time fixed for the
completion of the park and dam. The city reserved the right to
purchase the entire plant of the street railway company and required
half-fare tickets for working people during certain hours. Various
other rights and extensions have been granted the company.
In November, 1867, the sheriff sold at public auction many lots of
the Harbor Company for non-payment of taxes; they were all
bought back by the Harbor Company. Settlement of the city with
Mrs. Porter was finally effected in November ; the original debt was
$10,000. At this date Waterloo charged Dubuque with grain
elevator frauds — five bushels on each car taken, a biased inspection,
unlawful commissions, fictitious transfer rates, etc. ; the cliarge was
laid by Dubuque to the Illinois Central railroad. In the fall of 1867
four church choirs united and under Professor Seager gave public
concerts with great success, the benefits going to the Young Men's
Christian Association. The first work on the street railway was
done late in November, 1867, near Fleeb's brewery; the first section
ended at Tivoli gardens, whence extensions could be run to Eagle
Point and to the driving park. The stables were near Heeb's
brewery; the company started with fifteen horses. Wharfage in
November, 1867, amounted to $604.53. Foi" years a steady revenue
had been obtained from this source.
The lumber dealers in 1867 were Knapp, Stout & Co.. E. R.
Lumbert & Co., George Edwards, Pelan & Randall, Dubuque
Lumber Co., Mitchell & Kiene, J. M. Robison, Johnson & Bro.,
Ingram, Kennedv & Co., Clark & Scott, Gibbs & Parmenter, Solo-
mon Turck, W. H. & E. T. Allen, J. Scott & Co. and T. O. Sullivan.
About 25,000,000 feet were landed here in 1867. In eleven uKMiths
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 163
18,033,668 feet were shipped, mostly westward over the Dubuque
& Sioux City raih^oad.
Dubuque in 1867 handled in bushels: Wheat, 4,246,561; oats,
826,482; corn, 86,000; barley, 41,499.
H. Markell & Co.'s bank was closed forever January 6, 1868;
assignment was made to H. L. Stout and T. C. Roberts, two of the
heaviest creditors ; the liabilities were placed at $70,000. The cred-
itors held an excited meeting.
The Library Lecture Course in 1867-8 embraced eight lectures of
the following persons : Dr. Vinton, Dr. Holland, Dr. Hayes, Prof.
Mason, Rev. J. C. Fletcher, Anna E. Dickinson, Prof. Youmans
and E. P. Whipple. That of Anna E. Dickinson netted at the door
$291.75 ; her house was worth $396.75 ; none of the others exceeded
$100. Season tickets yielded $839.33.
The wharfage in May, 1868, amounted to $963.92. The Herald
statistician said in January, 1868, that during 1867 about one hun-
dred buildings had been built. The boiler of the Tschirgi &
Schwind's brewery exploded in February, 1868, killing one person
and severely injuring four others. Half a block on Main street
between Sixth and Seventh was destroyed by fire in February, 1868,
the loss being about $50,000. The hogs packed here in 1866-7
numbered 6,400; in 1867-8, 8,978. In March, 1868, the United
States marshal sold at public auction the Central island property to
Stout, Graves and others. All sales were subject to the Jesup mort-
gage of 1853 for $30,000. This sale was made by order of the court
under the Corcoran claim which had grown from $100,000 in 1857.
to $175,000 in March, 1868. The city receipts for the fiscal year
1867-8 were $60,327.35 and expenses $68,029.60; cash on hand
April I, 1868, $19,215.61. J. K. Graves, retiring mayor, was
accused of irregularities by a council committee appointed to
examine his accounts. In May, 1868, old city bonds were worth
20 cents and new city bonds 85 cents on the dollar.
On May 27, 1868, Solon Langworthy rode on the first street
railway trip in the city; he rode over 120 acres which were bought
thirty-four years before for $500 and broke up in the spring of
1864. The tract extended from Tenth to Eighteenth streets and
from Iowa to the river. It was afterward divided between the four
Langworthy brothers.
M. B. Mulkern was city attorney in 1868. The city complained
in 1868 because, although it paid over one-half of the bridge tax, it
received no benefit. The county replied that the city was benefited
by the trade which came over the bridges to the city.
Immense damage all over the county was done by a furious storm
which occurred June 5, 1868. All the bridges on the Dubuque &
Sioux City railroad were swept away. Damage to the amount of
$10,000 was done in the city. Portions of skeletons were washed
out on the streets from the old cemetery. Another storm, June zy,
i64 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
was almost as damaging. On May lo, 185 1, there fell in Dubuque
in about fifteen minutes 3.35 inches of rain. July 14, 1868, it was
102 degrees in the shade here. The J. K. Graves fire engine saved in
one year all it had cost. A. A. Cooper's new wagon factory was
dedicated in August, 1868, by over 300 couples who assembled to
do honor to this first citizen of Dubuque. Sixteen sets at one time
danced in the big hall. His employes thus showed their high regard
for Mr. Cooper. City officials and bands were present. In 1868
Dubuque had seventeen dry goods houses, twenty-six groceries, four
hardware stores, five drug stores, nine boot and shoe stores, fourteen
clothiers, nineteen churches and free public schools worth $150,000.
By September 17, 1868, the second span of the railroad bridge was
up in place. Mathias Ham was called the fadier of the Eagle Point
ferry, which started September 19, 1868.
The fastest horses in the West were at the driving park in
October, 1868. Bashaw Jr. trotted a mile in 2:26^/2. A red fox
was caught within the city limits late in 1868. Under a recent act
of the legislature the city voted late in 1868 on the question of
compounding the city debt ; new bonds were to be issued to cover all
the old indebtedness, which aggregated nearly $1,000,000. The
overwhelming question at this date was the city debt. Mass meet-
ings with all shades of opinion were held. Many thought the city
could secure a great reduction from creditors; a few wanted to
repudiate; but the great majority were willing to pay their honest
obligations. The city had received the benefits of the monev, mostly
well spent, and should not now think of repudiation, was the better
thought and conclusion. Judge Shiras had been sent to Des Moines
to secure the passage of the law. The city under the new law could
not issue more bonds than the sum of the old debt and interest. If
the new bonds were not issued the city could borrow no more
because its credit was gone with a vast debt hanging o\'er it. The
vote was finally postponed.
A prize fight between John Bernard and Peter Toohey was
fought at Menominee station December 12, 1868, and was attended
by a large number of Dubuque sporting men. The stakes were $200
a side and the fight was won by Toohey on a foul. William Daily
was referee. On December 14, 1868, the draw for the railroad
bridge was swung into position for the first time. The first pas-
senger train crossed December 22. In 1868 there were erected in
Dubuque about 150 buildings costing $800 or more each.
The Iowa Institute of Science and Art was organized here early
in 1869, and its rooms were in the Facade building. Dr. Asa Harr
was president ; for many years he had been the obser\'er here of the
Smithsonian Institution. Rev. J. W. Hanson was secretary. Many
citizens contributed valuable relics. In February the fire companies
disbanded, but immediately reorganized.
A committee of the council was sent East early in 1869 to com-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 165
promise matters with the city creditors. Turck and Thompson, both
ex-mayors, were on the committee. A brick house on Dodge street,
bouglit of J. J. E. Norman before 1868, was converted into a house
of refuge. It was burned probably to get rid of a nuisance early in
1869. On April 17 many ladies of Dubuque met at the residence of
Mrs. D. S. Wilson and organized a society the object of which was
"to secure the development and enfranchisement of women." Mrs.
D. S. Wilson was elected president ; Mrs. W. P. Large, vice presi-
dent ; Mrs. Austin Adams, corresponding secretary ; Mrs. J. L.
McCreery, recording secretary. All Iowa women in sympathy with
the objects were invited to join the society.
The population of the city in May, 1869, was announced as
23,543. By ordinance of July, 1869, the council granted the Du-
buque Lumbermen and Manufacturers' Railroad Company permis-
sion with the right of way to construct and for fifteen years main-
tain a railroad track along certain streets and public places in the
city. The ordinance was elaborate and contained many requirements
and provisions.
In June, 1869, at a special election to decide on compounding the
debt, the vote stood : Yes, 228 ; no, 265. Thus the citizens decided
against the issuance of new bonds to pay the old debt. Under
contract with the council William Rebman graded down, leveled
and planted with trees the old cemetery now called Jackson park ;
all bodies were removed. At a fight here between a Chicago dog
and a Dubuque dog owned by Mr. Sutton the latter won in fifteen
minutes. The total eclipse of the sun in August, 1869, was wit-
nessed by everybody here. Base ball was not thought much of in
T869.
At the suggestion of George W. Jones the council, in September,
1869, prepared a memorial to Congress to grant 640 acres at Peru
for a public park. The horse fair in October, 1869, was larger and
better than ever. Over forty fast horses were present. The Mer-
chants' Protective Union was organized in November, 1869. By
the census of 1869 Dubuque city was shown to have a population of
17,969, 3,542 dwellings and 3,448 voters. In 1869 the fire depart-
ment consisted of two steam engines, three hose carts, one hose
carriage, sixteen men, eight horses, 4,500 feet of rubber hose, two
hand engines — Washington No. i and Protection No. 2 — an old
hook and ladder truck and three or four ladders ; public cisterns
supplied water.
In 1867 there were erected 121 buildings; in 1868, 135, and in
1869, 176. The largest improvements in 1869 were Ryan's packing
hou,se, $100,000; gas works, $16,000; Methodist church, $22,000;
Second Presbyterian church, $50,000; Manson block, $23,000; Levi
block, $12,000; Ogelsby block, $12,000; thirty buildings cost over
$5,000 each.
Late in 1869 a big meeting was held to consider the question of
i66 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
discriminating tariffs. B. B. Richards was the principal speaker.
About this time the mayor and aldermen were served with a man-
damus to levy a special tax to pay the recent Corcoran judgment of
$76,716.05. This was for unpaid interest on the Corcoran loan.
In 1869 and early in 1870 the council paid $117,500 of the city
debt. The old cemetery occupied by the Catholics near the
cathedral was adjudged the property of the city early in 1870; it
had been patented to no one.
CITY OF DUBUQUE, 1870 TO 1893.
DURING the fiscal year 1869-70 city debt to the amount of
$142,846.33 was paid. Edward Langvvorthy gratuitously
surrendered to the city his claim of $9,750, making the total
amount of debt settled $152,596.33. Of this amount
$123,846.36 was settled for less than 27 cents on the dollar. This
settlement was an extra good one, in view of the fact that the courts
had already decided that the city debt was valid. This council
deserves special credit, because many of the best men of the city, not
wishmg to take hold of the complicated and vexatious debt question,
had refused to become candidates for aldermen. The city receipts
for the year 1869-70 were $94,638.52, out of which the mayor and
council managed to save to be applied on the debt the sum of
$51,881. In January, 1870, bondsmen of City Treasurer Quigley
paid $5,000 in past due interest coupons as a full settlement of his
defalcation.
The total city debt on March i, 1870, was $882,745.42. The
actual debt was not known, because it had not yet been learned
which of the creditors would be willing to settle for less than 100
cents on the dollar. The city began in earnest early in 1870 to
consider a system of water works; other cities were visited by the
council committees and the various water systems were inspected ;
the Holly system was popular. Kiene and Jaeger were active in
this movement. Early in 1870 the members of St. Raphael's, St.
Mary's and St. Patrick's churches and of St. Raphael's Cemetery
Association petitioned the council to surrender to them the cemetery
on Third street in view of their right to the same under the claim of
Patrick Quigley. After consideration the council stated that the
title to the cemetery was in the city, but the graves would not be
disturbed unless satisfactory to the Catholics. Miners endeavored
to secure the right to dig under the cemetery for mineral.
Andrew Keesecker, "Nestor of the Iowa press," died in Dubuque
in April, 1870. He was born in Virginia in 1810 and in early life
was a sailor, visiting many lands. He served in the Greek revolu-
tion of 1822-27. He early learned the printing business at Balti-
more and New Orleans. In 1832 or 1833 he came to the lead mines
and was first connected with the Galenian under Dr. Phileo. He
often composed his editorials at the case. In 1836 he joined Judge
King in establishing the Dubuque Visitor, the first newspaper in
Iowa, and set up "The Linwoods," a story, the first copy given out
167
1 68 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
in liie slate. He was the first pressman witli an old Smith Cin-
cinnati press. In 1842 he was associated with D. S. Wilson in
founding the Miners' Express. Ever afterward until his death he
was connected with the press of Dubuque. He had spent thirty-
seven years in Dubuque. His wife was formerly Clara Roberg, of
Dubuque. Suitable resolutions were passed by the printers and
early settlers at his death.
A change of city administration caused the city printing in 1870
to pass to the Times and the National Dcnwkrat, thus rousing the
ire of the Herald and F. A. Gniffke. Edwin Forrest appeared here
in 1870 as Richelieu and other plays. In April. 1870, the council
levied a special tax to pay off the Corcoran interest judgment of
$76,716.05. A general system to improve cross streets was adopted
at this time. Fourteenth street to the bluff was opened in 1870. On
June 29, 1870, it was 102 degrees in the shade here. In 1S70
authority to lay water pipes in the streets was granted ; the city
agreed to take 100 hydrants. Of the water company John Thomp-
son was president ; the company had a capital of $300,000. The
war between France and Germany stirred up the foreigners here
from those countries.
It was noted in the Herald August 18, 1870, that after a fire
alarm had been sounded, it took from one-half to three-quarters of
an hour before the engines were ready for work; the horses v.ere
kept out on the levee, far away from the engines. "It is sickening
to hear the bell ring 'ding dong' for half an hour while valuable
property is being destroyed."
The Dubuque County Woman's Suffrage Association was in
existence in 1870 and met regularly in Good Templars' hall. The
old Lorimier house down the river was burned in 1870. In Octolier,
1870, the total city debt was estimated at $1,095,077.89, of which
$226,019.27 was in judgments and $38,357.28 in interest on judg-
ments. The population of the city in 1870 was 18,432. of wb.ich
12,071 were natives and 6.361 foreigners; there were 3,619 dwell-
ings and 3,506 families. In i860 the city population was 12.926.
In October, 1870, the water company was disbanded — had made
a failure. Almost immediately afterward another water company
was organized, with Mr. Chamberlain among its officials.
The Julien theater, built in 1856 by McKinley & Poor at a cost
of $17,000, stood at Locust and Fifth. In 1858 the People's theater
was built, but did not pay and was occupied as lawyers' offices.
Later the Young Men's Association used it. In November, 1870,
a prize fight between Mike O'Connor and J. C. Clark was fought
across the river at Boat Yard Hollow. Clark was whipped in four
rounds.
It was charged by the press late in 1870 that a conspiracy existed
to buy up the city debt from creditors at a great reduction and
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 169
then force the city to pay par; it was charged that the bondholders
here were connected with this intrigue.
Baseball flourished in 1870. The "Key City" was the name
chosen. Charles Hathaway was president; N. A. Mills, secretary;
H. M. Kingman, treasurer. The leading nine were Parker, Rob-
ison, Gibbs, Seaman, A. Clark, Leach, Jaeger, Gregoire and How-
ard. Games were played on the old fair grounds. In August the
Key Citys defeated the Baltics of Chicago, 39 to 23, but in a return
game they lost, 18 to 4. They defeated the Excelsiors of Man-
chester, 18 to 8, but were defeated in the return game, 60 to 43. In
September they defeated the Crescents of Galena, 44 to 24, and
again 50 to 15. They were defeated by the Actives of Clinton,
26 to 18. They also defeated the Forest City club of Rockford
by 79 to I ; they made thirty scores in the first inning. Late in
1870 they made a tour of the state and won nearly every game;
they were almost up to the standard of professionals. The Excel-
siors were another club here.
During 1870 business in Dubuque was unusually prosperous.
There were sold here 2,500 sewing machines; sales of sash, doors
and blinds, $518,000; brewery products, $201,600; wagons, etc.,
$285,615; bricks, $125,000; engines, $220,000. Already the city
was celebrated for its manufactures. Total fire loss was $274,250;
insurance, $171,950. The thirteen lumber firms sold 60,564,056
feet of lumber.
In a prize fight at Boat Yard Hollow, January 20, 1871, Mike
O'Connor defeated E. St. Clair in twenty rounds. There was
trouble over city bonds between the council and Mr. Thompson
and others. It was at this date, at last, that the local bondholders
united and demanded 100 cents on the dollar. The city refused
temporarily to pay anything. It had become so firmly fixed in the
minds of the city fathers that they could get a great reduction from
creditors, that this action took them by surprise, dumfounded them,
and they required time to collect their scattered senses. It was
claimed that bondholders had bought the bonds at 25 cents on the
dollar and now demanded 100 cents. Among the city bondholders
here were P. A. Lorimier, Richard Bronson, J. T. Hancock, J. S.
Randall, H. L. Stout, W. L. Bradley, R. A. Babbage, John Hodg-
don, L. D. Randall & Co., Edward Langworthy, Alexander Levi
and W. G. Stewart. These men in mass meeting announced their
intentions to have 100 cents on the dollar. A resolution of Mr.
Thompson was finally adopted by the mass meeting, viz. : To accept
in lieu of their city bonds new 6 per cent twenty-five year bonds on
the same conditions granted to outside creditors. The council
refused to accept, and ordered suit brought for the recovery of
the Thompson bonds, which, it was alleged, had been fraudulently
transferred. In January, 1871, the old Corcoran debt was merged
into new 7 per cent twenty-five year bonds. East Dubuque was
I70 II IS TORY Of DUBUQUE COUXTV
between Fourteenth and Seventeenth streets. By tlie middle of
February, 1871, the new water works company was in full opera-
tion, taking subscriptions and preparing plans. When their new
hall in the Julien theater building was ready, the Masons held
memorable ceremonies and festivities in February, 1871. On Feb-
ruary 14, 1871, Anna Dickinson lectured here on "Jeanne d'Arc."
Her powerful appeals for the uplifting of women were not lost
upon the packed house which heard her. During the Civil war the
Herald had denounced her in scathing terms for favoring abolition-
ism and woman suffrage.
Pork Packing in 1870-71.
Ryan 30,000
Strobel 2,800
Walters & Co 2,700
Zumhoff 2,334
Brinkman 2,01 5
Rath 2,000
C. Schloth 1,500
F. Schloth 1,000
Total 44,349
Butchers and private parties cuts were not included; fully 45,000
in all.
The annual report of the Young Men's Library Association in
March, 1871, showed 7,426 books on hand. They received from
the Anna Dickinson lecture $258.25 ; but the expenses were $250.40.
The expenses of the city for the fiscal year 1870-71 were $93,947.21,
of which $37,332.38 was an old debt and interest: $16,007.49 on
roads and bridges, $7,580.93, fire department ; $3,329.80, poor
relief; $10,785.18, officers' salaries.
On March 13, 1871, Mike O'Connor and Danny Carr fought a
prize fight near Dubuque for $500 a side, under London prize ring
rules. Carr trained here. The packet Claudie Rogers conveyed the
crowd for $2 each to the ground on the Wisconsin shore, a little
above Eagle Point. The location was purposely kept secret until
the last minute, and when the steamer started the river was alive
with small boats of all descriptions loaded with men determined
to see the "mill." Carr was the favorite at odds of 50 to 40 and
later 2 to i. Carr got the worst of it, but managed to win a draw.
O'Connor surprised all by his gameness, wind and staying qualities.
The Commercial National Bank was organized early in 1871 with
ten original subscribers. The first officers were R. E. Graves,
president; H. L. Stout, vice president: H. M. Kingman, cashier
W. J. Knight, mayor, was succeeded by James Burt in 1871 ;
he was credited with having given the city an excellent administra-
HISTORY OP DUBUQUE COUNTY 171
tion. In his valedictory he said ( i ) that the poHce force was
under a man unfit for the place and had been removed; (2) the
city treasurer was a defaulter; (3) the recorder used the name of
the city without authority; (4) a definite method to settle the city
debt had been adopted. The ordinary city expenses in 1869-70
were $36,167.87, and in 1870-71 were $38,572.79; all this was paid
in two years and in addition $107,389.58 in city debt was paid at
reduced rates, settling $231,505.19 claims against the city; also
$198,047.11 of debt had been refunded in twenty-five year bonds,
"making the aggregate between indebtedness paid by us and thus
discharged and that funded as explained a total of $431,064.05,
which cannot by any possibility trouble us," said Mr. Knight. As a
recognition of his honesty the council unanimously passed the fol-
lowing resolution :
"Resolved, That Mayor W. J. Knight alone has had the courage,
the will and ability, in grasping with this vexed question of indebt-
edness and by his energy and untiring industry he has succeeded in
the retirement of a large portion of our public debt, and his untiring
energy and zeal for the public welfare in preservation of order by
a faithful execution of laws entitle him to the lasting gratitude of
the citizens of Dubuque."
The spring of 1871 was unusually bright here; improved freight
facilities on the railways; new waterworks; great development of
wholesaling and manufacturing; and the adoption of a definite
method to pay the city debt filled the hearts of all with anticipation
and hope. Selah Chamberlain was president of the new water
company.
Mrs. Livermore lectured here in 1871. Her first lecture here
was in 1861-62. She had been south with sanitary stores for the
soldiers and upon her return was invited to relate her experiences.
One earnest invitation came from Dubuque. She came here expect-
ing to meet about 200 ladies in a quiet hall. She reached the other
side of the river when that stream was thick with running ice and
the ferry had stopped for the winter. She tried to hire two men
to bring her over in a skiff, but they at first demurred because the
trip was dangerous, but they finally consented. She was astonished
and frightened to learn that she was expected to lecture to a large
audience in the Congregational church. She wavered and refused,
but finally consented to go on. Governor Kirkwood was present.
She said that for the first fifteen minutes she could see nothing
and could hear only her own voice. She was so filled with her sub-
ject that she spoke over two hours, which seemed not over twenty
minutes. She credited this event as her start as a lecturer. At the
conclusion of her address she had $1,200 for the soldiers, with
much more promised.
In March, 1871, the water company agreed to have six miles of
pipes laid in thirty days and the whole system in working order
172 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
in ninety days; their contract did not reach the bluffs. In May,
1871, T. S. Hinds, his wife Emma and son Robert were drowned
while crossing the Waquokela near Thompson's Mill. In the spring
and simimer of 1871 the council was served with mandamus to
levy tax to pay judgments against the city. In a suit the city
lost in its contention with the Central Island Company. Wash-
ington square was neglected and in very bad condition. On July 31,
1 87 1, the first water pipe in Iowa was laid between Main and Iowa
on Seventh. Weston, the walker, was here in 1871. In August
the German citizens planned a new opera house to cost $25,000.
In October the grand encampment of Odd Fellows assembled here.
The great fire at Chicago in October called out a big mass meet-
ing here; a thorough organization for relief was effected through-
out the whole county. Mayor Mason, of Chicago, wired here :
"Can you send us some bread and cheese for 100,000 people?" The
council appropriated $2,500 relief. By October 23 there had been
shipped from Dubuque 471 boxes and barrels, mostly clothing and
provisions. The new waterworks were fully completed in October,
1871, and tested; the capacity of the reservoir was 250,000 gallons;
its height above low water was 1291.^ feet. It was seen that a new
reservoir would be necessary and one holding 2,000,000 gallons
was planned. Early in November, 1871, the mayor and aldermen,
who had failed to levy the tax ordered by mandamus, were sum-
moned to appear at Des Moines to answer for their neglect. In
October, S. J. Arnot received judgment against the city for $86,379.
About 80,000,000 feet of lumber of all kinds were handled here in
1871. An annual levy paid the Corcoran debt from 1871 to 1874,
inclusive. Among the important impro\ements in 1871 were the
following :
(i) Railroad additions; (2) waterworks, eight miles of 8-, 10-
and 12-inch mains; (3) Fourth street improvement costing $16,-
184.37; (4) numerous fine residences and commodious business
blocks; (5) iron bridges over the inner slough, six spans of ninety-
six feet each.
It was about this time that steps to build a suitable monument to
Julien Dubuque were taken ; this had been talked of for many
years, but nothing definite was done until this time. Funds were
raised by subscription, but the monument was not yet erected.
By March i, 1872, there had been issued $163,889.97 of the
new 6 per cent twenty-five year bonds in exchange for old bonds.
When the council of 1871 began their duties mandamus suits to the
amount of $175,000 and small judgments aggregating $100,000
more hung over them, the treasury was empty, but the citizens were
not without confidence. The sharply defined differences between the
bondholders and a large element of taxpayers was sufficient to
check permanent improvements. But during the year 1871-72 all
urgent demands were met and there was in the treasury at the close
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 173
$34,386.09. The town clock building collapsed in May, 1872,
killing Emma, wife of Herman Ellwanger; the clock and tower
had cost $3,000; the town clock movement was started by Dr. Asa
Horr in 1864. He had found the longitude of Jackson square to
be 6 degrees, 2 minutes and 39.38 seconds west ; and the latitude 42
degrees and 30 minutes north. In 1872 the city secured the few re-
maining lots necessary to complete Jackson square. A violent storm
on September 24 did $10,000 damage in Dubuque. In the fall of
1872 A. F. Jaeger succeeded Sol. Turck, resigned, as mayor. By the
fall of 1872 there had been refunded of the old city debt $606,-
177.04 in new 6 per cent twenty-five year bonds; of this $113,-
887.29 was refunded in four months, beginning late in May; there
was yet owed to home creditors $90,000.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science met
here in August, 1872, in the Congregational church. Dr. Asa
Grey, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, was elected chairman. Wil-
liam B. Allison welcomed the scientists; he was answered by Dr.
Asa Grey. Prof. J. Lawrence Smith was elected president of the
association. "The delta of the Mississippi" was considered in
detail. George C. Dean was chairman of the finance committee
that raised $2,297 to defray local expenses.
In 1872 Graves and Rhomberg assumed charge of the street
railway and under their management "it became useful and orna-
mental to the city instead of being a nuisance and a disgrace as it
formerly was." The lumber sold here in 1872 was 51.707,195
feet.
The new water reservoir, completed in the spring of 1873, was
230x56 feet; walls, 18 feet high; walls, 6 feet at the base and 3
feet at the top; capacity, 2,000,000 gallons; cost, $22,000. The
epizootic, a horse disease, swept the city and county in 1872-73.
The aggregate building in 1872 was about $800,000. The city spent
in 1872 $13,270 for sidewalk construction. In 1873 the town clock
cost $1,686.50; the bells were raised in the tower in March. In
1873 boys had several baseball clubs here — "Live Oaks," "Modocs,"
"Lone Stars" and "Actives." In May, 1873, Joe Jefferson rendered
"Rip Van Winkle" at the Athenaeum. In 1873 for the first time a
signal station was established and regular meteorological reports
were made here. In 1873 the school census showed 22,002 whites
and 149 colored population in Dubuque. Grand View avenue was
opened in 1873, after almost open war between land owners and
the city authorities. Of about eighty residents on the proposed
avenue, only five or six objected to the damage awarded by the
appraisers.
The failure of Jay Cooke & Co. in September, 1873, precipitated
financial and business trouble here. About September 25 several
Chicago banks suspended. Grain markets in Dubuque became
demoralized; wheat declining 10 cents. On September 25 Dubuque
174 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
banks refused to discount all commercial paper except for small
amounts. Wheat continued to drop here until it had fallen 25
cents. A meeting of the bankers was held on the 25th. Shall the
banks here suspend? was the question discussed. The Merchants'
National voted to suspend ; the First National and the Commercial
voted not to suspend. The next morning the Merchants' National
closed its doors. A big crowd gathered, but no trouble occurred.
All the banks sustained a heavy run. Gen. C. H. Booth was
appointed custodian of the Merchants' National. At its last state-
ment it had shown larger deposits than any other bank here —
$298,239.49. An examination showed an enormous deficiency —
$329,000. F. W. H. Sheffield and R. A. Babbage were short this
amount ; the formed turned over his property and made good but
the .latter left the city and country. Their private property waa
sold at auction — buggies, sleighs, harness, blankets, horses, etc.
Many business men lost heavily, and some failures resulted. In less
than a week the other banks began to discount again on a small
scale.
In December, 1873, there was organized an association for the
encouragement of manufacturers, among the members being Lang-
worthy, Ryder, Stout, Burt, Howard, Amsden, Christman, Robin-
son, Kingman and others. Several meelings were held and great
enthusiasm was shown. The city receipts for the fiscal year
1872-73 were $217,976.95 and the expenses $205,782.80. In
1873-4 the receipts were $229,968.06 and the expenses $216,850.05.
In the latter year the street expenses were $16,109.46. Late in 1873
a wagon bridge was talked of.
In January, 1874, M. S. Robinson, president of the ]\Ianufactur-
ers' Association, visited many Eastern cities in order to secure
manufacturing concerns for Dubuque and to see if a wagon bridge
coukl he financed. A large meeting assembled to hear from him
upon his return; he recommended a donation of land to desirable
manufacturers who should come here and announced that a wagon
bridge could be financed in the East. In 1873 there was collected in
the Dubuque revenue district $365,890.20. In February, 1874,
there was held here a grand reunion of old settlers. Suits against
the city in 1873-74 aggregated $185,000. A big temperance crusade
was started here in March, 1874; the liquor people united in oppo-
sition and demanded the license system. The crusaders demanded
the enforcement of the existing prohibitory law. In 1873 the liquor
trade here was about $500,000; should tliis be abolished Dubuque
finances would receive a deadly blow, it was stated. Many of the
best citizens resolved to back the liquor interests in their fight for
existence under a license system. Immense meetings were held by
both sides. The crusade did not succeed because it attacked liquor
selling and not intemperance. It assumed that it was a crime to use
intoxicating liquors. The law had the right to punish men for
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 175
becoming drunk, but not for drinking. Liquors were seized and
numerous suits resulted.
The Dubuque Art Gallery opened in June, 1874, with R. E.
Graves president ; over one hundred good paintings were exhibited
at the commencement. In 1874 the ball and chain gang could be
seen on the Dubuque streets. In August, 1874, the Dubuque Cen-
tral Improvement Company sued the city for $550,000. To obtain
its land the company in 1857 had assumed the Corcoran and Jesup
debts of about $200,000 ; later the city took back this debt providing
the company would make certain specified improvements.
A pontoon bridge was considered in 1874. The Harbor Com-
pany filled the slough at Jones and Iowa streets in 1874; W. G.
Stewart superintended this work. The old Globe building, built in
1848, was torn down in August, 1874. The new Driving park up
the Couler was opened in August ; the stalls sold for $1,160. A new
city charter was demanded at a large citizens' meeting, December
29, 1874; a reduction of taxes and new manufactures was
demanded ; too much money was spent on fancy streets, said Chair-
man D. A. Wilson. A similar meeting had been held in Novem-
ber. A. A. Cooper and D. A. Mahony were the principal speakers ;
the latter attacked the city, which was defended by Mr. Cooper.
It was realized that taxation could not be reduced much if the city
debt and the current expenses were to be paid. It was a mistake to
abuse the council, because they were simply trying to meet neces-
sary expenses. Undeserved charges of dishonesty were hurled
against the city by Mahony and others. "Can any council do bet-
ter?" was asked. Late in 1874 the city was paying at the rate of
about $6,000 a year for its water, and now began to consider buy-
ing the waterworks, but the big tax prevented. During 1874 a
large amount of filling on the river front was done. There was
talk of a union railway passenger station.
During 1874 there were many improvements. Railway branches
were extended ; the Driving park was opened ; sloughs on the front
were filled; two new schoolhouses were built; $23,000 was spent
on streets ; $700,000 was spent on buildings of all kinds ; a new
engine house was built at Locust and Fourth streets, etc. The fire-
fighting apparatus consisted of the "J. K. Graves" and "Sol. Turck"
engines, the hook and ladder truck and the Fifth ward hose com-
pany. D. A. Mahony was editor of the Telegraph in 1874-75; he
succeeded Michael Brady. In 1874 assessors began to pursue tax
dodgers in earnest for almost the first time. In 1874-75 they col-
lected $187,494 in delinquent tax. Engineers reported against a
pontoon bridge.
In 1875 the People's Savings Bank merged with the First Na-
tional. The total city receipts in 1874-75 were $228,845 ^"d the
total expenses $207,810; the current expenses were $71,327.84.
The police force was reorganized in June, 1875. ^ furious storm
176 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
did $15,000 damage to Dubuque Seiitember 9, 1875; Seventeenth
street was badly damaged. In June, W. B. Allison became presi-
dent of the Dubuque & Dunleith Bridge Company. The original
Linwood cemetery, twenty acres, was bought of Langworthy &
Davis; in 1875 nineteen acres more were purchased of Mr. Levi
and added.
What were known as the Gelpcke bonds had been compromised
with Jesup & Co. long before this time at the rate, it was alleged,
of 25 cents on the dollar, and were secured by local speculators
who expected to raise the price and thus clear up a large sum of
money. It was charged that agents of the council sent East to
accomplish this result in the interests of the city, proved false to the
trust and secured about $276,000 city bonds for about $69,000 for
local speculators (among whom were two ex-mayors of Dubuque)
who immediately raised the price of the bonds to par and in the
end managed to obtain therefor at about par new 6 per cent twenty-
five year bonds. Several of the so-called best men of the city were
charged with this offense. A number of bitter controversies grew
out of this transaction.
In October, 1875, the citizens voted on the question of turning
Linwood cemetery over to a private association, as follows: For
sale, 697; against sale, 308. At the big exposition and fair in
October, 1875, the receipts were $34,187.13 ; expenses the same less
$476.96 on hand. The grounds were bought of Stout and Peabody
for $5,000, but in the end with all improvements cost $33,894.48.
This fair was really a credit to the city. In 1875 the Dubuque
liquor dealers petitioned the Legislature to abandon prohibition and
adopt license in its place. In November, 1875, the Dubuque County
Bank was organized, with W. G. Stewart president ; A. Lumback,
vice president ; E. A. Lull, cashier ; capital, $50,000.
The Central Island case embraced the following points : ( i ) The
city sold the company island property ; (2) the company gave the city
its" bonds for the property; (3) the individual members of the com-
pany indorsed the bonds; (4) the city put its guaranty on the back
of the bonds; (5) the bonds were sold to outsiders; (6) no interest
was paid on the bonds; (7) the company became insolvent, but its
individual members were rich; (8) these individuals, to save them-
selves, bought up the bonds at about 25 cents on the dollar; (9) the
city had warranted the title to the company; (10) Jesup & Co., who
held a prior mortgage on this island property, foreclosed the same
and the property was sold to H. L. Stout, who secured a deed. The
island company now contended that the city was bound to take care
of the mortgage, because the title had been warranted and therefore
now sued the city for $33,000. This amount the city finally
agreed to pay, partlv because in doing so it could secure a with-
drawal of the suit for $550,000. In the suit on the guaranty the
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Supreme court decided that the city had no power to make the
guaranty and therefore the decision was in its favor.
A large prairie wolf and a full-sized catamount were killed near
Dubuque late in 1875. Late in 1875 a temperance crusade secured
400 signers to the pledge. In December, 1875, the total debt of
the city was as follows :
Seven per cent bonds $153-539-45
Six per cent bonds 649,099.10
Ten per cent bonds 25,000.00
Total $827,638.55
Or the same as follows :
Twenty-five year bonds $802,638.55
Three, four and five year bonds. . . . 25,000.00
Total $827,638.55
The Hyde Clark baseball club of 1875 played good ball. Water-
loo defeated them in September by 10 to 7. The leading nine were
Sullivan, Dalrymple. Spoor, Colford, Byrne, Cooney, Bissell, Robi-
son and Clark.
Dubuque was prosperous in 1875. Among the improvements
were Connolly's carriage factory ; Armstrong's same ; Wunderlich's
same ; Young's same ; Duddy's wireworks ; deed's brewery ; Carr,
Austin & Co.'s planing mill; Schmidt's brewery; Peabody block.
Eagle block, Finley block and several fine private residences. The
number of business blocks built was twenty-eight; dwellings and
other buildings, 181. Street improvement cost $13,020; school-
houses and grounds, $14,000; city hall and engine house improve-
ments, $2,490. In the livery business alone Dubuque had $129,715
invested. The bricks made numbered 8,400,000; in this industry
were Knai)p, Graham, O'Neill, Taltz, Platz, Keim and Ham.
In Januarv. 1876, the board of trade was reorganized, with
H. S. Hetherington president. Many suits against the city for
accidents to indi\-iduals were commenced in 1875-76. Senator
Allison introduced a bill in Congress in 1876 giving Washington
square to the county for courthouse purposes. Many here opposed
this bill, because the county could afford to buy it.
"Never has there been a more positive damage to the interests
of the city of Dubuque than those gatherings known as public
meetings. The city would have been better off in that it would
todav have had a debt less by half a million than it now has. These
meetings have created more ill feeling and bad temper among citi-
zens than most other causes combined. During the flush times of
1856-57 they recommended and voted away hundred of thousands
178 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
of dollars of city bonds in aid of railroads, few of wliicli were ever
built. After the crash of 1858 and when it was found impossible to
pay interest on the bonds, the public meetings were just as unani-
mous that the debt should be repudiated. The Supreme court of
the state had made a tlecision that the bonds were not good : the
city charter alleged that no tax of more than i per cent could be
levied ; so the public meetings told the creditors to whistle and
hooted at anybody who belie\ed the city would have to pay. After
the war, when our whole city debt could have been com])romised
on an average of 20 to 25 cents on the dollar, the pul)lic meetings
said not a cent on the dollar. Had public meetings then said what
they should ha\e said, our indebtedness now would be no more than
$250,000 instead of $800,000. Who does not remember the wagon
bridge meetings in 1868 that gave rise to so much angry contro-
versy and bad blood? — the Third street cemetery meetings: the
home creditor meetings in 1869 and 1870: the reform meetings of
1873, and the small results from them. A year ago there was a
taxpayers' meeting at which it was seriously proposed to organize a
combined resistance to tax paying. On Monday we had a public
meeting to see about the celebration of the Fourth of July, which
was just about on a par with all the rest." — (Herald. Februarv ^.
1876.)
The Second National bank was organized late in 1873, ^^''''''
W. L. Bradley, president ; W. P. Large, vice president ; G. V. Smock,
cashier; capital, $100,000. The citizens here generally opposed
the pending bill for the repeal of the railway tarifif. This sentiment
caused the Illinois Central Railway to make threats which were
resented by the citizens. The city receipts from all sources in
1875-76 were $207,631.70; expenses. $196,896.93; from saloon
licenses. $8,196.40 was received. The suit of William Hentrager
against Bishop Hennessy was conspicuous at this date; the Bisb.o].
won in the end. In March. 1876. the Board of Trade ga\e a
public banquet to Graves, O'Donnell and Lyon, Dubuque members
of the Legislature, for their efforts at Des Moines to retain the
railroad tariff'. In 1875 Myers, Tice & Co. paid the government
$77,188.20 tobacco revenue. A thorough survey for a new sewer
sii'stem was made early in 1876. .\t this time there was a general
demand that the street railway .system should be extended to the
bluffs. There were in use at this date 148 city public lamps.
A terrible storm early in July, 1876, practically destroyed Rock-
dale and caused the loss of several lives. The Gleason, Knajip and
Bradbury children and others were drowned. The origmal mill
there was built in 1834-5 ; it was first a log structure, but in a year
or two a small frame took its place; it was built by David and Wil-
liam Hutton ; this is said to have been the first grist mill in Iowa.
For many years it was known as the "Catfish Mill." Later under
Pmtt & Manson it was called "Rockdale IMills." In the forties its
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 179
capacity was fift)- barrels a day, but in tlie fifties it was increased
to 250 barrels a day. For many years it liad a monopoly of the
miners' trade.
In 1876 there were tinxe distilleries here with a capital of $100,-
000 — J. Wimmer, John Glab and I. Beekman. Four wholesale
houses did an annual business of 700,000; 138 saloons paid city
license; total saloon capital, $100,000; retail liquor dealers sold
here annually $150,000 worth of product.
Notwitlistanding the hard times and the strikes and political and
financial upheavals, the year 1876 was fairly prosperous in Du-
buque. Over $300,000 was spent in building; the Ingram, Kennedy
& Day saw mill cost $30,000; poorhouse, $13,500; Linwood ceme-
ter}', $10,000; Fair Association, $20,000, and the churches and
railway spent large sums.
In September, 1877, the Dubuque Charity Hospital was duly
incorporated. In September the bar in front of the city was
removed by dredge boats. The shot tower northwest of the city
burned in 1877.
In 1877, though the aggregate amount spent in Dubuque for
buildings fell ofif somewhat from former years, advancement, how-
ever, was in that and other respects on a large and permanent scale.
Linwood cemetery was improved about $17,381 ; Illinois Central,
$28,000; opera house by Eighmey & Waller, $25,000; St. Patrick's
church, $25,000; Episcopal church, $30,000; Dubuque shot tower,
$3,000; poorhouse, $2,000; waterworks, $7,000; sanitarium by Dr.
E. A. Guilbert, $1,600; harbor improA'ements, $12,000; school
buildings, $5,000; Key City hotel, by J. N. Hill, $13,000; Dubuque
and Dunleith bridge, $4,000 ; Alexander Young's dwelling, $20,000 ;
Richard Bonson's dwelling, $15,000; Hill street railway and build-
ings, $25,000; W. J. Knight, on dwelling, $10,000; C. C. D. & M.
railway, $100,000; on streets, alleys and highways, $53,766; parks',
pagodas, etc., $3,000; sidewalks, $15,000. All told on buildings,
streets, walks, industries, etc., $1,005,917. Over $700,000 of this
was spent within the city limits. The completion and success of the
hill or bluff railway was pointed to with pride. Not a business
house had failed during this eventful year of strikes, turmoil and
financial disaster. Not a bank here experienced serious trouble,
though elsewhere scores went down, never to rise again.
The law of 1878 authorized cities to build bridges over the Mis-
sissippi or to allow them to be built ; Mr. O'Donnell introduced the
bill. The Dubuque Ladies' Literary Association held its second
anniversary meeting in January, 1878. An immense temperance
movement was conducted here early this year. A special commit-
tee of the Board of Trade appointed to investigate, reported that
a large saving annually could be made from present city receipts.
The annual interest on the city debt was about $60,000, the city
debt being $829,118 late in 1877. In 1877-78 the city spent on
i8o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
streets $43,578.17; this was declared by many to be too much: I)ut
others decmetl it necessary. Mrs. Livermore lectured to tiie temper-
ance people in February, 1878; during tlie crusade over 500 took the
pledge; this was a remarkable fight. On January 13 the artesian
well in Linwood cemetery was down 1,040 feet; the water came up
to within forty-nine feet of the surface. Electricity in city light-
ing was demanded in March. The Herald thougiit three lights
would be sufficient to illuminate the whole city.
Dubuque wanted railroads taxed, because this meant about
$20,000 annual revenue to the city. The stock restraining ordi-
nance was enforced more generally. There was a small reduction
in police and fire expenses Eagle Point anrl Windsor avenues were
improved. Secret sessions of the council as a committee of the
whole were generally condemned. Dubuque tax dodgers were
relentlessly pursued.
In June, 1878, the Dubuque Harbor Company decided to go out
of business — sell all of its property in September; it had large hold-
ings, including about 5,000 feet frontage on Main street south, and
several blocks covered with buildings. There were sold 1,678 lots,
which were bought by Cooley, Stout, Bonson, Bush, Shields, Wal-
ler, Staples, Langworthy and others ; the two days' sale brought over
$100,000. There were 130 saloon licenses out in 1S78.
Mayor Burch said in his valedictory : "Our street expenses have
been much more than any of us intended they should be during
the past year, but it appeared to be necessary in order to give our
laboring men employment. At least such a course was advised by
some of our large tax payers during the time some of the Eastern
cities were infested with rioters and our own city overrun with
tramps and many of our laboring men out of employment."
In July, 1878, Rev. Dewitt C. Talmage lectured here on the
"Bright Side of Things," in the Congregational church. In August
the artesian well at Linwood was abandoned at a depth of 1,667
feet; water came within twenty-six feet of the surface. The low-
water mark in the river here was 610 feet above the sea level and
the surface of the hill was 197 feet above low water mark. The
Fair here in 1878 was one of the best and most successful ever held
in the West; as high as 15,000 people were present on the third
day. Rarus, the famous trotter, tried to beat 2 :20, but made only
2:2oJ4- Lulu trotted a mile in 2:20^^. The total receipts were
$23,963.24, and expenses about the same; the total assets of the
Fair A.ssociation were $29,097.21.
The boiler of the Dubuque Planing Mill exploded in September,
killing one person and injuring several others. A Dubuque book,
the Waverly Dictionary, was issued by May Rogers in September.
In September, 1878, greenbacks were at par with gold in this city.
The Rockdale mills were destroyed by fire late in December,
1878 ; it was caused by an explosion of gas generated by the mid-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY i8i
dlings purifier used. The year 1878 gave continued prosperity to
Dubuque ; over $700,000 was spent on improvements of all kinds ;
the largest sums were spent by the Diamond Jo line, Bush, Hosford,
Young, Robinson, Ryan the packer, Bishop Hennessy, Simplot,
cracker factory, the railways, street extension. The banks paid out
gold freely on January i, 1879.
The baseball club was thoroughly organized early in 1878. The
leading players were O'Rourke, pitcher ; Comiskey, catcher ; Brady,
second base: Burns, left field; Colford, third base; Byrne, center
field; Sullivan, shortstop: Cooney, first base: Phalen, right field.
Two Chicago players were hired to drill the club. It was one of
the best clubs in the West and was considered semi-professional.
The Milwaukee club beat it twice, 6 to o and 15 to 4. Davenport
beat it 6 to 4 in thirteen innings. It divided victories with the
Oaklands, was defeated by Peoria, 12 to i ; defeated Davenport,
2 to o; defeated Nashua, 20 to i and 13 to 5: defeated Galena,
9 to 2 ; but was defeated by Peoria again, 3 to i : divided victories
with Rockford, 9 to 4 and 9 to 13. In the Peoria club were nine
professionals; in the Dubuque club were three professionals and
six home boys. The club played twenty-one games. Sullivan was
best batter and fielder : then came Dolan, Brady and Comiskey.
They were called Red Stockings, and were backed by R. H. Graves,
H. E. Tredway, B. H. Trumbull, T. P. Sullivan, C. D. Ham, C. T.
Hancock, C. M. Peaslee, T. G. Lewis and others.
There were several business failures in 1878-79. Congress in
1878 gave Dubuque authority to build a pontoon bridge over the
river. In January, 1879, George W. Jones and his wife, who was
formerly Josephine Gregoire, celebrated their golden wedding;
great honor was shown the distinguished couple at the Lorimier
House. M. M. Ham addressed the couple and General Jones replied.
In 1878 the phonograph was exhibited here for the first time.
Croxie, a Dubuque mare trained by J. H. Lawson, won large sums
in the trotting races of this year; she was in the 2 129 class. A fire
alarm telegraph was installed in 1878. In the spring of 1879 Dun-
leith changed its name to East Dubuque. Heating the city from a
common center was considered in 1879. The year 1879 was very
prosperous here. The trade in dry goods, boots and shoes, clothing,
groceries, hats and caps, hardware, cigars, leather, notions, horse
collars, shirts, overalls, etc., was almost double that in 1878. Among
the largest expenditures were St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital, Farley,
Loetscher & Co., oat meal factory. Steam Supply Company, Dia-
mond Jo line, Farley residcTice, Norwegian Plow Factory ; the rail-
ways ; city improvements.
In December, 1879, General Grant was here as the guest of John
Thompson. A large procession escorted him to the residence of
Mr. Thompson. Governor and Mrs. Gear were present at the recep-
tion given to 700 guests ; the whole city was decorated in honor of
i82 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the event and the schools were dismissed. General Vandever wel-
comed the distinguished guest to the city. General Grant replied
as follows :
"General — I thank tlie citizens of Dubuque and yourself for the
kind welcome which you liave extended to me. I shall not attempt
to make any remarks further than to say tiiat I most heartily tliank
you. After an absence of two and a half \cars I have returned
to our country, appreciating it more highly than ever."
"General Grant extended his white-gloved hand to all who were
presented to him and the best looking ladies he greeted with an
osculatory salutation, which perhaps he would have declined had
Mrs. Grant been present. But some of the ladies thought him so
stoically sweet thai they could not resist being kissed b}' an ex-
President and a general." — {Herald, December 2, 1879.)
The Dubuque baseljall club in 1879 was even better tlian it had
been in 1878; they were called "Red Stockings." as in 1S78, and
were backed by wealthy men here. They were members of the
Northwestern league of four clubs: Davenport, Rockford, Omaha
and Dubuque. Early in the year the players were Thomas Sullivan,
catcher; Lawrence P. Reis, pitclier; W. B. Lapham, first base;
Thomas J. Loftus, captain and left field : John Gleason, third base ;
William Gleason, .shortstop; Charles Comiskey, second base; Charles
Radburne. right field and pitcher; William Taylor, center field.
They beat the Rock fords 8 to o in May. Later they beat Chicago
T to o in a famous game. Thev were \'ery successful.
Late in 1879 Wendell Phillips lectured here on "Daniel O'Con-
nell." A large audience heard this wonderful piece of oratory.
O'Connell was declared to have been the greatest orator since
Demosthenes — greater than Webster, Clay or Calhoun.
The Irish patriots and orators, Parnell and Dillon, came here in
l-'ebruary, 1880; they were met at McGregor by a special committee
sent to receive them — J- K- Graves, F. T. Walker, Fred O'Donnell
and G. B. Busch. As the train appeared a salute was fired at Eagle
Point by Hayden's battery. They were received with great cere-
mony and escorted to the Julicn House. That evening at the opera
house they were welcomed by a packed room and by a speech from
Mr. Graves. Parnell's address was especially pleasing. The total
receipts were $743.10; net, $637.50.
The total receipts in 1879-80 were $196,128.46; expenses, $192,-
290.61. On March i, 1880, the total bonded debt was $790,434.21.
In April, 1880. there were in the Young Men's Library 10.029
books. General Grant was here again in May. 1880, to see a few
friends; the visit was informal; his wife accompanied him. The
wholesale business in 1879 was larger than ever before. The lum-
ber trade aggregated $5,000,000; groceries, $2,500,000; hardware,
$2,000,000, and dry goods, boots and shoes and crockery reached
$1,000,000 each; the total trade was approximately $16,000,000.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 183
City improvements aggregated $600,000. Among the largest items
were Eagle Point boatways, St. Francis' convent, St. Joseph's acad-
emy. Novelty Iron Works, Ryan, packer. Linseed Oil Works, Mc-
Donald's pump works, Peabody's residence, Andrew & Tredway
block. Brown's block. Globe building, Milwaukee & St. Paul shops.
Chamberlain's Plow Works, street improvements, etc. In 1879
there were made here by six breweries 25,639 barrels of beer; in
1880 there were made 39.553 barrels. In February, 1880, the deep-
est snow in twenty years blocked every transportation line.
In April, 1880,' the Chicago baseball club defeated the Dubuque
club in four games, as follows: 27 to o, 10 to i, 22 to 2, 9 to 4;
later the Cleveland's defeated the Dubuques 5 to i ; the Dubuque's
beat the St. Louis Reds 4 to i.
The total receipts in 1880-81 were $244,477.52. The steam motor
on the hill failed to work during the cold weather in 1880-81 : the
council in a fit of indignation declared it a nuisance and revoked
the charter of the company. At a meeting of the citizens indigna-
tion at this procedure was expressed ; the road was declared to be a
great public improvement and worth continuance.
In April, 188 1, the new mayor, Mr. Linehan, declared that the
most important considerations for the coming year were ( i ) manu-
facturing enterprises: (2) a wagon bridge over the river; (3) an
inner or ice harbor; (4) water reservoir for fires on the bluffs:
(5) good men for office holders; (6) the collection of all taxes
possible; (7) equalization of assessments ; (8) economy in expenses;
(9) good streets and avenues: (10) floating debt must be paid;
(11) public health must be maintained.
In May the first electric light company was formed ; among its
incorporators were Glover, Booth, Cooper, Hinds, Hancock, Ryan
and Tredway; $12,000 was subscribed in a few days. In June the
council was petitioned to change the fair ground into a park. A
union slaughter house was proposed. In 1880 and 1881 consider-
able grain was shipped from the upper Mississippi to Liverpool —
to New Orleans in barges, then out in ocean steamers. The
Dubuque Cattle Company was incorporated in July. On August i,
1881, the bonded debt was $781,785.27; floating debt, $79,470.13;
total debt, $861,255.40. In December, 1881, Governor Hempstead
moved to Memphis to live with his son; two years later he died.
Among the large expenditures in 188 1 were those by Iowa Iron
Works, Carr, Ryder & Wheeler, Dubuque Building and Loan Asso-
ciation, Dubuque and East Dubuque bridge, Cabinet Makers' Asso-
ciation, Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul shops, city streets and
buildings and St. John's Episcopal church. Diamond Jo line, Illinois
Central, etc.
In December, 1881, Hon. T. P. O'Connor, Irish envoy, spoke in
the opera house to an audience that filled every seat. About this
time it was shown as a finality that Babbage was short $267,000
i84 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
and Sheffield $62,000 in tlie Merchants' National hank crash of a
few years before. Dubuque was very prosperous in 1881 ; among
the largest investments were by the Iowa & Minnesota Telegraph
Company, Dubuque & St. Louis Packet Company, and J. P. Farley
Manufacturing Company; Elevator Safety Gate Company.
Early in 1882 the Dubuque Opera Company was organized to
prepare and present "Martha" and "Bohemian Girl." A strong
anti-prohibition club was here in 1882; its object was to defeat the
proposed amendment to the prohibitory law of Iowa which would
amount to the practical confiscation of the property of saloon keep-
ers. In Marcli, 1882, the bonded debt was $774,625.27 and the float-
ing debt $67,466.16. The electric company began to use the Brush
electric light. Governor St. John of Kansas spoke here in the
Tabernacle on "Prohibition," in June. On the question of amend-
ing the proliibitory law the vote in Dubuque stood 1,223 for the
amendment; 6,283 against the amendment; the amendment was
carried in the state by a large majority. In August, 1882, Congress
appropriated $20,000 for an ice harbor here. In September, 1882,
the Industrial and Art Association was opened by Mr. Allison at
city hall; it was the grandest industrial display ever held in the
state. In December, 1882, the Novelty Iron Works were lighted
for the first time by electricity. The roller skating craze had
Dubuque in its relentless grasp in 1882. Among the big expendi-
tures in 1882 were those bv John Bell, A. A. Cooper, Cathedral
chapel, C. N. Clark, Paper' Mill, White Lead and Paint Works,
Oat Meal Mills, Diamond Jo line. Telephone Company, Iron and
Brass Works, Novelty Iron Works, Iowa Iron Works, Iowa Coffin
Company, Buggy Top factory, etc. The June races in 1882 were
popular and successful. The Iowa State Horticultural Society met
here in January, 1883. At this time the Supreme court declared the
prohibitory amendment recently adopted to be unconstitutional.
In 1882-83 the floating debt was increased to $77,131.44; the total
cash received was $229,981.70. The Emma Abbott Opera Com-
pany was here in March, 1883. The floating debt was commenced
by a subsidy to the Milwaukee railway, and it seemed impossible to
stop it after it was fully started.
By ordinance of September, 1883, the United States Electric
Liglit and Power Company was granted the right to erect poles,
wires and other fi.xtures in the streets, alleys and public parks of the
city for illuminating and other purposes for twenty years. Suitable
regulations accompanied the ordinance.
An ordinance of March, 1883, gave the Dubuque Butchers' Asso-
ciation the right to erect a general slaughter house within the city
limits at East Dubuque and imposed specific conditions of cleanli-
ness, sanitation, etc.
The famous orchestra of Theodore Thomas ojiened here in April.
General Siegel called Dubuque "the Heidelberg of America."
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 185
Thomas W. Keene, tragedian, was here in May. Double street
railway tracks were built this year for the first time. On May 15
there were in the Young Men's Library 15,200 bound books. An
artesian well at White and Sixth street, 804 feet deep, flowed 150
gallons a minute late in June, 1883. Beecher lectured here July 27
on "The Reign of the Common People." On August 13, Mrs.
W. B. Allison while temporarily insane drowned herself in the
river. Bayless College celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary in
October, 1883. The Home for the Friendless reported $7,551.04
in loans and cash on hand in October, 1883. Its object was "to
provide for homeless and destitute women and children;" seventy-
five were cared for in 1883. Among the improvements in 1883
were the following: New schoolhouse, St. Raphael's school, Brad-
ley's brick warehouse, Booth's front fillings, Bentley's grain ele-
vator, Academy of Visitation, ice harbor, St. Joseph's Academy,
Sisters of Visitation, academy, city improvements ($153,000),
streets and engine houses, railways, lumber companies and many
expensive residences.
On December 31, 1883, the Dubuque Traveling Men's Associa-
tion was organized. M. R. Dewstoe was chosen president; L. M.
Langstatif, secretary and treasurer; the association started with a
goodly membership, which has steadily increased to the present.
Late in 1883 John L. Sullivan, Slade, McCoy, Taylor, Gillespie and
other sporting men gave a sparring exhibition at the opera house.
In November, 1883, a hunting party consisting of Frederick Jenkel,
Emil Jenkel, Frederick Jenkel, Jr., and Richard T. Hartig were
drowned in the river just above the city; several of the bodies were
not recovered for three or four months. The Dubuque National
bank opened its doors in April, 1884, with a capital of $100,000,
and with B. B. Richards, president ; W. J. Knight, vice president ;
James Harragan, cashier. The Iowa Trust and Savings Bank began
operations in February, 1884, with a capital of $50,000 paid up;
G. L. Torbert was president, F. D. Stout vice president, and J. E.
.-\llison cashier. A bill in the Legislature to repeal the law exempt-
ing school and church property from taxation encountered strenuous
opposition here in March, 1884; the churches memorialized the
Legislature to defeat the bill. Bishop Hennessy delivered a power-
ful address against the bill on March 23. In 1883-84 the fire depart-
ment was fully established on a paid and permanent basis ; the police
system was reorganized; the project of funding the floating debt
was defeated; gas, electric light and street car ordinances were
passed; the city was already the manufacturing center of this sec-
tion, but more concerns should be secured ; the Dubuque & North-
western, Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, and the Chicago & North-
western Railways were approaching connection with Dubuque ; and
slight reductions were made in the city debt. Also lots were filled,
railways extended, the useless motor was stopped on the hill, a new
i86 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
engine house was built, a new system of sewerage was considered,
new streets were opened, and the Stocking claim was settled.
In 1883 there were half a dozen baseball clubs; one was called
"Blue Stockings"; they defeated the Galena Greys 17 to 5 and the
Clintons 6 to 4. and the St. Louis club 7 to 4. but in a return game
were defeated by the latter 9 to 5 ; they were defeated by the Port
Hurons in two games 15 to o and 9 to o.
In August, 1883. the council granted to John Reugamer, John
Trexler, J. P. Schroeder, John Klein, Frank Schroeder and George
Fengler, for a period of twenty-five years, free license and full
right to operate a ferry to be known as "Eagle Point Ferry," from
a place near Eagle Point, at Division street, across the river to the
Wisconsin shore. The necessary safeguards were required.
Madame Modjeska was here in May ; she was the guest of
Edward \V. Duncan and wife: she received Dubuque ladies. In
May five persons were killed in the explosion at the planing mill
of Carr, Ryder & Wheeler. On July 3, 1884, the new prohibition
law went into effect; saloons here did business about as usual,
though apprehensivel}-. The Personal Liberty Society held regular
meetings to consider the situation. Informers were led to under-
stand that they would get into serious trouble if they interfered.
Secret anti-prohibition meetings were held ; J. P. Farley was one
of the leaders of the movement for the enforcement of the law.
Seven acres of lumber were burned in September. Late in 18S4 the
Fourth street elevator was built. On September 19 all Dubuque
was shaken by an earthquake ; it was particularly observed in high
buildings. The old Carter and Cheney farms, three miles from
Dubuque, were bought by Mr. Stout and converted into a fine, fast
stock farm that soon became famous ; twenty to thirty fine horses
were there at all times except during the racing season; a half mile
track was there and trainers constantly at work.
The Dubuque baseball club in 1884 had the following leading
players: Ahern, first; Crawford, second; Brown, third; Morgan,
catcher; Lear, pitcher; Burns, shortstop; Keas. left; Taylor, center,
and McCarten, right. The Dubuque Natatorium, containing 100,-
000 gallons, was opened in August at 1033 Main street; it was very
popular from the start.
Dubuque's trade for 1884 was very large and satisfactory: Gro-
ceries and provisions, $1,500,000; dry goods and notions, $1,500,-
000; hardware, $1,000,000; grain, etc., $1,650,000; William Ryan
& Sons, packing. $2,125,000 (this was the largest single industry
here). The jobbing trade was estimated at $12,000,000. Among
the improvements were those by Bishop Hennessy. Ryan, fire engine
house, Waples block, new schoolhouse, St. Joseph's Academy com-
pleted, Lorimier House improved, Eagle Point ferry, street railway
extension, Dubuque Bridge Company, Booth's improvements, city
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 187
improvements, Linwood cemetery, etc. In 1884 there were in use
here twenty-six arc Hghts; they were not satisfactory under all
circumstances; incandescent lights were demanded. The Dubuque
Electric Light and Power Company, organized in 1883, expired in
1884.
Madame Janauschek was here in January, 1885. Horses were
raced on Lake Peosta in January. In this month the Fourth street
hill elevator carried over 7,000 passengers ; at first there was only
one carriage ; J. K. Graves was connected with this service. Street
expenses in 1884-85 were $16,831. The contemplated sewer system
was estimated to cost $39,985.72. Several business failures
occurred early in 1885. In February, George R. Wendling lectured
here on "Is Death the End of All?" There was great sport at the
roller skating rinks. In the fall of 1885 Dubuque had 130 manu-
facturing establishments; 86 jobbers, 5,261 employes, horsepower
4,464. Among the really large advances here were Central market,
water power, steam supply, Mercy hospital, custom house, opera,
public library, fine art gallery, art and science institute, twenty-four
churches, hill elevator, forty-five miles of paved streets, etc.
In August, 1885, Edward Langworthy and wife celebrated their
golden wedding; she was formerly Pauline Reeder. In the spring
of 1885 the city bonded debt was $777,084.74. The city expenses
in 1884-85 were $173,367.66; the floating debt was $66,787; total
debt of city, $843,871.74. In March the Supreme court decided
in favor of the constitutionality of the prohibitory law. In the
spring of 1885 the city considered ( i ) how to pay the enormous
debt ; ( 2 ) how to economize ; ( 3 ) to reduce street expense and float-
ing debt; (4) must cease borrowing; (5) new railways were desir-
able; (6) manufacturing must still further be increased; (7) an iron
bridge was needed at Eagle Point, etc. There were forty liquor
cases in the federal court in September, brought by the Citizens'
League. The special delivery mail service was adopted here Octo-
ber I, 1885, for the first time. Previous to 1885 the year 1882 was
the most prosperous here since 1856.
In January, 1886, there were put up here 46,700 tons of ice; the
packers alone put up 12,200 tons; the leading packers were William
Ryan, George Rath, Strobel & Son, and Zumhoff & Son. In Janu-
ary three kinds of crossings were considered for the river: (i) A
pontoon bridge; (2) planks on the existing railroad bridge; (3)3
free ferry summer and winter by cable line. In 1885-86 the fire
department cost $15,811.51; police, $15,102.30; gas, $11,241.68;
street, $23,706.14; total city debt, $827,887.28.
A fine arts gallery was opened in March, 1886; forty-two artists
and amateurs were represented; 10 cents admission was charged.
In June there were 12,396 bound \-olumes in the Young Men's
Library.
1 88 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Pork Packing in Dubuque.
1882-83 97'5oo 1884-85 90,000
1883-84 121,000 1885-86 108,500
Summer Packing Additional.
1882 1 5,000 1884 22,557
1883 15,500
In August, 1886, tlie Dubuque Pontoon Bridge Company was
authorized to construct and nsaintain a bridge suitable for the cross-
ing of vehicles, horsemen and animals and for the ordinary public
uses and purposes of a highway bridge from at or near Pine street
in Dubuque across the Mississippi to the town of East Dubuque, in
Tllinois. It was to be located below and as near as practicable to the
railway bridge and the draw was to be of such dimensions and
character as should be approved by the secretary of war, or if built
without a draw it should Idc high enough at the right place to permit
the free passage at all stages of water of craft navigating the Mis-
sissippi. To assist the company in the construction of this bridge,
the city appropriated $25,000, to be paid in two installments, and
released it conditionally from taxation. The total cost was about
$133,000. The city reserved the right to take possession and control
of the bridge by paying annually to the company 8 per cent on the
total cost less that paid by the city. The mayor was to be ex-ofificio
a member of the board of directors. The toll was fixed by the coun-
cil, December 14, 1887.
An immense firemen's tournament was held here in June, 1886.
Clinton, Galena, Webster City, Chariton, Fort Dodge, Dyersville,
Cedar Rapids, Maquoketa, Independence, Marshalltown and other
cities were represented. It was held at the race track; it was the
largest and best tournament ever held in Iowa. Dubuque oat meal
mill burned in July. In 1886 the idea of a pontoon bridge was
abandoned and a high bridge became very popular; this was after
the city had passed an ordinance appropriating $25,000 for a pon-
toon bridge. The Finleys having left to the city a large bequest for
a hospital upon certain conditions; the citizens took steps to comply
with such conditions. 'J"he old Finley homestead on Julicn avenue
was finally devoted to this use; the bequest was about $80,000.
Under the Clark liquor law sharp action against the saloons here
was taken in the summer of 1886. At this time work on the new
sewerage system was commenced. In August, 1S86, the construc-
tion of the high bridge was awarded to Horace E. Horton, of Roch-
ester, Minnesota, at $122,994; his was the lowest bid by over $20,-
000; the bridge was to be completed by May i, 1887. This sum
included the iron approach on the east side. It was called a "high
level wagon bridge." Harnum's big show was here in September.
The North .Xmorican Telegraph Compan\- was granted the right
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 189
to erect poles on certain streets. In September the newly organized
Commercial Clnb had a membership of 140; they planned to build a
$15,000 club house. At this time an engine and two cars plunged
through the draw into the river. On August 31, 1886. three dis-
tinct earthquake shocks of twenty-five seconds' duration were felt
here. The city donated $25,000 toward the high bridge and the
citizens raised the balance by subscription; by the middle of October
about $75,000 was subscribed. Important improvements in 1886
were: Academy of Visitation, Bell's store, Bradley's warehouses,
Consolidated tank Line house. Diamond Jo yards, high level
bridge, etc.
It was noted in the spring of 1887, that real estate values had
taken a sudden "boom." In March, 1887, the boundaries of the
Second, Third and Fourth wards were changed and enlarged from
the surplus growth of the Fifth ward. In the spring of 1887 the
railways did an enormous amount of filling on the river front. In
1886-87 the hogs packed were 117,000. There was a great lack
of dwellings and business rooms. The total debt March i, 1887,
was $833,542.85. of which $761,234.80 was bonded. On March 23.
1887, the first shipment of iron for the high bridge arrived. The
water company was given the right in March, 1887, to put in pump-
ing works at the Lorimier House artesian well and from it to fur-
nish the hill its supply of water; this well was 1,050 feet deep and
flowed 180 gallons to the minute. The entire police force was dis-
charged in May and immediately reorganized. The Dubuque Job-
bers and Manufacturers' Union was strong and doing good work in
1887. The Eleventh Street Elevator Company was incorporated
in July.
In 1887 there was demanded improvement of the city gas; con-
struction of the high bridge approach ; continuance on the sewerage
system ; a police patrol ; better results from the street commission-
er's office ; abolishment of the contract system, etc. By the middle
of July, 1887, the fourth span of the high bridge was in place. The
United States E.xpress Company established an office here. In
August it was noted that twenty-four trains arrived and departed
daily. On August 10 the river was the lowest it had been since
1864.
The year 1887 was very prosperous. The following made impor-
tant improvements: (i) Northwestern Railway; (2) high bridge;
(3) new sewerage system ; (4) Southwestern Railway ; (5) Fourth
street elevator; (6) Elleventh street elevator; (7) street car to Eagle
Point; (8) filling sloughs with land; (9^ filling freight yards;
(10) filling by lumber yards; (11) ice harbor; (12) new Illinois
Central passenger station; (13) waterworks on the bluff; (14)
police patrol; (15) electric fire alarm; (16) new warehouses; (17)
new wholesale houses; (18) new manufactures; (19) hundreds of
new dwellings; (20) proposed electric street railway.
I90 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUXTY
Notwithstanding its great debt tlie city did not flinch from such
proposed expenses as $250,000 to the Dubuque & Nortiiwestern
Railway; $130,000 for tlie new sewerage system; $125,000 for the
high bridge; and $150,000 to tlie Southwestern Railway. On Sep-
tember 19, 1887, a terrible railway accident near Eagle Point caused
the loss of four or five lixxs and the injury of about a dozen others.
On September 30 the city voted as follows : For the sewerage sys-
tem, 317; against the sewerage system, 1,341. In 1887 there was
strong talk of holding in 1888 a centennial celebration of the settle-
ment here of Julian Dubuc|ue in 1788. Early in November the
high bridge was joined from shore to shore : a celebration for the
opening was planned. On November 25 teams began to cross the
high bridge ; two carriages containing bridge and city officials made
the first trip. On the 29th the event was celebrated ; an immense
procession passed through the streets and over the bridge ; there
were floats, banners, mottoes, bands and societies in line, all escorted
by the Governor's Greys and accompanied by bands and driun corps.
Every business in the city was represented in the line. This was
one of the most notable celebrations ever held in Dubuque. The
main portion of the bridge is 2,000 feet in length and the T^ast
Dubuque approach 800 feet ; the roadway is eighteen feet wide, with
a foot path on each side. J. K. Graves was president of the day.
O'Neill, McDonald, Lyon and others delivered addresses ; a dispatch
from Senator Allison was read.
In 1886 the assessed valuation of the city was $15,021,390. and
the revenue $177,095.60; in 1887 the assessed valuation was $18,-
143,114, and the revenue $196,656.19. The saloon cases were in
the courts in 1887; when injunctions were served against them they
usually filed supersedeas bonds and continued operations. City
expenses in 1887 were $264,275.41, and receipts $228,351.94.
The Commercial National Bank closed its doors March 20, 1888;
the majority of the directors were men of wealth. There was due
depositors $444,059. E. P. Welles, of Clinton, was appointed
receiver. The total liabilities were $518,310. The Iowa Iron
Works owed the bank $145,000. Certain members of the bank had
withdrawn large sums. The receiver charged violations of the law
by the bank officials and on that ground asked for the forfeiture of
its charter; he also charged that false statements had been made.
In the end the bank paid about 70 cents on the dollar.
All the trade and labor organizations united in an immense mass
meeting July 23, 1888; it was a general movement for publicity and
relief; a permanent union of labor was efifected, with James White
president, T. J. Donahue secretary, and C. B. Keesecker treasurer.
Booth and Barrett, actors, were here in .\pril. 1888. Judge Lenehan
ordered forty-seven permanent injunctions against saloon keepers in
August. The sewer project having been revived, bids were called
for and the contract was awarded to J. C. ^lurrav at $21,767 in Sep-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 191
tember. The butchers entered strong protests at this time against
the encroachments of Armour's "embalmed beef" upon their alleged
preserves ; the butchers and drovers' union passed resolutions against
the Armour products. Plans to celebrate on a large scale the
Dubuque centennial were prepared early in 1888. The Wycoff
Commercial school was in operation this year. The grand lodge of
the Knights of Pythias assembled here in October. An electric
street car line on Eightli street was proposed at this date. Work
on the new sewer rapidly progressed late in 1888. There were
ninety-nine indictments against saloon keepers late this year.
Among the improvements of 1888 were the following: Catholic
church at Sherrill's Mount, Diamond Jo yards, Iowa Iron Works,
Linehan Ferry Company, Morrison Bros., Novelty Works, Sacred
Heart church, private investments by Byrne, Bradley, Booth and
Cooper, city street improvements. Waller's building, the railways,
filling in front, etc.
The Key City Electric Street Railway Company, with a capital
of $100,000, began business late in 1888 by securing the right of
way; it planned to follow the old hill motor route. The city
demanded its share of the bridge fund from the county in January,
1889. The new Julien House was built by stock subscriptions in
1889; the old house was torn down early in the year. A railway
wreck near the fair grounds in July killed one and injured several.
Work on a new Grand Opera house was commenced early in 1889.
A street railway line down Seventh or Eighth to connect with the
high bridge was planned in 1889. The grand lodge of the Eegion
of Flonor met here in March. The total city debt March i, 1889.
was $834,777.64. Over thirty societies took part in the Washington
centennial celebration this year ; over 3,000 outsiders were present.
One of the largest processions ever on die streets paraded in grand
style. Colonel Lyon was the principal speaker at Schuetzen park.
Fred O'Donneli addressed the Irish-American club. Services in all
the churches were held.
By ordinance approved in August, 1882, the Western Telephone
Company was granted permission to erect upon the public streets
and alleys posts or poles, string wires thereon and operate and use a
telephone exchange. Complete regulations were set forth. An
ordinance of September, 1886. gave the North American Telegraph
Company the right to erect poles, string wires and maintain a tele-
graph system in certain specified streets. The act of July, 1887,
permitted the Eleventh Street Elevator Company to construct and
maintain a street railway on Eleventh street from Blufif street to
Highland place. The act of January, 1900, permitted that companv
to operate its railroad by electricity. The ordinance of April, 1899,
granted the Standard Telephone Company the right to erect and
maintain its telephone system in Dubuque. This ordinance was
long and covered all features of practical operation. In Julv. 1893.
192 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the Fenelon Place Elevator Company was granted the right to oper-
ate a public elevator at Fourth and Fenelon streets.
The ordinance of March, 1889, granted permission and authority
to David H. Ogden and his successors to construct, maintain and
operate a single track electric street railway with all the necessary
accessories on certain designated streets, prescribed the mode of
operation and fixed the term at twenty years.
An ordinance of November, 1889, gave William L. Allen and
Thomas O. Swiney the right to maintain and operate an electric
street railway upon certain streets and public places of the city.
They were also authorized in December to erect an electric light and
power station under certain provisions. In September, 1897, the
Star Electric Company, successor to the United States Electric
Light and Power Company, was granted extensions and continua-
tions of duties and powers.
A furious storm July 2, 1889, did about $15,000 damage in the
city. In August the Dubuque Street Railway Company was granted
the right to use electricity, steam power, etc., and to go outside the
city limits ; its capital was increased to $250,000. Efforts to secure
the Industrial Home for the Blind were made in 1889. War
between two electric light companies and two electric street railway
systems was waged here in 1889-90.
At tlie close of 1889 there were in the city 205 manufactures;
hands in the same, 6,992; jobbing houses, 96; hands in the same,
1,967; traveling men from Dubuque, 313; horsepower in the fac-
tories, 10,890. Important improvements were Cooper's new resi-
dence, butchers' association, dri\ing park. Packing & Provision
Company, linseed oil works,. Diamond Jo line, the railways'
immense improvements, Electric Company, opera house. Standard
Lumber Company, Wartburg Seminary, Julien House, Hansen &
Linehan, Lesure's mill, etc. The year witnessed great advances.
It was duly noted in 1890 that in 1896 $201,926.63 of the old
debt would become due; also $356,956.55 in 1897, $107,161.43 in
1899, and $26,500 in 1904, and that now (1890) there was only
$42,000 in the city treasury. On March i, 1890, the bonded debt
was $728,279.47 and the floating debt $104,519.19. The city
receipts in 1889-90 were $329,350.87, and the expenses $331,783.13.
The revenue from saloons was $18,158.50.
"On the 14th of last month the council adopted an ordinance
giving the Rhombcrg line the additional privileges for which it
asked and carefully guarded public rights, imposing upon the com-
pany the usual and ordinary restrictions and which were imposed
upon the Dubuque Electric Railwav, Light and Power Comjianv,
familiarly known as the Allen & Sweeney line, and these privileges
the Dubuque Street Railway Company refused to accept because
of the restrictions referred to. We must not ignore public rights
to accommodate an individual and we cannot afford to retard tlic
THE NEW YORK
PUaLlC LIBRARY
Jl8TWBs- mmx AND'
TILDEN" FMJNBA-TKtoS^
R t
IN AND AROUND DUBUQUE
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 193
growth of a city to swell the coffers of private corporations. There
exists no reason, so far as I am able to comprehend, why we should
give advantage to one railway company over a competing line." —
(Mayor Stewart, April 10, 1890.)
The new Julien House was opened in July, 1890. In August
tlie new opera house on Eighth street was opened. Comment was
caused in 1890 by the resignation of several officials of the German
Savings Bank. Keno F., a Dubuque horse, won the first purse of
$5,000 at the races in Rochester, N. Y., in August; his time was
2:19 in the trotting race; the horse won other big prizes. In
October fifty arc lights were turned on the streets. The Iowa
Trust and Savings Bank began business in 1890. A meat inspector
began to condemn carcasses in 1890. Among the improvements in
1890 were those by the electric companies, Julien House, St.
Joseph's convent, streets of Dubuque, new court house commenced,
opera house, German orphan asylum. Turner hall, driving park.
Academy of the Visitation, the railways, bucket factorv, Finley
hospital, gas company, board of trade building, Hodge brass foun-
dry. Powers' store, oil mill elevator and several fine residences.
The Citizens' State Bank was establislied in 1890; by July, 1892, its
deposits were $306,828.88.
Late in 1890 the street car line was completed to the old Stewart
farm ; cars began to run to the new park there in April. The new
fire steamer "R. W. Stewart" arrived early in 1891. On March i,
1891, the bonded debt was $730,602.50 and the floating debt
$124,120.46; the total receipts were $356,806.53; the expenses
were the same less $39,438.52 on hand ; the saloon license amounted
to $19,510.65. The council at this time insisted on direct water
pressure and better service from the water company.
In March, 189 1, Julia Ward Howe lectured on "Is Polite Society
Polite?" The city now for almost the first time took steps to secure
in all cases compensation for street and other public franchises. In
April the mayor's salary was raised from $600 to $1,500; there
were earnest objections to this advance. New paving for A-Iain
street was considered. At the opera house in June Evan Lewis
threw J. C. Comstock, a local wrestler, in three straight falls with
ease. Robert W. Stewart, mayor, resigned in June. There was
war in the council. The Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows met here in
October. Tlie Key City Insurance Company began business about
this date. The council after due deliberation decided on brick for
the paving of Main street. Paving bonds to pay the expense were
to be issued. The liquor interests were called "River Rats of the
Rum Counties" by tlie prohibition orators.
On March i, 1892, the bonded debt was $857,708.89; it was
increased in 189 1-2 owing to the enormous expense on the streets —
$70,000 about. Atkinson and Oloff. of Rock Island, were awarded
the contract to pave Main street with brick at $57,323 ; there were
194 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
to be 28,000 square yards covered and 7,000 feet of new curbing
laid. The Dubuque Malting Company secured leases on four
breweries (Heeb's, Glab's, Schmidt's and Schwind's) in 1892 and
organized with Nicholas Glab, president; Paul Traut, vice president;
A. F. Heeb, secretary and treasurer, and Titus Schmidt, superin-
tendent; its capital was $150,000. Should the city buy the water
works or let them pass to a syndicate? was asked in 1892. In July,
1892, an humane society was organized here. The Labor Day
celebration in 1892 was immense and imposing. John R. Sovereign,
labor leader, was the principal orator ; 6,000 people gathered at the
shooting park. The city assessment in 1892 was $19,770,395. In
September the twenty-ninth annual conclave Knights Templar
assembled here; their parade was a brilliant scene. A large delega-
tion left in October to participate in the opening of the Columbian
Exposition in Chicago. The Nutwood Park Company planned a
mile race course in October. The state rifle contest was held here
at this date. The Young Men's Christian Association planned a
home on Eighth street. In 1892 the number of city arc lights was
increased to 200. An offer of C. H. White to accept for the city
bondholders about $700,000 of 5 per cent thirty year bonds in
exchange for the 6 and 7 per cent city bonds soon to become due,
all at par, was rejected by the council in November, 1892.
Dubuque grew rapidly in manufactures and other industries in
1892. Among the improvements were the following: Irving school,
Adams foundry, water company. Central Union Telegraph Com-
pany, pressed brick, basket factory, Diamond Jo yards, stamping
and enameling, malting, court house, brass works. Forester's fac-
tory, Finley hospital. Hotel Paris, Odd Fellows' Temple, Ryan
packer. Mother House, Sisters of Charity, United States Electric
Light & Power Company, etc. The new engine house cost $35,000.
The Star Electric Company bought out the United States Electric
Company late in 1892. The city receipts in 1892-3 were as follows:
Taxes $246,500.90
Licenses 27,53 1 25
Improvement bonds 155.500.00
Bridge bonds 15,000.00
Rents, etc 74,512.10
On hand March i, 1892 28,734.86
Total $548,001.1 r
On Marcli i, 1893. the bonded debt was $723,925.52 and the
floating debt $137,523.45; outstanding improvement bonded debt,
$161,500.
The baseball club in 1887 was not as strong as it had been in
former years ; it played several matched games : the players were
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 195
Rose, Lear, Loftus, Dean, Burns, Brown, N. Elligan, F. Elligan,
Conners and Coffey; they played La Crosse, Oskaloosa, Webster
City, Independence, Rock Island. Rockford and other clubs; the
receipts of the club in 1887 were $6,314 and expenses $6,07777.
In 1888 the Interstate League embraced the following cities:
Dubuque, Rockford, Davenport, Peoria, Bloomington, Decatur,
Danville and Crawfordsville. In July, 1888, the club, not meeting
with satisfactory support, disbanded and the players joined other
clubs.
In 1889 the players were Valkert, center; Gandalfo, left; Cofley,
right ; Ahern, first ; Burns, second ; Lear, short ; King, third ; Duane,
catcher ; Keas, pitcher. They played the Chicagos here in October
to 1,000 people and were defeated 9 to 5.
In 1890 the league embraced Dubuque, Ottuniwa, Monmouth,
Ottawa, Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Joliet and Sterling.
The claim of George W. Jones against the government "for
funds advanced in the transmission by special messenger of reports
of a revolution in progress in Bogota when he was United States
minister" was allowed by Congress in 1893, largely through the
influence of Senators Allison and Sherman. In 1893 the Dubuque
Light and Traction Company was formed to succeed the Dubuque
Electric Railway, Light and Power Company ; G. K. Wheeler was
president. In May, 1893, the Fourth street elevator was destroyed
by fire. The corner store of Odd Fellows' building was laid in
April, 1893; Mr. Langworthy was the orator. General Booth's
new sand pump barge was formally christened "Mound Builder"
by Fannie Couch.
Notwithstanding the immense debt about to fall due and the vast
and expensive improvements in progress, the credit of the city was
good in 1893. Mayor Saunders said in his valedictory in 1893 :
"I also wish and hope that the incoming council will at an early
day get used to that double issue of political life, namely: Petitions
signed by prominent citizens for the opening of streets, etc., that
would be a very large expense to the city and then in less than three
months afterward the 'prominent' citizens shout their lungs weak
for reform."
The city assessment in 1893 was $20,232,049. Gen. William
Vandever died in July, 1893. The Young Men's Library had about
14,000 volumes and 475 members at this time.
On August 16, 1893, the First National Bank closed its doors.
This was caused by its inability to realize as promptly as expected
on collateral and by the enormous amounts recently paid out — over
$543,000 in about three months. Examiner McHugh said the bank
could and would open in a few days. The depositors signed an
agreement to accept for their balances certificates of deposit bear-
ing 4 per cent interest and payable in four equal installments three
months apart, beginning January i, 1894. This gave the bank time
196 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
to realize on its assets. Mr. Eckles permitted tlie bank to resume
business August 30. At no time had the bank lost the utmost con-
fidence of the people.
In January, 1894. prize fighting here was stopped by Mayor
Daugherty. In January the Masons celebrated on a grand scale
the fiftieth anniversary of their organization in Iowa. M. M. Ham
became postmaster this year. The newspapers and citizens observed
with much resentment the increase of the city's floating debt, as
follows, omitting cents, on March i of each year :
1888 $ 68,672
1889 88,950
1890 104,519
1891 124.120
1892 133.783
1893 147.523
1894 244,134
1895 245,766
1896 220,988
1897 278,588
1898 350.470
The old debt on March i, 1894, was $708,291.68, which, added
to the floating debt, gave a total indebtedness of $952,526.27. This
year the police force consisted of thirty-six men. Efforts to get rid
of the smoke nuisance were taken. It was planned to refund the
bonds falling due in 1896 with 4 per cent gold bonds, based on
an assessed city valuation of $20,800,000.
The repeal of special city charters such as the one under which
Dubuque operated was considered in 1894. At this time Mr.
Jaeger was president of the Dubuque Personal Liberty Association.
There were 210 saloons here. In the spring of 1894 Gen. George
W. Jones, then ninety years old, was honored by the State Leg-
islature with a request to pay that body a visit at Des Moines. The
Governor's Greys and a large body of citizens Escorted him to the
cajjital city, where he was received like a king or conqueror. About
this tim« Henry L. Stout donated his residence property at Iowa
and Ninth streets to the Young Men's Christian Association, to be
converted into a gj'mnasium. The Bank and Insurance Building
was the pride of the whole city. Ten thousand people attended the
reception when it was thrown open for insi)ection. Jesse P. Far-
ley died here in 1894. He came here in 1833 and became very
|)rominent and wealthy.
,\ pest house was established on a flatboat in 1894. The Dubuque
& Wisconsin Bridge Company was organized this year to build a
bridge over the Mississippi at Eagle Point. An embalming school
was opened here in June. A $500,000 luml^er fire in June was the
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 197
heaviest this city had ever suffered. All the employes of the city
street railways struck in June and July, 1904. There were many
acts of violence. Mr. Jaeger and Mr. Hancock, two old settlers,
died this year. The first white child born in Dubuque, Susan Ann
McCraney, born January 10, 1833, died in 1894. She married John
D. Byrnes. Many fast horses were at Nutwood in September. A
mile was paced in 2:ioj4. A free bridge was broached in 1894.
The year 1894 was a prosperous one for Dubuque. There were
started the Catholic Mother House, to cost $300,000 ; the Bank and
Insurance Building, to cost $350,000; the Dubuque Malting Com-
pany's brewery, to cost $450,000 ; a high school building, to cost
$75,000; a new Methodist church, to cost $40,000, and other large
improvements.
In 1895 Thomas Loftus was elected president of the Eastern
Iowa Baseball League, composed of the Dubuque, Waterloo, Clin-
ton, Marshalltown, Burlington, Davenport, Cedar Rapids and
Galesburg clubs. The Stout Auditorium opened on Ninth street
in February. In 1895 the St. I'alciitiuc Herald, issued by the
Dorothea Dix Circle, was a unique issue. It netted about $1,000
to the circle. How much the Herald lost was not stated. There
were a score or more of valuable contributions to the columns. The
issue consisted of twenty-six pages and many illustrations. Gen.
O. O. Howard was a guest of honor here in April. The bicycle
parade in April was a striking affair. Robert G. Ingersoll lectured
here in 1894 on "Shakespeare" and again in 1895 on "The Bible."
The attendance was large and the newspaper comments kind and
complimentary.
In 1895 all the saloons were listed under the mulct law. Judge
Husted was largely instrumental in forcing the execution of the
law. The baseball season of 1895 began May 10, lasted four
months and comprised 120 games. There were about seventy-five
fast horses at Nutwood in June. On October 31, 1895, several dis-
tinct earthquake shocks of about thirty seconds' duration each oc-
curred here. The city donated $25,000 to the Eagle Point bridge
approach. The monument to Dubuque was again considered late
in 1895. In a few months his remains were buried in a stone
sarcophagus at the old grave by the Old Settlers' Association. The
Dubuque Monument Association was busy securing funds.
The Dubuque Ladies' Literary Association, which was organ-
ized in 1876, celebrated its twentieth anniversary in January, 1896.
Mrs. D. N. Cooley, Mrs. B. W. Poor, Mrs. Harger, Mrs. McArthur,
Mrs. Solomon Smith and other early presidents were present.
In 1896 the city complained that while it had nearly 40,000 of the
60,000 population of the county, it had only one of the seven mem-
bers of the county board, a manifest unfairness. In December,
1896, $356,000 old city bonds were refunded in new twenty-year
4 per cent bonds. They were refunded at about par. On March
198 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
I, 1897, the total bonded and floating debt was $970,184.01. The
bonded debt was $691,595.16.
Early in 1897 a Mr. Slimmer, of Waverly, Iowa, offered to
donate $50,000 to Finley Hospital providing the citizens would
raise as much more, which was done in a few weeks, Henry L.
Stout alone donating $25,000. In August, 1897, the Iowa Institute
of Science and Art was organized.
The total city debt on March i, 1898, was $1,042,065.68; the
bonded debt proper was $691,595.16, and the floating debt proper
was $350,470.52. Prior to 1898 the Iowa Iron Works constructed
over 100 different vessels, the most of them with iron or steel
hulls. Joseph S. Morgan was postmaster at Dubuque in 1898. He
was connected with the Globc-J ournal and the Tunes about this
date. The city expenses in 1896 were $338,846.65; in 1897,
$456,1 17.87. At this timie the city had built or was building a num-
ber of high, strong stone walls to hold the bluffs here and there.
In January, 1898, Dubuque had thirteen public school buildings
and had in all seventeen buildings used for schools. There were
enrolled 5,756 children and 125 teachers. There were 20,000 books
of all kinds in the Public Library. There were also eighteen
Catholic parochial schools, with 2,470 scholars enrolled. In 1897
there were sent out from Dubuque about 300 traveling salesmen for
the wholesale houses here.
It was about 1898 that the Council and citizens concluded it was
time for the city to own the water works, as it had a right under the
provisions of the franchise. It was at first thought by the city
fathers that about $150,000 would be a fair compensation for the
works, but the water company did not agree and said they did not
want to sell. The city prepared to enforce the transfer and experts
were called to make estimates of the value of the plant. One placed
the value at $664,076 and another at $799,767.75. This opened
the eyes of the Council. Tiie water company's experts placed the
value from $664,076 to $815,000. The city's experts averaged
$475,000. It was now seen that a much larger sum than anticipated
would have to be paid for the plant. Later city estimates were as
low as $313,755- The city's expert finally said $449,243, and a
nonpartisan expert said $549,958. It was then thouglit best to leave
the whole matter of the transfer to Judge Shiras as arbitrator, but
he was unable to act. At length the price was fixed at
$545,000. But the city debt was already over a million
dollars, and would the people stand this additional burden? it was
asked. Men and women voted on the question, "Shall the city buy
the water works?" with the following result: Women, for the pur-
chase, 275 ; against the purchase, 33 ; men, for the purchase, 3,133 ;
against the purchase, 459. So it carried and the plant was bought
for $545,000. Trustees were placed in charge of the works. Bonds
were prepared and a sinking fund provided. Four per cent bonds
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 199
were offered, but tliere were at first no bids, though local capitalists
had previously held forth alluring promises. All capitalists seemed
afraid until the Supreme Court should affirm the legality of the
issue. Local banks bid par with a premium, provided the legality
of the issue should be affirmed. After some sparring local concerns
and individuals took all the bonds at par, but were allowed 43^2 per
cent, a mortgage on the plant and a definite and rigid funding tax.
Since that date to the present the bonds have been regularly re-
deemed as they fell due — $20,000 at a time.
In 1899 the Eighth street motor line was offered for sale at pub-
lic auction. The population of Dubuque in 1890 was 30,311; in
1900 it was 36,297. The racing at Nutwood Park in 1898 was
excellent. The wells at Eagle Point for the city water supply sta-
tion were two in nimiber and 1,308 and 1,310 feet deep, respectively.
Another just built was 1,437 ^^^^ deep. Four trained nurses were
in Finley Hospital in January, 1900. About this time E. D. Stout
gave Nutwood Park to the city upon condition it should be kept in
good condition. There were seventy-two acres, valued at $36,000.
Dubuque & Wisconsin High Bridge Company took its first steps
about this date.
The races at Nutwood Park in 1899 were very fast — pace,
2:0554; trot, 2:10^. Twenty thousand people were present the
best day and 10,000 on another day. Idolita won the Futurity.
This stake, called the "Horse Review Futurity," was worth $20,000.
Others were $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000. There were boxing con-
tests here at the same time^Joe Choynski, Clarence Forbes, Tommy
Ryan, Jack Moffatt and others.
The sports ended with a street carnival in October. Miss Maud
Atkinson was queen. It was about 1899 that the first Monday
newspapers began to make their appearance here.
In Januarv, 1900, the Eleventh street elevator began to be oper-
ated by electricity. The actual net revenue of the city for the fiscal
year 1899- 1900 was $367,000. A steam road roller was bought in
1900. In March, 1900, $200,000 of the old Hayes bonds were re-
funded. Ten new cells were built in the calaboose under the City
Hall. The vote on the library tax of ^4 "''i'l was : Yes, men, 2,061 ;
yes, women, 1,027; total, yes, 3,088; no, men, 694; no, women, 38;
total, no, 732. The bridge at Eagle Point was commenced in the
fall of 1900.
The Dubuque Enterprise was established in October, 1901, with
John Inghram and W. J. Glynn in charge.
Smallpox appeared in Dubuque in January, 1901, and it required
considerable time to be driven out. In August, 1901, there were
refunded $120,000 in old bonds, and a little later $15,400. The
city gave $25,000 to cover the expense of building the west ap-
proach to the Eagle Point bridge. This bridge was ready in 1902.
A new steam roller, street harrow and rutter plow cost $3,550.
200 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
The water tower, northwest of Linwood Cemetery, cost about
$600 and had a capacity of about 500 barrels. The city used Finley
Hospital and paid expenses. Grand View avenue engine house
was built at a cost of $6,000.
The year 1902 was a record-breaker for the wholesale jobbers
and manufacturers of Dubuque. M. M. Ham, who had so long
edited the Herald, died Christmas night. 1902. Night schools were
established in 1903. The Tri-State Fair held its first meeting in
1903. In 1903 the comptroller of the currency named Dubuque a,s
a reserve city for the deposits of the smaller banks. In the spring
of 1903 Dubuque had nearly fifty private gasolene launches. The
street car employes struck in 1903, and rough men from outside
were secured to take their places. Considerable ill feeling and riot-
ing occurred. Armory hall was leased to the Governor's Greys in
1904, but they soon surrendered the lease. In January, 1904, Prof.
F. T. Oldt served as chairman of the committee on phonetic spell-
ing at the State Teachers' Convention in Des Moines. He intro-
duced resolutions, which were adopted, endorsing the simplified
spelling of such words as thoro, thru, demogog, thorofare, etc.
In 1904 Nutwood Park was improved to the amount of $7,890:
The Union Electric Company gave the fair association the use of
the park without charge. In 1904 over $1,000,000 was spent in
improvements here of all kinds. The city subscribed as indi\icluals
$151,000 for the Dubuque, Iowa & Wisconsin Railroad. A new
engine house was built at Rhomberg and Reed avenues. Patrol
wagons were in use. The art division of the Woman's Club peti-
tioned to have the surroundings of the Eleventh street elevator
beautified. It was at this time or before that the Dubuque Boat &
Boiler Works grew out of the Iowa Iron Works. The Iowa Social-
ist suspended publication in 1904. In 1904 the German Bank be-
came the German Savings Bank.
In 1905 it became clear that something was wrong with the water
works management and an investigation was soon ordered. Charges
were finally lodged against the trustees, who were asked to resign,
and did so finally. The books were in bad condition and a large
debt for supplies of all kinds, jjarticularly coal, was disclosed. In
the end this clebt reached $49,000, was bonded and was added to the
city's regular bonded debt. This is considered one of the worst
instances of official malfeasance in the history of the city.
A number of residents of Dubuque have distinguished themselves
in the flowery fields of authorship. Marion Hurd (McNeely) has
written poems and, with Mrs. Stokely, collaborated "Miss Billy"
and collaborated others with Jean Wilson. Mrs. Mary Bingham
Wilson has written interesting poems, and Mr. Herman Ficke
magazine articles. Mrs. lumice Gibbs has written two books —
"One Thousand Smiles" and "The Cats' Convention." Harold
Wallis has written a volume of poems entitled "Youth." Miss
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 201
Marie Gannon is the author of several attractive poems; so is Miss
Louise Harragan. Herr Laubengeiger has a book of German
verses, and Mr. Walsh is the author of "Mirage of Many." Mrs.
Edith Keeley Stokely's poems are sweet and beautiful, as will be
seen from the following verse:
"The greenest grass, the sweetest flowers, grew at Aunt Polly's
door,
The finest apples, miles around, Aunt Polly's orchard bore.
Aunt Polly's cows were sleek and fat, her chicks a wondrous size.
And Jabez Smith, the hired man, was witty, great and wise.
I used to go with Jabe at night, with clinking pails to milk.
Sometimes he let me feed the colts and rub their coats of silk.
And the moon that rose in those days, just behind the cattle bars,
Was twice as large as now, with twice as many stars."
A juvenile court was instituted here in 1905. In December,
1905, Mr. Oehler, of Dyersville, sued the Smith-Morgan Printing
Company for $20,000 damages for libel. In 1905 the races at the
Tri-State Fair were unusually fast. Twenty-one thousand persons
were present one day and 20,000 were present "Dubuque Day."
The J. R.. a new steamer, was launched at Eagle Point in the spring"
of 1905. The Iowa Dairy Company and Commercial Club were
active at this date. The gunboat Dubuque, previously launched,
was yet in service. The city assessment in 1905 was $23,832,460.
A dynamite bomb was feloniously exploded, shattering the entrance
to the Dubuque Club house, August, 1906. In 1906 the Eagle Point
Bridge Company spent $21,000 for a new span. Several dynamite
bombs were exploded late in 1906. One wrecked a watchman's
shanty in the Illinois Central yards. A reward of $300 was offered
for the miscreant. Lawther's candy factory burned down in Sep-
tember, 1906, entailing a loss of about $150,000. Work on the
Albatross, a steamer costing about $80,000, was commenced in
1906. At the Tri-State Fair in 1906 Dan Patch lowered the track
record 53/2 seconds. The Dul)uque Baseball Club ended the season
of 1906 in fourth place. By January 24, 1906, the citizens had sub-
scribed $125,000 to the Dubuque, Iowa & Wisconsin Railroad. In
January, 1906, the Dubuque Woman's Club celebrated its thirtieth
anniversary. Slot machines were banished from the city in 1906.
Speaker D. B. Henderson died here February 25, 1906. In March
500 voters petitioned to divide the Fifth ward. A bomb was hurled
in the Casino in June. It was about 1907 that Dubuque became a
member of the League of Iowa Municipalities, a body organized to
promote civic purity. The eight banks of Dubuque had over $10,-
000,000 resources. In 1907 the Bertillion system for the identifica-
tion of criminals was adopted. The city appropriation in 1907-8
was $266,650. Nearly a million and a half dollars were spent here
202 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
in 1907 for all sorts of improvements. It was a very prosperous
year until the panic arrived. The banks here, as soon as the action
in Chicago was known, met and resolved to pay out on deposits not
to exceed $100 per day, and no time deposits were to be paid until
the full time had expired. This act was approved by the leading
business men. A valuable tract of land along the north side of
the ice harbor was granted to the Boat & Boiler Company.
In 1907 the Illinois & Western Railway was granted the use of
certain streets and alleys for railway purposes. The city appropria-
tion for 1908 was $285,256. The Dubuque Woman's Club asked
for a room for the Juvenile Court.
In 1907 funds for the Young Woman's Christian Building were
subscribed and the structure was commenced. In March, 1907, a
mass meeting against illegal saloons was held at the opera house.
Archbishop Keane was the principal speaker. The saloons were
violating the Sunday and night closing ordinance. The Law and
Order League began numerous legal proceedings against them.
Arthur Mc Arthur confessed to having embezzled water works
funds. He was superintendent and was sentenced to four years in
the penitentiary. The Union Electric Company was a merger of the
previous companies here. The Dubuque Booster Club was much in
evidence in 1907. The Eagles held a brilliant carnival in July.
Bad saloons were steadily eliminated. At the Tri-State Fair in
August Dan Patch trotted a mile in i :ooi/2 ; several watches said as
low as I 158. Dubuque Baseball Club was having a hard time to
retain its place in the Tliree-I League. For the first time in history
not a saloon was open in Dubuque on Christmas day. 1907.
The city secured Eagle Point Park at a cost of about $18,000
in 1908. Paderewski was here in January, 1908. The Home
Comers' organization was conspicuous this year. A $100,000 pack-
ing plant offered to come here u])on certain conditions. Thomas
Loftus was president of the Three-I Baseball League in 1898. At
this time the Union Electric Company added twenty acres to Union
Park. The Iowa Bankers' Association met in Dubuque on May
5, 1908. It was a notable gathering. The Old Settlers added three
acres to the park at Dubuque's Grave. In October, 1908, Bavless
Business College held its golden jubilee anniversary. An excellent
exhibition of art works was opened to the public at the Carnegie^
Stout Library, under the auspices of the Woman's Club, late in
1908. At the Tri-State Fair in 1908 Minor Heir trotted a mile
in 2:0254- Immense crowds attended the fair and races.
The citizens indulged in pleasing dreams of a Greater Dubuque
in 1909-11. The Moon liquor bill became a law this year. It lim-
ited the number of saloons to one in every 1,000 population. On
April 4, 1909, the Union Electric Company turned its lights on in
Union Park. A delegation of Dubuque's business men was sent to
Des Moines in 1909 to appear before the senatorial committee to
&
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 203
protest against the resubmission of prohibition to the vote of
the people as a constitutional amendment. Free text books in the
schools were voted down here this year. On July 4, 1909, the law
prohibiting the sale of cigarettes went into effect. In the spring
of 1909 two distinct earthquake shocks were felt at Dubucjue. The
water works were declarecl taxable. Vast crowds assembled at the
Tri-State Fair. During the fair 2.91 inches of rain fell in one hour.
Many fine buildings were erected in 1909. Dubuque branch of
Armour & Co. planned to erect a building to cost $40,000. The
new Princess Theater was opened in September. There was a
30,000 paid attendance at the baseball games here in 1909.
A site for a bathing house on the river front near the harbor was
granted in 1909. The Dubuque Memorial Association applied for
the privilege of building a hall in one of the parks. The city appro-
priation for 1909-10 was $207,522; for 1910-11 it was $305,-
578.26, and for 1911-12 it was $297,529.
To the Young Woman's Christian Building subscription Peter
Kiene, John V. Rider, B. W. Lacy and J. T. Adams gave $500
each in 1910. On March i, 191 1, the total city debt was as follows:
General bonded debt $ 734,282.00
Water works bonds 324,000.00
Floating debt 224,522.74
Total $1,282,804.74
The Dubuque Clearing House Association was organized April
16, 1891, and consisted of eight members: First National, Second
National, Dubuque National, Dubuque County, Iowa Trust & Sav-
ings, German Trust & Savings, German, and Citizens' State. The
meetings were held at the office of the Dubuque National. The
first officers were : P. J. Lee, president ; E. W. Duncan, vice-presi-
dent; James Harragan, manager. The clearings from May, 1894,
to May. 1895, were $12,469,000. In 1910 they were about $50,-
000,000. The present officers are: P. J. Lee, president; B. F.
Blocklinger, vice-president ; James Harragan, manager.
BOATING, RIVER COMMERCE, ETC.
STEAMBOATING on the Western rivers ante-dated the arrival
of permanent settlers. Particularly was this the case at Du-
buque. In i8i I the first steamboat was built for the Ohio and
Mississippi rivers; by 1838 there were in existence on those
streams 638 steamers, besides about 6,000 flatboats and keelboats.
Before 1832 many steamers came up to Galena and Prairie du
Chien; of course, as there was no Dubuc|ue yet, only an Indian en-
campment called "Little Fox Village," the most of the boats did not
touch here, though no doubt a few did to load the lead mined by the
Indians and carry their furs and hides to market. As a matter of
fact, nearly all the first settlers who did not come across the country
from Illinois and Wisconsin, came here by steamboat. By 1834 the
steamboats on Western waters numbered 234.
In 1832 Capt. N. F. Webb commanded the Tippecanoe and vis-
ited all up-river ports, including what is now Dubuque. His home
was at New Albany, Indiana. He became well and favorably
known to all persons along the upper Mississippi. At dififerent
limes he commanded the Flora, Fannie Harris, Ocean Wave, Itasca,
Milwaukee, and the government boat Montana. In 1850 he moved
to Galena. He was finally so injured in an accident on the United
States dredgeboat Montana that his death resulted a few days later.
At every port along the river and on every steamer, flags were hung
at half-mast. His death occurred at St. Paul.
In 1834, at the time O'Connor was hung in Dubuque, Capt. Har-
ris, with the steamer Jo Daviess, brought here a large crowd from
Galena to witness the execution. This boat went up the Wisconsin
river as far as Fort Winnebago in 1834.
Many steamers sailed the Upper Mississippi in 1836, and among
those that touched at Dubuque were the Dubuque, Captain Atchi-
son; Wisconsin, Captain OT^laherty ; Missouri Fulton, Captain
Smith; Heroine, Captain Tomlin; Olive Branch, Captain Strother.
"The new and splendid steamboat Missouri Fulton arrived at this
port on Friday last with 225 passengers on board and 250 tons of
freight. The Missouri Fulton made her last trip from Galena to
St. Louis in thirty-five hours, being the quickest trip ever made
between those ports." — Visitor, May 11, 1836.
The Frontier arrived here May 16, 1836, having returned from
a trip up Rock river as far as Dixon's Ferry with an "eighty ton
keel." The Gipsy, Adventure, Captain Lafferty; Galenean, Captain
204
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 205
Plasterage ; St. Peters, Captain Throckmorton ; Missouri Fulton,
Captain Perin; Smelter, Captain Harris.
In August, 1836, the Missouri Fulton arrived, having made the
trip from St. Louis to Dubuque in 78 hours, with a detention of 30
hours on the way, thus with an actual running time up stream of
48 hours. She carried 325 cabin and 100 deck passengers and 250
tons of freight. This was the quickest trip on record thus far.
Late in 1836 Captain Briggs commanded the Olive Branch and
Captain Van Houten the Adventure. J. Parsons operated a ferry
across the river ten miles above Dubuque, opposite the old Snake
Diggings. Authority was given to Mathias Ham and Horace
Smead to operate a ferry at Eagle Point, where there was a place
called Ham's Landing: it was on the southeast quarter of section
20. The Waller smelting furnace stood at Rockdale in 1836.
Capt. D. S. Harris died in 1893, being a resident of Galena. In
1823 he came to Galena on the steamer Col. Bumford and found
the place a rude mining camp. He engaged in the steamboat trade.
He and his brother built the first steamer constructed at Galena —
on the river bottom near the mouth of Hughlett's branch, and
called her Jo Daviess. In 1834 Captain Harris took her to St.
Louis with a cargo of lead and sold both cargo and boat. The
next year the two brothers built the Frontier at Cincinnati. They
next built the "Smelter," which ran between Cincinnati and Galena
in 1836 and 1837, the round trip occupying twenty-one days. He
afterward built the Relief in 1838, the War Eagle in 1839, the
Pizarro in 1840, the Pre-emption and Otter in 1842, and the New
St. Paul in 1843. I" the twenty-eight years of his river experience
he built or was interested in nearly one hundred steamers. His
last trip was in the Grey Eagle, which struck the Rock Island bridge
in 1861 and went down. In 1833 he married Susan M. Lang-
worthy, daughter of Dr. Stephen Langworthy. His second wife
was Sarah Coates. He left ten children, two or three residing in
Dubuque county.
In the spring of 1837 the horse ferry-boat used here to convey
across the river passengers, teams, live stock, etc., was struck by a
steamer and sunk ; this loss necessitated the use for a while of a
llatboat, propelled by oars. At this date the ferry right was owned
by General Jones and was estimated to be worth $25,000: the toll
for one adult was 25 cents. The Pavillion, Captain Lafferty, ran
from Dubuque to St. Peters in May, 1837. The ferry at Eagle
Point was in operation in May. In June the new steamer Burling-
ton, Captain Throckmorton, touched here on its way up to St.
Peters. Mrs. Hamilton, widow of Alexander Hamilton, the great
statesman who was killed in a duel by Aaron Burr, was a passen-
ger. In June and again in July, 1837, the river was from fifteen
to eighteen feet above low mater mark.
In July, 1837, the Irene passed down from St. Peters, having on
2o6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
board three companies of United States troops bound for Jefferson
barracks, Missouri. At this time about 400 Indians were gathered
at Fort Snelling to meet the United Statets commissioner, Governor
Dodge. A treaty was on the tapis.
By ordinance, 1837, there was a port physician whose duty it
was to board every steamboat or other vessel coming from any port
known to be infected with any disease and examine the passengers
and crew previous to their landing. All such persons were to be
prevented from landing.
On August 15, 1837, a few miles below Bloomington, on the
upper Mississippi river, the steamer Dubuque burst one of its flues
and scalded to death sixteen persons and dangerously scalded many
others, several of whom afterwards died. The captain of the boat
was Smoker.
The steamer Dubuque about September 19, 1837, ran on a snag
just above Hannibal. Missouri, tore a large hole in her hull and
sank quickly in twelve feet of water. The principal cargo was
groceries and flour. The boat was a total loss.
The distance by river from St. Louis to Dubuque was reck-
oned at 475 miles. Many steamers touched here in the fall of 1837
and many passengers were landed, bound mostly for the interior.
There was a small snow squall about November 20, 1837, but
aside from that the weather had been fine up to December 2, 1837.
The river was open, but business had largely suspended, owing to
fear of sudden changes to winter.
The steamboat Gipsy arrived here on December 8, 1837. She
had tried to go up Fever river to Galena, but ice prevented. The
river had risen a foot in twenty-four hours ; considerable floating
ice in the Mississippi.
The steamers Gipsy and Smelter visited Dubuque many times
in 1837-8 : they brought up many passengers and immense quanti-
ties of freight. Usually just before navigation closed, store sup-
plies for the winter were brought up in astonishing quantities ; the
same rush occurred each spring to market at St. Louis and other
points down the river the products of the upper country. The new
steamer Demoine, Captain Cole, arrived from below on March
23, 1838; she was "very handsome" and drew only twenty-two
inches. In 1838 the Gipsy was commanded by Captain Gray;
Bee, by Captain Burnham ; Cygnet ; Brazil, by Capt. Orrin Smith.
The Knickerbocker. Capt. Van Houten, arrived here for the
first time May 4, 1838; she had fifty berths in the gentlemen's
cabin, all in staterooms, and handsomely furnished.
In 1838 for the first time the steamboats began to carry the mail
regularly to all up-river ports as far as Prairie du Chien. This
was an important step, because previously all mail came to up-
river points by stage and horseback across Illinois and Wisconsin.
The steamboat Gipsy, Captain Gray, ascended Rock river to the
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 207
mouth of the Pecatonica in May, 1838. Dixon's Ferry had been
reached by the Frontier in the spring of 1837. The steamer Brazil
ran up to St. Peter's in June, 1838, with a large passenger and
freight list; notice of this trip was given in advance by the News:
"Fast Travelling. — A gentleman of this place arrived yesterday
morning (June 8, 1838) on the Rolla, having come up from New
Orleans in ten days less seven hours, including twenty-seven hours
spent in St. Louis. This is the quickest trip ever made on the
Mississippi. He came on board the steamer St. Louis as far as
St. Louis." (lozi'a Nczvs, June 9, 1838.)
"The steamer Brazil, Captain Smith, passed this place on
Tuesday evening last on a trip of pleasure to the Falls of St.
Anthony — that far-famed place for the resort of fashion — laden
with beauty and all the other little et ceteras. The sound of the
music and tripping of the light fantastic toe, together with the
splendor of the boat, made us envy a trip — but we don't go."
(loiva News, June 16, 1838.)
The steamboat Wisconsin, in 1838, went from the Fort Win-
nebago portage in Wisconsin, about 200 miles from Prairie du
Chien, down to St. Louis. At the time the Wisconsin was at Fort
Winnebago the water was flowing from Fox river of Green bay
across into the Wisconsin river.
During 1838 on the upper Mississippi the following accidents to
boats occurred : Ariel, struck a rock, sank, raised ; Des Moines,
snagged, raised ; Irene, snagged, lost ; Indian, snagged, raised ;
Quincy, damaged, repaired; Science, snagged, lost. (Statement of
Henry G. Carson, pilot.)
The Mississippi river, late in July, 1838, was very high — about
ten feet above low water mark — higher than it had been since last
year. It rose over a foot in twenty-four hours.
In December, 1838, an act of the Iowa territorial legislature
authorized Timothy Fanning to operate a ferry at Dubuque for
twenty years. He was required to land at any required part of
the river front of the town ; to keep ample boats and facilities,
and two years later was to put on a steam ferryboat and a suffi-
cient number of flatboats.
The river at Dubuque was wholly clear of ice by March 16,
1839, and in a good stage for navigation. The Demoine left
March 16 for St. Louis, loaded with lead.
"Boats are now plying rapidly between this place and St. Louis.
The Pavilion, Ariel, Rhine, Hero and Rio have departed since our
last. The Brazil will be here this morning." — (/occa Nczi's, March
16, 1839.)
The river traffic was very brisk and large in 1838 and 1839.
Large numbers of settlers and live stock, and quantities of house-
hold goods, arrived by every steamer and passed into the interior.
2o8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Tlieir presence created tlie demand for store goods and the towns
and villages grew prosperous.
"The Mississippi continues open with but little ice running. The
steamboat Rapids ascended as far as Rock Island on Tuesday
morning last, but fearing cold weather, returned. Last night snow
fell to the depth of about four inches." — {lozva Nezvs, December
14, 1839.)
"Pleasure excursions to the Falls of St. Anthony — the Ha-ha-
wat-e-pa (laughing waters) of the Sioux — are becoming quite
fashionable this season. The fast, beautiful and popular steam-
boat Brazil touched at Dubuque on her way up, with a large com-
pany of ladies and gentlemen in high spirits on Monday evening."
— (lozva News, July 23, 1840.)
In January, 1840, George W. Jones was authorized to keep a
ferry on the Mississippi at Dubuque for twenty years; he was not
to conflict with ferry charter of Timothy Fanning and was per-
mitted to use either horses or steam. In July, 1840, Congress
appropriated $1,000 for the survey of a steamboat landing at
Dubuque.
"The Mississippi has been rapidly rising for the last four or
five days, which has made a temporary suspension of the works
on the canal in our harbor necessary." — (Iowa Nezvs, June 26,
1841.)
In 1843, Thomas McCraney and James Churchman operated a
ferry at the upper end of Dubuque.
In 1841-43, the following boats, among others, were engaged in
trade on the upper Mississippi ; their tonnage follows : Agnes, 92 ;
Amaranth, 200; Chippewa, 102; Galena, 115; General Brooke,
120; Illinois, 120; Indian Queen, 115; lone, 140; Iowa, 112;
Jasper, 98; Malta, 130; Mermaid, 160; Nauvoo, 125; New
Brazil, 200; Ohio, 130; Osage, 140; Osprey, 105; Otter, 95;
Potosi, 115; Rapids, 115; Sarah Ann, 135; St. Louis Oak, 115;
and eleven transient boats with an aggregate tonnage of 1,300. In
1841 these boats made 143 trips, carried freight worth $124,000,
and passengers to the amount of $73,400 fares. (See Sen. Doc.
No. 242, 28th Cong., 1 2th session. Vol. IV.)
The Jasper was commanded by Captain Roberts and was de-
signed for up-river trade, having small draught. In 1842 numer-
ous meetings along the river were held for the purpose of securing
an improvement of navigation. In 1843, the principal boats touch-
ing here were: New Brazil, Iowa, Osprey, Potosi, Ohio, Rapids,
General Brooke, St. Louis Oak, Galena, Sarah Ann, Amaranth,
Leander and Osage. In 1845 the War Eagle, Lynx, Osprey,
Falcon, St. Louis Oak, Mermaid and St. Croix were active.
In September, 1845, the Archer, Captain Gilman, was a new
steamer with a good trade. Others were the Atlas, Captain Reilly;
Prairie Bird, Tempest (new\ Confidence, Mendota, War Eagle,
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 209
Time and Tide, St. Anthony, Captain Montford; Iron City, Ber-
trand, Fortune, Red Wing, Monona. Early in 1846 the St. An-
thony and the War Eagle were sunk, but were soon raised and
refitted. In 1847 the Bon Accord was commanded by H. Bersie,
the Cora by Captain Throckmorton, and the Lynx by Capt. John
Atchison.
Captain Barney's annual report, made September 5, 1847, showed
$2,291 unexpended. Afterward the dredge boat's operations for
two months amounted to $890 ; agent for six months, $600 ; ex-
pense to Washington, $200; additional, $1,690, leaving about $600
on hand May 10, 1848. Thus the $14,500 appropriated for the
harbor was nearly gone and the harbor "presented more formida-
ble obstructions to the passage "of steamboats than it did before
the present improvements were commenced." — {Miners' Express,
May 10, 1848.)
In 1848 the steamer St. Peters was owned here by P. and R. C.
Waples; she ran regularly to St. Louis and was one of the
Dubuque and Potosi Packet Line. W. S. Grims was master. An-
other regular packet boat was the Dubuque, Edward H. Beebe,
master. The Pearl was commanded by Capt. A. Montgomery.
By December 15, 1848, there was fine sleighing here and teams
crossed the river on the ice. The Eliza Stewart was commanded
by Capt. William Edds.
Galena offered a free ferry (Young & Whiteside) to all per-
sons crossing there from Iowa to trade, and during April, 1848,
the following were thus ferried free : Two-horse teams, 272 ; one-
horse teams, 22; cattle and horses, 198; persons, 739. The cir-
cumstance was used as an argument for a free ferry to Dubuque.
In 1849 there were Highland Mary, St. Peters, War Eagle, Capt.
Robert A. Reilly ; Dubuque passengers went by the latter boat to
St. Louis to buy goods in March. The Senator, Anthony Wayne
and Cora, Captain Gorman, were active in 1849. I" April, 1849,
George W. Jones arrived from Washington, D. C, by the steamer
Dr. Franklin, having come from that city in fourteen days. In
April, 1849, the steamer Josiah Lawrence reached Galena with
450 passengers and thirty cases of cholera on board ; eleven of
them proved fatal. All boats from New Orleans brought up cases
of cholera. That disease broke out at Galena and Dubuque became
alarmed. Lime was scattered over streets and alleys ; everybody
was >jrdered to "clean up." Many steamers in a bunch were burned
during a sudden and destructive fire at St. Louis in May, 1849;
among them were the Prairie State, St. Peters, Alex. Hamilton,
Dubuque, Ed. Bates and others known at Dubuque. Early in
June the Anthony Wayne brought here two cases of cholera, but
the patients died the same night. On October 3, 1849, a delegation
from Dubuque attended the Rapids Improvement Convention at
210 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Davenport. The Dubuque was here again in October, having been
repaired; her upper works only had been burned at St. Louis.
The Anthony Wayne was the first arrival from below, March
8, 1850. The Excelsior, Captain Ward, was here a few days
later; also the Lamartine, Capt. J. M. Marsh. Dubuque began to
grow rapidly this year and the river traffic was very brisk. On
April 24, 1850, the river was the highest ever known here at this
season of the year. During the forties and fifties it was customary
for the steamers of different lines or independent to race both up
and down. These races were always exciting and often danger-
ous. Bets were freely made and gambling was open and for high
stakes on the boats. Early in June, 1850, the Nominee and Dr.
Franklin had an exciting and hotly contested race of several days'
duration alon^' the upper Mississippi. Racing was generally con-
denmed, but did not prevent its occurrence and repetition. Pre-
vious to about 1850 the term "upper Mississippi" was applied to all
above the Rapids near the mouth of the Des Moines river, but
after that date it was usually confined to the river about St. An-
thony's Falls. The location of a permanent boat landing at Du-
buque caused a bitter conflict of private interests.
In 185 1, at a meeting of river men, a line of steamers with head-
quarters at Dubuque, was projected; J. H. Emerson, B. J. O'Hal-
loran, Captain Estes. Piatt Sniith, T. S. Wilson, G. R. West, C. W.
Cutter and M. Mobley were prominent in this organization. At this
date the ferryboats were operated by Timothy Fanning, S. L. Gre-
goire and Charles Bogy. More lumber and log rafts than ever began
to come down from the Wisconsin and Black rivers. Large quanti-
ties were used here and sold to the back country. Dubuque was
gi owing as ne\-er before. Men began to make rafting their sole busi-
ness; it required the highest skill to take a raft of 2,000,000 feet
of logs successfully down the river to St. Louis, dodging all the
islands, sharp heads, bridges and rapids ; a raftsman who could
do it commanded the highest wages.
In November, 1851, the council leased "such right as it might
have" to the ferry privileges here to Mr. Gregoire for six years,
in consideration that he should pay $100 annually and furnish a
steam ferryboat. This step was taken against the expostulations
of Mr. Fanning, whose period had not expired, because he had
failed to provide a steam ferry as provided in his charter. In
185 1 there were 353 arrivals and 352 departures of steamboats.
By January, 1852, there had been subscribed for stock in the new
packet line 242 shares of stock. Bogy's steam ferryboat was in
full operation in April, 1852.
Early in June, 185 1, the fine steamer Di Vernon passed Du-
buque with a large excursion party for St. Anthony's Falls. A
group of Dubuquers joined the merry-makers. The boats at Du-
biKine in June and July, 1851, were: Franklin No. 2, Captain Har-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 211
lis; Wisconsin, Captain Griffith; Planter; Minnesota, Captain
Smith ; Nominee, Captain Smith ; Enterprise, Captain Humber-
stone ; Excelsior, Captain Ward ; Robert Fulton, Captain Philips ;
Oneonta, Captain Tuppy.
A new dredge boat for Abel Hawley, harbor contractor, was
launched in the summer of 1851. Among the steamers in 1851
were : Uncle Toby, Capt. V. R. Rout, of the Dubuque and St.
Paul Line ; Lamartine, Nominee, Dr. Franklin Nos. i and 2, En-
terprise, Martha No. 2, Bon Accord, Minnesota, Wisconsin, G. W.
Sparhawk, from Wheeling, Virginia; Oneonta, Captain Tuppy;
Tiger, Capt. J. P. Anderson ; Emperor, Captain Hopkins.
Thus far the steamers used on the upper Mississippi were small
and more or less rude affairs, though spoken of as "elegant,"
"handsome," etc. In March, 1852, the business men here sent an
agent to St. Louis to secure from one or more of the boat lines
steamers of a higher, heavier and more refined grade, suitable to
the improved order of affairs. Dubuque grew very rapidly in
1852 ; thousands of homeseekers and capitalists landed from the
steamers. In April, 1852, Timothy Fanning building here a steam
ferryboat, the newspapers observed that there was no reason why
Dubuque should not become a boat-building center. Gregoire's
new steam ferryboat was called the Utah ; it ran every hour from
the lower ferry landing. The St. Paul, a fine new packet, was
active in 1852.
"Bogy's splendid new steam ferryboat is doing the most rush-
ing business of the season. She is puffing and blowing all the
time. She is a perfect godsend to California emigrants. If the
number of wagons that she brings across in a day had to abide the
tardiness of the old-fashioned horseboat, they would not reach this
side in a week." — (Daily Miners' Express, April 24, 1852.)
The St. Paul, a new and very fast steamer, was saluted by artil-
lery upon its arrival here early in 1852 ; she made the round trip
from Galena to St. Paul in two days and sixteen hours, landing
en route twenty-one times. In June, 1852, the dredgeboat, which
had cost $8,000, was sold to T. Levens for $1,000. Ben Campbell
was a new steamer. Dr. Franklin and Nominee were regular
United States mail steamers in 1852. In August, upon the request
of Mr. Adams, a boat yard was located at the foot of Dodge street
for five years ; there any boat could be constructed. The J. W.
McKee was a mail steamer of the Keokuk Packet Line ; the La-
martine, Captain Harlow, belonged to the St. Louis and St. Peters
Packet Company, and the Excelsior, Captain Ward, belonged to
the St. Louis, Galena, Dubuque and St. Peters Packet Company.
Bogy's ferryboat landed at Second street.
In March, 1853, Dr. Franklin No. 2 took away at one load over
4,000 pigs of lead. The spring of 1853 saw the largest arrival of
boats ever witnessed here. As high as ten or a dozen were here
212 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUXTY
at one time^ — Ben Campbell, Excelsior, Nominee, Asia, Lamartine,
Martha No. 2, Enterprise, Swamp Fox, West Newton, Emperor,
Wisconsin, Canada, Adelia, Pearl, Minnehaha, Golden Era.
The old floating dock was sold in August. Later in 1853 the
Golden Era struck a snag near Hannibal, Missouri, and sank
quickly to the boiler deck. She was soon raised. In December,
Charles Gregoire was given a ten years' extension of his ferry
contract. In 1853 the United States Supreme Court decided that
rafts on navigable rivers were not subject to salvage; this decision
settled a matter that had troubled river men for years.
"The steam ferry Utah made an unsuccessful effort last even-
ing to reach the levee. The ice in the inner slough was too firm for
her to force her way through it." — (Express, March 11, 1854.)
In 1854 there was a daily line past Dubuque to St. Paul, with
the following steamers : New St. Paul, Captain Bissell ; George
W. Sparhawk, Captain Greene : Ben Campbell, Captain Matson ;
York State, Captain Griffith ; Golden Era, Captain Bersie ; Lady
Franklin, Captain Morehouse. Late in 1853 Thomas H. Benton,
Jr., Lucius H. Langworthy and George Greene were sent as dele-
gates to the river improvement convention at Memphis. Every
steamer bound up the river was loaded to the guards with emi-
grants and their belongings. Numerous rafts arrived here in May
and June, 1854. Other boats in 1854 were Shenandoah, Royal
Arch, Minnesota Belle, Caleb Cope, Globe, May C, Gossamer,
Lamartine, New St. Paul, Arabic, Admiral, Hindoo, Henrietta,
Sparhawk, Galena, Golden Era, Grand Prairie, Excelsior, Fugitive
Slave, Gray Cloud, Lady Franklin, War Eagle, Flag of Pittsburg,
Greek Slave. Nominee, Blackhawk, etc.
A line of boats connecting Dubuque and St. Paul had been de-
sired for several years; late in 1854, eft'orts to establish such a line
were made. In 1854 Dubuque was made a port of entry and was
annexed to the port of New Orleans. In August, 1854, William
H. Merritt was appointed surveyor of the port of Dubuque. Late
in 1854, Messrs. Mobley, Barney, Benton, O'Halloran and Hall
were appointed a citizens' committee to solicit stock subscriptions
to a St. Paul steamboat line.
The steamboat Blackhawk about November i, 1854, began to
make regular trips between Dubuque and Galena twice a day to
connect with the railway trains. The boat drew so little water
that it could navigate Fever river.
A team and wagon loaded with stone broke through the ice in
January, 1855; all except the driver was lost. In April, 1855,
Lillie & McDonald asked for ship yards on the island ; granted,
just below the Barney Cut. At this date Galena owned eight or
ten fine steamers; Dulnique owned two or three. Why? it was
asked. There was plenty of talk about such a line, but business
men would not invest. The Illinois Central Railway, the Galena
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 213
Packet Company and the ferry companies seemed united at this
date to force Dubuque to pay exorbitant rates of transportation.
In April, 1855, the City Belle, Galena, Kentucky, Navigator, York
State, Berlin, Gical and Hamburg were here at the same time.
The spring travel and trade were enormous. Dubuque had almost
doubled in population in two years. At this time Galena was so
envious of Dubuque's wonderful growth that it did all it could
to injure the latter. The Galena Packet Company assisted Galena,
finally refusing to allow its boats to touch at Dubuque. This step
at last roused Dubuque. A. P. Champlin was master of the
Navigator. Time and Tide was commanded by Capt. Louis Rob-
erts, and the Reveille by Capt. J. W. Markle.
In November, 1855, the steamer A. F. Gregoire connected both
evening and morning with the mail arriving at Dunleith. It waited
thirty minutes in case the mails were late; after that the mail was
brought over in yawlboats at any hour of the day or night.
"We learn by the Excelsior, which returned yesterday from her
last trip up the river, that a boat cannot pass through Lake Pepin
on account of the ice. She first encountered ice below La Crosse
on the 2 1 St, and was obliged to leave her barge and part of her
freight at that place and then proceeded to Winona, where the rest
of her cargo was discharged. The Adelia reached Reed's Landing
on the same night and also returned yesterday. The Cumberland
Valley lies at Winona. The Dubuque and Kate Cassel are still up
the river. The Galena packets are laid up and probably no boats
will attempt an up-river trip after this week." — (Express and
Herald, November 24, 1855.)
"The steamer Endeavor left Dubuque last evening for La Crosse
and will probably be the last boat up the river this season. The
usual high price for freight and passage for the last trips has been
charged by the boats for some days, as high as $15 to La Crosse
and $1 per hundred for freight." — (Express and Herald, Novem-
ber 29, 1855.)
"The pleasant weather is extending the time of up-river navi-
gation later in the season than usual. The Kate Cassel returned
yesterday from Reed's Landing and reports the head of Lake
Pepin closed by ice. The Ben Coursin also returned yesterday
from Winona. Two boats are expected from below — the Hen-
rietta and the Emma Harron. Two boats also leave today for La
Crosse." — (Express and Herald, December 6, 1855.) The Lang-
worthys sold the ferryboat Queen City for $6,000 in December,
1855. They designed putting on a new and better boat.
"The steamers Ben Coursin, Kate Cassel and Excelsior have
laid up here for the season, as navigation is now considered
closed." — (Express and Herald, December 12, 1855.) "The river
is full of running ice and the sloughs are frozen over, so that the
boys have commenced their winter sport of skating." — (Same.)
214 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Among the steamboats of 1855 were the Dan Convers, Colonel
Morgan, Audubon, Falls City, Fannie Harris, Latobe and Cone-
wago.
In 1856 the Dubuque, Minnesota & Wisconsin Packet Com-
pany, with Mr. Farley as president, was in operation. They bought
the steamer Golden State for $14,000; it was a side-wheeler of
277 tons. The Dubuque Packet Company was fully organized and
at work in March, 1856. It had bought several new boats — Excel-
sior, Captain Kingman ; Fanny Harris, Captain W'orden ; Kate
Cassel, Captain Harlow ; Golden State. The organization of this
company was due to the hostility of Galena and the Galena Packet
Company.
Tlie Galena Packet Company operated the following boats:
War Eagle, Captain Harris ; Golden Era, Captain Parker ; Royal
Arch, Captain Smith ; Galena, Capt. K. Lodwick ; Northern Belle,
P. Lodwick ; Schambra, Captain Gabbert ; Greek Slave, Captain
Gaul; Lady Franklin, Captain Lucas; Ocean Wave, Captain
Gleim ;. Tishomingo was a very fast boat of the Winona Packet
Line. \\''aples Cut was entirely dry in August, 1856; no boats
could reach the inner levee. By this time the ferryboat Utah,
which was large enough three years before, had become too small,
and was remo\ed to Hastings and Point Douglas.
The steamer "Lady Franklin," Captain Lucas, was injured and
sank in the river in October, 1856. Several passengers were
drowned and the captain was severely censured for his conduct. —
(Express and Herald, October 29, 1856.) After the river had
been verv low for some time, the news that it was rapidly rising
above was always cheering and heralded widecast.
Winter set in early in 1856-7 and many up-river merchants did
not receive the stocks ordered and expected. "Although every
exertion has been made by the Illinois Central Railroad and the
forwarding merchants of Dubuque and Dunleith, yet they have
been utterly unable to send forward goods as fast as they arrived,
notwithstanding the steamboat tonnage has been very large. The
Galena Packet Line, tlie Dulnique Packet Line and a large num-
ber of independent boats ha\'e all been overtaxed and compelled to
refuse a large amount of freight. The season is now so far ad-
vanced that packet boats do not consider it safe to sign bills of
lading only to a short distance up, and the independent boats, as
fast as they come down, are drawing off and going to more sunny
climes. — [Express and Herald, November 19, 1856.)
The steamer Tishomingo had great difficulty in escaping her
creditors and much of the time in 1856 remained tied up at various
ports. The steamer A. G. Mason became frozen in the ice six
miles above Hastings in November. The Kate Cassel arrived here
November 18 and reported ice gorges above. Navigation was
about closed.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 215
The Galena, Dubuque, Dunleith & Minnesota Packet Company,
in 1856, owned the following boats plying between Galena and
St. Paul : War Eagle, Capt. D. S. Harris ; Galena, Capt. Kennedy
Lodwick; Northern Belle, Capt. Preston Lodw-ick; Golden Era,
Capt. J. W. Parker; Lady Franklin, Capt. M. E. Lucas; Ocean
Wave, Capt. E. H. Gleim; City of Belle, Capt. A. T. Champlin;
Granite State, Capt. J. Y. Hurd ; Alhambra, Capt. W. H. Gabbert ;
and also the following running between Galena and Rock Island :
Royal Arch, Capt. J- J- Smith, and Greek Slave, Capt. C. Goll.
Early in December, 1856, the Kate Cassel by an extra effort
went up to Hastings with an enormous load of freight for the
upper country. Log of the steamer Flora: "Left Dunleith the
2ist with nearly 400 passengers and a heavy freight; met Golden
State below Guttenburg ; Envoy passed down ; met Northern BeHe
the 22d ; met Fannie Harris at Coon Slough ; met Kate Cassel
below La Crosse, evening 22d ; met Gossamer at La Crosse ; snowed
all night; met Alhambra below Winona ; fine sleighing here; met
Falls City below Fountain City ; got aground on Beef Slough and
remained there Sunday night ; went through Lake Pepin the 24th ;
reached Red Wing at 1 1 p. m. ; snowing like great guns ; reached
Hastings morning of 25th ; river gorged with ice for seven miles
above and weather cold ; left Hastings Tuesday ; met Resolute
Wednesday morning below Beef Slough ; Progress there and could
iiot get over ; she returned to Winona and discharged her cargo ;
met J. Traber at Winona and Ben Coursin below La Crosse." * * *
"The Flora brought down 250 passengers and went into winter
quarters at the upper landing, Dubuque." — (Express and Herald,
December 3, 1856.)
The Key City, a new packet, Capt. Jones Worden, was put on
in 1857. The Golden State, Hamburg, James Lyon, Mansfield,
Cumberland Valley, Brazil, Adelia, Sam Young, Falls City were
here early in 1857.
Freight rates in the spring of 1857 were as follows: Dubuque
to McGregor and Prairie du Chien, 20 cents per hundred; Lan-
sing, 22 cents; La Crosse, 25 cents; Dacotah and Trempeauleau,
26 cents; Reed's Landing, 30 cents; Red Wing, 31 cents; Pres-
cott and Hastings, ^;^ cents ; St. Paul, 35 cents.
The following was the list of a daily line of packets from Du-
buque to St. Paul for the season of 1857: Gray Eagle, Capt.
Smith Harris ; Key City, Capt. Jones Worden ; War Eagle, Capt.
A. T. Kingman; Golden State, Capt. Samuel R. Harlow; Golden
Era, Capt. John Scott ; Fanny Harris, Capt. Robert Anderson.
Lake Pepin was still covered with ice by April 22, 1857, but it
was then rotting fast. The steamer Itasca, called "a floating pal-
ace," arrived here April 21, 1857. It belonged to the Prairie du
Chien and St. Paul line. It was 220 feet long and had capacity
for 500 tons of freight. Its captain was David Whitten. The
2i6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
first steamboats to pass through Lake Pepin for a number of years
were as follows:
Otter, Captain Harris, April 6, 1844.
Otter, Captain Harris, April 5, 1845.
Lynx, Captain Atchison, March 21, 1846.
Cora, Captain Throckmorton, April 7, 1847.
Highland Mary, Captain Atchison, April 10, 1848.
Nominee, Captain Smith, April 4, 185 1.
Nominee, Captain Smith, April 16, 1852.
West Newton, Captain Harris, April 11, 1853.
Nominee, Captain Blakely, April 8, 1854.
War Eagle, Captain Harris, April 17, 1855.
Lady Franklin, Captain Lucas, April 18, 1856.
The War Eagle carried up the river two and one-half tons of
mail late in April, 1857. Mr. Hills, agent of the Minnesota
Packet Company, reported that prior to May 6, 1857, he had dis-
patched up the river 4,000 tons of freight, largely to St. Paul. It
was learned here, upon the arrival of the steamer Audubon from
Reed's Landing, that eighteen boats were then in Lake Pepin,
contending with the ice. The Galena first forced her way twelve
miles and then went ashore. The War Eagle was damaged in
the same attempt. The Falls City was aground with four feet of
water in her hold. Seventeen boats were at Reed's Landing when
the Audubon left. A prize of $3,000 had been offered for the
first boat to reach St. Paul and $300 to the pilot bringing her in.
The excitement at Reed's Landing was intense. The hotels there
were crowded.
"As soon as we entered Lake Pepin we began to see the wrecks
of the steamboats. The first lay about a mile below North Pepin,
sunk above the guards. Two others were near, one apparently
broken in two and the other inclined on the beach. Two other
boats were seen farther up, hemmed in with ice. Another near was
inclined on the beach. The boats said to be sunk were: Fanny
Harris, Fire Canoe, Cremona, Steel and Falls City. We met Min-
nesota Belle and Itasca coming down." — (Cor. Express and Her-
ald, May 13, 1857.)
According to a passenger, the Northern Light, when it arrived
at St. Paul, May 4, 1857, found eighteen steamboats lying beside
each other diagonally with the line of the levee. Minute guns
were fired from a cannon lashed to the capstan. "The boat was
made fast to the sterns of several steamers, and the passengers
reached shore by crossing over the decks of some of the other
boats." The Xortliern Light was 240 feet long and was com-
manded by Captain Lodwick. She could carry nearly 1,000 tons
of freight. The other boats at St. Paul were: Messenger, Orb,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 217
Golden State, Equator, Key Stone, Sam Young, Saracen, Mans-
field, Ocean Wave, Red Wing, Golden Era, Minnesota, Kate
French, Connewago, Time and Tide, Hamburg, Wave, Excelsior,
W. L. Ewing.
So great had been the trouble for the boats to get through Lake
Pepin, the press of St. Paul agitated the construction and use of
an iceboat to open that body of water every spring. It would cost
about $20,000 and require $5,000 annually to keep it up.
The Galena and War Eagle were the first boats to pass through
Lake Pepin and reach St. Paul. The real struggle was between
the Galena, War Eagle, Golden State and Montauk. All got
through about 7 o'clock p. m. on Thursday. "Here a race ensued
in which Captain Laughton of the Galena came off No. i. passing
the Golden State at Bullards and the Eagle above Red Wing. The
latter maintained her position within a few lengths until a lamenta-
ble accident occurred just above Hastings, throwing her behind.
The boat checked up to rescue a deck hand who had fallen over-
board, but could not find him. This gave the Galena eighteen
minutes the start, by which she beat the Eagle to the St. Paul
levee." On Lake Pepin were the Areola, broken in two; the
Courier with hull under water and dangerously careened ; the St.
Croix had been raised unhurt — by May 13, 1857.
On May 10, 1857, the river was the highest it had been since
1 851; the levee was covered with water; houses filled, lumber
afloat, and the Seventh street embankment top nearly reached. At
this time the gas company received in one load 20,000 bushels of
coal from Pittsburg. About July i, the new steam ferryboat
Peosta was put at work. The steamer Rosalie sank near the mouth
of Waples Cut in June with a valuable cargo.
The Galena, Dunleith and Minnesota Packet Company having
become arbitrary, exacting and unaccommodating, the press of Du-
buque and St. Paul called it sharply to task in July, 1857. "They
treat the public in the most contemptuous manner, swindle the
commercial and traveling community, and are independent and
insolent in all things and at all times, when they have the power,"
said the Express and Herald of July 15, 1857.
The boiler of the old steamer Dubuque exploded August 18,
1857, eleven miles below Muscatine, causing the loss of twenty-
two lives, all deck passengers. The sight of the scalded and man-
gled passengers was heartrending, said observers; assistance was
furnished from Muscatine. In October the Ben Coursin was struck
and sunk by the Key City, above La Crosse, and about seven lives
were lost, three of them being women. The Henry Clay was in
service in 1857.
In 1858 the Minnesota Transportation Company, a new steam-
boat line, was in operation ; John Loraine was president ; the Fred
Lorenz and Adelia were two of their boats. The Fulton City
2i8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Company ran a daily line from Fulton City to St. Paul. The
Winona Packet Line was a combination of several St. Louis and
St. Paul packet companies and had a tri-weekly line. Forty boats
were advertised to leave St. Louis March 30, 1858. Among the
boats were Key City, Metropolitan, Henry Clay, Sucker State, Can-
ada, Sam Young, Northern Belle, Milwaukee, Hawkeye State, Ga-
lena, Northern Light, Ocean Wave, Dew Drop, Kate Cassel, Lake
City, Alhambra, James Lyon, Lucie May, Pembina, Sultan, Flora,
Resolute, Courier, Aunt Letty, Pembina, Envoy, Gray Eagle, Chip-
pewa Falls, Conewago, Tishomingo, Eolian, etc. The old Areola
hull was used as a float.
In 1858, Capt. D. S. Harris was credited by Governor Sibley,
of Minnesota, with having been the pioneer navigator by steam of
about all the tributaries of the Mississippi above the Des Moines
Rapids ; he was declared to have been the first to find the head
of navigation on the Iowa, Maquoketa and Minnesota rivers. — ■
(Express and Herald, April 2, 1858.)
The St. Louis and St. Paul Union Line owned the following
boats in 1858; Pembina, Captain Griffith; Canada, Captain Ward;
Henry Clay, Captain Campbell; Metropolitan, Captain Rhodes;
Minnesota Belle, Captain Hill ; W. L. Ewing, Captain Green ; Den-
mark, Captain Gra}' — all sidewheel and fine steamers.
The ferryboat Gregoire, Captain Bog)% was in service in 1858;
also the steam ferryboat Peosta. The Dubuque and Dunleith Ferry
Company began operations about 1846; by 1858 the company
claimed to have lost $8,273 ^ this was denied and argued in the
newspapers.
The Union Packet Line, in 1858, owned the following boats,
which ran regularly between St. Louis and St. Paul : Pembina,
Capt. Thomas H. Griffith ; Minnesota Belle, Capt. Thomas B. Hill ;
W. L. Ewing, Capt. Montroville Green; Canada, Capt. James
Ward ; Metropolitan, Capt. Thomas B. Rhodes ; Denmark, Capt.
Richard C. Gray. They left Dubuque for St. Paul every Monday,
Wednesday and Friday and for St. Louis every Tuesday, Thurs-
day and Saturday.
The fine packet Galena was totally burned at the landing in Red
Wing, June 30, 1858. The passengers landed, but the freight was
destroyed.
In August there was a hotly contested race from Dubuque to
St. Paul between the steamers War Eagle and the Itasca. The
former won by a small margin ; time, 24 hours and 40 minutes,
with 23 landings and 35 cords of wood taken aboard. Large quan-
tities of flour, grain and store supplies and large numbers of emi-
grants and excursionists passed constantly on the river. Immense
rafts passed down almost daily.
By the middle of March, 1859, river traffic was in full operation.
Chippewa, Dew Drop, Pembina, Minnesota Belle, Aunt Letty,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 219
W. L. Ewing, Cedar Rapids, Fred Lorenz, Adelia, Canada, W. L.
Nelson, General Pike, St. Louis, Golden Era, E. A. Ogden, Key
City and War Eagle were here early. The latter was the first to
leave on the schedule of the new steamboat express line. Lake
Pepin was still closed March 25. The ferry began running here
March 5.
In March, 1859, the Dubuque and Dunleith Ferry Company
was required to run their boats thereafter from the foot of Third
street instead of from the foot of Jones street. Charles Gregoire
was president of the ferry company. Tlie levee was loaded with
all kinds of freight waiting shipment in March, 1859 — lead, pork,
beef, flour, merchandise, grain, etc.
Captain Worden of the Key City, in April, 1859, literally forced
his way through the almost impassable ice barriers of Lake Pepin.
The passengers passed resolutions praising his courage and skill.
In trying to force its way through the ice, the Aeolian was cut
so badly that she was sunk in thirty feet of water and four pas-
sengers were drowned. The Metropolitan rescued the others. The
loss was $10,000.
"The Key City came down last night with colors flying, having
come direct from St. Paul. The Key City was the first boat
through Lake Pepin. Hereafter boats will run regularly and our
merchants here will be able to fill their up-river orders." — {Express
and Herald, April 23, 1859.)
The Northern Packet Line owned and operated the following
sidewheel steamers : Pembina, Captain Griffith ; Minnesota Belle,
Captain Hill ; Denmark, Captain Gray ; Henry Clay, Captain ;
Stephenson; Canada, Captain Ward; Wm. L. Ewing, Captain
Green; Metropolitan, Captain Rhodes; Northerner, Captain Al-
vord ; Lucie May, Captain Rhodes ; Dew Drop, Captain Parker ;
Lake City, Captain Blake; Chippewa, Captain Crapeta.
Early in May, 1859, the Mississippi rose seventeen inches in
twenty-four hours. By May 9 it was within forty inches of being
as high as it ever was at Dubuque — 1827. It was now within
twenty-two inches as high as it was in 185 1. The lower end of
Sixth street from the bridge to the outer levee was entirely under
water. Twenty teams were put at work on the outer levee. Many
buildings and lumber yards were under water and the levees were
in a dangerous condition. In the next twenty-four hours it rose
eight inches more and at this time large numbers of men and teams
were at work on all the levees, yards and streets.
"The river is still rising at the rate of eight inches in twenty-
four hours. It is now running across the foot of First street, near
Northrup & Ryder's warehouse. The various improvements still
keep ahead of the water and have no fear, unless a high wind arises,
of their ability to protect the works. The great freshet from the
north has not yet arrived." — (Express and Herald, May 12, 1859.)
220 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUXTY
"The river is still coming up, having risen about seven inches in
the last twenty-four hours. Last evening it was flowing over Jones
street in a dozen places. First street at its junction with the lower
improvement is co\-ered to the depth of eighteen inches. Flatboats
pass across the outer levee at the foot of Seventh street." — {Ex-
press and Herald, May 13, 1859.)
"The water yesterday made a clean break through the outer
levee at the foot of Sixth street. It has reached the top of the
Seventh street improvement and further work there is abandoned.
Flatboats are engaged in hauling stones to stop the break in the
central improvement levee. Lumber yards at the foot of Seventh
street are busy saving their lumber. The water sweeps through
the bridge at the foot of Third street with tremendous power and
reaches nearly to the woodwork. It also sweeps over Jones street.
The Dubuque & Pacific track is rendered impassable to the bridge
below the depot. The cars come only to Rockdale. The rise is
not so great now." — (Express and Herald, I\Iay 14, 1859.) There
were here about this time the Northerner, City Belle, Golden Era,
Minnesota Belle, Pembina, Key City, Conewago, Canada, Forest
Queen, Grey Eagle, Denmark, Henry Clay, La Crosse, Northern
Light, W. L. Ewing, Wave, St. Lawrence, Fred Lorenz and Time
and Tide. All the boats carried immense loads of freight and
passengers. About 4,000 pigs of lead were shipped weekly; also
about 100,000 feet of lumber.
"The river has risen some three inches since our last, although
at present it is nearly at a standstill. Jones street is covered nearly
its entire length, and reaching the lower levee on foot is next to an
impossibility." — (Express and Herald, May 15, 1859.)
On May 15, 1859, the Fred Lorenz, when near Eagle Point, burst
her connecting pipe. Several persons were severely scalded. The
boat was towed to the foot of Third street.
During the flood of May, 1859, people were taxed 5 cents and
10 cents to be taken from the Jones street levee to the ferry land-
ing. "If our improvement companies find it desirable to erect
islands in the Mississippi river, they at least ought to furnish citi-
zens with some means of getting to them." — (Express and Herald,
May 19, 1859.) "The water has fallen about five inches since yes-
terday morning. It will probably reach its proper level forty-eight
hours hence." — (Express and Herald, May 19, 1859.) "The river
has fallen about six inclies in the last twenty-four hours." — (Ex-
press and Herald. May 20, 1859.) By May 31 the river was down
to its proper level, though alarming reports of a higher rise than
ever came from upstream. "A very large raft yesterday got into
the slough above Seventh street. It came very near being broken
up. but several hours of hard labor got it out comparati\'cly un-
harmed."— (Express and Herald. May 20, 1859.)
By June 6, 1859, the river had risen so high that it was within
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 221
six inches of being as high as it had been a week or two before.
It had risen eighteen inches in the last twenty-four hours. At St.
Paul it was reported as high as it ever was and at Red Wing had
reached the highest point ever known. By the 8th it was within
three inches of the mark of two weeks before. By June 9 it was
three inches higher than before. By June 10 it was six inches
higher tiian in May. "Seventh street, the entire outer levee of the
Seventh Street and Central Improvement Companies is overflowed ;
so are First street continued and Dodge street. Third street con-
tinued is now the only street leading to the outer levee that is not
overflowed and impassable. The river is still going up rapidly." —
(Express and Herald, June 11, 1859.) "The river rose three inches
yesterday and is now within half a foot of the warehouses on the
lower levee." — (Express and Herald, June 12.) On the 13th it
rose two inches higher. It came to a stand at 9 p. m., June 13, and
soon thereafter began to fall.
In i860, among the early boats here were: Ocean Wave, Cap-
tain Webb ; Denmark, Captain Robison ; Hawkeye State, Captain
Gray ; Sucker State, Captain Rhodes ; Harmonia, Captain Hub-
bard ; Northern Belle, Captain Hurd ; Minnesota Belle, Captain
Keach ; Itasca, Captain Whitten ; Laclede, Captain Goodell ; Grey
Eagle, Captain Harris ; Northern Light, Captain Harris ; Peosta,
Captain Levens ; Canada, Captain Parker ; Henry Clay, Captain
Stephenson ; Shenango, Captain French ; Pembina, Captain Hill.
A small party of luxurious sportsmen here, not liking to row
their boats up and down the river while hunting, built, in the spring
of i860, a little steamboat, about sixteen feet long and three and
one-half feet wide, rigged with a little one-horsepower portable
engine set to drive paddlewheels with eight-inch buckets and a diam-
eter of thirty inches. With this they could go up bayous, sloughs,
etc., and come back without hard work.
In i860 there was sharp rivalry among the various boat lines
and often thereby much inconvenience was occasioned passengers
and shippers.
The Frank Steele, in coming down Coon slough, April 10, i860,
came in contact with a tree and got both smokestacks and her pilot
house swept clean from the deck, injuring the pilot slightly. In
the spring of i860, the Illinois Central Railroad Company, or its
individual members, put on a line of packets on the upper Missis-
sippi, under the name Dubuque, Dunleith & Minnesota PacJ<et Line.
So great was the river traffic on April 25, i860, that eleven ves-
sels arrived and ten departed. The Lake City, a railroad packet,
was here April 26, and the Key West, a boat of the Independent
Railroad Line, was here a day or two later. A barge laden with
lead, in tow of the Key City, going down, struck a snag and sank.
There was much complaint here in i860 that the packet lines
of steamers from St. Louis to St. Paul and from Galena, Dubuque
222 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
and Dunleith to St. Paul were disposed to create a monopoly in
the carrying trade upon the Mississippi river by driving off every
other boat. Numerous acts cited showed that this was the appar-
ent object of those lines. It was condemned vigorously by the
press, and particularly by G. R. West & Son, wholesalers of
Dubuque.
Late in May, i860, the Minnesota Packet Company's steamers
began to carry a daily river mail between Dubuque and St. Paul.
"The steamer Metropolitan ran into the railroad bridge at Galena,
June 26, and tore off a portion of her guards and otherwise injured
herself. This is her third accident lately. Recently she ran down
a man in a small boat and caused his death, and two weeks ago she
disabled the Northern Belle." — {Herald, June 27, i860.)
"We ha\e found it to be a duty we owe to Dubuque, to the mer-
chants of this city and to ourselves to cease gi\'ing to the Northern
Line of steamboats that attention which their course to this city
and to its mercantile interests have forfeited. Dubuque and her
business interests have submitted too long and too tamely if not
too servilely to the outrages inflicted upon her business by persons
and companies who have taken advantage of the adversity to which
this city has been subjected to inflict upon her, if possible, a lasting,
permanent injury. For our part we do not feel like suffering such
treatment as this Northern line of boats seem disposed to inflict
upon this city with impunity." — {Herald, July 14, i860.)
The river was so low in September that few boats ran and they
carried very light loads; no lead was shipped from Dubuque during
this stage. The War Eagle, Henry Clay, Northern P>elle and a
few others did a small business. At St. Paul river business was
livelier. There the Minnesota Packet Company was trying to
force out of business the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad &
Packet Line. The fare from La Crosse to Chicago was reduced
to $4.75 via Dunleith and Prairie du Chien. The JNIinnesota Packet
Company thus carried passengers for nothing in order to injure its
rival. In fact, it reduced the fare from St. Paul to Chicago to $1
about September 20, i860, but the next day raised it to $4.75. On
the levee at Dubuque were 2.300 pigs of lead, 1,000 sacks of wheat,
etc., waiting for a better boating stage.
The river closed up suddenly on November 22, i860, with snow
and extreme cold. Boats were caught where they happened to be.
The Key City, Milwaukee and Metropolitan here; the Northern
Belle at Le Claire; the Ocean Wa\'e and La Crosse were caught in
rhe ice and grounded on Sycamore Chain ; the Golden Era was
forced ashore east of Dubuque; the War Eagle, after exciting ex-
periences, laid up at McGregor ; the Fanny Harris was safe at Pres-
cott ; the Favorite and Frank Steele were at La Crosse. Late in
November the ferry was again running.
The Herald became so incensed at the actions of the Northern
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 223
Packet Line in the summer of i860 that it afterward refused to
pubHsh its usual news of the river and boats.
It was declared in March, 1861, that Dubuque needed three
things : ( i ) A drydock for the repair of steamboats and other river
craft; (2) an ice harbor where steamboats could stay during win-
ters; (3) the removal of the bar in front of the lower levee and
inner slough. The nearest place where boats could be docked and
repaired was Le Claire. It was shown that at slight expense Lake
Peosta could be made into an ice harbor.
In 1861 the Northern line of packets had the following boats and
captains : Haweye State, R. C. Gray ; Sucker State, T. B. Rhodes ;
Canada, J. W. Parker; Pembina, J. B. Hill; Metropolitan, T. B.
Buford; Henry Clay, C. B. Goll ; Denmark, J. J. Robinson; W. L.
Ewing, J. H. Rhodes; Northerner, P. A. Alford; Fred Loring, M.
Green. William Wellington was the line's agent and clerk at Du-
buque. On March 2 the ice here moved twenty-five or thirty feet.
Crossing on foot was dangerous. The ferry boat prepared to start
March 3.
"Things begin to look business-like on the levee. Wellington
has got the wharf boat out of the slough and placed it in front of
the levee in its proper place. The Ferry Company has also got
its wharf boat in its place. There is a large quantity of lead await-
ing shipment." — {Herald, March 16, 1861.)
On April 11, 1861, Mr. O. Chamberlain, agent, shipped on the
Key City over one thousand packages of wheat, flour, corn meal,
beans, etc., for Kansas. This was the contribution of Dubuque
and other towns back in the interior to the sufferers in that new
State. The packages went down to Hannibal, thence by rail to
Kansas.
"The rix-alry between the boats for several years past in the effort
to make the first landing at St. Paul is stimulated by the favor of
free wharfage for the season to the successful boat. Captain
Harris has. in the period named, made the first landing six times." — -
{Herald, April 6, 1861.)
The Metropolitan, Canada, W. J. Clay, Connewago, Rocket,
Northern Light, Pembina, Key City, Sucker State, Golden Era,
Ocean Wave, Emma, Bill Henderson, War Eagle, Henry Clay, La
Crosse, Northerner, Winona, Milwaukee, J. Bell, Luzerne were
here from April 9 to 14. The levee on April 10 awoke and was
soon alive with boats, there being no less than five large ones there
at a time loading and unloading. Steamers now left regularly for
St. Paul. The river was rising, freight plenty and business brisk.
The boats and captains of the Galena, Dunleith, Dubuque and
Minnesota Packet Company for 1861 were as follows: War
Eagle, C. L. Stephenson ; Golden Era, W. H. Gabbert ; Itasca, J. Y.
Hurd ; Milwaukee, J. Cochrane ; Northern Belle, W. H. Laughton ;
Ocean Wave, N. F. Webb ; Keokuk, E. V. Holcomb ; North Light,
224 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
John B. Davis ; Grey Eagle, D. S. Harris ; Key City, Jones Worden ;
Fanny Harris, W. L. Faucette ; Alhambra. Ben Howard ; Flora,
J. W. Campbell. The first four were a daily line between Duhitli
and St. Paul ; the next three were on the daily line between La
Crosse and St. Paul : the next three were on the Northern line from
St. Louis to St. Paul ; and the last three were on the freight line
from Dunleith to St. Paul.
The river continued to rise rapidly on April 19 — seven inches
in twenty-four hours. The Fanny Harris arrived here from a
trip up the IMinnesota river, where she went after government
troops. Her cabin and all the woodwork were badly damaged by
the winds, storms and soldiers. She laid up for repairs. The
river still continued to rise on April 24. The water was running
over Jones street and several others. The lumber yards were
piling loose boards and making property as secure as possible. The
Grey Eagle struck the Rock Island bridge and sank in five minutes
in IVlay ; several lives were lost, among them being Mrs. Weaver
and child, of Dyersville.
"Fastest Trip on Record. — The Northern Line packet Sucker
State left St. Louis on the i6th of May at 5 130 P. ]\L and arrived
at St. Paul on the 20th of May at 3:30; time from St. Louis to
St. Paul, three days and twenty-two hours, doing all her regular
business ; also going in to Galena, discharged in the up-trip 309 tons
of freight and had 425 passengers. Left St. Paul on the 20th at
5 130 P. M., discharged on down-trip at different points 1,000 sacks
of wheat, and arri\-ed at St. Louis on Thursday, the 23d, making
the round trip in seven days and two hours." — (Herald, May 28,
1861.)
"The Hawkeye State made the run from St. Louis to this city
(Dubuque) in forty-eight hours and thirty-eight minutes, made
thirty-three regular landings and laid one and a half hours at Dav-
enport. This is the quickest trip on record and shows that she is
a hard boat to beat. The river never was in better boating condi-
tion than it has been this spring." — (Herald, June 12, 1861.)
Li August Daniel Hewitt launched a repaired flat-boat at Third
street. It was claimed that the Sucker State was the fastest boat
on the Upper Mississippi. At all times sandbars in the river were
the terror of all pilots and masters. The Key City struck and
badly damaged the ferry boat A. L. Gregoire; the Peosta took its
place.
In the spring of 1862 deck hands of the Minnesota Packet Com-
pany, who were then receiving $25 per month, struck for $40 per
month ; this line ran daily boats between Dubuque and St. Paul.
The Northern Packet Line had five boats: Northerner, Hawkeye,
Sucker State, Canada and W. L. Ewing; it was tri-weekly. In the
St. Louis and St. Paul Line were the Pembina, Denniaik, Metro-
politan, whii'h ran tri-weeklv between St. Louis and l)ubu(|uc, and
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
R J-
■Ve.i^:m*^
THE MISSISSIPPI LOOKING SOUTH FROM BELOW DUBUQUE SHOWING JULIEN
DUBUQUES MONUMENT
EAGLE POINT HIGH BRIDGE
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 225
the Bill Henderson, Fred Lorenz and others, which ran daily be-
tween Dubuque and Davenport.
"The light of other days can be seen by going down to the foot of
Fourth street, where the wharf boat is moored, and see the ferry
boat going through the Barney Cut to Dunleith, as of yore." —
(Herald, May 2, 1862.)
In 1862 the names of the boats and captain were Pembina, Hill;
War Eagle, Webb; Alhambra, Wellington; Canada, Parker; Mil-
waukee, Holcomb ; Pearl, Hale ; Itasca, Hurd ; Bill Henderson,
Rhodes; Key City, Worden ; Hawkeye State, Gray; Northerner,
Alford; Keokuk, Hatcher. In May the flood was only ten inches
lower than the rise of 1859; boats ran across the islands and levees
to the foot of the principal streets. A race between the Key City
and the Keokuk in June, 1862, was won by the latter in fast time.
There was sharp ri\"alry between the lines of the Minnesota Packet
Coinpany, the Northern Packet Company and the Davidson Packet
Company at this date. Business was very brisk here on the river
in 1862; low water was the only hindrance. The Denmark struck
a snag and sank near Keokuk in November.
The ferry boats ran almost continuously in January, 1863; large
numbers of cattle and hogs were taken over and shipped to Chicago.
February was very cold. When the ice left the river each year a
great crowd usually gathered to witness the event. In February
tlie ferr}' boats ran through channels cut in the ice. The sandbar
in front was a great hindrance to navigation ; many boats struck it
and often grounded ; strong demands for its removal were made.
Captain Spencer J. Ball, an old river captain, was employed by
the government to pick out vessels for the expedition against Vicks-
burg. He was authorized to draft into service all boats of two
hundred feet and under. He selected the Ocean Wave as one in
March, 1863, and eight more were under inspection. It looked to
shippers as if they would have to use the railroads. The Bill Hen-
derson had been in the government service, but was released at this
time, though soon taken again. The Allamakee, Eolian, Chippewa
Falls and Frank Steele were seized up the river for the use of the
government.
The Bill Henderson took down the river one hundred and fifty
packages of sanitary stores for different Iowa regiments April 9,
1863. The government had taken so many boats that almost any-
thing that would float was put in commission in 1863.
In the summer of 1863 it was claimed that the Key City was the
fastest boat on the river ; she had a ten-pounder on board which
shook the city when fired. A huge ice-boat, 132x21 feet took
immense quantities of ice to .St. Louis. The new Davenport looked
like the Canada and Hawkeye and was a fine boat — 203 x 34 feet.
It was owned by Mullally. The Henry Clay was burned before
Vicksburg. The ferry boat was thoroughly repaired at La Crosse
226 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
in 1862-3. Tlie Favorite passed down in April with 292 Indians
on board — taken from the Indian war in Minnesota. The North-
erner passed up the river May 3, 1863, towing a barge laden with
negroes from the South on their way to a home in the North.
Thomas McLean, a river man and a Dubuquer, received May 6,
1863, $1,050 for piloting a raft from the foot of Lake Pepin to
St. Louis in less than three weeks. The little steamer Ad Hine
ran the blockade at Vicksburg; she was well known here; she drew
only sixteen inches of water.
"The bottom of the river is rising as usual and becoming more
visible daily; some people call it low water." A lumber raft con-
taining one million feet came partly from Stillwater on its w-ay to
St. Louis in charge of Pilot Jack Parker; water low; but his skill
was equal to it. In 1863 an independent line of steamers was
established here; they began with one boat, the U. S. Grant, Cap-
tain Gray, and later owned the Pearl, Captain Hale, and seven
barges.
Late in 1863 the Minnesota Packet Line sold all its steamers to
the stockholders of the Illinois Central Railway, as follows: Key
City, Worden; Milwaukee, Holcomb; Itasca, Webb; Ocean Wave,
Laughton; War Eagle, Mitchell; Northern Light, Gabbert; Clara
Ames, Ewing; Flora, Wilcox; Franz Siegel, and the Durand; in
all fifteen steamers and twenty-seven barges were sold for $150,000.
The Milwaukee, a large sicle-wheeler, reached St. Paul October
26th; the first boat to reach that city since June. She was wel-
comed as if navigation had just opened. The War Eagle, Ocean
Wave, Franz Siegel, Durand and Pearl passed the winter of 1863-4
here "in the slough."
Late in 1863 the Northwestern Packet Company was organized
with John Lawler as president ; W. E. Wellington was its Dubuque
agent. The ferry boat Gregoire was sold late in 1863 for over
forty thousand dollars, presumably to the Illinois Central Railway
control. The Northern Packet Company elected the following
officers late in January, 1864: T. B. Rhodes, president; T. H.
Griffith, secretary. Their vessels were the Davenport, Hawkeye
State, Sucker State, Northerner, Canada, Pembina, Muscatine,
Burlington and Savannah. The Ad Hines was sunk in the Arkan-
sas river near Pine Bluff early in 1864.
The steamers here early in 1864 were Canada, Itasca, Pearl,
James Means, Sucker State, War Eagle, Northern Light, Musca-
tine, Davenport, Key City, Keokuk, Hawkeye State, Chippewa
Falls. Cutter. Pembina. Boats came annually from Pittsburg
laden with glassware, crockery, hardware and oil. In April, 1864,
the Chippewa Falls and Cutter passed down on their way to Idaho
via the Missouri river ; others were to follow later. They belonged
to "Captain Davidson's line." They belonged to what was known
as the Idaho Packet Line, the lieadquarters of which were at La
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 227
Crosse; the cabin passage to Fort Benton was $150, with eighty
pounds of baggage free.
Tlie boats and captains of the Northwestern Packet Company in
the spring of 1864 were: Northern Light, Gabbert ; Milwaukee,
Holcomb ; Key City, Laughton ; Itasca, Webb ; War Eagle,
Mitchell; Ocean Wave, Sheets; Flora, Wilcox; Pearl, A. Haile;
Lansing, K. C. Cooley. The Mrs. Partington was remodeled and
repaired for jobbing trade up and down the Upper Mississippi.
The wreck of the Grey Eagle at Rock Island was removed for
$1,000. Charles Chever, a steamer drawing only sixteen inches
of water, went from St. Louis to St. Paul in August, 1864, when
the water was extremely low. The Emma Boyd was another
light draught boat for the St. Paul trade. Stephen Dolson, who
had served for many years as pilot on the ferry across the river at
Dubuque, was succeeded by Orville West in August, 1864.
The following boats were here undergoing repairs early in
August, 1864; Itasca, Pearl, Ocean Wave, Flora, Mrs. Parting-
ton, Grey Eagle, Northern Light and Joe Gales. A little steamer,
St. Paul, was put in commission in August, 1864. The river by
August 5, 1864, was at its lowest point — the lowest on record.
Large quantities of freight were heaped on the levee. Water in
the river was so scarce that it was humorously said that its use
even to soften whisky was forbidden. The movement of boats
was very uncertain and irregular.
T. B. Rhodes, president of the Northern Packet Company,
bought the entire interest and stock of the Rapids Packet Company,
the latter owning the New Boston, City of Keithsburg and Jennie
Whipple.
The Pembina, with a crew one-half negroes, was boarded here
by roughs who objected to the colored hands and attacked them
with clubs, etc. The ship's officers resisted with iron bars and
drove the gang away ; five were arrested and three sent to jail ;
they were "levee loungers." Many rafts came down in 1864 —
often five hundred thousand to seven hundred thousand feet. As
early as the latter part of May boats quit running to St. Paul, owing
to low water.
By August 13, 1864, the river at Dubuque was lower than it was
ever known before. The sandbars were covered with weeds and
grass.
"The up-river papers say that boats have frequently to blow the
whistle to drive cattle out of the channel to allow them to pass.
The oldest inhabitant, always reliable, does not remember a season
when the water was so low." — {Herald, August 27, 1864.)
"The river is no better than formerly. She is confined to her
bed, and won't be up for some time. Her complaint is the pre-
vailing one in the North and all her cry has been, 'Water, more
water!'" — {Herald, September 15, 1864.)
228 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
The Dubuque harbor was a terror to boatmen, owing to the sand-
bars. Tlie packet Hues threatened to guit stopping at Dubuque
unless tliis state of affairs was remedied. It required as much
skill to pass these bars as to pass the Rock Island bridge, which
likewise was for many years the hobgoblin of boatmen.
The business of boat building and repairing was steadily increas-
ing. In September, 1864, a new barge was under construction
on the island above the levee and several barges were being repaired
and caulked.
The steamer Mrs. Partington, a light draught tow-boat of the
Western Packet Company, burst her boiler near La Crosse
and the boat was torn in pieces. One man was killed and every
other man on the boat was injured. She had been known as the
Durand and was -i^alued at $3,000.
Early in 1865 it seemed that the Illinois Central Railway con-
trolled both the transfer and tlie ferry companies. Among the
boats and masters prominent here in 1865 were: Petrel, Jolly;
Burlington. Riiodes : James Means, Wood; Milwaukee, Holcomb;
Itasca, Webb ; Key City, Laughton ; Northern Light, Gabbert ; War
Eagle, Mitchell; Hawkeye State; Lansing; Davenport; Canada;
Benton ; Ryder ; Ocean Wave ; Northern Belle, West ; Keokuk,
Moulton ; McClellan, Hatcher; Savannah, Hurd. Daniel Hewitt
launched two new barges from the lower levee in May, 1865; they
were of 300-ton burden each. They were built for the North-
western Packet Company and cost about four thousand dollars each.
The steamers Victor and Savannah passed up in June with the
Thirtieth Illinois Cavalry bound for the Indian country via St. Paul.
One of the new barges was christened Ed Sawyer in honor of tlie
"cashier of the packet company, a worthy gentleman who has made
numerous friends here. Like her namesake, she is square built,
good looking and will carry all she can hold." The other was
named for D. P. Norford, an accountant of the company. "He is
the well-known ex-dealer in drugs and soothing syrups and never
tires of being asked questions in his business capacity."
A sale of forty-four United States steamboats and seven tugs,
part of the Mississippi squadron, occurred at Mound City, Illinois,
August 17, 1865. Among them was the old Peosta, formerly a
ferry boat here.
The first vessels on the Mississippi were the bark canoes of the
savages; then came the dugouts and flat-boats; then the sailing ves-
sels; then the stern-wheel steamers, and now in 1865 were the ele-
gant side-wheel packets averaging about eight miles an hour, soon
to run exclusively for passengers or for freight, with many heavily-
laden barges. The Milwaukee was a model side-wheel packet
and the Ocean Wave a model freighter in 1865. An immense
river business was done this year. Immense quantities of grain
passed down. "Dubuque has reason to be proud of the North-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 229
western Packet Company, which by liberal management has placed
its boats ahead of all upper river competition." — (Cor. Herald,
October 19. 1865.)
Late in 1865 the Northwestern Packet Company ofifered for sale
the steamers Milwaukee, Northern Light, Itasca, War Eagle, Key
City, Ocean Wave, Flora, Diamond Jo, Damsel, Julia and Lansing.
D. W. Hewitt launched a large barge here in April, 1866; it cost
four thousand five liundred dollars and had a capacity for eighteen
thousand bushels of grain.
On Monday, April 30, 1866, the river was but a few inches below
the freshet of 1859, and was over twenty-one feet above low-water
mark. The lower part of the city was under water ; lumber yards
were all afloat. The water was over the sidewalk on the outer
levee ; boats shoved their gangplanks into the warehouses ; wild
boats were thick. Tradition says that the greatest rise was in
1S28. The flood of 1859 raised the river to 213/2 feet above low-
water mark — highest anyone living had ever seen it here.
The Northern Light was covered with ice in April, 1866, while
working her way through Coon slough near Brownsville and
sank in five minutes up to the hurricane deck. Nothing was saved ;
the loss was about twenty-five thousand dollars. Lake Pepin was
open about April 20, 1866, and the Sucker State was the first boat
through.
The Northwestern Packet Company spent annually in Dubuque
about two hundred thousand dollars; its taxes here in 1865
amounted to $6,981.40. Previous to 1850 flat-boats did much of
the up-river traffic. The first important change was made in about
1853-4 by the organization of the Minnesota Packet Company at
Galena. It started with a single steamer, but finally owned nine-
teen, among which were Itasca, Nominee, Alhambra, Galena, War
Eagle, Golden Era and Ocean Wave. In 1856 the Dubuque &
St. Paul Line, with J. P. Farley as president, was established as a
competitor, and a little later the Prairie du Chien Line engaged ill
the up-river trade. Finally they were all consolidated under a long
name with George A. Blanchard secretary and William E. Well-
ington agent. Soon thereafter Captain W. F. Davidson bought
the stern-wheel steamer Jacob Trabor, began a good business, added
other boats and soon was a formidable rival of the consolidated
company, under the name La Crosse & Minnesota Packet Com-
pany. Mr. Wellington bought a small steamer and commenced
business between Dubuque and Winona ; was soon joined by Mr.
Blanchard ; they secured more boats and ere long had managed to
buy enough stock to control the election of officers of the consoli-
dated company. This accomplished, they reorganized the com-
pany November 19, 1863, under the name North-Western Packet
Company. John Lawler, of Prairie du Chien, became president;
W. E. Wellington, of Dubuque, superintendent, and George Blanch-
230 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
ard, of Dubuque, secretary and treasurer. This company, with
headquarters in Dubuque, added to its craft until by March, 1866,
it had ten first-class steamers and thirty-six barges varying in ca-
pacity from five thousand to twenty thousand bushels of grain.
During the winter of 1865-6 the company spent one hundred thou-
sand dollars in constructing barges. The capital of this company
in boats was about five hundred thousand dollars. In May, 1866,
a new company — the North-Western Union Packet Company —
bought all the property of the La Crosse & Minnesota Steam Packet
Company and the Northwestern Packet Company. Its officers
were William F. Davidson, St. Paul, president ; John Lawler,
Prairie du Chien, manager ; George A. Blanchard, Dubuque, secre-
tary ; William Rhodes, St. Paul, treasurer ; W. E. Wellington,
Dubuque, and P. S. Davidson, La Crosse, superintendents. The
new company started with thirty steamboats and seventy-three
barges. The invested capital of the company was announced as
one million five hundred thousand dollars. The shipping capacity
was the moving of one million bushels of grain every five days. The
barges alone had a capacity of three hundred and twenty-five thou-
sand bushels. The company's side-wheel boats were Phil. Sheri-
dan, Milwaukee, City of St. Paul, Itasca, Ocean Wave, Northern
Belle, Key City, Keokuk, War Eagle and Favorite; and its stern-
wheel steamers were Addie Johnston, Damsel, Annie Johnston,
Diamond Jo, Jennie Baldwin, Julia, G. H. Wilson, Flora, Clara
Hine, Hudson, Mankato, Chippewa Falls, Mollie Mohler, Stella
Whipple, Ariel, G. H. Gray, Albany, Cutter, H. S. Allen and St.
Cloud. The headquarters of the company were established in
Dubuque.
Early in 1867 W. F. Davidson was president of the North-
Western Union Packet Company, and John Lawler w'as president
of the Northwestern Packet Company. Both did a large business.
The City Council authorized the construction of the submarine
railway at Eagle Point at this time. A drydock was strongly
talked of. The president of the Northern Line Packet Company
was Thomas B. Rhodes ; its steamers and masters were : Dubuque,
Barker; Sucker State, Hight; Haw-keye State, Worden; Burling-
ton, Greene ; Muscatine, Jenks ; Canada, McGowan ; Pembina, Con-
ger; Petrel, Isherwood ; Dan Hine, Patton. A fine stand of colors
was formally presented to the new steamer Dubuque in the spring
of 1867; its captain was J. W. Parker. A great crowd assembled
at the landing to witness the event. Mayor Graves presented the
colors in a fitting speech, to which brief response was made by
Captain Parker and, at his request, by John H. O'Neill. The boat
was presented with a magnificent pair of elk horns procured at
St. Paul.
The old practice of attaching and tying up a vessel with a
legal writ for a small sum was abrogated by the legislatures of
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 231
the various states. Mathias Ham was president of the new ferry
company at Eagle Point at this time.
In 1867 the Phil. Sheridan was the fastest boat on the river.
Rafting by moonlight was declared to be one of the most enjoyable
experiences of river life. Daniel McLean was one of the best and
most successful raftsmen on the river. In a race of three rafts
down from Lake Pepin in 1867 he won and was paid one hundred
dollars for the victory. In July, 1867, the Phil. Sheridan ran
from St. Louis to Dubuque in forty hours and fifty-five minutes —
quickest trip on record. The government was making great im-
provements on the Mississippi Rapids at this date. Large quanti-
ties of wheat were sent by barges to New Orleans and thence by
vessel to Liverpool, in 1867-8; C. H. Merry, who had opened this
line, was tendered a fine supper as a token of appreciation and
honor by his fellow-citizens. In 1868 the new ferry boat Dunleith,
which cost forty thousand dollars, was put in service; it trans-
ported railway cars and trains across the river, and in a way was a
wonder. The Ocean Wave burned to the water's edge near Lake
Pepin in 1868. Pilots struck for a raise of wages from $75 to
$150 per month.
P. J. Smith, T. W. Burns, O. L. West, H. L. Beedle, William J.
Dolson, N. E. Tibbals, W. R. Tibbals, A. J. Harris, Stephen Dol-
son, T. G. Drenning, George Scott, Jerm Snow, Augustus Noble,
C. Looney, Pat. Gainor, Joseph Wilcox, Joseph Gardapie were well-
known pilots in 1868.
The Union company became known as the "White Collar Line,"
there being strenuous rivalry between it and the Northern Line.
The latter had the following boats and masters in 1869: Minne-
apolis, F. B. Rhodes; Dubuque, J. B. Rhodes; Minnesota, T. B.
Hill; Davenport, B. A. Cooper; Muscatine, G. W. Jenks, Sucker
State, William P. Hight; Hawkeye State, J. Worden; Canada, M.
Green ; Savannah. R. F. Isherwood ; City of Keithsburg, J. W.
Campbell ; New Boston, Robert Melville.
In 1869 the Northwestern Packet Line had the following boats
and masters : Tom Jasper, Frank Burnett ; Phil, Sheridan, A. M.
Hutchinson; Milwaukee, E. V. Holcombe; City of St. Paul, Thos.
Davidson ; Mattie McPike, Moses Hall ; Key City, Judd West ; War
Eagle, Thos. Gushing; Addie Johnson, Sam Painter; Jennie Bald-
win, Charles Leuserbox ; Keokuk, Isaac H. Moulton. It was said
in 1869 that W. E. Wellington had arrived here fourteen years
before with only 15 cents to his name; now in 1869 he was reputed
to be worth one hundred thousand dollars, all made in the river
and boat trade. In 1869 the two companies. Northern and North-
western Union, divided the river trade in order to prevent loss
by too sharp competition ; both ran boats from St. Louis to St. Paul.
In April the Mohawk took down five barges loaded with over one
hundred thousand bushels of wheat. At this time wheat was
232 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
quoted in Chicago at $1.03 '/S and in New Orleans at $1.25. In a
race riot on the steamer Dubuque in July, 1869, above Davenport
nine men were killed. There was a People's Line late in 1869;
also the Merchants' Star Line ; the People's began business with
three boats.
In 1870 Rouse & Dean began to build here their famous iron-
bulled steamers; the first was a tug for a Wisconsin firm; it was
96 feet long by 19 broad and a depth of 3 feet. It was called the
Clyde and was launched in August; it was the first of its kind
built on the Upper Mississippi. There was very high water here
in April, 1870; it rose 21 feet 10 inches above the low water of
1864; the high water of 1859 had been 21 feet 6 inches above the
same mark. Steps to secure a sectional dock were taken in August
by Messrs. Wellington, Hewitt, Cooley, Peabody and others.
The tug-boat Hyde Clark was built here and launched late in.
April, 1870, at the foot of Seventh street; it was sixty feet long
and fourteen feet wide. In June, 1870, the Eagle Point ferry ran
every hour. On April 30, 1870, the Dubuque Rowing Club was
organized with about one hundred members and with a capital of
two thousand five hundred dollars ; its president was Gen. William
Hyde Clark. The club started with one barge, two gigs, three
skififs, and a boathouse 60 x 20 feet; the captain was Alfred Hobbs.
June 4 was "red letter day" for the club; it was the first public
rowing exhibition. The rowers were (i) G. Stephens, (2) M. S.
Connyngham, (3) James Stout, (4) Alfred Hobbs (stroke), and
A. H. Gibbs, coxswain. Later the club owned the barge Desoto,
two four-oared gigs, two four-oared skififs and one captain's cutter
— Vixen. The fourteen-oared barge Desoto was launched June
25, 1870: it was built by Daniel Hewitt and was forty feet long,
five feet wide; it had fourteen oars, double banked man-of-war
fashioned.
The new marine ways were sunk in the ri\er early in 1871 by
Rouse & Dean ; twenty-two men accomplished the work success-
fully. Later, when in use, it was declared to be the best on the
river. In 1871 the White Collar Line and the Northern Line
agreed on a schedule of prices for the up-river trade; cut rates and
war were thus forestalled. There was a race in August between
the gigs Zephyr and Ironsides, distance three miles, ending at the
wharf-boat ; a great crowd gathered to witness the event ; the
Zephyr won by two lengths ; the winners rowed through at thirty-
five strokes. What was called the Dubuque Short Line (Dj.\buque
to St. Paul) had the following boats and masters in 1871 : Rlil-
waukee, Laughton; City of St. Paul, Gushing; Minnesota, Smith;
Sucker State, Wood.
In 1872 the White Collar and Northern lines dissolved their rate
agreement and prepared to cut j)rices to secure the trade. In 1871
another iron steamer was built bv Rouse & Dean. Thev also built
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 233
another in 1872; it was 135 feet long, 25 feet wide and 4 feet deep.
In 1873 the Diamond Jo packets became conspicuous in the river
trade; their first l)(jats and masters were Tidal Wave, Mitchell;
Arkansas, Wilcox ; Diamond Jo, Isherwood ; Ida Fulton, Killeen,
and Imperial. Early in 1873 the Diamond Jo line was in great
favor, because they had good schedules and were not so crowded.
Knapi>. Stout & Co. won a case in court invoh-ing their right to
land rafts on their own property without having to pay wharfage
to the city. Early in 1873 the White Collar and the Northern lines
were merged into one company with a capital of seven hundred
thousand dollars and with John A. McCune president and W. F.
Davidson superintendent — Keokuk Northern Line. The Diamond
Jo Line was given concessions of land, etc., provided they would
establish their headrpiarters here.
In 1875 Johnson & Kalke prepared to build three boats in Du-
bucjue. The Keokuk Northern Line waged war on all cities that
charged wharfage ; the courts had recently decided against the
right of cities to make such charges. Johnson & Kalke built a new
steam ferry boat at their Eagle Point works in 1876; it was 100
feet long, 25 feet broad and 4 feet deep; it could carry eighteen
teams at once and make a trip in five minutes. The old White Col-
lar Line began suit against the city to recover wharfage under the
recent decisions of the courts. The new Keokuk Northern Line
was formed from the three companies : North-Western Union,
Northern and Keokuk, with an aggregate capital of seven hundred
thousand dollars. The wharfage cases were decided against the
boat companies. The new ferry boat Key City was in operation
in May, 1876. In 1877 Congress appropriated fifteen thousand
dollars for the remo\'al of the sandbar in front of the city. The
bar was dredged away to the depth of six feet at low water. Many
wing dams were being built along the river.
In October, 1877, one of the dredge boats in the harbor scooped
up an old musket from the river bottom, on which was stamped the
date "1812." It proved to be the property of William Cams, of
Wisconsin, who, while engaged in scouting duty at the close of
the Blackhawk war, became engaged in a hand-to-hand encounter
with Indians, all in boats, and in the struggle the gun fell overboard.
In October, 1877, an immense convention at St. Paul urged the
appropriation of a sufficient sum by Congress to open the rapids of
the Mississippi and to efifect other needed improvements ; two mil-
lion dollars was asked for these purposes. The Emma and Key
City were the ferry boats in 1877-8. In 1878 there passed through
the drawbridge 3,139 steamboats, 884 barges, 176 wood flats, 498
log rafts, 159 lumber rafts, 37 tie rafts. There passed down the
river 459.000,000 feet of lumber.
In 1878 the Diamond Jo Company located permanently at Eagle
Point and was granted valuable privileges ; Joseph Reynolds was
234 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the owner. J. A. Johnston liad charge of the yards at first ; seventy-
eight men were employed in January, 1880. In 1878 the company
spent here about one luuidred and fifty thousand dollars.
The establishment of an ice harbor at Dubuque was for the pur-
pose of providing a shelter for boats during the winters. Waples
Cut had been used for many years for that purpose; it was now
proposed to dredge out this cut and enlarge it, all of which was
expected to cost about forty thousand dollars. The necessary per-
mission was secured from Congress.
On June 19, 1880, the water in the river was only fourteen
inches below the high water of 1870; on the 21st it rose over the
mark of 1870; on the 23d it had reached a stage of 22 feet JV2
inches above low-water mark, or about 9^/2 inches over the 1870
mark. Many persons were driven from their homes and were per-
mitted to sleep in the City Hall. The Illinois Central tracks were
nearly two feet under water. Nearly all land on the river front
had disappeared and the buildings and lumber piles there were sur-
rounded by the angry waters. On Jones street the water extended
up to Locust; all South Main was under water; it covered the floor
of the Illinois Central depot ; it was two feet deep on Iowa and
Third and Fourth. All houses on White at Fourth and Fifth
were filled with water ; it extended up White to Sixth ; Couler
avenue was completely flooded, all at Thirteenth, Fourteenth and
Fifteenth being under the rushing flood. All high-water records
were thus broken — height 22 feet 8 inches.
In 1880 the Diamond Jo Company built another large steamer —
the ]\Iary Morton, Capt. John Killeen ; the boat cost about forty
thousand dollars and was throughout a product of Dubuque ; Joseph
Reynolds superintended the construction. He had previously built
here the Libbie Conger and the Josephine. At her trial trip many
Dubuquers were on board to testify their appreciation of the work
of the Diamond Jo Company. Resolutions thanking the company
and Superintendent Reynolds for their efforts and success were
passed. At this date, June, 1880, the Diamond Jo Company had
six steamers in service and was a popular line. At this time and
before boats wintered here at the Eagle Point ways and in "the
slough" at Waples Cut. In the fall of 1880 the Keokuk Northern
Line successfully passed through serious financial troubles. In
November Mrs. F. D. Chouteau and Miss Amanda Gregoire, sis-
ters, were drowned in front of the city; their bodies were not recov-
ered for several days.
In January, 1881, Capt. W. J. Dolson, an old river man, died
here; he was born in 1820 and learned boating when a boy; he
lived in Dubuque after 1846, and was related to Capt. Thomas
Levens. another prominent river man. L'nder the reorganization
of the Keokuk Northern Line early in 188 1 Henr)- Lourey became
its president, vice Davidson, released. In February, 1881, there
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 235
were at work in the Diamond Jo yards at Eagle Point about seventy-
five men. The company put in condition the Stillwater, Mark
Bradley and J. W. Mills, built several large coal barges and were
at work on two new steamboats for Clinton and Rock Island owners.
So great was the jam of ice at the bridge April 1 1, explosives were
employed to dislodge it. Mr. Dickey was superintendent at the
Diamond Jo yards in i8<So-i. In the spring of 1881 the Dubuque
& St. Louis Packet Company was organized, with headquarters in
Dubuque, and with B. E. Linehan as one of its principal members.
The St. Louis & St. Paul Packet Line was called for short "the
Saints Line." At the trustees' sale of the boats of the Keokuk
Northern Line the following steamers were sold: War Eagle,
Northwest, Belle of La Crosse, Alex. Mitchell, Rob Roy, Minneap-
olis, Clinton and Redwing; also several barges.
In May, 1881, the river reached the stage of 16 feet 6 inches;
again on October 24 it reached a stage of 21 feet 2 inches, or only
18 inches below the high water of 1880 — 22 feet 8 inches. A
small iron steamer was built and launched by the Iowa Iron Works
late in 1881. Thus far the Diamond Jo Company had built four
steamboats, one new hull and four large barges. In 1882 it built
the raft-boat W. J. Young, Jr., for a Clinton company. This was
the ninth steamer built here by the Diamond Jo Company in three
years. The W. J. Young, Jr., was 140 by 28 by 4^ and cost
twenty-five thousand dollars. In 1882 the Iowa Iron Works began
to build for steamers what was called the "featherwing wheel,"
which entered the water straight and left it straight ; it was first
put in the Vixen and proved a success. The Diamond Jo Line
had in service the Josie, Libbie. Conger, Mary Morton, Josephine
and Pittsburg. The "Saints Line" had in service the White Eagle,
War Eagle. Arkansas, Keokuk, Minneapolis, Centennial, Alex.
Mitchell, Grand Pacific and Alex. Kendall.
In the spring of 1882 the ice harbor was talked of in earnest;
the government was expected to appropriate thirty thousand dollars
for that purpose; it was necessary to buy considerable land adjoin-
ing the Waples Cut from Mr. Stout before work could be com-
menced. It took considerable time to secure the desired land from
Booth and Stout, who had made valuable improvements on the
tract wanted. In June it was decided to use thirteen thousand
dollars left over from the old harbor appropriation and secure a
new one of twenty thousand dollars, all for the ice harbor. In
1880 Major Mackenzie surveyed the various sites for an ice harbor
and reported the most desirable at Dubuque. Waples Cut, enlarged,
was chosen, and the engineers showed that the cost would be about
forty thousand dollars; in 1882 Congress appropriated twenty
thousand dollars to start the work; the plan was to dredge down
six feet below low-water mark and provide room for twenty
236 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
steamers and fifty barges. In 1883 the Diamond Jo yards suffered
a fire loss of aljout fifteen tliousand dollars.
In 1884 W. F. Davidson was president of the "Saints Line."
Many boats came to the Diamond Jo yards for repairs. Their
vessels Pittsburg, Sidney, Mary Morton and Libbie Conger ran
from St. Louis to St. Paul, but the Josephine plied between Du-
buque, Davenport and Rock Island only. In 1884 Congress appro-
priated another twenty thousand dollars for the ice harbor. In
1884 the Iowa Iron Works built in the ice harbor the iron tug-boat
Ida Patton; she was yj -s. 14 xs^^ and cost about nine thousand
dollars. Four boats for the government were under contract here
in 1884. This year a company with a capital of one hundred thou-
sand dollars was formed to make important improvements at and
near Eagle Point. They cut a canal 350 feet long and 40 feet wide
througii the island opposite Eagle Point and constructed piling to
the mainland at Smeed's bottom. They had docks and a ferry boat
in operation. It was called the Eagle Point, Dubuque & Grant
County Ferry ; the boat was built by the Diamond Jo Company.
The ice harbor was not yet completed, but late in 1885 work was
again commenced.
The Diamond Jo boats and masters in 1885 were as follows:
Pittsburg, Killeen; Mary Morton, Boland; Sidney, Best; Libbie
Conger, Corbett ; Josephine, Congar ; Josie, Sweeney. So great
was the demand for quick river transit the Diamond Jo Company
prepared to construct fast passenger boats to ply from St. Louis
to St. Paul — all of steel and to be built here ; many steel barges
were projected. Six steel hull steamers were planned at once.
The design was to separate the passenger and freight traffic. By
July, 1885, the ice harbor was practically completed. The J. K.
Graves, an iron hull rafter, was built in the ice harbor in 1885.
The Van Sant & Musser Transportation Company built a large
rafter here early in 1886; it was called Musser and was 137 feet
long. The Diamond Jo Company built the upper part and tiie
Iowa Iron Works tlie iron and steel part. At this date the princi-
pal river business was the towing of log and lumber rafts; the usual
size of the rafts was about five hundred feet long and two hundred
and fifty feet wide ; Thomas Dolson was captain. Joseph Reynolds
was president and general manager and E. M. Dickey superinten-
dent of the Diamond Jo Line; tliis line built a barge with a double
steel hull in 1886. The sudden movement of all the ice in the river
about March 18, 1886, was witnessed by thousands of persons.
At this date there were about eighty steamers engaged in the upper
Mississippi trade, exclusive of the Diamond Jo and "Saints" lines.
The following boats were owned at Dubuque : Helen Mar, Louis-
ville, Menominee and B. E. Linehan, by Knapp. Stout & Co. ; A.
Railing, by the Standard Lumber Company ; Nellie, by Specht
Bros. : Jim Watson, by Hamsen & Linehan. Forty-eight business
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 237
firms along the river owned the above eighty boats. Previous to
the spring of 1886 the Iowa Iron Works had confined its boat
work principally to iron hulls, but at that date it established a gen-
eral shipbuilding department.
The Campbell was the transfer packet in 1887; it was in opera-
tion in March. In August, 1887, J- K. Graves was president of
the boat club. In January, 1888, the Upper Mississippi River Con-
vention assembled here and took strong action in favor of large
river improvements; the visitors were banqueted at the Lorimier
House. Owing to tlie construction of light draft boats rafting was
continued all summer in 1888, regardless of low water.
The Linehan Transportation Company brought its large steamer
here for repairs; its capacity was twenty cars and was bought in
the South. The Linehan Ferry Company was active in 1888.
The Dubuque Boating Association owned five boats this year ; sev-
eral regattas were held; Captain Hobbs was usually the referee.
In January, 1889, the St. Louis, St. Paul & Minneapolis Packet
Company was organized.
RAFTER CAPTAINS FOR 189O.
Ezra Chace, J. H. Laycock, A. M. Short, J. A. Wooders, Orrin
Smith, Vol. Bigelow, Gary Denberg, Derwin Dorrance. S. B.
Winthrop, Thomas Peel, William McCaffrey, O. J. Newcomb, Asa
Woodward, J. M. Newcomb, Joseph Buisson, C. Buisson, W. S.
Mitchell, A. Roque, Thomas Dofson, Al. Hollingshead, James
Follmer, George Carpenter, H. B. Bresee, Dan Davisson, James
Hugunin, George Reed, Phil. Shackel, James Coleman, C. C. Car-
penter, C. B. Romahn. John Hugunin, J. G. Moore, John Hoy,
John Lancaster, R. H. Tromley, Henry Fuller, L. A. Day, M. M.
Loonev, Joseph Young, I. H. Wasson, William Davis, William
York, b. F. Dorrance, J. M. Turner, A. P. Lambert, J. W. Rambo,
W. A. Kratka, E. D. Dixon, J. N. Long, Henry Walker, N. B.
Lucas, R. M. Cassidy, R. S. Owens, William Dobler, William
Anderlee, W. R. Slocum, John O'Connor, J. H. Short, George
Tromley, Jr., Charles White, W. H. Whistler, Henry Slocum,
Walter Blair, Ira Fuller, George Rutherford, Thomas Hoy, Joseph
Dooley, J. H. Milliron. John Monroe, Robert Dodds, Cyrus King,
George Brasser, Paul Kerz. The rafters Clyde, Jennie Hays, St.
Croix and Nellie were owned at Dubuque.
By 1890 Dubuque had become a great center for the construc-
tion of steel hulls. The Ferdinand Herold, which was launched
late in July, 1890, was the twenty-second iron and steel craft sent
out by the Iowa Iron Works; the Clvde was the first, in 1870. In
July, 1890, the office of the United States steamboat inspector was
removed to Dubuque.
Early in 189 1 the Laclede Packet Company was organized at
Burlington. C. H. Pitsch was manager of the St. Louis, St. Paul
238 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
& Minneapolis Packet Company at tliis time ; its packets were few ;
its most active boats were rafters. Diamond Jo Reynolds died at
Prescott, Arizona, early in 1891 ; his fortune was estimated at from
one million dollars to twenty million dollars. He was the owner
of the Diamond Jo Line and was interested in inmiense deals else-
where. Scores of stories were current as to his diamonds, and one
reporter placed in the newspaper an immense diamond in his shirt
front ; none of these stories were true. He had adopted the mark
which was placed on all shipments handled by him; and his name
Joseph was the origin of the name Diamond Jo.
In 1891 the Iowa Iron Works built for the government the tor-
pedo boat Dubuque at a cost of $113,500; it was 150 feet long, 14
wide and 6 high; it was modeled after the Gushing. The contract
provided that if the boat could make more than twenty-eight knots
per hour the contractors were to receive a bonus of fifty-six thou-
sand dollars. The snag-boat James B. McPherson was built by
this company in 1891 ; it was 175 feet long and one of the finest
vessels ever constructed here. It was launched on August 8,
Senator Allison being present and speaking. William Hopkins
superintended the construction.
In January, 1892, the Diamond Jo Line of steamers was granted
the right to occupy and use a certain part of the public levee and
to erect and maintain thereon a warehouse and office. This ordi-
nance was vetoed by the Mayor and was passed over his veto. The
Mayor's veto was based upon the opinion that the city did not
receive for this franchise just compensation.
The Pilots' Transportation Company endeavored to do river
business in 1892 on credit and failed. Many citizens in 1892
wanted the government to deed to the city the bed of Lake Peosta.
In 1893 General Booth's new sand pump barge was christened
Mound Builder by Miss Fannie Cozech ; it was built by the Iowa
Iron Works and was 112 feet long. In 1893 the torpedo boat
Ericsson was built here. At this date the Diamond Jo officers were
E. M. Dickey, president ; John Killeen, vice-president ; F. A. Bill,
secretary and treasurer. The largest raft of lumber that ever
passed down the river in barges was towed by the steamer Dolphin
in April, 1893; there were seven barges, containing 2,270,000 feet
of lumber, 760,000 lath, and to this was added here the hull of the
old steamer Osborne and 200,000 feet more of lumber. It passed
down at the rate of about seven miles an hour.
The St. Louis, St. Paul and Minneapolis Packet Company had
several boats here early in the nineties; their boat St. Paul passed to
the Diamond Jo Gomi)any. The Windom (revenue cutter) was
being built here in 1893-94.
In spite of all, the old river men could not help noticing the great
decadence in river traffic from thirty and forty years before. Short-
run packets were resorted to in 1893-94 to meet new conditions.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 239
The cut of 30 per cent in railroad freiglit rates was a severe blow
to river men, but the Diamond Jo Company seemed to do well.
Small draft and short line boats were greatly in evidence; St. Paul,
Pittsburg, Sidney, Mary Morton and Gem City were their boats.
The Ericsson torpedo boat was launched here by the Iowa Iron
Works in May, 1894; Miss Carrie Kiene christened the vessel;
20,000 people witnessed the launching. This boat went down the
Mississippi and saw service in the Spanish-American war. It was
defective in several important particulars, but in the end did good
service. In August, 1894, the river here was the lowest in thirteen
years. In December of this year the Upper Mississippi Pilots' Asso-
ciation assembled here. Early in 1895 three new torpedo boats were
called for; the Iowa State Iron Works bid for each $137,000, but
others were a little lower. In April, 1895, the Windom torpedo
boat was nearly ready here. Jay Morton was president of the Dia-
mond Jo Line. The new steamer Dubuque arrived from St. Louis
in April, 1897. By 1898 the Iowa Iron Works had built or partly
built over one hundred boats. In 1898 this company launched two
large iron hulls in the ice harbor. One was a transfer boat, 303 feet
long, and was No. 43 of its class built here ; seven other boats were
under construction at the time. About this time the Iowa Iron
Works pay roll was about $11,000 per month; in fourteen months
ending June, 1899, that company paid out over $400,000 for labor
and material; it had about 230 men on the pay roll. The Acme
Packet Company ran packets and other boats about this time. Capt.
Thomas Parker and his six sons, all river men, were known to
everybody. Captain Winans and Captain Streckfus ran boats of
their own. The Dubuque Boat and Boiler Company began business
about 1906-07; it built two dredge boats in 1907. Early in 1907
it began on the giant transfer boat Albatros, and in June it sailed
down to Vicksburg. Other boats have been built recently, among
them the B. F. Yocum, now being finished. Capt. Steve Dolson, a
well-known river man, died in 1909. The river business is not what
it used to be.
RAILWAY PROJECTS.
TO AN early citizen of Dubuque, Jolui Plumbe, Jr., is given tlie
credit of taking the first steps to build a railroad from Lake
Michigan to the Mississippi and on to the Pacific ocean. As
early as 1836 he commenced the preliminaries for the con-
struction of such a line. Two years later he drew up a petition for the
establishment of this line, which was numerously signed and for-
warded to Congress bearing the date April, 1838. It began as fol-
lows : "The connection of Lake Michigan with the Mississippi river,
at or near the Borough of Dubuque, by means of a railroad to be
located upon the most eligible ground within the territory is a sub-
ject of such importance, etc. * * * The entire length of the Lake
Michigan and Dubuque railroad would be only about one hundred
and fifty miles * * * Within little more than eight months of last
year (1837) the total number of steamboat arrivals and departures
at the port of Dubuque amounted to no less than 717." General
Jones, who was then in Congress, secured an appropriation to defray
the expense of locating the first division of the road. It should be
said that in 1849 Mr. Plumbe, at his own expense, discovered and
inspected a practical route through the South Pass for a railroad
to the Pacific coast, being the fir.st to accomplish this task. — {Times,
July 10, 1857.) Asa Whitney was one of the foremost in the
struggle for a Pacific railroad.
It is true that Mr. Plumbe not only projected the line, prepared
the petition and secured the Congressional appropriation, but in
person and at his own cost began the inspection, if not the survey,
of the line from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi. He did not
relinquish his efiforts, and in 1847 proposed a grant of land from
the government to aid the project; the proposal contained the fol-
lowing points : (i ) The grant to consist of alternate sections of
land; (2) the stock to be $10 a share; (3) at the time of subscrip-
tion 50 cents to be paid on each share; (4) the railroad to be man-
aged by a board of directors; (5) the government to enjoy forever
the free use of the road; (6) editors, ministers, missionaries, etc.,
to ride free.
The citizens of Dubuque, in 1S38-9, warmly favored this pro-
posed Lake Michigan and Mississippi railroad, which was projected
westward from Milwaukee, presumably to the Mississippi at Du-
buque. A bill for a survey of this road was defeated in the Iowa
Territorial Legislature on' the ground that it was outside of the
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territory. It was further presented that such a road should not he
designed for Dubuque county alone, but for the whole territory ;
and as Dubuque county and town were the only parts to be benefited
the bill should not pass.
By act of December 7, 1836, the Belmont & Dubuque Railroad
Company was incorporated and two of the commissioners were
John Foley and Francis K. O'Ferrall, of Dubuque county. In
February, 1837, books for subscriptions to the stock of this road
were opened in this city. The subscriptions were under the man-
agement of the commissions appointed by the act. During the
latter part of 1838 the route between Milwaukee and Dubuque was
surveyed. At this date also a survey was made of the Chicago &
Galena Railroad.
Milwaukee was anxious to secure the railway westward to Du-
buque for the double purpose of keeping Chicago out of northern
and central Iowa and of winning that promising field for herself.
Chicago had the same double end in view. In the end Chicago
won by building *.he Chicago & Galena Union Railway. Numer-
ous other lines connecting the lake and the Mississippi were pro-
posed during the early forties ; one was to connect Madison, Wis-
consin, with the Mississippi at Dubuque. In October, 1847, at a
big railway mass meeting here Gen. James Wilson spoke at length
favoring the proposed connection of Milwaukee and Dubuque by
rail. On May 20, 1848, a large railroad convention was held
here, Theophilus Crawford serving as chairman. Resolutions favor-
ing the railroads and the subscription of stock were passed.
What was called the "Railroad Committee of Dubuque County"
was organized early in 1848 by the election of Peter A. Lorimier,
Mayor, president, and Patrick Quigley secretary. The committee
announced itself ready to receive reports from the several commit-
tees appointed in accordance with the resolutions of the railroad
convention held at Iowa City January 17, 1848.
On the State Railroad Committee appointed at the railroad con-
Acntion held in Iowa City in January, 1848, were Peter A. Lori-
mier and Lucius Langworthy, of Dubuque county ; Thomas H.
Benton, Jr., of Dubuque county, served as president of the con-
vention. The people of the State were in earnest regarding rail-
roads. The one now proposed was to extend from Keokuk to
Dubuque.
At a large railroad meeting held in Dubuque in March, 1848,
to consider connecting Lake Michigan and the Mississippi, Col. C.
H. Booth served as chairman and W. H. Merritt and A. P. Wood
as .secretaries. The objects of the meeting were explained by
General Jones and L. H. Langworthy. A committee of seven was
appointed to draft resolutions — L. H. Langworthy, G. W. Jones,
Lincoln Clark, W. Y. Lovell, E. Fitzpatrick, Charles Miller and
N. Nadeau. The resolutions warmly favored the construction of
24-' HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
a railroad from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi at Jordan's Ferry,
opposite Dubuque. Steps to prepare a memorial to Congress were
taken. The committee to memorialize Congress were L. H. Lang-
worthy, W. W. Coriell, George W. Jones, Lincoln Clark, \\'. Y.
Lovell, T. S. Wilson and Timotliy Mason.
In 1848-Q Congress passed an act donating alternate sections of
land to the Dubuque & Keokuk Railway ; this was the first Dubuque
county land thus granted. Dubuque was particularly anxious for
rail connection with Lake Michigan, because during the thirties and
forties business men here were at the mercy of St. Louis, there
being no competition. It became known here that combinations to
keep up the prices at up-river points existed at St. Louis, and that
the boat lines were in collusion with St. Louis to extort large reve-
nues from Dubuque and other up-river points. Thus during tlie
late forties numerous railway projects were considered by large
and enthusiastic mass meetings and conventions. In February,
1849, the citizens gathered at the courthouse to listen to a railway
project described by William B. Ogden, of Chicago.
"Will the citizens not try to effect a communication with the
East by means of a railroad and thus have an outlet for their in-
creasing productions? There is nothing to hinder if we will agree.
The Chicago & Dubuque Railroad will afiford the quickest means
of communication witli the East. But we have no time to lose.
Our merchants, men of property and citizens generally, must ex-
hibit a better public spirit before they can accomplish anything.
Let us begin with our harbor. What is its condition? Is it a
place where any sensible man would make it the terminus of a
railroad? We believe Dubuque great, but we must convince otliers
also. We must provide an accessible and commodious lamling.
Keokuk, Burlington, Bloomington, Rock Island and even Bellevue
have done more for a practical landing than Dubuque. To what
is this to be ascribed? I say positkrly to a want of that unanimity
which is so characteristic of us. If the City Council can't make
this improvement out of the islands, or under the power granted
in the present charter, let us have a new one, with power to levy
a certain tax to construct this harbor and to do it when it best suits
with reference to the best interests of all." — (Iowa, in Miners'
Express, December 5, 1849.)
"The whole country — North, South, East, and West — cities,
towns, hamlets, and villages, are crying out 'Railroads! Let us
have railroads!!' This cry is approaching us from all directions,
while here we are in Dubuque as unconcerned as if 'Whiskey Hill*
and 'Dirty Hollow' were ever to be the only thoroughfares from
and to Dubuque. Our neighbors of Galena are making arrange-
ments to go and meet the Chicago road ; Milwaukee and her sister
towns are engaged in a vigorous efifort to connect themselves to
the Mississippi a few miles above us; while here we are asleep in
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 243
a kind of dreamy-drowsy-stupid lethargy. We should make im-
mediate provision to unite ourselves to the Chicago and Galena
road at the latter place. The company is under no obligation to
come to Dubuque. When in the future the road is extended to
the Mississippi where is the guaranty that Dubuque will be the
point reached?" — {Miners' Express, December 12, 1849.)
The Miners' Express, in 1850, had so much to say on the subject
of railroads and there were so many rumors and projects afloat
that it established a "Railroad Department." In January, 1850,
the plan was considered to connect Dubuque with the Red River of
the North and to make Dubuque the focus of all lines of the North-
west. Al)out this time a railroad westward from Dubuque pass-
ing through Cascade had been proposed, and at a railroad meeting
in the latter \'illage Bell, Banghart, Langworthy, Eaton and Dillon
delivered addresses. Lovell and Langworthy were agents of the
Dubuque & Keokuk line. In 1850-1 the Chicago & Galena Union
Railway and the Illinois Central Railway were under course of
construction and it was seen here that one or both of them would
eventually reach Dubuque. The people here were asked to take
stock in both roads, but refused unless they would be constructed
to this point.
In August, 1852, Galena prohibited the passage through that city
of the Illinois Central Railway and took this step to prevent that
road from building on to Dubuque, hoping to become the western
terminus of that road and thus the business focus of the North-
west. This step forced tlie Illinois Central to pass around Galena
on its way to Dubuque or Dunleith. At a mass meeting of the
citizens September 22, 1852, the proposition of taking one hundred
thousand dollar stock in the Milwaukee, Janesville & Mississippi
Railroad was considered ; eight thousand dollars was subscribed on
the spot. In a few weeks this city voted in favor of this stock,
only nine votes being polled against it. When it was announced
in June, 1852, that the Chicago & Galena Union Railroad would
be finished to Galena in eighteen months great excitement and
rejoicing ensued. In May, 1853, one hundred and fifty citizens
petitioned the Council to take one hundred thousand dollars stock
in the Dubuque & Pacific Railway. The Miners' Express opposed
the loan, but not violently. The question was submitted to the
voters and carried by 466 to 79. The vote in the whole county
on two hundred thousand dollars subscription was 954 for and
717 again. New Wine, Concord, Jefi^erson, Peru, Iowa, Mosalem,
White Water, Liberty. Prairie Creek. Cascade and Dodge town-
ships returned majorities against the subscription. The over-
whelming vote in Julien township in favor of the project. 666 for
to 160 against, carried the question. Work on the road was soon
commenced. Colonel Mason was chief engineer here, J. P. Farley
was president, F. S. Jesup treasurer and Piatt Smith attorney. In
244 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the summer of 1853 Dunleith (now East Dubuque) was laid out,
as the Illinois Central was fast approaching. The Milwaukee road,
though voted stock, was not built. By Stepember, 1854, cars began
to run from Galena to Chicago, the fare being $5.25 ; the fare from
Dubuque was $6.25
"To the President and Directors of the Dubuque & Pacific Rail-
road : Perceiving that some of our citizens think so much of our
useless island and seem disposed to want a much larger price for it
than it is worth, I will offer you free of charge twenty acres of
land for your depot grounds and a sufficient quantity of it shall be
on the river to accommodate the business of your road. The land
is situated at my furnace, where the largest class of steamboats can
land at all stages of water, and a part of said land is within the
present city limits. Hoping you will give this your favorable
consideration, Yours respectfully, P. A. Lorimier, December i,
1853." This ofifer seemed to bring the citizens to their senses.
In October, 1853, President Nelson Dewey, of the Southern
Wisconsin road, came here and asked the Council to aid his line
with fifty thousand dollars. On this question the Council voted
as follows : For the grant — Burt, Heeb and Langworthy ; against
tlie grant — Samuels, McNamara, Wilde and O'Hare.
On the question to grant ten acres of land to the Dubuque &
Pacific road for depot purposes the vote stood in 1854: For, 677,
and against, 285. In September, 1855, the city voted on taking
an additional one hundred thousand dollars stock in the Dubuque &
Pacific road — for, i.oii ; against, 109. In January, 1855, the city
voted as follows on the question of taking one hundred and fifty
thousand dollars stock in the Mississippi & Milwaukee road : For,
574; against, 135. This was the same road, with name changed,
that stock had been voted for in 1853. At this time many objected
to any stock subscription to the last-named road, declaring that the
outlet to Chicago was sufficient and that Dubuque should now help
build the roads leading westward in order to open new fields to
Dubuque.
"The city has already pledged its credit for one hundred thousand
dollars to the -Southern Wisconsin road ; one hundred thousand to
the Dubuque & Pacific road. Individuals in the city are pledged
to the latter for one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The
county is pledged to tlie same for two hundred tliousand dollars,
and the bonds of the city are already in the market for thirty thou-
sand dollars. This makes five hundred and eighty thousand dol-
lars. Add to this one hundred and fifty thousand dollars voted on
the 2d inst. and we have the handsome little sum of seven hundred
and fifty thousand dollars. Truly, we are a progressive people." —
{Express and Herald, January 4, 1855.)
In July, 1855, R. B. Mason & Co. contracted to build thirty
miles of the Dubuque & Pacific road ne.xt to Dubuque. On June
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 245
II, 1855, a party of about twenty ladies and gentlemen of Dubuque
was carried from Dunleith to Galena on the construction train.
This was a special arrangement and may be said to have been the
first passengers to go over that part of the road; seats were placed
on the gravel cars and the run was made in about forty minutes.
"A train of passenger cars arrived on Saturday night (June 9,
1855) about twelve o'clock at Dunleith. This is the first train
through and it ushers in a new era for the prosperity, business,
wealth and growth of Dubuque and the adjacent country." —
{Express and Herald, June 13, 1855.)
On the question of granting tlie north half of Middle Island to
the Dubuque & Pacific Railroad, in September, 1855, the city voted
130 in favor of the grant and 614 against it. The completion of
the Illinois Central to Dunleith was the occasion of an immense
celebration here. Many visitors were present — a number from
Chicago. The citizens had subscribed a sum to cover expenses,
but the costs ran $402 over that sum.
"We must say that if we, the people of Dubuque, are so stupid
or so niggardly of our present wealth or so lazy that we will not
push out our railroads to the West and Northwest immediately,
why, then, if we are left behind in the path of advancement we can
blame nobody but ourselves. Dubuque has got to wake up and go
to work at once to secure the trade and business of the country
west or she will be not only tributary to others herself but an unim-
portant secondary point. We have the start now, let us keep it.
Railroads have made Chicago what she is and will make Dubuque."
— (Express and Herald, June 25, 1855.) In the summer of 1855,
when the Illinois Central Railroad was completed to Dunleith, this
city held a big celebration of the event.
On the question of taking two hundred and fifty thousand dol-
lars stock in the Dubuque & Northwestern Railroad the county
voted: For the subscription, 2,166; against the subscription, 1,010.
On October 3, 1856, steam was raised in the engine "Dubuque"
for the first time ; this was the first engine in Dubuque ; it required
considerable care and skill to bring this engine across on the ferry
and to load and unload it. The Tete des Mortes branch of the
Dubuque & Pacific road was considered in 1855-6 and early in 1857
was being constructed. By January i, 1857, the Dubuque & Pa-
cific road was completed to within five miles of Dyersville.
By proclamation of Mayor Wilson December 13, 1856, was set
as the date of the special election to decide whether the city should
borrow five hundred thousand dollars for railroad purposes. The
election was duly held with the following results: For the loan,
1,456; against the loan, 4; rejected by canvassers, i ; majority for
the loan, 1,451. "We congratulate the people upon the result of
the ballot yesterday. It has settled the railroad policy of Du-
246 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
buque to have a system of railroads reaching to the Southwest
and the Northwest." — (Express and Herald, December 17, 1856.)
All Dubuque was urged to assist all Northwest, Southwest, Du-
liuque & Bcllevue and Turkey River Valley railroads. "These
roads will do more to build up Dubuque than all other means com-
bined. Before Dubuque will be, next to Chicago, the great city of
the West, the lines of roadroad in course of construction and those
recently projected must be pushed on towards completion." — (Ex-
press and Herald, January 28, 1857.)
The Dubuque Southwestern Railroad was let to contractors in
January, 1857, and was thirty-one miles long — four between Du-
buque and the junction with the Dubuque & Pacific and the balance
between Farley and Aiiamosa. The road was let at twenty-five
thousand dollars a mile. The newspapers at this time indulged in
pleasing dreams as to the future of Dubuque. Several made it the
center of the railroads of the West — that is, west of Chicago.
In January, 1857, the following officers of the Dubuque, St.
Paul & St. Peters" Railroad were elected: F. E. Bissell, president;
J. W. Taylor, treasurer; B. M. Samuels, attorney; H. E. Fellowes,
secretary ; James Langworthy, Gen. John Hodgdon, Governeur Mor-
ris, W. J. Barney, G. L. Nightingale, Gen. W. Lewis, Hon. G. W.
Jones, directors.
By a handbill dated February 23, 1857, the citizens of Cascade
called a railroad meeting to be held in that town March 7 "to secure
the location of tlie Great Northwestern Railroad on the route from
Galena to this place." George W. Trumbull was chairman of the
citizens' committee which called the meeting.
By special act of Legislature approved January 28, 1857, the
city of Dubuque was authorized to subscribe for two hundred and
fifty thousand dollars stock of the Dubuque, St. Peters and St.
Paul Railroad and to issue bonds for that purpose.
The vote here. March 31, 1857, as to whether the city should
lend her credit by issuing bonds to the amount of five hundred
thousand dollars additional to aid the Dubuque, St. Peters & St.
Paul Railroad, resulted as follows: For the loan, 1,129; against
the loan, 94; illegal, 5 ; total vote, 1,228. By May 20, 1857, work
had been commenced by the Dubuque & Southwestern Railroad
Company along Lake F*eosta, near Eighteenth street. "The first
shipment from the interior on the Dubuque & Pacific road was
brought in on Thursday from Dyersville. It consisted of a con-
signment to West & Hopkins of 450 barrels of flour for shipment."
— (Express and Herald. May 20. 1857.)
Mayor Wilson. Edward Langworthy and I". Herruu, in June,
18=^7, were successful in negotiating this city's railroad bonds in
New York Citv. where thev had been sent for that purpose. The
building of tiic Dubuque Western Railroad in 1857 led to the rapid
growth of Farlev Junction. :\lany buildings were soon in process
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 247
of construction. The Illinois Central and the Dubuque & Pacific
railroads secured in the summer of 1857 a large site for a station
and depot at Jones and Iowa streets, extending through to Dodge.
The two roads pledged themselves to build a union depot that
would cost one hundred thousand dollars. A fine railroad bridge
across the river was also planned. In consequence land near that
spot advanced fifty percent within a few days.
Dubuque expected by the Northwest Railroad to cut off and
capture nearly all the trade of southern Minnesota by running to
the rear of McGregor's Landing, La Crescent, Winona, Reed's
Landing and Hastings, and draw off much of the trade of St. An-
thony, Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Pacific road would bring here
the trade of all northern Iowa and the Southwestern road to Ana-
mosa on the Iowa Central Line would bring central Iowa trade
here, cutting off Sabula and Lyons. — {Express and Herald, April
22, 1857.)
"Look Out for the Locomotive. — The trains on the Dubuque &
Pacific road commence tomorrow to make regular trips to Dyers-
ville." — (Express and Herald, April 22, 1857.) "Brought Over.
— The Dubuque & Pacific road has had brought over and placed
upon the track their two passenger cars. On Monday they will
bring over their new locomotive 'Black Hawk,' then 'look out for
squalls.' " — (Express and Herald. April 29, 1857.)
The Dubuque Western Railroad and the Dubuque, St. Peters
& St. Paul Railroad occupied joint depot grounds and were upon
the main channel of the Mississippi and centrally located. The
first mentioned road leased the line of the Dubuque & Pacific
company as far as Farley Junction, from which point it passed
southwestward to Anamosa, its object being to strike the Iowa
coal fields. This road could not go via Cascade owing to the heavy
grades. "The contract cost of the first thirty miles from Dubuque
to Dyersville is $1,100,000, which is $36,666 per mile; this in-
cludes building, rolling stock, etc., except fencing and ballasting."
— (Express and Herald, November 4, 1857.)
The Dubuque Western Railroad had two locomotives named
"Lonsdale" and "Columbiana." The former went into a slough,
but was raised. Previous to October, 1858, the citizens of Du-
buque voted loans for railroad purposes as follows :
Dubuque & Pacific $ 200,000
Dubuque Western 250,000
Turkey River Vallev 200,000
Dubuque & St. Peters 750,000
Dubuque & Bellevue 100,000
Southern Wisconsin 1 50,000
Total $1,650,000
248 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Up to that time tliere had been issued only $200,000 for the
Dubuque & Pacific and $250,000 for the Dubuque Western. It
was now proposed, owing to the hard times, to issue no more of
the bonds and the question of further issues was laid over to a
subsequent date in the City Council.
In March, 1857, the Council of Dubuque was petitioned to lend
the Dubuque, St. Peters & St. Paul Railroad $500,000 more,
making in all $750,000. The press at this time demanded that
the railroad company should now "show its hand" before expecting
this large addition to its subscriptions. It was demanded that
the route of the road should be made known. "The city has dealt
even magnanimously with the proposed road already, having given
it, or is ready to give it, $250,000, and now its directors ask a
half million more. The city is rich, to be sure; she has sold a
large amount of real estate recently, and has a large amount more
to sell, and she may be able to give a half million to the first
applicant ; but we submit whether she ought not to know how
and where it is to be put." — {Express and Herald, March 11,
1857.) As a matter of fact the company proposed to start from
Dyersville instead of from Dubuque.
On and after May 16, 1859, regular trains were run on the
Dubuque & Western Railway. They left Farley Junction every
morning at 9:30. The trains ran as far as Sand Spring, where
stages received passengers who were bound farther westward.
The trains at Farle)- Junction connected with those on the Dubuque
& Pacific.
Both the Galena & Chicago Union and the Illinois Central Rail-
ways practiced extortion on the shippers at Dubuque, and the
river freight and packet companies and concerns did even worse.
It was shown in March, 1859, that a saving of about 30 cents per
hundred could be gained by shipping via Milwaukee. "It is well
known that freight from Chicago to Dunleith has been kept at
nujch higher rates than at any other points on the Mississippi ; the
consequence is that Davenport, Fulton City and McGregor have
had a great advantage over Dubuque." — {Express and Herald
Cor., March 23, 1859.)
Over one hundred of the leading business men of Dubuque
petitioned the Illinois Central Railroad early in April, 1862, to
cancel the new order concerning freight carriage between Dubuque
and Dunleith, and asked that they be allowed to deliver and re-
ceive their own freight at Dunleith. The order objected to was
as follows : "In future the rates from Dunleith to Chicago will be
the same as from Dubuque: On grain, 23 cents per 100 pounds;
on flour, 45 cents per barrel; and all freight will be transferred
from Dubuf|ue by our regular transfer agent at above rates."
In 1867 the Illinois Central and the Dubu(|uc & Sioux City rail-
ways were united and a railwa\- bridge at Dubuque was planned.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 249
At this date the Sioux City hue had ninety-nine miles in opera-
tion and the Southwestern forty-four miles. In 1868 great efforts
to secure lines that would compete with the Illinois Central were
made. In the summer the tunnel through the bluff at Dunleith
was being cut and 300 men were at work on the railroad bridge.
Right of way upon reasonable terms was given at all times to
railway companies that made the right showing and meant busi-
ness.
In March, 1870, Dubuque undertook the task of raising $200.-
000 private subscription for the Dubuque & Minnesota Railway,
which promised a very much desired communication with the
upper country; by March 19 $150,100 had been subscribed. A
passenger station was located at White and Fifth streets. Work
on the above railway was pushed in 1871 ; Guttenburg was the
first large town it reached above Dubuque. The first passenger
car for that line arrived at Dubuque alDOut September 13; alsa
twenty-five new box cars. October 9, 1871, the first regular pas-
senger train ran up this line. A large excursion from Dubuque
ran to Lansing May 8, 1872: this was the opening to that city. In
1872 the machine shops at Eagle Point were built. In 1872 the
Chicago, Clinton & Dubuque road was opened to Clinton; a big
excursion celebrated the event. The pivot in the drawbridge broke
in 1874, but anotlier was secured from Pittsburg in a hurry. The
Dubuque, Cascade & Western road was talked of late in the seven-
ties. The railway tariff law was repealed by the legislature in
March, 1878. By November 4 cars ran through to Zwingle on
the Cascade & Bellevue road. In 1880 the Chicago, Milwaukee &
St. Paul Company bought out the Chicago, Clinton, Dubuque &
Minnesota line. In the eighties, on the question of retaining the
Milwaukee shops by a donation of $35,000, the city voted — for
retention, 1.704; against retention, 54. The Dubuque & North-
western was planned in 1882-3. This road was assisted by $160.-
000 or more on a 5 per cent tax ; it was called Chicago, Burling-
ton & Northern in 1884; this line connected the whole Burlington
system with Dubuque. This line paid General Booth $55,000 for
a depot site, etc., from the Third street bridge to the river front.
In March, 1886, Dyersville voted a 5 per cent tax to aid this line.
The Dubuque & Northwestern and the Minnesota & Northwestern;
consolidated late in 1886. Dubuque assisted the Chicago, Milwau-
kee & St. Paul line with $60,000 in 1886.
The ordinance of October, 1870, granted the Dubuque & Minne-
sota Railway Company the right of way through the city, and
made careful provisions for all probable contingencies. The ordi-
nance of February, 1871, gave the Dubuque, Bellevue & Mississippi
Railway Company the same rights. The ordinance of March,
1881, granted the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Com-
pany the same right. The ordinances of March, 1884, and June,-
2SO HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
'885, gave the Dubuque & Northwestern Railway Company the
same privileges. The ordinance of Februar>', 1886, granted the
Chicago, Burhngton & Northern Railway Company right of way
through the city. The latter was given additional rights by ordi-
nance October. 1890. The ordinance of December, 1884, gave
the Illinois Central Railroad Company similar rights and privi-
leges ; other ordinances extended its rights and subjected it to
further duties and accommodations. Ordinances were passed in
April, 1878, and January, 1883, granting C. H. Booth and H. L.
Stout and Ingram, Kennedy & Day the right to lay railway tracks
along certain streets.
In 1888 the Dubuque & Southwestern Railroad was projected
to pass through Monmouth, Canton, Garryowen, Maquoketa to
Dubuque. It was shown here that $150,000 could be raised for this
road.
In 1887 the talked of removal of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul shops from Dubuque caused considerable excitement, a great
deal of inquiry and many angry articles in the newspapers.
Late in 1895 the plan to connect Dubuque with the Chicago &
North-Western Railroad was favorably and enthusiastically con-
sidered here. A company was organized in Dubuque with that
object in view — to connect this city with Toledo and therefore with
the whole North-Western system. A large meeting, held in
Dubuque in December, 1895, to consider the subject, passed resolu-
tions advocating a tax levy under the law of 1892 to raise the neces-
sary funds. A pledge of $20,000 was necessary at once; this was
promptly given. It was shown that the whole amount needed, about
$150,000, could be raised here at once by private subscription. A
meeting held in February opposed any new railway tax. Already
Dubuque had four great trunk line.s — Illinois Central, Great West-
ern, Burlington & Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul. The effort for
the new line was made mainly by those business men here who were
boosting Dubuque's trade and commerce.
The Clinton, Dubuque & North-Western Railway was projected
in 1900. Offers of help were freely made here. Dubuque wanted
more railways and was willing to pay for them.
In 1904 the citizens here quickly subscribed $151,000 for the
Dubuque, Iowa & Wisconsin Railway. This movement seems to
have been abandoned because in 1906 the citizens subscribed in two
weeks' time $125,000 for the same road. In 1907 the Illinois &
Western Railway was allowed to use the streets and alleys for rail-
•way purposes.
MILITARY AFFAIRS.
SOLDIERS who had served in the Revolution may have been
among the first settlers of Dubuque county ; and it is certain
that volunteers of the War of 1812 and of the Blackhawk con-
flict located here.
In December. 1836, Peter H. Engle was given the rank of
colonel by the Wisconsin territorial authorities and was appointed
aid to the colonel of the militia. In 1837 Col. W. W. Chapman
resigned his position as colonel of the Fourth Wisconsin regiment
of militia. In the fall of 1837, Col. William S. Hamilton was
commander of the First brigade of militia of the counties of Iowa,
Dubuque, Des Moines and Crawford.
General order No. i by Gov. Robert Lucas, commander-in-chief
of the militia of Iowa territory, divided the territory into three
divisions. In the Third division the counties of Dubuque, Clay-
ton, Fayette and attached territory were constituted the Second
brigade, and to Dubuque county was assigned the First regiment
of this brigade and division. Peter Hill and John King, of Du-
buque, were appointed aides-de-camp to the commander-in-chief.
Warner Lewis, of Dubuque, was appointed major-general in com-
mand of the Third division, and Francis Gehon was appointed
brigadier-general in command of the Second brigade. Gen. Fran-
cis Gehon died in Dubuque. April 2. 1849. He was born in Ten-
nessee in 1797 and grew up in Kentucky and Illinois. He engaged
in merchandising at Helena. Arkansas, and Dodgeville, Wiscon-
sin. He commanded a company during the Blackhawk war. In
about 1833 he came to Dubuque county and in 1836 was ap-
pointed United States marshal and was reappointed until 1841.
In 1842 he was elected to the Iowa territorial legislature. In 1846
he was tendered the command of a company of dragoons for the
Mexican war, but was compelled to decline on account of ill health.
He was able and honest; he was a Baptist.
A small squad of men from this county served in the "Missouri
War" of 1839; they went down the river and joined companies
at Burlington or Keokuk. Timothy Mason and George Wilson,
the latter being a brother of Judge Thomas S. Wilson, were edu-
cated at West Point. Dubuque, Delaware and Buchanan counties
were constituted the Fourth regiment of the territorial militia
in January. 1838. Paul Cain was colonel of the Wisconsin militia
Fourth regiment. He commanded captains to parade their com-
251
252 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
panics June 23, 1838. Accordingly Capt. William Allen called
(Hit the First company at Dubuque.
Capt. George O. Karrick died here in July, 1869. He was edu-
cated at West Point and soon afterward became first mate on the
steamer Mandan on the Mississippi river. He came to the Du-
buque mining regions in 1836 and soon became owner of Jordan's
ferry, becoming also mail contractor, hotel keeper, etc. In 1845
he became a clerk in the surveyor-general's office. He was con-
nected with many of the industrial enterprises of early times. He
was elected captain of the only company raised in DuDuque
county for the Mexican war. His training at West Point fitted
him for this position. R. O. Anderson was first lieutenant. They
raised a company of sixty-five volunteers, drilled constantly for
two months, and were then informed that their services were not
needed, whereupon the company was disbanded. He thus ob-
tained his title of captain. He was a classmate of Capt. Joshua
Barney, government engineer to improve the Dubuque harbor in
1843-4.
In May. 1846, Dubuque was called upon by Governor Clarke,
of Iowa, for a company for the Mexican war, and accordingly
sixty-five volunteers were promptly raised by George O. Karrick,
R. 6. Anderson, John Parker, George McHenry and others. They
drilled and fitted themselves for service, but were not called out
by the authorities. Over a full regiment was raised in Iowa by
June 25, 1846, as follows: Des Moines county, two companies;
Lee, two companies; Van Buren, two companies; Muscatine, one
company; Louisa, one company; Washington, one company; Du-
buque, one company; Johnson, one company; Linn, one company;
Jefferson, one compan\- : total, thirteen companies. This regiment,
ds such, was not called into the service. About June 25, 1846. a
full company under Captain Wright left Galena for the front and
in it were a few volunteers from Dubuque county. Iowa sent
only one company to the Mexican war, numbering 113 men, rank
and file; they reached the front ^Nlay 25 and in less than one year
were reduced by disease and death to thirty-six men. They were
called the "Iowa Dragoons." Capt. James H. Morgan was their
commander.
In 1847, Capt. John Parker enli.sted a few recruits here for the
war, and at the same time Capt. John R. Bennett, of Bloomington.
also called for recruits here. Late in 1847 Thomas H. Benton,
Jr., was captain of the Dubuque Guards. "It was a fine company,
but too few in numbers. It was uniformed and met regularly at
its armory to drill." said the Express. John O'Mara, of this
county, served in the Mexican war as a member of the Texas
Riflemen; he fought at Monterey and in the battles before the
City of Mexico; he died here of ill health in 1848. In 1848 strong
efforts to secure bounty and extra pay for the Mexican war veterans
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 25.V
were made; David S. Wilson and others here kept blank papers
and proved up claims and discharges.
The Dubuque City Guards were organized in July, 185 1 ; but
as yet they had no uniforms. They were finally fully uniformed
and paraded in full dress for the first time March 17, 1854, under
Capt. M. M. Hayden; it was said that they were all Irish except
the captain; Governor Hempstead reviewed the company. They
were called upon late in 1854 to 'check strolling and marauding
Indian bands in the Northwest. General Shields had general com-
mand of the company during this movement; when called upon
there were only about twenty men in the company, but enough to
make sixty were promptly raised. They quit business, drilled,
hired teams, but were not required to leave the city, though they
were at great expense. Later they presented claims for pay,
which were scaled down by the legislature and finally allowed.
In 1856 the Union Guards were organized with Peter A. Lori-
mier captain; the City Guards were in existence at this time; thus
Dubuque had two companies which appeared at nearly all public
functions out of doors. They participated in the celebration of
the battle of New Orleans, January 8, 1855, and were out in full
strength ; the occasion ended with a supper at the Julien House.
A small company, of which Judge Hempstead was captain, was
organized in February, 1858. This company, reorganized, became
the "Governor's Greys," named in honor of Governor Hempstead.
They were presented with a beautiful flag in 1859 by the ladies
of Dubuque, Miss Sallie Lewis making the presentation speech,
and Capt. J. M. Robison replying; this flag was taken to the field
in 1 86 1 and led and inspired the company at the battle of Wilson's
Creek. In November, 1858, the City Guards tendered their serv-
ices to the state to assist in punishing the Indians guilty of the
Spirit Lake massacre, but they were not needed.
In August, 1859, there were four military companies here:
City Guards, Capt. M. M. Hayden ; Governor's Greys, Capt. J. M.
Robinson ; Washington Guards, Capt. H. H. Heath, and Jackson
Guards, Capt. S. D. Brodtbeck ; the latter company had just been
formed. Captain Brodtbeck had seen service in the Swedish army.
The Washington Guards was first organized in May, 1859. I"
February, i860, the Greys received from the state sixty rifled
muskets and the necessary accoutrements. In March, i860. Cap-
tain Brodtbeck was appointed major of the Third battalion of
Iowa militia by Governor Kirkwood.
"The Governor's Greys were out on parade yesterday in their
new white accoutrements. We will defy any city in the West to
turn out a better looking military company or a 'whiter' lot of boys
than our own G. G.'s. 'Tis true they are composed of the very
pink of our finest young men, still there is not a tinge of the cod-
254 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
fish in tlie composition of one of them."' — (Herald, April lo.
i860.)
R. G. Herron soon succeeded H. H. Heath as captain of the
Washington Guards, and was re-elected in May, i860. The Greys
were reorganized in April, 1859; in July they numbered thirty-
three. In August and September, i860, the Dubuque light artil-
lery company was organized ; thirty-two citizens signed the call
for the meeting that organized this company. In September, i860,
the officers of the Dubuque regiment of militia were as follows:
J. F. Bates, colonel ; F. B. Wilke, lieutenant-colonel ; N. G. Will-
iams, major; George W. Waldron, adjutant. In October this was
announced to be the only organized militia regiment in the state;
they began to meet regularly and drill in November. In October
a company called the "Douglas Rangers" was organized, its captain
being Newton Mills. Captain Gottschalk commaufled the Jackson
Guards in November. A company called the "Blues" was organ-
ized at Dyersville at this date.
On January 11, 1861, the First regiment of Iowa militia. Colonel
Bates commanding, fired 200 gims from the heights above the
town with two pieces of artillery in honor of Major Anderson.
The colonel with his entire staff was out, and the Washington
Guards, Governor's Greys and Jackson Guards were represented
by their officers. Each company planted its flag on the height.
"The demonstration was received with lively satisfaction by all
the citizens — Democrats, Republicans and all classes, irrespective
of political affiliations. Hurrah for Major Anderson! and hurrah
for the First regiment of Iowa militia!" — (Herald, January 12,
1861.) There were here in January, 1861 : Washington Guards,
Governor's Greys, Jackson Guards, Turner Rifles, Dubuque Light
Horse and City Guards.
Of these the City Guards were nearly defunct : the Light Horse
were unequipped ; the Turner Rifles were an independent organi-
zation ; so that there were really only three companies here that
could be depended upon for military service. Neither of these
turned out more than an average of about thirty men each — in all
about ninety men, or one full company. "A certain number of
our companies should be broken up, for the reason that they are
weak and inefficient for all military ends and purposes. Their
members attend drills when it suits their convenience — act as best
suits their convenience when they do attend, and disgrace them-
selves and evers^bodv else when on parade." — (Herald. January
23, 1861.)
On January 14, 1861, the Governor's Greys passed a resolution
tendering their services to the state or the government for the
suppression of the rebellion: this was probably the first actual
tender of men in the state.
The Herald, in issue after issue, having both intimated and
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 255,
stated what the RepubHcans ought to do, was answered by the
Times of January 21, 1861 : "We hope our Disunion neighbor of
the Herald will not permit himself to suffer much mental torture
in his solicitude for the Republicans of Iowa. On reflection it
will occur to him that they have heretofore not only managed to
get along rather comfortably without his fostering care, but in
spite of his bitterest warfare. They are in condition to do the
same thing for a good while to come. The Herald says there are
tens of thousands of Republicans in Iowa who favor the adop-
tion of the Crittenden proposition. Does that paper know what it
is talking about?" The Herald replied at length, saying among
ther things : "We hereby reiterate the belief that there are tens
of thousands of Republicans in Iowa who would save this Union
if the adoption of the Crittenden proposition would do it; we trust
we do but simple justice to the patriotism of a portion of the
Republican party. The Times knows we are not Disunionists. We
favor a settlement of the difficulties between the North and South
on terms fair and honorable to both." — {Herald, January 23,
1861.)
On February 26, 1861, twenty .sets of sabers and Colt's pistols
arrived here for Captain Dillon, of the Horse Guards. A great
carnival of three days' duration was held here at the anniversar}^
of Washington's birthday, 1861. The two companies. Greys and
Guards, paraded in splendid style and the famous Germania band
was present at all functions. The event closed with a grand ball"
at City Hall. "All the captains in Dubuque have received letters
from Adjutant-General Bowen requiring them to report their con-
dition."— (Herald. February 3, 1861.) In February, 1861, Capt.
M. M. Hayden applied to Governor Kirkwood for a piece of ord-
nance in exchange for the arms in its possession, but was answered
that there was no authority to make such an exchange. Captain
Hayden had previously sent a portion of his muskets to the Dyers-
ville Blues.
The Herald took the position in January and February, 1861,
that the South was acting under the Constitution and should not be-
coerced. It said: "It is to be hoped that there will be no conflict
between Fort Sumter and the South Carolinians: for if a con-
flict ensues and blood be shed and lives lost, it will not be in the
power of the federal government to restrain the fanaticism of the
North from indulging itself in the commission of such acts of hos-
tility against the South as it has long sought for a pretext to justify
it in doing. The South commits the greatest folly in giving its
northern enemies a justification for the course which will un-
doubtedly be taken by the North, should the South become the
aggressor as apprehended." — (Herald, February i, 1861.)
The Herald could see no hope for the Union in President Lin-
coln's inaugural. "The President's inaugural address pronounces
2s6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the dissolution of the Union, and it will be heard ominously as its
death knell," it said.
A call signed by about lOO citizens appeared about the middle
of January, 1861, for a meeting of "all persons who are impressed
with the imminent perils of dissolution now threatening the Union
and are willing in a spirit of conciliation and compromise to agree
to an adjustinent of the questions which now unhappily distract the
country, upon the basis of the Crittenden Compromise proposi-
tions." The date of the meeting was set at 7 p. m. on January
18. This Union meeting assembled at the court house, and War-
ner Lewis was called to the chair and William W. Mills made
secretary. A committee of five was appointed to draft resolu-
tions— T. M. Monroe, Dr. James C. Lay, Thomas Faherty, James
H. Williams and J. H. Emerson. W'hile they were consulting the
secretary read the Crittenden resolutions and the meeting was
addressed in a strong Union appeal by John D. Jennings. The
resolutions declared that the people were unalterably attached to
the Union ; that there was no natural conflict between the two
sections; and that the Crittenden Compromise or some other prac-
tical proposition based upon a like spirit of material concession
should be adopted. After debate the resolutions were unani-
mously adopted. Among the speakers were Thomas M. Monroe,
Dr. T. O. Edwards, L. H. Langworthy, George McHenry, M. B.
Mulkern and others. The meeting adjourned after appointing a
committee to prepare a memorial and procure signatures and for-
ward the same to Congress praying for the passage of the Crit-
tenden resolutions or others of the same spirit.
"The agitation and exciting news of the last few days, contra-
dictory as it is, is ne\ertheless evidence enough of the intention
of the administration to carry out the principles of the 'irrepressi-
ble conflict,' come of it what will. Civil war, of course, will be
the result." — (Herald, April 9, 1861.) "War has probably been
commenced between the North and the South, consequent upon the
persistency of the administration to hold Fort Sumter and to
carry into effect the doctrine of the 'irrepressible conflict.' We
have but little heart today for comment. In a day or two at
farthest we shall probably have the result of the conflict in Charles-
ton harbor. We anticipate it will be a bloody one — destructive
of life and property, and the beginning of a revolution which will
end in the destruction of the government and of course of the
Union." — (Herald, April 10, 1861.) The Herald argued that
while in the abstract the government had a right to reinforce Fort
Sumter, other circumstances overshadowed such right and a dif-
ferent cou,rse should be taken — remedial measures should be
adopted.
"A parental government would have tried remedial measures
first before resorting to the exercise of its vengeance; but the
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
a I-
BIRDSEYE VIEW OF DUBUQUE
STEPS TO CEMETERY HILL
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 257
go\ernment as administered by Mr. Lincoln seems to know of
but one course to pursue, and that is to provoke a conflict between
the government and its disaffected people, for the purpose of coerc-
ing them to obey its own behests and to submit to the infliction
of intolerable grievances from a fanatical faction which have ob-
tained control of the government." — {Herald, April 10, 1861.)
"What deep lethargy has fallen on the American people? The
government is tumbling into ruins. The nation is on the verge
of a plunge into civil war. Imbecility of rulers at the federal capi-
tal is governed by a military dictator. Hostile fleets and armies
are dispatched to begin hostilities upon our brethren of the South,
when that act shall become the death knell of the Union. Men of
all parties can be found who deprecate the hostile operations of
the military dictator at Washington. Let us all who are opposed
to the code of coercion meet in one vast body in Dubuque and
protest with our loudest voice against civil war and the military
terrorism inaugurated at Wasihngton. Our motto should be, 'No
fraternal bloodshed — no civil war; but peace and conciliation.'"
--(America, in Herald, April 11, 1861.)
On Saturday, April 13, came the telegraphic news that Fort
Sumter had been attacked by the South Carolinians. Much excite-
ment was kindled in Dubuque. The Herald said : "The govern-
ment, as we have said already, possesses the undoubted right to
cliastise rebellious people even unto death, but is it always the
best policy to exercise this right? The precipitation of the country
into civil war brings upon us all the solemn duty of rallying our
physical energies and mental powers in the sacred cause of our
country. Nothing will do now, it seems, but to goad our erring
and, if it must be so, rebellious brethren of the South into the
comnnssion of such acts of violence as must be repelled and
chastised. Nothing will do witli the administration but to irri-
tate their already excited temper ; nothing will satisfy the fanatics
of the North but a provocation to civil war, in which they may
accomplish their darling object — that which they have long hoped
for, (hat for which they have toiled for many years — the incite-
ment of the slaves to insurrection against their masters, and as
ihey hope the consequent emancipation of those slaves, the abolition
of sla\'ery and the ruin and subjugation of the South to the
political thraldom of northern fanaticism." — {Herald, April ix,
1861.)
The call for \olunteers by President Lincoln met the approval of
all Republicans here and also that of many Democrats, particularly
of the Herald, which had recommended that course some time
before, tliough in a modified way. There was much excitement,
which induced the Herald to say: "Some have suffered themselves
to be carried away by this excitement so far as to indulge in ex-
pressions, the result of emotions which are well calculated to pro-
258 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
tluce disastrous consequences even away here far distant from
the scene of conflict. This is not the time for men to give way to
their passions; this not the time to indulge in harshness of ex-
pression, nor in the language of provocation, nor crimination and
recrimination." — {Herald, April i6, 1861.) "People gathered in
groups at the street corners and around the printing offices to hear
and discuss the news, and in some instances the discussion was
carried on in a spirit very illy calculated to allay the excitement
which was on the point of explosion into violence for some time."
— (Same.)
In all the churches on Sunday the pastors endeavored to quiet
the people. Rev. Father Donelan in the morning of Sunday, April
14, 1861. and Rev. Father Durnin in the evening, at the Cathedral,
referred in an impressive manner to the unfortunate condition of
the country. The former was almost overpowered by his emotions,
and many of his congregation were affected to tears as he pictured
the horrors of a fratricidal war.
A public meeting was called by hand bills on Monday evening,
April 15, at the corner of Main and Eighth street, for the purpose
of securing an expression of opinion in favor of supporting the
government against the secession movement. A large crowd gath-
ered and were addressed bv L. H. Langworthv, O. P. Shiras,
H. T. Utley, T. M. Monroe and William Mills' The following
resolutions offered by C. P. Redmond were adopted :
Whereas, A portion of the people living under the government
of the United States have seen fit to set at naught the authority
of the national government, to take possession of the public and
other property not rightfully in their possession, and have opposed
by arms the legally constituted authority, and have by unmis-
takable acts declared an aggressive war against our beloved insti-
tutions, therefore.
Resolved, That the people of Dubuque, as good citizens of the
United States should and do, regret with sincere feelings the rash-
ness which has driven our southern brethren into arms against
the government and the terrible necessity of civil war which has
thus been forced upon us.
Resolved, That as good citizens it is our solemn and unavoid-
able duty to sustain and uphold the government and the execution
of its laws and the vindication of its authority.
Resolved, That we will give our devoted attachment, our un-
wavering confidence and our unconditional support to the govern-
ment of the United States.
Resolved, That our hearts are still loyal to the great principle
of constitutional liberty and free government upon wliich the
wisdom of our forefathers erected the temple of the Constitution
under the shade of which we have enjoyed so many and so great
blessings, and that the ruthless hands and traitorous hearts that
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 259
would destroy this beautiful temple merit from us the severest
reprobation and the most undaunted opposition.
Resolved, That if we cannot have union we will preserve liberty
and the Constitution.
After the adoption of the resolutions the meeting continued to
grow in size and loyalty. Speeches were made by D. N. Cooley,
Ben M. Samuels, F. W. Palmer, D. S. Wilson, S. P. Adams and
James Burt. The stars and stripes were displayed from Root's
gallery and during the speaking any remarks not in harmony
with tlie resolutions, and there were a number, were interrupted by
pungent cpiestions and hisses.
"Dr. C. B. Smith said he knew there was a small squad of
secessionists here, 'but,' said he, 'their leader, thank God, is not a
native of the soil and if he had his deserts he would be swinging
from the nearest lamp post.' So intense was the sympathy of the
audience witli the patriotic utterances of the speaker that at the con-
clusion of one of his sentences they could not restrain a marked dem-
onstration of applause." — {Times, April 16, 1861.)
"The Times yesterday contained not less than three articles hav-
ing for their object the incitement of violence towards this office
and tlie editor of this paper. If the destruction of the property
of this office and the hanging to a lamp post of ourselves, as the
Rev. Dr. Billings Smith amiably and charitably as became his
calling of minister of the gospel would have done, should be the
onl}' consequence of the efforts of the Times, Dr. Smith and others
to create a riot and destroy life and property in this com-
munity, it might not be so serious an affair. But there are other
property and other lives besides ours." — {Herald, April 17, 1861.)
On April 17 the Washington Guards formally offered their
services to the governor. Mr. Vandever had already tendered the
Greys. Upon the fall of Fort Sumter the Herald displayed a large
spread eagle, which the Times construed as showing the joy of that
paper at the surrender of tlie fort to the rebels.
"It is rumored that the Herald has lost over two hundred sub-
scribers within the last forty-eight hours, on account of the spirit
.shown and position taken in relation to our troubles with the re-
belling states. Never has tliere been such an exhibition of feeling
towards any paper in this city before as there was to our con-
temporary yesterday and the day before. We are sorry to see
this, as it is better to have the Herald running here alone, as the
organ of Democracy, than to have some good paper started that
would represent the sentiments of the voung Democrats." — {Times,
.\pril 16, 1 86 1.)
"The foregoing appeared in the local columns of the Times
yesterday. It implies what is false when it intimates that this
paper has ever uttered other than Union sentiments, and we dare
26o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the Times to show tlie contrary by word or act. Whatever feehng
may have been manifested toward this office and towards us
personally is the result of the malignant partisanship of which the
Times is the echo, the organ and the advocate." — (Herald, April
17, 1861.)
No sooner had the citizens here recovered their equilibrium
than they began effective operations. The Governor's Greys and
Jackson Guards quickly recruited to the maximum for each com-
pany. The Herald continued to find fault with the administra-
tion and deal in moral and constitutional platitudes and was sup-
ported by a large following throughout the county.
"Jackson Guards. — We understood last night that the Jack.son
Guards company was nearly full. This city will probably offer
three companies, and as but two can be accepted, it will be a strife
among them as Ut which shall go." — (Herald, April 19, 1861.)
"Washington Guards. — This company is filling up rapidly with
recruits. Last night a meeting was held, at which quite a number
were enrolled. The company meets tonight for drill and to re-
ceive recruits. Parties who joined the company last evening are
requested to meet for drill tonight." — (Herald, April 19, 1861.)
"The Sinews of War. — The State Bank of Dubuque has made
a tender of a loan to Governor Kirkwood to aid in putting the
Iowa regiments in the field, in compliance with the requisition of
the president. This branch of the bank oft'ers all the money that
may be needed for this purpose." — (Herald, April 19, 1861.)
"The Stars and Stripes waved from many a building yesterday.
There was one suspended across the street from tlie Herald office,
also from the TiDies office and numerous other places — loiva Stoats
Zeitimg, Tremont House, Julien House, G. R. West's warehouse
and from many stores and saloons. Flags are on the rise." —
(Herald, April 19, 1861.)
On April 19 the Governor's Greys passed a formal resolution
holding themselves in readiness to obey a requisition from Gov-
ernor Kirkwood. They at once opened a recruiting office for the
purpose of raising their number to the required limits. It was
proposed to hold a public meeting for the jnupose of forming a
home guard that under all cireiiinstanees would support the flag
and the Constitution. It was also proposed to raise a subscription
to care for the families of volunteers in their absence.
On April 19, 1861, Col. J. F. Bates addressed the following
order to Capt. R. G. Herron, of the Washington Guards, Lieut.
W. H. Clark, Governor's Greys, and Ca])t. l'~. Gottschalk, Jackson
Guards: "Sir: A requisition having been made by Governor Kirk-
wood for two or more companies from this section to form a part
of the regiment required of this state by the President, you are
h.ereby ordered to fill up your com])any to seventy-eight men and
be ])repared to match at a nKmient's warning at the call of the
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 261
proper authority. The companies of the First regiment in this
section, the Governor's Grej's, Washington Guards and Jackson
Guards, will, unless otherwise ordered by the governor, meet at
Davenport, the place of general rendezvous, with other companies
of the state, by the 20th of May, but are liable to be called into
service at any moment. When the companies composing the regi-
ment meet at the rendezvous, they will elect their regimental offi-
cers. You are hereby ordered to open the armory of your com-
pany for the purpose of receiving recruits and appoint a recruiting
officer to be daily in attendance. The companies will act upon all
applications and none but able-bodied men between the ages of
18 and 45 will be accepted. Drills are hereby ordered for every
night in each company until further order. When your company
is full you will report to me without delay."
William Vandever was appointed an aid to Governor Kirkwood.
The war absorbed all other topics at this time. Eight young men
arrived by rail on April 20 to enlist in companies here ; six were
from the college of Hopkinton, Delaware county, and were
named Westlake, Morgan, Webb, Hussey, Spears and Metsler.
By the evening of April 20 the three recruiting offices were in full
blast. The Greys had then sixty-eight names enrolled, the Wash-
ington Guards about sixty-five and the Jackson Guards over sixty.
Tne Washington Guards had an offer of six men and a drummer
from Epworth.
A large Union meeting was held at the Julien Theater April 20.
Colonel McHenry called the meeting to order. Mayor Stout was
elected chairman and C. Childs secretary. The following vice-
presidents were chosen : Colonel McHenry, W. A. Jordan, P. A.
Lorimier, F. V. Goodrich. T. Davis, L. Clark, Z. Streeter, J. P.
Colter, J. C. Cummings, Benjamin Rupert and W. B. Allison.
Judge Clark was called out and delivered an eloquent speech on
the necessity of maintaining the Constitution. Other speakers were
McHenry, Vande\er, Trumbull, Adams and Ross. The object
of the meeting was to organize a home guard, which was done, and
the following officers were elected, their duties under the resolu-
tions adopted being to receive and disburse funds for the benefit
of families of volunteers: H. L. Stout, president; W. A. Jordan
and F. V. Goodrich, vice-presidents ; J. K. Graves, treasurer ; Will-
iam W. Mills, secretary ; H. W. Pettit, corresponding secretary.
Subscriptions to the amount of nearly $1,200 were received.
Many men came from all parts of Dubuque county and from
adjoining counties, hoping to get into the companies organizing
here. One man from Jackson county walked twenty-five miles
without stopping and was accepted by the Greys. The companies
were almost constantly on the drill. The volunteers were mostly
young men, twenty-one years or under.
There was a misunderstanding as to the duties and character of
262 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the home guard — whetlier it should be an organization to care for
famihes of vokinteers or a body of miHtia ready to take the field
if necessary. Later it was shown that the home guard was a
different organization from the one that had been formed. The
one formed was a vokinteer fund board. The committee to organ-
ize the home gtiard was Samuel Ross, S. D. Brodtbeck and L. \V.
Jackson. The volunteer fund board put everything in systematic
and working order with investigations and regular reports. Still
many of the wealthiest citizens apparently took no interest in the
proceedings.
On April 20 the boats from St. Louis had on board several hun-
dred free negroes who had been notified to leave St. Louis. A
few of them landed at Dubuque. Boats were required to show
their colors at all landings and all flung out the Stars and Stripes.
Several boats reported seeing the secession flag flying at Hannibal
and other Missouri ports.
Several members of the Washington Guards appeared before
the volunteer fund board on April 22 and stated that they were
not prepared for immediate service unless they were assured that
their families would be taken care of in their absence. The follow-
ing guaranty was immediately given : "We, the undersigned com-
mittee appointed by the Union meeting held on Saturday evening,
the 20th of April, 1861, for the purpose of providing funds for
the support of the families of such of our citizens as may vol-
unteer in the service of their country, hereby pledge ourselves to see
that the purpose for which we were appointed is fully carried out
and that the families of all such are fully supported during the
absence of such volunteers." (Signed by) H. L. Stout, J. K.
Graves, M. Allison. G. F. Matthews, A. H. Mills, J. C. Chapline,
T. Faherty ; W. W. Mills, secretary.
On April 23 the Governor's Greys and Jackson Guards left for
the rendezvous at Davenport. The Greys headed by the Ger-
mania band marched from their armory about 3 p. m. and waited
a short time below Sixth street for the Jackson Guards. Both
companies as they passed along the streets were surrounded by
hundreds of friends, who were shaking their hands and bidding
them good-bye. At the levee the only open space left by the flood
was crowded with men, women and children, sorrowing and at the
same time rejoicing at the departure of the volunteers. The
troops were soon on board the Alhambra, but the crowd still lin-
gered, cheering and bidding them perhaps a la.st farewell. Amid
the firing of cannon, tiie waving of hands and handkerchiefs and
shouts of "God bless you !" and "Good-bye," the boat steamed out
into the river and started for Davenport. Many tears were shed,
for it was realized that some of the boys would never return. Not
a few of the young soldiers themselves wijied away tears as they
passed along the streets or turned to look for the last time on the
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 263
friends and city they loved so well. One had left a young bride,
another an aged mother, others wives and children, and all left
behind loved ones. There were many full hearts and tearful eyes
tliat memorable day.
The United States marshal notified the Illinois Central Railroad
Company on the 23d to receive no more freight for ports below
Cairo. Illinois. Samuel Osborne, orderly sergeant of the Greys,
was left behind under orders to bring to Davenport, April 27,
fourteen adflitional volunteers. Five printers were with the first
two companies sent off.
When the first two companies departed. Bishop Smyth dismissed
his school and with his own hands hoisted the Stars and Stripes
form the portico of his home. The schoolboys went to the levee
to see the companies depart.
The Stars and Stripes were raised on the new custom house by
W. W. Martin, the contractor, on April 25. By April 26 the roll
of the Washington Guards was about complete. Then Capt. M. M.
Hayden began to reorganize the old City Guards, the oldest mili-
tarv company in the city. He required only sixty-five men to com-
plete the roll. A field piece was to constitute a part of the arms
of this company.
The committee on home guards recommended the organization
of seven companies, as follows: Colonel Heath and Lieutenant
Lenehan, one company; Colonel Ross and Lieutenant Conger, one
company: Major Brodtbeck and Lieutenant West, one company;
Captain Doolittle and Lieutenant Grosvenor, one company ; Colonel
McHenry and Capt. G. O. Karrick, one company; Captain Rubel
and Doctor Blumenauer, one company. It was announced that
all men capable of bearing arms must be enrolled in one of the
companies. At this time tliere were in the city only about eighty
stands of arms, and it was recommended that they should be kept
here for emergencies. It was recommended that Colonel Bates
should act as field marshal of Dubuque county. It was further
recommended that the citizens refrain from angry debate. "The
ship of state is on fire! Let us with one hand and one voice,
shoulder to shoulder and side by side, extinguish the flames, return
it to its original grandeur and nail to its highest mast the Star
Spangled Banner," said the committee.
Concerning this report and tliese singular recommendations the
Herald said: "It places the whole city under military discipline,
military regime, military training, military everything, including
military despotism in prospective. This sort of work has gone on
long enough, and it is time it were ended. Any number of citizens
can organize a home guard for the protection of life and property,
preservation of tlie peace, or as a contingent force for future or
emergency service. This will be the Republican or Democratic
way of doing things and not the despotic as suggested by the com-
264 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
mittee, willi all due deference to them." — {Herald, A\n-i\ 2j,
1861.)
Governor fvirkwood late in Ajiril took dinner in Davenport with
the Greys and Guards at their quarters. He called the Greys a
"bully company." The men were drilled daily many hours and
were very proficient. Their numbers had been increased. They
were without uniforms and camp equipment. At the request of
Governor Kirkvvood citizens of Dubu(|ue interested themselves and
the ladies finally organized and began the task of supplying this
want. The permanent officers of the ladies' society were : Mrs.
J. \V. Taylor, president ; Mrs. H. L. Stout, vice-president ; Mrs.
J. L. Langworthy, chairman ; Mrs. A. Gillespie, secretary. Large
quantities of blankets, socks, handkerchiefs, underclothing, etc.,
were contrilnited by the society. All sewing machines in the city
were put at this service.
The Ladies' Volunteer Labor Society met daily at 9 a. m. and
adjourned at 5 p. m. Over 100 ladies were thus occupied on April
30 — all at work on the soldiers' uniforms and other clothing.
Smith & W'ellington and Mr. Becker cut out the clothing and
superintended the making. They were paid by the government.
The ladies' work was their volunteer offering.
The Volunteer Fund Board reported they had appropriated $8
per week for three families.
Col. George McHenry planned to raise a company of Zouaves.
When he and Capt. G. O. Karrick appeared on the streets, April
29, in Zouave uniforms, they were surrounded by an admiring
and witty crowd. At the Julien House they called for recruits.
The Stars and Stripes were formally hoisted early at Cascade
on a tall pole. The following night someone hauled down the
Hag and raised a dead owl in its place and cut the rope ofi forty
feet from the ground. By May 7, 1861, there had been subscribed
in Dubuque in aid of soldiers' families nearly $6,000.
Powerful and patriotic sermons were delivered in all the
churches of Dubuque during April and May, 1861. Particularly
were the sermons of Bishop Smyth, Mr. Holbrook, Mr. Smith and
others strong and loyal. The former visited the two companies
at Da\-enport and addressed them from the standpoints both of
religion and of patriotic duty.
The ladies to the number of 150 were quartered in Globe Hall
to make the uniforms.
On May 5 the Greys and Guards at Davenport dropped down
the river to Keokuk, where all the First regiment was sent about
the same time. By May 8 the uniforms of the Jackson Guards
were ready to be forwarded to Keokuk, and by the 9th those of
the Greys were ready.
^^rs. A. Gillespie, secretary of the ladies' society, composed
HISTORY Of DUBUQUE COUNTY 265.
about this time tlie following two stanzas intended as an addition
to the "Star Spangled Banner" :
"Rise Sons of the West! In your valor arise!
'Tis Freedom that summons your legions to glory ;
Ring out the glad shout to the echoing skies
And through the wide land send the heart-stirring story.
"To the combat we fly, for the struggle is nigh,
And for God and our country we conquer or die;
That the Star Spangled Banner forever may wave
O'er tiie land of the free and the home of the brave."
D. S. Smith, of Dyersville, said that Captain Moreland, of the
Dyersville Blues, had orders from Colonel Bates to hold the guns
then at Dyersville which had been sent there by Captain Hayden.
A Union meeting was held at the schoolhouse at Center Grove
May 25, 1861, on which occasion a flag was raised on a high pole
and speeches were made by J. B. Bothwell, E. D. Palmer and
George W. Goldthorpe. The flag raised was prepared by young
ladies named Waters, Scott, Palmer, Lackey and others. After
being raised the flag was lowered and draped in mourning for
Colonel Ellsworth.
The uniforms of the first two Dubuque companies cost $1,939.04;
transportation to Davenport, $337; shoes and stockings, $300. In
the first mentioned sum was $208.35 for 200 woolen shirts; $40
for undershirts, and $13.70 for telegrams, etc., in all $261.05,
which deducted from the first amount left $1,677.99 ^s the actual
cost of 205 uniforms.
The citizens of Peosta and Centralia met at the former place
and resolved to formally raise the Stars and Stripes in both towns.
Simeon W. Clark was chairman of the occasion and J. W. Miller
secretary.
"There are rumors that several citizens of Dubuque, some time
absent, and who are known or were supposed to be in the service
or interests of the Confederate army, have been arrested as spies
at Cairo. The rumors are not sufficiently tangible to warrant the
giving of names or the reported circumstances." — {Herald. May
25, 1861.)
The following officers were elected for the Washington Guards
May 25, 1861 : R. G. Herron, captain; D. J. O'Neill, first lieu-
tenant; P. W. Crawford, second lieutenant. It was announced
tiiat the company had been accepted for the Third Iowa infantry.
"Another occasion of deep interest to the patriots of Dubuque
occurred last evening — the departure of three companies of vol-
unteers. Captain Smith's company from Cedar Falls, Captain
Trumbull's com])any from Butler county and the Washington
2tb HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Guards, one of the beloved companies of Dubuque, have left for
Keokuk — the rendezvous of the three Iowa regiments. The pres-
ence of 600 volunteers one day and of 300 or 400 for a longer
time, had tended to increase the military ardor of our people and
attracted thousands of our citizens to witness the departure of
the third company of Dubuque volunteers. An hour before sunset
the volunteers were assembled in order in Washington Square,
where they were eloquently addressed by Thomas Rogers, Rev.
Mr. Collier, Captain Trumbull and Lieutenant Sessions, after
which the companies marched in handsome style to the levee, ac-
companied by a large concourse of citizens, many of them ladies.
Several thousand then slowly wended their way homeward after
seeing the brave volunteers embark. There were partings of old
friends ; young friendships and affections seemed to grow stronger
on the day of leaving and a thousand fond and tender associations
arose incident to such an occasion. Capt. R. G. Herron and his
Washington Guards swell the number to 300 of the volunteers
who have been organized and drilled here." — {Herald. June 7,
1861.)
The Iowa legislature was called together May 15, 1861. An
attempt here to proscribe business men on account of political
■opinions was disapproved by leaders of all parties and fashions.
About the middle of May, 1861, Col. J. F. Bates, who was a grad-
uate of West Point, was elected colonel of the First Iowa regi-
ment. The Washington Guards were accepted about May 21. The
German citizens gave an entertainment for the benefit of the Jack-
son Guards. William H. Merritt, who became lieutenant-colonel
of the First Iowa, was a graduate of West Point ; so was Capt.
W. W. Barnes. The Herald opposed the Iowa war loan bill, which
called for $800,000. There were here early in June, 1861, about
600 volunteers; three of the companies had come from up the
river, .\bout the middle of June there were here the partly filled
companies of Captain Ross, Captain Markell. Captain Hayden,
and a company of Zouaves made up from the fire companies.
About this time the two Iowa regiments at Keokuk dropped down
the river to Hannibal to be in readiness for General Lyon at St.
Louis. In June Governor Kirkwood ordered the cannon here to
he sent to Keokuk. During the summer of 1861 the Volunteer
Fund Board continued to assist the families of volunteers. The
volunteers under Captain Heath were called Kirkwood Zouaves
in June.
On July 12, 1861, an article signed "Patriot" appeared in the
Times, from which the following are extracts: "To the Lazv-Abid-
ing Citicens of Duhuque. — It is well known to you that there is a
paper published in our midst that is devoted entirely, both in its
editorials and selected matter, to the cause of those who are en-
deavoring to overthrow our government and our liberties. This
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 267
paper, while it professes to be in favor of the Union and denies
being' in favor of secession, yet boldly advocates a recognition
of the Southern Confederacy and opposes 'forcing a government
upon people which they do not desire,' thus giving the lie to its pro-
fessions of Union, a paper which is notoriously in the hands of
a few persons of "gentle southern blood,' who boldly sympathize
with the South and rejoice over any temporary success she may
achieve and who have repeatedly declared their intention of re-
turning to her soil to take arms against our government. * * *
It is well known that this paper is exerting quite a widespread
and seditious influence upon its readers and waxing bolder every
day. * * * Would it not be well for the patriots of this city
to assemble in mass meeting in a ([uiet and orderly manner to
express our indignation and abhorrence of the sentiments of this
paper and its supporters, to declare that such are not the senti-
ments of this community in general, to withdraw our support from
it, both in subscription and in advertising, and to counsel as to
those means which may be riglitly used to rid us of the reproach
and injury its existence brings upon us? That it is our solemn
duty, while our sons and brothers have gone forth to fight the
enemy abroad, to guard against the same enemy at home in what-
ever form he may appear — must be evident to every thoughtful
mind. But let 'all things be done decently and in order.' Let us
then meet at some appropriate time and place, not as partisans, but
as American citizens, and discuss our duty in this respect, to our-
selves and the community. That this is a duty now devolving
upon us is freely admitted by many influential citizens with whom
longer patience has ceased to be a virtue."
In answering this communication the Herald of July 13, 1861,
said : "For the last three months it has been the earnest, constant
and unceasing effort of the Dubuque Times to create and excite
a mob spirit in this city to the commission of violence against the
editor of the Herald and property of this establishment. Although
the evidence against the Times has always been palpable and un-
doubted, it never had the boldness to avow its real wishes till
yesterday, when it gave place in its columns to the publication of
what purports to be a communication. The object of that article
is too apparent to be doubted. It is nothing more nor less than to
destroy this establishment by mob violence." The Herald ex-
pressed the belief that the real reasons for this hostility were its
course toward the State bank and toward a swindling transaction
in Dubuque which had brought the mercantile credit of local busi-
ness men into disgrace in eastern cities. Such persons, it was al-
leged, desired the suppression of the Herald, which opposed their
course and schemes. The Herald further said : "Notwithstand-
ing the efforts of the malignant partisans whose headquarters is
at the Times ofifice and whose mouthpiece that incendiary and
268 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
scurrilous sheet has become, the riot which was designed to come
off and which was no doubt planned in every respect but its actual
performance, did not occur last night, thanks to the good sense
of the gallant volunteers who were expected and designed to be
made the disgraceful instruments of a violation of the law which
tliey have enlisted to keep up arms to enforce and uphold."
Four companies for the Fourth Regiment were here July 12 and
were on their way to join their regiment at Burlington. They
marched through town to Washington Square and made speeches.
They were the men who were expected to wreck the Herald office.
Colonel Sanders came to Dubuque early in August, 1861, as aid
of Governor Kirkwood for the purpose of making arrangements
for the establishment here of Camj) Union for the reception of
two volunteer regiments. The place selected was at the upper
end of the bottom land adjoining Lake Peosta and on an elevation
of thirty to forty feet above it. The soil was sandy, slightly roll-
ing, covered with sod and well ada])ted for the purpose. A narrow
grove extended along the bank of the lake and at its upper end
extended across the whole bottom to the bluff' near the residence
of Mathias Ham. Here the volunteers could have good water,
bathing in summer and ice in winter. The buildings constructed
were 20x60 feet and arranged so as to accommodate 100 men
each. The first troops to enter the camp were the company of
Captain Carpenter from Anamosa, which had previously quar-
tered in the various hotels, etc. Col. W. B. Allison, aid of the
governor, had full authority to complete the arrangements for the
camp. George L. Torbert was commissary. Mr. Holland was
contractor for building the barracks.
In July recruits for the Twelfth or Vandever's regiment were
called for. Captain Thomas thus recruited. Lieutenant Heath
was securing recruits for a cavalry regiment. The Hawkeye State
took away six companies from Dubuque, those from Lansing,
Delhi, Lidependence, Chickasaw, Benton and one other.
When the news of the battle of Bull Run reached here in July
a Federal victory was reported ; when the truth became known all
became much dejected — even the Herald. A sword was presented
by the printers to Capt. V. J. David. On July 26, Colonel Heath's
detachment of cavalry left for Burlington; there were nearly 100
men and about fifty horses; a large crowd gathered to see them
depart. News of the battle of Wilson's Creek, Missouri, in Au-
gust roused the city. Colonel Vande\-er was authorized to raise a
regiment in the Second congressional district. Captain Coon re-
cruited here in August. Col. W. B. Allison issued urgent calls
for volunteers in August. Captain Washington began to recruit
\olunteers for the Twelfth U. S. in-fantry at this time. On August
22 Captain Hayden's artillery company numbered sixty-eight men.
Coon's cavalry company left .AiTgust 17: a large crowd .saw them
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 269
depart by boat; when half a mile down the river their cheers from
the hurricane deck could still be heard. The First regiment was
mustered out August 20 and the Dubuque company was received
with much pride, enthusiasm and affection.
Main street from Second to Tenth was gaily decorated. Bands,
soldiers and inhabitants to the number of five thousand received
the brave boys at the levee and escorted them to Washington
Square; each soldier was handed a wreath by one of a committee
of little girls. Mr. Wullweber addressed them in German and Mr.
Shiras in English and welcomed them home. Several of the boys
wlio were sick or wounded, among the latter Captain Gottschalk,
rode in carriages. On the stand was a banner with the legend,
"In Memory of McHenry, Rhomberg, Goennel and Jaeggi." The
Herald said. "All day and until late at night groups of ten to one
hundred or more were gathered in the streets surrounding some
soldier and listening to the history of his adventures in the war.
It was indeed the proudest day Dubuque ever knew and thrice
honored and thrice welcome be the brave volunteers who gave
Dubuque the occasion for such a day."
In 1861 cannon were successfully cast in Dubuque. By August
25 seven of the ten barrack buildings at Camp Union were com-
pleted ; three companies were there at this date. On August 26
Colonel Allison called for the loan of blankets for the volunteers
at Camp Union. Wounded soldiers began to arrive in August.
By August 28 there were about six hundred volunteers in Dubuque
and at Cam.p Union. By this time the camp was under perfect
military discipline under Colonel Allison. Late in August Captain
Washington sent from here a dozen recruits for the Thirteenth
United States Regiment. Liquors were forbidden sold in or near
Camp Union. F. B. Wilke, of the Herald, corresponded from
the field. The company of Captain Thomas was about ready late
in August. Dr. McCluer was surgeon at Camp Union. Major
Brodtbeck was a drillmaster at the camp. Colonel Allison bought
two hundred blankets for the Camp Union boys about September i.
The citizens were proud of Captain Hayden's artillery company.
The six companies here in September attended the fair up the
Couler. Col. William \'andever was present on horseback. The
County Board, in September, ordered a full record spread on its
records of Companies H and I of the First Iowa.
In September the circulation of the Dubuque Herald was inter-
dicted at St. Louis : the editor charged this act to political enemies.
In August, 1861, Lieutenant King recruited here twenty-two men
for the regular army. An immense excursion from the back coun-
ties came here to see the volunteers about September i. Captain
Washington became mustering officer for Camp Union. Captain
Hayden's company was mustered September 3. About this time
five hundred dollars was raised by subscription for a monument to
270 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the soldiers. D. A. Mahony, editor of the Herald, accused Presi-
dent Lincohi of subverting the Constitution and establisliing a
military despotism. The talk of a draft in September caused ex-
citement among the aliens who had long mascjueraded as full-fledged
citizens; they began to move in the direction of Canada. Lieu-
tenant Howard, in September, recruited men for the engineer
regiment.
By September 14, 1861, there had been expended by the volun-
teer fund board about one thousand eight hundred dollars on nearly
sixty families. Of these there were about twenty-five families
which had no other means of subsistence.
Dubuque, Iowa, Sept. 14, 1861.
D. A. Mahony, Esq., Dubuque, Iowa :
Dear Sir. — I have seen in the newspapers of the State and heard
through other sources that the loyalty of yourself and others asso-
ciated with you has been douljted, and that your influence has been
adverse to enlistments in the regular army and in the volunteer
service. I therefore ask whether I understand your position cor-
rectly— that you are ready to devote your energies to put down
rebellion — to sustain the Union and put forth your best efforts to
aid me in raising a regiment from this State to go forth in defense
of a country whose flag is the emblem of freedom and the defender
of the oppressed of every clime. It is not my desire to enter into
personal feuds or private quarrels and I care nothing about the
past (either personal or political preferences). I only ask that all
shall now rallv in defense of liberty and law. I request a free and
frank expression of your sentiments. Yours truly,
N. B. Baker, Adj. Gen. of Iowa.
To this communication Mr. Mahony replied at length, from
which the following is an extract: "I reply to your enquiry re-
specting my position by saying that my services are at your com-
mand as the representative of the government to aid in raising a
regiment from this State or in any other way that they may be
best employed to put down rebellion, to sustain the Union, to defend
the country and to make the American flag respected whether
abroad or at home." — (Herald, September 17, 1861.)
An immense war meeting was held here September 16, 1861,
on the occasion of the visit of .Vdjt. Gen. Baker. It was held at
the courthouse and was \'ery enthusiastic. The principal speakers
were General Baker, J. L. Harvey and C. J. Rogers. Col. William
Vandever commanded the Ninth Iowa Regiment here at Camp
Union. .^ new impetus was given to recruiting by the order to
raise an additional regiment. Mechanics, farmers, miners, etc.,
were to be found ;it tlic recruiting offices, it was noted.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 271
Dubuque, Iowa, Sept. 16, 1861.
Rt. Rev. Bishop Smyth, Dubuque, Iowa :
Dear Sir. — I am fully aware of the loyal and patriotic sentiments
which animate your bosom in this trying hour of our nation's
history. I am also aware of your repugnance to interfere with
matters not connected with the duties of your holy office. I know,
however, that a public expression of your sentiments would have a
decided influence on public opinion in favor of the cause of the
Union, which is the cause of liberty and law, justice and humanity.
With great respect and esteem, Yours truly,
N. B. Baker, Adjt. Gen. of Iowa.
Dubuque, Sept. 17.
Hon. Sir and Dear Friend. — I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of your esteemed favor of the i6th inst. and agree with
you in saying that the cause of the Union is the cause of law, of
order, and of justice. You are aware that I ever avoid all matters
of a political nature, as foreign to my sacred duties, yet in this
present hour of trial, when the honor and happiness of our nation
are at stake, when some prejudiced minds may construe my silence
into a disrespect for you whose friendship I highly prize, or into a
criminal opposition to our National Government, the Government
of the United States, the only one to which I owe fealty, it may
not be departing too far from my usual course to say that my feel-
ings and sentiments are for the Union, and though peace is now
the darling object of my ambition, yet I would not consent to pur-
chase peace at the sacrifice of principle.
With the deepest respect. Yours most sincerely,
Clement Smyth, Bishop of Dubuque.
To N. B. Baker, Adjt. Gen., etc., Clinton, Iowa.
John O'Neill, J. J. Lambert and James O'Grady were commis-
sioned to raise a company here for the proposed Irish regiment.
.Adjutant General Baker visited Camp Union September 14. A
number of citizens who had subscribed to the relief fund for
soldiers' families neglected and finally refused to pay anything.
Late in September the Canada and Denmark carried southward
Colonel Vandever's regiment of about one thousand volunteers.
Abram Levins raised recruits for the Twelfth regulars. Col. J. F.
Bates was received here with great ceremony and honor early in
October, 1861. Capt. M. M. Hayden was presented with a fine horse
fully caparisoned. "Colonel Allison is justly entitled to the praise
of being the most energetic and popular officer in this part of the
State." — (Herald, October 26, 1861.) In October Lincoln Clark
and Bishop Smyth were appointed members of the Sanitary Com-
mission. S. D. Brodtbeck became Major of the Twelfth Regi-
ment. Late in 1861 the Soldiers' Aid Societv cared for the sick
272 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
soldiers at Camp Union and sent large quantities of supplies to the
fields; Mrs. Solon M. Langworthy was president and Mrs. Large
secretary. In November about seventy-five dollars per week was
paid to twenty-five families of soldiers.
In November, i86r. Lieutenant McMahon called for volunteers
for the sharpshooters' brigade. Sham fights were held at Camp
Union in November. At this time the Times announced that it
now favored "no union with slaveholders." This statement kin-
dled the wrath of the Herald.
".'\lmost daily the Herald is making pretentions to loyalty and
patriotism, but in words only." — (Times, November 15, 1861.)
The Herald of November 17, 1861, said, "We are for the old
Union, the Constitutional LInion, the legal L^nion, the L'nion Wash-
ington and his compatriots ga\e us, and not such a bastard Union
as the Abolitionists have conceived and now attempt to palm off
upon the country. Are you a Union man, reader? and if so, is it
for the Union as it was formed by our forefathers or for the Union
as .Abolitionists would have it?"
On November 26 the Twelfth Regiment left on the steamers
Canada and Henry Clay. The Seventh Iowa lost heavily at Bel-
mont. The County Board appropriated one thousand dollars for
the relief of soldiers' families. The board of relief prepared for
active work during tlie approaching cold weather.
During the holiday season of 186 1-2 the Ladies' Soldiers' Aid
Society held a large, successful and very profitable fair; they de-
served and received great praise for this notable event.
"It Means Something. — Several prominent citizens of this county,
including an e.x-Governor of this State, have within the last day or
two voluntarily appeared before Colonel Bates and requested him
to administer to them an oath to support the Constitution of the
United States. L^nion sentiment must be on the increase in our
community." — (Herald. January 12. 1862.)
Messrs. Merritt, Newcomb and Doyle raised the Light Guards,
sixty strong, ^hich left here in January. 1862. J. B. Dorr became
quartermaster of the Twelfth Regiment. Early in January, 1862,
the relief fund hoard announced that it was out of funds; they
had paid out $2,699.08, about two thousand dollars in casli and
the balance in clothing, groceries, etc.; they had assisted 116 sol-
diers' families. H. L. Stout was president of the board and M.
.'\llison secretary. Lieutenant Wright called for recruits for the
Second Iowa Cavalry in h'cbruary, 1862.
"Our country is still drifting from bad to worse. Congress is
doing nothing to belter its condition. Day after day the people
have been told that the liackbone of the rebellion was broken and
that the seceded States would soon be brought ]:)ack to the Union,
but the rebellion grows stronger and tiie seceded States ap])ear to
be going farther off than ever. Why is this? Is not Union, a
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LlBRAhY
ASTOB, LENOX AND
' TILDEN EODNDATIONS
» t
PATK AND COUNTRY VIEWS
HISTORY OF Di'BCOUE COUNTY 273
political Union such as the people of the United States once had,
desirable any longer? Of course it is, but the Abolitionists have
rendered such a Union hopeless by their insane course. * * *
Th£ great mistake of the present day, the great political error
which the people of the North have committed, is to attempt to
control social institutions which have their foundation in the cus-
toms and interests of the South by government interference."—^
(Herald, February 5. 1862.)
"It appears that the Captain Jones taken prisoner at Fort Henry
is G. R. G. Jones of this city, son of General Jones, now in Fort
Lafayette. We doubt if even Captain Jones' family knew
whether he was in the rebel army and they are probably as much
surprised to hear of his capture as if anything else unforeseen
and unexpected had befallen him." — (Herald, February 9, 1862.)
"It is rumored that a committee visited the editor of the Times
day before yesterday for the purpose of intimating the necessity of
pitching into the Herald and that the result of the intimidation of
this committee w-as the article in the Times yesterday. The Times
under the new regime was to be an independent patriotic paper,
but henceforth, we presume, it is to reflect the sentiments and feel-
ings of Dubuque Abolitionists, the meanest, most contemptible,
hypocritical, canting set of fanatics the whole country contains." —
(Herald, February 12, 1862.)
The capture of Fort Henry in February followed almost imme-
diately by the capture of Fort Donelson, fired the patriotism and
military spirit of this county as nothing had done thus far.
"Yesterday morning the city was agitated by the rumor that a
great battle had been fought at Fort Donelson and that the Federal
army had met with disaster. Soon after, and while the people
were still in suspense and anxiety, news came that Fort Donelson
was in possession of the Federal troops with fifteen thousand Rebels
taken prisoner, including Generals Johnson, Buckner, Pillow and
Floyd. The news at first was doubtful, but was soon confirmed."
— (Herald, February 18, 1862.) The Herald urged that now was
the time, after the government had secured such prestige by force
of arms, to secure peace upon the terms of the original Union.
A meeting in Table Mound township passed the following:
"Resolved, That we consider Abolitionism as preached in the pul-
pit, spread broadcast amongst the people by the infamous Abolition
press, harped upon in Congress and in the Legislature of the Free
States, as the most disastrous, mischievous and suicidal doctrine
ever promulgated among the people since the formation of the
government. We believe it to be the primary cause of secession,
for if we had no Abolitionists we would have no secession.
"Resolved, That we believe D. A. Mahony to be an unflinching
constitutional Democrat who has for the past year stood with a
bold front in the face of public opinion, fanaticism and partisan
274 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
feeling combined, threatened by suppression and the fury of mob
violence stirred up by a false view of patriotism; he has triumphed
over his most inveterate enemies.
"Resolved, That we view witli alarm the introduction in this
country of tiie Star Chamber proceedings by William H. Seward,
by which he dares to cause citizens to be confined and imprisoned
during his will and pleasure."
The last referred to General Jones' imprisonment in Fort
Lafayette. All the resolutions were in a similar strain and were
probably prepared in the Herald office.
At a big mass meeting in Ccntralia on February 15 Russell
Evans was chairman and E. M. Bartliolow secretary. John Strohl
explained tlie object of the meeting. Mr. Brown also delivered an
address. Tlie meeting adopted resolutions similar to those passed
at the Table Mound township, only they were more severe. One
was "that we deeply sympathize with the afflicted family and large
circle of friends of our most worthy citizen and statesman. Gen.
George W. Jones, who is now, as we verily believe, the innocent
victim of the tyrant and usurper and imprisoned without due
process of law."
The Herald rejoiced greatly over Halleck's Order No. 37, reaf-
firming and reinforcing Order No. 3, not to interfere with the
negroes or free them ; the paper was in ecstasies over this order.
"General Jones arrived home last night from his illegal and
arbitrary incarceration at Fort Lafayette. A spontaneous greet-
ing of his personal friends and of those who have a proper sense
of the violation of the Constitution committed in his person and
in others who were incarcerated with him, will take place at his
residence this afternoon. Thus will Higher Lawism (Seward) be
rebuked by the freemen of Dubuque."— (//fro W, February 28,
1862.) At the Jones reception loyal officials were near to observe
all that occurred.
"Hydrophobia. — The Abolitionists of the city were terribly mad
yesterday to think that Secretary Stanton had released Gen.
George \V. Jones from that American Bastile, Fort Lafayette.
They cursed the Administration from the President down to the
White House gardener and frothed at the mouth like a lot of mad
dogs. Poor fellows, how we pitv them."— (//rroW, March i,
1862.)
Early in 1862 Lieutenant Dewey left the city witli si.xty-nine
recruits for the Twelfth United States Regiment, then at Fort
Hamilton, New York. Lieutenant Newbury remained to recruit
others. The Second. Third, Seventh, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thir-
teenth and Fourteenth Iowa regiments were at Fort Donelson.
The Second lost close to two hundrcrl killed and wounded in that
battle ; the Seventh did heroic service there.
"The news yesterday of the possession by the Federal troops of
IlISTORV OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 275
the Rebel stronghold, Manassas, spread like wildfire through the
city and immediately, as if by magic, the stars and stripes were
flung to tlie breeze from nearly every house and public building
in the city. One patriotic overzealous individual who, like Job's
warhorse,' snuffs the battle from afar, went through the street with
his hat in his hand shouting, 'We've got 'em, we've got' em!' " —
(Herald, March 12, 1862.)
"For the purpose of aiding and abetting the rebels in their open
treason the Dubuque Herald and kindred organs resort to the decep-
tive cry that it is an Abolition war originating at the North and
not at the South. This is a treasonable fraud which should deceive
no honest patriot." — {Times, March 6, 1862.)
"How many times has Samuel McNutt called us a traitor; how
many times has he called us a Secessionist; how many times has
he alleged that we were in collusion with Jeff Davis, that we re-
ceived money from Richmond to favor the Rebel cause? If we
took the heart's blood of the villain who has thus belied us it would
be a poor satisfaction for the injuries he has attempted to inflict
upon us. McNutt came here, hired, but not yet paid, to belie
caluniinate, traduce, slander and libel the editor of this paper. He
has done his work faithfully and expects his reward from those
who brought him here, in the city treasurership of Dubuque." —
(Herald, April i, 1862.)
"Democrats. — Do not forget that Jacob Swivel, the Abolition
candidate for marshal, is the same Marshal Swivel who, when a
mob roared through our streets and endangered our property and
our persons, was quietly with his hands in his pockets looking on
when stones flew through the windows of our fellow-citizens and
when respectable men were knocked down and abused because they
were Democrats." — (National Dcmokrat, April 5, 1862.)
"When the peace of this city was violated last summer by a mob
and when private residences and public business places of citizens
were stoned and citizens themselves threatened with personal vio-
lence. Marshal Swivel looked on complacently." — (Herald, April
6, 1862.)
Several wounded soldiers of Pea Ridge, Fort Donelson and other
western fields began to arrive here in March, 1862. Bodies of
dead soldiers also arrived and were buried with much ceremony.
The Herald continued to denounce almost every act of President
Lincoln's administration. Hayden's battery participated in the
battle of Pea Ridge and lost heavily, but fought gallantly. The
Herald called Wendell Phillips a traitor and rejoiced when he
was mobbed at Cincinnati in the spring of 1862. President Lincoln
was denounced for having received Mr. Phillips. Returning sol-
diers were cared for at the Peosta Home. At the request of Gov-
ernor Kirk wood, H. L. Stout spent one thousand eight hundred
dollars for the care of soldiers passing through Dubuque; he was
276 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
later reimbursed for the outlay. The Germania band, which had
been to the front at Springfield, Missouri, returned in April. Lieut.
Col. F. J. Herron and his brother, Capt. R. G. Herron. arrived
here in April ; the former was wounded at Pea Ridge. Of the
immense meeting held at Julien theatre early in April, 1862, to
celebrate the victory at Pittsburg Landing, the Herald said it was
employed to abuse the successful party in this county. The City
Council passed the following on April 10:
"Resolved, That we hail with joy the glorious tidings from our
victorious armies as indicating a speedy and certain overthrow of
secession and its sympathizers in the North as well as in the South.
"Resolved, That Lieut. Col. Frank J. Herron and his associates
in arms from Dubuque at the battle of Pea Ridge, will be remem-
bered with pride by its loyal citizens, when those who have gone
from among us to aid in rebellion will be forgotten or only known
with infamy as traitors to their country."
Any suggestion to free and arm the blacks to assist the Federal
forces encountered the severest denunciations of the Herald and its
supporters. The Ad Hines brought up twenty sick and wounded
solcliers from Pittsburg Landing late in April. It was April 14
or 15 before any detailed and reliable news concerning Iowa regi-
ments at Pittsburg Landing was received here ; the horrors of that
bloody battle, the heroic conduct of the surprised Federal troops
and the grief over loved ones killed and wounded then, were almost
overpowering to the good people of Dubuque. Early in 1862 D. A.
Mahony was the real leader of the secession Democracy of Iowa.
"The war as waged by the Abolitionists is for the evident pur-
pose of bringing the white and black races to a social, personal
and political equality and not for the preservation of the Union nor
for the maintenance of the Constitution. The theme of the speeches
in Congress and the burden of the arguments of Abolitionists in
that body is the negro, not the Union." — (Editorial, Herald, April
30, 1862.)
"The telegraphic dispatches of yesterday brought the mortifying
intelligence that it was known at the capital that there was a secret
league of secessionists in this city who were intending to resist the
collection of the Federal tax. The leaders are known and the eye
of the authorities is upon them. Doubtless this is no idle surmise
or idle rumor, but the result of actual knowledge. * * * And
this is not all. Yesterday private dispatches were received from
the seat of government that there was a prospect that the Pacific
Railroad would be so located that it would not connect with any
tributary to Dubuque simply because it is such a secession hole. So
Iowa, the most loval State in the Union, has become a plague spot."
--(Times. May 8, 1862.)
United States Deputy Marshal Captain Conger began to investi-
gate the allegations that a disloyal society was in existence in this
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 277
county, organized, it was declared, to resist the collection of the
government tax.
Certain citizens here, or persons elsewhere, having informed
the government that tiiere was a secret disloyal organization for
resistance to the collection of government tax, the Herald demanded
an investigation and denounced the accusation, so far as it was
concerned, as false and malicious. From the New York Tribune's
correspondence the following was an extract : "It is known here
(at Washington, D. C. ) that a secret organization exists at Du-
buque, Iowa, to resist the collection of Federal taxes. The ring-
leaders in this movement are known to the government and its eye
is upon them." — (Herald, May 8, 1862.)
"Dubuque as a recruiting station has been the most productive of
any city in the United States. Over five hundred men have been
enlistecl here for the regular service." — (Dubuque Times, May 8,
1862.) "What on earth has happened to the Times to make this
admission? A hundred times or more during the past year the
Times has tried to make it appear that Dubuque and vicinity was
so disloyal as to withhold recruits for the war." — {Herald, May
9, 1862.) "It is equally notorious that the only other attempt at
riot or of a serious disturbance of the peace for years was the
attempt last summer of an abolition and Republican mob instigated
by the Dubuque Times, an Abolition-Republican paper, to destroy
the Herald printing establishment. The other was when the same
mobs attacked and in two or three instances broke in the houses
and business places of ]5eaceably disposed citizens whose only offense
was that they were Democrats in politics." — (Herald, May 9,
1862.)
In the spring of 1862 P. H. Conger became deputy United States
marshal here. In April two hundred Rebel prisoners passed up
on the steamer Evansville, but were not landed at Dubuque.
"We stated and now repeat the opinion that if the government
finds that it cannot suppress the rebellion without abolishing slavery
the Constitution gives the right and imposes the duty to remove it."
— (Times, May 20, 1862.)
General Hunter's proclamation freeing the negroes in his depart-
ment was denounced by the Herald, which declared that if Presi-
dent Lincoln would annul it the Herald would support the Lincoln
Administration. To the Herald and all Southerners residing here
the mere suggestion of interference with slavery was sufficient to
kindle the severest denunciation ; they hated Abolitionism with an
intensity almost unaccountable at the present time ; the negro was
regarded as an animal, nothing more.
"What have the fanatics of Dubuque and of Iowa to say now
to the course of the Herald f Step by step, act by act, the course of
this paper has been sustained by the Administration itself. The
rebuke of Sewardism embodied in Secretary Stanton's executive
278 HISTORY or DUBUQUE COUNTY
Order No. i. togetlier with the recent discomfiture of the Rebels
(capture of Forts Henry and Donelson) lias brought on a crisis
in the war and now comes tlie turning point which will result in
the demoralization of the Rebels, the discomfiture of Abolitionism,
the restoration of tlie Union and the establishment of peace on a
lasting and irre\'ocable foundation. Secretary Stanton's order of
amnesty is the most important event of the war." — (Herald, Feb-
ruary 20, 1862.) Stanton's order released all political prisoners.
The above article is given to show how utterly mistaken the Herald
was on the nature of the order and the intentions of the South and
the Administration.
In May, 1862, Lieutenant Colonel Herron was promoted to a
brigadier general. On May 26 Lieutenant Dewey left here with
seventy-four recruits for the Twelfth United States Regiment.
So many soldiers passed through Dubuque, needing assistance, it
was determined in May to provide a soldiers' hospital. Captain
Case recruited volunteers here for the Nineteenth Regiment in
June. As Memphis was captured about this time, steamers began
to go down to that city. On June 4 Lieutenant Newberry left
with thirty-five volunteers for the Twelfth United States Regiment.
The battles in Virginia attracted much attention at this time. The
Times openly accused Mahony, General Jones, Samuels, Lewis
Jennings, Quigley and others with being secessionists and traitors;
the Herald answered with its usual directness, sarcasm and dis-
loyalty.
On June 11, 1862, Capt. L. E. Yorke assumed the duties of
military commander of Dubuque and vicinity. He proceeded to
put his district in good order by seeing that soldiers were properly
mustered in or out; leaves of absence properly signed; pay of
soldiers attended to; soldiers absent without leave told to report;
paroled Union soldiers were considered on leave of absence until
exchanged, etc.
"It is taken for granted by a large portion of the people of the
northern States that tlie Rebellion of the South is primarily and
almost exclusively caused and carried on by slaveholders, and the
conclusion is formed wnth very specious reasoning that as slave-
holders caused this rebellion the property in slaves should therefore
be destroyed. We deny both the premise and the conclusion.
Slaveholders did not cause the rebellion, but those who determined
to abolish slavery did by personal interference with the institution,
so called, of slavery and by the influence which those Abolitionists
acquired over the northern State go\ernments and over the Federal
government. That is what caused the rebellion and not the slave-
liolders." — (Herald, June 17, 1862.)
On July 2, 1862, a bogus dispatch that Richmond had fallen and
fifty thousand Rebel soldiers captured caused a large spontaneous
celebration here; flags were flung out, cannon fired, bells rung.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 279
stores closed and business suspended. At the Fourth of July cele-
bration Judge T. S. Wilson proposed three cheers for "the old
flag and the old Constitution" ; also "three cheers for McClellan."
Rev. Taylor proposed "three cheers for the Union as it is, and will
be." More troops being called for, the Herald asked :
"Why? Because Abolitionism has diverted the object of the
war, for a restoration of the government, to an emancipation raid,
disgusting good men and preventing them from joining in the
work. If drafting is resorted to we may look for lively times and
great physical disabilities prevalent." — {Herald, July 10, 1862.)
The following is a list of persons subject to military duty in
Dubuque county in July, 1862, made out and returned to the adju-
tant general as provided by law : Julien township, i ,904 ; Wash-
ington, 127; Prairie Creek, 140; White Water, 200; Cascade, 152;
Mosalem, 122; Table Mound, 167; Vernon, 160; Taylor, 159;
Dodge, 103; Center, 161 ; Iowa, 106; New Wine, 288; Peru, 107;
Jefferson, 206; Concord, 163; Liberty, 156; total, 4,421.
"This war can never, no, never, in our opinion, be brought to a
satisfactory close by means of war." — {Herald, July 12, 1862.)
In July, under the new call, another regiment was to be raised
in this congressional district. At this time the Herald was saying
and doing much to discourage enlistments. The government
bounty of one hundred dollars was now in force. The confiscation
bill was denounced by tlie Herald. By July, 1862, nearly three
hundred volunteers had been secured here for the Twelfth United
States Regiment. This is an important fact not to be overlooked.
In less than three weeks in June and July Captain Case enlisted a
full company of ninety-nine men. Vallandingham's theories were
extolled by the Herald which published his speeches in full.
"Our readers will remember that we had a military company
here some time ago composed of blood and thunder patriots, better
known as Shoddies, and that one evening one of the most innocent
and earnest of them proposed that the company tender their services
to the government, and that the probabilities of their being accepted
were so strong that the entire company disbanded, quaking in their
boots from the alarm occasioned bv the dangers they had escaped."
— {Herald. July 18. 1862.)
"The arrival in this city of several cases, amounting, it is said, to
a thousand stand of arms and a quantity of ammunition, fixed as
well as loose, has afforded the malignants an opportunit}' to found
upon this circumstance the most alarming rumors and to create a
feverish anxiety if not an intense excitement in the public mind.
The government can ill afford to have public opinion excited against
it at this time, and therefore it becomes it to discountenance the
malicious partisanship which alarms the public mind with fears for
the security of persons who are alleged to be inimical to the govern-
ment by their political adversaries. This is no time to permit or
28o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
encourage trifling with personal rights either of liberty or of prop-
erty, for a word untitly spoken, or an act needlessly or heedlessly
committed, might plunge this whole State, if not the whole North-
west, into the horrors of civil war. He who becomes the means of
producing such a stale of things is, we need not say, the worst as
well as the most dangerous enemy of his country and of his race.
Let the government act openly and trustfully with the people and
permit no one to make it appear otherwise than it should do in its
relations to any individual, and a world of trouble will be pre-
vented: but if it should subject itself to this gviidance of the fa-
natics hereaway, it will inevitably find itself involved in a conflict
which might prove to become irresistible. We kindly, calmly but
firmly, warn our rulers and those who have become the minions of
power that thrift may follow fawning, to beware of their course
in relation to the rights of the people. There is no need of a con-
flict between the government and the people in the exercise of their
respective rights; neither should infringe upon or violate the rights
of the other. To do so at this time by either government or people
might result in the worst possible consequences." — {Herald, July
31, 1862.)
"The fairest way to raise troops is by drafting. There are m
this city at least a hundred partisan leaders who are urging every
Democrat thev meet to go to war, but not one of whom volunteers
himself to go. It is amusing to see our Stouts, Langworthys, Alli-
sons, Adamses and other leading Republicans running to and fro
urging their poorer neighbors to go to war. If they will not, let
them take their chances at the time of drafting." — (Herald, July
30, 1862.)
Late in July, 1862, the Chicago Journal and other journals of the
West called upon the government to suppress the Herald and thrust
its editors into "a safe military prison or to furnish them with a
pass to the Southern Confederacy." "Its sedition is open and
shameless." — "A falsehood." replied the Herald. "It does all in its
power to discourage enlistments and to dampen the ardor of the
people." — "That is a lie," said the Herald.
"We are pretty reliably informed that a number of young men
left this city Monday niorning to escape the consequences of a
draft and that more are intending to go in a day or two. We have
heard both Democratic and Republican names spoken of in this
connection. * * * It is the duty of every man to stop and meet
it like a man. * * * We implore every man to remain where he
is and meet the issues. There should be no fear of an unfair draft.
We will not insult the authorities by premising that such an infamy
will be undertaken, but if it should'be, the place to meet it is here.
A draft to be binding on any of us must be fair, above suspicion
and legal in every particular." — {Herald. August 5, 1862.)
".Another 300,000! — It will be seen by the news from Washing-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 281
ton that a call for three hundred thousand more men has been
issued by the Secretary of War in addition to the three hundred
thousand required by a recent proclamation. This news spread
consternation through this city yesterday and set even fanatics to
reflecting upon the state of the country and its probable fate." —
{Herald, August 6, 1862.) "Recruiting officers flaunt their flags
from almost every block in the city." — {Herald, August 6, 1862.)
In July draft evaders again became alarmed and prepared to
leave for Canada. A printer named Lambert enlisted men for a
typo-battalion at Chicago. The Herald assumed that drafting
would be partial, one-sided and of Democrats only. Much help
was given to soldiers' families. "Every cord of wood given to
soldiers' families was recorded above," it was paragraphed. When
the Irish regiment was first talked of Mahony signified his willing-
ness to assist, but when it was decided that he should not become
its colonel his ardor cooled. Lieutenant Flint recruited for the
Twenty-first Regiment in July and August. Under the new call
"Dubuque was the only backward county in the State and has done
nothing as yet toward filling her quota, offering bounties, or kin-
dling a patriotic fire." — {Herald, August 5, 1862.) On August 4
the Ladies' Volunteer Aid Society sent a large box of hospital
stores to Keokuk by the steamer Canada. Shubael P. Adams
was an unflinching Union man. Sam Osborn, William Coates, A.
Y. McDonald and C. Hill, the first two of whom had served with
the First Regiment, were authorized to raise volunteers in August.
Captain Horton enlisted fifty sharpshooters by August 11. By
this time the city and county were alive with meetings to secure
volunteers.
"Various and discouraging will be the difficulties in the way of
successfully drafting the required number of men in this part of
the country for war purposes. The severe ailments, hereditary,
chronic and otherwise which now afflict such large numbers of our
community is frightful to think of. Men supposed to be in the
prime of manhood have within ten days fallen into the 'sere and
yellow leaf with amazing rapidity and in astonishing quantities.
Old crutches have been scoured up and are now about ready for
action. Some men are lame, blind, have springhalt, spasms,
consumption, heaves and much general debility ; others are troubled
with a sort of insanity which induces them to imitate gophers and
ground moles, by burrowing in mineral holes. The doctors and
apothecaries are absolutely overrun with applications for advice
and medicines. * * * The report that those persons who have
gone to Canada will be delivered up by the British government to
ours, may prove true; if so, these late emigrants to that country
will be in a beautiful fix." — {Herald. August 10, 1862.)
"Recruiting. — This city is all ablaze with recruiting. There are
some fifteen recruiting offices already and more are in contempla-
282 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
lion. General Harrison has some sixty names on his roll. The
general takes the right way to secure recruits. He is not like
most of those who address war meetings and who make huncombe
speeches." — (Herald, August 12, 1862.)
"Troops are arriving by nearly every boat and train whicli. with
those eight hundred Enfield rifles brought over yesterday from
Dunleith, give the city a war-like appearance. All day long and
half the night the roll of drums and the shrieking fife salute the
ear. Captain Horr arrived from Epworth yesterday with a squad
of recruits which will make, with these he has already recruited, a
very respectable company." — (Herald, August 13, 1862.)
On Thursday, August 13, 1862, at about 3:30 A. M., Mr. Ma-
hony was roused at his residence by loud knocking, and peering
from an upper window, saw se\-eral armed men at the door and
others near. Thinking that a mob had come to attack him, he
gave a loud shout to rouse the neighbors and withdrew his head.
Deputy Marshal P. H. Conger then came forward and told him
that he was there to arrest him and for him to come down and open
the door. Mr. Mahony at once complied. He was immediately
marched to the steamer Bill Henderson at the levee. He was
treated courteously and permitted to see his friends. The arrest
caused considerable excitement on the streets and much satisfaction
to his enemies in all parts of the State when the news became gen-
erally known. He was arrested under a late general order of the
War Department.
On Board Steamer Bill Henderson at Dubuque, April 14,
1862.
To THE People of the State of Iowa:
Readers of the Herald and fellozi'-citicens of lozva. — I have been
arrested this morning by an arbitrary order from the War Depart-
ment, on what grounds I know not, except it be for the expression
of my sentiments through the Dubuque Herald, sentiments which,
as true as God lives, I believe to be loyal to the Constitution of my
country. I have only to commend my wife and children to your
care and protection.
Your friend and fellow-citizen,
D. A. Mahony.
Stilson Hutchins, of the Herald staff, said, "The principles whicii
the Herald enunciated and supported, it does not shrink from now.
Neither does Mr. Mahony. That he is loyal to the Constitution
and the laws we believe as heartily as we believe that we exist.
There is no probal)ilitv of the suppression of this ]iaper: we have
that assurance from the proper authorities." — (Herald, August 15,
1862.)
"For Congress. — The feeling in favor of Mr. Mahony for Con-
gress has been excited rather than depressed by his arrest, and we
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 283
may now look upon his nomination as a foregone conclusion. * * *
We hope, perhaps without reason, for his speedy acquittal just so
soon as it shall be known that his arrest has been brought about by
malice and not on account of any violation of law." — {Herald,
August 15, 1862.)
"Volunteers. — We visited such of the recruiting offices in this
city yesterday as we could find occupied for the purpose of ascer-
taining the number of men at each, and our investigations resulted
as follows: Messrs. Osborn and Swivel had about 100 men; Gen-
eral Harrison, about 80; Captain Horton, about 80; Leonard Horr,
75 ; Captain Greaves, about 50; Messrs. Dixon and Mills, about 35 ;
and probably among all other officers, 50 more — in all, probably
450 men. Besides these, a considerable number have joined the
regulars." — {Herald, August 17, 1862.)
"Mr. Mahony is still stopping at the Burtis House under official
charge. He was to have gone to Iowa City yesterday, but differ-
ent arrangements were made ; General Baker went out in the morn-
ing and it is thought that he and the Governor will be in tonight." —
(Davenport News, August 16, 1862.)
"Excitement. — Nothing is so well calculated to make things move
in a lively manner as excitement, unless it be a little more excite-
ment. Our streets are full of people, one-half military, one-half
want to be, and the rest entertaining desires of the same kind.
Martial music is heard in every direction, including up and down ;
flags are fluttering gaily in the breeze and patriotic excitement
reigns supreme. The question of drafting has wholly been ab-
sorbed in the greater matter of military arrests. The number of
good citizens of our city reported under arrest yesterday was truly
enormous, many of whom remain ignorant even this morning of
the perilous predicaments in which rumor placed them." — {Herald,
August 19. 1862.)
On Sunday evening August 17, 1862, John Strohl, a farmer
residing near Centralia, Dubuque county, was arrested at his resi-
dence shortly after his return from church by Deputy Marshal
Conger and Lieutenant Duffy. Rumor said he had organized a
company of his neighbors and armed them for the purpose of
resisting the collection of the war tax; that he opposed drafting;
that he was preparing to rescue Mr. Mahony, and that he discour-
aged enlistments. All this was denied. Mr. Strohl was brought
to Dubuque and permitted to stop at the house of a friend on his
own parole. He was treated with great courtesy and was per-
mitted to go home upon his promise to report again at Dubuque at
a stated time when called upon to do so.
Volunteers raised by Osborne and Swivel were united ; also those
raised by Horr and Harrison. Captain Dixon called for recruits
for Herron's Rifles. At this time the camp here was called Frank-
lin. Numerous war meetings were held throughout the county.
284 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
August 15 was fixed as the day for the draft, but the date was
postponed. Captain Harrison's company left about August 16,
1862. By August 18 the barracks at Camp Frankhn (old Camp
Union) were nearly completed. Meetings to raise volunteers for
the Irish regiment were held throughout the county, but progress
was slow ; there seemed to be a prejudice against the regiment.
Captain Horr's company was complete about August 18. For a
time, in order to stop, if possible, the exodus to escape the draft,
])ersons crossing the river were required to secure a pass from
Marshal Conger. As fast as the companies were ready they went
to Camp Franklin to drill and become accustomed to camp life.
Henry O'Connor and John O'Neill were talked of for colonel of
the Irish regument. In a letter to the Herald of August 21, Mr.
Mahony merely and generally reaffirmed his former views.
On August 19, 1862, the county board "Resolved, That the sum
of fifty dollars be appropriated by this board to be paid in county
warrants to each and every volunteer who may enlist hereafter,
and until September i next, in the service of the United States as a
volunteer soldier to the credit of Dubuque county, the said sum
to be paid in such manner as the board may prescribe. And this
board pledges itself to ratify and carry out at its next regular
session this resolution in letter and spirit. Cort, Kitler and Ma-
comber were the only members of the county board to vote against
the above resolution. The Times declared that the result of the
arrest of Mahony and others was the passage of the above resolution
and the great improvement in recruiting. Storr and Karrick
recruited men in August. By August 22 the Twenty-first Regi-
ment (Herron's) was nearly completed. About August 20 Gov-
ernor Kirkwood appointed the following draft officers for this
locality : John L. Harvey, commissioner ; C. J. Cummings, enroll-
ing oflicer; Dr. Lewis, surgeon.
"Recruiting. — We learn that so rapidly have recruits been raised
that there are now in this congressional district more than the num-
ber required to fill our projiortion of the first three hundred thou-
sand men called for, and there is every indication that our entire
quota of the six hundred thousand will be ready by the ist of Sep-
tember, volunteering thereby obviating the necessity of drafting." —
{Herald, August 20, 1862.) "Negro-Mania on the Brain. — This
horrible disease has broken out in our midst and promises to assume
every type from the mildest to the most dangerous and incurable
form," said the Herald of August 29, 1862. A Herald carrier
tried to circulate that paper in Camp Franklin, but was kicked out
of the camp by Company B of Clayton county.
D. A. Mahony was taken to Washington, D. C, and confined in
the old capitol pri.son. The appearance of enrolling officers all
over the countv caused much excitement late in August ; no serious
opposition was offered except in two or three instances. Horr's,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 285
Harrison's and Swivel's companies were in the Twenty-first Regi-
ment. Tlie Indian trouble in Minnesota engrossed attention in
the fall of 1862. By August 28 there were five full companies
quartered at hotels and boarding houses, waiting for the next call.
Dr. Lewis was besieged for exemption permits. Lieutenant Duffy
took away fifteen recruits for the Thirteenth United States Regi-
ment late in August. About this time Governor Kirkwood wrote
John O'Neill that he would approve an order from the War Depart-
ment authorizing the latter to raise an Irish regiment. It was at
this time also that a petition asking for an emancipation proclama-
tion as a military necessity was circulated here and numerously
signed.
Rev. Mr. Holbrook called in person upon President Lincoln late
in August and urged him to seize the present opportunity to declare
the slaves of Rebels free. The Herald ridiculed the movement,
asking how the government could make them free when the south-
ern States were in possession of the Rebels. J. B. Dorr raised
recruits for the Twenty-first Regiment. Lieutenant Dewey secured
more recruits for the regular service. Late in August it was
announced that two more regiments would be recruited at Dubuque
— Twenty-seventh and Thirty-second.
"We think if a little time be given for volunteering that not only
will our entire quota be full but that the Irish regiment will be
organized. Let us have an opportunity by all means, and we will
see what can be done." — {Herald, August 30, 1862.)
Late in August David S. Wilson was commissioned major of
the Irish regiment to be raised. At this time the government
bounty was $104 and the county bounty $50. The total exempts
August 3 1 were as follows : Physical disability, 366 ; aliens, 267 ;
under and over age, 103; firemen, 88; ferrymen, etc., 15; total,
837. The following was the report of the enrolling officer Septem-
ber I, 1862:
September, 1862. Militia.
First Ward 647
Second Ward 469
Third Ward 628
Fourth Ward 722
Fifth Ward 482
Julien Twp 314
Total 3262
Mosalem 168
Iowa 165
Taylor 281
Prairie Creek 160
Concord 188
Volunteers
Regular
Three
for war.
army.
months.
65
39
4
65
4
24
77
10
31
121
8
10
58
2
19
64
3
450
66
88
3
4
II
I
79
. .
17
2
38
59
5
I
20
4
53
I
33
34
23
lO
I
13
2
36
9
. .
37
20
4
27
I
286 HISTORY Of DUBUQUE COUNTY
New Wine 354
Dodge 148
Jefferson 312
Vernon 213
White Water 216
Washington 201
Liberty 263
Cascade 215
Table Mound 197
Peru 165
Center 237
Total 6745 953 107 92
In September Conday, Duffy and O'Brien recruited for tlie Irish
regiment. The Iowa Army Sanitary Commission had a branch
here in September. The Herald said the progressive steps of Abo-
litionism were emancipation, confiscation, extermination and damna-
tion. By September 2 the Twenty-seventh Regiment was full.
Large sums of money were paid out for bounty. V. J. Williams
became colonel of the Twenty-seventh ; he had fought at Wilson's
Creek. The pass system to catch "skedaddlers" from the draft
was enforced again at the levee early in September; but the exodus
continued at night in yawls. In September. 1862, the county board
refused to make an appropriation for the support of soldiers' fam-
ilies. An immense emancipation meeting early in September, called
by Rev. Holbrook and others, was largely attended and very urgent
and enthusiastic. Bailey, Langworthy, Bissell and Cram prepared
a petition to President Lincoln to free the slaves. D. S. Wilson
became colonel of the Sixth Iowa Cavalry. County bounty fifty-
dollar warrants were worth about forty-five dollars. On Septem-
ber 16 the Twenty-first Regiment left Dubuque in a drenching rain;
thousands gathered to see them depart. The Irish regiment was
called the Forty-second ; George M. O'Brien became its colonel.
On September 16 Governor Kirkwood announced there would be
no general draft. A mass meeting of men opposed to emancipa-
tion was held about the middle of September. Mr. Mahony, it
was announced, was obliged to wait until a military commission
had been appointed to try his case. W. B. Allison, in a public speech,
called Mahony a traitor, whereupon the Herald lampooned Allison.
George W. Beaubicn made saddles, bridles, spurs, etc., for the
troops.
By September 20. 1862. Dubuque had furnished the following
volunteers : First Iowa, two companies under Captains Herron
and Gottschalk ; Third, one company under Capt. R. G. Herron ;
Ninth, a company under Captain Thomas and Hayden's Battery
of one liundrcd and forty men; Twelfth, two companies under Cap-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 287
tains Plater and Vanduzee ; Curtis' Horse, two companies recruited
here; First or Second Cavalry, one company under Captain Coon;
Sixteenth, two companies under Captains Ruhl and Newcomb;
Twenty-first, four companies under Captains Greaves, Swivel, Horr
and Harrison. Captain David raised about seventy men for the
Twenty-first Iowa Battery. Regular army : two companies secured
by Lieutenant King, one company by Lieutenant Newberry, one
company by Lieutenant Dewey, two companies by Captain Wash-
ington, one company by Captain York ; Captain Woodman was
now raising another company. Not all of the above companies
came from Dubuque county; particularly those for the regular
army came from all parts of this congressional district. Mark
Smith made clothing for the soldiers. W. H. Peabody bought
horses for the army. Late in September three regiments partly
completed were at Camp Franklin. Markell and Williams raised
sharpshooters in September and October. Trouble between Colonel
Brush and the Thirty-eighth Regiment caused Governor Kirkwood
to put Lieutenant Colonel Hughes in command in October. By
October 5 Sixth Cavalry had six full companies. The Twenty-
seventh Regiment was ordered to Spirit Lake in October to hold the
Sioux in check ; they received 750 muskets, 120 Enfield rifles, and
87,000 rounds of ammunition. Four companies left for St. Paul
to reinforce General Pope ; the others followed a few days later :
all went by the steamers Northern Light, Itasca and Flora.
"The time has come when we can no longer shut our eyes and
hope for better things at the hands of the dominant party. This
war is to be waged for partisan purposes. To save the Union is
not a part of their design, but to cHvide and destroy it is their aim.
This war, which we are told by Abolitionists, is being conducted to
put down the rebellion, is in reality to further their mad schemes
of negro emancipation and negro equality. " — {Herald. October 8,
1862.)
On October 26 Governor Kirkwood was here and reviewed the
soldiers at Camp Franklin; he called on Bishop Smyth. On this
date the Herald said that Lieutenant Dewey was the most success-
ful recruiting officer ever here ; within one year he secured about
five hundred volunteers for the Regular Army, usually in small
squads. A row at Camp Franklin resulted in the death of one sol-
dier and the wounding of several others. The Silver Greys, eighty-
four men, under Captain West, left for Davenport October 17; they
were all over forty-five years. The citizens here did not properly
care for the volunteers at Camp Franklin ; many coinplaints arose ;
late in October about eighty were sick, mostly with measles and
light fevers ; a few of the worst cases were sent to private houses ;
several deaths occurred. Peter Kiene, Jr., was wounded at Corinth,
captured, taken to Vicksburg, and finally paroled ; he was warmly
welcomed upon his arrival home, his death having been reported.
288 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
By November 4 the Thirty-eighth Regiment was full, but over-
coats and arms were yet to come. The removal of McClellan in
November was declared to be a great mistake by the Herald. It
was proposed by the Times to ascertain the property of Rebels here
and confiscate the same. Mr. Mahony was discharged by the
War Department about November 12, 1862; his friends gave him
a rousing reception upon his return to Dubuque ; he was met at the
ferry and welcomed in a speech by Ben. M. Samuels ; bonfires were
lighted on the bluffs, buildings were decorated, and he was carried
on the shoulders of enthusiastic admirers; at First street men took
the places of the horses and drew his carriage up Main street and
on others around to his residence on Bluff street. At the stand in
\Vashington Square he was welcomed by Judge Wilson. Samuels
and O'Neill. IVIr. Mahony replied and stated that he would advo-
cate the same policy he had formerly supported. When the Ma-
hony procession passed the Times office all lights were extinguished
and sepulchral groans came from the darkness. At the reception
the Times employes and others s]Mked the cannon and hid the bar-
rels of tar intended for the illumination.
"The captains of two of the companies of the Thirty-eighth Regi-
ment, which left town Monday, ordered their companies to halt in
front of the Herald office and give three groans, which they did.
Many of these men are those who have been guilty of acts of
rowdyism and vandalism lately. They can never forgive us for the
exposure of their cowardice." — (Herald, November 18, 1862.)
"The Herald of Sunday published a most preposterous account
of what it terms 'a brilliant o\'ation' given to D. A. Mahony in this
city last Saturday evening on his return from prison. No one who
was in the city then and saw what occurred could read its stilted
description without laughing at its absurd falsehoods." — (Times,
November 18, 1862.)
"The Democrats of Dubuque county, like Democrats everywhere,
who have contended for the 'Constitution as it is and the Union as
it was,' have been called traitors because they favored the suppres-
sion of the rebellion by legal and constitutional means. The charge
of treason is now applied to men who seek to uphold laws. They
who apply the name traitor boast that it has been their effort for
sixteen years to destroy this government. To this school belong
the leaders of the Abolition party in Iowa and to this class belong
the men who in darkness and secrecy caused your arrest. The news
of your arrest struck the people with astonishment. What was the
specific charge? Where were the affidavits? Did anyone ever
know who made the affidavits? I never did, except as a vague
rumor." — (Judge Wilson in welcoming speech.)
"I am come back, fellow-citizens, more than ever devoted to the
principles for the advocacy of which I was incarcerated. I am
come back resolved to adhere to them and advocate them. I told
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOn, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
« L
PICTURESQUE DUBUQUE
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 289
them at Wasliington that they should hear from me and they said
they expected to. In due time they shall." — (Mahony in his reply
to welcoming speech. )
"The reception speech was delivered by Judge Wilson. As he
embraced this occasion for throwing off the mask which he wore
before the election, and by which many loyal voters were induced
to vote for him, we shall notice it further." — (Times, November
18, 1862.)
Again in November, 1862, was draft threatened; the return of
Mahony and the disloyal speeches of such men as Judge Wilson
threw a damper on enlistments.
' Late in November, 1862, the Times demanded the suppression of
the Herald upon the following grounds : i. That it was preparing
for a practical demonstration of treason; 2, that it would induce
Democratic party followers to rise in mob resistance to the draft
and the war tax; 3, that if allowed to continue it would bring
about the same state of things witnessed in Pennsylvania and Wis-
consin. The Herald denied all this charge.
The report of the hospital at Camp Franklin from September 18
to November 30, 1862, showed that the whole number admitted
was 193; returned to duty, 163; furloughed convalescent, 7; dis-
charged, i; died, 8: remaining in the hospital, 24. Typhoid, bil-
ious and lung fevers prevailed. Men of the Twenty-first, Twenty-
seventh, Thirty-second and Thirty-eighth regiments suffered most.
In December Mr. Mahony addressed a four-column article to
President Lincoln, giving his views on the conduct of the war; it
failed to convince the Administration that it should change its
policy. The Thirty-eighth Regiment, Colonel Hughes, left for the
front December 1 5 ; they made a fine appearance as they marched
tlirough the streets. One of the barracks at Camp Franklin burned
in December ; part of the Forty-second Regiment saved the others.
Late in December the Silver Greys were on furlough. The Forty-
second and the Irish regiment were consolidated; O'Brien of the
latter became lieutenant colonel. General Vandever was here for
the holidays and was serenaded. The Ladies' Aid Society gave
the soldiers at Camp Franklin a splendid dinner on Christmas,
1862; turkeys, pies, cakes, fruit galore.
"Another Compliment. — Two companies of the Thirty-eighth
marched by our ofifice in good style yesterday and, while passing,
their band (a good one, by the way) played Dixie in a very credit-
able manner. At the expense of being called a Secesh, Butternut,
Copperhead or Dimmycrat, we must solemnly avow that we know
of no tune when properly played that so soothes our savage breast as
does Dixie, and we don't care who knows it — except the U. S.
marshal." — (Herald, December 13, 1862.)
"We believe that he (Lincoln) has violated the most solemn of
all oaths over and over again. We believe that for the purpose of
290 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
giving liberty to the slave he has enthralled the freemen and while
life lasts and our present convictions are retained, we will oppose
him and counsel opposition to the bitter end. Wliat right has he
to play the usurper over men as free as he ? What right has he to
burden the country with an ever-eating, never-satisfying debt? What
right has he to destroy the nation as he has and then proceed to
render it forever abject as he does. The people who submit to the
insolent fanaticism which dictated this last act (emancipation proc-
lamation) are and deserve to be enslaved to the class which Abra-
ham Lincoln self-sufficiently declares free. If they possessed a
tithe of the spirit which animated Rome when Catiline was expelled
from its walls, or of their own immediate ancestry who went to
war for an act which seemed to encroach upon their liberties, they
would hurl him into the Potomac, Cabinet, Congress and all." —
{Herald, January 3. 1863.) On J^inuary 6 Mahony spoke of Lin-
coln as "a brainless tyrant, a perjured public servant, a blundering
partisan, a buffoon President."
The Herald continually misunderstood and misconstrued the ob-
jects of the war, if its statements are to be believed. At all times
it insisted that the object was to free the slaves and establish a
despotism, that "save the Union" was a mere pretext ; that the freed
slaves would be poured on the North to the ruin of free white
labor: that tlie freed slaves would be used by the Federal officers
to aid them in stealing the cotton of the South. The fact or the
northern view seems never to have entered Mr. Mahony's head, or
else he was playing the cards for the Secessionists living in this
county. He said "emancipation and re-Union are incompatible
objects of the war; he who is for emancipation must be for dis-
union, for emancipation is dis-Union with the South. As the
South can never be conquered the war should stop." He resumed
connection with the Herald January i, 1863, and said:
"I shall continue to advocate the application of constitutional
principles to the administration of the government, not only with a
fervor unabated by my temporary subjection to arbitrary power but
with a zeal stimulated with a zealous regard for American liberty,
by the experience which I have acquired, by how easy it is to subvert
the best government of nations and to subject millions of freemen
to the outrages of a military despotism.
The Dubuque Times of yesterday announces, probably by au-
thority, that Governor Kirkwood has decided not to enforce the
draft. The results elsewhere attending this 'vindication of go\-
ernment authority' have not been so encouraging as to enamor
his excellency with the system, and so we go free. The 'exempt
brigade' can burn up their tickets of physical debility and inability:
they are not wanted. The war is getting to be a little unpopular
ami the draft unhealthy." — {Herald, January 8, 1863.)
Seventeen privates of the defunct Irish regiment applied for
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 291
release from further military duty and asked for writs of habeas
corpus to Judge Hempstead, which were granted. As they had
been mustered into the service of the United States government,
they were remanded back by Captain Byrnes to the service for
tliree years or during the war.
The barracks at Camp Franklin were sold at auction for $1,564
in January, 1863. Believing from the start that the war was
waged for the purpose of destroying slavery, Mahony said, January
10; "We have therefore given it no countenance, contributed to-
ward it no support." The Forty-second (Irish regiment) and the
Forty-third were merged into the Seventh cavalry regiment early
in 1863.
"Has not the proclamation of emancipation discouraged enlist-
ments? has it not demoralized the army? has it not united the
South to a man ? has it not disaffected the border states ? Is it not
the crowning act of Lincoln's folly?" — {Herald, January 18, 1863.)
"Camp Franklin is now desolate, not a solitary soldier inhabit-
ing a single barrack. The governor says that no more troops will
be rendezvoused in Dubuque, so notoriously secessional is the
character of its leading citizens. The governor does us proud by
clearing us of all charges of Abolitionism." — {Herald, January
16, 1863.)
Referring to Vallandingham's disloyal speech, Mr. Mahony said,
January 20, 1863 : "It is bold, logical, direct and positive. The peo-
ple think with him and were he prepared to lead would act with him
at the word. We must and will have speedy peace." This meant,
if anything, open and armed revolt against the administration.
"Train's Lecture Last Evening. — Globe Hall was well filled last
evening to listen to the lying renegade from Massachusetts. Rebel
sympathizers were there — men who have sons in the rebel army
were there — men who pray daily that our armies may be over-
thrown (the only prayers they ever make) were there — and all
of them applauded to the echo his infamous lies and treason. Ah,
well, let the poor fool lie and talk. If it were not for the sweet
pleasure it gives the Tories here we wouldn't care a fig for the
effect of last night's lecture." — {Times, January 20, 1863.)
In January, 1863, the Chicago Tribune called Mahony "the
Dubuque traitor: the spawn of a felon's cell." The Herald ridi-
culed the appointment of Herron to a major-generalship and said :
"His appointment is a suggestive commentary on the poverty-
stricken military ability which characterizes the Federal army."
Children of loyal parents sang during recess at the public schools
"John Brown," which act was objected to by disloyal parents.
"The record we have labored to make up is one of opposition to
the war — not a factious but a frank and conscientious opposition.
We did not believe that war could restore the Union of these states,"
said the Herald of February 18, 1863.
292 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
The Times declared on February 20, 1863, that the administra-
lion had just as much right to suppress a paper which was opposed
to it as it liad to spike a cannon of the enemy. The Herald asked
the citizens if they \vere wiUing to submit to such extinguishment
of the rights of free press.
The Herald and all disloyalists were so outspoken in February
that the Times and the Union men planned to secure here a branch
of the Loyal Leagtie. Such a company was organized at Cascade
early in 1863.
'Tn view of the disloyal and treasonable conspiracy against the
government of the United States, for its overthrow by its enemies,
and which is evidently fast developing itself throughout the North-
west, we whose names are hereunto subscribed do agree and fonn
ourselves into a company or association to be called the "Cascade
National Union Guard," to co-operate with like associations in this
state, for the protection of life, liberty and the Union, to hold in
check disloyal organizations, or any armed resistance to the laws,
and at all times to be under the control of the state of Iowa, to
organize, meet and drill after the manner of the state militia." Dr.
W. H. Francis was sponsor of this company. It was armed and
commanded by ex-soldiers.
"Our citizens do not know that in our county a secret society
has begun to ramify — that in our city it has its adherents and that
William L. Bradley is one of its instruments. They do not know
that an S. B. society has been started here under Abolition auspices
in Chicago and is rapidly spreading over the country. They think
that when we warn the people of the danger we are fools or alarm-
ists and fearful of our own shadow. We tell our readers that
there is danger in the very air and that this administration and
its minions, unable to conquer and devastate the South, are de-
termined to conquer and subjugate the honest Union loving,
patriotic masses of the North. Abolitionism is bent on mischief.
Do our readers want further proof? They shall have it." — (Her-
ald, February 24, 1863. )
A spy of the Herald reported that one night he saw Bissell,
Conger, Allison, Blocklinger, David, Shiras, Adams and others
steal out one by one from a secret meeting in old Turner Hall.
"What did it mean?" was asked. The branch of the Loyal League
was thus organized in this city and supplied with arms by the
authorities. This fact angered the disloyalists. The Herald ad-
\-ised caution and said : "We must be cautious in bringing them
within the operation of the laws, that we do no wrong; we must
meet them at the ballot box." This movement checked for a time
much of the disloyalty here. The Herald said the objects of this
society were to establish a military despotism. It was at this time
that the Herald and its friends began to be milder in their attacks
on the administration and less rabid in their strictures on the war.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY i»9i
Abolitionism was taken into the school elections and caused much
bitterness.
"We are glad that the proprietor and editor of the Times does
not misunderstand our position. That office is safe just so long
as is the Herald office undisturbed. We are assured by Mr. Stew-
art tiiat we are in no danger from mob violence. That is sufficient.
There will be no conflict between ourselves or our friends and the
friends of that establishment so long as our rights are respected."
— (Herald, February 25, 1863.) "There is danger in this society
and it should be met. The South is not subjugated and cannot
be, but the North is to be brought under the yoke. We believe if
the people could be aroused from their lethargy they would fling
off the brood which hover around and defile the sources of power."
— ( Same. )
On March 11, 1863, a large delegation of Republicans from
farther west in the state assembled here at the office of W. B.
Allison. The Herald took fright and declared "those midnight
gatherings of a lawless confraternity have no worthy object for a
stimulus. They are held to plot against the liberties of their polit-
ical opponents and unless we awaken in time to an appreciation
of our danger we shall find ourselves subjected to the merciless
tyranny of an organized mob. The S. B.'s of Fayette county
claim as the object of their existence the destruction of 'an organ-
ized conspiracy in Dubuque to revolutionize the government.' These
men have no knowledge of such an organization, for there is none.
They are making this the pretext for their organization simply
that they may be allowed to proceed without interference. The
society in this city meets almost niglitly. Whether it is yet in
possession of arms we do not know ; we are informed, however,
that it is. But preparations will not injure anybody and may
prove invaluable. We therefore advise a public meeting of the
Democracy called under the auspices of the Democratic club to con-
sider the steps proper to be taken for the formation of an open
day organization to defend ourselves against midnight conspirators
and would-be assassins." — (Herald, March 14, 1863.)
Early in 1861 Lieutenant Sessions, of Cedar Falls, in a speech
at the public park in Dubuque, called the Herald a secession sheet
and declared that the office ought to be mobbed. For this the
Herald denounced him through the Iowa State Journal as a cow-
ard for advising such an attack on a defenseless newspaper office.
On March 8, 1863, two years after the above event, the editor of
the Herald (local editor probably Armstrong or Hutchins) stopped
at a hotel in Cedar Falls and while there was approached by Lieu-
tenant Sessions, who demanded an explanation of the article in
the Journal. Not receiving a satisfactory explanation, he proceeded
with his fists to take revenge then and there. He struck the editor
several tiines in the face, bringing the blood, and a crowd rushed
294 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
in, shouting "Give it to him; he is a Secessionist." The editor was
pretty thoroughly cowed and was severely beaten to the evident
delight of the shouting crowd that had hastily gathered. About
the same time a squad of soldiers at Waterloo took an agent there
of the Dubuque Herald and ducked him repeatedly in the river to
show their distaste for that newspaper and for the alleged dis-
loyalty of the agent.
About this time there arose all over Iowa and the Northwest a
general demand from all persons actively and earnestly engaged
in putting down the rebellion that the course in opposition to the
prosecution of the war should cease in Dubuque, city and county.
The Herald, though still outspoken and apparently defiant, began
to modify its tones of severity and instead of howling as before
vented its wrath and hate in ominous growls.
On March i8, 1863, the Herald passed from the control of Stil-
son Hutchins to that of Patrick Robb, Esq. Mr. Hutchins and
Mr. Mahony took charge of the Philadelphia Journal.
At this time (early in 1863) tliere were several deserters in
this county and they were shielded by their relatives and neigh-
bors. When the officers approached, warnings were sounded. Lieu-
tenant Downey called for recruits for the Seventh regiment, where-
upon the Herald of March 4 said: "The business of obtaining
recruits is, however, 'played out' here just at present ; so we think
Lieutenant Downey will not be troubled with a very large muster
roll for some time to come." This open and manifest opposition
to enlistments was not lost upon the Times and the Union leaders.
The Herald, with Mahony, Hutchins and Armstrong, was the
strongest secession sheet in the state, if not in the West. All three
possessed unusual ability. Hutchins made a fortune of several
million dollars by 191 1.
Mr. Mahony published a book in April, 1863, entitled "Prisoners
of State," in which he related his experiences while confined in the
old capitol prison at Washington. The Copperheads here cut out
the heads of Liberty on the copper cents, made pins of them and
openly wore them — copper head. At an open meeting of the
Union League at Julien Theater on March 21, H. H. Heath, D. E.
Lyon, John O'Meara and G. Grosvenor delivered speeches. It was
at this time that many Democrats began to disapprove of the severe
course of the Herald and its supporters and sided with those who
favored a continuance of the war. The Herald received a setback
which was prol)ably the cause of the reorganization of its editorial
staff. Lieutenant-Colonel O'Brien sent seventy recruits to the
Seventh cavalry late in March.
"It has been very hard to impress upon a certain class of the
community a true conception of the designs of the party in power.
Plainly and unequivocally, readers of the Herald, its members are
determined either upon your subjugation or a revolution. What
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 295
else do you think that their midnight meetings betoken ? For what
other purpose are they being provided with arms? Now from the
hps of tlie governor we have the admission that such is a fact.
This was done, he said, 'because secret organizations of disloyal
men had banded together to inaugurate rebellion and civil war in
the state. If the citizens now refuse to heed our warning, abso-
lutely refuse to place themselves in a position of safety, they must
not reproacli us when tliey pay the penalty of their apathy. We
say to them, organize everywhere, organize in every school dis;
trict, no matter how few or many. We have done our duty. We
have placed before the people a knowledge of the dangers which
beset and threaten them." — (Herald, April 12, 1863.)
J. B. Dorr, Jesse Clement, Edward Langworthy, E. R. Shank-
land, H. Knowlton, Thomas Gilliam, D. Leonard, F. Hinds and
Colonel O'Brien and others went to Waterloo April 15, 1863, to
attend the formation of a Grand Union League of the state of
Iowa.
In April, 1863, the editors of the Herald, at the request of
several subscribers, ordered from New York eight Colt's revolvers
which were to be sent by the American Express. Upon their arrival
liere they were detained by J. B. Henion, collector of the port of
Dubuque, who apprised Mr. Hutchins. of the Herald, of what he
had done. The bo.x was marked "current funds," and Mr. Hutch-
ins was refused possession by order of the collector. Mr. Hutchins
wrote a formal note demanding to know the reasons for the de-
tention, and was answered that sucii was the order from the gov-
ernment, and the act containing such authority was cited and lan-
guage quoted — "until further orders no powder of any description
and no arms, large or small, will be permitted to pass into the
state of Iowa * * * except such as are moving under military
authority." The Herald accordingly said: "The arms were kept
from our possession by virtue of no law, but in express contra-
vention of law and. without employing force, we were and are
powerless. * * * fhe game is too transparent to win — too
bold to deceive any sensible man. Its purpose is to put the Demo-
cratic party at the mercy of armed Union Leagues. We saw at
Fairfield on Monday forty armed Union Leaguers drilling on the
public square. What does it portend ? We are no alarmist. Noth-
ing do we so much fear and desire to avoid as war at home. We
cannot stand still and be bound hand and foot. We zuill not!
Our only defense is to provide against outrage, and that we will
provide against it these men may be sure. Upon them will be the
responsibility of the assault; but when it comes, when we are
reduced to the alternative of the conflict or subjection, we shall
not hesitate in the choice. We can get arms in spite of them.
We advise all to provide for their security without delay, and in
206 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the fear of God, biil not of man, we warn these conspirator"! \\.
cease their wicked efforts." — {Herald, April 26. 1863.)
According to Mahony tlie four acts of despotism were; i. Tax
bill ; 2, conscription bill ; 3, finance bill : 4, indemnity bill.
Late in April, 1863, the provost marshal at St. Genevieve. Mis-
souri, issued an order suppressing the Dubuque Herald at that
point. The order of General Hascall broke the hearts of the
Herald editors. They called it the "last act of the tragedy." All
disloyal newspapers were to be suppressed. The order said: "All
newspapers and public speakers that counsel or encourage resist-
ance to the conscription act, or any other law of Congress passed as
a war measure, or that endeavor to bring the war policy of the
government into disrepute, will be considered as having violated
the order above alluded to and treated accordinglv." The Herald
said: "If this order of Hascall's means anything it means that we
are now at his mercy. Because we take the risk of the action does
it render it less dangerous? We do talk to see if we cannot arouse
the people to action, in order that they may not be shot down like
dogs or driven like cattle."
The "death of civil liberty" was the arrest of Vallandingham
and his sentence to be sent .South, said the Herald savagelv and
bitterly. "We might as well speak plainly respecting this affair and
let the consequences which follow plain speaking follow this.
That the administration have the power to punish recusants we are
well aware and we refrain from sa3'ing a great many things we
are impelled to say because we do not wish to invite its attention
or the exercise of its arbitrary power. But there are times, how-
ever, when to fail to speak is criminal, and this is one of them.
A crime has been committed against the most vital right of the poor
and the rich, the humble and exalted — the right to think, to speak,
to live. When this thing is consummated then_j)lainly before the
American people does Abraham Lincoln stand — the murderer of
the nation. The plea of military or governmental necessity is a
flimsy screen which will command no respect. No necessity can
justify the monstrous outrage." — [Herald, May 15, 1863.)
"The Herald sustains the government, the Times does not. The
administration subverts the government, and the Times approves
of the subversion. The Herald makes a wide distinction between
the administration and the government — as wide as the difference
between Abraham Lincoln and the Constitution of the United
States. The Herald supports the Constitution against the despot-
isin and tyranny of Abraham Lincoln. The Times supports Abra-
ham Lincoln against the Constitution. The Herald opposes all
treason to the Constitution and all traitors, Abraham Lincoln in-
cluded, as well as Jefferson Davis. The Times advocates and sus-
tains the treason of Abraham Lincoln and condemns only that of
Jefferson Davis." — (Herald. June 2. 1863.)
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 297
In May, 1863, John Hodnett, who was connected with the Her-
ald, while at a private house in Cedar Falls, was waited upon
by Lieutenant Sessions and a crowd of his friends and told to
leave town in ten minutes or sufifer the consequences, and that
if he returned he would be tarred and feathered. He was fol-
lowed across the river by a howling mob and remained there all
night and in the morning went to Independence. S. P. Adams
became provost marshal in May. Marshal Conger collected the
government revenue here. In May, 1863, Bishop Smyth dis-
approved of all secret societies and his remarks went the round
of the press. The enrollment for the draft was commenced June
I, 1863.
The Ladies" Aid Society gave a strawberry festival at the Lori-
mier House, June 11, 1863, for the benefit of sick and wounded
soldiers. There were urgent appeals at this time from the fields
and hospitals. The net proceeds were $412.20; the Herald said,
"The soldiers will probably never see a dollar of it."
"The conscription act, as will be seen by telegraphic dispatches,
has caused an insurrection in the city of New York. This was no
more than was expected and anticipated. The popular belief is
that besides being unconstitutional, the conscription act is unjust
in its discriminations. It is also regarded with disfavor by the
large portion of the citizens, who do not believe that the war is
waged for but against this Union. How can anyone who in his
heart believes that the war is only widening the breach between
the North and South give his services to fight in this war? If
there were no question about the objects of the war there would
be no more need of conscription to raise an army now than there
was when it was supposed that the war was for the Union." —
[Herald, July 14, 1863.)
The Federal successes in July greatly encouraged Union senti-
ment here and cast a damper on the outspoken opposition of the
Copperheads. The victories were duly celebrated by a large crowd
at VVashington Square. The river was soon to be opened to New
Orleans, it was said. Two men arrested in Clayton county under
the conscription act and brought here to be confined were released
on a writ of habeas corpus by Judge Hempstead. The men then
sued the sheriff for kidnapping them, but nothing came of this
suit.
"Tims at the outset of the contest under the conscription act
have the rights of the people been vindicated in Dubuque from the
attenipt of provost marshals, a deputy United States marshal, the
sheriff of Dubuque county and leading members of the S. B.
Society to trample under foot the power given by the people to
maintain the laws inviolate. * * * Was it not a brave act of
Marshal Conger, assisted by a crowd of S. B.'s, to march these
sliackled x'ictims of arbitrary power through the streets of Du-
298 HISTORY OP DUBUQUE COUNTY
buqiie on a Sunday afternoon. * * * \\r^ congratulate this
community that the majesty of the law is still respected in the
city of Dubuque and that there are some judicial officers left who
have the courage to enforce the laws even against United States
officers." — {Herald, July 21, 1863.)
The Times denounced the action of the county court in the
conscription cases and Governor Kirkwood directed the adjutant-
general to call out volunteer companies to aid the provost marshals
and serve as a posse comitatus. or bands of loyal citizens to do the
same. Generally over the state the act of Judge Hempstead was
declared to be an outrage and a direct affront to the draft and
state authorities.
"The governor of Iowa has directed the adjutant-general of the
state to issue an order which, if carried into practical effect, will
result in producing civil war. * * * \Yg have no words which
will adequately express our condemnation of this order from Gov-
ernor Kirkwood. * * * fj^e governor invites his partisan
friends to take up arms ostensibly to aid in the enforcement of
the laws — for the purpose of overawing Democrats and preventing
them from exercising their political rights. There can be no doubt
whatever that a secret understanding existed between the gov-
ernor and the organizations known as Union Leagues to furnish
tiiose organizations with public arms and to pay them for services
they might render as partisans in support of the administration.
We call the attention of the people to the infamous designs of the
order, and we undertake to tell those partisans who are expected
to comply with it that civil war will be the result should this order
of Governor Kirkwood be carried into practical eft'ect." — {Herald,
July 23, 1863.)
"The Parade of Armed Union Leaguers. — The oft'ensive exhi-
bition of about fifty Union Leaguers, Thursday, armed with gov-
ernment muskets, has created no small amount of talk and indigna-
tion. The reports are rife^reports, too, spread by themselves,
that in joining this organization they are released from the opera-
lions of the draft by pledging themselves to the service at home
against the Democracy. If the madmen at the head of affairs do
not consider the feeling of opposition to the draft already of
sufficient magnitude, they are taking the very steps to augment it.
People do not look upon the impudent display of a force ostensibly
for their own subjection with much charity or complacency. That
it is not equal to the design matters nothing. W'hile we
may not fear the fifty or sixty meniliers of the L'^nion
League, who paraded the streets on Thursday with their govern-
ment muskets, bayonetted and shotted, it does not follow that they
are (not) viewed with contemjit. The intention is plain. It is
asserted that all the members of tliis company are by their so
associating exempted from the draft: and it is also asserted that
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 299
still another company is being raised for the same purpose. If
this be so the provost marshal is aware of it and the people should
demand that his knowledge be made public." — (Herald, August
8, 1863.) They paraded on the special Thanksgiving day proclaimed
by the President.
In July several associations were formed to provide against the
draft : one was for each member to put up $50, which was to serve
as a fund to hire a substitute for any member of the association
who might be drafted. Pope Pius IX in a letter to Archbishop
Hughes, of New York, urged the latter to use his influence, per-
sonal and episcopal, to put an end to the war in America. Mr.
Mahony withdrew permanently from the Herald in August, 1863,
and Stilson Hutchins assumed editorial management. The Union
Leaguers at Cascade were mostly Irish Orangemen and English-
men. About August 25, 1863, the enrollment was completed, it
was announced ; the rolls were open to inspection. Those of the
first class in Dubuque county numbered 3,117.
Frank McLain, a farmer residing on the North Cascade road,
seven miles from Dubuque, was arrested as a deserter, brought to
town, put aboard the James Means and sent down to Davenport.
He had deserted, it was said, from the Thirty-seventh Wisconsin
regiment two years before.
About 8 o'clock August 12, 1863, two officers, D. E. Lyon and
Marshal Hungerford, tried to arrest Wendel and Adam Jacobi,
brothers, at their home in Peru township on the charge of deser-
tion and other offenses. They were resisted, whereupon in the
struggle the former was shot and mortally wounded and the latter
was seriously wounded. A third brother assisted, but was not
harmed. The coroner returned a verdict that he came to his death
by being shot with a pistol in the hands of an unknown person
wilfully. The Herald said: "No cause was given for such ex-
traordinary proceedings and the act can only be characterized as
it is by the jury, a most wilful murder. This horrible afifair added
to the harsh manner in which young McLain was treated lately
has stirred up a feeling in the community which is fast becoming
determined. Certainly, if something is not done to bring the
offenders to justice there is cause for alarm and independent action.
It will never do to let this affair settle into a result of military
necessity."
"The Jacobi Investigation. — We learn that the grand jury failed
to find a bill against Lyon and Hungerford for the Jacobi affair.
Dubuque will not see such a jury for many a year hereafter. As
the evidence is to be published, we make no further comment." —
(Herald, August 20, 1863.)
Governor Kirkwood at the big Union meeting, August 26, 1863,
in his speecJi said: "I have been represented as saving that I was
arming the Union Leagues throughout the state and some are
300 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
base enough to declare, and there are fools who believe, that it is
for the purpose of influencing the election. It is for another pur-
pose— to keep down mobs, to sustain the laws and assist the
provost marshals in the execution of the draft. I warn you people
of Dubuque to see to it that the Keokuk county mob is not re-
peated here, for if I come up here on the same errand that took
me to Keokuk county, I will bring no blank cartridges, but I will
put down the mob and put my heel upon it and keep it there even
if it causes the blood of everyone to flow concerned in it."
In answer to this statement the Herald of August 2y, 1863, said :
"We are glad that he was exhibited from the platform, because a
few men, unaware of the reckless character of the person who is
entrusted with the enforcement of the laws of the state, have come
to know him as he is_ * * * The governor of Iowa is one of
that class of persons who can safely be trusted to do just what he
says he will not do. Nor do we think that his bravery exceeds his
honesty or his cleanliness. * * * When did he see that the
laws were executed ? How did he answer when Mr. Mahony
called on him as an officer to give him the protection of the state
laws? * * * ]\Jq j^j,!-, y^\\Q is a man fears you, though you
were thrice governor. This people have learned that they have
nothing honest to expect from you, but your bluster does not in-
timidate them."
Governor Kirkwood again addressed a large audience at the public
square on September 16. So great was the feeling among the
Copperheads here against him he was guarded by two companies
of Union Leaguers — one of this city and one from Epworth. The
Herald said : "We condole with Governor Kirkwood — mob advo-
cate that he is and Copperhead that we are. * * * Wt need
not have been alarmed, however; no injury was contemplated to
his person. It might have been an act of wisdom to cover the
stand with one hundred muskets in the hands of sworn Loyal
Leaguers as he did last night, but he would have fared as well had
he not been fortified. He is a played-out card. He has bullied and
badgered Democrats until they despise him as they would a rep-
tile. The official robes which cover him and which would hide an
ordinary' amount of meanness fail to protect him. Viewed as a
man he challenges no sentiment of respect; viewed as governor of
the state, he arouses nothing but contempt. Why should we choose
soft words or seek for golden metaphors when we speak of a
governor who bids his partisan supporters assault their political
opponents and promises imnnmity for their crimes? * * * j^(,
to be treated with respect ! Rather place in the hands of every
honest man a whip of scorpions to lash the scoundrel naked through
the world." — {Herald, September 17, 1863.)
"He (Governor Kirkwood) delivered himself of his usual
bravado about the draft, told what he was going to do if any re-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 301
sistance were offered, and generally deported himself as would
be expected of a filthy, low-lived creature accidentally elevated to
power. There isn't a humble laborer in Dubuque who by
hard toil bridges over his week's indebtedness by his
week's income that has not more honor, more decency,
more respect for his word, more sense of obligation to his
oath, and who is not better fitted for governor of Iowa than
Samuel J. ICirkwood. * * * There does not live a man in
Iowa so rich in lucre and with such an utter poverty of character
as the blustering, sweltering and doubtless cowardly governor of
Iowa. He is a pitiful partisan without a redeeming trait." —
(Herald, October 3, 1863.)
In September, 1863, the Herald favored the organization here of
a lodge of the Knights of the Golden Circle to oppose the action
of the Union Leagues ; but Bishop Smyth opposed this step by ad-
vising all Irish-Catholics not to join the proposed organization. At
this time there was great suffering here among the families of
soldiers. The following resolution introduced by Mr. Cort was
passed by the county board : Resolved, That a committee of five
be appointed to examine into the propriety of this board making
the necessary provisions by the issuing of bonds or otherwise by
the county for the payment of $300, either in whole or in part, for
the relief of such persons who are not able to pay the amount re-
quired by the conscription act if drafted." Carried, 14 to 4.
A large sum for their relief was raised by a gymnastic parade
of 100 ladies and gentlemen under the auspices of the Ladies' Aid
Society; it was held at City Hall; 25 cents was the price of ad-
mission and a large crowd attended.
"The Dubuque Times says that the resolution of the county board
of supervisors to exempt poor men from the draft is a weak
scheme to make the county pay their exemption fee for them. That
is just what the board meant to do and no poor man who knows
his interest will fail to support the board at the polls. Mr. Knoll,
Mr. Cort and Mr. O'Brien, who are running on the Democratic
ticket, voted for it, while Mr. Miller and Mr. Bonson, who voted
against it, are running on the Republican ticket. Every man in
Dubuque county who votes the Republican ticket votes for the
draft and against the exempting of drafted men by a tax. Every
man who votes the Democratic ticket votes for the conscription to
be paid by property and not by blood. Now, which ticket will the
poor man vote? Which ticket should he vote?" — (Herald, Octo-
ber II, 1863.)
In September, 1863, Dr. N. B. Mathews, of Peosta, was captain
of a Union League company or lodge. The Ladies' Soldiers' Aid
Society netted at the State Fair here in September $503.90. The
Herald denounced and derided the colored regiment that was at
this time being formed in Iowa. The old ferry-boat Peosta be-
302 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
came Gunboat 36 in 1863. .\ home for soldiers was established
in the fall of 1863 at a meeting held in the Congregational church.
of which George L. Mathews was chairman and D. N. Cooley
secretary. Doctor Guilbert. from a committee previously appointed,
reported a plan, wliich was adopted. The board of control were
Mrs. D. N. Coolev, Mrs. Solon Langworthv, Mrs. J. W. Robinson.
Mrs. F. W. H. Sheffield, Mrs. L. D. McKenzie, Mr. J. H. Thedinga.
Mr. H. L. Stout. George L. Mathews and L. A. Thomas. Mrs.
Hancock was one of the vice-presidents of the Woman's State
Sanitary Society. A large quantity of supplies was sent to the
Chicago Sanitary Fair. His friends here presented Colonel Dorr
with a fine horse. The west storeroom of the Tremont House was
converted into the Soldiers" Home ; the hotel furnished the meals,
which were paid for by the society. When D. A. Mahony under-
took to lecture to the Teachers' Institute at Epworth in October,
opposition was encountered and he was informed by a strong dele-
gation that he was not wanted. The society asked the county board
for $200 down and $100 per month for the soldiers and their fami-
lies. Mr. Bonson, of the board, moved that $190 be paid at once
and $90 a month thereafter as requested ; on this motion the vote
stood as follows: Yeas — Bonson, Hetherington, Metcalf and
Miller ; nays — Bucknam, Cort, Donovan, Duggan, Heber, Kile,
Macomber, McAleer. McCarron, Moore, O'Brien, Squires, Sweeney,
Wilder and chairman. Later the amount was fixed at $100.
"This the board has been compelled to refuse, because if the
county should once commence giving aid to associations formed
for the dispensation of charity, there would be no end to the ap-
plications made to them. They have therefore wisely abstained
from making special appropriations, but at the same time have
given the superintendent of the county poor additional instructions
for relieving the wants of those in need wherever such cases are
found, and the charitv will be dispensed to soldiers as freely as to
others." — (Herald. October 2^, 1863.)
"Whereas, The board of .supervisors of Dubuque county at their
last session were respectfully solicited to make an appropriation of
money for the use and benefit of tiie Soldiers' Home in this city,
by a petition signed by the officers of such association, which peti-
tion clearly stated the objects and aims of the enterprise, and
"Whereas, This board with only four dissenting votes refused
all aid. except upon the conditions that it be expended in the sup-
port of paupers and under the direction of the county officers
having in charge this duty, thus compelling our sick, suffering and
destitute soldiers to receive such aid as common paupers, or be
denied it entirely ; now, therefore, believing as we do that this
action of the board of supervisors is ungenerous, ungrateful and
unjust and justly merits the scorn and contempt of all patriotic
men and also demonstrates more clearly than language can tiie real
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 303
intentions of the board, which we beheve to have been the proscrip-
tion of our patriot soldiers who have sufifered and endured so much
to transmit to us the inheritance bought by the blood of our
fatliers, that we take this opportunity to tender to all our soldiers
our warmest gratitude for what they have done and are doing
to crush this wicked rebellion and make the flag of our country
honored and respected at home and abroad, and we pledge them
our constant aid and sympathy in sickness and health, and we
also pledge them that the Soldiers' Home in this city shall fur-
nisli all reasonable comfort to those sick, suffering and destitute
soldiers as long as there is one dollar in the treasury subject to
our control ; therefore,
"Resolved, That an order be drawn on the city expense fund
for $100 for the support of the Soldiers' Home in this city and
that the same be delivered to the mayor of this city, who is the
president of said board, to be used in such manner as in his judg-
ment may become necessary."
These resolutions of the city council of Dubuque were de-
nounced by Aldermen Mulkern, Quigley and Kiene, the former
of whom moved that all the preamble be struck out. Those voting
yea were Christman, Kiene, Mulkern, Quigley and Treanor; nays —
Cummings, Mathews, Russ, Schmidt and Stout. There being a
tie. Mayor Thedinga voted so that the whole series was adopted.
"The Hypocrites. — The Copperhead farmers of this county,
who bring their grain and other products here to sell, heap the
foulest abuse on the administration and all connected with it, as
only ignorance can abuse that which it doesn't understand. When
they receive their pay they won't take anything but the "Dirty
Greenbacks," as they call them, to carry home. This a fair sample
of the shameless hypocrisy of the party which controls the politics
of the county." — {Ti)i!cs, October 30, 1863.)
"About two thousand hard-fisted, hard-working honest men who
helped to make Dubuque just what she is and without whom her
n.ierchants could not live a month, who clog her granaries with
grain and her markets with produce, are the subjects of this petty
slanderer's abuse. The very life and trade of Dubuque city is
thus attempted to be rendered contemptible and driven from her.
We ask the merchants of Dubuque what they think of it. We
know some of them whose advertisements appear in the Times
regularly, who depend entirely on this 'ignorant class' of 'shame-
less hypocrites' for their trade." — (Herald, October 31, 1863.)
Late in October J. H. Scanlan called for volunteers to serve on
government gunboats. The Teachers' Institute at Epworth re-
solved that the government should be supported in its efiforts to
crush the rebellion. Dr. E. A. Guilbert was prominent among the
Union Leaguers; he became colonel of the Tenth cavalry. The
Methodist and Presbyterian congregations at Epworth refused to
304 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
permit Mr. Mahony to speak in their churches ; he addressed the
citizens in the Christian church. Stephen Hempstead had two
sons in the Confederate army. About November the officials pre-
pared tlie following statement of the number of troops furnished
by Dubuque county, as follows: Second regiment, 187; Third, 71 :
Fifth, 2; Ninth, 67; Twelfth, 78; Fourteenth, i; Sixteenth, 79;
Eighteenth, 3 ; Twenty-first, 484; Twenty-sixth, i ; Twenty-seventh,
7; Thirty-second, i; Thirty-seventh, 83; Thirty-eighth, 8; Fifty-
first, i; First cavalry, 81; Second, 24; Fourth, 6; Fifth, 109;
Sixth, yy, Eleventh Pennsylvania, 6; regular army, estimated,
500 ; total infantry, i ,063 ; cavalry, 303 ; artillery, 80 ; regulars, 500 ;
grand total, 1,946.
"There has probably no paper suffered so much for its bold-
ness, its independence, as the Herald. For daring to be free we
have paid all the penalties which proscription, intolerance and
unreason could suggest or inflict. We have been ceaselessly fol-
lowed by enemies; our patrons have been threatened and cajoled,
to induce them, if possible, to withdraw all pecuniary assistance
or support. In many places persons who would gladly take and
read the Herald have been the victims of an organized persecution
until they are glad, for their own peace, to discontinue its coming.
Merchants in this city and Chicago have withdrawn their adver-
tising favors until we could name them by scores. In some towns
in Iowa we have large amounts due us, which it is impossible to
collect, because whoever attempts their collection is most certain to
be set upon by some bully or mob. Despite all this the Herald has
lived. We need, however, the assistance of every man of whose
opinions we are the exponents."— (//craW, November 17, 1863.)
Late in October a splendid reception was given to General Her-
ron by the loyal citizens regardless of party. William B. Allison
was president of the occasion. D. N. Cooley delivered the address
of welcome. J. M. Harrison was marshal. He was received with
imposing ceremony. Under the new call i ,754 men were required
from this congressional district. Twelve lots in Linwood cemetery
were set apart for the soldiers. Prior to November 15 thirty soldiers
were assisted at the Home. In November it was claimed that there
were in Dubuque county seven branches of the Union League,
with a membership of about 2,000; of these about 1,000 were in
the city of Dubuque. An enrollment of November, 1863, showed
that 443 men were required from this county under the late call.
On November 29 the Union Leaguers paraded the streets; halted
in front of Bishop Smyth's residence and when he came out gave
him three cheers; presented arms when he delivered them a short,
loyal and eloquent speech, ending with the statement that his elec-
tion as an honorary member of the League was the highest military
honor he had ever received.
"Whereas, It is rumored and appears to be a fact that there
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 305
are recruiting officers in this county of Dubuque enlisting persons
in this county for the mihtary service of the United States to be
placed to the credit of other counties in Iowa; and that it is the
design to leave in this county the families of such recruited and
enlisted persons to be supported by and at the expense of the county
of Dubuque ; and i
"Whereas, It appears that families and parts of families of
persons enlisted from other counties in- Iowa come or are sent
here at the expense of this county ; and
"Wliereas, It appears to this board that Dubuque county is
sufikiently burdened with its own poor, with the destitute families
of soldiers who have enlisted or may hereafter enlist, and to its
credit ; be it therefore and it is hereby
"Resolved, That the superintendent of the poor and of the
poorhouse be directed to give the aid and relief provided by this
board for the families of soldiers to such families of soldiers only
as have enlisted for this county and are placed in its quota of vol-
unteers or conscripts." Adopted January 8, 1864.
The county board, which had voted in favor of the desired aid
for the Soldiers' Home, voted another $100 in its favor for No-
vember; Mulkern and Ouigley voted against it. Captain O'Neill
recruited here in December. During 1863 Mr. Kyne, superintend-
ent of the poor, assisted 113 soldiers' families; they were given
provisions in summer and provisions and wood in winter. The
draft, it was announced, would take place January 5, 1864. At
the November election, 1873, Mr. Mahony was chosen county
sheriff. Of the 122 persons who were put in jail in 1863 thirty
were deserters. By January 14 there were here 225 recruits under
the recent calls. The provost marshal's office was the liveliest
place in town, but the recruits came forward slowly. When the
Ladies' Aid Society, in January, 1864, proposed a sanitary fair
here, like the one held in Cliicago, the Herald objected unless help
were furnished to all county poor alike ; for this and other reasons
the pbns were abandoned; but the ladies continued their regular
relief work. Many recruits passed through Dubuque at this time,
bound for the front.
The large call for volunteers in January, 1864, staggered Du-
buque county, which was already behind in raising its quota. The
case of Gen. George W. Jones against Secretary Seward was
argued in the United States Supreme Court in February. The
majority of the citizens objected to negro children in the public
schools. The draft was postponed to March 10. By February i
the recruits required from this county under the former calls were
435 ; there had been raised fifty. The county enrollment was
4,932. In March serious troul^le between the soldiers of the
Ninth regiment and the Copperheads here was narrowly averted.
3o6 HISTORY Of DUBUQUE COUNTY
They threatened to destroy the Herald office, made hostile dem-
onstrations, but were finally dissuaded from such intentions largely
through the influence of Adams, Conger, AlcSweeney and others.
One man was arrested, but George W. Cummins went his bail and
in the end he was released. Many old soldiers returned singly
and in groups during the summer of 1864 on veteran furlough
and were royally welcomed. In IMarch the plan to hold a sanitary
fair was revived and the movement progressed rapidly. The draft
was again postponed to April i.
Nearly all of the churches had their own soldiers aid societies
in 1863-4. In April Governor Stone called for lOO-day men. It
had been decided to hold the sanitary fair beginning May 24, but
it was finally postponed to June 21. It had progressed to such
large dimensions that it was seen about June ist that the City
Hall and Turner Hall would be wholly inadequate ; whereupon
it was proposed to enclose all of Washington Square and hold
the fair there. Great efforts to fill the quota were made early in
1864; a dozen officers were recruiting at the same time in April
and May. By May 12 the Governor's Greys had sixty-seven men
for the 100-day service ; they filled their ranks and left about
May 17. The Union Guards were filled the same time and also
departed. About half a dozen lawyers enlisted at this time. H.
Markell was captain of the Greys and Dr. E. A. Guilbert captain
of the Guards. News of the battle of the Wilderness caused much
excitement here ; all admired the way General Grant hung to the
conllict. M. B. Mulkern was United States commissioner for this
district. The county Democracy in June, 1864, opposed the prose-
cution of the war.
Actively connected with the Sanitary Fair were the following
ladies : Booth, Langworthy, Stout, Williams. Mackenzie, Markell,
Robinson, Cooley, Clement, Dorr, Horr, Mobley, \'andever, Feni-
niore, Davis, Fellows, Tredway, Cummings, Scott, Wemott, Wood-
worth, Edsall, Gilnian, Whitaker, Burden, Shiras, Holmes, Faherty,
McBride, O'Brien, Hayden, Cornwell. Shankland, Wilson, Hill and
many others. Among the men most active were H. A. Wiltse, the
president ; F. E. Bissell, George L. Mathews, Austin Adams, O. P.
Shiras, William B. Allison, J. K. Graves, H. W. Sanford, William
Westphall, J. T. Hancock, Richard Bonson, William Larrabee and
Mr. Wood. In June Messrs, Wiltse and Wood raised in the ILast
$5,000 for the fair. Mrs. Booth and Mrs. Bissell collected a thou-
sand dollars in a single day. Every institution and industry in the
city and many throughout the county and state contributed to the
success of the fair. Long excursion trains brought immense crowds
from abroad ; e\-en the postoffice had a fair department. The whole
state had become interested and valuable contributions came from
scores of counties. All the available halls in the city were called
into use. The display was immense and magnificent. The elabo-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY SV
rate decorations clothed the whole city in flowers, evergreens and
holiday attire generally ; floral hall in the courtroom was made
beautiful in the extreme. Even the steamers on the river were
decorated. Boats, theaters, races, concerts, societies, organizations,
officials, arti.sts, stores, manufactories, relics, lectures, boat contests,
lotteries, auctions, prizes, contributed valuable gifts and donations
and everywhere were emblazoned banners rich with loyal phrases
and mottoes, such as, "We Welcome You," "Our Hearts Are With
Our Soldiers," "Buy and Help Our Brave Boys," "Grant and the
Army Forever," etc. The season ticket cost $2 and single admis-
sion 50 cents. Over 10,000 donated articles were disposed of at
auction ; the fair was extended well into the second week. In fact
it was many months before the last articles were disposed of. By
the middle of November the net proceeds amounted to over $86,000.
This sum exceeded the proceeds of the Chicago fair of 1864. It
was called "Northern Iowa Sanitary Fair" ; sixty-one counties of
Iowa made donations varying from a few hundred dollars to as
high as over $7,000. Clayton county made the largest donations
next to Dubuque county; Mitchell county the largest in propor-
tion to wealth, and Kossuth county the largest in proportion to
population. Over $25,000 worth of hospital stores was turned
over to the United States sanitary commission. All conflicting
interests were united in the one grand object of assisting the sol-
diers. The results reflect the highest credit on the citizens of this
city, county and state, and should stand forever in history as a
monument to the generous impulses of all the people.
No. in No. re- No. added Total
first Total maining since No. sub-
Dubuque County, enroll- dropped subject first enroll- ject to
July, 1864 — ment. from list, to draft. ment. draft.
Juhen 274 62 212 91 303
First ward 445 63 382 89 471
Second ward 317 149 168 147 315
Third ward 629 87 542 76 608
Fourth ward 674 224 450 167 617
Fifth ward 391 80 311 166 477
Peru 134 ^2 102 24 123
Jefiferson 159 35 124 21 145
Concord 136 22 114 26 140
Liberty 179 38 141 56 210
New Wine 251 67 184 43 227
Iowa Ill 24 87 9 96
Center 172 70 102 36 138
Dodge 107 37 70 27 97
Taylor 156 33 123 26 149
Cascade 148 24 124 41 165
o
08 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
White Water 160 51 109 23 132
Vernon 202 43 159 13 172
Table Mound 162 97 65 36 loi
Mosalem 124 22 102 29 131
Prairie Creek 178 103 75 51 126
Washington 226 152 74 32 106
Totals 5,335 1,515 3,820 1,229 5.049
In July, 1864, Governor Stone ordered that all militia of the
state should be organized into companies. In August Shubacl P.
Adams was provost marshal: J. H. Powers, draft commissioner;
Allen Phillips, surgeon. Substitute brokers did a large business
in 1864; all sorts of schemes were practiced. It was stated on
August 17 that persons here had offered as high as $300 for one-
year substitutes, but could find none at that figure. The Herald
stated that William B. Allison secured a substitute for $150. It
was said August 29 that $500 had just been paid here for a sub-
stitute.
The following was the quota, credits and deficits of Dubuque
county from February, 1864, to August 15, 1864:
August, 1864 — Quota. Credit. Deficit.
Julien township 102 64 38
First ward 162 loi 61
Second ward 112 78 34
Third ward 220 152 68
Fourth ward 232 171 61
Fifth ward 150 118 32
Peru 46 24 22
Jefferson 55 38 17
Concord 48 35 ^3
New Wine 86 58 28
Iowa 38 20 18
Center 56 38 18
Dodge 36 26 10
Taylor 54 46 8
Cascade 55 2,7 18
Whitewater 53 29 24
Vernon 68 43 25
Table Mound 49 33 16
Mosalem 46 28 18
Prairie Creek 56 34 22
Washington 63 44 19
Liberty 68 33 35
Total 1,855 1-250 60
0
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 309
"The Draft. — Tomorrow is the day appointed for as shameful
an outrage as was ever perpetrated upon a free people in any age or
in any clime. It is the day appointed by Lincoln for a draft of men
with whom to prosecute a partisan war for partisan purposes — a
war not for tlie restoration of the Union but, as the President him-
self declares, to compel an abandonment of slavery- — a war that is
liable to be turned at any time against the freemen of the North.
We have not the least doubt that many of these conscripts who are
now to be torn from their homes will be employed sooner or later in
a warfare upon their neighbors and friends at home; if not, why
all this preparation by tlie Administration for war at the North?" —
(Herald, September i, 1864.)
"Some of them (wives of soldiers) were melted to tears as they
told their sufferings, of want and famine, staring their families in
the face. Their husbands are in the army and many of them have
received no pay in seven months and consequently can send no
means home for the support of their families. Their wants were
relieved by Mr. Kyne, who is authorized to grant their request in
cases where want is known to exist." — {Herald, September 16,
1864.)
Under the new State militia law the Germans of Dubuque organ-
ized a company in September, 1864, with Frederick Gottschalk as
captain ; they called themselves German National Guards. The
100-day men returned in September. Mr. Adams notified the
county that the draft would commence in this district on the 22d
of September, and that on that day the first drawings would be
commenced in Julien township outside of the city; 23 were to be
drafted in that township and 23 more for alternates. The enroll-
ment in this township was 265 ; a boy named Monroe Amsden was
blindfolded and required to draw the names one at a time from
the wheel or box ; the first slip drawn bore the name. Michael
Carney. Further drafting was temporarily stopped at the request
of many citizens until the county board should meet to act on the
question of bounty.
At the draft meeting in the court house September 23, 1864, the
largest crowd ever convened in the county assembled to hear the
report of Messrs. Mahony and Bates, who had been previously ap-
pointed to investigate. Mr. Mahony explained that the object was
to adopt proper measures for the relief of such persons as were
subject to draft, and then asked whether the citizens were in favor
of voting a tax to be borne equally by all, or of each man drafted
to hire his own substitute or go. He stated that he and Colonel
Bates had seen a majority of the county supervisors and had
learned that they would, on October i, meet and take steps to
relieve the county from tlie consequences of the draft. Colonel
Bates stated to the meeting that it seemed that the people of the
county were willing to subscribe a stifficient amount of money to
3IO HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
procure substitutes if volunteers were not fortlicoming. Upon re-
quest Provost Marshal Adams attended the meeting and explained
the situation and stated what his duty was. The following resolu-
tions were thereupon adopted :
Resolved. That this meeting take measures to have committees
appointed in each ward and township in the county to solicit sub-
scri]itions to raise a fund to be added to the proposed bounty to be
offered by the County of Dubuque to fill the quota of this county,
the fund received in each ward and township to be used in favor
of volunteers for each ward or township.
Resolved, That the board of supervisors of Dubuque County be
requested to take such action as they may think proper to relieve
the people of the coimty from the pending draft.
The necessary committees were thereupon appointed. Franklin
Hinds was asked to ser\'e as chairman of this meeting, but declined
on the ground that he did not understand the nature of the as-
semblage. Patrick Quigley served as chairman, and J. J. E. Nor-
man as secretary.
On September 23 the draft was carried to Delaware county. In
this county it was postponed until the county board could meet and
act. The number of men required from Dubuque City on Septem-
ber 23. 1864, was as follows: First ward 28, Second 16, Third 33,
Fourth II, Fifth 16.
"We regret exceedingly that the Times in its Monday's issue
should indulge in an extremely partisan view of the movement now
on foot to fill the quota of this county without a draft. It opposes
the whole proceeding and expresses the hope that loyal men will
give the wh.ole movement 'a wide berth,' and calls upon provost
marshals 'to let the draft go on.' Inasmuch as the movement re-
ferred to is the effort to fill our quota by volunteers, the above
would seem very much like discouraging enlistments. It is hardly
necessary to refer to the fact that a wide difference of opinion
exists between Democrats and Republicans as to the propriety and
justice, and even legality, of a draft. The former, if in power,
would avert a draft altogether, while the latter have considered
one necessary and enacted a law for that purpose. But no matter
what our opinions are as to the merits or demerits of that law, it
must be obeyed. Dubuque county is called upon for 300 men to
fill her quota. If they are not furnished voluntarily they will be
taken by draft. If the draft occurs many families will be left
destitute, in which case the county would be called on for support.
Which step, then, should the county take — offer the bounty or pre-
pare to care for the families?" — (Herald, September 27, 1864.)
Every ward in Dul)U(|ue and many precincts throughout the
county,' independent of any act that the county board might take,
raised large sums to secure recruits or substitutes. When it was
realized that the draft would now surely take place in all portions
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 311
of tlie county unless tlie quota was raised at once, the citizens began
work in earnest. The county board met about October i and fully
considered the subject. As it was apparent that a great majority
of the citizens favored a county bounty, they finally passed resolu-
tions approjiriating $125,000 for that purpose. County coupon
warrants bearing 6 per cent interest, payable in ten years or sooner,
were to be issued ; and not exceeding $400 was to be paid for any
recruit. The fund was to be applied to substitutes previously se-
cured under the pending call. A committee of five was appointed to
carry the order into effect. They were Arthur McCann, Dennis
O'Brien, Theophilus Crawford. F. M. Knoll and John Rugamer.
The following was one of the preambles of the resolutions of the
county board appropriating the $125,000:
"Whereas. If such draft be permitted to take place, there is
reason to believe that the peace of the county would be disturbed,
its prosperity impaired, its business in the various walks of life
suspended, and the better portion of its able-bodied population
driven into exile to avoid compulsory conscription; therefore," etc.
Many exciting incidents occurred in all parts of the county,
growing out of the efforts to escape the draft. Bounty jumpers
kindled the wrath of the people; prices of substitutes ran up to
$600 or more. In Concord township one of the recruits, after
receiving the bounty, escaped from the guards, but was pursued
by thirteen citizens armed with pistols, who conveyed him to Du-
buque and delivered him to the marshal ; he escaped again, where-
upon the aforesaid thirteen citizens cast lots to see which of them
should go in his place. There was much excitement, not immixed
with ludicrous incidents, for several months. There was great
rejoicing as township after township and ward after ward raised
its quota.
"Recruits are urged to enlist for three years, and we are told
that all in excess of the present quota will be credited on the next
draft. Another draft will surely come if Abraham Lincoln is
re-elected, and still others, each succeeding one more cruel and
remorseless than the last, until the last man shall be taken. Who
will vote for an administration so bloody in its policy and pur-
poses?"— [Herald, October, 7, 1864.)
"A negro from one of the interior towns presented himself at
the provost marshal's office as a volunteer to fill the quota of his
town, and was also authorized and furnished with the means to
buy enough men to fill the quota. He flourished among the white
brokers and was a formidable rival, bidding up in a spirited man-
ner. He got one white man for $700 and would pay the price for
several more, but he happened to open negotiations with a Copper-
head, who gave him a blow over the peeper and the darky left
for home soon after with a black eye and has not been seen since.
He is several degrees above those ranting, howling Abolitionists
312 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUXTY
who blow war all the time but never enlist themselves. He is
going to the front along 'wid the white folks.' " — {Herald, Octo-
ber 15, 1864.)
Nearly all the townships took the county bounty warrants at
par. Jefferson and Taylor townships were drafted October 6.
By October 8 the First and Third wards of Dubuque were the only
ones behind. On October 9 Cascade, Concord and Iowa town.ships
were drafted. The Third ward cleared itself by October 10; it
raised thirty-five men in two weeks. Dodge township was an-
nounced free from the draft October 11, Liberty cleared itself
October 12. The First ward was clear the 12th, paying $550 for
its last man. Mahony and Bates did more to free the county from
the draft than any other men. They led the movement which
induced the county board to offer the bounty. Substitute brokers
did a "land office business" ; one boasted that he had cleared
$2,000 in two months. A broker furnished six men in a lump,
who were secured by Taylor township. The draft occurred in
White Water township. Iowa township cleared itself October 22.
Prior to November 19. 1864, there had been paid out in county
bounty warrants $115,800. This sum had been divided among the
several wards and townships of the city and county and to persons
who had hired substitutes, in part as follows :
First ward $10,000
Second ward 5,600
Third ward 14,000
Fourth ward 4,000
Fifth ward 4,000
Julien 2,400
New Wine 6,400
Prairie Creek 5.200
Vernon 7,600
Table Mound 4,400
Peru 5.200
Liberty 7,600
Dodge 1 ,000
Washington i ,400
Iowa 4,000
Center 4.400
White Water 5,600
Mosalem 4,400
Cascade 2,000
Taylor 2,400
Jefferson 1.200
Concord 2,800
Special 600
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 313
There was still due townships and individuals the sum of $13,-
250, making $129,050 in all, or $4,050 over the amount appro-
priated by the board in October.
There was a supplemental draft in one or more of the townships
in November. Sherman's march to the sea and the Federal suc-
cesses late in 1864 were fully appreciated here. "No draft" was
announced early in January, 1865, to the great relief of the whole
county. Even as late as February, 1865, the Herald clung to its
idea of peace on the basis of the old Union. Dr. E. A. Guilbert
succeeded Dr. Phillips as examining surgeon. The old Herald
died at this time, though the new one found fault with every step
of the administration. On January 6 the city council "Resolved,
That hereafter payment made to soldiers' families from the relief
fund in Dubuque county shall be paid in money instead of orders
on designated stores in the city of Dubucjue, if demanded by them."
The question of additional bounty was considered in January, in
view of the new quota and fresh calls for recruits. The Herald
had an exasperating way of noticing with great display all im-
portant events solely of interest to the South and of studiously
ignoring occurrences of interest to the North. During 1864 forty-
seven deserters were put in jail in Dubuque. Substitute brokers
again were prominent in January, 1865. As high as $700 was
paid by several individuals. The county board adopted the follow-
ing resolution on January 4 :
Whereas, The county of Dubuque has given a large bounty to
those persons who have joined the army of the United States
during the fall of 1864 and thereby liberally provided for the
families of said persons ; therefore be it
"Resolved That the families of such soldiers who have received
the county bounty, or in whose favor the warrants of the county
have been issued, are not entitled to nor shall they receive the sup-
port of the county, the same as other soldiers' families, and that
the resolution passed by this board at its last regular session au-
thorizing the members of this board to recommend the aforesaid
soldiers' families to the superintendent for support be and is
hereby rescinded.
"Babylon Has Fallen. — Richmond, the capital of the Confed-
eracy, has fallen. The news was first received by a dispatch from
Lincoln, and afterward confirmed by Stanton, when all doubts
were removed, as the event had long been expected. Signs of
rejoicing and hilarity began to manifest themselves throughout the
city, when flags were displayed and crowds of men thronged the
newspaper offices to learn the truth of the report. The Germania
band paraded Main street during the afternoon playing inspiring
airs and was followed by a crowd. The Key City battery fired a
salute from Washington Square without meeting with any acci-
314 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
dent. Tlie whole city was glad to know that the end draweth
nigh, for all are more or less tired of the war, and the sooner it
is ended the better it will be for all parties. With the Federal vic-
tories and the city election the town was in a blaze of excitement
last evening." — {Herald, April 4, 1865.)
"We have to record in this issue two great victories, one of
Dubuque and the other of Richmond and both of large importance.
Richmond has at last fallen; after withstanding a siege of three
full years it has at last succumbed and Federal troops are now
stationed on its streets and Federal tents cover the Shocpoe Hills.
This was the last stronghold of the rebels — the last standpoint of
the Confederacy — and with its capture goes out not perhaps their
last hope but certainly their greatest. It is a blow from which
we do not believe tliey can ever recover, and indeed, if they are ever
able to again rally a large army, tliey will disappoint us. Still it
i.<. presuming too much to believe that the war is virtually at an
end, for it is not so ; there will be a good deal of fighting vet and
many severe struggles before thev yield." — (Herald, April 4,
1865.)
The news of Lee's surrender was received a little before 10
o'clock p. m. Sunday, April 9, 1865, and immediately an impromptu
celebration was held. An enthusiastic crowd, headed by the Ger-
mania band, paraded the streets and called the people from their
beds ; bulletins conveyed the glad tidings. Bishop Smyth, who was
called out, rejoiced at the prospect of speedy peace. Mayor Thomp-
son gave permission to ring all the bells in the city. Other leading
citizens were called out, made glad speeches, and far into the next
day the rejoicing continued ; bonfires and patriotic songs closed
the celebration. But the next day the excitement and rejoicing
continued with little diminution ; nearly all business was suspended,
the people preferring to meet, congratulate and make merry. An
immense procession paraded the streets at 2 p. m., with banners,
mottoes and war reminders, amid the fire of artillery from the
bluff; speeches of joy and gladness were delivered in halls and
churches to cheering, happy-faced crowds. The Herald asked
President Lincoln to give the South all the rights it had before
the war.
"Our faith, howe\er, in Air. Lincoln doing this we must acknowl-
edge is small. If he rises from politics to statesmanship he will
disappoint the precedents he has .set. If he can disentangle himself
from the radical destructives who have governed and owned him
since he has been in power, he will do much more than we antici-
l)ate from him. It is almost as morally certain that he will bring
in the odious and everlasting nigger question as that the sun will
rise tomorrow; he will prove himself, we fear, instead of a wise
and judicious statesman, notliing l)ut a groveling Abolitionist, sac-
rificing tlie interests of a great and mighty nation and of millions
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 315
of white men to an abstract question about a few niggers. If he
should not do it, then indeed would Lincoln cease to be Lincoln." —
(Herald, April 12, 1865.)
On Sunday, April 16, the terrible news of Lincoln's assassination
was received and occasioned general regret and sorrow. Here,
as elsewhere in the North, many had come to believe him a tyrant,
and several rejoiced at his death. The Herald denounced the act
as an awful crime and issued bulletins, as did the Times. Many
voluntarily draped their buildings in mourning.
A grocer named Morrill, located at Main and Eighth streets, on
the morning of April 15, 1S65, offered to head a band of men to
tear down the Herald office.
PROCLAMATION.
In consequence of the sad news received by telegraph of the
cowardly assassination of our President and secretary of state, I
hereby request all places of business and saloons in the city to be
closed during the day and e\-ening. It is further requested that
all drape their buildings in mourning.
John Thompson, Mayor.
"It was but a short time before the city was almost entirely
draped in mourning, presenting a strange contrast from the gay
and festive aspect of the first part of the week. The streets had
the appearance of Sunday. Store rooms were closed and shutters
up. The banks closed business after 12 o'clock. Men gathered on
the street to talk of the atrocious deed. Tears rolled down the
cheeks of gray-haired men. The excitement was intense. From
joy the nation was turned to sorrow. No such a dismal looking
day was ever seen in this city before and we hope will never be
again. "^(HrraW/ April 16, 1865.)
"Precisely at 12 o'clock all the bells in the city commenced a
doleful tolling, continuing for an hour. All the churches, public
buildings and fire companies rung out a slow, mournful dirge that
fell on the ear like the spirit of the departed. On the levee the
observance was kept; flags trimmed with crape floated half-mast
and all the packets' bells tolled a funeral dirge. Sunday was not
more quiet than Main street during two hours yesterday. The
citizens assembled at the Congregational church according to public
announcement and', occupied an hour or more with services appro-
priate to the solemn occasion. The divines delivered fitting eulo-
gies on the death of the lamented President. Hon. W. B. Allison
made a few remarks appropriate to the occasion." — {Herald, April
20. 1865.)
"If there should ever be any violence or mobs in Dubuque — •
which we fervently hope will never be the case — we shall know
3i6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
where to trace them and to wliom to lay the blame. These niin-
ii-ters propose to visit upon us the same vengeance Wilkes Booth
wreaked upon Mr. Lincoln, and think thereby, as he did, they are
doing God and humanity a service. Last Friday Parson Holmes
proposed the appointment of a committee to come down and mod-
crate our tone, but wise man that he is readily ga\-e wav to sapient
suggestion diat the matter should be deferred' till the so'ldiers come
home, when they would compel what he desired. Parson Whiting
hopes that the day will come when Dubuque will not be a disgrace
to Iowa and the North."— (//rraW. April 21, 1865.) The Herald
called these ministers "bloodhounds of Zion."
"We will give these men who are so eager to stir up strife in
Ihis community a bit of wholesome advice. It will be a sorry day
for them and their friends when they attempt any violence. They
are in the minority here and it is the intention to keep tliem there.
The Democracy will not allow themselves to be provoked into any
violence of any kind by taunts of 'shameless disloyalty' or by
threats of 'patriotic indignation'— they intend to preserve order,
obey the laws and criticise the acts of public men as thev please." —
(Herald, April 21, 1865.)
"Fanatical priests have been the curse of this country for the
last fifteen years. Casting aside the work of their Master, they
have entered fully into the service of the devil and have preached
the country into a revolution and now they want to preach it into
anarchy." — {Herald, April 22, 1865.)
On April 19, 1865, Bishop Smyth's fine barn containing two
fine Morgan horses worth $1,000, a carriage worth $500, two sets
of harness, a cow, a Newfoundland dog, a sleigh and a large
quantity of hay was burned by an incendiary. This was one of
the meanest, most contemptible acts ever perpetrated in this city;
it was denounced by everybody as a dastardly crime. The mayor
offered a reward of $1,000 for the arrest of the guilty ones.
"Rev. R. Nagle, McGregor.
"On last Wednesday (19th) about i o'clock in the morning, my
stable, coach-house, carriage, splendid horses, grain, etc., etc., were
all burned down by the foul hand of some southern secesh because
I had on last Sunday strongly condemned the bloody and cruel
assassination of our late lamented and humane President. I for-
give them and may God forgive them. Loss about $4,000.
Clement, Bishop of Dubuque.
"We believe this opinion of the bishop is as hasty as it is ill-
founded. AVe cannot think that there is any such rascal in Du-
buque. Still, if he is so confident in his knowledge, is it not his
duty as a good citizen to inform the officers of the law of the
guilty wretch." — (Herald, April 29, 1865.)
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 317
"If there had heen no Copperhead paper in Dubuque to call the
President 'bloody tyrant,' 'widow-maker,' 'wretch,' 'imbecile,' 'm-
human fool.' and to even seek to cast disgrace upon his mother
in asserting that he was a 'bastard,' Bishop Smyth would not have
lost his property. To be consistent the Herald ought to lavish
praise upon the incendiary. This act was but the practice of south-
ern rebels carried northward, and the Herald, you know, has ever
since the war commenced spared no praise in speaking of the acts
of 'the noble Confederates.' * * * We believe it was a ruf-
fian, born in the Catholic church, one of the ignorant beings who
are a disgrace to religion and society, who applied the torch to
the bishop's barn. We cannot expect anything else when the ipse
dixit of a Democratic defaulter is of more importance than the
kind admonitions of a venerable and kind-hearted prelate ; when
the verbiage of small lawyers and the drunken bluster of pros-
perous dunces are heeded in preference to the advice of those who
have no object but the spiritual and temporal welfare of their
charges. Let it be remembered for all time in Dubuque the humble
residence of the Catholic bishop was threatened by the torch of
an incendiary ; that his barn was fired because he denounced a
foul, infamous and unparalleled murder." — (Times, April 23,
1865.)
In April, 1865, all recruiting was stopped by order of the au-
thorities. In May the Lincoln Monument Association was organ-
ized, the object being to raise means to erect in this city a monu-
ment to Abraham Lincoln. In June the Iowa regiments began
to be mustered out and be sent home. Often they came in small
squads, but when they came en masse they were received with
great ceremony and showered with honors. The Ninth and Fif-
teenth regiments were given such a reception at the City Hall in
July. The Thirty-fourth and Thirty-eighth regiments arrived in
September. The Fourth of July was duly celebrated in 1865. The
Herald could not say enough mean things against the men who
on that occasion exhibited an efiigy of Jefif Davis hanging to a
sour apple tree. The Copperheads refused to have read at their
celebration the emancipation proclamation, so there were several
celebrations.
In September, 1865, the first steps to form in Dubuque a per-
manent organization of the old sokliers were taken; several meet-
ings were held. On May 30, 1868, the organized old soldiers began
to observe Decoration day ; General Vandever was the chief speaker
this year. Gen. M. M. Trumbull was the chief orator in 1869.
D. B. Henderson was the chief orator in 1870. Gen. William
Hyde Clark died here in October, 1872. In 1861 he went out with
the Governor's Greys, was at Wilson's Creek, Pea Ridge and other
battles. The G. A. R. camp at Dubuque was named in his honor;
he offered the Greys to the governor in January, 1861. The an-
o
i8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
nual reunion of the Twenty-first regiment was held here in Sep-
tember, 1872. Tlie Dubuque Rifles were reorganized in 1875, with
Captain Duane at their head. Col. George jNIcHenry died here
in 1877; he assisted in raising the company for the Mexican war;
he previously had been colonel of militia at Jacksonville, Illinois.
He was a "war Democrat." In 1877 the Fourth regiment of
National Guards was organized in this county. Capt. M. M. Hay-
den died in 1876; in 1854 he became captain of the City Guards;
his rebellion record was brilliant. The Dubuque Light Artillery
company was organized in 1878. In 1878 three companies of
Dubuque were members of the Fourth regiment: Dubuque Rifles,
Dubuque Guards and Dubuque Cadets. C. S. Bentley was colonel
of the regiment. In August, 1881, the members of Company I,
First regiment, organized in order to preserve the memories of
the battle of Wilson's Creek. The immense national military en-
campment was held here in August, 1882 ; nearly thirty military
organizations participated; they came from all parts of tlie Union.
Several hundred tents constituted their home at "Camp Dubuque"
on the Fair Grounds. This was by all odds the finest military
display ever seen here ; 25,000 people saw the sham fight. Drills,
parades, steeplechase, gun contests, etc., entertained all persons.
The United States signal corps gave a fine exhibition. The Por-
ter Guards, of New Orleans, won first prize of $1,000 for general
excellence. The total receipts were $12,820 and the total expenses
$13,665.13. Another, even larger, was held in June at Dubuque in
1884; this was the largest ever held in the Northwest. Over
thirty companies were here the first day and in all about forty were
present later. Ten bands furnished music. As before, all sorts
of contests enlivened the event. The Mobile Rifles took first prize
and Tredway Rifles, of St. Louis, second prize.
The Governor's Greys had four distinct organizations : ( i ) In
1858, under Governor Hempsteatl, from whom it took its name;
(2) in 1859; (3) '" 1864; (4) in 1885. Its temporary officers in
1885 were W. H. Thrift, acting captain; C. D. Hayden, first lieu-
tenant ; C. D. Ham, second lieutenant ; they drilled in the City
Hall. On July i, 1885, they numbered forty-one. At the organi-
zation the old members yet alive were George L. Torbert, J. F.
Bates, C. N. Clark, J. B. Howard, W. W. Wormood, J. K. Graves,
G. B. Grosvenor, S. M. Pollock, Horace Poole, Alonzo Cragin,
A. Y. McDonald, V. J. Williams, B. M. Harger, F. H. Carberry,
and others. In 1886 Governor Larrabee attended the Greys' ball.
The Greys represented the state at the Centennial in Philadelphia
in 1887. Their new officers in 1887 were C. D. Hayden, captain;
CD. Ham, first lieutenant; F. D. Shiras, second lieutenant. In
1890 the officers were W. H. Thrift, captain; B. F. Blockinger,
first lieutenant ; A. M. Jaeggi, second lieutenant. The Greys'
armory was dedicated in 1892. The Greys in October, 1892, rep-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 319
resented the state at the opening of the Columbian Exposition at
Chicago. Captain Thrift and Private Becker became involved in
serious trouble in 1S92; the latter was dropped from the rolls, but
this was declared to be a whitewash of the captain.
A joint committee of the legislature visited Dubuque in 1886
to inspect proposed sites for the Soldiers' Orphans' Home. There
was sharp competition among the cities of Iowa for this institu-
tion. Dubuque tried hard to get it, but was defeated by Marshall-
town by only one vote; this city would no doubt have won had
not tiie ri^'al cities raked up the disloyal record of this community
during the rebellion. The Grand Army encampment of Iowa was
held here in 1887; it was a notable event. The G. A. R. held an-
other encampment here in 1891 ; 15,000 visitors were present; 3,000
veterans were in line; Governor Boies addressed the old soldiers;
50,000 people saw the parade ; the Woman's Relief Corps was well
represented ; the largest crowd ever here saw the performances.
Col. J. F. Bates died in 1892; his military record was splendid. In
1892 Gen. George W. Jones was granted a special pension of $20;
he was a drummer boy in the War of 1812; served on the staff
of General Dodge in the Black Hawk war.
The First Regiment of Iowa National Guards in 1898 comprised
the following companies: Company A, of Dubuque; B, of Water-
loo; C, of Cedar Rapids; D, of Charles City; E. of Independence;
F, of Tipton; G, of Vinton; H, of Marshalltown; I, of Waukon;
K, of Toledo; L, of Lyons, and M, of Maquoketa. The Dubuque
Company A was the Governor's Greys. In April, 1898, W. G.
Dows, of Cedar Rapids, was elected colonel of this regiment.
It was presumed that in case of war with Spain the Governor's
Greys, as Company A, of the National Guard, would, of course,
become the volunteers called for from Dubuque. It was due to this
reason that the Greys themselves did little when war commenced.
But this course did not suit others here. On April 18 Capt. W. H.
Thrift issued a call for volunteers independent of the National
Guards. On April 18 a large war meeting, presided over by Mayor
Berg, was held. Colonel Lyon delivered one of his fiery speeches.
Other speakers were Senator Malley, Rev. L. M. Waterman and
Captains Dow and Thrift. Volunteers were enrolled, but how
many is unknown, as no record was kept. The call by Captain
Thrift extended over northwest Iowa and was for a full regiment.
But this call was wholly unauthorized and was disclaimed by
Adjutant General Byers.
About this time the Twenty-fifth Regiment (colored) and the
Second Regiment of regulars passed through Dubuque for the
front. Thousands of citizens gathered to see the latter. In the
meantime the Greys began to drill every night and get ready for
camp. On April 22 Adjutant General Byers notified the National
Guard throughout the state to get ready for service. On April 23
320 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUXTV
President IMcKinley called for 125,000 men for two years. The
officers of the First Regiment were as follows: \V. G. Dows,
colonel; Clifford D. Ham, senior major; Benjamin V. Blocklinger,
junior major; Dr. J. R. Guthrie, assistant surgeon; A. M. Jaeggi,
battalion agent; W. H. Thrift, inspector. The officers of Company
A were as follows : William M. Flynn, captain ; Jacob R. Ballou,
first lieutenant ; Charles J. Stewart, second lieutenant. The Greys
were not up to the full number required and besides several dropped
out, not finding it convenient to go. This left the company with
three corporals and twenty-four privates, besides the officers. There
was also here the regimental band, under Drum Major Joseph Reis.
Recruits were hurriedly called for, drilling occurred every night,
and on April 29 the company left for Des Moines, pursuant to the
following call :
Capt. W. M. Flynn :
Assemble your company and report at Camp McKinley, Des
Moines, tomorrow morning.
W. H. BvERS, Adjutant General.
When this dispatch was received it was quite late in the evening
of the 24th ; the company was then drilling and a large crowd was
present. At once a hush fell upon the audience, drilling ceased and
after a hurried consultation, it was determined to leave at 4 o'clock
the next morning in order to reach Des Moines according to the
above dispatch. Bells throughout the city were tolled at 11 o'clock
that night, whistles were blown and from that time until the hour
of departure the whole city was in a state of great excitement. At
Ninth and Main streets rockets were set ofif, firecrackers were ex-
ploded, tin horns were blown and all seemed like an imixirtant
election night. At 2 o'clock in the morning the Greys had luncheon.
At 3 o'clock it was decided that the First Regiment band should
accompany the Greys. As the moment of departure drew near an
immense crowd gathered to bid the "boys" farewell and see them
go. Much feeling was shown, because they were the pride of the
city and all left behind loved ones, who believed that many would
never return. The company marched down Ninth street to Main,
thence to Eighth and thence east to the station. Forty-four left
at this time; of these thirty-five were privates.
Soon after the arrival of the required regiments at Des Moines
it was announced that the First was too small, and as it was consid-
ered the latest organized with regimental officers, it would l)e sent
home, to be recruited up to tlie limit. It was suggested that the
First should be distributed among the other three regiments, but
this step was vehemently opposed by the whole regiment. The
riglits of the regiments to service were in the order of the election
of their colonels, announced .Xdjutanl General Byers. In order to
THE NEW YOEK
PUBLIC LIBRAKY
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
R L
ROCKDALE. STREET SCENES DUBUQUE AND MT. ST. JOSEPHS
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 321
settle the difficulty Governor Shaw advised the consolidation of the
four small regiments into three, but all opposed this step. It was
then proposed to send one regiment home, but this step was likewise
opposed by all the four regiments.
An appeal was then made to Secretary of War Alger so to change
the call that all four regiments could be accepted as they were.
This appeal failed, although it went to President McKinley him-
self. Finally all the Iowa congressmen and the two senators were
lined up against the war authorities, no doubt with intimations of
the dire consequences that would affect their political fences at home
in case they failed. Hot telegrams flew to Allison with the result
all four regiments were accepted, though the two light batteries
were not wanted. Under this arrangement the number of men
required from Iowa was 3,336. The Greys at once enlisted enough
recruits to fill up their company.
When the war commenced there were four military districts in
the state and four regiments of National Guards. The call was
for three regiments of infantry and two light batteries, or for a total
of 3,321 men. Each of the four military districts sent forward a
regiment. Then the question arose, how should the four small
regiments be combined so as to form three full-sized ones?
The First Regiment became the Forty-ninth Iowa, the number
following the last one of the Civil War. In June it was ordered to
Jacksonville, Florida, where it suffered much from disease. Pre-
vious to August the number of sick at any one time did not exceed
from ten to fifteen, but in that month the number in the hospital ran
up suddenly to sixty and seventy, although the regiment was moved
out to a much better place on a sandy knoll, where the drainage was
good. Late in October the regiment was transferred to Savannah
and late in December sailed for Havana, where it did guard and
scout duty until ordered home to be mustered out. It returned to
Savannah in April, 1899. Company A lost during its service Charles
E. Lobdell and Henry Becker, the former of typhoid and the latter
from injuries resulting from falling down a hatchway.
Upon their return, in May, 1899, the members of Company A
were given a splendid reception, fully 10,000 people turning out to
welcome them at the station. They had done their duty, had suf-
fered much, and were treated royally on this memorable occasion.
During the Spanish- American war the vessels Ericsson and Win-
dom, which had been built in Dubuque, were used by the United
States Navy in West India waters. They gave a satisfactory account
of themselves.
On November 5, 1893, thousands of persons gathered at Lin-
wood cemetery to witness the unveiling of the soldiers' monument.
T. W. Ruete was president of the day. The bands. Greys, Grand
Army posts and Sons of Veterans participated. Miss Hayden
unveiled the beautiful monument. Doctor Staples made the pres-
322 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUXTV
entation speech, after wliich Dr. E. A. Guilbert dedicated the monu-
ment according to the Grand Army ritual. Judge O'Donncll de-
livered a splendid oration, glorifying the soldiers dead and alive and
extolling the country as the home of freedom and justice. The work
of collecting funds for this monument had been in progress for
twelve years.
Soon after the war the Grand Army established Hyde Clark
Post No. 78 in Dubuque. It has been in existence ever since. Also
Lookout Post No. 70 was formed here. A post was later estab-
lished at Cascade — No. 369. They observe Decoration day regu-
larly and are always honored on Fourth of July and at public func-
tions. Henderson Camp Sons of Veterans was established a few
years ago. The Woman's Relief Corps is a prominent feature of
the Grand Army reunions. The Daughters of the American Revo-
lution organized in Dubuque about 1893. In Linwood cemetery
repose the remains of four soldiers who served in the War of 1812 :
Preston Eyre, Moses Eggleston, Peter de Lorimier and Zephaniah
Williams.
The following is a copy of the original roster of the Greys on
May 2, 1859: H. H. Heath, William Hyde Clark, Henry C.
Paxson, James C. Van Pelt, T- B. Howard, J. F. Bates, William F.
Rapides, U. S. Gilbert, F. J. Herron, M. W. Smith, F. A. Doolittle,
J. B. Smith, Charles N. Clark, F. T. Goodrich, H. B. Gififord, G. B.
Smith, G. B. Grosvenor, A. Russell, George W. Waldron, James C.
Bennett, James Steel, John M. McDaneld, Sol. Turck, H. Curtis,
V. J. David, S. M. Pollock, Q. Bronson, A. Williams, Charles
Burtleson, William W. Wormood, H. D. Farquharson, William
Luther, V. H. Sutkamp, Edward Wright, J. M. Robinson, J. K.
Graves and W. T. Barker.
The Greys often hold fairs and other assemblages, and tlieir
efforts are always appreciated and admired. In 1894 the Greys,
upon special invitation, attended Mardi Gras at New Orleans and
were signally recognized, toasted and honored. The Spanish \Var
Veterans are a recent organization. In the fall of 1899 Dubuque
was honored by a visit from a former Dubuquer, Commander Gott-
fried Blocklinger, of the Navy. He commanded the cruiser Charles-
ton in the Philippines. In December, 1908, a beautiful sword was
sent to him at Washington upon his accession to the rank of rear
admiral. .Xt this date he commanded the battleshi]) Illinois. In
1905 Capt. Albert Jaeggi was commander of the local Spanish-
American war veterans. He was promoted to adjutant general in
1907. In June of this year the Iowa Grand Army Encampment
was held in Dubuque and was one of the most notable events in llie
history of the city. Thousands gathered to witness the proceedings.
A soldiers' memorial hall will probably soon be built in Dubuque.
POLITICS.
WHEN Wisconsin territory was separated from Michigan
territory in 1836, George W. Jones represented the latter
in Congress, and was chosen at once to represent the
former in that body.
A pubhc dinner was given Gov. Henry Dodge on the occasion
of his visit to Dnbnque, July 16. 1836. He stopped at the Wash-
ington House. There were present at the dinner Lockwood, Quig-
ley, Stoddard, Camp, Hempstead, Morrison, Lorimier, Rice, King,
Coriell, Hogan, Sleator, Osman, L. H. Langworthy, Hughes, My-
ers, Jones, Lott, Fassitt, Harrison, Prentice, Butterworth, Graham,
Wright, Lewis, Finley, Bourne, Langley.
In September, 1836, a large Democratic meeting was held in the
woods on Bee Branch, near Dubuque, to name candidates for the
October election. The meeting denounced the "secret speculators'
bill" in Congress and also declared against "caucus dictation." A
full ticket was nominated.
At the October election in 1836 all candidates were required to
a-\'ow that they favored Dubuque as the capital of Wisconsin
territory, favored tlie formation of townships, common schools,
internal impro\'ement, and were opposed to the division of Du-
buque county into other counties ; this avowal was made at the in-
stance of the town of Dubuque. For Congress, George W. Jones
received 930 votes and Moses Meeker 49. For the council, John
Foley received 815; Thomas McCraney, 451; Thomas McKnight,
413; Peter A. Lorimier, 409; Stephen Langworthy, 363; William
W. Coriell, 190; Simeon Clark, 163. For the house, Loring
Wheeler received 572; Hardin Nowlin, 567; Peter H. Engle, 437;
Patrick Ouigley, 401; Hosea T. Camp, 450; Ezekiel Lockwood,
291 ; E. White, 267; Chauncey Swan, 251 ; A. W. McGregor, 233;
John Finley, 140: William Hutton, 137; B. Bushee, 115; William
C. Jones, 112 ; E. Parkhurst, 50; David Dyass, 7,y\ J. K. Moss, 15.
For sheriff, George W. Cummins received 374 ; E. C. Daugherty,
198; H. H. Pease, 190; D. D Downs, 93; G. Kennedy, 44. For
colonel of the militia regiment, W. W. Chapman, 501 ; Leroy Jack-
son, 197; J. S. Loraine, 127. For lieutenant-colonel, Paul Cain,
493 ; C. H. Stowell, 280. For major, William S. Anderson. 373 ;
William Allen, 274; T. Childs, 273. The total vote in Dubuque
county was 1,031. Dubuque county was entitled to three mem-
bers of the council and five members of the house. The following
323
324 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
election districts in Dubuque county were established in Septem-
ber, 1836: Dubuque at the house of Robert Bourne; head waters
of the Catfish at the house of Colonel Camp; Turkey river at the
house of Robert Hatfield: Prairie la Porte; Durango; Bellevue;
on North Fork of Maquoketa at the house of Hamilton; Higgins-
port; upper end of Mississippi Rapids; Le Claire's; Brophy's Ferry
on Wapsipinicon river; on Red Cedar river. In November, 1836,
Peter H. Engle, of Dubuque, was speaker of the territorial house.
In November, 1836, Gov. Henry Dodge and a delegation from
the territorial legislature visited Dubuque ; they were met at the
ferry landing by a citizens' committee and were entertained with
dinner at the Grafiford House and with preaching by Rev. Mr.
Teas at the Methodist church. This was a notable occasion of
early Dubuque. Late in 1836 General Jones introduced a bill in
Congress to inquire into the expediency of establishing a separate
territory west of the Mississippi north of Missouri. Ouigley's
speech against the location of the Wisconsin capital at Madison
was an important political event of the times. All members from
this county protested against the location of the capital at Madison;
Dul)uque wanted the honor.
In August, 1837, George W. Harris and R. Whittlesey were
appointed justices for Dubuc|ue county. Colonel Camp, repre-
sentative, having died, a special election to fill the vacancy
resulted as follows: McGregor, 502; Parker, 364. The following
were the election precincts : Duljuque, Peru, Durango, Bellevue,
Prairie la Porte, Turkey River, Higginsport, White Water, Bro-
phy's Ferry, Parkhurst, Le Claire and New York.
In October, 1837, the people of Dubuque county were urged to
attend the convention to be held at Burlington in November to
take steps to form a new territory west of the Mississippi. A
large meeting was held at the court house on October 13, Warner
Lewis serving as chairman and John Plunbe, Jr., as secretary. The
following delegates to the Burlington convention were chosen:
P. H. Engle, J. T. Fales, S. W. Harris, W. A. Warren. W. B.
Watts, A. F, Russell, W. H. Patton, J. W. Parker, J. D. Bell and
J. H. Rose. Mr. Engle served as chairman of the Burlington con-
xention.
In January, 1838, William H. Brown and Mathias Ringer were
justices. In March, 1838. the Democrats nominated for county
commissioners Peter .A. Lorimier, James Fanning and Edward
Langworthy : George W. Harris for recorder : Guy B. Morrison for
county treasurer; Charles Leist, John Laflcsh and Reuljcn ATay-
field, constables. All these men except Langworthy were elected ;
Andrew Bankston defeated Langworthy. J. L. Hempstead was
elected coroner. In 1838 Ouigley and McGregor having resigned
from the legislature, Lucius H. Langworthy and Patrick Ouigley
succeeded them, the latter being re-elected over his resignation.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 325
At this election the county was Democratic by about two to one.
Timothy Mason was justice. In June, 1838, Joseph T. Fales was
doorkeeper of the house and George W. Harris sergeant-at-arms.
In June, 1838, Congress passed the law providing for the formation
of Iowa territory. Mr. McGregor, after resigning, was arraigned
on the charge of having received a bribe and for extortion and cor-
ruption. In June, 1838, Jackson county indorsed Thomas S. Wil-
son, of Dubuque, for Congress. The Democratic meeting in Du-
buque recommended either Col. William W. Chapman, Peter H.
Engle or Thomas S. Wilson for that position. The latter was
unanimously chosen. The following men were appointed a com-
mittee of vigilance: Col. Andrew Bankston, John R. Ewing, Hiram
H. Loomis, John Parker, James Fanning, Milo H. Prentice, Will-
iam Smith, Sr., Stephen Hempstead, James Langworthy, William
Hutton, Hardin Nowlin, Joseph T. Fales, Patrick Quigley, Warner
Lewis, Michael Powers and Calvert Roberts. Other candidates for
Congress, besides Mr. Wilson, were Milo H. Prentice, Stephen
Hempstead, Col. P. H. Engle and George W. Jones. In 1838,
Robert M. Lucas was appointed governor of Iowa territory. Be-
fore Peter H. Engle had resided in Dubuque five months he was
chosen to represent it in the legislature; his first term expired in
1838. In 1838 the governor appointed Hardin Nowlin supreme
court commissioner; Thadeus C. Martin, notary public; Joseph
T. Fales, C. C. Bellows, William Morrison and Charles P. Hutton,
justices ; Thomas Child, district surveyor, and David Sleator, lieu-
tenant-colonel of militia.
Governor Lucas arrived at Dubuque on August 19, 1838, on
board the steamer Knickerbocker, but returned to Burlington on
the 24th. While here he discussed public affairs with the leading
citizens, all of whom called upon him. He was about sixty years
old, tall and commanding, but easily approachable. He left a good
impression. While here he prepared his proclamation making va-
rious appointments and disregarding the proclamation made by
William B. Conway, secretary of the territory, made for him in
his absence. The counties of Jackson, Dubuque, Delaware, Buch-
anan, Favette and Clayton were constituted one election district
and entitled to two members of the council and four members of
the house. The first election was set for the second Monday in
September, 1838. and the sheriffs in the counties were directed
to give ten days' notice of such election. The candidates here for
county officers were as follows: Paul Cain and George W. Cum-
mins, sherifif; Alfred McDaniel, county commissioner; John B.
Russell, recorder. In accordance with the proclamation of Gov-
ernor Lucas, the sherifif of Dubuque county ifixed the polling places
as follows: Dubuque, at the house of Lorimier and Gra-
tiot ; Peru, at the house of M. W. Power ; Durango, at
the house of A. J. Devin ; Paul's, at the house of John Paul; Re-
326 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
gan's, at the house of John Regan; Whitewater, at the house of
Jacob Hamihon; Hewitt's, at the house of Joseph Hewitt;
Dreibelbis', at the house of Jacob Dreibelbis. The election was for
one delegate to Congress, two members of the council, four mem-
bers of the house, one county commissioner, one county treasurer,
one recorder, three constables and one coroner.
In 1838 J. R. Ewing, G. W. Ames and W. Smith were elected
county commissioners ; Peter H. Engle, delegate to Congress ; War-
ner Lewis and Stephen Hempstead, senators; Chauncey Swan,
Andrew Bankston, Thomas Cox and Hardin Nowlin, representa-
tives; George W. Cummins, sheriff; George W. Harris, recorder;
J. M. Emerson, treasurer; John W. Finley, coroner. A dispute as
to authority between the old and the new county boards was settled
by^the county attorney, Mr. Hempstead, in favor of the new board.
"While Colonel Engle was out stumping his district for Con-
gress and while crossing the Wapsipinicon, which was very high,
he became entangled and would have drowned but for the daring
energy of an Indian, who, upon hearing his call, ran 200 yards,
plunged in and caught him after he had sunk for the third time
and pulled him ashore in a senseless state." — {lozva Nczi's Sentem-
beri, 1838.) '
Early in 1839 Dr. Timothy Mason, Mortimer Bainbridge, Ben-
jamin Rupert and Joseph R. Goodrich were appointed justices
and Charles Corkery judge of probate. Joseph T. Fales was clerk
of the house in 1839.
In 1840 the presidential contest was fought out here, but the
territory had nothing to say in the result. The sub-treasury bill,
the banks, Locofocos, log cabin and hard cider terms were bandied
back and forth by Whigs and Democrats. The Whigs sang —
"Cold water will do for the Locos,
And a little vinegar stew ;
But give us hard cider and whisky
And we'll vote for Old Tippecanoe."
In November, 1840, Mortimer M. Bainbridge, of Dubuque
county, was chosen president of the Iowa Territorial Council.
Timothy Mason and Edward Langworthy were active members
of the house in 1840, and M. M. Bainbridge and Joseph S. Kirk-
patrick were prominent in the council.
On May 9 the Democrats reassembled at the court house. Foley
again presided. The following citizens were appointed a committee
to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting: L. H.
Langworthy, Patrick Quigley, George Ames, J. Parker, ]. W.
Harris, J. R. Ewing, J. King, P. S. Dods, T- B. Russell, W. Smith,
J. Fanning, W. Cardiff, T. McCraney, M. W. Power. H. Lore
W. J. A. Bradford, J. Tavlor, A. Levi, E. D. Wclle, T. H. Benton,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 2>27
Jr., G. L. Nightingale, E. M. Bissell and W. Lewis. While this
committee was preparing the resolutions a lengthy address to the
people which had been prepared by the previous committee was
read to the meeting. It glorified the Democracy and asked for the
support of the people. Then the resolutions were read and adopted
separately. They declared in favor of a Democratic territorial
convention to select candidates for delegates to Congress. The
following men were then elected delegates to such convention :
John Parker, David Sleator, Lucius H. Langworthy, Thomas Mc-
Craney, Hardin Nowlin, John Beach, Joseph T. Fales and John B.
Russell. The following were appointed as Democratic county ex-
ecutive committee: P. Quigley, J. R. Ewing, George W. Ames,
William Smith and Dr. S. Langworthy.
In May, 1841, the Democrats sent John Foley, Thomas H. Ben-
ton, Jr., Gen. Francis Gehon, C. H. Booth and L. Dillon as dele-
gates to the territorial convention; Mr. Foley was chosen president
of that bodv; General Gehon was a member of the committee on
resolutions, and Mr. Booth was one of the committee to prepare
an address to the people of the territory. General Gehon was one
of the first marshals of Iowa territory. At a Democratic meeting
held at the Presbyterian church in May a committee of five was
appointed to meet a like committee of Clayton and Delaware
counties to prepare the names of candidates for the legislature;
P. C. Mohiser, A. Cline, William Smith, Lyman Dillon and John
Parker were chosen such committee. Coriell, of the Ncivs, had op-
posed the advancement of General Gehon, whereupon, at this meet-
ing, Mr. Churchman introduced a resolution condemning the Nezvs,
which was adopted unanimously. This act angered Mr. Coriell
and he attacked General Gehon more sharply than ever.
The Democratic territorial convention held at Iowa City on
June 21, 1 84 1, to nominate a candidate for delegate to Congress
was the largest assembly of the kind ever convened in the territory
up to that time, and was largely attended by prominent Dubuque
citizens of that political faith. Augustus C. Dodge received the
nomination. The delegates to the convention from Dubuque, Clay-
ton and Delaware counties were as follows : Gen. F. Gehon, C. H.
Booth, John Foley, B. Rush Petrikin and Lyman Dillon. John
Foley w-as chosen president of the convention, C. H. Booth one of
the vice-presidents, and General Gehon one of the committee on
resolutions.
In August, 1841, the combined vote of Dubuque and Delaware
counties for delegate to Congress was as follows: Dodge (Dem. ),
363; Rich (Whig), 225. In December, 1841, Warner Lewis was
elected speaker of the house, and George W. Harris transcribing
clerk of the council. Coriell of the lozva Ncivs, was state printer
in 1841-2. At the election for territorial councilman in June, 1842,
there was a tie vote between Hardin Nowlin and Stephen Hemp-
328 HISTORY OF DLBl'Qi-E COUXTY
stead. In tlie second election Xowlin, Gehon and Hempstead. Dem-
ocrats, ran against Collins, Whig. The latter admitted he was a
deserter from the British army, but had enlisted at the age of sev-
eiiteen years and jjleaded his youth to excuse his act. Francis
Gehon was elected by a large majority. The Bloomington Herald.
of September 23, 1842. called Hempstead a bogus Democrat and
said : "Poor Stephen, once honored with the confidence of that
district, is now laid on the shelf, at least for a season. We would
have greatly preferred seeing Collins elected than Hempstead."
In 1842 the people of Iowa territory voted down a proposed con-
vention to form a state government: the majoritv against it was
2,696.
In August, 1842, Thomas Cox and Stephen Hempstead were
elected to the council, representing Dubuque, Jackson, Clavton
and other counties, and T. Rogers and F. Sudros were elected
from Dubuque county alone for the house. There was a division
of the Democracy on the question of the conxention or no con-
vention system. A convention was held, but as Jackson county
was poorly represented, its citizens placed the name of another
candidate before the people. "Then Hempstead, who is scarcely
worthy of the name of a pscudo Democrat, ran as a matter of
course. Nowlin, the nominee of the convention, backslided, too,
and disavowed all connection with Gehon, his fellow nominee. He
traveled with Hempstead and acted all for self. Having four
Democratic candidates, the Whigs thought it a fine ciiance to run
in an interloper and under their patronage aided by the renowned
'Long Jim' (John Tyler's surveyor-general, James Wilson), a fel-
low who came from Ireland, not an Irishman ( for all who come
from Ireland are not Irishmen), became a candidate. With three
Democratic candidates in the field and one 'bogus' and one Whig
candidate, our strength was divided and tlie Whigs uniting upon
'Long Jim's' candidate, one of the latter is thought to be elected.
Such was the bitterness of the Whigs toward the Democratic can-
didates tliat some of them we have heard say they would never
vote for any foreigner for otitice, though some supported Collins."
— (Cor. of Bloomington Herald, ^August 12. 1842.)
The Democratic central committee in 1843 was as follows:
Thomas H. Benton. Jr., HanniJial Fmerson, John Parker, Charles
Corkery, James Fanning. Thomas McCraney and John H. The-
dinga. In 1843 Dubuque county gave A. C. Dodge, Democratic
candidate for Congress, a majority of 255 votes over W. H. Wal-
lace. Whig.
In May, 1844, Dul)U(|ue county again voted on the question of
a state convention, as follows: For convention, 282; against con-
\ention, 293. But the question carried by over 4,000 majority out
of about 11,000 votes polled. Parties here sided for or against
tlie annexation of Texas in the spring of 1844. Tlie cilizcns'could
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 329
not yet (1844) take part in the presidential election. The proposed
constitution for Iowa was published broadcast in November, 1844.
Stephen Hempstead, Theo]ihilus Crawford, Francis Gehon, Ed-
ward Langworthy, Samuel B. Olmstead and Dr. O'Brien repre-
sented Dubuque county in the territorial convention in 1844.
By the constitution of 1844 the counties of Dubuque, Delaware,
Clinton. Fayette, Buchanan and Blackhawk were given two sen-
ators and Dubuque county was given one representative.
The passage of the joint resolution in Congress in April, 1845,
annexing" Texas caused great rejoicing here among the Democrats,
but was denounced by the Whigs. In 1845 Dubuque favored the
division of Iowa territory on the line dividing Clinton and Jackson
counties. The Burlington HciK'kcyc also favored this division in
order to secure another Whig state. A mass meeting at Dubuque
on May 5 was held "for the purpose of adopting such means as
may be deemed necessary to insure a division of the territory of
Iowa and the formation of a new territory." George Greene, Han-
nibal Emerson, John Foley, James Crawford and Piatt Smith
vvere the committee on resolutions. It was declared to be the
policy and welfare of the West to increase its representation in
Congress, and the proposed division would accomplish that result.
Stephen Hempstead, P. B. Bradley, D. S. Wilson, Samuel Mur-
dock and James Leonard were requested to do their best in the
legislature to secure this division.
In the summer of 1845 war between Mexico and the United
States as the result of the annexation of Texas seemed inevitable.
In 1845 Dubuque county voted for delegate to Congress as fol-
lows: Dodge (Dem. ), 480; Lowe (Whig), 270. On the constitu-
tic^n it voted — For, 278 ; against, 502. The bill to vote again on the
constitution was vetoed by the governor, but was passed over his
veto. In 1846 Dubuque county voted as follows on the constitu-
tion : For, 395 ; against. 597. It was carried in the territory by
less than 500 majority. In 1846 Ansel Briggs (Dem.) and
Thomas McKnight (Whig), of Dubuque, were candidates for
governor ; the former won by a small msjority.
The election of April, 1847, i" the city of Dubuque was im-
portant because a new city charter and license or no license were
to be voted up or down. P. A. Lorimier (Whig) received 232
votes for mayor and Charles Corkery (Dem.) 149 votes. License
received 204 votes and no license 173 votes. Dubuque county gave
Judge Mason a majority of 152 over James Harlan for state super-
intendent of public instruction. The result for Congress in 1847
was: Leffler (Dem.), 749: McKnight (Whig), 617. In 1848 the
Democrats named Shepherd Leffler as delegate to Congress and
Thomas H. Benton, Jr., as superintendent of public instruction.
George W. Jones, John G. Shields, David Jones, Thomas Hardie,
330 I'lSTORV 01- DUBUQUE COUXTY
William H. Morrison, William S. Hall, Lincoln Clark and I. P.
\'an riagan were delegates to the Democratic state convention.
Stephen Hempstead, of Dubiujue, was one of the committee of
three appointed by the legislature in 1847-8 to revise the laws of
the state. Joseph T. Fales, of Dubuque, was auditor of state at
this time.
In February, 1848, the Democratic members of the legislature
selected the following party candidates: Thomas S. Wilson, of
Dubuque, for United States senator, and George Greene, of Du-
buque, for an associate justice of the Iowa supreme court.
The Democrats of Dubuque in March, 1848, nominated the fol-
lowing city officers: H. S. Hetherington, mayor; Joseph Swab,
marshal; A. D. Anderson, recorder; Charles Miller, treasurer;
George McHenry, assessor. Lincoln Clark presided at this meeting.
Valentine Glenat was named for school fund commissioner. About
the same time the WHiigs nominated G. L. Nightingale for mayor;
John Coft'ey, marshal ; Major I\Iobley, school fund commissioner.
"What a strange contrast is presented to see WHiigs and Demo-
crats laboring together in a common vineyard. But the surprise
is in a measure lessened when we reflect that the call was for a
'mass meeting of the people' and two of the nominations are outside
of the WMiig party evidently to catch Democratic votes."
Joseph Swab, candidate for marshal, announced himself thus:
"I am in favor of appropriating the public square for a calf pas-
ture and giving the freedom of the city to all swine and goats,
believing such animals to be great at keeping streets clean. I will
not at any time during the day or night interfere with any of my
friends who may be engaged in the laudable acts of quarreling,
fighting, gambling, carousing, firing cannons, guns or pis-
tols, breaking houses, etc. — in short, I pledge myself to
allow all who vote for me to do as they please and to those who
\ote against me I will give particular Jesse. I will pay the utmost
respect to the corpses of all those unfortunate cows, calves, horses,
dogs, cats, etc., which may hereafter 'go dead' within the limits of
our fair city by allowing them to remain where they have fallen,
in peace and quietness undisturbed, to perfume the air of heaven.
In regard to the Mexican war I am sound, being opposed to peace
on any terms until the whole of Me.xico, South America, China,
British Provinces, Cuba and Ireland are annexed to our glorious
Union."
In April, 1848, George L. Nightingale (W'hig) was elected
mayor over Warner Lewis (Dem. ) by a small majority. In 1848
Dubuque county cast 766 votes for Shepherd Leffler (Dem.) for
delegate to Congress and 597 for Timothy Davis (Whig) for the
same office : this vote showed the comjiarative strength of the Demo-
crats and Whigs. In the forties the favorite meeting ])lace
for jinlitical ])arties was over Terry's saloon. Lincoln Clark
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 331
was one of the Cass electors in 1848. At a big Whig meeting in
October, 1848, Langworthy, Berry and Nightingale addressed the
audience; the first had lately become a Whig. At a Democratic
meeting Hempstead, Rogers and Merritt ridiculed the candidacy of
General Taylor. A "Rough and Ready" club was formed here.
A Free Soil convention held at Iowa City was attended by a dozen
or more of Dubuquers. On November 25 the Whigs celebrated the
election of the Whig national ticket. In 1848-9 George W. Jones
was elected senator of the United States; this election left the sur-
veyor-general's office vacant ; General Booth succeeded. Dubuque
county gave the Cass electors a majority of 186 votes. Theophilus
Crawford and John G. Shields were state senators and Sidney
Wood and James A. Langton representatives in 1848.
In the spring of 1849 the state legislature reversed itself on the
Wilmot proviso and voted against any more slave territory; this
roused the wrath of the Democracy of Dubuque county. In the
spring of 1849 the Whigs cried "no partyism" in the city election,
but the Democrats refused to bite. As the city was really Demo-
cratic, now was the time for its redemption, it was said. The
Democrats won the city election in April, 1849. In May W. H.
Robbins was appointed postmaster of Dubuque. The Democrats in
1849 elected their county ticket by about 395 majority. W. G.
Stewart became sherifif; J. P. Van Hagan, recorder; John Ball,
surveyor ; Charles J. Leist, coroner, and J. H. Thedinga, county
commissioner. It was noted in 1849 that there was almost open
warfare among the Whigs for the spoils of office under the Taylor
administration. There was also a newspaper war between the
Tribune and the Telegraph.
"The factions into which the Whig party of Dubuque is now
divided are warring with each other with a degree of malignant
hostility which should bring the blush of shame to every honest
politician. The spoils of oflice constitute the bone of contention
and no mastiff cur or ferocious bulldog ever contended with more
determined fury than have the factions of Dubuque Whiggery for
the precious morsel." — (Miners' Express, June 27, 1849.)
All Whigs who were friendly to the Abolitionists were de-
nounced by the Democrats and when the two amalgamated in the
summer of 1849, at Iowa City, the Democrats began a severe cam-
paign. This drew political lines sharply here. In November, 1848,
the Democratic majority in the county was about 197; in August,
1849, it was about 300. Judge Corkery, in 1848-9, was secretary of
the state board of public works. In June, 1849, ^t the Democratic
convention, Judge Wilson made desperate efforts to have die dele-
gates to the state convention instructed to vote against the Wilmot
jiroviso. This was the time when Whiggery, Locofocos, Hunkers.
Barnburners and Americans were abroad in the land. In Decem-
ber, 1849, A. P. Wood, editor of the Tribune, was cowhided by
SS2 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUXTY
Charles Bogy; it was due to a quarrel between the "Fogies" and
the "Anties" of the Whigs, local factions at Dubuque. George
L. Nightingale established the Telegraph, it was said, to aid him
in his own political schemes and ambition.
Credit or discredit was given to George L. Nightingale, acting
editor of the Telegraph, in tlie sjjring of 1849, for inventing the
term "Fogies," which was applied to a local clique of the Wliigs;
he himself was a Taylor Whig. Mordecai Mobley was a member
of the Whig executive committee of the state. He did not like
Taylor, who he said "smelt too strongly of the negro" to suit him
The divison here in the Whig ranks was due to the slavery ques-
tion. The Wilmot pro\'iso and "shall the Union be preserved?"
were important topics in 1850. General Jones in Congress op-
posed the pro\iso. The Democratic county central committee in
1850 was Ben M. Samuels. D. S. Wilson, John Fitzpatrick, F.
jNIangold, Benjamin Rupert. Thomas Hardie and William G. Stew-
art. Webster's speech against the Wilmot proviso attracted great
attention here; everywhere "save the Union" was the cry. People
sided for or against the great compromises of that year. The
Democrats nominated Hannibal Emerson for mayor, and the
Whigs nominated Peter A. Lorimier; the former received 183
and the latter 142; it was a strict party vote.
The Democrats at Iowa City nominated Stephen Hempstead,
of this county, for governor in 1850: after a sharp contest he won
on the eleventh ballot. Lincoln Clark was Democratic nominee
for Congress, and William H. Henderson, Republican nominee.
The Whigs favored the United States bank, paper currency, state
banks, charters to corporations, and opposed the existing state
constitution. Rev. James L. Thompson was the W hig nominee
for governor. Political questions at this time were the Utah bill,
Texas boundary bill, admission of California, fugitive slave law,
to make New Mexico a territory, and suppression of the slave trade
in the District of Columbia; these were called the "Compromise
Measures." The Whigs declared that the fugitive slave law was
a protective tariff for the property of the South. The Democrats
elected their county ticket in 1850. For governor, Hempstead re-
ceived 721, and Thompson 353; the Democratic majority averaged
about 330. Clark was elected to Congress ; there were then nine-
teen counties in this district.
The election of August, 185 1, was closer than usual in this
county, though the Democrats won generally by a reduced ma-
jority.
In 1852 J. H. Emerson (Dem. ) was defeated for mayor by
J. P. Farley (Whig) ; the latter had a majority of 9 votes in a
total of 442 ; the Democrats won the balance of the ticket by
greatly varying majorities.
"True our candidate for mayor has been defeated by nine votes,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 2,i2>
but it is admitted upon all sides that his defeat is attributable to a
purely sectional cause — with reference to the cut (Waples) oppo-
site Waples' store. No one can regret the defeat of our candidate
for the mayoralty more than we do; yet we would rather he were
defeated a thousand times than lend himself to a local influence
which sought to control him." — {Daily Miners' Express, April
6, 1852.)
At this election the Whigs fought desperately in order to secure
prestige for the presidential campaign. Emerson was defeated by
the First ward.
"He refused to give an assurance before election that if elected
he would favor a diversion of the dredge boat from the main im-
provement and legitimate work contemplated in the contract to the
improvement of a cut (Waples) in the First ward to be done and
paid for by individuals."
Both parties, Whigs and Democrats, conducted stirring cam-
paigns on national issues in 1852. O'Connor, the famous Whig
orator of Muscatine, appeared here ; he spoke two and one-half
hours and made a strong appeal to Irishmen. In August, 1852,
the vote for secretary of state was 975 for McCleary (Dem.) and
563 Jenkins (Whig). Lincoln Clark (Dem.) for Congress re-
ceived 913, and J. P. Cook (Whig) 580.
"The Democracy have had one of the most brilliant triumphs
that ever crowned their efforts in this city. Never was a triumph
more signal and complete. Not a Whig is to be seen this morning.
The coons have taken to their holes." — (Daily Miners' Express,
August 3, 1852.) "Never within the history of the two parties in
Dubuque have the Whigs suffered such a Waterloo defeat."- —
( Same. )
General Dodge spoke here in October at a big Democratic meet-
ing. Speakers and newspapers were very abusive during the fall
campaign. The Miners' Express was so severe that Mahony, of
the Herald, ordered the exchange stopped. The result in Novem-
ber was as follows: Pierce electors (Dem.), 1,150: Scott electors
(Whig), 617; Hale electors (Free Soil), 6. Taylor and Dodge
townships returned small majorities for the Whigs ; all others were
Democratic. The aggregate vote in the county in August, 1852,
was 1,537, ^nd in November 1,773. The Democrats opposed th^
Maine liquor law — prohibition.
In 1853 the Whigs renominated J. P. Farley for mayor, and the
Democrats nominated B. J. O'Halloran. Even the Democrats said
there were too many Irish on the Democratic ticket and many of
them "knifed" their ticket. The result was the sweeping defeat
of the Democratic ticket. Farley (Whig) received 477, and
O'Halloran (Dem.) 186: the balance of the ticket was about the
same. It was said that the defeat of the Democratic ticket was
the defeat of the Jones clique. During 1852-4 there was a bitter
334 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
personal war lietween Mahony. of tlie Herald, and Merritt. of the
Express; in Mahony, Merritt met his match. The Herald con-
(Incted a caustic and bitter warfare against General Jones, who had
dictated Democratic policy here for so many years.
"If Mahony has an enemy lie is always certain to let it be
known through the columns of his sheet (Herald). The postmaster
he regards as his enemy and therefore none who know his dis-
position expect him to treat him with common civility, much less
common justice." — (Express, August 24, 1853.)
The August election in 1853 showed a considerable Democratic
loss all over the county, the Democratic majority being about 305.
"The leading men of Dubuque were from the southern states,
where they were educated in the habit of allowing things to ad-
vance or retrograde as nature or accident directed, but without any
efifort of theirs. If your merchants, your officeholders and other
prominent men were Yankees, the)i your town, your harbor and
business generalh' would present a different aspect from what it
does at present." — (Resident of Galena in Express, November 19,
1853.) "It is as lamentable as it is true that our business men in
town fail to exert that influence for the extension of their business
and the improvement of the city that they ought. They talk a great
deal but do little." — (Express, November 19, 1853.)
In February, 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska bill in Congress was
duly considered here. It was now seen that the compromise fight
of 1850 would ha\e to be waged over again. The Whigs and
Free Soilers united on Simeon Waters for governor and advocated
the Maine law. In March a meeting of Germans in Dubuque de-
nounced the Kansas-Nebraska bill. The Democrats nominated
for mayor Col. C. H. Booth and the Whigs renominated J. P.
Farley. Harbor improvement inxaded politics ; it was understood
that Farley represented an abandonment of the canal plan and
the substitution therefor of the filling up plan. The result was
497 votes for Farley and 290 for Booth.
On June 17, 1854, the Democracy assembled at the courthouse
and listened to addresses on the Nebraska bill from D. S. Wilson,
B. M. Samuels and Colonel McHenry. Wilson was a candidate
for the state senate. The Miners' Express said his speech "excited
and received the applause of the association." He declared himself
in favor of the bill. Mr. Samuels, candidate for the house, also
declared in favor of the bill, against an amendment to the state
constitution for the purpose of creating banks within the state and
opposed the Maine liquor law (prohibition). Colonel McHenry,
candidate for the house, followed in a similar strain and attacked
the Whig party in \'igorous style, calling them Abolitionists, Know-
Nothings and Woman's Rights men. The Observer denounced all
the speeches because all favored the repeal of the Missouri Com-
promise, wliich was affected by the Nebraska bill.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 335
As a whole, Dubuque, with its large Catholic population, bitterly
opposed the Know-Nothings, whose object was to exclude all for-
eigners from participation in the government of the country. The
Observer did not hesitate to attack the Catholic church as an or-
ganization with caustic editorials (see Observer, July 8, 1854).
The Observer was really a Know-Nothing. It unwisely made it a
first consideration to assault the Catholic religious organization and
to publish everything tending to degrade that faith. The paper
did not long survive.
In 1854 Stephen Hempstead was Democratic candidate for the
national house and favored the Nebraska bill and opposed the
Maine liquor law. He was sure to secure a large German vote, it
was reasoned. Mr. Thorington, his antagonist, opposed the Ne-
braska bill and did not use strong drinks. He was a resident of
Scott county.
On July 28, 1854, an Anti-Nebraska mass meeting was held at
the court house with William Stratton as chairman and D. E.
Kirkup secretary. McNall, Vanduzee and L. H. Langworthy
were appointed a committee on resolutions, and J. C. Richards,
R. C. Waples, William Rebman, E. C. David and A. P. Wood a
committee to organize an Anti-Nebraska Club. Speeches were
made by Mr. McNall, A. P. Wood, L. H. Langworthy and Mr.
Nightingale. The resolutions adopted denounced in severe terms
the Nebraska bill.
On August 4, 1854, James W. Grimes, Whig candidate for
governor of Iowa, delivered a strong address on the political issues
of the day to a large Dubuque audience. The Observer said: "It
was not only logical and argumentative ; it was more — it was pow-
erful, eloquent and convincing. * * * j^jg peroration was
equal to any oratory of the kind we ever listened to in or out of
the state of Iowa." He was answered immediately by Ben M.
Samuels, who in turn was answered by Mr. Nightingale for Mr.
Grimes, who had become indisposed. Both well sustained their
party principles.
Another strong Anti-Nebraska meeting was held at the court-
house on August 4, 1854. The meeting was addressed by Chap-
line, Rebman. Barney, Moreland and Nightingale, Whigs and
Democrats. The meeting adjourned to meet again; various com-
mittees were appointed. At the next meeting the speakers were
William M. McNall. Wiltse, Chapline, Childs, Rebman and others.
Mr. Wiltse's speech was particularly noted for its logic, candor
and force.
At the August election, 1854, Dubuque county went Democratic
by about 450, Bates. Democratic candidate for governor, receiving
a majority of 432 over Grimes, Whig. The Whigs easily carried
the state.
Upon receipt in May, 1854, of a telegram that the Kansas-Ne-
336 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
braska bill had passed the Senate, the Democrats fired lOO rounds
from the cannon and held a jubilee meeting. The Tribune groaned
over the "ascendency of slavery" and lashed the Iowa senators
who voted for the bill : this paper severely opposed the fugitive
slave law. It published and circulated the following:
NEBRASKA SLAVE MARKET.
Constantly on Hand Negroes of All Ages; Boys and Girls, Men
and Women, for Sale at Low Prices.
Cash Paid for Horses, Cattle and Niggers.
Douglas for President.
George \V. Jones, Agent for Iowa.
"Give the South the right to do just as it pleases about slavery
and make it the duty of the non-slaveholding states to acquiesce
and no man can prevent the reopening of the African slave trade."
said the Tribune of September 6, 1854.
In November, 1854, many citizens went to Galena to hear
Stephen A. Douglas. In September George W. Jones and Peter
A. Lorimier had a personal encounter over political differences.
The "new-fangled" Republican party was divided in October by
the Democrats. In a lecture John Hodgdon said that the black
race was not susceptible to education and culture and that eftorts
on behalf of that race were "bogus philanthropy." The vote in
Dubuque county for governor in 1854 was: Bates (D.), 1,101;
Grimes (W. ), 669. Grimes was elected governor, to the great
regret of the Democrats of Dubuque.
"The term Abolitionist, according to the present Democratic
definition, appears to mean anybody who dares to open his lips
against the vile effort to naturalize slavery extension. It is very
important that these leading and easily understood political facts
should be perseveringly kept before the people ; for whenever they
have fairly understood the present true position of the government
and the Democratic party on the slavery question, except in a few
demagog-ridden, office-hunting, whisky-soaking places like Du-
buque, they have invariably subjected their dough-faced party
leaders to a most unlooked-for, overwhelming and inglorious de-
feat. * * * The fugitive slave act in its present odious form
makes bloodhounds of us or incarcerates us in a common jail if
we refuse to be put on the track of the fleeing slave. Our best
men have been laid aside for any common party tool, until the
floodgates of slavery have been thrown open in our very teeth,
until the passage of the Nebraska bill. The fugitive slave law
must be clianged : we have submitted to it until further forbear-
ance becomes criminal and ceases to be a virtue." {Tribune, Feb-
ruary 18, 1855.)
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 337
In the spring of 1S55 ''" political isms united to defeat the
Democrats here — Whigs, Know- Nothings, Native Americans, Free
Soilers. Abolitionists, Maine lawists, etc. They called their ticket
the "Peoples."
"Ne\er before had Dubuque so much reason to be proud of a
political victory as that aciiieved yesterday. All the isms com-
bined have been overwhelmingly defeated by the Democracy. Know-
Notliingism was grappled and cast into the dust. Bring out the
cannon and let the victory be celebrated." (£. and H., April 3,
1855.)
John G. Shields ( D. ) was elected mayor over Mordecai Mobley
(R.) by 704 to 434; the balance of the city ticket was elected;
thus the Democrats were in control here for the first time in sev-
eral years. The Know-Nothings had lodges in this county in 1855.
"Look out for the Phismarinks — the lying Know-Nothings," said
the E.vpi'css and Herald. The Democrats carried the county in
August, 1855, the vote on candidate for county judge being:
Stephen Hempstead (D.), 1,196; William Johnson (R.), 509.
Late in November. 1855, the new Republican paper asked point-
edly for "the leaders of the Democracy here to define its position
on any of the great leading cjuestions of the day." This meant
that what was wanted were the views of the Express and Herald
in particular on the Kansas-Nebraska question, the new Republican
party, Know-Nothingism, state sovereignty and the principles to
be supported by the coming Democratic county and state conven-
tions. The latter paper postponed answer, but said : "One of the
principles of the Democracy is that the territory acquired by the
blood or treasure of the people of the United States belongs to the
people in common ; and the Democratic party will maintain in-
violate the rights acquired thereto by every citizen under the Con-
stitution." {E. and H., December i, 1855.)
In January, 1856, 250 persons signed a call for a meeting of
all persons in the city "who repudiating all other party attach-
ments, names and privileges and standing upon the broad plat-
form of resistance to slavery aggression, are willing to unite them-
sehes together in defense of the liberties of the country and to
co-operate as a Republican party." Among these names were
those of Know-Nothings, Whigs, Americans, Free Soilers, Aboli-
tionists, former Democrats, etc. The new party was called "Black
Republican" by the Democrats. But the Republicans denied they
had embodied all the diversified policies and principles of their
constituent factions It was stated that their organization was
based upon an unalterable determination to curtail the aggressions
of slavery. Fifty German citizens were among the number, but
several of them deserted later. The meeting was held at the court-
house and was largely attended. W. W. Hamilton was chosen
chairman and C. C. Flint and Dr. Hillgartner secretaries. The
^,^8, HISTORY Of DUBUQUE COUNTY
chairman slated tliat the object was to organize tlie Repubhcan
party in Dubuque county. He stated that the party ojjposed the
Kansas-Nebraska act. The following citizens were appointed a
committee on resolutions : C. (]. Hawthorne, J. Bittman, L. A.
Thomas, William Churchill, A. \V. Hackley, C. Wullweber and
F. DeBerard. The following committee was appointed to report
names for delegates to the state and national conventions: W. M.
McNall, H. A. Wiltse, Dr. Minges and Mordecai Mobley. While
the committees were preparing their reports the meeting was ad-
dressed by Dr. Hillgartner in the German language, a Mr. Jones
from Maine, H. A. Wiltse, Dr. R. I. Thomas and others. Mr.
Jones declared that the question of slavery was the most impor-
tant of the times. Henry A. Wiltse made a very efifective speech,
enlivened with wit and softened with pathos. He declared that
the government was mainly devoted to the support of slavery and
that $50,000,000 was draw-n from the treasurj' every year
for the indirect aid of slavery schemes. The following were
chosen for delegates to the state convention: G. Hillgartner, |.
Bitman, C. C. Flint, W. Smith, D. U. Lee, C. Wullweber, T. H.
Lambert, W. N. Hamilton, J. A. Chapline, L. A. Thomas, W.
\'ande\er, T. J. Chew, G. L. ALathews, W. Rebman, Dr. W. John-
son and C. G. Hawthorne, who was also a delegate to the national
Republican convention. The resolutions were similar to those
adopted by all Republican conventions of that date. The follow-
ing were the Republican countv central committee: C. C. Flint,
A. W. Hackley, J. Bitman, William Churchill and F. E. Bissell,
D. A. Mahony, who had left the Express and Herald a few months
before, owing to differences as to its management and policy, be-
came again connected with it in June, 1836: his ability wa,s fully
recognized by the Democracy, which had missed his logic and
leadership and demanded his return. The Buchanan ratification
in June, 1856, was one of the most enthusiastic ever held here.
The Democrats were wide awake on national and local issues. The
institution of slavery was thoroughly discussed in the newspapers
in 1856 by D. A. ^lahony and Rev. J. C. Holbrook ; both were
logical, outspoken and severe, but courteous. D. N. Cooley be-
came a Republican at this time. The Sunday law and the Maine
law were denounced by the liquor interests of Dubuque at this
date.
In 1856 the Democrats nominated for mayor David S. Wilson;
the Republicans nominated Henry S. Littleton; Wilson received
1,242 votes and Littleton 5,32. The whole county and city Demo-
cratic ticket were elected by about the same majority. Whitewater,
Taylor and Jefferson townships went Republican. For sheriff,
Hayden (D. ) received 1,454, and Johnson (R. ) 1,008; for the
.$40,000 loan 1,294, against the loan 558.
The presidential campaign of \H^6 was spirited in the extreme.
HISTORY 01' DUBUQUE COUNTY 339
"Free soil, free speech, free schools and Fremont" was the cry
of the RepubHcans. Shiras, Davis, Gardner, Adams, Allison,
Thomas, Harvey. Stapleton, Hawthorne, Mobley and others were
among the Republican leaders. In August Snyder (D.) received
1,917 votes for Secretary of State, and Sells (R.)) 1,146 in Du-
buque county. There was war between the Express and Herald
and the Chicago Tijiics; the former supported the Buchanan wing
of the Democracy and the latter the Douglas wing. National is-
sues in 1856 were (i) Popular sovereignty; (2) territories to
legislate for themselves; (3) repeal of the Missouri compromise;
(4) Kansas-Nebraska act; (5) extension or non-extension of slav-
ery. The Republican having called from the Express and Herald
its opinion as to the repeal of the Missouri compromise, was an-
swered by the latter thus : "We have said time and again that the
repeal of that compromise was uncalled for, unnecessary and
mischievous."
In October, 1856, the Tribune, edited by A. W. Hackley, op-
posed with all the power of his argument the doctrine of "popu-
lar sovereignty." The Express and Herald called him "the Sage
of Bleeding Kansas," and combated his views with equal force and
persistence. The Democratic victories in several of the eastern
states was the occasion of great rejoicing and of an immense dem-
onstration on October 21, 1856. The combined forces of Repub-
licanism and Know-Nothingism, it was declared, had been signally
defeated^ with the outlook that Democracy would sweep Iowa as
w ell. The meeting was called by the Democratic Club committee
and the principal speakers were Colonel McHenry and Messrs.
Griffith and Richards. The Iowa Democratic electors were J. C.
Hall, James Grant, D. O. Finch and A. H. Palmer.
At the November election the Democratic electors received in
Dubuque county 2,427 votes; Republicans, 1,322 votes; Fillmore,
256 votes. All the townships were Democratic except Taylor,
which tied with seventy-four votes for each of the Democratic
and Republican electors, and Dodge, which gave twenty for the
Republicans and seventeen for the Democrats. The following
townships polled more votes for the Fillmore candidates than for
the Republican candidates: Prairie Creek, Center and Iowa.
"The great heart of the Democracy throbs in exultation over the
glorious victory they have achieved over the most dangerous po-
litical organization this country has ever seen. Dangerous — for
the purpose plainly seen through all their professions was to get
possession of the national government at whatever cost or sac-
rifice— dangerous, because they contended for no principle — for
no measure — for nothing but the spoils and power of ofifice."
(E. and H., November 26, 1856.)
"The great question contended for by the Republicans has been
answered : Popular sovereignty has been endorsed and approved
340 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
by the people of the great Republic." (E. and H., November 26,
1856.)
In December, 1856, a bill was introduced into the state Senate
giving Negroes, Indians and Mulattoes the right to testify in cases
where white men were parties. It passed by nineteen to thirteen.
The Express and Herald of December 24 said: "If the Repub-
lican members of the general assembly are not proving good their
title to be called "black' Republicans, then we are mistaken. The
ne.xt proposition will be to allow Negroes, Indians and Mulattoes
to acquire citizenship with all the rights of the whites and the next
to court white daughters and have white wives."
At the presidential election in 1856 Dubuque county polled a
total of 4,005 votes. It was the second county in the state, Lee
having polled 4,588. Dubuque city polled 2,239 the most of any
city in Iowa.
A notable event in 1857 was the attack of the Times on Judge
Wilson. The latter was compared to Jeffries, the most infamous
of judges. The attack was purely political and was made upon
Chief Justice Taney as well. The Democratic county convention
was held at Centralia, July 11, 1857. John Stanton sensed as
chairman. There was a goodly attendance.
Resolutions were adopted, endorsing the action of the national
administration regarding Kansas and Utah, denounced the pro-
posed new state constitution as "not worthy the assent of the in-
telligent citizens of a free and enlightened commonwealth, propos-
ing as it does to establish an equality of position between the white
and the black races, a condition which if once adopted can never
be annulled, except through bloodshed and revolution; that we
view with utter abhorrence this scheme so traitorous to our race
and the sure harbinger of a demoralized amalgamation of the white
and black races." {E. and H., July 15, 1857.)
At the August election, 1857, the Democrats carried the county
by a larger majority than ever before. For county judge Stephen
Hempstead (D.) received 2,008 votes, and A. S. Chew (R.), 545;
the balance of the ticket ran about the same. On the question of
a new state constitution the vote was — for constitution. 2.023 ;
against constitution. 539. On the question of the new constitu-
tion with the word "white" stricken out the vote was — yes, 72 ;
no, 2,090: at this time Dodge was the only Republican township
in the county. In 1857 there were the Jones and the Wilson fac-
tions of the local Democracv. One faction bolted and held a con-
vention at Centralia, charging that the regular convention held at
Dyersville "was controlled by individual preferment; that the dele-
gates from the city exercised a proscriptive spirit and that certain
townships had not been suitably recognized in the convention."
In 1857 the vote for governor in this county was as follows:
Ben M. Samuels (D. ). 2,482; Ralph P. Lowe (R. ). 999. For
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 34T
state senator, David S. Wilson (D.), 2,471; D. C. Sawyer (R.),
1,001. For representatives, D. A. Mahony, Lincoln Clark, Theo-
dore Crawford and W. S. Johnson (all D.), 2,422 to 2,450; A. S.
Chew, R. C. Waples, Fred Weigel and J. T. Stoneman (all R.),
996 to 1,015.
Late in 1857 the President's message and the great speech of
Senator Douglas concerning affairs in Kansas, particularly the
Lecompton constitution, were critically commented upon by the
press here.
In January, 185S, the majority against a new city charter for
Dubuque was 426 votes. At this time there was much dissatis-
faction over the management of city affairs. A change was de-
manded and the "People's" party was formed, many Democrats
joining the movement. D. A. Mahony was nominated for mayor
by the Democrats, but declined on the ground that there were too
many foreigners on the ticket, and Thomas Rogers was substi-
tuted. In April, 1858, the vote for mayor and other city officials
was as follows: Thomas Rogers (D.), 1,053; H. S. Hethering-
ton (P.). 1,5.58. Mathews, the Democratic candidate for treas-
urer, and Koch, the Democratic candidate for auditor, were en-
dorsed and voted for by the People's party. Kelly (D.) and
Markle (P.), candidates for recorder, received 1,036 and 1,561,
respectively. Griffith (D.) and Harvey (P.), candidates for city
attorney, received 1,197 and 1,403, respectively. These figures
will show about the People's majority on the remainder of the
ticket. The People's party elected their candidates for aldermen
in the second, fourth and fifth wards. A total of 2,611 votes were
polled in the city of Dubuque.
To check this state of affairs the taxpayers, without distinction
of party, banded together and originated the reformers' move-
ment. "The people have decided that they want practical business
men, who are honest and capable, without any reference to their
political associations, to manage the city business. They have de-
cided that when men of a certain class squander the taxpayers'
money, neither they nor their kind shall be re-elected." (Mayor
Harrington, April, 1858.)
"Who defeated the Democratic party in Dubuque? An inter-
esting question touching this matter will be discussed — when we
get ready." (E. and H.. April 8, 1858.) "The election is over
and although there is in the result much to displease and chagin
Democrats, we will not add to the bitterness of feeling already
existing by unfavorable comments. We trust that the measures
of retrenchment and reform called for so loudly by the popular
voice will be carried out." (E. and H., April 7, 1858.)
"Aldermen Hugh Treanor, J. B. Lane and George McHenry,
three of the most useful, industrious and capable members of the
city council, have resigned their seats because a corrupt and un-
342 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
scrupulous majority are determined to utterly disregard tlie wishes
and expectations of the people whom they represent." (E. and H.,
July 29, 1858.) In their resignation these men said: "We can
no longer consent to act in a capacity which makes us to any de-
gree responsible for the acts of a body which has proved to be
in the power of one individual— a half-way reformer, who, when
it may suit his private ends, is not restrained by the magnitude
or injustice of any scheme of corruption or favoritism and does
not even profess to be governed by the wishes of his constituents.
We are fully determinecl that the charge 'bogus retrenchment' shall
rest where it belongs." (E. and H., July 29, 1858.)
So great was the feeling against the city council that a mass
meeting of indignation was held at the courthouse July 31, 1858.
Speeches were made by C. C. Hewitt, J. Burt, J. B. Dorr, Dr.
Thomas, J. J. E. Norman and several others. The committee on
resolutions was composed of Burt, Hewitt and Bradley. Thomas
and Norman sustained the course of the council, but the other
speakers were bitter with facts and figures to prove the untruth-
fulness of the majority. Among the reforms demanded were the
following : Present city improvement work should be abandoned ;
house of refuge should be closed; its keeper should be discharged;
market master's duties should be assumed by the police; police
force should be reduced ; a reorganization of the city government
should be submitted to the people.
jMitton was the boss of the city council. John B. Richman un-
der oath stated that on election da}-, 1858, Robert IVIitton took
him into a beer saloon on Eighth street and privately told him
that "I do not want the office of alderman for the $52 a year;
that would not keep me in cigars and flour. It is the side cuts I
am after." After this he became known as, and so long as he
remained before the public was called, "Side Cut" or "Side Cut
Mitton."
The Democratic citizens of Dubuque held a mass meeting here
on August 23, 1858, to make arrangements to hear Stephen A.
Douglas at Galena on the 25th. A committee was appointed to
make full arrangements. A large delegation attended, accompa-
nied by the Dubuque artillery, which while there fired twenty shots
in thirty minutes, "causing the ancient hills to quake."
It was agreed early in October, 1858, that the Democratic and
Republican clubs of Dubuque should hold joint debates on the
issues of the day, and accordingly on October 9 the first was held
at the Julien theater. Ben M. Samuels opened and was followed
bv Timothv Davis (R.), J. B. Dorr (D.), D. N. Cooley (R.),
William Mills (D.), S. P. Adams (R.). Each spoke half an hour
and a large crowd was present. Ex-Governor Hempstead (D. )
and John W. Taylor (R. ) presided.
Late in 1858 the newspapers were filled with accounts of the
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 343
contest in Illinois, where the Republicans were doing their utmost
to elect Abraham Lincoln to the United States Senate to succeed
Stephen A. Douglas, the author of the Nebraska bill. A delegation
of Democrats from Dubuque attended the celebrations in Chicago
of the re-election of Douglas to the United States Senate over
Lincoln; the prominence and importance of the Douglas-Lincoln
joint debate in 1858 was fully recognized here.
The Democratic city convention in March, 1859, passed among
others the following resolutions: "Resolved, That this convention
representing a large majority of the people of Dubuque, view with
alarm and indignation the recklessness and extravagance and the
total disregard of the interests of the taxpayers and citizens gen-
erally of this city manifested by the present council.
"Resolved, That the majority of the council have acted in bad
faith to their constituents and have violated their obligations as
sworn officers of the city government.
"Resolved, That in assuming the debts of the Central Improve-
ment Company to the amount of $120,000 and in entering into co-
partnership with that company, the council have shown a total dis-
regard of the interests of the city and have prostituted the trust
reposed in their hands as guardians of the rights and interests of
the people, to the selfish purposes of private speculation."
"Bottle Holder at a Cock Fight. — That upright dignitary known as
Alderman Side Cut (Mitton) is said to have been bottle holder at
the rooster fight on Julien avenue last Saturday. Well, he isn't
so much to be blamed — a year among such men as compose the
common council is sufficient to sink a man to almost any imaginable
depth of degradation." {E. and H., March 23, 1859.)
At the mayoralty election in April, 1859, Hodgdon (D.) re-
ceived 1,151 and Hetherington (People's), 1,090 votes. The
Democrats elected mayor, marshal, auditor, collector and treas-
urer, city attorney, city judge, assessor and four aldermen. The
"People" elected recorder, city clerk and two aldermen. "The
contest for good government which commenced two years ago is
now ended and henceforth the affairs of the city are in the hands
of men who will take care of them. How arduous, thankless and
at the same time how profitless personally this contest has been,
let the constant and unlimited abuse which this paper has received
testify. Motives, designs, character and name have been assailed,
and yet the object in view has been estimated of too great a mo-
ment to allow the paper to be turned aside one moment in the
struggle." {E. and H., April 6, 1859.)
There was a split in the Democracy in August, 1859, led by
O'Halloran and others, joined by Republicans. They issued the
following statement to the public :
"Heretofore the balance of power has been in the hands of a
city clique ; on this occasion it is entrusted to those who are sup-
344 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
posed to be more free from undue influences. Hoping for your
co-operation and through it at tlie next election that we will put
down this system of barter and sale which exists on the part of
those who have become the self -constituted heads and dictators
of the Democratic party and leave to the entire party the right of
selecting persons to such offices as may be in their gift and not
to any clique or set of men. We have no object in view apart
from the general good and intimately connected with that is the
breaking up of a dangerous coalition of officials."
The Herald said the above statement was impudent and truth-
less. Prominent in this mo\cment were B. J. O'Halloran, A. Mc-
Daniel, George O. Karrick, J. O'H. CantiHon, Dr. A. F. Hell-
berg, S. M. Langworthy, J. J. E. Norman, William Y. Lovell and
V. J. David. At this date Heath and David edited the Northtvest;
Samuel McNutt was connected with the Herald. Hempstead, Ma-
hony, Crawford, Mason and others answered the above charge in
a long circular. In the end the bolting Democrats united with the
Republicans and nominated a strong ticket. A campaign of ex-
treme personality and vilification followed. For governor, Dodge
(D. ) received 3,153 votes in Dubuque county and Kirkwood (R. ),
1,751; for sheriff, Crawford (D.). 1,672; Cummins (R.), 1,821;
for treasurer and recorder, Mahony (D. ), 2,188; Stewart (Indp. ),
2,695. The Democrats were slaughtered by themselves. Taylor,
the only township to go Republican, gave Kirkwood a majority
of thirty-seven ; Dodge township went Democratic by two majority.
"The election is over and so far as Dubuque county is con-
cerned, combination money and misrepresentation have done their
work. The extent of the damage to the Democratic ticket is not
yet known, but there can be no doubt that the united strength of
the bolters and Republicans has been able to defeat one of the pur-
est and best men in tlie Democratic ranks. Dennis A. Mahony is
known to the Democracy of the whole state and to the leading
Republicans of the state as one of the most talented and at the
same time honest and upright men in the West. During two ses-
sions in the general assembly he established a high reputation and
for twenty years has labored in the Democratic ranks, faithful
to candidates and principles. He has ever been a consistent Demo-
crat." (Herald, October 13, 1859.)
The Herald in November, 1859, announced Douglas as its choice
for President in i860. The "irrepressible conflict" was much dis-
cussed in 1859; also the John Brown incident at Harper's Ferry
and the Dred Scott case. Thomas S. Wilson was candidate for
supreme judge in 1859. Rev. Mr. Collier, in his Thanksgiving
sermon in 1859, denounced slavery as the greatest sin of the age
and declared that fifty years hence John Brown would be re-
gared as a martyr to liberty and Judge Taney a disgrace to the
rountr\-. The Herald ridiculed these statements unsparingly.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 345
At the Democratic county convention, lield in Epworth in Feb-
ruary, i860, the delegates to tlie state convention were instructed
to vote for no man as a delegate to the Charleston convention un-
less he was friendly to the nomination of Douglas for the presi-
dency. Ben M. Samuels, of Dubuque, was a delegate to the fa-
mous Charleston convention; he addressed that body in a lengthy
speech and presented the minority report of the committee on
platform. Again in i860 the Republicans tried the expedient of
naming a People's ticket for city officers ; they nominated H. L.
Stout for mayor. The Democrats nominated Mr. Randall, who
declined, whereupon they nominated E. Spotswood. The Repub-
licans won the mayor and marshal and the Democrats won the
city attorney, recorder, treasurer and collector, auditor and as-
sessor. For mayor. Stout (R.) received 1,173; Spotswood (D. ),
1,014; majorities were small.
In Mav, i860, the Herald sharply denounced the seceders from
the Charleston convention. Upon his return the Democracy was
called May 16 to hear Mr. Samuels's version of the rupture at
Charleston. At this meeting Mr. Samuels did not disappoint the
citizens, for he gave a graphic and eloquent account of the intrigue
which disrupted the convention. He ended with a brilliant eulogy
of Senator Douglas.
"The Chicago Republican convention has nominated old Abe
Lincoln, of Illinois, as their candidate for the presidency. This
is really the most amusing and farcical nomination that the great
sectional party can possibly have presented. Abe Lincoln for
President of the United States' Ye gods! a miracle must have been
performed since Douglas demolished him at Boonsboro in 1858 or
his face would convict him of petit larceny or any other mean
thing to which Republican politicians stoop." (D. in Herald,
May 19, i860.)
Many of the Republican delegates to the Chicago national Re-
publican convention paid this city a visit on their return and were
given a public reception by the citizens, irrespective of party. The
committee of reception were : Mavor Stout, F. V. Goodrich, John
W. Taylor. D. S. Wilson, William B. Allison, P. H. Conger, H. A.
Littleton, William Mills, D. A. Mahony, F. Gottschalk, A. Green-
wald and George McHenry. The visitors were met at Dunleith by a
subcommittee and were also met at the levee, Dubuque, by the officials
and the four companies — Governor's Greys, Washington Guards,
Jackson Guards and Turner Rifles. The entire levee was covered
with vehicles, pedestrians and equestrians ; many ladies were pres-
ent. Colonel Wiltse on the part of the city welcomed them to
Dubuque. They were royall)' entertained while here. Several of
the delegates brought with them a rail chair which attracted the
notice of everybody. The Chicago Light Guard band accompa-
nied the delegates here. They serenaded Mayor Stout and Will-
34^' HISTORY Of DUBUQUE COUNTY
iam B. Allison. John A. Kasson, of Iowa, wrote most of the
national Republican platform.
The press of Dubuque sharply resented the criticism passed on
this city by the editor of the Chicago Tribune, who was among
the visitors. He published in his paper a statement to the effect
that Dubuque was prostrated by the crash of 1857; had grown
rapidly before that date ; had run up a large debt for improve-
ments; had left the work uncompleted after the crisis; could not
or did not now pay the interest on its debt, would in the end no
doubt repudiate the debt ; would never pay and should now take
the formal action of repudiation, and ended by adding: "The in-
fluence of these misfortunes is very strikingly manifest in every
part of the city. Grass may be said literally to be growing in the
streets and everything looks neglected and dilapidated." {Herald,
May 25, i860.)
Upon the receipt in Dubuque of the news that Douglas had been
nominated for the presidency by the Baltimore convention, the
Democracy gave one of the wildest exhibitions of gratification and
enthusiasm ever witnessed in this city. "The greatest enthusiasm
prevailed and the city was everywhere ablaze with bonfires and the
fierce glare of rockets. On the corner of Fifth and Main streets an
immense crowd gathered and were addressed by Colonel McHenry,
Samuel McNutt, D. S. Wilson and others. The Herald and National
Democrat offices and private buildings were magnificently illumi-
nated. The roar of a hundred guns given by Captain Hayden added
a powerful voice to the jubilation. Hurrah for the Little Giant, our
next President." (Herald, June 24, i860.)
Among the Democrats and doubtful Republicans of Dubuque
who did not accept the nomination of Douglas and Johnson, but
instead favored that of Breckenridge and Lane, were Judge Cor-
kery, Samuel Duncan, J. J. E. Norman, Patrick Quigley, H. H.
Heath, James Williams, James Lovell and John D. Jennings. They
and others held a public meeting July 7 and stated why they could
not and would not support Douglas. All shades of opinion were
shown at this meeting, which was made up of Douglas Democrats.
Breckenridge Democrats, ultra-Republicans and others witli un-
certain politics, opinions and principles.
At the Breckenridge and Lane ratification meeting July 7, i860,
there were present Judge Charles A. Corkery, P. Quigley, Warner
Lewis, J. J. E. Norman, S. G. Fenimore, William Myers, J. T.
Lovell, John Strohl, Hardin Nowlin, John D. Jennings, A. D.
Anderson, Ralph Sawyer, Samuel Duncan, W. W. Bird, James H.
Williams, J. H. Emerson, H. H. Heath and others. Speeches
were delivered by James H. Williams, John T. Lovell, John D.
Jennings, Patrick Quigley, H. H. Heath and John Strohl. The
campaign committee consisted of John D. Jennings, Patrick Quigley,
C. S. D. Jones, J. H. \\'illianis and J. H. Emerson. The resolu-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 347
tions announced adherence to the Charleston platform and approved
the Cincinnati platform of 1856. The Herald denounced this
meeting and the movement it represented and called those taking
part therein "secessionists," "dissensionists," "Breckenridge fizzles,"
etc.
On August 4, i860, Samuels and Vandever, congressional can-
didates, held a joint discussion of the issues of the day in Dubuque.
Both made strong, artful and eloquent speeches and were ap-
plauded vigorously by tlieir respective adherents. Mr. Vandever
opened and closed the debate.
A meeting of all men favorable to the formation of a Bell and
Everett electoral ticket was called for August 30, i860. Those
who signed the call were William H. Clark, M. D. Bissell, Thomas
M. Randolph, Joseph Chapman, G. B. Smith, G. F. Bissell, M. F.
Patterson, William C. Friend, Thomas M. Monroe, J. M. Harri-
son, Alexander Young, W. B. Robbins, Thomas Monroe, E. Mc-
Craney and J. H. Thompson.
Lincoln Clark and Joseph A. Chapline, Democratic and Re-
publican candidates for elector, held a joint debate here August
20, i860. It was claimed by the press that each did the other up.
Some half dozen hickory poles (Democratic) were raised in Du-
buque in August, i860. The Wide Awakes made their first ap-
pearance here forty-five strong on July 28, i860. They marched
to the park and were addressed by Shiras, Langworthy, Vandever
and others. Another debate of the political issues was held in
Dubuque September 10, i860, between Lincoln Clark (D.) and
FitzHenry Warren (R.). The latter opened and closed the dis-
cussion.
An important event here in September, i860, was the speech
delivered by Governor W. H. Seward, of New York. His party
arrived at the Julien House September 21. The Republicans did
their best to make the occasion notable and brilliant. The governor
was escorted to the square by the Wide Awakes, led by the Ger-
mania band. In the carriage with the governor were General
Nye, Charles F. Adams and Governor Patterson. The governor
spoke from a temporary stand erected in the square. F. V. Good-
rich presided. The speech was profound and eloquent, argimienta-
tive and logical and lasted two hours. He was followed by Charles
F. Adams, a son of John Ouincy Adams, and he in turn by Gen-
eral Nye, one of the wittiest, keenest, most eloquent and most pop-
ular speakers on the stump of that day. The Herald said: "This
gentleman is too well known to need much notice ; of an imposing
presence, massive head and easy carriage, he captivates the audi-
ence before saying a word. He spoke about an hour and alter-
nated between flights of pathos and rich humor — the latter bring-
ing down the house every time. He is a very engaging speaker
and carries the audience right with him." He was followed in a
348 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
short speech by Governor Patterson. This was the most enthusi-
astic i)ublic meeting of tlie Republicans of the county during the
campaign and was attended by from 5,000 to 8,000 persons.
The Democracy of this section claimed to take a middle course
between the Abolitionists of the North and the secession fire-eaters
of the South ; declared that the election of Douglas to the presi-
dency meant the safety and integrity of the government and that
the election of either Lincoln or Breckenridge meant disunion and
war. The Republicans and the Breckenridge men here denied such
consequences, while admitting and deploring the gravity of the
situation.
The announcement that Stephen A. Douglas would sppak in
Dubuque on October 11, i860, was sufficient to kindle the Democ-
racy of the county to the highest pitch of enthusiasm. On Octo-
ber 10, i860, the Democracy began to assemble. Henry Clay Dean
arrived on the loth. The senator was to arrive by train from
Anamosa and a reception committee of sixty-two, accompanied by
the Germania band, left for that place on the afternoon of the loth
to meet him. The Herald of the 12th said: "The announcement
that Douglas would speak at Dubuque a short time since ran
through the county and its surroundings like a shock of electricity
— people doubted, wondered, finally rejoiced. Never has a prouder
ovation been offered — never one more worthily bestowed and in
no case has it been mere hero worship." On the way to Anamosa
many humorous incidents occurred. At one station in Dubuque
county, as the train stopped, one member jumped off and called
to a German standing there, "Hurrah for Douglas!" He promptly
replied, "You pe dampt mit yer Dooglas! I hurrahs for Lincoln."
When thev reached Anamosa they marched downtown to the plat-
form in front of tiie Fisher House, where Douglas was then speak-
ing and all were overwrought with nervous excitement, enthusi-
asm and anxiety to see the great man. One more enthusiastic and
excited than the rest, catching sight of him, yelled out, "There he
is ; there he is, God d- — n him," and ended with a tremendous cheer.
"Hurrah, hurrah for Douglas!" Immediately upon the arrival of
the delegation, it became known who they were and Douglas ceased
speaking long enough to propose "three cheers for Dubuque,"
which were gi\en uproarously. Tiie delegation remained there all
night and the next morning all embarked on board car for Du-
buque. With the Dubuque delegation was Hon. T. S. Wilson. At
every station Douglas showed himself and was enthusiastically
cheered, .^t Farlev a special train from Independence awaited
the Douglas train, on board being the Independence Invincibles. a
fine company of 100 men.
At Dubuque when Douglas arrived the depot grounds and Jones
street were black with people. He was hurried past the crowd into
a carriage and transported quickly to the Julien Hotel, followed
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 349
by the procession, which continued "up Fourth to Locust and
around again to Main to escape marching under a Lincohi flag
suspended across Main street. This was a studied insuU which
we believe no gentleman would be guilty of perpetrating." {Her-
ald, October 12, i860.)
"The procession was composed of the various clubs from home
and abroad, citizens, strangers, etc., and together with those fol-
lowing on the sidewalks numbered not less than 10,000 people. By
I -.30 p. m. a denser crowd had gathered at the square than ever
before was known. We believe that from 15,000 to 20,000 people
would be a fair estimate. Hon. D. S. Wilson welcomed Douglas
in an eloquent address and was followed by Senator Douglas in
a long and brilliant speech, which was published in full by the
press. At night the torchlight procession and a speech by Mr.
O'Neil closed this memorable day. Henry Clay Dean did not
speak, owing to lateness of the hour. The torchlight procession
was the longest ever seen here, consisting of nearly 2,000 persons,
of whom goo belonged to Dubuque. In the procession were groups
of clubs from Table Mound and other townships. A prominent
feature in the display was a squatter sovereign's wagon, gotten up
mainlv by Thomas Faherty. It was a huge tent mounted upon a
large express wagon furnished by A. A. Cooper and drawn by
eight horses. The tent was illuminated beautifully and upon every
side were appropriate mottoes. The entire procession was one mile
in length, with the marchers, some two, some four and other six
numbers abreast. It is impossible to describe the imposing beauty
and effort of the long procession. The night was clouded, adding
very much to the effect of the display. Many buildings along the
route were illuminated, while a dense crowd stood on the side-
walks or walked along with the procession. They were finally
disbanded by J. H. O'Neil in an eloquent speech." {Herald, Oc-
tober 12 and 13, i860.)
Late in October both parties organized and carried into effect
the plan of holding political meetings in all portions of Dubuque
county. Such were held at Key West, Buncombe, Gordon's school-
house. Hempstead, Epworth, Worthington, Dyersville, Evergreen,
Pin Oak, Peter Fries, Renner's schoolhouse, Peosta, Cascade,
Glasnevin, Centralia. Pott's tavern, Ehler's schoolhouse and else-
where.
A strong effort to fuse the Douglas and Breckenridge wings of
the Democracy in Dubuque county late in October, i860, resulted
in failure. Resolutions offered before the latter were several times
defeated.
The Democrats of Epworth made preparations to erect a large
hickory pole and prepared the pole for the following morning.
During the night their rivals hauled it away and the Democrats
were forced to prepare another and erected it and were addressed
350 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
by Governor Hempstead, Colonel Ross, Frank H. Jennings and
J. G. Armstrong.
John A. Kasson spoke here on the issue October 27, i860; he
addressed the Republicans at the Julien theater. The Republican
county convention met here October 2-/. i860, and nominated can-
didates for delegates to the judicial convention and a candidate
for district clerk.
THE OFFICIAL VOTE OF DUBUQUE COUNTY NOVEMBER 6, 1860.
Democratic electors 3>059
Republican electors 2,092
CONGRESS.
Samuels (D.) 3,211
Vandiever (R. ) 445
SECRET.'VRV OF STATE.
John M. Corse (D.) 3,114
Elijah Sells (R. ) 2,115
CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT.
J. F. Bates f D. ) 2,976
J. P. Farley (R.) 2,124
James A. Langton (Indp.) 137
The Republicans held a magnificent jubilation on the evening
of November 12, i860, to voice their joy at the results of the elec-
tion. There were many bonfires, torchlight processions of the
Wide Awakes, broadsides of artillery, etc.
The Herald of November, i860, said: "The Finale. — Well, we
(the Democracy) are licked and like Lazarus, by dogs, to borrow
an idea. The smoke from the battlefield has lifted and we find
ourselves flat on our backs. Although sometimes a degrading one
the horizontal position has its peculiar enjoyments and advantages.
With his back to the earth one fronts the stars."
"We hope our Republican friends will not hereafter claim all the
decency, morality, etc.. after the fact becomes known that on Mon-
day night 200 kegs of beer were drunk. The Wide Awakes will
give a grand ball Friday niglit. The tickets read that Malon
Shavours (colored) is one of the managers. Good, if true. It
also reads 'all Republicans invited without distinction of color.'
We suspect that there is a 'nigger in the woodpile.' " {Herald,
November 14, i860.)
"Those of our readers who have thought we were hasty in ex-
pressing our opinion that some of the Southern states would secede
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 351
will probably have reason to think as we did when they read the
telegraphic news in the Herald this morning. We merely antici-
pated the action of the Sonth. from circumstances which could
scarcely result otherwise than as we predicted. Let those who have
brought these disasters on the country look to the consequences."
(Herald. November 14, i860.)
"The North has made no aggressions on the rights or interests
of the South." (Times, November 22, i860.) Late in Novem-
ber, i860, the National Democratic Club of Dubuque assembled
and passed resolutions rehearsing practically their arguments of
the last campaign and justifying the South in resenting the inter-
ference of the North with its institution of slavery. These reso-
lutions were denounced by a writer in the Herald of November
28; he said: "The resolutions are simply a justification of the
South in its violent and revolutionary measures."
"Two short weeks only have intervened since it became known
that Abraham Lincoln was elected to the presidency and in these
two weeks the calamities which have befallen the country have
no precedent in the election of a chief magistrate. The disasters
which the country is now experiencing were foreseen and foretold,
but such was the mad fanaticism of some and the reckless disre-
gard of consequences of others and the incredulity of many, that
the warning voice of those who foresaw the evils was disregarded
and treated with scorn and derision." (Herald, November 22,
i860. )
The earl}- secession reports from the South particularly affected
the Dubuque markets, because of its direct dealing with St. Louis,
New Orleans and other down-river points. Much of the grain
and flour had usually been consigned to New Orleans houses, but
now it was deemed unsafe and all was chaos. They had to seek
new points and consignees.
"So much for electing a man — the exponent of personal liberty
iiills. nigger suffrage and equality, Beecherism, Stoweism, nigger-
ism and a dozen other isms and tomfooleries upon which the en-
lire North under the lead of Abolitionized Massachusetts has gone
mad." (Herald, November 23, i860.)
Re\-. John C. Holbrook, in the pulpit here on December 9, i860,
said : "Rather than deprecating the present commotion, I regard
it as one of the most hopeful signs of the times. Ratiier than com-
promise by any sacrifice of what we have gained I would let the
Union go. Let the slaveholding states slough off, then we at the
Nortli will remain a free nation that will not be scoffed at by the
other powers of the world." This coming from the pulpit caused
many dissenting comments. A-lr. Holbrook said his statements
had been misrepresented and misunderstood. He denied the con-
stitutional right of a slaveholder to take his slaves into any por-
tion of the United States to reside there; but further said that if
352 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNPy
it was his constitutional right he would assent thereto long enough
to Inue that right set aside by the courts. Slavery had no exist-
ence anywhere by natural law, and could exist nowhere until legis-
lated there.
On February 26, 1861, W. B. Allison, E. C. David, Dr. Hen-
nion, J. W. Taylor, John Bittman and half a dozen other left
here for Washinglon to be jjresent at the inauguration of President
Lincoln.
"The policy of Mr. Lincoln appears to us to tend toward a per-
manent disruption of the Union and to thus recognize the theory
of the 'irrepressible conflict' between the systems of labor and the
civilizations of the Nortli and South. Those who expected Mr.
Lincoln and his partisan advisers to coerce and subjugate the re-
\olted South will be doomed to disappointment. He will, on the
contrary, while making a show of resistance to the course of the
seceded states, remain passive to transpiring events until the gov-
ernment there becomes so well established as to command respect."
(Herald, March 23, 1861.)
There was much interest, though no excitement, shown in re-
gard to the municipal election in the spring of 1861. Several tried
to make the election non-political, but failed. The Democratic
city convention was harmonious and good men were named for
the ofifices. H. S. Hetherington was nominated for mayor. The
Republican city convention was equally quiet and harmonious. H.
L. Stout was nominated for mayor. As there had been some dis-
pute over the point, it was resohcd that the ticket should be called
the Republican ticket. Mr. Rebman moved that it be called the
Union ticket, but Dr. Thomas thought this would be borrowing
Democratic thunder — the Democrats had lately talked so much
about the Union.
The vote for mayor in .April, 1861, was: Hetherington (D. ).
1,041; Stout (R.), 1,294. Only a short time before Hethering-
ton had run for mayor on the People's ticket. The newspapers
did not know whether to praise or abuse him. "There were more
votes cast with reference to private and personal interests and per-
.sonal regard than is usual in elections in this city. It cannot be
regarded as a party triumph." (Herald, April 2, 1861.) The
Times claimed the election as a Republican victory ; it was also
claimed by the Herald as a Democratic victory.
D. A. Mahony, signing himself cliairman pro tem of the Demo-
cratic state executive committee, called a meeting of the state
Democracy to consider the questions agitating the Union, and was
taken to task for so doing by J. B. Dorr, who said he had no
authority to issue such a call nor to assume the role of chairman
]3ro tem of the committee.
At the Douglas obsequies here in June D. S. Wilson delivered
the principal oration. It was the second largest audience ever
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 353
collected in Dubuque, said the Herald, the largest having come in
October, i860, to hear Senator Douglas speak. Schools closed ;
business was suspended. The man upon whom the citizens of
Dubuque had crowned so mucli honor was fittingly remembered
at his death.
The state convention of the Democracy called by Mr. Mahony
was repudiated and another was convened in 1861. The Dubuque
convention naming delegates to the latter resolved as follows :
That the present war between the disloyal states and the govern-
ment should not be regarded as sectional, nor anti-slavery, nor
for subjugation, but solely for the maintenance of the Union, the
preservation of our Magna Charta and the suppression of the re-
bellion ; that at the time when the country is resisting a war of in-
vasion and destruction indifiference is impossible to the patriot and
neutrality is cowardice if not premeditated disloyalty; that this con-
vention view with unqualified condemnation the course of those
papers at the North which cry peace when there is no peace, ar-
guing to the best of their ability against the side of the govern-
ment and in favor of the cause of the Confederate states, deny-
ing the achievements of the Union army and magnifying those of
the enemy ; that the call of a state convention of the Democracy
by Dennis A. Mahony was a wanton usurpation of authority — a
bold, reckless efifort to disorganize the Democracy and force it in
opposition to the war; and that this convention is proud of the
glorious conduct and achievements of our noble Iowa First. These
resolutions show that at the outset of the war the Democracv of
Dubuque county, until led away after false gods by Soutiiern
apostles, was ready to support the administration in its efforts to
crush the rebellion. That many of the Democrats of this countv
should be led astray by such artful pleaders and logicians as Mr.
Mahony and the Southern wing of the Democracy here is not to
be wondered at ; in fact, under the specious sophistry of such men
the majority of the Democracy soon came to regard President
Lincoln as a tyrant and usurper and the war one of subjugation,
outrage and crime. Xo wonder tiiey opposed the war.
In the fall of 1861 Col. W. H. Merritt was Democratic candi-
date for governor. The election of October, 1861, was one of the
most exciting that had ever been held liere. The Union Democrats
and the Republicans united, but were defeated by a reduced ma-
jority. The Democratic majority throughout the county was about
760. The contest between Cumniings (R.) and Hewitt (D.) for
the shrievalty was fought with a rancor and bitterness rarely wit-
nessed here. During the battle Mr. Hodnett, who was connected
with the Herald, attempted to cowhide Jesse Clement, editor of
tlie Times, and either succeeded or did not, depending on the parti-
san \iew. Hodnett was tried, convicted and sentenced to twentv-
354 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
five days in jail, but managed to evade service. The following
appeared in the papers :
Barnes to Pettit : You pour forth your slimey abuse, etc. I
brand you, Henry W. Pettit, as a base liar, and you dare not
resent it. — Barnes.
Pettit to Barnes : Your statement about me is correct, but I
object to your spelling slimy with an e.- — Pettit.
"Have We a Government? — The course of the party in power
warrants the inquiry. Have we a government? or rather, Have we
men at the head of the government who know how to administer
it? The experience so far has been that the Lincoln administra-
tion has been worse for the country than a failure. It has inflicted
injuries on the United States from which it may never recover.
The sooner the party in power be got rid of the better." {Herald,
December i8. 1861.) "Another Military Prisoner. — The telegraph
informed us last evening of the arrest of Gen. George W. Jones
and that he has been sent to Fort Lafayette. The arrest was made
by Prime Minister Seward, under the sanction of His Majesty Abe
the First. X^erilv, we live in a free countrv." (Herald. December
21,1861.)
"By way of preparation for the next spring and fall elections,
the emissaries of treason are busy at work both in this city and
county. Throughout the county they are calling people's meet-
ings and passing througli them resolutions manufactured for the
purpose and alike in substance, if not in words, to be published
in the Dubuque Herald, declaring that the war was caused by
Yankee speculators and Abolitionists, denouncing the war tax and
calling on the people to unite in a crusade against the New England
manufacturers, the banks, railroad companies and Abolitionists.
It needs but a glance at their resolves to see that they are distin-
guished treason." (Times, February 18, 1862.)
"The so-called Democratic convention which met at the court-
house on the 24th inst. and w-as presided over by the editor of the
Herald, had in its members some well-meaning men ; but in the
main and in the intent of its fuglemen it was nothing but a gath-
ering of the fag ends of the Breckinridge traitors of this city. It
was a JefT Davis-Mahony crowd which did the bidding of its chair-
man, even to the adoption of certain resolutions, which he said he
wanted passed to endorse his political course and the course of his
])ai)er, the Herald." (Times, March 30, 1862.)
In the spring of 1S62 the Republicans, Abolitionists and
"shoddv" Democrats united and renominated H. L. Stout for
mayor by acclamation and also a full city ticket. In 1861 they called
their city ticket "Union"; in 1862 they called it "National Union."
They resolved that slavery was a great evil and "the sum total of
all villainies :" and that concessions to armed rebels, so ardently
advocnted here, would appear to be a weakness and would
HISTORY Of DUBUQUE COUNTY 355
strengthen the rebellion. Ben M. Samuels was president of the
Democratic Club.
The Democratic convention was stronger and more pronounced
in its views than the Republican convention. John H. Thedinga
for mayor and a full ticket were nominated. The Times charged
that the resolutions written in advance were prepared by Mahony.
They recited that the assumption of arbitrary power under the
pretense of a military necessity was an act of despotism and un-
constitutional and continued :
"Resolved, That in taking a retrospective view of the past his-
tory of the country we perceive the rise of a fanatical party which
has manifested itself in the phases of Abolitionism, Prohibitory
Lawism and Higher Lawism in opposition to every principle of
the constitution and to popular rights ; and to the success of which
that i^arty has acquired in the country and in the control it has
obtained not only of the Federal government, but in the govern-
ments of the Northern states, we trace the first cause of the Re-
bellion which has been so calamitous to the people of these United
.States.
"Resolved, That as Abolitionism was the cause of the existing
rebellion we do not perceive any prospect of peace, founded upon
the security of the people in the protection of the constitution, until
the Federal, state and municipal governments shall be rescued from
the control of Abolitionism and till the treason of abolitionism shall
be treated as a crime by the government and as a dangerous and
reprehensible evil in the body politic by the people."
The resolutions at half a dozen meetings were similar and ended
by declaring that the Democrats were right to oppose such a party ;
that the appointment of Stanton over Cameron was justified ; that
arbitrary arrest and the disregard of the habeas corpus should
cease ; that as war was forced upon the country it should be prose-
cuted along old constitutional lines ; that the existing financial pol-
icy should be condemned, and that a recognition of states' rights
should prevail. The Democrats elected their entire city ticket by
substantial majorities — 319 in case of the mayor..
"The Democrats of this city were almost beside themselves last
night with exultation. It was not merely the rejoicing of the lips,
but the outburst of the heart. No wonder that they exulted. For
months past every term of opprobrium was cast upon them, every
contumelious epithet which the mean, corrupted heart of Abolition-
ism, Republicanism and shoddyism could conceive was applied to
them, till to be a Democrat became almost a martyrdom. Once
more Democrats can fee! that their principles are in the ascendant
and that the time is not far ofif when they will be able to save the
Union by restoring to the administration of the government men
who will conform to and enforce the Constitution as their rule
of government. Let us have such a celebration of the event as
356 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
will give the finishing stroke in Dubuque to the enemies of the
Union and tlie Constitution." (Herald, April 8, 1862.)
"It must never be forgotten that the victory of Monday was not
what our enemies would try to make it appear to the discredit of
the Democratic party — a success of Secession. No, friends and
fellow citizens : it was a victory for the Constitution and the Union."
[Herald, April 9, 1862.) "The man that beat you is one of the
keenest in Iowa. A Pharisaical, Janus-faced trickster, a dissem-
bling pretender, a political knave, a juggling hypocrite, a man
who wishes well to the South and ill to the North ; a shuffling, de-
ceiving liar: an artful, sly, designing, diplomatic Machiavellian.
* * * You know who we mean." {Times. April 9, 1862.)
"The news of the battle in Tennessee caused considerable anxiety
in this city, as several Iowa regiments were known to be at Pitts-
burg Landing." {Herald, April 10, 1862.)
"The Re(/ister (Linn County) makes a great mistake in saying
that the Herald is ably pro-slavery. It is not pro-slavery at all. in
the true, honest sense of the expression. The Herald is not nor
never was an advocate of slavery. It finds slavery existed in some
-States, and finds this existence recognized as a legitimate thing in
the Constitution, which the Herald respects, obeys and is deter-
mined to maintain." — {Herald, May 10, 1862.) "What's up?
The Abolition and Republican papers of the state, from the drowsy
Dubuque Times to the spiteful Gate City at Keokuk, have made a
simultaneous onslaught on the Dubuque Herald. What do they
expect to accomplish by this movement?" — {Herald, May 8, 1862.)
At the Republican convention of the Third congressional district
( 1862) W. B. xAllison was nominated for Congress. "Mr. Allison,
it is fair to presume, was thought by his political friends to be
their strongest candidate, although a large minority of them
thouglit otherwise, and so do we. From our point of view. i\Ir.
Allison is the very man for us to beat the easiest. As a neighbor
and fellow citizen we respect Mr. Allison, but as a politician we
look upon him as one of those who have brought our country to its
perilous condition." — I Herald, .August 8, 1862. )
In 1862, G. Blocklinger, of Dubuque, was a delegate to the state
Republican convention. The county Democracy in June endorsed
the course of Mr. Mahony toward the national administration.
Early in July, 1862, the attempt to mob the Herald office was
commenced, but was realh' prevented by the leading men of both
parties, who advised against such a step; it was Cummings, the
sheriff, who prevented it. Marslial Conger assisted. Two citizens,
Koch and Sittig, were made uncomfortable by the mob. The inten-
tion of the mob was to destroy the Herald office.
In 1862 the Democrats nominated D. A. Mahony for Congress.
He won in the convention by a majority of one and a fraction
votes. It was generally understood tliat his nomination was made
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 357
in order that the public should know that his course was approved
by the congressional and state Democracy. His letter of accept-
ance was rejected by the government censor as improper by reason
of its disloyal sentiments.
At an immense Democratic meeting here in September, 1862,
resolutions condemning the emancipation proclamation and de-
manding that the Union be left as it was were passed unanimously.
Among the speakers were Ben M. Samuels, Thomas M. Monroe,
Thomas Rogers. Stilson Hutchins, Daniel Cort, J. H. Emerson
and others.
"There never has been a moment since the war became of any
considerable magnitude that Abraham Lincoln and his associates
have wavered in their design to free the slaves of the South. They
have held to this purpose from the very birth and inception of the
partv to which they belong. They have succeeded so far as an open
avowal of sentiment can be styled success. But we have confidence
that the people will teach these men that constitutions and laws
are to be observed bv the servants of the public as well as by the
public itself, and that the effort to subvert them will result in their
immediate and eternal destruction. They have played with fire —
let them look well tliat they are not badly burned." — {Herald, Sep-
tember 26. 1862.)
"The tide is flowing strong against the purposes of the present
administration. There have been but three meetings held lately
in Dubuque county of a Democratic character, but such meetings
were never known before. The enthusiasm of the people knew
no bounds. Their indignation, long pent up, found utterance.
Every denunciation of the Abolitionist authorities and their pur-
poses received a hearty endorsement ; every allusion to the Consti-
tution and its integrity, resounding applause. It is not well to
refuse to heed the temper of the people. They made the powers
that be. and although in their giddy exaltation they forget their
derivation, the people can and will unmake them as easily." —
(Herald, October 4, 1862.)
It was the appearance in the Herald of such articles that caused
the arrest of Mr. Mahony in August. 1862, as narrated elsewhere,
and his confinement in the old Capitol prison at Washington, D. C,
for about three months. Mr. Allison ran against Mr. Mahony
for Congress in 1862 and won by 1,654 majority; Mahony's
majority in Dubuque county was 1,424. The total vote of the city
of Dubuque was 2,228. Jefferson and Taylor townships returned
Republican majorities.
"In the town of Epworth, where one year ago Messrs. Samuels,
Hewitt and Fortune were mobbed by a crowd of cowardly Aboli-
tionists, Mr. Mahony received seventy-two votes. The Abolition
majority was decreased from eighty to forty by the untiring energy
358 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
of Messrs. Moore, Hogan and others." — {Herald. October i8,
1862.)
"We can point to Dubuque and her glorious Democracy with a
just pride. There she stands, fearless and triumphant. Over-
shadowed by military prestige, her citizens arrested and hurried
to prison without charge or trial, resisting the appliances of shame-
less and unscrupulous power, rejecting the bribes of easy official
virtue, she stands nobly erect, a Democratic county by nearly
double her last year's majority. The minions of power, the cow-
ardly, threatening Abolitionists, had best take warning and menace
her no longer. .\s nobly as she has done, she has a power in
reserve which it would not be healthy to arouse." — {Herald, Octo-
ber 18, 1862.)
"In this city the Republican party has not yet nominated a city
ticket, the Union League being deputed to take the matter in hand
and, like the old midnight Know Nothing Lodge, nominate a ticket
in the dark. The conspiracy broadens. It involves, if it succeed,
all we hold dear as Americans." — {Herald, April 3, 1863.)
Vote down the Union Leagues; vote down midnight conspirators!
Who wants to vote the nigger emancipation ticket? Who wants
Iowa covered with indolent blacks? Answer at the polls. Every
candidate but one on the Abolitionist ticket is a member of the
Union League. Vote them down. To elect the Abolitionist ticket
tomorrow is to drive a nail in the coffin of civil liberty. It is far
better to crush them at the ballot bo.x than to be obliged to meet
them with the cartridge box." — {Herald, April 5, 1863.)
At the Burns festival Mr. Allison delivered an eloquent address
in which he took occasion to e.xtol President Lincoln. The Herald
said : "Of course, Mr. Allison at lea.st is a fit eulogist and has
reason to be grateful to him (Lincoln), if for nothing else than
'he constitutional manner in which he eflfected the imprisonment
of an ugly opponent," meaning Mr. Mahony, who had been a can-
didate for Congress against Mr. Allison. In January, 1863, Mr.
Mahony was urged here for the nomination by the Democracy for
governor of Iowa. Henry Clay Dean made a strong anti-war
speech here in February.
Without much open e.xcitement the citizens of both parties in
]\Iarch, 1863, began with suppressed rage and fire to prepare for
the municipal elections. The Republicans nominated Franklin
Hinds for mayor and the Democrats renominated J. H. Thedinga.
"We are again gloriously successful, despite military mobs and
provost marslials. The most desperate efiforts were made by the
opposition to carry our municipal election on yesterday. The cohorts
of Abolitionism, drilled and disciplined under the direction of the
Union League, thoroughly organized and confident of success,
have been met and defeated by the sterling Democracy of Dubuque,
by majorities ranging from three hundred down. Dubuque is yet
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 359
a free city under Democratic rule. Thank hea\en tliat we are not
yet at the mercy of midnight conspirators. No person outside of
Dubuque can appreciate tlie difficulties under which we labored.
We were opposed by the wlioie force of the military stationed in
the city and represented by such men as J. B. Dorr. We were
obliged to fight the Union League, numbering, it is claimed, over
a thousand members. On Sunday morning the Times came out
with a statement to the effect that a ]3rovost marshal had been
appointed for Dubucjue and vicinity, and that deputies had been
selected to attend each poll and take down the name of every
person for conscription who should cast a vote. In pursuance of
this threat. Lieutenant David was sent to the Fifth ward, where
he was permitted to remain all day, practically by his presence
intimidating the people, the fruit of which is seen in the loss of our
candidate for alderman in that ward by two majority. In the First
ward Lieutenant Duffy was foolish enough to try the same game,
and by a murderous assault on Mr. Henneberry, one of the judges,
put his life in imminent peril. Yet despite all this, despite threats
and cajolery, Dubuque repudiates the whole horde and stands erect
in Democratic integrity. By the loss of John Rugamer, our can-
didate for alderman, in the Fifth ward, by two majority, the city
council stands, Democrats 4, Republicans 6. While this is to be
regretted, it amounts to nothing, practically. We have every city
officer, from highest to lowest." — (Herald, April 7, 1863.)
"Dubuque takes no step backward. Within two weeks her
uiajority has been increased from 90 to 250. She is good for the
latter at any time, in spite of all the L'uion Leagues out of jail." —
(Herald, April 7, 1863.)
The Democratic county convention in May, 1863, took strong
grounds against the prosecution of the war. The Republicans were
equally strong for its prosecution. Among the Democratic speak-
ers were Mahony, Richards, Hutchins, Jennings, O'Neill, Den-
linger, Stewart, Fmerson, Shields, etc. Among the Republican
s]ieakers were Lyon, Shiras, Lorimier, Allison, Cooley, Conger,
Clark, Heath, Bissell, Dorr, David, Adams. Rhomberg and others.
On the Fourth of July, 1863, the Republicans and Democrats held
separate celebrations because they could not agree about the reading
of the Emancipation Proclamation. The great federal victories
in the field early in July caused great rejoicing here among war
advocates. General Tuttle, the Democratic candidate for governor,
came out in favor of the war ; the Herald disagreed with him but
supported him. At a Union mass meeting at Dubuque in August,
when Senators Harlan and Trumbull and Mr. Washburne, of
Galena, were here, there were present about eight thousand people.
Senator Harlan spoke three hours ; delegations were present from
all the surrounding counties.
"Mrs. McCall, of Dubuque, Iowa, was in the city yesterday, on
36o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
her way frcm Wenipliis to her home, on a brief visit of absence
from duty as a hospital mirse. Slie has been in the service since
June, 1861, when the Third Iowa Infantry was organized. Two
of her sons enHsted in that regiment, and she was resolved to go
along, and has stuck to it in all the \'icissitudes of battles and blood
and marching and sickness ever since. Some time ago she was
assigned to duty as hospital nurse at Memphis. She is a hale,
hearty woman with a most pleasant face, one that would have more
good effect on a sick soldier than the doctor's potion. She is about
thirty-five years of age and exhibits the ner\ous activity and energy
of a girl of eighteen. The Third Iowa boys call her mother." —
(St. Louis Republican, about August 26, 1863. )
The Democratic county convention in September, 1863, after
passing its resolutions against the continuance of the war, thanked
Daniel Cort for his resolution as a member of the county board
to appropriate $300 for the relief of each drafted man. The lan-
guage of Mr. Cort's resolution and of the resolutions of the Demo-
cratic committee was "for the relief of drafted men." It was not
stated that the appropriation was to raise volunteers, clear the
county quota, or e\en to hire substitutes: but was for the relief
of the poor unfortunates who might be drafted. The Herald and
its adherents generally held that as the conscription act was
unconstitutional and an outrage, the county board was justified in
assisting the citizens who were forced to leave their homes by the
arbitrary power of the government. The Times, having charged
Mr. Mahony and Fernando Wood with being responsible for the
New York draft riots, was sued for libel and bound over for $2,000.
"We therefore earnestly appeal not only to those who are Demo-
crats on principle already, but to such of our fellow citizens as are
not under the influence of fanaticism, to organize themselves to-
gether for the purpose of resisting the attempt which is designed
to be made to subvert the government and to subject one portion of
the people of the North to the despotism of the party which is
aiming to hold and wield power, regardless alike of the Constitu-
tion, the laws, and the rights of their fellow citizens." — (Herald,
July 4, 1863.)
Mr. Mahony was candidate for sheriff in 1863. At an immense
Democratic meeting at Cascade late in September, 1863, speeches
were made by Richards, Barker, Cort, IvIahon\'. Cantillon and
Hutchins; there were "seven solid hours of speaking" during both
afternoon and evening; delegations from all the surrounding
country were present ; fifty teams came from Temple Hill alone.
A. C. Dodge. James W. Grimes, Re\-. Ames, D. N. Cooley, John A.
Kasson and Shubael Adams spoke in Dubuque during the fall. .\t
a big Democratic meeting in Epworth, IMahony, Richards, O'Neill
and Lepper were the speakers. The Republicans made great efforts
til defeat Mahonv, candidate for sheriff, and to elect Mr. Swivel.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 361
Stone (R.) and Tuttle (D.) were candidates for governor, the
former receiving 2,114 votes in Dubuque county and the latter
3,280. Mahony received 3,124, Swivel 2,152 and Fortune (Ind.)
45 for sheriff. At this time tlie Republicans favored a registration
law. The vote of that part of the Twelfth regiment from this
county was Stone (R.) 210, Tuttle (D. ) 23. The final result,
including the soldiers' vote, was: Mahony, 3,149; Swivel, 2,596;
Fortune, 47. In 1862 tlie Democratic majority was 1,524; in 1863
it was 1,315.
When James W. Grimes was re-elected United States senator at
Des Moines in January, 1864, the Democrats unitedly voted for
John D. Jennings, of Dubuque. Mr. Cort, of Dubuque, bolted
the caucus and voted for J. W. Love. The Democratic club at
Dubuque was a strong political factor in 1863-4.
On February 10, 1864, the Republicans held their convention in
Dubuque to choose delegates to the Republican state convention
to be held at Des Moines, Februarv 22. The following were
chosen: Piatt Smith, J. K. Graves, H.' Markell, E. C. David, D. N.
Cooley, J. A. Rhomberg, D. E. Lyon, E. R. Shankland, C. Wull-
weber, M. Blumenauer, O. P. Shiras, P. H. Conger, George L.
Matthews, H. C. Fellows, Thomas Lawton, Gustave Grahl, J. L.
McCreery, Henry Heil. William Luther and C. H. Foote.
Li the spring of 1864 the Democrats nominated John Thompson
for mayor and the Republicans nominated Mr. Cummings. The
former received 1,175 votes and the latter 1,018. The Democrats
elected all the city officers. The principal question at issue was the
payment of the city debt.
In 1864, the Democracy, here as elsewhere, was split into war
and peace factions. In the Democratic state convention the Dubuque
delegates divided, Jennings and McLenan favoring war and Hutch-
ins, Monroe, Richards and Robb favoring peace. D. A. Mahony
was a strong peace man. It was claimed that Jennings and Mc-
Lenan violated their instructions, and a row resulted. On the
Democratic state ticket Thomas M. Monroe was named for supreme
judge.
The call for a peace mass meeting at Dubuque on August 25,
1864, was signed by D. A. Mahony, John H. O'Neill, Thomas
Hardie Reuben S. Long, Thomas M. Monroe, John Deery, John
Hndnett, Timothy Mason and Nicholas Leffert. An immense
crowd, probably 15,000 people, was present at Jackson Square.
Henry Clay Dean, John F. Duncombe, D. A. Mahony, John H.
O'Neill, B. B. Richards, Stilson Hutchins and other brilliant
orators spoke. The resolultions advocated peace at any price.
Several distinguished speakers from abroad were present.
"After more than three long years of subjection to a most intol-
erable despotism and cruel tyranny; after suffering evils of govern-
ment administration without precedent in the most execrable rulers
362 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
of the past and without |jarallel in our own times; after submitting
to usurpation of power in pubhc servants whose autliority is cir-
cumscribed by law such as no monarch claiming to rule by divine
riglit was ever bold enough to grasp; and after enduring more than
€\"er a people did before in the same length of time in the sacrifice
of life and waste of money; and acquiescing in blind obedience and
craven servility to the behests of power arbitrarily and illegally
exercised, * * * the popular will has now, in the agony, it may be,
of the nation's death, become sensible at last that the body politic
is in danger of dissolution and aspires to preserve it from such a
fate." — (Herald. August 4, 1864.)
"A very animated discussion took place on Main street last
evening, each of the disputants vying with each other in the
violence with which the Abolitionists were assailed. The very
common and just conclusion was reached that Abe Lincoln is too
ugly in phiz, too weak in intellect and too tyrannical in the exercise
of power to be allowed to 'run the machine' another four years." —
(Herald, August 30. 1864.)
The Republican county convention was conducted by Bissell,
Wiltse, Shiras, Karrick. Rupert. Hetherington, Matthews, Blumen-
auer and others.
The resolutions adopted declared that the success of the Repub-
licans in November was essential to the preservation of the Union
and libertv, praised Mr. Allison's course in Congress, and recom-
mended his renomination and favored a continuance of the war
along lines already announced and well known.
The nomination of McClellan for the Presidency suited the
Dubuque county Democracy; the renomination of Mr. Lincoln
suited the Republicans. The campaign was brilliant and vindictive.
Lnmense meetings were held and eloquent addresses delivered by
distinguished orators. Patrick Quigley was president of the Demo-
cratic association. At this time it was conceded that B. B. Richards
was one of the most brilliant stump speakers in the state. He was
candidate for elector on the Democratic ticket and was also candi-
date for Congress against Allison. Richards and Allison stumped
the district together and spoke to immense crowds.
On October 22. 1864, Kirkwood spoke at the Athenseum. The
Herald spoke of him as "the man who wears the dirtiest shirt west
of the Mississippi river"; also, "Kirkwood the unwashed." On
October 26, Governor Stone and John H. O'Neill held a joint
debate at the Athenaeum. There was a large attendance, though
the rain fell in torrents. Schuyler Colfax spoke here October 29.
The November (1864) election resulted in this county as follows:
McClellan electors, 3,319; Lincoln electors, 1,744. For Congress:
Richards (D.) 3.316, Allison (R.) 1,753. The balance of the
county ticket ran about the same.
"This is a noble record for Dubuque county. It shows that
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 363
there is at least one bright spot in Iowa that has not been overrun
and blotted out by the scum and filth of Abolitionism." — {Herald,
November 15, 1864.)
"As a patriot we cannot but deplore the result of the recent
election, because we believe the re-election of Mr. Lincoln opens the
road to certain dissolution and untold misery. * * * No reason-
able man will contend that the country can survive four years more
of strife. The end, whate\er it is, must come during Mr. Lincoln's
second term of office, and then will come the fearful reckoning.
* * * The duty of Democrats is plain. We cannot control or
direct the policies of the administration, and shall not be respon-
sible for results. Our mission is simply that of the wrecker — to
rescue and save from the noble Ship of State whatever remains of
constitutional liberty." — {Herald, November 13, 1864.)
"Stock Market. — The market for McClellan stock is dull and
drooping, with more sellers than buyers at 50 per cent discount.
Hoklers are anxious to effect sales, and are not particular about
rates. Copperhead 64-90's ha\e overstocked the market and an-
other supply will not be needed in four years for national use.
McClellan badges and medals are given away, holders having no
further use for them. A whole torchlight procession could be
bought for a song; small lots are in demand for sale at auction." —
{Herald, November 12, 1864.)
In March, 1865, E. C. David was reappointed postmaster at
Dubuque. The Times announced the name of William B. Allison
for United States senator. In April. 1865, both parties nominated
John Thompson for mayor, because the principal and almost the
only issue was to put the city debt in tangible shape and pay it.
He received a total of 1.898 \'otes. The Democratic majority on
the balance of the ticket varied from 274 to 578. They swept the
city and county. Every city officer, fourth-fifths of the council,
seventeen out of nineteen county supervisors, and every county
officer were elected by the Democrats.
Early in April, 1865, t'le Herald wanted President Lincoln to
offer amnesty to the South, including right to slave property, states'
rights, no federal interference — in fact, place the South where it
was before the war. "By doing this, Mr. Lincoln can remove much
of the stigma that attaches to his name for the tyranny and oppres-
sion of which he has been guilty." — {Herald, April 6, 1865.)
"The Republican journals are united in their efforts to secure for
the liberated negroes the right of sufifrage. * * * This plan to
turn over the best portion of our country to the control of the
negro will miserably fail." — {Herald, May 19, 1865.)
David Styles was present at the old settlers' meeting July i, 1865.
He had opened the second hotel in Chicago, and came to the
Dubuque mining region about 1830. He had voted for George
Washington for President. V. Herancourt placed a glass and
364 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUXTV
frame over tlie photographic picture of 258 portraits of Dubuque
county early settlers. A number of the early settlers refused to
take part in the celebration of the Fourth of July if the Emancipa-
tion Proclamation was to be read immediately after the Declaration
of Independence. They did not want "politics" introduced into
the celebration. The result was that people divided on political
lines and held several celebrations, at one of which, at least, the
Emancipation Proclamation was read. The Republicans cele-
brated at the Gardens and the Democrats at Eagle Point and Ham's
Island. In the Republican procession was a wagon with thirtv-four
young ladies representing the states. The Good Templars went to
Cassville to celebrate.
All Dubuque turned out to the Grant reception, Wednesday,
August 23, 1865. "The display made last Wednesday on the recep-
tion of General Grant was one of the finest and most creditable
that e\er took place in this city. The crowd has been \ariously
estimated at from 10,000 to 25,000 persons. The sidewalks on
Main street from the First Ward market to Fourteenth street was
a solid crowd of human beings awaiting the arrival of the hero of
the day. Every window and doorway on the line of march was
filled with admirers of the General. For a large assemblage of
people it was the most orderlv we ever saw." — {Herald, August 25.
1865.)
The Herald found fault with every act of the administration
during 1865 after the close of the war. It objected to negro suf-
frage, punishment of the leaders of the rebellion, reconstruction
of the southern states, trial of the Lincoln assassins; a large stand-
ing army; the outrage of military trials; the Chicago sanitary fair,
and particularly abused Stanton and Butler.
In 1865, Col. Thomas H. Benton. Jr., was Democratic candidate
for governor. At the Democratic county convention, held in Dyers-
ville, August 19, Gen. George W. Jones called the delegates to
order and J. H. Emerson was chairman. The resolutions affirmed
Democratic policies. W. B. .Allison spoke at the .Athenreum, Octo-
ber 5. The ditTerences between President Johnson and the radical
Republicans were dissected and explained. The Herald's abuse of
Secretary Stanton was notable at this time ; it also lashed Judge
Burt for saying that the Democrats wanted to keep the negroes
under because otherwise they would outrival the Democrats and
secure all the plums. At the October election the vote for governor
was: Benton (D.) 2,842, Stone (R. ) 1,552; for sheriff, Mahony
(D.) 2,729, Cummings (R.l 1,639. Alahony lost most of the
soldier vote.
In February, 1866. a large meeting of the Dubuque Democrats
approNcd the veto by Prcsirlent Johnson of the Frecdman's Bureau
bill. Among the speakers were Stilson Hutchins. Frank Jennings.
C. J. Rogers and George \\'. Jones. In ]\Tarch, 1866. a large
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 365
■"Union" meeting was held and resolutions were passed expressing
the opinion that Congress had the right to say upon what terms
the rebellious states should come back into the Union. Among the
speakers were Judge Burt, O. P. Shiras, General Wiltse, C. Wull-
weber, C. G. Hawthorne and others. The following citizens signed
the call for this meeting: F. E. Bissell, O. P. Shiras, George Crane,
Frank Gilbert, James Burt, H. L. Stout, Richard Waller, Jacob
Christman, T. C. Roberts, R. Bonson, C. H. Booth, James Thurs-
ton, Thomas Finn, R. Spaulding, W. Westphal, G. L. Torbert,
John H. Lull, Edgar Tisdale, John Mihlhop, A. Tredway, William
Anderson, John W. Smith, D. E. Lyon, George D. Wood, W. J.
Gilbert, C. G. Hawthorne, C. Leckie, J. W. Cox, A. G. Chapin.
During 1864 and 1865, as a claim for public approval, the Democ-
racy of Dubuque showed that Mayor Thompson's administration
had reduced the city indebtedness $353,000; the old indebtedness
of $390,000 had been wiped out partly by a new issue of bonds;
the old Gelpcke debt, which had hung for years over the city like a
pall, had all been taken up. In 1865-6, $68,000 of indebtedness
had been paid ; in the latter was a debt of $5,000 due since the old
levee was built ; also the debt of Timothy Davis for the old cemetery
lot, the interest on which had far exceeded the principal. All the
city scrip had been taken up; at one time it was as low as 35 cents
on the dollar. All this had been done without borrowing or with-
out increasing the taxes. But there were no special local issues;
the election ran along Democratic and Republican principles and
policies. A large vote was polled, much larger than had been
expected. The whole Democratic ticket was elected by majorities
ranging from 148 to 320, the average being close to 250; total
vote, 2,502. Mr. Thompson was re-elected mayor. Mr. Kingman
was the Republican candidate. Thompson received 1,385 and
Kingman 1,117 votes. The receipts for the fiscal year 1865-6
were $67,288.44, and the orders redeemed, $66,990.74.
In 1866 there was open opposition at Epworth against the violent
partisan speeches of C. C. Hewitt and Frank Jennings ; they were
prevented from speaking and in a measure assailed. In October.
1866, L. H. Cady was likewise assailed and prevented from speaking
there by a crowd. Democrats were furious and later went there
prepared for trouble and were permitted to speak. Democratic
speakers were also opposed at Centralia, but were permitted to
finish. At the October election liquor was allowed at the polls.
For secretary of state. Van Anda (D.) received 3,117 votes and
Wright (R.) 2,186. For Congress, Noble (D.) received 3,131
and Allison CR.) 2,097. Taylor and Jefferson townships went
Republican. In Table Mound township there was but one Repub-
lican vote out of 115 polled.
In the spring of 1867 the Democrats nominated W. W. Wood-
worth for mayor and the Republicans nominated J. K. Graves.
366 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Cliarges of corruption in city affairs were made and facts stated.
The question of compromising, repudiating or paying in full the
city debt was all important.
"The Sarah Lee Porter case is a test one that will decide whether
the city owes $1,000,000 or $200,000. Under the policy adopted
in 1864, over one-third of the entire city indebtedness has been
conditionally retired without imposing unusual burdens; but let this
Sarah Lee Porter case be determined against the present council
and there is an end of all compromise, for if Sarah Lee Porter
recovers one hundred cents on the dollar of her claim, then any
other creditor may do likewise." — (Alderman Hetherington in
council, March 29, 1867.)
This contest was hotly fought : the Democrats were determined
to retrieve their loss of October, 1866. The streets were soon
strewn with circulars, ballots and beer kegs. Teams with banners
and mottoes were out to hurry indifferent voters to the polls. It
was one of the most exciting municipal elections ever held in
Dubuque. Woodworth (D. ) received 1,393 votes and Graves (R. ")
1,639. The Democrats elected by small majorities the city ticket
except mayor and marshal. Many Democratic votes were cast for
Graves because of the announcement that he was a supporter of
the policies of President Johnson.
Allison for the Senate was the Republican program in 1867.
In July, 1867, Judge Burt sued the Herald (Ham and Carver) for
$20,000 for libel. The Democrats opposed negro suffrage in Iowa
and any interference by Congress with the sovereignty of the states.
The Germans in Dubuque organized in opposition to the prohibitory
law. Payment of government bonds in greenbacks was advocated
by the Democracy. Henry O'Connor (R.) and W. T. Barker (D. )
held a joint discussion in Dubuque in October; they were candidates
for attorney-general.
The election in October, 1867, resulted in Dubuque county as
follows: For governor. Mason (D.) 3,335. Merrill (R.) 1,915;
for sheriff, Buckman (D. ) 3.435, Cheeney (R. ) 1,824. Thus the
Democrats swept the county with majorities ranging from 712 to
1,611. Taylor and Dodge townships were carried by the Repub-
licans. This was the first time Julien township was separated from
the city of Dulnique. The Herald often referred in a jocular way
to "Dubuque Copperheads."
In 1868, Solomon Turck was nominated for mayor by the Demo-
crats, and William Westphal by the Republicans. The fomier
received 1,792 \otes and the latter 1,220. The Democrats elected
their whole city ticket except marslial. The council ordered an
investigation of the administration of Mayor Graves; he was
charged with having distorted figures, etc.
In June, 1868, a Grant and Colfax club was organized at
Dubuque. In the summer, J. K. Graves made desperate efforts to
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 367
wrest the nomination for Congress from Mr. Allison, but failed in
convention, 221 to 207 votes. This contest almost divided the
party. The nomination of Seymour and Blair was ratified by
Dubuque Democrats. For Congress Allison received in Dubuque
county 2,251 votes. Mills (D. ) 4.328, Thomas (Ind.) no.
In 1868, John H. O'Neill was a delegate to the Democratic
national convention. The presidential contest of 1868 was filled
with bitter personalities and savage partisan attacks. At the
November election the Grant electors received 2,583 votes and the
Seymour electors 4,088 votes in Dubuque county. Five constitu-
tional amendments were voted on : { i ) Negroes to vote in Iowa ^
(2) negroes to be enrolled as militia; (3) negroes to be counted
in the census; (4) negroes to be counted in the apportionment for
senators and representatives; (5) negroes to occupy any office in
the state. Dubuque county polled heavy majorities against all five
amendments — 4,341 to 2,292. There was much excitement and
bitterness in the vote on these amendments. It was said that a
negro formerly a slave in Alabama and part white voted the straight
Democratic ticket at Peosta in November, 1868.
YEAR DEMOCRAT REPUBLICAN
1864 3,375 2,223
1865 2,842 1,554
1866 3,151 2,086
1867 3,340 1,950
1868 4,092 2,633
"Iowa has undoubtedly elected the nigger. It is triumph of
which to be proud. In Dubuque the nigger runs ahead of Allison.
In the state the nigger is but little behind the other radical candi-
dates."— {Herald, November 7, 1868.)
"The election has renewed power to radicalism. One of the first
things pledged by the radical party is to pay the bondholders in
coin. The majority of Congress is sufficient, and Grant is equally
pledged with Congress. The people have declared by their ballots
that such payment is what they desire. The outrage is promised
and endorsed. Let it be consummated speedily."- — {Herald,
November 7, 1868.)
In the spring of 1869 the Democrats nominated George W. Jones
for mayor, but he declined and they then named W. J. Knight.
The Republicans nominated C. J. Cummings, but upon his declina-
tion they nominated H. S. Hetherington. Still the paramount
question was the paym.ent of the city indebtedness. In this contest
the old Allison-Graves feud appeared because the Allison faction
slashed Morheiser for marshal and the Graves faction knifed
Hetherington. The result was that the Democrats had the largest
majority they secured for many years. Knight (D. ) received
j68 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
1,706, and Hetherington (R. ) 1,108. The Democratic majorities
ranged from 546 to 697. This was the first election at w hich the
negroes generally were permitted to vote. It was said at the time
that they nearly all voted the straight Democratic ticket, but some
allowance should be made for this statement. At the October
election (1869) Gillaspy (D. ) received for governor 3,367 votes
and Merrill (R. ) 1,927 in Dubuque county. Taylor and Dodge
townships and the Third and iMiurth wards, Dubuque, went
Republican.
In January, 1870, W. B. Allison was a candidate for the United
States Senate, but was defeated before the legislature. His dele-
gation returned to Dubuque "sorry and sad." In March. 1870, the
newspapers of both parties praised the administration of Mayor
Knight, who had accomplished wonders in untangling the city debt
and putting it in the way of certain ultimate extinction. .-\Iderman
A. F. Jaeger was likewise praised. The Democrats renominated
Knight for mayor and the Republicans named Mr. Kingman, who
was in reality the nominee of the Graves faction, which bitterly
assailed the alleged Allison ring. Kingman a few years before had
been terribly defeated by John Thompson in the mayoralty race.
Knight (D. ) received 1,994 votes and Kingman (R.) 742. Gener-
ally, the whole Democratic ticket was successful. This surprising
victory was an acknowledgment and endorsement of the Knight
administration, many Republicans voting with the Democrats.
Among the Republican speakers to appear here in the fall of
1870 were Henry O'Connor, W. B. Allison, Chester C. Cole, J. S.
Clarkson, Charles Aldrich and James Harlan. At the October
election (1870) Doerr (D. ) received 2,535 votes for secretary of
state and Wright (R. ), 1,439. For a constitutional convention. 225;
against it, 1,815 : for an increase in county supervisors. 771 : against
such increase. 2,223. ^^- B. Mulkern was state senator.
Both parties in the spring of 1871 held stirring conventions and
named full municipal tickets. Mayor Knight had made enemies
by his honest energy and zeal for the city's welfare. Few men in
the face of such obstacles as then existed could have accomplished
so much. His legal ability and integrity had greatly advanced the
city's credit and made all business pursuits prosperous. But a
change was wanted, evidently. It was shown that his honest policy
eiubraced the payment at par of the city debt, regardless of the fact
that many of the bondholders who resided in Dubuque had iiur-
chased the bonds in the East at about 25 cents on the dollar.
Apparently the majority of the voters wanted the mayor to force
the bondholders to take much less than 100 cents on the dollar ; thus
in this election the taxpayers generally voted down the bondholders.
"We have met the enemy and have come so near to being theirs
that not nuich pleasure can be derived from the escape. The whole
Democratic city ticket is elected witli the exception of mayor.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 369
where Mr. Knight is defeated by Judge Burt by about ^^J majority.
The RepubHcans have also elected a majority of the city council,
carrying four of the five aldermen, so that the ne.xt council will
stand, with the holdovers, six Republicans to four Democrats." —
{Herald, April 4, 1871.)
In 1 87 1 B. B. Richards was nominated for the state senate by
the Democracy, and M. M. Ham, of the Dubuque Herald, was
nominated for lieutenant-governor. All Republican movements and
nominations in the fall of 1871 were made with the view of Mr.
Allison's candidacy for the United States Senate ; the Graves fac-
tion had subsided ; Allison men were chosen for everything, for
popular effect. Torbert, Shiras, Henderson, Beach, Ballou et al.
of the "Allison ring" ruled the party here. The vote in the county
in October was: For governor, Knapp (D.) 3,287, Carpenter (R.)
1,986; county treasurer, Stewart (D. ) 2,617, Jarrett (R. ) 2,455;
for lieutenant-governor, Ham (D.) 3,311, Bulls (R.) 1,951.
Richard's majority over Burden was 652. C. H. Booth was
elected to the House by 162 majority.
In January, 1872, Mr. Allison was elected to the United States
Senate. Upon his return here, all citizens, irrespective of party,
gave him a notable and cordial public reception. C. Wullweber
made the welcoming speech; H. L. Stout was chairman. About
this time, Mr. Mahony, having roused the wrath of M. M. Ham,
of the Herald, was "roasted" in the following fashion:
"Mahony believes in blackmailing as a principle. He puts him-
self up at auction and strikes himself off to anybody who will bid.
If people decline to buy the goods, not believing him worth the
buying, then his idea is to 'go for 'em,' lie about them, traduce them,
vilify them, poison the public mind against them, do anything or
everything against them ; it serves them right, for they might have
complied with his reasonable demands! This has always been his
rule of action. Because General Jones did not give him a sur-
veying contract years ago, he has been abusing him ever since. He
was for a while partner with Doctor Holt in the newspaper busi-
ness, and succeeded in ruining him. He was then with Dorr for a
while, and would have ruined him had not Dorr got rid of him.
About this time he was around the county treasury and turned up
a defaulter, and the people of Dubuque county are suffering from
it in their taxes to this day. In 1862 he besought Governor Kirk-
woofl to allow him to raise an Irish regiment of which he was to be
colonel. He was then a rampant war man, but when Kirkwood —
knowing him too well — refused his application, he at once turned
upon him, abused him, and from being a terrible war man he became
a terrible peace man. Soon after, the Republicans were foolish
enough to arrest him. which made a great man of him, greater than
he ever was before or ever will be again. After his return home
he liked to ha\e ruined the paper with his dogmatical and dicta-
3/0 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
torial manner, until Hutchins, to get rid of him. leased his interest
in the office and got him out and soon after shoved him upon the
long-sufifering people of Dubuque county as sheriff. In 1866,
Hutchins and Hodnett started the St. Louis Times, out of which they
have each made an indejjendent fortune. In their good nature they
gave Mahony an interest, but inside of a year they had to put him
out again. He repaid Hutchins by abusing him for years. In 186S
he was first a rampant anti-bridge man, then as rampant for it.
A present of $2,000 stock wrought the change. Ask Allison, Stout.
Graves or Booth. He subscribed for a large amount of stock in
the first water-works company and then abused John Thompson
because he would not give him money to pay with. His recent
spiteful, cowardly and vengeful attacks on L. D. Randall were
because the latter would not be blackmailed out of $500; tlie same
regarding his attacks on the county board and W. G. Stewart, in
the latter case endeavoring to excite religious feuds in our midst:
on Peter Kiene, Joe Rhomberg, J. K. Graves, the railroad com-
pany— in fact, on everybody who refuses to have money extorted
from them to silence him. Such is Dennis Mahony." — (Herald,
January 26, 1872.)
In February. 1872, B. B. Richards, Fred O'Donnell and John
Christoph in the legislature opposed woman suffrage; General
Booth there supported the movement. Cliristoph was chosen at a
special election to succeed Martin Kaier. deceased. The Democrats
renominated their city officers except mayor: they named Solomon
Turck. The Republicans nominated H. O. Ward. The Herald
called the latter the "ten-pin ticket" because it was put up to be
knocked down. Closing the saloons on Sundays and cleaning the
streets were issues. Turck (D. ) received 1.572 votes and Ward
(R.) 1,483. The Republicans and railways fought Turck for
alleged former grievances. The city debt was being refunded in
6 per cent twenty-five-year bonds.
Grant's renomination for the Presidency suited the stalwart
Republicans of this county. However, the "reform" movement of
the so-called "liberal Republicans" carried away about 200 of the
leading members of the regular Republican party. The Times
])romptly condemned the defection and urged the party to support
Grant.
"In this work before us we should meet liberal Republicans as we
would fellow citizens in an hour of peril. Our purposes are one,
and let us not imperil the result by feeding ancient grudges with
bitter words. Part\- has been swallowed up by patriotism, and we
should feel prouder than ever of our grand old party, that it has
made such a sacrifice for the seeming good of the country. As
between Grant and the notorious corruption which he feeds, and
Greeley and the reforms which he embodies, fhere should be no
hesitation which to choose." — (Herald, July 11. 1872.)
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 2,7^
The fall campaign in 1872 was enthusiastic in the extreme on
the part of the liberal Republicans. All the best local speakers of
both parties took the stump and analyzed to applauding crowds the
national issues. All voters were required to register. John H.
O'Neill, who had gone to reside at St. Louis but had returned,
came out for Grant and Wilson.
"When the war was raging and the life of the nation was at
stake, Mr. O'Neill was an outspoken secessionist and gave utterance
to sentiments which, were he tried for them before the proper
tribunal, would convict him of treason." — {Herald, September 17,
1872.)
H. B. Foulke, of Dubuque, was elector-at-large on the liberal
Republican ticket. Dr. E. A. Guilbert, of Dubuque, was liberal
Republican candidate for secretary of state. M. M. Ham was chair-
man of the Greeley club. George W. Jones in a long letter deplor-
ing the course of recent politics, declared he was ready to march
out of the ranks of Democracy and ready to join the opposition.
At the November election the liberal Republican electors received
3,478 votes and the Republican electors 2,437 votes. The balance
of the ticket except for sheriff was about the same in Dubuque
county. For sheriff, Liddy (R. ) received 3,092 votes and Jarrett
(L. R.) 2,823. Greeley's death, late in November, called forth
suitable obituary notices.
In 1873 the Grangers organized and became a powerful force in
politics. The Herald deplored the "antics" of George W. Jones
in "marrying himself to the Republican party" at Des Moines early
in 1873. "Municipal reform" was the slogan of a large faction,
regardless of party, in April, 1873. It was a sudden movement
against the alleged high taxation necessary to pay the city debt
and current expenses. The movement proved the blindness of the
masses, because the tax was necessary to relieve them from a
greater burden. The "reformers" organized, joined the Repub-
licans, nominated H. P. Ward for mayor, and attacked the city
administration under Mayors Knight and Burt. The Grangers
organized at an immense meeting in the court room on March 28.
The Democrats nominated A. H. Peaslee for mayor. The Times
claimed at this time that the Democrats here were kept in power
by the Germans, who were kept in line by an occasional "plum."
The Democrats elected their city ticket, though the majorities were
small. For mayor, Peaslee (D. ) received 1,470 and Ward (R. )
1,403-
In the fall of 1873, the Democrats, to win the favor of the
Grangers, called themselves "Anti-Monopolists," and the Repub-
licans used the term "People's ticket." Both conducted strong
and aggressive can;paigns. For governor. Carpenter (R.) received
in Dubuque county 2,153 votes and Vale (D. ) 3,566 votes. D. N.
Cooley (R.) unexpectedly received 3,088 votes for senator to
372 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
2,589 for the old favorite, B. B. Richards. For county auditor,
McLaughlin (R.) received 3,148 and Hempstead (D. ) 2,496.
For county treasurer, WiUiams (R.) received 3,299 and Rucgamer
(D. ) 2,402. These resuUs astonished the Democracy. They were
mainly due to the Granger movement.
In the spring of 1.874 the Democrats renominated A. H. Peaslee
for mayor and the Repuhlicans named Mr. Chapman. There were
no new issues. The result was Peaslee (D. ) 2,145 votes and
Chapman (R.) 901. For marshall, Reutzinger (R.) received 1,847
and Hardy (D. ) 1,183. Four Republican aldermen were elected
against two Democratic aldermen.
In October the Republicans made herculean efforts to elect two
out of three county supervisors in order to have a majority of the
board, but failed. For Congress, Ainsworth (D.) received 3,295
votes in Dubuque county and Granger (R.) 1,838. Ainsworth was
elected and was thus the first Democratic congressman from this
district for many years. For secretary of state, Morgan (D.)
received 3,258 and Young (R. ) 1,920. Restraining stock — yes,
1,150; no, 2,499; increasing county board to five members — yes,
1,948; no, 3.000. The Democrats, particularly at Dyersville, held
a very enthusiastic celebration of the election of Mr. Ainsworth.
His opponent (Granger) was hung in effigy.
In April, 1875, James Gushing (R. ) was chosen mayor over
W. G. Stewart (D. ) by 2,72, majority. D. E. Lyon (R.) was
chosen city attorney over T. S. Wilson (D. ) by about seventy- five
majority.
"Unusual care should be taken this fall to nominate men that
are exceptionally good, for during the past three years it has
become evident that a Democratic nomination by no means insures
an election. Of the five county officers at the court house, three
are men who were elected in opposition to the nominees of Demo-
cratic conventions — Williams, McLaughlin and Lewis. This county
now has a Republican senator, and though we had the three repre-
sentatives two years ago. yet they were elected by small majorities
of a couple of hundred or so. Of the three county supervisors
the Republicans have one and came near electing another. All this
is done in the face of the fact that Dubuque county is still as
strongly Democratic as ever." — {Herald, August 28, 1875.)
"During ten years the Democrats wiped out an indebtedness of
$433,000. They kept down taxation so that Dubuque has been
among the lightest taxed counties of the state. There was no
defalcation — no misappropriation of funds. County warrants were
brought up to par. No frauds have been committed. They have
had no credit mobiliers, no rings, no side-cuts, no salary grabs, no
back pay, no short terms of office and then retiring unaccountably
rich; yet in spite of a Democratic majority of 1,500, the people
have become tired of them and sought other rulers. Why is it?
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 373
The Republicans liave spent money and corrupted voters. Who has
forgotten the Graves campaign, the Cooley campaign or the Gushing
campaign?" — {Herald, August 28, 1875.)
In the fall of 1875 the Graves faction again became paramount.
The old Allison men — Shiras, Henderson, Lyon, Rich, Nightingale,
Ballou, Torbert, Crane and others — were shoved aside, and the
Graves adherents — Cooley, Rhomberg, Gushing, Coates, Howard,
Robinson, Walker, Taylor, Lewis, Kingman, Blumenauer, Trick,
Elmer Williams, Walker and others — assumed control of the Re-
publican convention. Allison was in the Senate and safely out of
the way. The vote in October, 1875, was : For governor. Kirk-
wood (R.) 2,124, Leffler (D.) 4,047. Two Republicans — Graves
and Johnson — were elected to the legislature. Williams (R. ) for
county treasurer defeated O'Brien (D.), 3,579 to 2,591. Internal
strife split the county Democracy.
Politics was demoralized in Dubuque county in 1876; people
were seeking a change. Both Democrats and Republicans nomi-
nated George B. Burch for mayor ; he was liberal and a good busi-
ness man. It is a remarkable fact that D. D. W. Carver, A. A.
Cooper, John Hodgdon, W. H. Peabody, M. M. Ham and W. W.
Woodward, all sound Democrats, refused to be nominated at this
time for mayor. The issues were unsatisfactory. Burch and the
Democratic ticket, except auditor, were elected by greatly varying
majorities. "Unite parties and pay the city debt," is the slogan
that won.
The presidential campaign in 1876 was very spirited in this
county. There was a great cry against waving the "bloody shirt."
"Tilden and reform" overran the county. Many able speakers
addressed Dubuque county audiences. Excitement ran high just
before the election. When it was first announced that Tilden was
elected, Dem.ocrats could not restrain themselves ; then they settled
down to await the result. The Tilden electors received 4,978 and
the Hayes electors 2,798 votes. The Democrats swept the county.
In 1877 the Democrats named James H. Shields for mayor, and
the Republicans again selected George B. Burch. The board of
trade attacked the Burch administration for its alleged high ex-
penses. The Herald, which had supported Burch, did not agree
with the board of trade, and again supported Burch as against the
regular Democratic nominee, Shields. With the Herald's aid the
Republicans won, thus — Burch (R.) 1,683, Shields (D. ) 1,579.
For auditor, Reynolds (D.) received 1,397 ^^d Brandt (R.) 1,954.
For assessor, Dowling (D. ) received 1,507, Anderson (R.) 1,643.
The issues were (i) reduced taxation; (2) reduced general ex-
penses; (3) reduced street expenses; (4) Seventeenth street
improvements to be continued ; ( 5 ) reduced saloon license.
In October, John P. Irish, candidate for governor, Kirkwood,
and Stubbs spoke at Dubuque. The Greenbackers were very strong
374 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
at this date. The Democrats made a clean sweep of the county.
Irish (D.) received for governor 3,415 votes, John H. Gear (R.)
1,587, and D. P. Stubbs (G. B. ) 406. For state senator, Mason M.
Ham (D. ), editor of the Herald, received 3,681 against 597 for his.
opponent, Moore (R.). This was the largest Democratic majority
ever polled in the county.
The silver and greenback questions were pronounced here in
1877 and 1878. All the parties were active and vigilant. The
Democrats named W. J. Knight for mayor and the Republicans
H. L. Stout. Public opinion in Dubuque did not sustain and
enforce the prohibitory law. Governor Kirkwood had favored local
option in 1875-6. In 1S77-8 the parties were divided on the license
and prohibitory questions.
Among the leading Greenbackers in 1878 were A. Y. McDonald,
S. P. Adams, C. S. Gaylord. Fred O'Donnell was nominated by
the Democrats for Congress. H. B. Foulke was Democratic can-
didate for prosecuting attorney of the Ninth judicial district. On
September 5, James G. Blaine spoke in Dubuque. Present also
were Clarkson, Runnells and Allison. An immense procession
paraded Main street under arches. The election resulted — Upde-
graff (R.) elected to Congress over O'Donnell (D.) and Spangler
(G. B.). Foulke was chosen district attorney. In the state, Weaver
and Gillette (G. B.) were elected to Congress. For secretary of
state, Farnsworth (D.) received in Dubuque county 4,169 votes
and Hull (R. ) 2,085. Taxation for a new court house — for, 487;
against, ..1,687; to restrain stock — yes, 2,038; no, 3,229.
In March, 1879, the Greenback Club in Dubuque endorsed the
actions of the Greenbackers in Congress. A. Y. McDonald repre-
sented Dubuque at the Greenback convention in Chicago in I\Iarch.
The Democrats nominated for mayor in 1879 W. J. Knight and
the Republicans ,'nominated H. S. Hetherington. TVIr. Knight
declined, whereupon John D. Bush was nominated. The entire
Democratic city ticket, except auditor, was elected. Bush advo-
cated a sinking fund to meet the city debt. Reduction of expenses
w-as the paramount question. A big meeting of the citizens imme-
diately after the election took steps to reduce expenses.
In 1879 the leading Greenbackers were A. Y. McDonald, S. P.
Adams, M. H. Moore, A. C. Peary, Thomas Faherty, Michael
McCarthv, Thomas Finn, John Carson, Michael Koonan, William
Ouigley, Jo.sepli Ogle, James Sears, Chris Denlinger, Joseph Gehrig,
joiin Muckern, Thomas Cox, Thomas McGinnis, Joel M. Higgins
and Owen McLaughlin.
The Greenbackers were strong in the county in 1879; they
named a ticket for the county offices. The Prohibitionists also
organized and presented a partial ticket. The result was: For
governor, Trimble (D.) 3.950, Gear (R.) 2,498, Campbell (G. B. )
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 375
707: Dungan (Pro.) 17. Generally, the Democrats carried the
county.
In April, 1880, the Republicans nominated George B. Burch for
mayor ; the Democrats nominated Arthur McCann. John D. Bush
ran as an independent Democrat and was elected by 1,550 majority.
The Republican auditor, Brandt, was re-elected. Many Repub-
licans and Democrats were turned toward Bush. The issues were
almost wholly personal. The Herald opposed Bush ; McCann was
unjustly abused without stint.
The presidential campaign of 1880 was almost as exciting as
that of 1876. Garfield, Hancock and Weaver were the party
standard bearers. The Hancock electors received 4,580 votes;
Garfield electors, 3,007; Weaver electors, 257. For constitutional
amendment, 1,202; against it, 2,179; for constitutional convention,
706; against it, 2,756. In October, John P. Irish made "one of
tlie most brilliant speeches ever heard in Dubuque."
In 188 1, John J. Linehan (D.) was, elected mayor of Dubuque
over John Maclay (R. ) by 1,893 to 1,774 votes. The issue was
"city extravagance." Guiteau, the assassin of President Garfield,
was well known here to a few. He had asked Rev. Mr. Burrell for
the use of the Second Presbyterian church for the presentation of
his fanatical doctrines, but was evaded and finally refused by Mr.
Ragan of the Young Men's Christian Association. On several
Sunday afternoons Guiteau accordingly addressed small and curious
audiences at Washington Square. Mr. Burrell spoke of him as a
"peripatetic religious fanatic." There was general sorrow here
when Garfield died.
In October the Democrats elected their entire ticket except senator
and treasurer. For governor, Kinne (D. ) received 3,864, Sher-
man (R. ) 2,669, Clark (G. B. ) 162. For the senate, J. K. Graves
defeated M. M. Ham by 4,260 to 2,374. For treasurer, Watters
(R.) defeated McCullough (D.) by 3,413 to 3,261. The defeat of
Ham was the principal event of this election.
In 1882 the Democrats named for mayor Fred O'Donnell. The
Republicans nominated no one for mayor. O'Donnell issued a
lengthy statement of the issues, as follows: (i) payment of debt
and interest; (2) encouragement to manufactures; (3) reduction
of the floating debt; (4) reduction of street expenses; (5) a wagon
bridge over the Mississippi; (6) an inner harbor; (7) good men
for officers; (8) economy; (9) drainage; (10) city water on the
bluffs ; (11) a change in ward boundaries. The floating debt was
$104,747.28.
In the fall of 1882 the Democratic victories throughout the
country roused the party workers here to a high pitch of excite-
ment. The November election resulted as follows : For secretary
of State, Walker (D.), 5,589; Hull (R.), 1,967; Gaston (G. B.),
87; Congressman Durban (D. ), 5,178; D. B. Henderson (R.).
376 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
of Dubuque, 2,385; Foster (G. B.), 78; shall stock be restrained:
Yes, 2,356; no, 3,085.
In 1883 Fred O'Donnell (D.), for mayor, won over Philip
Pier (R.) by 2,375 to 1,372: there were no special issues. Gov-
ernor Sherman addressed the Harvest Home at Farley in August.
In November Kinne (D.) received 5,238; Sherman (R.), 1,641;
Weaver (G. B. ), 66, for governor. The whole Democratic ticket
was elected by a large majority.
In the spring of 1884 Dubuque went Democratic by large ma-
jorities. For mayor O'Donnell's majority was 1,963,' the second
largest; every ward was carried by the Democrats. Prohibition
and taxation of churches were prominent issues. The majority
against funding the city debt was 1,582.
In the fall all parties were active and enthusiastic. Many able
speakers were listened to by large and eager audiences. Among
the speakers were John G. Carlisle, D. O. Finch, W. F. Vilas,
John A. Logan, D. B. Henderson, S. J. Kirkwood, W. B. Alli-
son, Fred O'Donnell, B. B. Richards, A. Y. McDonald, M. H.
Moore. There was intense excitement at the time of election.
When the result was known the joy of the Democrats was un-
bounded and uproarious. The Cleveland electors received in this
county 6,033 votes; Republican electors, 3,246: St. John (Pro.)
electors, 6. The balance of the ticket ran about the same. Hen-
derson (R.) defeated Linehan (D.) for Congress by 1,236 ma-
jority; Dubuque was the only Democratic county of the seven
counties composing this congressional district.
"Never in the history of our city was so much enthusiasm mani-
fested in the result of an election as is in this city at present.
Early yesterday morning large crowds paraded the streets, shout-
ing and blowing horns, thereby making the night hideous and
awakening the serene slumberers with their demoniac yells and
wild huzzas in favor of their rival candidates." {Herald, November
6, 1884.)
"The most fiercely contested presidential election since i860 has
about closed. Main street between Fifth and Sixth was densely
blocked at an early hour yesterday morning with despondent Re-
publicans and hopeful Democrats wondering and hurrahing as
ihe news shifted to this quarter or that. Betting was big and not
less than $10,000 changed hands in the streets between the Herald
ind Times offices, to sav nothing of other parts of the city."
(Herald, November 8, 1884.)
In March, 1885, the Dubuque colored people met in the African
Methodist Episcopal church and elected delegates to the colored
convention in Des Moines. Prohibition was the leading issue in
March, 1885. The Republicans here generally were divided be-
tween high license and local option ; the Democrats generally fa-
vored the former. The lliucs upheld the existing prohibitory law
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 2,77
and the Herald opposed it. The majority of the Republicans were
anti-prohibitionists. The Democrats nominated John Glab (D.)
for mayor, and the RepubHcans nominated E. W. Duncan (R.) ;
the former received 2,398 votes and the latter 1,460; this result
was considered a blow at prohibition. For the first time in the
history of Dubuque a candidate for sheriff was nominated by the
Democracy for a third term — James McCann.
In the autumn of 1883 the Republicans nominated only part
of a ticket ; they centered all their strength on J. K. Graves for
state Senator; he was defeated by W. J. Knight by 2,394 major-
ity. Whiting (D. ) for governor received 5,479; Larrabee (R.),
2,454-
About this time David B. Henderson was making his mark
in Congress. He lashed the Democrats, especially the southerners,
in many sharp wordy duels. In February, 1886, when hit from
all sides, he hotly said : "I would rather spend an eternity in hell
with a Confederate than an eternity in heaven with a northern
copperhead." This declaration was many times afterward flung
in his teeth. John Glab was renominated for mayor by the Democ-
racy and was elected ; the Democrats carried the city. A factory
labor bill was introduced in the legislature by Senator Knight
in the spring of 1886. The manufacturers of Dubuque, in mass
meeting assembled, resolved that the bill was not adapted to the
industries of Iowa ; thirty-one local manufacturing houses signed
the resolutions against the bill.
During five days' registration in October, 1886, 4,623 names
were added to the election rolls. For secretary of state. Sells
(D. ) received 5,578; Jackson (R. ), 2,452, and the prohibition
candidate, 20. For courthouse bonds, 1,744; against courthouse
bonds, 4,621. To restrain stock- — yes, 2,595; no> 3'547-
The Democrats and Republicans nominated full tickets in the
spring of 1887. This was done in spite of the numerous evils
complained of and regardless of the strong attempt to unite both
parties to defeat the labor movement. An equalization of ward
])opulation was efifected by taking from the fifth and adding to the
first, second and third ; this angered the fifth ward and they held
a big indignation meeting and declared the change an unfair gerry-
mander. The necessity for a union of Democrats and Republicans
was declared to be "to crush out the impending evil of prohibi-
tion that just now threatens great danger to this city." The Labor
party fully organized in the spring of 1887 and named a ticket
with C. A. Voelker for mayor at the head. They held numerous
meetings, listened to strong speakers from abroad and ably con-
tested with the old parties for supremacy. It was thus a three-
cornered fight, with both of the old parties badly scared. Capital-
ists feared anarchy in case the Labor ticket succeeded. The con-
test was sharp and decisive. For mayor Voelker (L. ) received
^78 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
1,984 votes; Preston (D.). 1,241; Gilliam (R.), 1.091 ; generally
the Labor party elected its city ticket — recorder, auditor, treas-
urer, assessor and attorney. They had control of the city coun-
cil. They held a big demonstration to signalize their victory.
There had registered 4,666 voters.
"It is putting it mildly to say that every one yesterday was
drawing his breath and wondering what did it. It was a result
that had not been anticipated and it was therefore a surprise. It
is the wave that has been sweeping through the land for a year
or two past. Labor is in a state of unrest ; it has not had its
rights as capital has had and is now asserting itself. It swept
Dubuque on ^Monday and it made a clean sweep of it, too, and
no mistake. The labor reformers and especially the Knights of
Labor must now assume the entire responsibility for the city gov-
ernment. There was a general feeling of despondency and dis-
couragement around town yesterday and there is no doubt what-
ever that many men believe that the name of this triumph will be
a great injury to Dubuque." (Herald, April 6, 1887.)
"Nothing has happened in Dubuques for years that has so thor-
oughly frightened business men as the election of the Knights of
Labor ticket on Monday last. The business men of Dubuque are
frightened and they have cause to be. They fear that a blow is
aimed at the prosperity of the city ; that activity in real estate
will cease ; that investments will be driven away : that building
will be retarded ; that taxes will be increased, and that rich men
will be made to sweat. The Republicans, while as citizens did not
favor the success of the Labor ticket, yet as partisans are rejoic-
ing that it succeeded, because the Democratic ticket was therefore
defeated." (Herald, April 8, 1887.)
Mayor Voelker said in his inaugural: "We wish it understood
that we contemplate no startling changes or innovations. W'e have
no new or untried theories which we desire to practice. But we
do declare that honesty and integrity shall be the basis of our
actions. Socialism and communism we despise and abhor. It is
our intention to manage city affairs as economically and honestly
as any citizen would his private business. We have no war to
wage with capital. We aim and hope to better the conditions and
prospects of the laboring masses." The vote in the city in 1886
was 4.231 ; in 1887 it was 4,316. It was figinxd that the Demo-
crats lost to the Labor ticket 1,444 votes and the Republicans 457.
After the election the general sentiment was, give them a fair
trial and hold them responsible for results.
In the fall of 1887 there were three tickets in the field — Demo-
cratic, Republican and Labor. Both of the former feared the
latter and partly at least united for its defeat. The Labor party's
plan to equalize taxation threw consternation into the ranks of the
country's wealthy men, l)ut in reality added over $3,000,000 to
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 379
the assessment, mostly from taxdodgers. The old parties persist-
ently misunderstood, perhaps intentionally, the real objects of the
Labor party ; they declared the design was to tax capital out of
existence. The election resulted as follows : Dubuque county —
for governor, Anderson (D.), 4,521; Larrabee (R.), 1,894; Cain
(Lab.), 1,456; in the city of Dubuque — Anderson (D. ), 2,014;
Larrabee (R.), 1,085: Cain (Lab.), 1,147. There were polled
4.246 votes in the city and 7,871 in the county; the entire Demo-
cratic ticket was elected.
"Great credit must be given to the Republicans for this glorious
result in Dubuque county. Throughout the city they voted gen-
erally for the Democratic county ticket, as they considered it es-
sential to the continued prosperity of the city that the Labor party
should be beaten ; and as the Democratic ticket offered the only
means to do this they voted for it. The Republicans of Dubuque
have done nobly : and in rejoicing over the result the Democrats
want to accord them full credit and honor. They did splendidly."
(Herald, November 9, 1887.)
In the .spring of 1888 the three parties were divided and va-
riously reunited. All who feared the Labor party fused, called
themselves the "Citizens' Union ticket" and nominated George B.
Burch (R. ) for mayor, but otherwise named Democrats, except
for auditor. The other tickets were called "Straight Democratic"
and "Union Labor," the former being headed by John Glab (D. )
and the latter by Mr. Voelker (Lab.). It was noted that the Citi-
zens' ticket was supported by more straight Democrats than the
straight Democratic ticket. The Union Labor ticket was sup-
ported by Union laborers. Republicans and Democrats. Both sides
worked desperately. The Straight faction finally united with the
Citizens' faction. The result was as follows: Burch. 2,316;
Voelker, 1,980. The Citizens' ticket, except assessor, was elected.
With the example of anarchy in Chicago before them, both old
parties were afraid the same conditions might arise here. The
victors celebrated their success.
Their defeat in the spring of 1888 was a blow from which the
Labor party never fully recovered. They named a ticket in the
succeeding fall, but their vote was light. The two old parties
named full county tickets and fought hard for their national tick-
ets. The Prohibitionists also named a full ticket. The registra-
tion in the county for several years was as follows: 1882, 5,441 ;
1883, 6,912; 1884, 9,237; 1885. 7,720; 1886, 8,481; 1887, 7,806.
The registration in the city of Dubuque was: 1886, 4,621 ; 1887,
4,556; 1888. 5,274. The result was as follows: Democratic elect-
ors, 5,952; Republican electors, 3,055; United Labor electors, 328:
Prohibition electors, 53. The Democrats elected their county ticket
by large pluralities. For Congress Richards received in the county
5,387 votes and Henderson 4,039.
38o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
In 1889 R. W. Stewart was nominated for mayor by the Demo
crats. Tlie Republicans, calling themselves "Independent," nomi-
nated C. D. Hayden. The Labor party selected four Democrats
and six Republicans for its ticket. Before election the Republicans
and Laborites united on the Republican candidates, some conces-
sions being extended to the latter. The result was: Stewart (D. ),
2,471; Hayden (R. ), 2,112; the Democratic majority ranged
from 146 to 359. The proposition to sell the city real estate re-
sulted as follows: Yes, 1,019; no, 1,172. Outgoing Mayor Burch
recommended that power to supervise all city departments should
be given to the mayor. A division in the Democracy early in
this campaign was called "Jacksonians." It was stated at this
time that Governor Larrabee threatened to place here a state con-
stabulary to enforce the prohibitory law.
"The Republicans should be given severe rebuke for nominat-
ing a Prohibitionist for mayor of this city. It gives a bad cast
to their whole ticket. Dubuque wants nothing of a party which
nominates a Prohibitionist. The Republicans have shown a very
small regard for the sentiments of the people of the city against
the fanatic prohibition law which has so hampered the business
of the city and the industries of the state." (Herald, March 27,
1889.)
Horace Boies, of Waterloo, nominated for governor, was popu-
lar here from the start. Hutchison, Republican candidate, was
not so well liked even bv the Republicans. The campaign was
enthusiastic and resulted in this county as follows: Boies (D.),
6,144; Hutchison (R. ), 1,820; Downing (Lab.), 62; Smith
(Pro.), 4. The Democrats swept the county. On the question,
Shall the number of county supervisors be increased? the result
was : Yes, 3,085 ; no, 2.S99. Shall stock be restrained : Yes,
3,380; no, 2,532. The Democrats nominated J. PI. Shields for
senator, and tlie Republicans nominated the old Democratic war-
horse, George \V. Jones. Shields received 6,030 votes and Jones
1.906. The issues of this campaign were: (i) Prohibition; (2)
State control of railro.ads; (3) Australian ballot; (4) tariff. The
election of Boies gave Iowa to the Democrats for the first time in
over thirty years. The Democrats of Dubuque county rejoiced
as never before, and sent a large delegation to \\'aterloo to con-
gratulate the governor-elect.
In the spring of 1890 the Republicans at their city convention —
"Resolved. That it is the sense of the Republicans of the city of
Dubuque, in convention assembled, that the repeal of the present
prohibition law and the adoption of a judicious license law is a
measure demanded by the interests of the state, and would tend
to advance the cause of temperance and good government." They
did not put up a city ticket, except for aldermen, but cidorsed that
of the Democrats. Robert ^^^ Stewart was thus elected mayor.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 381
In April, 1890, the legislature, by a vote of 81 to 49, voted to con-
tinue tb.e existing prohibitory law two years longer. A large dele-
gation from Dubuque attended the inauguration of Governor
Boies. The latter and Judge Couch (D. ) addressed audiences in
this county in the fall of 1890. The latter ran against Henderson
(R.) for congress, but was defeated in the district by 196 major-
ity. Bribery and election frauds were charged in November.
Dubuque county gave Couch 3,599 majority. For secretary of
state, Chamberlain (D. ) received 6,666, and McFarland (R.)
2,830; for constitutional convention, 1,135; against it, 3,156.
Five county supervisors were chosen. They were Joseph Schenmiel,
Thomas Dunn, M. F. McNamara, D. C. Stewart and Joseph
Schueller. The total vote polled was 9,525.
In 1 89 1 the Democrats nominated for mayor R. W. Stewart
and the Republicans nominated Mr. Crawford. Each party named
a full ticket. The result was: Stewart (D.), 2,783; Crawford,
(R. ), 1,867. The Democrats won the balance of the offices. The
Republicans favored prohibition. In June, 1891, Mayor Stewart
resigned, and was succeeded by C. J. W. Saunders. It was at this
time that General Jones insisted that Dubuque should have the
next national Democratic convention. A. Y. McDonald died in
July, 1 89 1. He had been a prominent manufacturer and Green-
backer ; served in the First Regiment and in the Twenty-first.
On October 30, 1891, Governor Boies spoke here in the opera
house; 1,500 heard him. On the platform sat George W. Jones
and Thomas S. Wilson, old wheel-horses of Democracy; Fred
O'Donnell presided ; J. H. Shields also spoke. The campaign was
hotly fought throughout this county. Governor Boies also ad-
dressed a large audience at Dyersville. Boies (D.) received 6,820
votes and Wheeler (R. ) 2,307, for governor. The Democratic
county ticket was elected by a large majority.
In the spring of 1892 there was proposed for Dubuque a one-
mill tax to retire the floating debt of $120,000. This tax had been
levied in 1891 to raise a fund for the engine house. By retiring
the floating debt and thus preserving the city's credit, the bonded
debt, as it began to fall due in 1896, could be refunded with
bonds bearing a lower rate of interest. The Democrats nominated
C. J. W. Saunders for mayor, and the Republicans, Hugh Cor-
rance. The Democratic majority for mayor was 1,989. The
Republican ticket was really a fusion or combination of all polit-
ical elements opposed to the city administration. There had been
made during the past year, at enormous expense, but at the request
of the citizens generally, vast improvements in streets and sewers;
but credit was good, as the city paid 100 cents on the dollar. There
were differences over the management of the floating and bonded
debt; they were fought out in this campaign.
In September the five wards of Dubuque were divided into
382 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
twelve election precincts. In the fall campaign, 1892, the Demo-
crats of this countv urged the nomination of Governor Boies for
the presidency. "On to Chicago!" was the cry from all parts of
Iowa ; but Cleveland was renominated. The Australian ballot
was used for the first time here and was popular at once. James
H. Shields was named for congress by the Democrats. Both par-
ties named full county tickets. Boies. Shields, Allison. Hender-
son, Colonel Lyon and other prominent speakers entertained their
respective followers. The vote in Dubuque county, for congress-
man, was: Shields (D.). 6,821: Henderson (R.), 3.587; Jes-
sup (Pro.), 51. A similar vote was polled for the balance of the
ticket. The presidential vote was as follows : Cleveland electors.
6,832; Harrison electors, 3,526: Weaver electors (Populist),
112; Bidwell (Pro.), 45. Three Democratic county supervisors —
Cunningham, McNamara and Stewart — were elected by large
majorities. There was great rejoicing among the Democrats over
the success of their national ticket.
In the spring of 1893 there was a widespread cry for reform
throughout the city of Dubuque; this led to the formation of a
reform ticket, the design being to carry both city and county. The
Citizens' or Reform ticket was headed by A. W. Daugherty for
mayor, and the Republicans endorsed the ticket. The Democrats
ncminated T. T. Duffy for mayor. The Citizens" or Reform ticket
generally was successful, Daugherty's majority being 401. The
Democrats elected the city attorney. J. E. Knight, and two alder-
men, but the balance of the Reform ticket was successful. This
result was a complete surprise to the Democrats — was wholly unan-
ticipated. "We have met the enemy and we are theirs," and
"Wa^ it a landslide, a cyclone, or a cataclysm; what was it?"
asked or declared the Herald. The People demanded reform, but
whac did they want?
In the autumn of 1893 there were three tickets in tlie field in this
county — Democrats, Republicans and Citizens — the latter composed
of certain Republicans. "Jacksonian" Democrats and dissatisfied
Democrats. The Citizens favored rotation in office, opposed third
terms, denounced the management of county finances, and de-
manded, of course, strict honesty of public servants; they thus
slapi)ed Henderson, candidate for Congress. There were four state
tickets — Democratic, Republican. Prohibitionist and People's. The
Democrats generally won in this county in November, 1893, by from
300 to 1,500 majority, although there were great Republican gains
here and all over the country. For governor, Boies (D.) received
in this countv 6. 1 74 votes; Jackson (R.). 2.522; Mitchell (Proh.),
86; Toseph (Peop. or Populist), 274; for senator, Baldwin (R.),
4,409: Shields (D.), 4,393; sherifi", Phillips (D.), 4,915; Hayden
(R. ), 3,771; treasurer, Traut (D.), 4.501; Vogel (R.), 4,240;
county superintendent, Horchem (R.), 4-349; Regan (D.), 4,318
&
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 383
In August, 1893, the Republican county convention recommended
Col. W. H. Torbert for the Republican nomination for governor.
In the mayoralty election of 1894 the following were tlie leading
issues: (i) decrease of city debt; (2) reduce expenditures and
increase revenues by increasing the saloon licenses, etc. ; (3) vigor-
ous use of the mayor's veto power when necessary; (4) equaliza-
tion of assessments. The non-partisans made a strong showing,
nominated A. W. Daugherty for mayor, and contested every issue
hotly. The Democrats nominated Peter dinger. The Republicans
endorsed the non-partisan ticket. The mulct law was much dis-
cussed, though all parties and factions here at this election leaned
gently and lovingly toward the liquor interests. A tax of $600 per
year was laid on all saloons by the mulct law, and was a lien on the
saloon property and premises. It was here and elsewhere made a
political issue. The cry of the partisans was, "Too much extrava-
gance; retrench and pay the city debt." The result of the election
was: For mayor, Olinger (D.), 2,883; Daugherty (R. and
Non-P. ), 2,442. The whole Democratic ticket was victorious.
In the fall of 1894 the Democrats elected their county ticket.
O'Donnell and Husted (Ds. ) were elected judges over Lyon and
Webster (Reps.) by large majorities. The balance of the Demo-
cratic ticket had majorities over 716. For Congress, Bashor (D. )
received in tliis county 5,640 to 3.556 for Henderson (R.). There
were but two county tickets — Democrat and Republican.
'In the spring of 1895 the Democrats renominated Mr. Olinger
for mayor, and the Republicans and Citizens named Mr. Crawford.
One of the issues was that of the economy and management neces-
sary to meet the refunding of a large portion of the old bonded debt
— over $200,000 to become due in 1895-96. The Democrats were
mainly successful at the polls; for mayor, Olinger (D. ) received
3.593 votes and Crawford (R. and Cit. ), 1,823; recorder, Cooney
(R. and C. ) won by 258 majority; for treasurer, GnifTke (R.
and C. ) won by 614 majority; for city attorney, Knight (D.) won
by 718 majority. The Republicans and Citizens elected two alder-
men and the Democrats three.
In the fall of 1895 the Democrats, as usual, carried the county by
large majorities. On the state ticket there were polled in this
county: Babb (D. ), 5,202: Drake (R.), 2,815; Crane (Pop.), 185;
Bacon ( Proh. ) , 58.
In January, 1896, the grand jury indicted the mayor and eight
aldermen on the charge of unlawfully voting and taking larger sala-
ries. This charge cut an important figure in the spring elections,
though the Democrats renominated Mr. Olinger for mayor. The
Citizens nominated T. T. Duffy, and the Republicans endorsed the
latter. This was a bitter fight, with charges, recriminations and
personalities of the severest stripe. The "salary grab" was the bone
of contention. The prejudice against the mayor and council on
384 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
this, wine rooms, extravagance, and other questions, caused the
defeat generally of the Democrats. For mayor, Duffy (R. and C.)
received 3.900 votes; Olinger (D.), 2,299; for assessor, Duncan
(R. and Cit.), 3,505; Ruegamer (D.), 2,536; the Citizens elected
two aldermen and the Democrats three.
In May, 1896, the Democratic state convention was held in Du-
buque. There was a large attendance and much enthusiasm. All
wanted Allison nominated for President on the Republican ticket.
The campaign of the fall of 1896 was one of the most brilliant
ever witnessed here. The Democrats were split on the silver ques-
tion and the Republicans were not much better off. "Coin Harvey"
expounded his sophistries and philosophies in October, and gained
many followers ; all admired the ingenuity of his theories. Ad-
dresses were made in this county by Boies, Bryan, Tillman, Nugent,
Allison. The Democrats of this county did not commit themselves
on the silver question at their convention. At the close of the cam-
paign it was said by the Herald that the presidential election of 1840
beld here was interesting, that of i860 exciting, that of 1864 absorb-
ing, that of 1876 doubtful and nerve-wrecking, and that of 1896
"the most remarkable campaign in the history of the county and
country." There registered in Dubuque 7,734 voters, against 6,782
in 1892. Marvelous to relate, McKinley for President carried
Dubuque city, but lost the county -by a small majority. Every
Republican candidate in Julien township was elected by majorities
ranging from 67 to 539. On the national ticket, the following vote
was polled in the county: Bryan (D.), 6,492; McKinley (R.),
5,203; Bryan (People's), 78; Palmer (Nat. Dem.), 153; Lever-
ing (Pro), 19; Bentley (National), 3; Mattchett (Soc. Lab.), 11.
There were but two county tickets — Democratic and Republican.
Henderson (R.) for Congress beat in this district Staehle (D. ) by
nearly 11,000 majority. In Dubuque, Henderson received 5,491
and Staehle, 6,482. For county attorney, Michel (R.) received
6,027 and Jess (D. ), 6,012. McKinley carried Dubuque city by 105
majority. Three Democratic county supervisors were elected. The
hard-money Democrats assisted in this result here. The Republicans
celebrated their victory with a torchlight procession, speeches, etc.
In the spring of 1897 the Democrats nominated John M. Kenety
for mayor and the Citizens and Republicans renominated Mr. Duffy.
Economy, reduction of the debt and its refunding, vice and wine-
rooms, etc., were among the issues. The result was as follows:
For mayor, Duffy (C. and R.), 3,267; Kenety (D. ) 3,084; re-
corder, Langstaff (R. and C), 3,212; Fitzpatrick (D.), 3,047;
treasurer, Gniffke (R. and C. ), 3,223; Kaufman (D. ), 2,939; city
attorney, Duffy (D.), 3,479; Webster (R. and C), 2,751; the
Democrats elected all aldermen except one.
In November, 1897, tiie Democrats swept the county, electing all
except the sheriff. Party spirit ran high, good government was
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
8 L
^i^H{^ c^u/hnc
M.C.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 385
demanded, and personalities were at times bitter and unjust. For
sherifif, Duggan (D. ) received in the county 4,869 votes, and Hau-
denschield (R.), =;,oo6. For governor, White (D.) received 5,815;
Shaw (R.), 3.928; Floyd (Peop.).29; Cliggitt (Nat. Dem.), 108;
Leland (Prohib. ), 40; Kremer (Soc. Lab.), 27.
In the spring of 1898 the Democrats nominated, for mayor, Mat-
thew Stafford ; all opposed to the former Democratic administra-
tion united on a "Citizens' ticket," with C. H. Berg for mayor; the
latter had served creditably as alderman, and even the Herald spoke
well of him.
In 1898, under the new law, instead of there being elected two
aldermen from each ward, there were to be one from each ward
and two at large from the whole city, elected by all the voters, just
as the mayor was elected. The mayor was to be elected for two
years. This change had led politicians to study the situation closely.
The leading issue was to reduce expenditures and the city debt, bond
and floating. Mr. Berg was elected by 3,397 votes to 2,843 fo"" ^I"".
Stafford. Elected also on the Citizens' ticket were auditor, assessor
and two aldermen ; the Democrats carried the balance ; it seemed
that the people wanted a change. The Citizens held every city office
except marshal and engineer. This was the greatest change in the
political, complexion of the city for thirty years. Of the seven
aldermen, five were Citizens. What made the Democrats sore was
the fact that other elections generally were Democratic.
The principal issues in November, 1908, were honest, lawful and
economical management of county affairs. The silver question, 16
to I, was warmly discussed and cussed. Democrats, Populists and
Silver Republicans united on a state ticket, with 16 to i as the
corner-stone. The Democrats made a clean sweep of this county
by large majorities. Matthews and O'Donnell, for judges, received
6,040 and 6,014, respectively, to 3,534 and 3,359 for Lyon and Utt,
respectively. Henderson (R.), for Congress, polled 3,966 to 5,671
for Howell (D. ) and 22 for Dean (Indep. ). In December, 1898,
Eugene V. Debs lectured at Dubuque, on "Labor and Liberty."
On October 16, 1899, President McKinley visited Dubuque;
great preparations for his reception were made ; Allison, Hancock,
Merry and others were at the head of the movement ; the schools
were dismissed in order that the children might see the illustrious
visitor, but a rainstorm marred their pleasure ; many distinguished
men were present.
In November, 1899, the whole Democratic county ticket was
elected by m.ajorities ranging from 264 to 1,794. For governor.
White (D. ) received 5,800 and Shaw (R. ), 3.785; state senator,
Nolan (D. ), 5,354; Hancock (R.), 4,699; sheriff, Conlin (D.).
5,173; Haudenshield (R.), 4,909.
In the spring of 1900, C. H. Berg was renominated for mayor by
the Citizens, and C. J. W. Saunders was nominated by the Demo-
386 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
crats. The principal promise of the latter was "to dissolve speedily
the compact that now exists between the city on the one side and the
haunts of crime and shame on the other." Mr. Berg, who had
become very popular, was given an immense majority — 4,828 to
3,022 for Mr. Saunders. The Citizens elected mayor, recorder,
treasurer, auditor, assessor, one alderman-at-large and three
aldermen in wards i, 3 and 5; the Democrats secured the balance.
The majorities varied greatly, showing the rupture of parties. By
hard committee and council work, the Berg administration, as a
whole, showed superiority over any previous city management.
In November, 1900, the county registration was 7,790; in 1896
it was 7,734. The vote on the national ticket was: McKinley (R. ),
4,752: Bryan (D.), 6,655; Woolley (Pro.), 56; Barker (Peop.),
i; Malloney (Soc. Lab.), 17; Leonard (United Christian), 8;
Debs (Soc. bem.), 75. For secretary of state. Crane (D.) received
6,812; Martin (R.), 4,814. The whole Democratic county ticket
was elected by about the same majorities. On the proposition to
revise the constitution, the result was : Yes, 4,009; no, 3,205 ; bien-
nial elections: yes, 3,839; no, 2,777. Henderson (R.), for Con-
gress, received the largest majority ever shown in this district —
11,491 ; he became Speaker of the House.
In the spring of 1902 the Democrats did not name a candidate for
mayor; they otherwise nominated a full ticket, but left the voters
to make their own choice for mayor from C. H. Berg (Citizens),
John Babcock (Law and Order)' and A. B. Wymer (Socialist);
the vote was: Berg, 4,160: Babcock, 1,040; Wymer, 550. The
Law and Order ticket favored Sunday closing, abolishment of wine-
rooms, slot machines, gambling and the social evil.
Governor Boies spoke in Dyersville and Worthington in Octo-
ber, 1902.
In November, for Congress, Birdsall (R.) received 3,636, and
Boies (D.), 5,717. Matthews and O'Donnell were re-elected judges
over Powers and Michel, though the Socialist candidates for judges
received 666 and 687 votes in this county. The Democrats — I\Iul-
grew, clerk: Weimer, auditor; McGovern, recorder; Fitzpatrick,
attorney, and Andre, Pillard and Cooney, supervisors, were elected.
The large Socialist vote, 646 to 732 on the whole county ticket, was
the sensation of this election here. This was a bitter contest and was
not the first one where passion and personal gain appeared to rule.
Each side claimed and plausibly showed that the other party was
always extra\-agant and usually corrupt when in power. An untruth-
ful attack, artfully, vehemently and unctuously conducted against
opposing party candidates, was supposed to reveal superior watch-
fulness, integrity and righteousness on the part of an arrogant and
self-boasting press. Often the campaigns of falsehood and slander
intentionally employed by the newspapers, were far worse than the
malfeasances thev denounced or concealed. Slander was an every-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 2,'^7
day newspaper e\ent ; misrepresentation was the concealed bludgeon
used thug-like by the press to advance individual interests, sustain
diminishing newspaper circulation, or promote partisan success. In-
variably figures were made notorious liars by the skill of penny-a-line
reporters, venal press owners desiring public confidence and patron-
age, and oily editors without conscience, honor or hope of heaven.
This state of things had gone on so long in Dubuque county
that people no longer trusted newspaper tales of corruption and
incompetence.
In November, 1903, the Democrats elected every county officer
except treasurer; the vote for the latter was: Kretschmer (R. ),
5,041; Gehrig (D.). 4,641; Buckingham (Soc. ), 445. For gov-
ernor, Sullivan (D. ) received 5,074; Cummins (R. ), 3,810; Work
(Soc), 558. The Times charged corruption, extravagance and
plundering to the Democratic county administration; but the ticket
of the latter was elected "just the same."
In the spring of 1904 the Socialists nominated a full city ticket,
with Ernest Holtz for mayor, with the announced object "the over-
throw of the capitalistic wage system and the substitution therefor
of the co-operative commonwealth," etc. The Citizens' party renom-
inated Mr. Berg for his fourth term. He said that during the pre-
vious four years his aim had been "to meet the varied needs of our
people, to avoid clashing with them, and to unite all elements of
the community in one harmonious whole." Economy and a wise
expenditure of money had ruled, he said. The Democrats charged
immorality, conducted an alleged righteous campaign, and were led
by John J. Sheridan. "Decency" was their slogan. The result was:
Berg (Cit. ), 3,637; Sheridan (D.), 2,443; Holtz (Soc), 272.
This result showed that the citizens were satisfied with the Berg
administration, and that the Socialist movement was on the decline.
In November, 1904, an unheard-of thing occurred : The Repub-
licans swept Dubuque county for the first time in history, electing
every candidate except recorder. In a large measure this result was
due to Roosevelt's popularity, the county ticket being carried to suc-
cess by the national ticket. Corruption and illegal fees were charged
to the Democrats in county affairs. The result was : Roosevelt
(R.), 5,485; Parker (D.). 4.913: Swallow (Pro.), 52; Debs
( Soc. ) , 847 ; Watson ( Peop. ) , 56. The Socialist vote showed a
great increase instead of a decrease. For Congress, Birdsall (R. )
received 5,214, and Mallon (D.), 4,829; for county clerk. Sulli-
van (R.), 5,570; Mulgrew (D.), 5,110; for county auditor, Hau-
denshield (R. ), 5.897; Weimer (D. ), 4,878; county recorder,
Fober (R.), 5,151; McGovern (D.), 5,393; county attorney,
Barnes (R.), 5,792; Fitzpatrick (D.), 4,854; county supervisors,
McOuillen (D.), 5,135; Ferring (D.), 5,932; Hogan (D.), 5,133;
Byrne (R. ), 5,539; Laude (R.), 5,697.
The waterworks scandal came out about this time and has been
388 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
out much of tlic time since. It was held before the people ahnost
constantly during 1905 and 1906, and had a great deal to do in
determining election results in the spring of 1906. The Democrats
were determined to defeat the Berg administration, and nominated
Henry A. Schunk for mayor, who announced his platform was:
(i) Honesty in office; (2) a business administration; (3) pub-
licity of city affairs; (4) waterworks on a business basis; (5) a
plumbing inspector; (6) elimination of graft in the city hall; (7)
a Greater Dubuque. Tlie Herald openly charged the grossest cor-
ruption on the Berg administration and on the council. The Demo-
crats argued ( i ) No long tenure of office; (2) improvement in
waterworks management; (3) graft by the council and the mayor
to be stopped. Seven officeholders had held office under the city
for a total of sixty years; the mayor himself had held his office for
eight years ; there should be a change, it was urged. The result
was as follows: Berg (Cit.), 2,219; Schunk (D.), 3,363; Holtz
(Soc. ), 309; Needham (Indp. ), 892. Linehan (D. ), recorder;
Lyons (D.), auditor ; Brinkman (D.), treasurer: Kintzinger (D.),
attorney, were duly elected. Mr. Berg said on retiring: "We have
the honor of turning over to our successors the government of this
beautiful city, with its finances in excellent condition and its reputa-
tion for moral conditions equaled by only three other cities in this
broad land."
John D. Denison, of Dubuque, was nominated for lieutenant-
governor by the Democrats in August, 1906.
The gubernatorial campaign of November, 1906, was lively and
interesting and the county campaign personal and abusive. The
result was: For governor, Cummins (R. ), 4,274; Porter (D. ),
5,716; Shank (Soc), 350; Coffin (Pro.), 52; Norman (Peop.),
3; Hisey (Secular Government). 6. During the campaign Cum-
mins. Porter and Birdsall spoke at Dubuque. For Congress, Bird-
sail (R. ) received in this county 3.924, and Murtagh (D.), 5,043;
for the state senate, Crawford (R. ), 4.468; Frudden (D.), 4,982;
McAleece (Soc), 342; for auditor, Haudenshield (R.), 4,905;
Scharle (D. ), 4.968; Miller (Soc), 299; for treasurer, Ferring
(R. ), 4,724; Palen (D.), 5,108; Mason (Soc), 297; for clerk,
Sullivan (R.), 5,320; Callahan (D.). 4,398; Holmberg (Soc),
322; for sheriff, Laude (R.), 3,827; Dunn (D.), 6,158; Cos-
grove (Soc), 309: for recorder, Fober (R.). 3,748; Swift (D. ),
5,755; Brandt (Soc), 328; for attorney, Barnes (R.), 3.880;
Nelson (D.), 5.828; Euser (Soc), 303. Matthews and Bonson,
Democrats, were elected over Husted and Michel, Republicans, for
judges. Democratic coroner and county superintendent were chosen.
Reinecke (R. ) was elected county supervisor.
In the spring of 1908 the following was the vote for mayor:
Schunk (D.), 3,390: Ott (Cit. Non-Part.), 3,223 ; Cameron (Soc),
329; Needham (Indp.), 15. The real issue was the waterworks —
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 389
should its management be reformed or should the old system be
continued ? Originally, the Citizens' Non-Partisan League had
been created to purify civic afifairs; but now it was alleged by the
Democrats, the Citizens' methods were worse than the evils com-
plained of — they themselves needed purifying because they were no
longer the advocates of civic righteousness but of civic corruption.
The election of Mr. Schunk was believed by many to mean the eradi-
cation of vice and dishonesty. This year the first general primary
election was held in this county.
In August, 1908, Senator William B. Allison died here at the
age of seventy-nine years, after a long and brilliant career as a
citizen and statesman. The whole country united in fitting tributes
to his high character and useful and influential public services.
Many prominent men attended his obsequies, among whom were
Vice-President Fairbanks, Governor Cummins and Senator Dolliver.
In the fall of 1908 the issues discussed were trusts, high tarifif
and existing high prices. The local Democrats took the position
that all these evils were the result of Republican mismanagement,
while the Republicans declared existing conditions were due to
shortage of supply, local influences, etc. Mr. Work, the Socialist,
was here in October. The Times-Journal criticized severely the
Democratic management of county affairs — particularly that of the
county debt, which had increased. It had advanced to about $185,-
000 in spite of the fact that the mulct receipts during the last seven
years had amounted to $355,496.32. The Telegraph-Herald stated
that the bulk of the debt arose from bridge expenses resulting from
floods, and had been necessary. This was a stirring campaign,
replete with personalities more or less libelous in their character.
On the national ticket, Taft (R.) received 4,708; Bryan (D.),
6,645; Chafin (Pro.), 53; Debs (Soc), 427; Watson (Peop.), i;
Hisgen ( Independence), 21. There were but three county tickets —
Democratic, Republican and Socialist. The registry in Dubuque
city was 8,212. The vote for governor was as follows: Carroll
(R.), 3,779; White (D.), 6,857; Brown (Pro.), 49; McCrillis
(Soc), 361; Cowler (Peop.), 4; Weller (Ind.), 11. The result
was as follows on the county ticket : Auditor — Scharle (D. ), 6,320;
Haudenshield (R.), 4,643; Brandt (S.),335; treasurer — Ferring
(R.), 4,606; Palen (D.), 6,370; McAleece (S.), 335; clerk —
Sullivan (R.), 4,765; Harrington (D.), 6,054; Lux (S.), 344;
sherifif — Dunn (D.), 8,049; Wright (S.), 436; scattering, 4;
recorder— Klegmond (R.), 3,755; Swift (D.), 6,783; Coyle (S.),
356; attorney — Barnes (R.), 3,701; Nelson (D.), 6,929; Enser
(S.). 360.
At the mayoralty election in 1910, Schunk (D.) received 2,886
votes: Haas (Cit. Non-Part.), 3,304; Buchet (Soc), 252. Mr.
Schunk was renominated on his good record during four years ; no
serious charge against his administration was made. Mr. Schunk
390 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
sought re-election on the following policy : ( i ) Conservation of
waterworks; (2) continuation of waterworks law suits; (3) oppo-
sition to special privileges; (4) greater efforts for Greater Du-
buque; (5) active pursuit of tax dodgers; (6) business adminis-
tration; (7) decrease of the tax levy; (8) a city parking system.
But the Citizens' Non-Partisan voters wanted ofifice, power and
other choice things, conducted a campaign on more or less fictitious
issues and triumphantly elected their ticket except auditor. The
following city officers were elected: Daniel J. Haas (C. N. P.),
mayor; Otto P. Geiger (C. N. P.), recorder; George D. Wybrant
(C. N. P.), treasurer; M. E. Lyons (D.), auditor; George T.
Lyon (C. N. P.), attorney; W. A. Schaffhauser (C. N. P.), as-
sessor; C. H. Baumgartner (C. N. P.), engineer. Of the seven
aldermen elected two were Citizens and five Democrats.
In November, 1910, there were no special local issues of impor-
tance; the division of the Republicans in state and nation into
stand-patters and progressives extended to this county, and here as
elsewhere gave victory to the Democrats. The following were
elected: Robert Bonso'n (D.) and J. W. Krutzinger (D.), judges;
Nicholas Schrup (D. ), senator; M. F. McCullough (D.) and
Simon Miller (D.), representatives: Theo. Scharle (D.), auditor;
Joseph A. Palen (D.), treasurer; C. D. Harrington (D.), clerk;
J. J. Dunn (D.), sheriff; Samuel Swift (D.), recorder; P. J. Nel-
son (D., no opposition), attorney; Harry B. Smith (D., no opposi-
tion), superintendent: Paul Ilg (D.), surveyor; John C. Voelker
(D.), coroner; Joseph Connolly, John R. Kingsley, T. H. McQuil-
len, Frank Bahl", M. W. Daly 'and John Vorwald, all Democrats,
county supervisors. For governor. Porter (D.) received 6,616;
Carroll (R.). 2,240, and Work (Soc.) and MacEachron (Pro.)
received a few votes each.
ST. JOSEPH S SANITARIUM, DUBUQUE
THE NEW YORK
PU.- Lie LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
B L
COUNTY AFFAIRS.
ALONG the Mississippi river came tlie white men who first saw
what is now Iowa and first camped upon its soil. In 1673
JoHet, who was sent west to find a way to the "South Sea,"
as the Pacific Ocean was then called, came down the Wiscon-
sin and Mississippi rivers, accompanied by Father Marquette. They
saw and perhaps set foot upon what is now Dubuque county. In
1680 Father Hennepin and seven others of the LaSalle party sent to
the Illinois country, came up the Mississippi and saw and no doubt
camped upon the present Dubuque county. In 1702, Lesueur and a
large party of adventurers and hunters from the French settlement
at the mouth of the Mississippi came up past the present Dubuque
county, exploring the shores thoroughly as they passed along, kill-
ing buffalo, elk and wild fowl for their subsistence and very likely
thus hunting in what is now Dubuque county. They went on up to
Minnesota and passed the winter at Blue Earth, where they con-
structed a fort, killed large numbers of buffalo and dug for con-
veyance to Europe a considerable quantity of the blue earth, imag-
ining it to contain valuable mineral, perhaps copper. On their re-
turn in the spring they again passed by and probably camped
upon this county. Soon afterwards Nicholas Perrot, Nicollet and
other Frenchmen were in the vicinity of Prairie du Chien, Lake
Pepin and as far up as St. Anthony's Falls. A fort was built near
Lake Pepin by Perrot and garrisoned. As early as 1766 English
traders visited all this region and established many trading posts
among the Indians : they were extending the trade and territory of
the Hudson Bay Company. Marquette called the Mississippi "Con-
ception" ; Hennepin called it "St. Louis", and LaSalle called it
"Colbert".
"The lead mines on the west side of the Mississippi had first been
worked by one Longe, then by his successor, a trader with the
Indians, Mr. Cardinal, and finally by one Dubuque. This was re-
lated in 1835 by a Canadian of eighty years of age who for more
than twenty years had been the servant of Dubuque." — (Fr. S.
Mazzuchelli in "Historical and Edifying Memoirs of a Mis-
sionary." )
Previous to 1803, what is now Dubuque county was a part of
Louisiana, which belonged to Spain before 1763, when it was
ceded conditionally to France as the result of the seven years' war.
-At the request of Napoleon, in 1800, it was "retroceded" to France,
but in 1803 was ceded by the latter to the United States. In 1804
391
392 IIISTORV or DVBVQUE COUNTY
Congress made the present Dubuque county a part of the District
of Louisiana. The next year it became part of the Territory of
Louisiana and in 1812 a part of the Territory of Missouri. It re-
mained a part of IMissouri until the latter became a state in 1821.
In 1834 it was attached to Michigan Territory and in 1836 becaine
a part of Wisconsin Territory. In 1838 it became a part of Iowa
Territory and finally, in 1846, a part of the State of Iowa. The
act creating Wisconsin Territory became efifective July 4, 1836,
and the act creating Iowa Territory became effective July 4, 1838.
Previous to October i, 1834, all of what is now Iowa was with-
out political organization. On that date (October i, 1834), all was
attached to Michigan Territory, and the following are some of the
provisions of that act :
"That all that district of country which was attached to the Ter-
ritory of Michigan by the Act of Congress, entitled 'An Act to at-
tach the territory of the United States west of the Mississippi river
and north of the State of Missouri to the Territorv' of Michigan,'
approved June 28, 1834, and to which the Indian title has been ex-
tinguished, which is situated on the north of a line to be drawn due
west from the lower end of Rock Island to Missouri river, .shall
constitute a county and be called Dubuque; the said county shall
constitute a township which shall be called Julien ; the seat of justice
shall be established at the village of Dubuc|ue until the same shall be
changed by the judges of the county court of said county."
South of Dubuque to the Missouri line was Demoine county,
which was constituted the township of Flint Hill. An election of
township officers in Julien township was ordered held the first
Monday of November, 1834, and all elections in the county of Du-
buque were directed to be held at Lorimier's store in the village of
Dubuque ; at Gebhon's store in the village of Peru ; at the dwelling
of Hosea T. Camp near the head of Catfish creek and at Lore's
dwelling on the Muskoketa.
This act was to be in force and take effect on and after October
I, 1834, and the township officers elected were to hold ofifice until
the first Monday in April, 1835. The act was approved September
6, 1834. By the act of December 9, 1834, the oaths of office ad-
ministered to the clerk of Dubuque county and the oaths that had
been administered by him to the officers of the county for the pur-
pose of organizing the same were declared legal and valid. The
courts of Dubuque county were ordered held in .April and Septem-
ber of each year and all laws in force in Iowa county, Wisconsin
Territory, were declared applicable to Dubuque county. All legal
processes could run from Iowa county into Dubuque county. In
January, 1835, Ezekiel Lockwood, who had been appointed pro-
bate judge, held court. No court of general jurisdiction was held
until 1837. No county commissioners met until 1836.
The first meeting of the county supervisors was held May 13,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 393
1836. Present, Francis Gehon, William Smith and John Paul.
Warner Lewis was appointed clerk. The treasurer was ordered
charged with the amount of the territorial taxes for 1835, to the
amount of $280; he was likewise charged with the county tax of
$1,952.78, and with $176 of territorial tax on persons who had
commenced business after the first quarter of 1835 ; grocers and
victualling houses were taxed $10 per year. The treasurer was
also charged with the territorial tax. Among those charged with
merchants' and grocers' licenses were Patrick Ouigley, Kelly &
Worthington, Fassett & Sherman, Morrison & Prentice, O'Ferrall
& Cox, Alexander Levi, Pease & Cain, E. Lockwood, Mr. See-
thal, George Straper, J. D. Bush, Jones & Scott, F. Everett, H.
Simplot, William Burk, A. Pasguen, C. Stowell, M. Norton, A.
Coriell, John Levi, Sleator & Smoker, E. Mattox, S. Cottenback,
L. Reander, Charles Markle, A. Weatherford, A. Power, Mr.
Pease, P. O'Marra, Francis Gairin. R. C. Bourne, Francis Gehon,
Cyrus Harper, Baptiste Lapage, Emerson & Cryder, Badger & Car-
dinal, Blythe & Thompson and Mr. Gotrell.
William Myers, overseer of the poor, was paid $29.13 for taking"
care of Josiah Mix, a lunatic. Henry Futzer was paid $6.70 for
the same service. Alexander Butterworth and Samuel L. Clifton
were ordered paid $577.25 for the jail building. Plans for the
court house were ordered published in the Visitor in June, 1836.
It was to be a hev^ed log house, seven inches thick, 20x26 feet in
size, the first story nine feet high and the second story five feet
high to the commencement of the roof, all to be covered with
shingles. The upper story was to be divided into three rooms, all
with suitable windows, doors and staircases. C. H. Gratiot was
county treasurer.
In June, John A. Wright became assessor and collector, vice H.
H. Pease, resigned. At the August meeting the order for building
a court house was rescinded. The assessor reported the county as-
sessable property at $202,365. The rate of tax was three-fourths
of one per cent, and the whole county tax $1,517.73. To this was
added $868.56 delinquent tax, making the total revenue $2,386.29.
William W. Chapman, attorney, was employed to sue Alexander
Butterworth and Samuel L. Clifton on their jail contract; he was
allowed a fee of $100.
Under the act of December 9, 1836, George W. Cummins,
sheriff, took the census of Dubuque county and was paid therefor
$450 ; the work included advertising elections and making returns.
In September, 1836, the population of Dubuque county (then
comprising all north of the latitude of Rock Island and west of the
Mississippi) was 4,272, and of Demoine county, 6,295; total, 10,-
567. The survey of the Blackhawk purchase was begun about the
middle of November, 1836, and demands that a land office should
394 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
be established in Dubuque were at once made. "Why not?" asked
the Visitor.
In 1836 Warner Lewis was a justice of tlie peace in this county.
Tlie first legislature of Wisconsin Territory convened at Belmont
(then and now in Wisconsin) in October, 1836. In June, 1836,
260 head of cattle were driven here from Missouri ; they were
stock cattle, were sold to the pioneers for miles around, com-
manded good prices, and were a godsend to the community. It
was not stated who brought them here. (See Visitor, June, 1836).
The act of December 7, 1836, ordered laid out a road from Du-
buque to Wapello and divided Demoine county into Lee, Vari
Buren, Des Moines, Henry, Louisa, Muscatine and Cook.
In 1837 the county board were William Smith, James Fanning,
and Brighton Bushee. George W. Cummins was sheriff. Many
small bills were paid. A territorial road from Famiington to
Prairie du Chien was surveyed at this time. George L. Nightin-
gale was county clerk. In 1837 the county tax was $2,538. Jury
rooms were rented of George W. Cummins.
In the spring of 1837, the surveyors were busy along the Catfish
and the Little Maquoketa. The spring was very backward, but by
August all crops looked well. The preemption law was on every-
body's tongue. Already, early in 1837, far out to the westward,
public meetings were held to consider the subdivision of Dubuque
into other counties. Such meetings were held on the upper waters
of the Turkey and Yellow rivers. At one meeting W. W. Coriell
was chairman and Eliphalet Price, secretary, according to the
Visitor.
The act of December 21, 1837, divided Dubuque county into
Dubuque, Clayton, Jackson, Benton, Linn, Jones, Clinton, Johnson,
Scott. Delaware, Buchanan, Cedar, Fayette and others. Under
this act Dubuque county was given the following boundaries :
"Beginning at a point in the main channel of the Mississippi
river where the fifth principal meridian intersects the same; thence
south along the said river to the line dividing townships 90 and 91
north ; thence west with the said line to the line dividing ranges 2
and 3 west ; thence south along said range line to the line dividing
townships 86 and 87 ; thence east along said line to the line dividing
ranges 2 and 3, east of the said meridian; thence north along said
range line to the line dividing townships 87 and 88 north ; thence
east along said line to the middle of the main channel of the
Mississippi river; thence north with the main channel of said river
to the place of beginning." Buchanan and Delaware were tempo-
rarily attached to Dubuque county.
"The sherifif of Dubuque county is hereby authorized and shall
proceed to collect the taxes now due and assessed in the original
county of Dubuque in the same maimer as if the county had not
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 395
been di\'ided — anything in any other law to the contrary notwith-
standing."
The following election precincts were established in Dubuque
county by proclamation of Sheriff George W. Cummins in Febru-
ary, 1838: In Dubuque, at the store of W. W. Coriell ; Peru, at
the house of John Paul : Big Maquoketa, at the house of Jacob
Little Maquoketa river, at the house of John R. Ewing; Catfish, at
the house of John Paul; Big Maquoketa, at the house of Jacob
Hamilton; Upper Catfish, at the house of John Regan.
The post routes established by Congress in the spring of 1838
were as follows : From Dubuque to the county seat of Delaware
county ; from Dubuque to West Liberty via Rochester ; from Du-
buque to Richfield, Point Pleasant and Davenport. An existing
route was from Galena and Sinsinnawa to Dubuque three times a
week in stages.
George L. Nightingale, clerk of the county commissioners, called
for proposals to be recei\ed at the Shakespeare coffee rooms "for
the boarding and lodging of Alice Annis, a pauper of Dubuque
county, one year."
Under the law the census of Iowa Territory was taken in June,
1838, and Dubuque county was shown to have 2,381 people and
the whole territory, 22,859 • sixteen counties were reported on.
It was rumored in August, 1838, that two of the county com-
missioners were aliens and therefore ineligible to office. Mr. Fan-
ning proved his citizenship, having made his original declaration in
Steubenville, Ohio, in 1832.
"The present jail is almost entirely useless and but a mockery of
what it should be ; it schools \illains in the art of making escapes
and makes them more hardened, impudent and ready to commit
crime." — (Iowa Nczvs. August, 1838.)
In 1838 the county board were James Fanning, P. A. Lorimier
and Andrew Bankson. George L. Nightingale was clerk. The
following were judges of election in 1838: Dubuque precinct,
George W. Harris, William Allen and John MacKenzie ; Peru pre-
cinct, Myram Patterson, Chester Sage and John W. Penn ; Du-
rango precinct, Presley Samuels, Joshua Flinn and Andrew Gil-
lespie ; Paul's precinct, Elias McMarks, Jacob Myers and John
Paul ; Regan's precinct, B. B. Lawless, Robert Fenin and Irwin
Boone ; Whitewater precinct, Nathan M. Hutton, John Laflesh and
Michael Leek. All persons making improvements on the public
square where the court house and jail then stood were ordered
away by the board. Alice Anderson was cared for by the county
in 1838. Myram Patterson was granted ferry license over the
Little Maquoketa at Peru. The sum of $42.50 was paid to eleven
men for services in guarding the prisoners. Singleton and Ducoste,
who were charged with the murder of an Indian squaw. Joseph
L. Hempstead was coroner.
396 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
The total expenses of the county for 1838 were $2,214.10, and
the total receipts were $2,097.82 ; balance against the county,
$116.28. The receipts were from the following sources: Terri-
torial tax, 1838, $827.25; county tax for 1838, $1,270.57. Among
the expense items were the following : luwin Reeves, district at-
torney, $80; G. W. Cummins, sheriff, rent for jury room, $io;
John Regan. John Wharton and Alfred McDaniels, road commis-
sioners, $45 ; Scott & Taylor, a stove for the jail, $35 ; Alice Ander-
son, pauper, her support. $20; Benjamin Gardopie, pursuit of
Singleton, charged with murder, $12; James Fanning, rent for
court room, $50; T. S. Wilson, district attorney for one year, $150;
J. V. Berry, district attorney, $150: T. R. Lurton, M. D., medical
aid to prisoner, $5 ; Cummins, board of prisoners in jail, $45 ; F. K.
O'Ferrall, rent for jury room, $5; election expenses, 1838, $205.50:
grand .ind petit jurors and witnesses, $360.58. — (Iowa Nca's, Feb-
ruary 16, 1839.)
The following were the rates of ferryage for Timothy Fanning's
ferry in April, 1839: Footman, 25 cents: man and horse, 50 cents:
wagon drawn by two horses or oxen, $1.50: one horse wagon and
driver, $1.25. A ferry license was granted to Peyton Vaughan at
Peru and Cedar Point.
Peter A. Lorimier was authorized to borrow for the county from
$1,000 to $2,000 to be expended on public buildings for the county.
An election precinct was established at the house of Joseph Hewitt
on the "Fall Fork" of the Big Maquoketa in August, 1839, and Pat-
rick Finn, James H. Kirkpatrick and Willis Thompson were
appointed judges. An election precinct was established at the house
of Jacob Dreibelbis, south of the Cattish, in 1838, and Jacob Drei-
belbis, James McKean and James Scott were appointed judges. The
counties separated from Dubuque were now organized, set up and
settled with. It was regarded as unfair that Dubuque county voters
should poll votes in the Scott county seat contest between Rocking-
ham and Davenport.
Iowa Territory was formed by the Act approved June 12, 1838.
In the fall following John R. Ewing, George W. Ames and Will-
iam Smith became county commissioners. They were the first
under the new Iowa Territorial Act. They appointed George L.
Nightingale clerk. J. Van Antwerp Berry was district attorney in
the fall of 1838. Joseph T. Fales was judge of probate. It was
at this date that the board adopted temporarily a county seal made
by pressing one cent or one dime on wax. Upon petition a county
road was ordered surveyed from Dubuque to the furnace on Little
Maquoketa ; thence up the middle fork to Andrew Gillespie's : thence
to Robert Scarce's farm: thence to John Floyd's, at the extreme
west end of the county. Alice Annis was still cared for by the
county.
Chauncey Swan, of Dubuque county, was appointed one of the
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 397
three commissioners chosen to locate the seat of government and
superintend the erection of the public buildings at the capital of
Iowa Territory.
A bill in Congress in 1839 granted to Dubuque county a quarter
section of land to be disposed of to raise means to erect necessary
public buildings.
In December, 1839, Congress established post roads from Du-
buque on the territorial road to Keosauqua and to Palmyra, Mis-
rouri ; $20,000 had already been appropriated for its construction
by 1839. At this time, also, a road from Milwaukee to Dubuque
was projected, to pass through Madison; for it $15,000 was ap-
propriated.
George L. Nightingale was appointed auctioneer of this county
by the governor.
An act of March 9, 1839, which divided Dubuque county into
many others provided that they should "liquidate and pay so
much of the debt now due and unpaid by the present county of
Dubuque as may be their legal and equitable proportion of the same,
according to the assessment values of the taxable property which
shall be made therein." It was further ordered "that the sherifif
of Dubuque county is hereby authorized and shall proceed to col-
lect the taxes now due and assessed in the original county of Du-
buque, in the same manner as if the county had not been divided —
anything in any other law to the contrary notwithstanding." All
suits which had been commenced were required to be prosecuted to
judgment as if no such division had been made.
Each of the following fractional townships was declared by the
registrar and receiver at Dubuque entitled to a quarter section of
land for school purposes: Township 91 north, range i east; town-
ship 88 north, range 4 east, both in Dubuque county and now parts
of Jefferson and Mosalem townships, respectively.
In March, 1839, William Smitli was appointed to superintend
the procuring of materials for a new court house. Samuel Walker
drew the plans. Permission to vend merchandise in all parts of
the county was granted in 1838-9 to numerous persons. A road
was ordered surveyed from Dubuque to Center Grove, to William
Snodgrass. to McDowell's, to Henry Gardens', on section 7, town-
ship 89 north, range 2 west ; eighteen persons signed this petition.
A road from Parsons' ferry to Sage's mill was also surveyed. In
1839 there were in the county seven election precincts, as follows :
Dubuque, Peru, Scarce's (formerly Durango), Paul, Hewitt, White
Water and Ryan's. No special boundaries were fixed for these
precincts and hence it was possible, and no doubt was practiced, to
vote at more than one precinct.
The county commissioners' report for the year 1839 showed total
expenditures to be $10,996.94. The receipts were the same, less
$1,000. Among the receipts was $120 from William Hale for
39^ HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
eight months' hire of convicts. Among the items of expense were
$8 to Samuel Walker for a draught of the court house ; $22 to
Mrs. Dudley for boarding pauper; $9 to Edward O'Hair for room
rent ; $7 to T. Mason for room rent for jury : $5 to Samuel L.
Clifton for chains for prisoners: $7.50 to Young & Schullenberger
for ironing prisoners ; $38 to Henry Potser for boarding prisoners ;
$12 to James V. Campton for ironing prisoners; sums to Patrick
Finn for boarding paupers; $175 to Rogus & Anson for work done
on the new court house, etc. The total receipts in the county
treasury for 1839 were $4,128.87, total expenses $4,089.52, balance
on hand $39.35. Rogers & Anson completed their contract on the
new court house and were paid $1, 047.32^4- ^Ir. Ogilby, the ar-
chitect, was paid $150.
The county, in 1838-9, was laid out into road districts and super-
visors for each were appointed. The Schwarts precinct was estab-
lished in May, 1839, the polling place being the house of Mr.
Schwarts. Liquor license in the county was fixed at $100 per an-
num. John \'. Berry was district attorney in 1839. James L.
Langworthy furnished brick for the court house in 1839. Burton's
precinct was established in July: the house of Mr. Burton was the
polling place. Timothy Mason became clerk of the board in August.
1839. In August the board borrowed $1,000 of Horace Smead
and gave him a bond for that sum. Huldah Deane was supported
by the county.
In December, 1839. the board ordered the following sums to be
apportioned to the several counties cut ofif from Dubuque: Cedar
$133, Scott & Clinton %/2'/.t,t,. Jackson county $826.66, Clayton
$1 12.66. The debt of Dubuque county at the time of the separation
of these counties was $2,850; the separation occurred in 1837-8.
The above apportionment was in proportion to the assessment.
Dubuque's share of this debt was $1,050.33. Rogers & Anson
were allowed, from time to time, considerable sums for building
the court house.
After paying all outstanding orders the board had available a bal-
ance of $6,548.90: but of this sum it was estimated that $2,500
would never be obtained, as the delinquents had left the county.
The county tax list for 1839 was $3,152.82. Patrick Ouigley was
county treasurer. Mr. Ogilby was architect of the court house.
Thomas McCraney furnished lumber for the new court house. M.
W. Powers furnished lime. In February. 1840. George W. Ames
was sent to the other counties to secure a settlement of the sums due
Dubuque county. An insane person, not a resident of this county,
was ordered taken to his home in Galena at the expense of this
countv. Young & Newman furnished iron work for the court
house. The road from Davenport to Dubuque was laid out in
1839-40. In 1839 the Burton precinct was changed to Durango
precinct. The net amount of the county assessment in 1839 was
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 399
$2,604.49. John Sullivan was one of the workmen on the court
house in 1840.
A joint resolution of the Iowa Territorial legislature in January,
1840, recommended the establishment of a postofBce at the falls of
the Maquoketa in Dubuque county and the appointment of Arthur
Thomas as postmaster. The military road was laid out in 1839 and
already in 1840 was extensively tra\'eled. Albert G. Ellis was sur-
veyor-general of Wisconsin and Iowa territories in 1839-40.
George W. Jones succeeded A. G. Ellis as surveyor general of Wis-
consin and Iowa territories in February, 1840.
On September 7, 1840, the election precincts of the county were
named and defined as follows : Ferguson, townships 87 and 88,
range 2 east and fractional township 88, range 3 east ; Dubuque,
township 89, range 2 east ; Peru, fractional township 90, range 2
east ; Durango, township 90, range i east, and fractional township
91, range i east; Paul, township 89, range i east; Regan's, town-
ship 88, range i east and township 87, range i east ; Whitewater,
township 87, range i west, township 87, range 2 west, township
88, range i west and township 88, range 2 west ; Hewitt, town-
ship 89, ranges i and 2 west and township 90, ranges i and 2 west.
These precincts were to be altered when a majority of the inhab-
itants should petition to that effect. In 1840 the trustees of the
Presbyterian church were paid for the use of their meeting house
for the spring term of the District court. In September, 1840, W.
J. A. Bradford was appointed agent to settle with the counties re-
cently separated from Dubuque. Samuel Walker furnished shingles
for the court house. John R. Harvey painted the building. Joseph
Ogilby furnished lumber. R. D. Watson, of St. Louis, furnished
glass. Emerson & Crider furnished nails. E. M. Birsell furnished
shingles. The fall term (1840) of the District court was held
in the Presbyterian church. Campton, Dunbar and Kurtsch were
confined in jail for several months in the fall of 1840. W. J. A.
Bradford, prosecuting attorney, was allowed a yearly salary of
$250 in 1840. A bounty of 50 cents was offered for wolf scalps at
this time.
The act of December 30, 1840, formed Dubuque county into
three commissioners' districts : ( i ) Regan's, Dreibelbis' and
Whitewater; (2) Dubuque precinct; (3) Peru, Durango, Paul's
and Hewitt's.
For the year 1840, paupers cost the county ^i^T^y.y^; assessing
the county, $60; laying out roads, $65.60; District court, $3,583.47;
on the court house, $3,862.69; total county expense, $10,804.62.
Grocery license brought $1,483.30; merchant license, $545; court
fines, $110; on hand at the beginning of the year, $6,548.90; bal-
ance against the county at the close of the year, $722.93. The
county expenses in 1840 exceeded those of 1839 by about $1,700.
There were still several outstanding claims against the county.
400 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
In April, 1841, the whole county was laid out into road districts
and supervisors were appointed ; in all, there were ten such dis-
tricts. Townships were not yet formed. At this time a road from
Duhuque to W. H. Morning's on the Little Maquoketa, thence to
the junction of the north and middle forks, thence to John Floyd's,
thence to the north line of the county was laid out. In 1841 Ead's
precinct, in Delaware county, was attached for election purposes
to this county. The precincts in 1841 were Ferguson, Regan,
Whitewater, Hewitt's, Durango, Peru, Duhuque, Eads, Schwarts
and Morland. In 1841, George W. Cummins was county assessor.
The note of the county for $2,160, due in ten years, was given
James L. Langworthy in 1841, in final settlement for his court house
contract. "Ordered that John Sullivan be charged with this amount,
$10.50, in his account with the county for 3,000 brick bats." Sulli-
van laid 244,518 bricks in the court house, was paid part by install-
ment and was given three notes of the county for $1,000 in final
settlement in June, 1841. W. J. A. Bradford was still county at-
torney in June, 1841. W. W. Coriell, of Dubuque, printed the
Iowa House journals in 1841 and was paid $900 for the job.
In 1841, Jacob Dreibelbis became a county commissioner in
place of Mr. Ames. In July a road was ordered laid out along
the ridge from the head of Dirty Hollow to Lorimier's furnace.
While Patterson was confined, $82.50 was paid for guarding the
jail. Washington Hyde and others were prisoners in November
and December, 1841, and were boarded and guarded at big ex-
pense— $402.50. A reward of $2 was offered for wolf scalps in
January, 1842. At this time William Smith was appointed superin-
tendent of the jail, to be built at once; contracts were called for.
The preemption law was approved by Congress September 4, 1841,
and at once quieted the settlers. The court house was built by the
county board. They contracted for so much lumber, shingles, lime,
stone, paint, glass, bricks, tinware, iron work, etc., with different
concerns, but entered into definite contracts for certain work only.
It was charged by the Miners' Express, late in 1842, that General
Wilson, the surveyor-general, had not resided at Dubuque since
June, 1842, and was neglecting his duty. When, in the spring of
1839, the office was moved from Cincinnati to Dubuque, the Iowa
News sharply lashed Albert G. Ellis for visiting Dubuque but
once in three months, and demanded that the incumbent of the office
should reside there and attend to his duties. Now. when Wilson
did no better, he was likewise criticised.
On the question of holding a territorial convention to take steps
for admission into the Union, Dubuque county, in August, 1842,
polled 115 votes for the convention and 477 votes against it.
In 1842, John Frink was mail carrier from Dubuque to Prairie
La Porte at $249; Nelson Plummer, from Dubuque to Davenport
(river route), at $900; Gilbreth & Campbell, from Dubuque to Iowa
HISTORY Of DUBUQUE COUNTY 401
City, at $480; Otto Hinton, Dubuque to Davenport (two-horse
coach twice a week), at $1,000. An act of February, 1842, pro-
vided that poorhouses could be buih by counties. In the fall of
1842 the county board were William Smith, Jacob Dreibelbis and
F. Byerly : Nightingale was still clerk. New road districts were
formed throughout the county in April, 1842 — thirteen in all. In
1842 the board borrowed in small sums, from more than si.xty per-
sons, $1,175 o" which it agreed to pay interest. In June, 1842,
William Carter furnished timber for the new county jail being
erected. It would seem that the jail was built by private sub-
scription. (See second June term of the board, 1842). Amos
Matthews plastered the new court house, finishing in 1842. Two
floors in the court house were paved with brick by Rogers & An-
son. Small sums were borrowed to be used in building the jail.
A tax of $1 on each $100 was ordered levied in 1842; also a poll
tax of $1. Samuel L. Clifton furnished rock for the new jail in
1842. Large numbers of Irish were coming to this county at this
time. There were the O'Haires, the O'Sheas, the O'Donnells and
O'Haras; the O'Sullivans, O'Bleas, O'Flynns and O'Maras; the
O'Briens. O'Rourkes, O'Glasses and O'Darrells : the O'Reagans,
O'Kellys, O'Tooles and O'Farralls.
The territorial legislature of 1841-2 passed an act giving the
county board authority to divide the county into townships as soon
as they were of the opinion that a majority of the people desired it.
Accordingly, on February 7, 1843, ten townships were created, as
follows : Julien, Jefiferson, Concord, Liberty, Iowa, Center, Cas-
cade, Clinton, Washington and Mosalem. Julien township was
bounded east by the Mississippi, Dubuque and the prolonged line
between ranges i and 2 east ; north by prolonged line between sec-
tions 18 and 7, township 89 north; west by the prolonged line be-
tween sections 14 and 15, township 89 north, range i east; south
by the prolonged line between sections 23 and 26, township 88
north, range i east. It embraced parts of the present Julien, Du-
buque, Center, Vernon, Table Mound and Mosalem townships.
Jefferson was bounded east by the Mississippi ; north by the Missis-
sippi ; west by the prolonged hue between sections 10 and 11, town-
ship 89 north, range i east; south by the prolonged line between
sections 1 1 and 14, township 89 north, range i east. It included
all of the present Peru township and parts of the present Jefiferson,
Center and Dubuque townships. Concord township was bounded
east by the prolonged line between sections 10 and 11, township 89
north, range i east ; south by the prolonged line between sections
10 and 15, township 89 north, range i east; west by the prolonged
line between sections 8 and 9, township 89 north, range i west ;
north by the county line and the river and the fifth meridian. This
embraced parts of the present townships of Jefferson, Concord,
Iowa and Center. Liberty was bounded north and west by the
402 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
county line, south by the prolonged line between sections 8 and 9.
township 89 north, range i west, and east by Concord township.
Iowa township was bounded north by Liberty, west b)' the county
line, south by the prolonged line between sections 20 and 29. town-
ship 88 north, range i west, and east by the prolonged line between
sections 20 and 21. township 88 north, range i west. Center
township was bounded east by Julien. north by Jefferson, west by
Iowa, and south by the prolonged line between sections 21 and 28,
townsliip 88 north, range i west. Cascade townsliip was bounded
north by Iowa, west by the county line, soutli by the county line
and east by the prolonged line between sections 28 and 29, township
88 north, range i west. Clinton township was bounded north by
Center, west by Iowa, south by the county line and east by the pro-
longed line between sections 26 and 2~. township 88 north, range
I east. Washington township was bounded north by Julien, west
by Clinton, south by the county line and east by the prolonged line
dividing ranges i and 2 east. Mosalem township was bounded east
b}' the Mississippi, south by the county line, west by the line between
ranges i and 2 east, and north by Julien or Dubuque city.
The county clerk notified the citizens of each of the above town-
ships to assemble and organize.
During 1843, the county jail was built. It was constructed by
the county board, the materials being secured under special con-
tracts.
Solomon Asby was authorized in April, 1843, '^o keep a ferry
across the Mississippi opposite Potosi, Wisconsin Territory. In
1843 the board viewed and built many roads in all parts of the
county. The jail was finished in 1843. The sum of $5 was
charged for use of the court room for all shows for profit. Hiram
Welds was authorized to keep a ferry over the Mississippi two
miles above Parson's ferry, Dubuque county, in 1844. Jonathan
Higgins became county commissioner in 1843 ■ Smith and Byerly
were the others.
In 1843, Dr. John O'Brien was paid for holding an inquest on
the body of Haw-Kaw-Kaw, a Winnebago Indian. This year
George W. Cummins took to the penitentiary the Indian, Waw-
kon-shon-ne-kaw. who had been convicted here for murder, on a
change of venue. Ore of lead on i6th sections was worked on
shares under the supervision of the county board.
In February. 1843, a road was ordered surveyed from Cascade to
Olmstead's Mill, in Delaware county. The act of February 17,
1843, definitely fi.xed the boundaries of the counties which had
been severed from Dubuque county. A proclamation of President
Van Buren, May 4, 1840, ordered a land sale in the western and
southern parts of the coimty : this sale was postponed. In February,
1843. President Tyler ordered a sale of lands in this county.
The returns of the secretary of state showed a population of
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 403
4,059 for Dubuque county in June, 1844. About this time sub-
stantial county bridges were constructed over the Catfish, Little
Maquoketa and other streams. John Barney, agent of the United
States, was at work on the Dubuque harbor. By proclamation of
October 8, 1844, President Tyler ordered township 87, range i
west, (Cascade) thrown into market January 13, 1845; the sale
was to be kept open for two weeks.
In 1844, the county commissioners of Dubuque county, Iowa
Territory, memorialized Congress to grant to the city certain lands,
as follows: "Two lots and a half of ground in the town of Du-
buque, on the northwest corner of Seventeenth and Locust streets,
upon which the public square was at one time laid off and a tempor-
ary jail erected thereon ; that said parcel or parcels of land were
in the year 1835 donated to the county of Dubuque by Peter A.
Lorimier, Esq., the original claimant under the settlers' regulations ;
but that the said public square has since been removed and more
permanent public buildings erected elsewhere in said town. The
petitioners now ask that as the county of Dubuque is the equitable
claimant of said lots, and is the owner of the beforementioned
temporary buildings erected thereon, a law may be passed giving
our county a title to the same and authorizing the commissioners,
as the constituted authority of the county, to make sale thereof."
The senate committee found "that Congress, by its acts of July 2,
1836, and the supplement thereto, passed March 3, 1837, have di-
rected that the quantity of 640 acres of land, embracing the town of
Dubuque, be laid off into lots, streets, avenues, etc. ; that the lots
be classed and preemption rights granted to all such persons as had,
by building or enclosure, improved said lots prior to July 2, 1836,
and the residue exposed to public sale. The entire proceeds arising
from the sale of these lots, as well from preemptions as at public
sale, after deducting some incidental expenses, would be paid over
to the trustees or other authorities of said town, to be expended by
them in the improvement of streets, wharves, etc." The com-
mittee reported in favor of a bill. — (See House Reports, No. 351,
28th Aug., 1st session, Vol. I.)
On January i, 1845, the balance against the county was $10,-
410.73. .The balance against the county on January i, 1844, was
$9,134.68, of which $5,273.66 was in notes given for court house
purposes.
On January i, 1845, there were outstanding $6,354.58 in county
bonds. "The secretary of the treasury has been addressed by the
commissioners requesting that the funds heretofore advanced by the
county for the pay of jurors, witnesses, fuel, stationery, etc., for the
District court during a period of five years, be refunded; it amounts
to near $3,000, and during the past year the department has decided
that the pay of jurors, etc., as above are proper charges upon the
404 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
United States." — (Statement of county commissioners, February
26, 1845.)
In the spring of 1845, ^'i^ following mail routes were established:
Dubucjue to Bloomington via Garryowan, Lodge's Ford, and
Thomas Mills; Dubuque to Ft. Atkinson via Ead's settlement and
Moreland's colony : Dubuque to Iowa City via Cascade and Marion
in two-horse coaches; Dubuque to the county seats of Delaware
and Buchanan counties.
The county commissioners, in 1846, were William Smith, Jon-
athan Higgins and Michael W. Power. James R. Thompson was
sheriff. In January, 1846, the board were asked to assist the city
of Dubuque to build a hospital, but deferred action until they could
learn whether the county sick persons would be admitted and upon
what terms.
In 1846 tiie Fairfield Land District contained 10,396,160 acres
and the Dubuque Land District 13,200,000 acres. An additional
land district was created with office at Des Moines. — (House Re-
ports, No. 677, 29th Cong. 1st session. Vol. III.)
For the fiscal year commencing February 22, 1847, and ending
February 23, 1848, there was against the county at tlie beginning,
$9,370.24; paupers cost $2,276.50: boarding the Indian, Kanoga.
$137.25; court fees, $1,199.08; wolf scalps, $23; boarding and
keeping prisoners, $179.87: laying out roads, $116.98; total ex-
penses, $8,040.75 which, added to the county debt, made a total of
$17,419.99. The county debt increased during the year $2,603.31.
The big expenses had been support of the poor and fitting up the
court house. The poorhouse about to be built would reduce, it was
estimated, the annual pauper expense. "The county commissioners
assure their fellow citizens tliat not one dollar is allowed by tliem
but what is unavoidably necessary and that they have left and will
leave no means untried to extricate the county from debt. It is be-
lieved that our financial affairs (taking into consideration the fact
that our court house is built, and fitted up in a manner superior to
any in the state) arc in a better condition than tliose of any other
county therein. Our county is rapidly filling up with an industriotis
population which necessarily will increase the amount of taxable
property, increasing correspondingly tlie revenue, for many years to
come ; little or no taxes have heretofore been derived from the as-
sessment of lands, in consequence of the great portion of the same
remaining unentered previous to March, 1847, owing to the claim
of the Dubuque heirs: this difficulty is now removed, tlie land in
the county being at this time nearly, if not quite all, entered and
subject to taxation." — (Michael W. Power, John G. Shields and
Lyman Dillon, commissioners, February, 1848.)
In 1848, Mordecai Mobley was school fund commissioner. There
were 11,060 acres in Dubuque county for public schools.
In July, 1848, John G. Shields, who was appointed agent of the
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 405
board to buy a poorhouse and lands for a farm, reported that he
had bought such a farm of Joseph Evans and had paid him $417;
had paid $175 for a land warrant, and the total cost was $594.50.
The board called for proposals to build a poorhouse — a hewed log
building of two rooms, fourteen feet square in the clear, with a
large hall between them. Robert Flanagan leased the county farm
in August, 1848. John Carson was the agent of the board to rent
the farm.
On February 7, 1849, several petitions, numerously signed, re-
quested the board to alter the boundaries of the townships and to
set off each surveyed township of thirty-six sections as near as prac-
ticable, with a separate township, whereupon the board, after due
consideration, ordered the following townships to be created, the
order to take effect April i, 1849: Peru, townships 90 and 91,
range 2 east : Julien, township 89 north, ranges 2 and 3 east ; Mos-
alem, fractional township 88 north, ranges 3 and 4 east ; Washing-
ton, township 87 north, range 2 east; Table Mound, township 88
north, range 2 east ; Jefferson, township 90 and fractional township
91 north, range i east; Center, township 89 north, range i east;
Mount Pisgah, township 88 north, range i east; Prairie Creek,
township 87 north, range i east ; Whitewater, township 87 north,
range i west ; Taylor, township 88 north, ranges i and 2 west ;
Iowa, township 89 north, ranges i and 2 west ; Concord, township
90 north, range i west; Liberty, township 90 north, range 2 west;
Cascade, township 87 north, range 2 west. New Wine and Dodge
were not yet provided for. In the above named townships elections
were ordered held for the necessary township officers.
Michael W. Power, John G. Shields and Lyman Dillon were
county commissioners in 1847-8. The state census of 1847 gave
Dubuque county a population of 7,440. In 1847 the proclamation
of President Polk threw much land west of Dubuque into market,
the sales to take place at the land ofifice in Dubuque.
The county assessment for 1847 amounted to $972,010, and for
1848, $1,368,401.
In 1847 the county tax list was $5,437.44; in 1848, $7,712.16; in
1849, $8,260.10. Of these three amounts, by February 19, 1850,
there was delinquent $5,836.56. The county assessment in 1847
was $972,010; in 1848, $1,368,401 ; number of polls in 1847. 1,151 ;
1848; 1,758.
Early in 1849 proposals for a poorhouse were called for and the
following bids were received: Robert Flanagan, $650; Frederick
Walters, $584; Ralph Reynolds, $488; the bid of Walters was ac-
cepted ; he received $50 additional for extra work. Timothy Mason,
William Gilliam and Edward Langworthy were the first directors
of the poorhouse, appointed April, 1849. John H. Thedinga be-
came county commissioner in 1849.
In 1849 the name of Pisgah township was changed to Vernon.
4o6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
On January ii, 1850, Iowa township was divided and New Wine
was formed out of the western half; elections were ordered held
in New Wine at the house of Henry Schemmel. Taylor township
was also divided and Dodge created out of the western half; elec-
tions were ordered at tlie house uf Peter Alelinguer.
In March, 1849. t'le county commissioners, in their report, re-
gretted that during 1848 they had heen unable to reduce the county
debt. The poor expense was large, but now would no doubt be
less, as they had bought a poor farm on the northwest quarter of
section 28, township 88 north, range 3 east, and the west half of
the southwest quarter of section 21, same township and range, mak-
ing in all 240 acres, with timber and water and enough fencing to
enclose twenty to fort)- acres. The poorhouse was a double log
cabin, each half fourteen feet square, with a hall eighteen feet wide
between tiiem ; there was a cellar under one of the sections. Fred-
erick Walters erected the building. The county formerly had
many transients, but now the settlements were permanent, because
in 1847 the mineral lands had been offered to the highest bidder
and substantial settlers had come. The mineral lands could now be
assessed by lot niunbers. There was yet due the county from Cedar,
Jackson and Clayton counties $1,072.32 as their proportion when
stricken off of Dubuque. Suit had been instituted against these
counties. In addition, Clayton county owed Dubuque county
$1,589.45 for expenses incurred in trying the Indians charged with
murder and brought here on a change of venue. Clayton county
had refused for several years to pay these obligations. The county
debt in 1849 was $12,647.35. This was regarded as a large sum at
that time ; five years later it would scarcely have been noticed.
Among the items of county expense in 1847-8 were: Poor, $2,-
276.50; District court, $1,199.08; wolf scalps, ^22,; boarding the
Indian, Ka-nah-gah, $137.25; court house repairs, $937.30; roads,
$116.98; interest on county orders, $339.35. The wheat harvest
of 1849 was the largest and best the county had ever enjoyed up
to that date. Mexican war and other land warrants were on sale
here, many of them $150 for 160 acres. The California gold ex-
citement took away 150 settlers of the county in 1848-9. The
county spent much to crush cholera in 1849.
In 1850, the ofificial census gave Dubuque county 9,185 popula-
tion. The commissioners built a fence around the court house.
Farming, instead of mining, began to engross attention about 1848-
50. The county assessment in 1850 was $1,608,735; in 1849 it
was $1,464,781. In 1850 there were four pianos in the county.
Many new roads and post routes were established. The land sales
in Dubuque county were: 1848, 68,856 acres; 1849, 58'374 acres;
1850, 33,172 acres; 185 1, 35,361 acres.
In August, 185 1, according to law, the county commissioners,
Lyman Dillon, J. H. Thedinga and Michael W. Power, turned
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 407
over all their duties to William Y. Lovell, judge of the county
court. The change was welcomed, because many believed the
board had unnecessarily run the county into debt and were incom-
petent, though both cliarges were unfounded and unjust. The
board had been forced by the taxpayers to run the county on too
small a revenue. The county debt on the face was $18,207.82, but
there was $12,570.73 due the county.
In April, 1852, the people voted down the proposition to borrow
$7,000 with which to erect a county jail ; a two mill tax was pro-
posed. The settlement of the Dubuque claim in January, 1854, by
the United States Supreme Court made every resident glad; all
county lots were put on the market at once.
The urgent necessity for a new county jail was felt by 1852
Judge Lovell endeavored to induce the Dubuque council to assist
the county to erect such a building, but did not succeed; the total
cost was' estimated at $20,000. By August i, 1852, Dubuque
county had a population of 12,508 and fifty-six colored persons. In
the fall of 1852 the Dubuque County Horticultural and Agricul-
tural Society was organized and a fair was held late in 1853. W.
Y. Lovell was president, H. S. Hetherington secretary, John Car-
son treasurer, and a vice president was appointed in every township.
An exhibit was made at the court house in July, 1853 — informal
but creditable. On September 8 and 9, 1853, the first real fair was
held in the grove on Couler avenue near Major Langworthy's.
There was quite a large exhibit and much interest was shown.
Each of the two days 1,500 persons attended. Judge Dyer spoke
the first day and Mr. Vandever the second. Jacob Smith took the
first premium on spring wheat — 4254 bushels per acre. Six fine
Durham bulls were exhibited. Hogs of the Byfield and Irish Gra-
zier breeds were shown. The cows and sheep were medium.
Mules, oxen and fat cattle were good. There was a fine display
of Shanghai poultry. The exhibit of apples, pears, grapes and plums
was excellent. But the fair of 1854 was a failure.
One of the first official acts of Judge Lovell was to ascertain the
amount of the old debt and settle the same. Up to March 23,
1853, he found the debt to be $23,456.07. To meet this he caused
to be issued $15,000 in ten year ten per cent bonds, which were
sold in New York at par. Further investigation showed the county
debt to be $28,094.08, much of which was interest that had ac-
cumulated at a high rate for a dozen years or thereabouts. Of this
sum $13,094.08 was refunded and the balance was paid from the
proceeds of the $15,000 bond sale. To meet all this a four mill
tax was levied. In November, 1853, the county assessment was an-
nounced as $4,148,387; there were 2,462 polls. The land office at
Dubuque was doing literally a "land office business," employing
from ten to twenty clerks. From May i, 1853, to November 15,
1853, $850,000 from the sale of lands was sent to the government
4o8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
depository in St. Louis; Patrick Quigley took $308,000 on tlie
steamer Lamartine at one time.
In September, 1855, a county fair was held at Centralia. but was
not very successful. W. W. Hamilton was president. The state
census of 1856 gave the county a population of 25,871 ; there were
thirty-six paupers. The total assessment in 1856 was $14,190,445,
a wonderful increase. At this time there were strong demands for
a new jail, poorhouse and hospital — for county as well as city use.
Stephen Hempstead was elected county judge in 1855. The ques-
tion of raising means to make these improvements was submitted
to the people and carried and bonds were accordingly sold. There
were over 200 persons in the county assessed at over $10,000 each;
the Langworthy brothers were assessed at over $500,000. In the
spring of 1856 the children of school age in the county were 7,760,
and the state apportionment was $4,746.55. The Lambert farm
near Caledonia sold for $45 an acre — a notable occurrence.
The county assessment in 1855 was $8,203,665. The tax was:
County, $34,331 ; state, $10,250; school, $4,099; road, $7,698, and
enough more to make the total $56,384.32. This showed an
enormous advance over the figures of only three and five years be-
fore. County school affairs began to take shape and expand about
this time.
There was general complaint by the citizens in November, 1855,
that the roads of the county were in wretched condition and
the road law inefficient and unheeded. Township supervisors were
urged to improve matters.
"Considerable activitv was created in the grain market yesterday
among wheat speculators. The prices rose from $1.05 to $1.15
and $1.20 per bushel." — {E. & H., December 13, 1855.)
The county jail, built in 1857-8, was the best at that time in the
northwest. It was located at Eighth and Clay streets in the rear
of the court house. The stone was obtained from the bluffs op-
posite Dubuque. It was begun about February i, 1857. David
Armstrong was contractor. The total cost of jail and grounds was
about $45,000. The sheriff's dwelling formed the front and the
prison proper, about 60x35 feet, was in the rear. It was four stories
with tiers of cells rising above each other — thirty-two cells in all.
RECEIPTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JULY I, 1858.
Balance in treasury June 30, 1857 $ 38,313.00
Amount of county levy, 1857 77,756.26
County bonds sold, less expenses 30,185.49
Sale of county poor farm 3,000.00
Fees from clerk's office 3,602.00
Fees from recorder's office 2,678.90
Total $i55>535-65
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 409
EXPENSES.
Amount of county warrants receipted $ 63,321.67
Jail .' 28,826.55
Poor house 10,863.85
Total $103,012.07
Among the items of county warrants were the following: Sal-
aries, $6,245.30; District court, $8,961.85; poor, $6,784.45; jail,
$3,255.14; interest, $6,452.34; poorhouse building, fences and im-
provements, $14,777.82; jail building, $26,673.25. David Arm-
strong was the contractor for the county jail at $36,011. The land
at the county poor house consisted of twenty-two acres. The old
poor house was located eight miles from Dubuque. The new one
was near the city. A portion of the county bonds for the building
of the jail and poor house were negotiated at par, but after the finan-
cial crisis of 1857, $9,000 of the issue was sold for 70 cents on the
dollar, the best that could be done.
Early in 1859, Michael O'Brien, county treasurer, was shown to
be a defaulter to a large amount — $108,894 on the face of the
records, and ^2>7'^77 by his own admissions ; he had been treasurer
for seven years. He resigned, soon died, but his heirs made good
the loss. W. W. Beebe owned the "Dubuque Nurseries;" he lec-
tured over the west on "fruit trees" and other similar subjects. In
1859 the county assessment had fallen to $9,419,298. Efforts made
in 1858 and 1859 to revive the county fair failed, owing mostly
to the hard times.
The amount of land in the Dubuque Land District yet unsold,
liaving been reduced below 100,000 acres, the land office was re-
moved from Dubuque to Des Moines in June, 1859.
A large meeting of the farmers and others, friends of agricul-
ture, was held in Dubuque February 23, i860, for the purpose of
forming an agricultural society. The meeting was called to order
by W. W. Hamilton and a discussion as to whether the old society
should be reorganized or a new one formed was held. It was
finally resolved to form a new association. A committee was ap-
pointed to draft a constitution and by-laws. Remarks were made
by Hamilton, Heath, Chamberlain, Lovell and others. The consti-
tution proposed was adopted. The following officers were elected :
John King, president ; Mark Miller, secretary ; W. C. Chamber-
lain, treasurer. Every township in the county was represented on
the directory.
The county fair at Tivoli Gardens, Dubuque, was a creditable ex-
hibit. Great efforts for its success were made, the leaders in the
movement being Doolittle, Chamberlain, Van Pelt, Heyer, Mattox,
Lucius Langworthy, Mark Miller, Judge King, Solon Langworthy
4IO HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
and others. It opened September i8; many sheds, pens, etc., were
erected.
In 1861. the fair was Hkewise creditable and a success: the re-
ceipts were $1,922.96 and the disbur.sements $1,962.96. The so-
ciety had $602.66 in resources and $150.90 in habiHties.
There were about 1,000 entries from all parts of the county.
Omnibuses ran from down town to the grounds. All branches of
production were represented. High grade cattle and horses were
shown. The grape display was specially fine. Already this county
was famed for its grapes and its grape wine. In all features the
fair was a credit to the county. The attendance was large. So
well pleased were the farmers and fruit growers of the county with
the fair that they immediately organized a Farmers' club to meet
once a month or oftener. The call for this club was signed by about
fifty of the best citizens of the county — townsmen and countrymen.
This county was well represented at the state fair, held this fall at
Iowa City.
The organization of the County Farmers' club was completed
October 6, i860, and the following otificers were elected: H. S.
Hetherington, president: J. C. E. Heyer, recording secretary; C. C.
Oilman, treasurer. Among the questions discussed were, "Can
apples be raised successfully in Iowa?" "Is Hungarian grass
worthy of cultivation?"
In 1864 the plan to secure the state fair for two years was
adopted, succeeded, and as a result the Society leased 12^ acres
for five years, from January i, 1864, at $50 per annum, for the
first three years and $100 per annum for the last two years. The
yard was enclosed with a good fence: had 194 covered stalls: thirty-
five roofed hog pens, twenty-eight sheep pens, one fine art hall,
120x30 feet, two buildings 100x24 feet, one ladies' salon, 40x20
feet, and other buildings. The trotting track was one-third of a
mile. The only indebtedness was $226 to H. L. Stout for lumber.
The fair of i860 was an experiment and was a success, but that
of 1 86 1 was still vastly better in all particulars. It was almost
equal to several state fairs. It was shown that over fifty varieties
of apples could be grown in this county. Plums, pears and grapes,
especially the latter, were very successful here. The trial of horses
to show their style and action was a feature. The receipts of
the three days were aljout $1,400, exceeding by over $400 the fair
of i860. The expenses were about $800. The surplus, with $200
from the state, was to be used toward subsequent fairs.
In i860, the Little Maquoketa was bridged at Burton's furnace;
this had long been needed. The grand jury reported against the
management of the poorhouse in February, i860. On January i,
i860, it was shown that the delinquent tax for 1857 and 1858
amounted to $93,533.63 ; this shows how crushing were the times.
It was estimated fhat farm lands throughout the county would not
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 411
sell for more than $10 an acre on the average. A farmer came to
Dubuque in September, i860, with a wagon load of Pinkeye po-
tatoes from a distance of twenty miles and received $3.50 for his
load and his journey of forty miles. It was estimated that in i860
10,000 gallons of wild grape wine were made in Dubuque county.
The population (official) of the county in i860, was 31,348.
The statute of i860 provided for the election of a board of super-
visors to take the place of the county court in handling county af-
fairs. The board of supervisors consisted of nineteen members, as
follows : Dubuque, J. H. Thedinga, J. H. Stewart and Arthur Mc-
Cann; New Wine, John Christoph; Washington, C. Denlinger;
Prairie Creek, Dennis O'Brien; Whitewater, J. B. Kittler; Cas-
cade, E. Macomber; Table Mound, Dennis Donovan; Vernon, Levi
Sparks; Taylor, H. Young; Dodge, Arthur Cox; Center, Wesley
Kyle ; Iowa, Lawrence Duggan ; Peru, F. M. Knoll ; Jefferson, Louis
Miller; Concord. J. H. Floyd; Liberty, Peter Nichols; Mosalem,
Thomas McCallom. J. H. Thedinga was chosen chairman of the
board. On January 7, 1861, the new board met in Dubuque for the
first time. An important measure before the county board was the
construction of a new bridge across the river near Hempstead on the
military road. A committee reported the poor farm in good condi-
tion, but had not enough land to give the inmates sufficient work.
The old county poor farm had been sold for $6,000 to James Burt,
the highest bidder — $3,000 cash and $3,000 mortgages, which had
been foreclosed at $3,226, but execution was not yet issued. This
land of the present poor farm was bought September 26, i860, for
$6,791. The cost of building and improvements was $14,777;
other expenses were $1,576. During i860 there were maintained
in the poorhouse forty-nine paupers. The amount expended for the
maintenance of the poor farm for the calendar year, i860, was
$5,175.97. An addition to the court house had cost $13,272.16.
The number of persons maintained in the county jail during i860
was 151 ; expense of keeping them, $1,682.10.
The farmers' club held regular sessions during the winter of
1860-61 ; grape culture, threshing, Hungarian grass, fruit trees,
preparation of orchards, were several of tlie many subjects consid-
ered. Godfrey Blocklinger lectured on grape culture. Judge King
and the Langworthys took much interest in the society. In Febru-
ary, 1861, Richard Bonson became president of the County Agri-
cultural society. Immense quantities of barley were marketed here
in 1860-1. The Farmers' club held a horticultural exhibit in the
city hall in October. 1861 ; it was a splendid success. William
Langworthy exhibited 180 varieties of apples. Another exhibited
eighteen varieties of pears, and C. H. Booth, thirty-three varieties of
vegetables. Judge King showed seven varieties of grapes. It was
stated at this time that Mathias Lux, in 1859, had raised 6,000
pounds of tobacco on an acre and a half of ground near Dubuque.
412 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
War time prices began to stimulate all business by 1862. The Hes-
sian fly appeared in this county this year.
In 1862, the county assessment was down to $5,943,890. The
county began to pay bounty to the soldiers in 1862 — $10,200, and
gave the state fair $300. Bridges cost $7,219.85. Bridges at
Thompson's Mill, English Mill, Whitewater, Flaherty, Maquoketa
at Colesburg, over Catfish on O'Brien's road, etc., were built or
commenced.
The fairs of the early sixties were e\ents of great importance to
the county. In 1861, the County Agricultural Society leased a few
acres for annual fairs and tendered the grounds to the state so-
ciety, which accepted the offer. There were six acres, with many
excellent buildings, forty pens for sheep and hogs, seventy-five stalls
for horses and cattle, floral building, mechanical building, art build-
ing, etc. The county gave $300 and the citizens raised a large sum
to fit the grounds — $1,800 about. On the first day Hon. G. G.
Wright addressed the crowd. The fastest horses of the country
were here. There were over i ,000 entries. There were many
splendid features and the fair was one of the most successful ever
held by the state society.
In January, 1863, the county at one time was assisting about 200
families — a portion those of soldiers. At this time there were large
amounts of delinquent taxes from 1857 to 1861. inclusive, and
strenuous efi^orts to collect as much of them as possible were made.
The interest alone collected was no insignificant sum. During the
year 1863 the county assisted 243 families, of which 113 were those
of soldiers. The whole amount of countv warrants outstanding in
August, 1863, was $10,000; they were taken at par for taxes. This
year county bonds to the amount of $28,000 were paid to Sampson,
Winslow and Clark, Dodge & Co. The special income tax in 1863
amounted to $23,717.33. The Farmers' Club was active and useful.
The state fair was held here again in 1863. A fine new building
for displays was erected; it was 120x30x20 feet. Judge Wright
was the orator at the opening; $4,000 was paid in premiums; it
was not so great a success as in 1862.
In 1864, Timothy Da\is was president of the Farmers' Club.
Many of the best citizens of Dubuque city were members. In
March, 1864, the railway bond question was discussed. Three mem-
bers of the county board — Rugamer, Crawford and Stewart — and
two outsiders — D. A. Mahony and W. G. Stewart — were appointed
to settle with the Gelpcke Company, who held the bonds. The
Gelpcke Company delivered to the county its $200,000 in bonds,
$48,000 in coui)ons and interest on the coupons for 2,450 shares in
the Dubuque & Sioux City Railway, and for $65,000 in five equal
installments. The county and city of Dubuque paid a large internal
re\enue on liquors and tobacco in 1864 — $150,000, estimated. On
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 413
August 7, 1864, cliinch bugs flew in swarms over Dubuque city and
county.
The countv fair in 1864 was excellent — almost as fine as the state
fair. Over thirty fast horses were present. There were many con-
tests— baseball, equestrianism, plowing, etc. Many county roads
and bridges were built in 1864-5. The census of 1865 gave the
county a population of 33,078. The Farmers' Club met regularly
during the cold months. The county fair of 1865 was a success,
though not a great one. Paper from the Cascade Mills was exhib-
ited. In October, 1865, county warrants were worth 90 cents and
county bonds 65 cents on the dollar.
The total county indebtedness January i, 1861, was $279,072.17.
Of this sum $200,000 was for railroad bonds. In 1865-66 the
county spent on poorhouse $6,621,20: poor relief, $2,551.87; super-
intendent of poor, $616: volunteer relief, $13,621.09. The jail
cost $1,679.45. The total county indebtedness January i, 1866,
was $238,065.16. The county paid in bounty to volunteers, in 1862,
$11,000, and paid in bounty in 1864, $127,850.
A trial of reapers and mowers was held on the farm of George
Brown, Vernon township, in June, 1866. The Excelsior, Manny,
Eagle, Kirby, Dodge's, Ball's, Yankee, Buckeye and McCormick
machines were shown. From June 30, 1865, to June 30, 1866,
Deputy Collector Eighmey collected $1,200,000 for internal revenue
in this district. The county fair of 1866 was good. The county
assessment in 1866 was $9,242,756; the total tax was $213,982.63;
of this sum $71,140.30 was for school purposes. In 1865, $18,-
573.61 was spent on bridges; in 1866 less than one-third of that
sum was spent. The county before this date had sent its insane
patients to the state asylum ; as fast as they were announced cured,
they were returned to this county. From September i, 185 1, to May
31, 1867, there were issued in county warrants $656,250.04, of
which $634,327.40 had been paid, leaving outstanding $21,422.64.
The highest issue in one year was $71,836.67, in 1865. The paid
warrants that had accumulated for twenty-seven years were burned
in 1867.
The board was petitioned in 1867 to create the city of Dubuque
as Julien township and all outside the old Julien as Dubuque town-
ship. The school census of 1868 gave Dubuque county 38,860
people. In February, 1867, many bridges were damaged by a severe
storm. In 1868 the county board was increased to twenty-one mem-
bers, instead of nineteen, as before, owing to the creation of Du-
buque township. The law of 1868 permitted counties to compound
ancl rebond their debts. A new poorhouse, two and one-half miles
north, became county property in 1868; the house was four stories,
36x70, and built of stone ; there were thirty-seven inmates, of whom
twelve were insane. The Farmers' Club was still active and sue-
4T4 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
cessful. The county assessment in 1869 was $9,115,656. An
attempt to put the city hospital on the poorhouse grounds was
defeated in 1869. The county fair of 1868 was small.
The proposition of building a new court house was broached in
1869; the existing one was spoken of as an "old, inconvenient, ill-
shaped aft'air." The back part had been built in the thirties, at
Clay, Seventh and the alley. In 1856 the front part was built, under
Governor Hempstead, county judge. In 1853 the jail and sheriff's
house were built on the Eighth street side of the court house lot.
Now, in 1869, ^'^^ county had no debt of consequence, and therefore
should have a court house and jail in keeping with the improved
order of things, it was argued.
The population of the county by the government census of 1870
was 38,969. In 1870 the county board allowed $2,725 on the con-
struction of two bridges within the corporate limits of the cit}' of
Dubuque; the obligation of the city to do this had been in dispute
for many years. In 1870 the board sent to the state insane asylum
fifteen patients ; the newspapers said that "over-excited religious
fervor" was the cause of most of the cases. By January, 1870, the
county owed yet of the Gelpcke bonds only $5,275.25, but it yet
owed of the county bonds $107,000. The total assessment this year
was $9,880,165, and the county tax $73,274.72 ; the bridge tax was
$29,640.97; total county ta.x, $224,921.61. The old red brick court
house on Seventh street was still an interesting landmark, but wholly
unequal to the demands of a progressive and prosperous county
like Dubuque. A new building was talked of. In the old house —
second story — were the court, jury and supervisors' rooms; in the
first story were the offices of sheriff, treasurer, recorder and col-
lector. Bridge building at this time was extensive and costly.
The poor tax in 1871 was $28,831.38. County expenses in 1869
were $71,708.56; in 1870, $68,022.50; in 1871, $59,418.59. In
February, 1871, county bridge warrants were worth 90 to 95 cents;
county bonds. 82 to 84 cents ; county warrants, 94 to 98 cents ; in
May, 1 87 1, county warrants were at par. At this time there was
no county debt, except about $102,000 old county debt and about
$16,000 outstanding warrants. The day (May 19) that county
w'arrants were at par, the treasurer expected a run, and was pre-
pared, but none came ; only $96 was paid that day. The old Kar-
rick diggings were tapped this year to secure pure water for Du-
bufjue. From January i, 1871, to February 15, 1872, old county
bounty bonds to the amount of $100,447.77 were refunded in new
twenty-five-year 6 per cent bonds. The relatives of Thomas S.
Hinds, in 1872, sued the county for $25,000 for the drowning of
him, his wife and his boy in May. N. W. Boyes became county
superintendent, vice Mr. Norman, killed.
The county assessment in 1857 was $18,844,190; in 1859 it was
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 415
$6,694,786; in 1862 it was $5,967,815, the lowest; in 1867 it was
$10,415,960; then dropped and in 1873 was $9,972,104. The
county tax in 1857 was $136,415 ; in 1859 it was $66,212 ; in 1867,
$242,864; in 1873, $230,503. In 1873 county warrants and bridge
warrants were at par and county bonds were 97 to 98 cents. In
1873 three commissioners took the place of the old board of com-
missioners: L. Duggan, T. Crawford and W. Coates. The law of
1874 required assessors to assess at the real cash value; the assess-
ment was now about $18,000,000. The Upper Iowa or Northwest-
ern Fair was held here in 1874 — up the Couler. Track, buildings
and grounds were put in excellent condition. D. N. Cooley was
president; on the third day over 15,000 people were present; the
total receipts were over $20,000 ; it was a splendid success — just
what could be done here when the good people tried.
In 1875 the population of the county was 43,845 by the state cen-
sus. The fair was again held here and was another exceptional suc-
cess. President A. S. Welch, of the State Agricultural College, was
the speaker at the opening. The races drew immense crowds ; Mr.
Cooley was still president. The Brothers from Melleray exhibited
high grade Shorthorn cattle; the art hall was beautiful and attract-
ive in the extreme : the booths, amphitheater and power hall were
features. In November, 1875, the poorhouse was destroyed by fire.
At the time the cold was intense, and no water available. Through
the efforts of Henry Patterson, no lives were lost and much of the
furniture was sa\-ed. The inmates (fifty-one) were cared for tem-
porarily elsewhere near.
A new court house was talked of in January, 1876. In March
the county board bought of W. H. McNear the farm known as the
old Farley place, at Julien station, for a poorfarm; the 200 acres
cost $10,000. Temporary buildings were occupied until a new
building could be erected. The new building was planned to be
three stories and basement and in size 35x69 feet; material, stone
and brick; cost, about $10,500. Congress passed an act in 1876
gi\'ing the county the right to use Washington Square for a court
house site. On April i, 1876, the county was free of debt. This
year the county board were : William Coates, Mark Sullivan and
Jacob Kessler. Godfrey Blocklinger died this year; he came from
Switzerland, about 1844-45, ^"^ was a prominent and useful citi-
zen; he was for many years an active member of the Farmers'
Club. In 1877 Dennis A. Mahony became county commissioner.
There was much objection to the large amount of poor relief sup-
plied by the county. The fair or exposition in 1877 ^^s on a grand
scale and a fine success ; the total receipts were nearly $28,000 ;
15,000 people were present the best day. The expenses about cov-
ered the receipts ; large prizes and premiums were paid ; the appro-
priation for it was $500. A petition of the citizens for a new court
4i6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
house was presented in 1878. The total county expense in 1878
was $95,204.10; the total county tax was $240,535.80. In 1879 the
Taxpayers' League was formed. In January, 1879, there were
eighty-four inmates at the poorhouse ; two were ninety-four years
old and two others were ninety-two.
In the assessment case of the county against the bridge company,
the county lost. The county assessment in 1880 was Sio.144,435,
and the total tax $236,161.25. The fair in the fall of 1879 was well
attended and successful : it was the sixtli straight success ; the
receipts were $19,084.38, less $77.59 on hand at the beginning. In
1881 there was paid in bounty on wild animals $957. There were
sixty inmates at the poorhouse January i, 1881 ; poor expense was
over $30,000. In 1882 a county loan of $65,000 was taken by the
German Bank at 102 per cent. In 1882 the bounty on wild animals
was $1,134, and bridges cost $23,859.25. The total tax in 1884
was $264,174.66. The county school population in 18S4 was 11,152,
the largest in the state. The total assessment in 1886 was $9,536,-
934. T. W. Johnson was steward of the poorfarm. The county
assessment in 1873 ^^'^s $9,142,625; in 1887 it was $9,353,589.
Many argued that the present assessment was too low ; the Knights
of Labor declared that rich tax dodgers were too numerous. The
total county warrants issued in 1887 was $107,394.53. In 1888 the
proposition of the county to the city of Dubuque for the latter to
use the county prisoners on the streeets was accepted : the county
board said that prisoners had been so well treated that they did not
want to be released, and when released committed offenses in order
to get back again. In 1888 the county debt was $115,000. and in
1889 it was $90,000; $65,000 was bonded. In 1889 the county tax
rate was 30 mills on the dollar and about one-half of it was for
schools; the assessment was between 30 and 40 per cent of the real
value. In 1889 $90,000 in county bonds sold for $90,800, to a
Cleveland company; they were for ten years. In 1889 the insane
cost $11,953.80; there was too much insanity, alarmingly said the
newspapers.
It was decided early in 1890 to build the proposed new court
house on the present site and not on Washington Square, as had for
years been suggested by not a few citizens. This spring (1890) the
citizens of Dubuque, who on the question of erecting a new court
house had been denied that privilege and opportunity so long, deter-
mined to effect that result if it could possiblv be accomplished. Thev
knew that nearly or quite all the county outside of the city of Du-
buque would oppose them, and accordingly began a stirring cam-
paign, almost a crusade, to carry the question at the polls, where it
was finally submitted. The election was held June 3, and resulted
as follows :
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 417
For Against
Precincts — Bonds. Bonds.
Cascade 3 222
Center 28 41
Concord 49 79
Dodge 7 162
Dubuque 44 17
Dyersville 42 184
Iowa 4 lOi
Jefferson 19 54
Julien, First 256 loi
lulien, Second 499 1 1
julien, Third 638 35
Julien. Fourth 574 26
julien, Fifth (East) 215 41
Julien, Fifth (West) 357 39
Liberty 20 105
Mosalem 16 13
New Wine 42 72
Peru 38 9
Prairie Creek 27 75
Table Mound 18 69
Taylor 28 255
^'f I'lion 5 95
Washington 7 95
Whitewater 5 197
Totals 2,941 2,098
Dubuque city was overjoyed at the result, and began immediate
preparations to build. The total county debt on January i, 189 1,
not counting court house bonds, was $76,426.52. In 1890 the
county supervisors were Klauer, Cunningham, Dunn, McNamara,
Stewart, Schemmel and Schueller. For the calendar year 1890 the
total county expense was $82,764.17; the insane cost, $14,366.65;
bridges, $20,971.01, and late in the year there was paid on the new
court house the sum of $4,258.59. Court house bonds to the
amount of $125,000 were sold at par in April, 1891, to P. J. Lee.
president of the Citizens' State Bank; they ran for twenty-five
years and bore 4 per cent interest. Fred Heer & Sons were the
court house architects. The corner-stone was laid with due cere-
mony on July II, 1 89 1, a large crowd being present. The Greys
and Sharpshooters were out. The leading speakers were Judge
D. J. Lenehan, Hon. Alphons Matthews and Hon. F. B. Daniels.
Present were the venerable Gen. George W. Jones and Judge
Thomas S. Wilson. It was a memorable occasion. The cost of the
building proper was $145,439.22; furnishings and superintending,
4i8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
$32,923.78; total, $178,463. It was completed and occupied in
1893.
The census of 1890 gave Dubuque county 49,848 population;
Dubuque city, 30,311; Dyersville, 1,272 (975 in 1880); Epworth,
348; Farley, 582; Cascade (all sections), 1,396. The population
of the county in 1880 was 42,996. In 1891, M. Liddy was steward
of the poorfarm; he raised during the year $2,081.82 worth of live
stock and hay, and sold in hay and grain $3,060 worth. The live
stock left on the farm was worth $3,683. For the calendar year
1891 the total county expense was $186,601.93. In 1892 the county
refused to divide its bridge fund with the city of Dubuque.
The county board levied one-fourth of a mill on the dollar in
September, 1893, ^oi" ^'i^ purpose of creating a fund for the relief
and funeral expenses of honorably discharged and indigent Union
soldiers, sailors and marines, and the indigent wives, widows and
minor children of such soldiers, etc., having a legal residence in this
county.
In August, 1893, the townships of Washington. Prairie Creek,
Whitewater, Cascade, Dodge, Vernon and Mosalem complained
because they had no representative on the county board.
In 1893 the county assessment was $12,256,175. By 1892-93
there had been issued of the court house bonds $125,000; the bal-
ance was in warrants. The county smallpox hospital was located
near Asbury in 1894; the county and city jointly put up the brick
building and bore the expense. In 1895 Dubuque county had
twenty-nine butter and cheese factories, with an annual product of
about $255,000. In the nineties telephone lines began to cross the
county in various directions. On January i, 1894, the county debt
was $181,650.55 ; on January i. 1895. it was $163,680.39.
In 1902 the county board was petitioned by 180 members of the
Grand Army posts of the county to submit to the \oters the ques-
tion. Shall Dubuque county levy a one mill tax with which to build
a soldiers' and sailors' memorial hall ? The county tax in 1902 was
$357,273.51, and in 1903 was $361,724.78. The total assessment
in 1903 was $13,163,678. The number of polls in the county was
12,523 ; of this number, 8,426 were in Dubuque city.
The poultry show in the city hall at Dubuque in January, 1898,
was an important affair; the prizes aggregated $100. The total
county tax in 1897 was $456,373.33. The county assessment was
$13,783,545. Henry S. Hetherington died in 1898; he came to
the county in 1845 and was prominent. In December, 1897, there
were 173 saloons in Dubuque county; a tax of $600 each under the
mulct law would yield $103,800, one-half to the county and one-
half to the city or tovvnshi]j. In 1898 the corporation tax in Cas-
cade was 5 mills; Dyersville, 10 mills; New Vienna, 10 mills; Ep-
worth, 2 mills, and Farley, 10 mills. In 1898 the county spent
$56,063.70 for its poor. Dubuque County Farmers' Mutual Insur-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 419
ance Association met at Farley in January, 1899; F. N. Simpson
was president. By 1900 the Iowa Telephone Company operated
1 14.5 miles in Dubuque county; Standard, 65.99 miles; Epworth
line, 16.98; Bishop line in Dyersville, .57. The third annual exhi-
bition of tlie Mississippi Valley Poultry Association was held here
in January, 1900. The county tax of 1899 was $330,157.39, and the
total assessment $12,750,301. The Cascade fair and the county
fair were lield together in October, 1899. The county board about
this time was allowed space in the ice harbor for a pesthouse. In
1900 the county tax for all purposes was $332,271.51, and the total
assessment $13,075,046. The county fair at Cascade in 1900 was
unusually good ; Cascade deserved and received great praise for its
efforts. Henry L. Stout died in July, 1900; he was one of the
first and foremost settlers and lived a life of great usefulness and
honor.
The total county tax in 1904 was $385,788.14; the school tax
alone was $153,697.11. The total real estate and personal property
in the county was valued at $12,434,349.
In 1904 Crawford's bill in the legislature provided for four
county supervisor's districts outside of the citj' of Dubuque, and for
one of Julien township, which was coextensive with the city, with
four supervisors outside of the city and three from the city proper.
In 1905 Dubuque county had the largest corn crop in its history
■ — an average of about fifty-two bushels to the acre; a full average
crop had always before been placed at forty-six bushels per acre.
The official papers of the county in 1895 were Times, Herald and
Telegraph of Dubuque, Pioneer of Cascade, and Commercial and
Nezvs Letter of Dyersville.
The tax under the mulct law brought the county a large revenue
in 1896. It was about this time that twenty cows at the county poor-
farm were condemned under the tests for tuberculosis.
It was noted about this time that Dubuque county had a total of
about 300 bridges, many of which were of iron and steel, and in
the aggregate had cost a large sum.
In August, 1907, a terrible storm swept over the county, doing
immense damage, especially to bridges and to the town of Bernard.
In November, 1907, Dubuque county sold to the State of Iowa five
islands in the Mississippi, located above Eagle Point.
COUNTY WARRANTS DRAWN.
1902 $257,045.11
1903 230,420.87
1904 214.319.86
1905 222,390.30
1906 221,937.78
1907 224,208.45
1908 202,479.88
420 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
1909 198,2977s
1910 216,636.10
COUNTY TOTAL OUTSTANDING INDEBTEDNESS,
January i, 191 i.
Bonded indebtedness $111,000.00
County general fund warrants 182,741.00
County bridge fund warrants 29,384.30
Auditor holds warrants. 1909-1910 3>i07.95
Total $326,233.25
All taxes in the county were as follows: For 1907, $416,224.71 ;
1908, $443,836. 13 ; 1909, $462,016.27; 191 o, $468,099.07.
"The era of prohibition in Iowa was the era of the unrestrained
liquor traffic in Dubuque, Scott and other river counties in which
local sentiment was against the prohibition law. In those days we
had over twice as many saloons in Dubuque as we have today. They
were open late at night and seven days in the week, and the liquor
influence in politics was stronger than at present. It does not fol-
low that conditions would be permanently improved by the repeal of
the mulct law. The Democrats would have the support of thou-
sands of Republicans in their demand for the restoration of the
open saloon. Besides, the sacrifice of the present revenue from the
liquor traffic in the border towns would probably not stop the sale
of liquor to any drunkard it was desired to save. Would prohibi-
tion help the man who could get liquor by crossing the bridge or pat-
ronizing the bootlegger? We fear not." — (Times-Journal, Janu-
ary I, 1911.)
PRACTICE OF MEDICINE, DENTISTRY, ETC.
DR. JOHN B. STODDARD is credited with being the first
physician to locate at Dubuque. He must have come quite
early in the year 1833, because he was present when the
cholera cases raged in July, August and September of that year.
He was almost immediately followed by Dr. John Hill, who also
administered to the cholera patients. About fifty deaths from
cholera occurred in Dubuque County that year. The ne.xt year Dr.
Frederick Andros arrived. Many years afterward he claimed to
have been the first duly registered and licensed physician here, be-
cause, according to his statement, the other physicians had not been
regularly licensed. He further stated that when he arrived there
were here two doctors, both nanled Stoddard, though not related
so far as known. As he makes no mention of Dr. Hill, the latter
had probably left the place. Dr. Andros continued to practice here
until 1838, when he moved to Clayton County. In the files of tb»?
Dubuque Ilsitor, which made its appearance in June, 1836, the ad-
vertisement or card of Dr. E. Andros appears. Dr. Frederick
Andros does not state v^^ho Dr. E. was. Dr. Stoddard's card also
appears in the J'isiior. His charges were, in town, day time, $1;
night time, $2; ex-officio services, $1 per hour; consultation with
other doctors, $10. There was an extra charge for mileage for
country calls. He kept medicines for sale, and was a surgeon as
well as a physician.
In June, 1836, Dr. John W. Finley began practicing here medi-
cine, surgery and midwifery, and became active and prominent at
once. In October, 1836, Dr. R. O. Shaw, surgeon-dentist, located in
Dubuque.
In 1837 Dr. I. O'Ferrall began to practice. He kept vaccine
on hand. Dr. Plumbe began practicing about the same time. He
limited his midwifery practice to Dubuque. He was a graduate of
the medical department of the University of Leyden, Holland. Dr.
Lurton came in 1838 and dex'oted his attention to diseases of women
and children. At this time a Dr. Crane was associated with Dr.
Finley. The two (Finley & Crane) apparently had a large prac-
tice in 1838. Dr. Plumbe announced in September, 1838, that he
had long adopted the European plan of practice with bilious and
intermittent fever and ague, and would undertake to cure in a few
hours without the use of calomel.
421
422 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
During the decade of the forties several physicians located in
Dubuque. One located at Cascade about 1843. Dr. Charles Hutawa
was in Dubuque in 1840.
In three days during November, 1845, the citizens of Dubuque
subscribed $1,000 for a city hospital, owing to a smallpo.x scare,
but as the disease almost immediately disappeared the project was
dropped. In 1846 Drs. Charles Koepfle, R. S. Lewis and P. R.
Campbell were paid fees by the county board for attendance on the
poor. Dr. John B. Henion, dental surgeon, was here in 1847.
In 1847 among the doctors here were Joseph Sprague, Asa Horr,
Boone & Whitman, C. Koepfle, D. B. Lee, C. B. Carpenter, J.
O'Sullivan and Timothy Mason. Koepfle, O'Sullivan and Mason
were county physicians. The latter was a druggist. Drs. Horr and
Sprague practiced together medicine and surgery and made a spe-
cialty of deformities. Drs. Lee and Carpenter were dentists and
partners.
The next year there were here practicing Drs. Harrison Holt,
Ambrose Crane, J. B. Henion, Joseph Sprague, Asa Horr, C.
Koepfle, D. B. Lee, I. B. Branch, P. P. Berger and Doctor Dif-
fenbacker. Lee, Henion and Branch were dentists. In 1848 the
Iowa State Medical Society was organized at Iowa City.
Dr. Berger was a graduate of foreign medical schools and spoke
three languages.
In 1849 the cholera again appeared. By May 16 there were
many cases in Galena, but none here yet. In June as high as ten
deaths a day occurred in Galena. On May 30 there were a few
cases here, which proved to be the dreaded cholera. By the last of
June there had been from ten to twenty cases, and by July 7 there
had been eleven deaths in Dubuque, of which five cases were from
steamers. Large quantities of lime were sprinkled in the streets
and alleys. Drs. L. T. Boone and R. S. Lewis practiced here in
1849.
In July, 1850, cholera was again threatened and a hospital was
again talked of. In 1850 Dr. Horr used chloroform in an operation
of trachaeotomy on a child of Joseph Sebring.
In 185 1 there were here among others Drs. H. T. Whitman,
George W. Scott, Thomas Scott, Thomas P. Powell and Asa Horr.
George W. Scott was physician, surgeon and accoucheur. He used
vegetable remedies and not calomsl, opium, antimony, blistering,
etc. Dr. Horr finally made a specialty of surgery. He used
chloroform when amputating the leg of Ambrose Meeker, who had
been injured by a threshing machine. In 1851 he claimed to have
already used chloroform here in 300 different cases. Dr. Powell
had been a member of the Royal Medical Institute of Weland and
had ofiiciated as accoucheur of the Dublin Lying-in Hospital. He
made a specialty of diseases of women and children.
In 1852 the city had a few cases of cholera, perhaps during the
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOB, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
FIRST ST. BONIFACE CHURCH SECOND ST. BONIFACE CHURCH
ST. BONIFACE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
NEW VIENNA. IOWA
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 423
summer 100 cases in all. Ten to twenty died. Drs. George W.
Richards and Robert I. Thomas were county physicians in 1852.
A building was leased and fitted up for a hospital.
In November, 1852, a meeting of the physicians of Dubuque was
held at the office of Dr. Edward Kirkup for the purpose of forming
a county medical society. A committee on constitution and bylaws
was appointed and the meeting adjourned to a subsequent date.
The committee were Asa Horr, G. VV. Richards and F. C. Smith.
At the second meeting in January, 1853, the constitution prepared
was adopted and the following officers of the society were elected :
G. W. Richards, president ; John F. Ely and Harrison Holt, vice-
presidents ; Asa Horr, corresponding secretary ; F. Coleman Smith,
recording secretary ; R. S. Lewis, treasurer ; Richards, Horr and
Ely. censors. The first members were as follows : D. W. Richards,
R.E. Lewis, Asa Horr, Thomas Scott, Robert L Thomas, Harrison
Holt, F. C. Smith. T- W. Finley, W. R. McMahan, A. E. Smith and
J. F. Ely.
At the first annual meeting the members were: Asa Horr, W.
R. McMahan, Harrison Holt, G. W. Richards, Thomas Scott, F. C.
Smith, R. S. Lewis, John W. Finley and Robert J. Thomas, of
Dubuque: A. E. Smith, of Delaware County, and John F. Ely, of
Linn County.
The presidents down to 1879 were: G. W. Richards, F. Andros,
R. S. Lewis, Asa Horr, T. O. Edwards, R. J. Thomas, G. A.
Staples, C. W. Belden, G. W. Watson, H. Minges, J. C. Lay,
Benjamin McCluer, W. Watson, N. B. Matthews, William Hofif-
bauer, M. E. Connolly, John S. Lewis and M. H. Waples. The
Northwestern Sanitarium was established in 1876 by Dr. E. A.
Guilbert, and a little earlier the Dubuque Remedial and Surgical
Institute was opened on Main street. Dr. Guilbert was a homeo-
pathist.
In April, 1853. the Medical Society met and passed resolutions
regretting the d'^eath of Dr. G. W. Richards. R. S. Lewis was presi-
dent of the society at this date and E. Kirkup secretary. Smallpox
was here again in 1853. Dr. W. R. McMahan was health officer.
In the spring of 1854 Drs. W. R. McMahan and N. B. Matthews
opened a private hospital in a brick house opposite the Court House.
They were well patronized and cared for smallpox patients. Their
consulting physicians were Drs. F. W. Finley, L. T. Coleman and
Smith & Shipman.
"Health of Dubuque. — The health of the city of Dubuque was
never better. While neighboring cities have been visited by that
enemy of our race, the cholera, Dubuque, with the exception of
two or three strangers who died of it, has thus far escaped un-
harmed."— Observer, July 22, 1854.
Dr. Watson was here in 1854; also Dr. E. C. Franklin, a pupil of
424 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Dr. Valentine Mott. A few cases of cholera appeared here in
August.
Among the physicians in Dubuque in November, 185:;. were
Lewis & Watson, Thomas Scott. Edward Dorn, W. W. Woolsey,
Mengus & Bengal, and P. L. Hatcli, honieopathist.
The new hospital of tiie Sisters of Charity was opened in 1855.
The citizens generally helped defray the expense of erecting the
building. Drs. E. A. Guilbert and P. L. Hatch opened a homeo-
pharmacy here in 1856. Drs. E. C. Franklin and W. B. Lillis
opened the sanle kind of a pharmacy a little later.
A medical and surgical clinic was conducted in 1856 at 133 Main
street, Dubuque, by W. B. Lillis, M. D. In December nineteen
cases were treated. About this time Dr. Iddings inserted an arti-
ficial e\'e in a patient and was complimented higiily for his skill.
Dr. AIcTaggart. eye and ear specialist, was here in 1857. Other
members at this time were : Horr, Belden, David, Watson, Pratt,
Sprague, Matthews, Edwards. Minges. McCluer, Jennings and
Thomas. They were all members of the Dubuque Medical Society.
They conducted a clinic in 1857, in which the following cases were
treated : Hernia, i ; porrigo favosa, 4 ; suppressio menses. 2 ;
blennadenitis, 2; haemorrhoides, i; leucorrhea, i; icteritous jaun-
dice, 4 ; psoriasis, i ; ascites, or dropsy, i ; stricture, or urethra, i :
dysentery, i ; total, 19.
The Dubuque County Homeopathic Medical Society was here in
February, 1858. Among the members were: E. H. Guilbert, Dr.
Williams, E. C. Franklin, C. A. Jaeger. H. P. Gatchell and John
Ellis. Belden (G. W. B.) & David (W. G. ), W. Lillis, S. H. Guil-
bert, T. Edwards and others were practicing. Horr & Barker were
partners. The two Guilberts were partners and probably brothers.
The annual meeting of the Dubuque Medical Society was held at
Dr. Staples' office in January, 1859. The following'officers were
elected for 1859: George AI. Staples, president; William Watson,
first vice-president ; Joseph Sprague, second vice-president ; James
C. Lay, corresponding secretary; P. C. Samson, Jr., recording sec-
retaiy; William Watson, treasurer; R. S. Lewis, chairman; C. W.
Belden, E. Dorn and N. B. Matthews, censors ; R. L Thomas, Ben-
jamin McCluer and Thomas O. Edwards, delegates to the American
Medical Association. R. L Thomas had just retired from the
presidency of the society.
Dr. Barker was a graduate of Dublin LTniversity and the Missouri
Medical State College. Dr. T. Edwards was a first-class surgeon.
He had been professor of surgery in the Medical College of Ohio.
Dr. Charles Jennings formed a partnership with Dr. Asa Horr in
April, 1859. He was a young man, a graduate of the University of
Pennsylvania and was well educated in medicine, ambitious and
able.
The Dulnique Medical Society held its annual meeting January
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 425,
3, i860, and elected the following officers for the ensuing year:
C. W. Belden, president ; Benjamin McCluer, vice-president ; J. C.
Fay, second vice-president; F. H. Pratt, corresponding secretary;
C. B. Jennings, recording secretary ; William Watson, treasurer ;
R. S. Lewis, Ed. Dorn and C. W. Belden, censors. Tom O.
Edwards, George j\I. Staples and Joseph Sprague were elected dele-
gates to the American Medical Association. Drs. Lewis, Sprague,
Pratt, McCluer, Minges, Staples and Watson were appointed a
committee to arrange for the meeting of the Iowa State Medical
Society, which was to assemble here in May, i860. Reports on
several difficult cases were read, and the address of the retiring
president, G. M. Staples, was listened to.
On March 19, i860, Dr. Underwood, of Dubuque, at the Julien
House removed a steotomatous tumor from the interior of the ear
of Miss Mary A. Morrison, of Jones County. It was about two
inches long and varying in thickness. It was removed in about
half an hour and was regarded as a \'ery skillful surgical operation.
The Iowa State Medical Society assembled in Dubuque, May 9,
i860. Dr. E. S. Barrows, of Davenport, president, called the meet-
ing to order. It was an interesting mieeting throughout. Man)'
valuable papers were read and many subjects discussed. Many
physicians from all parts of the state were present.
Dr. Asa Horr was operating and consulting surgeon and had a
large practice in 1861. Drs. Henry Smith and C. J. Ford were
dentists. Dr. C. B. Jennings was again here practicing in 1862. In
war time Dr. G. M. Staples was post surgeon. In 1863 Dr. Risch-
tach served as county physician. W. Matthews, of Peosta, grad-
uated from the Iowa Medical College at Keokuk about 1864.
The Iowa State Dental Society met here in July, 1865, and was
called to order by L. C. Ingersoll, president. About a score of
representatives were present from all over the state. Illustrative
clinical work was done.
Among the dentists present were Drs. Nichols, Gunckle, Chase,
Myers, Tulloss, Hardeman, Severance, Braugh, Sales, Miss Hobbs,
Kulp, Taft, of Cincinnati; Dr. Peebles, of St. Louis; Ingersoll and
Porter, King, Rogers and Clarke, of Dubuque.
In 1866 the steamer Canada which came here had on board six
cases of cholera, of which three proved fatal. The Minnesota also
brought here several cases. By prompt action the city prevented its
getting a foothold.
In 1867 the Northern Iowa Dental Association held its annual
meeting at Dyersville. Dr. A. B. Mason, of Cedar Falls, was presi-
dent, and Dr. E. L. Clarke, of Dubuque, vice-president.
One acre of ten belonging to the city on the west one-half of the
northeast one-half of Section 13, Township 89 north. Range 2 east,
was set apart for a hospital site in June, 1869. The building was to-
be erected by the city and the county jointly.
426 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Dr. Harrison Holt died in 1870. He came to Dubuque in 1847,
practiced considerable at first and soon afterward became connected
with the Miners' Express and remained thus associated until 1852,
when he, D. A. Mahony. W. A. Adams and W. M. White estab-
lished the Herald. He died at Maquoketa.
Dr. Casper Koepfle died here in 1870. He settled here in 1844
and had a fair practice.
During the seventies the medical societies met quite regularly,
but no event of striking importance occurred. The hospital was
completed in 1872 and proved "just what was needed " The
grounds comprised fifteen acres and the building was located 500
yards from any residence and contained eleven rooms.
In 1869 the county board made a conditional appropriation of
$2,000 for a city hospital, to be paid to the city when it should de-
liver to the county a warranty deed of the tract of land. This was
done in 1872, when the hospital was erected.
The eighteenth annual meeting of the Dubuque Medical Society
was held in January, 1872, at Dr. McCluer's office. Dr. G. M.
Staples was the retiring president. The new officers were : Dr.
William Watson, president ; H. Rischatsch and N. B. Matthews,
vice-presidents; W. M. Waples, corresponding secretary; Dr. Con-
nolly, recording secretary ; Benjamin McCluer, treasurer; J. C. Fay,
J. W. Finley and W. McKee, censors ; W. Watson, librarian. Dr.
Fay read a paper on "Vesico Vaginal Fistula;" Dr. Watson one on
"Reflex Nervous Diseases;" Dr. Rischatsch on "Scarlatina Angi-
nosia," and Dr. McCluer one on "Reduction of Dislocation of the
Hip by Manipulation." At this time the society had fourteen mem-
bers, as follows: John W. Finley. Asa Horr, W. Watson, C. W.
Belden, N. B. Matthews. G. M. Staples, B. McCluer, J. C. Fay, H.
F. Rischatsch, W. McKee, M. H. Waples, M. E. Connelly, J. F.
Lewis and E. A. Crepin.
When the vellow fever was at Memphis in 1873, Dubuque raised
nearly $1,500 for relief. In 1873 Dr. James C. Fay became presi-
dent of the society here. The meetings were usually held at Dr.
McCluer's ofiice. The meeting of 1873 was interesting and in-
structive. Many papers on special subjects were read. Professor
Hay, of Rush Medical College, Chicago, was present and took part
in the proceedings.
In 1874 there were many cases of smallpox in the southeastern
part of the county. The profession united to "wipe it out" and suc-
ceeded. The members of the society in January, 1874, were as
follows: John W. Finley, Joseph Sprague, B. McCluer, William
Watson, George M. Staples, N. B. Matthews, James C. Fay, M. H.
Waples, C. N. Belden, M. E. Connolly. Asa Horr, H. Rischatsch,
W. McKee, Karl Mesling, H. Smith, of Epworth, and William
Bigelow, of Buncombe.
On June 21, 1874, John W. Finley, Joseph Sprague, Asa Horr,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 427
William Watson, C. W. Belden. H. B. Matthews, G. M. Staples,
James C. Lay, Benjamin McCluer, H. T. Rischtash, Wiley McKee,
M. H. Waples, M. E. Connolly, Carl Misling. H. W. Smith and
Silas A. Tremain were incorporated as the Dubuque Medical
Society.
Dr. Nicholas B. Matthews died here September 9, 1875. He was
born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1819, was educated at Maynooth and
finished his medical education at Glasgow and Edinburgh. He
located in Dubuque in 1853, but for a short time practiced in Cas-
cade. He was a superior physician and was prominent in all worthy
public affairs.
In June, 1876, the Northeastern Iowa Homeopathic Medical So-
ciety met here at the Lorimier House.
On May 25, 1881, the State Medical Society assembled here. S.
B. Chase, of Osage, was president; M. H. Waples, of Dubuque, as-
sistant secretary. Dr. C. W. Belden, of Dubuque, delivered the
welcoming address. Almost every county of the state was repre-
sented. The proceedings were very interesting. Dr. McCluer, of
Dubuque, read a paper on "Injuries to the Orbital Regions :" Dr.
Staples, of Dubuque, one on "Chest Drainage and Emphysema."
The ethics of the profession was discussed. Receptions were given
by the leading citizens and homes thrown open for the comfort of
the visiting followers.
In 1883 several cases of smallpox were soon isolated and pre-
vented from spreading. The Hahnemann Medical Association of
Iowa was in session here in June, 1883. Dr. E. A. Guilbert tendered
the society a reception and banquet. In 1886 the Julien Medical
Society was organized and monthly meetings were held at the
houses of the members. Papers on medical subjects were read at
every meeting. Dr. Bready was president ; Dr. Fowler, secretary ;
Dr. Bready, custodian. The homeopaths reorganized in July. 1889,
and met at Dr. Jackson's office. Drs.' E. A. Guilbert and McCeney
were temporarily president and secretary, respectively. Drs.
William Bray, N. Bray and Jackson prepared a constitution and
bylaws.
In 1886 the health department reported on the necessity of doing
away with the numerous sinkholes about the city and recommended
the proposed new sewer; the open sewer system was denounced.
Dr. Greene was health physician. He was still official physician in
1888. He reported that for the year 1887 there were 620 deaths,
of which 355 were males. Twenty-eight had died of scarlet fever:
56 of diphtheria; 13 of chickenpox ; 14 of typhoid fever; 4 of ery-
sipelas; 13 of croup, and 492 of measles. In 1889 the officers of
the Julien Medical Society were ; G. M. Staples, president ; Dr.
Reynor, of Epworth, vice-president.
In May, 1890, the Iowa State Dental Association met in this
city. The Dubuque dentists in attendance were : W. P. Dickinson,
428 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
C. J. Peterson (who was chosen president), E. W. Munn, E. L.
Clark, J. B. Clark and J. V. Conzett. The Dubnque County Medi-
cal Society had a fine banquet at the Lorimier House in 1892. Dr.
Brownson was county physician in 1893. The sixtli annual meet-
ing of the Cedar Valley Medical Society met here in October, 1893.
All were invited to visit Finley Hospital. Retiring President
Bigelow read a paper on "Fractures of Elbow Joints." Drs. Heus-
tis and Kinnier conducted a twenty-minute eye clinic. Dr. N. J. J.
Muller, of Dj'ersville. was elected vice-president. In 1893 T. W.
Ruete, of Dubuque, was chosen president of the Pharmaceutical
Association of Iowa. The Wilson Medical Institute was established
at Dubuque in 1893 for the treatment of the eye, ear, nose, throat,
lungs, skin, blood, nerves, etc. Dr. J. W. Fowler became health
officer in 1893.
The eighth annual report of Dr. Brownson in 1894 showed he had
treated during the year 833 patients ; he had served acceptably since
1888. At the June ( 1894) meeting of the Dubuque Medical So-
ciety the following doctors were present : Asa Horr, J. S. Lewis,
J. F. McCarthy, F. W. Wieland, F. H. Holland, Cooper Walsh, J.
R. Guthrie, J. W. Heustis, M. E. Connolly, J. H. Greene, W. H.
Kinnier, I. S. Bigelow, J. E. Magvure, Ben Michel, W. P. Slattery,
C. H. Hamilton and George ^linges.
The Dubuque Medical Society assembled in January, 1897.
There were present among others : J. W. Heustis, president ; Ben
Michel, first vice-president ; J. C. Dennison, second vice-president ;
F. W. Wieland. secretary; Nancy M. Hill, treasurer; Ben Michel,
librarian ; William Watson. M. E. Connolly and J. S. Lewis,
censors. They discussed a proposed law to stop itinerant practice
and aimed particularly at the osteopaths. Drs. Bready. Michel and
Heustis were appointed a committee to confer with the legis-
lature in favor of the proposed law.
In 1897 and 1898 Dr. J. E. Maguire served as county physician.
In April. 1898, the sixth annual session of the Tri-State Medical
Society met here. Dr. George M. Staples died here in 1899. He
was educated in Maine, came here in 1856 and served as surgeon of
the Fourteenth Iowa Regiment.
In 1900 a new ordinance provided for a board of health, consist-
ing of five members. They were chosen and at once took effective
steps to correct many evils. In 1902 an epidemic of typhoid fever
.showed there was much yet to be done to prevent disease. It was
difficult to learn the source of the fever — city water, or well water,
or otherwise. This year also smallpox again appeared, but was
soon banished by the health board. The Dental Club of Iowa began
to hold sessions about this time. Dr. George A. Minges was presi-
dent of the Dubuque Medical Society in 1904. In 1905 this society
was reorganized under the new state constitution. The new officers
were: George Minges, president; James Alderson, vice-president;
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 429
M. J. A. Muellen, second vice-president ; Anna Odell, secretary ;
Lily Kinnier, treasurer; James R. Guthrie, librarian and delegate
to the State Society ; John Hancock, I. S. Bigelow and A. H. Block-
linger, trustees; J. R. Guthrie, John S. Lewis and J. H. Greene,
censors.
The annual meeting of 1906 was interesting, instructive and
largely attended. Many inu^wrtant papers were read. A clinic at
Farley Hospital was an interesting feature. Among those present
were : H. B. Gratiot, J. R. Guthrie, B. Michel, J. S. Lewis, E. R.
Lewis, J. C. Hancock, Nancy Hill, George Minges, C. A. Snyder, L
S. Bigelow, J. H. Greene, C. H. Hamilton, Charles Lenehan, Mary
Killeen, J. E. Bready, Dr. Myers, J. W. Heustis, W. L. Becker,
Joseph Rowan, T. H. Hefferman, W. P. Slattery, F. W. Wieland,
O. E. Haisch, Dr. Schrup, Dr. Pond and Dr. Linehan. Dr. Reynor,
of Epworth, and C. A. Kearney, of Farley, were present.
Drs. W. P. Slattery. Mary Killeen and L S. Bigelow were the
committee on arrangements, and much of the success of the meet-
ing was due to their efiforts. The new officers were : L S. Bigelow,
president; Mary Killeen, secretary; Lily Kinnier, treasurer.
In 1906 an epidemic of grip afflicted the city. In June, 1907, the
most notable array of physicians ever assembled in Dubuque met
and the visitors were welcomed by Dr. William P. Slattery.
Numerous papers on specialties and successes were read and dis-
cussed. Finley Hospital was one of the centers of interest.
At the meeting of June, 1907, there were present : H. B. Gratiot,
J. W. Heustis, J. I. Lewis, I. S. Bigelow, J. H. Greene, F. W.
Wieland, Ben Michel, J. R. Guthrie. G. W. Minges, C. H. Ham-
ilton, Nancy Hill, Dr. Hefferman. Dr. Cowan, J. F. McCarthy, Dr.
Thompson, J. E. Costello, of Zwingle, and F. Reyner, of Epworth.
In 1908 the society endorsed the Visiting Nurses' Association.
In March of this year it seemed as if half of the people were unwell
with colds and grip at one time. Dr. Alphons Matthews, an old
physician of Dubuque, passed away after an active and useful pro-
fessional career. The Iowa State Association of Nurses held their
annual meeting here in 1909. In May of this year the Iowa Medi-
cal Woman's Association held a convention in this city. They made
a severe attack on osteopathy. Dr. Allen Staples was president of
the Dubuque Medical Society in 1909. Dr. C. M. Linehan was
county physician. The resident physicians of Dubuque in 1909
were, as follows :
Adams, Omer G. W. Boothby, J. M.
Alderson, James Bray, Nicholas
Becker, William L. Bready, John E.
Bigelow, Isaac S. Brownson, John J.
Blech, G. O. Brownson, Orestes A.
Blocklinger, A. H. Engelken, L. H.
430
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Fowler. John W.
Gratiot, H. B.
Green, Joel H.
Guthrie, James R.
Haisch, Otto E.
Hamilton, C. H.
Hancock, John C.
Harris, R. R.
Hefferman, T. H.
Heles, John B.
Heustis, J. W.
Hilger, Francis J.
Hill. Nancy M.
Jackson, E. R.
Kempf, Otto
Keogh. J. V.
i\illeen, Mary
Kinnier, Lily
Kinnier, William H.
Lang\vorth3% Henry G.
Lewis, Eugene R.
Lewis, John S.
Linehan, Charles M.
Linehan, Mathias D.
Lindsay, Samuel S.
Loizeaux, Charles E.
Maguire, John E.
Melhop, C. W.
Merdanian, S. K.
Meyers, Frank W.
Michel, Bernard
Minges, George
Moes, Mathias J.
Nitzsche, Robert E.
Oaks, John F.
Palen, Charles
Pond, A. M.
Reinicke, Edward L.
Rowan, Joseph J. J.
Schrup, Joseph H.
Slattery, William P.
Snyder, Charles A.
Staples, G. Allen.
Sumpmann, H. A.
Walker, John M.
Walker & Walker
Wieland, Frank W.
THE PROTESTANTS.
THE first Protestant sermon delivered in Dubuque was by Rev.
A. Kent, a Methodist missionary, in August, 1833. The
first house for religious worship in Dubuque was a Metho-
dist chapel, erected in 1834. It was built of hewn logs and
was 20x26 feet in size and was used as a church, school house and
a court house for several years. The first preacher stationed here
was Rev. N. S. Bastion, who was once missionary to Africa. He
was soon succeeded by Rev. H. W. Reed. This old house, remod-
eled and relocated, was still in existence just before the Civil War
and was used as a dwelling. Its successor was the Centenary
building, commenced in 1839 and named because built 100 years
after Wesley's chapel. The Catfish and Cedar Grove churches,
about two miles from town, were offshoots of this congregation.
The latter was organized in 1852 and the church was dedicated
the following year. A German Methodist church was organized
in 1848 and worshiped in a house on Clay street.
Rev. Barton Randall, a Methodist clergyman, and Rev. John T.
Mitchell, superintendent of missions of the Methodist church, vis-
ited Dubuque in the summer of 1834, held a quarterly meeting and
administered the sacrament. In the fall of 1834, Rev. Nicholas S.
Bastion was appointed by the Methodist conference at a meeting
held at Mt. Carmel, Illinois, as the first regular "missionary to Du-
buque mission, Dubuque Lead Mines, upper Mississippi river,
Michigan Territory." Mr. Bastion remained a year at Dubuque,
preaching on the Sabbath and teaching school during the week in
the Methodist church building. . Mr. Bastion, together with Wood-
bury Massey, John Johnson, Mrs. Lockwood and others, continued
the first Sabbath school in Iowa, it having been organized in 1834
by Rev. Mr. Randall. In the fall of 1835 ^^- Bastion transferred
his school to a place about ten miles west of Dubuque. He was
thus the first preacher and the first teacher in Dubuque county out-
side the limits of Dubuque city and in all northern Iowa. — (Cor.
E. & H., August 13, 1858.)
Dubuque, Iowa, May i, 1835.
To Major T. C. Legate,
Agent Upper Mississippi Lead Mines.
The undersigned, on behalf of the trustees of the Methodist
Episcopal church of Dubuque, hereby apply for permission to oc-
cupy the square of ground on which said church is built, said
431
432 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
square having been laid off by a committee appointed l)v a meet-
ing of the citizens of the place acting under the authority of the
assistant superintendent of the United States Lead Mines for the
purposes of church and school houses.
Woodbury Massey,
One of the Trustees of the Methodist
Episcopal Church of Dubuque.
Authority is hereby given to occupy the land above described and
for the purposes therein nained. Th. C. Legate,
Galena, May 7, 1835. Major U. S. Army, Supt. Lead Mines.
"1834. Subscriptions for chapel for the Methodist Episcopal
church in the town of Dubuque. Plan of the house, to be built of
hewn logs, 20x26 feet in the clear, one story, ten feet high, lower
and upper floors and shingled roof, walls painted with lime and
sand, one batten door, four twenty-light and one twelve-light win-
dows; cost estimated for completing in good style, $225. The
above house is built for the Methodist Episcopal church, but when
not occupied by said church shall be open for divine service by
other Christian denominations and may be used for a common
school at the discretion of the trustees. Woodbury Massey, John
Johnson, William Hillery, Marcus Atchison and Orin Smith are
the board of trustees who are authorized to receive subscriptions
and control the interests of the said house for the uses above men-
tioned."
"Received of the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church the
sum of two hundred and fifty-five dollars in full for building a
Methodist church in the town of Dubuque, agreeable to contract,
this third day of Septeinber, 1834.
"P. Smith
"William Clark."
It was claimed that by verbal promises of the minister and mem-
"bers at the time the subscription was raised the uses were greatly
extended, but the documents showed that the church authorities
surrendered even more than was promised in the subscription state-
■ment.
"I understand that the building in this place, used by the county
as a court and by the Methodists as a meeting house, was built
by contribution and that it was designed by the contributors to be
free to all sects of Christians without distinction. What are the
facts in the case?" — (Inquirer in Iowa Ncivs, August 6, 1837.)
Among the subscribers to the Methodist church fund were the
following:
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
433
J. Johnson
Jacob Sloven
E. Lockwood
A. Morgan
Mr. Glockler
Mr. Shun
Charles Miller
W. Massey
W. Hillery
M. L. Atchison
M. L. Prentice
Jolin Levi
Simeon Clark
Thomas Child
Mr. Weggil
William Vaughan
Caroline Boody
L. Everett
John Wharton
Walton Baker
Samuel Walsh
George Peacock
J. Durall
David Slater
John Smoker
J. B. Webber
Wm. Mattox
J. L. Young
Mr. Hickey
Warner Lewis
H. T. Camp
J. B. Stoddard
Paid in dishes
S. D. Green
H. Portzer
W. Lockwood
P. O'Mara
L. E. Jackson
H. Gilbert
Mrs. Jordan
G. W. Jordon
L. Wheeler
J. Stoddard
G. S. Booth
Louis Bleau
N. Morgan
J. P. Cobb
A. Wilson
Mr. Shadvvick
T. Whitesides
Baker&Cox (order)
Mr. Fanning
Mr. Ragin
Mr. Weir
Hardin Nowlin
Orin Smith
J. B. Smith
"While we were engaged in building a log house Mr. Johnson,
an old man who was much respected by the citizens of Dubuque
and a Methodist, asked if we would subscribe something towards
the building of a church which would also be used for a school-
house. One of the young men said he would give one dollar
towards building a gambling house, but nothing for a church. Mr.
Johnson made a little speech as to the importance of such a build-
ing in the community, whereupon the young man, after a pause,
said. "Well, old boss, here's a dollar.' All the others gave from
fifty cents to a dollar. I paid seventy-five cents — all the money I
had. This was about the first of August, 1834. The first church
quarrel that took place in Iowa occurred at Dubuque about Oc-
tober I. 1834. A Mormon elder arrived in town and it was
noised around that he would not be permitted to preach in the
log church. This created some excitement when a crowd of
young men started with the Mormon to the church. It was dark,
but a number of persons had already collected around the door,
wliich was locked. One man forced his way through the crowd,
stuck his bowie knife in the door and said, 'I helped to build this
church and I'll be damned if it shan't be free to all denomina-
tions.' Just then some person came forward and unlocked the
door, when the room was soon filled with listeners to the Mor-
mon's discourse." — (Eliphalet Price in Herald, July 13, 1865.)
"Another minister of the gospel is needed among us — one who
can reason, preach and sing and enforce the fourth command-
ment. The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few." —
(J'isitor, May 11, 1836.)
434 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
"Mr. Editor: Permit me, tlirough tlie medium of your paper,
to advert to the happy effects wliicli have resuhed from the passage
of our town ordinance in relation to the observance of the Sab-
bath. It cannot fail of proving a source of high congratulation to
every virtuous and well regulated mind when we contemplate the
order and decorum which prevails in every part of our com-
munity on Sunday, the total abstinence from all secular business,
the silence and retirement that reigns throughout the place, and
which are so characteristic of the day set ajjart for devotion and
religious contemplation. The willingness with which the citizens
of Dubuque acquiesced in the law passed by the trustees and the
ready and prompt obedience they yielded to its requirements are
worthy of all praise and evince their love of order and decency.
The exertions, too, of the trustees thus to improve the moral as-
pect of our town is not the least important of the many wholesome
regulations they have adopted and entitle them to the continued re-
spect and consideration of their fellow citizens." — (Osman, in Iowa
Ncivs, September 30, 1837. The writer was supposed to be Dr.
Timothy Mason.) A Sunday school was organized by the ladies
of this society in 1836. A singing school was also organized with
Mr. Fales conductor.
The Methodists' quarterly meeting was held here in the M. E.
chapel in January, 1839, and was conducted by Rev. Mr. Weed.
The Methodists of "Du Buque Station, Iowa Territory," as-
sembled on December 9, 1839, for the purpose of making prepara-
tions to celebrate the centenary of Methodism. Rev. Mr. Stewart
was chosen chairman and James R. Goodrich secretary. A com-
mittee of three was appointed to prepare for the event — R. Rogers,
J. P. Farley and J. R. Goodrich. It was resolved that the funds
raised on that occasion should be used in part toward the erection
of a "House of worship for the Methodist Episcopal church, to be
called the 'Wesleyan Centenary Church.' " It was resolved that
amounts subscribed under $50 be payable in three months, and
over $50 in three and six months. R. Rogers was made treasurer
of the funds thus to be raised.
The cornerstone of the first Presbyterian church in Dubuque
and in the state of Iowa was laid July 18, 1836, though no church
society was organized until May 12, 1839. During the winter pre-
vious to the laying of the corner stone. Rev. Cyrus Watson, a
Presbyterian, preached in the Methodist church. But probably the
first Presbyterian services held here were by Rev. Mr. Kent, pastor
of a Presbyterian church in Galena. The Presbyterian society here
was organized in the log meeting house, nineteen being the original
membership. The first pastor was Rev. Z. R. Hawley, who re-
mained sixteen months and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Townsend.
Rev. J. C. Holbrook, the third pastor, began his labors here March
20. 1842. In December, 1844, the church adopted the Congrega-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
435
tional form of government. The old house was abandoned, owing
to a suit for debt. The next building was erected in 1846 and was
greatly enlarged four years later. In 1857-8 a new house was
erected at Locust and Tenth streets. Mr. E. Lockwood, one of the
trustees, reported early in September, 1837, that he had paid out
on the Presbyterian church $2,474.80, had received $1,330, and
that there was still due him $1,144.80. The church had remained
in an unfinished condition a long time and now there was some
complaint.
Among the subscribers to the Presbyterian church fund were the
following men :
E. Lockwood
W. S. Gilman
Swan & Webster
Loring Wheeler
F. K. O'Ferrall
M. H. Prentice
L. J. Daniels
Governor Dodge
Augustus Coriell
R. Rupert
Davis Gillilan
John Smoker
C. H. Gratiot
Thomas C. Fassitt
C. H. Langworthy
David Watson
James Watson
Thomas R. Brazier
W. W. Chapman
Thomas McCraney
David Sleator
Robert C. Bourne
H. T. Camp
R. D. Sherman
Leroy Jackson
W. N. Baker
F. Andross
G. D. Grafiford
H. Loomis
G. W. Cummins
Charles Miller
Wm. S. Anderson
John W. Markle
William Guery
John O. Graham
S. Shepherd
Timothy Mason
William Allen
H. N. Sanford
Daniel C. Boyle
Benjamin Hughes
Samuel Hulett
D. T. Blythe
A. Levi
Mr. Snodgrass
Geo. L. Nightingale
Thomas Gotten
Solomon Gotten
James R. Lott
Isaac Lyon
M. Dickinson ;
A. LaGrave
L. L. Hayden
A. Cotee
E. Wooten
E. Mattox
H. H. Pease
William McDaniel
Benj. T. Massey
J. E. Miller
Henry Becket
Sam'l S. McMaster
J. M. Harrison
and others
On Wednesday, July 18, 1836, the corner stone of the Presby-
terian church was laid in Dubuque in the presence of Judge Dunn,
chief justice of Wisconsin Territory. A procession marched to the
building site where prayer was ofifered by Mr. Rupert and an ad-
dress was delivered by Dr. Timothy Mason. In October, 1837,
the following committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions to
be used in comlpleting the Presbyterian church : Warner Lewis,
Thomas S. Wilson and John Plumbe, Jr.
In April, 1840, a Baptist congregation was organized in Du-
buque and in the winter of 1841 a small house at Clay and Eighth
was dedicated. Rev. Burton Carpenter became the first pastor in
May, 1841. A new lot was bought in 1850 and a new church
436 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
was commenced in 1853. The basement was dedicated July 30,
1854, but the whole church was not dedicated until December 21,
1856.
An Episcopal churcli was organized in 1843, but languished
and did little until 1844. Its house was consecrated April 19, 1851,
and was located at Locust and Ninth. In November, 1851, Rev.
R. D. Brooke took charge of the parish, though for some reason
services were held in the court house. Tliere were then twenty-
five communicants.
A congregation of Christians was organized in Dubuque in
1844. They secured the house originally built by the old school
Presbyterians. The first pastor was Rev. J. P. Lancaster.
The Baptist church at Dubuque was incorporated July 27, 1840.
Among the first members were Benjamin Rupert, Amos Matthews,
Jenks Dexter, Joseph T. Fales, Alexander D. Anderson, J. D.
Graffort and their families. A Sunday school celebration was
held July 4, 1840, in "the grove above the cemetery" (Jackson
park). James Crawford was orator. Rev. Z. K. Hawley ad-
dressed the children and Rev. J. J. Stewart addressed the parents.
Rev. Washington Wilcox was a Methodist of this conference in
1841. On January 15, 1841, the Presbyterian church at Dubuque
was incorporated by Henry L. Stout, John W. Finley, Isaac E.
Norris, Lewis L. Wood, James H. Warren and Ezekiel Lockwood.
In 1844 Rev. H. W. Reed was presiding elder of the Methodists;
Rev. George B. Bowman, pastor of Dubuque ; Rew Joel B. Taylor
and Rev. William W. Knight, pastors of Dubuque circuit and
Delevan mission.
On August 30, 1843, the Rock River Conference of the Meth-
odist church met in Dubuque.
On September 8, 1844, the Christian church at Dubuque was
organized by the following individuals : R. O. Anderson, Mor-
decai Mobley, P. R. Campbell, H. A. Henderson, Caroline Ander-
son, Martha Campbell, Martha Mobley, Hannah Pierce, Elizabeth
Graves and Thomas White. Irregular services were at first held;
in 1845 they met in the stone Presbyterian church. It was not
until 1877 that they occupied their new church at the corner of
Locust and Ninth.
The Methodists completed tiieir church at Cascade in 1844,
but the society was organized three years before. The Congrega-
tional church at Cascade was built in 1845, with Rev. E. B. Turner
in charge. In 1871 the Episcopal church at Cascade was erected.
The ladies of the Protestant congregations of Dubuque united
in 1847-8 to de\-ise means to care for the sick and indigent. In
1847 a fair by the ladies of the Episcopal church, held in Emerson
& Shields' new block, netted them $267 for their proposed church.
Rev. Mr. Holbrook lectured as well as preached in the Congre-
gational church during tlie forties ; one lecture was "Capital Pun-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 437
ishment." He was one of the ablest clergymen here in early
years. By 1847 the African Baptist Church society had been or-
ganized and they were trying to raise means to build or secure a
small building of their own. Rev. G. W. Woodward preached at
the "stone church" in March, 1848, on which occasion he en-
deavored to organize a Unitarian church.
The Dubuque County Bible society was organized in 1848 in
Dubuque and branches were established at Epworth, Farley, Cas-
cade, Dyersville and elsewhere at later dates.
The Methodist church at Dyersville was organized in 1849 ^"d
Rev. William Trick, Sr., preached the first sermon in the place.
The first services were held in a house provided by James Dyer, Sr.,
and here also the first Sunday school was held. These services
were held about a mile east of the present town. In 1854 a small
church was built at Dewitt and Union streets. Rev. W. H. Reed of
Dubuque, was presiding elder and came here to the quarterly
meetings. Rev. S. A. Lee was pastor in 1856.
The ladies of the Episcopal church gave another fair late in
1848; they met in Peter Kiene's new building near the court
house ; an admission fee of twenty cents was charged.
"I wish to notice a habit quite prevalent in this city. It is that
of going to church for the purpose of taking a comfortable snooze
during divine service. This miserable and sinful practice is quite
fashionable and followed extensively by certain ladies and gentle-
men, especially some who attend the Methodist and Congregational
churches." — (Christian in Miners' Express, February 23, 1848.)
At the Methodist Episcopal conference in 1849, ^^^- G. B.
Bowman became presiding elder ; Rev. J. Harris and Rev. L. Tay-
lor, pastors of Dubuque: Rev. S. Farlow, pastor of Dubuque cir-
cuit ; Rev. J. T. Coleman, pastor at Cascade. Rev. G. Copway, a
Chippeway chief, preached twice in the Methodist church in Sep-
tember, 1849. The Congregationalists enlarged their church in
1849. The Dubuque County Bible society was in existence yet
and doing good work.
The old school Presbyterian church was organized in 1850 and
at first had about a dozen memljers. They camie mostly from the
Congregationalists and soon numbered twenty-one. Their church
was erected in 1850-1 at Main and Twelfth streets. Joshua Phelps,
D. D., the first pastor was installed in 1853. The second (new
school) Presbyterian church was organized in 1855 with seven-
teen members. They first used a hall that was afterward occupied
by the city council, but in June, 1856, completed their chapel at
Ninth and Locust streets. Rev. J. H. Trowbridge was the first
pastor and began his services in June, 1856. A small body of
German Presbyterians worshiped at Iowa and Seventeenth streets
under Rev. A. Van Vleit.
In 1849, the Methodist ministers for this county were Revs.
438 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
A. Young, P. E., J. G. Dimmitt, J. L. Kelley (at Catfish), J. T.
Colentan (at Cascade). J. H. W. Hawkins, a famous temperance
advocate from Baltimore, lectured on that subject in the Congre-
gational church in October. Lincoln Clark was president of the
county bible society. In November, 1850, the Dubuque County
Temperance society held a big convention at Dubucjue. The Iowa
annual conference of the Methodist church met here in 1850: the
assignments were : Dubuque district. Rev. Alcinus Young, P. E. ;
Dubuque Station. Rev. William Hulbert ; Catfish, Rev. Alpha J.
Kynett ; Cascade, J. G. Dimmitt and Isaac Newton ; Dubuque cir-
cuit, Rev. Joel B. Taylor.
The Sabbath school at Dyersville, on October 8, 1851, celebrated
its second anniversary; over 150 persons were present. Rev.
Joel Taylor preached ; Revs. Isaac Newton and William Frich also
spoke. There was singing, recitations by the children, and a sup-
per. In a fair at the city hall, Dubuque, in 185 1, the Methodist
ladies made $140. In 1850 tlie Methodists began their new
church. The Methodist camp ground was near Mr. Funston's.
In June, 1850, the ladies of the Congregational church gave a
dinner which netted $80 toward a new residence for Rev. Mr.
Holbrook.
The Methodist church at Epworth was organized in 185 1 with
Thomas G. Briggs and wife, Otis Briggs and wife, Alfred Garner
and wife, A. H. Van Anda and wife, Joseph Smith and wife and
others as members. The first services were held that year in a
schoolhouse on the farm of Otis Briggs with Rev. Joel B. Taylor
as pastor. Early in 1853 they built a small frame church at Center
and Main at a cost of about $1,000, which was dedicated by
Mr. Taylor in December of that year. At this time the member-
ship was about twenty-five. In 1S70-1 tlieir large brick church
was built and dedicated in November, 1871, by Elder H. W. Reed;
the pastors have been Taylor, Kelly, Reed, Haven, Cameron,
Thompson. Ashbaugh, Miller, Isham, Bronson, Ruler, Laverty,
Moore. Houghton, Hartsough, Piatt, Ferris, Albrook, Swearingen
and many others.
Zion Reformed church, on section 16, Cascade township, first
held services in May, 1853, with Rev. F. C. Bauman in charge.
Spring Valley schoolhouse was used. Regular services were not
held until 1863, when Rev. Bauman permanently etTected the or-
ganization with twenty-three members. In September, 1867, the
cornerstone of the brick church was laid and the building was duly
dedicated in October, r868. Rev. J. Riale officiating. Among the
pastors have been Revs. Bauman, Reltig, Smith, Bouser and others.
Prairie Presbyterian church stands on Section 11, Washington
township; it is a frame structure, erected in 1863; among the orig-
inal members in 1855, when the society was first organized, were
John and Aliza A. F. Crew, Jessie and May Peirson, Alexander and
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 439
Margaret Foster, Joseph and Margaret McGregor, Robert and
Catherine Kennedy, Thomas and Martha McCurdy, Lucinda Van
Kirk, Jane A. Mathers, Christian and Ann DenHnger. The early
pastors were Revs. Allen, Vawter, Harmon, LeClere, Gay, Lyons
and others.
In 1853 Professor Mathews gave spiritual rappings here and
was arrested for showing without a license. He defended himself
on the ground that he gave a religious performance and stated
that the fee at the door was the contribution solicited by all re-
ligious bodies. After a trial he was discharged. Rev. John C.
Holbrook edited the Congregational Herald in 1853.
A Methodist organization was established at Centralia about
1853 and a schoolhouse, moved from Sharp's farm, was the first
church. Elder Reed and others preached to the members. In
1872 fire destroyed the building and scattered the members.
The Collegiate Institute for Young Ladies, established by Miss
Catherine Beecher, began operations in 1853. The Main Street
Methodist church was dedicated April 14. 1853; Rev. W. F. Cowles
was in charge.
The Methodists had an organization at what is now Dyersville
as early as 1849, when Judge Dyer provided a place for them to
assemble. In 1853 a frame church was commenced and com-
pleted in the spring of 1854, and Rev. Wm. Trick became first
pastor. Their new church was erected in 1856 aiul cost about
$12,000, a large sum for that day.
In August, 1855, the Second Presbyterian church of Dubuque
was organized with seventeen members and belonged to the new
school branch of the church. By January i, 1856, tliey numbered
about forty members and were preached to regularly in Thedinga's
hall, over the store of Charles Suffrins, by Rev. J. Guernsey. Early
in January, 1856, they purchased a lot at Locust and Ninth streets
and made preparations to build a church in 1856.
In 1855 Thanksgiving day services were held by the United
Baptists, Methodists and Congregationalists at the Main street
Methodist cliurch. The Presbyterians held services at their own
church. The Presbyterian church at Epworth was organized in
1856 with John V. McCune, Jacob B. Waynant, Joseph Scott and
their wives, R. S. Alexander and relatives and others, numbering
about twenty-five. They had held services in the Methodist
churcii. The first services in their own church were held in June,
1859, in the basement by Rev. S. T. Wells. The church was
dedicated February 19, i860: among the pastors have been Revs.
Wells, Carsons, Potter, Bailey and Fisher.
The Young Men's Christian Association of Dubuque, was or-
ganized in June, 1856, and held its first regular session July 7.
It started with about thirty members and in a year had nearly 130.
It had a reading room and a library was soon started.
440 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Mission Sunday schools, started by the Methodists and old
school Presbyterians, were doing well.
On July 24. 1856, the cornerstone of the new Congregational
church in Dubuque was laid with great ceremony. On July 7,
1856, the first regular meeting of the Young Men's ChristianAs-
sociation was held in the Congregational church; William Mills
was chairman and F. J. Harron secretary. In 1856 Rev. Mr. Hol-
brook and Dennis A. Mahony, editor of the Express and Herald,
discussed at length in the newspapers the question of slavery, the
former denouncing that institution and the latter upholding it.
By the last of January, 1856, the Congregationalists had raised,
by subscription, $8,000 of the $25,000 required for their new
church. Rev. J. H. Trowbridge was pastor of the Second Presby-
terian church at Locust and Eighth streets in 1856. Bishop Simp-
son lectured here on "Christian Unity or Oneness," and "The In-
visible," in August, 1856; packed churches heard him.
The Congregational church society sold their church and lot on
Main street to C. H. Booth for $20,000. The church, with
$10,000 additional subscription, designed to erect a new structure
at Locust and Tenth streets. Already by March. 1857, the foun-
dation had been laid.
In the fifties the German Lutherans had a small congregation
on Clay street near Twelfth. In all there were fifteen religious
bodies in Dubuque in the summer of 1857 and all except one had
regular or stated pastors.
In tlie Dubuque district of the Upper Iowa Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal church in 1857 the following appointments
were made : H. W. Reed, presiding elder : P. E. Brown, Dubuque ;
E. S. Stout, Dubuque centenary; T. Thompson, Dubuque cir-
cuit; J. W. Batter, Rockdale: L. S. Ashbaugh. Epworth ; S. A.
Lee, Dyersville; J. Newton, Colesburg; H. Taylor, Rockville; J. L.
Kelly, Cascade.
The Dubuque district preachers' meeting and the district Sunday
school convention of the Methodist church was held at Dversville
in August, 1857. A large increase in the membership of the
schools was announced. The opening sermon was preached by
Rev. P. E. Brown, and the closing one by Rev. Stout, both of
Dubuque. The Baptist church at Cascade was built in 1854. The
Baptist state convention was held here in October, 1857. Rev.
Elihu Gunn of Keokuk, preached the annual sermon. Rev. John
Bates of Cascade, was president pro tern. The Central Baptist
church at Epworth had fourteen members in September, 18^7.
Several of them lived at Centralia. They were supplied by Rev.
John Avil, who preached alternatively at Epworth and Centralia.
A union revi\al was carried on here in April, 1858, when preach-
ing was conducted at the Julien theater, preachers of the different
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 441
denominations alternating. At the same time the CathoHcs held
daily services at the cathedral.
"There have been remarkable religious revivals in all the
clnirches in this city during the past few months and the interest
in spiritual affairs seems to be still maintained." — (£. &■ H.,
April 15, 1858.)
Tlie annual meeting of the Congregational Association was held
here in June. 1858. Ministers were here from all parts of the
west. Many important questions were considered, among which
were slavery, Iowa college, home missions, Christian union, etc.
Among those present were Revs. William Anderson, Dr. Badger,
Mr. Harper, Mr. Jones, J. P. Kimball, Mr. Robbins, Mr. Magoun,
D. Leonard, Mr. Reed, Guernsey, Emerson, Salter, Canfield, Grin-
nell, Benton, Butter, Radcliffe, Turner and others.
The German Lutheran church at Dyersville was organized in
1858 by Rev. M. Van Vliet. In 1872 their stone church was built.
The Congregational church was established here in 1858 by Rev.
W. H. Heu de Bourgh, through whose efforts the church was
built.
The First Presbyterian church was dedicated June 27, 1858, by
Rev. J. P. Phelps, pastor at Locust and Eleventh streets.
Rev. Mr. Avery preached in Dubuque on Universalism in Feb-
ruary, 1858, at the Congregational church. By January, 1859,
there were two Methodist churches at Dubuque. Miss Martha
Hulett, medium of Rockford, Illinois, lectured here on Spiritual-
ism in April, 1859.
The Dubuque Sunday School Union held its annual meeting at
the Baptist church in April, 1859. The churches represented were
the following: Methodist, Congregational, Baptist, Presbyterian,
Julien Avenue Mission. Third Ward Mission, Eagle Point Mis-
sion, Episcopal. The aggregate of children represented was 3,000.
Richard Edwards was elected president.
The new Congregational church building was dedicated April
I, i860, at Tenth and Locust streets. There must have been pres-
ent between 900 and i ,000 people ; it was the largest Protestant
gathering ever convened in Dubuque. The sermon was preached
by Rev. J. C. Holbrook. He was assisted by Rev. J. Guernsey
and others.
The first Universalist society, on June 30, i860, gave an ex-
cursion in two steamboats, which cost for the occasion $200 and
besides engaged the Germania band. The boats were the Alham-
bra and Fannie Harris. They were loaded to the guards and ran
to Cassville, where they were received with cannon shots. Rev.
J. S. Dennis was the orator.
The following wet'e the appointments of the Dubuque district
of the Methodist conference in i860: P. E. Brown, presiding
elder; Dubuque Main street, R. L. Collier; Dubuque Centenary
442 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
and West Dubuque Mission, I. K. Fuller: Rockdale, I. W. Newton;
Dubuque circuit, E. F. Joffries ; Epvvorth, H. W. Reed ; Dyers-
ville, S. N. Fellows: Cascade. T. C. Wolf and C. Isam; Epworth
Seminary, R. W. Keeler, member of Dubuciue quarterly con-
ference.
The Dubuque County Bible society held its annual meeting No-
vember 20, i860. All the Protestant churches closed and as-
sembled in the Congregational church to hear the services. Rev.
J. C. Holbrook preached the annual sermon. R. Edwards was
chosen president of the society for 1861. The report showed that
large numbers of bibles and tracts had been distributed.
In November, 18C0, the ladies of the Presbyterian church held
a grand fair at Lorimer hall to raise means to pay off the indebted-
ness on their church. It netted about $200 for the supper and
musical entertainment.
Johns Creek Methodist Episcopal church stands on section 2,
Cascade township. It was erected in i860 and dedicated in June,
186 1 ; it is in the Farley circuit. Among the first members were
Richard Baker and wife, William Morgan and wife, Thomas
Baker, William Ganfield and wife, and Mrs. H. Rogers.
The Christian church at Epworth was organized about 1861 by
John Trowbridge. FVancis Rogers and wife, Aaron Wood and
family, Ephraim Story and wife and about twenty others. A
church was built, but the society disbanded after six years. In
1873 it was reorganized, with Rev. Bennett as pastor: other min-
isters have been Martin, Crocker, Muller. Applegate and others.
The Presbyterian church at Farley was organized in 1865: pre-
vious to this date members of that faith had attended at Epworth.
When organized they secured the stone hall at Wood and Thir-
teenth streets, where services were held by Rev. William Carson
of Epworth. In 1868 a better church was secured: Rev. Jewett
became pastor : later. Bailey, Agnes and Fisher served the con-
gregation.
The Baptist church at Epworth was organized in March, 1866,
with Luther Mason, T. H. Davis and wife, Benjamin Goodrich
and wife, Leonard Wright and wife, Mrs. Chapman, Mrs. Good-
rich, Mrs. Pratt, Daniel Durham and wife and others. In 1872
their church was erected: among the ministers in charge have
been Revs. Hill, Johnson, Skemp, Lill, Whiting, Weaver and
Hall.
The Methodist church at Farley was incorporated in 1866, but
the congregation had been organized before as part of the Ep-
worth charge and occasional ser\ices had been held in residences,
etc. Revs. R. W. Keeler, H. W. Houghton, Burgess. Dove,
Thompson, Smedley, Cowgill, Rogers aufl others have been pastors.
When fully organized the congregation met in Farley hall, which
was purchased : a parsonage was built near.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 443
Rev. Dr. C. B. Smith was pastor of the Baptist church, Dubuque,
in 1861. On May 29, 1861, the eighth annual convention of the
Protestant Episcopal church of the diocese of Iowa met at St.
John's church, Dubuque.
Rev. J. S. Dennis resigned from the pastorship of the Uni-
versalist society in Dubuque in March. 1863, and engaged in mer-
cantile pursuits in Chicago. Their church at Tenth and Main
streets was dedicated in 1862. Rev. D. M. Reed was the new
pastor.
All the Protestant churches united in a grand musical conven-
tion and carnival in January, 1862; it continued a week and vvas
the greatest musical event ever here up to that date. The Jewish
synagog was in existence early in the sixties and stood on Locust
between Ninth and Tenth; Rev. A. Alexander was rabbi. Later
Rev. H. J. Messing was rabbi, and Alexander Levi was president
of the synagog. Bishop Lee preached in St. John's church in Oc-
tober. 1863: in February, 1864, a festival given by this church
netted over $500. The Lee Female Seminary, under Miss Julia
A. Titus, was in existence in September, 1864. The Universalist
fair, in 1864, netted over $1,500. A fancy dress festival at the
city hall in February, 1865, yielded $1,290 for St. John's Episco-
pal church.
The Swedenborgians had a small organization in Dubuque in
i856. In 1867 the Baptist church at Worthington was erected;
Rev. James Hill was pastor. In June, 1868, three sisters named
Whiting were married in succession on the same day in the Con-
gregational church, Dubuque: Rev. Lyman Whiting, father of
the brides, officiated. The Second Presbyterian church was dedi-
cated in November, 1869; Rev. Dr. Specs preached the sermon.
The new Episcopal church at Main and Fourteenth was com-
menced in 1869. The new organ in the Congregational church
was twenty-two feet wide and thirty-two feet high. In November,
1869, the new Methodist church was dedicated; Rev. Dr. Reid
preached the sermon; improvements to the church had cost $24,113 ;
organ, $3,000. The fourteenth annual session of the Upper Iowa
Conference was held in 1869 in Dubuque.
The new Presbvterian church at Farley was dedicated in 1871
by Rev. W. T. Marshall.
In 1872 the Protestant churches of Dubuque united in a grand
re\ival, one of the most successful ever held here. Rev. E. P.
Hammond, the evangelist, was the leader, but was assisted by the
Dubuque pastors. Saloons were visited and the whole city was
stirred to its moral foundations. Revs. Bingham, Raymond, Os-
trander, Rebman, Alderson, Young, Marshall and others assisted
the evangelist. Of the converts the Methodists secured no, Con-
gregationalists 86, First Presbyterians ;^/, Second Presbyterians
37, Primitive Methodists 15, Baptists i. The Herald objected to all
444 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
revivalists. Thomas Paine's birthday was often celebrated by
the Free Thinkers of Dubuque. The cornerstone of the Epis-
copal church at Dyersville was laid in September, 1875. Rev.
C. H. Seymour and Rev. H. L. Everest conducted the ceremonies;
the building cost $3,600. The Episcopal carnival at the city hall
in April, 1875, realized over $1,000; the representations of Red
Riding Hood, Mother Goose, Gulliver. Cinderella, Jack Frost,
Mother Hubbard. Bo Peep, etc., were attracti\e features.
St. George Episcopal church at Farley was organized in 1870
and the next year two lots were secured and the church was
erected at Tenth and Lang^vorthy streets, Rev. W. F. Lloyd lay-
ing the corner stone. Other early pastors were Phelps, Everest,
Magee, Archdeacon and others.
Christ Episcopal church at Dyersville was organized in 1874,
the first services being held in the Congregational ciiurch by Rev.
H. L. Everest.
In 1875 the Spiritualists lield a camp meeting on the hill: there
were present adepts in spiritualism, clairxoyance, trance medium,
mind reading, free love, woman's rights; also short haired women
and long haired men. In ridiculing this gathering the Herald
spoke slightingly of Susan B. Anthony. A fair for the Home for
the Friendless netted $804.39 i" iS/S- I" 1862 the Baptists gave
up their church at Tenth and Main and in 1875 met in a small
frame building near the postoffice. In 1876 they bought a lot
at Twelfth and Main and began to increase in size; Rev. Allen
Curr was pastor; he became invohed in serious trouble. The
Eagle Point branch of the Y. M. C. A. was opened in 1877. An-
other immense union re\ival was conducted here in 1877.
The old stone First German Presbyterian church, erected in
1856, was undermined b\- the high waters, was torn down and a
better one was built late in tlie seventies; Rev. E. Schueth was
pastor. The Iowa convention of Universalists met in Dubuque in
1883. Rev. Dr. Burrell sharply criticized the people of Dubuque
in 1886; he called Dulnique "an utterly, defiantly, confessedly law-
less place." In 1886 roughs and hoodlums on the street broke up
Salvation Army meetings on the streets ; the leaders were ar-
rested. By 1888 the Episcopalians had raised $132,000 for a new
church, grounds, tower and chimes. They secured the old Pea-
bod}- residence for $40,000: the church proper cost $80,000. In
1889 the First Congregational church celebrated its semi-centennial
in beautiful fashion.
On September 28, 1893, the Emmanuel German Congregational
church celebrated the silver jubilee of Rev. Herman Ficke's pas-
torate of the cluuch. When he arrived in 1868 he first preached
to five adults and two children in a small frame building; the
little band owed $1,200: the society of the year before was scat-
tered; it had been organized by Rev. Jesse Guernsey. By 1891
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 445
"Tmmanuel Kirche," a fine building was the home of the large con-
gregation and well-attentled Sunday school ; the cornerstone of
this building was laid October i6, 1887.
"The Second Presbyterian church of Dubuque is distinguished
by a long line of brilliant preachers. Two of its pastors, Dr. D. J.
Burrell and Rev. Henry E. Mott, are now supplying churches
among the most important aixl influential in the country. It is
now looking for a brilliant preacher and good pastor." — (New
York Evangelist, 1894.)
In 1894 the Methodists projected a new church on the old site
to cost $60,000. In 1895 the fiftieth anniversary of St. John's
Episcopal church was celebrated with splendid ceremonies. In
March, 1895, the First Congregational, Second Presbyterian and
Main Street Methodist churches united in three weeks of special
religious services. The Upper Iowa Conference convened here in
1897; Bishop H. W. Warren conducted the services. In 1897 St.
Luke's new Methodist Episcopal church was completed at a cost
of about $80,000.
In 1905 Finley hospital received a bequest of $100,000 from
the Finley estate. In 1906 Andrew Carnegie gave $10,000 or
$15,000 to the German Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
The German Presbyterian Theological school of the northwest
has done an immense work in establishing churches of this faith.
For many years it struggled alone and with small success to edu-
cate the German race coming to America in the gospel of Christ
according to this faith : The bible is the fundamental condition of
all study. Rev. W. O. Ruston was president. The origin of this
school was a new departure to meet new and needed surroundings
for religious worship. It is the parent of over 100 churches
planted throughout the west. It has a large and able faculty and
furnishes a rare education. Its beautiful building back on the
bluffs at Dubuque commands a magnificent view up and down the
river.
PROTESTANT CHURCHES OF DUBUQUE, I9O9.
Congregational : First at Tenth and Locust ; Immanuel at
Jackson and Eighteenth : Summit at Delhi and Allison.
Episcopal : St. John's at Main and Fourteenth.
Lutheran : St. John's Evangelical at Thirteenth and White ; St.
Mark's at Ninth and Locust ; St. Mathew's, German, at White and
Eighteenth; St. Paul's, Evangelical, at Rhomberg and Jackson; St.
Peter's at Lincoln and Eden ; Zion's Evangelical at Seventeenth
and Jackson.
Hebrew: Congregational Cueses Israel at 1760 Maple.
446 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Methodist: African at 1681 Iowa; Grand View Avenue at
Jackson, Grand View and Delhi; St. Luke's at Main and Twelfth.
Presbyterian: First German at Seventeenth and Iowa; Inde-
pendent German at Seventeentli and 104 West; Third at Garfield
and Stafford ; Westminster at Thirteenth and Locust.
Scientists : First Church of Christ at Ninth and Bluff.
Others : Cleveland Avenue Mission at 85 Pearl ; Eagle Point
Sunshine Mission at 1821 Adams; Y. W. C. A., Y. M. C. A., Sal-
vation Army.
BENCH AND BAR.
THE law of Michigan Territory provided that the county court
of Dubuque county should be held on the first Monday of
April and September of each year. It further provided that
"all laws now in force in the county of Iowa (afterward in
Wisconsin Territory east of the Mississippi) not locally inapplicable
shall be and hereby are extended to the counties of Dubuque and
Demoine and shall be in force therein," and that "processes both
civil and criminal issued from the circuit court of the United
States for the county of Iowa shall run into all parts of
said counties of Dubuque and Demoine and shall be served
by the sheriff or other proper officer within either of said
counties." This law took effect October i, 1834. Previous to
this date Dubuque was wholly without law, not having been attached
to any organized community. In May, 1834, before the above law
took effect, the murder of George O'Keefe by his partner, Patrick
O'Connor, occurred. The citizens were called together to consider
the case. They appointed as sheriff Mr. Adams, who arrested the
murderer ; Captain White was appointed prosecutor and D. G. Bates,
of Galena, was appointed to defend him. Twelve men were selected,
sworn in as jurors, and he was found guilty of murder and sentenced
to be hung about twenty days later. This sentence was duly executed
— the first hanging in Iowa. The execution took place on a mound
a little distance southeast of the present court house. A thousand
people gathered to witness the event, the Brazil steamer bringing
many from Galena. Among the jury were Woodbury Massy, Hosea
T. Camp, John McKensie. Milo H. Prentice, James Smith, Jesse M.
Harrison, Thomas McCabe, Nicholas Carroll, James S. Smith and
three others. Six were Americans, three Irish, one Scotch, one
English and one French. During the trial O'Connor said, "I'll not
deny that I shot him, but ye have no laws in the county and cannot
try me." He soon learned that he was mistaken. The trial was held
in the open air under an elm tree in front of the cabin of Samuel
Clifton. Massy was foreman of the jury, which deliberated one
hour. Before the execution O'Connor and his friends endeavored to
stir up the Irish to rescue him, but as soon as this movement be-
came known the law-abiding citizens called together a force of 163
armed miners and others headed by Lorin Wheeler to serve as a
guard and see that the execution was carried into effect.
In 1834, under Michigan Territory, P. A. Lorimier was supreme
447
448 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
court commissioner and Ira Williams, Warner Lewis and Patrick
Quigley justices of the peace.
The first regular court held in Dubuque was a probate session
convened by Ezekiel Lockwood, judge, January lo, 1835, and the
first act was to appoint Susan A. Dean and Daniel A. Parkerson
administrators of the estate of Noble F. Dean. This court was one
of inferior jurisdiction, and was held twice previous to the opening
of the district court in 1837 by Judge Irvin. Thus previous to 1837
Dubuque county had grown rapidly without otlier courts than the
above and those of justices of the peace. The act creating the Terri-
tory of Wisconsin took efifect July 3. 1836, but court under it was
not held until tlie following May, and even then but for a short
term, owing to the ill-health of Judge Irvin.
It is considered certain that William W. Coriell was the first
lawyer proper to locate permanently at Dubuque ; he probably came
in 1835. The Visitor of May 25, 1836, said, "A good omen, — We
have but one lawyer located at Du Buque." About June several
other lawyers arrived, among whom were Stephen Hempstead and
William W. Chapman, the first United States district attorney. In
this judicial district were the counties of Dubuque and Des Moines,
with David Irvin, associate justice of Wisconsin Territory, presid-
ing. The district w-as not created until November, 1836, and courts
were ordered held in May and October of each year. W. W. Chap-
man secured an interest in the Visitor in December, 1836, but con-
tinued his legal duties. Peter H. Engle, attorney, arrived in August
and became prominent in both law and politics. In December W. W.
Coriell became district attorney for Dubuque county. Stephen was
attorney for the town of Dubuque. Patrick Quigley was justice of
the peace in 1836 and one or two years before that date, probably
as early as 1834, when Michigan Territory was created. Late in
1836 Charles Dunn was chief justice of the newly created Wisconsin
Territory, and William B. Frazier and David Irvin, associate jus-
tices. In November, 1836, Thomas S. Wilson, attorney, arrived and
became a permanent resident and prominent in law and all public
afifairs.
The district court of Dubuque county was held in a two-story log
house, at Fourtli and Main streets, in May, 1837, Judge David Irvin
presiding. His first act was to appoint Warner Lewis clerk of the
court. The second was to adopt a seal made by a 2 5 -cent piece
pressed upon sealing wax. Thompson Campbell, Josepli Hoge and
John Turney, of Galena, were admitterl to practice. United States
Marshal Francis Gehon had summoned the following grand jury :
Thomas Childs, foreman ; Paul Cain, William Smith, John
Parker, David Sleator, David Hogan. James L. Langworthy, Ciies-
ter Sage, Ambrose Kennedy, Augustin Powers, James Smith, Leroy
Jackson, J. E. Miller and William Carter. County SheriflF G. W.
Cummins had summoned Presley Samuels, M. Patterson, N. Carroll,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 449
Abram Wilson, James Gilham, B. B. Lawless, Jesse Yount and S.
Burtiss. The following talesmen were added : Andrew J. Divine,
Jacob Hamilton, Reuben Estes, Mathias Ham. Rufus Miller, James
Aliller, John Wharton, Thos. B. Brasher, Lyman Dillon and Andrew
J. Bankston, foreman. Two attachments were the first cases.
George W. Cummins was the first sherifif of Dubuque county
under Wisconsin Territory. Owing to the ill-health of Judge Irvin
the court session of October, 1837, was very short; nearly the whole
docket was continued until the June term of 1838.
A man arrested here for passing counterfeit money left a cash
bond for his appearance for trial, but failing to return the money
was forfeited. The citizens called a public meeting to determine
what should be done with the money.
In 1837 W. W. Chapman and Stephen Hempstead were associated
in the practice of law. T. S. Wilson, Peter H. Engle and William
W. Coriell were each practicing alone.
Lawyers who practiced here in 1838 were J. W. Parker, R. D.
Parker, Richard Farwell and John Turney, of Galena or elsewhere,
and W. W. Coriell, Stephen Hempstead, P. H. Engle, T. S. Wilson
and James Churchman, of Dubuque, and Edwin Reeves, John V.
Berry and Alexander McGregor also attended the courts here.
In February, 1838, Congress passed the law creating Iowa Terri-
tory, the same to go into efifect July 4, 1838. It was duly provided
that all suits instituted before that date should be prosecuted to
finality. The United States District Court, Territory of Wisconsin,
held a session in June, 1838, Judge Charles Dunn, presiding; there
was a large docket which was disposed of rapidly, though many
of the cases were continued until the next term.
"Monday next commences the June term (1838) of the District
Court of the United States for this county. As no court has been
held here for upwards of a year the docket must necessarily be large
and suits pending a deep importance to the litigants." — (Iowa News,
June 2, 1838). Judge Dunn presided and court was in session two
or more weeks in June, 1838.
Under the Iowa territorial law no definite time, through over-
sight, had been set for holding the courts. To remedy this omission
W. B. Conway, secretary of the Territory by proclamation, fixed the
next term to begin on the second Thursday in September, 1838.
Chief Justice Mason decided about this time that there was no
October term known to the law — that a recognizance was in the
nature of a contract and hence defendants were not bound to appear
and stand trial at a day earlier than specified in the recognizance.
Timothy Davis and James Crawford were here practicing in the
spring of 1839. In February, 1839, John V. Berry became attorney
for the Third district. The counties of Dubuque, Jackson, Scott and
Clayton were constituted the Third Judicial district, and Thomas
450 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
S. Wilson was chosen judge ; sessions were held in April and Sep-
tember of each year.
In about 1836 a negro named Ralph came here from Missouri
to work in the mines. He remained until 1839, when his master
arrived and claimed him on the ground that he had not paid for
himself. Aiter due proceedings the justice delivered him to his
master. Several luimane citizens took up the matter and asked for
a writ of habeas corpus before Judge Wilson, and by consent of
parties the case was referred to Judge Mason, then presiding in the
newly organized Federal District court, who decided that as Ralph
had come ivith his master's consent he might remain zvithont his
consent, and he did so. This case may be seen in Morris' reports
of that date. It was often referred to during the slavery period.
In 1 841 the Hyde-Murray murder case was tried, all the lawyers
here being on one side or the other : Hyde was found guilty of mur-
der and sentenced to be hanged.
Early in 1841 P. A. Lorimier. Augustus Coriell. Francis K.
O'Ferrall, James Langworthy, E. M. Bissell and C. E. Harbeson,
who had served at the December term, 1840, as grand jurors and
who had not yet been paid for their ser\-ices, addressed a communi-
cation to Thomas Ewing, secretary of the treasury, asking wliether
the funds for such services had yet been sent to Francis Gehon, late
marshal of Iowa Territory, and were answered as follows: "Upon
reference to the proper accounting officer I am informed that the
late marshal was duly provided with funds and if he fails to pay
you must apply to his successor." It was shown upon investigation
that General Gehon was slow and not culpable.
It was claimed by the press in 1842 that Iowa Territory for a
portion of that year was wholly without a judiciary. It was claimed
to be the fault of the Congressional delegate. The offices became
vacant and no new appointments were made to till them. Judge
Williams presided after August.
Late in the thirties and early in the forties the lawyers here
were kept busy with numerous land and mining suits, contentions
growing out of pre-emption claims and rights, horse and cattle
stealing and an occasional murder. An important case in the spring
of 1843 was the trial of the three Winnebago Indians for murder,
the case coming here on a change of venue from Fayette or Dela-
ware county. All the lawyers here were retained on this case.
Their chief attorney was Judge Grant. They were found guilty
and sentenced to be hanged ; they asked to be shot instead of hanged.
The case went to the Supreme court, but the opinion of the lower
court was affirmed. Some complications arose and the execution
was postponed. About this time two burglars confined in the jail
burned a hole in the floor and escaped, taking with them one of
the Winnebago Indians ; the other two refused to leave the jail.
About 1844 Col. L. .A. Thomas began the practice at Dubuque;
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 451
in partnership with D. S. Wilson, who founded the Miners' Ex-
press. He was prominent in poHtics here as early as 1840; he and
wife were active in soldiers' relief work during the Civil War. Tliis
year the Prichard divorce case engaged the services of Dubuque
lawyers. Frederick E. Bissell began the practice about 1846-7.
He studied law with James Crawford and upon his admission to
the bar formed a partnership with his instructor. He was after-
ward associated with Timothy Davis, Lincoln Clark, and in 1855
with William Mills. In 1856 O. P. Shiras joined Mills & Bissell,
but Mills withdrew in 186 1. Five years later John M. Ballou joined
Bissell & Shiras. About this time Mr. Bissell was appointed attor-
ney general and later was continued by election. At his death in
1867 Burt, Cooley, Wilson, Davis, Poor, Barker, Mills, Beach,
Beck, Vandever and others at the bar meeting spoke in praise of his
eloquence, ability and high character, and referred to his loss with
intense feeling and regret.
The case of the Miners" Bank of Dubuque was tried here before
Judge Wilson in November, 1845 ; the best lawyers were engaged
at the trial. Judge Wilson decided that the act repealing the charter
of the bank was constitutional. The Iowa Supreme court affirmed
the decision. Judge Joseph Williams was on the bench of the
Second district in 1846. In 1847 the Supreme court consisted of
Joseph Williams, Thomas S. Wilson and Judge Kinney. At this
time Thomas Rogers and William J. Barney were law partners;
so also were Hempstead and Chenoweth. George Madeira prac-
ticed here. In the fall of this year Benjamin M. Samuels opened a
law office in Dubuque. He was a successful lawyer from the start
and became later one of the leaders of the county Democracy. He
was one of the most brilliant orators among the old bar ; he died
in 1863. When Thomas S. Wilson resigned from the Supreme
bench in 1847, George Greene, senior editor of the Miners' Express,
was appointed his successor.
A number of members of the Dubuque bar prepared and signed a
petition remonstrating against the appointment of George Greene
as a member of the Supreme Bench of Iowa, owing to his alleged
lack of qualification for that important post. It was stated that this
petition was burned by two members of the Legislature. There
were fifteen lawyers in Dubuque at this time, but only five of tliem
remonstrated against the appointment of Mr. Greene — four Whigs
and one Democrat.
The act of February 4, 1847, constituted four court districts in
Iowa: that of January 22, 1857 made fourteen. The Constitution
of 1857 gave the Legislature power to reorganize the districts and
increase the number of judges. Accordingly an act of March 20,
1858, reduced the judges to eleven; the twelfth was added in 1864;
the thirteenth in 1872. and the fourteenth in 1876. The act of May
3. 1868, established the Circuit court with two judges in each dis-
452 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
trict, with exclusive jurisdicticjii in probate matters and appellate
jurisdiction from inferior tribunals in civil actions and concurrent
jurisdiction with the District court in civil actions. This law abol-
ished countj' judges and greatly facilitated court proceedings. The
city court of Dubuque was still in existence until recently, though
no judge nor clerk had been elected to it for many years.
Judge Carleton presided in place of Judge Grant in December,
1847. The bar passed resolutions complimenting him on his style
and dispatch in conducting court. The lawyers who signed these
resolutions were as follows : Piatt Smith, Thomas S. Wilson,
Stephen Hempstead, William J. Barney, Frederick E. Bissell, Lewis
A. Thomas, William Y. Lovell, Thomas Rogers, Lincoln Clark,
George L. Nightingale, John V. Berry, James L. Palmer, James
Clark and George Madeira.
In January, 1848, the Johnson-Bigger murder case was tried and
he was found guilty. A new trial was granted. This case brought
out the best legal talent. The act of January 22, 1848, changed
the time of holding court to the fourth Monday of April and the
third Monday of September of each year. Lewis A. Thomas was
prosecuting attorney. In October, 1848, Rogers & Barney were
partners; also Lovell & Samuels, Wilson & Smith, while Clark,
Hempstead and Madeira practiced singly. About 1848-9 David
S. Wilson, brother of Judge T. S. Wilson, began practicing. He
came here in 1839 and was one of the founders of the Miners' Ex-
press. He studied law in his brother's office. In the Civil War
he was commissioned colonel by Secretary Stanton, and took the
field with his regiment. He did not oppose Lincoln's adminis-
tration as his brother Thomas S. did. In 1872 he became circuit
judge and soon afterward district judge. He died in 1881. Late in
life he affiliated with the Republicans. At his death it was said that
he was the most popular man ever a resident of Dubuque.
The Supreme court held a session in Dubuque in July, 1850.
J. J. Dyer was L'nited States district judge in 1851. The new
code went into effect July i, 185 1, and under it William Y. Lovell
became the first county judge and held his first session in September.
John D. Jennings began practicing this year. He became one of
the editors of the Miners' Express, but after 1857 devoted his time
to his profession. Judge Grant held court in October ; there were
only seventy-five cases on the docket, one being that of Emer.son-
Goldsberg. Hempstead & Burt and Thomas S. and David A.
Wilson were law firms in 1851 ; the next year Clark & Bissell and
Wiltse & Lo\ell were prominent. Carson Graham also practiced.
In 1852 Judge Wilson succeeded Judge Grant on the district bench.
Beginning November 10, 1852, and ending in March, 1853, Judges
J. J. Dyer and T. S. Wilson conducted a law school in this city: $30
was charged for the term of five months; there was general instruc-
tion with lectures, moot courts, etc.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 453
In 1853 railway cases began to figure in the local courts; one was
Dubuque vs. the Dubuque & Pacific Railway. In May Samuels
& Vandever were associated. In November, 1853, the second term
of the Dubuque Law School was opened : $40 was charged for
the term of five months; J. J. Dyer, T. S. Wilson and Rev. Joshua
Phelps were instructors. It does not appear that as yet the Dubuque
bar had been duly organized. In December, 1853, Judge Wilson
went to Washington to conduct the Dubuque claims case — Chouteau
vs. Maloney. The case went over until January, 1854, when it was
decided against the claimant. This was one of the most, if not the
most important cases in the history of the county. It removed
forever a cloud which had hung over the inhabitants since the
earliest settlement. At the bar banquet of January 19, 1885, Judge
Wilson said that he received only $200 for his two years' service in
this case — the most momentous in local history.
The ferry case of 1854 — Fanning vs. Gregoire and Bogy — was
tried in June; the plaintiff was suing for his alleged rights under
his twenty-year territorial license.
Among the lawyers practicing in 1855 were A. H. Dillon, A. E.
Harmon, Ben. M. Samuels, D. N. Coolev, William Vandever, David
S. Wilson, J. S. Blatchley, L. Hand. J. S. Covel, W. M. Crozier,
J. M. Griffith, S. Sawyer, H. and E. T. Wilder, William Tripp,
S. M. Pollock, William McNall, Colin Clark, F. E. Bissell.
"Hon. T. S. Wilson. — The thanks of the legal fraternity and
the public are due to this gentleman for the straightforward, ener-
getic discharge of his duties in the late protracted session of the
District court of this county. The cases on the docket embraced
64 chancery cases, 206 civil cases and 28 state cases, all of which
were disposed of owing in a great measure to the business tact and
address of the judge." — E. & H., December 21, 1855.)
The United States District Court sat here in July, 1855, Judge
Dyer presiding; there was a light docket.
In September, 1855, Judge J. J. Dyer died in Virginia of typhoid
fever. He was the dean of the law school which expired when he
died. "His sudden death has spread a gloom over the whole city,"
said the Express and Herald of September 21, 1855.
M. McLaughlin, attorney of Dubuque, became commissioner of
the Court of Claims in December, 1855.
In December, 1855, ^I- ^- Mulkern was admitted to the bar; he
was a graduate of Cambridge Law School. He soon became county
attorney and afterward was prominent as a lawyer and more so as
a politician. He was for a while one of the editors of the Norih-
zvest, a newspaper supposed to be owned by George W. Jones. In
January, 1856, Lucius Robinson succeeded J. S. Covel as county
attorney. At the February (1856) term there were 242 cases on
the docket, twenty-five of which were criminal and fifty-five chan-
cery ; Judge Wilson presided. J. M. Griffith and M. B. Mulkern
454 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
were partners in 1856. A mayor's court, as provided by the con-
stitution, was demanded in April, 1856, wlien D. S. Wilson was
chosen mayor. On August 7, 1856, Oliver P. Shiras was admitted
to the bar upon motion of Ben. M. Samuels. The latter, who had
examined the applicant, said the examination was one of the most
brilliant he had ever witnessed. A mayor's court was held first in
July, 1856; the first case was a fine of $3 for drunkenness. The
Crowley-Gleason murder case was tried about this time.
Late in 1856 the county court was given criminal jurisdiction.
In February, 1857, Franklin T. Goodrich was admitted to the
bar. Wilson, Utley & Doud was a strong firm at this time.
On June 27, 1857, the bar met at the court house pursuant to
notice for the purpose of revising the rules of practice, of organiz-
ing an association of the nature of a law institute and of considering
the expediency of taking a pleasure excursion. Messrs. Baker,
Bissell and Harvej' were appointed a committee to revise the rules.
Messrs. Dillon, Cooley and Cram were appointed a committee to
report on an attorney's mininuim fee bill. The following resolu-
tion was adopted: "That a committee of three be appointed to
prepare a plan for an incorporation of a law institute, and that said
committee be instructed, after they have prepared such plan and
articles, to call a meeting of the bar, at which they shall report."
Blatchley, Cram and Griffith were appointed such committee. The
committee to revise the rules was instructed to report a rule for
making up issues in vacation and to allow parties prevailing in suits
a fee on the decision of demurrers and a fee generally. Mulkern,
Rupert. Harvey, Cram, Goodrich, Dillon, Lovell. Jennings and
Jones were appointed a committee on excursion. On motion of
Mr. Crosier the following resolution was adopted : "That the
thanks of the members of this bar are due to Benjamin Rupert, the
clerk of the District court of this county, for his untiring energy
and industry in the faithful discharge of his official duties and the
courtesy extended to us all while performing the same." Of this
meeting William Mills was chairman and C. S. D. Jones, secretary.
— (Daily Times, June 30, 1857.)
The Ti>ncs having attacked Judge Wilson, both professionally
and politically, the bar of Dubuque, on August 6, 1857, met and
passed a resolution of unbounded confidence in that official.
On August 18, 1857, M. B. Mulkern, lawyer, entered the editorial
rooms of J. B. Dorr, of the Express and Herald, and after demand-
ing that he retract certain statements in Sunday's paper and being
conditionally refused opened fire on the latter with a revoh-er.
Three shots were fired, neither of which took effect. The news-
paper had charged Mr. Mulkern with a criminal offense. — (E. &
H., August 19, 1857.)
The grand jury failing to find a true hill against Mr. Mulkfrn.
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC L.BR, A
^STOB, lENOX A>fD
' TIIDEN FOUNDATIONS
^ L
CATHOLIC CHURCH. DYERSVILLE. IOWA.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 455
the Express and Herald of November 18, 1857, denounced that
body and Mulkern in withering terms.
"The Circuit Court of Dubuque county has been in session three
weeks. The grand jury found a number of indictments, but the
criminal cases have not yet been tried. Such cases and about one
hundred on the civil calendar will occupy two or three weeks longer.
On account of the absence of Judge Wilson for the rest of the
November term the court will be held by Hon. Samuel Murdock,
judge of the Tenth Judicial district."
Law firms here in October, 1857, were Bissell (P. E. j, Mills
(William) & Shiras (O. P.); Burt (James). Barker (W. T. ) &
Pierce (S. T.): Wilson (D. S.), Utley (B. T.) & Doud ( [ohn,
Jr.) : Franklin T. Goodrich, Samuels (B. M.) & Allison (W. B. ),
Oscar Taylor, D. N. Cooley.
Thomas M. Monroe, a distinguished lawyer, died in Fei)ruary,
1877; he was born in Virginia in 1818 and graduated in law from
Front Royal College. He located in Dubuque in 1858 and at
once took a prominent place in his profession and maintained it
until his health failed a short time before his death.
By 1858 Dubuque had a powerful bar^ — one of the strongest in
all the West. In February, 1858, there were here Bissell, Mills &
Shiras, Burt, Barker & Pierce, Wilson, Utley & Doud, Samuels &
Allison (Crane joined them a little later), Bancroft & Goodrich,
Newberry & Robb, Cooley, Blatchley & Adams, Pollock & Munson,
Peckham & Beach, Lovells & Williams, Vandever, Friend & Shiras
(George), Chapline & Dillon, Smith, Poor, Adams & Cram, Oscar
Taylor, John L. Harvey, Samuel Duncan, A. E. Harmon, Henry
S. Jennings, R. Stewart, H. T. McNulty and Frank M. Robinson.
Here were lawyers who then and afterward made themselves
famous.
The Gullick case was tried here in 1858; he shot his wife with
pistol; he was convicted and in the end hung. Many brilliant
passages at arms occurred while this case was on trial. The year
before John Regan killed a Mr. Goldrick and was bound over for
murder. In April three murderers were in the county jail : Ryan,
Crowley and Gullick.
In 1858 W. T. Barker began the practice and at once took high
rank. He helped to revise the code of i860, and later was a mem-
ber of the State Board of Inquiry. In i860 he became public
prosecutor of the Ninth district ; he was at times associated with
Burt, Pierce, Barney, Chapline, Dillon, Pollock, Shields. In 1869
he became circuit judge ; he had much to do with railroad law and
legislation.
This year the Johnson-Ostland murder case was tried ; also the
McGee-Kelly murder case: both cases ran over into 1859 or longer.
At this time the Ninth Judicial district embraced the counties of
Dubuque, Delaware, Buchanan, Blackhawk and Grundy.
456 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
The Gibbons-Donahoe and the Clifford and Mooney-W'ood mur-
der cases were tried in 1859-60. Clifford and Mooney were found
guilty in December and sentenced to be hung. The former was
executed in the jail yard in Dubuque.
Among the attorneys here in May, 1859, were the following:
Wihse (H. A.), Friend (W. C. ) & Jennings (H. S. ): Wilson
(D. S.), Utley (H. T. ) & Doud (John, Jr.) : Oscar Taylor; Xew-
berrv (S. S.) & Robb (Patrick); John D. Jennings; Barker
(W.'T.). ChapHne (J. A.), Barney (W. J.) & Dillon (A. H., Jr.) ;
Clark (Lincoln) & Beach (M. H. ); Pollock (S. H.) & Munson
(S. ) ; Duncan (Samuel) & Tavenner (G. A. ) ; Charles G. Loeber;
O'Neill (J. H.) & McLenan (William) ; John L. Harvey; Lovells
(W. Y. and J. T. ) & Williams (J. H.); \W. B. Okeson; E. M.
Bartholow; Griffith ( J. M. ) & Knight (W. J.); H. T. McNulty;
Smith (Piatt), Poor (B. W.), Adams (S. P.) & Cram (D. C);
Rickard & McCeney ; R. Stewart ; Jeremiah Sheean. James S.
Godsden was an attorney located at Dyersville ; he had located there
the previous November.
On New Year's night, 1857-8, an affray accurred at Western
Brewery Hall, during which two or three persons were killed and
about twenty injured. It was reported to have been a clash bet\\ een
Irish and Germans. Jacob Roth and Charles Swartz were charged
with murder; a long triaJ resulted.
About 1859 John H. O'Xeill came here and became the leading
criminal lawyer in the state ; owing to his brilliant oratory lie was
in great demand by the Democrats during every important polit-
ical campaign. He was prosecutor in the Crowley-Gleason murder
case, on which occasion his penetration, perspicuity and eloquence
were revealed and appreciated. O'Neill and Mulkern were for the
state, and Cooley and D. S. Wilson for the defense.
The act of January. 1858, revised and consolidated the laws
incorporating the city of Dubuque and established a city court,
which was conducted by a judge, clerk and marshal. In 1858 the
Republicans of the Ninth Judicial district nominated B. W^ Poor
for judge.
A big attack was made in the courts against gambling in Dubuque
in February, i860. The grand jury indicted several persons on the
charge of conspiring to cheat and defraud with cards, etc. Many
were indicted for keeping gambling saloons; all plead guilty and
were fined.
Judge Love, of the United States District Court, granted the
injunction against the city in favor of Gelpcke, Kentgen & Co.. of
New York. March 22, i860.
On April 27, i860. Francis Gillick was executed for the murder
of his wife. The execution was public and order was kept by two
companies of militia called out. The place selected was near Eagle
Point, and there the scaffold was erected. A large crowd, about
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 457
7,000, from far and near saw him pay the penalty of his crime.
He was an Irishman, had served in the war between Isabella, queen
of Spain, and her Uncle Don Carlos, and in the Mexican War,
being present at Molina del Rey, Chapultepec and Contreras.
In the February term (i860) of the District court there were
650 law cases and 200 chancery cases. During 1859 the total num-
ber of cases disposed of numbered over 1,200.
In tlie trial of Mooney for murder in November, i860. Barker &
Utley prosecuted and Bissell, Mills & Shiras defended. During tlie
trial, in spite of the gravity of the occasion, the court room was
convulsed with laughter over the manner and answers of a witness
— one Mickey McDonald.
Lawyer: What did they do?
Witness : They kim in and shuk two tin dollar bills and two
sovrins out of their purses on the counter.
Lawyer: How do you know they were ten dollar bills?
Witness: How do I know? Faith, the same as ye wud yerself,
because I seen "em. Bedad, ye'd bether not ask me so many ques-
tions— just quit whar ye are and not be thryin' to pump the guts out
o' me.
Lawyer : Well, you said you saw Mooney get your little boy to
burn the cap.
Witness (excitedly): And is it me that said that? Don't ye
know I didn't say it ? Wy d'ye put wurds in me mouth ? Och, now,
it's a pretty one ye are and it's a pretty lamb's tail ye're makin' of
yerself. And so on.
During i860 the press noticed that there had been a notable
cessation of crime in this city and county. "Dubuque, almost from
its organization up to within the last year, has been a favorite resort
of a horde of scoundrels of every description. Situated at the
junction of three states, and on the railroads and river, it gave
unequaled facilities for the residence of thieves, burglars, gamblers
and swindlers of every hue. Thus it is that until lately there have
been more murders, gambling, swindling, prostitution, etc., going
on than in any other city of its size in America. Even in the last
two years Dubuque has furnished a host of such stars as Borlan,
Gallagher, Rocky Ryan, Gillick, Johnson, Clifford, Mooney, Con-
stable, Dr. Granville, Ricard, Thomson and others of lesser note,
it was a paradise for such fellows — our laws were lax — our authori-
ties either careless of doing their duty or in direct complicity with
the brotherhood of rascality. But things have changed. Now we
have as orderly a city as can be found anywhere. Our city within
two years, from a depot of distressed scoundrelism from all
parts of America, has become a place fit for the residence of
Quakers. Let us give thanks." — (Herald, November 18, i860.)
"There are seventy-eight .of the present citizens of this county
who have been admitted as attornevs at law. Of this number
458 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
there are about eight engaged in oilier business, who do not prac-
tice, and three or four who are eni]jio\ed as clerks for some of the
other firms. Of those wiio do not practice at all, one is judge of
the District Court, one of the City Court, one is the treasurer and
another a trustee of a railroad, one is secretary to the minister to
Bogota, one an editor, and two live on the interest of their money.
Of those who practice one resides at Cascade, one at Peosta, two at
Dversville ; one is a member of the State Senate, two of the House
of Representatives and one lately elected a justice of the peace.
There are about sixty whose sole business is the pursuit of their
profession. One firm is composed of four members, eight firms
of three and eleven of two." — (Herald, December 9, i860.)
In January, 1861, O. P. Shiras lectured on "The Man for His
Times — Edmund Burke an Illustration." In February there was
a large docket — over 300 cases. Col. H. H. Heath was admitted to
practice early in 1861. \V. W. Mills oi^ened his law office in the
Jones block in April. In June Ben. M. Samuels withdrew from
the law firm of Samuels, Allison & Crane. Phineas W. Crawford
was admitted to tlie bar this year.
The number of convictions for crime in the District Court for
the year ending October 31 was as follows : Murder 2, assault with
intent 3, larceny 6, petit larceny i, gambling houses 3, failure to
pay own fines i, assault and battery 2.
Thomas C. Roberts was born near Rockdale, this county, in 1835,
and late in the fifties began the study of law with Coaley, Blatchley
& Adams; he was admitted in 1861 and soon made a creditable
mark in his profession.
In January, 1862, Barker. Barney & Dillon dissolved partner-
ship. In February the bar adopted new rules for the guidance of
the court. In the election contest between Hewitt and Cummings,
Knight, Samuels and O'Neill were the attorneys. About this lime
many law firms dissolved partnership, owing to a large decrease
in litigation. Late in the fifties the railroad, criminal and bond
and debt cases had kept a large and powerful bar busy, but now it
was different. Samuel M. Pollock was judge of the city court
in 1861-2; the court was abolished in 1862. "This disposed of an
institution which was forced upon the people of this city against
their will, which the Supreme Court of the state kept in existence,
and which has done more injury to the people of this city than
can ever be repaired." — (Herald.) In May M. B. Mulkern became
United States commissioner. Judge Wilson left the bench in De-
cember, 1862.
In 1863 Thomas S. Wilson and M. B. Mulkern were associated
as partners; the former liad just been beaten for the District bench,
mainly by the soldiers' vote, and the latter was one of the best
criminal lawyers here. James Burt took the vacant seat on the
bench recently occupied by Judge Wilson. P. M. Harrington was
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 459
admitted to the bar in May. Among the lawyers here at this time
were Thomas M. Monroe, Ben M. Samuels, Hodgdon & Covel,
John Deery, Griffith & Knight, Wilson & Mulkern, George B.
Edmonds, C. C. Converse, Utley, Doud & Brust, Barker & Mc-
Nulty, Piatt Smith, Bissell & Shiras, J. H. O'Neill, John Thomp-
son, B .B. Richards, Austin Adams, W. Y. Lovell, J. F. Bates,
Allison & Crane and others. The Gelpcke case was an important
one at this date. The Dyersville mill dam case was another. In
December, 1863, the bar met and adopted a new fee bill, raising
their prices.
By 1864 hard times had fallen upon the legal profession; liti-
gation was cut down to one-third of its former extent of only a
few years before. Monroe & Deery became associated as partners
early this year, John S. Covel died in June and W. T. Angell in
October.
The McArdle murder case brought out the best legal talent in
1864. The case was taken to Jackson, where Mrs. McArdle was
convicted. Several important cases relating to river- front lots
were in court this year. In 1865 the Kennedy-Doolin murder case
was tried.
On March 2, 1866, the grand jury indicted seventeen out of nine-
teen members of the board of supervisors "for receiving pay for
greater length of time than the law allowed during one year, twenty-
five days being the restricted time of the statute. The two men not
indicted were sick and absent. Two indictments were found against
the board in its separate capacity for letting contracts for amounts
in excess of $500 without being petitioned by 100 voters, as the
law provided.
In December, 1866, the Sarah Lee Porter case was in the courts.
John H. O'Neill, city attorney, was charged with neglect of duty
in that case. It grew out of the purchase of the Central Market
ground from Mr. Porter many years before. Mr. O'Neill had no
defense, except that he had been having a general jollification. His
speech before the City Council was one of the most brilliant he ever
delivered. It prevented his immediate dismissal, but he was mildly
censured and the office was later declared vacant.
About 1866 Christian WuUweber began practice. He was born
in Germany and was a graduate of Cambridge Law School. He
was an active member of the bar.
About 1866 H. B. Foulke began practice here and was first
associated with T. C. Roberts, then with Smith, Foulke & Chapin
and Foulke & Lyon, the latter becoming a very prominent and
successful association. In 1878 Mr. Foulke became prosecutor
of the Ninth judicial district. It was said at his death in 1892 that
as a trial lawyer he had no superior in Iowa.
In 1866-7 ^- E. Bishop began the practice. He made a specialty
of pensions, bought tax titles and prosecuted liquor dealers. He
46o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
made many enemies among the latter and on one occasion was
attacked and beaten nearly to death. In the supervisor trials,
George Watson prosecuted and Barker, Wilson, Knight & Mulkern
defended. Under Judge Burt"s instructions the supervisors were
cleared. The Herald sharply criticised the course of the court.
Three important cases were in court this year — Illinois Central
Railroad, Richards, Burden and Graves. Gen. H. A. Wiltse moved
to Minnesota in 1866. The following lawyers passed suitable reso-
lutions deploring his departure : T. S. Wilson, F. E. Bissell, W. B.
Allison, J. H. Shields, T. C. Roberts, Charles McKenzie, D. E.
Lyon, P. W. Crawford. George Crane. J. D. Langworthy, Samuel
Duncan, John Deerv, Thomas M. Monroe, M. B. Mulkern, T. P.
Rood, Stephen Hempstead, Frank Jennings, M. Lepper, O. P.
Shiras, C. G. Hawthorne, E. McCenev, W. Chandler. B. W. Poor,
L. H. Cady, Dewitt C. Cram, J. M. Ballou, William Mills, W. W.
Mills and Charles J. Rogers.
In 1866-7 Ihe revenue liquor cases came up and enlisted the
skill and ability of the best lawyers. A dozen or more were
retained by the various defendants. Breweries were seized, liquors
confiscated and the lawyers had much to do. Judge Wilson was
appointed assistant district attorney to assist in the prosecution.
About this time there was a general jail delivery, one man —
Donegan — charged with murder, escaping. Fifteen escaped, but
nearly all were recaptured.
In December, 1868, Mr. 0"Neill removed to St. Louis and was
tendered a farewell banquet by the local bar. Speeches of regret at
his departure were made by Judge Burt, H. B. Foulke, M. B.
Mulkern, D. B. Henderson, B. W. Poor, Lyon. Trumbull. Roberts
and others. Mr. O'Xeill replied with much feeling and unusual
eloquence. At this meeting the following verse from Don Piatt's
Capital was recited :
The devil came to the earth one day.
And said in court, where he wended his way :
"If all they have said of each other be true,
The devil has surely been robbed of his due.
I'm satisfied now, 'tis all very well.
These lawyers would ruin the morals of hell.
They have puzzled the court with villainous cavil.
And I'm free to confess they have puzzled the divil.
My agents are right to let lawyers go bail ;
If I had them they'd swindle me out of mv tail."
—Devil.
In 1870, upon his retirement from the bench. Judge Burt was
given a complimentary banquet at the Julien House, on which occa-
sion many eloquent speeches were made and many fine toasts
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 461
responded to. The city not having yet paid Judge Wilson fully for
his services in the Supreme Court of the United States in con-
ducting the Chouteau-Maloney case, he asked, in August, 1871, to be
recompensed for the balance due him. The numerous damage suits
against the city gave the lawyers and courts much to do late in
the sixties and early in the seventies. In 1872 Judge Wilson was
transferred to the District Court and B. W. Poor was appointed
to the Circuit bench, to succeed him. In March, 1873, Dennis A.
Mahony sued the city for $10,000 damages. He fell on Main street
and broke his arm.' Pollock & Shields were his counsel. The
Sullivan-Phillips murder case came up in 1873. The defense made
by Foulke & Lyon in the trial of Charles Wagner for the murder
of Frank Rhomberg was one of the ablest and most adroit ever
conducted in Dubuque. The newspapers spoke of it as a mar-
velous exhibition of legal skill, judgment and eloquence. The jury
found Wagner insane. Adams & Robinson were attorneys for the
city in the Central Harbor cases about this time. The grain ele-
vator cases were before the court again in 1875: large sums were
involved and many of the best lawyers here were employed by
the parties. At a bar meeting held in November, 1875, for the
purpose of discussing the question of dividing the judicial districts
of the state, partly to relieve Judge Love of the United States
District Court, much difference of opinion was shown and little
definite action was taken. It was in 1875 that the numerous move-
ments against the saloonkeepers culminated in many lawsuits and
much ill feeling. R. E. Bishop was the lawyer who fought the
liquor men.
It was in 1874 that the suit of the Central Improvement Com-
pany against the City of Dubuque came before the court. O. P.
Shiras and E. McCheney for the company began suit for $550,000
on the old, complicated contract. This suit was begun to force a
reasonable settlement, which was soon reached.
In 1875 among the lawvers were Shiras, Vanduzee & Henderson,
Wilson & O'Donnell. Griffith & Knight, Pollock & Shields, Foulke
& Lyon, Smith & Utt, Adams, Robinson & Lacy. Graham & Cody,
Beach & Hurd, Wullweber & Brother, Ed. McCeney, George Gray,
W. J. Cantillon, George Bingham, Mr. Alsop, F. T. Walker, J. P.
Burt, R. E. Bishop, H. T. McNutt and Mr. Mullany. The liquor
cases extended to Farley, Dyersville, Cascade and other parts of
the county.
In 1876 a moot court was conducted here and legal instruction
was given. The law of 1876 provided that upon petition Superior
courts could be established in cities of over 5,000 inhabitants. It
was given concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit and District
courts, except in probate matters and felonies, and was designed to
take the place of the police courts in cities. Adams & Robinson,
who effected the settlement between the city and the Central Island
462 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Company, charged $7,500 for their services, were refused, sued
and obtained judgment for tlie full amount and costs.
For the year ending October i. 1852, there were fifty-two crim-
inal convictions here, of which twenty were for larceny, nine bur-
glary, five forgery, two murder : twenty-five were sent to the peni-
tentiary at Anamosa and ten were confined in the county jail.
In 1878 a splendid banquet was given David S. Wilson, judge
of the District court, by the Dubuque bar. Thomas S. Wilson,
brother of Daniel S., presided. O. P. Shiras delivered the con-
gratulatory address, to which Judge W'ilson responded. An elab-
orate menu without liquor was served. The lawyers participating
were as follows: H. B. Foulke, P. W. Crawford, H. G. Wullweber,
H. E. Wilson, Ed. McCenev. J. P. Burt, W. J. Cantillon, John
Deery, M. H. Beach, P. J. Ouiglev. F. T. Walker, George Salot,
J. M. Griffith, W. J. Knight, H. t. McNulty, W. H. Utt, O. P.
Shiras, B. W. Lacy. L. A. Thomas. T. C. Cole. George Crane,
L. G. Hurd. L. Foc'kler, T. P. Rood, F. IL Robinson, S. M. Pol-
lock, J. M. Ballon, A. J. Vanduzee, B. W. Poor, J. D. Alsop, Fred
O'Donnell, T- E. Simpson, W'illiam Graham, C. H. Eighmey, T. S.
Wilson, D."B. Henderson. B. B. Richards, D. J. Lenehan, G. F.
Bogue, W. S. Wright, S. P. Adams, F. B. Daniels. E. V. Hayden,
G. Grav, A. Matthews, J. C. Lougueville, D. C. Cram, R. W.
Stewart, P. Fiering, J. E. Moore, M. M. Trumbull, J. M. Werner,
H. H. Ragan. T- B. Utt, Hubert O'Donnell. J. H. Shields, M. M.
Cody, A. Hobbs and C. M. Mills.
In the spring of 1886 the Supreme court held its last session here.
It came here first in 1870, and here a group of counties in northern
Iowa were required to make their cases returnable. Sessions were
held in April and October of each year in the Cox and Allison build-
ings. A bill in 1882 to abolish sessions at Dubuque and Council
Blufifs failed to pass the House, and in 1884 a similar bill was
defeated.
The forty injunction cases brought by the Citizens' League in the
Federal courts in 1885 against the liquor dealers attracted much
attention and were fought out in the courts. Foulke & Lyon and
McCeney and O'Donnell were attorneys for the saloonkeepers.
Judge Shiras presided over the L'nited States District court here.
In 1885-6 the entire judiciary system of the state was reorganized
by the Legislature. Dubuque, Clayton and Allamakee counties were
constituted the fifteenth judicial district. There were nineteen dis-
tricts and forty-five judges in the state. In 1886 Oliver P. Shiras
was granted the degree of LL.D. by Yale College.
In February, 1886, at a bar meeting, a committee was appointed
"to represent the interests of litigants in northern Iowa by pro-
testing against the passage of the bill now pending in our Legis-
lature to abolish the present rotary system of the Supreme court in
holding argument terms at various places in the state, by which
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 463
litigants are saved the expense of sending their attorneys to Des
Moines." D. J. Lenelian was elected district judge in 1886.
Alphons Matthews was city attorney in 1888.
The death of Judge Austin Adams in 1890 removed one of the
ablest and most prominent of the older lawyers. The officers of the
bar association in 1893 were as follows: G. W. Lacy, president;
J. C. Longiieville, first vice-president ; Robert Bronson, second vice-
president ; P. S. Webster, secretary ; A. P. Bibbs, treasurer.
The ceremony of dedicating the new courthouse in January, 1893,
and the attendant banquet were notable events. Among the speak-
ers at the dedication were Judge O'Donnell, County Supervisor
Cunningham, Judge Murdock, Judge Wilson, Judge Lacy, Colonel
Lyon, Mayor Saunders, M. M. Walker of the Board of Trade,
Judge Couch, Judge Ney, Judge Husted, Judge Utt, Judge Lene-
han. Colonel Crawford and others. At the banquet B. W. Lacy
was toastmaster and responses as follows were made : "The Judi-
ciary," Judges Shiras and Nev: "Relation Between Bench and
Bar," Judge Husted: "The Old' Courthouse," J. H. Shields; "The
New Courthouse," P. J. Nelson ; "Our Old Bar," D. E. Lyon ; "The
Bar of Today," W. J. Cantillon; "The Profession," D. C. Cram;
"Our Clients," G. W. Kiesel.
Late in 1893 it was found necessary to secure additional court-
rooms. Delays and overcrowding the dockets had before this date
caused much complaint and damage. It was shown at a bar meeting
that in Des Moines there were three courts in session the year
round, and it was argued there should be at least two here, and the
salary of the judges should be increased from $2,500 to $4,000 per
annum. The bar here, therefore, at a meeting where Judge Lacy
presided late in December, 1893, formally asked for the above
improvements, and further that the courts should be permitted to
make up issues during vacation, and that the jury law might be
amended. This year the judicial district was divided and Du-
buque county became the nineteenth, with two judges. It required
great effort to secure this result, but a powerful delegation visited
the Legislature and in the end secured substantial relief, as above.
There were on the docket at this time 213 civil cases. The railroad
case of J. P. Farley was very important in 1893.
Judge Thomas S. Wilson died May 16, 1894, aged 80 years.
He was born at Steubenville, Ohio, and was graduated from Jeffer-
son College in 1833. Soon afterward he studied law and had Edwin
M. Stanton for a fellow student, and in 1835 was admitted to the
bar. In 1836 he married Anna Hoge and soon afterward went to
Prairie du Chien. where his brother George was a lieutenant under
Col. Zachary Taylor. On October 13, 1836, he and his wife came
down the river to Dubuque for permanent residence. He was
president of the first board of trustees of Dubuque and in 1838
became judge of the Iowa Territorial court. In 1846 he came within
464 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
■one vote of the United States Senate. The next year he retired
from the bench and resumed the practice. He was associated with
many lawyers during his long career. He was interested more or
less in nearly all the most important cases adjudicated here. His
services before the Supreme Court of the United States in 1853-4
in the Chouteau-Maloney case were never properly recompensed nor
suitably appreciated by the subsequent population. He was again
on the bench in 1852, but was retired in 1863. He served in the
Legislature, was city, county and deputy United States district
attorney, and was highly esteemed here, where he was so well
known. He was married three times and left five children. At
his death the bar held elaborate and imposing ceremonies in his
honor. The address of W. J. Knight on this occasion was one of
great beauty, sentiment and power.
In February, 1904, Judge O'Donnell held court in the county
supervisor's room and continued there during the sessions of that
year. In January, 1895, ^'^^ "^^^' second judge — Husted — also held
court. The jury cases were tried by Judge O'Donnell and the others
by Judge Husted. This year the code commissioners accomplished
their duties.
Judge Husted encountered much opposition when he came to this
newly created district. His appointment had been opposed by M. M.
Ham, James J. Dunn and Senator Shields, the latter fighting him
on the floor of the convention. "He ordered the tax provision of
the mulct law enforced^ in Dubuque county and charged the grand
jury to indict every dealer who didn't pay. He declared that he
would intrust no lawyer with an estate and he ordered a raid on the
gamblers." In court he called down a prominent lawyer, declared
what he had said was false and ordered him to take his seat. He
removed another lawyer from control of an office : ordered the
county supervisors investigated ; scored the Dul)uque council and
became very popular with the people, owing to his acti\ity, reforms
and undoubted honesty. — (Cor. Chicago Chronicle, in Dubuque
Herald, January 9, 1896. )
In February, 1897, the Supreme court held that the mulct law
did not apply to cities operating under a special charter. This
decision left Dubuque at the mercy of the prohibitory law.
In January, 1907, the newly elected officers of the bar association
were P. S. Webster, president ; John Deery, first vice-president ;
L. G. Hurd, second vice-president ; John I. Mullaney. secretary ;
A. P. Gibbs, treasurer. Colonel Lyon was president in 1906. The
•code committee were Judge Lenehan, William Graham, J. B.
Powers, W. J. Knight and D. E. Lyon.
In December, 1898, there were fifty-one resident members of the
Dubuque Bar Association ; four were not engaged in practice. N. E.
Utt was president. In 1899 the new firm, Matthews, Lindsay &
Frantzen was formed.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 4f'5
Bowen (E. E. ) & Fitzpatrick ( T. J.), one of the strongest law
firms here, dissolved partnershi]) in January, 1904: they became
associated in the practice in 1896. Mr. Fitzpatrick became comity
attorney and otherwise prominent.
In November, 1903, Judge Oliver P. Shiras resigned his seat on
the Federal bench. President Roosevelt, upon accepting his resig-
nation, said : "It is with great regret that I accept your resigna-
tion. I cannot allow the occasion to pass without congratulating
you upon the signal success which has marked your labors on the
Federal bench, and I trust that the period of retirement, upon which
you are about to enter and which you have earned so well, will be
as full of usefulness to the nation."
In 1905 the grand jury returned 194 indictments and thereby
broke the record ; they were slot machine cases mainly. In Sep-
tember, 1905, R. W. Stewart, who had practiced for many years,
passed away and was followed by J. B. Powers in October. This
year the old proposition to abolish grand juries was discussed pro
and con in this county.
Early in 1905 several charges of unprofessional conduct on the
part of certain lawyers, presumably in good standing, were circu-
lated in the newspapers. This led to a meeting of the bar to take
steps to investigate the charges. Mr. Gibbs was made chairman
and G. T. Lyon appointed secretary. W. J. Knight, M. M. Cody
and G. W. Kiesel, a committee previously appointed, reported that
no tangible evidence to support the charges had been found. "From
this we can draw no other conclusion than that the reports hereto-
fore circulated of unprofessional conduct on the part of members
of the bar have no foundation in fact," said the committee. At
this meeting a motion by Colonel Lyon to continue the custom of
the bar to attend funerals of deceased members in a body was voted
down. Colonel Lyon said that thirty-six years before there were
1,800 cases on the docket and that he was on one side or the other
of nearly all of them. The officers of the association for 1905 were
J. P. Frantzen, president ; George Barnes, first vice-president ;
P. J. Nelson, second vice-president ; H. C. Kenline, secretary and
treasurer.
In February, 1908, William J. Knight, one of the ablest lawyers
ever here, passed away. He was born in 1838 and was a native of
Ireland. He was closely connected with the most intricate and diffi-
cult practice of northern Iowa for many years. He was attorney
for the Illinois Central Railroad Company.
From 1833 to 1836 the county judges of Dubuque county, Wis-
consin Territory were Milo H. Prentice, John King and Lorin
Wheeler. David Irwin was district judge in 1836 and Charles
Dunn the same until Iowa Territory was formed in 1838. Thomas
S. Wilson served as district judge from July 4, 1838 to April 26,
1847: then James Grant served until May, 1852, James Burt to
466 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
January i, 1871, and J. M. Brayton until November, 1872. D. S.
\\'i]son and Sylvester Bagg served also for short periods. The
Probate court was created by the Territorial act, but was merged
into the County court in 1852, which, in turn, became part of the
Circuit court in 1868. Ezekiel Lockwood was probate judge in
1834; Joseph T. Fales from 1838 to 1839; Charles Corkery
from 1839 to 1847; Valentine Glenat from 1847 to 1849,
and William W. Hamilton from 1849 to 1852. William G.
Lovell was first county judge in 1852, Stephen Hempstead
the same from 1855 to 1868, when the court was abolished.
The Circuit court held its first sessions in January, 1869. William
T. Barker was first judge and served until 1872, when he died and
David S. Wilson was appointed to fill the vacancy. He resigned -
in September of the same year to accept the office of district judge,
having just been elected. He was succeeded by B. W. Poor, who
served until 1873. He was succeeded by Sylvester Bagg. B. W.
Lacy was elected to the same position in 1879 and served until
January i. 1874. The present judges are Fred O'Donnell and
i\Iathew C. Matthews. The City court was organized in 1859 with
Samuel Pollock as judge, but was abolished in July, 1862.
In 1909 the Dubuque lawyers were as follows: G. A. Barnes,
E. E. Bowen, M. N. Cody, J. G. Chalmers, George Crane, P. W.
Crawford, John A. Cunningham, Mathias Czizek, John Deery, T J.
Fitzpatrick, L. J. Flynn, John P. Frantzen, .Andrew P. Gibbs, W.
& J. B. Graham, John Hawe, Hurd, Lenehan & Riesel, Kenline &
Roedell, J. W. Kintzinger, Lacy, Brown & Lacy, S. B. Lattner,
W. A. Leathers, Oliver Longueville, Lyon & Lyon, McEnony.
D. E. Maguire, Henry Michel, F. L. Mu'ekel, Millany & Stewart,
P. C. Murray, Nelson, Duffv & Denison, Fred O'Donnell, Hubert
O'Donnell, t. J. Paisley, Wells Rupert, H. F. Salot, lames H.
Shields, C. M. Thorne. J. B. & S. M. Utt, John R. \\'alier, E. H.
Willging and W. S. Wright.
In 1909 John Glab and H. L. Buckley were judges of the city-
police court. Both were justices of the peace. At this time M. C.
Matthews and Robert Bronson were judges of the District court.
The United States Circuit and District courts met in the custom
house, Judge Henry T. Reed presiding.
TOWNSHIPS, SETTLEMENT, ETC.
Nezi' Wine Tozoiship (township 89 north, range 2 west) did not
have an early existence as such, but was made a part of the Upper
Catfish precinct and \oters were required to poll their votes at John
Regan's house. In 1839 it became a part of Hewitt's precinct. In
1843 what is now New Wine Township became parts of the town-
ships of Liberty and Iowa, both of which then had much larger
extent than in 1911 (see elsewhere herein). In 1849 what is now
New Wine was made the western half of Iowa Township. On
January 11, 1850, the present New Wine Township was given an
independent existence.
The vicinity of Dyersville was first settled about 1837-8 by the
Whitesides — Abraham, William, John and Mack. Hewitt, Henry
Mounce}', Thomas Riggs and a little later John Christoph, Thomas
Finn, Theophilus Crawford and others arrived. Many of the first
settlers of this part of the county came almost directly from the
counties of Somersetshire and Devonshire, England. Life here then
was rude and wild, and privations and hardships were numerous and
often appalling.
In 1847 James Dyer bought the land at Dyersville. James Dyer,
Jr., came in 1848 and James Dyer, Sr., and William Dyer arrived
the following year. Rev. William Trick arrived in June, 1849. He
preached the first sermon in the place. In 1850 the Dyers projected
a town at the present site of Dyersville, but for some reason delayed
definite action. About this time other settlers located near, among
whom were Henry Popham, James Plaister, Robert Whiting, John
Gould, John Bailey and others, who had previously settled at Du-
buque. In the winter of 1850-51 some half dozen of the residents,
headed by the Dyers, had the town laid out and at once it began to
assume shape and promise. George Hyler, James Plaister and A.
Limback built early residences. Judge Dyer, in 1853, resided at
Main and Chestnut streets, where he had a store, and at the start the
Dyers planned a saw mill and a grist mill, and built both. A Mr. Col-
lins was an early resident. In 1853 the Dyers built a log bridge over
the river, which was used until 1869. In 1853 Orsemus F. Foote
bought a half interest in the grist mill in course of construction, and
at once began to erect a hotel — a two-story brick, which for many
years was an immense advantage to the village and a great accom-
modation to the traveling public — just what was needed.
In 1854 a postoftice was established here, other brick stores were
built, shops sprang up and soon the farmers could get here about
467
468 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
all the supplies they required. A little later a Masonic lodge was
organized and met over the store of Henry Popham. In 1855
cholera took away several lives and spread terror over the whole
community. Six deaths occurred in one day. Doctors Cainer,
Warmouth and Jones ministered to the wants of the sick, refusing
to leave.
The postal route from Dubucjue to Dyersville was establislied in
March, 1853, at which time the latter village contained about 350
or 400 inhabitants. A good saw mill, run by water power, was
already in operation. A large flour mill, a church, several stores and
about a dozen dwellings were being erected. The Dubuque Express.
in writing of the founder of this village, used the expression :
"Judge James Dyer, an intelligent, temijerate, active, enterprising
and thoroughgoing business man of English birth." In June, 1853,
Mr. Stanton, of Dyersville, exhibited in Dubuque a good specimen
of slate from the premises of Judge Dyer, near Dyersville.
In 1855 Caleb C. Chester was postmaster at Dyersville. In
October and November, 1855, James Dyer & Company advertised
for sale building lots in the village of Dyersville, twenty-six miles
west of Dubuque. He said : "We ofifer for sale building lots in
this village, suitable for residences, shops, stores, etc., at very low
prices, conditional on early improvements being made on them.
Being on the straightest road to Independence, Cedar Falls, Fort
Dodge, etc., and containing fine water power mills, hotel, churches,
stores, lumber yard, etc., great inducements are presented to those
wishing to find a permanent stopping place."
In December, 1856, John Stanton, of Dyersville, advertised that
there were wanted in that town 10,000,000 brick, tinners' tools and
one Crocker machine. .\ brickmaker was wanted to open up busi-
ness.
In the Weekly Express and Herald of December 3, 1856, a corre-
spondent— H. C. K. — gives the following account of Dyersville, the
information being furnished by Judge Dyer, T. F. Allen, Dr. Ford
and others : "Dyersville is situated near the western edge of Du-
buque county, twenty-seven miles from the city of Dubuque, on the
banks of the north fork of the Maquoketa river, which winds
through the town. Bear creek empties into the river at this place.
The country surrounding is the best farming district in Dubuque
county ; the soil is rich and strong. The town was laid out by
Judge Dyer, from whom it derives its name, about four years since,
and now numbers over seven hundred inhabitants. It is not yet
incorporated, but soon will be. It has thus far labored under the
disadvantages of ri\-er and railroad facilities, and goods and lumber
have been wagoned at a high cost, consequently the population of the
place has been seriously kept back by the want of houses and hotel
accommodations, and hundreds who have come to settle have thus
been comjjelled to go elsewhere. The prospect of the speedy com-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 469
pletion of the Dubuque & Pacific Railroad to this point has given a
surprising impetus to all building operations. The town plat is
nearly a mile square and contains over 500 acres. The town is
owned principally by the Iowa Land Company and Judge Dyer,
who offer the most liberal inducements to business concerns and
home seekers. The rails for the railroad will be laid to this point
by the middle of December or the first of January. As soon as the
railroad shall be completed here this town will be made the starting
point for all the stage lines to the westward and northward, thus
avoiding the heavy grades near Dubuque. At least eight stages will
arrive and depart daily, besides many extra vehicles. It is estimated
that there is a daily average of four hundred teams on the different
roads which converge into Dubuque, and that all must concentrate
here. Already a fine brick station and freight depot have been
erected here. Two new hotels are being built. The Western and
Northwestern Stage companies are building stables. The proposed
Northwestern & St. Paul Railroad will likely connect here with the
Dubuque & Pacific. Talk of building a branch railroad to Coles-
burg, about twehe miles away, is indulged in. Among the new
buildings recently erected or now under way are the following:
Station and freight depot. Dyer's hotel, John Young's hotel, William
Dyer's commission house. Dyer's stable for the Western Stage Com-
pany, same for the Northwestern Stage Company, same for Pierce
& Hannum of Dubuque, F. J. Stanton's planing mill and sash
factory, and the following projected buildings : Railroad engine
and repair shop, Presbyterian church, Episcopalian church, graded
school building to cost $2,000. There were standing, the Methodist
church, Rev. Lee ; public school, Mr. Gano, teacher ; Young Ladies'
Select school, Mrs. B. Douglas ; Iowa Land Company, incorporated
December, 1855, R. B. Mason, president; T. F. Allen, secretary;
offices of the Dubuque & Pacific Railroad. Three hotels were in
operation, conducted by H. P. Rice, J. Olney and W. Hatch. In
operation was a large grist mill, owned by Judge Dyer ; it was ona
of the largest and most complete flouring mills in the state. It was
operated by water power from the river. The race was nearly a
mile long and cost $8,000. T. J. Stanton and Bailey & Co. con-
ducted saw mills. Among the stores were the large one with depart-
ments, owned by Judge Dyer; D. C. Salisbury, dry goods; D. S.
Smith, druggist and deputy postmaster; A. Hoynck, grocery; J.
Waldor, grocery ; John Young, furniture ; Richard Green, furniture ;
John Dyer, harness ; H. Popham, wagons ; A. Hoynck, bakery ;
Bethell, Toogood & Wilkinson, brewery ; Page & Day, stores. The
physicians were S. L. Lord and E. Covell. The only lawyer was
H. B. Allen. There were blacksmiths, tailors, shoemakers, brick
yards and stone quarries. There were many fine residences in the
place. Business lots on Main and Union streets were worth from
$5 to $15 a front foot; lots for private residences were rated from
470 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
$50 to $150 each. About a mile from town was the fine farm of
W. L. Randall, who was one of the largest wool growers in Iowa,
owning at this time 1,500 sheep.
"In addition to my statistics of Dyersville property, I would wish
to notice that a large addition has been made about a year since
on the east side, which is called East Dyersville. This was laid out
by John Stanton, F. Stanton and Miss Green, and plats recorded.
On the East Dyersville plat are several fine dwellings, one furniture
and general store, one wagon-maker's shop, and contracts are being
made for the erection of a dry goods store, turner's shop and a
bakery. The railroad and stage roads run through it. The county
roads from Rockville. John's Creek, New Wine and Bankson con-
centrate here. Richard Gadsden and John Stanton have deeded a
lot for .school district No. 7: it will be ready in the spring. The
ladies of Dyersville have established and manage a public library. It
is yet in its infancy, but standard w^orks are on its shelves; Miss
Green is the president. This addition is laid out in fine sized build-
ing lots and are offered to actual settlers on liberal and easy terms."
— (H. K. C. in E. & H.. December 3, 1856). The Clarendon hotel
at Dyersville was kept by Mr. Jackson in 1857. On July 25. 1857,
the Jesup lands — 2,520 acres — lying near Dyersville, in Delaware
county, were oflfered for sale here at pubUc auction. The sale was
for the purpose of closing up the Jesup estate. In October or
November, 1S57. the Dyersville Mercury was first issued by F. J.
Stanton. It was neutral in politics and its motto was "Devoted to
Iowa, the Union and Ourselves."
In the winter of 1857-8 a lyceum was conducted in Dyersville,
and a Masonic lodge was organized there. John Young made an
assignment during the panic of that year.
Dyersville was located in a burr-oak opening on the Maquoketa
river. In 1856-7 its population doubled. In the summer of 1857
se\-en stores were going up at one time — also a score or more of
dwellings. There were three brick yards there. The Methodists
were building a church to cost $10,000. Their old building was sold
to the town and converted into a public school house, with L. Gano
teacher. Randall Brothers conducted a banking business there — the
only one in the place. There were one drug store, one hardware
store, one tin shop, two wagon shops, one harness shop, two furni-
ture stores, three blacksmith shops, three hotels, four dry goods
stores and six groceries. The Clarendon House, owned by Judge
Dyer, cost $30,000. A large warehouse was owned by B. P. Power
& Co. — {Times, August 3, 1857).
The completion of the Dubuque & Pacific railroad to Dyersville
in 1857 was an important event and at once caused the village to
grow rapidly. The Clarendon hotel was erected about this time by
Judge Dyer, and was leased by him. The railroad was continued
westward, but the panic of 1857 fell upon this community as upon
THE
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PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOB_ I^JTOX AND
WIDEN FOUNDATIONS
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Mg^-» 1
DUBUQUE
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 471
all else and business was dull and improvement languished. It was
about this time that Henry and Barney Holscher and Rev. W. H.
Heu di Bourgh located, the latter being a member of the Congre-
gational church. He at once began to secure subscriptions for a
church of that faith, and ere long the same was built. In the end
he owned a large property near the village.
In April, 1858, the editor of the Dyersville Mercury published a
strong appeal to the people of that village and vicinity to come for-
ward and assist him to maintain his paper or he would be obliged
to move his outfit to some other place. Owen McGee shot and killed
Jerry Kelly at Dyersville in September, 1858. The house of Daniel
Higgins, near Dyersville, was burned September 25, 1858, and was
a total loss.
In March. 1859, Mr. Stanton, editor of the Dyersville Mercury,
boasted that he had a "smattering knowledge" of the following
tongues : Hebrew, Greek, English, Douay. Latin, Italian, French,
Flemish and Spanish.
The Herald called Stanton "the Douay editor," and rejoiced when
he was beaten by a printer named William Corbett.
"Piles on piles of airy nothings, gossamer castles, were upreared
on the frail base of the imagination — on the cornerstone of a single
isolated but almighty dollar." — (Stanton in Dyersville Mercnr\).
"Git eout !"—(£. & H., June 25, 1859).
The Fourth of July, 1859, was publicly celebrated at Dyersville;
thirteen guns were fired at day break. A procession marched to wooded
grounds, where L. M. Gano read the Declaration ; B. F. Fotterall de-
li\ered the oration, and Colonel Rickard, of Dubuque, also addressed
the assemblage. There was good music by Professor Flude and
others. The military band was a feature. The day ended with a
ball at the Clarendon hotel.
In describing the 4th of July ( 1859 ) celebration at Dyersville the
Mercury said : "The anniversary of that glorious day which gave
a distinctness to all the energies of the patriots of '76, that gave
a soul-stirring earnestness to all the noble deeds which they accom-
plished; that struck the keynote of the heart-strung sympathies of a
people whose children and children's children should hand down to
posterity this heirloom and eternally entailed heritage of heaven-
directed nobility; at early morn the reverberating echoes of distant
hills, where awakened from their apathetic slumber, the vales of the
North Maquoketa gave birth to echoes whose like was never heard
since Jehovah's thunders called them into being. * * * Here
a grand federal salute greeted the ear which, with hundreds of
happy throats, swelled the baptismal anthem, making the welkin
ring again with its awakening echoes."
In April, 1861, the citizens of Dyersville voted as to who
should be postmaster of that town, and John Dyer won by two
majority. Dyersville was established in 1861 as an independent
472 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
school district under the code. George Rebman's house, near Dyers-
ville, was burned down August 14, 1864. The family was absent.
Two farmers, George Kruepfel and Mr. Leopard, were held up and
robbed near Dyersville in September, 1865. They were on horse-
back when two men with pistols held them up. Kruepfel handed
over $100. A boy with them had 10 cents which they took. Jerry
Boland built the Dyersville bridge in 1865. In June,' 1865, a party
of four or five persons were drowned at Dyersville. They iiad
attended a wedding at Colesburg and on their return, while attempt-
ing to cross Bear creek, which was greatly swollen, were drowned.
They were Mr. Storker, Mr. Adam, Mrs. Adam and child, and per-
haps others.
In January, 1866, Dyersville shipped 3,7^0 hogs, which, at $10
per hundred, were worth $93,297.20. A flood, in February, 1867,
swept away the wagon bridge at Dyersville.
In April, 1868, Rev. R. Swearingen and Rev. J. W. Hanson
debated at Dyersville the question of future state, the former main-
taining the doctrine of endless punishment and the latter that of
universal salvation ; they did not settle the question. In 1868 among
the leading business houses of the place were T. D. Hall, store and
hotel; Chesterman & Trick, agricultural warehouse and hardware
store; Collins & Schemmel, an agricultural warehouse; W. Dyer,
extension to elevator ; Moreland & Kramer, a new store ; Halscher
Bros., grain elevator, which was previously owned by J. B. Hawley ;
Limbeck & Co., store: Moreland & Stocker, store; Rohenkohl '&
Son, store. John Dyer was postmaster about 1865-6, but it then
passed to D. L. Smith.
The following is a summing up of Dyersville in 1869: Claren-
don hotel, 70 to 80 rooms, built by James Dyer in 1856-7; Congre-
gational church. Rev. H. L. Chase: Methodist church. Rev. J.
McCormick; Roman Catholic church. Rev. Fr. Kortencamp; Lu-
theran, supplied from Dubuque ; public graded school. N. W. Boyes,
principal: merchants, A. Limbeck & Co.; Halscher & Bro., hard-
ware; J. B. Hawley: Raper & Trum; Collins & Schemmel; F.
Luthners, woolen factory: Chesterman & Trick, Robelcol &
Kramer; John Dyer, etc. There were two grain elevators, two
breweries. Doctors Kepler. Treniain, Miller and Menges; J. D.
Alson, lawyer; A. Kroffl, Gadsden, Halscher & Co. and Sexton,
grain buyers. At this date Dyersville was one of the largest ship-
ping points for its size in the state. Immense quantities of hogs,
grain and wild fowl were sent to market. There were three lumber
yards, grist mill of J. Schemmel & Co., Masonic Lodge No. 132.
In 1870 a new bridge was built to take the place of the one washed
away a year or two before. ^
In 1870-1 Dyersville and Cascade had rival baseball teams that
met on more than one desperately fought field ; they also had rival
billiardists. In one baseball game played at Dyersville April i, 1871,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY A72>
the score was Dyersville 50. Cascade 26. In 1873 Rose & Son
founded the Dyersville Commercial. In 1880 Charles E. Sloop
became connected with it ; the sheet was Democratic.
Dyersville was incorporated in 1872; the new town started as
such with a population of about 1,000; forty-nine persons petitioned
to have the place incorporated. William Trick was elected mayor;
J. A. Limback, treasurer; John Morley, recorder; A. Liniback,
C. C. Chesterman, D. S. Smith, A. Kropfl and A. Muehe, council.
The large Howe truss bridge at Dyersville was erected in 1874
at a cost of $4,500.
The Teutonia band was in existence in 1874. On the question of
a new school house to cost $7,000, in 1874, the vote of the corpo-
ration stood — for the house, 115; against it, 87. The building was
duly erected ; it was of brick and stone, 44 x 56 feet. By 1875 the
leading streets were macadamized and put in good condition, side-
walks were built and other needed improvements made from the
license fees of the saloons; the license was $100 annually. The
following is a summing up of the town in 1875: Merchants, A.
Limback & Co., Holscher Bros., William Trick, John Christoph,. the
Godsdens, the Schemmels, David Smith, Nick Till, Bunker, Burley,
Morley, Rohenkohl, Alsop, Rose and others. In October the new
brick school house was nearly finished, at a cost of about $8,000,
and with a capacity of about 400 pupils.
In December, 1895, the Farmers' State Bank of Dyersville organ-
ized and prepared to do business on Main street, their building cost-
ing $4,800. The officers were Adolph Lange, president; John B.
Utt, vice-president ; Ben Schemmel, cashier. Business was begun in
January, 1896. In 1904 the city had two banks, six general stores,
three hardware stores, four manufacturing plants, three grain ele-
vators, two wholesale liquor houses, two breweries, one creamery,
four lawyers, two real estate offices, three physicians, three milliners,
excellent graded and parochial schools, and Catholic, Methodist,
Episcopal and Lutheran churches.
In 1 88 1 A. Limback & Co. conducted a large creamery. The
German State Bank was established in 1886, with a capital of
$25,000, of which $15,000 was owned by Dubuque capitalists.
In 1889 Dyersville had two newspapers, a bank, was a famous
hog market, had 254 business houses of all kinds, and in 1888 had
spent a total of $210,295 in buildings of all sorts. In that year the
total business of the German State Bank was $1,250,000. In busi-
ness enterprises there was invested about $1,000,000. The total
postoffice business was $15,695. The Catholic church was one of
the finest in Iowa and cost about $115,000. The News Letter was
established in 1888-9.
The Hickory Valley Creamery Company was incorporated in
1891, and Richard Barry became president. This year the Nen'S
Letter and the Commercial were official organs of the county ; Chris
474 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Smith edited the latter. In 1893 the town erected its city hall and
engine house, 40 x 112 feet, and duly dedicated it on October 24.
Hon. John B. Utt was orator. In 1896 Henry Steffen sued Mayor
D. A. Gehrig for $10,000 damages for assault: upon committing
the assault the mayor promptly pleaded guilty before a justice and
paid a fine of $1, but this did not satisfy Mr.' Steffen. The Dyers-
ville Canning Company was established in 1900; in 1902 it put uj)
150,000 cans of corn. The Harvest Home picnic in 1906 brought
out a large crowd. A fire in August, 1907, destroyed about $30,000
worth of property. In 1909 the Waterloo Canning Company leased
the establishment of the Dyersville Canning Company. The First
National Bank of Dyersville opened its doors in January, 1910, with
Frank L. Drexler as president.
Dyersville, in 1910, was lighted by electricity, had fire department,
opera house, two or three banks, two weekly newspapers — Coiiniier-
cial and Nexvs Letter — many excellent stores — dry goods, hardware,
clothing, boots and shoes, jewelry, drugs, groceries, etc.. saloons,
lumber yards, physicians and surgeons, shops of all sorts, dentists,
marble works, lawyers, undertakers, contractors, mills, furniture,
photographer, churches for the Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutherans
and Methodists, a malting company, etc.
The village of New Vienna was first settled in 1844 by Fred
Rohenkohl. H. Tauke, John Fangmann and H. Weichmann. It
was first platted as New Wein. Henry Schemmel was first post-
master. About 1846-7 Mr. Fangmann built a saw mill on the river;
in 1865 ^ grist mill was erected near. About 1848 Frederick Rohen-
kohl started the first store. Henry Schemmel & Brothers established
a woolen mill about 1849. John Klosterman taught the first school.
The woolen factory and flouring mill were destroyed by fire in
November, 1863; nearly 3,000 bushels of wheat were burned; the
loss was about $13,000; a large quantity of wool was destroyed;
the property belonged to the estate of Joseph Schemmel. Frank
Knippling was interested in the property and lost hea\ily. New
Vienna was incorporated in 1895 in response to a petition signed
by thirty-two citizens. There were polled 56 votes, 42 for the
incorporation and 14 against it. The officers elected were John
Vorwald, mayor: J. W. Schaetzel, recorder; H. Huberty. J. Kerper,
John Wessels, Jr., A. Lange, T. B. Boeckenstadt and Joseph E.
Erdmann, trustees.
In 1904 New Vienna had three general stores, one hotel, one
harness shop, one furniture dealer and undertaker, one brewery,
one restaurant, one physician, one blacksmith, and two wagon shops.
Taylor Towuship (township 88 north, range i west). This por-
tion of the county was quite early settled — had election precincts
and road districts for several years prior to the creation and organi-
zation of the township proper. The voters in 1838 went to the house
of Jacob Hamilton, on the Great Maquoketa, to vote. The first
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 475
settlers had to go to Dubuque to get their mail, but in 1840 received
it at what is now Cascade.. In September, 1840. it was made a
part of White Water election precinct, and in December of the same
year was assigned to the first county commissioner's district. As
originally created in February, 1843, it was part of four townships,
which cornered at sections 20, 21, 28 and 29 (see elsewhere herein).
It thus remained until February 7, 1849. when Taylor Township
was created and then embraced the present Dodge Township. On
January 11, 1850, Taylor was cut down to its present boundaries,
and elections were ordered held at the house of Peter Melingner.
This portion of the county contained good citizens. Daniel
Hogan arrived in 1837. Other early ones were the Wilmotts, Briggs,
Kidders, Johnsons, Youngs, Walkers, McKees, Hatches, Wilsons,
Grafiforts, Kehoes, Smiths, Dickinsons, Shermans, Kennedys,
Grays, Jennings, Greenwoods, Murphys, Tracys, Healeys, McDer-
motts, Striefs and many others.
In 1854 the famous "boiling springs" of this township first be-
came generally known. There were originally seven large springs
flowing into a common outlet and all furnishing enough water
}X)wer for several mills. Mr. Smith became the owner of them
in 1854; later Mr. Sherman became associated with him and soon
they had one of the best stock and grain farms of the county.
Epworth originally comprised forty acres and was laid out by Dr.
William Johnson and the village was named in honor of the birth-
place of John Wesley. The first residents were Hezekiah Young.
Otis Briggs and Zephaniah Kidder, who were there in 1855, a
short time before the plat was made. Hiram Young was there
early also.
The postotfice of Hogansville, named for Daniel Hogan, was
established about 1840 at what is now Epworth, but no village
grew up there until the survey of the railroad in 1855. In the spring
of that year eighty acres were platted and the name of the postoffice
was changed from Hogansville to Epworth.
The proposed construction of the Illinois Central railroad
(known through this county in 1855 and later as the Dubuque &
Pacific railroad) was the cause of the platting, settlement and
growth of Epworth. Several years earlier a store at Drake's, about
one mile east of Epworth, was opened by Benjamin H. Wilmott ;
in the spring of 1855 he moved his store to Epworth. Mr. Kidder
erected a building and started a store. E. G. French built a small
hotel and also opened a small store. After a short time Robert
Wilmott succeeded B. H. Wilmott in charge of the store. Otis
and Thomas G. Briggs began burning bricks in 1855. The village
grew rapidly. David and John Edwards opened the Graffort
House the first year. It was well kept and became favorably known.
E. G. French taught the first school in 1855-6. Other early resi-
dents were J. V. McCune, Silas Moore, William Magill, Philip
476 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Keagv, Jacob Wynant. Rev. S. T. Wells, Frank Richardson, A. S.
Atkinson, a blacksmith, Dr. W. B. Fox, W. W. Wilkinson, Mr.
.Mexander, J. T. Williams, O. J. Metcalf and David Edwards.
J. H. and Edward Dodson conducted an early store; so did Alex-
ander & Companv. Edward Tuttle was a painter. Epworth Lodge
No. 84, A. F. & A. :M.. was founded in 1856. In 1857 Dr. E.
Jackson, a homeopathist. was here, and Benjamin Goodrick con-
ducted a shoe shop and store.
On July 4, 1857. the Methodist Sunday schools for Dyersville,
Bankston's Prairie, Center Grove, Rockdale and the Union met at
Epworth with the Sunday school there to celebrate the day. The
Epworth school received the others at the station. All marched
to Seminary Grove, where the Declaration was read by Dr. William
Johnson, of Epworth. and addresses (leli\ered by Rev. P. E. Brown
and Rev. E. L. Stout, both of Dubuque.
In September, 1857, the Times contained the following account
of Epworth: "It now numbers some 350 inhabitants and is daily
increasing. There are many inducements to settle here. There are
four stores in the place. A tinware and stove depot, owned by S.
Young, and a very tine boot and shoe establishment, carried on by
Goodrich & Watk'ins. The Methodist society have a nice church
in the place. The Presbyterians are now building a fine house of
worship. The new academy, now nearly completed, is a beautiful
structure and admirably adopted to the purpose for which it is de-
signed. Its cost, when completed, will be nearly or quite $8,000,
and it must ever be an ornament to Epworth. We are informed the
institution will open some time in November. There are two hotels
here. One is kept bv T- D. GratTort." — (Cor. Times, September 5,
1857.
At Epworth in 1858 wheat was reported half a crop; potatoes
were infected with rot. A new and fine steam flouring mill was
being erected, to which a saw mill with power for lathes and cabi-
net shop, was attached. The owners were Ridder & Chesterman.
The main building was 30x40 feet and cost $10,000. The seminary
was in a flourishing condition, with goodly attendance. Examina-
tions of the public schools were satisfactory.
Bethel cemetery is one and one-half acres, donated by James
McGee for burial' purposes. Most of the early Protestant settlers
of that locality have been buried there, the first interment being
that of Joseph'jenkins in 1856. After that it filled up rapidly until
about 1875, when the early settlers began to disperse. Bethel
church was erected about 1855. opposite the cemetery, on an acre
of ground donated by John Hilman. and was used for worshiping
purposes most of the time until 1875. while it was left vacant until
1884, when sold to I. L. McGee and removed of¥ the ground and
used for a barn. The few members left were transferred to Farley
parish.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 477
The Fourth of July was celebrated at Epworth, the academy
pupils uuder Rev. Kee'ler leading. Rev. Robert Collier delivered an
address there. Rev. Mr. Brush, president of the Upper Iowa Uni-
versity, also delivered an address. At the celebration in the woods
D. N. Cooley, of Dubuque, delivered the principal oration.
From i860 to 1865 the following were at Epworth: Shoe store
by Benjamin Goodrich, mill owned by Mr. Kidder, academy, two
or three churches, excellent public schools, a moral atmosphere
superior to any in the county ; the big store of Robert Wilmott,
another by Metcalf & Vibber, another by P. Keagy, blacksmiths,
carpenters, stone and brick masons, milliner, etc. In 1867 a large
co-operative union store was established, owing to the high prices
and hard times. In 1861 Silas Moore was postmaster. He con-
ducted a hotel, the Graffort house having been destroyed by tire in
1859. T. D. Graffort, of Dubuque, had owned this house, which
was conducted by Mr. Osborn at the time of the burning.
Previous to 1870 the seminary was the property of the Upper
Iowa Conference, but in that year it fell to the ownership of the
Methodist church. In 1879 Epworth was incorporated upon the
petition of thirty-five residents. At this time they claimed not less
than 300 population. At the incorporation election eighty-three
votes were polled, fifty-six for incorporation and twenty-seven
against incorporation. The town has a regular corporation tax.
The officers in 1880 were J. M. Kirkpatrick, mayor; Joseph Fogg,
recorder; J. B. Albrook, John W. Foster, Timothy French, T. J.
Briggs, William McKinlay and Daniel Durham, trustees. Iowa
Lodge No. 324, I. O. O. F., was instituted in 1875. and Epworth
Lodge No. 135, A. O. U. W., in 1877. The Epworth Seminary
Association was incorporated in 1880.
Epworth now has Baptist, Catholic and Methodist churches, a
bank, excellent schools, several general and special stores, hotels,
liveries, physicians, milliners, grocery and hardware stores, con-
tractors, lumber yards, barbers, dressmakers, teachers, stock dealers,
drug stores, farm implement shops, etc.
Farley. — It seems that Joseph G. Wilson, in the fall of 1852, was
among the first to locate at what is now Farley. He erected a
frame house. Lawrence McGuigan located there in 1853. When
the railroads were built in 1856-7 he sold out to the Iowa Land
Company and the latter at once platted the village. The place was
named in honor of Jesse P. Farley, of Dubuque, who was actively
and prominently connected with the construction of both railroads.
The village at once began to grow, Daniel Hill, E. A. Irwin, Dennis
Sullivan, John Kimball, John Lehee, the Walkers and many others
being among the first residents. The Sherman house was built
early.
The W. G. Long residence was burned in May, 1863. The move-
ment of the Good Templars against the liquor interests in 1868 was
478 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
notable. The citizens were determined to keep out the grog shops.
In October, 1863, the cornerstone of the Catholic church at Farley
was laid ; 300 persons were present. Father AIcGauran celebrated
mass and Father Maloney, of Holy Cross, conducted the services
of dedication.
In 1872 the Stoll elevator at Farley burned down. It contained
sixteen carloads of grain.
By 1869 there were at Farley the following improvements:
Norling & Fitzgerald, store; A. C. \\'alker & Co.. store; Vibber &
Co., store; McGee Brothers, store; A. Maryatt, store; Catholic and
Methodist churches, pastor of the former. Rev. Fr. McGauran, and
of the latter, Rev. Mr. Houghton, from Epworth; three hotels;
A. Gillespie, teacher: W. B. Dubois and W. H. Tuthill, lumber
dealers; Samuel J. Thompson, agricultural implements; H. Stoll,
elevator; Smith & Kephart, cheese factory, etc.
In 187 1 the Farmers' Harvest Home assemblies commenced.
They were held in the woods near town and drew large crowds and
were the means of uniting the people in the cause of industry, edu-
cation, morality and good citizenship. Alexander IMcKee was
president in 1871. The next year Robert W'ilmott served as such
and A. C. Walker was secretary. The "home" has been held often
ever since. In 1886 P. F. Walker was president. As many as
6,000 people have been present at the annual meetings. In 1875 a
big fire at Farley destroyed the railway machine shops. In Sep-
tember, 1875, ^^^ Methodist Episcopal church was dedicated by
Rev. E. K. Young: it cost about $4,000. In 1879 Farley was
incorporated as a town, thirty-six persons signing the petition. At
the election seventy-two voted for incorporation and fifty-seven
against it. The Ryans, of Dubuque, contemplated a packing plant
at Farley, but it did not materialize.
A very destructive fire at Farley in January, 1896, caused the
loss of over $25,000 in property. Among the losers were Loomis,
Vibber & Heald, Ransom, Newton, Ewen, Cattron, Plunkett,
Asquitt, Bank of Farley and several societies. The Loomis opera
house block w-as almost wholly destroyed.
Farley in 19 10 had Catholic, Episcopal. Methodist and Presby-
terian churches, graded schools, two banks, two newspapers —
Advertiser and Nc2t.'s — general stores, and stores of hardware,
drugs, jewelry, milliners, etc., resturants, hotels, liveries, doctors,
lawyers, dentists, furniture, harness, real estate, lumber yards, shops,
water works, undertakers, live stock dealers, etc.
The Farley State Bank was organized June 26, 1906, with a
capital of $25,000. B. E. Loomis and J. B. Cook solicited sub-
scriptions to the stock. There are about seventy stockholders,
mainly farmers. On January i, 1907, the deposits amounted to
$35,436.82; on January 25, 191 1, they were $264,572.65. The
first officers were J. P. Sanner, president ; B. D. Heald, vice-presi-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 479
dent; F. S. Ferring, cashier, and they still manage the institution.
The bank pays 4^/2 per cent on time deposits.
Farley was incorporated in 1879, with A. C. Walker, mayor;
R. L. Vibber, treasurer: Charles A. Joseph, recorder; J. F. Wil-
mott, street commissioner and marshal ; A. T. Garner, J. J. Wilson,
L. N. Arcouit, D. Moynihan, S. Goodale and Solomon Carpenter,
trustees. The city has a library association. Nearby are the famous
Farley quarries of building stone.
Kidder Siding is a small place in the northeast part, and Placid
another in the southeast part.
Cascade Toci.'nsIiip (township 87 north, range 2 west) was
organized as road districts and election precincts before the town-
ship as such had an official existence.
As an election precinct it was Great Maquoketa in 1838 and
elections were held at the house of Jacob Hamilton. It was also
called White Water precinct. In August, 1839, elections were held
at the house of Joseph Hewitt. Patrick Finn, James H. Kirkpatrick
and Willis Thompson were judges of election. The military road
was built in 1839 and thereafter Cascade had a postoffice of its
own. Arthur Thomas was postmaster at the "Falls" in 1840. In
1840 the township was in the third county commissioners' district.
As first created, in 1843, the township embraced parts of the present
townships of Cascade, White Water, Taylor and Dodge. It was
given its present boundaries in 1849.
Nicholas Belong was the first settler of Cascade township. He
first came in 1834, when he plowed a small tract and planted it in
corn. The next spring he returned and sowed a field of wheat.
In 1836 he brought out his family, consisting of wife, daughter
Susan and five sons, William, John, Parley, Jacob and Perry. His
cabin was located on the present townsite. John Sherman arrived
about 1836 and bought a part of the water power and in partner-
ship with Arthur Thomas about 1837 erected the first flouring mill
and began business. At the same time they established a store
and built a hotel. The next year the Belong brothers built the first
saw mill about two miles above. Previous to his arrival here
Nicholas Belong had been a miner, probably at Bubuque and per-
haps at Galena. In about 1841 Caleb Bucknam, whose daughter
married G. G. Banghart, bought the Belong property, and in 1842
laid out the \illage. Alvin Burt, Peter Summers, Egbert Macom-
ber, C. O. Freeman, Elan Rafferty, Lyman Billon, Mahlon Lupton,
John Rafiferty and Asa Leek were all early settlers of this township.
L. A. Styles was postmaster — about 1842. W. W. Hamilton arrived
about 1842. G. G. Banghart kept a large general store. Judge
Taylor was here early.
Joseph Bean, Caleb Bucknam, Levi A. Styles, Peter Knoop,
W. W. Hamilton, Arthur Thomas, Alonzo Meecham, Asa Leek,
Nathan W. Botan, John Gibson were all useful citizens.
4So HISTORY OF DVBl'OUE COCXTV
The citizens of the Xonh Fork of Maquoketa. on February- 17.
1S3S. assembled and organizeil for the protection of their pre-
emption riglus and for the regulation of their claims. They adopted
a constitution and assumevi the name "Xonh Fork of NIaquoketa
Association" for the mutual protection of settlers' claims on gov-
ernment lands. No settler could have more than three quaner sec-
tions of land. Xo j^ierson under sixteen years could hold a claim.
The followjjig were the officers: Charles \V. Harris, president:
Webster M. Dowell. vice-president ; Francis M. Hamilton, secre-
tary-: .\bndiam Daniels. Samuel GrofF. John Hanley. Fidden
Braden. James HotTnian. Thomas Owens, E. Richardson, X'incent
D. Smith and James B. Powell, grand comminee.
The water power was the origin of Cascade, both of the name
and the village. The militar>- road, after 1S30. was extensively
traveled and caused Cascade to grow. Caleb Bucknam bought out
the Delong? aK'>ut 1^0 and laid out the west towni. L>-man Dillon
owned the saw mill and G. G. Banghan opened a store. James
Coolev was here early : also the Powells, Haraihons. Smiths and
McGintys- Mr. Bucknam donated land to the Catholic and Prot-
estant churches and to their cemeteries. In 1S4-; the place was
called West Cascade in the records of the couniA*. About this time
a road was established from Cascade westward to the county-
seat of Delaware county. The act of Februar\- 16. 1S4.;, declared
the Big Maquoketa a na\-igable highway. A large temperance meet-
ing at the house of .\nhur Thomas in 1S4J organized \\-ith twenty-
persons and with William Collins as president. The Methodists
organized in 1S41 and erected a church in 1S44- The Congrega-
tionalists built in 1S45,
.\bout fifty Irish families, just o\-er from Earope and now at
St. Louis, sent one of their nimiher. a young Irishman, to Dubuque
comity to select a location for all oi' them. He selected points
along the Maquoketa in ilie southwestern pan of Dubuque county.
— ^Bloomington Herald. June 10, 1^4^.^
.\ mass meeting of the citizens of Cascade was held at the Metho-
dist church in th.at village on January- .x), 1S4S, to take into con-
sideration the expediency of making Cascade a point upon the
contemplated Dubuque & Kec4cuk railroad, according to the chaner
granted by the last legislature. William Johnscai was chosen presi-
dent of the meeting: Joseph Dean, vice ' X. P. Cook
and W. S. Hall, secretaries. The f^ „ -^ to draft
resolutions was appointed : Dr. B. F. Dewey. George Banghan.
Jc4in McGinty-, James S. Hamilton and Joshua Johnson. The
meeting was addressed by George Banghan. C- O. Freeman, Dr.
B. F. Dewey and Rev. L.' H. Woodford. The res ' nly
favored the selection of Cascade as a point on tl..- :ed
railroad line-
In 1847 William Lawther & Co. conducted a large store in Cas-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUXTY 481
cade. The leading hotel at this date was managed by Henr)- Miller.
William W. Hamilton, a Scotchman and a lawyer, was here early
and became ven.- prominent.
At a large railroad meeting in Cascade in December. 1852, G. G.
Banghart served as chairman and Dr. G- \\'. Trumbull as secretarj-.
W. S. Hall. T. S. Denson, L. Bamett, Lemuel Litton and .-Mfred
Darling were present. The inhabitants here were endeavoring to
secure the Dubuque & Pacific railway, or any other. The McGinty-
Clark murder and suicide occurred near Cascade in 1855. ^X
August, 1856, the village had a population of about 450 people.
McCann was hotelkeeper. At this date there were seven or eight
merchants, the big flour mill owned by the Chews, saw mill, brick
yard, private schools, the academy, mechanics, blacksmiths, etc.
James Hill laid out a large addition to the village. John Bates
resided here.
In an e.xamination before David F. Barr. justice, at Cascade, in
June, 1857. Michael Flanigan was given a preliminarv- trial for the
murder of James Xewell by striking him on the head with an ax
handle. Both resided in Jones county. The defendant was bound
over to court in the sum of 84,000. on the charge of manslaughter.
Bail was furnished. The alleged crime was committed at Francis
M. McXally's grocen,-. Charles Winchel. a storekeeper, saw the
blow struck. William Bucknam, a shopkeeper, was a witness. At
this date Ruthorp owned a shop, Taylor had a store and Dr. Baker
practiced medicine, also Dr. Beman. Frank May's brewerj- was
there in 1856.
A grand mass meeting to be held at Cascade July 25, 1857. was
called to consider the proposed new constitution. The best speakers
from Dubuque were advertised to be present. Resolutions against
the proposed new constitution were passed. In July, 1857, a mob
of over 300 men surrounded the dwelling of Jack Parrot, of Cas-
cade, intent on hanging him on the charge of horse stealing. At
this time Parrot was constable of the township.
Cascade in 1858 had a jxjpulation of nearly 1,000. Over seventy-
five new buildings, it was claimed, were erected in 1858. They were
built on both sides of the river. The falls in the river gave rise to
the name Cascade, and were about nine feet high. There were two
large mills at the town — a flouring mill on one side of the river
and a saw mill on the other. There were four large dn.- goods
stores, one drug store and several grocen,- stores. There were four
churches already up and two more being erected. A large brick
academy and a brick public school were in flourishing condition-
There were five blacksmith shops, three wagonmaker shops, two
cabinet shops, besides carpenters, shoemakers, tailors, etc — fEd.
Acsac in Dubuque Herald; the name reversed spells Cascade.)
In 1858 Cascade Academy was under the superintendence of Mr.
and Mrs. H. D. Wilson, A. M. The fourth session of this schocd
482 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
began Monday, September 7, 1858. Instruction in all branches
usually taught in colleges was given. The tuition was from $4 to $8.
The trustees were Anthony S. Chew, G. W. Trumbull and W . W.
Hamilton.
In July, 1858, wheat near Cascade was not over half a crop; oats
were injured by rust, but the corn prospect was good. The Cascade
Juvenile Vigilance Committee enforced the hog law — they penned
up about thirty head at one time and asked owners to pay charges
and take them away. The Cascade Philomathean Society held
regular meetings; the Masons had just organized, and despite the
hard times and uncertain currency about twenty new dwellings were
erected in 1858. The Catholics were about to commence on a new
church there, the Methodists already had laid the basement of their
large brick church in the eastern part. — (Cascade cor. E.&H.. July
20, 1858.) A tornado swept through the county about two miles
west of Cascade in July, 1858, prostrating crops and timber. Cyrus
Gofif was a brick manufacturer ; Hastings and Scott were at work in
the "gold mine" near Cascade; the Irish neighborhood near Cas-
cade was in a prosperous condition.
In 1858 Thomas Palmer was indicted for keeping a gambling
house at Cascade. He kept a saloon there. He was found guilty
by a jury in the District court before Judge T. S. Wilson.
In 1858 there were three new mail routes extending out from
Cascade: from Cascade to Iowa City, from Cascade to Tipton,
from Cascade to Wyoming. In Augiist there were eight mail routes
coming into or passing through the village.
The academy at Cascade was conducted by Professor Wilson in
1858. During the spring term there were about seventy pupils in
attendance. While out hunting with a party of men a Mr. Con-
nelley, of Cascade, accidentally shot a young man named Banghart
with a full charge, but did not kill him.
On July 4, 1862, Cascade turned out to celebrate. The Declara-
tion was read by Prof. C. W. Von Coelin and speeches were deliv-
ered by M. B. Mulkern, Austin Adams and J. M. King. Washing-
ton's farewell address was read by Doctor Trumbull. Simon Cham-
berlain was postmaster in 1863.
The following citizens of Cascade, in August. 1864, notified the
public that the new Cascade Academy, with the ablest and most
experienced teachers, would be open for the reception of students
September 15: G. W. Trumbull, John Taylor, G. G. Banghart,
W. S. Hall, T. J. Chew, T. Litton and L. and L. Benham. Prof.
J. Nolan, A. M., was principal. Sixty students were enrolled b\'
November i.
In 1864 the paper mill two miles from Cascade was established
by Mullally, Hutchins & Co. They first made wrapping paper,
niainly from rve and oat straw, but later advanced to printing
paper' The main building was 30x40 feet and two stories high.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 483
McNulty was connected with the company. He seems to have
secured Hutchins' interest. Their paper was on the market in Du-
buque in November and was exhibited at the county fair. In
October, 1869, the mill was destroyed by fire caused by the explo-
sion of a kerosene lamp. The loss was estimated at $30,000.
The Spring Valley mills on section 26 were built in about 1870
by F. Gilleger and had three run of stone.
In December, 1866, there was published in the Dubuque Herald
the following" description of Cascade abridged: Cascade is on the
Maquoketa river, where there were falls about ten feet high, with
power sufficient for forty or fifty pairs of buhrs. The town was in
a heavily timbered section and was surrounded with a well settled
and prosperous farming community. The Cascade flouring mill,
owned by T. Chew, but leased by Crane Brothers, had four run of
stone. T. Chew ran a saw mill; Thomas Crawford & Co. ran a
cabinet factory ; there were several stores and shops ; German Cath-
olic church, Rev. M. Lynch; Irish Catholic church, same pastor; a
new Catholic church just finished, 100x50 feet, built of stone; new
Methodist church. Rev. Wortz ; Baptist church, Rev. Reas ; New
Presbyterian church, Rev. Sawhill ; Second Advent church, Rev.
Hufif; Cascade Academy, R. G. Gislon, principal, and two district
schools.
In November, 1867, Cascade had a population of about 1,000,
seven dry goods stores, seven groceries, three drug stores, three
hotels, three schoolhouses, six churches, a large grist mill, a saw
mill, two cabinet and other shops, three wagon and carriage makers,
four blacksmiths, four shoe shops, a distillery, doctors, lawyers, etc.
In 1868 one span of the Cascade mill, then under construction, fell
into the river, carrying down eight men. No lives were lost, but
the property loss was about $2,500. The Cascade Pioneer was
established early by C. H. Monger and did a great deal to build up
the town and improve the community under J. W. Baldwin.
September 19. 1878, was a great day for Cascade. The first
ground was turned on the narrow gauge railroad which extended
from Bellevue to that town. About 2,500 people were present when
John W. Tripp threw the first shovelful of earth. A large pro-
cession, under Chief Marshal R. R. Creston, paraded the streets
and marched out to the grove, where the speaking took place. Fred
O'Donnell was orator of the day, but speeches were also made by
Gen. L. A. Wright, Dennis A. Mahony, Dennis O'Brien, Mr. Tripp
and others. The first locomotive arrived at Cascade in December,
T879.
The stock fair held at Cascade in 1880 was well attended and a
success. Many excellent animals were exhibited. At this date, De-
cember, 1880, the village was incorporated as a town. There were
161 votes, of whom 128 favored incorporation and 32 opposed
it. In 1 88 1 a squad of people at Cascade tarred and feathered a
484 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
man, whereuiKiii lie commenced suit against them for damages. In
1886 a new bank was estaijlished, with B. B. Richards, of Dubuque,
as president.
The fair at Cascade in 1891 was attended by 5,000 people on the
best day. It had ah-eaily given fame to this little town. "No man's
land," at Cascade, began to be famous about this time. The five
hundred yard law concerning liquor selling was the cause in this
town, situated in two townships, in two counties and on the two
sides of the river. There was almost open war between the Jones
county officials and the saloonkeepers of Cascade. The Cascade
opera house was built in the early nineties. The Cascade bank and
the Farmers 'and Merchants' bank gave much needed accommo-
dation to business men. In 1894 the Cascade water works were
put in for $10,792 b)- the Smedley Manufacturing Company. Two
hose carts and about 1,000 feet of hose were secured. The cor-
poration tax in 1895 was $1,082.45. The Cascade Light & Power
Company was established in 1895 with D. M. Finley president. It
began with a capital of $7,000 and with about twenty-five to thirty
lights.
In December, 1895, thirty-six of the heaviest shippers of Cas-
cade— merchants, live stock dealers, foundrymen, mill owners, lum-
bermen, liquor dealers and other shippers — petitioned the State
Board of Railroad Commissioners, asking that the railway service
be improved. Twenty-six carloads of corn for Cascade were not
forwarded for want of cars. A short crop necessitated the importa-
tion of this grain.
In 1896 the Cascade Courier was established by Bruce Baldwin.
The county joined Cascade in 1897 and both held a joint fair that
was a signal success. This was the sixth successful fair held at
Cascade. There was a good track and a number of fast horses
present. A baseball tournament was scheduled, with prizes of
$100, $60 and $40. Five thousand people attended. The fairs of
1898 and 1899 were successful, though interest began to wane.
Cascade in 1904 had a water system, electric light plant, two
newspapers — Pioneer and Katholischer — Cascade mills, two banks,
two creameries, one railroad and German Catholic, Irish Catholic,
Presliyterian, Baptist and Methcxlist churches.
Cascade in 1910 had five churches, public and parochial schools,
two banks, two weekly newspapers, many general stores, grocery,
hardware, drug, clothing, boot and shoe stores, hotels, restaurants,
mills, saw and flour, physicians, lawyers, milliners, shops of various
kinds, saloons, builders, band, creamery, electric light plant which
cost $7,000, an insurance institution, lumber dealers, city watet
works, opera house, telephones, live stock dealers, livery, under-
taker, jewelers, marble yards, barbers, real estate dealers, photog-
raphers, etc. It is one of the best towns of its size in the state.
White Water Township (township 87 north, range i west) was
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 485
settled earlv, among the first residents being Jacob Hamilton, Rob-
ert Rogers', Peter Summers, Matthew W. Hutton, John Graham,
William C. Olmsted, Christopher Drew, John A. Kennedy, Thomas
W. Phatigan, James McDermott and others.
In the fifties considerable gold was found along White Water
creek in the black sand and doubtless could be found at this day
where tlie black sand is. Fillmore was established as a postoffice
in 1850 and William Heitschew was the first postmaster. Quite a
large village grew up there in time and increased in population after
the construction of the railroad. It now has a store or two, me-
chanics, a co-operative creamery, etc.
Gray's mill, in White Water township, one mile from White
Water bridge and twenty miles from Dubuque, was offered for sale
in July, 1855. It had two run of French burrstones ; also a quarter
section where the mill was located, 100 acres of adjacent prairie, a
tract of timberland, two dwellings and other buildings were offered
in lots to suit pmxhasers.
On September 7, i860, a miniature tornado swept across White
Water, Prairie Creek and Washington townships, leveling fences,
stocks, trees and houses. Its course was from northwest to south-
east. No lives were lost.
Jacob Hamilton lived at or near Hempstead or, as the postofiice is
called, Fillmore. Here in very early times the settlers came from
many miles around to vote. Jacob Kitler lived near him. The
bridge at Hempstead was built in 1861. This place, no doubt, was
named in honor of Governor Hempstead, a Dubuquer.
Vernon Tonmship (township 88 north, range i east) was settled
at an early date. It was made a part of Catfish precinct in 1838
and voters were obliged to go to the home of John Paul to cast their
ballots. In September, 1840, it was made a part of Regan's pre-
cinct. In February, 1843, it was divided among four townships
(see elsewhere). On February 7, 1849, it was created with its
present boundaries and named Mount Pisgah, but late in the same
year the name was changed to Vernon.
Among the first settlers were the Grahams, Younts, Newells,
Sparks, Sloans, Moores, Jordans, Champenoys, Moheisers, Mc-
Cants, Snodgrass and Averinghams. From 1849 to 1853 many
families, attracted by the monastery, came here to reside, among
whom were James and Patrick Murray, George Brown, Frank
Burns, Peter McLaughlin, Patrick Madigan, Michael Merrigan.
John McGrath, Patrick Walsh, Peter French, Edward McDonnell,
Thomas Logan, Michael Nolan, Martin McCarthy, James O'Hagen
and Thomas Grace.
Peosta was laid out in 1853 by Simeon Clark and Elisha Brady
on a tract of thirty acres. Among the first residents were Simon
Clark, S. Hildebrand, who opened a store ; Milo Burleridge, W. W.
Miller, A. W. Beodell, a store : William Oldridge, Mr. Dunn, Mr.
486 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Brasher and others. Methodist, Presbyterian and CanipbelHte
churches were started early. A hotel was built in 1857. During the
Civil war the Union Leaguers effected an organization, and pre-
viously had organized as a home guard. This was one of the few
spots in the county to be loyal to the administration of President
Lincoln (see elsewhere). At a loyal flag raising here in 1861
Alfred Tliomas addressed the audience. The flag was lowered to
half mast as a mark of respect to Senator Douglas. This little vil-
lage has had at all times a few business houses for the surrounding
farmers' convenience, and has a population of about 150.
The monastery of the monks of La Trappe is in this township
(see elsewhere for an account of this interesting community). As
early as 1853-4 the monks began to raise fine stock, securing several
fine animals from Kentucky. They owned and raised Durham and
Devon cattle and did much to improve the breeds in this county.
Brother Murphy, of the monastery, was one of the largest hog
dealers in the state. He took from near Cascade several thousand
head in November, 1867. They were fattened for market. He
shipped away about 300 a week for some time.
In i860 the monks of La Trappe raised upwards of 5,000 bushels
of wheat on their farm at Melleray, in Dubuque county. — {Herald,
August 22, i860.
In 1853 William Potts was postmaster at New Melleray, on the
Cascade road. His house was a favorite resort for picnic parties
from Dubuque.
In Vernon township, eight miles from Dubuque, in April, 1863,
was a den of wolves which had multiplied from year to year until
they numbered nearly or quite fifty animals. They were fierce and
had become very bold, attacking i)igs. lambs, calves and even per-
sons. During the winter of 1862-3 they often entered the door
yards and barn yards of Mr. Courtney and otiiers and battled with
his dogs for domestic animals. A young lady belated was attacked
but managed to elude them and reach a place of safety. Sportsmen
of Dubuque were asked to go there with dogs and guns and hunt and
kill the pack. — {Herald, April 22, 1863.)
Peru Tonmship (township 90 north, range 2 east and part of
township 91 north, range 2 east) was among the first to be settled.
The village of Peru was founded in 1833; in fact, earlier than that
year, notwithstanding the occupancy by the Indians. Elections
were ordered held at the house of General Gehon in Peru village in
1834, at the time Michigan territory was formed. General Gehon
was one of the first county supervisors, in 1836. The village was at
first thought to be a rival of Dubuque, and was ordered surveyed
under the act of Congress, and elections were held there regularly,
but in 1838 were held at the house of Myron Patterson. At this
date also Durango was made an election precinct and the polling
place was the residence of J. Devin. Both Peru and Durango were
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 4«7
election precincts in 1840. The Peru township created by act of
February, 1843, embraced all of the present Peru and parts of the
present Jefferson, Center and Dubuque (see elsewhere). The town-
ship, as it is at present, was cut down in February, 1849.
Among the first settlers were Francis Gehon, Thomas McKnight,
M. Patterson, M. W. Powers, Augustus L. Gregoire, Samuel Mor-
ris, Tuck Baker, Samuel W. Barrington, Thomas Carroll, B. B.
Bushee, Felix McBride and Mr. Brayton. Chester Sage and B. B.
Bushee were at Sageville and there was established in 1833 the
first saw mill in the county. The following year buhrs were added
and corn was ground. Thomas McKnight operated a hot-air
furnace at Peru. Gen. Francis Gehon conducted a large general
store at Peru — sold hardware, dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes,
hats, caps, groceries, queensware, etc. M. W. Powers established a
large store there about 1834 and sold liquor. Presley Samuels
located at Durango (sometimes called "Timber Diggings") in 1834
and about the same time Thomas McCraney, John R. Ewing, Ne-
hemiah Dudley and Richard Marston located near him. When
Wisconsin territory was created in 1836, Francis Gehon was ap-
pointed marshal. Michael W. Power was postmaster at Peru in
1838. "Kentucky" Anderson died here "with his boots on" about
1838. He was shot under great provocation by Adam Sherill.
Ambrose Eagle settled here in 1837. Francis Gehon assisted in
taking the territorial census in 1840 and was paid $350 at one time
and $150 at another for his services. Presley Samuels was post-
master for many years at Durango. J. H. Thedinga settled early at
Peru. The hopes of Peru and Durango expired when it was seen
by 1836 that Dubuque was the coming city. After that neither
advanced beyond a small country hamlet, with a store or two and a
few mechanics, though at one time the settlement of many miners
at Durango promised large and substantial growth.
It was during the forties that the race track at Peru began to
be used by the sporting men of Dubuque, but nothing notable
occurred there until the fifties. The races were at their best in 1858.
In April, Iowa John beat Roan and Spot in a mile trotting race for
a purse of $25; best time 2:54. In July the horse General Wash-
ington beat the horse Bay for $75. At the same time Lucy Harris
defeated the Maid of Pittsburg in a trot, three best in five, for $50 ;
best time 2 :^y. Lunkhead defeated Brown Pete and Iowa John.
Other horses were Peosta, Curly Jane and Julien. In August, 1858,
J. Leyden was killed at the track by William Dailey. In a running
race Fox beat Wild Bill in a half mile for a purse of $200; time,
54 seconds.
The postoffice at Sageville was established in the forties, but was
discontinued there during the Civil war. August Heber was post-
master in 1862. Bridges were built at Peru and Sageville from
488 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
1859 to 1863. In October, 1865, Samuel T. Whitehead committed
suicide at Durango.
Henry Myers, of Peru township, killed a wildcat on his farm in
February, 1862. It measured three feet ten inches from the tip
of the nose to the end of the tail. It had killed about twenty
chickens and se\'eral geese.
Thompson's mill, near Sageville, was a prominent industry for
many years. The land passed to J. A. Rhomberg many years after-
ward. The villages of Peru, Durango, Sageville, Zollicoffer Sta-
tion, Edmore Station, Ainsworth Springs and Specht's Ferry are
small centers.
Center Tozi'iiship (township 89 north, range i east) was settled in
the early thirties. The first settlers voted at Dubuque, but in 1839
this portion of the county was constituted Paul precinct for voting
purposes.
In 1843 it was made a part of Julien, Jefferson, Concord and'
Center townships. In February, 1849, it ^'^s given its present
boundaries.
Among the first settlers in Center township were W'illiam Morri-
son, John Morgan, Thomas C. Judd, E. McDowell, Martin Hag-
gard, Peter R. Benner, James Kimbrel, John M. Moore, David
Haggard, William Stratton, Elisha Brady, Felix W. Flahertv,
Thomas B. Wilson, William D. Scott, D. M. Buie, Samuel Well's,
Antoine Loire and P. L. Sharp, who arrived before 1845; also
Louis Fettgather, C. ]•". Humke and the Bahls. The township had
an abundance of good timber and limestone. Considerable char-
coal was burned early. During the fifties there were built three
saw mills and two grist mills.
The village of Dacotah was founded early in the fifties as a
result of the survey for the Dubuque & Pacific railroad. The first
lots offered in March, 1854, sold for $25 each; in May they were
worth $200. It was to be the first station west of Dubuque and
grew rapidly. In 1855 its name was changed to Centralia. The
county agricultural society met there in the fall of 1854. In June.
1855, the place had three stores, several mechanics, a postofiice and
a population of about 200. "This village now contains 200 inhabi-
tants. The present prospects indicate that in less than ten years
the county seat of Dubuque countv will be established at Cen-
tralia."—("A Citizen," in E. & //.,' June 6, 1855.) In 1863 the
postoffice there was suspended. At an early day, P. Lattner &
Brother opened a woolen mill on the Little Maquoketa, three miles
north of Peosta. They paid the highest price for wool and cardedv
spun and wove woolen garments, etc. The residence of James
Hood was burned in October, 1852, by an incendiary. In the fifties
a big barbecue and harvest home was held at Twin Springs and was
attended by 2,000 people. The speakers were Alphons Matthews,
Dr. J. P. Ouigley, T. J. Paisley, C. J. Rogers and Andrew Bahl.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 489-
William Stratton donated the land at Centralia. It has; the Catholic
church, several stores, hotels and among the business men there
have been William Morrison, Mr. Rittenhouse, Antoine Loire, A. D.
Anderson, Louis Blew, Felix Flaherty, Mr. Philbrick and others.
Lattner and Lora are small hamlets.
Washington TozvnsJnp (township 87 north, range 2 east) was
among the first settled. The voters first went to Dubuque to poll
their votes, and so continued probably until 1840, when the town-
ship became a part of Ferguson precinct. In 1843 the township was
duly created and named, but then embraced all of the present Wash-
ington and portions of Vernon, Prairie Creek and Table Mound.
In February, 1849, it was given its present boundaries.
Early in 1857 a petition signed by twenty-five citizens of Wash-
ington township, Dubuque county, was sent to the governor, ask-
ing him to withliold his signature to an act dividing three school
districts (one in Dubuque county and two in Jackson county) for
the purpose of forming a fourth. D. Cort was the author of the
act, which was passed near the close of the session.
A boy named Lawrence Conley, aged about 14 years, was killed
at Buncombe June 30. i860, by being hurled by a runaway horse
with great violence against a rail fence.
Among the first settlers were Jonathan Higgins, who came about
1833. A little settlement was formed around him and was called
Higginsport, and a postoffice was established there. Henry Hunter,
Mr. Clark and Mr. McAllister came early. Daniel Cort and John
Wallace came in the forties; the former was prominent in politics.
Zwingle is located on the Cort place. Three Wallaces served in the
Union army. Other settlers were the Carpenters, Gaggarts and
Cheenys around Buncombe, Dr. I. S. Bigelow, Robert Kennedy,
Ulric Leffert, Martin Denlinger, U. S. Deahl, Jacob Wolfe, Mathew
Powers, Daniel DeKoven, William Gaul, the Earlys, Watchs, Cotas,
Timmins, Kinsellas. Donahues, Stranes, Henry Hunter, Nathan W.
Dobon, Michael Malony, Thomas Hurley, Thomas Donohue, Am-
brose Meeker and Walter Baker. Christian Denlinger came with
Dr. I. S. Bigelow and Robert Kennedy. George Salot had a store in
the township very early.
At a meeting of the Democrats of Washington, held at Bun-
combe September 29, 1858, the following persons were present:
Daniel Cort, Joseph Musey, J. R. Foster, C. Denlinger, William C.
Simpson, Dr. I. S. Bigelow, D. Kifer, M. D. Cune, R. Kennedy,.
Jonathan Higgins, John Dunn and Mathew Powers.
"New Flouring Mills. — We are indebted to Messrs Kifer, Bus-
sard & Co. for a sack of very excellent flour of their own manufac-
ture. Their mills are located in Washington township, sixteen
miles from here, on Lytle creek. They have experienced workmen
and can manufacture just as good flour as can be made anywhere-
in the Union." — {E. & H., June 21, 1859.)
490 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Buncombe is a discontinued jjostoffice ; a church, school and a
business house or two constitute the village. It was discontinued in
1864. Emma is also a discontinued postoffice. A big bridge over
Otter creek at Zwingle was built in 1863. In 1864 the residence of
Daniel Cort was burned to the ground. St. Joseph's church is in
this township. In 1892 a sudden flood nearly carried Zwingle
away; stores, elevator, w'agon shop, blacksmith shop, etc., were
washed away. Considerable live stock was drowned. A serious
railroad accident occurred near Zwingle in 1907. Two persons were
killed and eleven injured.
In December, 1900, the village petitioned to be incorporated, and
the next year was duly made a town, with mayor and other neces-
sary officers.
Bennetsville, Sylva and Washington Mills are small places.
Prairie Creek Tozmship (township 87 north, range i east) is one
of the best in the county. In 1834 it was made part of the Maquo-
keta election precinct, the polling place being at the house of Jacob
Hamilton. In 1840 the precinct was called White Water, but later
in the same year w^as named Regan's precinct. In 1843 it was made
a part of Clinton and Washington townships. In February, 1849,
it was limited as it now stands and for the first time was called
Prairie Creek.
Among the first settlers were Samuel Litton, James McDermott,
Patrick Nagle, Timothy McCarthy, J. D. Dickinson, Mr. Graham,
Mr. Maloney, Maurice O'Brien, Jonathan Paul, Samuel Fetters, J.
Brombaugh, James Larkin and the Lenehan, Delaney, Ogden, Calla-
han and Donovan families. Still later came the Duffys, Farrells,
Dunns, O'Briens and Coxes.
The old Cox schoolhouse stood where Bernard now is. Of this
township Dennis O'Brien, John M. Lenehan, J. J. Dunn and T. F.
Phillips distinguished themselves.
The first iron bridge in the county was built over Lytle's creek,
this township, in 1873. It cost $1,242. In 1863 Mr. Cox sold in
Dubuque twenty-two hogs that averaged over 400 pounds each. He
received the highest price then paid — $4.35. J. D. Dickinson, in
1845, bought of the government the land on which the town of
Bernard now stands.
In June, 1858, Thomas Donaghue was killed in Prairie town-
ship by James Gibiions. The latter was arrested and admitted to
bail in the sum of $10,000. Donaghue was drunk and threatened
Gibbons, who retaliated by kicking the former several times vio-
lently, fracturing his skull. Drs. William Watson and B. McCluer
made the post-mortem examination.
Patrick McArdle was murdered here in February, 1864. His wife
and son were arrested and tried; the son was acquitted but the wife
was found guilty and sentenced to the penitentiary for life, but was
later pardoned.
HISTORY OP DUBUQUE COUNTY 491
The Litton farm in Prairie Creek township had been purchased
and was owned in i860 by Hon. B. N. Huntington. At first it
contained but 200 acres, but was added to by Mr. Huntington until
it consisted of 1,020 acres at this date. Ten and a half miles of
board fence stood on the farm. Mr. L. S. Wood occupied the farm
as a tenant of Mr. Huntington, wlio lived at Rome, New York.
He had 170 acres in spring grain. It was well stocked with high-
grade animals.
Bernard is a small town on the narrow gauge railroad in this
township. Its origin is due to the railroad. The place was platted
in i8g6. The next year it became incorporated, twenty votes
being polled for incorporation and none against it. The first officers
were : Matt Donovan, mayor ; Joseph Carrigg, recorder ; William
McCarthy, assessor; P. M. Fortune, treasurer; Michael Slattery,
P. H. Russell, William McCullough, Roger Driscoll, William
Russell and Alexander Moriarity, trustees. It now has a
population of about 150: has a hotel, three general stores, hardware
store, saloon, blacksmith shop, physicians and a few other business
concerns.
Liberty Tazcnship (township 90 north, range 2 west) was early
a part of the Upper Catfish election precinct, and in 1838 voters
were required to go to the house of John Regan to cast their votes.
In 1840 it was constituted a part of Hewitt's precinct. As first
created in 1843, Liberty embraced the present Liberty and parts of
the present Concord, Iowa and New Wine townships. In February,
1840, it was given its present boundaries.
Among the early settlers of Liberty were Peter Pletsch, Matthew
McCullough, Peter Duster, Nicholas Colbert, John Linck, John
Heidersheid and Michael Wagner.
Luxemberg is also called Flea Hill and the postoffice Allison.
Mat. Enders conducted a store there early. Adjacent are many of
the most valuable farms of the county. Nick Gotto began to sell
goods there about 1870. From 1865 to 1875 about forty-eight
families sold out and left this township, the Germans taking their
farms. Now the population is almost wholly German. There are
now at Luxemberg a store, creamery, smithy, hotel and shops.
Concord Toivnship (township 90 north, range i west) was early
settled. In 1834 it was attached to the Camp election precinct; in
1838 to Regan election precinct and in 1840 to the Hewitt election
precinct. In 1843 it was created and named Concord for the first
time and then embraced parts of Jefiferson, ConcOrd, Iowa and
Center. In 1849 it was given its present limits.
Among the first settlers were Thomas Cook, John H. Floyd, N.
Montgomery, Joseph Glew, Garland W. Gehon, D. R. Anderson,
N. Van Meter, W. J. Anderson, William Rooney, John Sweeney,
Richard Nichols, John McQuillen, the Henrys, Cooneys and John
Floyd. The oldest postmaster in Iowa resigned in 1869; he was
492 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
appointed at Pin Oak in 1841. As late as i860 small herds of deer
were to be seen in this township.
Holy Cross is also known as Pin Oak and Georgetown. The
Catholic church is in the form of a Roman cross and hence the
name. Jack Floyd was postmaster there very early. There has
usually been a store or two there and a few mechanics. The place
was incorporated in 1898; twenty-five persons signed the petition,
twenty-one ballots were cast, all in favor of incorporation. John
Cripps was elected mayor: J. P. Sweeney, clerk: Michael Clemens,
treasurer; William Koeller, W. Arensdorf, Frank Noerges, P. J.
Maiers, H. Foxen and Charles Brady, trustees.
The little place called Plum Creek made great pretentions to
future greatness in early years. William Plumbe founded tiiere the
paper town of Plumbeola, buying the land in 1836, but not doing
anything to establish the village until about 1856, when he had it
platted and advertised far and wide lots for sale. Prospective buy-
ers were offered shares in the place somewhat after the fashion of
a community. Cottage Hill has two or more churches, several
stores and mechanics and a postoffice.
Dodge Tozvnship (township 88 north, range 2 west) was early a
part of Cascade precinct ; voters first went to the house of Jacob
Hamilton to cast their votes. In 1840 it became a part of White
Water precinct. In 1843 ''^ became portions of Iowa and Cascade.
In 1849 it was a part of Taylor: in January, 1850, it was given its
present limits and named Dodge for the first time. Settlers came in
slowly. Among the first to arrive were Jonas Callahan, Peter
Mellinger, Lucius Kibby, Henry Mounsey, Harrison Post, Thomas
Riggs, Oliver Funseii and Patrick Flinn. Kibby was an old man
when he came here : he claimed to have seen Washington and to
have witnessed, when a boy, the battle of Bunker Hill.
Rockville, in Sejjteniber, 1857, had four mercantile houses, of
which D. E. Sawyer & Company conducted one. There was a black-
smith shop, a wagonmaker, a large church, a grist mill and a saw
mill. There was excellent water power there. The village was
located six miles directly south of Dyersville.
Worthington was established in 1857 by a surveying party and a
village was laid out on the farm of David Lovelace. Amos Worth-
ington, for whom the place was named, erected a large store build-
ing and opened with a large general stock. Mr. Piersall also built
and conducted a store. About i860 William H. Moore bought out
Worthington and became postmaster. Other business men have
been L. Tisdale, John Toussaint, J. P. Cousin, W. Lattner, William
Lehman, George Welter, John Permantier, B. R. Taylor, C. Nacels,
W. W. Cox, C. R. Anderson, M. Kraus, Joseph Dunkle, Peter
Baum and many others. The place is now a wide-awake, up-to-date
little village. It was incorporated in 1893, thirty-five persons sign-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 493
ing the petition. Of the forty-two votes cast at the election, thirty-
two were in favor of corporation and ten against it.
lotva TozcHship (township 89 north, range i west) was attached
to Camp's precinct in 1834, to John Regan's precinct in 1838 and
to Hewitt's precinct in 1840. In 1843 it was created and named,
but then embraced parts of tlie present townships of Iowa, Center,
Taylor and Vernon. In 1849 't was made to embrace the present
Iowa and New Wine townships, but in January, 1850, was given
its present limits.
Among the early settlers were John O'Connell, Timothy Murray,
William Hogarty, Larry Duggan, Michael Ferring, Oliver Funston,
Robert Gamble, Theophilus Crawford, Edward Flinn, I. H. Kisk-
patrick, John Bauttson, P. B. Hogan, Robert Wilson, A. G. Brown-
ing, D. R. Anderson, James Hogan, William Emerson, H. Gillespie,
Robert, James and David Gowan, Mr. Solly, Henry Decamp, B. F.
Johnson, the Stichlers, Hugh Stott, John Garland, Thomas Salmon,
James, Edward, John and Maurice Kirby, the Wedeleines, W. J.
Anderson, David Anderson, John Anderson, James and Joseph
McGee, James Bankston, A. T. Bankston, Willis Thompson (the
elder Bankstons and Thompsons served in the Blackhawk war),
P. M. Byerly, Isaac and Miles Simpson, Enoch Jewett and Richard
Roach. Bankston Prairie took its name from the Bankston family.
Willis Thompson, in January, 183 1, crossed the Mississippi at
Dubuque on the ice, and remained at the mines one week; he then
went east, but in 1836 returned and located on Bankston's prairie,
Iowa township. He had served in the War of 1812 and in the
Blackhawk war, participating" in the battle of Bad Axe, where he
killed an Indian and took his blanket. Edward Flinn offered his
place for sale in 1838. He was located on the Little Maquoketa,
near Simon Clark's saw mill.
Bankston was founded at an early day by Colonel Bankston.
He seems to have spelled his name as above, but other members left
out the "t." The place has usually had a store and one or more
shops. Tivoli is another small place. At Squire's Mills is a school
and a Methodist church. This place was founded about 1855 by
John Bruner. Metcalf and Squires were there early. Abel Bots-
ford was an early resident. The water power was the attraction.
Bankston now has a general store, one or two mechanics, a saw
mill, etc.
Dubuque Township (township 89 north, range 2 east) was settled
as soon as Dubuque city was settled. It was originally a part of
Julien township, which first embraced parts of the present Dubuque,
Center, Vernon and Table Mound townships, but was cut down in
1849, 3^5 stated elsewhere herein.
Luther Poole, George Pote, Amster Pote, John La Place and Mr.
Pettier were here in 1832.
494 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Jesse Yount settled at Center Grove in the spring of 1833 and
there his eldest son Allen was born the same year. Jesse had three
sons in the Union army. He died in 1865. Michael Dugan was
thrown from his horse while hunting cattle about a mile from Du-
buque in 1840 and was instantly killed.
In 1833, as soon as the law allowed, there came to Dubuque
W. S. Anderson, H. B. Phillips, H. Smead, L. H. Langworthy,
Lemuel Cook, Fred Dixon, John Dougherty. H. Rebman, Mathias
Ham, J. M. McCabe, John Paul, S. Lemon, H. Gilbert, Pleasant
Ewing, William McDowell, J. L. Langworthy, R. Lamont, Thomas
Humes, P. O'Mara, J. O'Regan, W. H. Smith, W. B. Whitesides,
E. M. Whitesides, M. Dickerson, J. R. Ewing, J. McPheters, J.
O'Mara, H. L. Dodge, John Campbell, J. Curran, J. Whittaker,
Antoine Loire, Dr. R. S. Lewis, Thomas Gray, J. B. Jordan, J.
Gilmore, H. Egan, E. M. Urn, Owen Reilly, Jesse Yount, A. R.
Whitesides, E. M. Urn. S. Streetcr. J. Hillis, B. Kilbourne, A. and
J. Hurd, J. Woolev, R. Murphv, T. Streetcr, M. Dickerson and
H. L. Dodge.
Asbury is a discontinued postoffice and has a store. Center Grove
is a little hamlet with a few business houses.
The present Dubuque township was, previous to 1878, a part of
Julien township. Its settlement was coincident with that of the city
of Dubuque. It has two conspicuous groves at the date of the first
settlement — Wilson's, later Stewart's, and still later Union park,
and Center. From the latter the little village takes its name. The
first settlement was almost wholly by miners. A. Balderson was
one of the first; he located at Center Grove Spring in 1833 and
was at once joined by half a dozen other miners. They explored
the old Indian diggings in that vicinity. The natives had worked on
the inclines and in a few instances the miners found ladders up
which the squaws had brought the ore. George Shannon came
early. The township is famous for its mines and caves.
Jefferson Tozvnsliip (township 90, range i east, and part of
township 91 north, range i east) was settled at an early date. The
settlers first went to Durango and Peru to poll their votes. In 1840
it was made a part of Durango precinct and so remained until 1843,
when it was created and named Jefferson, but at first embraced all
of the present Peru and parts of Jefiferson, Center and Dubuque
townships. No other changes were made until 1849, when it was
given its present limits.
Among the first settlers were Adam Sherrill, M. W. Power, S. M.
Barrington, John Parker, Clement Cannon, Albert Baker. C. J.
Barber, William Hale, Isaac Sherill, Garry White, Milton C. Mc-
Craney and others. In 1856 a large steam grist and saw mill was
put in operation at Plumbeola. Rickardsville is a smart little place,
with stores, school, mechanics, etc. Palltown is a discontinued post-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 495
office. Oak Grove creamery is in this township. Waupeton, Sherill
and Balltown are small villages.
Tabic Mound Township (township 88 north, range 2 east) was
first a part of the election precinct of Dubuque, but in 1838 was
assigned to Catfish precinct, with polling place at the house of John
Paul. The opening of the military road in 1839 assisted in the
settlement here. In September, 1840, it was made a part of Fer-
guson precinct. In February, 1843, '^^ became a part of Julien and
Washington townships (see elsewhere) and so remained until Feb-
ruary, 1849, when it was given its present boundaries.
Among the first settlers of Table Mound township were James
Laughton, John Cunningham, James Fanning, John Sullivan,
Daniel Duggan and John O'Regan. Cunningham and O'Regan had
an early smelting furnace of the rudest kind. The mines here were
very valuable. O'Regan came to the township in 1832 — had first
come here in 1830 — he was thus one of the first settlers of the
county. Chauncey Swan was here very early, engaged in mining.
At Rockdale very early were Richard and Robert Waller, Richard
Bonson, David Hutton, William Hutton and James Pratt. The
Huttons built a grist mill here in 1834 — the first in Iowa. It was
known by both names — Rockdale mills and Dubuque mills. Thomas
Lewis was connected with it in 1838, and it later passed to Pratt,
Manson, Watters and Bell. It did an enormous business in the
fifties. In 1876, during a flood, Rockdale was washed away and
many lives were lost. In 1878 several buildings were destroyed by
fire. Table Mound is often called Mt. St. Bernard. Foley's grove
was a well known place. James Brennan was killed there by light-
ning in 1863 ; he had been plowing and ran under a tree for shelter.
The first old Catfish bridge was in this township. Rev. Daniel
O'Regan died here in 1869; he was educated in St. Raphael's Acad-
emy, of wich Dennis A. Mahony was principal at one time, and
possessed unusual powers of mind. In i860 a Mr. Walter, an old
Tyrolese hunter, shot two deer on the military road in this town-
ship. They were sold in the market at Dubuque. The Hessian
fly appeared here in 1862. Key West and Bally Clough are small
places, usually with one or two business men, religious organizations
and schools. Among later residents of this township were William
Corcoran, Patrick Aylward, William Powers, Dennis Donovan,
James Regan, Maurice Noonan, Lawrence Powers and Edward
Fitzpatrick.
Mosalem Township (township 88 north, range 3 east, and part of
township 88 north, range 4 east) in early times was attached to Du-
buque for election purposes. In 1840 it was a part of Ferguson
precinct, and in 1843 't was first created and named and then em-
braced parts of Table Mound, Mosalem and all of Washington. In
1849 it was cut down to its present limits.
496 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Among the first settlers were Thomas R. Brasher, J. J. Johnson,
Jacob Dreibelbis, John A. Waher, Louis J. Dreibelbis, E. S. Morey,
Francis A. Hill, Martin Dreibelbis, Oscar Morey, Thomas Berry,
John H. Pattillo, Allen S. Heacock, Richard Whetter, Harlow
Glass, Salmon Richards, Isaac Havens, Austin H. Smith, the
Beckets, Barrys, Gilliams, Murrays, Cooks, Dolans, Gaspers,
and Longuevilles. Dubuque's grave is in this township. St. Cath-
erine's church and the cemetery and school are well known improve-
ments. King's postoffice and Massy station were established a few
years ago.
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