Reflections of Grand River, Iowa 1881-1981

The first council was organized Dec. 26, 1899 and the town was incorporated in 1900. The Chapman Hotel was used for the first council meetings and headquarters. The first election held on March 26, 1900 consisted of 2 tickets.

The Citizens Ticket

Mayor Patrick Griffin

Clerk J. C. Brothers

Treasurer A L. Ackerly

Assessor John Burham

Councilman T. T. Beck

J. H. Crees

F. J. Landes

S. C. Jennings

J. H. Davis

J. W. Robinson

The Administration Ticket

Mayor J. W. Robinson

Clerk J. C. Brothers

Treasurer A. L. Ackerley

Assessor Charles Bezold

Councilman J. Switzer

J. Crees

John Davidson

T. T. Beck

J. W. Robinson

Wood Binning

The judges for the election were Pat Griffin, T. T. Beck and J. R. Crees. The clerk was J. C. Brothers.
The election records show the new council as:

Mayor Pat Griffin

Clerk James Brothers

Treasurer A. L. Ackerley

Assessor John Burham

Councilman (1 yr) T. T. Beck

(2 yr) J. R. Crees

(3 yr) J. Switzer

(2 yr) J. G. Davis

(1 yr) J. W. Robinson

(3 yr) John Davidson

The terms of councilmen were decided by lot. All the officers elected were sworn in and bonds were presented and accepted for those requiring them.

It might be interesting to list the voters at this first election 81 years ago. Remember there were no women voting then.
 

A. S. Ladd 
J. W. Burham
W. H. Burham 
Ed Gale
J. M. Miles 
J. H. Edwards
J. B. Bradshaw 
O. E. Hukill
T. M. Metts 
R. G. Brown
Job Peterson 
Frank McConnell
William Luce 
C. C. McCrosky
J. Cole 
John Bradshaw
R. W. Boger 
H. P. Brothers
J. D. Brammer 
Wm. Snyder
F. C. Ansty 
W. H. McConnell
C. S. Ladd 
S. H. Covington
 
W. B. Howard 
W. R. Green
J. S. Hauenstien 
J. A. Bain
A. A. Taylor 
G. R. Sullivan
J. W. Brammer 
B. C. Bay
J. W. Robinson 
Carric Bradshaw
W. B. Day 
A. L. Ackerley
H. C. Jennings 
S. J. Landes
R. F. Brammer 
F. S. Ticknor
Lewis Brown 
W. J. Beck
H. C. McConnell 
Chas. Edwards
N. B. Eaves 
Clint McConnell
Perry Brammer 
W. H. Doaw
 
A. D. Speer 
Jeffery Binning
J. H. Crees 
C. W. Hauenstien
S. C. Jennings 
H. W. Drew
H. Binning 
J. M. Stone
R. Brenneman 
J. H. Miller
Chas. Chapman 
J. N. Gilreath
J. S. Davidson 
J. H. Davis
A. R. Keller 
J. C. Brothers
T. P. Taylor 
Clint Cole
T. T. Beck 
Ed Bell
Pat Griffin 
J. Switzer
E. L. Armstrong 
J. M. Davidson
 

Many regular and special meetings of the council were held during the first months of 1900 to pass ordinances. The first of which was to set salaries for the council services. Others were to set prices for licenses for pool tables, beer, dogs, etc. Robert Brammer was appointed Marshall at this time. Francis M. Brammer was Justice of the Peace for Richland Township. He became rather famous at this profession, marrying people, settling legal disputes, etc.

CHANGES IN THE COMMUNITY

12/07/16 The town council met in special session for the purpose of passing an ordinance giving the Standard Oil Co. of Indiana permission to construct and maintain for a term of 50 years an oil plant on the right of way of the Railroad Company.

5/ /16 Articles of agreement were signed with the Lamoni Electric Co. for them to establish lines and poles for electric service for town street lights.

12/30/26 The town council entered into a contract with the Iowa Southern Utilities Co. to furnish electricity to the town and gave them a 25 year franchise.

12/04/31 The town council purchased their first maintainer of Austin Western Road Mach. Co. for $250.00