HiP 111 HSi Hi H 1 HI Hill HUH ; i i m m W 1 II mm ■■ amp, !;■ BIRR- llfl K» .Hi Bffifitl ■ II CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY FROM History Fees Date Due : ISSEr & Lull ^MQQ7 JntejJ trfaiy an Interli irarw Lot n F 627D8C044" Un'Versl,y Ubrar>' 3 1924 028 913 965 Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028913965 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY IOWA Being a General Survey of Dubuque County History, Including a History of the City of Dubuque and Special Account of Districts throughout the County, from the Earliest Settlement to the Present Time FRANKLIN T. OLDT Editor-in-Chief P. J. QUIGLEY Supervising ' Editor CATHOLIC HISTORY FACSIMILE SIGNATURE OF JUMEN DUBCFQUB GOODSPEED HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION CHICAGO *0C VI KM) Y 1-fvARY (V /j-yx'/< PREFACE AN examination of this volume by subscribers will reveal that a vast extent of original research for material has been made in newspaper files, public documents and private rec- ords of various kinds. The object has been to compress into the pages, even at the partial expense of finished literary style, interesting and valuable data concerning the county so far as space would allow. In addition, though the subscription list is small, the number of pages has been extended over two hundred beyond what was contemplated at the outset, in order still further to save from permanent loss thousands of interesting items usually over- looked or disregarded by local historians. Thus a permanent foun- dation for a future perfect historical work, which can be elaborated and improved by subsequent writers, has been laid. Generally, statistical tables have been avoided and a narrative form has been adopted. The book necessarily contains errors, though it is believed they will be found comparatively few. The publishers stand ready, as is their custom, to correct all such by a special errata sheet to be sent to subscribers to be pasted in the books. As a whole we feel confident that subscribers will appreciate this fine volume. The Publishers. TABLE OF CONTENTS HISTORY CHAPTER PA8E Geology, Lead and Zinc Mining, etc Dubuque 's Settlement, the Indians, etc City of Dubuque, 1788 to 1849 City of Dubuque, 1850 to 1859 City of Dubuque, 1860 to 1869 131 City of Dubuque, 1870 to 1911 167 Boating, Biver Commerce, etc 204 Railway Projects i 24(0 Military Record 251 Politics .324 County Affairs 391 Practice of Medicine, Dentistry, etc 421 Protestants 431 Bench and Bar 447 Townships, Settlement, etc 467 Catholics 871 Education 903 Miscellaneous Events 935 BIOGRAPHY PAOK A Abeln, Prank G 818 Adams, Shubael P 773 Aitchison, Albert Wallace 783 Aitchison, William C, Jr 811 Allen, Leonard P 699 Allison, James Emerson 797 Altman, Franc W. 647 Andres, Claus 679 Arendt, Charles F. 699 Armstrong, David 593 Armstrong, David W 823 Armstrong, James 592 B Baird, William 537 Baldwin, Charles Dunn 530 Baldwin, Isaac W 529 Barker, W. T 455 Barmeier, Harry 752 Barry, Rev. Michael 852 Baumann, Rev. Father John S. . 515 PAOK Beatty, James W. 512 Beaubines, The 501 Beck, Guido 651 Becker, August 619 Beiler, Frank A 644 Benton, Charles 572 Benton, Curtis D 568 Berg, Christopher H 704 Beringer, John F. 771 Bevan, James W 533 Bigelow, Dr. Isaac S 861 Bisenius, Nicholas John... 695 Blocklinger, Dr. Albert Herman 755 Blocklinger, Benjamin Franklin 684 Board, Charles L 812 Bockensted, Anton 737 Boeckensted, Frank 741 Boldt, Gustav H 703 Bonson, Richard 643 Bonson, Hon. Robert 650 Brede, John F 710 Brede, Louis H 749 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Briggs, Thomas 6 551 Briggs, Thomas Howard 552 Brinkman, Herman 693 Broell, John 0 582 Brouillard, Henry 784 Brownson, Dr. Orestes A 752 Brueckner, Edward 6*04 Brummer, John W 647 Brunkow, Ferdinand W 837. Buckley, Henry L 850 Buechele, John Paul 777 Buechele, Theodore E., Sr 777 Bullinger, Francis Xavier 864 Bunker, Horace F 847 Burdt, Frederick C 846 Burlage, Simon, Sr 620 Burns, John F 502 Byrne, John M 861 C Campbell, Edmond H 791 Carey, Eugene C 793 Carey, Rev. Michael H 851 Carkeek, Thomas T 708 Carney, Frank 501 Chesterman, Caleb C 606 Christman, Charles 630 Christman, Mrs. Christiana 857 Claney, Mathew C 843 Clark, Alfred L 845 Clark, Rev. Arthur M 514 Clarke, Dr. E. Lincoln 560 Clarke, Frederick M 565 Collis, George 691 Conlin, James L 535 Conlin, Thomas J 556 Connell, Charles W 566 Conzett, Arthur M 847 Cooley, Mrs. Clara Aldrich 762 Cooley, Hon. D. N 761 Cooper, Augustin A.'. 499 Cox, Walter G 584 Craft, George W 538 Craft, William 689 Crawford, Hon. Phineas W 770 Crawford, Theophilus 656 D Dehner, Henry L. . . . < 532 Dell, Charles H 824 Dement, Herman 676 Deming, Judson Keith 566 Denison, John D., Jr 728 Denlinger, Martain 807 Dersch, Francis H 701 Deyen, George B 822 Dickinson, George F 526 Doerr, Phillip 522 Doerrmann, Fred 686 Dorr, Col. Joseph B 532 Dreher, Joseph J 648 Drexler, Anton 735 Drexler, Frank L 820 PAGE Dubuque Academy of Music .... 742 Dubuque, Julien..l9, 31, 43, 46, 391 Duffy, James J 618 Dyer, Judge J. J. 452, 453 Ede, David F 678 Eighmey, Charles H 653 Elmer, Mrs. Phoebe 857 Ellwanger, Andrew 719 Ellwanger, John 631 Ellwanger, Otto 720 Emerson, J. Hannibal 661 Emerson, James M 657 Erschens, Peter F., Jr 639 Even, Peter 605 Evers, Henry 586 F Fagan, James 527 Faha, Frank 604 Fanning, James 664 Fanning, Timothy 664 Farrington, Earl J 834 Feigner, Emil 736 Fengler, Edwin A 520 Fengler, Leo M 521 Ferring, Anton W 841 Finn, John J 516 Fitzpatrick, Thomas J 623 Flick, Arthur B 524 Fober, Joseph L 702 Foulke, H. B 459 Frantzen, J. P 665 Freeman, L. P 814 Freking, Ferdinand 863 Friedman, Anton 694 Friedmann, George 711 Friedman, Jacob 713 Frith, Eugene E 737 Fromm, Dr. Lawrence 588 Frudden, Hon. A. F 652 Fuhrman, Edward 720 Fuhrmann, Frank P 774 G Ganfield, Henry 789 Ganfield, Samuel 788 Garrigan, Matthew 816 Gebhard, John B 820 Gehon, Gen. Francis 251 Gehrig, Joseph 692 Gehrig, D. A 869 Gerken, Prof. George F 580 Gerken, Henry 580 Giegenrich, Albert 636 Glab, Adam 581 Glab, John 579 Glab, Nicholas 581 Glaser, August L 545 Goetzinger, Nicholas 641 Gorman, Very Rev. Daniel M., LL.D 664 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Gosden, Henry 789 Graffort, Thomas 665 Graham, William 744 Gregoire, Charles Hypolitte. .... 501 Gregory, E. James 775 Guthrie, James E., M.D 663 H Haas, Hon. Daniel J 640 Ham, Mathias 799 Ham, Moses M 673 Hammel, August, .i 771 Hamil, Andrew Preston 792 Hamil, Thomas A 783 Hamilton, Judge William W,. . . 665 Hammond, William A 528 Harkett, William A 636 Harragan, Joseph F 717 Harrington, Cornelius Daniel. . . 578 Harris, Capt. D. S 205, 218 Harris, James H 666 Hartmann, Anthony A. . ' 833 Hartmann, Leo. L 834 Haudenshield, Jacob 836 Hauer, Lorenz 626 Hawkins, Benjamin 718 Hawkins, Beuben 750 Hay, Robert 621 Heald, Burton D 548 Healey, Mrs. Elizabeth 857 Healey, George W 662 Heeb, Anthony F 611 Heer, Fridolin Joseph, Sr 597 Heer, Eev. George W 650 Heery, William 814 Heffernan, Thomas Henry, M.D. 603 Hein, George L , 540 Heim, John L 655 Heisey, David J 719 Heitzman, William 668 Heles, John B 587 Hempstead, Gov. Stephen 497 Henderson, Col. D. B.. .377, 384, 386 Herod, Joseph 664 Herdmann, Thomas A 830 Heyne, Gustavus A 838 Higbee, Herbert G 510 Higgins, Eugene 803 Higgins, Warren 804 Hillyard, Lorenzo 0 610 Hinds, Franklin 639 Hirons, Harvey 551 Hodgdon, Gen. John 661 Hoefer, Adam J 576 Hoerr, Peter 671 Hoffman, Mathias M 724 Holmes, Dr. Harry Lowell 511 Hollnagel, Charles H 683 Holscher, Bernard, Sr. . . » 732 Honerbaum, Barnard 809 Horchem, B. J 781 Huelshoff, Bernard H 645 PAGE Huntoon, D. C 866 Hyde, Lucien K 517 J Jaeger, Frank M 753 Jaekson, Dr. Edward B 605 Johnson, A. C 523 Jonas, Dan J. 763 Jones, Gen. George W) 865 Jones, Budolph 689 Jungk, Philip 825 K Kapp, John 572 Karrick, Capt. George 0 252 Kearney, Frank J 687 Kearney, William S 812 Keckevoet, John 831 Kehoe, John C 557 Kelly, Thomas 540 Kenline,' Henry Charles 749 Kenneally, Daniel J 669 Kennedy, Michael 815 Kenter, Clemens 818 Kerper, Jacob 575 Kerper, John A 539 Kessler, Jacob 634 Kiene, Emil 559 Kiene, Henry 538 Kiene, Peter, Jr 501 Kiene, Peter, Sr 501 Kies, John L 777 Kif er, John H ' 805 Kingsley, Thomas 681 Kinsella, John A 677 Kirchen, John P., Sr 751 Klauer, Peter 617 Klauer, William H 834 Kleis, Charles E 507 Kluesner, John 765 Knapp, Dr. Horace G 505 Knight, William J 465 Knoll, Dr. Oscar A 800 Knowlton, Henry A 676 Koch, John Adam 705 Kohlmann, Henry W 527 Kolck, Bichard .531 Kremer, George 716 Kretschmer, Prof. Charles G. . . . 627 Kretschmer, Frederick N 577 Kretschmer, Herbert C 576 Kuhn, Prof. Albert 799 Kumpf, Edward E 795 Kutsch, Frank P 844 Kutsch, Joseph P 504 L Lange, Dr. Frank X 582 Lange, Otto Fernando 734 Langel, Adolph 868 Lange], John 869 Langworthy, Edward... 507 Langworthy, Dr. Henry Glover. 658 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Langworthy, James L 513 Langworthy, James Lyon 696 Langworthy, Lucius H 498 Lattner, Samuel B 746 Leary, James 860 Leffert, Daniel 806 Leigh, Charles E 758 Leman, Adolph Warburg, M.Th. 738 Lemper, Henry P 730 Lenz, Nicholas Martin Phillip. 733 Levens, Capt. Thomas 532 Levi, James 588 Lightcap, Leonard L 702 Limbach, Joseph H 596 Linehan, Dr. Charles M 591 Linehan, Edmund A.... 860 Linehan," J. J 591 Linehan, Dr. Mathias D 633 Link, James F 822 Loetscher, Christian 725 Loizeaux, Charles, E., M.D 603 Lorimier, Peter A 497 Lubck, Louis C 782 Luchrsmann, Dr. Bernard H . . . 596 Luchterhand, Fred L. M 709 Lusk, William H 523 Luther, William C 622 Lyon, Col. D. E 550 Lyons, Michael Edward 722 Lyon, George T 550 M MacHogan, William 819 Maguire, Daniel D 842 Maguire, John E., M.D 552 Maiers, Peter J. 856 Manson, John W 525 Manson, Walter 632 Martin, William B 843 Martin, Moses H '. 546 Martin, Robert 790 Massey, Frederick 1 695 Mason, Dr. Timothy 636 Mathes, Lee Dandrige 657 Mathiesen, Julius H 837 Matthews, Alphons 722 Matthews, Hon. Matthew C 794 McCollins, John J 713 McCraney, Thomas 646 McEnany, Michael 835 McFadden, Prof. John A 729 McGee, George 573 McGee, Isaac L 569 McNamara, C. B 766 McNamara, John F 726 Menke, John W 884 Merkes, Thomas 707 Meseher, Henry J 817 Metcalf, George 643 Meuser, Joseph A 542 Meyer, Joseph L 549 Mihm, John J 717 Moes, Dr. M. J 706 PAGE Moes, Mathias 707 Moloney, Lawrence 754 Monger, Shubael A 727 Monroe, Thomas M 455 Mueller, Dr. Emil F , 594 Mueller, Henry 546 Mulgrew, Thomas J 851 Mulkern, Hon. M. B 453, 454 Mullany, John 1 624 Mullen, Richard D 544 Muntz, Samuel E 774 Murphy, John Stanford 766 Murphy, William C 687 Murray, P. C 796 Myers, Dorrance Dixon, Sr 602 N Nabor, Bernard A 585 Newburgh, Joseph W 858 Newton, Rev. Isaac 571 Neyens, John 784 Nightingale, George L 517 Noel, John B 712 Norman, J. J. E 639 Norton, John W 829 Norton, Patrick 854 O Ovel, John G. 583 O'Neill, John 810 O'Neill, John H 456, 459 Oneill, William B 543 O 'Malley, Rev. Peter 848 O 'Farrell, James 832 Otto, Prof. Rudolph Franz 719 Oberbroekling, Rev. Frederick William 671 Orvis, Rev. Gurney Mahan 648 Ott, Joseph John 660 Palmer, William A 728 Pape, Rev. Frederick W 629 Perkins, Solon B 787 Pond, Dr. Alonson M 801 Plamondon, Isidore J., Jr 555 Pitman, John A 564 Pottebaum, Henry 508 Patterson, Samuel 519 Pitschner, Charles 840 Palen, Dr. Charles 849 Preston, Gustavus V. 828 Poole, Horace 697 Pf ersch, Philip C 633 Q Quinlan, Robert W 859 Quigley, Patrick J 654 R Rankin, John 547 Ranson, Franklin Adelbert 571 Rath, George C 510 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Bedding, James E 560 Eeinold, John F 680 Benier, Philip J 798 Beynolds, Joseph 238 Bhomberg, Alphons L 534 Bhomberg, Alphonse J 535 Bhomberg, Frank M...s 574 Bhomberg, Joseph Andrew 532 Bhomberg, Joseph H 574 Bhomberg, Titus E 536 Eider, Peter 615 Bittscher, John A 616 Boberts, Thomas C 458 Bobinson, Frederick C 634 Boehe, Michael 674 Bodgers, Eobert W 802 Eoedell, Alfred T 868 Bose, George Be Forest 616 Boshek, John Jerome 867 Bowan, Joseph J., Jr 553 Byan, the Et. Bev. Eoger 848 Euete, Theodore W. 656 8 Samuels, Ben M 635, 451 Sanner, John P 816 Sauer, Daniel 747 Sauser, J. P 813 Sauser, "Michael H ^ 685 Schaetzle, Joseph W 740 Schaul, Adolph. 855 Schemmel, Theodore ™ 736 Schemmel, Joseph 587 Schemmel, William 588 Scherr, Bernard C 613 Seherr, Franz 613 Schiek, Arthur D 559 Schollian, Alexander 672 Schmid, George, Jr 518 Schmid, George, Sr 517 Schmitt, Paul J 521 Schroeder, Frank N 637. Schrup, Nicholas J. 592 Schrup, John 592 Schrup, Dr. Joseph Henry 715 Schublin, August 828 Schulte, Bernard 756 Schulte, George G 757 Schulte, John J. 757 Schultz, Daniel 786 Schunk, Henry A 746 Schwind, Benjamin J 619 Schwind, John W. 612 Schwinn, Phillip 669 Sebo, Nicholas 808 Segur, James F. 705 Seippel, Peter J. 667 Shaffer, Nicholas M 541 Shiras, Hon. Oliver Perry...... 778 Simplot, Alexander 690 Singrin, William 827 Skemp, Charles P 612 Skemp, Charles W 608 PAGE Sleator, Col. David 665 Slocum, Prof. Perkins S 554 Smead, John 8 556 Smith, Albert Hugo 614 Smith, George P - 842 Smith, Prof. Harry B 721 Smith, Thomas 548 Spahn, Charles J 714 Speilman, Jacob 862 Spencer, John 688 Spensley, Harker Brent 849 Spoden, John N 764 Spoden, Peter 765 Staheli, Christopher E 852 Stampf er, Joseph Frederick .... 594 Stedman, Benjamin F 585 Steffens, Dr. Cornelius M 731 Steuck, Carl A 854 Stiehler, George W 553 Strief, Samuel L 562 Stronck, Michael 626 Stronek, Peter 627 Stuber, John William 514 Sullivan, Timothy 756 Summerfield, Adolph G 682 Sumpman, Dr. Hubert Anton . . . 595 Sweeney, Dr. Eobert J 727 Swift, Samuel T 578 T Taylor, Stanley Morgan .607 Taylor, Thomas J 830 Tegeler, Henry 743 Tegler, Bernard 821 Tibbals, William B 698 Tingley, Patrick 643 Traub, Eugene 735 Traufler, George 730 Traut, Paul 780 Tredway, Alfred 570 Tredway, Harry E 570 Trexler, Adolph M 567 Trombley, Eobert H 853 Tschudi, Fred 709 Tucker, Edward, 809 U Utt, Anna M 824 Utt, John B 824 Urbach, Abe 670 Urbach, Milton 670 V Van Horn, Charles 590 Van Vors, Jason F 839 Voelker, Christian Anthon 638 Von Der Heide, John Henry... 733 Vorwald, Henry 624 Vorwald, John and Annie 609 W Walker, Marshall M 563 Waller, John E 629 IO TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE "Walsh, James M 589 Walter, John B 748 "Walton, Charles Wesley 658 "Waples, Peter 1 517 Weaver, GaSsoway S 503 "Webb, Capt. N. F 204 Weigel, Frederick 758 Wieland, Dr. Frank W 678 "Wieneke, August W 840 "Williams, John B 615 "Willner, Milton F 589 Willy, Ulrich 506 "Wilberding, Henry 827 Wilson, Judge David 8 4S2, 462 PAGE Wilson, Mrs. Frances P. (Stoke- ly) 498 "Wilson, Judge T. 8 '. . . .453, 463 "Wiltse, Gen. Henry A 660 "Wise, Benjamin CI 509 Wood, Fernando H 642 "Wright, William Scott 682 Wunderlich, Henry J. 529 Wunderlich, Henry. 529 Y Young, Robert 700 Z Zumhoff, William 683 ILLUSTRATIONS Name Facing page Allison, William B 369 Asylum 113 Beck, Guido , 651 Birdseye View of Dubuque 257 Boldt, G. H. . . 703 Chfistman, Mrs. Christiana 857 Cooley, Hon. D. N *. 761 Cooley, Mrs. Clara Aldrioh 762 Cooper, A. A 499 Cooper, Mrs. A. A 500 Country Club 129 Dubuque, 1846 65 Dubuque 's Monument, Julien 177 Dubuque in Early Days 33 Dubuque Club 113 Dubuque Boat Yard 161 Dubuque Views 471 Eagle Point 145 Eagle Point High Bridge 225 Ellwanger, John 631 Elmer, Mrs. Phoebe 857 Fitzpatrick, T. J 623 Frantzen, John P .- 665 Glab, John 579 Guthrie, Dr. J. B 663 Ham, M .799 Ham, M. M 673 Healey, Mrs. Elizabeth 857 Heeb* A. F 611 Heer, F. J 597 Henderson, Hon. David B 385 Herod, J 664 High and Railroad Bridges 241 Hollnagel, Charles 683 TABLE OF CONTENTS n Name Facing page Hollnagel, Mrs. Charles , '. 683 In and around Dubuque 193 Jones, Gen. George W ". £9 Keane, Archbishop John Joseph 396 Kiene, Peter, Sr , 50] Kiene, Peter 502 Klauer, Peter 617 Kleis, C. E 507 Kretschmer, Charles G 627 Linwood Cemetery 97 Matthews, Alphons 722 Matthews, M. C 794 Mazzuchelli, Fr. Samuel 871 Mouth of Catfish Creek 161 Mississippi Biver View 225 Oldt, P. T 903 Pape, Bev. Frederick W 629 Park and Country Views 273 Patterson, Sam 519 Picturesque Dubuque. 289 Quigley, P. J 654 Ehomberg, F. M ... 574 Rockdale, Street Scenes, etc 321 Roman Catholic Church, Dyersville 455 Buins of Old Mill. 97 Schwind, Jacob 612 Smith, H. B 721 Steps to Cemetery Hill 257 St. Boniface Catholic Church 423 St. Joseph's Sanitarium, Dubuque 390 The J. S. and W. W 209 Thole, Bev. A. J 629 Trexler, A. M 567 Trinity Catholic Church, Luxemburg 671 Waller, John B 630 Y. W. C. A. Building 129 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY GEOLOGY, LEAD MINING, ETC. DUBUQUE COUNTY lies only partly within the driftless area of this region; this area extends down from the north along the Mississippi in varying widths to about seven miles below the city of Dubuque, where it runs to a point. It extends up the Catfish some ten or twelve miles and up the Little Maquoketa about twenty miles. This region is represented by the Pre-Cambrian system and the remainder of the county by the Ordovician system. The valley at Dubuque lies about 600 feet above the sea, and above the valley tower the bluffs a few hundred feet higher. The plain back of the bluffs is an important feature of the county. This plain is cut by abrupt ravines and valleys, the principal streams draining Dubuque county being Turkey, Big and Little Maquoketa and Tete des Mort rivers and Catfish creek. The Mississippi flows through a narrow valley bounded by steep bluffs or mounds. This narrow valley and high bluffs are exceptional. Between two long ' tributaries of one of the smaller streams the upland reaches out in a long, finger-like promontory; between two tributaries of the Mississippi there is instead a sharp canyon wall, as if there had existed promontories which later were truncated half or three- quarters of a mile back from the main stream. Thus the valley reverses the normal habit of rivers, becoming narrower here than farther up stream. Certain other streams show this same tendency in a less marked degree, and in addition Maquoketa river and Catfish creek now join the Mississippi through new valleys up stream, having deserted old open valleys having the normal down- stream course usual for tributary valleys. These and other pecu- liarities are unusual in the formation of water courses. "This region is one of unmetamorphosed, little disturbed, sedi- mentary rocks of the Paleozoic age and there are no igneous rocks in it or recent ones near it. It has been at least once worn down by erosion to mature topographic development and afterward uplifted and is now being redissected. The rocks have a very gentle dip to 17 i8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY the southwest, superimposed on which are numerous shallow folds of local extent. Within the ore-bearing district only Ordovician and Silurian beds occur." The principal exposures of rock at Dubuque are the Galena formation. The Maquoketa shale and Niagara dolo- mite are seen elsewhere in the county. The lead and zinc deposits lie within the well-known driftless area. in W u h K o O OOlOOOOO m 1-4 M AN o o H U w c/j w o p o 0 w o a f- en T3 n U o >-, c M Q < < lluvium errace dep -i-t ~ §§3§.s < u 3 -a B o ~ o u 12 o "o o W 9J o en o ^o|gogo <HJPi tt c/) Q ,_i c/3 Q ai Q o , « 55 O t-H H <! « o H H U3 C u 1) a a .3 s c73 a ■a a £ a! u c .2 s u I <u S-c 04 The Pre-Cambrian rocks lie 1,000 to 1,500 feet below the sur- face ; they do not outcrop in Dubuque county. The Cambrian rocks are represented by about 1,000 feet of sandstone with minor por- tions of shale and dolomite. The Pre-Cambrian and Cambrian rocks slope gently toward the southwest. The Ordovician rocks HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY J 9 are the only ones of importance in the mining operations of Dubuque county. Where this formation is fully developed it embraces (i). a dolomite at the base; (2) a sandstone in the middle; (3) a second dolomite. Above the latter lies the St. Peter sand- stone ; then the Platteville limestone ; then the Galena dolomite, and then the Maquoketa shale. Above this are the quaternary deposits. Lead ore was discovered at Dubuque by the Indians as early as 1780, and about four years later Julien Dubuque, then at Prairie du Chien, was informed of the existence of that mineral at Dubuque by the Fox Indians. From 1788 to 1810 he worked these mines with hoe, shovel, crowbar and pick, but sank no shafts. He had a furnace at the mouth of Catfish creek and another at Eagle Point. ; In 1805 Lieutenant Pike learned that Dubuque mined from 20,000 to 40,000 pounds of lead annually. After his death the Indians burned Dubuque's house and fences and destroyed all traces of his mining operations so far as possible in order to keep out other white men. The Indians themselves continued to work the mines intermittently and sold the ore to traders who had furnaces on the islands in the river. In 1830 J. L. Langworthy and others, having previously obtained the con- sent of the Indians and the Dubuque heirs, crossed the river and began work in the mines. The Eagle Point crevice, it is said, was located at this time. Troops drove out the miners and burned their cabins. Evidently the Durango diggings were worked before 1820, because Schoolcraft, who visited this locality in 1820, says they were known and called "Mine of Maquanquitons." "Very likely Dubuque himself worked these mines, because so far as known no others were permitted to do so. The ore in this locality is the common sulphuret of lead, with a broad foliated structure and high metallic luster. It occurs massive and dissemi- nated in a reddish loam, resting upon limestone rock. It generally occurs in beds or veins which have no great width and run in a certain direction 300 to 400 yards. . . . The lead ore at these mines is now (1820) exclusively dug by the Fox Indians, and as usual among savage tribes the chief labor devolves upon women — also old and superannuated men ; they use hoe, shovel, pickax and crowbar. . . . When a quantity of ore has been gotten out it is carried in baskets by the women to the banks of the Mississippi and then ferried over in canoes to the island, where it is purchased by the traders at the rate of $2 for 120 pounds, payable in goods. The traders smelt the ore upon the island in furnaces. Formerly the Indians were in the habit of smelting the ore themselves, upon log heaps, by which a great portion was converted into what are called lead ashes and thus lost. Now the traders induce them to search about the sites of the ancient fires and carefully collect the lead ashes for which they receive $1 per bushel delivered at the island payable in merchandise." — (Schoolcraft.) 20 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY When the Blackhawk Purchase was made in 1832 the settlers again crowded into this county, but again they were forced to leave by the soldiers because the treaty had not been ratified. After June, 1833, they were no longer opposed. The first geological survey of this region was made by D. D. Owen in 1839. In 1846 the system of leasing mineral land by the government was abolished and much of the mining land was thrown into market. The early mining at Dubuque was for lead ores. Pockets of this ore are yet found and individual pockets sometimes contain over 500 to 1,000 tons. Since 1880 zinc carbonate or "dry bone" has been more extensively mined than galena or lead ore. Neither has been mined except above high water of the river. In 1898-00 mixed carbonate and sulphide of zinc were worked at the Alpine mine. At the same time several carloads of mixed blende-galena- marcasite ore were taken from the Pike's Peak mine just below water level by the Dubuque Lead Mining Company. The ore at Dubuque occurs almost entirely in crevices and openings and within the corporate limits of the city. It is also found at Durango and in Jefferson, Table Mound and Mosalem townships. The crevices are vertical and are nearly always found extending east and west and in the long, finger-like ridges reaching out toward the river. There are "top," "middle" and "third" openings. The first is worked at West Dubuque. The "middle" is forty to fifty feet farther down. The "third" is twenty-five to thirty feet below the "middle." The richest deposits have been found at the crevice crossings. There was no market for zinc ore previous to i860, in which year the La Salle smelter began operations ; later the ones at Mineral Point, Waukegan and Peru were built and buyers were sent here. The rise in the price of zinc ore in 1887 caused miners here to begin operations. John P. Sheldon, register of the Dubuque District previous to 1838, in his report to the General Land Office said : "The mining country on the west side of the Mississippi in the Wisconsin Terri- tory was opened to the miners in June, 1833, under my superin- tendence as sub-agent; the duties of which office I continued to perform until the month of September, 1834, during which time rent lead to the value of about $30,000 was collected. The regula- tions were in all respects like those which had been in force on the east side of the river, and permits were given to those who had subscribed to them, to mine, to build cabins, to make gardens, and in several instances to enclose and cultivate fields and raise grain for their teams. The number of permits given I cannot recollect, but they were numerous, perhaps over a thousand. . . . On the west side of the Mississippi lead ore has been discovered in the tract of country extending north and south about thirty-five miles and HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 21 lying between the waters of Turkey and Big Maquoketa rivers. The main diggings, however, are adjacent to the Mississippi and near the towns of Dubuque and Peru." He further said that the mining lots embraced ten acres each, had been more or less dug up and cultivated, and now the claimants wanted the benefits of pre- emption. "When the act of June 24, 1834, was passed, there were many valuable mining lots in the possession of miners who had a legal vested right in them, because they had complied with the terms required by the government ; and in law this right could not be invalidated unless it could be shown that the President had no right to suffer the lots to be occupied. In the eye of justice certainly the rights of the miners were sacred. These lots may be considered a species of grant, and if they be not so considered the act alluded to must be characterized as improvident, unjust, and, in view of the previous laws and proceedings of the government in relation to the lead mines, illegal." The land office at Mineral Point was opened October 21, 1834. "It is necessary that provision be made for settling the claims of the miners (in Dubuque county on the west side of the Mississippi) simultaneously with those of the other settlers who may claim under the pre-emption law." In 1835 several very promising mineral leads were discovered near Durango. These discoveries caused many miners in this vicinity to flock to that locality and as a result thirty to forty houses were erected there, two general stores, five groceries, shops, etc., and the growth of the place seemed assured. But the mineral was soon exhausted and the miners went elsewhere. The four or five families that remained turned their attention to farming. — (Iowa News, quoting the Peoria (111.) Register, November 18, 1837.) In the neighborhood of Dubuque in November, 1836, there were five blast furnaces that smelted seventy pigs per week each. Of these the one owned by Mr. Hulett smelted 70,000 pounds per week ; a cupola furnace conducted by Mr. McKnight smelted about the same; the one owned by Mr. Lorimier at Rip Row smelted 60,000 pounds per week; several log furnaces smelted each week seventy pigs of seventy pounds each. Mr. O'Ferrall's furnace smelted 100,000 pounds per week; it was 70 x-33 feet and new. Although there were five sawmills and two grist mills in this vicinity, the bulk of the supplies of all sorts still came from the river. Morrison & Prentice bought and shipped mineral in 1836, paying about $23 per 1,000 pounds. "The Maquoketa mines situated in the neighborhood of Peru (a handsome village a few miles above us) we are glad to learn continue to yield large quantities of mineral." — {Visitor, May 11, 1836.) At this date valuable leads were being discovered almost weekly by O'Farrall, Saucier & Morrison half a mile from Du- buque; Taylor, Nix & Co., near Center Grove; another was oh Rocky Mount Lot, three miles distant; Van Buren Diggings, five miles north, and many others. It was noted that many of the best 22 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY leads were found in east and west crevices and that the mineral often appeared in blocks. "A few months ago times were so good that many heretofore industrious miners had acquired a considerable quantity of the ready and seated themselves down to enjoy it as gentlemen of leisure, but the hard times and constant complaints of those around them have brought them to the conclusion that by industry is the most secure mode of obtaining a living and have accordingly taken up the pick and shovel and gone to work like good fellows. Mineral is now selling at $15 per thousand pounds and we understand the miners are beginning to draw it out in fine style." — (Iowa News, July 29, 1837.) _ "We are glad to perceive the fair prospects of better times in the lead mines. Mining operations are greatly increased and we under- stand that many more lately made discoveries likely to prove val- uable. At the Snake Diggings the times are much better. Mineral is sold at about $18 per thousand pounds." — (Iowa News, August 19, 1837.) "We observe general activity in mining. All the smelting fur- naces are actively engaged in making lead and large quantities of ore are being raised. Though money is very scarce and the pressure severe, the energy of our citizens remains unabated." — (Iowa News, August 26, 1837.) In August, 1836, a new and very valuable mine two miles north- west of Dubuque was discovered by Mr. O'Mara. Mineral was found on Sleator's lot, Wootton's lot, Herd's lot, and in scores of other places, no record of which was kept. O'Ferrall & Cox, gen- eral merchants, bought and shipped the mineral. Two men — Cole- man and Carpenter — were killed near Dubuque in May, 1839, by the caving in of the mine where they were working. In August, • 1837, Wilson & Wharton took out on the South Fork of Little Maquoketa 8,000 pounds of mineral in twenty-four hours. Chauncey Swan & Co. discovered near Dubuque in January, 1838, a valuable lead and raised over 10,000 pounds in a few days. In 1838, according to the Visitor, not less than six million pounds of lead were shipped from Dubuque. It was said in the Visitor that "men are as numerous here as blackberries in summer, but females are quite scarce. This fact is observable in the houses of worship where there are five males in attendance to one female. ... In this county females receive from $16 to $24 per month for house- work and are glad to be had for that." In the autumn of 1836, when the first territorial election in Wisconsin was held, there were polled here 621 votes, "and the entire population could not have doubled those figures." In the spring of 1841 there were many new mineral discoveries; it was noted by the News that there was four times as much min- eral raised then as at any time during the previous four years. HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 23 New discoveries almost daily caused a sudden "boom" in this industry at this time. In February, 1840, lead was quoted in St. Louis at $4.37^ per hundred. In the spring of 1843 mining was very successful — had never been better. The hard times drove the miners and loafers to work and all made money. According to Lucius H. Langworthy, the amount of lead ex- ported from the Dubuque mining district from 1833 to 1856 varied from 40,000,000 to 60,000,000 pounds annually. He said that this result was reached by "surface scratching" and "dry diggings" and that a greater profit would probably result from deep mining. — {Express and Herald, February 28, 1856.) If the average price during this period was $20 per thousand pounds, and it could not have been less, the annual receipts from this source varied from $800,000 to $1,200,000. In a large measure it was this mineral that enriched many of the first capitalists and laid the foundation for the prosperity of Dubuque from 1833 to 1857 and enabled the city to recover itself during the Civil war and ever since that period. The government had no authority to lease the Dubuque lead mines. The act of Congress did not apply to this locality. A government leasing agent came here in 1836, but did not do much. In 1842 another came, but before this date the citizens had staked off their claims — Langworthys, Waller, Bonson, Parker, Carter, Booth, Ewing and hosts of others. Two agents appeared under authority of John C. Spencer, Secretary of War, put up at a hotel and proposed to lease, and did lease, some of the mines discovered by the above claimants. They paid no attention to the rights of the claimants, but leased to whoever would pay the most. The result was disturbance and legal controversy. It was decided in the district court of the county that there existed no such right to lease the mines and so the controversy ended. Richard Bonson suggested that the development of the mines added to the value of the lands and that therefore the damage to the government was nominal. This was shown at the trial. — {Herald, March 19, 1875.) In the spring of 1845 there were pending in the district court here at one time four suits against individuals for mining lead on government land. The people generally were indignant at the gov- ernment and demanded that the mineral lands should be thrown into market. In the summer of 1849 there were seven smelting furnaces near Dubuque and it was estimated that they turned out a total of 30,000 pigs during that year. The price varied from $17 to $25 per thou- sand pounds. In 1847 there were sent to market from Dubuque 140,000 pigs of lead and in 1848 there were shipped 30,000 pigs. These figures show how the amount of ore raised per annum varied. The most of these shipments, but not all, were mined near Dubuque. 24 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY At times as high as 3,000 men were thus employed, though usually not so many. From April 1 to July 28, 1857, West & Hopkins shipped 12,687 pigs of lead, the aggregate weight being 913,536 pounds. In October, 1850, the Thomas Levins lead two and a half miles northwest of the city, near Booth's cave, was struck and the crevice was penetrated for 300 yards ; from 300,000 to 500,000 pounds of ore was in sight at one time. This mine became renowned, and is said to have yielded its owner $200,000. If mineral was worth $20 per thousand, this sum would represent about 10,000,000 pounds of ore raised. The shaft was 120 feet deep and horse power was used to raise the ore; there were caves and chambers below where the walls were lined with the mineral ; in one cave were 90,000 pounds ; small cars on rude tracks brought the ore to the shaft from a dis- tance of several hundred feet. Other large leads at this date were owned by Nightingale, Burton, McNear, Karrick & Company, Fanning & Curran, Riley. The mining industry was very pros- perous at this date and well repaid the land owners and the lessees. In July, 1852, mineral was worth $26 per thousand. In the spring of 1853 the price reached $40 per thousand. West & Shields bought large quantities at that figure. This was the highest price up to that date. George O. Karrick and John Richmond owned rich mines in 1853 > there were a dozen others. In 1855 Hall and Whitney, geologists, surveyed this locality. Each spring, upon the opening of navigation, immense quantities of pigs were shipped to St. Louis by the first steamers. On March 10, 1858, West & Hopkins shipped at one time 14,000 pigs. Old lodes reworked yielded handsome profits. "The lead mines of Dubuque have long made it like her neighbor, Galena, well known. The country for fifty miles north and south and twenty miles east and west seems underlaid with lead ore. At times vast caverns are found, walled, ceiled and paved with crystal- ized lead, so rich that it shines like silver, and so pure as to yield 85 per cent merchantable lead. The revenue of our city from this source for some years back has increased from $500,000 to $900,000."— (£. & H., April 18, 1858.), In the spring of 1858, while working upon the foundation of a house at Caledonia and digging holes there for fence posts, work- men threw out lead ore. Lodes as far back as thirty miles from the river were discovered. The Fountain Hill Diggings near Peru were very productive at this date. There was a great revival of the old interest and excitement. In May, 1858, the miners assembled at the court house and organ- ized the Dubuque Miners' Association; it was a joint stock organiza- tion and started with about 250 members. At this date many mines had been abandoned owing to water in the leads. There was no approved method of getting rid of this water. The Karrick lead HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 25 was 250 feet above high water in the river and yet water was very troublesome at the depth of 130 feet; pumping was too expensive. The association considered horizontal shafts in order to drain off the water. With the view of reopening the old mines the associa- tion in May caused a complete survey of this locality to be made and recommended horizontal shafts just above high water mark. Early in the fall of 1858 C. D. Mullin struck a rich lode east of the Karrick diggings. At a depth of sixty feet he struck a sheet five feet high by two feet thick ; the prospect was estimated to be worth $30,000. At this time there was a distinct revival of the old mining spirit and enthusiasm. Rich and valuable new leads were struck on the bluffs back of Eagle Point in August, 1858. This ground had been prospected over and over again, but now large yields were uncovered. They were called "clay diggings" and were not considered so valuable as "rock diggings." Baxter & Company took out on Mr. Thedinga's land from May to August over 200,000 pounds of ore. Others with valuable discoveries were Michael Karrick, Matthias Ham!, Starr, Karrick & Beckett, Horr & Brother, on whose grounds were twenty- five windlasses at work. Masses raised weighed 300, 400 and 600 pounds. Thousands of pounds lay in heaps at the top of the shafts. On September 1, 1858, the miners held a big celebration at Dubuque ; they came with their old mud-covered suits, carts, picks, shovels, sledge hammers, etc., and enjoyed the day to the utmost. "Mining. — We hear of several new prospects being struck in our vicinity and learn that a large number of persons are profitably engaged in mining. This is the time for miners to reap a golden harvest. Mineral is now bringing $31 to $32 per thousand and in gold." — (Daily Ledger, September 14, 1858.) A reorganization of miners was effected in Dubuque during September, i860, for the purpose of arbitrating all minor differences among themselves. Connected with this association were Richard Bonson, John T. Everett, Joseph Herod, M. M. Hayden, W. G. Stewart, J. H. Bartlett, C. Childs, James Carr, B. J. O'Halloran, Charles Rose, S. Langworthy, Thomas Levins, Richard Waller, J. L. Langworthy, George Wilde, John Palmer, J. H. Emerson, Thomas Waters, R. O. Anderson, James Pratt, M. G Karrick, William Carter, Allen Leathers, J. H. Hollingsworth, John King, James Thompson, H. L. Stout, P. A. Lorimier and others. They had a constitution, by-laws and officials and kept their affairs in order. A meeting of the miners was held October 2, on which occasion George O. Karrick served as chairman and speeches were delivered by himself, Solon Langworthy and others. Capt. M. M. Hayden offered resolutions to perpetuate the memory of Julien Dubuque; they were adopted by acclamation. Solon Langworthy, George W. Starr, George O. Karrick and T. McNear were appointed a committee to prepare a constitution for the society. 26 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY In the Dubuque lead district in i860 there were four smelting furnaces, as follows: Wild's, at the foot of Southern avenue; Watters & Bronson's, a mile west of Catfish Mills; Brunskill & Watters', a short distance east of Center Grove, and Fern & Sim- son's, a mile or so west of W. G. Stewart's. All were located in ravines, as water was needed in the operation of smelting. Lead ore was composed of two parts or ingredients — lead and sulphur, about 84 per cent of the former and 16 per cent of the latter. Smelting was nothing more than a roasting process whereby the sulphur was consumed by the action of fire and the residue thor- oughly washed of dirt, ashes, etc. "Since last November, or at the close of navigation, the Dubuque lead region has yielded 4,500,000 pounds of mineral. The average value of this has been $30.50 per 1,000 pounds, or a total of $122,500. The mining interests employ about 1,000 men." — (Herald, June, i860.), "John Owen has taken out of his new discovery since last Tuesday morning 60,000 pounds of mineral." — (Same.) Three miles from Dubuque was Pike's Peak, a mining center. The Julien Mining Company was doing a large business in February and March, i860. In one day they drew out 20,000 pounds of mineral. A new lead was struck a few miles south of Catfish creek, where some lumps weighed over 1,000 pounds. "The amount of mineral raised for the week ending June 30, i860, was about 250,000 pounds, and the amount smelted aggre- gated close to 200,000 pounds. In this connection it may not be out of place to remark that from 5,000 to 10,000 men can find profitable employment in the Dubuque lead mines. The Dubuque lead region is contained within an irregular semicircle of not less than twenty miles in diameter. Only comparatively a small por- tion of the ground has been 'proved,' and it is no unreasonable estimate to suppose that 5,000 miners would not exhaust the region in a period less than one hundred years." — (Herald, July 1, i860.) "Week before last there were smelted here over 200,000 pounds of lead. During the last week 201,600 pounds were smelted. The amount raised during the same time is a little in advance of that figure and will probably reach 250,000 pounds." — (Herald, June 24, i860.) An excursion of the "Chicago Academy of Sciences" to the Dubuque mining region was an event of October, i860. Several hundred came and were formally received and entertained by com- mittees of citizens appointed for that purpose. Two Missouri miners — John Harrington and Peter Holman — struck it rich in an old place near Southern avenue close to Mr. Kcmpf's store and only twenty or thirty rods from the point of the bluff. They were at first laughed at, but they found mineral within two feet of the top. By November 12 they had sold 17,000 pounds HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 27 and had 5 .000 more out. Two hundred men were now prospecting in the mines in this vicinity. The war in Missouri drove here many lead miners, several of whom made big strikes. The melting of the deep snows and the heavy rains seriously interfered with mining in the spring of 1861, by flooding the mines and diggings. Near West Dubuque about 100 pound mass of iron ore was found in April, 1861. It was strongly magnetic. On March 22, 1861, George Wharton and Joseph Brunskill went down into Brunskill & Watters' diggings at West Dubuque to examine a cave that had just been struck. The cave was some 3,000 feet from the bottom of the shaft and was reached by a rough crevice. They soon lost their supply of candles and those within hands were soon burned up, leaving them in total darkness and unable to find their way. After a reasonable time their friends went after them, but they had spent the whole day there in great anxiety. In April, 1861, it was complained that the land owners near Dubuque charged too high a rent for their mineral lands — that it worked too great a hardship on miners, particularly on those who had bad luck — the bad luck and high rents combined to make the lot of many worse and worse. The argument was that "the true policy of the land owner was to be liberal with the miner, for the more inducements that were held out for the production of any article the more of that article will be produced. So with the mineral ; the lower the rent the more will engage in mining." The mining association should have a system that would work and be fair in all cases. And owners should give a bonus for big finds to stimulate further discoveries. Owners should ask no rent for the first 100,000 pounds of mineral ore. The miners at their public meetings passed strong resolutions against the existing currency. The lead caves were one of the attractions of Dubuque for visitors. In May, 1862, mineral was worth $37 per thousand pounds; by December it was $44. James Hughes built a shot tower in 1862 in one of the old mining shafts. Mr. Mallett at the Durango Diggings in 1862 made a rich strike and cleared up in less than six months over $25,000. The mineral raised within the city limits in 1862 was about 1,000,000 pounds, worth $40,000. Miners thoroughly ex- plored the Maquoketa, Catteese and Catfish neighborhoods. On February 11, 1863, mineral was worth here $48 per thousand. By March 2 it had reached $53. In 1863 Judge Lovell and others raised 150,000 pounds of mineral at Pike's Peak, this county. In August, 1 86 1, the Dubuque Shot Manufacturing Company were making drop shot of all sizes. In August, 1863, mineral had fallen to $40 per thousand. Prof. James Dale Owen, son of Robert Dale Owen, geologist, exhibited specimens at the State Fair here in 1863. October 10, 1863, mineral was worth $52.50. Back of the city in 28 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY a mineral shaft ninety feet underground there were found in 1864 the molar teeth of a mammoth in a fair state of preservation. In March, 1864, mineral was worth here $71 in greenbacks per thousand pounds; on July 1, 1864, it was quoted at $84 in green- backs; on July 15 it was $90; this was about the highest point it reached. As the reserved mineral lands of the county were now in market and had been for some time, opportunity for fortune making was not lacking. Several very valuable discoveries were made in 1865 — one on the south side of Dodge street ; another, the Wootton crevice, in which Chapman, Ratcliff, Bunting, Peacock and others were interested. By August, 1865, little mineral was being raised ; it was worth from $53 to $55 per thousand. In 1866 the old Burton mine was reworked; S. P. Smith and General Vandever were interested in this work; out of this shaft there had been taken formerly 5,000,000 pounds of mineral worth probably from $150,000 to $200,000. In six weeks in the fall of 1867 400,000 pounds were taken from the old Tom Kelly mines on the bluffs. Valuable new leads were found near Center 'Grove in 1868. The famous Coakley & Faulhopper lode was discovered two miles northeast of town in Langworthy Hollow, in 1871. The miners held a festival in February, 1871, and a large attendance enjoyed the occasion. T. C. Roberts was the principal speaker. He said that for forty years about $250,000 worth of lead annually had been taken from the mines of the Dubuque district.. The fol- lowing is an extract from a poem read at this festival : "They're gone, they're gone to the unseen shore, Their life work is all well done, Brave Julien and Kelly and many more Have followed there one by one ; But why, brave knights of the giant will, Why not, ere you strike your tent, Of the limestone rock they did cut and drill Uprear them a monument?" The drybone ore from which zinc is made is found in the hills around Dubuque, in the old lead holes and near them, and for many years was mined more than the lead mineral itself. Late in the eighties George Perry, on the old Randall farm, took out consid- erable drybone ore; he had found several paying crevices. It was found to exist from the cap rock down to living water about sixty feet below. At the termination of one drift the crevice was about eight feet wide and completely filled with ore. J. F. Rebman about the same time discovered on the old Stout farm a number of heavy zinc deposits ; his crevice was about forty feet wide. From Rhom- berg hill to the Western brewery Trieb & Company and Trieb, HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 29 Southwell & Brunskill discovered and worked valuable deposits; they were considered the most extensive zinc mines west of the river. Burt, McNulty & Cooper worked the "Ave Top" mine on Julien avenue near Nevada street ; it had turned out nearly 2,000,000 pounds of lead, but in the eighties was worked for zinc by Hird, Oatey & Watters, and paid. Mr. Goldthorpe mined a lot of drybone at Center and Fourteenth street. Many men and teams in the eighties were thus employed. It was thought that with a home reducing plant and full time worked the Dubuque drybone mines would yield from 100 to 200 tons per day. One mine in 1890 offered to contract to deliver twenty-five to fifty tons a day. In 1899 there was a revival of zinc mining in Dubuque county. Considerable was found near Buncombe — Rowley mine, mill and roaster; Northwestern mine and mill; Buncombe Hill mine and Big Dad mine. In nearly all the old lead mining districts drybone has been found, often in paying quantities. Among other rich strikes in the sixties was one in August, 1868, on the hill south of the French brewery, near Langworthy Hollow. Lead ore to the amount of 100,000 pounds had been taken out there many years before. In 1867 there was found in the old Kelly cabin $4,000 in gold; later a boy in kicking over a tin can at the cabin uncovered $1,800 in gold; search revealed $1,500 more in an old tea canister. These discoveries caused a thorough search to be made, but no more gold was found. The search, however, led to several discoveries of lead ore in the old Kelly mines. In 1875-6 Collins & Rooney shipped large quantities of lead ore, often from 3,000 to 5,000 pounds a day. Edwards & Luther's old mine, though eleven years old, seemed to grow better and better in 1876. The Dubuque Ore Concentrating Company was organized in 1892 with the following officers: John Babcock, president; E. E. Jones, vice president; S. J. Southwell, secretary; Philip Pier, Sr., treasurer. By this date (1892) considerable drybone was being mined in this county, but as yet there was no reduction plant here. The above company laid plans to mine drybone, black jack and galena on an extensive scale; its plant was on Southern avenue. Early in 1893 the Dubuque Zinc Company, with a capital of $100,000, prepared to manufacture zinc from drybone on an exten- sive scale. E. T. Goldthorpe, in 1891, operated one mine near Durango and three near Dubuque; in that year he shipped fifty carloads of ore, the freight charges on which were $1,600. In four years previous to 1892 he shipped over $100,000 worth of zinc and lead ore from this vicinity to Mineral Point for reduction. 3o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY It is related on unknown authority that some time after Du- buque's death, an Indian fighter and pioneer, John T. Smith, took possession of the works and attempted to carry on mining and smelting, but received no encouragement, and soon encountered open opposition from the chief Pi-a-nos-ky, who, with a band of warriors, tore down his buildings and drove him and his com- panions across the river. The Avenue Top Company in recent years; their mine in Du- buque township yielded about $150,000 in lead ore, then $25 in dry bone, and later over $100,000 in blackjack. The old Rarrick mine yielded over $500,000 worth of lead ore ; Bartlett & Stewart raised about $150,000 worth; Levins, about $250,000; Burton, Jarrett & Glab, $200,000, and others. Many "bunches" were formed worth $10,000 to $20,000. The Stewart cave is about 900 feet long and in one place it is 100 feet wide. Sunflower cave at Kauffman ave- nue is forty feet wide, 800 feet long and sixty feet high in places. West Dubuque has numerous other caves. In August, 1894, Kimball Goldthorpe discovered a rich lead of ore in West Dubuque. At the depth of 190 feet he found two solid sheets. In 1895, Meehan, at the depth of 130 feet, struck a valu- able lead on Southern avenue. The Shearn mine was one of the richest ever struck here; during the summer of 1895 about 400,000 pounds of ore were raised. The Goldthorpe, Jones & Kimball mine, near the old Karrick diggings, was very valuable ; at one time 10,000 pounds were taken out daily. Three mines — Karrick's, Shearn's and Sloan's — have yielded a total of approximately 15,000,000 pounds. Cheney's, Levins', Horton's, Emery's and Bartlett's mines have been successful. In 1896 large quantities of "ore dust" were shipped from Durango ; it was used for smelting purposes. J. W. Halpin & Company made a valuable strike in 1898; they took out 20,000 pounds of ore in a week in West Dubuque. The Pike's Peak and Alpine street mines were valuable. The Dubuque Ore Development Company was incorporated in 1905. Large beds of blackjack were found in 1906 at Pike's Peak. The Key West Mining Company had valuable mines in 1906; this year rich discoveries of ore were made on Southern avenue and on Cascade road. This year, also, the Avenue Top Mining Company found large quantities of pure resin jack. This company sold five carloads of zinc ore in January, 1908. In July the richest strike of blackjack yet made here was unearthed on the Miller farm, West Dubuque. The Harriman Company was organized in 1906. The Tri-State Mining Company is a recent organization. The Goose- born Mining made important discoveries on Grand View avenue. Other valuable discoveries are in progress, and the end of ore wealth is not in sight. DUBUQUE AND THE INDIANS. THE conveyance of the Fox Indians to Julien Dubuque in 1788 was as follows: "Copy of the council held by the Foxes, that is to say, of the branch of five villages, with the approbation of the rest of their people, explained to Mr. Quinantotaye, deputied by them, in their presence, and in the presence of us, the undersigned: that is to say, the Foxes permit Mr. Julien Dubuque, called by them the Little Cloud, to work at the mines as long as he shall please and to withdraw from it without specifying any term to him; moreover, that they sell and abandon to him all the coast and the contents of the mine discovered by the wife of Peosta, so that no white man or Indian shall make any pretension to it, without the consent of Mr. Julien Dubuque; and in case he shall find nothing within, he shall be free to search wherever he may think proper to do so, and to work peaceably without anyone hurting him or doing him any prejudice in his labors. Thus we chief and braves, by the voice of our villages, have agreed with Julien Dubuque, selling and delivering to him this day as above mentioned, in presence of the Frenchmen who attend us, who are witnesses to this writing. "At the Prairie du Chien, in full council, the 226. September, 1788." "Blondeau, Ala Austin (his X mark). Autaquk. "Basil Teren (his X mark), ~\ Blondeau D'Quirneau, \ Witnesses." Joseph Fontigny." J ' On the day this document was executed Dubuque is said to have delivered goods to the Indians in payment for the tract of land, which this writing purported to lease or convey; and a few days afterward, it was also said, the Indian chiefs, in the presence of Dubuque, allowed monuments to be erected at the mouths of Little Maquoketa and Tete des Morts rivers as boundaries of the tract along the river. The petition of Julien Dubuque to Governor Carondelet was as follows : "The most humble petitioner to your excellency, who is called Julien Dubuque, having formed a habitation upon the fron- tiers of your government, in the midst of the savage tribes that 31 32 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY are the inhabitants of the country, has purchased a tract of Ian from these Indians, and the mines which it contains; and throug his perseverance in surmounting all the obstacles arising as we from dangers as heavy expenses, has at length succeeded, afte many troubles, in being the peaceful owner of a tract of land situate on the western bank of the Mississippi river, to which he has give the name of the 'Mines d'Espagne' (Mines of Spain or Spanis Mines), in honor of the government to which they belong. As th locality of the habitation is but a point and the different mines h works are sparsely spread, and at a distance of three leagues fror each other, the most humble petitioner prays your excellency to b pleased to grant him the peaceful possession of the said land an mines ; that is from the upper hills of the small river Maquauquitoi to the Mesquabynonques hills, which is about seven leagues upon th western bank of the Mississippi, by three leagues in depth; whic demand the petitioner hopes to obtain from your goodness. I pra the same goodness, which makes the happiness of so many subject; to excuse my style and to be willing to accept of the pure simplicit of my heart for want of my eloquence. With all my power beseech heaven to preserve you, and to pour all favors upon yot and I am and shall be all the days of my life, of your excellenc the most humble, obedient and submissive subject." "J. Dubuque." "New Orleans, October 22, 1796. "Let information be given by the merchant Don Andrew Tod on the nature of this demand." "The Baron de Carondelet." The exact language of Andrew Todd was in part as follows "I have to say that, as to the land for which he asks, nothing occur to me why it should not be granted if you find it convenient; wit the condition, nevertheless, that the grantee shall observe the pre visions of his majesty relating to the trade with the Indians; an that this be absolutely prohibited to him, unless he shall hav consent in writing"." The board of commissioners for ascertaining and adjusting Ian claims in the Territory of Louisiana sat at St. Louis, September 2c 1806; it was shown, and reported as follows: "Julien Dubuque and Auguste Chouteau claim a tract of on hundred and forty-eight thousand one hundred and seventy-si arpents of land situated on the river Mississippi at a place calle the Spanish Mines, about four hundred and forty miles from S Louis, forming in superficies an extent of about twenty-one league: They produce, first, a petition by the said Julien Dubuque to th Baron de Carondelet, praying for the peaceable possession of a extent of land of about seven leagues on the west side of the Missii HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 33 sippi, beginning at the heights of Mesquabynonques, being in front on said river about seven leagues by a depth of three leagues — the whole forming the said tract called the Spanish Mines; together with a reference by the Baron de Carondelet to one Andrew Todd, an Indian trader, of the above demand, under the date of the 22d of October, 1796, with the assent of said Andrew Todd to the granting of the same provided the said petitioner should not inter- fere with his trade, the same dated 29th October, same year." The prayer of the petitioner was granted by Carondelet in the following language : "Concedido' como se solicita baxo las restric- ciones que el comerciante Don Anstres Todd expresa en so informe, 10 Noviembre, 1796" (Granted as it is demanded, under the restric- tions mentioned by the merchant Don Andrew Todd in his infor- mation) . "I, the undersigned, William Henry Harrison, governor of the Territory of Indiana, and commissioner plenipotentiary of the United States for treating with the Indian tribes northwest of the Ohio, do hereby certify and declare that after the treaty which was made with the Sacs and Foxes at St. Louis on the 3d day of November, 1804, was drawn up and prepared for signing, I was shown a grant from the governor general of Louisiana to a certain Dubuque for a considerable quantity of land at some distance up the Mississippi and where the said Dubuque has for many years resided. Finding that this tract could be considered receded by the treaty as it then stood, the additional article was written and submitted to the Indians. They readily consented to it; and the undersigned informed them that the intention of it was to embrace particularly the claim of Dubuque, the validity of which they acknowledged. Given under my hand and seal at Vincennes, the 1st day of January, 1806." "William Henry Harrison." The principal objection to the claim was as follows, in the lan- guage of Mr. Gallatin, then secretary of the treasury : "The prin- cipal question made on this claim is one which, perhaps, in the whole history of Louisiana titles, is peculiar to itself. There is no fraud imputed; no want of authority to make the supposed grant; no uncertainty of its location. It is not challenged for want of being possessed in good faith; and no exception is taken to the capacity of the grantee. But conceding all these facts it is objected, that, on the face of the papers, in their purpose and meaning, no title of any sort in the land was intended or has been created; that the whole transaction was but to obtain a personal privilege, or usufruct, at will; and whatever of concession or stipulation there is, was but for a temporary personal protection and which has not been other- wise validated as a title" (See Vol. 1, Laws United States, p. 562). An adverse report of the Senate committee in 1841-2 (Senate Docs., 34 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY Vol. V, No. 341 ) "assumes essentially the same ground as 1 Gallatin and regards the Indian contract as a personal privilege Dubuque to work the mines; the governor's concession but affirmance of this power; that the right was acquired without c sideration, and died with the person ; that the Indians had no ri: to sell the lands, and that it was the policy of the Spanish gove ment not to sell its mines, etc." But the Senate committee found otherwise as follows : "T no precedent or example can be found of such grant of perso privilege in the use of lands being made up between the Indians e the Spanish government in the whole history of the provinc administration in Florida and Louisiana; that the Spanish authc ties indulged the Indians with a power of sale to individual wr men, subject to a ratification of title by the government authoril of the province; that such sales had already been confirmed by boards of land commissioners, by Congress, and by the courts of United States; that the article of sale to Dubuque by the Indi; contained the following language : 'That they sell and abandon him all the coast and the contents of the mine discovered by the w of Peosta, so that no white man or Indian shall make any pretens: to it, without the consent of the Sieur Julien Dubuque.' And article further said that 'In case he shall find nothing within ( mine sold to him) he shall be free to search wherever it shall se good to him, and to work peaceably without any hurting him, doing him any prejudice in his labors.' "The committee readily acknowledge this part is but a perso: permission. But it is a permit beyond the sale and conveyance, 1 purporting, as in the preceding, a sale and surrender of possess- with a covenant of warranty against all pretensions of the white n or Indian; that this was intended to be a sale in fee so far as Indians could make it; that Dubuque's application to Carond« must have been in order to secure a confirmation of his title, becai he already had held possession for over eight years." "What Todd understood to be the object of Dubuque's requ is too manifest to be disputed by any. Apprehending the motr of the petitioner to be apparent and palpable he in plain and sim brevity replied to the governor that 'As to the land for which (Dubuque) asks nothing occurs to me why it should not granted.' This information seems to have satisfied the govern and hence the conclusion is irresistible — the governor understc Dubuque's requete as Todd did, viz. : a simple petition for a gr; of the lands specified and which had been purchased of the India The lead mines were an incident of the lands of so little importai at that time, that Todd never alludes to them." It was shown that on November 3, 1804, in a treaty made in Louis between the government and the Sac and Fox nations Indians, "the general boundary line between the lands of the Uni HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 35 States and of the said Indian tribes shall be as follows, to-wit: Beginning at a point on the Missouri river opposite to the mouth of the Gasconade river; thence in a direct course so as to strike the river Jeffrion at the distance of thirty miles from its mouth, and down the said Jeffrion to the Mississippi ; thence up the Mississippi to the mouth of the Wisconsin, and up the same to a point which shall be thirty-six miles in a direct line from the mouth of said river; thence by a direct line to the point where the Fox river (a branch of the Illinois) leaves the small lake called Sakeagan; thence down the Fox river to the Illinois river and down the same to the Mississippi." The Indians ceded to the United States all the lands included within the above described boundary. In this treaty the following language was used: "It is agreed that nothing in this treaty shall affect the claim of any individual or individuals who may have obtained grants of land from the Spanish government, and which are not included within the general boundary line laid down in this treaty, provided that such grants have at any time been made known to the said tribes and recognized by them." In a letter dated Vincennes, January 4, 18 16, and addressed to Auguste Chouteau at St. Louis, William Henry Harrison used the following language: "Enclosed you have the certificate on the subject of Dubuque's claim. I hope it will be sufficient for your purpose. I have no doubt of the validity of your claim and never had any." On October 20, 1804, Dubuque sold to August Chouteau, 72,324 arpents of said land for $10,848.60, the undivided half or moiety of which was afterward sold by the said Chouteau to John Mullanphy, and on September 20, 1806, they presented their title papers to the board of commissioners — Lucas, Penrose and Donaldson. Mr. Lucas dissented from the opinion of a majority of the board "upon the ground that it was not a perfect, but merely an inchoate and incomplete title." The Senate committee said : "In reviewing the decision of the board of 1866 in favor of the claim, the committee are satisfied their decision was right and just in its general result, but that the board erred in pronouncing it 'a complete Spanish title.' It is obviously but a concession of land without a natural or ascertained boundary. And for this reason a survey, the customary prerequisite, was wanting, preparatory to executing the grant in complete form. But the dissenting opinion of Mr. Lucas, for this reason, is manifestly against all legal and equitable principle applica- ble to the case. And regarding the claim as reported by him to be 'an incipient or imperfect title,' it is, as such, equally with perfect titles, protected by the treaty ceding Louisiana, and therefore was entitled to his decision in its favor (Am. St. Papers, Public Lands, Vol. Ill, pp. 586-587). The memorial or petition of Pierre Chouteau, J. Ferdinand Ken- nett and others stated "That some time in the year 1774 Julien Dubuque, a mineralogist, emigrated to the Province of Louisiana 36 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY and settled among the Sac and Fox nation of Indians, on the tylissi sippi, near the site of the present town of Dubuque." In the journal of his "voyage" to the sources of the Mississip] in the years 1805 and 1806, Lieut. Zebulon M. Pike speaks of Julie Dubuque. He commences by saying: "Sailed from my encamj ment near St. Louis, at 4 o'clock P. M., on Friday, the 9th c August, 1805, with one sergeant, two corporals and seventeen pr vates, in a keel boat, 70 feet long, provisioned for four month: water very rapid. * * * First September, Sunday — Embarkf early; wind fair; arrived at the lead mines at 12 o'clock. * * We were saluted with a field piece and received with every mark c attention by Monsieur Dubuque, the proprietor. There were r horses at the house and it was six miles to where the mines wei worked; it was therefore impossible to make a report by actu inspection. I therefore proposed ten queries, on the answers 1 which my report was founded (see below). Dined with Mr. E who informed me that the Sioux and Sauteurs (Chippewas) wei as warmly engaged in opposition as ever; that not long since tl former killed fifteen Sauteurs, also on the 10th of August Sauteu: killed ten Sioux at the entrance of the St. Peter's; and that a w; party composed of the Sacs, Reynards and Puants (Winnebagoes of two hundred warriors, had embarked on an expedition again the Sauteurs, but that they had heard that the chief having had £ unfavorable dream, persuaded the party to return, and that I wou meet them on my voyage. At this place I was introduced to a chi< called the 'Raven of the Reynards.' He made a very flowery speec on the occasion, which I answered in a few words, accompanied by small present. I had now given up all hopes of my two men (wl had strayed away and become lost), and was about to embark, wh< a perogue arrived, in which they were, with a Mr. Blondeau at two Indians whom that gentleman had engaged above the rapids < Stony (Rock) river. The two soldiers had been six days witho anything to eat except muscles (clams), when they met Mr. Jam Aird, by whose humanity and attention their strength and spiri were in a measure restored, and they were enabled to reach tl Reynard village, where they met with Mr. B. The Indian chi furnished them with corn and shoes and showed his friendship 1 every possible attention. I immediately discharged the hire of ti Indians and gave Mr. Blondeau a passage to the Prairie Des Chier Left the lead mines at 4 o'clock." Having concluded their trip to the headwaters of the Mississip and been gone all winter, they returned down the river in the sprii of 1906. On the 15 th they passed through Lake Pepin. Th arrived at Prairie Des Chiens on the 18th. Here Pike dined wi Mr. Gampbell in company with Messrs. Wilmot, Blakely, Woe Rollet, Fisher, Frazer and Jearreau. "April 23, Wednesday — After closing my accounts, etc., at hi HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 37 past 12 o'clock left the prairie; at the lower end of it was saluted Ly seventeen lodges of the Puants. Met a, barge, by which I received a letter from my lady. Further on met one batteaux and one canoe of traders. Passed one trader's camp. Arrived at Mr. Dubuque's at 10 o'clock at night, found some traders encamped at the entrance with forty or fifty Indians; obtained some information from Mr. D. and requested him to write me on certain points. After we had boiled our victuals, I divided my men into four watches and put off — wind ahead. QUERIES PROPOSED TO MR. DUBUQUE WITH HIS ANSWERS. i. What is the date of your grant of the mines from the sav- ages? Answer : The copy of the grant is in Mr. Soulard's office at St. Louis. 2. What is the date of the confirmation by the Spaniards? Answer : The same as to query first. 3. What is the extent of your grant? Answer: The same as above. 4. What is the extent of the mines? Answer : Twenty-eight or twenty-seven leagues long and from one to three broad. 5. Lead made per annum? Answer: From 20,000 to 40,000 pounds. 6. Quantity of lead per cent of mineral? Answer: Seventy-five per cent. 7. Quantity of lead in pigs? Answer: All he makes, as he neither manufactures bar, sheet-lead, nor shot. "Dubuque remained in the uninterrupted possession of the said land from the time of its purchase from the Indians in 1788 until his death, which occurred in the month of March, 1810, during the whole of which time he worked the mines and cultivated a portion of the land. He died in possession and was buried upon the land on a high bluff near the present town of Dubuque; and so great was the veneration entertained for him by the Indians, that for many years after his death they kept a fire burning upon his grave and watched it by day and night. Pierre Chouteau, Jr., one of your petitioners, having been repeatedly urged by Dubuque to join him in business on the land aforesaid, left St. Louis in the spring of the year 1810 for the residence of Dubuque, where he intended to remain for some years at least. Upon his arrival he found that Dubuque had departed this life some few weeks before. Dubuque often spoke to the Indians of the expected arrival of his friend, the said Chouteau, and a short time before his death enjoined it upon them, as your peti- tioners are informed and believe, to receive and treat him as a friend. The chief of the said nation received the said Chouteau with every demonstration of respect and kindness, and informed him that it 38 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY was the request of Dubuque that he should take possession of 1 property and occupy his house. In compliance with that reque the said chief gave to the said Chouteau the immediate possessii of the home formerly occupied by Dubuque. He had freque conversations with the chiefs of the said nation relative to t claim of Dubuque to the said tract of land and was informed 1 them that he (Dubuque) was entitled to the same. The sa Chouteau did not remain all the time Upon the said land after r arrival in 1810, but continued to do business there until the coi mencement of the war of 1812, when he returned to St. Lou After the death of Dubuque, August Chouteau qualified as \ administrator and as such obtained an order from the probate cot of St. Charles county, in the Territory of Missouri, to sell t' interest of Dubuque in said lands for the payment of debts. T land was divided by the administrator into lots or parcels and so under the order aforesaid, when John P. Cobanne, Pierre Cho teau, Jr., William Russell and others became the purchasers. "Shortly after the treaty between the Sacs and Foxes and tl United States, concluded on the 21st of September, 1832 (by whi the former ceded to the United States a large tract of counti within the limits of which the Dubuque tract of land now claim' is situated), your petitioners took possession of such land and pr ceeded to erect houses upon and occupy the same in like mann as lands claimed under similar titles have always been occupi and held in the country ceded by France to the United States ai believed that they were under the protection of the law in so doirj and that the government of the United States would not distu them until it was ascertained that their title was invalid, or at ai rate, until some provision should be made for testing its validil But so far from doing this the extraordinary spectacle was exhibit of an ejectment by military force under an order of the secreta of war." William Wirt, attorney , general of the United States, express the opinion, February 14, 1825, concerning the removal by for of Mr. Henderson, one of the claimants under the Spanish tit "that it is not competent to the executive to remove him (Hend< son) by force under the Act of March 3, 1807, 'to prevent sett! ments being made on lands ceded to the United States until authc ized by law.' " "By the treaty of September 21, 1832, the Indians sold to t United States only such land as was 'rightfully claimed by the? for as they, at the treaty of November 3, 1804, did not only discla: the ownership, but expressly recognize the Dubuque claim as valid Spanish grant (the possession of which was then in Dubuque the United States acquired no title to that tract of land by t treaty aforesaid. Your petitioners having taken possession of sj land under and by virtue of a grant from the Spanish governme HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 39 were not intruders upon the public lands and ought not to have been so regarded and treated by the secretary of war" (see Senate Documents, 29th Congress, 2d session, Vol III, No. 218).. Finally, the Senate committee "are fully satisfied that justice demands that the report of the board of commissioners aforesaid should be approved and that the title to the said tract of land should be confirmed by the United States to the said Julien Dubuque, his heirs, assignees, or legal representatives; and in con- formity to these views they have reported a bill and recommended its passage." (March 3, 1847, see No. 218, Senate Documents, 29th Congress, 2d session, Vol. III). The Senate committee on public lands, on July 1, 1842, "thought it very obvious that the grant, permit, or concession, by whatever name it may be called of the Indians in council to Dubuque, was never intended by either of the parties to give any greater interest in the land or mines to Dubuque than a mere personal permit or privilege of working the mines as long as he pleased and of leaving them whenever he should think proper." They therefore concluded that the government preemption laws should apply to the Dubuque tract. In other words that settlers could preempt land there as on other land owned by the United States. (Senate Documents, Vol. V, 27th Congress, 2d session, No. 341.) The House of Representatives committee on public lands reported that they felt "assured that the Indians considered the privilege granted by them to Julien Dubuque as a personal privilege, from the fact that, as early as the year 1830, and previous to the cession by treaty of the land called the 'Black Hawk Purchase' to the United States (and which includes this tract of land) and while all of what is now comprised within the limits of the territory of Iowa belonged to the Indian tribes, divers persons crossed the Mississippi river and commenced mining upon this tract of land (the Dubuque claim) ; which occupancy was resisted and com- plained of by the Indians, and upon proper representations being made the government sent a military force to expel such persons, which was accomplished; and said military force was then sta- tioned at the place where now stands the town of Dubuque. After the making of the treaty of September 21, 1832 (the Black Hawk Purchase), and previous to the ratification thereof, the whites again crossed the river and commenced mining and making gardens in the vicinity of what is now the town of Dubuque. By the said treaty it was stipulated that the Indians were to retain possession of the lands so ceded until the 1st of June, 1833. To keep which stipulation inviolate the government again sent a military force to expel its citizens, which was as far as practicable effected; and that after the due ratification of the said treaty, to-wit: On the 1st day of June, 1833, said military force was withdrawn, and the 4o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY settlers were permitted, encouraged and invited by the governme to occupy said tract of land under the government." (See H. Docs., 27th Congress, 2d session, No. 894.) Those who petitioned Congress regarding the Dubuque cla and title in 1835-6 were Elizabeth Mullanphy, Octavia Mullanpl Ann Biddle, Mary Harney, William S. Harney, Bryan Mullanpl James Clemens, Jr., Eliza Clemens, R. Graham, Catherine Graha: Charles Chambers, Jane M. Chambers, Cerre Chouteau (in her o\ right and as executrix of Auguste Chouteau, deceased), E. Che teau, Henry Chouteau, Gabriel S. Chouteau, Aug'te P. Choute; (by Pr. Chouteau, Jr., attorney in fact). They had been dispc sessed of their property under this claim and asked to be restored the possession of their property until the title should be adjudicate In 1842 the citizens who had settled upon the Dubuque clai petitioned Congress to the following effect : That they had settl there after June 6, 1833, and were therefore entitled to the prr leges granted by the preemption laws ; that the privilege of maki: proof and payment for their homes under such laws was denied the by the register and receiver at Dubuque on the ground that the tn was reserved from sale as shown by a letter from the commission of the general land office dated April 4, 1839. The House coi mittee of Congress took the position "that the privilege given Julien Dubuque by the Indian tribes was the mere personal privile of hunting, mining, smelting, fishing, etc., within certain lim (twenty-one miles front upon the Mississippi river by nine mi] in depth) and was not intended to convey to him any further rig or privilege." The committee showed that the government h "not only on all proper occasions heretofore denied the validity such claim, but has since purchased this same tract of land frc the Indians. by treaty dated September 21, 1832, at Rock Islar and given through its agents to the settlers written permission reside on and occupy said tract of land and to work at the min thereon, to erect houses for their protection and enclose gardens f the support of the settlers, they paying to the agents of the Unit States for the benefit of the United States, certain proportions of t amount of mineral raised or lead ore smelted by them." For the and other reasons the committee reported a bill in favor of t relief prayed for by the petitioners. The Miners' Express of July 28, 1842, contained the report the committee on public lands in the United States Senate, to whe was referred a bill extending the right of preemption to settle etc., on the Dubuque claim, denying the validity of the claim, whi was accompanied by a bill providing that settlers might enter th< lands as if no claim existed ; that patents issued for lands so enter should be considered as a relinquishment of the title of the Unit States to the land ; but, if, at any future time the claim should declared valid by a proper tribunal and the patentee should HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 4" lawfully ejected, the purchase money should be refunded to the patentee. Much land in the county was unentered previous to March, 1847, owing to the Dubuque claim, but at this date Congress removed the difficulty and the land was thrown into market. Iowa, in the language of the Indians, means "the beautiful land." What is now Dubuque county was seen first by white men in 1673 ; in that year Joliet and Marquette passed down the Mississippi and may have landed in this county. Joliet was sent out on an expedi- tion to find the "great river" and a water route to the South Sea, as the Pacific ocean was then called, and Marquette was chosen to accompany him. The latter called the Mississippi "La Conception." Later La Salle called it "Colbert." In 1788 the Fox Indians pos- sessed the soil, the lands of the Sacs being farther down the river. In 1836-7 Congress ordered the town of Dubuque surveyed and platted, but this act did not remove the claim of Dubuque's heirs and for many years the land was kept out of market on this account. In Congress a strong delegation worked persistently in favor of the Dubuque-Chouteau claim. "Afterward when the lands were ordered to be sold and the proclamation of sale duly made, and when Iowa was unrepresented in that body, the United States Senate passed a resolution request- ing a withdrawal of the land from sale. This startled our people and Messrs. Hastings and Leffler, our representatives in Congress, were interviewed. They called upon the President and learned that the act of the Senate could not be disregarded; but they learned that if the House should pass a resolution ordering the sale, it would proceed. Mr. Hastings accordingly presented such a reso- lution in the House, whereupon a Missouri member violently pro- tested against it and raised such a commotion that when the vote was taken it was difficult to decide whether it was passed or not. The clerk thought it was lost and so entered it on his memorandum. At the adjournment Mr. Hastings (familiarly known as 'Old Red') went to him for a copy of the resolution. The clerk replied: 'I thought the resolution failed to pass.' He replied, 'No, sir, give me a certified copy to be handed to the President.' The clerk did so, the copy was presented to the President and the sale proceeded. This act of Mr. Hastings was one of more benefit to our city and county than any other single act in the history of our legislation. Had that sale not taken place at that time, it might never have taken olace, for the claim of Chouteau might have been confirmed by Congress and this confirmation would have depopulated the eastern half of this county, or if the sale had ever been made it would have been after years of delay, fraught with destruction to the prosperity of our city and county. After the public sale Mr. Chou- teau brought a suit against Mr. P. Maloney, one of our worthy citizens, to test the validity of his title, and the decision before 42 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY referred to was made by the United States Supreme court. Another temporary incubus upon the prosperity of our city and county was the attempt to take the mineral leads from our early miners by pretended government agents, who claimed to have authority to lease these lands. Certain adventurers procured such appointments and granted to their own secret agents and tools, leases of rich lodes discovered after much labor and expense by such men as Richard and Robert Waller, the Langworthys, Antoine Loire and many others and these pretended agents asked the judge here for an injunction to prevent all working of our mines without a license from him. The judge decided that the law authorizing this leasing did not apply to Iowa, whereupon the secretary of war, Mr. Spencer, wrote to the judge to prepare himself for a removal from office for the reason that the law did apply to that part of Iowa which was east of the Mississippi. Daniel Webster hearing of this, called upon Mr. Spencer, gave him a short lesson in geography and the judge was not removed." — (Judge Thomas S. Wilson in Herald of September 4, 1883). Comparatively little is known of Dubuque during the twenty-one years' residence here. So far as known no portrait of him is in existence; all such are purely imaginary and should have no place in history. Neither is it known that he had an Indian wife. Elipha- let Price, an early settler near here, said that one of Dubuque's employes told him that Dubuque had no Indian wife. If he had one what became of her after his death? If there were any children what became of them? Would not the wife and children have claimed his estate here and elsewhere? Not the slightest trace of them has ever been found. — (See Judge T. S. Wilson in Herald, February 6, 1887). Peosta was a Fox chief and a warrior of the Kettle Chief's Tribe. The name Pesota usually bestowed upon Dubuque's alleged Indian wife, seems to be a distortion of Peosta. Dubuque and nine other Frenchmen, it is said, came here in 1788. It would be interesting to know who his white companions were, how long they remained, the terms upon which they worked for him, etc. Dubuque wrote his name as it is now written ; he did not use a capital B. In French the name is written Debuc. — (See Herald, January 8, 1866.) At his death Dubuque was concealed on the bluff where his monument now stands ; his body was placed in a cave. In 1823 when this cave was opened, Mr. Langworthy, who was present, said the skeleton was yet there with the hat still on the head or skull. — (Miners' Express, September 18, 1850). It is said that the Indians for many years kept a fire burning at the cave or grave. His Indian name was "La Petit Nuit." The Great Washington of the Foxes, Kettle Chief, was buried on the same mound. On the cross at the grave is the following inscription in French. "Julien Dubuque Mineure De La Mine D'Espagne, Moret Le 24 Marse, 1810; Agee 45 y2 anne." — (Translation: Julien HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 43 Dubuque, Miner of the Mines of Spain, died the 24th of March, 1810, aged 45 years and 6 months). Dubuque was thus a young man when he came here — about twenty-four years old. Dubuque was a French Canadian born in the Province of Quebec, January 10, 1762, and was a mineralogist. At the age of twenty- two years he settled near Prairie du Chien and soon learned of the lead ore near the mouth of Catfish creek, where the Kettle Chief's village was located, containing about four hundred Indians. In 1788 he secured the right to work the mines. He opened stores, built smelting furnaces, bought furs, built houses and horse mills, opened gardens and farms, sold or traded goods and mined lead for market. From time to time he had Frenchmen to assist him and no doubt also Indian women and old men. He was doubtless good to the Indians, treated them fairly, taught them how to secure many comforts and become strong and it was no wonder they loved, respected and obeyed him. Twice a year he took a boat load of lead ore, furs and hides to St. Louis and returned with fresh goods, money and supplies of food, clothing and ammunition. The inscrip- tion on his grave, or cross, says that he died March 24, 1810, aged forty-five years and six months ; if so, he was born about September, 1764, instead of the date given above. A new impetus was given to the growth of Dubuque by the final settlement of the Dubuque claim. This settlement was practically made by Congress in 1846-7. The President by proclamation adver- tised the lands for sale, whereupon the Senate presented a resolution asking for a postponement of the sale, but this was prevented by an Iowa member, who asked that there be no postponement unless upon petition of the settlers. This passed and was sanctioned by the President. Previous to 1846-7 all titles at Dubuque were con- sidered uncertain. Many pioneers refused to settle here. All who settled prepared their affairs so as to meet the Dubuque claims in case his heirs won. Dubuque was thus crippled for years. In 1847 the growth was large as a consequence of the Congressional act of 1846-7. Over 150 buildings were erected in Dubuque from March 1, 1847, to December 1 ; a majority were brick. When the case of Chouteau vs. Maloney (the Dubuque claim case) was called in the Supreme court of the United States in December, 1853, every member of the Iowa delegation in Congress was present. The case was concluded in January, 1854. Judge Thomas S. Wilson, of Dubuque, first addressed the Court and upheld the views of Albert Gallatin. He was followed by Mr. Carmack, who assailed the views of Gallatin and upheld the justice of the old Senate committee report. Piatt Smith spoke, as did Judge Wilson ; so did Attorney General Cushing. The whole Pierce administration favored the Iowa contention. Briefly the points made by Judge Wilson were as follows : 1 . The Indians could not and did not sell the land, as it belonged to Spain. 2. Dubuque 44 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY had only peaceable possession and not full proprietorship. 3. Tr bounds were indefinite. 4. Carondelet only gave permission t work the mines, as his language was not such as was usually use in making land grants, and no process verbal nor order of surve accompanied his order. 5. Carondelet had no authority to mat such a sale or grant. 6. If Carondelet had such power, he coul give only an inchoate and imperfect title — one that would ava nothing in a court of law. 7. There must be a compliance wit Spanish law and there was not in this case, and therefore no sal was meant. 8. The land was acquired from France in 1803 an from the Indians in 1832 ; Congress had authorized the sale to tr settlers, had recognized their preemption rights and had given thei patents to their tracts of land; would the government now reven all this, and exclude the thousands of settlers? Justice Wayr delivered the unanimous opinion of the Supreme court in favor c the settlers. On February 28, 1854, there was received here telegram that the Dubuque case had been decided in favor of low; Immediately an impromptu celebration was held; the cannon w< fired, bells were rung and all congratulated each other on the ou come and the good news. Thus at last this vexatious case w; settled forever. Dubuque county has little Indian history, because the tribes wei removed before the arrival of the 'pioneers. The early settle] found the usual artificial mounds which doubtless were thrown u by the Indians and not by the Mound Builders proper. Several c these mounds stood originally where Dubuque's monument no- stands. "One opened in Dubuque county disclosed a vault divide into three cells. In the center one were found eight skeletons sittin in a circle and in the center of the group was a drinking vess< made from a sea shell. The whole chamber was covered with lo| preserved in cement." One mile northeast of Dyersville, on sectic 29, township 89 north, range 2 west, were formerly a group c Indian mounds — nine in all, seven circular and two embankment Originally the Dakota family of Indians possessed what is no Iowa. In this family were the Iowa, Omaha, Winnebago, Mascoi tin, Otoe, Sisseton and other tribes. Farther south were the Illinoi Fox, Chippewa, Attouays, Pottawattomie and other tribes of tl great Algonquin family. In the fierce wars between the two fam lies the Sacs and Foxes gained possession of what is now Dubuqi county and were found here by the first white men. Dubuqi secured his grant from the Foxes, and lived with them until h death. A large Fox village of sixty to seventy bark and log dwel ings stood on the present site of Dubuque, and nearby in the valh were the Indian corn, bean and pumpkin fields. Before the whit' came, the Sioux, it is related, were attacked on the bluff abo two hundred yards below the mouth of Catfish creek, on the fir bluff below the one on which stands Dubuque's monument, by HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 45 large band of Sacs and Foxes. In the rush they endeavored to drive the mounted Sioux over the bluff. Many were forced over the steep bank and the Sioux were defeated in the end. As a proof of this battle the first settlers found at the bottom of the bluff, on the east side, many Indian skeletons, more or less disjointed, scattered around for a considerable distance. Bones of Indians and horses could be seen there as late as twenty or thirty years ago. During the fight, it is related, a Sioux leaped his horse down the north side, which was not so steep, and escaped, from that circumstance the bluff has been known as Horse Bluff. The date of this battle is not known, but was before August 19, 1825, at which date a treaty removed the Sioux permanently farther northward. The Horse Shoe Bluff there is named from the shape of the small valley. In 1832 the Sacs, Foxes and Winnebagoes ceded a large tract, including Dubuque county, to the United States government for the consideration of $20,000 per annum for thirty years ; $50,000 to be paid to Indian traders; 6,000 bushels of corn, fifty barrels of flour; thirty barrels of pork; thirty-beef cattle, and twelve bushels of salt. Late in May, 1838, a few wandering and dissipated Winnebago Indians came down the river and camped on an island opposite the lower end of town. A night or two later a few roughs from Dubuque went there for dishonorable purposes and were resisted by the braves and squaws, during which a squaw was mortally wounded. She was buried by the people of Dubuque and the roughs were pursued and punished. Several were wounded in the struggle. One of the roughs escaped. Joseph Ducoste, who was charged with the murder of the squaw, Se-a-co, broke jail at Dubuque in June, 1838, and Sheriff Cummings offered a reward of $50 for his arrest. "Indians About. — A company of about forty Indians of the Pottawattomie tribe were encamped at Table Mound, near this city, during last week. We understand they were a little amusing to the people in that neighborhood. In a drunken frolic they had three of their horses killed. Those that visited the city were fine looking, well-dressed Indians." — (Miners' Express, June 6, 1849.) "We were amused at the antics of a party of Pottawattomie Indians who were allowed to ride backwards on the tender. They evidently thought it great sport as they whooped and hallooed until they rivaled the neigh of the iron steed. But the shriek of that animal evidently took them down some — or up rather, as one fellow jumped three feet into the air when the engineer let the whistle loose." — E. & H., June 4, 1855). CITY OF DUBUQUE, 1788 TO 1849. SO FAR as known, Julien Dubuque and his French companion were the first white persons to reside permanently in what i now Dubuque county, Iowa. They came here probably i 1788 and began to work the lead mines, and Dubuque, at leasi lived here more or less continuously until his death in 18 10. Afte the latter date until 1827, it is not probable that any white person resided permanently here, though doubtless, in spite of the fact tha the Indian title was not extinguished and the Indians themselve were hostile to such advances, white explorers from the older Galen and Wisconsin districts, invaded cautiously this county with the ob ject of settlement when the lands should be secured by treaty am thrown into market. It is also known that white traders resided mor or less permanently on the islands in front of Dubuque from 1810 b 1830. The period from 1827 to 1832 has thus been called th period of exploration when white men on the east side of th Mississippi invaded the wilds west of the river to select homes wit! the view of early future settlement. This invasion was doubtles one of the sequences of the Indian treaties of 1804, 1818, 1824, etc. which forecast the speedy acquirement by the government of land west of the river. Many who afterward became permanent resi dents of this county made explorations during this period; amon them were James L. Langworthy, Lucius H. Langworthy, Jame McPeters, E. M. Wren, Samuel Scales, George W. Jones, Thoma McCraney, Anton Loire and others. A party of ladies and gentlemen from Galena celebrated th Fourth of July, 1828, at the mouth of Catfish creek, Dubuqu county. This was probably the first time in what is now Iowa tha the flag was raised and that day celebrated. In 1832 another part from Galena celebrated the same day at the same place. — (Herald November 2, 1865.) George W. Jones came here to trade with the Indians as early a 1828; he then resided at Sinsinawa Mound. In order to conve; his ox team and cart across the river, he lashed two canoes or othe boats together and then put his whole outfit on board and all wer ferried over by the Indians. He obtained lead and gave mone' and goods therefor. The Langworthys and a dozen other men wh< afterward became settlers here were thus engaged, several of then as early as 1827. Some times they dealt with the traders on th 46 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 47 islands and sometimes directly with the Indians. It is said that one or more of Dubuque's French companions resided here or on the islands until 1826. When the first explorers arrived they found a large village was still standing silent, solitary and deserted, at the mouth of Catfish creek. Every Indian had vanished. About seventy buildings, con- structed with poles and the bark of trees, were all that remained. The council house, though rude, was large and contained a great number of furnaces where kettles had been placed to prepare the feasts of peace or war. On the inner surfaces of the bark of the council house were paintings of elks, buffaloes, bears, panthers and other animals. Even their sports, feasts and fights were thus repre- sented. Here seemed to be a rude record of their history. The whole place was destroyed by fire in the summer of 1830 by some visitors in a spirit of vandalism, much to the regret of the first settlers. The treaty with the Sacs and Foxes by which what is now Dubuque county became open to settlement, was concluded Sep- tember 2, 1832, and took effect in June, 1833. No sooner was it learned that the treaty had been concluded than miners, adventurers, explorers, families and homeseekers generally began to cross the river in order to secure first choice of permanent locations. This fact reaching the knowledge of the authorities caused orders to be issued to the soldiers at Prairie du Chien to remove all such per- sons ; whereupon Lieutenants Gardonnier, Abercrombie, Wilson and Davis (the latter becoming afterwards President of the Southern Confederacy), came to what is now Dubuque and compelled the invaders to re-cross to the east side, though many went no farther than the islands in the middle of the river, where traders had sojourned for many years. Being fully convinced that the treaty would soon be confirmed, the settlers returned when the soldiers lost their vigilance or were withdrawn. The result was that a score or more of permanent settlers made their claims in Dubuque county late in 1832 and early in 1833. After the spring of 1833 the sol- diers did not longer seriously molest the settlers here. Some score or more of the first settlers date their settlement here from 1832, because they came then and went away temporarily only because the soldiers compelled them to go. The chief object of the first settlers was to work the lead mine9 and incidentally to secure tracts of land advantageously situated. By the spring of 1834 the village contained 300 inhabitants — set- tlers, miners and temporary residents. In the spring of 1833 the first log cabin was built near where Finn's old tavern afterward stood. During this year Milo H. Prentice became the first postmaster and the first sermons — Protestant and Catholic — were preached. In 1833 also Robert Read established a farm on what afterward became the W. G. Stewart place in Dubuque township. Hosea T. Camp, 48 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY whose daughter married John Palmer, brought the first family to reside here permanently in 1833. In June P. Weigel brought his family; three of the children are yet living in Dubuque. Rev. Erastus Kent, Presbyterian, of Galena, and Rev. Burton Randall, Methodist, held services here in 1833. The first raft of lumber was brought down the river by James H. and Ezekiel Lockwood in 1833. Mrs. Camp and Mrs. Susan F. Dean, later Mrs. Law- rence, were the first women to come here for permanent residence — 1833- In May, 1833, Patrick Quigley arrived in Dubuque. The cabins or shanties were so few that for the first two or three months he was obliged to sleep out of doors more than half of the time. In August he moved into his own house, which had neither doors nor windows. The first flurry of snow late in autumn obliged him to enclose his quarters. He was the first justice of the peace in Dubuque and received his commission from Governor Horner of Michigan territory. The next year the first hotel was built — Bell Tavern — partly of logs — and stood a few rods north of where the Julien House is now located. The houses then were few, poor and huddled together. The growth of the place this year (1833) was rapid. In 1834 the town did not advance in population and appear- ance as rapidly as it had in 1833. Many who had come here to mine, left, not meeting with success. Others were perhaps fright- ened away by the cholera which appeared here. A Methodist chapel was built this year, and a Catholic cathedral of stone in 1835. The masons and carpenters who worked upon it charged $5 per day. Saloons were numerous and nearly everybody drank. In the summer of 1834 a public meeting was held and attempts were made to change the name of Dubuque to that of Washington. The former had been adopted by common consent and not by any formal act of the inhabitants or the authorities. However, it was not thought wise to change the name, as the place had already become widely known as Dubuque. In 1834, the Fourth of July was celebrated on Bee branch. Simon Clark was the orator and Clark and Lucius H. Langworthy sang the "Star Spangled Banner." On May 18, 1834, Rev. Burton Randall became regular pastor of the Methodist church which had been organized the year before ; he preached in a log building which stood on the present site of the Julien House. The first church was a log structure, which stood where Washington Park now is. By act of June 28, 1834, Congress attached the Black Hawk Purchase to Michigan territory, and on September 8, 1834, the Legislature of Michigan territory formed the two counties — Des Moines and Dubuque. Thus, prior to 1834, Dubuque may be said to have had no law, but it was not altogether lawless. It was a typical mining town, with dram shops where armed men congregated to drink and fight. Although it is usual to attempt to make the village previous to 1834 appear intensely HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 49 wild and wicked, it was not so in reality, because the lawless were held in check by men like the Langworthys McCraney, John King, Milo H. Prentice and others, who united to secure good order and morals and were immensely aided by the first ministers and the first religious congregations. But moral suasion was supplemented by a set of orders or resolutions drawn up by John King and adopted by the citizens as a guide of law and order to serve until the usual courts could be set in operation. A young man named Wheeler was tarred and feathered in Dubuque in the spring of 1834. He had been engaged by the citi- zens to take an insane person to his father in Illinois. Upon his return he was charged with having pocketed most of the subscription and with having left the insane man in destitution down the river. Wheeler declared he was innocent and asked his accusers to write to the father of the insane man; but they refused, tarred and feath- ered and dumped him out of town. A little later the citizens received a letter from the father of the insane man requesting them to thank Mr. Wheeler for the care and attention given his son on the journey down the river. After that not a person who had preferred the charges against Wheeler or was concerned in his tarring escapade could be found. In order to get a fight it was only necessary to charge someone with participation in the outrage. — (Eliphalet Price in Herald, July 13, 1865.) "The population almost without exception was of the roughest sort, being composed mostly of miners, whose amusements con- sisted in gambling and drunken frolics on the most villainous whisky. A miner would work until he had accumulated sufficient for a spree and until cleaned out at keeno or some other game he alternated between drunk and drunker — between drunk enough to howl and fight, or too drunk to do either. The standard of morality was infinitely low; the taking of life or any other species of crime was regarded less a wrong than a pastime. Acts of extreme law- lessness, however, were rare, for there was a regular system of organization among the miners by which was administered a set of laws with inflexible impartiality. The streets such as they were presented different aspects than at present. Then a ragged Sac or Dacotah, blending in his presence the savage dignity of the red man and the unsteady evolutions of a modern top-heavy civilization and barbarity trying to affiliate. A half dozen miners — fierce in unkempt locks and ragged beards, eyes glaring and bloodshot, swaying with unsteady pace from shop to shop, going from bad whisky to worse and varying the performance by an occasional fight." — (Early description of Dubuque, Herald, April 17, 1859.) During the winter of 1835-6 a small band of Sacs and Winne- bagoes encamped on an island in front of the town, killed one of their number — a large man — and left him, terribly mutilated, lying on the ice. It was thought he was killed for cruelty to his squaw. 5o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY This circumstance was narrated at a later day by Rev. H. W. Reed, who came to Dubuque in 1835. At that time he was the only Protestant minister in this region. His cabin stood eight or nine miles west of Dubuque and was built of round logs, with a single three-light window with oil paper for glass. The roof was so poor that during storms pans were used to catch the water running through. There his first child was born and there it died. On Sundays he traveled eight miles to the bluffs to preach to the miners at 9 o'clock ; then at 1 1 o'clock he preached in the village below the bluffs; at 3 o'clock at Peru, and in the evening again at Dubuque. At Peru there was no church building and on two occasions he preached in gambling rooms. He preached occasionally at Durango. Card playing was a favorite amusement — Sundays and week days. It was about 1836 that the local paper here advertised for a min- ister— "One who can reason, preach, sing and enforce the fourth commandment." At the close of 1835 the population of Dubuque was estimated at 1,000. The people were then described by Lieut. A. M. Lee in his "Notes on Wisconsin" as exceedingly active and enterprising, carry- ing on a brisk and lucrative mineral trade and supplying the miners with the necessaries and comforts of life. When the territory of Wisconsin was set off in July, 1836, it was thought that Dubuque, owing to its central location, might become the seat of government. Belmont and Madison competed with it for this honor and Belmont won. The final struggle between Madison and Dubuque was earnest and exciting. The speeches of the Dubuque members of the Legis- lature were effective and eloquent. Patrick Quigley was one of them. He compared the founding of cities here with those in Europe and said, "They traversed the Caspian, the Black and the Mediterranean seas and founded their Constantinople, their Car- thage and their Rome, not as gentlemen are attempting to raise Madison in a wilderness of swamps, but where there were good and commodious harbors and "where commerce and population invited." The slowness of travel is shown by the following extract taken from the Visitor of October 19, 1836 : "A goodly number of the Visitors left Dubuque on the 14th of September for Chillicothe, Ohio, but after traveling as far as Indianapolis, Indiana, became worn out and being destitute of covering returned to Dubuque. We have again dressed them in a new livery, put them into an old worn-out, two- horse stage — (we like uniformity), and cautioned them to keep the driver from using them as a seat (which is the common practice), and they would probably see their friends in Chillicothe in time to receive their New Year's gift." In the autumn of 1836 a weekly mail was established between Dubuque and Fort Des Moines. Previous to that year no surveys had been made here, except by private citizens, who were aided by subscription. Among these private surveys was one by George W. HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 51 Harrison, who laid off between twenty and thirty blocks in the central part of the city. In 1836 Gen. George W. Jones, congress- man, secured a grant of the section, which then constituted the town. By this act public surveys were made and the town was laid off in lots and outlots, the proceeds of the latter to be devoted to the improvement of the former. In an oration, July 4, 1836, W. W. Coriell, in speaking of the struggle between Madison and Dubuque for the capital, said : "Only three years have elapsed since the white man came into possession of the country in which Dubuque is situated, and already, including the county of Des Moines, it is estimated that we number more than twelve thousand inhabitants on the west side of the Mississippi, being about one-half of the population of the whole country of Wisconsin. Our town and its immediate vicinity has doubtless a population of two thousand industrious and enterprising citizens as any to be found in the broad extent of the United States. Dubuque, from its commanding situation, being easy of access from any point, from the fertility of the soil and the vast mineral resources of the country in its vicinity, from the number of its population, being greater than that of any other town in the territory, may well aspire to be the capital." — (Visitor, July, 1836.) The first child born here was Susan Ann McCraney, who mar- ried John S. Barnes. A Mrs. Butterfield, aged no years, died here about 1850. David Stiles, aged 106, died in 1871. George Cubbage taught school in 1833. Catholic services were held at the residence of Patrick Quigley late in 1833. A Mr. Fox died in 1833 — the first ; he was probably the first person buried in the old cemetery at Jackson square. Ira Williams, Warner Lewis and Patrick Quigley were the first justices — 1834 and 1835. On March 9, 1834, the first temperance meeting was held. In August, 1834, a meeting to sup- press vice and to expel gamblers and other bad characters was held. In November, 1836, William A. Burt made the first county surveys; he was the inventor of the solar compass. The first brick house was built by Leroy Jackson in 1837. Alexander Levi was the first alien to receive naturalization papers — 1837. Saloons were closed for the first time on Sunday in August, 1835. George W. Jones made the first political speech in 1835. George Zollicoffer made the first wine from native grapes in 1834. In 1836 there were very few buildings north of Fifth street. At Locust and Sixth were two frame buildings which were torn down in 1873. At the corner of Fifth and Locust was the Visitor in a log house. Sixth street was once called Church because it led to the old log church at what is now Washington square. The original Athenaeum was built in 1840 by Emerson and Crider at Sixth and Main. Here the Express and later the Herald were issued; this was called "Democratic Corner." In 1846 it became the Key City hotel. In 1863 it was transformed into the Athenaeum by W. G. 52 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY Stewart and the public hall therein became famous. Here the the- atrical stars of the country appeared — Sallie St. Claire, Anna Bishop, Edwin Forrest, Lawrence Barrett, Edwin Adams, James E. Murdock, J. W. Wallack, Jr., Daniel Marble, J. B. Rice, Julia Dean, J. B. Booth, W. J. Florence, John Wilkes Booth, E. A. Sothern and others, and here appeared also, under the auspices of the Young Men's Association, Wendell Phillips, J. G. Holland, Horace Greeley, Victoria Woodhull, Anna E. Dickinson, Stephen A. Douglas, E. T. Youmans, B. F. Taylor, L. Agassiz, H. W. Beecher, the Hutchin- sons, Adelina Patti, Ole Bull, and others. On May n, 1836, the Dubuque Visitor, the first newspaper in Iowa, and the first west of the Mississippi and north of St. Louis, made its appearance in Dubuque. It was edited by John King, who was assisted in June by William C. Jones, and from the start by Andrew Keesecker. Its motto was, "Truth Our Guide — The Public Good Our Aim." It was issued at "Dubuque Lead Mines, Wisconsin Territory," and was printed by Mr. Jones on a Smith press which was afterward used on the early newspapers at Mineral Point, Wisconsin ; St. Paul, Minnesota, and Sioux Falls, Dakota. The Visitor was first located at Church and Main streets, the former being then a street between Fourth and Fifth. It was a two-story log building, 20x25 feet, erected in 1834 by Pascal Mallet for a residence. In October, 1836, King claimed nearly 1,000 subscribers for the Visitor. In about six months the office was removed to the east side of Main street, just above the Globe building. In 1837 the name was changed to Iowa News and the office was changed to the east side of Locust street near Fifth and there remained until discontinued about 1842. The material for the Visitor in 1836 was obtained at Cincinnati. Both Jones and Keesecker wrote articles for the Visitor. The latter set the first type in the territory ; he continued to set type in Dubuque until his death in 1870. King and Keesecker were Democrats, but Jones was a Whig. Later the latter went to New Orleans and finally to California, where he died in 1867. King was a Virginian and came to Dubuque in 1833, and from the start bore a prominent and useful part in the development of the city and county. He was justice of the peace in 1835, was postmaster about 1839; assisted Plumbe in promoting the first Pacific railway in 1836; was a mem- ber of the city council from 1854 to 1866, and at his death in 1871 was paid great honor by an immense concourse of citizens. The old graveyard was laid out before the act of Congress was passed, which provided for a survey of the town of Dubuque in 1836. Before that date the citizens had taken possession of the tract, buried their dead there and placed around it a good fence. An act of Congress sanctioned the lots already surveyed, occupied and improved. "From 500 to 800 head of stock cattle might be advantageously HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 53 disposed of at this place." — (Visitor, May 11, 1836.) "Artisans of almost every description are needed at Dubuque and would find immediate employment at good wages, particularly brickmakers and masons." — (Visitor, May 11, 1836.) Great improvements were made in 1836 and early in 1837; streets were straightened, cut down, leveled and drained. "Congress accordingly passed an act on July 2, 1836, giving the inhabitants of Dubuque and other towns in Wisconsin named in the act, pre-emption rights to the town lots occupied and improved by them, so that title by occupation and improvement will be per- fectly good. . . . There is no Spanish or French grant to lands at or near Dubuque. The claim of the heirs of Dubuque and Chouteau is but a baseless fabric which was decided upon by Albert Gallatin when that gentleman was at the head of the Treasury Department and declared to have no validity. It appears, from the papers in that case that Julien Dubuque was only a tenant at will of the Fox Indians by the permission of the governor of Louisiana and held by no tenure which ever could entitle his heirs or assigns to the fee simple. Dubuque died in 1810 and the country which he occupied was abandoned to the Foxes in 18 12 and not again settled upon until the year 1832." — (Iowa News, June 17, 1837.) Early in 1836 the citizens were informed by George W. Jones, their delegate to Congress, that if they would prepare a petition to that effect he would cause the sale of the public lots in Dubuque and the expenditure of the proceeds upon the harbor. This petition was duly prepared and forwarded. Great complaint was made against the irregularities of the mail, which, according to contract, should have been conveyed three times a week between Galena, Dubuque and Peru, as shown by the following : "The mail that was due on Wednesday last came the next day and the carrier, fatigued with his extraordinary exertion, leaving his mail bag in town, took a small jaunt into the country by way of recreation and did not return until the next day; consequently our papers and letters were detained from Galena twenty-four hours. The mail was due again on Sunday, but the carrier being probably conscientiously opposed to traveling on that day, it did not come until brought by a steamboat passenger on Monday. The variety of times in which the mail makes its trips is only equaled by the variety of means used in its conveyance. It comes on horseback, in wagons, big and little, in carriages, occasionally in stages, and not infre- quently in order to have an easy trip, is retained at Galena for the arrival of a steamboat; and sometimes, to save trouble and expense, it waits till next time." — (Visitor, May 18, 1836.) Thomas Graffort kept the Washington hotel at Oak and Locust streets. At a citizens' meeting it was "Resolved, That the persons who first selected the present place of burial be a committee to lay 54 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY off and superintend the fencing of this piece of ground, viz. : James L. Langworthy, Thomas McCraney and Hosea T. Camp." John Ewing, Hosea T. Camp and James Smith were appointed to collect subscriptions to defray the expense. It was asked at this time, why not remove the graveyard to the bluffs back of town? Another meeting was held in July, 1836, to consider the proposition of "cut- ting a canal through the isthmus." James L. Langworthy, Hiram Loomis and James Cox were appointed a committee to cali for pro- posals to cut a canal that should "connect the main slough with the bayou — sixty feet wide at the top, forty feet at the bottom, an average of six feet deep and 1,600 feet long. "The tide of emigration is pouring in upon us an immense number of families this spring. Every steamboat from below is crowded with passengers. We have had twenty-five different arrivals by sixteen different steamboats, as follows : Galenian — Captain Rogers ; Wisconsin, Du Buque, Olive Branch, Heroine, Banner — Captain Dickerson; Cavalier — Captain Patterson; Missouri, Fulton, Palmyra — Captain Cole; Warrior — Captain Gleim; Far West, Envoy, Frontier — Captain Harris ; Quincy — Captain Cameron, and others." — {Visitor, 1836.) The congressional act of July 2, 1836, for laying out Dubuque and Peru made the following requirements: That lots and streets previously laid out should be properly observed ; town lots to be not more than half an acre and outlots not over four acres each; lots to be offered at public sale within six months ; no town lot to be sold for less than $5 ; the lots to be divided into three classes according to relative value ; persons who had complied with the law as regards claims and improvements to have first chance to buy their lots ; no person could buy more than four acres unless he had made actual improvements thereon; "that a quantity of land of proper width on the river banks of the towns of Dubuque and Peru and running with the river the whole length of said towns shall be reserved from sale (as shall also the public squares) for public use and remain forever for public use as public highways and for other public uses." The grant at Dubuque embraced a section of land and the original survey was made by G. W. Harrison. In August, 1837, Thomas S. Wilson resigned as trustee and John Plumbe, Jr., became his suc- cessor. Thomas C. Fassett was elected president of the board. The act of March 3, 1837, provided for the laying out of Dubuque and Peru by commissioners. The congressional act of July 2, 1836, provided for surveying the lots and streets of Fort Madison, Burlington, Bellevue, Dubuque, Peru and Mineral Point, and $3,000 was appropriated to cover the expense. On March 3, 1837, an amendatory act was passed by which three commissioners were appointed to hear all evidence under the claims made pursuant to the act of July 2, 1836. The act of March 3, 1839, provided that said commissioners should be paid HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 55 $6 per day for their services. The latter act made it the duty of the register and receivers to expose and sell the lots provided for by the act of July 2, 1836. The act further provided that the receivers should pay over any residue to the town authorities. The following amounts were received by the receivers : Mr. McKnight received for lots sold in Dubuque $5,573.26; Dr. S. Langworthy, $1,200.90; Col. George McHenry, $34.70; Major Mobley, nothing. Of the receipts $3,000 went at once to the commissioners for surveying the towns mentioned in the act — six towns. The sum of $1,404 was applied to the survey of Dubuque, which sum was deemed too large — nearly one-half of the whole. Nearly complete settlements were made by 1847. The Fourth of July, 1836, was elaborately celebrated. Hiram Loomis was chairman and W. W. Coriell, secretary, of the meeting called to make arrangements. Ezekiel Lockwood was marshal of the day ; D. Gillilan, assistant marshal ; Rev. S. Mazzuchelli, chap- lain; M. H. Prentice, reader of the Declaration; W. W. Coriell, orator; Dr. S. Langworthy was president of the day and Patrick Quigley, J. M. Harrison, Dr. Timothy Mason and W. C. Jones, vice presidents. Toasts were offered by Dr. Langworthy, Rev. Mazzuchelli, W. W. Coriell, Patrick Quigley, James McCabe, John King, Augustus Coriell, Leroy Jackson, J. M. Harrison, David Sleator, William Blake, M. H. Prentice, S. W. Masters, W. B. Green, William Cardiff, J. H. Swan, Eli Chittenden, A. Morgan, Charles Corkery, B. F. Davis of Peru, William Hutton, Ezekiel Lockwood, Michael Norton, E. G. Chittenden, W. Vance, Cyrus Harper, William Allen, H. W. Sanford, Davis Gillilan, William C. Jones, Peter Davis, W. W. Chapman, David Sleator, D. F. Blythe, T. C. Fassett, Capt. Francis Gehon, John King and Warner Lewis. R. C. Bourne, P. A. Lorimier, Dr. F. Andross, P. Samuels, Hosea T. Camp, Edward White, John Ewing, L. Wheeler, John Loraine, Hiram Loomis, Thomas Fassett and others were also present. On November 30, 1836, the Miners' Bank of Dubuque was char- tered with a capital of $200,000, the subscribers being Ezekiel Lock- wood, Francis Gehon, John King, William Myers, Lucius H. Lang- worthy, E. M. Bissell, Robert D. Sherman, William W. Coriell and Simon Clark ; they were authorized to sell the stock. In October, 1836, Dubuque contained about 1,200 population; it had three churches, two or three schools, fifty stores of all kinds, including shops; fifty-five dwellings, one warehouse built in 1836, and was spread over four principal streets and seven cross streets — approximately from First to Seventh and from Locust to Clay. The number of votes polled in October, 1836, was 621 in Dubuque village and over 1,000 in Dubuque county. The original survey of the village embraced thirty-five blocks which were subdivided into 220 town lots. Among the business men in 1836 were D. Gillilan, dry goods ; F. K. O'Ferrall, real estate ; O'Ferrall & Cox, merchan- 56 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY dise ; A. Levi & Co., groceries and provisions ; John M. Davis, tailor ; Dubuque Tavern, Jeremiah Penix, proprietor ; L. Bruly, boot and shoe maker; W. M. Baker & Co., liquors; E. Lockwood, merchan- dise; Philip C. Morheiser, sign painter; William Myers, merchan- dise; Emerson & Crider, merchandise; Timothy Mason & Co., drugs; Wheeler & Loomis, merchandise ; George S. Nightingale, merchan- dise; Dr. R. Murray; C. H. Gratiot, merchandise; Fassitt & Sher- man, merchandise; Quigley & Butterworth, groceries; Baptiste LaPage, confections ; Sleator & Swoker, merchandise ; John Regan & Co., merchandise; Gartrell & Dougherty, liquors, groceries, hard- ware, etc. ; R. C. Bourne, groceries ; S. C. Parish, bakery, confec- tionery; Swan, Webster & Co., merchandise; McClay & Bellows, merchandise ; F. B. Everett, merchandise ; John Amer, merchandise ; H. L. Massey & Co., merchandise. In November, 1836, a weekly mail between Dubuque and Des Moines was established. In 1836 Congress appropriated $40,000 for the improvement of the Mississippi above St. Louis. In 1836, so rapidly was the town growing and so improved were local condi- tions and business, that the citizens organized as the Wisconsin Hotel Company and attempted to raise $20,000 by subscription for a mammoth brick hotel that should fittingly represent the importance of the place. The hotel was to be located on Main street on lots bought of Mr. Allen at a cost of $2,000. Loomis, Sleator and King were the committee to oversee all arrangements. In August of this year E. C. Dougherty kept New House hotel on Locust near the Catholic church. The rapid growth was checked in the fall of 1836, because the necessary building material could not be obtained, though the stress was partly relieved by the rafts of boards and shingles brought down from Wisconsin by Ezekiel Lockwood. In the fall of 1836 William Hale, of Peru, brought from Shawneetown, 111., a drove of about twenty milk cows which he quickly sold to the settlers at $27.50 per head. Chauncey Swan & Company operated a distillery on Catfish creek two miles southwest of Dubuque. David Sleator began work on a sawmill at Eagle Point late in 1836. Settlers were pouring into the new lands on the west side of the rivers. In 1836 about fifty families from Phila- delphia and a large colony from Ohio crossed and settled in the open country to the westward. "Dubuque's Mines" was the name of the postoffice. M. H. Prentice was continued as postmaster. In June, 1836, a meeting was called for the purpose of forming a library association. At this date a Mr. Turner lectured here on "Temperance." The Visitor said, "As heretofore we will be glad to receive also Sucker paper and N. Biddle." The editor was a Democrat and was making fun of the paper money of Illinois and of the national banks. Nicholas Biddle was at that date president of the national bank which was opposed by Presidents Jackson and Van Buren and all other Democrats. Already, in 1836, a canal to HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 57 connect the main shore of the river with the steamboat landing on the inner slough was discussed and projected. It was found neces- sary to dig one-third of a mile and through the "isthmus." The step was deemed necessary for two principal reasons: 1. Boats could come up to the business part of town ; 2. a current would be formed through Lake Peosta and the canal and would drain the inner and other sloughs. The first election of trustees of the town of Dubuque was held April 1, 1837, and the following board was chosen : William Myers, Thomas S. Wilson, Charles Miller, Thomas C. Fassett and Timothy Fanning. Mr. Wilson was chosen president of the board ; Charles Corkery, clerk; Patrick Quigley, town treasurer; Philip C. Mor- heiser, marshal and collector, and Ezekiel C. Dougherty, assessor. After the election the first regular business was the passage of the following resolutions : Resolved, That for the purpose of removing the obstructions from the slough of the river next to the town of Dubuque and for rendering it navigable for steamboats, that the president and trustees of said town borrow such sums of money as may be deemed neces- sary to effect those objects, which money will be repaid as soon as a sufficient sum shall be in the town treasury. Resolved, That a committee be formed whose duty it shall be to carry into effect the objects embraced in the foregoing resolution, to employ men and to superintend the work, and whose further duty it shall be to change the course of the water from the ravine near Mr. Lorimier's house to a channel more direct towards the river. Messrs. Fanning, Miller and Fassett were appointed such com- mittee and later made report that instructions had been carried out so far as the high water would permit. Regular ordinances for the government of the town were then passed at subsequent meetings — defining officers' duties ; penalties for breaches of ordinances ; regu- lating the police ; to prevent running horses, etc. ; fines and forfeit- ures ; authorizing citizens to furnish fire buckets and ladders and to form themselves into a fire company. At. the meeting of May 6, 1837, the first steps to raise revenue by taxation were taken; ten days later the revenue ordinance was passed. Another early ordinance provided for the due observance of the Sabbath. Still others defined and marked the boundaries of the town, location of streets, etc. ; regulated wharves and steam- boats ; gave Alexander Butterworth and George Strasser permission to keep a "butchering yard or slaughtering pen within the limits of the town," etc. Upon June 24, 1837, after further consideration, the trustees concluded to take no further action concerning the streets, in view of the fact that the commissioners appointed by the President of the United States to survey and lay off the town were then at work. On June 26 W. W. Chapman, lawyer, was employed for $50 to 58 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY attend the five cases of the town then pending. The assessment list returned by the assessor was found defective and a reassessment was ordered. Stephen Hempstead, attorney, specially employed for the purpose, gave his opinion that the board of trustees were author- ized and empowered by the act of incorporation to hold courts and impose fines ; a day for such courts was thereupon set apart. Citi- zens were notified regularly to work the streets. G. W. Harrison was the regular surveyor of the town; copies of his original plots were made. It was agreed that Charles Corkery should be paid $200 annually for his services as clerk of the board. On August 26, 1837, Mr. Wilson resigned from his position as trustee and hence as president of the board. Peter A. Lorimier was elected his suc- cessor, but declined, and John Plumbe, Jr., was chosen and he accepted. Stephen Hempstead, for $200, agreed to attend to the legal business of the town for the remainder of the current year. In September a house to the rear of the store of John Regan & Company was rented for an office by the board ; they were to pay to George L. Nightingale, agent for Regan & Company, $5 per month for the house. On September 16, 1837, the board caused to be circulated hand bills calling for a mass meeting of the citizens on September 23 "for the purpose of expressing public opinion and obtaining information relative to the survey of all such lots and parcels of ground as were intended for public use in the town of Dubuque by the original surveys." In September, 1837, Fassitt & Sherman were repaid the $50 they had loaned the board in April ; and Gehon & Hendry were repaid $25 for a similar loan. An ordinance to regulate shows was passed October 7. In October steps to grade a portion of Main street were taken. Quigley & Butterworth and Patrick Finn were repaid sums loaned the board in April. On November 4 the treas- urer reported on hand a balance of $36. As early as November 18, 1837, a conflict of certain streets with the graveyard was reported and considered. The county commissioners and the town board, both, were at work on the Lorimier Hollow road, a very important highway leading westwardly; the board also worked the Dirty Hollow road. "Dubuque is incorporated and though only laid out in 1833 now contains about 2,000 inhabitants. We have two stone and one wooden churches ; an excellent female school and another for boys ; several splendid brick houses; a bank which has never suspended specie payments ; a double steam sawmill and a grist mill about to be attached; a printing press which issues weekly the Iowa News; about thirty stores; two public billiard rooms; two coffee houses; an extensive public reading room ; four hotels ; two brick yards, etc. The mail arrives tri-weekly at present, but will run daily from January 1 next. Steamboats we do not pretend to count ; they come and go constantly. Navigation is now in the finest order. Laborers HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 59 receive from $20 to $30 per month and found; mechanics receive from $2.50 to $3 per day; farmers receive for wheat $2 per bushel, corn $1, rye $1.50, oats 75 cents, potatoes 50 cents; beef is worth 6 to 7 cents a pound; sugar 12^ cents, coffee 20 cents." — (Iowa News, December 9, 1837, John Plumbe, Jr.) The town actually contained about 1,100 inhabitants instead of 2,000. The Lafayette Circus Company, of New York, performed here several nights to large houses in 1837; a menagerie of wild animals was exhibited here, also, in 1837; and a ^ne collection of paintings. In July, 1837, T. Fanning & Co. opened the Jefferson House at Main and O'Connell streets. A weekly mail connecting Dubuque, Peru, Durango and Cassville was established in July, 1837. In June, 1837, a public sale of lots was advertised at Eagle Point by Thomas McCraney, Mathias Ham, F. K. O'Ferrall and John Foley. Engle, Booth & Co. began the construction of a steam sawmill in May, 1837. Previous to the summer of 1837 not a foot of land in Iowa west of the Mississippi had been sold, though there were about 14,000 squatters. On June 3, 1837, the Iowa News succeeded the Dubuque Visitor, with Coriell, King and Russell proprietors. Mr. Coriell had been connected with the Visitor. Early in 1837, when the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature refused to place on record the protests of the citizens of Dubuque against the establishment of the capital at Madison, the people here protested vigorously. In 1837 three fine brick houses were erected ; the Catholic cathe- dral was completed; the Presbyterian church of stone was up two stories high and ready for the roof. Charles Corkery opened the Shakespeare coffee house, an institution afterward famous for its convivial meetings, parties, etc. He kept a file of newspapers from all parts of the country, to which guests were admitted. He also kept liquors to which guests were admitted — "cash up." The stand had formerly been occupied by Gehon & Hendry. "The Miners' Bank, of Dubuque, has just got into operation discounting liberally and paying specie. Can you say as much for any of your old and long established institutions?" — (John Plumbe, Jr., in Iowa News, November 18, 1837.) The Iowa News was suspended from October 14 to November 15, 1837, for want of paper. Richard Plumbe succeeded Thomas Graffort as proprietor of the Washington House. In 1837 O'Ferrall & Co. occupied their fine warehouse on the wharf. In August, 1837, flour was $12 to $15 a barrel; bacon 10 to 12 cents a pound; corn $1.50 per bushel; labor $20 to $25 per month. The steamboat arrivals and departures at Galena in 1837 were 717, according to the Saturday Evening Post, of Philadelphia, of January, 1838; the most of these boats touched at Dubuque. About the middle of February, 1838, the mercury sank to 25 degrees below zero at Dubuque. A railway to connect the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans and to connect the Mississippi and Lake Michigan was 60 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY seriously considered in 1838. In the spring of 1838 Dubuque had three or four church organizations and two stone buildings; one bank — the only one west of the Mississippi; thirty stores; three hotels ; one theater, one lyceum ; two academies ; one reading-room ; one printing office ; one steam sawmill ; one grist mill building ; one coffee house ; several billiard halls ; several "elegant brick mansions" ; the lead mines were in full operation, new veins, lodes or leads being discovered weekly, though there was no scientific mining here yet. — (John Plumbe, Jr., in Iowa News, February 10, 1838.) On Jan- uary 5, 1838, the Iowa News said it had received no mail for six days. The lyceum was organized December 27, 1837, at the house of James Langworthy. The Iowa News came within four votes out of twenty-four of getting the contract to print the territorial laws in 1837-8. An investigation, in January, 1838, of the acts of the commis- sioners appointed to survey and lay off the town showed gross irregularities and unjust charges. They were entitled, it was shown, to thirteen days' pay and had drawn pay for three months. Other illegal acts were set forth in the records. The commissioners were Carver, Cubbage and Coriell. In April, 1838, the following men were elected trustees: Alex- ander Butterworth, John McKenzie, John Plumbe, Jr., Benjamin Rupert and Philip C. Morheiser. Joseph T. Fales became clerk and B. F. Davis marshal. An ordinance to prevent steamboats from landing freight on the Sabbath was passed in April, 1838. This caused objections from a number of citizens, whereupon a public meeting to consider the repeal of the law was called. Mr. Hemp- stead was employed as attorney of the board "at a fair compen- sation." In June, 1838, the trustees conferred with the county commis- sioners with reference to the selection of a quarter section of land for county purposes as per act of Congress. The president of the board was authorized to confer with the commissioner of the Gen- eral Land Office with the "view of securing to Dubuque the benefits contemplated by the law of Congress authorizing the laying off said town." In August, 1838, William H. Turner stated in reference to his testimony concerning the United States commissioners to lay off Dubuque that the "answers are not recorded as they ought to have been and are extremely incorrect. Mr. Corkery, clerk, stated that the answers as reported were substantially as Mr. Turner had made them. In February, 1838, the citizens held a public meeting to devise ways and means to improve the mail service. A committee was appointed to petition Congress to afford additional mail facilities, as follows : 1 . A tri-weekly, four-horse, post coach route from Dubuque to Milwaukee; 2. a weekly horse route to the center of HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 61 Delaware county; 3. a weekly horse mail from Dubuque to the Cedar River settlement; 4. an improvement of the mails between Dubuque and Chicago and between Dubuque and St. Louis. Judge Lockwood, J. T. Fales and John Plumbe, Jr., served as such com- mittee. Early in 1838 the Iowa Thespian Association gave regular theatrical performances here in the Shakespeare House ; the "Glory of Columbus," by William Dunlap, was rendered by the young men of Dubuque to overflowing houses and the performance was re- peated several times. Thomas C. Fassett, A. J. Anderson and George L. Nightingale were the committee on arrangements for the Thespians. In March, 1838, the citizens assembled at the Methodist church and organized a temperance society with Judge Lockwood president and John Plumbe, Jr., secretary, and decided on a basis of total abstinence. St. Patrick's day was duly celebrated at the Jef- ferson hotel. In 1838 Dubuque was made the office of this land district. Thomas McKnight was receiver and Joseph Worthington register. In June, 1838, the town board called for a loan of $3,000. The sale of lands in this district was advertised to commence November 5, 1838. The commissioners appointed to lay out the town (William W. Coriell, George Cubbage and M. M. McCarver) gave notice in 1838 that they would sit in June to determine claims to pre-emption to town lots. These commissioners were later charged with gross irregularities if not downright dishonesty. They demanded an investigation and a committee of citizens found them blameless. "Changes in Dubuque. — We heard a gentleman remark the other day that he had resided in Dubuque about five years, during which time he had lived, first, under no government at all, then under Michigan, next under Wisconsin, and now under Iowa." — (Iowa News, July 14, 1838.) In June, 1838, large flocks of wild pigeons alighted on the build- ings of Dubuque. On June 18, 1838, John King sold his interests in the News to Coriell and Russell. Richard Plumbe kept the Washington House in 1838. There was much complaint in 1838 over the fact that the butchers left offal and bones lying in the streets. The land office officials gave notice for claimants to come forward September 15, 1838, and prove their rights under the pre- emption laws. Land sales during the first four days amounted to $30,000. Late in 1838 hunting parties from Dubuque killed buf- faloes and elks on the headwaters of the Turkey and Maquoketa rivers. The commissioners appointed to settle pre-emption claims having failed to act, a mass meeting of the citizens was held at the court house April 30, 1838, to consider the situation. It was "resolved, that a committee be appointed to prepare a memorial to the commis- sioner of the General Land Office setting forth the grounds for which the citizens of Dubuque desire the repeal of that part of the 62 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY amendatory law which empowers one set of commissioners to execute the provisions of the act of July, 1836, at the several towns therein mentioned and asking the appointment of a separate commis- sion for Du Buque in order that every person entitled to a certificate of pre-emption may receive the same without delay; that this meet- ing view with much regret the arbitrary dismissal by one commis- sioner of Mr. Vliet, whose survey of the town of Du Buque under the instructions of the surveyor general had given general satisfac- tion to her citizens." Stephen Hempstead, J. Fanning and M. H. Prentice were appointed such committee. "Canal. — We are glad to see that two or three public spirited individuals have commenced this work upon their own responsi- bility. The great advantages to be derived from this connection of the river with the bay are too apparent to all to require from us a word in commendation of this laudable undertaking." — (Iowa News, October 29, 1838.) Late in 1838 W. W. Coriell sold his interest in the News to John B. Russell, and Edwin Reeves joined the latter in conducting the paper. November 3, 4 and 5 Dubuque was crowded with settlers living to the westward, who came here to buy the homes they had pre-empted. In 1838 there were but ten persons or firms whose tax exceeded $10 each and their tax exceeded one-fourth of the whole tax of the year. In 1838 the aggregate tax levied was $534.37; in 1839, $740.62; in 1856, $90,000; in 1857, upwards of $102,000. — (Times, September 9, 1857.) For the year 1838 the total receipts of the town of Dubuque were $64 and total expenses $211.54%; balance against the town, $147.54%. The receipts were mostly fines and licenses. The largest item of expense was $150 for salaries. In 1838 among the business men were the following : Hempstead & Lorimier, grain and merchandise ; Paschal Mallet sold his grocery to M. Frichette ; G. B. Morrison, flour and whisky ; C. Kaltenbach, jewelry; G. A. Shannon & Co., general store; Mattox & Markle, general store; Quigley & Butterworth, grocers; Scott & Taylor, merchandise ; Joseph McClay, flour, etc. ; Adam J. Anderson, wheel- wright, plough-maker and sleigh-maker; O'Ferrall & Harbeson, general store; Emerson & Crider, grocers; E. Lockwood, general store ; Nicholas Carroll sold lime ; Gehon & Hendry, general store ; Timothy Mason, drugs; L. Longuemare & Bro., grocers. The Dubuque Lyceum was in operation early in 1838, with T. R. Lurton, president, and John Plumbe, Jr., secretary. In February, 1838, a select committee of the territorial legislature investigated the Miners' Bank. Ezekiel Lockwood was president of the bank and Thomas Martin cashier. The following statement was issued at this time: HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 63 ASSETS. Certificates for specie deposited in Detroit $ 40,000.00 Bills discounted 40,809.05 Due bills of exchange i>450-°° Due from individuals 2,060.00 Contingent expenses 1,010.26 Suspense account 4>463Q8 Real estate . . ., 95°°° Foreign bank notes 20,155.00 Items counted as cash 7>375-75 Specie on hand 1,318.02 Total $119,592.06 LIABILITIES. Capital stock paid in $100,000.00 Discount received 864.01 Profit and loss 1,1 13.00 Twelve months' notes in circulation 12,680.00 Notes on demand in circulation 1,350.00 Individual deposits 3>585-°5 Total $119,592.06 There had been a sharp crusade against the bank by Edward Langworthy and others. John Dillon, cashier, swore that the bank had on hand, November 21, 1837, $41,147 in specie; it had not yet suspended early in 1838. In 1837 it issued post notes. On December 5, 1838, the bank was found by the legislative committee to be solvent and comparatively sound. Its circulation was $10,990 ; post notes still out, $5,035; individual deposits, $3,647.39; gold and silver on hand, $3,033; notes of other banks, $18,874; bills dis- counted, $71,597.72; real estate, $4,206.11 ; capital stock, $100,000. The legislative committee was Warner Lewis, Hardin Nowlin and James Hall. At this time the bank advertised to redeem its post notes upon demand without regard to maturity. The theatrical company of Mackenzie and Jefferson rendered several plays early in 1839 at the Shakespeare House, among them being "Honeymoon" and "How to Rule a Wife." Among the actors were Leicester, Germon, Warren, Sankey, Jefferson, Burke, Wright and Stafford and Mesdames Ingersoll, Jefferson, Germon and Mackenzie. Germon sang "Lass o'Gowrie" and Burke danced the "Sailors' Hornpipe." The company rendered a farce called "The Waterman." Tickets, $1; children, 50 cents; performance commenced at 6 130 p. m. and concluded at 10 p. m. On January 28, 1839, it commenced to snow and continued for 64 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY two days, covering the ground to the depth of twelve to fourteen inches. This was the heaviest fall since the winter of 1830-1. It had been gloomy here before, but now all became merry. Parties, dances, sleigh rides and merriment took absorbing possession of all. "Sleigh bells are ringing; youngsters, old maids and even old bachelors are smiling; beaux are courting, all are dancing, and de'il take the one that has not felt the comforts of the times," said the Iowa News of February 2, 1839. "The board of trustees of this place has held several meetings within the last ten days in order to set matters to rights prior to their retirement from the arduous duties of their office. This is right. If they have neglected for near a year to hold a meeting, letting the business for which they were elected go undone, they should before their term of office expires collect taxes sufficient to pay their salaried, clerk at least. There has been but a small per cent upon the amount of taxes assessed as yet collected, leaving an amount due sufficient to put our streets in good order and repair the damage done to them in several parts of the town. This neglect comes hard upon many of our well-disposed citizens who have paid their taxes. Now when they utter a complaint against the board for its neglect of duty, they are answered that the taxes are not collected — the people won't pay." — (Iowa Nezvs, March 16, 1839.) The fact was that the citizens generally demurred to the payment of land and other property tax owing to the unsettled condition of their pre-emption rights and to the claims to all this soil by the heirs of Julien Dubuque. "The theatrical company of Messrs. Mackenzie and Jefferson has been performing in this place for the last ten days to respectable houses, giving general satisfaction." Othello, Charles II., Rob Roy McGregor, Richard III. were rendered to good houses. Leicester was the leading tragedian; Germon made a good villain, and Jef- ferson could always bring roars of laughter. They left after eleven days' performance. The Iowa News was chosen by the legislature to print the session laws of 1838-9 and was required to give bond for $5,000. In preparing this bond the editor of the News came in conflict with W. B. Conway, secretary of the territory, whose arbitrary and dominating practices caused much vexation and anger. A citizen of Dubuque received a perpetual ferry privilege, investing him with the exclusive right at Dubuque. As trade improved he failed to improve on his rickety old house boat. This roused the ire of the citizens and he was deprived of his privileges by the United States District Court. Miss C. Morheiser opened an establishment for the ladies in April, 1839 — millinery and mantua making. In December, 1839, the Dubuque Lyceum met in the basement of the Presbyterian church; A. Levi was secretary. In April, 1839, the following trustees were elected :. Samuel D. HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 65 Dixon, Edward Langworthy, Patrick Quigley, Lorin Wheeler and Thomas C. Fassett. Benjamin Rupert became clerk and George A. Shannon treasurer. In April, 1839, the board took action "to con- sider the practicability of the citizens of Dubuque to commence a system of improvements the coming summer," and a committee was appointed to report on the best course to pursue. A resolution offered by Mr. Langworthy in April provided for the appointment of a permanent committee on finance one of whose duties was to learn at once if citizens who performed work for the town would be willing to receive as pay corporation certificates bearing interest at 8 per cent. At this time further inquiries were made by the board concerning the validity of titles in the town. Five hundred blank town orders were ordered printed May 15, 1839. Mr. Childs was paid $50 for a large copy of the original plat of the town. It was found best at this time to appoint a committee on claims. In June the basis for street grades was established at several points on the wharf. Estimates for grading and macadamizing certain streets were considered. In June, 1839, the board ordered the purchase of an engine then in the town, but the records do not show what the object of this action was. At this time the ferries stopped at McGeafy's Landing. An embankment was ordered built from the lower landing to where Main street intersected Front street ; it was let out in several contracts by the yard and was paid for in town orders bearing 7 per cent interest. The base of the embankment was ordered made twenty-one feet wide and the top fifteen feet wide. In September, 1839, the trustees met in a back room of the building occupied by Nightingale & Dougherty. The center of the embankment being built at Front street was ordered located forty feet east of the west line of Main street. The contractors of the embankment were James Currin, John McMahon, John Blake, Hugh Tranor (Treanor) and John Chapman; they were each required to give bond for $100 and obligate themselves to complete the work by November 1, 1839. Several of the contractors backed out and were released and others were appointed. Contractors were paid forty-four cents per square yard. F. Guerin was one of the contractors. They were permitted to take dirt out of Third and other nearby streets. In October, 1839, an embankment was ordered as follows : From First street, on the east side of Main street, until it should intersect the embankment leading to the lower landing. A committee was appointed to memorialize the legislature to the effect that the ferry privileges here were the property of the corporation of Dubuque. In order to continue Eighth street west- ward the board bought a portion of the garden of Mr. Lorimier late in 1839. In November, 1839, the board borrowed $100 of the Miners' Bank of Dubuque. After November 11, 1839, the trustees 66 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY met at the office of Dr. Timothy Mason, who had become a member of the board. On December 16, 1839, the proposed city charter was referred to a committee. It was duly considered by the board ten days later, amended and a copy forwarded to Edward Langworthy, member of the legislature. On February 10, 1840, an election on the city charter was ordered held at the court house on the first Monday in March, 1840. A. Butterworth, J. F. Fales and Leroy Jackson were appointed judges of election. On March 18, 1840, the board decided to memorialize Congress concerning the disposal of the proceeds of the sale of town lots. Timothy Mason prepared the memorial. On April 1, 1840, B. F. Davis was allowed a bill as per ordinance "informing on O'Mara, Hedges, Downs and LaPage for violation of the Sabbath." The vote on the city charter was polled in a house at the corner of Main and Third streets. E. M. Bissell, for with- holding the "profiles" from the board, was ordered sued in trover in April, 1840. The trustees in April, 1840, were Quigley, Dixon, Mason, Wheeler, Farley and Miller. Benjamin Rupert became clerk. The board met in the store of Mr. Hawkins on Main street. Persons who were using the graveyard as a pasture were ordered to desist. The Iowa News of February 1, 1840, contained the following editorial : "Du Buque. — Never to our knowledge has our city been so well supplied with all the necessaries of life at this season of the year as at the present time. Flour which in the winter time was always held at the prodigious and extortionate price of $18 and even $20 a barrel can now be had readily at $7, $8 and $9 per barrel, and all other articles in the same proportion. It is true, money is scarce, but the great difference in the price of provisions is not owing to that circumstance. The soil is beginning to be extensively cultivated. In addition our citizens are occasionally treated with luxuries which our eastern brethren do not enjoy. Prairie chickens by the sled load are frequently peddled out through the streets at a bit apiece and venison is in abundance. The time is near at hand when we will no longer have to depend upon the lower country for our supplies of provisions. Indeed, that sort of speculation may be considered at an end already." Jordan's Ferry was opposite Dubuque. There stood a tavern, grocery, stable and there ferry privileges could be had. In 1840 there were a first class new horse boat, a flat, and skiffs. This property was offered for rent in February, 1840, by George W. Jones. "Upon a level we suppose the snow to be about ten inches deep, which, together with the others before it, makes a greater fall this winter than any one since the settlement of the country." — (Iowa News, February 15, 1840.) HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 67 "NOTICE. — Ran away from the subscriber on the 22nd inst. a servant girl about eleven years of age ; had on a small figured blue calico dress, short black hair and black eyes. I hereby caution all persons against harboring or trusting her, under penalty of the law, as I will enforce it against anyone to the uttermost extent. "Du Buque, Jan. 25, 1840. Charles Swift." Dubuque was incorporated as a city at the legislative session of 1839-40, with the following boundary : "Beginning at a point in the middle of the main channel'of the river Mississippi, east and parallel with the south line of the town of Dubuque, as surveyed and laid off by the commissioners appointed under an act of Congress to lay off the towns of Fort Madison, Burlington, Du Buque, etc., and running westwardly with the said line to a stone which marks the southwest corner of said town ; thence northwardly to a stone which marks the northwest corner of said town; thence with the line of said town to theTslough ; thence east northeast to the middle of the main channel of the Mississippi river; thence with said channel to the place of beginning." An election of one mayor and six aldermen was ordered held on the first Monday of April, 1840; they were to hold their offices for one year. "The mails are getting far behind. For the last ten days we have had but one eastern mail. ... A southern breeze for a few days past, together with a moderate rain, has poured such a quantity of water on the ice as to threaten a breaking up soon. Mr. Karrick, mail contractor, informs us that in crossing the river last evening one of his horses broke through the ice and would have gone under but for the firm footing and strong exertions of the other. There is no safety in the ice at the present time." — (Iowa News, February 22, 1840.) "When Dubuque first became a corporate town, very little interest was manifested about it — the meeting was not attended by many citizens and very few of the large property holders and influential citizens attended. The first board of trustees was composed of men every way worthy of their station. The Hon. Judge Wilson was president of the board and I am happy to say they discharged their duties with fidelity, but the people generally evinced an apathy in their acts — they stood aloof and when they happened to enforce the laws they were not backed and supported by their fellow citizens." — (Civis, in Iowa News, February 22, 1840.) The News was suspended from March 7, 1840, to May 5, same year, and was then revived by W. W. Coriell and Edwin Reeves; the former was owner and the latter associate editor. The Dubuque Sawmill Company was dissolved in May, 1840, the members being Caleb H. Booth, Francis K. O'Ferrall, Charles E. Harbeson and Peter Hill Engle. At the monthly meeting of the Catholic Tem- perance Society in March, 1840, over three hundred persons were 68 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY present, including many ladies; nineteen persons took the pledge. Among the speakers were Quigley, Benton, Davis, Bradford, Good- rich and Collins, nearly all of whom were lawyers. The Protestants also had a large temperance society. It was thought at this date that soon one-third of all Dubuque would have signed the pledge. There were weekly lectures during February and March, 1840, at the Lyceum; Mr. Collins lectured there on "Education" to three hundred persons. The office of town marshal was created May 5, 1840. NOTICE. To Pre-emption Claimants to Town Lots in the Town of Dubuque, Iowa Territory: You are hereby notified that all lots in the above town not entered by pre-emption before the 20th day of June next will be then advertised to be sold at public auction to the highest bidder in accordance with the act of Congress of the 3d of March, 1837, at this office. B. Rush Petrikin, Register. Thomas McKnight, Receiver. Many settlers gathered here to attend the land sales advertised for May 18, 1840. About one hundred encamped on an island in the river in front of the town. The hotels and boarding houses were filled. No speculators were here — they dared not appear. The buyers who came had the cash for their lands. Here was seen the pioneer in all his might and all his glory. At this sale lands in Taylor, Iowa, New Wine and Cascade in Dubuque county were offered. In May, 1840, several new buildings were in progress; lumber was abundant and cheap; there were many new mining prospects; the smelters were busy and credit was getting better. There was a duty of 3 cents a pound on pig lead; 3^ cents on leaden shot and balls ; 4 cents on red or white lead, dry or ground in oil, and 2 cents on lead ore or mineral. The streets of the town were infested with hogs and there was much complaint. "As the season for fleas is approaching we beg leave to direct the attention of the corporation to the droves of hogs which infest our streets." — (Iowa News, June 16, 1840.) "The taxes assessed by order of the board of trustees upon houses and lots in the town of Du Buque, to which the government title has not yet been extinguished, being illegal, our citizens are not willing to pay, without better evidence is furnished them, that the money heretofore collected has been expended in a way to benefit the town. It is time enough to pay our taxes when we have our evidences of title in our pockets." — (Iowa News, June 16, 1840.) On June 20, 1840, private entries of town lots by pre-emption HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 69 were permitted. In June $70,000 was received at the land office in one week. The steam sawmill of Booth & Martin, in June, 1840, was busy cutting from 2,000 to 3,000 feet of pine lumber per day. Their logs came from the Chippewa and Black rivers. Business here was dull in June, 1840. A large raft of sawed pine lumber arrived here from Plover portage on June 16 and fifteen more from the same place were on their way down. "If the water in the Chippewa and Wisconsin rivers should continue high a little while longer, the towns on the upper Mississippi will be literally deluged with pine lumber." — (lawdiNews, June 23, 1840.) John King was postmaster in 1840. The Iowa News was sus- pended from June 14, 1840, to May 29, 1841. The Fourth of July, 1840, was celebrated on an immense scale. In September, 1840, there were many lots in Dubuque to which no certificates of pre- emption under the act of March 3, 1838, had been issued; also lots the certificates of pre-emption to which were granted and issued illegally and the claims to which had been rejected; also a few forfeited lots. On June*29, 1840, the marshal reported that he had completed the fence around the graveyard. Provision for the safe keeping of gun powder was made. On July 1 1, 1840, it was "ordered that the note held by William E. Trask for the fire engine, amounting to $400, be renewed by another payable October 18, 1840, for $410.66, at 8 per cent interest. Work on the south end of Main street was in progress in August, 1840. Proposals for building a town powder magazine were ordered received. The act of Congress of March 3, 1837, gave to the inhabitants of Dubuque the net proceeds of the sale of 640 acres of land on which the town was located, to enable them to construct streets, wharves, etc. By September, 1840, there were left about sixty lots upon which no pre-emption claim had yet been made. In view of these facts the trustees determined "to see that all lots left as public lots should be sold at a fair public sale open to all bidders." In September, 1840, a committee was appointed "to petition the Secre- tary of War for the survey of the port and harbor of the town of Dubuque. In November, 1840; there was pending a case entitled United States vs. President and Trustees of the Town of Dubuque. As a measure to prevent fires an examination of all stove pipes and chimneys in town was made in December, 1840. Hay scales were ordered bought in January, 1841. "Lately visiting Dubuque we found it progressing finely in build- ings, mining and dry goods business; but the retail grocers (wet) wore long faces. A complete temperance reformation has been effected by the zeal of the Catholic clergy among its much abused Irish citizens in whose hands the glass has given place to implements of industry. Nor is the reformation confined to them alone — it has 7o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY spread throughout the community, embracing every class and every denomination. Almost every Irish Catholic has signed the pledge of total abstinence. In politics she is slumbering — not a movement save secret caucuses which are held weekly by the leaders of the party. This is no time for Democrats to be idle ; wake up to duty, Democrats." — (Bloomington Herald, April 16, 1841.) "We are happy to perceive a spirit of energy in the movements of our new corporation which will before long remedy the evils under which our citizens have so long suffered. The work of straightening Eighth street and repairing the road through Lorimier Hollow, over which a considerable portion of the business of the town with the country in its rear is done, will not only be of great benefit to our trade, but will stop the rush of water which for the past two years has been ruining the property at the south end of Locust street. It is also in contemplation to commence the excava- tion of the long-desired canal between the outer and inner sloughs as soon as the fall of water will permit. After this improvement is completed a current will be thrown into the inner slough which will render its waters sweet and healthy and enable steamboats to approach the wharves in ordinary stages of water. We have too long remained in a state of apathy in regard to the disadvantages suffered on account of the obstructions to our harbor and the conse- quent injury to the health and business of this place. No towt* on the upper Mississippi has so many natural resources as Dubuque. It is only necessary to apply the enterprise of an industrious and vigorous population to insure a rapid advance to prosperity. A fter this canal is commenced all our citizens who feel interested ir its speedy completion will have an opportunity of affording .uch assistance to the corporation as they may deem expedient either in teams or labor." — (Iowa News, May 29, 1841.) In 1 84 1 the citizens petitioned Congress for a survey of Dubuque harbor with a view of improving navigation. In the spri.ig of 1841 a bill for the final settlement of the Dubuque claim was introduced in the United States Senate. In March, 1841, the ladies of the Dubuque Benevolent Associa- tion gave a public dinner and were patronized by almost everybody. The voluntary speakers were Patrick Quigley, Charles Corkery, G. C. Collins, Timothy Davis and Rev. J. Cretin. In th* spring of 1841 bills of the Miners' Bank to the amount of about $1 2,000 were deposited and as usual a certificate of deposit for specie was issued, but when the specie was demanded two days later it was announced that the bank had suspended. The first number of the Miners' Express was issued a!>out August 1, 1 841, by Thomas and Keesecker. Avery Thomas, of Dubuque, went to Cincinnati by boat and purchased the materials. The citi- zens previously had urged the need of such a sheet here. No doubt proper encouragement and perhaps pecuniary assistar>ce were ex- HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 71 tended. D. S. Wilson related that when it came to naming the paper many titles were proposed ; finally the Miners' Express was unani- mously chosen. During its existence it was often called "The Thun- derer," like the London Times, because it swayed at will the old democracy of this portion of the West. On March 1, 1841, the citizens of the town voted on the question of a charter and city government — fifty-eight votes for the charter and thirty-eight votes against it. This vote was an acceptance of the charter and an election of mayor and six aldermen was ordered held April 5, 1841. H. W. Sanford, Augustus Coriell and Dr. Timothy Mason were appointed judges of that election. The first city officers elected were C. H. Booth, mayor, and J. P. Farley, Charles Miller, E. Langworthy, W. W. Coriell, H. Simplot and T. Fanning, aldermen. Mr. Coriell was chosen president of the board. On May 3, 1841, Benjamin Rupert was elected city clerk ; B. F. Davis, marshal and collector ; E. C. Dougherty, assessor and street commissioner; William Lawther, treasurer, and Charles Miller, weigh-master. At this time there was considerable money in the land office here due the city from the sale of city lands ; it was decided to ask the Secretary of the Treasury to order this sum paid to the city of Dubuque. On May 26, 1841, it was determined by the board to begin at once the improvement of the harbor under the supervision of the street commissioner, who was directed to open a canal to connect the outer and inner sloughs at the best practical points. He was directed "to deepen the channel which now connects the slough at the lower landing with the inner slough and levee the same on the side next the town so as to make as good a steamboat landing as may be practicable." Mr. Farley voted against this ordinance. The board opened Eighth street and appointed a jury to assess the damage thereby to the property of Peter A. Lorimier; they found the damage to be $70. On May 31, 1841, the board ordered issued in the denominations of $1, $2, $3 and $5 blank orders to the amount of $2,000. Proposals for work on the canal were called foi in June, 1841 ; this work was paid for in city scrip. Another $1,000 was appropriated for canal work on June 21, 1841. Steps to deepen the mouth of the inner slough at the lower landing were taken in August, 1 84 1. Another $1,000 for canal work was appropriated late in August, 1841. Previous to September 6, 1841, there had been appropriated for the opening of this canal a total of $3,500; the canal to connect the outer and inner sloughs. The board on September 6, 1841, pledged the fund due the city from the land office from the sale of public lots for the payment of the above appropriation. The board investigated the accounts of the land office so far as the sale of city lots was concerned. A great many grocery (wet) licenses were issued about this time; the license was $100. 72 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY Gen. James Wilson was appointed surveyor general for Iowa and Wisconsin in the fall of 1841. It was stated at the time though denied that he bought the printing plant of the Iowa News with the intention of establishing here a Whig newspaper. The Dubuque Insurance Company was organized in February, 1842, by Edward Langworthy, William Lawther, J. P. Farley, Charles D. Townsend, Timothy Davis, Patrick Quigley, Robert Waller and Henry Simplot. A mechanics' institute was incorpo- rated a little while before this date. D. S. Wilson and A. Keesecker were editors of the Miners' Express. The winter of 1842-3 was unparalleled for its long continuance and exceptional severity. It began about the middle of November with snow after snow and severe cold. Aside from a dozen fair days late in January, it was snowing nearly all the time. Nine days in February, 1843, the mercury was below zero and of the first twenty-three days in March eleven were below zero. The river did not open until late in April and the ice was more than thirty inches thick. In 1842 the Miners' Bank, after suspension, changed owners and afterward was con- trolled by the Gas Light Company of St. Louis, under which it resumed for a short time, but then suspended again. A bill was introduced in the legislature to repeal its charter, but this step roused the citizens of Dubuque who agreed to raise $50,000 in specie to strengthen the bank, providing the charter was not re- pealed; whereupon the bill was defeated in the council though it passed the House. It was still the only bank in Iowa territory, and though the Democrats opposed it the Whigs fought hard to retain it. "The Miners' Bank of Dubuque a few weeks ago was selected by the brokers of St. Louis as their next victim. They refused its notes, decried them, and soon they were finding their way to the shaving shop at a discount. Two somebodys were sent up to Dubuque to examine its affairs, who returned and reported that she would resume specie payments on the first of July next. This story told, the brokers could pass her notes at par, which they had taken in at a great discount." — (Bloomington Herald, July 17, 1842.) "The Miners' Bank of Dubuque has, we are informed, gone to the , where we wish all banks could be sent. Give us the barrel and we know when we put our hands upon it that it is there and no mistake." — (Bloomington Herald, July 22, 1842.) In April, 1842, Samuel D. Dixon was elected mayor and John Thompson, J. P. Farley, James Fanning, Joseph Ogilby, A. Cline and Joseph T. Fales, aldermen. The council elected the other city officers. The water which came down Lorimier Hollow (Eighth street) in early flood times caused severe Josses and was very troublesome. Much time was spent in examining the extravagant charges of the commissioners appointed originally to lay off Du- buque. A ditch carried the water down Eighth street to the slough and had to be bridged at several places. The fire engine was ordered HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 73 transferred to a company of firemen formed about this time. The trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church agreed to sell the old meeting house to the city council for $100. John D. Bush and William B. Smith, who laid claim to lots on the public square, refused to vacate until they were paid $100 per lot each. The old fire engine on May 2, 1842, was turned over to the following enrolled fire company : John R. Harvey, Warren Emer- son, D. McGouldrich, James M. Emerson, William H. Robbins, James V. Campton, David S. Wilson, A. Keesecker, Rufus Miller, Charles Miller, Samuel Dodge, R. C. Anderson, William Rebman, Jacob Evans, B. F. Davis, J. E. Whitcher, George W. Starr, William Young, James H. Warren, William Newman, C. Pelon, Timothy Smith and William W. Anderson. On May 9, 1842, the council prepared a memorial to Congress asking that body to donate to the city authorities the islands in the Mississippi river opposite the city ; the memorial was forwarded to Hon A. C. Dodge, delegate in Congress. "Orders have been received at the land office to suspend business until the new register shall arrive and be duly qualified. The conse- quence of this will be detrimental to hundreds of settlers who have not yet proved up their pre-emptions under the act of 1840 and the time will expire in a month from, this." — (Miners' Express, 'May 19, 1842.) The erection of a market house was first broached June 20, 1842, and again considered July 11. The city procured considerable lum- ber at Hale's mill. On July 12 Cline, Fales, Fanning and Ogilby voted in favor of a market house and Farley against it. A com- mittee of -three prepared plans and specifications for the building. The council, in October, 1842, inquired into the expediency of erect- ing bridges across the sloughs, so that access to the main channel of the river could be secured. In December, 1842, the receiver of the land office here issued a statement as to the amount of money due the city, the number of lots yet to be sold, etc. In December the fire company petitioned for ladders and hooks which were made for them by Joseph Ogilby upon order of the council. In 1842 the Washingtonians and other temperance organizations had strong followings in Dubuque. In 1843-4 Congress appro- priated $14,500 for the Dubuque harbor. In the fall of 1843 the trade of Dubuque was much larger than ever before; grain and pork in enormous quantities came here in wagons from a hundred miles to the westward. Every business here felt the stimulus. In No- vember, 1843, Prof. M. De Bonneville who had taught French at Harvard University lectured here on animal magnetism. It was said he could stop a woman's tongue by merely shaking his finger at her. He organized a private class and it was declared humorously that all who had scolding wives became members. It was claimed that he performed several remarkable cures — deafness, lameness, etc. The first number of the Iowa Transcript was issued late in 74 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY May, 1843, by H. H. Houghton, of the Galena Gazette. It claimed to be Democratic, but favored Clay for President. The Express favored Van Buren. Owing to ill health Mr. Houghton was forced to suspend the paper temporarily about August 1, 1843. The Miners' Express said February 17, 1843, that mercury a few days before stood in Dubuque at 40 degrees below zero. — (Bloomington Herald, February 24, 1843.) "We had a tremendous hail storm here on Tuesday evening last. It broke upwards of twenty panes of glass in the house in which our office is situated. Six of the hailstones weighed a pound." — (Miners' Express, May, 1843.) The famous "Bill Johnson" who had played the part of a villain in Maine and along the Canadian border came west to Buchanan county, Iowa, in 1843 and began similar tactics. He had spread consternation along the entire Canadian border. It was alleged that the man of that name in the West was not the same person as the Maine buccaneer. The one in the West was finally lynched by a party of regulators, but his lynchers were sent to the penitentiary by the United States District Court sitting at Dubuque. The western "Bill Johnson" had a lovely daughter who attended the trial and riveted all eyes by her unusual feminine charms. Mr. Keesecker, of the Miners' Express, wrote of her in extravagant terms — "heavenly charms, deep blue eyes, matchless grace, piercing glances, queen-like dignity, soul-subduing countenance," etc., and was laughed at by the whole press of the West. He resented this interference and came near having a duel with John B. Russell, the editor of the Bloomington Herald. Apparently the only obstacle to the encounter was their disagreement as to the place of meeting. The blood curdling articles of the editors make good reading. The election of city officers in April, 1843, was neki at B. Rupert's office ; Dr. T. Mason and Gen. F. Gehon were judges of the election. Wilson and Keesecker of the Miners' Express did the city printing for several years about this period. David & Crawford, attorneys, represented the city in the case of City of Dubuque vs. United States Commissioners. At the April election, 1843, James Fanning was chosen mayor, and Timothy Fanning, David Sleator, P. C. Morhiser, John H. Thedinga, F. K. O'Ferrall and Joseph Ogilby, aldermen. There were bridges at Bluff, Locust, Iowa, Clay and other streets, for which lumber was obtained from Hale's mill. W. B. Smith was city clerk. An ordinance prohibiting the opening of saloons and stores on Sunday was lost in June, 1843 ; ayes — Fanning and Ogilby ; nays — Thedinga, Morhiser and Sleator. New bridges were built on Bluff, Main, Iowa, Clay, Locust and White streets and Lorimier Hollow. In June, 1843, citizens peti- tioned for the erection of a market house. The city had great trouble to get its dues from the land office. It was necessary to dig drains from Bluff street to the slough across Locust, Main, HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 75 Iowa, Clay and White streets on Eighth, Seventh and others. Lum- ber from Sage's mill was used on city bridges. A suitable place for the fire engine was obtained in January, 1844. At this time the council resolved itself into a board of health for the suppression of smallpox. By May, 1844, the notes of the resuscitated Miners' bank were at par with specie. About April 1, 1844, H. H. Houghton sold the Transcript to Royal Cooper. The paper expired in September, 1845, at which date the materials were removed to Rock Island. In April, 1844, F. K. O'Ferrall was elected mayor, and Fanning, Thedinga, Blake, Rogers, Dwelle, Shields, aldermen. Grocery (wet) license was fixed at $100. The town lots remaining unsold in Dubuque were listed in 1844. A general examination of the public improvements going on here was ordered in April, 1844. Culverts on all the cross streets had to be built. Again on May 9, 1844, the council asked the receiver at the land office why the money due the city was not paid over. Eleventh street to the canal was opened in the spring of 1844. The ordinance closing groceries (wet) and stores on Sundays went into effect in May, 1844. Several mines were discovered in the forties on city property, which were leased for mining purposes. J. P. Farley was authorized to build a pow- der magazine, and all persons who sold powder were required to deposit the same therein. The council met in a room owned by R. Cox in 1844-45. In November, 1844, Farley & Bonson pre- sented a bill of $206.85 for building a powder magazine. E. Lang- worthy was asked to appear before the council in November, 1844, to report the amount of mineral due the city from the Third street mines. The city's share of this mineral was one-fourth and was worth $83.30 in specie. Immense sums in the aggregate were spent on street improvements. The survey of the harbor in detail was duly considered in December, 1844. Captain Barney, in charge of the government surveys of the harbor, was consulted and assisted. The question of a market house was again considered in February, 1845. Levi and Simplot agreed to donate to the city ten feet front- ing on their lots on Fifth street between Main and Iowa, providing the same should be used for a market-house. Steps to raise the means to erect the building were taken in February, 1845. James Wilson and E. Dwelle leased the city mines on Third street. In April, 1845, F. K. O'Ferrall was again chosen mayor, and Elisha Dwelle, Robert Rogers, Timothy Fanning, John H. The- dinga, John G. Shields and John Blake, aldermen. Twenty feet on the south side of Fifth street between Main and Locust streets, owned by Charles Miller, was obtained for a market house. J. P. Farley improved and fenced the public square and was paid therefor $136.50. The Couler Hollow road was greatly improved in 1845, so also was Dodge street up Madden Hollow. Captain Barney gave the council the hydrographical map of the upper Mississippi in 76 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY April, 1845. The council considered the contemplated improve- ments on tne harbor. L. H. Langworthy having exchanged with the city important lots on the Couler, was required to furnish the city as a part of the compensation 10,000 good building brick. G. W. Starr was paid $5 "for fixing and hoisting the American flag on July 4, 1845." M. Hooper prepared specifications for the market house at this time. A stone wall sixty-four feet long and two and one-half feet thick was ordered built on the west side of Locust street between Second and Third. In July, 1845, Warner Lewis informed the council concerning instructions received at the land office in regard to the unsold town lots and issued instructions as to what should be done to enter and pay for the same. December 1, 1845, was the day set to close the sale of such lots. "Cash or its equivalent in city scrip" was a term often used at this date in the payment of bills. It was necessary to build a bridge on the landing. Mr. Cook's plan for a market house was finally accepted. Sealed proposals for the building were called for. A cistern was ordered built in the market house — to hold 200 barrels of water. All slaughtering within the city limits was prohibited from September 1 to November 1, 1845. This order was in response to a petition to that effect. Todd & Humboldt offered to build the market house as per plans for $883. In January, 1845, A. Keesecker sold his interest in the Miners' Express to George Green, who had formerly been a member of the territorial council from Cedar, Linn and Jones counties. Through the exertions of Charles Corkery there was subscribed in Dubuque in 1845 $1,000 for a hospital; he also managed to secure the title to eight acres within the city limits for a site. In 1846 the ladies of Dubuque, among whom were Mrs. G. W. Jones and Mrs. J. P. Finley, gave a public supper by which to raise funds to buy a fire engine. They gave several others and by 1848 the fund amounted to $125.60, which the council endeavored to obtain, but without avail, unless they should furnish an equal amount. The sum was put in bank and continued to draw interest. In January, 1845, pursuant to act of Congress of December 26, 1844, Col. J. J. Abert and Capt. T. J. Cram, of the United States Topographical Corps, made the following report of the survey of Dubuque harbor. The chart of the survey of Dubuque harbor showed that the harbor was not in the main river, but in one of its collateral chan- nels, of which there were several near Dubuque. In times of high and medium water boats of the largest class could enter the harbor, but during the usual low and the extreme low stages of the water boats of that class could hot enter all the secondary channels leading to and from the harbor, owing to the shoaliness of the water. The shoals were the result of sand and mud deposits due to the currents and the islets. At a stage of four and one-half feet above extreme low stage the mean maximum velocity of the running prism of HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 77 water in these channels was only .962 miles per hour, maintaining an average maximum depth of nine feet; while the velocity in the main river in the contiguous reach was 1.5 miles per hour with an average maximum depth of fourteen feet. It was shown that there would be no difficulty in removing the existing shoals by the simple process of dredging so as to allow steamers of the largest class to enter the harbor at the lowest stages ; but the dredging would have to be repeated periodically. In the law making the appropriation for the harbor the following language was used: "For the improvement of the harbor at the town of Dubuque, Iowa, seven thousand five hundred dollars. Provided, Upon due examination and survey, under the direction of the secretary of war, it shall appear that a permanent improve- ment can be accomplished and completed for this amount so as to admit the landing of steamers of the largest class navigating the river at the town of Dubuque at all seasons of the year." It was stated that "the upper Mississippi rose in June and July, 1844, to an elevation of twelve feet two inches above its extreme low stage at Dubuque and did not subside to a stage admitting of taking the soundings until in October following, when it was down to a stage lower than the elevation of the June and July flood by seven feet eight inches. This is the stage to which the soundings recorded in the chart are all referred and which is four feet six inches above extreme low stage." Among the plans proposed for the improvement of the harbor were the following: 1 a. Dredge the bed of the main river near Eagle bluff for an extent of 1,000 feet; cost, $2,000. 2b. Excavate a steamboat canal from bank of main river from lower extremity to the head of Lake Peosta for 1,800 feet; cost, $12,690. 3c. Dredge present bed at head of Lake Peosta for an extent of 1,600 feet; cost, $2,371. 4d. Dredge bed of channel from near foot of Lake Peosta to head of existing artificial canal ; cost, $750. 5e. Deepen that canal, also the head of the natural basin just below as far down as the foot of Orange street — dredging 2,250 feet; cost, $5,087. 6f. Dredge head of natural channel from Langworthy's ware- house down to Jones street, 1,600 feet; cost, $1,501. 7g. Dredge head and remote from natural channel from Jones street down along bluff into the main river, 7,000 feet ; cost, $9,240. 8h. Machines, superintendence and contingencies, $9,400. Total cost, $43,039. This plan carried out would give open navigation at the lowest water for the largest class of steamers then on the river from the main river near Eagle Bluff down to the main river below the town, four and three-quarters miles. 78 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY The second plan was not to use Lake Peosta at all, but to deepen the secondary channel just east of that lake about 1,200 feet, and then dredge. All of this would cost $34,181. The third plan was to improve the natural channel, abandon the existing canal and in lieu cut a new steamboat canal south from that channel into the basin; total cost, $31,857. The fourth plan was to improve natural channel, dig a deep feeder for the basin, open a steamboat canal from deep water in the basin to deep water in the secondary channel; dredge bed of the channel, and by dredging keep the channel free of deposits; cost, $25,042. The fifth plan contemplated constructing a deep feeder to supply the basin from the channel, a steamboat canal, dredging the bed of the channel, construction of a dam, etc. ; cost, $15,689. Plan six included a deep feeder, a steamboat canal, dredging the bed of channel, etc. ; cost, $10,277. Plan seven embraced a long canal straight through everything out to the main river, with dykes to protect its sides, a dam across lower end of basin, sluice-gates in the canal, etc. ; cost, $25,375. Plan eight contemplated a causeway from the town to the bank of the main river, where good landing would be found for all classes of boats at lowest stages; cost, $64,875. Plan nine embraced a causeway that would be submerged and would cost $22,333. The total amount of money paid out by the corporation from April 1, 1843, to March 31, 1844, was $1,491.61 ; total city indebt- edness, including the above amount, $5,461.84. The total actual receipts were $1,434.65; and the total resources, including this amount, were $6,302.27. The total amount of money paid out by the corporation from April 1, 1844, to April 1, 1845, was $2,926.11. The corporation owed W. A. Trask $565.67 and interest for the fire engine which was bought in July, 1840. On March 31, 1845, there was yet owed for the powder magazine $206.85, an& city orders to the amount of $3,337.36 were outstanding. At the public land sale on March 27, 1843, there were sold 170 city lots for about $1,700. The total receipts of the city for the year ending March 31, 1845, were $2,662.55. This sum and the other resources due the city and the public property were estimated at $8,263.06. The council continued to have much trouble in getting the funds due it from the land office. Heavy grading on Main street was done in 1845. Clay street was ordered graded in November, 1845. In 1845 amendments to the city charter were discussed; a com- mittee was appointed to make suggestions of changes. Saucier and Mattox were permitted to mine on Fifth street, they to pay one- fifth of the mineral found to the city. The council paid $20 for having the willows cut from the island opposite the canal made by HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 79 the government under the superintendence of Captain Barney. The assessed valuation of $600 on the library of Bishop Loras was reduced to $300 in January, 1846. It was ordered in January, 1846, that no city scrip should be issued for less than 75 cents on the dollar. On March 10, 1846, the citizens petitioned to have the city divided into wards. Accordingly the council immediately formed the fol- lowing wards: First ward — All of the city lying south of Third street. Second ward — All of the city between Third and Eighth streets. Third ward — All of the city north of Eighth street. It was decided that two aldermen should be elected from each ward and a mayor from all the wards jointly. Todd & Humboldt were paid $135.61 for extra work on the market house. In April, 1846, in spite of their efforts to prevent it, the city fathers saw city scrip fall to 70 cents on the dollar. In April, 1846, F. K. O'Ferrall was re-elected mayor, and Hugh Treanor, Michael McNamara, W. H. Robbins, Mordecai Mobley, Amos Mat- thews and Lewis L. Wood, aldermen. W. B. Smith was rechosen clerk. Mr. Trower was the first market master — chosen in April, 1846. John T. Cook was paid $10 for his plan for the market house, the same having been accepted. In April, 1846, the citizens petitioned to have the public square ornamented. A council room was prepared in the new market house in 1847. The rent of inside stalls in the market house was fixed at $15 per annum; choice stalls were offered publicly to the highest bidder. In May, 1846, C. J. Leist succeeded Mr. Trower as market master. All articles of produce or meat were required to be sold in the market house. A cannon was ordered for $25 for city use. Market hours were from 3 a. m. to 10 a. m. each day except Sunday — from May to October. Mr. Fulweiler's slaughter house was ordered removed from its then location, it having become a declared nuisance. The same of Mr. Straper's butchering establishment. Billiard license was fixed at $25. The beer license was $25. George L. Nightin- gale became city clerk in 1846. The market receipts from May 12, 1846, to August 10, 1846, amounted to $36.25. The city advanced William Rebman $25, to be used in buying a cannon; but as he had not done so by August 24, 1846, he was ordered to refund that amount. J. P. Farley and Charles Corkery were paid $40 in August, 1846, for improvements on the public square. John D. Bush, owner of a slaughter house, was ordered to change his location in August, 1846. In September, 1846, the council appointed a committee to draft a new charter for the city of Dubuque, to be submitted to the Legis- lature the coming winter. In 1844 Congress appropriated for the improvement of Dubuque harbor the sum of $7,500, and later $7,000 more was appropriated for the same purpose. In November, 1846, the work not progress- 80 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY ing as well as expected by the council, they called upon Captain Barney, superintendent in charge, for a report as to how much of the money had been spent, amount on hand, time yet required to com- plete the work, etc. In December, 1846, the council caused to be enumerated all of the islands opposite the city for the purpose of petitioning Congress for a donation of the same to the city, previous to the public sale which was to take place in March, 1847. Such a petition was prepared by the city attorney. To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled: "We, the undersigned, the mayor and aldermen of the city of Dubuque, would most respectfully solicit your honorable bodies to enact a law donating to the city of Dubuque certain islands situate, lying and being opposite said city and between the city and the main channel of the Mississippi river; or otherwise, if your honorable bodies should deem it inexpedient to donate the same, to grant to the city the exclusive right and privilege of purchasing the same at the same rate that other lands of the United States are sold. We would most respectfully urge upon your consideration the following rea- sons, as among numerous others, for our request: The situation and locality of the islands are such, that if they should fall into the hands of private individuals, the city of Dubuque would be almost entirely cut off from the main channel of the river, and subject the citizens to great inconvenience, and the most unconscionable exac- tions from them on the part of private speculators. For the purpose of more fully exhibiting to you our peculiar situation and the dilemma the city would be placed in should the title to those islands happen to fall into hands other than the city, we have caused a map to be made and hereunto annexed, by which it will appear that what has been and' is alleged by us is true; and by which it will also appear that we ask from you to grant the city only those lands which are absolutely necessary to its growth and commercial impor- tance; in which also the whole nation as connected with the great national thoroughfare — the Mississippi river — have a deep interest and must be materially benefited ; to grant to the city the following lands, to-wit : All of sections 19 and 30, township 89 north, range 3 east, and a fraction of section 25, township 89 north, range 2 east, as is more particularly marked and designated upon the map afore- said, and must in our opinion most clearly manifest itself to the Con- gress of the United States. We are fully impressed with the opinion and firm belief that after the national legislature has, in its liberality, granted us a tract of land upon which is located the city of Dubuque, they will still continue to exhibit their regard for our welfare, by granting us a boon which is so essential and necessary for its future prosperity^ and happiness and which cannot, at the present time, in any material way affect the previously vested rights of private indi- HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 81 viduals. We would further most respectfully state to your honor- able bodies, that unless Congress pass a law enabling the land before described to become the property of the city of Dubuque, the appro- priations which have already been made by that body for the improvement of the harbor, a part of which has already been expended, will prove to be entirely useless, worthless and of no avail to the city. We would further represent that the lands above described are entirely unfitted for cultivation or habitation, and can only be useful to the city for commercial business, and for city pur- poses, and that they would be valuable to the city alone and to none other, except for those who designed speculating upon the necessi- ties of the city, and the rise of property in the neighborhood of a growing city. "F. K. O'Ferrall, rriayor; William H. Robbins, L. L. Wood, M. McNamara, M. Mobley, Hugh Treanor, Amos Matthews, aldermen. Attest: George L. Nightingale, clerk. Dubuque, December 15, 1846." (Senate Documents No. 256, 29th Cong., 1st session.) The total amount of money paid out by the city for the fiscal year ending April 1, 1846, was $3,438.51; the total receipts were $3,432.15. In a communication to the Senate committee dated January 29, 1847, James H. Piper, acting commissioner of the general land office, stated that "there would not appear to be any preemption claim preferred for any of the islands in the Mississippi river opposite the city of Dubuque ;" that "with regard to their probable value this office has no means of knowing;" and that "the bill enclosed by you gives authority for the entry of 'the islands in the Mississippi river opposite the said city' and then characterizes them by saying, 'which are fractions within sections 19 and 30, township 89 north, range 3 east ; and in section 25, township 89 north, range 2 east;' while, from the diagram referred to, it will be seen that the above special designations include only parts of said islands, leaving out the following, viz.: Fractions in sections 17, 18, 20 and 31, township 89 north, range 3 east, amounting in the aggre- gate to 73.13 acres." (Senate Docs., No. 109, 29th Cong., 2d session. ), In 1847 George L. Nightingale was appointed public bidder at the sale of the mineral reserve. He performed his arduous and delicate duties to the satisfaction of all. In 1847 members of the Mechanics' Institute debated in the hall over Terry's saloon the question: "Resolved, That the Wilmot proviso is right and ought to be sustained by the American people." Late in 1847 the Dubuque Philharmonic Society gave a series of concerts at the Congregational church, rendering both secular and sacred music to large audiences. Captain Barney's work on the harbor was still in progress. Many new and fine residences were erected in 1846 and 1847 — notably by General Jones, Gilliam, Reed, 82 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY Gildea, Rogers, Peacock and others. A Mr. Spencer gave exhibi- tions of animal magnetism as it was then called. In 1847 George Green was editor and proprietor of the Miners' Express and Wil- liam H. Merritt was associated with him as editor. In 1847 the Waples House was kept by H. Curtis; the Western hotel by W. S. Berry; George McHenry had formerly kept the Western hotel ; David Jones was architect and builder ; H. P. Leach kept school in the basement of the Methodist church. In 1847 many Dubuquers attended the immense river and harbor conven- tion at Chicago. Early in 1847 A. P. Wood established a weekly newspaper called the Tribune. It was about this time that the first large steam flouring mills were put in operation here by Nadeau, Rogers & Co. Steps to organize three fire companies were taken in January, 1847; the old fire engine was found to be practically useless; fire ladders were ordered for the upper, lower and central sections. The Hibernian Benevolent Society was permitted to occupy the city hall. The Fulweiler slaughter house was ordered removed from the city limits in February, 1847; but evaded the order and remained. The islands in front of the city were reserved from public sale. By paying $50 the council obtained permission to use for fire purposes the well of Emerson Shields on Fourth street. Upon the payment of $100 Timothy Fanning was given exclusive ferry privileges in 1847-8. The grading of Bluff street from Dodge to Twelfth was ordered in May, 1847. A room for a calaboose was ordered rented and fitted up; it was ready in July. In August, 1847, the mayor was authorized to buy the islands in front of the city — three of 85.47, 149.75 and 4-22 acres, respectively. In December, 1847, Martin L. Morris succeeded Chauncey Swan as proprietor of the Morris hotel. Before this date the Masons and Odd Fellows had strong organizations here. Doctor Reynolds lectured on "Astronomy" over Terry's saloon in December, 1847. "Variety — Wood, butter, cheese, lard, eggs, flour, potatoes, wheat, corn, chickens and pork will be taken in payment for the Express." — (Miners' Express, December 8, 1847.) Many bogus half dollars were in circulation here late in 1848; they were made near here. Late in 1848 Harrison Holt and A. Keesecker were proprietors of the Miners Express. William A. Adams was president of the Dubuque Debating Society late in 1848. The Dubuque Mutual Fire Insurance Company began operations in April, 1848, with C. H. Booth presi- dent, and Mordecai Mobley secretary. The following merchants had immense stocks of goods in 1848 : S. M. Langworthy, Curtis & Waite, Murphy & Burke, P. & R. C. Waples (had in stock over $36,000 worth of goods), Waples & Zirkle, Goodrich & Bro., the Smiths and Emerson & Shields. The wholesale trade was very HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 83 large. Dan Rice, the famous Shakespearean jester, was hei_ iu June, 1848. Performances were given at the Waples House. Yankee Hill gave representations of down-east characters. The Express failed to make its appearance on time late in Janu- ary, 1848, the reason being that someone entered the office on the Sunday night before, threw all matter into pi, except one form, which was almost entirely destroyed by blows from a hatchet. "The monster who would perpetrate this act would be guilty of the worst species of robbery, rapine and murder. Let those row- dies who were engaged last Sunday evening in interrupting the service at the Methodist church by touching off trains of powder upon the fence mark well their future course," said the editor January 26, 1848. The questions of importance in the spring of 1848 were the improvement of Lorimier Hollow, the harbor being built by Captain Barney and his dredge-boat; regulation of the liquor trade, and removal of filth from the streets. R. Spaulding was a book seller, music dealer and generally a patron of art; his book store was the first in Dubuque. In May, 1848, W. H. Merritt withdrew from the Miners' Express and Wil- liam Y. Lovell became sole proprietor of that sheet. Peter Waples kept the Waples House at Second and Main streets in the spring of 1848. R. Plumbe kept the City hotel. A semi-weekly of the Miners' Express, started March 29, 1848, was discontinued in December, 1848. In the spring of 1848 Dubuque demanded a free ferry across the river or a cessation of high ferry rates. As high as $1 had been charged in emergencies for ferriage. Early in 1848 R. Spaulding established and maintained a library of standard periodical literature, to which persons were admitted upon the pay- ment of $3 per annum. In 1848 the Irish Shamrock Society and St. Raphael's Temperance Society united to celebrate St. Patrick's day. In March, 1848, James Pratt & Co., owners of the Dubuque Flouring Mills, called for 50,000 bushels of wheat and 4,000 flour barrels. A "Countryman" in the Miners' Express of February 23, 1848, asked why the road leading up Lorimier Hollow was not widened. He said that it was so narrow in places that two wagons could not pass each other, and further said : "Several serious accidents have recently occurred on this much-traveled, very crooked, pinched-up, starved out, narrow contracted, Lorimier-fenced-up, disreputable, dangerous, leg-breaking, skull-cracking, wagon-smashing, horse- killing, badly-located, poorly-worked, corporation neglected, tire- some and hilly road." W. D. Wilson and Mr. O'Reilly were rival telegraph agents here in the spring of 1848, each trying to get the support of the citizens to extend his line to this city. Each claimed the right to the Morse patents. Shares in the lines were offered at 50. It was claimed that the Barnes and Zook register was superior to that of Morse. Whether the ferry privilege of Timothy Fanning was exclusive 84 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY under his charter, and what ferry rights were owned by Jones & Gregoire, were inquired into in May, 1848. The city attorney hav- ing filed with the council his written opinion against the right of the city to establish a free ferry across the Mississippi, the council resolved that it was their "opinion that the city has the right to establish a ferry from this and the opposite side of the river and that the charter of Mr. Fanning is not exclusive." In June, 1848, the council refused to appropriate $375 at the request of Captain Barney to assist him in work on the harbor. In July, 1848, the council offered a reward of $150 for the apprehension of the per- sons "guilty of the outrage on the United States property employed in improving the harbor, and that a guard of twenty men be author- ized for the protection of the same, provided they can be obtained free of expense." To drive out smallpox $365.75 was spent in July, 1848. In September, 1848, the first telegraph line was completed and opened to Peru, Illinois. The first messages were as follows: "Peru, September 15, 1848. The compliments of C. S. Oslere to the ladies of the Waples House by lightning; would be happy to receive a 'flash' from them. C. S. Oslere." The following answer was "flashed" back: "Dubuque, September 15, 1848. C. S. Oslere: The ladies of the Waples House thank Mr. Oslere for his burning communication ; it warmed their cold hearts ; they rejoice to know that they have a 'spark' in Peru. Ladies of Waples House." The California gold excitement struck Dubuque county in Decem- ber, 1848. On December 30 a public meeting was held at the courthouse to form an organization of all who desired to go to the gold field. Mr. Morrison of Cascade was conspicuous in the Cali- fornia exodus. Late in 1848 citizens demanded that the unfinished harbor be completed. The cholera at New Orleans in January, 1849, caused Dubuque to take extra precautions against the disease. W. Y. Lovell owned the Express for about six months, when it passed back to Holt and Keesecker late in 1848. On March 19, 1849, fourteen wagons bound for the gold field crossed the river here. Merritt, Mobley, Hammond, Gilliam, Alverson, Cox, Coriell and others left for California via the Isthmus of Panama. The California Society was organized, so great was the excitement. In the spring of 1849 the Northwest Demokrat was issued here by V. Hauf ; it was in the German language. The Galena and Dubuque Mining Company was an organization which, with fifty-three teams, crossed the plains to California in 1849. The snowfall of the winter of 1848-9 at Dubuque aggregated five feet one and one-half inches — the greatest on record. Many shade trees were planted in Dubuque in 1849; it was almost a "fad" at this time. The terrible roads leading west- ward from Dubuque checked nearly all business with the back coun- HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 85 try at muddy times. John King, postmaster for over ten years, resigned in April, 1849. The Alleghanians (minstrels) were here in May, 1849. By April 24, 1849, the Express said that over sixty citizens of Dubuque had gone to California. Week after week the streets were crowded with gold seekers. The Southwestern circus was here in July, 1849. In March, 1849, the public was given notice of the approaching charter election and of the fact that voters would be required to decide whether the city should borrow $7,000 for public improve- ments, etc., and for establishing a free ferry. A mark on the Emerson & Waples building was established as a permanent basis for the regulation of street and building grades. In April, 1849, Warner Lewis became mayor. In May three causeways were ordered built on Bluff street at First, Second and Third streets. Drs. J. T. Boone, R. S. Lewis and G. W. Scott were the sanitary committee in 1849. The council bought fifty barrels of lime for distribution in view of the appearance of cholera here in 1849. Drs. Boone and Holt were constituted a board of health. A house for cholera patients was rented of B. Rupert for $4 a month. A house owned by T. Davis was also thus occupied. The council bought of Smith & Co. their interest in the powder maga- zine for $425. John Stafford was permitted to mine on Third street, the city to receive one-fifth of the mineral raised. It was realized in June, 1849, that the plan for a Dubuque harbor, which seemed most likely to be best, was to build a levee out to the main channel and fill in the intermediate sloughs. Some plan that would improve existing conditions was deemed imperative. The Miners' Express of June 13, 1849, said: "Already the largest town west of the Mississippi and north of St. Louis, situated precisely at the point of latitude at which the railroads extending west from the towns upon the lakes must strike the river; surrounded by a country on all sides, almost illimitable in extent and inexhaustible in its agricultural and mineral resources — it requires no gift of pro- phecy to foresee that Dubuque is destined to become and to remain the great commercial city of the Northwest." This was the spirit which animated the citizens at this period — Dubuque was to be the great city of the Northwest. It was realized that Galena aspired to this proud distinction, but her pretensions were belittled and denied. However, before even Dubuque could expect such great- ness and grandeur, a suitable harbor would have to be built, all admitted. "The space between the present landing and the main channel of the river, when once filled up, will amply compensate for the expense to be incurred in executing the work." During the year 1849 over eighty brick buildings were erected in Dubuque, many of them large and costly. Main street was vastly improved — bumps were cut down, hollows filled and buildings of brick took the place of the old and faded wooden structures. New 86 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY stores were built by Powers, Bush, Mangold, Mason, Heeb, Lang- worthy and the fine Globe buildings at Main and Fifth by Wilson & Smith. Judge J. J. Dyer, of the United States District court, had built an elegant mansion on Main street. The city contained twenty-two stores with stocks ranging from $10,000 to $80,000; one large wholesale hardware store; two drug stores; one book store; one boot and shoe store; two tinware manufactories; two auction and commission merchants ; three bakeries ; one large manufactory of confectionery ; seven master builders ; six plasterers ; seven mason bricklayers; four painters; two master stone masons; one marble worker ; two saddle and harness factories ;' seven boot and shoe factories ; nine tailor shops ; three milliners and dressmakers ; three jewelers .and watchmakers ; six cabinet and chair factories ; five blacksmith shops; three carriage and wagon factories; two gun- smiths; three cooper shops; five butcheries; one soap and candle factory; two livery stables; two large steam flouring mills; one steam saw mill; three newspaper and job printing offices; four weekly newspapers — two Whig and two Democratic, one of the latter in German ; eight or ten hotels ; eleven physicians ; seventeen lawyers; thirteen preachers; churches, one each of Episcopalian, Catholic, Methodist, Congregational,. Christian, Baptist, German Congregational and German Methodist. The Roman Catholics had laid the foundation of their large cathedral, the cost being esti- mated at over 100,000. The Episcopalians were finishing their Gothic church on Locust street. The Congregational church had been very much enlarged in 1849. The government offices here were those of surveyor general, where eight or ten clerks were employed at from $800 to $1,200 each per year, and with a patron- age of from $50,000 to $75,000 annually; receiver and register; judge of the United States district court ; Masons, Odd Fellows and Sons of Temperance. Population, near 3,500. The first brick building was erected in 1836. In 1844 the place began to put on a stable appearance on the ruins of the miners' shanties. The city now wanted a harbor, railroads to the East, good roads to the West and other railroads to the western country. "One would suppose that the millers and merchants of Dubuque could afford to give as good a price for wheat as is given in the northern portion of the state. Such, however, appears not to be the fact. Also buyers ^at Bellevue have recently paid as high as 68 cents for wheat, while our millers and merchants have been paying for the best prime wheat 60 cents. We must not be blind to the effects of this state of things. If the merchants here will not buy the wheat and pork of the farmer at the best price they can afford to give, the farmer will very naturally go where he can do better, and there he will buy his groceries, clothing, etc." — (Miners' Express, December 12, 1849.) The total value of taxable property in Dubuque in June, 1849, HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 87 was $675,000; at the maximum rate allowed by law this would yield a revenue of $10,125 ; a tax of 3% mills was levied for general city expenses. In September, 1849, a second California "fever" struck Dubuque and many more departed. A sharp frost on August 30, 1849, wilted vines and vegetables. Valentine Glenat, prominent merchant and judge of probate here, died of cholera in the Rocky mountains while on his way to the gold fields. The harbor question engrossed much attention in 1849. This year the postoffice was removed to the Globe building at Main and Sixth streets. William H. Robbins was postmaster and Alexander Levi was his assistant. Late in 1849 Holt and Keesecker issued the Miners' Express; Wood issued the Tribune, and McCraney issued the Telegraph; the latter leaned toward the Whigs. Thomas McKnight succeeded Warner Lewis as register, and M. Mobley succeeded George McHenry as receiver under the change of national administration in 1849. Cholera on the steamer War Eagle in 1849 frightened the city. CITY OF DUBUQUE, 1850 TO 1859. IN January, 1850, Dubuque was without a fire department of any kind; the loss of a few jbuildings caused people to think. "When a building takes fire here, as was the case with the Goodrich building, everyone runs toward the scene, anxious to assist in subduing the destructive ele- ment; but what avails an unorganized set of men and boys without apparatus of any kind whatever^— without an engine, buckets or hose." — {Express, January 16, 1850.) In January, 1850, Col. Samuel R. Curtis, whose plan was to build a levee not less than fifty feet wide on top from the city out to the main channel of the river, estimated the total cost at $29,648. It was thought at the time that this was the cheapest, most practical and most speedily built of any plan yet proposed. For the fiscal year ending April, 1850, the total receipts of the city were $6,034.81, and at this time the balance against the city was $2,484. Among the items of expense were $425 for a powder house; $168 to Emerson & Shields for lime to sprinkle in the streets and alleys to ward off the cholera, and $100 to Drs. Boone and Holt for their services as a board of health. In 1849-50 the Dubuque subscribers to the American Art Union of New York were Hon. George Green, Francis C. Smith, Timothy Mason, James Reid, Alfred L. Brown, Eustace H. Smith, A. D. Anderson, Harrison Holt, Thomas H. Benton, Jr., William J. Bar- ney (2), Stephen G. Fenimore and R. Spaulding. Five prizes were drawn by the Dubuquers as follows : Painting, "Jephtha's Daugh- ter," worth $350, F. S. Smith, who had recently died; painting, "Sunset," S. G. Fenimore; outline painting, W. J. Barney; medals, Timothy Mason and R. Spaulding. In February, 1850, Dubuque buyers paid more for wheat than was paid at any other point on the Mississippi — 75 cents. Daven- port was paying 60 cents; Galena 60 cents; Bellevue 70 cents; Catfish Mills 73 cents. Early in 1850 Dubuque was connected by new mail routes with Iowa City, Bellevue, Andrew, Tipton, Delhi, Colesburg, Garnavillo and Muscatine. Major Mobley was connected with the Telegraph early in 1850 ; so was John B. Hogan. Mobley was a leading Whig, as also was George L. Nightingale ; they quarreled over government patronage. C. C. Hewitt, who had lived here many years, upon leaving for 88 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 89 California in 1850, was thanked by the council for his untiring and fearless efforts to suppress cholera in 1849. B. M. Samuels was city attorney in 1849-50. J. H. Emerson was elected mayor in April, 1850. In April the register informed the council that he was instructed "to allow the constituted authorities of the city to enter certain tracts in front of it," whereupon the steps to enter such tracts were at once taken. At this time an ordinance giving justices of the peace concurrent jurisdiction with the mayor was passed. The smallpox was here again in 1850, but was checked at once. The old powder house stood on Eighth street. In June, 1850, the council ordered a complete survey from Lorimier's fur- nace up the inner slough, through the lake and across to Eagle Point, with a view of building a canal along the whole city front. Three members of the council and fifteen other citizens were placed in charge of this movement. They were E. Langworthy, L. D. Randall and H. V. Gildea, aldermen, and P. A. Lorimier, William Waples, M. McNamara, C. H. Booth, W. J. Barney, J. G. Shields, J. H. Thedinga, Peter Kiene, T. M. Craney, Mathias Ham, R. Plumbe, H. A. Wiltse, B. J. O'Halloran, H. S. Hethrington and Timothy Fanning. A steamboat channel sixty feet wide and four feet below low water was contemplated. Large quantities of fresh lime were scattered throughout the city in 1850 and all public places were cleansed. The powder house was ordered sold at public auc- tion to the highest bidder in August, 1850. Four public cisterns were ordered built for protection against fires. An election was ordered in 1850 on the question of borrowing $20,000 for use on the steamboat channel from Lorimier's up to Eagle Point. Six fire ladders and four fire hooks were bought in November, 1850. A meeting of the citizens was held and a fire company was organized at this time. They called themselves the "Hook and Ladder Fire Company." The vote on the question of securing a loan of $20,000 for the proposed steamboat channel was — for the loan 315. against the loan 14. D. Murphy was granted the privilege of mining in the graveyard upon paying to the city one-fifth of the mineral raised. M. McNear was allowed the same privilege on Fifth street. A harbor tax was ordered levied to meet the $20,000 authorized for harbor improvement. Abel Hawley was the contractor for the steamboat channel. It was found necessary to buy for $10,000 a large dredge boat to be used on the proposed steamboat channel. In April, 1850, the citizens voted down the proposition to secure a loan of $10,000 for harbor improvement. Boats passed through Barney's cut to the wharf. "We announce the defeat of this meas- ure as we do the death of a friend — briefly and sorrowfully. On the first day of April, a majority of the citizens of Dubuque decided that they would have no harbor unless someone would make it for them." — {Miners' Express, April 3, 1850.) The Western hotel was burned in April, 1850; the city was with- 9o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY ' out fire apparatus or fire organization. In April, 1850, the Dubuque Emigrating Association consisted of fifty-four men and twenty wagons bound for California. The organization occurred at Coun- cil Bluffs. Pratt & Co. owned the Catfish Mills. Mr. Codding, the mesmerist, then called "biologist," was here in June, 1850, and astonished all by his performances. The famous Dubuque Nursery stood about two hundred yards north of the city limits and embraced four acres on which, in 1850, were 12,000 apple trees; the pro- prietor was W. L. Johnson. Already much of the trade of the southwest was lost to Dubuque — the settlers going to Muscatine. The land office was reopened in October, 1850, with Mobley and McKnight in charge. "A Town Full— The city of Dubuque is literally filled. There has been a greater call for houses within the last two months than ever before known. Houses are being finished every day, but are all engaged long before they are complete. More are building, how- ever; don't be discouraged." — {Miners' Express, October 23, 1850.) In 1850 H. S. Hetherington built four cisterns for the city and was paid $121.50. In November, 1850, corn was worth 20 to 25 cents, wheat 65 cents and live hogs $2.50 to $3. In November the livery stable of Lyman & Shomo was burned and nine horses out of sixteen perished. There were loud demands for a fire engine and fire organizations. The canal committee recommended in 1850 a steamboat channel from Lorimier furnace to Eagle Point through Lake Peosta and the sloughs ; the council ordered 600 copies of the report printed and distributed. The committee recommended a channel 100 feet wide and four feet below the low water standard of Captain Barney; total excavation to be 279,190 cubic yards; length of improvement, 24,220 feet; cost of dredge, $8,000: two flatboats, $300 ; channel to be extra wide in places to permit boats to pass each other; the channel to skirt closely the inner shore line of Dubuque ; distance by river from Lorimier furnace to Eagle Point, 25,800 feet; shortening of the line would cause a quicker cur- rent ; stagnant water in the sloughs would be drained ; $20,000 must be raised to make this improvement, either by subscription or taxa- tion ; completion of the canal would advance property at once 25 per cent. At this date the steamboat arrivals were about 200 annually. With a charge to each of only $5 for each landing the wharfage would amount to $1,000 yearly. "Shall our city three years hence be without a harbor and out of debt or shall we, by creating the debt, construct a harbor worth $250,000 the moment it is com- pleted ? Without a harbor or any facilities to overcome the want of one, at an objectionable distance from the bank of the river and this bank separated from the main river by a series of sloughs often too shallow for steamboats, Dubuque has nevertheless derived her existence and growth from the navigation of the Mississippi. With these difficulties she has had constantly to struggle and by such HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 91 efforts she has attained to sufficient size and capital to command a harbor of unsurpassed excellence." — (Express, September 18, 1850; Report of the Harbor Committee.) The committee reported against a boat canal from the main channel across the sloughs and islands to the city shore proper — boats would have to go back after coming in. "The undersigned citizens of Dubuque and the adjoining counties most respectfully solicit and earnestly request our honorable mem- bers of Congress to obtain of the War Department the establish- ment of a military road, commencing at Dubuque and terminating at Fort Clark (Fort Dodge) on the Des Moines river: M. M. Hayden, J. H. Emerson, J. M. Marsh, George M. Henry, Henry S. Hetherington, William Donnellan, Peter Waples, Charles Bogy, L. D. Randall, J. Sprague, Charles Corkery, Timothy Fan- ning, E. D. Turner, S. R. West, C. H. Booth, F. V. Goodrich, E. Langworthy, Owen Smith, I. E. Wootton, B. J. O'Halloran, Michael Nolan, Patrick Byrne, J. J. E. Norman, W. J. Sullivan, William Roche, Francis Mangold, J. L. Langworthy, A. H. Miller, Michael O'Brien, John Palmer, J. P. Farley, Jacob Christman, A. Linn and Dennis A. Mahony." The object of this petition was, by opening such a road, to secure to Dubuque the trade at Fort Clark and other points on the upper Des Moines river ; that Fort previously had obtained all its supplies from Keokuk, which was distant 280 miles; Dubuque was distant only 180 miles. J. J. Abert of the topographical engineers, said : "By the Nicollet map the distance from Dubuque to Fort Clark is about 180 miles, and the distance from Fort Clark to the mouth of the Des Moines about 300 miles. This last distance is represented as the usual traveled distance with supplies, making the difference between the routes — both are land routes — of about 120 miles, the route from Dubuque being that much shorter. This fact gives to the Dubuque route great advantages. The only difference deserving of notice is that to arrive at Dubuque, the Mississippi has to be ascended about 200 miles; but as this distance during the season when supplies are forwarded can be passed by steamboats, it reduces a comparison of the difference on this account between the routes to 200 miles of steamboat navigation and 120 miles of land carriage. This fact also gives to the Dubuque route great advantages. Under all circumstances, therefore, the Dubuque route is much to be pre- ferred and the making of a road on this route would cost but little more than half for a road on the other route." In 185 1 the public square was ordered rented to the highest bidder; grocery (wet) license was fixed at $150, and beer license at $75 per annum in May, 185 1. Thomas S. Wilson was authorized to sell the city's $20,000 bonds in New York city. Proposals for furnishing a steam ferry to ply between Dubuque and the Illinois shore were called for in June, 1851. At this time 92 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY a proposition to build a suspension bridge across the Mississippi was received from A. G. Garver. The council considered building a plank road from Bluff street to the western boundary of the city in 185 1. The proposition of S. L. Gregoire to furnish a steam ferry was accepted. The offer of T. Davis of ten acres and a house to be used as a hospital, at a cost of $625, was accepted by the council. In August, 1 85 1, the ferry rates were fixed as follows: Footman, 10 cents; man and horse, 25 cents; wagon and two horses or oxen, 75 cents; one horse and wagon, 50 cents; minors under 16 years, free; minors over 16, 5 cents; loose freight, 5 cents per 100 pounds; cattle, per head, 10 cents; each hog, sheep or calf, 3 cents. It was found necessary in August, 185 1, to borrow more money to con- tinue the work on the harbor. The northern boundary of the city under the charter was ordered surveyed and marked. Early in Sep- tember, the contract to dredge the steamboat channel was signed with Abel Hawley. More city bonds were ordered issued to meet the harbor improvement expenses. The new graveyard boundaries were defined in October, 185 1. The sum of $15 each was ordered paid to the Dubuque delegates to the "Rapids Convention." The cholera was here again in 185 1. In December, 1851, the harbor bonds of $20,000 were cancelled and destroyed. In January, 1852, George W. Burton and others were granted the right to cut a canal through the island opposite First or Second street to intersect the channel through which steamboats were then admitted from the main river. The steam ferry boat of A. L. Gregoire was to be ready by April 15, 1852. George L. Dickinson kept a popular temperance hotel in 185 1. Cook, Sargent & Co. had an exchange banking house and land agency at this time. The land office and many land companies and firms made this city the liveliest real estate center west of Chicago. "It must be apparent to every observing man that our fair city was never in a more nourishing condition. Strangers are constantly pouring into the city from every quarter seeking opportunities for investing capital. Property to the amount of thousands is changing hands; buildings going up in every direction; and new business firms opening on almost every square of Main street. * * * The health of the city was never better." — (Express.) In March, 1851, the Daily Tribune, A. P. Wood, editor, made its appearance, but after a year was discontinued, but was issued again about 1854 by Adams and Hackley. The Daily Miners' Express appeared first August 19, 1851, under William H. Merritt & Co. "Cholera — We understand there have been one or two cases of cholera in the city since our last issue. It behooves our citizens to give diligent attention to all such means for the prevention of the disease as have so frequently been recommended." — (Herald, July 14, 1851.) HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 93 In 185 1 new and better buildings in all directions were taking the place of the pioneer structures. Never before were there to be seen on the streets so many strangers looking for homes and business opportunities. So rapidly were buildings going up, materials ran out and artisans were lacking and thus operations were checked. During 185 1 the dredge boat did excellent work on the harbor, cutting through the island without trouble. Mexican war land warrants for 160 acres were worth here $170 in 1851. T. L. Rivers took daguerrotypes in September. A town clock was called for. J. D. Jennings was connected with the Express in August. "Dubuque is destined to be the Queen City of the Northwest, the opposition of interested parties and rival towns to the contrary notwithstanding," said the Express, September 5. At this date the city had about 4,100 population. It had two fine hotels and many others; two steam flour mills; nine churches and two others going up; one Mason, three Odd Fellows and one Temperance lodges; three fer- ries— two in the city and one at Eagle Point ; one pottery yard ; one marble yard; two railways approaching from the east; a railway projected westward; many schools, etc. In 1851 the city was liter- ally deluged with showers of shinplasters — many of doubtful value and unknown parentage. Late in September, 1851, work was begun by Abel Hawley of Milwaukee to cut the channel from Lorimier's furnace to Eagle Point, one hundred feet wide and four feet deep at low water, for $24,300. Between Fifth and Sixth streets the channel was to be 200 feet wide. Late in 1851 the work was pushed rapidly; Hawley was paid by installments as the work progressed. B. J. O'Halloran, Caleb H. Booth, Henry A. Wiltse and Edward Langworthy were the committee of supervision.' The work was to be completed in two years. "The part of said improvement along the surveyed por- tion of the city is to be constructed so as to leave a levee at least one hundred feet wide between the lots fronting the water and the extreme outer edge of said improvement." The year 185 1 was wet and cold. High water prevailed the whole year. There were landed here in 185 1 from steamboats 2,824 per- sons. The numerous rains ruined crops and prevented mining. Dubuque exported 4,287 tons of merchandise and imported 24,663 tons. Work on the Dubuque and Sageville plank road was com- menced in September, 185 1, under Joseph C. Jennings, engineer. The road was to be completed by April, 1852. In September, 185 1, exchange on New York was Ij4 per cent, St. Louis 1 per cent, Chicago 1 per cent. The Dubuque and Maquoketa plank road was projected in 185 1, but languished ; it was the original intention to lay the planks as far as Table Mound before winter set in. The Express, Herald and Tribune were the dailies in 185 1. D. A. Mahony assisted Holt on the Herald; so did A. A. White and W. A. Adams. The Dubuque 94 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY Athenaeum was established in 185 1 under J. J. Dyer, president, and P. W. Crawford, secretary. The custom of the early settlers to enter and cut timber on gov- ernment land for their own private gain had become so firmly grounded in 1852 that when they were taken into court by govern- ment agents they became indignant and in January of that year held a large meeting at Dubuque to protest against any interference with such custom. A steady revenue was obtained from the sale of city lots ; this was a state of affairs not fully appreciated by the city fathers, in view of the lack of such revenues in other cities. In April, 1852, an appropriation of $20 was made to pay for an oyster supper to the city officers. At this time 300 forest trees for the public square were contracted for. At the suggestion of Charles Corkery the methods, or lack of methods, of keeping the city records were reorganized and improved. A temporary quarantine hospital was located a quarter of a mile south of Webb's old furnace below Dirty Hollow. Bogy's steam ferry boat was required to land only between Fourth and Fifth streets. Fanning's ferry landed at Sec- ond and Fourth streets. The city calaboose was in the second story of the market house. The temporary quarantine hospital was opened about June 1, 1852, and cost $325; mattresses cost $8. It was agreed at this time that the government's plans for the harbor and the city's plan conflicted in several important particulars. In June, 1852, the city borrowed $10,000 and issued bonds for the loan; the sum was used in street and sewer improvements. The vote stood — For the loan 131, against it 46. There were found shallow places in Barney's cut; they were deepened. Fanning com- menced suit against Gregoire and Bogy, alleging they were inter- fering with his ferry rights. The council had granted to Gregoire and Bogy ferry rights against the advice of the city attorney. James Jones was warden of the temporary hospital. L. H. Langworthy exchanged ten acres adjoining the hospital for a tract called "Grave- yard" on the hill at the northern boundary. In 1852 the city becom- ing delinquent in the payment of county tax on city lots, was ordered by County Judge Lovell to make payment or take the consequences. The $10,000 in city bonds sold for $10,438.89 in New York city; the city received net $10,188.89. "The improvements in Dubuque during the current year, includ- ing dwelling, storehouses and offices, will not fall short of one hun- dred."— (Daily Miners' Express-, July 27, -1852.) "Why is it that property has advanced some 30 or 50 per cent within the last year in this city and that so many married men are flocking to the place, anxious to invest their means among us?" — (Daily Miners' Express, May 20, 1852.) "Never did a spring open in Dubuque with more flattering prospects of a healthy and lucrative trade. Our hotels are crowded beyond their capacity to accommodate; our merchants, builders and mechanics are active; our smelting mills and foun- HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 95 dries, etc., are enjoying a season of the highest prosperity; our streets are crowded with immigrant wagons; the demand for dwellings and business houses is beyond the capacity of our prop- erty holders to meet ; the best and fastest steam ferry boat on the Mississippi is actively engaged; the harbor improvement is pro- gressing rapidly ; and everywhere is seen growth and prosperity." — (Daily Miners' Express, April 9, 1852.) "Within a few months there has been established in this city a large foundry, rope works, soap and candle factory and steam saw mill, and there is now being erected an additional steam saw mill." — (Express, August 12, 1852.) A strong temperance movement swept the city early in the fifties ; the Maine liquor law was advocated by many. Steps to raise Locust street above high water from Fifth south to the city limits were taken in April, 1852. G. J. Adams was manager of the National theater at this time; his rendition of Macbeth was praised. Mr. Mobley's bank offered 6 per cent on all deposits of six months or longer. Mount Pleasant and Air Hill were located back on the bluffs. W. A. Jones sold his interest in the Express at this date. At this time the land agencies of W. J. Barney & Co., Clark & Bissell and Wiltse & Lovell did an enormous business. About July 1, 1852, Dennis A. Mahony bought Dr. Harrison Holt's inter- est-in the Herald; F. J. Stanton later secured this interest. Mr. Stanton's father lived at Dyersville, where later Mr. Stanton con- ducted the Dyersville Mercury. The telegraph line which had long been suspended resumed operations in July, 1852 ; the company was the Illinois and Mississippi Telegraph Company, in which sev- eral citizens of Dubuque held stock. Connected with the plank road were J. J. Dyer, J. P. Farley, Piatt Smith, L. Maloney and H. Thompson; three-inch oak plank were used and the cost was $3,175 per mile. The levee between Fourth and Fifth streets was com- pleted in August. The council of 1852-3 deserved and received great credit for wide improvements to the city. Treasurer O'Halloran, in October, 1852, roused the ire of the council by making charges against them which reflected on their integrity; a committee was appointed to see what action if any should be taken. Several meetings were held and much difference of opinion was expressed. A draft of the council was refused payment by Mr. O'Halloran on a disputed point, whereupon he was fined $100 by the unanimous vote of the council. The draft was for $3,000, which called for 612 sovereigns at $4.90 each and $1.20 in change. But the treasurer had only offered to give for sovereigns $4.85 each, thereby causing a loss of $30.60 to the agent or the city. The treasurer the next day claimed that the market value of sovereigns in New York was only $4.85. Legal action resulted, Mr. Burt serving as counsel for the city and Mr. Clark as counsel for Mr. O'Halloran. Due charges were preferred against 96 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY the latter, to which Judge Clark demurred on the ground of want of jurisdiction. The treasurer finally asked for a compromise on a proposition suggested by one of the aldermen and approved by the mayor. The council refused to accept the compromise offered. Mr. Jennings, also representing the treasurer, appealed to the coun- cil not to pass the expelling resolution, declaring that action was taken "to save the treasurer harmless from loss in the receipt of currency." The mayor and Mr. Stout, alderman, opposed the resolution. Mr. Burt spoke at length for the city. The resolution removing him from office passed, Mr. Stout alone voting in the negative. Robert C. Waples, after a sharp contest in the council, was chosen treasurer to succeed Mr. O'Halloran. The latter was ordered to turn over all books, etc., belonging to the city and make final report. In 185 1 the city exports were 4,287 tons; in 1852 they were 13,284. The boat arrivals in 1851 were 351 and in 1852 were 417. A census of the city in February, 1852, showed over 5,000 inhabit- ants; by January, 1853, tne population was about 6,500. In 1852 about 100 new buildings of all kinds were erected, many of them were large brick structures. The new land districts of Chariton, Northern and Missouri river in 1852 took much business away from Dubuque. Sealed bids to raise all streets in the southern section above high water were called for in August. The capital of the Plank Road Company was raised from $8,000 to $25,000, but the road languished and failed to pay dividends. Permission to cut a channel through the outer island opposite Barney's cut' was granted to a number of citizens. The lower part of Main street was paved in 1852. A new market place for the northern section was established between Eleventh and Twelfth streets on White; cost, $2,500. In the summer of 1852 cholera again made its appearance here. Private individuals claiming an extension of their lots into the public cemetery caused contention and bitterness in 1852; there was a strong demand for a new and better cemetery at once. A ten-acre tract bought of Timothy Davis in 185 1 for a future cemetery was enclosed for hospital purposes. The old graveyard at what is now Jackson park was first laid out in 1833-34, and was fenced by subscription. In 1853 the new cemetery was first opened, lots were sold and improvements were made. People whose fences had protected in part the old cemetery now removed them, leaving the graves exposed to cattle and hogs. Early in 1853 the new territory brought within the city limits was attached to the old wards. In February, Colonel McHenry was sent East to buy a fire engine. A loan of $20,000 was desired to carry on the following improvements : To continue the present harbor work; to extend the work on the levee; to improve the main roads leading out of the city ; to secure grounds for public RUINS OF THE OLD MILL LINWOOD HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 97 building, including schoolhouses ; to purchase fire apparatus; to improve streets ; to put in operation a system of common schools as per charter. In November, 1853, the five wards were bounded as follows: First — All west of Main and south of Fifth; Second — All east of Main and south of Eighth; Third — All east of Main between Eighth and Seventeenth; Fourth — All west of Main and between Fifth and Seventeenth; Fifth — All north of Seventeenth and Mineral streets. Propositions to light the city with gas were received in August, 1853, from George Oelwine and others of Bos- ton, and Barker & Spellman of Cleveland. For schools $10,000 of the $20,000 loan was used. Temporary markets were permitted in 1853. Bee Branch was being improved. Washington Fire Com- pany No. 1 presented its constitution in October, 1853, and asked for apparatus and buildings. A mass meeting in January, 1853, petitioned the council to buy an up-to-date fire engine and at once proceeded to organize hook and ladder and hose companies. M. Mobley was chairman of the citizens' fire committee. In 1853 there was a strong element in the city which began to oppose the con- struction of the canal along the city front ; they demanded that the work on the canal should be abandoned and the inner and other sloughs should be filled. Their plan meant the ultimate filling of all the sloughs and islands out to the main river channel. Early in 1853 the corporate limits were extended as follows: "Beginning at a point in the middle of the main channel of the Mississippi river in the south line continued of section 31, township 89 north, range 3 east; thence west and on the south line of said section and of sections 36 and 35 in the same township and range 2 east to the west line of said section 35 ; thence north on the west line of sections 35, 26, 23 and 14 to the north line of section 14; thence east on the north line of sections 13 and 14 to the range line between ranges 2 and 3 east; thence north along the same to the north line of section 7 of same township in range 3 east; thence east along the north line of said section 7 and on the same continued to the middle of the main channel of the river, thence down said river to the beginning." Cook, Sargent, Barney & Co. began a banking and exchange business in April, 1853. The old banking house of W. J. Barney & Co. was dissolved. The work of Abel Hawley and of Captain Barney on the harbor continued to conflict, but peace was patched up by the council. F. S. Jesup & Co. began banking in April, 1853. Mr. Mobley was still doing a general banking business. The famous Iowa Iron Works began operations about this date, under Farley & Rouse. By the spring of 1853 work on the canal was not profitable to the contractors and opera- tions languished. Dorzan, Delay & Murphy were contractors. The four original squares given to the city were the cemetery, after- ward Jackson park; a ten-acre tract where the courthouse stands 98 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY and northward; one where the old jail stood; and one where Wash- ington square now is. The ten-acre tract was secured in order to be used as a donation to secure the state capital, and if that object should fail, to be used for any other public object. The ground at Washington square was intended originally for a sem- inary. It was declared in 1853 that all these squares except Wash- ington, had been diverted from the uses originally intended. — (Express, February 23, 1853.) In April a fire engine was ordered from Hunnerman & Co. In 1852-3 Waple's cut afforded access of boats to the wharf; it was where the ice harbor now is. "We never saw more strange faces in Dubuque than at the present time. Applications for dwellings and business houses are daily made, but with little success. We want more buildings in Dubuque. Rents are high." — (Express, May 4, 1853.) Bricks, lumber and other building materials were so scarce in the spring of 1853 that frantic calls for more were made by citizens and newspapers. "Strangers — Our city is crowded at this time with strangers. Every other man we meet on the street, nearly, is a stranger. Many of them are seeking locations for business." — (Express, May 18, ^O In May, 1853, James Burt, M. McNamara and H. L. Stout, a committee of the council appointed to investigate and report upon the finances, issued a statement showing that for the previous year, instead of there having been a shortage of $2,116.24, there was really a surplus of $508.76 due to a mistake in figures. Hospital grounds costing $625 and bonds to J. P. Farley on the dredge boat to the amount of $2,000, wrongly charged, made this difference. Another $2,000 on the dredge boat had been wrongly charged. It was now figured that there was in the treasury $360.18. The har- bor tax of 1852 realized by May, 1853, $10,999.50; city tax of 1852, $2,780.59; sale of bonds (filling up), $4,000; $10,000 city bonds sold, $10,188.89; bogy's ferry license, $100; wharfage, $195; fine on B. J. O'Halloran, $100; tax on dogs, $120. These and other items gave a total of $32,104.65. Among the expenses were $232.85 on the public square; lime for streets, $164.83; coffins, digging graves, etc., $212.73; fencing graveyard, etc., $191.41 ; Marine hos- pital building, $325; furnishing and attending the same, $170.26; candles for the council, $5.43 ; city health officer,' $27 ; raising Locust street south, $734.48; raising other streets south of First, $4,000; work on wharf and landing, $1,626.04; sewer on Fourteenth street, etc., $2,249.65 ; spent on Bluff street, $576.75 ; spent on Second and Fourth streets, $900; improvements north of Tenth street, $650; spent on Sixth street, $800; harbor bond and interest to Farley, $2,374.70; paid A. Hawley on dredging contract, $2,750; same dredging slough, $1,200; canal excavation, $710. Quite a large sum was paid out for interest on the various loans. The total HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 99 expenses were $24,859.21, leaving on hand $7,245.44. During the fiscal year 1852-3 there was received in city scrip $4,938.55 ; and in harbor and loan fund orders, $14,770.90. Of bonds and scrip there was only a small amount left outstanding. Fault was found that the merchants' licenses should aggregate less than $400. "The enlarged limits of the city will yield a large increase of revenue for the coming year at the lowest rate of levy heretofore adopted; and your committee anticipate with pleasure the relief granted to their fellow citizens from the harbor taxation which has been levied for the past two years, but which has now expired," said the committee. The citizens were congratulated on the promptness with which they had paid their harbor tax, there being delinquent at the close of the year $16,885, and $186.51 paid by the city at tax sales. — {Express, May 18, 1853.) The city printing went from the Express to the Herald in May, 1853. All of the positions except two in the surveyor general's office went to the Democrats as a result of the change in the national administration in the spring of 1853. Captain E. Vanmeter and Andrew Keesecker became connected with the Express in June, 1853. The city vote on the question of borrowing $20,000 was in for the loan and 55 against it. In June, 1853, Dubuque suc- ceeded in securing the postoffice distributing station from Galena, to the intense regret of the latter and the joy of the former. There were several. "Never did the general appearance of things in our midst indi- cate so much life, buoyancy and prosperity in every description of business. New houses are going up in all parts of the city on ground hitherto unoccupied and old buildings (and often good ones) are tearing down to make room for more substantial and magnifi- cent edifices. Our hotels are thronged with strangers and the tide of immigration, though the season is far advanced, is still unchecked. Business of all kinds is stirred with astonishing activity. These things are apparent to every eye. The natural advantages of Dubuque are rapidly developing under the thoroughgoing enter- prise of her people. These things let us know that a brilliant future for Dubuque is no longer hypothetical." — {Express, June 29, 1853.) "No period within the history of Dubuque has presented a greater amount and variety of improvements than the present. Buildings are going up or being torn down in all directions. One year ago we predicted 20,000 population in the space of five years. We were then laughed at. One thing is settled, Dubuque is to be the great central business focus of the Northwest." — {Express, August 3, 1853.) In August, 1853, the river was at the lowest stage and two dredge boats were at work on the harbor. In August, 1853, Patrick Quigley, receiver, took from this land office to St. Louis by the steamer Lamartine $260,000 in specie ; this sum had been received ioo HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY at Dubuque, Iowa City, Fort Des Moines and Chariton. The new- fire engine was expected in September, 1853, and steps to organize companies were taken, but many asked, "Why organize when we have no water?" It was argued that the reservoirs along Main street were amply sufficient, but they were private property. In August, 1853, Jesup & Co. agreed to take the entire issue of $20,000 city bonds, providing the city would give them a mortgage on the islands opposite the city as security. They agreed on the same conditions to take the former issue of $10,000 in bonds. All of this was agreed to by the city council. Barker & Spellman were awarded the gas contract in August for a term of twenty-five years. J. A. Linnell wrote good poetry for the newspapers in 1853. The Dubuque savings bank was opened by Jesup & Co. in 1853. The large store of Waples & Co. in McClure's building at Main and Seventh streets was burned in September, 1853; the total loss was about $20,000 ; Waples' net loss was $9,500. Cherry Hill was the name given in 1853 to the new cemetery. The contract for gas with Barker & Spellman provided that the cost to the city should not exceed $2.50 nor to individuals should not exceed $3.50 per thou- sand feet. The organization became known as the Key City Gas Company. Their charter has been continued from time to time down to the present date. In September, 1853, a large bar had formed in the main river and was a great hindrance to navigation. In 1853 there was much conflict between the upper and lower sections of the city over council favors ; neither received an improve- ment that was not begrudged by the other. "If one got a plum the other must have two." Late in 1853 the location of the depot of the Dubuque & Pacific railway became a bone of contention between the two or three sections and caused much ill will and vexation. Late in 1853 the demand to change harbor plans became too strong to be hushed or ignored. "Fill up, fill up!" was the cry. The Herald favored filling the sloughs; so did General Jones. Orig- inally, and but a short time before, the citizens had voted almost unanimously in favor of the canal plan. "Two short years ago the almost unanimous vote of the citizens of Dubuque was in favor of the present harbor improvement that is now denounced. Much time and labor was expended in adopting the present projected improvement which is now condemned by persons who have never taken the trouble of examining the subject for themselves. Thus too it was with the Dubuque and Keokuk railroad; thus it was with the Big Sioux railroad; thus it is with the Dubuque and Pacific railroad, and thus it is with all our steam- boat projects; they excite us for the time by their novelty, but that over they are consigned to oblivion. Dubuquers, hear me ! Such a vacillating course never attained an extraordinary advantage, nor never will. Question : Has anyone any idea of what it would cost to fill up the sloughs and islands above high water mark to the main HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 101 river along, the whole front of the city?" — (A Tax Payer, in Express, February 14, 1854.) In January, 1854, there were two dailies — Herald and Miners' Express; one tri-weekly, the Herald; four weeklies, Tribune (Whig), Iowa State Democrat, Miners' Express, North West Demokrat (in German) ; two monthlies, School Journal and Legal Inquisitor. There was demanded here early in 1854 — better harbor work ; improvement of city finances ; more wholesale houses ; better fire protection; improvement of the mail service; better market places ; a new jail ; better sanitation ; better men in office, and more dwellings and business houses. The proposition of giving Brush island to the Dubuque and Pacific Railway Company as a site for their depot was considered early in 1854 and submitted to the voters with the following result: For the grant, 666; against the grant, 285. The Third and Fifth wards voted against it. This vote was understood to indicate that the sloughs and islands were in time to be filled up. The Herald favored the grant and the Express opposed it. Companies to fill up the sloughs were projected early in 1854. One causeway was planned to extend along the south side of Waples' cut (now the ice harbor). Its cost was estimated at $74,000. "In whatever part of the city you visit you will discover the preparations for extensive building this spring and summer. We understand that contracts for the erection of some twenty new business houses on Main street are already let. There never has been a spring within the history of Dubuque when such an activity prevailed in the building line." — (Express, March 11, 1854.) "All know our city has suffered greatly for the last fifteen years, in her business and reputation, at home and abroad, in consequence of the extreme difficulty of getting to and from the river in low water. Strangers destined for Dubuque (ladies not infrequently) have been landed from steamboats at night upon the outer island and were compelled to grope their way by land and slough to the city, benumbed and saturated with rain. Our own merchants, busi- ness men and hotel keepers can attest the hardships they have been subjected to, in getting to and from the river a great portion of the year." — (John King, in Express, March 14, 1854.) "From present unmistakable indications Dubuque in 1855 will be a city of ten if not twelve thousand inhabitants. Scarcely a day goes by that it does not bring new acquisitions to the city. The streets are crowded with strangers, new signs are going up in every direc- tion and strangers daily inquire in vain for dwellings and business houses. Business men predict that three times the number of build- ings will go up this season than have ever gone up in any one season before." — (Express, March 14, 1854.) "A perfect army of emigrants passed up Main street about one 102 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY o'clock in regular military order with rifles on their shoulders." — {Express, March 15, 1854.) "Visitors and emigrants are flocking to the city by scores. Never before was this city so crowded with strangers." — {Express, March 28, 1854.) An immense meeting of the citizens to consider the propriety and utility of building one or more causeways from the main land to the river was held early in 1854 and resolutions favoring that project . were passed and referred to the city council. Before this date a bill in Congress relinquished to the city the old cemetery at the "north end of Main street" (Jackson Park). Rev. Henry Clay Dean lec- tured on "Temperance" at Globe hall in February, 1854. The Express had opposed his views and was caustically criticised by Mr. Dean. In February, 1854, the first number of the Dubuque Observer was issued by C. J. Chapline & Co. It was a Whig sheet and from the start savagely assailed the Catholic church. In February, 1854, the Express claimed 7,000 population for Dubuque. The city was growing beyond all expectations and to the delight and astonishment of the older residents. The outlook was bright in the extreme. Within one year real estate had doubled and tripled and rents had gone up correspondingly and were soaring to still higher altitudes. There was great demand for a steamboat landing where boats could come to the main land at the lowest stages of water. In March, 1854, W. A. Adams succeeded A. P. Wood as pro- prietor of the Tribune. The long expected new fire engine arrived April 3, 1854, and the same day the Washington Company appeared in uniform and gave it a trial. The Baubiens were patrons of the turf, ran daily stages westward and had a large livery stable and a number of fast horses, among them being the famous "John," a trotter with time of about 2 :40. J. B. Dorr was with the Herald in 1854. The newly submerged insulated gutta percha telegraph wire or cable was in operation in March, 1854; Mr. Linnell, operator. At this time two rooms in the market house were fitted up for the new fire engine. In April, 1854, there were four daily newspapers — Express, Herald, Tribune and Observer. At this time the hotels were turning away hundreds of guests — were filled to overflowing ; citizens proposed to erect a new and gigantic hotel. The rent of Waples' storeroom at Main and Fifth was fixed at $1,200, an un- heard of price here. The total receipts of the city for the fiscal year 1853-4 were $38,952.96 and the total expenses, $41,415. The Lorimier hollow improvement alone cost $7,000. The city council occupied Globe hall at an annual rental of $175. The Philharmonic Society was organized in May, 1854, the object being "to cultivate a knowledge of music." It was noted May 30, 1854, by the Express that in six squares on Main street alone twenty-two buildings were in progress of erection. In May, 1854, HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 103 Mr. Anderson, who had just taken the census of the city, reported a population of 6,715 of actual residents and between 600 and 700 non-residents. "Advance in Property. — One year ago last January the Waples' House was bought for $12,500. Recently the Messrs. Gages, pro- prietors of the Tremont House, Chicago, offered $25,000 for it, all cash up. The offer was refused and the property was held at $35,000. This is a sufficient commentary upon the -growth and prosperity of Dubuque." — (Express, May 23, 1854.) Two-thirds of the citizens petitioned the council to pave Main street from First to Eighth streets, the citizens and the city each to bear one-half of the expense. Lots here were valued at $100 a front foot. The new fire engine proved to be poor and unsatisfactory; the company in disgust disbanded. In lieu of the old plan of a long canal, the causeway plan proposed to build a plank road bed supported on piles at an elevation above that stage of water affording free ingress and egress to boats of the largest class, of not less width than Main street and with a landing 300 feet long and about 150 feet wide sloping toward the water. Two causeways were planned — one just south of Waples' cut and one just north of Barney's cut, both to extend out to the main river channel, the two cuts and the canal to remain open. The gas company announced that as soon as they received 200 steady customers they would begin to supply gas. In August, 1854, the council planned to buy the Plank road, providing the company would accept city bonds in payment. F. E. Bissell was sent to Milwaukee to settle with Abel Hawley. The latter gave up the dredge boat and $1,000 to be released. In September, 1854, the council voted four to three in favor of submitting to the voters the question of a $50,000 loan to be used in building causeways to the river. The Dubuque Gas Light and Coke Company was incorporated in September, 1854, with a capital of $150,000. On September 28, 1854, a public meeting to organize a board of trade was held at Globe hall. The meeting was adjourned and at the second meeting few were present and not a miller. Later the organization was effected with F. V. Goodrich, president; Edwin James, Jr., secre- tary, and M. Mobley, treasurer. Early in October, 1854, a Mrs. Jones delivered to the ladies of Dubuque a course of lectures on anatomy and physiology. The big cistern for the gasometer was down fifteen feet by the middle of October, 1854. "Verily, this is an age of progress — Dubuque and gaslight," said the Observer. The attempt in October to form a temperance league did not receive much encouragement. The Methodist conference was held in this city in October, 1854. Rev. Henry Clay Dean was present and delivered . from the pulpit an address attacking in severe terms Knownothingism, which 104 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY address was caustically commented upon by the Observer. His utterances concerning Catholicism particularly unbottled the wrath, criticism and denunciation of that paper. "We learn that the cholera is prevailing at Dubuque to such an extent that many people have left the city in consequence thereof." — St. Paul Express. "There have been a few cases of cholera in Dubuque, confined principally to the floating population, and some few have died. To our knowledge there has been no panic or excitement whatever in regard to it, and we have not heard of any of our citizens flying from it." — {Observer, August 18, 1854.) In October, 1854, J. B. Dorr withdrew from the Herald; where- upon that sheet and the Miners' Express united under the name Express and Herald. "The Daily Miners' Express is dead, buried and resurrected — its death was sudden, decomposition rapid and fusion with neutral elements instantaneous. Out of this fused union of apparently incongruous elements springs into the glorious life and liberty of democratic existence a journal to be entitled the Express and Herald, to be enlarged and issued from the Herald office. Who fathers this new production, or who will nurse its infancy and guide it to manhood doth not yet appear. The union is wonderful — chemical synthesis is at fault for Merritt and Mahony are one." — (Said the Observer, October 27, 1854.) During 1854 Main street was macadamized and guttered, its pavements were improved and sheds and awnings in front were done away with. "When all are removed, the streets lighted with gas and the many splendid blocks of buildings now in process of erection are completed, Dubuquers may well be proud of the main street of their growing city." — {Observer, November 3, 1854.) "Among the few things yet necessary to make Dubuque a city of conveniences may be enumerated water works, gaslight, a few more hundreds of dwellings, harbor improvements completed, reliable connection with the railroad at Galena and a line of steam- boats to secure the Minnesota trade." The board of trade promised to accomplish these improvements. In September, 1854, there was paid at one time for improve- ments on the Lorimier hollow road the sum of $14,375.56. The estimated cost of the lower causeway was $39,353. In November, 1854, the city secured a deed to that portion of the Plank road within the city limits. By November, 1854, several four-story brick buildings were standing on Main or cross streets. It was in 1854, at the time the board of trade was organized, that herculean efforts to extend the wholesale trade were made with much success. Dr. Thomas was connected with the Dubuque Observer, which was the enemy of Catholicism and an advocate of Knownothingism. At this time a wave against Catholicism swept the whole country; in fact, Knownothingism was a manifestation of this wave. A HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 105 typographical union was organized in November, 1854, with Andrew Keesecker president. Money was very tight at this time. The Female Benevolent Society, a Protestant organization, did much good during the winter of 1854-5. City water works were demanded in November, 1854, to take the place of the water ped- dlers. On November 21 the first gas pipes were laid on Main street. The Dubuque Teachers' Institute opened December 10. Robert C. Waples founded Key West in 1854. In December, 1854, Merritt, Mahony and Dorr were publishers and proprietors of the Express and Herald. In December, 1854, there was not a pork packing house in the city. Why not? was asked by the press. During the year 1854 the tonnage of imports to Dubuque amounted to 97,633, the largest items being, square timber, 40,580 ; pine lumber and shingles, 14,972; cordwood, 11,400; groceries, 9,052; emigrants' fixtures, 7,320; dry goods, 5,226; iron, steel and nails, 3,600. The total value was $4,933,208. The tonnage of exports from Dubuque amounted to 11,736, the principal items being, lead, 4,385 ; iron, steel and nails, 1 ,200 ; groceries, 780 ; flour, 880; cattle, 650; household furniture, 720; potatoes, 480; wheat, 540; dry goods, 265. All were valued at $1,573,408. The total number of tons exported from Dubuque on the Mississippi river for 1853 was 7,482 ; value, $1,006,710. The same tonnage for 1854 was as above, 11,736, value, $1,573,408. In 1854, 38,400 men, women and children crossed the ferry at Dubuque ; wagons, 4,300 ; carriages, 2,100; cattle, 9,518; sheep, 2,708; hogs, 6,630. In 1853 the number of persons who crossed the river was 6,200; wagons, 2,404; carriages, 3,010; horses, 6,821; cattle, 5,506; sheep, 300; hogs, 520. In 1854 about 9,000 of the persons crossing were Iowa emigrants. The steamer arrivals in 1854 were 672; departures, 670, an increase of about 175 over 1853. Navigator, Hamburgh, United States dredge boat G. W. Jones, ferry boats A. L. Gregoire, Utah, Dora and Eagle wintered at Dubuque 1854-5 ; also several flats and barges. In 1854 the steamboat lines had all done a good business. The remarkable number of 333 new buildings were erected in Dubuque in 1854, of which 37 were stores, 107 dwellings, 3 churches, 12 schoolhouses, 1 market house, 3 hotels, 3 wagon shops, 2 breweries, 2 warehouses, etc. At the close of 1854 the city had 1 1 churches, 1 female college, 1 college, 5 select or summer schools, 28 dry goods stores, 22 groceries, 5 hardware stores, 7 drug stores, 14 clothing stores, 7 boot and shoe stores, 8 hotels, 5 warehouses, 10 millinery shops, 18 land agency offices, 24 law offices, 14 medical offices, 13 beer houses and all other branches of business; 1,520 mechanics, 38 lawyers, 23 doctors. Nine stages left Dubuque daily. Total value of Dubuque county property for taxa- tion, $5,390,230; city tax, $17,000; total county tax, $57,000. — (Statistics furnished the papers by G. R. West, January 8, 1855.) 106 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY During the winter of 1854-5 business men suffered great incon- venience and loss at Dunleith by freight handlers who purposely delayed goods in order to obtain freight charges and who when they advanced the freight to the railway charged 5 per cent for such service. These and the ferry and dray charges were too heavy to be borne with patience and the business men justly held indigna- tion meetings. There were several business failures early in 1855. In February the city was almost wholly without fire fighting apparatus. Efforts to form a new company were made. In the spring of 1855 the Sisters' hospital was used by the city. In 1855 W. Langworthy sold fruit trees at Pleasant Hill nursery back of the city. In January, 1855, H. L. Stout and sixteen others, upon petition, were granted the exclusive privilege of supplying the city with water by water works. Seventy-five citizens petitioned to have Sixth street extended to the river, but this was evaded or refused and the council called for proposals to extend First and Seventh streets to the river. The council offered a reward of $500 for information leading to the conviction of any person guilty of arson within the city limits. A bill for the suppression of intemperance was opposed in the legisla- ture by Representative Samuels on constitutional grounds; this prohibitory law was passed in February, 1855. City scrip at this date was worth 90 cents on the dollar. In January, 1855, the proposition of a company of citizens to fill in lands on the front upon certain conditions was refused by the council. As public sen- timent and judgment favored some such plan at this time, the council finally called for plans to extend Seventh street to the river. The city received four proposals to extend Seventh street to the river: 1. J. H. Emerson and others; 2. John D. Bush & Co.; 3. Alfred McDaniel, and 4. M. Mobley and others. The Mobley proposal, which was substantially accepted, planned to fill up Seventh street extension and bridge the sloughs with double track bridges in three months or fifteen months at the most; fill up Seventh street forty feet on top in twenty months ; build a levee 320 feet long and sixty-four feet wide. Consideration was to be a strip of ground one block wide out to the river on one side of Seventh street extended, blocks to be 206 feet deep, as soon as the work was half done; also alternate blocks on the other side; also the right to use the dredge boat for three years. This organization was known as the Harbor Improvement Company. In it were M. Mobley, Lincoln Clark, L. H. Langworthy, J. L. Langworthy, T. S. Wilson and James Ogilby. Another company, called Dubuque Harbor Company, composed of Charles Gregoire, H. L. Stout and eight others, agreed to build a similar causeway south of Waples' cut, the consideration to be all the city land south of the cut except enough for streets, alleys, etc. They agreed to extend Jones or Dodge street to the river. Both of the above propositions were HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 107 accepted by the city council,, and thus Second and Seventh streets were to be extended to the river. In short, the Gregoire Company was to build 800 feet of levee to be used as a public highway. They completed their contract within one year, and were incorporated in February, 1856, as the Dubuque Harbor Company; their land extended from the Waples' cut southward about 3,400 feet. The city reserved the frontage on the river and on Waples' cut. The railroad owned a small tract below the cut ; they exchanged this for ten acres farther south and extending from the river to Main street. The Dubuque Harbor Company sold many lots at good prices to private individuals. Any bridges between Barney's cut and Waples' cut were to be draw bridges ; all bridges above Barney's cut and below Waples' cut were to be fixtures. Thus boats passing in at either cut could go on through the canal and out at the other cut. From time to time changes were made in the original contracts with these companies. The lower company built a railroad from the bluffs to the sloughs to convey earth, stone, etc. In the spring of 1855 Washington Fire Company No. 1 raised the means to buy a new fire engine and 500 feet of hose. In March, 1855, when the Bishop of Dubuque issued a communication to his clergymen favoring the passage of the Iowa Prohibition law, the Tribune, really a Knownothing sheet, commended the act in warm terms, while the Herald laughed at the incongruity ; the latter pub- lished twenty- five objections to the law. Immense temperance meetings were held here while the bill was pending. One of the big meetings of Protestants thanked Bishop Loras for his letter to the Catholics of Iowa. Rev. W. Guernsey, a fiery Congregational minister, called Ben. M. Samuels, who had opposed the prohibitory law in the legislature, the "gutter champion." The Bishop later said he favored no political party — was simply in favor of tem- perance and against the liquor interests. The Germans of Dubuque did all they could to defeat the prohibitory law. They held mass meetings and passed resolutions denouncing the bill. In March, 1855, Horace Greeley lectured at the Congregational church on "Henry Clay." In April, 1855, A. W. Hackley was editor and proprietor of the Daily Tribune. General Jesup wrote for local newspapers his memoirs of forty-five years in the army. April 10, 1855, there was about $20,000 city scrip in circulation and not a dollar in the city treasury with which to redeem it. "It Opens Well. — The spring business never before opened with such flattering prospects as it does this season. Dubuque is unmis- takably going ahead. It is as much as we can do to keep posted on the progress of the place." — (Express and Herald, April 12, 1855.") The first city gas lamps were erected April 23, 1855, one at the corner of Main and Fifth streets being the first; it stood in front of the Globe building. The posts were of cast iron and were made by 108 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY Farley & Rouse. For the fiscal year 1854-5 the total receipts were $35,162, and the total expenses $35,923 ; the total city debt in April, 1855, was $51,167.40. Of this sum the two items of $10,000 and $20,000 were bonded and were taken by Jesup & Co. and sold in the East. Alderman Bissell gave his legal advice to the council in 1854-5, refused compensation therefor and was thanked by the council. Several mad dogs and madder citizens were seen upon the streets in 1855. C. C. Childs issued a city directory this year. In 1855-6 the council paid $200 for the use of Globe hall. George W. Jones asked to have Lorimier hollow road widened and the name changed to Appian Way. Alderman Samuels objected and had the street named Julien avenue. The buildings on Main street were numbered in April. Theatrical performances were rendered in Globe hall. In May a joint stock company was formed to build a theater. Allen Leathers was granted exclusive omnibus privileges ; he ran a bus every thirty minutes the whole length of Main street. In 1855 the city council passed an ordinance against steamboats receiving or discharging freight here on Sundays; many objected to this ordinance and asked, "Why not stop ferry whistles and close all shops ?" "Yesterday morning about half past seven o'clock the construc- tion train of the Illinois Central railroad came through to the terminus of the road opposite this city. Passenger trains will com- mence running regularly to and from Dubuque and Dunleith on Monday next. This event should be commemorated by our citi- zens."— {Express and Herald, June 2, 1855.) "There is now a bridge across the slough and connecting the main island with the business part of the city. Boats are now landing on the outer island and hacks and carts are running to and from Main street to the deep water of the Mississippi. This is an important fact for Dubuque. Seventh street also will soon be com- pleted to the deep water of the main river." — {Express and Herald, June 13, 1855.) At Globe hall in 1855 were presented Othello, Lady of Lyons, Merchant of Venice, Richard III., The Drunkard, King of the People, The Wife, etc. In June, 1855, the council appropriated $500 to celebrate the completion of the railroad to Dunleith and the introduction of gas in the city. On June 22, eleven steamboats arrived here; there were from four to six arrivals every day. Mrs. McCready, dramatic reader, was here and was assisted by Miss Nellie Bishop. Mahony and Dorr were state printers from 1853 to 1855 inclusive. In 1855 the bodies in the old cemetery were removed by H. Krohl to the new cemetery. In 1855 the mayor who had no veto power was granted the right to file his objections to any act he was compelled to sign. The liquor license was $150. Caroline Lee Phelps was secretary of the Female Union Benevolent Society in 1854; Mrs. HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 109 J. C. Higginson succeeded her in 1855, at which time Mrs. F. V. Goodrich was president. The first train arrived at Dunleith June 26, 1855, and on July 18 the event was celebrated here. General Tripp was marshal of the day. At sunrise a salute was fired from the bluff, during which the right arm and left hand of a James Best were badly mangled ; this frightful accident marred the whole day. A subscription was raised for him; he had four little children. Many prominent men were invited to be present. Delegations came from Cleveland, Chicago and other cities. The Masons, Odd Fel- lows, city and county officials, workingmen and others paraded. Lincoln Clark welcomed the guests. Stephen A. Douglas, Mayor Cook of Buffalo, Ben M. Samuels, George L. Nightingale, Judge T. S. Wilson and others addressed the audience at Washington Park. There was much complaint in 1855 because the council did not take definite action concerning the public schools. Action against liquor dealers who violated the Iowa prohibitory law was taken in July, 1855, by the seizure of liquors. On August 23 Brooks ascended in the balloon Comet from the hill near General Jones'; crossed the river into Illinois and landed safely far down the stream, A large crowd saw the ascension. An old lady present exclaimed, "What a happy man he is to get so near heaven ; bless the Lord!" By the last of August, 1855, the bridges over the sloughs on Jones and Seventh streets were almost completed. Jones street was hurriedly graded at both ends so that teams could reach the levee. The north half of the island between the river and outer slough and above Barney's cut went to the Dubuque & Pacific rail- road. After September 23, 1855, passenger trains over the Illinois Central railway ran regularly to and from Dunleith; the ferry ran in connection with the trains, but there was much complaint over delays and unfair tactics. A general plan to widen and improve all the streets and adjacent roads was set in operation late in 1855. The leading hotels were: City Hotel, by C. C. Hewitt & Co.; Julien House, by Kingman & Rhodes; Peaslee House, by A. H. Peaslee; Key City House, by Q. H. Lockwood, and Washington House, by Lee and Gray. "Indian trails and miners' paths there were through Dirty hollow, over Whisky and Hamilton hills, through the tortuous windings of Madden hollow, over the rugged ascent of Lorimier hollow, now Julien avenue, and through several other wild ravines and over the craggy steeps of the bluffs around the city. The only unobstructed approach to the city was by way of what is called the Couler at the upper end of town. Farmers, of course, complained, but their com- plaints were for some time unheeded. They had to watch the opportunity of fair weather to come to town and wait for each other at the foot of the hills to double and sometimes treble teams to help each other through. This process went on for years until other no HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY markets superseded this largely. Galena enterprise put a ferry across the river at Tete des Mortes and secured much of the trade of Jackson and southern Dubuque counties. Other points — Bellevue, Muscatine and Davenport — drew from the county west. It was then realized that Dubuque would have to improve its Indian trails and miners' paths." — (Express and Herald, October 24, 1855.) Mahony and Dorr had business difficulties in the Express and Herald which were settled by the courts, Dorr remaining in pos- session. An immense coal yard, one of the first, was established here in October, 1855 ; coal was worth 30 cents a bushel and wood $5 a cord. In October, 1855, city scrip was worth only 75 cents on the dollar. Immense public works were under contract and the city needed at once $100,000. The Dubuque Library Association was organized late in 1855 with Piatt Smith president; Austin Adams, vice president ; J. S. Blatchley, librarian. The object was to collect a library of general literature. In October, 1855, a special census showed 12,056 population in the city. Mandel Brothers (after- wards of Chicago) were prominent merchants in 1855. In a vote for the issuance of $100,000 in city bonds for general improvements the result was ninety-seven for the loan and forty-seven against it — a very light and unsatisfactory vote. The measure carried, being over two-thirds of all the votes polled. Protection Fire Company No. 2 was organized November 6 with thirty members under J. A. Parker, foreman. The Express and Herald under Dorr was less abusive, personal and libelous than it had been under Mahony. The city had over 12,000 inhabitants, but no efficient apparatus to fight fire. Two boxes sent from the land office here to New York and supposed to contain $25,000 in gold was found in New York to contain buck shot, pressed balls and sheet lead. The express com- pany offered $10,000 for the recovery of the money and $15,000 for the arrest and conviction of the thieves. On November 16, 1855, the suspended Dubuque Literary Institute was reorganized with John Hodgdon president ; a series of lectures was planned. On November 24 C. C. Flint began the publication of the daily and weekly Republican. James L. Langworthy, Edward Langworthy, Lucius H. Lang- worthy and Solon M. Langworthy did a large banking business in Dubuque in 1855 under the name of "J- L. Langworthy & Brothers, Exchange Bankers." They offered to enter land for any one in the Dubuque, Decorah, Brownsville and Winona land offices on time. They received deposits and sold exchange on the East. They dealt in real estate. "Many of us remember and some of us exult over the victory obtained by the people in their contest with the Miners' Bank of Dubuque, yet most of us meanly submit to be swindled by less responsible financiers than were the heads of the monster which the people have exultingly slain. Why was it that the Miners' Bank HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY in was put down while the notes of other banks are circulated among us as money? There is no reason for making this distinction — for preferring the notes of the Bank of Galena, for example, to those of Major Mobley." The editor ended by appealing to the citizens "to get rid of the lying, swindling promises to pay that have driven from us the eagles, half eagles and sovereigns and we shall soon again be gratified with the sight of old friends who never break their promise. It is an injustice to our fellow citizens who have the peculiar talent for the business of financiering to place them under a ban, while strangers are given the preference." "Dubuque Loan. — The city and county of Dubuque have nego- tiated a loan of $400,000 by Marie and Kanz, of New York, and F. S. Jesup & Co., of Dubuque. The loan was made to pay the subscriptions of the city and county to the Dubuque & Pacific rail- road. The coupons are payable in Berlin, Prussia, and the bonds bear 8 per cent interest. They are guaranteed by an equal amount of the stock of the road." — (E. & H., November, 1855.) In 1855 the future prospects of Dubuque were bright and auspicious. Settlers were pouring by the thousands into Iowa, and in fact into the entire West. Chicago was growing with astonish- ing rapidity, as indeed were hundreds of other villages, towns and cities in the Mississippi valley. It was believed here that Dubuque was certain to become one of the greatest, if not the greatest, cities in the United States at no distant date — fifteen years, said the Express and Herald of November 27. It was noted that never before had the prospects of the city been so promising. "A person cannot take a minute's walk through this city now without having his attention engaged by evidences of progress and commercial prosperity, no matter in what direction he may turn his eyes. In anticipation of what Dubuque is destined to be every dollar that can be spared is invested in real estate." It was advised that all lead of this region should be manufactured here into lead products, and the same of wheat, which was not the case at that time. "Here in the midst of the lead region Dubuque ought not to send away a pig of lead except in the shape of white lead, shot, etc. ; but instead of this being the case, this city exports the raw material to be manufactured elsewhere and brings back the same lead manufac- tured into shot, white lead, leaden pipe and other commodities. Not a bushel of wheat ought to be exported from this place, except as manufactured into flour; yet it is notorious that vast quantities of wheat find its way to the eastern and southern markets from this city." Many new business houses and buildings were promised for 1856. At this time five different railways had reached or practically reached the Mississippi river from the East, and it was firmly believed here that with proper effort Dubuque could be made the metropolis of the Mississippi valley. And the citizens prepared to H2 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY make such effort. In one day in November at Dubuque applications were filed for 200,000 acres. "Yesterday Mr. Quigley, son of the receiver of public moneys at Dubuque, deposited with the sub-treasurer the sum of $300,000 received in payment for public lands. The money was conveyed on the Illinois Central and the Ohio & Mississippi railroads in the charge of five persons employed for the purpose." The express company was angry and made unwarranted exactions that caused sharp criticism. "A larger number of good, substantial buildings have been erected in Dubuque this season than in any previous year." — {Express and Herald, November 30, 1855.) Buildings by Doyle & Shine, Peaslee & House, Kniest & Lenssen, J. P. Farley and forty to fifty others of less note, among which was that of John D. Jennings, called "Com- mercial Row," containing a dozen or so of business occupants were erected. "The number of new firms is alone sufficient testi- mony of the rapid expansion of every branch of business. The ad- ditional number of houses does not at all diminish the business of those already established." — {Express and Herald, December 1, I8S5-) In 1854 the exports were 11,736 tons and the imports 97,633 tons; in 1855 the exports were 24,237 tons and the imports 276,690 tons. The value of each had nearly tripled. Men, women and chil- dren crossing the ferry in 1854 were 21,020; the number in 1855 was 38,400. The steamboat arrivals in 1855 were 846. In 1854 333 new buildings of all kinds were erected; in 1855 471 were erected, among which were one college, one church, twenty-seven stores, three hotels. At the close of 1855 the city had twelve churches, seven common or select schools, forty-one dry goods stores, thirty-two groceries, ten warehouses, twelve hotels, five breweries, ten drinking saloons, twenty-four land agencies, twenty- eight law offices, sixteen medical offices, forty-eight lawyers, thirty- one doctors and 2,600 dwellings. From April to January the city spent $23,565 on streets. The city assessment in 1854 was $4,323,530; tax, $32,006. In 1855 the tax was $50,006; licenses alone brought $18,000. — (G. R. West's statistics.) "City Improvements. — Strangers visiting this city are struck with surprise at the rapid growth and enterprise manifested here. In every part of the city is heard the carpenter's hammer and the voice and din of business. Dubuque certainly has a bright and glorious prospect for the future, and nothing will impede its prog- ress but the want of enterprise and public spirit." — {Express and Herald, December 6, 1855.) In January, 1855, the Express and Herald installed an Adams book and news steam press of the largest size, weighing about six tons. Owing to ulterior reasons this press was not operated in 1855. In the meantime, in November, 1855, the Davenport Gazette 4pB£ ASYLUM DUBUQUE CLUB HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 113 also established and put in operation a large steam press. Thus, though Dubuque was the first to install, it was second in putting in operation the first steam press in the state. G. W. Rogers built a shot tower here late in 1855. Graded common schools were estab- lished in 1855. The famous Hutchinson family of singers were here late in 1855 — Judson, John and Asa. On December 18, 1855, Washington Fire Company No. 1, with their new engine, "threw three streams at once over the flouring mill of Nadeau & Rodgers, nearly eighty feet in height — each pipe having 100 feet of hose. They then tried their engine on Main street and threw a stream about ten feet over the flag staff of the Julien House." — {Express and Herald, December 19, 1855.) Lorimier Hall was not built by Peter Lorimier. It was erected by Coates & Wilde and christened in honor of P. A. Lorimier, one of the oldest citizens of Dubuque. The policy of having the city pay half the cost of paving the streets in vogue here was ridiculed and denounced here in December, 1855. It was demanded that the lot owners should pay the Whole cost in proportion to their front- ages. Late in 1855 Odd Fellows Hall building was projected, to cost $40,000, and to be located at Eighth and Bluff streets. The Northwestern Express Company (J. C. Burbank & Co.) had been in existence here for many years. They dispatched pas- sengers and freight to St. Paul, etc. E. Hay den was local agent in December, 1855. At a meeting of the board of trade December 22, 1855, it was decided that on January 10, 1856, the merchants and business men of Dubuque should commence to reject the issues of the Georgia, Tennessee and Nebraska banks. The best men of the city to the number of 120 signed the refusal. — {Express and Herald, December 24, 1855.) The banking house of W. J. Barney & Co. and F. S. Jesup & Co. refused to join the movement. They were criticised sharply by the press. The postoffice in. 185 5 was only eighteen or nineteen feet wide and at the rush hours people had to wait in line to get their mail, so great had become the business of the office. This room had been occupied in the spring of 1855 and was on Sixth street on what was called the "public square." Numerous sites were discussed at this time — land owned by General Jones, L. Molony's lot, Jesup & Co.'s, the new concert hall in the proposed new city hall at Sixth and Locust streets, and elsewhere. On December 3, 1855, the following prices prevailed in Dubuque : Timothy hay, $20 per ton; prairie hay, $15 to $18; wheat, $1 to $1.09 winter and 90 to 95 cents spring; corn, 40 to 45 cents; oats, 45 cents; barley, $1.12; pork, $4.50 to $5; beef, 7 to 9 cents; mutton, 7 to 9 cents ; venison, 8 to 1 1 cents ; butter, 18 to 20 cents ; potatoes, 50 to 55 cents; hides, green, 5 cents, dried, 11 cents; flour, $8 per bbl. "Never before in the history of Dubuque have farmers ii4 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY received at this season of the year 40 to 50 cents for corn and oats." — (Express and Herald, December 3, 1855.) "The business in Dubuque seems scarcely to have diminished until the present week since the close of navigation, either in the busy market, the warehouses on the levee, at our wholesale and retail stores, or in the produce buying in the streets. The past season has been one of unexampled prosperity for our city." — (Express and Herald, January 8, 1856.) Several strong organizations for poor relief were in operation in January, 1856. On January 9 it was 26 degrees below zero here. From July 4, 1855, to January 1, 1856, 5,200 persons registered at the Peaslee House; others showed immense registries. F. D. Henning & Co., of Pittsburg, opened a banking house in January, 1856; other bankers were Mobley, Dubuque Savings, F. S. Jesup & Co., W. J. Barney & Co., Dexter & Ripley, the Langworthys and others. The old calaboose was removed in 1856 and the lot on which it stood was leased for building purposes. It was dark, low and damp and the terror of topers who were put there to "cool off." In February, 1856, the cellar and first floor of the store occupied by Coates & Wilde were leased for $1,600 per annum. This was about the highest rent thus far charged. In February, 1856, there came here in one wagon load thirty-two deer, brought from Bremer county by a Mr. Fogle. On February 4, 1856, the firemen held a grand parade and ball, on which occasion Washington No. 1 and Protection No. 2, both new engines, were exhibited and greatly admired by the citizens. The engines were decorated with banners and festoons of artificial flowers. J. P, Farley and others petitioned to have the old cemetery con- verted into a public park. New market grounds were secured in January, 1856, at Iowa and Clay streets — the present city hall now stands on these lots. On January 15 a water works ordinance passed the council. In March the islands were ordered surveyed and platted. In April, 1856, the Harbor Improvement Company asked permission to extend Fifth street to the river. Many ware- houses were going up along the levee and along Seventh and Jones streets. In February, 1856, a $1,000 share in the Harbor Improve- ment Company was sold to a Pittsburg gentleman for $2,000. Over a dozen new wholesale houses were established here during the last half of 1855. In 1856 judgment for $1,000 was obtained against Abel Hawley, at Milwaukee. Eighth street extended was the northern boundary of the Harbor Improvement Company's tract. Fire limits were established in February, 1856. Main street was continued south to Jones street. The $100,000 for city improve- ments was obtained from W. W. Corcoran, the famous philan- thropist of Washington, D. C. In March, 1856, the Dubuque HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 115 Library Association had sixty members and 200 volumes ; the mem- bership fee was $5. On March 13 all persons having friends buried in the old cemetery were requested to remove them to the new cemetery. J. Bittman was connected with the Stoats Zeitung in 1856. "Never before in the history of Dubuque did the preparations for building commence so early in the season as appears to be the case now. No city of the Mississippi valley should be allowed to surpass her in the beauty, style, commodiousness and convenience of her buildings." — {Express and Herald, March 6, 1856.) It was in 1856 and 1857 that Dubuque dealers awoke to the importance of the wholesale business here. Jobbers here for almost the first time agreed to duplicate St. Louis or Chicago bills. Herron Brothers, of Pittsburg, opened a banking house here in March, 1856 — on Main, between Third and Fourth. The Varieties theater in Lorimier hall presented Othello, Damon and Pythias, Black Eyed Susan, Ingomar, Virginius, School for Scandal, Romeo and Juliet, Iron Chest, Richard III., The Wife, Lucretia Borgia, Rob Roy, Irish Lion and Uncle Tom's Cabin early in 1856. Among the performers were W. S. Forrest, manager ; H. Van Liew, lessee ; H. Gossen, G. W. Johnson, Mrs. Powell, Miss Laura Bentley and Miss Azlene Allen. Theatres exhibited also at Globe hall. Mr. Bell packed about 700 hogs in 1855-6. At this time (spring of 1856) the following companies were conspicuous here : Harbor Improve- ment, Harbor, Dubuque & Pacific railway, Dubuque & Western railway, Dubuque & Minnesota Packet, Minnesota Packet, Water Works, Dry Dock, Tunnel. A fire alarm bell was demanded at this time. It was noted that in April, 1856, there were forty-one wholesalers here. From first to last such houses have constituted the backbone of Dubuque's business and prosperity. In the spring of 1856 the first three vessels upward bound brought 1,000 pas- sengers. The upper country was growing enormously and there- fore the great success of wholesaling here. Along Mainjstreet cisterns holding 1,000 barrels each were built for fire protection. A private house was converted into a calaboose in April, 1856. J. C. Jennings was resident government agent in charge of harbor improvement in 1856. It was necessary to open a smallpox hos- pital in April. Temporary fire engine houses were erected on the public square. On May 11, 1856, for the first time in Iowa, a newspaper was printed, dated and issued on Sunday. North's great circus was here in 1856; Colonel Wood's museum also; Professor Fowler, phrenologist, also; Ole Bull, violinist, and Adelina Patti, prima donna, also. The latter sang at the Congrega- tional church to an immense audience. "Pure Water. — One of the things to which we wish to call the attention of the city fathers is the fact that most of the water which is supplied by the water carriers of Dubuque to their customers is xi6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY obtained along the inner levee and at other most improper places." — (Express and Herald, May 31, 1856.) In 1854 a water company was chartered by the legislature, but nothing further occurred at that time. The gas pipe on Main street was re-laid in 1856. A big public schoolhouse in the Third ward, with a capacity for 600 children, was ready in September, 1856. The shot tower of George W. Rogers & Co. stood on an extension of Seventh street. The cost of the tower by November, 1856, was $7,000; total cost would be about $10,000. The total height was about 150 feet — no feet of stone and 42 of brick. The measurement at the base was 18 feet 10 inches — walls three feet thick at base and twenty inches at top of the stone work. There were nine stories in the tower. When completed its daily capacity was from six to eight tons of shot. Among the Masons of Dubuque in September, 1856, were the following: Dubuque Council of Royal and Select Masters : Charles T. Gilliam, R. Spaulding, A. D. Anderson, C. H. Booth, A. Levi, G. W. Cummins, M. Hooper. Dubuque Royal Arch Chapter: A. Biles, J. T. Everett, H. Rouse, J. H. Lull, B. R. Watson, W. P. Allen, C. H. Booth, W. W. Woolsey, A. D. Anderson, A. H. Dillon, A. Harr and Wm. Hooper. Charles Gilliam was W. M. of Dubuque Lodge, No. 3, and T. S. Nairn was W. M. of Metropolitan Lodge, No. 9. In the fall of 1856 gas lighting was extended to the leading side streets. The bluffs back of the city began to be covered with resi- dences. Crowds of strangers thronged the city in the fall of 1856. The first two public cisterns were built at First and Second streets in September, 1856. Taylor Richards and Burden were bankers at Fifth and Main. The city was filled with law-breakers and robbers at this date. So bad was the money situation here late in 1856 that mass meetings of business men endeavored to devise means to improve the situation. In one meeting the merchants agreed to take at par the post notes issued by the Dubuque Harbor Company and expressed confidence in the post notes of the Dubuque & Western railway. At another meeting attended by Burt, Lewis, Wilson, Mills, Waples, Dorr, Stimson, Hackley and Bancroft reso- lutions of confidence in these post notes were voted down 116 to 103. This meeting demanded that the members of the companies should file a paper legally binding themselves as individuals to redeem the notes. In October, 1856, the Express and Herald people installed their steam press and connected with it was a book-bindery. The New England Society was a strong organization in 1856. The Sons of New York was another. The Northwest, a newspaper, was issued here in 1856 by H. D. LaCassitt. J. F. Jesup, at his death in 1856, made the following bequest among others: "All the residue of my estate I give in trust to HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 117 Morris R. Jesup, Piatt Smith and Louis Boisot, to be used by them for the benefit of the poor of the city of Dubuque." — {Express and Herald, November 12, 1856.) Immense quantities of slaughtered hogs were marketed here in November, 1856. The Northwestern Stage Company put on extra coaches for the trip to St. Paul from Dubuque during the winter of 1856-7. Late in 1856 Dubuque was infested with gangs of thieves, which fact caused the city authorities to double their efforts to catch and punish them. Morehiser was captain of police at this time. In 1856 (December) Judge Corkery was postmaster with office on Eighth street in the Odd Fellows building. The Express and Herald of February 4, 1857, said: "Twelve years ago (1844) Dubuque was what we may call a small village, remarkable for nothing more than its being in the lead mining region. It had then, if our recollection be correct, about 700 inhab- itants all told. There was not a single street of what is now the city of Dubuque graded. There were but two brick houses, most of the rest of the buildings being frame shanties. A few stores were suf- ficient to supply Dubuque and all the country for six miles around in Iowa with all the commodities of household, mechanical and agricul- tural use. Main street lots that would now sell for $400 a front foot could be purchased then for from $100 to $200 for a 64- foot lot. Lands in the vicinity of the city that now sell for $1,000 an acre, could then be taken up as claims and bought from the govern- ment at $1.25 per acre. The hotels then were the Jefferson, the Washington and the Western, three frame buildings, not a vestige of which remains we believe to awaken in the minds of the old settlers reminiscences of the early days of Dubuque. General Har- rison and Tim Fanning were then the principal caterers. Look at Dubuque now and judge whether she does not give warrant for future greatness which we anticipate she will ere long attain." "A Cold Snap. — Sunday was the coldest day of the season. Before sunrise the thermometer marked 37 degrees below zero, at 8 o'clock 28 degrees below, and at noon 10 degrees below." — {Express and Herald, January 21, 1857.) "It is almost incredible to what a degree real estate has appre- ciated in this city within a twelve-month past. Take the Miller farm near town. A year or two ago it sold for $130 an acre. Now it is rated at $1,000 an acre. A short time ago Mr. Sanford bought two lots corner of Seventh and Iowa streets for $30,000. The same lots were offered a year ago for $6,000 and could not find a pur- chaser at that price. It is within bounds to say that all the real estate within the city limits of Dubuque has doubled in value within a year. Some portions, we admit, have not risen at all apparently, while in other localities they have appreciated a thousand per cent." — {Express and Herald, January 28, 1857.) "We own to having become considerably indignant at the course 1 18 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY pursued by our city banks in relation to paper money. They bring bank notes here for circulation by the hundred thousand and after paying them out to the community for good money, they refuse to take them back the next day unless perhaps at a discount." — {Express and Herald, January 28, 1857.) The Central Improvement Company was organized January 23, 1857, with a capital of $2,100,000. It became the owner of two islands with an aggregate of twenty-eight acres and with enough shallows to make a total of sixty acres when filled in. Its boun- daries extended from the line of the Harbor Company on the south to the line of the Harbor Improvement Company on the north. Its design was to make a levee the whole extent, to fill all the interven- ing lands and sloughs and to run First, Second, Third and Fourth streets to the Mississippi. The corporators were Jesse P. Farley, Franklin V. Goodrich, Austin J. Goss, Robert C. Waples, Chris- topher Pelan, Robert M. Walmsley, Alexander Anderson and Fred- erick E. Bissell. The company began swift operations. Early in January, 1857, the bankers of Dubuque gave public notice that they would not guarantee the currency paid out by them beyond the day in which it should be paid out. In this extremity the press cautioned people to insist on specie in all their money transactions. In January, 1857, the Central Improvement Company was organ- ized; they secured a large tract in front of the city between the grants to the Harbor and the Harbor Improvement companies. In February, 1857, Redman & Keim, bankers, succeeded T. S. Jesup & Co. and became associated with W. Y. Lovell under the name of Redman, Lovell & Co. In February Gen. John Hodgdon assumed editorial charge of the Northwest during the temporary absence of M. B. Mulkern, editor. In April Mulkern retired from the paper. The new constitution of Iowa was published in full here in March, 1857. The establishment of the Republican here in 1857, by A. P. Wood in June, 1857, gave the city its fourth daily. Thomas F. Meagher, Irish patriot and orator, lectured here in June on "Royalty and Republicanism" ; he had been banished to Van Dieman's Land, but escaped and came to America; he lectured also on "Life and Times of Daniel O'Connell," at the Julien theater. The firemen paraded in June — Washington, No. 1, had fifty-four men in line; Protection, No. 2, thirty- four men; Mechanic, No. 3, forty men; they gave an exhibition of water throwing. The new Lorimier House at Bluff and Eighth streets was erected in 1857 at a total cost of about $90,000. In 1857 Dubuque & Pacific stock was worth 90 cents on the dollar ; Dubuque & Western, 85 cents ; Dubuque Gas Light & Coke, 75 cents; Dubuque Union Insurance, $1.15; Dubuque General Im- provement Company, 10 cents; Dubuque Harbor Company, 7^ cents; Dubuque Harbor & Improvement Company, 2 cents. HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 119 "Life and Business. — What a stir was on the streets yesterday. On Main, for the major part, as far as the eye could reach, up and down, a living mass of beings were jostling each other — men, women, children, horses, wagons and drays — all one gay, happy, moving panorama of city life. It did one's heart good to witness it." — (Express and Herald, March 18, 1857.) "It is astonishing with what rapidity frame tenements and build- ings of different character are going up. We remarked a week ago or more that the season had commenced, but we did not dream of anything like the magical springing up of structures that the past few days have brought forth." — (Express and Herald, March 18, 1857-) On June 3, 1857, the money market here was very tight; high rates for loans were demanded. All bills were rigidly scrutinized. "Yesterday B. P. Power & Co. shipped to Dyersville seven boxes of merchandise, four of them weighing 1,220 pounds; twenty-four plows, 1 hogshead of sugar and thirteen large packages of groceries. This firm made the first shipment over the road. They have shipped to St. Louis during the past week over 2,000 bushels of wheat." — (Express and Herald, May 20, 1857.) The Dubuque Times was started here in the spring of 1857 with Jesse Clement editor, and in politics was Republican. "An unusual stringency pervades our money market and business, generally speaking, is extremely dull." — (Express and Herald, July 28, 1857.) "As early as August, 1857, a horse railroad to be extended from Dubuque through Couler valley was projected and considered. It was proposed by W. R. Hopkins, who argued from experience that one should be built." — (Times, August 27, 1857.) The Secretary of the Treasury, in March, 1857, gave the contract for the new custom house and post office in this city to John Bostater and Jacob Fonts for $87,334.50, the lowest bid. The Dubuque Times was first issued June 15, 1857, by a corpora- tion composed of twenty-four prominent Republicans. J. P. Farley was president ; D. N. Cooley, secretary ; M. Mobley, treasurer, and George G. Lyon, editor. The object was to establish here a perma- nent Republican organ and job office. Work on the new jail was in progress in May, 1857. Kerosene oil explosions began to occur too frequently in 1857. On February 10, 1857, the new Odd Fellows building at Eighth and Bluff streets collapsed, the roof falling in and part of the wall falling out, crushing Capt. S. C. Foss and his wife to death in their home adjacent. There were many narrow escapes. The post office was buried in the ruins. Captain Foss was an old soldier of the War of 1812', and was one of the famous Dartmouth prisoners. — (Express and Herald, February 11, 1857.) In August, 1857, Dubuque had six daily newspapers — five in 120 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY English and one in German, as follows : Times, Tribune, Express and Herald, Republican, Northwest and Democrat. In August, 1857, there were nine large warehouses in course of construction on the levee. A rumor against the M. Mobley bank caused a heavy run -there by depositors on September 11, 1857, by the German and Irish popula- tion which held his certificates of deposit. Observing this run a notice was promptly issued by forty of the best business concerns and wealthiest citizens of the city pledging themselves to sustain "his entire ability to redeem any promise or other pecuniary lia- bility at call."' The men thus voluntarily backing Mr. Mobley were worth nearly $4,000,000. In August, 1857, trie assessor's list showed over 240 concerns and persons here assessed over $10,000 each. Among the wealthiest citizens were the following: J. D. Bush, $67,940; Richard Cox, $90,480; Jesse P. Farley, $72,200; M. Ham, $92,657; J. L. Langworthy, $126,090; E. Langworthy, $170,060; S. M. Langworthy, $74,725; P. A. Lorimier, $65,875; L. H. Langworthy, $90,475 ; A. McDaniel, $62,600 ; J. Ogleby, $63,025; William Rebman, $128,150; H. W. Sanford, $93,200. The wealthiest concern was the Dubuque Harbor Company, which was assessed at $330,000. The total footing of all assessable city property for 1857 was $10,645,663. — {Express and Herald, August 12, 1857.) The Tribune alone of the newspapers here opposed the issue of post notes by the Harbor Company. It demanded that such notes should draw interest and declared that their issue was a violation of state law. The post notes of the Harbor Company began to make their appearance about November 18, 1857. They were in bills of $5 and $10 and were beautifully engraved in New York. Although the Express and Herald was "unalterably opposed to banking in all its forms," yet it favored the issue of the post notes by the Dubuque Harbor Company. It did so because it believed they were perfectly good and would relieve the situation here and did so as a "temporary necessity." Every banker in Dubuque except the house of J. L. Langworthy & Bros, agreed to take and use the notes of the Harbor Company, and they did not probably because they were interested in the Harbor Improvement Company and not in the Harbor Company. The Tribune opposed the post notes of the Harbor Company, but not those of the Harbor Improvement Company, or the Central Island Company. Much of all this maneuvering was due to personal interests. "In the money market we have nothing new to report excepting the presence of the long expected notes of the Harbor Company, which made their first appearance some days since and are very readily taken by a greater portion of our merchants, bank- ers and business men," said the Express and Herald, November 18, HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 121 1857. The notes of the Harbor Company were redeemable in specie one year from date. At a meeting of the friends of the Harbor Company's post note issues held late in November, 1857, there were strong delegations from both "Dublin" and "Germany." Over 100 of the best mer- chants and business men agreed to take the notes at par. There were present at this meeting George W. Jones, Warner Lewis, Robert M. Walmsley, E. S. Norris, M. Mobley, J. B. Dorr, R. C. Waples and J. H. Emerson. The following resolution was passed : "That we do most earnestly request the Dubuque Harbor Company to continue the issue of their post notes." Mr. Emerson, a member of the company, explained that the company did not want to issue the notes but had reluctantly consented to do so upon the earnest solicitation of many of the business men, and even then only on the ground that it might be a measure of relief to the community and not of profit to the company. — {Express and Herald, November 25, 1857.) There came at once from many places in northern Iowa demands or requests for the post notes. M. Mobley's bank suspended and closed its doors early in De- cember, 1857. He issued a card in which he stated that his assets to the amount of over $100,000 over all liabilities would be turned over to his creditors if they so desired. He would keep back noth- ing except enough to feed and clothe his family. He said that all creditors would be paid in full. This failure caused great excite- ment here, coming as it did upon a money market already greatly depressed. "The past week has been one of unusual severity, in a financial point of view, causing a deep indigo tinge to pervade all business circles," said the Express and Herald of December 9. The Musical Association of Dubuque gave a brilliant entertain- ment at the Julien theater November 1, 1857. Among the leaders were Abel, Dickinson, Newth and Adams. An investigating com- mittee of the city council found considerable irregularity, if not downright dishonesty, in the letting and management of the city printing. Late in December exchange on the East could not be procured here at any price. The money market was extremely stringent. Major Mobley, banker, who had suspended in 1857 during the panic, reopened his bank again late in May, 1858. He was the oldest banker here. The public charge that the post notes of the Harbor Company caused the suspension of the Mobley bank was answered in the negative by that gentleman. On the contrary, he said that they had aided him and that the charge was ridiculous. He needed them, because otherwise, in order to obtain currency, he was obliged to send gold to Chicago and that course could not long continue. Strong efforts to force down in value the Harbor notes were made. Farmers throughout the county generally believed them the 122 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY best paper money they had and much was used in every township. A merchant in Cascade said the farmers there liked them better than any other paper money. Another in Washington township said the same thing. The Central Improvement Company also issued post notes. Before the issue of the post notes the bankers here were compelled to bring in the notes of Wisconsin and Illinois banks, but after the issue of the post notes they were not forced to do so. — {Express and Herald, December 16, 1857.) A Mr. D. S. Moody engaged in buying wheat at Dyersville, used Harbor money exclu- sively with the farmers, who received it at par, while nearly all other paper currency was at from 3 to 10 per cent discount. A consider- able amount of city scrip was in circulation late in 1857. The city held $80,000 of the Central Improvement Company bonds in December, 1857. The city issued its own scrip in is, 2s, 3s and 10s. In 1857 a new city charter was demanded. The Protestant churches united on a plan to relieve the destitute late in 1857. The Catholic churches acted likewise independently. Late in 1857 work on the new passenger station at Iowa and Jones streets was com- menced. The manufacture of shot was begun here in 1857, but was suspended and resumed in 1859. The real reason why no more could be paid here for wheat and other grains was because it cost too much to be put down in St. Louis. Wheat that was bought here for 50 cents per bushel cost 70 when put down in St. Louis, where the market price was 62 cents only. The Central Improvement Company issued post notes about December 7, 1857. The stockholders were made individually liable for them. They were made payable at different times and bore 10 per cent interest. During the winter of 1857-8 the newspapers were full of charges and countercharges concerning crookedness in the assignment of city printing. The points were fought out with great bitterness. A committee appointed to investigate made a majority and a minority report. The extensive flouring mill of James Pratt & Co., adjoining Dubuque, was a notable feature. It had been started about eighteen years before 1858, or as early as 1840. An old mill was of wood, but an immense brick addition had been built. The mill had cost $20,000. There were three runs of eight buhrs each with a capacity of 300 barrels in twenty- four hours. The power was water with an overshot wheel fourteen and one-half feet in diameter and fifteen feet wide. The dam and flume had cost $4,000 and the tail race $2,000. The People's theater was opened in September, 1857; the drop curtain, representing Cole's "Voyage of Life," was executed by Mr. Gulic, of Dubuque. Late in 1857 the heavy bank and business fail- ures in the East caused extreme caution here ; bankers loaned spar- ingly at 2 per cent a month. In October the census then taken HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 123 showed a population of 15,957. ^n September, 1857, the horse- railroad question was again considered ; a number of citizens applied to the council and were granted the right to construct a road ; N. A. McClure was connected with this movement. In October, 1857, the panic struck this city; the houses of Flaven & Co., Flinn & Bro. and A. C. Pearson suspended. Mass meetings of citizens decided it prudent for the harbor companies to issue post notes to relieve the situation. Later Cameron & Fry and Kemler & Cannon suspended. In January, 1858, Gray & Waldron and C. W. Arthur closed business. Among the improvements at this time were the following: In 1856, 502 buildings of all kinds were erected and in 1857, 378; gas works, custom house commenced, Second Presbyterian church. First Presbyterian church, market house at Jones and Main, Malo- ney and Rebman five blocks, St. Raphael's church under way, Cen- tral market, Tammany stables, jail building at Clay and Eighth, Tremont hotel, Lorimier hotel, Congregational church started, county poorhouse commenced; on Jones street levee nine ware- houses, on Seventh street levee three warehouses, white lead works. From April 13, 1857, to December 1, 1857, the city spent in paving, grading and macadamizing $93,932. It built over ten miles of side- walks, eight miles of curbing. The three harbor companies had made vast improvements — they were Dubuque Harbor, Dubuque Harbor Improvement and Central Improvement. Gas pipe laid extended 4,550 feet. "We are at the most important point on the upper Mis- sissippi, a point which has given our city the soubriquet of 'Key City.' As the key she commands the whole of northwestern Iowa and southern Minnesota." — (Statistics of Express and Herald, January 1, 1858.) An act of the Legislature, January, 1858, revised and consolidated the laws of Dubuque and established a city court, of which the chief officers were judge, clerk and marshal. In December, 1857, the railway land in Dubuque county was restored to market. The whole number of business houses which had suspended, assigned or closed out during October, November and December, 1857, and the first half of January, 1858, was sixty-one, and yet the city and business houses had fair credit and prosperity. By January 12, 1858, the following companies had issued post notes: Dubuque Harbor, Dubuque Harbor Improvement, Dubuque Seventh (Central) Street Improvement, Dubuque & Pacific Railway, Dubuque & Western Railway; and City of Dubuque. In January, 1858, the immense new St. Cloud hotel on Main street between Ninth and Tenth, 113x194 feet and five stories high and 200 rooms and nine fine store rooms, was burned. It had cost $95,000 and was insured for $80,000; this was by far the worst fire ever here up to this date. In February, 1858, the new city hall at the corner of Thirteenth 124 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY and Clay streets was occupied by the recorder, auditor, treasurer, board of education and engineer of the city. There the mayor's court was held thereafter. The Express and Herald attacked roughshod the "city plunder- ers" in February, 1858. "Not only are the 'city plunderers' to be headed off from their attempt to subjugate the First and Fourth wards, but the street commissioner is to be hauled over the coals." Among the reforms accomplished in city government in 1858-9 were the following: Reduction of ferriage; blending of offices; closing of House of Refuge and City Hospital; macadamizing streets partly at private expense ; upbuilding of city credit ; funding of the city debt ; providing for the payment of interest ; abolishing the office of city printer, etc. A large bell was placed in the city hall on May 21, 1858. It weighed 3,098 pounds and cost the city $1,352. It was cast at Troy, New York. Mayor Hetherington, on taking his office in April, 1858, delivered an inaugural address from which the following points are extracted : He had taken the census here himself in 1852 and there were then 4,012 inhabitants. Since that date to April, 1858, there had been an annual increase of about 30 per cent. "The outward signs of pros- perity are awfully deceptive. They indicate the disease and corrup- tion at work upon the citadel of life. Notwithstanding the apparent prosperity our city has become profligate, spendthrift, has wasted her substance and ruined her credit and good name by fast living, by projecting and carrying on costly improvements and going into extravagant expenditures, and not having the ability to meet the expense thus incurred. She is forced to make short loans and pay exorbitant interest until the regular interest upon the funded debt, together with heavy shares upon short loans, are swallowing up almost her entire revenue." He then reviewed the finances of the city and showed the extent of the extravagance. The whole amount of railroad bonds voted was $1,500,000, of which $550,000 had been issued. He showed that the last city council had expended $350,000, while the revenue amounted to only $137,000. For the fiscal year 1857-8 the gross expenditures of Dubuque were $350,963, and the gross receipts $137,817. The total liabilities or indebtedness of the city on April 6, 1858, was $727,678. Of this amount there was outstanding city scrip to the amount of $47,926; city bonds to the Dubuque and Pacific railroad, $200,000 ; city bonds to the Dubuque Western rail- road, $250,000. There had been issued during the year $93,208 in city bonds to retire city scrip. The new market houses had cost $54,686, there being four in all. Street improvement cost $67,671 ; schoolhouses, $51,765; loss on city scrip and on Seventh Street and Central Island Company's bonds paid out, $25,308. Brackett & Howland packed pork here in 1857-8. The bankers in February, 1858, were Taylor, Richards & Burden; Redmand, Lovell HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 125 & Co. ; Markell, Darrow & Co. ; W. J. Barney & Co. ; Finley, Burton & Co. ; Gelpcke, Winslow & Co., and the Langworthys. In the spring of 1858 H. H. Heath was postmaster. In 1858, on the pro- posed general banking law, Dubuque and Julien Township voted as follows : For the law, 1,105 ; against the law, 40. For a State bank, 1,260; against it, 32. There was much complaint in 1858 over the management of the House of Refuge; the keeper was declared to be a brute; it had been established several years earlier. In August, 1858, as high as 175 teams were here in market at one time. On August 16, 1858, the Queen's message was received here over the newly laid Atlantic cable ; an immense celebration of the event was held. In the fall of 1858 A. Bayless, formerly of the Milwaukee Commercial College, opened here in the Maloney building the Dubuque Commercial College, which is yet in existence. Odeon, a German theater, opened in 1858 on Main between Eighth and Ninth. Of the new State bank in 1858 F. N. Goodrich was president and R. E. Graves cashier. It was called "City of Dubuque Branch of the State Bank of Iowa;" there were 109 stockholders. The Dubuque Musical Union gave attractive performances at Globe hall in Sep- tember, 1858. H. S. Hetherington was president. The Dubuque Daily Ledger was established in September, 1858, by Flaven & Co., publishers. The number of families in Dubuque in 1857 was 3,939, and in 1858, 4,411. The gas company, in viola- tion of their agreement, raised the price from $3.50 to $4.50 per thousand feet. The company reported a debt of $120,000 and receipts that did not warrant a continuance at the old figures. The Daily Times was discontinued in November, 1858, but in De- cember it again resumed lively existence. Jesse Clements wrote good poetry in 1858. In October, 1858, the National Demokrat began as a daily. Late in 1858 C. Childs wrote a history of Dubuque in 400 quarto pages. "Saturday the thermometer reached 98 and 100 in the shade; Sunday 100 and 103, and yesterday from 102 to 105." — -{Express and Herald, August 10, 1858.) When the Central Island Company bought the islands, they assumed the Corkery loan of $100,000, the Jesup loan of $20,000 and agreed to pay the city $80,000 in ten years with 10 per cent interest — in all $200,000. The company in 1858 notified the council that it would be unable to meet the interest on the bonds. The city held a mortgage on the property for $80,000, leaving $120,000 not provided for by mortgage. Against the proposition for the city to take back the property of the Central Improvement Company, 400 citizens remonstrated. The company had failed and was seeking a way out of its troubles. There was a big reduction in rents in Dubuque in the fall of 1858. "Dwelling houses that a year or eighteen months ago would rent from $300 to $400, can now be rented for less than half the 126 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY amount, and in many instances go begging at these rates for tenants. Also stores which from eighteen months to two years ago were grasped by shylocks as soon as finished or empty and re-rented at bonuses at high rates from $1,000 to $3,000 per annum, are now rented at from $400 to $600, $800 and $1,200 per annum." — (Express and Herald, September 12, 1858.) By September 27, 1858, the amount of city bonds issued in lieu of scrip was $127,647.32. They ran for one, three, four and five years. At this time, owing to the great financial and commercial dis- tress prevailing throughout the country, the following resolution was passed : "That hereafter this council will not authorize, coun- tenance or consent to the issuing, sale, use or negotiation of the bonds above described, or any part thereof, or any transaction, arrangement or scheme which shall require the issue or expenditure of money other than for the payment of interest already con- tracted for, from the city treasury for railroad purposes." It was passed unanimously. In the autumn of 1858 there arose a serious controversy between the school authorities and the city council as to the ownership of the school property in the city. It was vested in the city, but the school officers insisted it should be vested in their name and that they should have sole and exclusive jurisdiction over the same. The city council could not see the matter in the same light. Accord- ingly an agreed case was made an issue and argued by J. David, George L. Nightingale and D. S. Wilson for the city, and J. E. Bissell for the school authorities. In January, 1859, the outlook at Dubuque was anything but promising. The crops had failed largely, the financial crisis was still in existence and the railroads seemed at a standstill. There was little money at home and no credit abroad. But late in 1859 the Dubuque & Pacific was finished to Independence and the Dubuque Western to Langworthy. Late in 1859 the city had grown rapidly, but its credit was low and its scrip far below par. In this emergency the house of Gelpcke & Co. agreed to advance the required funds and meet the different engagements as they became due, and to be repaid for the advances by the succes- sive collection of taxes. The taxes were not collected as expected, but the company promptly met every engagement according to agreement and only asked 10 per cent for the use of its money. No city scrip was issued in 1859, no floating debt was created. In 1857 the Dubuque city council had adopted the subterfuge of issuing bonds in lieu of scrip. It was a temporary financial expedi- ent to prevent the immense amount of scrip outstanding from becoming utterly worthless and to make room for a still heavier issue, exceeding in the space of six months $150,000. Holders of scrip were allowed to convert it into bonde drawing 10 per cent HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 127 interest. All this led to an additional interest tax to meet the bonds as they became due. Being unable to meet these extra expenses, the city authorities were obliged to resort to the scheme for exchanging their bonds for new coupon bonds on longer time. Thus really the scrip was transformed into a permanent debt draw- ing a high rate of interest. "At the present value of scrip the hold- ers will have the full cost returned to them in less than four years in the shape of interest, continuing to enjoy the comfortable income of 25 per cent on their investment. The scrip upon which these bonds are based has been issued at from 40 cents to 75 cents on the dollar. It was necessary to continue this bond issue, otherwise the scrip would fall much lower." Probably the value to the city of scrip issued did not exceed 50 cents on the dollar. To meet the interest on the bonds there was required by 1859 an annual tax of $13,000. A committee of citizens prepared a new charter for the city in January, 1859. At this date the city had three fire engines, three hose carts, and one hook and ladder brigade; there were sixteen public cisterns, each holding 600 barrels. The entire system was yet wholly voluntary. J. B. Howard was chief, and Philip Sage, assistant. At this time the city recorder announced that thereafter no paper money except of the branches of the State bank would be accepted in payment of taxes. All winter, 1858-9, this county and community suffered from dogs and mad dogs. Scarcely an issue of the papers was seen with- out accounts of "some doggoned canine outrage." "As predicted, yesterday witnessed the consummation of the scheme of plunder long known as the 'Central Island proposition.' The company and the members of the council in their interests (B. B. Richards, Franklin Hinds, Robert Mitton, Samuel Virden, N. Nadeau), have at last succeeded in binding the city of Dubuque to pay the debt which two years ago Jesse P. Farley, F. V. Good- rich, A. J. Goss, F. E. Bissell, R. C. Waples, R. W. Walmsley, C. Pelan and A. Anderson bound themselves honorably to pay. Nay, more, by the villainy of these members of the city council the city is now made to pay $120,000 and interest amounting at least to two-thirds of the purchase money for one-third of the property then purchased for $200,000. Neither Jesse P. Farley nor any other man in the city can justify the manner in which the company then obtained the property; but bad as it was it was righteous and honest compared with the present plunder scheme." — (Express and Herald, March 11, 1859.) "Gentlemen, I wash my hands of the whole Central Island fraud and shall enter my protest against it," said Mayor Hetherington. It was openly charged that the mayor was not sincere in this statement and that he secretly favored the transaction. A petition seeking to limit the power of the city council to buy 128 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY and sell real estate and to incur indebtedness was circulated and largely signed at Dubuque in March, 1859. So great was the feeling against the city council in the spring of 1859, the press and public did all they could to purge that body and elect men of known character and honesty. "One thing the men of property — the tax payers and all upright citizens — must remem- ber, that if good men refuse to take office and suffer from the wasteful or corrupt management of city officials they have no right to complain. We want men of substance, standing, integrity, busi- ness capacity — who will not go into the city council in order to promote selfish schemes of their own," said the Express and Herald, March 10, 1859. James E. Murdock, the celebrated actor, appeared here in April, 1859. Miss Matilda Herron was here in April also, and was fol- lowed by James K. Hackett ; he made an excellent Falstaff. Henry Farren, actor, was given a "benefit" in May. Murdock, Hackett and Miss Herron were the earliest theatrical stars of the first magnitude to appear in Dubuque; but they were not well patronized. Henry Farren had made great and expensive efforts to provide a treat for the citizens, but was not remunerated for his enterprise. He had an excellent stock company. Mrs. Farren was an actress of more than ordinary taste, versatility and popularity. Mr. W. Edwards had great range of ability — excellent in comedy, good in tragedy. Mr. McClannin made an excellent old man. Mr. Pardy was good. Mr. J. F. Lytton was easy and a good singer. Miss Reignolds and Mrs. McClannin were good. Miss Llewellyn was a very graceful dancer. Mr. Noyes was good and improving rapidly. Mr. Farren was able, a favorite here, and usually took second part to the stars who came to Dubuque. They were the principal members of the Dubuque stock company. The dramatic season here closed on May 14, 1859, and the actors departed for other places. The profession was roundly abused by the Christian Witness for acting at all. It was known that the company had made great efforts to please the people and had mainly failed owing generally to the prejudice against the stage. Many citizens, however, favored the continuance here of the com- pany. Welsh Edwards and such other actors as he could get, con- tinued to give performances in Dubuque during the summer of 1859. After the burning of the People's theater his company appeared in the Julien theater. Many amateurs made their appearance. In April, 1859, Pelig Talman & Co. leased the shot tower and began operations. The old Central market stood at Locust and Fifth streets. M. Mobley was one of the three state directors of the State Bank of Iowa in 1859. George W. Jones, who had been appointed minister to Bogota, New Granada, was tendered a public dinner by about 200 of the most prominent citizens, of Dubuque in COUNTRY CLUB HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 129 May, 1859. He was compelled to decline for' want of time. During the spring of 1859 the papers were filled with accounts of the move- ment westward to Pike's Peak. From the opening of navigation to May 18, 1859, there passed through Dubuque bound for Pike's Peak 720 teams. The press here did all it could to check this movement. Prices at Dubuque on May 24, 1859, were as follows : Flour, extra, $7; wheat, $1 to $1.10 old, 60 to 90 cents new; oats, old 55 cents, new 35 to 45 cents; corn, 55 to 57 cents; barley, 45 to 50 cents; butter, 12 to 13 cents; eggs, 6y2 cents; potatoes, 65 to 70 cents. At a fire here on May 27, 1859, there were destroyed Odd Fel- lows' block, People's theater, Masonic hall and several stores. Many small concerns and individuals lost heavily. The total loss, deducting insurance, was $58,350. The postoffice matter was all saved. Two big hotels had been burned here within eighteen months before — Merchants and St. Cloud. The disbanding of the police force in the spring of 1859 was followed by an increase in all manner of crimes in Dubuque — fires, burglaries, pickpockets, etc. During three months in the spring of 1859 there were stolen in Dubuque alone twenty-five cows. This was one of the results of the disbanding of the police force. "A fellow who was trying to sell one of our citizens some ever- greens Thursday assured the citizen that the trees which he already possessed were of 'the ordinariest kind.' We learn that Stanton of the Dyersville Mercury has entered suit against the fellow for trespass." — {Express and Herald, June 26, 1859.) The corner stone of Turners' hall was laid June 20, 1859, at Clay and Twelfth streets. The names of the founders of the society were recorded as follows: George Weigel (died in 1854), Fred Wetzel, William Smith, Fred Jenkel, Charles Kerlike, Frank E. Deggendorf, Hugo Deggendorf, J. Kutsch and Gustave Ebert. Speeches were delivered by Dr. Hillgaertner, O. P. Shiras and Adam Koch. The Northwest was revived about June 1, 1859, under H. H. Heath, editor, and P. M. Guthrie, publisher. There were here also the Sun, Times, Herald, Republican and Tribune. In the spring of 1859 city scrip was worth 65 cents on the dollar ; old Harbor Improvement scrip, 50 cents ; new Harbor Improvement scrip, 65 cents ; Central scrip, 50 cents ; Dubuque & Pacific due bills, 30 cents; Western railroad scrip, 10 cents; Western railroad bonds, 15 cents; short city bonds, 45 cents; city coupon bonds, 60 cents; old school orders, 90 cents ; new school orders, 50 cents ; Dubuque & Pacific land scrip, 30 cents; Harbor Improvement land scrip, 10 cents; Central Island coupon bonds, 50 cents; Central Island con- struction bonds, county warrants, par. On July 6, 1859, the Daily Express and Herald became the Dubuque Herald, with J. B. Dorr & Co. as publishers. On July 4, 1859, the corner stone of the custom house was laid with due cere- i3o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY mony by the Masons. On July i6, 1859, it was 99 degrees in the shade. Previous to 1859 there was no old settlers' association at Dubuque — there had been an old settlers' supper a year or two before, but no organization. In October, 1859, the following breweries were in operation: Stahlman's, on Julien avenue; Western, Tschirge & Schwind pro- prietors; Schmidt's, in West Dubuque; Heeb's, at West Dubuque; Seeger's, near the bluff. The capital invested in breweries was $124,000; barrels made in 1859, 22,000; barley used, bushels, 44,000; barrels exported, 7,443; men employed, 125. Mr. Schwind expressed the opinion to the Herald reporter that from thirty to forty glasses per day was about right for each individual. He said : "Too moosh visky ish too moosh, but too moosh logger bier ish choost enoof." The press late in 1859 wanted to know why Dubuque did not pack more pork; it was behind in this industry almost every other large city in the state. The Turners dedicated their new hall at Clay and Twelfth, December 16, 1859. The Rock- dale and Dubuque debating societies contested on many questions in 1859-60. At a shooting match in December, 1859, Samuel Cox, J. Van Alstine, William Ellison and J. McAleer contested for a purse of $20 ; twenty-one yards rise, ten birds ; McAleer won with nine out of ten. The leading hotels here in May, 1859, were as follows: Baubien House, Mark Baubien, proprietor; Peosta House, Gilliam & Shields, proprietors ; Belfield House, T. Belfield, proprietor ; Tremont House, Plumbe & Alexander, proprietors ; Oregon House, William Schod- der, proprietor; American House, Joseph Miller, manager; Julien House. "Dubuque dogs are superior to ordinary dogs; they breed faster, howl more mellirluously and longer every night, are homelier and present more varieties than any other dogs of any other city in the Union." The Rockdale and Washington Literary clubs held several debates during the winter of 1859-60. A mock court was organized in Feb- ruary among the lawyers and citizens. In the Catholic Institute was a mock legislature and a debating club. The Washington Liter- ary club held weekly debates. CITY OF DUBUQUE, 1860 TO 1869. DUBUQUE during the fifties and sixties enjoyed the lectures delivered here by prominent men and women of the coun- try under the auspices of the Young Men's Literary Asso- ciation. In January, i860, Benjamin F. Taylor of Chicago lectured on "Washington Irving" before the Young Men's Literary Association and repeated the lecture by request. The new German theater at Turner's hall was opened in January. It seated 600 persons. Jackson's victory and Burns' and Thomas Paine's birthdays were celebrated. The chief speaker at the latter was Christian Wul- weber. Joseph Duggendorf proposed the following toast : "Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson — the discoverers of freedom, human- ity and intellectual progress." It was responded to by John Bittman. The committee on finance of the city council reported as follows in February, i860 : "The present is a critical time in the financial history of the city. Never will cautious and prudent management be more needed. The day of lavish expenditures is past, public improvements of all kinds abandoned, the credit of the city exhausted, a heavy burden of debt to be borne and the only source of revenue the taxation of a community embarrassed by unfortunate speculation and many of its numbers struggling to save themselves from total ruin. The indebtedness of the city on the first of Janu- ary, i860, consisted of the following obligations : Clark, Dodge & Co. loan $ 10,000.00 Jesup loan r. . . 20,000.00 Ahern loan 2,000.00 Corcoran loan 100,000.00 Dubuque & Pacific loan 200,000.00 Dubuque Western loan 250,000.00 Loan of 1857 100,000.00 Total of coupon bonds $682,000.00 Short bonds, irregular sums 97,030.89 Interest due and unpaid 76,253.36 Scrip outstanding 25,168.91 Other debts 8,326.13 Grand total debt $888,779.29 131 132 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY This sum was due, in varying amounts after the year i860. The total amount that must be met by January 1, 1861, was $228,995.49. The property within the city limits, as assessed for taxation in 1859, was as follows: Realty, $3,931,639; personalty, $922,363; total, $4,854,002. These figures showed a reduction of $5,791,661, or 54 per cent, from the assessment of 1857, and a reduction of $2,879,255 or 37^2 per cent from that of 1858. The total resources from taxes to January 1, i860, was $126,183.49, much of which was delinquent taxes. Two important steps were necessary: Settle the debt past due and reduce the interest rate on the whole debt. The house of Gelpcke, Reutgen & Co., of New York, early in i860 began an injunction proceedings to prevent the city from paying out its revenues until its dues were settled. The city began counter pro- ceedings to dissolve the injunction and ordered that no further pay- ments should be made to that company. "The year i860 has been remarkable in this section for a sort of voluntary temperance movement. There has been no organization, no apparent external movement; but simultaneously as it were, in the month of January, a large number of hard drinkers voluntarily suspended operations in this direction. It numbers among the vic- tims men of all classes, ages and conditions — honorables, ex-honor- ables, lawyers, doctors, bootblacks, horse jockeys, editors, printers, river men, hodcarriers — fellows who indulged in Heidsieck, Mous- siere lager, 'hale' and all the brands of whisky from 'instant death' and 'just around the corner' to the longer ranges such as 'eighty-rod' and 'Minie rifle.' There are other changes as marked." — {Herald, March 1, i860.) On February 28, i860, the following prices were quoted at Dubuque : City scrip, 65 cents ; Harbor Improvement scrip, 75 cents ; the same new, 75 cents ; Central Improvement scrip, 20 cents ; Dubuque & Pacific due bills, 30 cents ; Dubuque & Pacific land scrip, 20 cents; Dubuque & Pacific bonds, 30 cents; Western Railroad scrip, 8 cents ; Western Railroad bonds, 20 cents ; city short bonds, 30 cents ; city coupon bonds, 30 cents ; old school orders, 60 cents ; Harbor Improvement land scrip, 10 cents; Harbor Improvement bonds bearing interest, 95 cents; Central Island coupon bonds, 30 cents ; Central Island construction bonds, 20 cents ; county warrants, 85 cents. In May, i860, Andrew Keesecker became connected with the Herald. "Mr. Keesecker is the oldest printer in Iowa and it was by his hand that the first newspaper in Iowa was struck off. He was for a number of years publisher and editor of the Miners' Express, a paper which was subsequently merged in the Herald." — {Herald, May 16, i860.) A section in the southern part of Dubuque was called Dublin and became well known. Nearly all who lived there were guilty of the HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 133 crime of being poor and whisky was their greatest enemy, said the Herald. "At almost any time from September (1859) up to May (i860) McGregor, Cassville and other points up and down the river paid from 2 to 6 cents more per bushel for wheat than our Dubuque buyers. * * * If the fault is with the Ferry company then we say that no monopoly has a right to exist whose operations succeed in driving thousands of bushels of grain per season to other and less accessible points. If, however, the fault is found in the pic- ay unish spirit of our grain buyers, a different but none the less needed remedy is demanded. We lay down this proposition with a perfect confidence of its entire truthfulness: Dubuque did not buy the last season but a very little over one-third of the grain which naturally falls to this point." — (Herald, July 13, i860.) The Rockdale House at Catfish Mills was kept by William John- son in i860 and was one of the best in the county. It had excellent and extensive stabling. During the summer of i860 for the first time the fact that Chi- cago was the central market for the West for grain and stock was fully recognized here. The Grain Exchange here then paid for the first time Chicago prices less freight rates and no longer paid serious attention to St. Louis as either a grain or a live stock market. — (Herald, September 5, i860.) Dubuque lacked facilities for receiving and shipping grain in bulk and on July 14, i860, the grain buyers and millers met for the pur- pose of establishing a grain market with a view of regulating freights and prices; G. R. West presided. At the second meeting steps to establish a grain market were taken. Gen. George W. Jones, upon his return from Bogota in July, i860, was tendered a public reception by the citizens of Dubuque. On August 8, i860, about fifty of the grain buyers and millers duly organized the Dubuque Grain Exchange. During the summer of i860 the Dubuque Temperance Society petitioned the city council' to close saloons, gardens, etc., on the Sabbath. At the same time a petition signed by several hundred citizens asked that no such Sunday law be passed. After sharp debate both petitions were laid on the table. It was claimed that the existing Sunday law was strong enough if enforced. In August the petition for a grain market was considered by the council. It was signed by forty-five millers and others, and asked that the First ward market be designated the grain market. There were two counter petitions signed by many citizens. The council finally established the market in the First ward. In August the city council, made desperate by want and while endeavoring to "raise the wind," passed an ordinance providing that 10 per cent of the proceeds of all sales of property not assessed for city purposes made by auctioneers within the limits of the cor- i34 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY poration should be paid into the city treasury. This act was denounced by the press as unprecedented and extraordinary and void on its face. It was passed in response to an urgent and numerously signed petition. On October 20, i860, city scrip was worth 65 cents; Harbor Improvement scrip, 95 cents ; Central Improvement scrip, 20 cents ; city short bonds, 60 cents; city coupon bonds, 35 cents; school orders, 60 cents; Harbor Improvement land scrip, 10 cents; Central Island coupon bonds, 30 cents; county warrants, 82J/2 cents'; exchange on New York, % buying, 1% selling; exchange on Chi- cago, % discount buying, y2 premium selling; gold, % to 1% premium. "Just now there is huge rejoicing among the sons of Nimrod, for air, bluff, estuary, river, marsh and morass are teeming with game. Quails, salmon, turkeys, geese, ducks, squirrels, raccoons, partridges, snipes, etc., are thick beyond all imagination. Sportsmen just now are in their element. Never was game plentier or weather finer than at present." — {Herald, October 26, i860.) "Large numbers of fatted hogs are daily coming into town — some stopping here, others going East. The packing season is hardly yet commenced, but will be as soon as the weather will permit. Very extensive preparations are being made for packing here this fall."— {Herald, October 26, i860.) The Branch of the State Bank issued new bills in September, i860, of the denominations of $1, $2, $3, $5 and $10. They were very handsome. The comparative merits of Milwaukee and Chicago as a grain market for Dubuque were duly considered in i860. It was argued that Chicago was the better, because the grain that went there was more like that from Dubuque than that which went to Milwaukee. "The Harbor Improvement Company will offer for sale at auction at their office on Seventh street today at 10 o'clock 200 lots in their addition to Dubuque. The land dividend scrip of the company will be received in payment." — {Herald, November 1, i860.) "Pork — The pork business is or ought to be one of the heaviest departments of business in our city. Heretofore it has been neg- lected— any quantity of hogs have passed through here and been carried to other points. This is a mistake. Dubuque should not, under any circumstances, allow a hog or any cattle of any kind to pass through here. The trouble heretofore has been a lack of capital. No one had sufficient to embark in the business. A few have done so, but with limited means ; and they have been obliged to sell immediately after packing in order to turn their money. This was shown last spring, when dealers in pork were obliged to import from St. Louis the very article which they sent thither last fall."— {Herald, November 14, i860.) With the close of the Presidential campaign in i860, J. B. Dorr HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 135 retired permanently from the editorship of the Herald, with which he had been connected over eight years. This left D. A. Mahony to manage the paper alone. The annual assessment in Dubuque for a series of years was as follows : 1854 $ 2,762,638 1858 $ 6,080,917 1855 4,323.56o 1859 4.854,002 1856 8,221,228 i860 2,625,862 1857 10,200,000 From 1851 to 1857 there was a natural growth of great rapidity due primarily to its excellent reputation and to the capital already secured. This growth continued because it was believed Dubuque was fitted with natural facilities possessed by no other city of the Northwest, and because it was believed that the river, the approach- ing railroads and the vast tributary country to the westward and northwestward must contribute to the permanence of its growth. By 1857 other cities had made great gains in securing the western trade which Dubuque had coveted ; the river traffic began to decline — due to the appearance of the railroads. On the heels of all this came poor crops and the dreadful panic of 1857 — all of which together dissipated in a large measure the dream of future greatness and metropolitan distinction and proportion. Business men lost heart as fast as they lost trade permanently and many closed their shops and stores and went elsewhere. During 1858 and 1859 a com- plete blight fell like a frost on all commercial transactions here, but in i860 there was a much better feeling and a distinct revival of prosperous conditions. "Judging from the evidences of activity in business, the lowering of city indebtedness, the absence of foolhardy speculation, the incom- ing of immigration, the inquiries for real estate, the improvements begun or projected, Dubuque has passed through the valley and shadow of financial Death and is now with vigorous steps climbing once more the ascents beyond." — (Herald, November 24, i860.) A well ten feet in diameter was dug on Tenth street between Jackson and Washington for the use of the fire department, in November, i860. It was thought the well would be better than cis- terns. The tri-weekly Demokrat was discontinued and only the weekly issued after November 17, i860. By November 17 exchange on New York was up to 5 per cent premium selling. Exchange on Chicago had not risen, was at from % per cent discount to y2 per cent premium. City scrip was worth 65 cents and county warrants 85 cents. On the 19th city scrip advanced to 67^2 cents. The Dubuque banks began about November 20, i860, to throw out the bills of all doubtful institutions, and to exercise great care in the circulation handled. 136 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY J. H. Kothe composed music here late in i860; one of his com- positions was the Dubuque Waltz, published by W. J. Gilbert of this city — all home productions. The Germanic band arranged it for the street. Dubuque caught the billiard fever which was raging over the country late in i860. S. S. Palmer was chosen chief engineer of the fire department December 3, i860. The large grain elevator of the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad and the Dubuque, Marion & Western Railroad, completed late in i860, had a capacity of 150,000 bushels. The cost of storage for twenty days was 2 cents a bushel, for four months 4 cents. It adjoined the track of the railroads. On December 4, i860, New York exchange was quoted at 7 per cent premium selling; gold, 10 per cent selling; city scrip, 70 cents; county warrants, 85 cents. In Dubuque, in December, i860, in one house on Sixth street near Clay, were some fifty or sixty negroes — all black Republicans. They got in a row over the right of a state to secede, whereupon one of them seceded from the others, was arrested and fined and sent to jail for thirty days for assault, said the Herald. "Very few, if any, live hogs are being cut up in this city, but are carried through to Chicago. This is wrong. We think our dealers are missing it, very materially." — (Herald, December 18, i860.) A lodge of Good Templars was organized in Dubuque in December, i860, with E. R. Shankland as worthy chief. On January 4, 1861, the National Demokrat (German) entered upon its fifth year, four of which it was under Hon. F. A. Gniffke. "Yesterday forenoon Conductors Northrup's and Cawley's trains both came in. The latter left here one week ago last Tuesday, the former one day later. Cawley was frozen at Jesup and Northrup two miles the other side of Independence. Slow traveling to and from Jesup in eleven days — yet fast enough considering the going." — (Herald, February 2, 1861.) In January, 1861, there was strong talk of building a horse railroad from Dubuque up the valley of the Turkey river and eventually on to the Minnesota line. "Two years ago the same property (lots in Davis', West's and Cook's additions) or any other offered for sale at auction would not have attracted three buyers. In fact, at that time a man would no more bid on real estate than he would on an elephant or an acre in some valley of the moon. Thursday, however, Jordan's auction room was so crowded at the hour of sale that perhaps a hundred people were unable to gain admittance. The bidding was spirited and we believe the prices, although almost infinitely below those of '55-'6, are an indication of a healthy condition. As an illustration of the character of the tremendous expansion and collapse of things hereabouts we will cite the history of two or three of the above lots : Lot 308 of Davis' Farm addition was bought by D. A. Mahony of Mr. Sanford for $500 in April, 1857. It was sold Thursday for HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 137 $105 — just about what it is actually worth. The two Locust street lots were bought by H. W. Sanford in 1852 for $800. In 1856 he sold them to Captain Kinsey for $7,000 on ten years' time. Major Mobley, who was regarded as one of the shrewdest business men in Dubuque, very shortly afterward gave Captain Kinsey $5,000 cash for his bargain ! Thursday both were bought by A. McCann for $1,920. Such have been the changes through which real estate has passed in the last five years. There is now, however, every indi- cation that the valuation of real estate is upon a substantial basis. — (Herald, February 2, 1861.) Delinquent Taxes, March, 1861. Delinquent tax of 1857 $17,161 Interest 1 1,755 Delinquent tax of 1858 24,278 Interest 10,318 Delinquent tax of 1859 22,813 Interest 3,992 Delinquent tax of i860 35,494 In February, 1861, Col. Richard P. Morgan proposed a horse railroad and argued that as steam railroads had really taken trade away from Dubuque horse railroads could and would bring it back if extended as they should be. The Herald noted that previous to February 13, 1861, snow to the depth of nineteen inches had fallen and most of it still lay upon the ground either where it had fallen or in drifts. On the 13th and 14th fifteen inches more fell. In February, 1861, Adam Jaeger began here the distillation of alcohol and the manufacture of whisky on Bee Branch. On March 22, 1861, city scrip was quoted at 55 cents; school orders, 50 cents ; county warrants, 90 cents ; exchange on New York, 6 per cent premium selling ; gold, 6 per cent premium. E. C. David received the appointment as postmaster of Dubuque late in March, 1861. About the middle of March, 1861, the Herald began the issue of a bi-weekly in addition to its daily and weekly editions. It was issued as an experiment. Newman & Cooper and Cooper & Smith were large manufac- turers of wagons and plows in 1861. The former were selling from five to ten wagons a week in March and the latter were turn- ing out annually 1,000 plows. They also manufactured harrows and other agricultural implements. The banking houses here in March, 1861, were as follows : State Bank Branch, H. Markell & Co. ; J. L. Langworthy & Bros. ; Bab- bage & Co. ; Theo. Gelpcke & Co. The second mentioned were the successors to Markell, Darrow & Co., and the last mentioned were the successors to Gelpcke, Winslow & Co. 138 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY Mike Blumenauer's school of gymnastics had a class of twenty- five men and about fifteen boys early in April, 1861. Gymnastics had been taught here before by Professor Schill. The Cincinnati Price Current said that Dubuque in 1860-61 packed 5,068 hogs, against 3,400 the year before. For the fiscal year 1860-61 the receipts were $55,249.05, and the expenses $36,484.76. Of the receipts above nearly $50,000 was delinquent or old school and special tax previous to i860. From the special interest tax of 1859 and the delinquent tax of the same year alone the receipts were $26,000. The largest items of expense were $8,665.90 inter- est on coupon bonds and $9,425.30 for outstanding city bonds. The Dubuque Elevator Company during the winter of 1860-61 shipped large quantities of grain to Chicago. Many times it sent from 10,000 to 20,000 bushels at one date. In the spring of 1861 it was shown that in Dubuque few if any residences either of the rich or poor had water, gas or proper ventilation. Few if any houses had been constructed with a view to ventilation. Many houses had no water in their yards, and not over a dozen in the city had water accommodations inside. This was, no doubt, owing to the absence of waterworks. Gas was a luxury scarcely to be afforded by the richest citizens and for the average and poor citi- zens was quite out of the question. — {Herald, April 11, 1861.) The failure of Gelpcke & Co., May 6, 1861, caused great excite- ment among the depositors and throughout the business circles of Dubuque. A large crowd collected at the bank. It became rumored that Theo. Gelpcke had left the city, taking all the gold with him, or else had secreted himself here. About fifty men accordingly gathered at his residence on Locust street with the intention of searching the premises. Upon learning that he was not at home the crowd, now about one hundred, moved down Main street, where they were addressed at the Washington House by William B. Allison, who stated that he, as assignee, was preparing a statement of the bank's condition. He said he had $5,000 of the bank's cash and that the amount due depositors was about $40,000, and notes soon due to the amount of about $12,000 more. He promised to do all he could for depositors. Rev. Mr. Dennis also addressed the crowd (now over 200) and advised moderation. He said on authority that 50 to 60 per cent of the bank's debts would be paid. The crowd slowly dispersed. In June the assignee paid 20 per cent ; total liabilities about $37,000. On May 15, 1861, New York exchange was 10 per cent pre- mium selling, and American gold' 15 per cent same; Chicago exchange was at par. The merchants assembled in mass meeting late in May, 1861, to devise means to get rid of the pest of depre- ciated currency from which all suffered. F. V. Goodrich was chair- man. The subject was fully considered, and protests against any HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 139 action were presented. At an adjourned meeting Patrick Quigley presided. The committee appointed at the previous meeting recom- mended the E. K. Willard & Co. list of Chicago for Illinois bills. An 80 and 90 cent list was recommended for Wisconsin bills. They further recommended 35 cents for depreciated Illinois bills and 40 cents for depreciated Wisconsin bills. There was much difference of opinion as to what should be done; and all realized that any list adopted would need constant revision. The Eighteenth Annual Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge (Masonic) commenced at Dubuque, June 4, 1861, in Tur- ner's hall. Thomas H. Benton, G. M. of Council Bluffs, was pres- ent and in his official position. E. A. Guilbert, of Dubuque, was senior grand warden; J. S. Dennis, of Dubuque, grand chaplain; W. K. Hall, of Dubuque, A. G. T., and H. S. Jennings, of Dubuque, G. P. They passed resolutions regretting the death of Senator Douglas. On June 20, 1861, New York exchange was 10 per cent premium selling; American gold, 15 per cent premium selling; city scrip, 55 cents ; county warrants, 90 cents ; school orders, 50 cents ; Cen- tral Improvement scrip, 10 cents; city short bonds, 50 cents; city coupon bonds, 30 cents. By the last of June, 1861, the walls of the custom house were up and ready for the roof — no more could be done yet. On July 21, 1861, the Herald came down to the new financial gold basis and quoted New York exchange at 2 per cent premium and American gold at % per cent premium. The Fourth of July, 1861, was celebrated here in grand style. Lincoln Clark was the principal orator. A chorus of eighteen singers rendered the national airs. Bands, parades and boat excursions were features. On Wednesday, July 29, 1861, the mercury reached 98 degrees in the shade; on the 30th, 98; on the 31st, 99, and on August 1, 91. There was much complaint because hogs were permitted to roam the streets. The city had plenty of laws, but the hogs would not mind them, humorously observed the Herald. In August, New York exchange was 2 per cent premium selling, American gold V2 Per cent premium selling, city scrip 50 cents, county warrants 88 cents, school orders 50 cents. "In passing around town and seeing now and then an empty building once filled with goods or occupied four or five years ago by some man who soon ran his peculiar race of folly or extravaT gance, we are reminded of the contrast between the flush times of ^5^-57 and the dullness of 1861-62." — (Herald, August 10, 1 861.) One of the most extensive branches of business here in 1861 and before was the lumber trade. Seven or eight firms were thus engaged with a large capital. In September, 1861, over 130,000 bushels of wheat were received here by railroad from the West. There were also received 5,000 1 4o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY barrels of flour. In one week 48,000 bushels of wheat were received. One of the best improvements of the city council in 1861 was the building of Southern avenue in its continuation over Cavanaugh hill; it cost over $200, but was considered well worth the money. Samuel McNutt succeeded J. B. Dorr in editorial charge of the Union. A new cable was successfully laid across the river from Dunleith to Dubuque, September 3, 1861. Furniture on a large scale was manufactured here in 1861, but it was a recent industry on so large a scale; only a few years before Dubuque had bought its furniture in the East. Herancourt began this business in 1846, and ten years later built a big factory and employed from twenty- five to forty men ; he made chairs, sofas, tables, desks, etc. Immense quantities of "stumptail currency" of Eastern institu- tions were in circulation here and throughout the West in Novem- ber, 1 86 1. Farmers were warned against it and advised to take nothing but gold and silver for their wheat, etc. Large quantities of wheat arrived here in November, 1861, and were handled by the Dubuque Elevator Company. The Elevator Company was shipping thirty to forty carloads of wheat per day — 12,000 to 14,000 bushels. The Elevator Company was now ready to store wheat for the winter. "Look Out for Bad Money— The farmers are beginning to 'smell a rat' about the State Bank paying out the 'promises to pay' of Tom, Dick and Harry's Eastern bank instead of the notes of the branches of the Iowa State Bank, the only bank paper that any farmer ought to take for his produce. A sensible German farmer slightly opened the eyes of one of the wheat dealers yesterday who offered him checks on the State bank. Said he, 'No. I must gold haben for my veat.' And he got the gold. If the wheat dealers are in the bank's interest in shoving off rags that in a few weeks or months may be like the Illinois or Wisconsin currency, paid out by the State bank and that hit the farmers, lead miners and everybody else six months ago, it is time for the farmers to understand it." — {Herald, November 16, 1861). In December, 1861, the Herald favored the recommendation of Secretary Chase concerning the establishment of National banks, because it believed they would drive out wildcat issues. Late in December Eastern banks began to suspend specie payments and trouble here was anticipated and in a measure forestalled. Samuel McNutt retired from the Union in December, 1861, and the daily ceased to be issued. Dubuque market, January 3, 1862. — Extra flour, $4.75; wheat, choice, 58 cents; eggs, 12% cents; oats, 12 to 14 cents; corn in ear, 15 to 17 cents; hay, timothy, $6; butter, 10 cents; potatoes, 35 to 40 cents; prairie chickens, $1.50 per dozen; quails, 65 to 70 cents per dozen; dressed pork, $2 to $2.50; dressed beef, $2.25 to $3.50 per HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 141 cwt. ; beef steaks, 6 to 7 cents a pound ; pork steaks, 5 to 6 cents a pound ; turkeys, 40 to 65 cents each. A Mr. K. bought flour at a mill and received in change a half dollar coin which he was later told was bogus. He returned, demanded good money, was refused and brought suit before Justice O'Meara. There were several witnesses and a long trial. Sud- denly the court thought best to test the coin, whereupon a jeweler pronounced it genuine. It was suggested that the constable should pay the costs. Pat, an Irishman in the wood market here, described to the Herald reporter his girl in Ireland, as follows : "A fine, strappin' goil wus Mary as iver tied a shafe of corn or driv a lump of a pig to market. The divil a bit of harm was in her and she was as full of fun as an egg is of mate. She was as straight as a rush wid the complexion of the rose and peaches united in one." "Send Us Treasury Notes — We will take United States treasury notes for subscription to the Dubuque Herald in preference to any bank notes, whether of Iowa, Ohio or Indiana. Persons remitting us money will act accordingly." — (Herald, January 19, 1862.) The marshal began to sieze game under the game law in Janu- ary, 1862. Bayard Taylor lectured here in January. Gen. Tom Thumb was here also. On January 31 all trains were stopped by a big snowstorm. A concert of 200 children under Mr. Wheeler was an interesting event of the winter of 1861-2. This concert was repeated several times by request — "Wheeler's Juvenile Con- cert." Another feature was the immense shipment of wheat to Dunleith by teams. Pork Packing in Dubuque, Winter of 1861-62. Firms. Hogs. F. Weigle 360 Strobel & Rath 800 H. Brinkman & Co. . . . 825 Mr. Rosenburg 350 J. Hughes 930 Richard O'Brien 300 Brackett & Morse 4,750 Totals 8,315 2,048 3,305 3,344 In addition about 5,000 were shipped from here in bulk, and many live hogs were shipped during the winter. The old Express and Herald office was sold by the sheriff and bid in by H. Knowlton for $1,500, subject to a mortgage of $2,000 held by W. H. Merritt ; the power press alone was worth the $1,500. height, Barrels Mess Aver. Lard. Pork. 320 290 141 226 tc 97 300 299 280 253 140 187 80 290 250 tc 35° 310 280 45 tc 1,200 bbls 130 2,200 142 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY After much tribulation the council finally paid James Rowan for the market ground — $7,000 for the $10,000 owed him. On February 2, 1862, the mercury reached 28 and 30 degrees below zero on the bluffs. In February the price of pork was the lowest in years — $2.25 to $2.40 per cwt. In February it was rumored that the State bank branch here would soon suspend specie payments. Everybody welcomed the treasury note bill — it was expected to relieve the dis- tressful local currency condition. Rouse & Williams operated iron works, built engines, etc. Many shooting matches were held in February. A grand musical service was held at the Julien theater, mainly by Dubuque musicians. It ended with a grand tableau and festival at St. John's Episcopal church, February 13. The new Iowa banking law made Iowa State bank notes and United States treasury notes receivable for taxes — the former only in case it did not suspend specie payments. Another immense snowfall late in February tied up hundreds of carloads of produce all over northern Iowa. Cooper & Smith in 1862 conducted a big plow and harrow factory here. Early in 1862 the Legislature refused to repeal the prohib- itory liquor law, though strongly urged to do so by Dubuque and other river cities. Early in 1862 it was noted that the price of pork was governed largely by successes and reverses on the battle- field. McNutt was editor of the Times in February, 1862. This law provided that on the affidavit of any person private houses might be searched for liquors and the right of a change of venue was cut off. "A greater outrage than this has never been attempted in the most despotic countries on earth," said the Herald. "Dubuque has never yet had the advantage of a prominent pork packing establishment and the want of it has been a serious loss to this city. Instead of packing every hog brought to this market for sale, the great bulk of the pork is shipped either on foot or in the carcass to Chicago or some other distant point. This city loses also by its failure to manufacture lard, lard oil, stearine, etc. Instead of grinding up all the wheat brought to this market this city is scarcely more than a station on an accommodation railroad route." — (Herald, February 19, 1862.) The bill of 1862, which aimed to stop the manufacture and sale of lager beer in Iowa, was vehemently denounced here by press and mass meetings. Dimes, quarters and half dollars of zinc were thick here in April. Nearly every business man had a few in reserve to work off on his neighbor. There was great complaint against the extortions of the Illinois Central Railway company in April; 1862; it was even found advantageous to ship to Chicago via Prairie du Chien. In June city scrip was down to 40 cents. Edward Everett lectured here on "History of the Origin and Character of the War ;" he took the usual northern view and the Herald said, "Whatever Mr. Everett believes we do not believe." In June, 1862, City Treas- HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 143 urer Guthrie announced the delinquent tax of 1857 at $13,272.87; interest on the same, $7,034.62. He announced that delinquents could pay in city scrip at 50 cents on the dollar. Immense quanti- ties of wheat were conveyed to Dunleith by the ferry-boat and barges in June. The Herald said in July that McGregor was a better wheat market than Dubuque, owing to the lack of enterprise and concert here. Sometimes as high as 700 wagons loaded with wheat reached McGregor in a single day. It came from as far as 200 miles and lumber was cheaper there. The Fourth of July, 1862, was generally celebrated all over Dubuque county. At Dubuque the day was ushered in with a salute of cannon and with the peals of bells. Major Brodtbeck was chief marshal. Everybody joined the parade. Rev. A. A. E. Taylor was principal orator. Judge T. S. Wilson was president of the day. Resolved, by the council, That the holders of all bonds known by the name of short bonds, may have the ordinary evidence of claim, i. e., city orders or scrip, issued them for the same by returning them to the office of the auditor, who will cancel them and cause slips to be issued for the same, for the amount of the original at face named (less 10 per cent) and with 6 per cent interest thereon from the date of said bonds." Adopted July 3, 1862. Early in 1862 specie began wholly to disappear as it was steadily overreaching in value all paper issues. A number of business men made the attempt in July, 1862, to retire all small change then in circulation and have the banks substitute therefor their own change or scrip checks. H. Markell & Co. and Babbage & Co., bankers, issued scrip about July 15, 1862, as follows: Dubuque, July 15, 1862. Twenty-Five Cents Redeemable in United States or Iowa Currency in sums of One Dollar, at the Banking Houses of H. Markell & Co. and Babbage & Co. Jno. Ware, Jr., Teller. R. Scott, Teller. "We are very sorry to know that these bits of paper are to drive out what little silver change there is among us, but derive some con- solation from the fact that it will not be a general system of plasters — the tradesmen and merchants refraining from going into the busi- ness while the bankers are prosecuting it. Undoubtedly great incon- venience is felt from the scarcity of change but the prevention is 144 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY worse than the cure. Good-bye little half dime and soporific quarter." — (Herald, July 17, 1862.) In July, 1862, A. Heeb shipped beer to Memphis, the river thereto having been opened by Union gunboats and troops. By July, 1862, the delinquent tax of 1858 was $29,822.33; interest, $12,527.97. In 1862 Rouse & Williams made iron columns for Dubuque and out- side buildings ; Woodworth's new brick block contained them. Peo- ple hoarded silver and passed as soon as possible all paper received. A new lot of city scrip was issued in August, 1862. The new frac- tional currency of the government was anticipated in August with much confidence. A floating planing mill — an ingenious contriv- ance— was here in August doing work at the levee. Prof. O. S. Fowler lectured on "Phrenology" in August. Owing to the enforced absence of Mr. Mahony in August, 1862, Stilson Hutchins became editor of the Herald. The Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows assembled here October 22, 1862. W. P. Allen, of Dubuque, was elected R. W. G. representative. In 1862-3 a new passenger depot for the Dubuque and Sioux City line was built. In October, 1862, county warrants were worth 80 cents on the dollar; school orders, 65 cents; city scrip, 40 cents; gold, 22 per cent premium selling. In October, Welch Edwards appeared here with his theatrical troupe. On September 30 and October 1, 2 and 3 the State Fair was held in Dubuque. The city and county made donations of money to secure, this event. The city also at its own expense and that of the leading business men enclosed the grounds, cleared the track, erected the buildings. The local committee were Richard Bonson, E. R. Shankland, Judge King, Solon M. Langworthy, W. C. Chamberlain, H. S. Hetherington and Peter Melendy. The fair was a great success, much to the credit of Dubuque. "Awful. — Coal oil is up to 70 cents a gallon; potatoes to 50 cents a bushel; wood, $4 a cord; butter, 15 cents a pound; eggs, 12 cents a dozen ; shirting, 30 cents a yard ; cotton batting, 40 cents a pound, and the end is not yet." — (Herald, October 30, 1862.) Under the delinquency of 1858, 1859 and i860 a great deal of land all over the county, even in the city of Dubuque, was sold for taxes. Mr. Dorr, who held a mortgage on the Herald, foreclosed it and took possession of the office in November, 1862. Stilson Hutchins bought the office of the old Northwest and part of the office of the old Dubuque Times and prepared to issue the Dubuque Democratic Herald to take the place of the Herald of Mahony. By this time there' was no gold nor silver in circulation ; there were sufficient treasury notes for all ordinary purposes. The Dubuque skating club was organized in December. For many years skating had been the principal pastime during the winter months. A hog weigh- ing 980 pounds came here from Monticello in December ; it passed > TJ 0 2 H HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 145 on to Chicago. Ten acres of the cemetery were ordered laid off into lots and streets at this date. A committee of the council appointed to investigate the harbor question reported at the January session, 1863, that in a short time the harbor would be wholly unfit for landing purposes unless the formation of the sandbars could be prevented; that the bar was caused by the filling up of the inner slough at the Third street bridge ; that the Third street bridge should be removed or extended in one span over the whole slough and that the right of the city to remove such bridge which had been built by the Central Improve- ment Company was in doubt. On the 10th of September, 1853, the city of Dubuque executed to F. S. Jesup a deed of trust on the Central island to secure a large amount of indebtedness, say about $30,000. On October 24, 1856, the city also executed to W. W. Corcoran a mortgage on Central island, with other lands, to secure the payment of $100,000, payable at New York, May 1, 1876. The Jesup trust was not acknowl- edged, so far as the records showed. On March 20, 1857, the city contracted with J. P. Farley and others known as the Central Island Improvement Company to convey the said' island to said company in consideration that the company should assume the indebtedness of the city to Corcoran and Jesup. The company thus assumed such indebtedness and on October 19, 1859, the city executed a deed of Central island to the Central Improvement Company by which the city conveyed all the right it then had or might afterwards have in the island and the beds of sloughs with the right to fill or dredge the same. On March 3, i860, Congress granted to the city all the title of the state of Iowa to the sloughs and beds of sloughs within the said property. Whatever right this act conferred upon the city would thus inure to the benefit of the Improvement Company under the prior act. On March 14, 1859, in consideration of a release from the indebtedness before assumed, amounting without interest to $120,000, the company made a contract with the city by which the company reconveyed to the city every third lot of the lots into which the island was laid out. In this contract the company obligated itself to pave a levee on the main channel of the Missis- sippi river along the entire front of the island and to have the work done by January 1, 1861 ; also to fill and grade Second and Fourth streets from the east line of lots of the old town of Dubuque not less than forty feet wide with proper slopes for embankments and to have Second street finished by January 1, 1862, and Fourth street by January 1, 1863. These conditions were never fulfilled, nor the work of paving or grading the streets ever commenced. This con- tract was never signed by the city, but the company claimed the contract to be valid, inasmuch as the company signed it and made the conveyance to the city of the said lots and the conveyance was afterward accepted by the city by resolution. By January 1, 1863, i46 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY the incumbrances on the island were far beyond its then actual value. There was the indebtedness of $120,000 and interest for several years and a county tax of $6,447.31 from 1857 to 1861 inclusive. In addition there was the city tax due and unpaid. On January 1, 1863, the office of city auditor was declared vacant, that official having been absent for a long time and neglected his duties. On January 9 about 250 wagons of pork were here at one time. On another day 100 wagon loads of firewood were on the streets; wood was worth $4.50 and $5, much higher than usual. George Francis Train lectured here January 17 on "English Shams: American Realities." John G. Armstrong, of Dubuque, formed a business connection with him and took the road. The printers had. a big festival on Franklin's birthday. During 1862 and much of 1863 there was a great scarcity of small change; small packages of postage stamps were used — 5, 10 and 25-cent packages. There was a great drouth in January, so that water haulers were employed to fill the city cisterns to be in readiness for fires. January, 1863, was very mild, so that ferry boats ran as regularly as in summer. In January live hogs were worth only $2.90 to $3.25 ; wheat, 95 cents to $1 ; beef cattle on the hoof, $1.75 to $2.25, and whisky was going up, notwithstanding the efforts of most men to put it down. The Democrats here called the fractional currency "Chase's shinplasters." Immense quantities of ice were put up in 1862-3, George Zumhoff alone storing 45,000 tons. Early in January, 1863, Dubuque was shut off for a week from the outside by the deep snow and intense cold. Many domestic animals throughout the county perished. About this time $50,000 was offered for Kelly's bluff, but the eccentric owner refused to sell. James Burt was president of the skating club. Treasury notes on March 2 were at a small premium on 'change, city short bonds were worth 45 cents ; county, warrants, 97^2 cents ; Iowa state warrants, 98 cents; quartermaster's vouchers, 90 cents. In February' green- backs were here in abundance and were accepted by all business houses and farmers. In February all prices began to advance in leaps and bounds. The Herald seemed to lose no opportunity to denounce the branch of the State Bank. Gold ran up to about $1.70 here, but soon fell to $1.45. Early in 1863 Professor Lascelles and his assistants gave their series of grand concerts at the Julien theater; parts of the performance were "Blue Beard," "The Ship on Fire," "The Spirit of the Storm," "St. Patrick's Day," etc. The press declared this to be the grandest musical event ever in Dubuque up to that date. "The Lascelles third concert was attended by a large audience, which testified almost breathlessly to the rare and beautiful music. Mrs. Lascelles possessed a soprano voice of rare sweetness and compass, and Miss Anna Lascelles cap- tured the audience with her Yankee songs. Mr. Lascelles played HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 147 and sang with a power and sweetness never approached on a stage in Dubuque. A special committee, consisting of Aldermen Quigley, Mason and Matthews, found that the indebtedness of the city of Dubuque on March 1, 1863, was as follows: Outstanding coupon bonds $ 682,000.00 Interest due March 1, i860 76,253.36 Interest due March 1, 1863 204,600.00 Interest on short bonds, $97,000 22,050.00 Outstanding short bonds, March 1, 1863 48,800.00 City currency and scrip out 16,047.30 Due Rowan for central market 3,500.00 Due Harbor Company for repairs 3,951.61 Other debts and judgments 7,250.00 Total $1,064,452.27 The amount of bonds issued by the city for railroad purposes: Dubuque & Sioux City Railway Company, $200,000; Dubuque & Western Railway Company, $250,000. The Gelpeke Company brought suit to recover interest on the railway bonds for over three years. The county was interested to the extent of $200,000, which it voted the Dubuque & Sioux City Railway Company. By the recent supreme court decision both city and county now had to pay up. This sad fact caused people to be despondent. War claims added to the crushing burden; yet in spite of all the city and county were prosperous owing to the flush of war. In March, 1863, the air was dark with countless myriads of wild pigeons on many days. There was a big strike on the newspapers late in March, 1863; half sheets were issued. In the end the union which demanded better wages was forced to give up the fight. In 1861-2 there were packed in Dubuque 8,315 hogs; in 1862-3, 13,285. In the latter year Burlington, Des Moines, Farmington, Fort Madison, Keokuk, Muscatine and Ottumwa packed more than Dubuque — a few three or four times as many. In 1863 the mail distributing office was removed from Dubuque, which act was believed to be due to the opposition to the war shown here. John Hodnett had been and was yet connected with the Herald. D. A. Mahony and Stilson Hutchins conducted in the Herald one of the ablest papers in the West ; they assailed the Lin- coln administration with ability, vigor and severity. The council in May declared Cottonwood trees a nuisance and ordered them cut from city lots, streets, etc. A. Schaefle conducted a book bindery here in 1863. Dubuque county warrants were at par June 8, 1863. A Sylvester's patent grain separator was the invention of a Dubuque i48 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY man. A dispute between the saloons and breweries was settled in May, 1863, by fixing $9 as the price of a barrel ; elsewhere the price was $10. On June 1, 1863, Assessor Kniest reported in Dubuque 2,719