Mendon Township
(page 937)
Mendon Township is the
northeastern one of the county, and is situated in
townships 94 and 95, range 3 west. It contains in
all twenty-eight whole sections and seven fractional
sections. The surface generally is very rough, but
there is much good soil in the township, and the land is
cultivated successfully by many prosperous farmers.
The soil is watered by Bloody Run and other small
tributaries of the Mississippi.
The history of Mendon Township is almost entirely
embraced in the history of the city of
McGregor
(page 937-962)
McGregor was laid off on parts of sections 17, 21 and
22, township 95 north, range 3 west, by John M. Gay,
Surveyor, July 24, 1846, on land belonging to James
McGregor and Duncan McGregor, and the survey was filed
for record July 24, 1850. West McGregor was
surveyed upon the northeast quarter of section 28,
township 95 north, range 3 west, by Sanford L. Peck,
Surveyor, on land belonging to Rueben Noble, Harriet C.
Noble and John Linton. The survey was filed for
record July 25, 1857. Additions to McGregor have
been made by Jones and Bass, Orlando McCraney, James
McGregor, McGregor Land Company, Bigelow &
McLaughlin, Duncan McGregor, George D. Gardner, Ann G.
McGregor, Giard Land Company, L.L. Johnson, Willis
Drummond and Gregor McGregor.
In 1836 Alexander McGregor, then living at Prairie du
Chien, established a ferry from the latter place to this
point, which in consequence became known as McGregor's
Landing. In 1840 the United States Government
commenced the building of Fort Atkinson, on Turkey River,
some fifty-five miles in the interior, and as the
supplies had to reach that point from Prairie du Chien or
Fort Crawford by the way of this landing, the ferry
became very profitable, and McGregor's Landing became an
important point. Prior to this, McGregor had
located his claim here and built a cabin. In May,
1840, the Government leased of him and of Thomas P.
Burnett, of Prairie du Chien, grounds for warehouse
purposes at this point, and during the same season a
warehouse was erected at the foot of what is now Main
street. Considerable opposition was made to
McGregor by the agent of the American Fur Company, who
succeeded in getting the soldiers to make a road through
the northern part of township 95, by furnishing them with
whiskey while at work, and carriages for the officers to
ride in, without any order for such work from
Washington. The road was known as the Upper Ferry
Road, and made a junction with the McGregor Road at
Monona.
Still the influence of this diversion was only
temporary. In 1847 McGregor moved across the river
with his family, and occupied his log cabin at the foot
of Main street. This house, the Government
warehouse above referred to, and a few shanties occupied
by soldiers on the river bank, were all the buildings at
that time in McGregor. The first frame house was built
during the same year, and Alvah C. Rogers kept the first
hotel in it in 1848. The second house, completed in
1848, was that of Alexander McGregor, a portion of which
is still seen in the rear appendage of the present
McGregor residence at the foot of Main street.
In the basement of the old McGregor residence H.D. Evans
opened the first store in 1848.
Prior to 1850 the place contained but few buildings, and
the business carried on here was transacted with Indians,
soldiers and a few immigrants who crossed at this point
for the interior. But immigration setting in more
rapidly, business and population increased, and the place
which had been known to boatmen and travelers was
McGregor's Landing, soon began to assume the more
definite proportions of a busy village.
INCORPORATION
As McGregor increased in population it was deemed
best by the citizens that the place be
incorporated. A petition was therefore prepared,
bearing date Sept. 1, 1857, and signed by V. R. Miller
and forty-nine others, asking the County Court to order
an election at which the people should vote for or
against incorporation. This election was held March
2, 1857, the Judges being V. R. Miller, H. C. Scott and
Michael Weaver, and resulted in a majority of votes being
cast for incorporation. The county judge then
ordered an election held on the 8th day of April, 1857,
for the purpose of selecting three men to prepare a
charter or articles of Incorporation for the town.
At this election G. S. C. Scott, J. H. Merrill and J. T.
Stoneman were elected. These gentlemen faithfully
performed the duty for which they were elected, and a
charter was presented to the people for acceptance or
rejection, at an election held on the 27th day of April,
1857. At this election there were fifty-eight votes
cast, thirty-five of which were for the charter,
twenty-one against, and two against the corporation.
Hon. Eliphalet Price, County Judge, then issued a
proclamation setting forth that "the town of
McGregor, in the county of Clayton, and State of Iowa, is
from and after the date of this proclamation an
incorporated town, and that the legal voters thereof have
full power and authority to elect their town officers,
and do all other things as authorized by the charter of
said town of McGregor." The judge then
appointed A. T. Jones, T. Durant and J. T. Stoneman,
judges of the first election held under the charter.
CITY OFFICERS
The first election was held on the second Saturday in
May, 1857, and the officers from that time to 1882 are as
follows:
1857--Mayor, A. T. Jones; Trustees, A.
E. Wanzer, G. S. C. Scott, R. McMorrine, J. H. Merrill,
J. G. Bass, Charles Southmayd; Recorder, J. T. Stoneman.
1858--Mayor, A. E. Wanzer; Trustees,
C. C. Bicknell, S. M. Lampson, G. L. Bass, M. M. Sherman,
James Durand; Recorder, J. R. Jarrett.
1859--Mayor, George L. Bass; Trustees,
John Low, Samuel Merrill, William Koss, L. Benton, Jr.,
W. A. Durham; Recorder Douglas Lefflingwell.
1860--Mayor, George L. Bass; Trustees,
William Koss, D. K. Hobert, J. H. Kinnaird, D. B.
Hoffman, D. Baugh, E. Bradley, A. Pearsall; Recorder,
Douglas Lefflingwell.
1861--Mayor, D. K. Hobart; Trustees,
H. C. Martin, D. Baugh, J. Boettcher, J. R. Jarrett. P.
McDonald, Homer Kennedy; Recorder, L. Benton, Jr.
1862--Mayor, Homer Kennedy; Trustees,
G. S. C. Scott, M. O'Brien, V. Daubenberger, William W.
Werder, J. R. Jarrett; Recorder, Louis Benton.
1863--Mayor, J. T. Stoneman; Trustees,
Wm. F. Huntting, David Allen, Jr., Hiram Aber, Fred
Hencke, P. McDonald; Recorder, L. Benton, Jr.
1864--Mayor, D. Lefflingwell;
Trustees, G. S. C. Scott, Henry C. Hayt, G. L. Bass,
Peter Stauer, E. R. Barron; Recorder, D. Baugh.
1865--Mayor, D. Lefflingwell;
Trustees, H. W. Burlingame, J. F. Liebhardt, Augustus
French, B. H. Lampson, J. Kramer, H. E. Newell, F.
Richards, O.W. Shaw; Recorder, D. Baugh.
1866--Mayor, D. Lefflingwell;
Trustees, Jacob Kramer, F. Miller, H. E. Newell, F.
Richards, W. Kriebe, B.H. Lampson, S. J. Peterson, E. R.
Barron; Recorder, D. Baugh.
1867--Mayor, D. Hammer, Trustees, E.
R. Barron, F. Hencke, W. F. Huntting, S. J. Peterson, M.
Boyles, M. Knight, F. Miller, T. W. Wood; Recorder, D.
Baugh.
1868--Mayor, Homer Kennedy; Trustees,
W. F. Huntting, F. Hencke, E. R. Barron, P. Mullen, G.
McGregor, M. Boyles, T. W. Wood, P. Stauer; Recorder, D.
Baugh.
1869--Mayor, Homer Kennedy; Trustees,
Oscar Burdick, Gregor McGregor, Gideon Townsend, Peter
Stauer, P. Mullen, J. R. Jarrett, John McLenahan, Henry
Gutheil.
1870--Mayor, Gregor McGregor; Council,
Gideon Townsend, George Crooke, Oscar Burdick, J. R.
Jarrett, J. McLenahan, Louis Metzger, H. Gutheil, W. L.
Calkins; Clerk, P. N. Trahn.
1871--Mayor, Gregor McGregor; Council,
George Crook, F. B. Rich, J. R. Jarrett, Oscar Burdick,
Louis Metzger, T. W. Wood, W. L. Calkins, Martin Knight;
Clerk, P.N. Trahn.
1872--Mayor, E. P. Clarke; Council, F.
B. Rich, John Williams, Oscar Burdick, Fred Bergman, T.
W. Wood, H. H. Barnes, Martin Knight, A. Samuels; Clerk,
William A. Drips.
1873--Mayor, E. P. Clarke; Council,
John Williams, Charles Budde, Fred Bergman, Charles W.
Walker, H. H. Barnes, T. W. Wood, A. Samuels, W. L.
Calkins; Clerk, William A. Drips.
1874--Mayor, Gregor McGregor; Council,
Charles Budde, H. E. Newell, J. N. Gilchrist, F. A.
Hawley, T. W. Wood, Joseph Andrews, W. L. Calkins,
Charles Reeves; Clerk, Daniel Lacy.
1875--Mayor, J. P. Patrick; Council,
H. E. Newell, David Cawelti, J. N. Gilchrist, F. A.
Hawley, Joseph Andrews, H. H. Barnes, W. L. Calkins,
Henry Gutheil; Clerk, Theodore Brown.
1876--Mayor, F. A. Hawley; Council, G.
C. Cone, Martin Fagrie, J. N. Gilchrist, J. S. Wilson, H.
H. Barnes, Joseph Andrews, Henry Gutheil, Patrick McCall;
Clerk, Robert Grant.
1877--Mayor, J. N. Gilchrist; Council,
Martin Fagrie, Charles Miller, J. S. Wilson, Homer E.
Newell, Joseph Andrews, N. W. Williver, Patrick McCall,
H. H. Ferguson; Clerk, Robert Grant.
1878--Mayor, C.W. Cowles; Council,
Charles Miller, Gregor McGregor, John Jacobia, W. E.
Odell, N. W. Williver, Joseph Andrews, H. H. Ferguson,
Homer E. Newell; Clerk, Robert Grant.
1879--Mayor, M. T. Kennedy; Council,
Gregor McGregor, Charles Budde, W. E. Odell, John
Jacobia, Joseph Andrews, J. N. Baird, D. D. Fraser, A. C.
Boyle; Clerk, Robert Grant.
1880--Mayor, M. T. Kennedy; Council,
Charles Budde, Daniel Lacy, John Jacobia, Theodore Brown,
J. N. Baird, John J. Clemens, A. C. Boyle, D. D. Fraser;
Clerk, Robert Grant.
1881--Mayor, C. W. Cowles; Council,
Daniel Lacy, Gregor McGregor, J. R. Jarrett, George E.
Pearsall, Wm. Werder, J. N. Baird, D. D. Fraser, A. C.
Boyle; Clerk, Robert Grant.
1882--Mayor, William E. Odell;
Council, Gregor McGregor, Charles Fox, J. A. Coard, C. C.
Bicknell, J. N. Baird, A. E. Barker, D. D. Fraser, A. C.
Boyle; Clerk, Robert Grant.
In 1863, over fifty of the voters of McGregor petitioned
for an abandonment of the old charter, and the adoption
of a new city charter, according to a law of Iowa passed
in 1860. This was submitted to an election, which
was held Sept. 15, 1863, at which fifty-eight votes were
cast in favor of the change, and seven votes against
it. The city of McGregor was then declared
organized under the law of 1860, and the same officers
which had been elected under the old charter held over
under the new until the next regular election. John
T. Stoneman was Mayor at this time.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
McGregor is justly proud of her school system, which
is second to none in Northern Iowa. Her citizens
from the first have recognized the fact that the only
basis of good government, and the only safeguard of a
republican community, lies in the proper education and
training of the young. At much trouble and expense,
the public-school system of McGregor has been brought to
its present high standard, and it is now the pride of the
county as well as the city. Of course this school
system had small beginnings, and for an account of
these we are largely indebted to an able sketch which
appeared in the McGregor News, Dec. 11, 1878.
In the winter of 1854-'55 a destructive fire swept away a
number of buildings on the east side of Ann street,
between Second and Third. Among these small
buildings was the first school-house this district ever
had. It was a small brick structure, 12 x 16, of
one story, with small windows and door. It was
built about 1856, by Alexander McGregor. Previous
to that date this coulee between the hills was only known
as McGregor's Landing, and consisted of a couple of
cabins and Mr. McGregor's house at the landing, which
touched on these shores in that early day. This was
the second school north of Turkey River.
To the old settler, this little brick school-house under
the hill had many interesting associations about
it. Who the first teacher in it was not known for a
certainty. Allen Humphrey, a New York relative of
Amos Pearsall, was the first male teacher. It is
generally though that the pioneer distinction belongs to
Mrs. John Bass, who taught a very small school in a cabin
as early as 1849, when there were but three or four
houses in this part of the county. Miss McLaury,
afterward Mrs. Captain Kinnear, of Burlington, is also
thought by some to be the first teacher. It is
claimed that this lady taught a private school, of which
there were an number in the early history of
McGregor. From this diminutive institution, during
one summer only, on the banks of the mighty river,
surrounded by forests and all the exposures and dangers
of frontier life, have sprung our present educational
advantages, which are second to none in the Northwest.
The little brick school-house was used for several years,
only summer terms being taught. In it was taught
the first Sunday-school, and this the Methodists claim
the honor of organizing. Mr. John Burbridge, a
carpenter, now residing in Decorah, was the first
Superintendent, and the school continued after the public
school ceased to be taught in that building. This
pioneer Sunday-school has always remained independent
when others were united as a union school.
With the growth of Pocket City in prominence as a
business point, her educational facilities were
necessarily enlarged. In 1857 a company was formed
called the McGregor High School Association. It was
made up of the most influential citizens of that day, and
among them were: H. B. Evans, A. T. Jones, George
L. Bass, Alexander McGregor, V. R. Miller, Amos Pearsall,
Jerry Merrill, Thomas Arnold, Judge Brown, John Chambers
and many others. Alexander McGregor was President
of the association. Col. A. P. Richardson, then the
leading journalist in the Northwest, took an active part
in forming this association, both by personal investment
and through his paper. It is remembered as a
lasting honor to Col. Richardson, that he was always
ready and willing to befriend every plan of an
educational nature, whether public or private
The High School Association issued stock, and proceeded
to erect a school-house on the site of the present new
building. It was a solid two story structure of brick,
and contained four large rooms, then much too large for
the population. It should be remembered that this was not
a public school, but an institution purely of the
character of a private enterprise, and devised to meet a
growing demand for higher education.
The building was completed at a cost of about $3,000, and
for the first year of its occupation was leased to D. D.
Fraser, who taught the first High School, paying a rent
of $160 per annum. Mr. Fraser successfully conducted this
school for a year, having an attendance of about fifty
scholars, and instructing them in the plain English
branches. This first High School was attended by the
children of the leading citizens at that time, and many
of them have since become our most prominent citizens.
Among the youths who attended the school were Gardiner
and Gregor McGregor, Eugene and Will Scott, the Jones
boys, Hodges Bass, Tom Wynne, Henry Flanders and Theodore
Miller. Among the girls in the same school were Ella
Douglas, Anna Douglas, Corinda Wynne, Elizabeth Wynne,
Cynthia Ford and Belle Spaulding. Though all of these
have reached middle life and are married, they will
always remember their pleasant school days under
Professor Fraser, who was then himself fresh from some
Eastern institution of learning, keen to teach, and
displaying energy and ability.
In that early day, when the youth partook in a measure of
the vigorous nature of frontier society, it became a
pedagogue to conduct his school more with a view to
discipline than to learning. The fond parent in those
days often suggested to the teacher that should his boys
be recreant about anything in school, the teacher should
not neglect to take exercise and recreation in a dose of
corporal punishment. However little such things as these
are tolerated at present, they formed a leading part in
those stirring times. This school was very popular,
moreover, and the community was entirely in sympathy with
the modes of teaching. The tuition was $4 for a term of
three months, and many pupils came in from the country
and boarded at private houses in the city.
At the end of this, the first year that McGregor enjoyed
superior educational advantages, the gentlemen who
composed the stock company raised the rent of their
academy to $200 per year. Mr. Fraser withdrew, and his
adventurous spirit led him to take an extra trip to
Pike’s Peak, but he soon returned to the Pocket
City.
A Mr. Moon now began operations, based upon the success
of the first year of the High School. “But it seems
that he was not a full moon as an educational character,
and in spite of the hearty co-operation of many warm
friends, he reached the last quarter of his career in the
first quarter of his school, and passed from the horizon
of McGregor history.”
Mr. Fraser returned from his travels about the time Moon
got his school well begun, and was immediately urged to
re-open his select school to his former pupils. This was
done, and successfully. This private school was held in
the second story of G. C. Cone’s first hardware
store on Main street, a frame building afterward used for
a carpenter shop. But the unfortunate termination of the
Moon school soon began to affect the public mind, and
there was a general demand for a well-conducted district
school. The select schools dwarfed the little district
school, when it was open at all, and the poorer classes
clamored for a better free school.
Accordingly the school district was organized into the
independent school district of McGregor early in 1860.
The brick building and the lot, 100 x 100, constituted
the real estate of the High School Association, and this
was now bought by the independent district. The purchase
consisted in the transfer of the stock to the amount of
$3,000 at 40 cents on the dollar. This was a high price
for the stock, which after the “eclipse of the
Moon” and the success of the Fraser school went down
to 10 cents on the dollar. The lot of ground upon which
our school-house stands was originally a part of the
claim entered by Alexander McKinnie, who sold it to the
High School Association for $25. The school officials
have since added to this lot by purchase.
The first Principal was E. B. Wakeman, and he was
succeeded by a Mr. Tomlinson, who was followed by H. H.
Barnes.
The present fine school building was completed in the
latter part of 1878. It is one of he best planned and
most substantially build school edifices in the country.
The erection was under the supervision of the architect,
H. F. Hyde, of Dubuque. The foundation is of heavy
masonry, and a good quality of building stone. The walls
of the superstructure are of red pressed brick, and with
the floor and ceiling joists anchored and bound with
iron. The entire building is finished off with cut stone
from the beautiful cream-colored limestone quarried near
the city. The tower is ornamented with large plates of
cut stone, and very heavy sills and caps of single
pieces. The heaviest cut-stone masonry is composed of
stones obtained from Judge Williams’s large quarries
near Clermont.
The whole building can be made to have a seating capacity
of nearly 700 pupils. As it is now divided, there are
fourteen rooms and twelve wardrobes, besides the
basement, which is entirely occupied by heating and
ventilating apparatus. On the first floor are the A, B, C
and D primary grades; on the second floor, A and B
grammar, high school and two recitation rooms; on the
third floor is the C grammar. There is also one room for
music teaching, and one large room for the
superintendent, as well as a smaller one for the library.
The cost of this building was about $28,000. The heating
apparatus cost $2,500 extra. The course of study is very
thorough, and fits students for our best universities.
Students go from the High School at McGregor to the
University at Michigan. The system now in force in
Michigan, of making certain high schools preparatory
departments to the university, will soon be adopted in
this State, and the McGregor High School is one of the
few that can conform to the high standard required by
this system.
POSTOFFICE
The postoffice at McGregor was established about 1849,
and H. D. Evans was the first Postmaster. Since him the
office has been held successively by V. P. Miller, L. H.
Packard, A. P. Richardson, W. A. Benton, Robert Tompkins,
C. F. Bell and R. Hubbard, the present incumbent. The
office was established as a money-order office in 1866.
The first order issued was dated Aug. 6, 1866, and was
sent by Frederick Kurz to Johanna Kurz. It was drawn on
Galena, Ill., and was for the sum of $25.00. The first
money-order advice received was dated at Chicago, Aug. 6,
1866, and was from H. A. Holmes to W. P. Holmes. It was
for the sum of $40. There were 653 money-orders issued
the first year. The whole number issued to date is
23,223. The total amount of the money-orders paid per
annum is now $35,000. The amount of those issued is
$30,000. An average of thirteen lock-pouches are
dispatched and received daily, and the total number
dispatched per annum is 4,056. The number of registered
packages handled per annum is 30,000. Postage stamps
yield a revenue of over $6,000.
BANKING INTEREST
The first bank in McGregor was organized in 1856, by
Lee & Kinnaird, which continued in existence until
1861, but was not a financial success. In 1858 a private
bank was organized by H. S. Granger & Co. The
McGregor branch of the State Bank of Iowa was established
Jan. 2, 1860, with sixty-four stockholders, and a cash
capital of $50,000. The first officers were as follows:
President Mayor E. V. Carter; Cashier, Ole Halverson;
Directors, O. C. Lee, S. Merrill, D. B. Hoffman, Frank
Larrabee, B. F. Schroeder, J. F. Thomson, A. C. Newcomb,
E. V. Carter and G. L. Bass. This bank continued in
operation until 1863, when the First National Bank was
organized, with a capital stock of $50,000. The first
Directors were : William J. Gilchrist, E. V. Carter,
Samuel Merrill, Ole Halverson, J. D. Dearborn. Samuel
Merrill was elected President, and Ole Halverson,
Cashier. Samuel Merrill resigned Oct. 30, 1867, being
elected Governor of the State, and he was succeeded as
President, by J. Merrill. At the same time the present
Cashier, W. R. Kinnaird, was elected as an assistant.
Aug. 31, 1871, Ole Halverson resigned, and W. R. Kinnaird
was elected to fill his place. J. Merrill resigned July
10, 1872, and J. K. Graves was elected President. He was
succeeded the following September by Frank Larabee, the
present incumbent. The present Directors are: William
Larrabee, Isaac Havens, J. O. Crosby, James T. Bassett,
Calvin F. Bell, W. E. Odell, James N. Gilchrist, Frank
Larabee and W. R. Kinnaird. IN 1864 the stock of the bank
was increased to $100,000.
The Clayton County Savings Bank was established at
McGregor, Nov. 20, 1869. The incorporators were William
J. Gilchrist, J. H. Merrill, Ole Halverson, H. E.
Merrill, C. F. Burr, W. R. Kinnaird, J. N. Gilchrist and
R. Noble. William J. Gilchrist was elected President, and
J. H. Merrill, Treasurer. Mr. Merrilll was succeeded in
1872 by W. R. Kinnaird. The bank continued in business
until 1879, when it closed, after paying depositors and
stockholders in full.
THE CARRIAGE WORKS
The extensive carriage works of Amos Pearsall &
Son, located at the corner of Main and Fourth streets,
near the school building, were erected in March, 1871, by
G. Hawley & Sons. In August of the same year Amos
Pearsall, who had for fifteen years kept a livery stable
in McGregor, and who had sold out in May, purchased a
half interest in the works, and the firm became G. Hawley
and Co. In 1880 Mr. Pearsall purchased Mr. Hawley’s
interest, and took his younger son, Charles A., into
partnership with him. The business is now conducted under
the firm name of A. Pearsall & Son. A personal sketch
of Mr. Pearsall is given elsewhere.
This enterprise gives constant employment to from twenty
to twenty-five men, and sometimes more. The capacity has
been about the same since the works were begun, and the
annual business has been from $40,000 to $60,000. This
establishment makes only fine carriages and
gentlemen’s road wagons, and does no cheap work.
Repairing is done on light work in addition to the
manufacturing. About 200 buggies are made annually, and
everything in the construction of them is made in the
shops; nothing is purchased by the firm except the raw
material. The trade extends in various directions, and to
great distances. Their work was sold, in 1881, in
seventeen States and Territories. One lot went to
Ireland, others to New York and California. The building
is 75 x 80 feet, three stories high, and is built of red
brick.
LUMBER
The firm of P. Stauer & Co. started in business in
1862, and was then composed of Stauer & Schillinger.
The latter soon retired from the firm, and Mr. Stauer was
alone until 1865, when he took as partner V.
Daubenberger. In 1871 O.H. Lufeld was admitted to the
firm. In that year they built the mill where Mr.
Michael’s elevator now stands. In 1873 the mill was
removed to Prairie du Chien. Their pay-roll averages
$4,000 a month.
BREWERY
The McGregor brewery, owned by J. F. Hagensick, was
built in 1845. The main building is 78 x 20, four stories
in height. It cost $25,000, and has a capacity of 10,000
barrels per year.
RELIGIOUS
First Methodist Episcopal Church — The first
sermon preached in McGregor under the auspices of the
Methodist church was preached by Rev. Elisha Warner, of
Prairie du Chien, in the second week of January, 1852.
The services were held in the carpenter shop of J. M.
Burbridge. The first regular pastor was Rev. J. L. Kelly,
appointed by the bishop the same year.
Rev. A. Bishop, the second pastor, formed their first
class of which Mr. Burbridge was the leader. Mr.
Burbridge was also the first Superintendent of the
Sunday-school. Rev. J. R. Cameron was their next pastor,
and he was succeeded by Rev. John Webb and F. C. Mather.
Mr. Webb was returned the second year, with Rev. William
McCormack as his colleague.
They were succeeded by Rev. J. D. Havens, through whose
instrumentality the first church building in McGregor was
erected. In the spring of 1858, a building committee,
consisting of G. S. C. Scott, C. C. Bicknell and D.
Baugh, was appointed, and work was immediately commenced
in the excavation of the hill over the lot corner of Ann
and Fourth streets, for the foundations. The struggle was
a hard one, financially, but through the munificent gifts
of the people and the energy and zeal displayed in their
work, the committee had the satisfaction of seeing the
little frame church dedicated in June, 1858, the Rev.
Larkins officiating, and Rev. Alfred Brownson, of Prairie
du Chien, preached the dedication sermon.
From that time on the society struggled bravely, and the
membership, constantly increasing, worked with a hearty
good-will of the furtherance of the good cause. After the
lapse of ten years, in October, 1868, with renewed zeal,
the work of clearing the lot for the present grand
edifice was commenced, and a foundation built up as far
as the old church would allow. In May, 1869, the work was
again renewed, the old church removed, and by fall the
new structure was enclosed and the basement completed so
that services could be held in the lecture-room. This was
formally dedicated in December, Rev. Dr. Reed
officiating. The building committee was O. McCraney, O.
C. Buck and C. C. Bicknell.
In the spring of 1873, with the promise of aid and
contributions, it was decided to complete the edifice.
This was done, and the result was a satisfaction to all.
After Mr. Havens, who came as pastor in 1859, the
following ministers have been assigned to McGregor: 1860,
H.H. Keith;1861, C. W. Babcock and Isaac Newton;
1862-‘3, J. K. Fuller; 1864, F. C. Wolfe;
1865-‘6, S. Pancoast; 1867-‘8, P. E. Brown;
1869, W. P. Watkins; 1870, W. H. Sparling; 1871-‘2,
William Fawcett; 1873, L. H. Carhart; 1874-‘6, W.
Heald; 1877-‘8, J. W. Clinton; 1879-81, J. W.
Casebeer.
The membership of the church is now about 135. There is a
flourishing Sunday-school connected with the church,
which has thirteen teachers and about 125 scholars. G. S.
Baker is the Superintendent. It meets every Sunday after
church services, in the basement. It has a good library
of 300 volumes. The Sunday-school at North McGregor is a
branch of this. Miss Abbott is its Superintendent, and
there are about ninety-seven members.
Congregational Church — For much of the following
account of the Congregationalist church, we are indebted
to Robert Grant, Esq., whose fertile pen has prepared so
much valuable history.
During the year of 1856 a few families of that faith and
order having located at McGregor and in view of its
prospective growth and importance, much interest was
manifested by the ministers and members of the
neighboring churches, as well as citizens of the place in
the early establishment of a Congregational church there.
On Saturday evening, Jan. 3, 1857, a meeting was held at
the residence of Mr. J. H. Merrill, and the first steps
taken in the organization of the First Congregational
Church of McGregor. On the following Sabbath morning the
first public services were held. Rev. O. Emerson, Jr.,
agent of the American Missionary Association, and Rev. L.
L. Radcliff, of Prairie du Chien, officiated, when seven
persons (Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Merrill, Robert Grant, Mrs. J.
L. Dearborn, Mrs. A. T. Jones and Miss Clorinda Rowan)
united in giving solemn public assent to the articles of
faith and covenant, and were declared duly organized a
Church of Christ. Rev. M. M. Wakeman, of the Farmersburg
church, officiated as minister through the winter,
preaching every alternate Sabbath. During the summer no
services were held except occasionally as come minister
was stopping in town. In October of the same year, the
Rev. Joseph Bloomer was called to the pastorate. He came
with the zeal and enthusiasm that such an ardent
temperament alone possesses. His was a profitable, busy
life, during the week attending to many things which
necessarily must be done, when almost everything is
undeveloped, and upon the Sabbath preaching inspiring,
helpful sermons. The Sabbath school was organized and
members received into the church, but his work was soon
finished and he was called up higher. It was a grievous
and mysterious providence to the little band that was so
happy in their church-work under his leadership.
He was soon succeeded by Rev. T. A. Wardsworth, who
labored faithfully till the spring of 1859, when the
relations between him and his people were amicably
dissolved. It was during his ministry the church received
its first members on profession, all previous members
having united by letter.
The same month that Mr. Wardsworh’s relations with
the church were dissolved, Mr. H. G. McArthur began to
supply the pulpit, and in August following was ordained
and continued his ministry until September, 1860. During
the time the house in which the church now worships was
built, although the dedication did not occur until after
his resignation. Soon after the dedication the Rev. L. P.
Sloan commenced his labors, and after continuing his
ministry for seven years with great acceptance and
attaching himself very strongly to his people and the
community, he was installed as pastor and continued to be
their faithful under shepherd until his death, Oct. 29,
1870. Seldom have there been more attached to and untied
in a pastor, and they sorrowed as for a near and dear
friend. He was not only held in the highest esteem by his
own people, but also by his neighboring churches and the
minor and general associations, and ever considered a
wise and safe counselor. He was always up to the times
and deeply interested in the advancement of every good
work, not only in the church but in the well-being of our
country, and inspired his people with the same feeling.
His people were very near to him and were remembered in
his last moments. Tell my people to be established in the
Truth, I have no fears, was his last message to them. One
hundred and fifty were added to the membership during the
ten years of his pastorate, seventy-three on profession
of their faith. During his absence as chaplain in the
army, in the winter of 1862 and ’63, the Rev. T.
Wilcox, in whom this church became much interested,
served as pastor for a time, and for a few months in the
first of 1870, while he was absent in New Orleans for the
benefit of his health, the Rev. J. K. Grun, missionary at
Broosa, Turkey, supplied the pulpit. The Rev. D. R. McNab
began his labors serving the church very acceptably. At
every communion season during his ministry members were
received into church-fellowship—twelve of the
twenty-one uniting on profession. The Rev. S. F. Millia*
entered upon his labors in January, 1873, with more than
a general average number of additions to the church,
twenty-six of whom were united on profession of their
faith. Rev. S. F. Millika* was succeeded by Rev. C. C.
Cragin, the present incumbent. Under his pastorate the
church has been prosperous and has had an unusual good
influence in the community. The present membership is
about 135.
The Baptist Church — As a result of efforts of
friends of the Baptist church, a meeting was held at
Kennidge’s Hall April 29, 1861. Rev. W. W. Moore was
called to the chair, and E. R. Barron was chosen
secretary. Articles of incorporation were adopted, the
incorporators being W. G. Luther, H. C. Martin, Selah
Bates, G. C. Cone, Thomas Arnold, W. L. Calkins, George
M. Colgate, D. G. Goodrich and E. R. Barron, all of
McGregor. May 6 another meeting was held, and a
constitution and by-laws were adopted. The rapid growth
of the society and its bright prospects, associated with
the prosperity of McGregor, led the members to take steps
toward the erection of a suitable church edifice. In July
of the same year committees were appointed to select a
site for the house, to make estimates of the probable
expense, and to solicit subscriptions for building the
same. Subscriptions were liberally given, and the society
at once began the erection of a church, which was
completed in a few months.
The first pastor was W. W. Moore. Since him there have
been several pastors, among them Rev. L. M. Whitman, Rev.
C. L. Tucker, Rev. John Jackson, Rev. Mr. Wright, Rev. E.
R. Cressy and Rev. Thomas Ure. Mr. Ure was their last
pastor, the church discontinuing services in 1880.
The Sunday-school connected with the church was organized
very soon after the church, and has had a good membership
since its organization. After the church suspended, the
Sunday-school continued its meetings until the close of
1881. Since that time the school has been organized as a
mission school. The Superintendent is Miss Mary Hofer;
Secretary, Miss Amelia Hofer; Treasurer, Miss Abbie
Arnold; Librarian, Miss Winnie Egbert; Organist, Miss
Rowetta Killinger.
The Episcopal Church was established in 1864. Among the
first members were: Lewis Benton, Mrs. Lewis Benton, Dr.
Frederick Andros, Isaac Matthews, Mrs. Matthews, Miss
Matthews. Later members were Dr. J. Hunt, Mrs. Dr. Hunt,
Mr. Bannard, wife and daughter, now of Milwaukee, Mrs.
Frank Hawley. Meetings were held in the German
Presbyterian Church. A Rev. Mr. Caufield came about 1875
and remained two years, but the society has never had any
other regular pastor. The society is not now organized.
Presbyterian Church — In the spring of 1856 Rev.
Samuel Wells, laboring in the church extension department
of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church, was
instrumental in the organization of a church of that
order, comprising Thomas Baugh and wife, W.W. Allen and
Mrs. William Paul. To this congregation Rev. Mr. Price
ministered statedly for about one year.
The German Presbyterian Church was organized May 7, 1862,
in the house of Jacob Kramer. The first members were
Jacob Kramer, Nicholas Kriebs, Peter Walter, Charles
Opitz, John Walter, John Cawelti, Martin Knecht,
Christian Bloedel, Charles Gerndt, Louis Hartwig,
Heinrich Gutheil, Heinrich Shuler, and William
Troutfetter, with their wives. The first pastor was Rev.
William Buchren, who had held services for two or three
months previous to the public school-house. The same
year, 1862, the society erected a church at the north
corner of Fifth and Ann streets, at a cost of $965. Tower
and bell, afterward put up, cost $300. This church is the
same which is now used by the society.
After Mr. Buchren, who was with this congregation eight
years, Rev. Mr. Weiss came, remaining but a few months.
Then Rev. W. H. Bailey officiated two years. In 1873 Rev.
G. F. Murray was called to the charge and remained four
years. He was succeeded by Rev. Lucas Abel, who preached
about eighteen months. Then Rev. John Leyer accepted the
pastorate, and he is the present minister.
Jacob Kramer and Charles Opitz were the first Elders;
Peter Walter and Martin Knecht were the first Trustees.
William Troutfetter and Jacob Kramer are the present
Elders, and Frederich Kurz, G. F. Widman and William
Troutfetter are the present Trustees.
The church will seat about 120 persons comfortably, and
is a frame structure. The present membership is about
forty. The church was most prosperous about 1865, when it
had a membership of seventy. Many have since moved away,
and hence the membership is now smaller, as is that of
most other churches in McGregor.
There is a good Sunday-school connected with this church,
meeting every Sunday, which has a membership of
eighty-four. Wm. Troutfetter is the Superintendent. There
are fourteen teachers. The Sunday-school library is in
good condition, and contains a number of German
publications of merit.
The German Lutheran Church was organized about 1862. Rev.
Mr. Himmler was the first pastor. Among the first members
were Michael Malsly, Mr. Ringling, Mr. Shuler, Mr.
Haverly, Mr. Stamm and Mr. Schmidt, and their families.
August Kurzrock and others afterward joined the church.
Their church was built soon after the society was
organized. It is twenty by thirty, frame, and will seat
about 100.
Since Mr. Himmler, their pastors have all come over from
Prairie du Chien to hold services, generally once in two
weeks.
St. Mary’s Church — This congregation attached
to the church was properly established in the year 1855.
Although visited occasionally by other clergymen, there
was no resident pastor till the arrival of the Rev.
Richard Nagle.
The first religious exercises of the Catholics of
McGregor were celebrated in a little home, owned by Mr.
Patrick O’Brien, on Ann street. As the congregation
increased a church was soon built near Third street.
Several additions were made to the church from time to
time as necessity demanded and the taste and means of the
congregation permitted.
Father Nagle remained connected with St. Mary’s
Church till the year 1868. On the first Sunday after
Easter, 1868, Rev. Bart Lenehan was appointed as pastor.
Shortly after his arrival he formed a Catholic school.
This school was composed of but a few children in the
beginning, but as the population of McGregor increased a
new school was required. The Sisters of Charity took
charge of the school and have remained till the present,
laboring strenuously for this cause of instruction.
Father Lanehan was succeeded by Rev. Martin Dunn, who
remained but a few months, when Father Sullivan took
charge of the parish. During Father Sullivan’s
pastorate the present parochial residence was built.
During the repairing of the Cathedral Father Sullivan was
moved to Dubuque.
After Father Sullivan the next resident pastor was Rev.
Mr. O’Carroll, who came to McGregor on Feb. 9, 1876.
During his pastorate a desire was manifested to move the
church to the head of Main street, but this was not to be
accomplished, for before this desire could be
materialized the church was burned to the ground, some
supposing it to be the work of an incendiary. Being
destitute of insurance the building and furniture was of
course a total loss. Steps were immediately taken to
re-build, but Father O’Carroll was not left to
accomplish his design and he was succeeded by Rev. Father
Brennan. Father Brennan remained but ten months here
though in his time the corner-stone of the new church was
laid. Failing health Father Brennan retired and was
succeeded by the present incumbent, Rev. Garrett T.
Nagle, of Dubuque.
Though young and having just completed his seminary
course at Montreal, Canada, and having served six months
as pastor and assistant at the Cathedral of Dubuque,
still he has none the less courage to attempt the task of
building a church.
The proposed edifice is at the head of Main street;
dimensions, fifty by eighty; height, twenty-five feet;
tower, seventeen feet spire, 150 feet high; material,
stone and brick, Gothic style, costing when completed
about $10,000. It will be enclosed in the fall of 1882.
SOCIETIES
Bezer Lodge, No. 135, A. F. & A. M., was organized
in the early part of 1857. George L. Bass, John Chambers,
G. W. P. Harding, Samuel L. Janes, G. S. C. Scott and M.
J. Brown met Feb. 19, 1857, at a room previously arranged
as a Masonic Hall. They met under dispensation granted
them by the Most Worthy Grand Master of the State of
Iowa, J. F. Sanford, dated Jan. 24. This dispensation
appointed George L. Bass, W. M.; John Chambers, S. W.; G.
W. P. Harding, J. W. G. S. C. Scott was appointed
Secretary of this meeting. It was received to hold this
first regular meeting of Bezer Lodge at their hall,
Monday, Feb. 23, 1857.
The officers appointed at the first meeting served until
the charter was granted, which was not until June 7,
1858. Among the first members, besides the officers above
mentioned, were Robert Grant, John G. Bass, Jedediah
Brown, D. D. Fraser, Ira Hurlbut, H. B. George, M. J.
Fraser, J. S. Wilson, M. M. Sherman, D. Baugh, S. M.
Sampson, T. M. Hopkins, B. Strouse, D. S. Cook, Lemuel
McKinney, Isaac Cramer, O. F. Brewer, E. Bradley and P.
G. Parker.
The lodge has always prospered, and, although its
membership was at first small, it has always been
animated by one purpose of fraternal love, and its
proceedings have always been marked with harmony.
The lodge meets the first Monday in each month, at
Masonic Hall. The present membership is 74, and the lodge
is in a thriving condition. The present officers, elected
in May, 1882, are: M. T. Kennedy, W. M.; George Keen, S.
W.; D. D. Fraser, J. W.’ C. H. Barron, Treas.; H. W.
Burlingame, Sec.; G. R. Luther, S. G.; H. D. Bowen, J.
D.; J. Hirshfeld, S. S.; A. F. Hofer, J. S.; E. Hopkins,
Tyler.
Clayton Chapter, No. 27, was organized under
dispensation, Oct. 29, 1860, at Masonic Hall in McGregor,
by Companion N. Pullman, as proxy for the G.H. P. of
Iowa. The first members were E. Bradley, B. Strouse, J.
Williamson, P. G. Wright, O. Hough, J. Kenelly, L. R.
Nicholson, J. H. Bader, N. Pullman and A. Loebentritt.
The officers elected first were: E. Bradley, H. P.; N.
Pullmann, King; G. P. Wright, Scribe. Other officers were
appointed temporarily. The charter was received July 10,
1861, and the first officers elected under it were: E.
Bradley, H. P.; G. L. Bass, K.; G. S. C. Scott, S.; E. R.
Barron, C.H.; B. Strouse, P. S.; J. T. Stoneman, R. A.
C.; O. C. Lee, Treas.; T. Updegraff, Sec.
The chapter has been highly prosperous during the
twenty-one years of its existence, and now numbers
seventy-four. The present officers are: G. R. Luther,
H.P.; Borren Curley, K.; W. A. McDonald, S.; W. R.
Kinnaird, T.; H. C. Clark, C. H.; George Keen, P. S.;
Theodore Brown, R. A. C.; W. C. Austin, G. M.3dV.; August
Benson, G. M. 2dV.; Charles Fox, G. M. lst V.;E. Hopkins,
Sent.; N. W. Williver, Sec. The chapter meets the first
Friday in each month at Masonic Hall.
Honorius Commandery, No. 8, was organized April 19, 1866,
by John C. Baker. The first officers were: John C. Baker,
E. C.; H. H. Hemmingway, G.; Z. H. Sherwin, C. G.; John
C. Rudd, S.W.; Benedict, J. W.; W. H. Thompson, W.; P. B.
Mason, S. B.; George E. Baker, Sentinel; John C. Baker,
Prelate. The present officers are: J. P. Patrick, E. C.;
R. Hubbard, G; H. H. Clark, C. G.; D. Baugh, Prelate; W.
R. Hubbard, G; H. H. Clark, C. G.; D. Baugh, Prelate; W.
R. Kinnaird, Treasurer; Charles Fox, Recorder; B. Curley,
S.W.; G. Keen, J. W.; F. Wilson, S. B.; M. T. Kennedy, S.
B.; W. Moncrief, Warder; E. Hopkins, Sentinel. The
present membership is thirty-eight. The commandery meets
the second Friday in each month in Masonic Hall.
Itasca Lodge, No. 111, I. O. O. F., was organized Oct.
31, 1857, in the old brick school-house. The first
officers and charter members were: George C. Harvey, N.
G.; B. F. Spaulding, V. G.; L. F. Bigelow, Treasurer;
Horace Bagely, O. G.; H. C. Scott, P. S.; Rayen Davidson,
R. S. The present membership is sixty. The lodge is very
prosperous, in every way, and owns $3,000 worth of
property. The present officers are: John Schott, N. G.;
P. Anderson, V. G.; H. C. Bloedel, R. S.; L. Hirshfeld,
P. S.; T. Farrington, Treasurer. The lodge meets in
Odd-Fellows’ Hall, Masonic Block.
Keystone Lodge, No. 111, A. O. U. W. was instituted April
4, 1877, with a charter membership of twenty-eight. The
first M. W. was James A. Coard. It meets in
William’s Hall on the second and fourth Wednesday of
each month, and elects officers every six months. The
following have held the office of M. W.; James A. Coard,
George P. Lewis, D. E. Grout, George D. Wells, W. P.
Shaffer, John J. Clemens, Don D. Fraser, Wm. J. Wallis,
Joseph Killinger and George H. Otis. There have been
three deaths in the lodge since its establishment, each
of whom has received $2,000. Their names are Joseph A.
Ramage, died Feb. 5, 1878; Daniel J. Jones, drowned June
5, 1880; Homer E. Newell, died Oct. 2, 1881. The lodge is
in good condition financially and otherwise. The present
membership is forty-eight. In the Grand Lodge of this
order, George P. Lewis represented the lodge until the
session of 1882.
Pocket City Lodge, No. 37 — Iowa Legion of Honor was
organized in August, 1879, with twenty-five charter
members. The first President was John N. Baird, who
served two terms, and was then succeeded by James A.
Coard. The lodge meets the second and fourth Mondays of
each month. This organization, similar to the other
insurance organizations, has been remarkably successful
during its three years’ existence. The Grand Lodge
meets biennially. The representative from this lodge at
the two sessions of the Grand Lodge has been both times
Colonel George H. Otis. The present membership is
twenty-one.
McGregor Collegium, No. 90, V. A. S.; was organized March
23, 1882, at the hall of the United Workmen, by D. S.
Malthy, Deputy Chief Rector of the Chief Collegium of
Iowa. There were thirty charter members. The officers
elected at the first meeting were J. P. Patrick, Rector;
W. R. Kinnaird, Vice-Rector; C. C. Bicknell, Scribe; Q.
A. Sloan, Quaestor; J. F. Widman, Usher; C. W. Page,
Speculator; J. N. Baird, W. C. Koop and W. A. Hall,
Curators. This collegium is in a flourishing condition
for one of its young age, and is already one of the
prominent societies of McGregor. The V. A. S. fraternity
was founded but three years ago, though confined to Iowa,
it already numbers nearly a hundred collegiums. That at
McGregor meets the first Tuesday in each month.
The W. C. T. U. was organized Nov. 17, 1876, at the
Methodist Episcopal church, by Mrs. J. Allen Foster.
Among the first members were Mrs. C. C. Bicknell, who was
President of the organization for the first three years,
and has been always as now a prominent worker; Mrs. N. H.
Ellsworth, Secretary; Mrs. S. E. Lindsay, Treasurer; Mrs.
A. P. Richardson, Vice-President from the Baptist church;
Mrs. O. C. Buck, Vice-President from the Methodist
church, and Mrs. Alonzo Pearsall, Vice-President from the
Congregational church. Mrs. Kinnaird, Mrs. Conant, Mrs.
Sloan, Mrs. Hubbard (deceased April 18, 1880), Mrs. A.
M> Wedgewood (President one year), and Mrs. A. T.
Jones were among the most prominent members, but they
were ably assisted by many other of the first ladies of
McGregor. Nearly all those whose names are given above
are still faithful workers in the cause, but the total
membership is somewhat reduced by removals from the city
and other causes. The present officers are Mrs. J. B.
Casebeer, President; Mrs. S. A. Lindsay, Secretary; Mrs.
W. S. Conant, Treasurer; Mrs. Cragin, Vice-President,
from the Congregation church; Mrs. A. P. Richardson, from
the Baptist church; Mrs. C. C. Bicknell, from the
Methodist. The society now meets once in two weeks, three
months in the Methodist church and then three months in
the Congregationalist church by turns. The organization
has labored faithfully since its organization, and has
accomplished much good. It has continually gained in the
estimation of the citizens, and is now recognized as one
of the permanent missionary organizations of the city of
McGregor.
The I. O. G. T. formed a lodge in McGregor about 1858,
which lived only about three years. It was revived about
1865, living five years more. Among its first members
were E. B. Wakeman and wife, O. C. Buck and wife, R.
Davidson and wife, W. L. Calkins and wife, Willis
Drummond and wife. The lodge was at one time very
prosperous, having about fifty members during its first
existence, and nearly a hundred after its revival. The
society accomplished much good work during its existence,
and had a history as proud as many that kept up a nominal
existence much longer.
The Band of Hope organized in connection with the I. O.
G. T. lodge flourished many years and after the lodge
suspended the band was revived for a while.
The Tribe of Jonathan was organized March 3, 1878, over
Daniels’ shoe store. The first officers were: C. B.
Taylor, President; John Forsythe, Robert Lindsay and Wm.
Alden, Vice-President; Henry Bell, Cor. Secretary; George
Wood, Fin. Secretary; Robert Lindsay, Treasurer; Thomas
Wallace, Chaplain; Henry Worden, Steward. The membership
was about 200. The organization held its last meeting in
October, 1880, though the officers still hold. A public
reading-room was supplied in connection with this, by the
W. C. T. U., in which several newspapers and periodicals
were kept on file.
THE YOUNG MEN’S REPUBLICAN CLUB OF
MCGREGOR
In June, 1879, the young men of McGregor and North
McGregor organized a Young Men’s Republican Club,
the following officers being elected: George Pearsall,
President; C. F. Spalding, Secretary and Treasurer; Ernst
Hofer, H. A. Odell and H. A. Keen, Executive Committee.
Regular meetings were held and seventy members enrolled.
A mass meeting was held under the auspices of the club
just before the October elections, Hon. Governor John H.
Gear and U. S. Senator Samuel T. Kirkwood addressing
large audiences at the Athenaeum. That year the club had
a representation among the delegates to the county
convention, and they did good, earnest work in the
campaign following. The constitution of the club sets
forth that it is the purpose of the organization to
inform its members concerning the politics of county,
State and nation. It adjures using the club influence for
any individual promotion. To the executive committee is
entrusted the general management of club. On July 6,
1880, the club was reorganized for the presidential
campaign, and elected Bowen Curley, President. W. E.
Odell and J. H. Larson were added to the executive
committee, the other officers being re-elected.
Preparations were made for holding a series of political
meetings throughout the campaign. The first speaker to
address the club during the memorable campaign of 1880
was D. B. Henderson, of Dubuque, on Tuesday evening, Oct.
5. He delivered a stirring speech. He was followed by
able addresses by Hon. E. H. Williams and Hon. F. B.
Daniels, District Elector. In 1881 the club reorganized,
increased its members to 100, and elected J. H. Larson,
President, the executive and financial committees
remaining as before, and the club met regularly until the
last President Garfield was assassinated, when they
adjourned sine die. The club will be fully prepared to
take an active part in the campaign of 1882, and as it is
a permanent organization its influence is destined to be
felt in the future.
North McGregor
(page 962-963)
North McGregor was incorporated as a town May 12,
1874. The petition for incorporation was dated Feb. 13,
1874, and was signed by George Keen and thirty-five
others. The vote on the question of incorporation took
place April 25, and stood forty-five in favor,
thirty-eight against. The first election for town
officers was held July 6, 1874. The officers elected then
and each year since have been as follows:
1874.—Mayor, George Keen;
Councilmen, G. Wingen, D. Kerwin, L. Hanke, O. Nelson, S.
Ellis; Recorder, Peter Trahn.
1875.—Mayor, J. S. Barr;
Councilmen, Thomas Edgar, L. Keen, G. Wingen. George
Crowns, George D. Wells; Recorder, M. L. Phelps;
Assessor, Ole Nelson; Treasurer, H. Rienow.
1876.—Mayor, George Keen;
Councilmen, Lewis Keen, August Budde, Henry Rienow,
Thomas Edgar, Eli Rice; Recorder M.L. Phelps; Assessor,
Ole Nelson; Treasurer, G. Wingen.
1877.—Mayor, George Keen;
Councilmen, Joseph Wissen, S. P. Gale, Henry Rienow,
Thomas Edgar, Michael Doyle; Recorder, H. A. Keen;
Assessor, Ole Nelson; Treasurer, G. Wingen.
1878.—Mayor, W. P. Hancock;
Councilmen, John Hopkins, Ole Bratsburg, M. P. Finley, S.
P. Gale, M. L. Shugars; Recorder, H. A. Keen; Assessor,
Ole Nelson; Treasurer, G. Wingen.
1879.—Mayor, W. P. Hancock;
Councilmen, Ole Bratsburgn, John Hopkins, Joseph Wissen,
M. L. Shurgars, Arthur Dunn; Recorder, H. A. Keen;
Assessor, Ole Nelson; Treasurer, G. Wingen.
1880.—Mayor, D. E. Grout;
Councilmen, Ole Bratsburg, M. L. Shugars, Joseph Wissen,
W. H. Sloan, John O’Donnell; Recorder, D. J. Jones;
Assessor, W. A. McDonald; Treasurer, G. Wingen.
1881.—Mayor, Henry Rienow;
Councilmen, W. H. Sloan, Thos. Edgar, M. L. Shugars, Ole
A. Bratsburg, John O’Donnell; Recorder, D. E. Grout;
Assessor, W. W. Moncrief; Treasurer, G. Wingen.
1882.—Mayor, John Ecker;
Councilmen, M. P. Finley, Arthur Dunn, W. W. Wheeler,
James Presho, M. McNamara; Recorder, W. P. Hancock;
Assessor, W. N. Moncrief; Treasurer, G. Wingen.
The First School Board was --- George Keen, President; W.
W. Wheeler, Vice-President; Geo. Spangler, Secretary, and
A. T. Lipe, Treasurer; Directors, John Moshmann, Henry
Reinow, Anetrew Scheckner. This board was elected the
first day of August, 1867. The present board, 1882, is
George Keen, President; W. N. Moncrief, Secretary; G.
Wingen, Treasurer; Directors — Lewis Keen, John
O’Donnel, W. T. Hancock, M. L. Shugars, J. T. Jones.
The school building was erected in 1865 and rebuilt in
1869, at a cost of about $7,000. The following persons
have acted as Principals, serving in the order named: T.
W. Ana, E. B. Wakman, W. F. Cook, Miss A. M. Stewart, C.
A. Stowbridge, W. A. McDonald, C. W. Bean, F. A. Sykes.
The latter is the present incumbent.
MISSISSIPPI FOUNDRY
This was established in 1858 by John Thompson and
George Keen, under the firm name of Thompson & Keen.
These gentlemen were in partnership till 1869, when Mr.
Keen purchased Mr. Thompson’s interest and ran the
works for seven years. Then, in 1876, Mr. Keen took his
sons into partnership, and the foundry is now conducted
by Keen & Sons. Formerly the firm did work almost
exclusively for the railroad, but now their business is
more general in character. They manufacture engines,
mill-work and all kinds of iron work. The original
foundry was of brick, some distance south of the present
location. This shop he leased to the railroad company for
$2,400 a year, and fitted up his present place
temporarily. The largest building is 46 x 80 feet. The
next in size is 35 x 42 feet. Another is 32 x 40, and the
smallest is 22 x 32.
About eight men on an average are employed at this
foundry. The business is prosperous, and is quite an
important enterprise in North McGregor. It is located on
North Street, northwest of the railroad depot. Mr. Keen
is the brother of the Mr. Keen who built the little
steamboat on the Turkey River, whose peculiar history is
given elsewhere in this work.
LUMBER
The firm of W. & J. Flemming embarked in business
in 1863. In 1867 they built a small mill, and the
following year a gang mill was built. They now do an
immense business, employing 120 men, and having a
pay-roll of $5,000 per month. Their trade extends all
over the Northwest, and especially into Western Dakota.
West McGregor
(page 964)
West McGregor was incorporated in March, 1881. The
following officers were then elected: Mayor, Michael
Klein; Recorder, V. R. Miller; Councilmen, J. G. Kiesel
and J. W. Hughes; Assessor, V. R. Miller. There were
forty-three signatures attached to the petition for
incorporation.
The West McGregor brewery was erected in 1857, by Michael
Burnetts. After two years Michael Klein and John Van
Staden purchased the brewery, and they continued in
partnership for twenty years. Michael Klein then
purchased Mr. Van Staden’s interest and is now the
sole proprietor. About 1,000 barrels of beer are
manufactured annually in this brewery. The main building
is 50 x 100, and is valued at $4,000.
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