Chapter XXXVII
Beginnings of Churches and the Fraternities in Cedar Rapids
The following accurate account of the beginnings of the churches and the fraternities in the city of Cedar Rapids, written by the late James L. Enos in the early '60s, will have a double interest. It not only gives the story of the beginnings of the various institutions, but also comments upon their condition and prospects at the time the article was written.
Methodist Episcopal--This society was organized in 1844, by Rev. Isaac Searles with nine members. As early as 1841 meetings were held by a Rev. Hodges, but no society was organized. In 1845 the Rev. Alexander Bushnell organized the first Methodist Sabbath school. Hodges, Searles and Bushnell were the first three Methodist ministers who preached in Cedar Rapids. Rev. Elias Skinner [still living at Waterloo] was the first pastor who permanently or wholly occupied his time with the church. During his appointment here the church was in a prosperous condition. Since that time, from a variety of causes, the interest of the church has fallen off and its former popularity seems to have departed. The present number of members is 90; number attending the Sabbath schools on both sides of the river, about 130. Rev. Mr. Miller is the present pastor. The church edifice was erected in 1854.
First Presbyterian--This society was organized July 9, 1847, with seven members, of whom Mrs. Mary Ely is the only surviving member. Bennet Rogers preached here and at Marion on alternate Sabbaths for a time. Rev. Williston Jones was the first regular pastor. He continued his labors with this society until July, 1856, when he removed to Iowa Falls. Rev. L. F. Dudley was the second pastor and J. W. Atherton followed in 1859. James Knox is the present pastor. I have not been able to learn the present number of members attending the Sabbath school. The church edifice was erected in 1850 and was the first of the kind in the city.
United Presbyterian (Seceders)--This church is located on the west side of the river; it was organized in 1851 with eight members. Rev. J. B. Forsythe was the first pastor, Rev. H. Sturgeon the second, and Rev. J. L. Fulton the third and present pastor. The church now numbers fifty members and is in a flourishing condition. Sixty pupils attend the Sabbath school. The church edifice is a plain brick, erected in 1859.
Second Presbyterian (Old School)--This society was organized May 27, 1855, with twenty members. Rev. R. H. Morrow, a most exemplary and worthy man, was the pastor. By his admirable qualities he won the regard of all with whom he came in contact. D. H. Mitchell was the second pastor. Following the expiration of his labors the pulpit was temporarily occupied by I. N. Reed, a thoroughly Old School divine. J. B. McBridge came next, and S. W. Miller is present pastor. The church now numbers some sixty members, and the Sabbath school has 80 to 120 enrolled. The church edifice is a neat but unpretending structure on the east side of Adams street, between Market and Sugar streets. It has a bell weighing 800 pounds and is furnished with a cottage organ. The pastor's salary is $1,000 a year, and the church is free from debt.
Catholic--This church commenced holding meetings in Cedar Rapids in 1853. Rev. Fr. Hannah officiated here at monthly intervals until 1857, in which year the church was formally organized. Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Emmons this same year in the home of Alexander Hager. When first services were held, 1853, there were but three adherents to the faith in town. The church edifice, 24×50 feet, located at the south corner of Jackson and Market streets, was erected in 1857-8. Rev. Emmons served three years and was succeeded by Rev. Fr. Gillespie, and he by Rev. Uhlenbrock. The fifth and present priest of this parish is Rev. Fr. Cannon. The congregation now has about 300 members, most of whom live in the surrounding country. Last year (1863) a mission was conducted by Rev. Father Weniger.
Episcopal--The organization of this church took place in 1851, with but ten members. James Keeler was the first rector, then followed Revs. C. C. Townsend, Samuel Goodale, Samuel Starr, William Fulton and C. S. Percival, the present pastor. The corner stone of this church was laid by Bishop Kemper in 1851, and was consecrated in 1856. It now has about 80 members and the Sabbath school over 100 attendants. The church building is situated on the south side of Linn street, between Madison and Monroe streets. The exterior is not yet completed according to original designs.
Baptist--The present church was organized by Rev. W. Eberhart, the first settled pastor, June 3, 1860, with a membership of twenty-eight. He continued in charge until November, 1861, resigning to take chaplaincy in the Twelfth Iowa Infantry Volunteers. Rev. N. F. Ravlin followed and remained with the church until April of this year (1864). The society is at present without a pastor. The congregation now numbers nearly 140 and the Sabbath school has about 100 attendants. The society has no church edifice but has purchased a lot on Eagle street and will build soon.
In addition to these there are scattering members of other religious denominations, among which are Universalists, Christians, Lutherans, New Jerusalem adherents, Spiritualists, and perhaps some others are represented. None of the church edifices are of the first class. In fact each society is too feeble to erect a church creditable to the city. We might hope for a more perfect Christian union and with that would come the ability to sustain a sufficient number of churches, without the necessity of appealing for foreign aid to enable them to drag along an existence of doubtful value.
ESTABLISHMENT OF LODGES
Masonic--The Masonic lodge was instituted in November, 1850, by a warrant of dispensation from Grand Master McCord, and its charter was issued June 4, 1851, being the twenty-fifth lodge of that fraternity organized in Iowa. George Greene was the first Worshipful Master; John Vardy, Senior Warden; Isaac Cook, Junior Warden; Thomas Downing, Treasurer; N. B. Brown, Secretary; Stephen L. Pollock, Senior Deacon; J. H. Kelsey, Junior Deacon, and Samuel Hook, Tyler. Seymour D. Carpenter was the first person made a Mason in this lodge. The following have been Masters to this date: James Keeler, Thomas Downing, John Vardy, Hiram Deem, S. L. Pollock, Jacob H. Camburn, and James L. Enos. James C. Adams is the present Master. The lodge numbers about 75 members and has the reputation of being one of the best working bodies of Masonry in the state. It was first organized as Cedar Rapids lodge, but has changed its name, being now known as Crescent lodge No. 25.
Odd Fellows--A lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows was instituted December 28, 1850, about a month after the Masonic lodge was organized. It was known as Hope lodge No. 30. It continued its existence until some time during 1860, when it became defunct. The original charter members were George Greene, John F. Ely, Absalom Sines, Joseph Greene and John H. Kelsey. Those who have been honored with election to office of Noble Grand in this lodge are: George Greene, Absalom Sines, John P. Ely, W. W. Smith, Joseph Greene, F. A. Wilmans, L. H. Keyes, Homer Bishop, D. M. McIntosh, Hiram Deem, Charles Weare, Samuel Milligan, George Livensbarger and C. Fordyce. At one time the lodge was in a flourishing condition, but through some unfortunate circumstances it declined, and finally surrendered its charter.
Various minor orders (Good Templars, Sons of Temperance, etc.) have had a temporary existence in the city from time to time, but none of these now have a local being.
LATER SKETCH OF THE CEDAR RAPIDS CHURCHES
The following extracts are from an address on Church Day delivered by Rev. C. W. Maggart, D. D., during the semi-centennial celebration in Cedar Rapids, June, 1906:
Without doubt the first church organization was the St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal. The Rev. John Hodges preached here as early as 1840, but it was not until 1841 that the "class" was organized with twelve people, one of whom, Mrs. John Listebarger, is yet living and with us today.
This church was organized in the log cabin of Mr. and Mrs. J. Listebarger on the west side of the river near the west end of the B avenue bridge. Service was later continued in the first building in town, in which lived Thomas Sharp. At the time of the incorporation of Cedar Rapids this church had 148 members and their own little brick church, built in 1854, and located where the union station now stands. This church has had thirty-six pastors. Its present church was built in 1873 and is valued at $30,000.00. The number of members is 669.
The second church organized was the First Presbyterian, on July 12, 1847, with nine members, with the Rev. Williston Jones as the first regular pastor.
The first church building to be erected in the town was the "Little Muddy" church, which was on the postoffice site, 26×40 feet, and cost $1,200.00. It was dedicated January 12, 1851.
Fifty years ago this church had sixty-seven members. Prior to the organization of this church a union Sunday school was held in the first frame building in the town, in the cabinet shop of John Vardy. This church has had five pastors, was built in 1869, and has property valued at $70,000. It has 477 members.
The Grace Episcopal church was the third church organized in the town. The organization took place in the school house in the summer of 1850. The first rector was the Rev. James Keeler. These services were later held in Tisdale's carriage factory. The upper floor was sometimes used for grain storage, and as it would drop through the cracks it would attract the attention of the porkers, which would frequently disturb the meetings with responses not found in the litany. At other times the upper story was inhabited and frequently the service would be carried on to the music of the nurse and cradle above. A great interest was taken in this church when Mr. S. C. Bever and family arrived from the east with a 750-pound bell. But a still greater interest was manifested when Judge Greene presented the church with a melodeon. In 1856 this church had thirty-six members. Today it has 505 members, has property valued at $100,000.00, and has been served by thirteen rectors.
The fourth church organized was the United Presbyterian, on April 19, 1851, with eleven members; and the first pastor was the Rev. Hugh Sturgeon. This is the oldest church now in existence on the west side of the river. Fifty years ago they had about fifty members. Today they have 225 members, property valued at $20,000.00 and have been served by six pastors.
The fifth church was the Second Presbyterian, now Westminster, which was known as the old school Presbyterian church and was organized May 27, 1855, with twenty members. Its first minister was the Rev. R. H. Morrow. Their first building was located on the east side of Adams street, between Market and Sugar, and the principal thing mentioned by former church historians was that they had a bell weighing 800 pounds and their music was led by a cottage organ. Fifty years ago they reported fifty members. They report today 500 members, with a property valued at $60,000.00, and have been served by twelve pastors. Their present church was built in 1905.
It seems that the First U. B. church was organized in 1855 in the Dairy Dale district, which was probably then in the country. Rev. McWilliams was the pastor. They had thirty-five members at the time the city was incorporated. This church, however, later, went down for some years and was afterwards reorganized. They have today 260 members, church property valued at $25,000.00 and have been served by fifteen pastors. Their present church was erected in 1879.
The Baptist and Congregational denominations had organizations on the west side prior to 1856 but both were too weak to live.
During the first decade of the city's history two more churches were started, viz., the Roman Catholic and First Baptist. Fathers Hanna and Emmons of Iowa City held services for some time before organization and they only had three adherents. This shows pluck and faith and devotion to their own church. The church was organized in 1857 and Father Gillespie was the first regular pastor. This church has had five pastors. Their present church was built in 1870 and is valued at $40,000.00. They report 1,500 members.
The First Baptist church was organized in Franklin hall, above Kilborn's gallery, on June 3, 1860, with twenty-seven members. Rev. A. G. Eberhart was the first pastor. They purchased a lot on Eagle street, where their first church was built. Their present church was built in 1894 and is valued at $50,000.00. They have had fifteen pastors and have now 365 members.
The next decade four or five organizations came into existence. The first Lutheran services were held in the winter of 1855-56 and an organization was formally effected in the First Presbyterian church, on March 3, 1856, with about twenty-two members, under Rev. H. F. Ealy, minister, who walked from Iowa City to preach to the scattered Lutherans. Services were irregularly held by Revs. H. F. Ealy, Solomon Ritz, of Tipton, and J. G. Schaffer, of Lisbon, until 1868, when the organization was re-formed in the home of J. A. Hart, 211 Fifth avenue, with thirty members under the Rev. Cephas Baird as regular pastor.
The first church was built on the lot now occupied by the Cedar Rapids Savings bank, Third avenue and Third street, but this congregation refused to permanently locate there on such an expensive lot, which was then worth $300.00. This church has now 368 members and has been served by eight pastors. The present church was erected in 1881 and is valued at $20,000.00. A new church costing $35,000.00 is now in course of erection on the corner of Third avenue and Tenth street. It will be occupied early in 1911.
The Universalist society was organized in 1869 and the first pastor was the Rev. W. C. Brooks. For nearly seven years their services were held in a hall. Their present church was built in 1875 and has been served by eight pastors. They have approximately 100 members and property valued at $16,000.00.
The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1870, and the first pastor was the Rev. J. W. Lewis. They have had sixteen pastors and have now seventy-nine members. Their church was built in 1874 and is valued at $5,000.00.
In 1874 St. Wenceslaus church was organized and its first pastor was the Rev. Francis Chmelar. They began with a church family of sixty. They have now 1,200 members, a church property erected in 1904 valued at $50,000.00, and have been served by five pastors.
On July 1, 1874, the Second United Presbyterian church was organized with the Rev. W. J. McCallister as minister. It continued in existence for about twenty-four years and its property is being used today by Sunshine Mission.
The First Christian church was organized August 1, 1875, with thirty-four charter members. Its first pastor was the Rev. N. A. McConnell. Since the organization there have been eight pastors. The present church was built in 1882 and its value is placed at $15,000.00, although the original cost was $22,000.00. They have a membership of 350.
The Second United Brethren church was organized in January, 1876, under the Rev. Father Bookwalter, and did good work for a number of years, but has ceased to exist.
The German Evangelical church was organized April 30, 1877, and its first pastor was the Rev. C. C. Pfund. They have had twelve pastors and have now sixty members. Their church was built in 1888 and they have property valued at $12,000.00.
The Free Methodist church was organized in 1877 and they have had eighteen pastors. The first pastor was Rev. W. C. Thompson. Their church was built in 1878, is valued at $4,000.00, and they have forty-seven members.
The First Congregational church was organized on May 13, 1879, and its first pastor was the Rev. A. T. Reed. They have had seven pastors and have now 350 members. Their present church was built in 1889 and their property valuation is placed at $35,000.00.
The Zion Evangelical church came into being February, 1880, through the work of Rev. Ilion. The Rev. J. E. Stauffacher was the first regular pastor. They have had nine pastors and have now 175 members. Their church was built in 1905 and is valued at $23,000.00.
The German Lutheran church was organized August 24, 1884, with twenty charter members. Revs. Studt from Luzerne and Aron from Atkins, Iowa, preached for nearly one year on alternate Sundays when the Rev. J. Denckmann, its present pastor, became the first regular pastor. They have a membership of 350 and a church property valued at $10,000.00.
The Swedish Lutheran church was organized November 8, 1885, and its first pastor was the Rev. C. E. Cesander. They have had six pastors and have now fifty-four communicants. The present church was built in 1891 and they have property valued at $10,000.00.
St. Patrick's church was organized April 18, 1886, with twenty-eight members. The Rev. T. F. Richardson was the first pastor. This church has had but three pastors. Its present church was erected in 1892 and the value of their property is $50,000.00. They report at present 1,000 members.
In the decade 1886-1896 the first church organization was that of Trinity Methodist Episcopal in 1887, with the Rev. Frank P. Shaffer as first pastor. The present church was built in 1890, and the value of all property held by this society is estimated at $20,000.00. They have 450 members and have been served by seven pastors.
Sinclair Memorial Presbyterian church was a growth out of a Sunday school fostered by Mr. T. M. Sinclair. Its organization was effected October 14, 1887, and its first pastor was the Rev. Alfred K. Bates. They have had four pastors and now enroll 215 members. Their present church was built in 1902, the gift of Mrs. T. M. Sinclair, and is valued at $30,000.00.
The Bohemian Presbyterian church was organized in 1889. Its first and only pastor was and is the Rev. V. Hlavaty. They have now 257 members. Their church was built in 1889 and is valued at $5,000.00.
The Calvary Baptist church was organized on September 5, 1890, and its first pastor was the Rev. E. F. Perry. It has been served by four pastors, and has a membership now of 165. The present church was erected in 1891 and is valued at $5,000.00.
The John Hus Methodist Episcopal church was organized May 15, 1892, and its first pastor was the Rev. John Tauchen. The church has had three pastors and has now seventy members. They have property valued at $7,000.00 and their present church was built in 1897.
The Bethany Congregation church came into being in 1893 and its first pastor was the Rev. E. M. Vittum. They now enroll 106 members and have had six pastors. Their present church is valued at $3,000.00.
The Central Park Presbyterian church was organized May 4, 1893. Its first pastor was the Rev. R. A. Van der Las. They have now 205 members and have had three ministers. Their present church was built in 1904 and is valued at $20,000.00.
The Danish Lutheran church was organized in 1893. They have forty-eight members, have had six pastors and have property valued at $4,000.00.
The Danish Baptist church was organized April 1, 1895, and its first pastor was the Rev. A. Charlsen. They have had six pastors and have now 17 members. Their church was built in 1899 and is valued at $700.00.
The first church organized in the last decade was the Second Christian church which grew out of a Bible school organized in 1901 and has a membership of 125 and has been served by three pastors. They have property valued at $5,000.00.
The Olivet Presbyterian church came into existence on May 15, 1904. Its first and only pastor is the Rev. C. F. Ensign. They have today 160 members, a church property erected in 1904, and valued at $8,000.00.
The Dunker church has been in existence for several years, but was not formerly organized until 1905 under the present pastor, Dr. S. B. Miller. They have been served by five pastors, have a church property valued at $4,000.00 and have thirty members.
The Reformed church came into formal existence March 29, 1906. The pastor is the Rev. Frank S. Bromer. Services were held for about a year before this organization by the Rev. Rohrbach. They have now twenty-nine members and are building a new church. The present value of their property is estimated to be $2,900.00. At the completion of this new church their property will be worth $6,300.00.
Fifty years ago this town had about 1,500 people. Of these 386 were members of the six churches, one in four. Today, with a population of 30,000, the thirty-three churches report 10,286 members. With five and one-half times as many churches and five times as many ministers we have twenty-seven times as many members.
The city has twenty times its former population, and the churches have twenty-seven times their former membership.
The total value of the church property today, exclusive of schools and outside property, is above $750,000.
All of this goes to show that the churches are very much alive and are among the most progressive institutions in the city.
Two hundred and forty ministers have served these churches since the beginning of their history.
RECAPITULATION
Members
The Catholics report today 3,700 Presbyterians 1,814 Methodists 1,315 Lutherans 820 Baptists 547 Episcopalians 505 Christians 475 Congregationalists 466 United Brethren 260 United Presbyterian 225 Universalist 100 Dunkers 30 Reformed 29 ------ Total 10,286
Chapter XXXVIII
Catholicism in Linn County
BY REV. P. J. FLYNN
All honor to those pioneer clerics and laity for the work they accomplished under trying and difficult circumstances. In the pioneer days no musical sound of silvery bell, from lofty steeple or tall minaret called them on the Sabbath morn, no swelling peal of organ or trained choir entertained or invited the worshipers in those early days, there were no Godly ministers to bury the old and instruct the young, no books, or papers to read and to gather wisdom from their pages, to strengthen the weak and enlighten the dull. No need to be scandalized if in some instances, we find men grow weak under such trying circumstances. No wonder that pioneer conditions among miners and others, were such as to indicate little fear of God or little regard for men. Little do we know, in this age of ease and facility, of the difficulties and dangers, offered in those days to priest and people.
The effort of the writer of the following pages will be to chronicle facts, well established and authentic, relative to the church in Linn county, rather than to draw on imagination or to give color to his assertions from a rhetorical viewpoint. It is the scope of history to chronicle events relating to the past, for present and future use. There is no assertion made in these pages that has not been investigated and truthfully established, in most cases by those who were eye and ear witnesses to the events referred to.
In order to understand how difficult it is to obtain correct information about the early days in a new country it is both educational and interesting to engage in such research. One would not imagine that information concerning things and conditions of less than fifty years ago would be so difficult to obtain. Yet the fact remains, and this fact is in itself a strong argument in favor of works like the present.
It is hardly credible that the early settlers could accomplish what they did under circumstances as they were in those days. What strength of character and determination of purpose these early settlers showed in the face of difficulty and danger is truly admirable. What noble ideals they had, and how earnestly and well they strove for their attainment. The present prosperity is due in no small degree to their untiring efforts in laying the foundation of present advantages. Posterity may well hold their names in benediction, and the heart may with pride and reverence swell with admiration for the hardy pioneer whose heritage is now enjoyed. The present moral standards of the people, the numerous schools and churches and the general intelligence have been builded on the foundations laid by our ancestors and are monuments and tributes to their character, influence and enthusiasm. When Linn county was but a mission district from Iowa City, meetings were held whenever and wherever the priest found it convenient for the best results or for the convenience of the greatest number of souls. Sometimes service was held in a log cabin, sometimes in a district school house. When the missionary contemplated a visit his intention was announced through the district; the date and place of meeting were made known and thither the scattered settlers gathered on foot or on horseback or in wagons. They were happy in their inconvenience at being allowed even in such circumstances to make their peace with God and receive the consolations of religion.
Such were the conditions in Linn county half a century since. How little we realize the advantages we enjoy in this day.
Few and far between, however, were the visits of the shepherd to the scattered hamlets of the early settlers. Missionary men went about, preaching and teaching and their lives were an example to all with whom they came in contact. Of such men and their life work, we have now to treat.
The first record we have of the interests of Linn county in things Catholic was in 1853, when Father Emmons of Iowa City with apostolic spirit and Christlike zeal journeyed through the trackless wastes to cater to the needs of the children of the faith.
In those days, fifty-seven years ago, it is needless to say Cedar Rapids was not known as the Parlor City. Its pretensions were very modest. It consisted of only a few small residences with a few stores to supply the needs of the people.
THE CHURCH IN CEDAR RAPIDS
The chief business industries in those days were the lumber mills of Mr. J. J. Snouffer, Sr. The wild and trackless wastes were being gradually cleared, and the logs were being fitted for the formation of rough log cabins to shelter man and beast. Rough fords or bridges were thrown across the irregular and meandering streams which flowed in undisturbed tranquillity on their way towards the Father of Waters. It was nothing unusual frequently to find that the temporary bridges were carried away over night and the log dweller found himself in the morning isolated and compelled patiently to wait the subsiding of the waters to furnish himself with the necessaries of life.
In these days the missionary priest passed along giving his blessing to the work as he went, and in log cabins or improvised chapels fed the bread of life to the hungering sheep of the fold.
The first record there is, and that in the memory of those who were present, of mass being offered in Cedar Rapids was in 1853, when Father Emmons of Iowa City, celebrated the holy sacrifice for the first time in the old Dubuque House in B avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets. It is a regrettable fact that the location has since been turned to uses less holy. During his visits afterwards from his home town to Cedar Rapids he always stayed, and officiated at the Snouffer home on Second street, which in those days occupied the site on which now stands the Denecke store.
In those days the Catholic settlers came for miles around to Cedar Rapids, and assisted at divine service whenever the goodly priest found it possible to come among them. In wagons drawn by oxen they wended their way from the western part of the county, from Fairfax, and along to the Benton county border line, and even beyond. Often their journey meant days of delay owing to impassable ways and washed out bridges. All honor to those pioneer Catholics who so prized their religion and their faith. No wonder that seed sown under such trying circumstances brought forth fruit which abides. Among the early settlers who gave such proof of their worth and dared difficulties for their religious opinions we find the names of Murray, Keenan, Cook, Hayden, Lilly, Kehoe, Meehan, Flaherty, Cahill, Langan, Christopher, Villeen, Harrington, Hager, and others.
Another pioneer of those days was Father Smith who occasionally visited the itinerary of Father Emmons when the latter was unable to do so. Fr. Harmon, also of Iowa City, came a few times into this territory and assisted in sowing the seed and nurturing it in its tender years.
After Fr. Harmon's departure the duty again rested upon the shoulders of Father Emmons until Father Gillespie was sent by Bishop Smith to form a new parish in Cedar Rapids, along in the early sixties.
The first effort that was made to establish a church in Cedar Rapids was when a piece of property was secured on Sixth avenue and Sixth street, near the present residence of Dr. Skinner. Those who were leaders in this laudable undertaking were J. J. Snouffer, Sr., Alexander Hager, and Francis Lilly. Objection was made to the selection of the site on Sixth avenue and Sixth street from more sources than one and attention was next directed towards the present site on Third avenue and Seventh street. Through the efforts of the above mentioned men three lots were secured, and operations were begun and a little church constructed large enough for the needs of the time. The lumber was obtained at Snouffer's mill, the workmanship was contracted for by Alex. Hager, who was a carpenter, and the means were supplied by Mr. Lilly, Mr. Thos. Murray, Andrew Stark, John Meehan, Flaherty, and others. After Father Gillespie came Father Enlinbrook, who retained the charge only a short time. After his departure Fr. Shields came occasionally in missionary work.
In 1865 Fr. Cannon assumed charge and remained about two years.
In the fall of 1867 Father P. V. McLoughlin came and remained about six months.
One would naturally expect that by this time the congregation should have grown considerably, but the fact is that on the first Sunday of October, 1866, rosary Sunday, the congregation consisted of between 20 and 30 souls and they were from the surrounding country as much as from Cedar Rapids.
In 1870 Fr. Lowry (who was a convert to Catholicity) took charge of Cedar Rapids and from that date we have a continued resident priest and a regular history. Soon after his arrival he set to work to build a church more in keeping with the needs of the place, since at this time many settlers had come from Illinois and things began to look more encouraging for our religion.
Though his resources were limited, yet he had confidence that while the purses of the people were light, their hearts and their hands were generous. Nothing daunted, he put his hand to the plow and the result was the front part of the present Immaculate Conception church. The foundation in rock work was the gift of Mrs. J. J. Snouffer, Sr., who was ever willing and generous to aid both the priest and the people, though she was not of the household of the faith. I venture to predict that her generosity and true Christian charity is on record in the "Liber Scriptus" and that it will not go unrewarded by the Just Judge.
To aid in the completion of this great work Fr. Lowry engaged both men and women, old and young. Among those who contributed materially in money and cooperation in every way we find the names of Mrs. J. J. Snouffer, Sr., Mrs. F. Lilly, Mrs. James Cook, the O'Hara family, Hayden, Hager, Kehoe, Harrington, O'Keefe, Foley, Cook, Mullally, Keenan, Murray, Meehan, Langan, Cahill, Flaherty, McVann, Brecht, Peter Flynn, Killen, Thos. Murray. By the generous and combined efforts of these and many others the desired end was attained and God's house was a reality in Cedar Rapids.
Having secured the church the next ambition of the good and zealous Father Lowry was to secure a parish school, wherein the foundation would be laid and the seeds sown in future church members and pillars. The first and only parish school up to this time was a modest and unpretentious institution in which a young lady named Caroline Hager taught the children of the parish, who numbered about fifteen.
In 1874 under the direction of Father Lowry the following men were chief among those who built the school: James McNamara, John O'Hara, Charles O'Hara, Peter Flynn, Mr. Springer, Alexander Brecht, John and Charles Murray, the Cannons, Mullally, O'Briens, McVann, McDonalds.
The first Catholic cemetery was the present Bohemian Catholic cemetery purchased by John O'Hara, Peter Flynn, John Foley, John O'Keefe, and James Barrett. The first Catholic buried in this cemetery was Mr. Flaherty, father of Pat. Flaherty of the west side. The second funeral held there was that of Mrs. Martin Sheehan, about the year 1865.
In 1878 or thereabouts Fr. Lowry secured through Mr. Mullally the ground for the present cemetery at Kenwood for a consideration of about $100.00. Then the old cemetery became the exclusive property of the Bohemian Catholics of Cedar Rapids. This transfer was effected through Father Francis Chemlar for a consideration of $900.00. Of this amount $300.00 were contributed by E. R. and W. H. O'Hara. In 1880 Fr. Lowry was transferred to Burlington and was succeeded by Father T. F. Gunn, of blessed memory. At this time many settlers had located around Cedar Rapids and it began to be an important town. Soon the church had to be enlarged. In order to do so, the old parochial residence which was to the rear of the church edifice had to be removed and a new residence constructed. When this was accomplished, an addition was built to the church, giving it its present shape and dimensions. In the construction of this addition and all the incidental work that such changes entail as well as in the erection of a parochial house Father Gunn found plenty to do during his declining years in Cedar Rapids. He was not a man given to material building, as much as to the upbuilding of spiritual conditions in the hearts of his people. He was active and energetic even to his dying day. He was in sympathy with his charge and lived in the heart of his congregation, not above them. He was a thorough christian gentleman, and a man of honor. He believed in "being" and not "appearing," in doing and not in saying. He was the servant of his people, not their lord. He was a faithful follower of Him who forgot Himself in His care for others. No man ever held a warmer place in the hearts of the people of Cedar Rapids than Father Gunn. Even today his name is in benediction and his praises sung by non-Catholic and Catholic alike.
The Rev. Thos. F. Gunn was born at Strokestown, Roscommon county, Ireland, December 3, 1840. He studied the classics in Ireland and philosophy and theology at St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee. He was ordained priest at Cape Girardeau, Mo., in 1867. His first appointment was to Cedar Falls, Iowa. At the time there was only one priest west of him, at Fort Dodge. While stationed at Cedar Falls Father Gunn had under his charge thirteen stations in Blackhawk, Grundy, Butler, and Bremer counties. During these times a seventy-mile drive in a springless wagon was a common experience.
In 1870 Father Gunn was transferred to Sioux City. His charge was St. Mary's parish which then consisted of a modest frame structure on West Seventh street, across Perry creek. At that time the priest's house consisted of a one room structure. Father Gunn after a short time in Sioux City was transferred to Dubuque Cathedral, where he remained three and one-half years and went thence to Burlington, where he remained till 1880, when he came to Cedar Rapids to succeed Father Lowry.
At his advent to Cedar Rapids the condition was much different from what it today presents. It was but an outpost of the onward march of civilization and no one dreamt that the coming years would bring about so great a transformation as is today in evidence. Father Gunn was twenty-six years in Cedar Rapids at the time of his death. Shortly before his death he delivered his last public address at the opening of the semi-centennial celebration held on June 10, 1906, in which he forcibly manifested his liberal views and referred to the transformation which had taken place within his memory in the city.
Father Gunn died on June 24, 1906, and his funeral was one of the largest and most representative ever held in Cedar Rapids. His eulogy was delivered by Dr. J. J. Fitzpatrick, of Marshalltown, and the speaker paid a becoming and merited tribute to the beloved and popular clergyman. His remains lie buried in Kenwood cemetery and the citizens of Cedar Rapids have erected a suitable monument to perpetuate his memory and hold his name in benediction.
After the death of Father Gunn, Father Toomey became pastor of Immaculate Conception church, which position he still occupies. Great hopes are held out by the people of Cedar Rapids congregation for the welfare of the church interests. A new and commodious church is talked of and the hope entertained it will some day materialize. However as it is not becoming to praise the soldier while he is in the firing line, and as "Praise after death" has been my motto I must leave to the pen of the future historian to chronicle the deeds and sing the praises of the present pastor of Immaculate Conception church.
ST. WENCESLAUS PARISH
St. Wenceslaus Bohemian Catholic parish of Cedar Rapids was established in 1874. Those through whose prayer and cooperation this new and independent field of activity was called into existence were chiefly the following: Thomas Brouzek, Vaclav Charipar, Natej Charipar, Thos. Chadima, J. Hajek, Fr. Horek, Joseph Kofron, Jos. Pivouka, Vit Kuba, Fr. Kofron, Hynek Krejic, V. Lessinger, Jos. Pivouka, V. Hrebec, H. Sindelar, Jan Stolba, V. Stolba, Jos. Sefranek, Jan Tomanek, Votja Zaruba, Ignace Sindelar, Mathew Kofron, Frank Biskop, Jan Vanous, Marie Tuba, and some others from the surrounding country districts.
A lot was purchased, and in August, 1874, the foundation of the first Bohemian Catholic church in Cedar Rapids was begun. It was an eventful day for the Bohemian element in the city. In 1875 money was borrowed and collections made by parishioners, and all resources were drawn on to obtain the necessary means of perfecting the work already begun. In 1878 the balance of the debt was paid by the united effort of a poor but earnest people. In fact the donors, considering their circumstances, were generous.
In those days of difficulty and want the parish was in charge of Father Chemlar, who with all the zeal and earnestness of an apostle attended to the varied duties and needs of the scattered and needy congregation. From his limited salary of $200.00 he gave to the more needy and often donated his time and talent without any consideration whatever. God be with those days of disinterested and apostolic labors.
The old St. Wenceslaus church was a rock building 75×27 feet. It was without a tower. The bell was erected on an improvised structure in front of the church and its silvery tones seemed to more effectively accomplish its mission and reach the hearts of the people, than our costly and superior ones of today as they ring out from their costly towers or tall minarets.
To house the good father of the flock, a modest parochial residence was built by the people and in the basement of the unpretentious home, parish meetings were held and school was taught for years. It was in the days of the good Father Chemlar also that the first Catholic cemetery was secured by the people of St. Wenceslaus parish.
In 1889 Father Francis Chemlar was promoted to the charge at Norway, and he was succeeded at St. Wenceslaus by Father John Broz. Fr. Broz remained about two years in Cedar Rapids and during his short stay was by no means inactive. He added to the seating capacity of the church building and also built a tower in the church.
The next pastor was Father Kopecky. To his zealous and persistent labor is due the parish school which still remains, in which the youth of the parish receive the rudiments of knowledge in things secular and religious from the good Sisters of Mercy.
At this time the pastor's income was only $650.00, yet from this comparatively modest sum the good father found a modest means of doing material good for others and himself. He was a great school man and often spent hours in the school room, keeping at the class work. He was popular with the people and accomplished much good.
Following Father Kopecky came Fr. Vrba who remained only a short time and was transferred to Protovin.
In 1900 the present incumbent, Rev. Florian Svrdlik, was installed pastor of St. Wenceslaus. Soon after his advent a new church was spoken of and being a man of action as much as of word, he began to feel the pulse of the parish on the matter. Seeing the interest and earnest manner in which the new pastor took hold the people flocked to his aid and in a short time the work assumed practical shape. Ft. Svrdlik is not a man who builds a church on paper years before he has his brick and mortar on the ground. He builds first and then talks of a reality and not of a dream. With the unanimous aid of the people, he organized a fair, and from this realized about $4,000.00.
Through the other ordinary means of collections and donations this amount was increased in a short time to the extent of $10,000.00. To this fund his grace, Archbishop Keane, of Dubuque, contributed $500.00.
At Christmas, 1903, the necessary property was secured, and on August 4, 1904, the corner stone was laid, and on October 18, 1905, the new church was dedicated with solemn and impressive ceremony. The occasion was one long to be remembered by the people of St. Wenceslaus and Cedar Rapids in general. The new church is beautiful in design and faultless in execution. It was erected at a cost of about $40,000.00, a lasting monument to the zeal and efficiency of the pastor and to the piety and generosity of the Bohemians of Cedar Rapids.
The parochial school erected in Father Kopecky's time is his imperishable monument. It is in charge of the Sisters of Mercy. It is a beautiful building, plain and substantial in its style, spacious and well ventilated and well calculated to develop a sound mind in a healthy body. There are about 175 pupils at present attending the school and sowing the seed which will enable them to develop into sturdy men and women.
ST. PATRICK'S, CEDAR RAPIDS
St. Patrick's parish on the west side, Cedar Rapids, was organized April 18, 1886. Its first resident pastor was Rev. T. F. Richardson, who was transferred from Fairfax. The first parish church was a modest frame structure on Second avenue and Seventh street west. While its seating capacity was limited yet it gave ample accommodation for the few parishioners, whose interests had heretofore been attended to, from the parent church on the east side, and occasionally from Fairfax. Father Richardson retained the charge till the time of his death, which occurred on September 12, 1888. After his demise the interests of the young and struggling parish were entrusted to Rev. M. J. Quirk, who was succeeded by the present incumbent, Rev. T. J. Sullivan who was appointed November 17, 1889.
At this time many were locating on the west side who retired from the country around to spend the evening of life in a well earned rest after enduring for years the trials and difficulties of pioneer conditions. Soon the little frame church became inadequate to the needs of the place, and Father Sullivan, with that solicitude which has ever marked his life and labor, began to entertain the wish of a more suitable building. It did not take long for his efforts to be supported by the hand and heart of his people, and on October 18, 1891, the corner stone of the present beautiful building was laid. The late Very Rev. Father Gunn officiated and the sermon on the occasion was delivered by the Rev. C. M. Carroll, D. D.
The new church at First avenue and Fifth street, west was dedicated on August 28, 1892, by Bishop Hennessy, of Dubuque.
St. Patrick's church is one of the most sightly buildings in the city and when the frescoing which is now being done is completed it will be one of the neatest houses of worship in the city.
The building when completed cost about $15,000.00. Father Sullivan took charge of the parish about November 17, 1889. The congregation is now large and representative.
Having secured a beautiful church Father Sullivan's next undertaking was the building of a school in keeping with the needs of the parish. The corner stone of this beautiful and spacious building was laid on May 10, 1902, by Dean Gunn.
The school is in charge of the Sisters of Charity of the B. V. M., whose mother house is at Mount Carmel, Dubuque. The Sisters of Charity as educators hold a similar place in the religious congregation of women to that occupied by the Jesuits among the male orders. They are the leaders in their respective classes. And the pupils turned out by both orders today are an honor to their alma mater.
There are several sodalities and societies attached to St. Patrick's church and the parish is growing rapidly.
THE CHURCH AT PRAIRIEBURG
It has been asserted that the first mass celebrated in Linn county was at Prairieburg. This assertion I have sought to establish, but have failed, so I take it for what it is worth. As far as I can learn the first mass was said in a log house belonging to James Brislawn, but who the priest was I have not been able to establish. The first authentic record we have is when Rev. P. J. Maher, late of De Witt, then at Anamosa, officiated in the home of Bernard McLaughlin in 1872. The present brick church on the prairie at which a goodly number worship and which is in charge of Rev. Fr. I. J. Norris of Stone City, was erected by Fr. Maher in 1874. The Bohemian element who live in and around Prairieburg built a church a few years ago in the town. It is in charge of Father Ballou of Oxford Junction.
THE FAIRFAX CHURCH
The first Catholic church in Fairfax was built by Fr. John in 1875. This cradle of christianity in the wilds was located on the state road in Johnson county about six miles southeast of Fairfax. For the construction of this primeval temple oak logs were hauled from the Henderson mills on the Iowa river below Robert's Ferry. From this same mill, which was the only one at that time in these parts, except the Snouffer mills in Cedar Rapids, the early settlers hauled the lumber for their log cabins and for the shelter sheds for their limited live stock. This pioneer church in Fairfax district was afterwards removed to Walford, later to the site of the present building.
After Fr. John came Fr. Urbin occasionally from Norway. He returned to Bohemia and died there.
Among the early settlers were John Flaherty, who came in 1855; John B. Murray in 1858, Wm. McNamara, Andrew Stark, whose children now enjoy the fruits of his labors; the McDonalds, O'Connells, Donohues, Winekes, Wickies, Brechts, Springer, Barretts, O'Hara, P. Flynn, Foleys, Cook, Haydens, Hager, Cahill, Langan, Killeen, Kehoe, Meehan, Harrington, Lilly, Murray, Cannon, O'Brien.
Before this time however there were some scattered settlers in and around the site of the present town. Among the early settlers were Thos. Murray, father of J. E. Murray and Charles Murray of this city, John B. Murray who came from Illinois in '56 or '58, and located in Benton county. John Flaherty, father of P. Flaherty, who came from Illinois in '55 by way of Iowa City. In those days there were very few settlers and the country around was densely wooded where the wild deer and wolf held undisputed sway. The nearest and only Catholic church was in Iowa City and there the pioneers journeyed periodically to make their peace with God. There were no roads, and travelers were compelled to follow the beaten path through thicket and forest. In these journeyings danger and difficulty were ever present. The hardships endured for the sake of religion remind one of the experiences of Saul of Tarsus. Whenever Father Emmons came from Iowa City to Cedar Rapids, his intention was declared some days before and a herald brought the glad news to the settlers who came in from their desert haunts and swelled the congregation at Cedar Rapids. These were literally the days when these faithful pioneers, poor in the world's goods but rich in faith, hungered and thirsted after justice.
When the church was built at Cedar Rapids the faithful at Fairfax were looked after for some years till their number increased. Fr. Urbin, who was stationed at Norway, later on also aided in keeping the lamp of faith burning brightly. This was along about 1868. Later on Fr. John Chemlar took care of their interests till in 1875 Father O'Farrell came to abide with the faithful of Fairfax and was their first resident priest.
The field of operation in Fairfax was too limited for the zeal of Father O'Farrell and he remained only a short time. He was succeeded by Father McCaffrey who was energetic in his labors, but because limited in his resources was not able to accomplish much, and time hung heavily on his hands. He left soon after. After this time, however, things began to look more encouraging and we find some such sturdy men as John Flaherty, Thomas Murray, John Murray, Pat Harrington, Wm. Harrington, Maurice Cahill, Andrew Garrett, John Sears, Henry Wickie, putting their shoulders to the wheel and from their limited resources, giving material aid in the upbuilding of conditions. The next resident priest was Father Quinn who came from the east. He was a man of action. He set to work and organized the parish in practical shape and doubtless had he been spared Fairfax would be today one of the leading parishes in Linn county. He died after two years from pneumonia contracted while attending to his flock.
After the death of Father Quinn, charge of affairs was assumed by Father Kelly, who was succeeded by Father Richardson, who enlarged the church edifice, which still remains a monument of early days and pioneer conditions, but hardly in keeping with these days of opulence and ease. After about four years pastorate in Fairfax, during which time he attended Cedar Rapids west side people, he was transferred to the west side of Cedar Rapids and built the first church in that place.
This church was located at Second avenue and Fifth street west, and was a frame structure 60×32 feet. It was at this time, April 18, 1886, that St. Patrick's parish was first organized and Father Richardson was its first pastor and he retained the charge until his death in September, 1888. Father John Brogan assumed the charge of Fairfax parish in April, 1886, and remained seven years, during which time he labored earnestly for the good of religion and was much beloved by the people. During his pastorate he built a beautiful, well equipped modern residence, which still remains and is occupied by the present incumbent. After Father Brogan's removal Father John Hogan assumed the charge of the Fairfax parish and during his stay of five years he labored zealously to pay off the indebtedness on the church property and has improved things generally. He afterwards exchanged Fairfax for his present charge Van Horne, and Father Thomas Reynolds of Van Horne came to Fairfax where he remained till his death. He was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. P. Reynolds, who has done much to better conditions and who hopes one day to build a church in keeping with the present enviable status of this wealthy community.
THE CHURCH AT WALKER
For many years, the faithful of this town and the surrounding districts were attended from Independence. In 1887 Very Rev. Fr. O'Dowd, of Independence, erected a church at Walker, and for four years attended to the same from his home in Independence. In 1891 a new parish was established by Bishop Hennessy, and Rev. James Ryan, now of Calmar, Ia., was appointed first resident pastor. Having a church already secured the new pastor directed his zeal towards the erection of the present parochial residence. While the parish was not numerically extensive, yet what it lacked in numbers was supplied in interest and zeal, and the new pastor in his apostolic spirit and unflagging zeal soon had the good will of his congregation entirely at his disposal and with their generous cooperation in hand and heart and as far as circumstances permitted in currency, he erected a fine home for the use of the priest and had it paid for in a short time. During his stay of three years in the parish he also improved and completed the conditions in church and church property which required attention. Fr. Ryan is the best type of a truly apostolic priest, the zeal of God's house and the happiness of God's people, being the single purpose which at all times animates and actuates his life and action.
After three years, Archbishop Hennessy, recognizing his earnestness and efficiency, assigned him to a new and more varied field of operation and he was succeeded at Walker by Rev. John McNamara, now of Key West, Dubuque. Fr. McNamara's stay in Walker was of only short duration, about three months, when in obedience to the wish of authority he went to Key West. After his departure the present pastor, Rev. Wm. Leen, assumed jurisdiction and his stay in Walker for sixteen years is the explanation of the present flourishing condition of the parish. Vast improvements have been effected, in the church and church property, and today Walker takes its place not only among the Catholic churches in Linn county but among the churches in any county in the state.
The pastor is a most zealous and priestly man, an erudite scholar and a profound and persistent student. He is not selfish, and generously gives of the fruits of his research through the columns of pamphlet and press. Fr. Leen also occasionally lets his thoughts run along metrical lines.
Besides Walker, Fr. Leen also extends his zeal and paternal care to Rowley and another mission station which is not in Linn county. But while frequently engaged in historical research, and contributing to current literature, he finds abundant time and opportunity to feed the sheep and the lambs over which he is shepherd and does his duty so well that he is most popular not only with his charge but with the community in general.
THE MARION CHURCH
One of the prettiest churches in Linn county today is St. Joseph's at Marion. It was built by the present pastor, Father P. M. Loughvane. Like most other places in Linn county the early settlers in Marion had to endure hardships for their religion. The settlers were few and far between and the only consolation they had from a religious standpoint was the occasional visit of a missionary priest from some outside charge.
In the years 1855 and 1856 a good priest named Father Smith came occasionally from Iowa City to minister to their needs and preach them a word of encouragement. In those days Father Emmons also came from Iowa City and contributed to keep the lamp of faith burning. Father Laurent, of Muscatine, also came to Marion occasionally and did missionary work among the pioneers.
As a rule the faithful journeyed to Iowa City whenever the weather permitted. In these days there were no automobiles nor telephone service, and it was not at all uncommon for the travelers to be weather bound on their way to or from the scene of their religious observance. Sometimes they had to sleep all night in the wagon in the midst of the woods when the swollen streams prevented their going any farther. It looks like something one may read about, but there are those living today who recall it as a fact. Waiting till the river flowed by, or at least till its current became less rapid, or till the hidden ford appeared--such were the trials of pioneer days in Linn county, and such the tests the faithful were subjected to.
After 1870, Marion was attended by Father Lowry, of Cedar Rapids. After Father Lowry's time the faithful of Marion were attended by Father Richardson, of Fairfax, and after his transfer to St. Patrick's he continued to minister to their needs. His successor, Father McQuirk, continued to assist in bringing the consolations of religion to the early settlers. In later days Father John Brogan, of Fairfax, ministered to their needs whenever time and opportunity permitted.
Father Timothy Sullivan, after his appointment to St. Patrick's, also ministered to their needs and to this day has many friends who are mindful of his kindness in the days of want.
The first resident priest in Marion was Father Laffin, who came in 1890. At this time and indeed previous to this the chief settlers in the Marion district were the Senekir family, the Reillys, the Davises, Colburts, Zimmermans, and Zackeries, and these were the first who took hold and established the first church.
The church, by reason of the fewness of its members, was a difficult problem to maintain. It was supported chiefly by the active and energetic assistance of the people in holding sociables and picnics and such other ways and means as were worthy of the noble cause.
When the building was completed there was an indebtedness of $1,800, and nothing to pay this amount from. The sale of the property was threatened by those who held the lien on the church. But the zealous and hard-working members of the congregation set to work, and in two years this amount was paid off.
After Father Laffin's departure the charge was taken by Rev. J. Hartigan, now at Strawberry Point. For eight years this zealous and interested young priest labored early and late for the welfare and comfort of his flock. During his time the present parochial residence was erected at a cost of $3,000. It is a modest, unpretentious building, but fitted up with all the modern systems of hygienic and healthful appliances. Not content with being comfortably housed himself, Father Hartigan decided to secure also a becoming habitation for his Lord and Master. He decided that a new church was now a matter of necessity in Marion, and gradually he got the members of the congregation to his way of thinking. He held fairs and sociables to obtain the necessary funds to make his dream a reality, and at his transfer from Marion he left in the church treasury more than $2,000 as a nucleus for the new church building. The completion of the work was, however, reserved for his no less interested and zealous successor.
Writing of the conditions in Marion at his appointment, Fr. Hartigan says:
"I got my appointment to the charge in the winter of 1896, about December 1st, and I shall never forget my feelings on arriving there. I found the parish in excellent condition to try a man's grit and patience. There were about thirty-five families, more or less actively engaged in parish work. There was a debt of upwards of $3,000, with no home except a log cabin, and an old church that had stood the test of the winters' blast for well nigh forty years. I heard murmurs on all sides, some thinking that all their property would be lost. I had many expressions of sympathy. I told the people in very few words that I was not looking for sympathy (although I needed it), that I was sent there to work, that works, not words, were of more avail in those circumstances. I tried to arouse their fainting spirits and told them to go and put their shoulder to the wheel, which they did with a willingness and energy that was beyond my most ardent aspirations. In about two years we had the parish clear of debt. Then it was necessary to build a home to supplant the poor log cabin, one of the old landmarks that did its work for well nigh half a century. To show the dilapidated condition of that abode I may say that I was frequently compelled to move my bed around to escape the rainfall. But thanks to the generosity of the people and their willingness to work and to give, the home was built in almost as short a time as it would take to tell it. It was a gigantic undertaking at the time, but where there is a will there is a way, and the home was built and paid for in about one year after the church property debt was liquidated. That home cost about $3,000, and every cent was paid before it was occupied. Then the cement sidewalks were laid at a cost of about $120, and last but not least came the greatest struggle of all. The parish had progressed so far so well, and it was my desire and the people's desire that their work should be crowned with success. The crowning work of all was the building of that magnificent little church that now stands on the corner of Tenth street. It was not my privilege to see it built before I left the parish, but for that purpose the people and myself labored tooth and nail in season and out of season, so that when I got my appointment to Strawberry Point in October, 1904, I turned over to the present pastor upwards of $2,000. I may say before I close that the spiritual advancement of the people more than kept pace with the material development of the parish."
Rev. P. M. Loughnane, the present pastor of St. Joseph's, was born in County Kerry, Ireland. He received his classical education at St. Brendan's Seminary, Killarney, and studied philosophy and theology at St. Patrick's College, Thurles, where he was ordained to the priesthood on June 18, 1803. Coming to Dubuque, he was assigned as assistant to Very Rev. E. McLoughlin, at St. Mary's, Clinton, Iowa. He was afterwards transferred to take charge of the parish at Sabula. Thence he went to State Center, in Marshall county, where he remained eight years. While at State Center he interested himself much in school work which he loved. Fr. Loughnane is a versatile scholar, a man of bright mind, and keen sense of discernment. His ability as a priest he has demonstrated by the beautiful new church which will ever remain a monument to his competency and the earnestness and worth of his people. Bearing in mind that the congregation at Marion is not numerically large nor gifted with the possession of any too much of this world's goods, the sacrifices they made for the new church are much enhanced. The greater number of the members of the charge are railroad employees and more or less of a fluctuating class. But the Catholic heart is cold and callous, indeed, that cannot grow eloquent with faith when contemplating the visible, the material evidence of a great personal sacrifice for the faith.
Soon after his advent to St. Joseph's parish the pastor applied all his energy to collect for the new church, and by earnest and energetic effort raised about $5,000, each and every member of the congregation doing his or her duty in a manner truly admirable.
THE CHURCH AT LISBON
One of the oldest, if not the mother church in Linn county, is that at Lisbon. We have evidence of its existence and of early settlers for whose use it was erected dating as far back as 1854. Records show that Fr. Emmons, of Iowa City, the father of Catholicity in Linn county, made frequent visits to the little town, and baptized and ministered to the needs of the early settlers. Even farther back than 1854 it is on record that this pioneer of the faith offered the holy sacrifice and administered the holy sacraments in the home of Thomas McAllister, east of the town of Lisbon.
There are those living today who remember these times and conditions, and the fact is not questioned that some of the present members of the Lisbon congregation were regenerated by the saving waters of baptism in the home of Thomas McAllister, and it is even possible to meet occasionally those who well remember Father Emmons and his teaching.
It was through the efforts of this faithful pioneer shepherd, aided by the good will and support of the scattered few, that the old church of Lisbon was called into existence, and it is through veneration for the pastor and the pioneer that it is still allowed to stand, though no longer used for divine worship. This old landmark was erected in 1854. The site on which the little edifice was erected was donated by Jacob S. Pfautz, who also contributed to the present church building. Be it said to their eternal honor that among the contributors for the first church there are several names which are not belonging to the limited list of Catholics of those days.
Among the pioneers of those days we find such names as Peter Heller, George Ringer, Mike Hoover, Samuel Bell, Fred Rabenau, William Andre, Thomas McClelland, I. G. Trigenfuse, Sam Ellison, John Walton, J. A. McClelland, Joseph Owens, Thomas Andre, and others.
Father Emmons was only a missionary in Lisbon at the time his home charge was Iowa City, but as far as preaching and teaching the word and breaking the bread of life to the children of the faith his jurisdiction was not confined by any boundary or limitation.
The first resident pastor of Lisbon was Rev. W. Downey, who resided there for about three years after his term of service. Father Daly followed, and for a short time resided in Lisbon, and afterwards in Mechanicsville, and is spending the evening of his life in Atlantic, Iowa. After this time Lisbon was attached to Marion and was attended for a while by Father Laffin. When Father Hartigan succeeded to the charge at Marion he also attended Lisbon.
It was reserved, however, to the present popular pastor of Marion, Rev. P. M. Loughnane, to add another laurel to his crown by replacing the old time-honored landmark with the present ornate and well designed church building.
The Catholic cemetery, which is a part of the property of this charge, was purchased in Father Downey's time.
THE SISTERS OF MERCY
The Sisters of Mercy came to Cedar Rapids on the Feast of St. Mary Magdalen, 22d July, 1875. They came from Davenport, which at that time was subject to Dubuque Bishop for there was only one diocese in Iowa. Sister Mary Isadore and Sister Mary Gertrude were the first to visit Cedar Rapids, and in a few weeks afterwards Sister Mary Agatha and Sister Mary Francis came. These four formally took possession of the building which had been secured for school purposes, and in September, 1875, St. Joseph's Academy and parish school was opened for the first time in Cedar Rapids.
This community at Cedar Rapids remained subject to the mother house in Davenport until 1881, when the southern part of the state was cut off and made a new diocese. This new division of the Dubuque diocese necessitated the subjection of the Cedar Rapids community to the diocese of Dubuque and so the branch house became an independent community in November, 1881.
At this time the community at Cedar Rapids consisted of about ten Sisters, and there were about twenty-five boarders at St. Joseph's Academy at the time.
Previous to the installation of Father Quinn as pastor of Immaculate Conception church the parish school was independent of the academy. After this they were united and the academic school became a free school for all those who were unable to pay for tuition.
This arrangement continued till the spring of 1905, when the Sisters secured the beautiful house and property known as Mound Farm, on which they now have a beautiful mother house and academy. Up to 1905 St. Joseph's was the mother house of the Cedar Rapids community. Now the mother house is at "the Mound."
The new Sacred Heart Academy opened in September, 1905, with thirty boarders. It is situated on the same location as the mother house of the community.
From the Cedar Rapids mother house of the Sisters of Mercy the following branch houses have been and are supplied: Decorah, Grand Junction, Anamosa, Manchester, De Witt, Charles City, Elma, Oelwein, Bernard, New Haven, Waterloo, Marion, St. Wenceslaus, St. Joseph's, Cedar Rapids, with Mercy Hospital, and a new hospital at Kalispel, Montana.
In the community at present there are about one hundred and thirty members. In the novitiate or preparatory school for aspirants to the Sisterhood there are about forty young ladies laying the foundation for their future life work.
Any attempt at church history in a state or in a city would be incomplete without honorable mention of the Sisters. The history of the parish school is also the history of the Sisters, that glorious body of women who have given and who give their lives to the uplifting of the human race. That branch of the Sisterhood which devotes their lives to teaching is one of the most powerful allies the church has in keeping her members faithful. The teaching orders are not alone in the work of education. The Sisters have done a great work on the battle field and in hospitals in opening the eyes of the world to the great ends sought by the church.
MERCY HOSPITAL
There are many orders, each doing their own work in their own place. Wherever there is work to be done, or good deeds to be performed, there we find the Sisters with an eye single to their work and looking for their reward in the world to come. To come from general to particulars, I would be untrue to my promise if I did not call particular attention to one institution in particular, namely, Mercy Hospital. There are few Catholics in Iowa who are not acquainted with Mercy Hospital, Cedar Rapids, and the great work being done by the Sisters of Mercy.
The absolute need for such an institution became so much a necessity in Cedar Rapids that on November 15, 1900, the Sisters for the first time began operations in an old residence quite near their convent. For three years, under conditions entirely inadequate, they ministered to the needs of their constantly increasing patrons, till they were compelled by necessity and their rapidly increasing work to build the present institution, which compares favorably with any similar institution in the country and offers every facility to the medical profession.
The corner stone of this beautiful building was laid on August 15, 1902, and the building was completed by December 1, 1903. It cost over $100,000. It is in charge of the Sisters of Mercy of Cedar Rapids community, who also have charge of Sacred Heart Academy on Mound Farm, and of St. Joseph's parochial school, with St. Wenceslaus' school and St. Berchman's Seminary, Marion, together with several schools through Iowa, and of the Mercy Hospital at Kalispel, Montana.
So great has been the success of this institution that there is need at present for an addition. There is a large training school for nurses in which at present there are twenty-five pupils. The management of the institution is accomplished by the Sisters, who at present number about fifteen, among whom there are seven qualified trained nurses.
Ability of more than ordinary character is required to manage successfully an institution like Mercy Hospital. And as the work increases the greater the strain on the management. This position of trust and responsibility has been capably filled for nearly ten years by Sister Mary Alphonsus. She it was who first assumed charge of the little hospital on Third avenue. She has seen that mustard seed grow into the present beautiful institution. Sister Alphonsus, always solicitous for the comfort of others, overtaxed her limited strength. Never physically strong, she has given herself most generously in constant care and vigilance to the duties of her responsible position. Forgetting herself to be of help to others, it is not surprising that her frail constitution should give way, when one considers the responsibility of her position. This fact, coupled with the recent death of her beloved mother, to whom she was much attached, almost completely undermined her physical condition, and acting on the advice of her medical adviser and that of her superior mother, N. Teresa, Sister Alphonsus retired from the hospital to recuperate her failing strength. During her years of office she made herself a general favorite with all with whom she had to do.
SACRED HEART ACADEMY
This high grade school fills a long felt want in Cedar Rapids and Linn county. There is no more suitable location for a young ladies' academy than Cedar Rapids, and for its site there is not perhaps in the west a place more suited than where the Sacred Heart Academy stands. Situated on the highest elevation, perhaps, in the county, it is by nature and the skill and taste admirably fitted to generate both sound minds and healthy bodies. Recently a new addition has been built to the former academy.
The church realizes that true progress is the law which God has given to His creation. Any progress is creation continued. The gospel of Christ is the gospel of progress. The mind to be progressive must seek Him and find Him, and finding Him, be of value to the child and the state.
This the church understands better than she gets credit for, and this is the reason why her parish school is her first care after her own existence has been established. Hence any attempt at her history which would not include her schools would be incomplete and dwarfed. In the school is sown the seed which is afterwards nursed and cared for by the church, in its life-giving sacramental system.
One of the chief parish schools in Linn county is Sacred Heart Academy, at Green Mound Farm. It is a school for young ladies in which are taught all subjects which qualify candidates for the varied positions to which they may wish to aspire, such as teaching, bookkeeping, stenography, etc., etc.
St. Berchman's Seminary at Marion is a boarding school for boys who have not attained the age of fourteen. In this school, which is in charge of the Sisters of Mercy of Cedar Rapids, the most approved methods are employed in imparting thorough and comprehensive instruction in all the elementary branches of an English education, together with a marked attention to the moral culture of the boys, which makes them an honor to their parents and society. Careful attention is given to their physical needs and bodily comfort, and diligent care is extended in seeing that their time in the seminary is put to the best advantage. Music and elocution are among the subjects taught.
The seminary is located on First avenue and Fifteenth street. It is situated on a twenty acre area, beautifully wooded, and affording excellent facilities for outdoor games which boys usually indulge in.
The seminary has its own sources of supply in all edible stuffs. It has a beautiful orchard and vegetable gardens, and its needs in the way of dairy produce and poultry are supplied from its own farm. While within the city limits, it is far removed from noise and all disturbing elements which may in any way militate against the best results.
The apartments are spacious and are furnished with every modern improvement conducive to health and comfort. The building is heated by steam, well ventilated, and lighted by electricity. Hot and cold water are in use for the bath system. At the present time a large addition is being built to meet the needs of the increasing patronage.
Chapter XXXIX
Linn County Statistics
POPULATION
In 1840 the greatest number of people to the square mile was in the extreme southeastern part of the territory. This was but natural, as nearly all the settlers had come by river from St. Louis, only a few coming by wagons up to this time. The settlers had in part come up along the Red Cedar river, and Linn county claimed a population of 1,373, few of whom had lived more than two years in the county. Settlers also ascended the Iowa and Des Moines rivers. By 1850 land seekers had followed the Des Moines river and had already found homes as far west as Boone county.
It was a severe blow to the agricultural interests of Linn county and the newborn state when news of the gold fever reached the borders. Not only the newspapers stirred up the people, but hundreds of parties crossed the state in wagons, stopped along the way and talked incessantly about the great diggings in California. The young men were fired with enthusiasm. Work on the farm was hard and the returns small. Thus Linn county lost many of its best and most enterprising young men. Some, it is true, returned again after a stay of a few years in the gold fields, but a large number never came back, but either died or remained on the coast. While Linn county lost many settlers it also gained others, who started west expecting to join mining parties, but who settled down as farmers instead. From 1849 to 1857 was a restless era of migration in what we call the middle west. In fact it extended over the entire country. There were many causes for this. An era of prosperity sprang up after the Mexican war, the gold discoveries and the opening up of much fertile land by the government. All this, no doubt, stirred people to find new homes or seek new adventures. The panic of '57 of course for a time put a stop to all speculations, especially in western lands.
The greatest influx of people into the state was from 1850 to 1856, when the population increased from 192,214 to 517,875, an increase of 169.4 per cent. The population of the state for 1910 is 2,225,771. Linn county felt the same influx, for the population increased from 5,444 in 1850 to 14,702 in 1856.
There seems to have been an increase of about 8,000 by the census of 1860, showing that while the panic may have kept some at home who might have gone west, few new settlers sought the west to make new homes. The population of the county and the towns will give the reader an idea of the gradual growth in the population.
Here are some figures showing our development:
In May, 1838, the population of the county was 205. This had increased to 2,643 in 1844. In 1847 we had 3,954 people, 4,762 in 1849, 5,444 in 1850, 6,870 in 1852, 10,802 in 1856, 18,947 in 1860, 18,693 in 1863, showing the effects of the Civil war, this conflict not only taking many of our substantial citizens to serve in the armies, but for the time impeding emigration.
In 1865 the figures had increased to 20,754, in 1867 to 24,549, in 1870 to 31,080, in 1875 to 31,875, in 1880 to 37,237, in 1885 to 40,720, in 1890 to 45,303, in 1895 to 49,905, in 1900 to 55,392, and in 1905 to 57,362.
At the time this is being written the population for the county for 1910 has not been announced.
The cities and the towns of the county have grown with it.
Cedar Rapids in 1885 had 15,426 people; in 1890, 18,020; in 1895, 21,555; in 1900, 25,656; in 1905, 28,759; and in 1910, 32,870.
Marion in 1885 had a population of 2,673; in 1890, 3,094; in 1895, 3,766; in 1900, 4,102; in 1905, 4,112.
Mt. Vernon boasted of 859 people in 1885, 1,259 in 1890, 1,178 in 1895, 1,629 in 1900, and 1,664 in 1905.
Lisbon's population in 1885 was 703. No statistics are available for 1890, but in 1895 the town had 817 people, 956 in 1900, and 948 in 1905.
The population of Center Point in 1885 was 565; in 1890, 615; in 1895, 595; in 1900, 674; and in 1905, 823.
Springville in 1885 was credited with 561; in 1890, 518; in 1895, 562; in 1900, 509; and in 1905, 582.
In 1890 the population of Central City was given as 467; in 1895, 594; in 1900, 623; and in 1905, 607.
Walker in 1895 had 485 people, 505 in 1900, and 571 in 1905.
In this connection it is of interest to note that in 1836 the population of Wisconsin Territory, of which Iowa was then a part, west of the Mississippi river was, Dubuque county 4,274, Des Moines county 6,257, or a total of 10,531.
A second census was taken in 1838, which showed that there were in sixteen counties organized from the original two counties a population of 22,859. Jones county had 241 people at this time, Cedar 557, Johnson 237, and Linn 205.
In the first constitutional convention, which met at Iowa City October 7, 1844, and adjourned November 1, 1844, this county was represented by Thomas J. McKean, Samuel W. Durham, L. M. Strong.
The constitution adopted by this convention was rejected by the people at an election held August 4, 1845, the vote being, for 7,235, against 7,656.
In the second constitutional convention, which met at Iowa City May 4, 1846, and adjourned May 19, the county was represented by Socrates H. Tryon.
At the election on August 3, 1846, this constitution was adopted by the people by a small majority. It was presented to congress in December, 1846, and on the 28th of the same month an act was passed for the admission of Iowa into the Union.
The third constitutional convention sat in Iowa City from January 19 to March 3, 1857, and adopted a constitution which was ratified by the people on August 3 following. In this convention Linn's representative was Hosea W. Gray.
In this county the vote on the constitution was 1,307 yes, 955 no. In the state the vote was, yes 40,000, no 38,681. The result shows the first sign of a change in the political sentiment in state and county. The republicans favored the constitution, and the democrats opposed it.
Following are the members of the General Assembly from Linn county from 1846 to date. In the Territorial Legislature, 1843-4, Robert Smythe was our representative in the House of Representatives, and William Abbe in the Senate.
J. S. Alexander, Marion, senator 26th, 26th extra session, 27th, 28th and 29th.
H. G. Angle, Cedar Rapids, senator 8th, 8th extra session, 9th, 9th extra session.
Ellsworth N. Bates, Cedar Rapids, representative 7th.
E. J. C. Bealer, Cedar Rapids, representative 29th, 30th, 31st.
A. Sidney Belt, Cedar Rapids, representative 11th.
J. W. Bowman, Marion, representative 33d, 34th.
I. P. Bowdish, Waubeek, representative 17th, 19th.
David Brant, Cedar Rapids, representative 26th, 26th extra session.
W. R. Brown, Viola, representative 18th.
J. P. Carbee, Springville, representative 10th, 11th.
J. P. Conkey, representative 5th, 5th extra session.
Jennings Crawford, Wapsie, representative 8th, 8th extra session.
Joshua Doran, Mt. Vernon, representative 22d.
William G. Dows, Cedar Rapids, representative 27th, 28th.
Stephen L. Dows, Cedar Rapids, senator 16th, 17th.
Charles G. Gitchell, Walker, representative 23d, 24th.
John T. Hamilton, Cedar Rapids, representative 21st, 22d, 23d.
John W. Henderson, Cedar Rapids, senator 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st.
Robert Holmes, Cedar Rapids, representative 5th, 5th extra session.
Moses C. Jordan, Central City, representative 16th.
Ezekiel B. Kephart, Western, senator 14th, 15th.
John E. Kurtz, Lisbon, representative 6th.
William B. Leach, Cedar Rapids, representative 12th.
William D. Linzenberg, Waubeek, representative 14th, 15th.
Dan Lothian, Marion, representative 6th.
John McAllister, Cedar Rapids, representative 30th, 31st, 32d.
F. McClelland, Cedar Rapids, representative 26th.
Arthur M. McKeel, Fairfax, representative 15th.
Isaac Milburn, Cedar Rapids, representative 9th extra session.
Ernest R. Moore, Cedar Rapids, representative 32d, 33d, 34th.
H. J. Neitert, Walker, representative 25th, 26th, 26th extra session, 27th.
Jonathan J. Nugent, Nugent, representative 20th.
Adam Perry, Western, representative 12th.
Isaac M. Preston, Marion, representative 3d, senator 4th, 5th, 5th extra session.
A. St. Clair Smith, Cedar Rapids, representative 25th.
J. H. Smith, Cedar Rapids, senator 22d, 23d.
Robert Smythe, Mt. Vernon, representative 1st, 1st extra session, senator 12th, 13th, representative 20th.
Oliver O. Stanchfield, Cedar Rapids, representative 13th.
Redman D. Stephens, Marion, representative 18th.
W. C. Stuckslager, Lisbon, representative 28th, 29th, senator 30th, 31st, 32d.
John M. Terry, Cedar Rapids, senator 24th, 25th.
W. G. Thompson, Marion, senator 6th, 7th, representative 21st.
William Ure, Fairfax, representative 16th, 17th.
E. D. Wain, Mt. Vernon, representative 7th.
Edgar A. Warner, Waubeek, representative 13th.
Charles Weare, Cedar Rapids, representative 10th.
Amos Witter, Mt. Vernon, representative 8th, 8th extra session.
Joseph B. Young, Marion, representative 9th, 9th extra session, senator 10th, 11th.
Linn county has never had a governor, lieutenant governor, a secretary of state, state auditor, state treasurer, or member of railroad commission.
John W. Atkins served as superintendent of public instruction from 1882-1888. John T. Hamilton served as speaker of the house during the session of 1890. S. N. Parsons served as secretary of the senate in the 24th General Assembly. George Greene, Jr., served as adjutant general from 1890-1894. L. S. Merchant was state binder during the years 1885-88. George A. Lincoln has been fish commissioner continuously since April 1, 1901. James H. Trewin is serving as a member of the state board of education. J. T. Hamilton was a member of the state board of control from 1906-1909. Johnson Brigham, a former resident of Linn county, has been state librarian since 1898. On the supreme bench of this state sat George Greene, Norman W. Isbell, and J. H. Rothrock. L. S. Merchant was state oil inspector for a few months in 1893. He was succeeded by Luther A. Brewer, who served from 1893-1897.
In congress we have had the following representatives: Wm. Smythe, and Wm. G. Thompson, Marion; J. T. Hamilton, and James W. Good, Cedar Rapids.
Chapter XL
The Bridges Across the Cedar at Cedar Rapids and Early Steamboating on the Cedar River
One of the most enterprising men who devoted all his time to the upbuilding of Kingston, which later became part of Cedar Rapids, was David W. King, who arrived a short time after Robert Ellis. Mr. King and the settlers on the west side of the river early devised schemes by which to get in touch with the east side and the county seat. True, it was all right when the river was frozen over and in summer when the river was down so that it was safe to ford the stream, but there were times when it was impossible to ford the river on account of high water.
D. W. King obtained a license to operate a ferry across the river, which he continued to run up to the time of his death in 1854. This ferry was operated till about 1857 when the bridges were opened. Even for some time after the first bridge was put in operation did the ferry do much business, as the first bridge soon after it had been completed went out with the flood in the spring of '57, and the second bridge, finished that fall, also went out by an ice gorge in January the next year. Then for a time the ferry was used from and to May's Island as the bridge from the east side to May's Island had been properly erected so as to stand the floods.
The establishment of a ferry at this point brought trade to Cedar Rapids and accomplished much in making Cedar Rapids a business center, to which place travelers and others came. It was not till many years later that free bridges could be offered to the citizens of the town. But in this respect the city was ahead of other cities of the state.
It was David W. King who early began a toll bridge, and it is said that "when the boulder in the river near the Watrous mill was visible the early pioneer could with safety drive across the river." If it was not they had to pay for crossing on the toll bridge. David King's ferry was the first step in the direction of progress in Cedar Rapids. By virtue of a law which went into effect December 22, 1848, Mr. King was authorized to establish and keep a ferry across Cedar river at a point in Linn county opposite Cedar Rapids for a term of ten years with exclusive privilege for the space of one mile on either side. Here King for a number of years did a thriving business, and Cedar Rapids received the benefits of the trade which extended west into Benton county.
THE FIRST BRIDGE
In an old paper, being part of the records of the house passed January 23, 1853, the following may be found: "An Act to create a Board of Commissioners with authority to erect a free bridge across the Cedar River at Cedar Rapids in Linn County.
"SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Iowa that John M. May, Frederick A. Williams and Gabriel Carpenter be and are hereby appointed and constituted a Board of Commissioners to receive voluntary subscriptions in trust for the erection of a free bridge across the Cedar river at Cedar Rapids in Rapids Township, Linn County, with a draw of not less than forty feet in said bridge for the free passage of boats and other craft navigating said river.
"SEC. 2. Provided, that the Board should furnish Bonds in the sum of $20,000.00 to be approved by the County Judge of Linn County.
"Sec. 4. Providing, that the construction of the bridge should be begun within ninety days from the time of the beginning to collect subscriptions and that the bridge should be completed within two years from the time that active work was begun."
This bridge was begun in the fall of 1856 and completed during the winter of 1856 and 1857. It was located below May's Island at the foot of Daniels street, now Seventh avenue. This bridge was really gotten up to spring a real estate boom in property owned by Carpenter, Major May and others on the west side of the river. It is said Major May himself subscribed $1,000. However, the location of the bridge was ideal. It was needed and was something the people of the town took a great pride in; in the early day toll bridges were the rule and not the exception. During the early spring of 1857 this bridge in a high flood was carried away and two sisters by the name of Black, living on the west side and who were crossing the bridge at the time, lost their lives.
During the following summer there was much agitation for a bridge, especially by the people having real estate and residing on the west side of the river and farmers who had located in the western part of the county as well as in southeast Benton county. During the summer a floating bridge was built across the river at what is known now as First avenue. This was also a short lived bridge, having been carried away by the ice gorge in the spring of 1858.
During the same summer materials were secured and some was saved from the old bridge and a temporary bridge was erected across May's Island, between May's Island and east Cedar Rapids, while on the west side a ferry boat was used. In February, 1855, the county court granted a license for twenty-five years to H. G. Angle for the erection and maintenance of a toll bridge at First avenue. It provided that no other toll bridge should be erected on the river for two years within two miles on either side of this contemplated toll bridge. In the decree of the court it was also mentioned that in case a free bridge was constructed within two miles a reasonable sum of money should be paid to the person or company owning the toll bridge. This toll privilege was transferred in the following year to George Greene, John Weare, William Greene, P. W. Earle, A. F. Steadman, H. E. Higley, N. B. Brown, Lowell and Lawson Daniels, E. H. Dobbs, J. J. Child, and J. P. Rogers. This bridge, however, was not opened for traffic until the winter of 1859-60. The stockholders were made up of Cedar Rapids people, and at one time the stock was above par. The prices charged were as follows: 25 cents for a double team and wagon; for driving cattle 5 cents a head: for driving sheep 3 cents a head; and for pedestrians 1 cent each. Some time later reduction was made by the management for round trip ticket holders. Many squabbles were had over these tickets. It is said that an Irishman came to T. J. Dudley, Jr., wanting to start suit for preventing him returning, he having lost his round trip ticket, and offering him $10.00. Mr. Dudley quietly went down to the office of the company and told the man to cross. He was permitted to do so and willingly parted with his $10.00 to Dudley, the latter paying the customary price to the gatekeeper. This story of Dudley's wit, showing how a lawyer got the best of it, was repeated in many families in Cedar Rapids, and as a consequence a number of young men took up the study of law for a profession.
For a number of years citizens residing in west Cedar Rapids and in the eastern part of the county made various attempts for a free bridge across the river. Much of the grain and produce came from Benton county and the western part of Linn county. A number of grain merchants and others were located on that side of the river and had their grain in storage at that place and were asking the railroad authorities for permission to erect freight houses on that side of the river. A number of citizens of Cedar Rapids who were interested in Kingston real estate also attempted this enterprise, believing that the time was not far distant before Kingston would become the more important town of the two. A petition was circulated for a free bridge across the Cedar river and presented to the board of supervisors to take the matter under consideration. At the January term, 1871, the board appropriated $14,000 for the purpose, providing that the city or citizens of Cedar Rapids, or both, should guarantee to furnish the balance of such sum as should be necessary to pay for a first-class iron bridge across the Cedar. It was further provided that no part of the county funds should be expended until the whole sum necessary had been raised by subscription or otherwise. The citizens of Cedar Rapids, and others interested in the city, at once circulated petitions for funds and also authorized the mayor of Cedar Rapids to call an election and vote on the question of issuing bonds to aid in the construction of said bridge. This petition was signed by S. C. Bever, one of the early bankers, and by more than fifty citizens wanting a bridge located at what is now First avenue, asking that the city vote bonds to the extent of $6,000, promising that the citizens would guarantee the balance for the erection of a bridge.
Another petition was signed by John F. Ely and about one hundred other citizens all interested in locating the bridge at the foot of Park avenue, now Third avenue. These gentlemen asked for the issuance of $12,000 worth of city bonds, and were willing to guarantee any additional sum necessary over and above the amount appropriated by the county and city, which they were to raise by private subscription. Thus, there were two factions within the city, one working against the other in the matter of the location of the bridge. These factions were composed, of course, of people who were interested in the location at a point that would be most advantageous to their private interests.
During the winter of 1870-71 it was very cold and severe until in March when it became suddenly warm. Heavy rains followed and the river on or about the first of March was very high and the ice commenced to move out. Large quantities of ice came rolling and surging down the stream and carried everything down the river. In a few days the toll bridge at First avenue went down, struck by one of the ice floes which made it collapse. The Bourne saw mill also became a total wreck, and more or less damage was done to all the mills along the river. On account of the disaster to the toll bridge all communication with Kingston was cut off and it became necessary to do something at once.
The city council was called together and the mayor called for an election. In this council sat J. J. Snouffer, Dr. Mansfield, Stephens, C. C. Cook, David Denlinger, E. S. Hill, James Bell, and E. Robbins, with Mayor Thomas Z. Cook. The city voted bonds to the extent of $12,000 by a majority vote of 483 for and 83 against the bond proposition. All this time E. Robbins, one of the aldermen, operated a small boat called the "Aurora," which had previously been used between this point and Vinton, as a ferry boat above the dam. It was so arranged that eight teams could cross at the same time.
About the same time Keech & Co. established a ferry boat that was operated by horse power attached to a cable stretched across the river.
The two men having the most to do with the building of this bridge were William Ure, a member of the board of supervisors, from Scotch Grove, and William Richmond, a part of the city council, who had charge of the entire work. These men devoted a great deal of their time in helping along the speedy construction of the bridge. The contract for the superstructure was let in April to Messrs. O'Hanlan and O'Hara at a cost of $22,000.00. The contract provided that the work should be done within ninety days from April 15th. The bridge proper was erected by the Canton Bridge Company, of Canton, Ohio, and cost about $20,000 for the abutment and piers. The other necessary masonry work made a total cost of $42,000. The bridge fund consisted of the following amounts: The county expended $15,000; city bonds, $12,000; subscriptions paid, about $16,000.
For many years this bridge was considered as a county bridge and all moneys used for repairs were paid from the county bridge fund; later it was looked upon as a city bridge, and repairs, etc., were paid for out of the city treasury. This bridge was completed August 15th and a celebration was had. It is still used and the bonds have long since been paid.
During the year 1874 the board of supervisors appropriated $8,000 for the B avenue bridge and the citizens subscribed $22,000, of which sum N. B. Brown subscribed $5,000, George Greene $4,000, William Greene $4,000, Higley estate $2,000. A contract was let for the bridge in September, 1874, in the amount of $28,500; other additions were made, making the bridge cost about $32,000.
Fourteenth avenue bridge, known as the James street bridge, was begun in August, 1875, and completed in December of the same year at a total cost of $27,000. The county appropriated for this bridge $11,500, the city $6,000, and the property owners paid $9,500, T. M. Sinclair paying the largest amount.
The First avenue bridge was constructed in 1884 at a cost of about $25,000, the bridge being opened for traffic in November, 1884.
The Second avenue bridge, being a cement bridge with railings, cost about $110,000, and was opened for traffic in December, 1905.
The new Fourteenth avenue, or James street, bridge was commenced by the Union Construction Company in 1909, and completed in the spring of 1910 at a cost of about $80,000.
EARLY STEAMBOATING ON THE CEDAR
The following account of some early steamboating adventures on the Cedar river is from the pen of B. L. Wick, and is taken from the first volume of the Proceedings of the Historical Society of Linn county. It is of interest.
The subject matter of steamboating on the Cedar will scarcely attract any attention today and means only a pleasure jaunt with more or less inconvenience among sandbars on the upper river. However, historically speaking, steamboating on this river was an epoch-making period for this section of the country, and the prosperity of our city was due in a large measure, to our dam, our grist, saw and woolen mills; and to our steamboat traffic. These industries made Cedar Rapids.
It has been said that the history of a town is frequently the history of a great river. This is true of nearly all the great European cities and is equally true of the great marts of commerce in this country. The great Father of Waters has, however, played an important part in the development of the middle west, of which great body of water the Red Cedar is one of its many tributaries. It has been stated that this great river system has 16,000 miles of navigable waters, and it is further the river along whose banks at least three of the European powers have contested for the extension of territory. I shall leave this discussion out of the question, and confine myself to one of its many branches--the Red Cedar.
It was not till August 7, 1807, that Robert Fulton propelled the Clermont up the Hudson by means of steam navigation at the rate of five miles an hour, and solved forever, the great question of water navigation. It was not long till the inventor and his friend, Livingston, extended their operations to the great west, and began building steamboats at Pittsburg, and on December 6, 1812, the "Orleans" of 400 tons burden, was the first steamer which made the trip to New Orleans, and thus opened up the newly acquired possessions. This boat was commanded by W. I. Roosevelt, a sturdy ancestor of a worthy descendant.
Prior to this time the products of the great West had been transported by means of rafts and flat boats, both slow and dangerous. Now river trade could be carried on up as well as down the river, and in what was then considered very quick time.
During the year 1819, Capt. Nelson was the first to propel a steamer, "The Independence," up the Mississippi river from St. Louis. It was not till 1825, according to an old pioneer, Dr. Isaac Galland, that Capt. James White, commanding the steamer "Mandan," passed the rapids at Keokuk.
In 1831, Col. George Davenport, the founder of the town which bears his name, explored the Red Cedar as far as Rock creek, and at this place established a trading post with the Indians, which continued for four years. This is the first navigation of this river by the whites on record. The first steamboat on the Des Moines river, of which we have any knowledge, was in 1837, which arrived as far as Keosauqua. The first keel boat was owned by Capt. Cash, and came up in the following year.
It seems that the settlers of the territory early began to encourage steamboat traffic with the world. On the 12th of January, 1839, the legislature of Iowa Territory empowered a company to incorporate in the amount of $200,000, in order to build a slack water canal from the Cedar river to the Mississippi by way of Rock creek. An act was also passed for the inspection of steamboats, boilers, etc., at this session. Congress on November 6, 1846, for the purposes of improving the river traffic, granted certain lands to the Territory of Iowa, to aid in the improving of the Des Moines river for the purpose of navigation. Even the other day a large appropriation was granted for the erection of locks and a canal at the Keokuk rapids on the Mississippi.
The Red Cedar river is about 248 miles long and is comparatively free from any rapids as far as this city, and hence, was early looked upon as one of the most favored rivers for steamboat navigation. The Iowa, into which the Cedar empties, is about 240 miles in length, and not so favorable for navigation.
It is well known that Linn county was created by an act of the legislature of Wisconsin territory, and approved December 21, 1837; and the spot which our city now covers, was settled the following spring, by Osgood Shepherd and William Stone, soon followed by Robert Ellis, Philip Hull, the Listebargers, Thos. Gainer and David King.
One cannot speak of steamboating without mentioning Robert Ellis, our respected pioneer who landed on the present confines of our city May 8, 1838, and found only one shanty inhabited, which was on the present location of the T. M. Sinclair packing house, and was owned by Philip Hull; the other hut was built near the Cooper mills and was then vacant as the owner, Osgood Shepherd, had gone east for his family. Mr. Ellis located on his present farm that summer and obtained a patent for it from President Polk, and he is no doubt one of the very few in this county who hold title direct from the government of this date. Mr. Ellis in the winter of 1846, had three flat boats built at Palo, each boat being sixty feet long, sixteen feet wide and drawing three feet of water when loaded. On these boats he loaded four thousand bushels of wheat which he consigned to Noble and McCutchins, of Burlington, millers of that place. On each boat he had three men and these were provided with side oars to be used when they got into bends of the river. They started with their cargo the latter part of March and arrived after some trouble at Burlington; when arriving at Burlington the firm were in financial trouble and it looked as though the men could not get their pay, but it was finally arranged if Mr. Ellis could take flour to New Orleans, they could then realize some money and he would be paid. They remained here for some little time, and started out the three flat boats again, loaded down with flour. They were a long time in getting down the stream but kept on paddling when they got fast in the stumps and otherwise floated down the river. By the latter part of June they arrived at New Orleans in safety and disposed of the flour, but again were unable to realize on the flour as it had been consigned to certain brokers and the payments were tied up. They took in the slave markets and otherwise looked around the great city which was now the great emporium of the west and the southwest, and then took steamer for Burlington. Arriving at Burlington Mr. Ellis stood no show of getting his money, but trusted to luck and bought a horse, riding horseback from Burlington to Cedar Rapids. Not till that fall did he realize anything on this wheat deal, and finally was paid after much trouble by the parties, who were not dishonest, but whose property interests had been tied up so they were unable to realize on their goods sufficiently to pay creditors.
The new waterway of Robert Ellis became the subject of conversation for some time afterwards, and it inspired others to greater activity. The people realized that they must have an outlet, for their produce and cheapen transportation, if possible. It became the subject of serious consideration by the settlers. If this question could be solved, the greatness and importance of the city as a commercial center would be assured. By 1839, keel boats had reached Ivanhoe, and quite a trade was carried on at certain seasons of the year, mostly in the spring, and much grain and farm products were taken away in trade for provisions.
Thus Squire Holmes, the Higley Bros., Daniels & Co., and several others, from Marion and Cedar Rapids, in the early forties built flat boats at Westport and Ivanhoe and traded groceries and other articles the farmers needed for wheat, pork, and other produce. This stuff was shipped in the early spring on flat boats. Sheds were also erected so as to store the grain until such time as the boats could be loaded. Old Henry Rogers also erected a saw mill and shipped a little lumber down the river. It was dangerous and not practical to get the lumber down stream, and the scheme was abandoned.
The first large Mississippi steamer, which came as far as our city limits, was in the month of August, 1844, called the "Maid of Iowa," when a number of settlers and also a part of Mormons came as landseekers.
"The first stream boat at Cedar Rapids was the 'Maid of Iowa' commanded by Capt. Chas. Ross. She landed and cabled to the saw-mill on the 3rd of August, 1844, just as the sun was setting."--Extract from Account Book kept by N. B. Brown.
On this boat was Rev. Isaac Searles, born in 1812, who located in Johnson county in 1842. He gave the first sermon in true Methodist fashion from the deck of the steamer, and talked to a large concourse of people who had assembled from the surrounding country. Each passenger was offered a lot by the enterprising people of the city. As a result of this steamboat venture, a Methodist church was organized at the home of one of the Listebargers. During the next ten years, many large and small Mississippi steamers made the Cedar river points as far as Cedar Rapids, and quite a trade had been established between St. Louis, Keokuk, Burlington and this part of the state.
The last of the large Mississippi steamers, which made Cedar Rapids, was the "Uncle Tobey," of two hundred tons burden, which made her way up here among the brush and overhanging willows in the spring of 1853, and remained at the Third avenue landing for several days, at what is now the Warfield-Pratt-Howell building. When departing, after taking on a large cargo of grain and produce, she steamed up the river and turned down the channel on the west side of May's island. A number of people are still living who remember this steamer and the shouts and waving of handkerchiefs as the steamer glided smoothly down the river and out of sight.
From the Annals of Iowa, Vol. 5, page 401, I quote the following showing the rainfall in this state from 1848 to 1855: "In 1848, 26 inches; 1849, 49 inches; 1850, 49 inches; 1851, 74-1/2, inches; 1852, 49 inches; 1853, 45 inches; 1854, 23 inches and in 1855, 28 inches." Up to 1858, the rainfall was below the average, while during the years from '58 to '59, it was above the average. From the newspapers of that time, it seems that there were a great many floods during the summer months, so that steamboating was common on all the rivers during the entire year until frost came.
The question has frequently arisen, whether or not the rain fall was greater fifty years ago than now, and on the whole, from the old settlers, and from reports, as kept, it would seem to be about the same. All agree, however, that there was more water in the rivers, and they give their reasons as follows: "That the channel of the river was more narrow, and that the rivers were deeper, and free from the mud and the sand, which have now accumulated due to the tilling of the soil. Then the river banks were lined with trees, which protected the water from the rays of the sun, and the sloughs were filled with water all summer on account of the high grass, and all these sloughs, creeks, bayous, supplied the river with water during all seasons of the year, which is now not the case." All the water which fell in those days found its way into the river, which is not true after the ground became cultivated to any extent, so that it has been figured out that only about a fourth of the water finds its way into the river. This, of course, may be one of the reasons why steamboating was possible fifty years ago and is not now.
Of the many enterprising settlers, who came west to make this city their home, there were a number of enterprising, wide-awake and industrious men, who had courage and besides possessed more than ordinary ability along commercial lines. Among these settlers, George Greene, who was a prime mover in every new enterprise, succeeded in organizing a company for the building of a steamboat, to be called the "Cedar Rapids," and to be especially built for navigation upon the Red Cedar river. In this company were, besides Mr. Greene, W. H. Merritt, the Daniels family, Dr. J. F. Ely, Dr. S. D. Carpenter and later, W. B. Mack. A contract was entered into with parties at Pittsburg for the building of a modern steamboat, to be of white oak 155 feet long, single deck, stern wheel, clinker built, to be arranged for freight and passenger traffic, and to draw the least possible amount of water. The contract price for this steamer was $20,000, and it was launched in June, 1858, about three months after the contract was let. It was built at Freedom, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, not far from Pittsburg.
As to the subsequent history of this steamer, I shall confine myself to press notices from the Cedar Valley Times, which will give you an idea of the people and how much interest they took in this vessel, which was to connect them with the outside world. From the issue of July 8th, I find the following: "News has arrived that the 'Cedar Rapids' left Pittsburg July 1st, with 100 tons of freight." From the issue of July 22nd: "The 'Cedar Rapids' arrived from Pittsburg in three weeks, and is around at the dock at Market St. Roman candles were sent up from her decks when she arrived, and the crowd upon the shores saluted her with renewed cheers and with a firing of cannons; below is her Log: 'Left Pittsburg July 1st, at dark. At Cincinnati the 5th; at Louisville the 8th; arrived at St. Louis the 12th; left the 15th; arrived at the mouth of the Iowa river at 11 o'clock, and took in tow, 60,000 feet of lumber; five feet of water in the channel up to the mouth of the Cedar river. Arrived at Moscow Friday evening. Consignees, William Greene, W. B. Mack, H. C. Camp, groceries; L. Daniels, R. C. Rock, Greene and Hay, hardware; W. W. Smith, O. O. Stanchfield, lumber." The article further goes on describing the steamer as follows: "She is 155 feet long, 26 feet wide, and three feet in the hold. She is a stern wheel, 14 feet in diameter, 18 feet long, buckets being 15 inches wide. She is provided with a decker or smaller engine for supplying the boiler with water, also with a smaller engine for hoisting freight out of the hold. All four engines are separate machines. She is also supplied with appliances, such as water gauge, two Evans safety guides, one on each engine, life preservers, fire hose and force pump, in short, everything to make her a first-class passenger boat. The captain is J. M. Andrews, a gentleman who has had much experience with river navigation; the pilot is Albert Wemper; mate, T. Risley; engineers, J. P. Fulton and W. M. Hunter; clerks, J. C. Graves, A. W. Lamb. She had on 300 tons of freight, and drew only three feet of water, and when light, draws eleven inches. She had on board eighty-four passengers."
The above description will give you an idea of the first passenger boat of any note built for traffic in Iowa, and was no doubt at that time, one of the best equipped steamers for passenger and freight traffic owned exclusively by Iowa men and operated upon Iowa rivers.
On this steamer, which made its first trip in 1858, was W. B. Mack, a person well known to Cedar Rapids people, and who for half a century, up to the time of his death a few years ago, had been one of the most active business men of our city, and in an early day did much in the east in securing funds from the rich in various investments in this city. Mr. Mack had come to this city in March of this year, at the solicitation of Greene and Merritt, and he entered into a partnership relation with said men in the banking business. He early saw the opportunity for Cedar Rapids as a wholesale center, and purchased stock in the steam ship company, went east in June, purchased a stock of groceries in New York City, had them transported by rail to Pittsburg, and personally saw that they were properly stored on the "Cedar Rapids." On the route he made a purchase of a considerable cargo of Kenawha salt. All of which were shipped to Cedar Rapids, and was the first exclusive wholesale stock of groceries in this city. This had an effect of reducing the price of salt from $5 per barrel, to one-half, and it had the further effect of reducing the price of nearly every commodity, so that Cedar Rapids, on account of its transportation facilities, became known as a cheap trading center, and I believe has retained that reputation up to the present time.
On this first trip of the "Cedar Rapids," came as a passenger from Pittsburg, Susan H. Greene, better known to you, as Mrs. A. S. Belt. If we could only have the impression of what this seventeen-year-old young lady saw on this trip from Pittsburg to Cedar Rapids, in the '50s, along this historic waterway, we should undoubtedly have at least a chapter of the history of the country and of the life of the people as she observed it, and it would no doubt make a valuable addition to the history of this county.
The "Cedar Rapids" made in all, twelve trips during the season, to St. Louis, stopping at every point along the way to pick up cargo or passengers. In this respect, the captain was much like President Stickney, of the Great Western, who replied to the manager of an electric road the other day, wanting certain traffic relations established, that he would stop for a farm wagon, providing there was anything in it. Of the Cedar Rapids business men, who, during this time received large shipments of goods from time to time, I note the following: A. C. Keyes, J. S. Cook, A. H. Atwell, H. C. Camp, H. G. Angle, W. W. Smith Bros., Stanchfield, Taylor, Greene, and W. B. Mack.
From the issue of July 29th, I find the following: "The 'Cedar Rapids' left for St. Louis yesterday, and had in tow, a barge loaded with 1,138 sacks of oats, 736 sacks of wheat, some corn and 938 barrels of flour. At Rochester it will take on 200 barrels of flour. It had besides twenty passengers. It was frequently difficult to get under the bridge at Moscow, so a quantity of sand was taken on board at Cedar Rapids to weigh the steamer down sufficiently to get under the bridge, when the weight of the cargo was not sufficient." On October 14th, the newspaper again mentioned the steamer having arrived from St. Louis with a good cargo, the bulk of which was 45,000 feet of lumber, consigned to O. O. Stanchfield and Gordon & Enos, the captain further reports low water and numerous sand-bars.
The steamer seems to have run until about the middle of November, when she was laid up at St. Louis, and was expected to have gone into winter trade on the Red river. Dr. S. D. Carpenter and G. W. Hollet having gone to New Orleans to make the arrangements. The newspaper for December speaks of the parties having returned unable to book the steamer for the winter trade on the Red river, as she was not constructed properly for Southern trade.
Early in March of the following year the whistle of the "Cedar Rapids" again greeted the denizens of this city, bringing a large cargo of freight, leaving again on the 14th with 4,300 bushels of grain and sixteen passengers. On this trip was one of our honored townsmen, George Haman, who had come from Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, two years previously, and who now was on his way to St. Louis to buy his first stock of drugs. He returned in about ten days with a well selected stock, and has been in active business in the same location ever since. The officers this year were captain, B. Tay; clerk, G. W. Hollet, mate, T. G. Isherwood, and pilot, Merrit. Mr. Haman speaks in glowing terms of the fine treatment received while on board, of the luxurious staterooms and of the magnificent table which was fit for a king. On one of these trips certain machinery was broken at Rochester, and it was thought that they had to go afoot to Muscatine to make the repairs before the steamer could proceed further. A village blacksmith by the name of Jim Grant, a cousin of the general, after looking over the broken piston rods, said in his laconic way, "I'd rather pound away here all summer, than have a man walk to Muscatine and back," and he was as good as his word, for in the morning he had the damage repaired and received a good day's wages and three cheers from the crew and the passengers.
In the issue of May 5th, the paper mentioned the steamer "Cedar Rapids" as departing from this city for Burlington with 9,000 bushels of grain with A. W. Lamb as captain. This was the last trip the "Cedar Rapids" made on Cedar river water, as by the issue of May 19th the paper speaks of the "Cedar Rapids" sinking another steamer near Burlington. Mr. Isherwood tells me, that the steamer which was sunk was called the "Canton" and owned by John Roads of Savannah, Ill. The accident was due to a mistake of signals. The injured parties held the "Cedar Rapids" and a long litigation ensued, which was a severe blow to the stockholders, who lost their steamer. The sound of the whistle of the "Cedar Rapids" was never heard again, and it closes the chapter as far as steam boating below the dam is concerned.
The day of steamboating was about over. A new method of transportation was devised, and millions of dollars which had been spent by the state and by the nation was now of but little account, and the grants of land which had been made in order to improve the navigation of our river, was now changed, and given in the extension of railroads. June 15, 1859, is the great gala day of Cedar Rapids, for it is on this day that the last rail was laid which connected us with Chicago, and the far East, and the celebration of this occasion is the most noted that we have ever had up to the present time. There were orators from the East, from the South and from the North, and the news of this celebration was spread broadcast over the land and it seemed to have been of such a flowery kind that it caused the waters of the Cedar to flow backwards, and only Elias Doty has ever since that time succeeded in piloting a steamboat on the murky waters of the Cedar, as far as Rochester.
As I have stated before, the dam across the Cedar was erected in 1842, although Mrs. John F. Ely says the dam was never completed, and her husband constantly spent large sums of money to keep it up, and it was not long till quite a traffic was going on above the dam as far as Cedar Falls. Early in 1858, T. G. Isherwood came from Brownsville, Pennsylvania, the son of a boat builder, and he set to work to build the first boat of any size for river traffic. It was built for Freeman Smith & Co., and nearly all the lumber was sawed by Snouffer & Watrous and came out of Bever Park. It made its trial trip on September 30, 1858. It was a stern wheeler, single deck, 125 feet long, 125 tons burden, called the "Export." From the paper of October 7, I quote the following: "The new steamer 'Export' made her trial trip up the river last Friday, having on board some 70 or 80 of our citizens. She performed well, and all on board were delighted with the trip. We are happy to know that the whole community unite in awarding the owners, Freeman Smith &. Co., much praise. The list of officers are as follows: Master, Freeman Smith, Jr.; clerk, S. D. McCaulley; engineer, Tom Stanley; mate, Tom G. Isherwood." The paper for the next few weeks speaks in glowing terms of the "Export" and what a trade the merchants of this city have worked up with the towns along the river. That the boat makes the distance by river from Waterloo in fourteen hours and from Vinton, in five hours. The Waverly Republican, then edited by our townsman, J. O. Stewart, asks the people of Waverly and the surrounding country to obtain their goods by way of Cedar Rapids, as the cheapest and quickest method by which to get goods into that region of the country.
Mr. Isherwood speaks of the boat doing a big business, both in freight and passenger traffic, and that on the whole he did a paying business for the short time it was in service. On this first trip, was enrolled as a member of the crew, George Horridge, a young tinner, who had recently come from the east, and who is now well and favorably known as a banker and capitalist at Vinton. Marion Evans, now mayor of said town, tells me of running a mile and a half to the river to see this first steamer, and when he saw the smoke from the smoke-stack he hid behind the hazelbrush thinking of the eruption of Vesuvius. The paper of October 21st speaks of a picnic party having chartered the boat and gone up the river, and among the names of those well and favorably known to most of you, at least by name, I shall mention a few: George Greene, Dr. S. D. Carpenter, Dr. Lyon, J. F. Ely, J. S. Cook, Rev. Durley and ladies. During the winter the "Export" was sold to J. J. Snouffer and W. D. Watrous. It was remodeled, called the "Blackhawk," and on March 16th made its first trip to Waterloo, with J. J. Snouffer as captain and George A. Ohler as chief carpenter. Arriving at Vinton, they were unable to get under the bridge, and threatened to destroy it. A council of war was held and it was finally decided to elevate one span of the bridge about four feet, and Ohler superintended the work. Mr. Snouffer tells me that the biggest business the steamer did was on June 15th, when he carried 107 passengers at $5.00 a head for round trip for the Cedar Rapids celebration, including board and lodging. He made in all, twenty-nine trips, and during this season, free of all expenses, netted the owners $2,000. The "Blackhawk" as remodeled, was 110 feet long by 19 feet wide, and had two rows of berths on each side, and accommodated 24 passengers, besides a crew of seven people. It took four cords of wood per trip. The table of distances by river compiled by the pilot on the "Blackhawk" is as follows: Palo, 14-1/2 miles; Benton City, 42 miles; Vinton, 50 miles; La Porte, 82 miles, and Waterloo, 113 miles. It was sold to Burley & Durlin, and the owners accepted one-half of the purchase price in land. The cash was never paid, and attachment was gotten out for labor claims and the boat was sold for $19.00. It was sold to a preacher, at Western, who threw up the deal, and again the boat was sold to N. B. Brown and John Curliss, the entire purchase price being paid in woolen goods. On account of dry season, the boat was sent south and was sold by the owners to the government for $6,000 during the war, and was used for carrying provisions for the soldiers on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. At one time some of the Linn county soldier boys saw the little steamer make its way up one of the rivers, and a yell went up for the old "Blackhawk." The sight of the steamer brought them nearer home.
On one of the trips Mr. Snouffer made that summer, the wife of the fireman, who was acting as maid, was taken ill and the captain sent two doctors who were passengers to examine her. After a hurried examination both came up very much excited, stating that the patient was suffering from spotted fever and for him to stop the boat that they wanted to get off at all hazards. Mr. Snouffer thought perhaps of damages and financial loss so he was in no hurry to comply, but took the husband and went into the small cabin up next to the smoke-stack to investigate for himself. There was the woman in great stress of mind and much worried. He took hold of her hand and tried to rub the spots out and sure enough it was found that during the night the coloring in the cotton goods had colored her arms and the headache was no doubt due to the stuffy room and extremely warm quarters. It is needless to say that for the rest of the trip the doctors were made the butt of ridicule by the passengers.
The "Surprise" freighted between this city and Vinton in '63 and the next steamer was known as the "Nettie Munn," being a stern wheeler 70 feet long and 12 feet wide, and was brought here from Wisconsin by Mr. Passmore in 1866, and was blown up at Kelsey's landing the following year. Another steamer was built by E. Robins and used as a ferry boat, and in the wool and lime trade, but was never fully equipped, and was sunk many years ago. The "Carrie Wallace" was built by W. G. Brock in about 1870; was 16×40, a stern wheeler without state rooms, and was used mostly to tow barges, excursion steamers, etc., and was blown up about 1879-80. The "Kitty Clyde" was run awhile and abandoned. John Kozlovsky built the "Rose" in the early days, and after a steamboat venture on the river, was minus several thousand dollars, but had gained a heap of experience in the meantime. The boiler of the "Rose" was shipped to Solon to be placed in the grist mill, and the engine was sent to Spirit Lake, while Captain Elias Doty bought the hull for a mere song in 1884. In this "Rose" hull, Capt. Doty installed the boilers of an abandoned steamer, the "Carrie Wallace," and into it he also installed the engine of an old freighter, called "General Weaver." This combination, Doty called the "Climax." A stock company was organized with the amount of $1,000 and is the only stock known on record which never at any time went below par. Doty put in $600, and his Cedar Rapids friends the balance. He says that he was not out any interest as he had the money in the bank when he started. He was out only his time, but he didn't count that much, as he had all the time there was, and a whole lot of fun in the bargain. It is true, he lost the principal, but then the captain consoles himself with the fact that he might have lost that anyway. The "Climax" was not the only boat the "Governor" ran, for a number of years he had a side wheeler called the "Khedive" and another boat named after his patron saint of greenback days and called the "General Weaver." After his exploits upon the river the captain, like the snail, carried his house with him, and for a number of years, one of the hulls of one of his stranded boats is said to have served him as a photograph gallery.
There had been more or less trouble growing out of the fact that this river and the Iowa, which seems to have been known as one stream, were navigable, as the people preferred bridges and dams to open river fronts. In an Act of Congress passed May 6, 1870, the following appears: "That so much of the same river as lies north of the town of Wapello be and the same is hereby declared not a navigable stream." Another act was passed on the 18th day of August, 1894, to the effect that "so much of the same river as lies between the town of Toolsborough and Wapello in Louisa county, Iowa, shall not be deemed a navigable stream, but dams and bridges may be constructed across it." Thus it would seem that the Iowa and Red Cedar rivers for nearly the entire distance in Iowa are not navigable so far as Congress has the right and power to enact such laws, which of course merely refer to whether or not such streams may be used for other purposes than navigation.
After all, the story of steamboating is a history of a struggle, which began under auspicious circumstances, and ended in financial failure, but for all that, it made a new Cedar Rapids, and we perhaps today, are profiting by the failures of half a century ago, for it shows what energy and public spirit its first citizens had, which left an impression upon the community and upon the state. We must bear in mind, that Cedar Rapids had only 2,000 people and the county less than 18,000, when these enterprising men of energy, perseverance and thrift put $20,000 into a hazardous undertaking, and even presented passengers and crew with corner lots on arrival.
Well might the first passenger have said, when he stepped off the steamboat landing, at Third avenue, much like Moore said of Washington a hundred years ago,
"An embryo capital where fancy sees, Squares in morasses and obelisks in trees,"
but the observing traveler, amid these crude surroundings, must have been alive to new impressions, for Cedar Rapids was a thrifty place, even then, where the new man was a pilot on a boat today, and a banker tomorrow, and although the waters of the Cedar henceforth ran quietly by, unhindered by paddle or screw, railroad building claimed the attention of its people, and they became equally at home on land, as they had been on water. Just the other day I asked one of your old settlers why they could keep up several newspapers in that day, really before they had a postoffice. The venerable ex-postmaster replied with fire in his eye, "Why, heavens sakes my man, it took three newspapers to keep up the town."
I have attempted to give you an idea of steamboating on the Red Cedar. I have omitted much, and can only say in the words of the old miller, that he sees not all the water that goes by his mill. Neither have I mentioned all the steamboat ventures on the beautiful Cedar.
In this connection it is of interest to note a report made by B. L. Wick to Lew W. Anderson, chairman of the River Front Improvement Commission of Cedar Rapids, under date of May 8, 1909, which report was later submitted to the authorities at Washington, and an appropriation made for a survey of the Cedar. The survey was made in 1909, and report submitted that it was not feasible without a large expenditure of money to make the river navigable except for a short distance from its mouth.
Dear Sir:
I have been requested to state my views on the practicability and the importance of the navigability of the Cedar river, and will say that for the past ten years I have devoted more or less study to this subject from a historic standpoint, and will herewith give you my views. I believe that what you want more than anything else is whether or not the Cedar river has been navigated formerly, whether or not the rainfall is the same as it used to be, and whether or not there is at present a demand for the opening of this river as a water way for transportation purposes.
Historically speaking, traffic on the Cedar river was an epoch making period of this section of the country in the early pioneer days, and the prosperity of Cedar Rapids and other cities was due in a large measure to the river traffic which in those days made, at least, this city what it later became.
The first notice we have of a white man exploring what is known as the "Red Cedar River" was by Col. George Davenport as early as 1831 when he established a trading post, at Rock Creek. The first steamboating on the Des Moines river was about in 1837, and from this time on the Des Moines, the Iowa and Red Cedar became the inland water ways by which grain was exported and freight was brought up from the cities on the Mississippi river. As early as 1839 the legislature of Iowa territory empowered a company to incorporate in the amount of $200,000.00 to build a slack water canal from the Cedar river to the Mississippi river by way of what is known as "Rock Creek," and while this project did not come to anything, it shows that the people of this early day believed in a public water way in order to come in contact with the towns along the river further up.
The Red Cedar river is about 248 miles long and is comparatively free from any rapids as far as Cedar Rapids, and hence was early looked upon as one of the most favored rivers for steam boat navigation. The Iowa river, into which the Cedar river empties, is about 240 miles in length and is not so favorable for navigation. One of the early settlers who first saw the use of this inland water way was Robert Ellis, who came to these parts in 1838 and who is still living, and who, as early as 1846, caused three flat boats to be built, each boat being about sixty feet in length, sixteen feet in width and only drew three feet of water when loaded. On these boats he loaded 4,000 bushels of wheat consigned to certain millers at Burlington; at Burlington he unloaded the wheat and loaded the same boats with a cargo of flour which was duly taken to New Orleans. From this time on much wheat, corn, bacon, and other articles were shipped from Cedar Rapids to Burlington, Keokuk, St. Louis, and other places on the Mississippi.
It is also true that Mr. Haman, one of the oldest druggists of this city, went to St. Louis for his first stock of drugs and these were brought back by water.
W. B. Mack, one of the early settlers, and one of the first wholesale grocers, secured a cargo of salt in Ohio, which was duly freighted to Cedar Rapids and caused a decline in the price of this commodity in the amount of $5.00 a barrel.
It is known that as early as 1839 keel boats had reached Ivanhoe, and quite a trade was carried on at certain seasons of the year. The first Mississippi steamer which came as far as our city limits was in the month of June, 1846, called "The Maid of Iowa," when a number of settlers came this way as land seekers and at a time when each passenger was offered a lot by the enterprising people of this city. During the next ten years many large and many small steamers made the Cedar river towns as far as Cedar Rapids, and quite a trade had been established between St. Louis, Keokuk, Burlington, and other cities. One of the large Mississippi steamers of 200 tons burden was "The Uncle Tobey," which made her way up here among the brush and hanging willows in the spring of 1853, having on board a large cargo of freight.
To show how much importance the river was to the early settlers it might be well to state that in the fifties--in about 1857--a contract was entered into for the building of a steamer about 155 feet long, single deck, stern wheel, clinker built, to be arranged for freight and passenger traffic and to draw the least possible amount of water. The contract price of this steamer was $20,000.00, and it was launched in June, 1858, and was put into service, arriving at Cedar Rapids July 22, having arrived from Pittsburg in three weeks, stopping at all the cities along the way; this boat had on board about three hundred tons of freight, drew only three feet of water, and had on board nearly one hundred passengers. This was, undoubtedly, the best built passenger and freight boat put on Iowa rivers at that time; during that season this boat made in all twelve trips. On the first trip down stream on July 29, of that year, the papers show that she was loaded down and had in tow a barge loaded with 1,138 sacks of oats, 736 sacks of wheat, some corn, and nearly 1,000 barrels of flour. On one of the trips in October up stream this boat had on board 45,000 feet of lumber; in the following summer this boat got into a collision with another steamer on the Mississippi, and on account of a lawsuit the boat was tied up by litigation.
For a number of years a profitable steamboat business was carried on in the spring of the year above the dam between Cedar Rapids, Vinton, Waterloo and other places. The early settlers all agree that navigation was possible in those days and profitable as well. It was just at this time when steamboating became certain and settled that the railroad entered Cedar Rapids in June, 1859, and from that time every enterprise which was started was in the line of railway extension as well as transportation.
As to the rain fall, it seems that there has not been much difference between the rains of sixty years ago and now. I collected the following from the Annals of Iowa, Volume 5, page 401, being the rain fall from 1848 to 1855.
In 1848, 26 inches; 1849, 49 inches; 1850, 49 inches; 1851, 71 inches; 1852, 49 inches; 1853, 45 inches; 1854, 23 inches; 1855, 28 inches.
From this the average rain fall of Iowa, I believe, is estimated at about 33 inches. It would appear from 1858 the rain fall was below the average, while during the years up to 1858 the rain fall was above the average. From the newspapers that I have consulted in regard to the rain fall during these years it seemed that there were a good many floods during the summer months so that the steamboating was good until about November, when the boats were taken down south for winter traffic on the southern rivers. As to the rain fall, I have further investigated among the old settlers, and from reports which were kept, it seems that there is not very much difference in the rain fall now and fifty years ago; however, there is this difference, which all agree on, that the channel of the river was more narrow and that the river was deeper and free from mud and sand, which has now accumulated due to the tilling of the soil. The river banks were lined with trees which protected the water from the rays of the sun, and the sloughs were filled with water all summer on account of the high grass, and these grasses and sloughs supplied the river with water more so then than now, as more of it evaporated on account of the tilling of soil and on account of the cutting of the grass than formerly. All the water which fell in those days found its way into the river, which is not true after the ground became cultivated to any extent, and it may be true that only one-fourth of the water which falls now finds its way into the river.
Another question may arise "is it practical?" This is a question not easily answered. It is certain that it can not be done through private enterprise; if it shall succeed at all it must be through state or government aid in part, at least. There is no question but what it will be useful, but whether or not the expenses would be too great to undertake such an enterprise--that remains a debatable question. There is water enough in the river, especially by putting in a dam at Moscow and by straightening the channel a little, so that there will be enough water for the number of months during the year to haul much of our heavy freight, and, if necessary, these products could be stored further along the river until such a time as it was deemed advisable to sell and dispose of the same. Heavy freight requires slow transit and a cheap rate, and such can as well go by water as by rail. For this reason it would be possible to ship by water, grain, cereals, as well as cattle, and there would be a great saving to the farmers of this part of Iowa.
A conservative estimate of freight paid in Cedar Rapids during the past year is no less than $2,500,000.00, all of which is paid to five railroads which have connecting lines in this city. It is also estimated, and I have been told on good authority, that during October, 1908, the tonnage receipts in this city were as follows for the Rock Island railroad:
Live stock 4,638,800 pounds Coal 14,659,303 pounds Brick 383,900 pounds Stone 1,603,200 pounds
These are only a few of the larger items and there are a great many more of nearly equal importance with those cited above. There has also been shipped out in farm and dairy products for the year ending 1908 from
Linn county 1,980,218 pounds Cedar county 733,708 pounds Benton county 451,297 pounds Black Hawk county 1,032,444 pounds Buchanan county 1,980,218 pounds
These are a few of the items from the counties which are tributory to this river.
For the year 1907 I will mention the yield of a few cereals in counties adjoining the Cedar river, to-wit:
Buchanan county 1,942,750 bushels corn 1,011,000 bushels oats Benton county 3,686,100 bushels corn 1,842,800 bushels oats Linn county 3,851,500 bushels corn 1,166,160 bushels oats Johnson county 3,415,170 bushels corn 1,231,100 bushels oats Cedar county 3,211,230 bushels corn 804,500 bushels oats
Say nothing of hay, potatoes, barley, wheat, rye and other products.
Such a water course would also offer inducement to manufacturing concerns for the manufacture of cereals, etc., which are shipped out in carload lots daily, as well as grain which is cleaned here and sent out to other cities. This will give you somewhat of an idea, not only of the value and productiveness of Iowa soil, but to show the chances of such a water way by which freight products could be handled at a much lower rate than at present, as we have here the same freight rate as they have at Council Bluffs, and by this means we would get the Mississippi rate, which is much less. Such a water way would open up the heart of the corn and oats belt of Iowa and make it possible to get the water rate on large shipments of freight. If the government is now urging a water way enterprise, surely the Cedar river should not be overlooked, for it is a large body of water, with a rich adjoining territory, and by government promotion could be made the carrier of all our products which, as above set out, means millions in bushels annually.
It is not likely that the freight shipped into our city would come by water, as it is generally of a kind which is wanted quickly, but there is no question but that the products of our farmers, and all our mills and factories, would be sent by water, on account of cheaper rates to better markets than now.
It is only when I visited other countries and studied transportation from cities in England, Holland, Belgium, France and Germany that I realized the small rivers of those countries which have been used for centuries to such an advantage for the carriage of freight. For instance, a river of any size is dredged to a certain depth at government expense; there is a uniform depth of a little better than three feet of water on many of these rivers, and on these bodies of water barges of not less than 1,000 tons pass up and down loaded with freight. This means cheaper freight rates than we have and this in consequence makes products cheaper to the consumer and higher for the producer. Canada, during the past few years, has spent millions of dollars on its rivers and canals, and it is money wisely spent; while we have spent little or nothing in any effort to help the people in the promotion of water ways, which will be the real source of competition in freight rates in the future.
I fully believe that the survey of the Cedar should be made, and I believe that if such a survey is made that this stream will be declared navigable, and that the state or nation will step in in order to make definite plans for financing this great enterprise for the carrying on of freight steamers, carrying cargoes as far as the Mississippi, and I believe that enough tariff exists now to warrant such an enterprise. The Cedar river is an important factor now for the purpose of furnishing power, and should also become a factor in transportation as well. This would be the case provided the river would be improved as demanded, which would result in re-establishing heavy freight traffic by water instead of as now wholly by rail.
Chapter XLI
Banks and Banking in Linn County
The history of banking in Cedar Rapids and Linn county may appropriately be divided into three periods, designated respectively, Frontier Banking, Country Banking, and City Banking, each possessing characteristics peculiar to itself and expressive of its time.
Frontier Banking was coincident with the beginning of business in Iowa, and continuing, covered the pioneer days, prior to the coming of the railroad, and its story is most interestingly told in his own words by Dr. S. D. Carpenter, whose youthful activities were a part of that early life, and who, in his eightieth year, writes as follows:
"Something over fifty years ago, as I recall the circumstance, I was greatly elated when the local printer at Cedar Rapids produced a card on which was imprinted 'Carpenter, Lehman & Co., Bankers.' At an earlier period of my life, I had read Æsop's Fables, but if I had, the story of the Ass who paraded in the Lion's skin did not seem applicable, and I mingled boldly with my companions, who, with equal effrontery, wore the same apparel. The 'protoplasm' from which the bankers of that day evoluted was plentiful and the environment all that could be desired. In a technical sense, it is quite true, there was no necessity for a bank and no business for a banker; there being no commerce, there were no bills to discount; but nevertheless, we established banks and became bankers. This was possible, because we had squatted down in the midst of millions of acres of a very fertile soil, in a genial and healthy climate. The product of land could not be exported, but a large immigration was pouring into the country, hungry for land and sufficiently numerous to consume all the surplus products. Land was the basis of all the live business, and the land agent and real estate dealer evoluted naturally into a banker. Land warrants took the place of commodities, dealers in the east collected them, and sent them to their agents in the west, who sold them at a large advance to the immigrants for whom they entered the land. The western real estate dealer ordinarily did not have capital enough to buy the land warrant, but handled it on a commission for his eastern correspondent until such time as he could accumulate from his profits sufficient cash to buy it outright. The price of the land warrant as purchased from the party to whom issued, was less than one dollar per acre, and was always sold to the buyer who used it at $1.25 per acre, that is a profit of at least 25 cents per acre, and with the continual increase of immigrants the business became of great volume and was correspondingly remunerative. Often the purchaser wanted more land than he had cash to pay for; then the real estate man sold the warrant at the rate of $1.25 per acre, took the purchaser's note for the balance at three per cent per month interest and held all the land as security. At this point, the real estate man became a banker. The first real estate firm in Cedar Rapids was that of Weare, Finch & Co., consisting of John Weare, Jr., Daniel O. Finch, and George Greene. They began business either in 1850 or 1851. I was offered a one-fourth interest in the syndicate for $500.00 and would gladly have taken it, but was unable to raise the requisite capital. Although unable to break into the crib, like many others, I hung around and was able now and then to grab an ear from the overflow. In other words, I became a customer of the bank. Being in the practise of medicine, I became familiar with all the surrounding country. When I discovered a choice location as regarded timber, water, etc., I went to the bank, bought a land warrant at $1.25 per acre, gave my note at three per cent per month, with a cast iron mortgage, and took my chances in the hope of selling at an advance before the maturity of the note. I was so successful in these ventures that I soon abandoned my profession and devoted my whole time to real estate. The real estate operator took advantage of the fact that many of the immigrants brought money with them, which it required time to invest. They had to look up locations to enter or to examine tracts which they desired to buy at second hand. Meantime, they did not wish to carry their money about with them and therefore they deposited it in the bank. The trade of the local merchants also increased, and they gradually became customers, and from these sources came the deposits. The volume of exchange was small, but the bank added something to its income by acting as agent for the payment of taxes for non-residents. The firm of Weare, Finch & Co. soon merged into that of Greene & Weare, D. O. Finch removing to Des Moines to establish a branch of the same house. Greene & Weare did not long enjoy a monopoly at Cedar Rapids. B. S. Bryan, who had been a clerk in their house, and had become familiar with the business, with a brother-in-law named Ward, from New Jersey, opened a rival establishment under the name of Ward & Bryan, some time in 1852 or '53. At that time, the immigration was so large that both establishments had all the business they could manage with their limited capital. It is not probable that either concern was very conservative, but the newer firm had but little capital, and the members branched out in the way of building new residences for themselves, and Bryan went so far as to buy a top buggy and a fine horse. This was going beyond the limit; the pioneer whose aspirations in the way of a pleasure carriage did not extend beyond a two horse wagon, became suspicious. Some renewals of paper in Iowa City and Davenport were refused them, and they had to close their doors. Then ensued a mild financial earthquake, which did not affect the town itself, because no one in the town, except the merchants, had any money on deposit, and they but little, but the sufferers were those who had put their money in the bank preparatory to buying land, and the bankers of whom they had bought land warrants on credit. Wm. Greene and myself, were appointed receivers. The assets amounted to about $35,000.00 and the indebtedness to something more. It took a year or two to close up the business and there was not a very great loss to any one.
"The town had scarcely quieted down from this excitement before it was struck by another financial cyclone of an entirely different character. We had a mail three times a week from Dubuque to Iowa City, the service being performed by four horse Concord coaches; it was before the day of the express companies. All money and other valuable packages came by mail. One day about 9 o'clock in the morning, the postmaster from Marion dashed into town at full speed, bringing the alarming intelligence that a mail pouch had been stolen from the coach in Marion, which had been found cut open and rifled and then concealed in some shavings back of a carpenter shop, near the hotel where the stage stopped to change horses and allow the passengers to breakfast. In the sack and near it, concealed in the shavings, were letters, and a package of land warrants, amounting to several thousand dollars. What was missing was not known. The land warrants were addressed to Greene & Weare. A crowd gathered about the bank and it soon became known that a money package had been in the pouch, but the amount was not given. Soon the report spread about that the bank had lost five, ten, or twenty thousand dollars, the sum varying according to the guessing power of the relator. Immediately John Weare and Wm. Greene started post haste to Marion, where they found a high state of excitement. The town had resolved itself into a committee of 'Sherlock Holmeses,' all devoting themselves to detective business. As a starting point, they were told that the money consisted of bank notes, issued by the Bank of Elgin, Illinois. Suspicion soon pointed to a disreputable blacksmith, living in a small frame house nearby. The stage had arrived at the hotel just before daylight, first driving to the postoffice, where the driver thought he had thrown all the sacks from the boot, but the small one had escaped his notice. The stage stood in front of the hotel and the horses were taken to the stable and fresh ones brought to supply their places. While this was being done and the passengers being at their breakfast, the stage was quite deserted, and it was then, it still being dark, that the thief got in his work. The stage proceeded on its way, and it was not till the carpenter shop, which stood just across the street from the hotel, was opened up for work, that a workman discovered the papers scattered about and finally the pouch itself. The alarm was at once given and the postmaster, as stated, carried the news to Cedar Rapids. It was not known that money had been stolen till Mr. Weare and Mr. Greene arrived. Soon after their arrival it became known that the blacksmith, quite early in the day, had been to the town grocery and much to the surprise of the grocer, paid up a standing account, and bought several dollars' worth of goods, for which he paid cash, with bills of the Bank of Elgin. These bills had not been in general circulation, and the grocer was making inquiries about them, which at once fixed suspicion on the blacksmith, who was immediately arrested and a guard placed about his house. He was searched, but nothing of an incriminating nature found. The house was then thoroughly gone over, and a five dollar bill of the Bank of Elgin found in the crack in the wall behind a looking glass. The man declared his innocence, and the woman said she knew nothing about the discovered bill. They had three children, a boy about thirteen, another eight, and a younger girl. In explanation of the bills paid the grocer, he said a man from Illinois, where he had formerly lived, had passed through the town the day before, and had paid him a bill of long standing in the bank notes that he had given the grocer. This story they stuck to, through all sorts of cross examination. Another diligent search of the house and adjacent premises was made, but nothing found. People living in the house nearest them, said that before daylight they had heard them up, and saw a light in the house, which was an unusual circumstance. The eldest boy, however, explained that he was raising a pet pig by hand, and that he was up so early because his pig was hungry and he had to feed it. Things went on in this manner till nearly night, when a new clew was struck. A woman living at the outskirts of the village had seen the eldest boy pass her house about eight or nine o'clock in the morning, carrying a sack, which apparently had something in it. No one had, however, seen him leave or return to his father's house, and he was there when the arrest was made, but the time that he was seen corresponded to about the time the grocer was being examined about the bills, and the detectives concluded that the blacksmith had his eyes open and surmised that they were getting warm on the trail, and had then sent out the boy with the money in the sack. The boy stoutly denied that he had left the house and that the woman was mistaken. So the matter rested for the first night. The next morning two other persons were found who had seen the boy and the sack at the time mentioned. Then the boy being hard pressed confessed that his mother had sent him out to a neighboring farm to get meal, but not finding any he had left the sack. Mr. Greene took the boy to the farm, but the people said he had not been there. Then he was brought back and again cross examined. He told numerous and conflicting stories, which I have forgotten, but succeeded in baffling the detectives the whole day. In the afternoon, Mr. Weare wrote me from Marion a very despairing note, saying that they were perfectly sure that the blacksmith was the thief, but that there was no clue to the money, which was the main thing, and suggesting that I bring three or four determined men and join him, and try by intimidation, whether it was not possible to frighten him into giving it up. I acted upon his advice and joined him in Marion about nightfall.
"I found him at the house of his mother-in-law in company with a couple of dozen of the amateur detectives. They were awaiting the return of Wm. Greene, whom the boy was leading another wild goose chase. It was the consensus of opinion that if the last effort with the boy failed, the crowd should take the old man from the jail and threaten to lynch him. This might possibly make him confess. I felt perfectly sure that the boy had taken the money in the sack and concealed it and argued that it would be more easy to intimidate him than his father, who seemed to be hardened and determined. Objection was made on account of his age, and on the score of cruelty, but they finally agreed that I might make a trial on the boy, and that in case of failure, they would deal with the old man. Pending the discussion, William Greene and the boy drove up in a buggy. The boy had added another to his many lies about the disposition of the sack. He was a sturdy chap of thirteen, and under the embarrassing circumstances seemed pretty cool. When they got out of the buggy William Greene made a final appeal to him. 'My boy,' he said, 'you have been lying to us all day as you well know, but I will make a last offer to you. If you will tell where you have hidden the money, I will give you $200.00 and you shall not be hurt, or anything done to you, but if you don't, I will turn you over to these men, and I don't know what they will do to you.' The boy said, 'that as true as there was a God in heaven, he didn't know anything about the money, and could tell nothing.' Then I took up the role; I seized him by the throat and threw him pretty heavily to the ground, and called for a rope; the crowd had a rope prepared for the old man, which was immediately put about his neck; then I raised him up and told them to throw the rope over the limb of a tree under which we were standing. They did so and drew it taut, and I said, 'now you lying young rascal, we are going to hang you instantly, and if you have anything to say, this is your last chance.' The suddenness of the attack, and the jar he received in falling sort of dazed him; at all events he cried out, 'don't hang me and I will tell.' He at once confessed that he had the money in the sack, and had buried it in a clump of bushes within three hundred yards of where we were. I led him by the rope, followed by the crowd, and in a few minutes a couple of the men unearthed the sack. We then returned to the house, the money was counted and only a few hundred dollars was missing from the original $6,000.00 which the package contained. The boy in the meantime had regained his courage, and on being asked to explain who gave him the money, said that while going with the sack for the meal early in the morning of the robbery, he had met two men, who gave him the money and told him to bury it and they would call in a few days and pay him $200.00 for his trouble, and that his father had nothing to do with it, and knew nothing about it. Asked to describe the men, he looked at the crowd and gave a very accurate description of myself and John Weare, who stood beside me. The bystanders appreciated the joke, and inquired whether Weare and I were not the men. He gave us another look and said he was not quite certain, but they were men who looked mightily like us, if we were not the very men.
"The old man was kept in jail but the boy was left with his mother. In a few weeks the prisoner escaped, the boy having with an axe one night dug a hole in the wall of the jail. He and his father were heard of no more, and were never brought to justice. I have always had a sneaking sort of an admiration for that boy and feel certain that he must have reached distinction in some way or another.
"The above episode took place, if my memory is not at fault, about 1854-5, and at that time and on till 1857, the real estate dealers and bankers throve apace. Personally I had arrived at a position that I thought entitled me to become a financier, and in company with L. H. Lehman, of Wooster, Ohio, and E. C. Kreider, of Lancaster, Ohio, we opened our doors and proclaimed ourselves bankers under the firm name of Carpenter, Lehman & Co. Soon afterwards another bank was started, the firm name of which I have forgotten, but of it Henry Wood, an early settler of the town, was a member. Thus Cedar Rapids, with a population of less than 2,000, could boast of three banks. Meantime Greene & Weare grew apace, and besides the home institution, within a few years they established branches in Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Omaha, Ft. Dodge, Sioux City, and it may be at other places, and in almost every county seat that I can think of there were two or three banks. Cook & Sargeant, of Davenport, were the Pierpont Morgans of the day, and had even more branches than Greene & Weare.
"I cannot remember that there were any banks of issue in Iowa, nor do I know what the banking laws of Iowa were at that time, but if there were any, they were not so favorable as those of the territory of Nebraska. Cook & Sargeant, I believe, were the discoverers of the new field, and organized a bank at an obscure town in that territory named Florence, and very soon currency of the Bank of Florence was in active circulation; to keep abreast of the times, Greene & Weare started a bank at Fontanelle, a still more obscure place in the territory, and bills of the Bank of Fontanelle were greatly in evidence. I do not remember what provisions were made for the redemption of the notes, but imagine that the holders had a pretty tedious journey to get to the places of issue. They however did duty as money, made times good, and stimulated speculation. When the land office was opened at Fort Dodge, I made a trip to that place with John Weare, Jr., who went, I think, to establish a branch there. The journey consumed several days, and on arriving we found all the buildings that had formerly been occupied by the soldiers filled to overflowing with land seekers and bankers. Not only were the old buildings full, but many were in hastily built cabins, and even in tents. There were seven banks in full operation; one in a tent which served as a background for a large sign, announcing that ten per cent would be paid on current deposits. John Garaghty, of Lancaster, Ohio, an old friend of mine, had his bank in one of the recently built cabins. I found him on the floor of the bank, diligently sewing at a bed tick, which was to garnish a bunk in one corner where he slept. He seemed cheerful, but animadverted severely on his competitor in the tent, whom he said was taking a rascally advantage in offering ten per cent interest. Things went on swimmingly for a couple of years. Immigration was large, lands advanced rapidly in price, with plenty of buyers; to make money one only had to buy real estate, so we all cheerfully used all our cash and credit in that line.
"Without much warning, so far as I can remember, the hard times of 1857 struck us, as the stringency extended over the whole country. Our supplies were suddenly cut off. We that were wearing the 'Lion's skin' began to bray, and to take to the tall timber. Our firm fortunately had not gotten entirely beyond its depth, but it was in well up to the chin. By strenuous efforts we managed to pay our depositors and then divided our lands, and went out of business, as did the other concern which had started in about the time we did. Greene & Weare were left alone in the field, but their difficulties were great, and the firm was soon dissolved by the withdrawal of John Weare, Jr., whose place was taken by Wm. Merritt, and the name changed to Greene, Merritt & Co. That financial cyclone I should say wiped out at least one-half of the bankers of Iowa, and had they been asked why they failed, they could have answered in the laconic terms of John Thompson, the bank note reporter, to a similar question, 'for want of money.'
"For a couple of years thereafter I devoted my whole time to real estate, trying to get rid of my holdings, which were more than I could comfortably carry. In 1859, or thereabouts, having gotten my affairs into better shape, I again embarked in the banking business, having for partners John Weare, Jr., and Henry B. Stibbs, both of whom had been with the firm of Greene & Weare, the former as a partner, the latter as cashier. The firm name was Carpenter, Stibbs & Co. Banking had then become more legitimate. The railroad had been completed to Cedar Rapids. Commission houses had been established. Grain, hogs, and cattle were shipped in carloads, which furnished bills for discount; merchants were on a firmer basis and did a larger business, and the deposits were of considerable volume: real estate and tax paying still had a place, but were inconsiderable.
"Things in a commercial way went on pretty smoothly till the breaking out of the Civil war. At that time our currency consisted principally of bank notes from Wisconsin and Illinois, which were based mostly upon state and other bonds held by the banks which issued the notes. As these securities fluctuated so did the value of the notes. Those who held them wanted to deposit in the banks, and when a customer came in, the banker had to refer to Thompson's Bank Note Reporter to ascertain their value, and even when so determined, the risk of the banker was great, because of their liability to depreciate. I remember going to St. Louis, shortly after the war began to withdraw our account from a bank there, and I had to pay 13 per cent for a gold draft. Still we managed to worry along and I do not remember that many failures occurred. When the war broke out, Cedar Rapids raised a company for the first regiment, and as the state had no money, our bank furnished the funds to equip, maintain, and transport the company to Keokuk, where it was mustered into the service. From that time till I entered the army early in 1862, I had little to do with the bank. I was chairman of a committee of thirteen whose duty it was to encourage enlistments and the formation of companies for the service, and by subscription to raise money for bounties, till finally I went myself and was not mustered out till August, 1865.
"From the time I left for the war, I had nothing to do actively with the banking business and have never since been behind a banking counter in an official capacity. What little knowledge I have of the early banking in Iowa, I gained there, but as Cedar Rapids was a typical town, I imagine that the banking done there was very similar to that done in all the other towns of the state.
"After a lapse of forty-four years, one's memory is not reliable and you must therefore make liberal allowance for errors in date as well as other things. In writing I regret the want of old papers and other data, but have done the best I could under the circumstances.
"Truly yours,
"SEYMOUR D. CARPENTER."
The first constitution of Iowa made the following reference to banks:
"The General Assembly shall provide for the organization of all other corporations, except those with Banking privileges, the creation of which is prohibited."
For this reason early banking was conducted as a purely private enterprise, or as a branch of some bank incorporated in another state.
Prior to the adoption of the second constitution in 1857, it became evident that the state was very much in need of a more stable banking system, so provision was made for incorporated banks, when approved by vote of the people and for "The State Bank of Iowa," which was incorporated July 29, 1858, with power to establish branches and issue circulating notes. Elihu Baker, a Cedar Rapids banker, was the first secretary of the State Bank, and in time fifteen branches were established at different points in the state.
Although none was located here, our business interests received substantial benefit from the improved financial conditions that resulted from a safe system and a sound currency.
With the coming of the railroad in 1859, Cedar Rapids entered the field of commerce and forever put an end, not only to frontier banking, but to one of the most wonderfully heroic, and, in some respects, beautiful scenes of its human history--the pioneer life.
Country banking as conducted today, is less crude, more scientific, and safer than in the time of which we write, but a fundamental condition that has always made it a public necessity remains the same, namely, a local community engaged in the activities of development, production, and commerce.
It goes without saying that the banking needs of Cedar Rapids as a railroad town were greater than ever before and several applications were made for permission to establish a branch of the State Bank, none of which, however, was successful.
This worthy institution itself proved to be short-lived, for the need that brought it into existence was broader than Iowa and soon crystallized into the National Bank Act, which was adopted by the Federal Congress in 1863, and which provided for a National Bank currency and effectually put an end to all other bank note issues, and the State Bank of Iowa, having fulfilled its mission, redeemed its notes and all other liabilities, and ceased to exist.
Although the national system met with much opposition on the part of the larger state banks of New York and elsewhere, and had to overcome prejudice in the minds of many people throughout the country, its positive improvement on the old order of things was quickly apparent to Cedar Rapids bankers, resulting in the establishment of two National banks in 1864, and the race for charters illustrates a degree of alertness and competition in those days that would do credit to the chief of present day hustlers, and verified the old proverb, "the first shall be last," for the First National Bank, with a capital of $50,000.00, received charter No. 500 on August 23d, while the City National Bank, with a capital of $100,000.00, received charter No. 483 on July 19th of that year and was the first to open its doors for business. During the following year, the First National Bank increased its capital to $100,000.00. Published reports, about the end of the year 1865, show total deposits in both banks of nearly $150,000.00, and the full limit of outstanding bank notes $90,000.00 each, thus promptly and amply providing banking facilities for the rapid development that followed the close of the Civil war.
City banking within the memory of our older bankers was practically confined to the east and to a very few of the larger cities of the country, and its development in Cedar Rapids and other cities of her class illustrates the evolution of banking methods and evidences the remarkable financial growth of Iowa and the west. In response to the growing needs of jobbing and manufacturing lines, which were then in their infancy, the Merchants National Bank was organized in 1881 by R. D. Stephens. He was an exceptionally able banker, and his untimely death in 1883 deprived the community of a strong force.
With the organization of the Cedar Rapids National Bank, which succeeded the private banking business of G. F. Van Vechten in 1887, there was inaugurated a systematic effort to encourage and build up a business with country banks within this territory. Such deposits were carried in moderate amounts before this, but were handled more as a matter of necessary collections on account of the shipments of live stock and grain to this center than as a permanent and profitable branch of banking. It became evident at this time that the rapid development of the state and of wholesale and manufacturing businesses at this point was bringing Cedar Rapids into closer business relations with many other towns, that currency and credit could be handled here with equal safety and with greater profit and convenience than in the distant east, and with population and wage earners increasing, the savings banks assumed their most important place, and thus it came about that city banking, like country banking, was the outgrowth of our mutual business requirements and advantages. Its natural development led to the organization of the Cedar Rapids Clearing House Association in 1902, the designation by government authority of Cedar Rapids as a reserve city for deposits of other national banks in 1903, and to the existence of ten active banks today, holding total deposits of over sixteen million dollars, and completes a record of banking safety that has paid its depositors in full throughout its history.
List of Cedar Rapids banks in the order in which they began business:
No. Name Opened Liquidated
1 Greene & Weare 1852 1858
2 Ward, Bryan & Co. 1853 1856
3 Carpenter, Lehman & Co. 1856 1857
4 Dodge, Carr & Co. 1856 1857
5 Elihu Baker & Co. 1857 1860
6 Greene, Merritt & Co. 1858 1862
7 Carpenter, Stibbs & Co. 1859 1869
8 S. C. Bever & Son 1862 1864
9 City National Bank July 19, 1864 1898
10 First National Bank August 23, 1864 1886
11 Union Savings Bank February, 1870 1879
12 G. F. Van Vechten Private Bank February 1, 1877 1887
13 Merchants National Bank March, 1881
14 Cedar Rapids Savings Bank May 15, 1883
15 O. N. Hull's Real Estate Bank August 12, 1884 1890
16 Cedar Rapids National Bank February 28, 1887
17 Security Savings Bank April 26, 1889
18 Bohemian-American State Bank June 13, 1892 1894
{Iowa Savings Bank May 1, 1893} 19 { changed name to } 1898 {Bohemian-American Savings Bank September 1, 1894}
20 Citizens National Bank March, 1898 1908
21 American Trust and Savings Bank April 5, 1898
22 Cedar Rapids Loan and Trust Co. February 1, 1900 1904
23 Peoples Savings Bank May, 1903
24 Fidelity Trust and Savings Bank June 1, 1904 1907
25 Commercial Savings Bank December 14, 1905
26 Iowa State Savings Bank July 1, 1906
27 Commercial National Bank July 7, 1908
28 First Trust & Savings Bank August 4, 1910
THE CEDAR RAPIDS CLEARING HOUSE ASSOCIATION
The Cedar Rapids Clearing House Association was organized largely through the efforts of R. T. Forbes, at that time cashier of the Citizens National Bank, and J. M. Dinwiddie, cashier of the Cedar Rapids Savings Bank. During the summer of 1902, Mr. Forbes and Mr. Dinwiddie agitated the matter and in October of that year, as the result of their efforts, a committee of Cedar Rapids bankers, consisting of John T. Hamilton, J. M. Dinwiddie, Ralph Van Vechten, James E. Hamilton, J. W. Bowdish, Lawson Daniels, E. W. Virden, E. M. Scott, Ed. H. Smith, E. E. Pinney, and R. T. Forbes, visited Davenport and investigated the workings of the clearing house association of that city.
Following that visit to Davenport, a meeting of the representatives of the banks of the city was held on November 3, 1902, at which meeting it was formally resolved to form a local association. A constitution and by-laws were adopted on November 6, 1902, and the clearing house was regularly organized, with the following banks as members: Merchants National, Cedar Rapids National, Citizens National, Cedar Rapids Savings, Security Savings, American Trust and Savings, People's Savings. The first officers, elected December 3, 1902, were: President, J. M. Dinwiddie; first vice-president, E. M. Scott; second vice-president, Ed. H. Smith; treasurer, E. W. Virden; secretary and manager, R. T. Forbes.
After formal organization the clearing house lay dormant for several months and it was not until January 4, 1904, that the association actually began the work of daily clearings. The clearings for the first day amounted to a total of $127,000. The average per week for the first year was about $400,000. That the banking business of Cedar Rapids has grown with giant strides the past five years is evidenced by the fact that the clearings are now running well over one million dollars per week and are showing an average gain of 40 per cent over the corresponding weeks of last year. The week ending June 5, 1909, showed the remarkable increase of 130 per cent over the same week of 1908.
At the time of organization the banks of Cedar Rapids had a combined capital of $630,000, surplus and undivided profits of $400,000, and deposits of $7,800,000. At the present time they have a combined capital of $900,000, surplus and undivided profits of over $800,000, and deposits of $16,000,000. Since the organization of the clearing house the deposits of country banks has increased from $2,000,000 to more than $6,000,000, savings and time deposits from $4,200,000 to $7,200,000, and individual demand deposits from $1,200,000 to $2,200,000. Such a showing of growth and prosperity is an absolute index of local conditions and speaks more eloquently than words of the substantial manner in which this city is forging ahead in things financial.
J. M. Dinwiddie served as president until December, 1906, being succeeded by E. M. Scott, who served until December, 1908. Mr. Scott was succeeded by J. W. Bowdish, who resigned in March of this year, being succeeded by Kent C. Ferman. R. T. Forbes served as secretary and manager until December, 1906. He was succeeded by Charles Fletcher, Jr., who held the office until July, 1908, when he was succeeded by W. J. Elliott. E. W. Virden, the first treasurer, was succeeded by John Burianek, Jr., who served until December, 1907, when he was followed by Louis Wokoun. The present officers are: President, Kent C. Ferman; first vice-president, James E. Hamilton; second vice-president, John Burianek, Jr.; treasurer, Louis Wokoun; secretary and manager, W. J. Elliott.
The present membership comprises all the banks of the city, as follows: Merchants National, Cedar Rapids National, Commercial National, Cedar Rapids Savings, Security Savings, American Trust and Savings, People's Savings, Iowa State Savings, Commercial Savings. The clearing house association rooms are under the Merchants National Bank, and here representatives from each bank in the city meet at eleven o'clock each day to exchange checks, or "clear" the day's business.
The Commercial Savings Bank was organized December 13, 1905, with a capital stock of $50,000. Its officers were C. H. Chandler, president; W. C. LaTourette, vice-president; James L. Bever, Jr., cashier; with C. H. Chandler, James L. Bever, Sr., W. C. LaTourette, H. Cushman, John B. Bever, C. B. Robbins, E. J. Carey, A. Jeffrey, and C. Denecke, directors. The bank has enjoyed due prosperity. There have been some changes in its officers, C. H. Chandler continuing as its president to this date. C. B. Robbins and E. J. Carey are the present vice-presidents, and Ed. B. Zbanek, its cashier.
The Iowa State Savings Bank opened for business January 6, 1906, at the corner of Tenth avenue and Third street. The capital stock was $50,000. It is known as the "South End Bank," and was organized for the especial accommodation of business men and individuals in the southern portion of the city. The first officers were: A. Tomec, president; V. O. Hasek, vice-president; and Joseph Lesinger, cashier. The present officers are: V. O. Hasek, president; J. J. Cerveny, vice-president, and Joseph Lesinger, cashier. Present capital stock $50,000; surplus, $5,000; total resources, $525,000; deposits, $700,000.
The People's Savings Bank was organized March 10, 1900, with T. McCarthy, president; H. E. Witwer and J. J. Powell, vice-presidents; E. W. Virden, cashier; and T. McCarthy, H. E. Witwer, J. J. Powell, John M. Redmond, Wm. King, George H. Boyson, A. H. Wolf, Theodore Stark, and Fred H. Shaver, directors.
A. H. Wolf and George H. Boyson, having disposed of their interests in 1903, at the annual election held January, 1904, C. L. Miller and George G. Grupe were elected in their places.
T. McCarthy, on account of his health, did not desire a re-election as president, and E. W. Virden, having accepted a position in Louisiana, caused a vacancy in the presidency and cashiership. At that meeting the following officers were elected: H. E. Witwer, president, J. J. Powell and Fred H. Shaver, vice-presidents; and John Burianek, Jr., cashier. On January 9, 1906, at the annual meeting, Mr. Redmond being unable to serve as a director, did not desire re-election and in his place John Burianek, Jr., was chosen. On the death of J. J. Powell in 1908, Wm. King was chosen one of the vice-presidents. The directors now are H. E. Witwer, T. McCarthy, F. H. Shaver, G. G. Grupe, Wm. King, C. E. Tuttle, E. S. Seeley, John Burianek, Jr.
Originally this bank had 83 stockholders, the number now being 53. It has a surplus of $25,000, undivided profits of $10,000, and deposits of nearly $900,000.
Early in 1911 the bank will occupy its new building on the corner of First street and Third avenue west, one of the handsomest in the state.
The Cedar Rapids National Bank was incorporated February 28, 1887, and succeeded to the business of G. F. Van Vechten, banker. The original directors were A. T. Averill, Geo. B. Douglas, G. F. Van Vechten, Joseph S. Cook, C. Magnus, J. M. Ristine, and C. B. Soutter. Changes in the board of directors have occurred as follows:
In 1888 P. E. Hall succeeded J. M. Ristine. In 1891 Ralph Van Vechten succeeded C. Magnus. In 1896 Mr. Magnus was reelected to succeed C. B. Soutter. In 1899 Ed. H. Smith was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of J. S. Cook. In 1906 P. E. Hall was succeeded by J. H. Ingwersen. In 1906 C. Magnus retired from the board, and in January, 1907, J. M. Ristine was elected to fill the vacancy. In 1909 C. D. Van Vechten was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of G. F. Van Vechten, and in 1910 Glenn M. Averill was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of his father, A. T. Averill.
The present personnel of the board is as follows: Ralph Van Vechten, Geo. B. Douglas, Ed. H. Smith, J. M. Ristine, J. H. Ingwersen, C. D. Van Vechten, and Glenn M. Averill.
The original officers were A. T. Averill, president; G. F. Van Vechten, vice-president; Ralph Van Vechten, cashier. A. T. Averill served continuously as president until his death in 1910, and was succeeded in office by Ralph Van Vechten. G. F. Van Vechten was vice-president until the time of his death, which occurred in 1909, and he was succeeded in office by Geo. B. Douglas. In February, 1905, Ralph Van Vechten resigned his position as cashier, to assume the second vice-presidency of the Commercial National Bank of Chicago. At that time he was elected to the position of second vice-president of the Cedar Rapids National Bank, being succeeded as cashier by J. H. Ingwersen. In 1908 Mr. Ingwersen resigned as cashier to accept the presidency of the Peoples Trust and Savings Bank of Clinton, Iowa, and Kent C. Ferman, who had been assistant cashier since 1904, was appointed cashier. In 1904 John Fletcher was appointed assistant cashier, and Miss Anna Smouse auditor. In 1906 Mr. Fletcher resigned to accept the assistant cashiership of the Drovers Deposit National Bank of Chicago. In 1908 Louis Visha was appointed assistant cashier, and in 1909 Martin Newcomer was appointed as assistant cashier.
The present officers are therefore as follows: Ralph Van Vechten, president; Geo. B. Douglas, vice-president; Kent C. Ferman, cashier; Louis Visha, assistant cashier; Martin Newcomer, assistant cashier; and Miss Anna Smouse, auditor.
The bank has a capital of $100,000, a surplus of $100,000, undivided profits of over $100,000, and deposits of more than $3,500,000.
The Security Savings Bank was incorporated March 18, 1889, and opened for business April 26, 1889.
The original stockholders numbered 87, of whom 22 have since died.
The original directors were G. F. Van Vechten, C. J. Ives, J. R. Amidon, Walter D. Douglas, Chas. H. Clark, Jno. E. Murray, W. W. Higley, J. R. Morin, and W. F. Severa. Changes in the board of directors on account of death or disposition of stock have occurred as follows: In 1894 P. C. Frick succeeded J. R. Morin; in 1895 E. M. Scott succeeded W. F. Severa; in 1896 B. H. Witwer succeeded Chas. H. Clark, whose death occurred during that year; in 1899, on account of temporary removal from the city, W. D. Douglas resigned and was succeeded by C. D. Van Vechten, but on the death of W. W. Higley, later in the year, Mr. Douglas was reelected to succeed him. In 1906 D. K. Harbert succeeded C. J. Ives, who died that year, and in January, 1910, Emma M. Van Vechten was elected to succeed her husband, G. F. Van Vechten, whose death occurred the previous September.
President Van Vechten and Vice-President Ives served the bank continuously from its organization to the date of their respective deaths; Vice-President Amidon continuously since organization, and President Scott the same--first as cashier, then vice-president, and after Mr. Van Vechten's death, as president. On January 1, 1908, J. W. Bowdish was engaged for one year to relieve Mr. Scott, during the building period, and served as cashier throughout that year. Cashier Frank Filip entered the employ of the bank in 1894, was promoted to assistant cashier in 1904, and made cashier in 1909.
The original capital stock was $50,000, which was later increased to $75,000, then to $100,000, and on March 24, 1908, to $150,000. The present surplus is $100,000. Its total deposits are now about $1,800,000, belonging to 5,000 depositors.
The bank first opened for business at 211 South Second street. In 1893 it erected on its own ground, 26×60 feet, on the corner of Second avenue and Second street, a three-story brick bank building, containing the first exclusive safety deposit vaults in the city. In 1902 additional ground was purchased and in 1907 the three-story brick adjoining on the south was purchased and the bank removed to a temporary office in this building, while its old home was replaced by its present eight-story, steel frame, fire proof office building, where its banking apartments are modern and complete.
The Bohemian-American State Bank was organized under state charter and commenced business June 13, 1892, with a capital of $60,000, its officers being W. F. Severa, president; S. L. Dows, vice-president; J. W. Bowdish, cashier; V. A. Jung, assistant cashier. Among its organizers were W. F. Severa, S. L. Dows, J. H. Douglas, F. Braun, Jos. Woitishek, Jos. Renchin, E. E. Pinney, H. B. Soutter, T. C. Munger, C. Butler Weeks, J. J. Powell, and Warren Harman. It had a successful career and paid dividends from its commencement. It was consolidated September 1, 1894, with the Bohemian-American Savings Bank, in order to avail itself of the more liberal charter given by the state to savings banks, the stockholders and depositors practically all remaining with the new organization.
The Iowa Savings Bank was organized under state charter and commenced business May 1, 1893, with a capital of $50,000. Its officers were James H. Douglas, president; W. F. Severa and H. B. Soutter, vice-presidents; J. W. Bowdish, cashier; and V. A. Jung, assistant cashier. The directors were J. H. Douglas, F. Braun, H. B. Soutter, Warren Harman, Jos. Woitishek, S. L. Dows, W. F. Severa, T. C. Munger, C. Butler Weeks.
On September 1, 1893, the articles of incorporation were changed, increasing the capital to $60,000, and changing the title to Bohemian-American Savings Bank. At the same date the Bohemian-American State Bank, desirous of the benefits of the more liberal charter offered savings banks, arranged to consolidate its interest with the Bohemian-American Savings Bank, which consolidation took effect September 1, 1894.
The Bohemian-American Savings Bank enjoyed a prosperous growth, notwithstanding the effect of the panic of 1893, probably as severe a financial panic as at that time had ever been experienced. It paid regular semi-annual dividends and continued prosperous until its consolidation, March 28, 1898, with the Citizens National Bank and the American Trust and Savings Bank, two newly organized banks, the Citizens National Bank taking over the commercial department, and the American Trust and Savings Bank absorbing the savings department.
The Cedar Rapids Savings Bank was incorporated March 13, 1883, and opened for business May 15, 1883.
The original stockholders numbered 36, of whom eight have since died. The original directors were Jno. T. Hamilton, Lawson Daniels, Chas. B. Soutter, Robert Palmer, F. C. Hormel, Jas. L. Bever, Geo. W. Bever, A. T. Averill, and F. J. Upton. Changes in the board of directors on account of death or disposition of stock have occurred as follows: In 1884 E. I. Foster succeeded F. J. Upton; in 1891 M. A. Higley succeeded Mr. Foster; in 1892, at the death of F. C. Hormel, J. M. Dinwiddie succeeded him; in 1897, J. M. Terry succeeded A. T. Averill; in 1900 Robert Sinclair succeeded M. A. Higley, Geo. Goodell succeeded Jas. L. Bever, and E. R. Moore succeeded Geo. W. Bever. President John T. Hamilton, Vice-President Chas. B. Soutter, and Cashier J. M. Dinwiddie have served continuously since the organization of the bank.
The original capital stock of the bank, paid in cash, was $50,000, which has been twice increased--the first time to $75,000, and then to $100,000. The present surplus of the bank is $65,000, and the deposits over $1,850,000.
The contract for the bank's six-story, fire proof building, the first six-story structure in the city, located at the corner of Third avenue and Third street, was let May 30, 1895, and the building was occupied in May, 1896. In 1909-10 an addition was erected, so that the building is now 90×140 feet.
Its present officers are John T. Hamilton, president; Chas. B. Soutter, vice-president; Robert Palmer, vice-president; J. M. Dinwiddie, cashier; and W. J. Elliott, assistant cashier. Its directors are: John T. Hamilton, Chas. B. Soutter, J. M. Dinwiddie, Robert Palmer, Robert S. Sinclair, J. M. Terry, and Walter L. Cherry.
The Merchants National Bank, of Cedar Rapids, was organized February 28, 1881, the first board of directors being R. D. Stephens, John W. Henderson, P. C. Frick, W. W. Higley, J. C. Broeksmit, A. B. George, S. L. Dows. Its first president was R. D. Stephens. John W. Henderson was chosen vice-president, and Charles E. Putnam, cashier.
Mr. Stephens died in April, 1883, and was succeeded by M. A. Higley as president. In the spring of 1899 John T. Hamilton purchased the Stephens and other interests in the bank, and on June 5, 1899, succeeded Redmond Stephens as director. On July 1, 1889, M. A. Higley tendered his resignation as president, after more than sixteen years' service in that position, John T. Hamilton being chosen president, which office he still holds.
Chas. E. Putnam remained as cashier of the bank from the organization to January 14, 1905, when he resigned and was succeeded by James E. Hamilton, who had been assistant cashier since January 28, 1901. On the consolidation of the Merchants National and the Citizens National, May 18, 1908, James E. Hamilton was made vice-president, and John S. Broeksmit, who had been cashier of the Citizens National, was made cashier of the new and consolidated Merchants National.
The original capital stock of the Merchants National was $100,000. The present capitalization is $200,000; surplus, $200,000; deposits of nearly $5,000,000.
From the time of its organization in 1881 until the consolidation with the Citizens National in May, 1908, more than twenty-seven years, the Merchants National occupied the room in the Ely block at the corner of Second avenue and Third street. The bank is now occupying elegant quarters in the remodeled Cedar Rapids Savings Bank building. The present officers are John T. Hamilton, president; P. C. Frick, vice-president; James E. Hamilton, vice-president; John S. Broeksmit, cashier; Edwin H. Furrow, assistant cashier.
The American Trust and Savings Bank was organized under state charter and commenced business April 5, 1898, with a capital of $50,000. Its first officers were George W. Bever, president; E. E. Pinney and W. F. Severa, vice-presidents; R. T. Forbes, cashier. Its first board of directors consisted of E. E. Pinney, J. L. Bever, J. B. Bever, W. F. Severa, Jas. H. Douglas, Geo. W. Bever, F. Braun, T. C. Munger, and Joseph Renchin. The object of its organization was to establish and conduct a strictly savings business. It took over at the date of its commencement the savings department of the Bohemian-American Savings Bank, and its total deposits on April 9, 1898, were $175,338.23, its location then being at the corner of First street and Second avenue.
On February 22, 1899, it moved into the Masonic Temple at the corner of First street and First avenue, which location it still occupies. In 1901 the capital was increased from $50,000 to $80,000. This was rendered necessary owing to increased deposits, in order to comply with the then existing statutes governing the relative allowable amounts of deposits to capital stock.
On January 1, 1908, the controlling interest in the bank passed into the hands of Ernest R. Moore, Louis Wokoun, and others of their associates who were the dominant factors in the Fidelity Trust & Savings Bank, of this city. They arranged and carried out the consolidation of the two institutions. The officers then elected and board of directors named continue until this time. The present officers are Ernest R. Moore, president; W. F. Severa, S. G. Armstrong, and Otto Sikora, vice-presidents; Louis Wokoun, cashier. The board of directors are: C. J. Deacon, Lew W. Anderson, George Chadima, F. Braun, S. G. Armstrong, W. F. Severa, Ernest R. Moore, W. R. Boyd, and Frank J. Pudil.
On January 1, 1909, the capital of the bank was increased to $100,000, and the surplus to $50,000. The deposits now aggregate $1,650,000, with total assets of $1,900,000.
The Citizens National, Cedar Rapids, was opened March 28, 1898, capital $100,000 which was increased to $200,000 January 2, 1906. Its first officers were J. L. Bever, president; J. R. Amidon, vice-president; J. W. Bowdish, cashier; directors, J. L. Bever, W. F. Severa, J. B. Bever, F. Braun, J. H. Douglas, E. E. Pinney, J. T. Hamilton, G. W. Bever, R. Williams, J. R. Amidon, T. C. Munger. In May, 1908, after a prosperous career this bank was consolidated with the Merchants National.
The Commercial National, Cedar Rapids, was organized July 7, 1908, with a capital of $100,000, and the following officers: Jas. L. Bever, president; W. C. La Tourette, vice president; J. L. Bever, Jr., cashier; Homer Pitner, assistant cashier.
The First Trust & Savings Bank, which is closely connected with the Commercial National, having the same officers, was organized August 4, 1910, with a capital stock of $50,000.00.
These two banks have had a remarkable growth, the combined resources now being over $1,500,000. The dean of Cedar Rapids bankers, Jas. L. Bever, takes an active interest in both institutions. The present officers are: J. L. Bever, president; J. L. Bever, Jr., W. C. La Tourette, vice-president; Homer Pitner, cashier, and F. D. Snakenberg, assistant cashier.
The Cedar Rapids Loan & Trust Company was organized on February 1, 1900, with a paid up capital of $50,000 for the purpose of doing such a trust business as the laws of Iowa authorized. Those who were most active in the organization and who constituted the first board of directors were as follows: Ed. H. Smith, president; L. W. Anderson, first vice-president; W. G. Dows, second vice-president; S. S. Dorwart, S. S. Sweet, E. E. Clark, Ralph Van Vechten, N. M. Hubbard, Jr., John A. Reed, S. G. Armstrong, and W. L. Crissman.
Its board elected L. M. Rupert as secretary and the officers as first selected remained the same during the corporation's continuance under the name of the Cedar Rapids Loan & Trust Company. The company was located at the northwest corner of First street and Second avenue and was conducted as a trust company until June 1, 1904, when a majority of the capital stock passed into the hands of Ernest R. Moore and Louis Wokoun and their associates. In order to bring the institution under the operation of the general savings bank laws of the state and to permit it to transact a general banking business the articles of incorporation were amended to change the name to The Fidelity Trust & Savings Bank while at the same time the office of the bank was changed to 116 South Second street, a location much nearer the business center of the city. Under the reorganization the stockholders selected the following officers and directors: W. W. Hamilton, president; Ernest R. Moore, first vice-president; W. G. Dows, second vice-president; Louis Wokoun, cashier; S. G. Armstrong, E. E. Clark, H. L. Walker, C. J. Deacon, L. W. Anderson.
This bank was later consolidated with the American Trust & Savings Bank.
The Ely Bank, of Ely, was organized in January, 1903, with J. H. Smith, president; Ed. H. Smith and I. B. Smith, vice-presidents, and George L. Benish, cashier. The bank is a private one, and the present officers are the same as the original ones.
The Bank of Palo was organized May 23, 1908, with a capital stock of $10,000, and the following officers: J. W. McClintock, president; Carl Rabe, vice-president; G. E. Carrier, cashier. Its present officers are: J. W. McClintock, president; John Lewis, vice-president; R. W. Waite, cashier.
The State Bank of Central City was organized January 17, 1906, with P. G. Henderson, president; E. K. Hatch, vice-president; Ed. Leclere, cashier; A. T. Minehart, assistant cashier, and P. G. Henderson, E. K. Hatch, F. W. Blakely, O. R. Barber, Eugene Doe, H. L. Shakespeare, and E. E. Henderson, directors. Since that time there have been but few changes in the officers. At present the officers and directors are: P. G. Henderson, president; Eugene Doe, vice-president; F. Leclere, cashier; H. F. Lockwood, assistant cashier; E. G. Henderson, Eugene Doe, O. R. Barber, H. L. Shakespeare, W. N. Goldsberry, Anton Falcon, and E. E. Henderson, directors. When the bank was organized it took over from the Bank of Central City deposits to the amount of $72,802.29. The bank has grown steadily, and the deposits are now over $350,000.00. Originally the capital stock was $25,000.00, which was increased to $35,000.00 in July, 1909. The stock is owned by forty-one farmers and is conducted principally for the farmers. It opens at seven o'clock in the morning and does not close until six o'clock in the evening.
The Linn County Savings Bank, of Center Point, was organized April 23, 1906, with L. Gilchrist, president; W. Langsdale, vice-president; Homer Pitner, cashier, and J. F. Stauffer, assistant cashier. Owing to the resignation of the cashier, J. F. Stauffer was later made cashier, and E. E. Silver, assistant cashier. The capital stock is $20,000.00, and the bank has a surplus of $3,000.00.
The Fairfax Savings Bank was organized May 15, 1907, with a capital of $10,000.00 and with officers as follows: H. N. Woodward, president; Henry Lefebure, vice-president; Charles Young, cashier; Lewis Stallman, Joseph Vorel, J. F. Dvorak, William Park and D. J. Cahill, directors. On August 1, 1908, G. W. Storey was chosen cashier in place of Charles Young, resigned. C. J. Knickerbocker was elected assistant cashier in September, 1908. The directors today are: James M. Rogers, E. J. Cahill, J. F. Dvorak, Joseph Vorel, L. F. Lefebure, H. N. Woodward, and Henry Lefebure. The bank has grown steadily since its organization and now has deposits amounting to $100,000.00.
The private bank of Stuckslager & Auracher, of Lisbon, was founded in 1874 with Harrison Stuckslager as president, and Gotleib Auracher as cashier. The officers today are W. C. Stuckslager, president, and John Auracher, cashier. It has a capital of $100,000.00.
The Alburnette Savings Bank was organized in April, 1908, with E. M. Lanning, president; Samuel Maier, vice-president, and Geo. F. Miller, cashier. There has been no change in officers except that W. F. Stauffer was elected assistant cashier in August, 1909. The bank has a capital of $15,000.00, and a surplus of $1,500.00. It succeeded the Alburnette Bank, which was a private institution, and has enjoyed a steady growth.
The Prairieburg Savings Bank was organized October 1, 1904, with C. L. Niles, president; H. F. Came, vice-president, and F. J. Cunningham, cashier. There has been but one change of officers, C. E. Buckley being the present cashier. The bank has a capital stock and surplus of $14,600. Its growth has been steady and satisfactory.
The Bank of Troy Mills was organized in March, 1908, with Floyd J. Ware, president, and Thomas A. Ware, cashier. These, with Marie R. Ware, assistant cashier, are the present officers. The institution has a capital stock of $20,000.00, and a surplus of $5,000.00.
The Coggon State Bank was organized in 1892 with Jacob Mangold, president; G. A. Schenkowitz, vice-president, and H. T. Brainerd, cashier. The present officers are S. N. Goodhue, president; J. H. Ehlers, vice-president; D. D. Johnson, cashier, and Wallace S. Hamilton, assistant cashier. The bank has a capital stock of $25,000.00, and a surplus of the same amount. It has deposits of nearly $300,000.00.
The Exchange Bank of Springville was established in 1878 by Joseph S. Butler, with a capital of $25,000.00. The firm name of the owners is J. S. Butler & Son, with C. F. Butler, president, and Sam James, Jr., cashier. It has a capital stock of $75,000.00 and resources of $400,000.00.
The Exchange State Bank of Walker was established in 1885 as a private bank by H. J. Nietert, and was organized as a State Bank March 1, 1907. The present officers are H. J. Nietert, president; Martin Schneider, vice-president; Theo. W. Hawkinson, cashier; H. J. Nietert, Martin Schneider, Henry Fairchild, E. N. Beach, William Trevor, John B. Michael, Theo. Hamblin, Chas. O. Barry, and Adam Zimpfer, directors. It has a capital stock of $50,000.00, a surplus of $5,000.00, and undivided profits of $10,000.00. It is worthy of note here that this was one of the few banks that met their payments in cash during the panic of 1907.
The Mount Vernon Bank was organized January 16, 1884, by William Smith, James Carson, and H. H. Rood, Mr. Carson being the president; Mr. Rood the vice-president, and Mr. Smith the cashier. The officers today are: W. C. Stuckslager, president; D. L. Boyd, vice-president, and Chas. M. Hartung, cashier. The bank has a capital stock of $100,000.00.
The Marion Savings Bank was incorporated February 22, 1889, by Andrew J. McKean, E. A. Vaughn, F. G. Hervey, J. S. Alexander and Jay J. Smyth, Mr. Smyth being the president and S. N. Goodhue the cashier. It has a capital stock of $30,000.00, and deposits today of over $300,000.00. The officers at present are: B. F. Mentzer, president; J. W. Bowman, cashier; B. F. Mentzer, W. W. Vaughn, F. A. Shumack, J. S. Alexander, Karl W. Kendall, C. H. Kurtz and J. W. Bowman, directors.
The Farmers & Merchants State Bank, of Marion, was organized in 1894, with Samuel N. Goodhue, president; George W. Toms, vice-president, and E. J. Esgate, cashier. Two years later George W. Toms succeeded Mr. Goodhue as president, and T. J. Davis became vice-president. In 1902 A. M. Secrist succeeded Mr. Davis as vice-president. The present officers are George W. Toms, president; A. M. Secrist, vice-president, and E. J. Esgate, cashier. The capital stock of the bank is $60,000.00, surplus, $5,000.00. The directors of the bank are: George W. Toms, A. M. Secrist, W. B. Carpenter, Garry Treat, D. H. Correll, C. C. Carpenter, W. P. Secrist, W. E. Beall, A. E. Granger, W. J. Goodyear and E. J. Esgate.
The Commercial Savings Bank, of Marion, was organized March 1, 1905, with E. R. Mason, president; F. A. H. Greulich and H. C. Oxley, vice-presidents; H. C. Millen, cashier, and E. H. Millen, assistant cashier. There has been no change in officers since organization. The bank has a capital stock of $25,000.00, and undivided profits of $3,000.00. It has deposits of over $350,000.00, and has shown a steady growth each year.
The First National Bank, of Marion, succeeded the private banking firm of Winslow, Stephens & Co., in 1862, with R. D. Stephens as its first president, and A. W. Cranden as its first cashier. Later, J. W. Bowdish became cashier until succeeded by Jay J. Smyth.
In 1881 Mr. Stephens organized the Merchants National Bank of Cedar Rapids, but continued as president of the First National Bank of Marion until his death, March, 1883, when Louisa B. Stephens, his widow, was made president. She continued as such for three years. Mr. Jay J. Smyth then became president, and S. N. Goodhue, cashier. Mr. Goodhue was succeeded by J. S. Alexander in 1892. In 1896 Mr. Alexander became president, and C. H. Kurtz, cashier, the officers so continuing until September, 1908, when C. H. Kurtz became president, and J. W. Bowman, cashier. In January, 1909, T. J. Davis was chosen president, and J. W. Bowman continued as cashier, and these gentlemen are at this date its present officers. The capital stock has remained since the organization at $50,000.00, and the surplus at $10,000.00. This is the only First National Bank charter now in existence in Linn county. The bank was the 117th National bank chartered by the government. It has declared in cash dividends $170,051.32, and has never passed a dividend or even temporarily closed its doors. Among some of its employees who went out into the world to win success from this bank are Ed. M. Scott, now president of the Security Savings Bank, of Cedar Rapids; W. S. Goodhue, cashier of the State Bank of Vinton; J. W. Bowdish, who became cashier of the American Trust & Savings, and later cashier of the Security Savings of Cedar Rapids; Chas. Jackson, now cashier of the First National Bank, of Manilla, Iowa; F. J. Cleveland, now county auditor. Dr. Jno. M. Ristine, now very prominent in Cedar Rapids, was employed as a young man in this bank. The present president, T. J. Davis, was employed as bookkeeper in 1881, continuing for five years, when he became actively engaged in the lumber business in Marion and vice-president of the Farmers & Merchants State Bank until he again entered the First National as its president.