City of Bonaparte

CRESAP, MEEK, PARKER, HANBACK, WHITELEY, SMITH, PERCIVAL, CARLTON, HOLCOMBE, HOWE

Posted By: Gloria Dodds (email)
Date: 11/2/2002 at 00:11:33

Page Seventy-Six The Keosauqua Republican Thursday,August 15, 1935 80 year Anniversry 1855-1935

City of Bonaparte Was Laid Out in Year 1837
by Cresap and Meek

The town was laid out in 1837 by Dr. R. N., Cresap
and William Meek and Sons, a few rude log cabins
constituting the town. Steps were immediately taken by the pioneer settlers to develop the place and interesting among these is the enactment in the Council and House of Representatives of the Territory of Iowa in 1839,
authorizing William Meek and Sons to construct a dam across the Des Moines river, not to exceed "three feet in height above the low water mark and containing a convenient lock, not less than one hundred thirty feet in length and thirty-five feet in width." They were instructed to keep
the lock in good repair and at any reasonable time
pass water crafts through free from toll and with no uncecessary delay. Should any craft be unnecessarily delayed, the owner could collect double the amount of damages he could prove to have sustained.
The wollen mill, which gained universal renown for Bonaparte was erected in 1853 by William Meek and Sons. In 1844 they had erected a flouring mill which ran for 34 years. A successful pottery was started by Parker & Hanback in 1866.
J.W. Whiteley, a native of Yorkshire, England, came to America in 1847 and to Bonaparte in 1856 where he was foreman of the Meek Bros. Woolen Mills for several years. In 1870 he opened a grocery store on Washington street near the railroad tracks and in 1886 removed to the corner of Washington and Front Streets, taking into the firm his sons, Joseph G. and Philip S. Whiteley.
After Mr. Whiteley's death the sons continued in business, J. G. Whiteley retiring last year because of failing health. P.S. Whiteley has charge of the store which sells grocery, dry goods, clothing, etc.
The Whiteleys also erected the Opera house which has served as an entertainment center for many years.
W.E. Smith engaged in the lumber business in 1881 and his son, E.C. Smith has continued the business under the firm name of W.E. Smith Lumber Co.
Dr. C.S. Percival, following his graduation from the school of dentistry at the State University, opened an office in Bonaparte in May, 1889.
The first secret order instituted in the town was Bonaparte Lodge No. 22, I.O.O.F. whose charter was granted November 8, 1849. Bonaparte Lodge No.73, A.F.&A.M. was chartered June 4, 1856, and Lafayette Chapter No. 61 R.A.M. November 10, 1871.
The Van Buren County Democrat made its initial appearance January 19, 1870, run by Smith & Holcombe. George F.Smith bought out his partner, Holcombe, and continued publication until 1876 when he moved to Keosauqua.
The first district schoolhouse was built in 1844, the first teacher being Thomas Carlton. The building burned in 1859 and from then until 1871
rooms were rented by the district. In 1867 the Bonaparte Academy Association erected a fine brick
building, two stories high, and containing six rooms, at a cost of $20,000. E.P. Howe was the first teacher and it was commonly spoken of as "Howe's Academy." In 1871 The Bonaparte district purchased the Academy building for $12,000 and it became the public school. Fire destroyed the building in 1915 and the present building was erected in its place.
The bridge across the Des Moines river was commenced November 25, 1877 and formally accepted January 29, 1878. It is 900 feet in length and each span weighs 60 tons. It stands 35 feet above
low water mark. The cost of the structure was $12,000.
The town was incorporated in January, 1899 and H.H. Meek was the first mayor.
In 1937, Bonaparte will celebrate its centennial. Nearly one hundred years have passed since Dr. Cresap lived in his cabin in the east part of town and the Meeks lived in the west part. The years have been fraught with struggle, the little city has been visited by threatening fires, destroying floods and disheartening business failures. But there's something about the old town that gets under one's skin. Hundreds of former residents retain a warm affection that is manifest in their visits to the scene of childhood days.