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