Citizens
Prof. Lachmund
Clinton once had a German Conservatory of Music at 8th Ave. west of 4thSt. It was started by Prof. Carl V. Lachmund, a native of Missouri, in1877.
He studied abroad for six years before beginning the conservatory here. In 1879, he had over 200 enrolled in his courses. The history of Clintoncounty says Lachmund "labored indefatigably to raise the standard ofclassical music."
His sister, Miss Emma Lachmund, was also connected with theconservatory. The professor in 1879 was still turning down attractiveteaching offers from educational institutions in the east.
In 1877, he was married to Miss Carrie J. Culbertson of Fulton, Ill.
Capt. Short was Colorful Figure
One of the most colorful river skippers in the early days of Clinton historywas Capt. Jerome Short.
He began working on river steamers when just a boy and finally was givencommand of the new steamboat, the Chancy Lamb.
It was while captain of this craft that he made river history. Capt.Short made a record run, dropping a raft from LaCrosse, Wis., to Clinton in 50hours.
That same raft made another record when it went through the C. Lamb &Sons mill, was sawed dried and shipped, ending up in completed homes in Kansasin 11 days.
Walter Hayes
Walter I. Hayes, one of Clinton's leading citizens in the second half of thenineteenth century, was judge of the seventh judicial district of Iowa for someyears, starting in 1875.
He was United States Commissioner for Iowa until his elevation to the bench,being appointed in 1867, was elected city attorney for Clinton in 1869, and wascity solicitor in 1870 and 1871, and again in 1875.
A native of Marshall, Mich., Judge Hayes was born in 1841, and was graduatedfrom the law school at the University of Michigan in 1863, passing his barexaminations in the same year.
He came to Clinton in 1866, when he was offered a partnership with Gen. N. B.Baker, adjutant general of Iowa, and he moved to Clinton to assume practicehere.
Rev. McLaughlin
A native of Ireland and a graduate of Notre Dame University was pastor of St.Mary's Catholic church in the 1870's. Rev. E. J. McLaughlin came to the U. S.with his parents while an infant.
The family settled at Dubuque where he received his early education. Seminary training was taken at Our Lady of Angels, Niagara Falls. He thenentered Notre Dame and was graduated with an A. B. degree.
Next he completed theological studies at St. Francis seminary, Milwaukee,Wis. he was ordained at Dubuque in 1878 and his first charge was atSigourney.
Upon the death of his brother, Rev. P. V. McLaughlin who was St. Mary'spastor before him, he came to Clinton.
Near Candidate for President
Few Clintonians are aware of the fact that back in 1852 a man who laterresided in Clinton was almost the Democratic candidate for president of theUnited States!
He was Gen. N. B. Baker, after whom the local G.A.R. post was named. (Iwould be interested in any info anyone would have on the G.A.R. in ClintonCounty.)
When only 21 years old he became speaker of the house for the New Hampshiredelegation and by 1852 had established a national reputation. TheDemocratic party had conceded to New England the right to name a presidentialcandidate.
Mr. Baker had been in the law offices of Franklin Pierce when seven men ofthe delegation were told to select the presidential nominee. In thesubsequent voting, three ballots were cast for Pierce and three for Baker. Baker then voted for Pierce, who got the nod.
Baker moved to Clinton in 1856 and the first family home was at Second avenueroad and later at the southwest corner of 5th Ave. S. and 4th street, where thepresent Mrs. F. J. Ward home is located.
In 1859 Baker was elected representative from Clinton county in the eighthgeneral assembly of Iowa and he was nominated for governor by the so-calledUnion party in 1861.
SOURCE: Centennial Edition, Clinton Herald, Clinton Iowa, 18 June 1955
