This company received from the United States a grant of land comprising

the alternate sections within twenty miles on either side of the line

of the railroad. But as nearly all of the government land within these

limits had already been disposed of, and where the grant of this

company lapped over the grant to the Union Pacific Railroad, each

company received half, so this congressional grant only amounted to

about 42,500 acres. There was acquired through a consolidation with the

Nebraska Air Line Railroad a state land grant of 46,000 acres. The

company received from the United States a loan of six per cent bonds to

the extent of $16,000 per mile of road constructed between Sioux City

and Fremont, and issued its own first mortgage bonds to an equal

amount.

This company up to August, 1884, operated its own road and also leased

and operated the Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri Valley road, as the same

was from time to time extended. The earnings of the railroad were never

sufficient to pay the interest on the first mortgage bonds. The avails

of the two land grants and the proceeds of the sales of the town lots

along the line up to 1875 (when the remaining land assets were sold to

the Missouri Valley Land Company) were used to make up the deficiency.

After these assets were exhausted the Cedar Rapids and Missouri River,

and Chicago, Iowa and Nebraska Railroad companies, through loans and

other methods of assistance, made up the deficit until the sale of all

of these roads in 1884.

In 1880 the Chicago, Iowa and Nebraska, and the Cedar Rapids and

Missouri River companies by purchase from the individual stockholders

acquired over ninety per cent of the capital stock of the Sioux City

Company. This stock was in the treasury of these railroads at the time

of their purchase by the Chicago and North-Western Railway Company in

1884. Through and under that purchase the Chicago and North-Western

Railway Company became the controlling owner of the Sioux City and

Pacific and moved its general and operating offices away from Cedar

Rapids.

John I. Blair was the first president of the Sioux City and Pacific

Railroad Company and was succeeded by Horace Williams in 1871. Mr.

Williams was president until the fall of 1877, when he resigned and was

succeeded by Oliver Ames. Mr. Ames remained president until the control

of the railroad passed into the Chicago and North-Western Railway

Company.

THE IOWA FALLS AND SIOUX CITY RAILROAD COMPANY

In the Iowa Land Bill of 1856 a grant was made to aid the construction

of a line of railroad from Dubuque to Sioux City on the same terms as

fixed for the other three trunk lines across the state, viz: a grant of

every odd numbered section within six miles on either side of the

railroad, and where such odd numbered sections had already been

disposed of by the United States, the railroads were authorized to

select an equal number of acres from the odd numbered sections within

fifteen miles of the line of the railroad. This grant was given over by

the state of Iowa to the Dubuque and Pacific Railroad Company, which

company began the work of construction but afterwards failed and was

reorganized as the Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad Company. This last

named company continued from time to time to extend the line

westwardly, so that in 1867 it was completed and in operation to Iowa

Falls.

Considerable right-of-way had been acquired between Iowa Falls and Fort

Dodge and the grading already commenced when a sale and transfer of the

right-of-way, the uncompleted work and the portion of the land grant

belonging to the line west of Iowa Falls, was made to John I. Blair and

his associates. The Iowa Falls and Sioux City Railroad Company was

organized on October 1, 1867, and on January 7, 1868, by a contract of

that date, took over from the Dubuque and Sioux City Company all the

right-of-way west of Iowa Falls and the work already done, also the

proportion of the land grant inuring to the line west of Iowa Falls and

all of the rights and franchises of the Dubuque & Sioux City Company

pertaining to that portion of the line.

Prior to this date, viz: on September 13, 1867, the Dubuque and Sioux

City Railroad Company leased to the Illinois Central Railroad Company

the portion of its road already constructed to Iowa Falls and also the

line to be thereafter built from Iowa Falls to Sioux City. This lease

was for twenty years or in perpetuity at the option of the Illinois

Central Railroad Company. The legislature of the state of Iowa on April

7, 1868, passed an act ratifying the said sale by the Dubuque and Sioux

City Company and vesting the land grant in the Iowa Falls Company.

[Illustration: CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, CENTRAL CITY]

[Illustration: CHRISTIAN CHURCH, CENTRAL CITY]

The work begun by the Dubuque and Sioux City Company was vigorously

prosecuted so that the road was completed and in operation to Fort

Dodge early in 1869. In the fall of 1870 it was finished through to

Sioux City and the entire line turned over to the Illinois Central

Railroad Company for operation under the lease. J. E. Ainsworth was

superintendent of construction. In the original articles of

incorporation the principal place of business of this company was fixed

at Dubuque, Iowa, but in October, 1869, the articles were amended and

the main office of the company moved to Cedar Rapids. John I. Blair was

the first president. He was succeeded in 1871 by Horace Williams, who

remained at the head of the affairs of the company until the control of

the same passed into the hands of the Illinois Central Railroad.

In March, 1887, the Iowa Falls and Sioux City Railroad Company sold to

the Iowa Rail Road Land Company the remaining acres of its land grant

and all assets accruing from land transactions. At that time all of the

individual stockholders of the railroad company sold their shares to

the Illinois Central Railroad Company, who moved the offices of the

corporation from Cedar Rapids to Dubuque, and afterwards consolidated

the company with the Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad Company.

THE FREMONT, ELKHORN AND MISSOURI VALLEY RAILROAD COMPANY

This company, while a Nebraska corporation, soon after its organization

and up to 1884 kept its general offices and accounting department in

the Blair building in Cedar Rapids. It was organized at Fremont,

Nebraska, in January, 1869, to construct a line of railroad up the

Elkhorn Valley, in Nebraska, and obtained a land grant from the state

of Nebraska amounting to about 100,000 acres, also some county bonds

from Dodge and Cuming counties, Nebraska. In 1869 John I. Blair and his

associates in the Sioux City and Pacific, and the Cedar Rapids and

Missouri River enterprises obtained control of the company, and

undertook the construction of the railroad. Ten miles of track north

from Fremont were laid late in the season of 1869. In 1870 the road was

finished to West Point, and leased to the Sioux City and Pacific

Company, which company from that time on continued to operate (under

said lease) the several extensions of the Elkhorn road up to August,

1884. In 1871 the road was extended to Wisner, a distance of fifty-one

miles from Fremont, where the terminus remained until 1879, in which

year the main line was built to Oakdale, and six miles of track laid on

the Creighton branch north from Norfolk. In 1880 the main line was

extended from Oakdale to Neligh, and the Creighton branch finished to

Plainview. In 1881 the main line was extended to Long Pine, and the

Creighton branch finished to Creighton. In 1882 the main line was

extended to Thatcher, and in 1883 to Valentine. In August, 1884--at the

time of the purchase of the Iowa roads by the Chicago &

Northwestern--this last named company acquired all the stock in the

Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri Valley Railroad, and thereafter the work of

extension was pushed vigorously.

In the two succeeding years a line was built into the Black Hills

country and the main line of the road extended to the eastern boundary

of the state of Wyoming. Between 1884 and 1888 several lines of

railroad in the south Platte country of Nebraska were constructed by

the Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri Valley Company. L. Burnett, was

engineer in charge of location and construction until the road was

completed to Wisner. From 1879 to 1889--during which period the main

line from Wisner to the west line of the state, the Black Hills branch

as far as Whitewood, and the South Platte lines were built--P. E. Hall

was superintendent of construction and J. E. Ainsworth chief engineer.

John I. Blair was the president from 1869 to 1872, Prince S. Crowell,

of East Dennis, Massachusetts, from 1872 to 1876, and James Blair, of

Scranton, Pennsylvania, from 1876 to 1883, when he was succeeded by

Horace Williams, who remained the president of the company until the

control was taken by the Chicago & North-Western Railway Company in

1884.

THE MAPLE RIVER RAILROAD

The major portion of the land grant to the Cedar Rapids and Missouri

River Railroad--transferred to The Iowa Rail Road Land Company--was

situated north of the main line of the Cedar Rapids & Missouri River

Railroad. In 1876 a large portion of several counties was vacant and

still the property of the land company, so the stockholders interested

in the Cedar Rapids & Missouri River Railroad and The Iowa Rail Road

Land Company decided to build branch lines north from the main line to

the end that purchasers might be found for the land and thus settle up

the country, and furnish business for the main line. The Maple River

Railroad Company was organized in that year to build these lines. The

money for the building of the same was furnished by the stockholders in

the Cedar Rapids and Missouri River, and Chicago, Iowa and Nebraska

companies, they taking the stock and bonds of the Maple River Railroad

Company issued for construction. The road was leased to the Chicago &

North-Western Railway Company in advance of construction. Work was

begun in the fall of 1876, and in 1877 the line was completed from

Maple River Junction to Mapleton, a distance of about sixty miles.

In 1879 a branch was built from Wall Lake Junction to Sac City. This

Sac City branch was extended to Holstein in 1882, and in 1883 to

Kingsley. The building of the above lines was under control of P. E.

Hall, vice president. J. E. Ainsworth was the chief engineer. In 1884

when the Cedar Rapids and Missouri River, Chicago, Iowa and Nebraska,

and Sioux City and Pacific roads were purchased by the Chicago &

North-Western, the Maple River Railroad was included in the sale, and

from that time on became a part of the Chicago & North-Western Railway,

which company has since extended the branch line from Kingsley to

Sargeants Bluffs, thus making another through line from the east into

Sioux City, and also extended the main line from Mapleton to Onawa.

THE MISSOURI VALLEY AND BLAIR RAILWAY & BRIDGE COMPANY

In 1882 congress granted to the Sioux City & Pacific Railroad Company

the right to build a bridge across the Missouri river to connect the

Iowa and Nebraska portions of its railway at the point where the line

crosses the river between Missouri Valley, Iowa, and Blair, Nebraska.

The Sioux City & Pacific Company not being financially able to

undertake the work, assigned its rights under said act to the Missouri

Valley and Blair Railway & Bridge Company, which company was organized

in 1882 for the purpose of building the bridge and its approaches. The

capital stock of the bridge company was subscribed for by the several

railroad companies whose roads made up the through line from Fremont to

Chicago, viz: the Sioux City and Pacific, Cedar Rapids and Missouri

River, Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska, and the Chicago & North-Western

companies, each taking stock in proportion to its mileage in the

through line between Fremont and Chicago. The money for the

construction of the bridge was raised principally by the sale of bonds,

which bonds were guaranteed--both principal and interest--by the

several railroad companies who were stockholders in the bridge company.

Work was begun early in the summer of 1882 and the bridge completed and

opened for traffic in November, 1883.

When the bridge was opened for business it had cost about $1,300,000,

of which $400,000 was for the bridge proper across the channel of the

river and the other $900,000 for the approaches and protection work.

Several hundred thousand dollars have since been expended in protecting

the river banks so as to hold the channel of the river under the

bridge. After its completion the bridge was operated by the Sioux City

and Pacific Railroad Company under a contract.

Horace Williams was the president of the bridge company from the date

of organization to the time when the control passed to the Chicago &

North-Western Railway. P. E. Hall was vice president and in general

charge of construction. George S. Morrison was the engineer who made

the plans and directed the building of the bridge. When the Chicago &

North-Western Railway Company took over the Cedar Rapids and Missouri

River and the other roads in 1884, it became the owner of the entire

capital stock of the bridge company and moved the accounting offices

away from Cedar Rapids.

The total grants of lands to these companies by the United States, the

state of Nebraska, and several counties in Iowa, amounted in the

aggregate to about one million, nine hundred and ninety thousand acres.

As the several railroads were projected it was the policy of the

companies to acquire land around the stations and plat and sell town

lots. For convenience in distribution of the proceeds to the

stockholders, and in handling the real estate, land and town lot

companies were organized from time to time to take over and dispose of

not only the land grant lands but of the purchased lands and town lots.

THE IOWA RAIL ROAD LAND COMPANY

This company was organized in 1869 and its capital stock distributed

pro rata among the stockholders of the Cedar Rapids and Missouri River

Railroad. The land grant of that railroad company was conveyed to the

land company on September 15, 1869. In 1887 the Iowa Rail Road Land

Company bought from the Iowa Falls and Sioux City Railroad Company for

cash, all of its remaining unsold lands and the bills receivable, and

other assets resulting from previous sales.

From time to time thereafter, through consolidation and purchase, all

of the remaining real estate and bills receivable of these several land

and town lot companies and of the Moingona Coal Company, which were

under common control, passed to the ownership of The Iowa Rail Road

Land Company.

The Cedar Rapids and Missouri River Railroad was finished in 1867, and

the land grant completely earned then. From that time on the officers

of the railroad company and of its successor, the land company, for

thirty-five years persistently and continuously worked to have this

land grant finally adjusted so that the tracts actually granted might

be definitely known and the companies receive evidence of title

thereto. Their efforts were finally successful in 1902.

John I. Blair was the first president of this company. Horace Williams

was president from 1871 to 1872. In 1872 J. Van Deventer, then of

Clinton, Iowa, and later of Knoxville, Tennessee, was elected president

and remained so until 1889, since which time P. E. Hall has been the

president of this company.

Henry V. Ferguson, now vice president of this company, came into the

employ of these companies in 1868, and has been continuously in their

service since that time. P. E. Hall has been an officer of The Iowa

Rail Road Land Company since 1871.

THE TOWN LOT COMPANIES

The Blair Town Lot and Land Company was organized in June, 1871, and

took over the unsold town lots and purchased lands along the line of

the Cedar Rapids and Missouri River Railroad, and also the avails from

previous sales. It was consolidated with The Iowa Rail Road Land

Company in 1888.

The Sioux City and Iowa Falls Town Lot and Land Company, organized in

1871 to dispose of the town lots and purchased lands along the Iowa

Falls and Sioux City railroad between Iowa Falls and Sioux City, was

consolidated with The Iowa Rail Road Land Company in 1888.

The Elkhorn Land and Town Lot Company was organized under the laws of

the state of Nebraska in February, 1871. There was conveyed to this

company the land grant made to the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley

road, also the purchased lands and town lots at the several stations

between Fremont and Wisner. This company was consolidated with The Iowa

Rail Road Land Company in 1899.

The capital stock of these three companies was issued pro rata to the

stockholders of the respective railroad companies along the lines of

which these town lot companies respectively operated.

The Missouri Valley Land Company was organized in May, 1875, and

purchased for cash the remaining unsold portion of the land grant of

the Sioux City and Pacific Railroad Company, as well as the unsold town

lots and purchased lands belonging to that company. This company was

consolidated with The Iowa Rail Road Land Company on May 3, 1901.

THE MOINGONA COAL COMPANY

When the Cedar Rapids and Missouri River Railroad was extended west

from Boone there was purchased for account of the stockholders of that

company certain timber and coal lands at and near Moingona--where the

line of railroad crosses the Des Moines river. The Moingona Coal

Company was organized in June, 1866. These coal and timber lands were

conveyed to that company, and its shares of capital stock ultimately

allotted pro rata to those stockholders in the Cedar Rapids and

Missouri River Railroad, who had furnished the money for the

construction of the line west of Boone--known as the third division of

the Cedar Rapids and Missouri River Railroad. The town of Moingona was

platted and put upon the market and coal mines opened at that point,

which mines were operated continuously for about twenty years. In 1899

mining operations had ceased and the personal property of the coal

company having been closed out, the remaining real estate was turned

over to The Iowa Rail Road Land Company.

The aggregate sales up to 1910 made by these railroads, land and town

lot companies and this coal company, including land grant lands,

purchased lands, and town lots, amount to sixteen million, six hundred

and sixteen thousand dollars. The taxes paid by said companies on said

real estate while held by them amount to two million, seven hundred and

forty-seven thousand dollars.

For many years it has been fashionable for magazine writers and a

certain class of politicians to severely criticise and condemn the

public men of that day for their action in making land grants to

railroad companies. The members of congress have been characterized as

imbecile and corrupt, and the recipients of land grants denounced as

thieves and robbers. While it is quite probable that in some cases

sufficient care was not exercised, and that such grants sometimes have

been a little too liberal, looking at the situation as it was in those

days and the subsequent results, there can be no doubt whatever that

the policy was a sound one and the action of congress in most of the

cases exactly right.

A large portion of what is now known as "the middle west" then

consisted of vast unbroken stretches of prairie land, impossible of

settlement because of the want of timber for fuel and building

purposes. This territory could not support a population until

transportation facilities were provided for carrying in the necessary

lumber, fuel, and supplies, and carrying away the agricultural products

as the land should become cultivated. The price of the land at private

entry was then $1.25 per acre. The government gave half of the lands

within the land grant limits to the railroads and immediately advanced

the price on the even sections to $2.50 per acre, not only getting the

same amount of money for the same acreage, but making sales of the

government land much more rapidly.

[Illustration: SCENE AT TROY MILLS]

[Illustration: MILL AND DAM, COGGON]

Soon after the first of these grants was made it became the policy of

the government to give away its public lands to actual settlers. Until

the railroads were built through these vast bodies of vacant lands it

had not been possible for the United States to even give away its

lands, but after the construction of such roads the whole of this vast

territory was in a few years occupied by actual settlers. This

settlement and the growth in population and wealth resulting therefrom

have more than any one thing contributed to the present greatness of

this United States.

The land grant railroads taken as a whole have not been a source of

much profit to the original stock and bond holders. In many cases the

companies have been forced into extensive and costly litigation to

protect their rights; taxing authorities--both county and state--have

regarded these land grant companies as legitimate prey. The fact that

these several lines of road were built in advance of settlement and

civilization in almost every instance, made the first earnings of the

roads insufficient to pay interest on bonds issued for construction,

let alone dividends to stockholders, so that quite often a large

portion of the avails of the sales of these lands had to be used to pay

interest on the bonds.

A majority of the land grant railroads have gone through reorganization

and foreclosure, some of them several times. In the cases where there

has been a profit to the original investors, it has been no greater

than it ought to have been considering the risks run.

CHAPTER XXVI

_Some of the Old Cemeteries_

The father of Osgood Shepherd, who died in the summer of 1839, was

interred at the top of the hill above the tracks on A avenue in Cedar

Rapids where the Cedar Rapids Candy Company has erected a building.

During the excavation several other graves were found, but it is not

known who were buried there.

Another cemetery where a number of old settlers were buried was on

Fifth avenue and Eighth street where W. W. Higley later settled; these

bodies were removed when Oak Hill Cemetery was laid out. At Linwood

burials were made at an early date. One of the first cemeteries was

known as Craig's cemetery on section 7 in Franklin township about three

miles west of Mt. Vernon. Elias Doty was buried here in 1841 and James

Doty in 1847. Members of the Craig family and many others of the first

settlers were also buried here. This cemetery is not now kept up and it

is not even surrounded by a fence.

Campbell's cemetery was set off by Samuel Campbell, who donated an acre

for cemetery purposes. Here Samuel Craig was buried in 1840, members of

the Oxley family, the Hunter family, and of the John Paul family, also

of the Smith, Berry, Snyder, Blaine, and Darr families, names familiar

to all who have a knowledge of early Linn county history.

The Rogers cemetery, laid out by old Dan Rogers, is on the west side of

the river near Ivanhoe. Here, also, are buried many of the first

settlers who lived on the west side of the river.

A little to the north of Cedar Rapids near the Illinois Central track

the relic hunter can find some ruins of what is known as "McCloud's

Run." Only a few crumbling ruins remain of what used to be an old mill

known to all the old settlers in the county. Through this picturesque

valley runs a winding brook known as "Cold Stream," a beautiful rivulet

whose clear transparent water plays sonorous music as it runs swiftly

over the pebbles as if hastening to join its forces with the Cedar. The

surrounding hills have in a good measure been shorn of their beauty by

cutting down the timber, and now only the naked clay hills remain,

offering a poor pasture for cattle. West of this stream on top of the

hill overlooking the city can be found a few broken headstones and some

mounds, but no flowers and no evergreens can be seen, not even a fence

of any kind, for this little space, like all the surrounding hills, is

given up to the pasturing of cattle. There in the vicinity of the city

are more than ninety mounds showing that Linn county was from the

earliest time a fit abode for man. Who these first settlers were we do

not know; they have left us no other relics but these mounds; their

funeral pyres and a few carvings indicate that they were Sun and Star

worshippers, but whether they belonged to our Indian race has never

been ascertained; however, the mound builder serves as a chain in man's

existence.

On the top of this hill is located the family cemetery of the McCloud

family. John McCloud came here in 1838, and for a number of years was

one of the prominent men of this county. From an examination of the

small marble slabs thrown about in confusion, scratched by the hand of

vandals, are to be found the following inscriptions: "Departed this

life June 6, 1846, Hester, consort of John Vardy, age 37 years; in life

beloved; in death lamented." "Angelia, died August 30, 1852." "Grant,

died March 29, 1852." "Alpheus, died December 28, 1861." "Eliza Jane,

died January 11, 1862." "Ester Ann, died January 11, 1861, 15 years."

All were children of John G. and J. McCloud. "John McCloud, died

November 10, 1863, age 61 years 7 months and 29 days."

Mrs. John Vardy died in 1846 and was buried in this cemetery. Many of

these places are neglected, and weeds grow in profusion and the head

stones are marred and weather beaten so that the names, dates and

deaths of many pioneer men and women have been effaced. This is the

history of many neglected burial places in various parts of this

county.

Owners of land on which these small places are located think more of

their value for corn lands than they do as places for a cemetery, and

in many localities these cemeteries have been changed into pastures and

corn fields and not even a headstone can be found to tell where some

dear father or mother was buried in the long ago.

The Egyptians, Jews, Greeks, and Romans all protected the burial places

of their dead, and after a lapse of 2,000 years we can still go back

and find something as to how the dead were cared for, and the very

place in which they were buried venerated by succeeding generations,

while out here in Iowa after a lapse of only half a century many of

these places have been neglected and ignored and now some descendant

returning to the home of his fathers may be unable to find any trace of

where they were buried. Certainly some protection should be offered by

the county or the state so that these sacred places may be preserved

and the memory of the old settlers duly honored for what they

accomplished during the pioneer days in Linn county.

Spring Grove cemetery, near Palo, is one of the oldest cemeteries west

of the river. Many of the early settlers have been interred in this

lot.

A few of them are: Dyer and Hiram Usher, Charles Dickey, John Garrison,

Peter Davis Burt, Thomas Spencer, George Mathew, J. Z. Drake,

Caldwells, the Rawson and Tweed families, F. Klumph, Mrs. Dyer Usher,

and many others.

Dyer Usher as well as the other members of the Usher families was

always friendly with the Indians and in return shared the good will of

the various Indian tribes. In an early day one of the chieftains died

and was buried in the cemetery lot of the whites according to the

Indian customs. This brave was interred with bows and arrows as well as

with the dead carcass of a horse or Indian pony. Here the Indian brave

has slept for many moons, ready at the final day to join the good

Indians on a fleet charger for the happy hunting ground in the by and

by.

In the Wilcox cemetery, near Viola, Edward M. Crow and his two wives,

many old pioneers as well as old soldiers are laid to rest.

Shiloh cemetery, in Rapids township, has been the burial place for many

years of the old settlers in that part of the township.

Scotch Grove cemetery, near Fairfax, has also been used for many years

and here are interred most of the old settlers who died in that part of

the county.

The Marion cemetery, the Lisbon cemetery, the Center Point cemetery,

where is interred a Revolutionary soldier, as well as the Oak Hill

cemetery in Cedar Rapids are all places where a large number of the old

settlers have been buried during the past fifty years.

The town cemeteries seem to be kept up while the country cemeteries are

neglected.

CHAPTER XXVII

_Early Experiences in Stage and Express_

One way to learn of the history of a city is by studying its

developments and the men who were its leaders in progressive

enterprises and in things political. It is another phase of the matter,

none the less important, to study the lives of the men who did the

persistent everyday work three hundred and sixty-five days in the year

and sometimes, it seemed, almost twenty-four hours in a day. Cedar

Rapids was fortunate in having a large number of both classes of these

pioneers.

Among the latter class who worked steadily and everlastingly from the

time Cedar Rapids was a straggling little village to a city of its

present size and who aided materially in its upbuilding is W. Fred

Reiner, in the early fifties a stage driver out of this city, and for

many years after a messenger of the American Express company. It may be

safe to assume that Mr. Reiner handled as much money and bullion in

pioneer days as did any man in Linn county. His experiences were common

to the stage driver and express messenger of the early day. How he

overcame one difficulty after another, escaped highwaymen, pulled

himself out of mud-holes, etc., as he interestingly relates, is what

was the life of the real pioneer of the early fifties and sixties. The

events which are most vivid in Mr. Reiner's mind are those which

occurred after he became an express messenger for the American Express

company.

We are indebted to the _Republican_ for the following interesting

account of the experiences of Mr. Reiner in the stage and express

business:

It is fifty-three years since Mr. Reiner, at the age of eighteen, left

his home in Germany to risk his future in America. Coming west, he

settled for one year at Columbus, Ohio, then pushing still farther

west, he came to Iowa City in 1854. Here for a little while he did

teaming and other work, then began driving stage between Marengo and

Iowa City. Soon he was driving for the Western Stage Company. In 1857,

while in the employ of his company, he drove the first stage from

Calamus, near Dewitt, at that time the terminus of the Chicago and

Northwestern Railroad, to this city. It was while on this route running

to Calamus that Mr. Reiner first became acquainted with Conductor

Holten, now of Des Moines, and well known all over Iowa as the oldest

conductor in the employ of the Chicago and Northwestern.

After working in this capacity for a while Mr. Reiner returned to Cedar

county and took up farming. Soon coming back to Iowa City, he went to

the stage company's office and was immediately given a stage between

that place and Cedar Rapids.

One day while on his route he met at Solon the proprietor of the stage

company coming from Iowa City with a four-horse stage. The new stage

drew up along where Mr. Reiner was, and the proprietor called, "Fred, I

want you and your team." Wondering what was going to happen, Mr. Reiner

immediately unhitched his horses, and the driver of the leadhorses on

the other stage had also unhitched his. Mr. Reiner's team was put on as

the leadhorses, and he was told to get on the stage. While coming on

into this city the proprietor informed him that he was to run the new

stage from this city to Springville, at that time the end of the

Dubuque and Southwestern railroad.

[Illustration: HIGH SCHOOL, CENTRAL CITY]

[Illustration: BRIDGE OVER WAPSIE AT CENTRAL CITY]

As the railroad was pushed nearer and nearer Marion, the stage route

became shorter and shorter, until it was finally between Cedar Rapids

and the county seat. It was while driving between this city and Marion

that he began to carry express, and that in an unusual way. One of the

express messengers who ran into the county seat and whose home was at

that place, had to accompany the express down to this city each night

on the stage. There being no return stage until morning, he was

compelled to spend the night in Cedar Rapids. He would very often ask

Mr. Reiner to take charge of the express at Marion and bring it to this

city. The express messenger was Dr. J. M. Ristine of this city, now one

of the best known physicians in the state.

One day Supt. Thomas Adams, of the American Express company, was at

Marion. He opened a conversation with Mr. Reiner in the course of which

he asked him if he would be willing to take a position as express

messenger on the western end of the Northwestern, at that time nearing

the city of Boone. Mr. Reiner took the matter under advisement, and

later accepted the position.

Going to Boone, Mr. Reiner was given the first express route from that

city through to Omaha. With the railroad stopping at Boone, and nothing

more than a mere trail to follow, with a few stopping places, this

route on to the Nebraska city was everything but pleasant. Nevertheless

Mr. Reiner took hold of the work, and on November 7, 1865, after

forty-eight hours of almost continuous riding, he carried the first

express ever hauled by the American Express company into the city of

Omaha.

Early in the morning of the last day a stop had been made at Council

Bluffs for breakfast, and when Mr. Reiner was ready to continue the

regular stage had gone. The local agent hustled around and found a

carriage which he turned over to Mr. Reiner, so that the first express

which the American Express ever took into Omaha did not go by stage,

but by carriage.

There was nothing delicate or easy in the route assigned to the new

messenger. He left Boone on Tuesday afternoon. The stage, by changing

horses at regular intervals, went steadily on during the afternoon and

night, and all the next day and night. Early Thursday morning it would

pull into Council Bluffs, where a stop for breakfast was made. The trip

was then continued to Omaha, which was reached during the forenoon.

Leaving Omaha that same afternoon at four o'clock, the return trip was

commenced and kept up until Boone was reached at nine o'clock Saturday

morning. As Mr. Reiner had previously driven stage he was nearly always

found upon the seat with the driver. Thus he was exposed the same as

the driver was. Through all kinds of weather, the blizzards of winter

and stifling heat of the summer, these trips were made with greatest

regularity. Gradually, however, the railroad was worked farther and

farther westward, and the stage driver's route shortened accordingly.

During this period of his life Mr. Reiner had many trying and sometimes

exciting experiences. Although he is modest about relating them, those

which he told a reporter illustrate what the messengers of that period

had to contend with.

"I remember one time," said Mr. Reiner, "it was in the spring of the

year and the roads were in terrible condition. From Panora to Boone

there was one slough after another. We were driving along one night. I

was on the box with the driver, when we came to a wide slough. There

were tracks where others had driven through, but of course, we could

not go across in the same place for fear of cutting through. But the

slough looked all right, so we started in a new place. We had got into

the center when suddenly the wheels cut through the sod and the stage

sank into the water-soaked ground clear up to the axles. The four

horses began floundering around in a most dangerous manner. Both the

driver and I jumped from our seats down into the mud and water, and as

soon as possible unhitched the horses.

"There we were, stuck in the middle of the slough with nine passengers

on the inside of the coach, one of them a woman. They, of course, had

been aroused by the disturbance, and now called loudly to know what

they should do. There was but one thing that could be done, and that

was to get out and wade to shore. This they did, one of the gentlemen

carrying the woman on his shoulders. They were told that if they would

follow the road for three miles they could find lodging for the night.

A spring snow was on the ground, and the air was cold, but they started

on their way. The driver, capturing one of the horses, jumped on it and

rode for help.

"I was left there alone. In the stage coach was my express containing

some very valuable property which I did not dare to leave under any

circumstances. There was but one thing for me to do, and that was to

wade back to the stage coach and climb in and stay there until help

should arrive. This I did. I wrapped myself in my buffalo robe which

was the best I could do, but it was far from comfortable.

"In the morning help came and we were pulled out of the mud hole. A

fresh set of horses was hitched to the stage and we were soon at the

next stop. Here we met all the passengers. They had had good beds to

sleep in and warm breakfasts, so were anxious to be off. I hastily

swallowed a cup of coffee, and still in my wet clothes, climbed up on

the box seat, and rode all that day and the next night without a rest.

This was but one of the experiences which were familiar to stage

drivers and express messengers of that time."

Although during his twenty-five years of service for the American

Express company Mr. Reiner never lost a penny which had been placed in

his charge, it was not because he did not have his opportunities to do

so.

"There was one experience," he remarked, "that I remember well, and

which came as near being a hold-up as I ever had. It was the same week

that an additional express messenger had been put on the route between

Boone and Omaha, and our routes had been altered accordingly. The stage

left Boone on a Monday afternoon and was in the neighborhood of

Denison. It was a bright night and the horses were jogging along at a

good gait.

"Suddenly ahead the driver saw two men crouched by the roadside. As we

drew near they both sprang out into the road and began firing at us

rapidly. One of the first shots struck and killed the rear horse on the

left hand side. The other three animals sprang forward with such force

that they fairly jerked the harness off from the animal which had been

shot. They circled to the right and the wheels of the coach ran over

the fallen animal. The animals continued their circling until they

completely reversed the coach, then they turned and ran down the road

along which we had just come. It was always believed that the

highwaymen did not know of this change, and thought the stage carried

express as before. But the fact was I had left Boone on Monday instead

of Tuesday.

"The driver, according to the story he told me afterwards, was cussed

most roundly for not stopping the team, but he insisted that the

shooting the robbers had done so frightened the horses that they had

become unmanageable. Although the highwaymen were far from satisfied

with the explanation they made the best of a bad matter, and began to

search the driver to see what they could find. He gave them his

pocketbook, which, he said, contained forty dollars. That, by the way,

is more money than I ever saw him have at one time, and considerably

more than stage drivers usually carried. The hold-up men took the money

and gave the pocketbook back to him, as it contained some papers he

wished to save and which were of no value to the robbers.

"Soon after this incident, while going over my route one cold night the

driver stopped the team and called to me. I sat in a seat on the inside

with my revolvers lying beside me. Getting out of the door, the driver

told me there was a man crouched down in the road ahead of us. We were

out on the prairie some miles from a station. I went forward, with no

feeling of pleasure, to investigate. The man came forward also and I

recognized him as a fellow who had been lying around one of the

stations for several days. I asked him what he wanted and he replied

that he wished to get in and ride for a ways. Although the night was

cold I could not let him in for fear that he had companions farther up

the road and was only getting inside to get the lay of the land. The

express was unusually valuable that night. The fellow ran along behind

the coach for some time, but the horses gradually outdistanced him, and

that was the last we ever saw of him."

After the completion of the railroad, Mr. Reiner was given a position

as express messenger on one of the trains. "Many times," said the

veteran express messenger, "I have literally had the car floor paved

with gold and silver, over which I walked in doing my work. We had

carried lots of gold and silver bars east from Virginia City, in

Nevada. In order that, the weight should be evenly distributed the bars

were spread like paving bricks all over the car floor. The following

description, written by a reporter from one of the Council Bluffs

papers while Mr. Reiner was yet at Boone, gives a description of the

work of carrying the bullion:

"While viewing the scenes at the transfer yesterday afternoon, we

boarded W. F. Reiner's Northwestern express car and beheld a scene that

caused our hump of inquisitiveness to jump. Mr. Reiner is a messenger

of the American Merchants Union Express company, and will have served

in his present position and on his present route seven years in

November next. He lives in Boone. On the floor of his car were

sixty-seven gold and silver bricks. That is, each brick was composed of

gold and silver in compound. In some of them, silver predominated--in

value. They resemble silver almost entirely in color. They are of

somewhat irregular sizes, though nearly every one of them weighs more

than one hundred pounds. Some of them were much more refined than the

others. The amount of gold and silver in each one is stamped on the

face or top, in different lines, and the total value of the brick is

added in a third line. The value of each metal is marked, even to a

cent. How those values can be so accurately determined in a compound

brick is beyond our knowledge. Fifty-seven of those bricks which we

yesterday saw, were worth $101,950.80. The remaining eleven were worth

$15,077.57. They were mostly from Virginia City and are being taken to

New York. Mr. Reiner informed us also that these bricks are carried

only by the Northwestern and Rock Island roads. On some days he has had

as many as 160 of them in his car. They are taken east nearly every

day."

For ten years Mr. Reiner lived in Boone, then a redivision of the road

brought him back to this city. For the next fifteen years he continued

to run out of this city and do active service. Thirteen years ago the

terrible strain he had undergone in the earlier years of service for

the company began to tell upon him and he broke down in health. Then,

if a private company ever did a good and wise thing, the American

Express company did it. They said they realized the value that Mr.

Reiner had been to them when they were getting established in Iowa and

running their route through to Omaha, and they would not forget his

efficient services now that he was getting old.

CHAPTER XXVIII

_Linn County Libraries_

THE IOWA MASONIC LIBRARY

BY HELEN R. DONNAN

The Iowa Masonic Library, "unique in idea and unapproachable in scope,"

is an institution of which Cedar Rapids is proud, and to which the

Masons of Iowa point as a satisfactory answer to those who would

question the purposes of the fraternity.

As early as 1844 the late T. S. Parvin, grand secretary and librarian

of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, A. F. & A. M., from its organization until

his death in 1901, began the collection of books which today is world

famous. With rare discernment and infinite patience this vast wealth of

treasures has been gathered together and placed at the disposal of all

students.

The library, for years housed at Muscatine, later in the Burtis Opera

House at Davenport, was removed to Iowa City in the year 1867, where it

remained in rooms rented for that purpose until 1883 when it had so far

outgrown its quarters that a new and more permanent home was needed. At

the annual session of 1883, the Grand Lodge set aside $20,000.00 for a

fireproof building, and, the citizens of Cedar Rapids having offered to

donate a lot and $10,000.00, it was decided to build in that city. The

site selected was ideal, fronting on one of the most beautiful avenues,

in the residence district, yet within a few blocks of the business

portion of the city. The front of the building, which is of red pressed

brick trimmed with sandstone, consists of two stories and an attic,

while the rear part is two stories, and under all is a basement, well

lighted and ventilated by a wide area-way. Surrounded by a well kept

lawn and beautiful shade trees, it presents a very attractive

appearance.

So rapidly did the library grow that in 1901 the trustees were

authorized to purchase the adjoining corner lot on which was a fine

brick residence. This has since been used as a general reference

library and reading room, known as the Annex. Both buildings have

recently been improved and re-decorated until today one entering either

one finds "a place of quiet and beauty, where sightseeing is a delight,

and study an absolute pleasure." On the right of the main entrance is

the Grand Master's room, furnished in dark and massive oak, thoroughly

in keeping with the dignity of the fraternity. On the left, a lighter

treatment in decoration and the mahogany furniture make the reception

room a delightful apartment in which the friends gather and are made

welcome. The fireproof doors at the end of the entrance hall open into

the library proper, filled with book cases on every side, and in the

center of the room are large glass cases containing thousands of rare

and interesting curios. The upper floor of this hall is a gallery

guarded by an iron railing and lighted by the skylight above. This,

too, is filled to overflowing with books and display cases. On the

walls of both rooms hang pictures of the long line of Grand Masters who

have ruled the craft in Iowa from 1844 to the present time.

[Illustration: T. S. PARVIN Long Grand Secretary Iowa Masons]

The leading feature of this library is naturally the Masonic

department. Here in cases adorned with meaning symbols are to be found

all the standard works of the fraternity and those which later

scholarship has contributed to the history, philosophy and ceremonial

of Masonry, together with the proceedings of all Grand Lodges,

Chapters, Commanderies, Councils, Shrines, Chapters of the Order of

Eastern Star, and all Masonic organizations of the world. This

department also contains the constitutions, by-laws, monitors, and

rituals of all Masonic bodies, both American and foreign. Masonic

periodicals and magazines from all parts of the globe are on the

shelves in perhaps more complete sets than can be found in any other

library. Many rare and costly works have been added, some few of which

are unique, no other copy being known to exist.

The early history of Freemasonry shows traces of the influence of other

secret societies, and it in turn has influenced almost every other

secret organization. A Masonic library would therefore be incomplete

without the history, literature and ceremonies of these associations.

This semi-Masonic department includes all works bearing upon the secret

societies of the American revolution, the early secret societies of the

middle ages and France, works pertaining to the history of the

Nestorians, Dervishes, Thugs, Druids, Rosicrucians, the Guilds, etc.

As Masonry is closely linked with art, archaeology, mythology, and

religion, a large collection of this class of material finds place in

the general reference library, now housed in the Annex. The French and

German books, comprising some four thousand volumes, the government

publications, and a large number of proceedings have been removed to

the basement, while the attic is crowded with duplicate proceedings,

magazines, and pamphlets without number.

Another interesting feature is the Iowa department containing works by

Iowa authors, as well as all works pertaining to the history of the

state.

In order to make this collection of the greatest possible benefit to

its patrons, it has been classified and a card catalog of the books has

been made in accordance with approved library methods.

For the casual visitor the principal attraction is the museum, which

contains archaeological, mineralogical, and geological specimens from

all parts of the country. Here the relics of ancient American races and

tribes give evidence of prehistoric culture, while the ruder

implements, weapons and pottery of the aborigines make a notable

collection. One large case contains only weapons of warfare; another is

filled with Iowa birds. An unusual collection is the one of shoes from

China, Japan, India, Burma, Siam, and several other foreign lands. The

case of colonial relics is especially interesting to older visitors.

The book lover finds the case devoted to rare and beautifully bound

books the supreme attraction, while the small boy enjoys the stamp

collection, the post card display, the birds, and the "freaks" of

nature exhibited here. Masonic badges, medals, coins, old diplomas,

charters, manuscripts, aprons, and other old lodge paraphernalia are

artistically displayed in the various glass cases. Scattered throughout

both buildings are many pictures, fine art pieces in bronze, bisque,

and marble, antique vases, jars, pitchers, and various pieces of modern

pottery, all donated by friends of the library.

In the autograph letter department are three large double cases each

having one hundred and forty glass covered drawers devoted exclusively

to this material. Here may be found the signatures of noted literary

men, the presidents of the United States, governors of Iowa, and others

prominently identified with the history of the state as well as noted

men of the fraternity.

In 1901, upon the death of T. S. Parvin, the founder of the

institution, his son, Newton R. Parvin, was elected Grand Secretary and

librarian. He is peculiarly fitted for this responsible position,

having served as deputy to his father for twenty-five years, and, like

his father, is giving to the building up of this splendid library the

"enthusiasm and energy of a single-purposed life."

N. R. Parvin being Grand Secretary as well as librarian, the

headquarters of the Grand Lodge are in the library building, and in the

three splendidly equipped vaults are stored many valuable papers and

records. A card index giving the record of every member in the state

has recently been completed and placed in one of the vaults.

The entire expense of maintaining the library is met by an annual tax

of ten cents for each member in the state. All expenditures are under

the supervision of a board of three trustees appointed by the Grand

Master for a term of six years. Those composing the present board are

W. S. Gardner of Clinton, W. L. Eaton of Osage, and Crom Bowen of Des

Moines.

FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY OF CEDAR RAPIDS

BY JOANNA HAGEY

The people of Cedar Rapids had felt the need of a public library. In

the seventies a subscription library was founded but it was forced to

discontinue from lack of funds and the books were given to the Y. M. C.

A. The City Federation of Ladies' Literary Clubs, and especially the

president, Mrs. C. D. Van Vechten, should be given the credit for

creating a sentiment that resulted in a vote of the people on March 2,

1896, to establish a library.

The council appointed a library board in June. In October the first tax

levy was made, and they began the formation and organization of the new

library which was opened to the public January 15, 1897, in rooms in

the Granby block.

The work prospered and the patronage increased so that additional space

was needed, and in 1900 the library was moved to the Dows Auditorium.

Again larger quarters were demanded and it was deemed best for the city

to own the library building. Mr. Andrew Carnegie generously gave

$75,000, which was used for the erection of the beautiful and

commodious building on the corner of Fifth street and Third avenue. The

new building was dedicated June 23, 1905.

Some idea of the growth of the library can be gained from the following

comparisons: When the library was opened there were 1,325 volumes on

the shelves. December 31, 1909, there were 19,505 volumes; 29,730 books

were circulated the first year, and 94,078 books last year; the

receipts the first year were $4,471.52; last year they amounted to

$11,049.14.

Mrs. C D. Van Vechten, Mrs. Charles A. Clark, Mrs. N. M. Hubbard, Sr.,

Miss Emma J. Fordyce, F. F. Dawley, A. T. Cooper, V. A. Jung, L. W.

Anderson, and Luther A. Brewer constituted the first board of trustees.

The following are the present board: Mrs. Mary Ziek Andre, Mrs. Kate

Terry Loomis, Miss Emma J. Fordyce, Miss Elizabeth Cock, B. L. Wick, L.

W. Anderson, Frank Filip, C. M. Doan, and Sandford Kerr. Others who

have served as trustees are: Miss Meta Aussieker, Mrs. Ida M. Ballheim,

Mrs. Channie J. Redmond, H. H. Troy, Joseph Mekota, John Vosmek, J. M.

Terry, J. T. Hamilton, W. I. Endicott, Jomes A. Molony, Robert Palmer,

John W. Barry, and Theodore Schauwecker.

Miss Virginia Dodge was librarian from 1896-1899, Miss Harriet L.

McCrory from 1899-1903, and Miss Harriet A. Wood from 1903-1910. The

present librarian is Miss E. Joanna Hagey.

COE COLLEGE LIBRARY

Coe College at an early date owned a well selected text-book library.

It was generally conducted by one of the students. Many donations have

been made, mostly by men connected with the Presbyterian ministry. The

large library of Rev. James Knox was one of the early additions made.

Later the Rev. George R. Carroll presented his valuable collection of

books to the college. Many valuable books have been donated from time

to time by members of the faculty, by students, and persons interested

in the growth of the college.

Miss Ida Dodd and Miss Cornelia Shelley served as librarians for some

years. Miss Mary Irene Amidon, by the assistance of several helpers,

has placed the library on a sound basis by a system of cataloguing

which before had been neglected.

COLLEGE AND PUBLIC LIBRARY, MOUNT VERNON

No definite data can be given for the beginning of the library at Mount

Vernon, though in the catalogue of the Iowa Conference Seminary for

1855 the statement is made that "a small but good selection of books

has been procured to which students will have access." There seems to

have been a hesitancy about giving any number of volumes, till in the

catalogue of 1864-5 we read that "the college library has about 600

volumes."

From this early beginning the library very gradually grew in strength

and helpfulness under the direction of various members of the college

faculty. The professors who served as librarians were: S. N. Fellows,

1857-60, A. Collin, 1860-70, H. H. Freer, 1870-73, S. N. Williams,

1873-91, W. C. Webster, 1891-93.

In 1891 Miss May L. Fairbanks was appointed assistant librarian, and in

1893 she was elected librarian, which position she still holds.

A gift of $50,000 was obtained from Andrew Carnegie for a library

building for the town and college. In June, 1904, the corner stone of

the new building was laid, and in August, 1905, the college library,

consisting of 25,548 volumes, was moved into the new building.

December 1, 1905, the library board of trustees was formally organized

with Dr. James E. Harlan as president. Prof. W. H. Norton, Col. H. H.

Rood, E. B. Willix, W. E. Platner, Prof. H. M. Kelly, Dr. A. Crawford,

A. A. Bauman, J. B. Leigh.

There has been no change in the library board. The annual income is

$5,000.

The library now consists of 33,900 volumes and many hundred pamphlets

that have not been numbered. The administration of the library

resembles that of a college more than a public library, and no list of

borrowers is kept.

MARION FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Marion free public library dates from 1903. Miss Adaliza Daniels first

began her work as early as 1902, to agitate for a Carnegie library. She

and Mrs. C. N. Owen then began to solicit funds for a building site and

collected $3,775 for that purpose. The first board consisted of the

following: Messrs. Alderman, Alexander, Bowman, Treat, Mrs. Dobson,

Mrs. Busby, Mrs. Owen, Miss Tyler, and Miss Daniels. The present board

consists of J. W. Bowman, president, Dr. J. Morehead, vice-president,

Mrs. C. N. Owen, secretary, Mr. Wood, Miss Marshall, Mrs. B. C. Busby,

Mrs. Millen, and Mrs. Parkhurst.

The income of the library has varied from $1,100 to $1,350. There are

800 card holders and more than 3,550 volumes in the library. The

librarians have been Miss Mary Parkhurst and Miss Mabel Alexander.

THE BOHEMIAN READING SOCIETY

The Bohemian Reading Society was organized November 22, 1868, at Cedar

Rapids, and some of the charter members who are still living are:

Anthony Soukup, Frank Soukup, John Pichner, and John Safranek.

Many of the pioneer settlers contributed from time to time largely of

their means for the purchase of Bohemian books and tried to inculcate

in their children a desire for the reading of books printed in their

own tongue. Many foreign newspapers and magazines were also taken in

order to keep up with the times and to create in the minds of the young

a love of the land of their fathers.

The average number of books loaned has been about 3,000 volumes a year.

The library being open to the members at stated times, much reading is

done in the library building, where a librarian is in charge. The

number of bound books for circulation has been from 2,000 to 2,500

volumes. The expense of running the library outside of room rent, heat,

etc., has been from $200 to $300. Many donations of books and magazines

are constantly being made.

A few of the librarians have been the following named persons: Mrs.

Kabasa, Neibert and Stolba, Frank Kurka. The present librarian has

served continuously for the past sixteen years.

[Illustration: WEST ROWLEY STREET, WALKER]

[Illustration: MAIN STREET, PRAIRIEBURG]

CHAPTER XXIX

_Wages and Prices in the County from 1846 to 1856_

During the decade from 1846 to 1856 land was very cheap in Linn county,

and everything else was in proportion. Wages were low, and what the

farmer raised on his premises he could find no market for, and,

consequently, outside of wheat it was pretty much worthless. The panic

of 1857 was a severe one in the county, and many of the bankers and

business people met with severe reverses from which some never

recovered. No one had any foreboding of the financial storm and all

were caught short to such an extent that they lost nearly everything,

even their homes which had been mortgaged. Many a business man with

good credit, possessed of considerable means, became swamped in the

crash. It mattered not what a man had in property, if it was not in

gold it had no price, and there was no market for anything except on a

cash basis.

From N. B. Brown's account book we glean the following as to prices for

eatables in Cedar Rapids in 1846: Beef, 2-1/2c per pound, flour, 2c per

pound (1-1/2c in 1847), beans, 75c per bushel, veal, 3c per pound,

coffee, 14c per pound, sugar, 16-1/2c per pound, tea, $1.25 per pound,

wheat 37-1/2c per bushel, corn meal, 25c per bushel, buckwheat flour,

1-1/4c per pound. This interesting book is in the possession of Emery

Brown, one of the sons.

During the decade mentioned a horse sold at from fifty to sixty

dollars, and a yoke of oxen could be had for the price of one good

horse. As many of the pioneer farmers had not the means to purchase a

team of horses, they did the next best thing and invested in a yoke of

oxen and thus managed to get along and weather the storm. A good wagon

with spring seat cost from one hundred to one hundred and twenty-five

dollars, and a log chain from two dollars and a half to five dollars.

Ordinary stirring plows sold at from ten to fifteen dollars. Mowers and

reapers were not common in those days, the scythe and the cradle being

the tools with which the young boy earned some of his first spending

money. It was surprising how much hay and grain a good farm hand could

cut in a season in this way.

The people dealt in log houses in those days like we do in second hand

furniture today. These houses were bought and sold at from fifty to

seventy-five dollars each and moved at leisure in the winter time from

one part of the township to another; at times a log house was moved

from ten to fifteen miles and everyone chipped in and helped to move. A

jug of whiskey, some hot coffee, and a good dinner were all they

expected in the way of remuneration for their labor. The young folks at

times insisted on a free for all dance and a free fiddler for the

assistance they had rendered in moving and fixing up the house. If the

young married couple who were to occupy the house did not dance or

believe in dancing, a party or two were given, ending up with a

midnight supper.

While the prices of government land was one dollar and twenty-five

cents an acre, the speculator land generally sold at from five to ten

dollars and as high as twelve dollars and fifty cents an acre. Wages

were very low, from fifty to seventy-five cents a day being the average

price paid a good farm hand. In town a person generally received from

seventy-five cents to a dollar a day and then boarded himself.

Oats sold at fifteen cents a bushel, corn at ten cents, wheat at from

forty-five to sixty cents. Hogs sold at one dollar and fifty cents a

hundred. Potatoes were considered high at ten cents a bushel, while

quail sold at thirty cents a dozen. Butter brought from five to six

cents a pound, and eggs six to eight cents a dozen.

While prices for farm products were quite low the prices paid for the

necessaries of life were high on account of lack of transportation

facilities. Coffee sold at ten cents a pound, sugar at from eleven to

twelve cents, tea retailed at eighty-five cents. Calico sold at forty

cents a yard--and a poor quality at that. Salt in the early days sold

at ten dollars a barrel, the price coming down in Cedar Rapids to five

dollars when W. B. Mack brought his first cargo of salt by steamer from

Ohio to Cedar Rapids.

Nearly all worked on shares, land was rented on shares, grist mills

operated on shares, as well as saw mills. Masons and carpenters had to

take their wages out frequently in form of property, and, while they

were hard up and needed the money, this property in time made many of

them wealthy men by their retaining what had been turned over to them

in the form of wages. Old Thomas McGregor relates how he worked for a

contractor by the name of Robinson and was offered lots where the mills

of the Quaker Oats Company now stand at ten dollars a lot to apply on

his wages, and when the writer inquired why he did not take these lots

he replied: "My wages were seventy-five cents a day, on which I had to

keep a wife and children, and they were more to me than corner lots."

Old James Cleghorn worked for the Greene Bros. in the saw mill and was

offered corner lots, and finally obtained in trade a forty acre tract

of land in Scotch Grove for his summer's work. Old Elias Skinner, the

well known Methodist preacher, in the early fifties traded a team,

harness and wagon for a forty acre tract on what is now the location of

the town of Norway, and at the time thought that the man who got the

team had the best of the bargain, as there was no market for land and

no income from it, while with a team of horses a man could make

something and always could trade it for something else if he wanted to.

Money was a scarce article in those days, while labor was cheap and the

days were long. It was generally work from sun up to sun down and

sometimes until way after dark, and no one was heard to complain,

because if a person did complain there were always plenty of others

willing to take the place of the man who wanted to quit.

There were not many varieties of food in the good old days, but the

people were healthy, they worked hard and everything tasted good. The

ordinary dishes were Indian corn, corn bread, hominy, corn dodgers,

bacon, venison, and prairie chickens. The cooking was done by an open

fireplace, stoves in those days being few. Rye coffee was used

frequently instead of the ordinary coffee and tasted good after a long

day's hard labor in the timber. Many a thrifty housewife worked for

weeks to dry corn in the fall of the year, as well as to dry apples;

hominy was also made at home. All these delicacies--so-called--tasted

good during the winter months and no one was known to be afflicted with

ptomaine poisoning.

Before the days of grist mills coffee mills were used for the grinding

of corn and wheat. In some instances a few of the early settlers used

the Indian stones, turned by hand; later horse mills were erected,

which the early settlers thought were great inventions. These mills

consisted merely of an enclosure of logs with a large wheel in the

middle around which a leather belt was placed, which was also attached

to a smaller wheel which turned the mill stones and ground the corn.

The pioneers would come several miles to such a mill and sometimes had

to wait a day or more in order to get their grist ground. They would

help run the mill, would sleep in the wagon at night and live on

parched corn on the trip; if a cup of coffee could be obtained at the

stopping place the settler would be more than gratified.

While the settlers raised almost all their provisions, they also made

most of what they had to wear. In a very cheap sort of a way they

tanned their own leather and made their own shoes; in short, relied on

their own ingenuity for nearly all the comforts of life.

The women folks were as handy as the men, if not more so, for they were

all spinsters, dressmakers and tailors; they made the blue hunting

shirts with fringes, adorned the buckskin belt which was worn around

the waist, and also cut out the tight fitting cotton blouses worn by

the boys, and even made moccasins and a coarse kind of brogan shoes.

They were furriers as well, for they made some excellent fitting wolf

skin caps for the men and some neat looking gingham bonnets, well

starched, for themselves. While the shoes were at times heavy and ill

fitting, they were only worn on Sundays and during the winter, for as

soon as spring came nearly everyone went barefoot, about the house at

least, for the sake of economy as well as for comfort.

During these pioneer years in the forties and fifties our ancestors did

not have an easy time of it by any means. They endured the hardships of

pioneer life and were subject to fevers, as well as homesickness, and

frequently during the winter months they were exposed to the severity

of the early Iowa winters when the log houses were both small and

uncomfortable, but they were men and women of iron nerve, full of push

and energy and perseverance. They had taken up a tedious battle for

existence out on the barren prairies of Iowa, far away from home and

kindred, and, at times, surrounded by wild frontiersmen, freebooters

and ruffians who were making a last stand in these parts of Iowa until

the opening up of the vast barren tracts west of the Missouri river. It

was not until after the Civil war that the people of Linn county

became, so to speak, comfortably well fixed and had some of the

comforts which they had so long looked for during the early years.

CHAPTER XXX

_Some of the First Things in Cedar Rapids and Linn County_

The first log cabin was erected on the site of what became Cedar

Rapids, by Osgood Shepherd or Wilbert Stone in 1838. The first frame

house was erected by John Vardy in 1842, and the first brick building

was erected by Porter W. Earle at the corner of First avenue and Second

street in 1844.

P. J. Upton, of the Star Wagon Company, received a carload of freight

on the first freight train that ever came to Cedar Rapids; this was in

1859. W. B. Mack received the first cargo of salt on the steamboat

"Cedar Rapids" in 1855, bringing down the price of salt from $10.00 to

$5.00 a barrel.

The first steamboat company, incorporated for $20,000.00, was organized

in 1855, some of the incorporators being Alex. Ely, Dr. S. D.

Carpenter, the Greenes, and other business men of Cedar Rapids.

The first grist mill was built by N. B. Brown in 1843. Isaac Cook was

the first lawyer locating in Cedar Rapids; John Shearer was the first

justice of the peace, and James Lewis was the first constable. The

first general store was opened by George and Joseph Greene in 1842.

Judge George Greene taught one of the first schools near Ivanhoe in

1839 and 1840. Alexander Ely, George Greene, and N. B. Brown, with

others, erected the first school house in 1847 in Cedar Rapids, later

selling it to the school district.

Joseph Greene was the first postmaster in Cedar Rapids and carried the

mail in his plug hat and distributed the same as he happened to meet

the people to whom the letters were addressed.

Dr. S. H. Tryon was the first physician in Linn county. Dr. E. L.

Mansfield was one of the first physicians locating in Cedar Rapids, in

1847. H. W. Gray was the first sheriff of Linn county, being appointed

by Governor Lucas in 1838. The first county fair was held in October,

1855. The first hotel was built in 1847, called the Union House, James

Dyer being landlord; this building was destroyed by fire in 1865.

In 1855 W. D. Watrous, W. W. Smith, and J. J. Snouffer built the

steamer "Blackhawk" for the purpose of navigating the Cedar river. It

ran between Cedar Rapids and Waterloo for two years. It was later

purchased by the government and used for a supply boat on the lower

Mississippi. In the '40s and '50s Mississippi steamboats made regular

trips to Cedar Rapids. The first railroad reached Cedar Rapids in 1859;

it is now known as the Chicago & Northwestern.

The first fire company was organized in Cedar Rapids in 1869. In 1871

the Cedar Rapids Gas Light Company was organized. The first mayor of

Cedar Rapids was Martin L. Barber.

The first steam mill in the county was built by J. P. Glass in 1845.

The first hand-raking reaper brought into Linn county was by William

Ure, of Fairfax township, who hauled it from Chicago by oxen in the

summer of 1847.

The first newspaper in Cedar Rapids was the _Progressive Era_,

published in 1851 by D. O. Finch; the first newspaper in Marion was the

_Prairie Star_, published by A. Hoyt in 1852; the first daily newspaper

published in Linn county was called the _Morning Observer_, the first

number being issued on September 1, 1870, and edited by Thomas G.

Newman and Z. Enos.

[Illustration: MAIN STREET, SPRINGVILLE]

[Illustration: QUAKER MEETING HOUSE, WHITTIER]

[Illustration: WHITTIER]

N. B. Brown erected the first flour mill in 1844; the first woolen mill

was erected in 1848. The first judge of probate in the county was

Israel Mitchell, appointed in 1838. He was also one of the justices.

The first bridge erected across the Cedar river in Cedar Rapids was in

1856 at what is now Seventh avenue. The oldest settler now living in

the county is Robert Ellis, who arrived in 1838.

The first marriage in Linn county was that of Preston Scott and Miss

Betsey Martin, which occurred in July, 1839.

The first white male born in Linn county was George Cone, who first saw

light at Marion, April 12, 1839.

The first death in the county was that of Mr. Williams, who died

January 15, 1839. He was buried in the Campbell cemetery near Bertram.

The inscription on his tombstone is yet visible.

The first mill was erected by John S. Oxley in 1842-43 on Big creek. It

was later purchased by Jacob Mann.

The first citizen to become naturalized was Peter Garren who, during

the October term of court, 1840, as a native of Scotland, renounced all

allegiance to the queen of Great Britain.

James E. Bromwell, who came to Linn county in 1839, will always be

remembered by the residents of Marion. He helped lay out the county

seat. He made the first coffin for the first interment in its cemetery,

assisted in the erection of the first residence in the town, as well as

in the erection of the first store buildings, besides taking time

enough to procure the second marriage license issued in the county for

his marriage to Catherine Gray, on August 26, 1841.

Elizabeth Bennett, a native of Syracuse, New York, who had been reared

in Canada and married to Edward Crow, November 14, 1839, is supposed to

have been the first school teacher in the county. She died in Buffalo

township February 5, 1844.

The first white child born within the confines of Linn county was Maria

Osborn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Osborn, and was born in

September, 1838. This statement has often been disputed and cannot be

proved with certainty.

THE FIRST GRIST MILL

There has been more or less controversy as to the name of the man who

erected the first grist mill in Linn county. Marshall Oxley insists

that the first mill of this kind was built by John S. Oxley in 1842-43.

It was located in the northwest corner of Linn township on Big creek.

The material used was grown in the immediate vicinity. The dimension

lumber was hewn out of the forest and the roofing was made of

clapboard, then the primitive material used by the pioneers in covering

their buildings. The machinery was purchased in Davenport and

transported by wagon across the prairies. Before the erection of this

mill the early settlers were compelled to take their grists to what was

known as the Catfish mill near Dubuque. Frequently it required several

days to go to the mill and to return home with the flour. Sometimes the

good housewives ran short of flour while the meal was being ground. In

such cases they would grind a little corn in the coffee mills, mix it

with salt and water, cook it, and thank Providence that they lived in a

land flowing with hoe cake, milk and honey.

After the mill had been in successful operation some time two well

dressed gentlemen called at the home of the owner and asked to be given

entertainment for the night. Their request was cheerfully complied

with. Next morning they strolled down to the mill and looked it over.

After they had been hospitably entertained and were about to depart

they represented that one was a patentee and the other a lawyer and

that the owner was using an infringement on their patent. They told him

that if he did not pay them forty dollars they would prosecute him to

the full extent of the law. He paid them the sum asked but remarked

afterwards that he guessed he should have given them a charge of shot.

The mill was operated in successful manner by the miller, Jacob Mann,

until August 15, 1848, when he purchased the property for $500. He

continued to operate it until it was swept away by the flood of 1851,

Mann at this time losing his life in the flood.

A FEW OF THE EARLY ENTRIES TO LAND

A number of people resided in the county and were, so to speak,

"squatters" before the land was opened for settlement and entry could

be made. A few of the following names and locations will give the

reader an idea of some of the old settlers who came here, some of whom

resided on their respective claims before entry could be made.

Peter Kepler entered land in section 1-82-5 June 15, 1842; A. M. McCoy,

James Huntington, Edward Isham, Horatio Sanford entered land in section

2-82-5 from May 17, 1844, to November 3, 1845.

Mary Ann Doty entered part of section 4-82-5 November 29, 1844; Abner

Doty entered land March 11, 1845, in section 3-82-5; William Abbe

entered land in section 5-82-5 in 1844; Henry Kepler entered land in

the same section two years previously. Jesse H. Holman entered a forty

acre tract in section 6 in the same township and range October 12,

1842. During the year 1845 Horatio Sanford, William Abbe and William

Johnson entered considerable land in the same locality; also Allison I.

Willits and Fred Kinley as early as 1842. James, Joe and Robert Boyd

entered considerable land from February, 1843 to 1844 in section 8,

while entries were made in section 10 from 1842 to 1844 by John I.

Gibson, Oliver Day, Oakley Parker, and Robert Stinson.

During the same period the following entries were made in section 11,

to-wit: by Simeon Archer, Oliver Day, John I. Gibson, Nathan Peddycord,

and James Kelsey.

In section 13 the following entries were made from February, 1843, to

1845, viz: by Saul Elliott, Gabe Archer, James Bartley, and G. B.

Bowman.

In section 14 entries were made from 1843 to 1844 as follows: by James

Kelsey, Leonard Platner, John Donahoo, Joe Smith, Ackley Parker, and

Reuben Ash.

In section 15 entries were made from February 22, 1843, to September

18, 1844, by Dan Hahn and James Muckalls; and in section 17 by John

Stewart and John McLaughlin.

In section 18 during the same period entries were made by Nate P.

Wilcox, Meron C. Barnes, and A. J. McKean; George Greene entered a

tract in section 29 February 21, 1843. Nearly all of the above

described sections seem to have been picked up between the years 1842

and 1844.

A few names appear in various localities as having entered lands in

smaller or larger tracts, viz: Hugh Downey, J. G. Berryhill, John J.

Gibson, H. W. Sanford, William Abbe, A. J. Willits, and Morgan Reno; a

number of those men were not residents of the county at any time as far

as is known, with the exception of William Abbe.

In Linn Grove township 83, range 5, the following entries were made:

In sections 1 and 2 by Cyrell M. Webster, Morgan Reno, and William

Smythe during the years 1852 and 1853.

In sections 4 and 5 Benjamin Simons, David E. Fussel, Joe S. Butler,

and John S. Oxley made entries from 1843 to 1844. In sections 6, 7 and

8 the following entries were made during the years 1842 and 1843: John

Milner, Le Grand Byington, Socrates H. Tryon, Jesse Tryon, Dennis

Tryon, Alexander Paul, Jacob Mann, John Safely, Jane Safely, Jacob

Safely, and Adam Safely.

In section 9 and 11 entries were made during 1844 and 1845 by Ann

Whitlatch, Alonzo B. Clark, Morgan Reno, Matt Lynch, Dan I. Finch, and

Seward Kyles.

In sections 15, 17, 21 and 22 the following entries were made during

the years 1842 and 1844: James S. Varner, Levi Lewis, S. A. Yeisley,

John, Thomas and Will Goudy.

In sections 25 to 29 the following entries were made: by John and

Andrew Safely, Sam Ellison, John Goudy, George Krow, and Lewis Fink

during the years 1843 to 1844. Dan Peet made entry to certain tract of

land in section 14 at the same time.

In section 1-85-5 and 6 the following entries were made from 1852 to

1856: by Stephen Conover, Barnett Cole, Nancy H. Hunt, and others.

Richard Barber made the first entry in section 4 in 1848, while in

section 6 Philip Coffits made entry in June, 1847, and John Smith in

November, 1849.

In section 7 Chandler, Ebenezer and Moses C. Jordan entered land from

1846 to 1848. Richard Barber makes an entry in section 9 in 1848. In

section 14 Edward Crew, or Crow, enters land in November, 1840 to

January, 1845. In section 15 Jacob Mann enters land in May, 1845,

followed by another entry made by George Paddington in February, 1846.

In section 23 Absalom Cain makes an entry February, 1846, and in

section 25 George C. Perkins and Morton Claypool enters land in 1845.

John Peet enters land in section 36 in 1844, and Joseph and Ormus Clark

enters land in section 3 in 1844 and 1845.

In section 44, range 5, some of the early entries are by John Peet,

Harvey Stone, and Nelson Crow from 1842 to 1845. Sam Kelly enters

eighty acres in section 11 in 1840, and about the same time John

Gillilan enters land in section 12. John Crow enters one hundred and

sixty acres in 1840 in section 13.

Charles Pinkney makes an entry in section 28 in 1840; also another

entry in section 29 the same date. In section 32 on August 5, 1840,

Nathan Brown, G. H. Robinson, Thomas Sammis, and William Styles make

entries. The first entry made in section 33 was made by Benjamin Simons

and Abel M. Butler. Charles E. Haskins makes several entries from 1843

to 1848 in section 12-82-5, as well as in sections 1 and 2, Peter

Kepler also making entries in January, 1842.

William Abbe made several entries of land in sections 5 and 6 from 1842

to 1843, while Thomas Craig made entries in sections 6 and 7 from 1843

to 1846, as well as Daniel Hahn in section 15.

Israel Mitchell and James Hunter enter land in sections 4 and 5 in

1844, and Herman, or Harman, Boye made several entries in 1854 in

sections 24 and 28. In sections 1 and 2-82-2 entries are found as of

1843 and 1844 made by Thomas Craig, Elizabeth D. Waln, Robert Smythe,

and Samuel Littrell. In sections 7, 8 and 9 Thomas Crabtree, Abe

Stotts, and James Hunter make entries from 1844 to 1846.

Daniel, William, Henry and Elias Rogers make numerous entries in

section 14 in 1849; William Davey, Mary S. Legare, Edgar G. Stoney, J.

G. Berryhill, and Thomas J. Cox entered this land from 1849 to 1850 in

sections 2 and 5-82-7. In section 12-83-7 entries were made in 1843 by

S. H. Tryon, J. H. Blackman, M. Mitchell, and E. T. Lewis. In sections

14 and 15 J. Stambaugh, N. and D. Chapman, Ambrose Harlan, H. Weare,

Isaac Carroll, George Greene made entries from March 4, 1843, to June,

1844.

John G. McCloud makes an entry in section 16 in December, 1846. In

section 17 Robert Ellis entered land July 19, and August 8, 1843, and

John Lichtebarger in July of the same year. In section 18 the heirs of

Dan Potter convey, and Thomas Gainer and Isaac Lichtebarger about the

same time.

In section 21-83-7 Addison Daniels and N. B. Brown entered land March

31, 1843, and George Greene makes entry of land July 13, 1847 and

October 31, 1848. From 1843 to 1847 entries were made in section 22 by

A. Daniels, N. B. Brown, John G. Cole, Levi Lewis, Joshua Phillips,

and Ambrose Harlan. In section 27 Otho S. Bolling, Levi Lewis, and

Jason C. Bartholomew made entries from 1843 to 1845. In section 28

entries were made by David W. King, Tom Gainer, and J. M. May from

March, 1843, to 1859.

The entries are made earlier in the eastern and southeastern part of

the county, and later on the west side of the river and toward the west

and northwest; the most entries were made from 1852 to 1859, when there

seems to have been a wholesale tide of emigration.

ORGANIZATION OF DEMOCRATIC PARTY IN THE COUNTY

Copy of a paper given the Linn County Historical Society by Miss Mary

Durham, daughter of Hon. Samuel W. Durham.

Marion, April 27, 1843

Committee of organization met at Marion, Linn county, Iowa.

Resolved, that a sufficient number of gentlemen in each

township be appointed to act as a committee of organization.

Franklin Township--C. C. Haskins, S. Elliott, Robt. Smyth,

A. M. Artz, Jno. Wolfe, Jas. Stewart, Benj. De Witt, Henry

Kepler.

Linn Township--William T. Gilbert, Sam'l C. Stewart, Ira

Sammons, And. Safely, Jno. Scott.

Brown Township--Geo. Perkins, Jas. V. Hill, Isaac Butler,

Horace N. Brown, Sam'l Kelly.

Washington Township--Bart Magonigle, Sam'l Lockhart, Ben D.

Springer, Wm. B. Davis, Thos. Lockhart, Sr., A. Moats, Wm.

Cress, Wm. B. Harrison.

Lafayette--Gilman Clark, Chas. Cantonwine, Daniel Richards,

Sam'l Brazier, Jacob Cress.

Putnam--Jno. Barnet, Jno. Hile, Alex Cox.

Marion--M. Strong, Geo. Greene, Iram Wilson, Prior Scott,

Perry Oxley, S. H. Tryon, Joel Leverich, John Hunter, Thos.

Railsback, S. W. Durham.

Rapids--N. B. Brown, P. W. Earle, Baker, Gainor, Justus

Wells, John G. McLoud.

Resolved, that each township send one delegate to Linn

convention and those having 100 votes, 2, and 1 for every

additional 50.

Resolved, that with order to an organization of the

democratic party in Linn County the committee in each

township be requested to give due notice to the democratic

citizens of their respective townships by written

advertisement or otherwise, to meet at some convenient place

in their said townships on the first Saturday of June next

at 2 o'clock P. M., for the purpose of choosing delegates to

attend the Territorial Convention at Iowa City on the 4th

Monday in June, and also to appoint delegates to a District

Convention, to be held at William L. Gilbert's at such time

as may hereafter be agreed upon by the corresponding

committees in the counties composing the 8th electoral

district, to nominate candidates for Representatives to the

Legislature to be supported by the democratic party at the

annual election in October next.

Resolved, that a committee of three be appointed.

L. M. STRONG, Prest.

SAM'L W. DURHAM, Sec.

[Illustration: MAIN STREET, CENTRAL CITY, FROM THE SOUTH]

[Illustration: GENERAL STORE AT COVINGTON]

CHAPTER XXXI

_Society in the Early Days_

The early settlers in Linn county were intelligent and cultured. They

did not come to the county because communities in the east were glad to

be rid of them. It was for far different reasons our pioneer men and

women made their homes here. They looked upon this as a goodly land,

one filled with opportunity, and they entered in and occupied it.

Mrs. R. C. Rock, now in her 83d year, has vivid recollections of

beginnings in Linn county. She came overland from Dubuque in 1850, and

ever since has called Cedar Rapids her home. She says in her first

years here the people took the best magazines of the day, passing them

around so that all might read them. In 1852 there was organized a

literary circle of ladies and gentlemen. This circle met once a week at

the homes of the members. Original papers were read at these meetings,

the subjects being assigned in advance. Occasionally distinguished

lecturers from abroad were obtained. On one occasion Oliver Wendell

Holmes was here, giving an entertaining talk to a large audience on the

"Great Pyramids." Judge Williams, of Muscatine, one of the original

members of the supreme court of the state, was also a lecturer here.

From time to time Dr. J. F. Ely, Judge Greene, and other local men read

papers or made addresses, "and they were always of a high order," says

Mrs. Rock.

Occasionally there were formal parties, as in these days. There was a

greater amount of entertaining a half century or more ago here than

there is now. There were no special distinctions of class, all the

citizens were welcomed. Some of the most hospitable homes were those of

the southern colony, mentioned in another chapter in this book. Dr. and

Mrs. Ely entertained a great deal in their home located where now

stands the old Post Office building. Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Bever were

always hospitable, and the Greenes did their share. Mrs. Rock says

nothing as to her own entertaining in these days, but her home was

recognized as one of most cordial hospitality, refinement and culture.

Col. W. H. Merritt, Gabriel Carpenter, William Greene, Lawson Daniels

and their wives were also pleasant and hospitable entertainers.

Mrs. George C. Haman, whose husband by the way is the oldest business

man in this city--oldest in point of continuous service--wrote in 1906

quite interestingly for the _Republican_ her recollections of society

in Cedar Rapids in the early days. We take the liberty of reproducing

the same here. It is a vivid picture of social doings a half century

and more ago.

Society in the early days had one pleasant feature that we

do not have at the present time. There was only one social

circle and there was not so much society to the square inch

as there is now. It was before the days of parties with the

men left out and before the days of clubs and cliques. A

large social function meant all the social people in town,

and was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and nothing but sickness

or death kept any away. The first social affair I attended

was in '57. Even then Cedar Rapids enjoyed a social

reputation equal to any town in the state and it soon took

the lead with such families for social leaders as those of

Judge Greene, Dr. J. F. Ely, S. C. Bever, Gabriel Carpenter,

Colonel Merritt, William Greene, Lawson Daniels and a few

others, who believed that money-getting should not be the

only aim in life, and believed in a high standard of social

and literary enjoyment as well.

The social, literary and religious foundation laid by these

far-seeing men and women is what gave Cedar Rapids the

prestige it enjoys among the sister cities of the state. Of

course in the forties and fifties most of the entertainments

were simple, but there were red letter days. The first large

social affair I attended was a wedding, and the first

wedding I ever attended. It was the marriage of Miss

Carpenter, daughter of Gabriel Carpenter, to Mr. George

Weare, brother of the late John Weare and Mr. Charles Weare.

The bride was lovely. The groom was a young business man of

Sioux City, where they have lived ever since. The wedding

banquet was a feast of all the good things that a good

housewife could prepare, and Mrs. Carpenter was famous for

her culinary achievements. Her turkey dinners brought joy to

many friends. She is now in her eighties, and lives a

retired life.

While writing the account of this wedding I received a paper

giving the account of the wedding of a granddaughter of this

bride and groom.

The second social affair that stands out prominently in my

memory is a large party given by Dr. and Mrs. Ely. The

social functions given at this hospitable home were always

delightful. The genial personality of the host and hostess

pervaded every corner of the home, and when one entered its

portals one knew that Dr. and Mrs. Ely would give a cordial

welcome. It was a home where all of the new-comers were

always entertained, the latch-string always being out. Mrs.

Ely was a very philanthropic woman, was the leader of all of

the charitable works for many years. Under her leadership

many of the philanthropic women of today received their

early training. Her noble works gave them their incentive.

There were not so many spacious homes as now, but those who

had them dispensed hospitality most generously and in a way

not surpassed in these days.

The home of S. C. Bever, for many years the largest, stood

where the Rock Island offices now stand. This home was where

the bishops and other clergy of the Episcopal church were

always entertained while in town. This home, with its large

family of young people that drew like spirits, was the

source of many gaieties. Mr. and Mrs. Bever's hospitality

many times won financial success for Cedar Rapids. They

entertained strangers who came to spy out the land. One

occasion of this kind was in '55, when Judge Greene, Dr.

Ely, John Weare, Lowell Daniels, W. W. Walker, S. D.

Carpenter and S. C. Bever all went to Chicago to attend a

national republican convention. All being business men, ever

ready to build up Cedar Rapids, at this convention they made

it their business to meet men from New York and Boston and

to talk up the advantages of Iowa and what a railroad could

do, until Mr. Ames of Boston, Crocker, Bertram and others

came back with the Cedar Rapids delegation, and were taken

in conveyance through central Iowa. While the men were

working the eastern capitalists for a railroad the women all

got busy and prepared for a reception and dance at the home

of S. C. Bever. Some baked cakes, others prepared meats,

others the bread and others the ice cream. The whole town

was invited, so when the eastern men returned, they were won

completely over and the project of the first railroad into

Cedar Rapids was laid then and there.

Homes were often called upon to open their doors to

strangers in town, who often were induced by the warm

hospitality and good fellowship to invest their money and

join hands and build up Cedar Rapids. When a large function

was given all the friends assisted. Dishes and table linen

and services were offered. We could not hire a caterer to

come and prepare refreshments and serve a company. Our

friends were the helpers.

The home of William Greene was also one with open doors. It

stood on the corner of Third street and B avenue. It was not

a large house, but a very hospitable one. Later William

Greene built a beautiful house in the block where A. C.

Taylor, Dr. Ruml and Dr. Kegley now live. The grounds

covered the whole block and were laid out with landscape

effect. It was a beautiful place, and many fine

entertainments were given there.

The Higley brothers, Harvey, Wellington, Mort and Henry, in

the early days, lived in small homes, but that did not deter

them from keeping up their end of social life. Lucy and

Jennie Higley were fine cooks and charming hostesses. Mort

and Wellington were jolly good fellows and every one knew

they were sure of a pleasant time when invited to their

homes, no matter whether it was to a church social, or a big

"standup" party as they were called in those days.

S. L. Dows' first home was like those of the rest of the

pioneers, small, but hearts were large and no one extended a

more cordial welcome to their friends than Mr. and Mrs.

Dows. After they built their new home on First avenue, many

brilliant affairs were given by them.

The home of George C. Haman, on the corner of A avenue and

Fifth street, is an old land mark. Mr. and Mrs. Haman have

lived there for over forty years. Their children were born

and brought up there, and like many pioneer homes, it has

been the scene of many festivities and good times.

The home of the late John Weare, with its large family of

young people, will always be remembered by the old settlers.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Belt, now owned by Mrs. George W.

Bever, was the scene of many enjoyable house parties.

Friends from eastern cities and prominent people throughout

Iowa were entertained there. Mrs. Belt loved to entertain

the clergy.

The entertainments given by Judge and Mrs. Greene were the

crowning social events of early days. The home and estate

were outside of town, but that was no obstacle to their

entertaining. Judge Greene was ready for every emergency and

the home was characteristic of the man. He was broadminded,

warm hearted, foresighted, generous and philanthropic, and

his home was conducted on these plans. His first house on

his beautiful estate, Mound Farm, was not large, but he

always found a way to entertain his friends and visitors to

Cedar Rapids. For example, he had a house party of friends

and wished Cedar Rapids people to meet them. He was at the

time building some buildings to shelter his sheep, of which

he had a great many. So he put floors in the building

preparatory to entertaining his guests and friends. He found

on short notice that if he expected to have the only good

music in town he must take it next day. He and Mrs. Greene

talked the matter over and decided to have the party. They

sent word to the other members of the Greene family and

intimate friends what they expected to do and they all came

to their assistance. Early in the morning Mrs. Belt made out

the list and the family delivered the invitations. Mrs. Belt

and Mrs. William Greene baked all the cakes. I don't know

just how many picked strawberries, but Mrs. Greene told me

that eighty quarts were picked and hulled that day. Mrs.

Greene superintended the making of the ice cream and the

decorating of the building. Special train service over the

Dubuque and Southwestern was arranged to bring the guests

from a central point to the sheep pens. All was in readiness

and the host and hostess ready to receive their guests at

eight o'clock. It was a most enjoyable event, and is still

recalled with pleasure by the old settlers. It is safe to

say that with the conveniences of today, such a social

affair could not be gotten up in one day. Later when Judge

Greene built his large house on the crowning point of Mound

Farm, in the center of the beautiful grounds which he had

been ten or more years preparing, Mr. Paddington, an English

gardener, had it in charge. Every kind of shrub and tree

that could be grown in Iowa was planted. The place for

situation and beauty could not be equaled in Iowa, and the

grounds were the most beautiful. When Judge Greene had the

walls up and ready to roof, a tornado tore them down. But

notwithstanding this discouragement, his house was built

and furnished with the richest furnishings of those days.

Three thousand dollars worth of oil paintings hung on the

walls. All the furnishings were bought in New York City.

When all was complete, he opened it with a most brilliant

house warming. As Judge Greene always considered Cedar

Rapids and her citizens in whatever he did, all were bidden,

as were many of his friends throughout the state, to the

opening of his new house. The beautiful impression of the

illuminated grounds and house and the cordial hand-clasp of

welcome from host and hostess that thrilled each guest with

good fellowship and heartfelt appreciation were never

forgotten. Indeed it was an evening of rare pleasure.

There were a few years when fancy dress parties were all the

rage. The first one given was in the home of Colonel Merritt

and was novel and beautiful. Colonel and Mrs. Merritt were

charming entertainers. Colonel Merritt built the house where

Dr. J. H. Smith now lives. It was bought by John W.

Henderson. He and his handsome and cordial wife entertained

hospitably. After Dr. Smith owned the house, he and his wife

dispensed hospitality lavishly and state politicians were

often their guests.

The Daniels home was another of the hospitable homes, where

many large parties were given especially for the pleasure of

the younger set.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Cook was for several years

the largest and most modern in the city. Mrs. Cook, with her

charming daughters, gave many elegant parties. The house was

built by I. N. Isham. He only occupied it for a few years

and sold it to H. G. Angle, who lived there one year. J. S.

Cook then bought it and lived there many years. Now it is

used for the National hotel annex.

In the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. West, children as well as

their older friends, found a warm welcome. The little folks

loved to congregate there and entertainment and refreshments

were always provided for them. "Papa and Mama West," as the

children called them, were never too busy to answer all the

questions asked by their young friends, who were always made

to feel thoroughly at home.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Rock was one of hospitality

and of culture and refinement, as well. No woman ever did so

much toward the education of the young people in early days

as Mrs. Rock. She was also a great worker in the church and

is the only living charter member of Grace Episcopal church.

The first church wedding was in the little Second

Presbyterian church. It was the marriage of Mr. George C.

Haman and Miss Louise Wolf. It was at five o'clock in the

morning, and the wedding breakfast was at 4 o'clock. The

reason for having the wedding at this unseemly hour was that

the bride and groom were going east and there was only one

train a day left town, and that was at six in the morning.

The attendants at the wedding were Mrs. M. P. Mills, nee

Coulter; Mrs. Portus B. Weare nee Risley; Mrs. Taylor, nee

Earl, and Miss Carpenter, bridesmaids. The groomsmen were

Mr. James L. Bever, Mr. Carter Berkley, Mr. Mortimer A.

Higley and Dr. Lions.

The first large public affair in Cedar Rapids that gathered

together all the people of the town, all in the state who

could get here and some from Chicago and the east, was in

June, '59. The occasion was the completion of the first

railroad into Cedar Rapids. It was the Chicago, Iowa and

Nebraska, now the Chicago & Northwestern. The citizens had

looked forward to this for many years, and it was a

financial struggle to get it through, but when it was

completed there was great rejoicing. A great celebration was

given. The tables for the banquet were spread where now

stands the Masonic Library, and the George B. Douglas home.

The women prepared all the edibles and with the assistance

of the young men and girls, served the banquet. The men took

charge of the speeches, parade and music. The depot was then

in the lower end of town, about Twelfth avenue and Fourth

street. The speeches were made there. At the finish the

marshals of the day formed all in line and marched to the

grove where the banquet was spread, and it is needless to

say the feast was enjoyed. I fear there were not twelve

baskets full left. The climax of the occasion was a ball

given at Daniels's hall, that stood where the Masonic Temple

now stands. It was a brilliant affair and the dancers tipped

the light fantastic toe until the rosy dawn was breaking.

The weary dancers wended their way home on foot, the girls

in tarlatan gowns and white kid slippers. Public carriages

were scarce, and the new and only bus had gone to meet the

early train. Thus ended the largest public social event up

to that time.

[Illustration: UPPER WAGON BRIDGE, CENTRAL CITY]

[Illustration: HENDERSON BRIDGE AT CENTRAL CITY]

The years from '61 to '65 were years of great anxiety and

all the entertainments given were to gather the forces to

make all we could to get delicacies for our soldiers who

were fighting in the Civil war. The women, as always, did

their part. Mrs. Ely, with her loving heart and her capable

leadership, directed the younger women. Dramatic

entertainments were given by the young people. I recall some

of those who took part: The Misses Carrie and Kate Ely, Dr.

Lions, William Berkley, J. H. Haman, Miss Laura Weare, the

Misses Coulter, Miss Earl, Miss Risley, Mrs. Dr. May,

William Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Haman, Hall, Wood, Stibbs, and

Carroll. The rest of the men had all gone to the war and

most of these finally went. Sociables and fairs were then

held to raise money. There were days and nights of sewing

and packing barrels to be sent to the seat of war. These

were the days when all personal sacrifice was a pleasure.

When the war was over and the pall of horror was lifted, the

first joyful events were given in honor of fathers,

husbands, brothers and lovers home from the war. Days and

nights were spent making flags and banners, twining arches

that were placed over the street, cooking of good things.

Nothing was too good for the soldier boys. When the tables

were spread in the grove the returned soldiers, led by

Colonel T. Z. Cook, Colonel Merritt, Colonel Coulter, and

General Jack Stibbs marched up the street. Many were scarred

and lame and with emaciated faces. The bullet-riddled flags

were carried at half mast for those who fell in the battle

or died in southern hospitals. Our tears of joy were mingled

with tears of sorrow. For a year or two afterwards all

entertainments were given to raise money for soldiers'

widows and orphans. Parties and fairs of every description

were given.

A colonial ball was given in '59, in which Colonel T. Z.

Cook and Colonel Merritt and General Jack Stibbs came in

military costume. All three were handsome men with soldierly

bearing. All who attended this ball were in colonial dress.

To me it was the most beautiful social function of those

days. There were a number of beautiful women and handsome

men who looked well in colonial style of dress.

This party was given at Carpenter's hall Tuesday evening,

March 1, 1859, and was for the benefit of the Mount Vernon

fund. The patronesses were Mesdames Wm. H. Merritt, H. G.

Angle, S. C. Koontz, Wm. Greene, J. G. Graves, W. B. Mack,

C. B. Rowley, H. W. Perkins, S. D. Carpenter.

The committee on arrangements was composed of Wm. H.

Merritt, H. G. Angle, R. R. Taylor, W. B. Mack, D. M.

McIntosh, Lawson Daniels, Edward J. Smith, Hon. Geo. Greene,

S. D. Carpenter, Wm. Greene, John G. Graves, T. Z. Cook, H.

B. Stibbs, T. S. McIntosh, Wm. Berkley.

In '69 and '70 there was a fine course of lectures by Bayard

Taylor, Henry Ward Beecher, Barnum, J. G. Saxe and other

noted lecturers. The money raised was used to fit up a small

public library which was in circulation for a number of

years.

Judge Greene built a fine opera house and always gave the

use of it for entertainments for charity and the ladies gave

a great many affairs. It was not unusual for them to make

one thousand dollars at one entertainment, for everything

was donated and people attended entertainments of that sort

better then than they do at the present day. Years ago towns

in the vicinity of twenty miles returned social courtesies.

In the winter of '68 Iowa City and Cedar Rapids got very

friendly. A party of young people were invited to a ball

given at the Kirkwood in Iowa City. The weather was cold,

the snow deep; but bob sleds were rigged up with buffalo

robes. This party started out early, but owing to the deep

snow and an upset or two, it was late when they arrived. But

they had a pleasant time and returned late next day.

Marion and Cedar Rapids were very cordial to each other.

When the homes of I. N. Preston, Mr. Twogood, and Preston

Daniels were opened with social events a number of Cedar

Rapids people were invited and these families gave beautiful

parties.

CHAPTER XXXII

_Southern Influence_

In every frontier community we gauge the settlement by the influences

which predominate. Thus we have the Buckeye, the Hoosier, and New

England elements in certain states and communities, making these local

influences more or less marked traits of character, according to the

size of the settlements, and also the temperaments of the settlers. In

an early day there arrived in Linn county a number of people from South

Carolina, who located here and influenced the social side of this

frontier settlement in a marked degree. These families settled here in

1849: The Legare, Bryan, McIntosh, Stoney, and other families. The

Legare family came from John's Island, about ten miles from Charleston,

where they had lived for several centuries, being of an old French

Huguenot family, which had removed to England and from there emigrated

to America. It was here, or rather in Charleston, that Hugh Swinton

Legare was born in 1789, the mother being of Scotch descent and related

to Sir Walter Scott. Hugh Legare first obtained a private education

from a Catholic priest, later graduating from the University of South

Carolina. He embarked in 1818 for France, later taking up studies in

Edinburgh and on the continent. After a stay of two years he returned

to America to take charge of his mother's plantation. Not until 1822

did he begin the practice of law in Charleston; he also edited the

_Southern Review_, and in this journal advocated views opposed to

nullification. His attitude on this question brought him into

prominence, and he was elected attorney general of the state. While in

Washington he met Livingstone, then secretary of state, who offered him

a position as minister to Belgium, which he accepted. After his return

to America he was elected to congress in 1836, but was defeated for

re-election in 1840 on account of his opposition to the sub-treasury

bill. He was rewarded by President Tyler with a place in the cabinet as

attorney general, and for a time acted as secretary of state. He died

in 1843, one of the best known public men of his time.

His sister, Margaret Swinton Legare, who had been her brother's

travelling companion and most intimate friend, in 1849 brought a

fortune to Cedar Rapids. She was accompanied by her nephews, B. S.

Bryan, Hugh L. Bryan, and Michael Bryan. It is said that nearly $80,000

in cash were at one time invested in property in this county by this

family alone. A large part of this amount was invested in lands and in

a woolen mill, which was located near what is now known as the Cooper

mills.

Michael Bryan was married to a Miss Dwight, a distant relative of

General Marion. She was also wealthy in her own name. A bank was

started by the Bryans and the Wards in the early fifties known as Ward,

Bryan & Co.'s Bank. This bank failed in the panic of 1857, Colonel I.

M. Preston becoming receiver.

Donald M. McIntosh, Mrs. Rutledge, and her sisters, Joanna and Harley,

came about the same time and were related to the other families. Many

other less prominent southern people during these years came to Cedar

Rapids which could boast of a true southern society. Mr. McIntosh

erected one of the first brick dwellings in the city and held various

public offices. Michael Bryan was alderman in 1851, while B. S. Bryan

was elected city recorder. The Bryans were not outspoken in politics,

but McIntosh was a democrat, the aunt, Miss Legare, held to the whig

tenets of her illustrious brother, whose speeches and works she

edited. She was also interested in church work, as well as in the

education of women.

Michael Bryan erected a fine residence where the old N. B. Brown

homestead is now located. At this house social affairs of the little

town were conducted in true southern style, and fortunate was the

person who was favored with an invitation to visit in the Bryan home.

Michael Bryan died here, and the widow with her family returned to

South Carolina just preceding the Civil war. B. S. Bryan removed to the

coast and is still living in Seattle.

Miss Legare organized a ladies' seminary, and was an artist of

considerable talent. She was also an accomplished musician. It is said

that she brought the first piano to the county. However, this claim has

been disputed as it is said that the J. P. Glass family brought a

musical instrument here in 1846.

In the '50s Miss Legare became the wife of Lowell Bullen, an uncle of

the Daniels brothers, whose home was in North Brookfield,

Massachusetts. They resided at Marion until Mr. Bullen's death in 1869,

when the widow returned to her old home in South Carolina, surviving

her husband a number of years.

Nearly all the members of the southern society were members of the

Presbyterian church, and took an active part in the religious and

social work of that people. Mrs. Bullen was kind and considerate. Her

dignified presence was enough to give her entrance into any home. She

took an active interest in the poor, and was interested in education in

general. She loved and revered the memory of her statesman brother, and

never forgot what place he held at one time in the affairs of the

nation. During the rebellion she felt that her heart would break as she

thought of friends and relatives fighting on both sides in that

terrible struggle for the preservation of the Union.

A letter received lately from Bryan & Bryan, attorneys of Charleston,

South Carolina, throws some light on this subject:

"In reply to your letter of the 10th instant, we beg to say

that H. S. and B. S. (Benjamin Simons) and Michael Bryan, of

whom you speak, were the sons of Col. John Bryan, a planter

of this section.

"He (Col. John Bryan) married a sister of Hugh Legare, the

writer and statesman, and attorney general of the United

States. These sons went to Cedar Rapids before 1860.

"Michael Bryan married Harriet Dwight, a sister of my

mother, Rebecca Dwight.

"It happened strangely enough, that my father, George S.

Bryan, who married Rebecca Dwight, was no relation to

Michael Bryan, who married Harriet Dwight. (In other words,

the two Bryans being no relation, married two sisters.)

"Michael Bryan had several children, the survivors are Emily

Bryan, married ---- Andrews, now living in Abbeville county,

South Carolina, with a number of children, her husband being

a planter; and William Bryan, whose residence is unknown to

the writer.

"Michael Bryan's nephew, Edward Bryan, is also living on one

of our Sea Islands, in the vicinity of Charleston, and is a

planter. As far as we can ascertain, B. S. Bryan of whom you

speak, was engaged in banking in Cedar Rapids, and Michael

Bryan was engaged in real estate, having built up a portion

of Cedar Rapids. He died in Cedar Rapids before 1860, and

his family removed back to South Carolina. They were not

Quakers, but Presbyterians, and attended the Circular

church, Meeting street, in Charleston, S. C., which was a

branch of the Presbyterian church."

[Illustration: BAPTIST CHURCH, PRAIRIEBURG]

[Illustration: MILWAUKEE BRIDGE, AT COVINGTON]

In addition to the above mentioned, a large number of cultured and

educated people came from Maryland, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Who does not remember the aristocratic and learned A. Sidney Belt, the

robust, courtly old gentleman, Colonel S. W. Durham, the versatile

and polite Judge Israel Mitchell, the genial Oxley brothers, and scores

of other southern men and women?

The members of the Legare, Bryan, McIntosh, Durham, Oxley, Belt,

Mitchell, and other southern families who located in Linn county did

much in changing the manners of this somewhat cosmopolitan community.

These families pursued education. The members had traveled much. They

were descended from some of the most cultured families in this country.

They were social, interesting, and entertained much, and it is needless

to add that the citizens of the county were not slow in receiving the

southern settlers into their homes. The presence of such an influence

in the formative period of the county's history wielded an influence

which has not been entirely effaced after a period of half a century.

Some time later came the Hart brothers, Jacob A. and Caspar J., and for

years the influence of these sturdy men was a power for good in the

city and the county. It will be many years before these splendid

representatives of the southland will be forgotten. The home of Mr. and

Mrs. Jacob A. Hart was a most hospitable one. It was always open to the

new settler from the south, and especially to those who came from

Maryland, their old home. Their commodious brick dwelling that stood so

long at the corner of Second street and Fifth avenue, was a center for

long years of true and genuine hospitality. Its doors were never locked

against a Marylander, and all these felt free to "come early and stay

late." To many a young son of the south Mother Hart was ever the best

of mothers, caring for the sick lads, satisfying their hunger with

fried chicken and Maryland biscuits--oh, who that once was welcomed

there will ever lose the memory of it! Mrs. Hart is yet a resident of

this city, spending a ripe old age in dispensing the same

well-remembered hospitality, going about doing the deeds of kindness.

Mrs. R. C. Rock, herself a pioneer of 1850, has vivid recollections of

beginnings in Cedar Rapids. She knew the Bryans intimately, and also

the Legares. She says they were people of culture. Mr. Stoney, the

husband of Miss Bryan, was educated abroad, and came to Cedar Rapids in

1852 or 1853. These people were led to locate in the city through the

influence of Judge Greene, whom they met in Washington. Mrs. Rock

states that at this day it is impossible to estimate what Judge Greene

meant to the young city. Through his influence people of means,

culture, and learning were induced to come to the city and county. He

traveled a great deal, and something good for Cedar Rapids always

resulted.

J. J. Snouffer was another Marylander who came to Cedar Rapids in 1850,

and for nearly a half century his was a powerful influence in the

community. He was prominent in business and political affairs, and was

ever a loyal citizen.

Dr. Robert Taylor, one of the prominent early physicians, came from

Virginia in 1851. After remaining here a few years he removed to

Philadelphia.

CHAPTER XXXIII

_Some Township History_

BERTRAM TOWNSHIP

In the history of Linn county Bertram township has played a conspicuous

part, and was at various times about to be the township in which were

located some of the most enterprising towns in the county. Ivanhoe,

Westport, also known as Newark, and other places are well known names

among the early settlers. Their locations have been wiped off the map,

so to speak, on account of changed conditions. The following sketch is

taken largely from manuscripts and articles written by the late John J.

Daniels, one of the old citizens of Linn county, one of the early

county recorders, for many years a justice of the peace, and a well

known and enterprising citizen, who was always interested in the old

settlers and in the development of historical research in the county in

early days. Mr. Daniels says:

"In the early settlement of Linn county the territory now

forming Bertram township was selected by the early settlers

for very prominent reasons, it having good mill streams,

good water, and plenty of good timber near at hand, which

was so much needed by the early settlers for building and

fencing. Two of the early pioneers were Thomas W. and Sarah

Campbell, of Dearborn county, Indiana. They came in the fall

of 1838 and settled on the northeast quarter of section 27,

and obtained a patent from the United States March 7, 1844.

Mr. Campbell was elected the first county treasurer in 1839,

and in 1840 his first collection of county taxes for

licenses, ferries, and lands was $985.85. He died February

22, 1876.

"Perry and Catherine Campbell Oxley, of Montgomery county,

Indiana, first located in Linn township, but in the fall of

1838 came here and took up a claim on the southwest quarter

of section 22 and built their cabin in the grove near the

east line. Mr. Oxley was the first constable elected in the

county in 1839, and was bailiff of the grand jury of the

county. He was the best shot in the county. He died

September 30, 1886, universally mourned.

"Norris and Ann Cone, of Connecticut, came in February,

1839, and settled on section 21. Mr. Cone later removed to

Marion. George Cone, their son, claims the honor of being

the first child born in the township in 1839.

"James and Elizabeth Leabo and Israel Mitchell, natives of

Kentucky, in 1838 left the mining regions near Dubuque and

settled on claims in this township on the north side of the

river. Mrs. Leabo died September, 1852, and James Leabo

removed to Oregon, where he died.

"Mr. Mitchell was a graduate of a Kentucky college and

celebrated the first 4th of July at Westport in 1838, Judge

Mitchell being the orator.

"The first and only election of the county that year was

held there, thirty-two votes being cast. The first store

opened in the county was at Westport, by Albert Henry in the

fall of 1838.

"James and Mary Scott, of Indiana, came in 1838 or 1839. Mr.

Scott was an enterprising farmer. He purchased a saw mill on

Big creek and early built a large flouring mill during the

fifties. On account of the failure of crops the mill was not

a success. He died in 1894 in Marion township.

"Elias Doty, of Ohio, came in 1838 or '39, and in 1840

commenced the building of a saw mill on Big creek, but was

accidentally killed at its raising. The mill property later

passed into the hands of James R. Briney.

"James Hunter, a native of Ireland, came in 1838 and took a

claim; he died May 14, 1888, at the age of sixty-nine.

"Everett Oxley, a native of Kentucky, born in 1812, at the

age of fifteen removed to Indiana where he married Catherine

Milner, also a native of Kentucky, coming to Linn county in

1840. Mr. Oxley died in 1887. Several of the Oxley family

emigrated to Linn county.

"Jeremiah Daniels arrived in the spring of 1844 with a stock

of dry goods, trading for wheat in the fall, shipping same

by flat-boat to St. Louis. In the fall of 1847-8 he built a

saw mill on Indian creek and a few years later located a

flour mill on Big creek. Mr. Daniels died in 1882."

Mr. Daniels further states that some of the early settlers were the

following:

"Michael and Peter McRoberts, Peter D. Harman, Ben and John

Dewitt, John, Joseph, and Nancy Gourly, Andrew and Thomas

Dill, Isaac, Lawrence, Elijah, and Joseph Wain, Louis

Lafore, Perry and Ann Knapp, Ada J. James, Steve, Charles,

Daniel, George, Theresa, and Ann Rose, Sylvester Lyons,

Thomas Rose, James and Thomas Piner, James M. and Susan

Doty, Abraham Darr, John Arford, Hiram and Mary Leabo-Deem,

Sam and Rachel Stambaugh, Jonathan and Dorcas Paul, John

Bromwell, Michael Cox, Louis Kramer, Dr. Grove, Dave

Stambaugh, James Briney, Leonard Speckelmeyer, James Berry,

James Anderson, Caleb Dyer, Joseph Caraway, John and Mary

Scott, and Samuel Durham."

Some of the Bertram justices have been William S. Darr, Frank Allen, W.

B. Plummer, E. Doty, J. C. Anderson.

Bertram township has been the location of a number of squatter towns.

William Stone first staked out a squatter town and called it Westport.

He sold out his right to Albert Henry and then staked out Columbus

where Cedar Rapids is now located. Henry, it is stated, erected two of

the first frame buildings in this town, and in fact in this part of the

county. The only sawed lumber in the entire buildings were the window

frames and the casings. The siding was what was known as shaved lumber.

These buildings were torn down in 1861 by Elias and Daniel Doty. One of

these buildings was used by James Doty for his pottery shop up to the

time of his death. Perry Oxley bought Albert Henry's squatter claim and

he later sold his right, title, and interest in the town as well as in

about 117 acres of land at $2.50 an acre. Now for the first time James

Doty thought he would comply with the law, and on November 12, 1844,

filed a plat in accordance with the law and called the town Newark,

from Newark, New Jersey, his birthplace. Ivanhoe was never platted, but

was only a squatter town founded by Cowles. Colonel Merritt kept the

first store at Ivanhoe for parties in Rock Island. This town had better

prospects of becoming a great city than any other town in the county.

It had a good river frontage, a rich country around it, plenty of

timber and good water, and had the government road besides. For some

unknown cause the place seems to have been ignored when Marion and

Cedar Rapids began to flourish. This is true, that Ivanhoe and Westport

were laid out expecting the river to be the means of communicating with

the outside world. The railroads, mills, dams and other things changed

conditions, and the Indian trading villages came to naught.

FAIRFAX TOWNSHIP

Fairfax township lies in the extreme southwest portion of Linn county.

Prairie creek, at times an unruly stream, drains this part of the

county. In the early day this portion of Linn county had more or less

timber, especially in what is known as Scotch Grove, northeast of the

town of Fairfax. This timber has, for the most part, been cut off.

The first settlers, as far as is known, who came to this part of the

county were Robert and Jane Ure with their family of grown children, in

the spring of 1841. The children were John, Margaret, James, William,

Robert, Walter, and David. The family had emigrated from Scotland in

1838 and gone west, locating in Ohio for a short time, removing to Iowa

territory in search of land. They located in the northwestern part of

the township in the grove which has since been called "Scotch Grove."

The Ures wrote back to Scotland to their friends, and for many years

emigrants came who located in and around Scotch Grove in Linn and

Benton counties. Later came the McDowell family, the Listebargers, the

McKinnons, the Mitchells, Giddings, Knickerbockers, Flahertys,

Ferriters, Henrys, Cahills, Hines, McFarlands, and many others.

A cemetery was established in Scotch Grove where a number of the early

settlers are buried. The cemetery near Fairfax is now the one in use,

and also the Catholic cemetery southwest of Fairfax.