Burlington Hawk Eye
Burlington, Iowa
June 7, 1883
p. 6
REGRETS.
Kindly Words From Iowans Who are Not Here To-day.
FROM THE GOVERNOR
STATE OF IOWA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, DES MOINES, MAY 28, 1883, HON. A.C. DODGE,
BURLINGTON, IOWA- My Dear General- Pray accept my grateful thanks for your
invitation to attend the celebration of Iowa's semi-centennial at Burlington on
June 1st next.
If it is possible for me to leave my public duties I shall
certainly be present on that occasion and enjoy with yourself and the people the
services of the day, and I earnestly hope the occasion will be a glorious one,
and ever to be remembered by the citizens of the city and the state.
Very respectfully, your obe't ser't.
BUREN R. SHERMAN.
THE FIRST ELECTION AND SCHOOL.
GENERAL A.C. DODGE- My Esteemed Friend: Allow me to thank you
for the kind institution to the semi-centennial celebration of the old settlers
at Burlington, and the very kind expressions accompanying it. It revives many
recollections of the past, among the dearest and most cherished of my life. My
father with his family, constituting eleven persons (only three of whom are now
living), crossed the Mississippi at Smith's Ferry, three miles below Burlington,
October 23, 1834. A day or two after that I was at the first election held at
Burlington and think the first ever held in what is now Iowa. A judge (Wm.
Morgan), a justice of the peace and a constable were elected. I attended the
first school I have any knowledge of ever being taught in the territory, in a
log cabin built up the hollow, where Mr. Rand's lumber yard was located for many
years. I was frequently at the sessions of the territorial legislature of
Wisconsin, that convened at Burlington. Your distinguished father, Henry Dodge,
then the governor, being present, whose acquaintance I made, although I was a
mere boy. Could the imagination picture the grand progress of this great state
since that date? It will not do to enlarge. The theme is too fruitful. Allow me
to express my most sincere regrets at my inability to be present on this most
interesting occasion, and to express the hope that it will be a most happy event
for my old settler friends.
With great respect, I am most truly your friend, GEO.
W. JONES.
FIRMIN A. ROZIER.
ST. GENEVIEVE, Missouri, May 26, 1883. - Gentlemen:- Your
kind invitation to attend the celebration of the anniversary of Iowa was
received; nothing would give me greater pleasure in participating in same, but
my health and business prevents me, of that pleasure.
My recollections of the early settlement of Iowa, is replete
with interest, and what is gratifying to us here, at St. Genevieve is that some
of our most illustrious citizens, became the pioneers of your great state, who
distinguished themselves in the service of their country, embracing the Dodge's,
Jones', Davis' and others. My thanks for your kindness and hoping your state
great prosperity.
Yours truly,
FIRMIN A. ROZIER.
HON. H.J.B. CUMMINGS,
ex-member of congress, of Winterset, Iowa, will be present at the celebration,
if possible. He writes:
"Mr. and Mrs. H.J.B. Cummings return their thanks to
General A.C. Dodge for his kind remembrance and invitation to attend Iowa's
semi-centennial, and they will certainly be present if it is at all possible.
FROM SENATOR GRAVES.
DUBUQUE, MAY 24, 1883.
Gentlemen: I thank you for your cordial invitation to attend
your "semi-centennial celebration of the first settlement of Iowa,"
and I would that I could be with you June 1st, to share in the pleasures of that
occasion, but this now seems impossible.
It is fitting that this epoch in the history of Iowa be
marked by this vast concourse of people, now that half a century has passed away
since the "Scott treaty," known as the "Blackhawk purchase,"
went into effect. What was then practically a wild wilderness, stretching along
the Mississippi river for a breadth of fifty miles from what is now the Missouri
line, northerly to the Minnesota line, has gradually grown and expanded in area,
wealth, population and intelligence, until the geographical borders embrace what
the world has been pleased to call the "model state of the republic,"
with a present population of nearly a million and three-quarters of souls.
With her generous people, her matchless soil, genial climate,
and unexcelled system of public schools, who can predict her future? Who
measures her undeveloped possibilities? Iowa now annually expends for her
schools vastly more than the entire original value of the millions of acres of
embraced in the Blackhawk purchase.
She contributed eight times more soldiers in the late war of
the rebellion, than these original limits had of population, and, in fact, more
soldiers went forth from these lands to battle for the union, than there were
people when the treaty was made, but fifty years ago!
Nowhere else within the boundaries which the Blackhawk
purchase embraced could such celebration be more appropriately made than
Burlington, the original seat of government and the home of a man who did more
to shape and direct the destines of our growing Iowa in her infancy than all
else combined- the honorable James W. Grimes!
Later on and in our day when Fort Sumter fell we had a
"War Governor," whose every act stamped him as the co-equal of our
beloved Grimes, and though eulogy of the dead may be more fitting than praise of
the living, impartial history attests that Grimes and Kirkwood constituted in an
eminent degree the archimedean fulcran which lifted Iowa to the proud position
she enjoys in the national galaxy of states and are, the living and the dead,
entitled to the grateful homage of the people of the state.
But for the dauntless energy and resolution of Governor
Grimes during the Kansas troubles, our own state would have been the serious
battle field of many a conflict, while bugle notes in favor of "Freedom to
the Slave," seems now to have been the voice of inspiration which moulded
subsequent events. No wonder that this Blackhawk purchase should become the
garden spot under the fostering care and guidance of such a far seeing
statesman, whose sterling character and firmness is typefied it the "Flint
Hills' of the Orchard City.
Duty and conviction were the guiding stars of his daily life,
and lead him, on a memorable occasion, to cast his vote in the United States
senate, under the dictates of conscience and against party clamor, but the
sublime act elevated Senator Grimes in the eyes of the civilized world!
Let the free men of Iowa ever applaud and uphold the bravery
and integrity of any man who dares to do right and follows the dictates of
conscience, regardless of any party clamor or personal interest in the discharge
of public duty, and it matters not whether such true manhood be found in the
pulpit, at the bar, upon the bench, or in the private walks of life. The name of
James W. Grimes is inseparably linked with the early history of this land, and
we should cherish his memory and keep it as green and bright as the lands of the
Blackhawk purchase!
The pioneers of those early days have nearly all been
gathered to their eternal sleep. A few yet remain, and one is the honored
president of the day, whose long and eventful live is the epitome of bravery,
honesty and industry!
Let us of a later generation say to these surviving pioneers,
that it shall be our aim in life never to forget the privations they endured in
giving us a home, and let us renew our assurance to the world that Iowa,
"The beautiful Land," will sacredly guard the memories, not only of
those pioneers who blazed the pathway, but also of those brave men who in the
later times inspired by patriotism went forth to battle in defense of that land,
under that dear old flag, which though then deeply imperilled, now floats
triumphantly over our whole country, represents every state and is respected
elsewhere!
Your Obedient Svt.
J.K. GRAVES.
HON. A.C. DODDE, Pres't.
J.W. BURDETTE, Sec'y.
FROM ALVIN SAUNDERS
OMAHA, NEB., May 26, 1883.
HON. A.C. DODGE- My Dear Sir:- I returned last night from a long trip up the
Niobrara river and found here your kind invitation to me to attend the
semi-centennial to be held on June 1. I assure you, my dear general, that it
would give me great pleasure to be able to respond affirmatively to that
request, but prior engagements for that date will prevent me from doing so.
My entrance to what is now the great state of Iowa, but then
a part of Michigan territory, was not early enough to make me one of the
original semi-centennials, but I would not fall much short of it. I crossed the
Mississippi river at or near Burlington in the latter part of April of 1836. I
don't know whether the river at that point has grown any since, but it was then
about four miles wide. There was no ferry at the town proper, but we crossed at
what was called "Smith's Ferry," which was about two miles below
Burlington. We staid that night at Burlington and learned that they then claimed
a population of about one hundred and fifty people. I was then making my way to
join my brother, Presley Saunders, who, as I now remember made his first visit
to that part of the country in 1834. He settled at what was then called
"English Point," but at which place he afterwards laid out the town of
Mt. Pleasant, and where he has made his home ever since. There were but two
houses then between Burlington and Mt. Pleasant, so you see it was what might be
very appropriately called a "new country." But I need not dwell long
on these things to you, for you were not much behind me in locating on that side
of the Mississippi. How glad I would be to be present at your meeting and hear
what some of the "old settlers" will have to say to the present
inhabitants, but I can't. Hoping the meeting may be a pleasant one, and with my
very best wishes for you personally. I am with great respect, your friend.
ALVIN SAUNDERS.
SENATOR HOLMES.
Boone, Iowa, May 20th, 1883. - J.W. BURDETTE, Esq.- Secretary
of the committee on semi-centennial anniversary of the first settlement of Iowa.
Burlington, Iowa.- Dear Sir:- Your esteemed favor extending
invitation to be present at the semi-centennial anniversary of the state of
Iowa, to be held at Burlington June 1st received. I regret that a prior
engagement will prevent my being present.
My best wishes go with you for the successful celebration of
the anniversary which witnesses in the memory of the men now living in the
transformation of the savage solitude of the Indian hunter to a great state,
rich in all that is best in civilization and standing first in the constellation
of the republic in education and progress.
Very respectfully yours,
A.J. HOLMES.
THE FIRST STEAMBOAT CAPTAIN.
HILL FARM, NEAR POTOSA, MO., May 27, 1883,- Hon. A.C. Dodge,
My Old Friend: Your invitation to attend the meeting at Burlington on the 1st of
June, was received yesterday. Mrs. Cole and myself have not been well for some
time, the cause, old age. It would give me some pleasure if I was able to meet
with you on the anniversary of the first settlement of Iowa. The Indians had
possession of Iowa, and where Burlington stands was called Flint Hills. If you
meet George W. Jones or Warren Lewis, present my kind regards. Mrs. Cole and
myself hope we will be spared to see you and Mrs. Dodge at our house this
summer. The first boat I brought out on the upper Mississippi was the Dubuque,
1835; Palmira, 1836; Des Moines, Iowa, Rapids, Uncle Toby followed. You have my
best wishes for a pleasant and interesting meeting. Truly your friend, J.B.
COLE.
FROM HON. THOMAS A. HENDRICKS, OF INDIANA.
INDIANAPOLIS, May 23, 1883.- Hon. A.C.Dodge, Dear Sir:- I
have received the invitation from yourself as president, and Mr. Burdette as
secretary, to attend "the celebration in commemoration of the fiftieth
anniversary of the settlement of Iowa," on the first day of next month. I
thank you for the invitation. The occasion will be most interesting, and I
regret that I cannot be present. I observed your note upon the envelope, of
personal regard and good wishes. Be assured, I appreciate that also.
Your invitation has received in my memory the fact that my
father attended the first sale of the public auction lands in Iowa. It was at
Burlington the sales took place. He made a purchase of some land, but we never
left our home in Indiana to occupy it. That was nearly fifty years ago. The
settlements rapidly followed the land sales, and were encouraged and promoted by
the act of congress of 1841, declaring and establishing more fully and liberally
the rights of pre-emptors.
On next Friday at Burlington, where the lands were first
sold, then a village but now a city, the people of Iowa propose to commemorate
the achievements of industry, enterprise, and intelligence, during the first
half century of their history. Fifty years is a long period in the lifetime of
an individual, but in the history of a people it is only a morning hour. Iowa
has much to commemorate. Her progress and development have been marvelous. No
other state or nation at the close of its first half century can boast a more
rapid or more excellent development. Her population is now a million and
nearly three-quarters. In it every civilized country is represented, and all
persons over ten years of age can read, save only 2.4 per cent, which I believe
is a lower per cent than in any other state or territory. Twelve thousand eight
hundred free schools attest the devotion and their support of the press appears
in five hundred and sixty-nine newspapers and other periodicals. Six thousand
seven hundred and twenty manufacturing establishments give employment to four
thousand employes, using a capital of thirty-one million dollars, paying wages
annually nine million six hundred and forty-two thousand dollars, consuming
forty-six million dollars of materials, and producing annually seventy million
dollars of manufacturing values. The field orchard and garden products of 1880,
as stated by Mr. Schaffer, aggregated the enormous value of $127,257,500; and
the domestic animals on hand in January, 1880, were estimated at the
agricultural department of the United States, as exceeding in value one hundred
million dollars. It is an interesting fact, when I recently saw stated, that
every one of the ninety-nine counties of the state is passed over, or entered by
railroads; but the great system of railroads now covering the state may hardly
be included among the results of Iowa enterprise; for the reason that the state
and her people were largely aided in their construction by the enormous land
grants by the United States. Hospitals for the insane have been completed and
universities and high schools in aid of the cause of education are maintained,
and yet the debt of the state is so small that it may be said of her as it is
said of Indiana, she owes no debt.
I have been told that a rigid economy has characterized the
administration of state affairs in Iowa; and I have been told that in a large
degree it has been attributable to the high example set by one whose memory I
delight to honor, Governor Grimes. He was a man of absolute integrity. As a
representative and servant of the people no persuasion could seduce him, nor
influence swerve him from the line of conduct which his judgment approved. The
influence of his administration is still felt in the affairs of his state.
At the celebration on Friday the inquiry will be, what were
the causes that lay at the foundation of such great prosperity, and of
development so rapid and substantial. Industry and enterprise, a soil of great
fertility with less than one per cent of unavailable land, the settlers' right
of pre-emption, and the system of public surveys that so marked and defined each
man's land as to cut off controversy in respect to titles, and the great
facilities for transportation by rail and by water, are prominent among the
causes that have made Iowa what it now appears.
Hoping that nothing shall occur to mar the interest of the
occasion, and thanking yourself and the committee for the honor of the
invitation.
I am very respectfully yours,
T.A. HENDRICKS.
p. 11
HALF A HUNDRED.
FLINT HILLS RECEIVES AT HOME.
A Sociable of Iowa's Sons and Daughters.
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Thousands of Strangers and Oceans of Amusement.
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The Air Fairly Choked with Music.
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Parade of the Fire Department and Water Display
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A Procession Fifty Years Long.
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Reminiscence History and Eloquence At the Park.
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A Splendid Series of Boat Races.
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The Most Gorgeous Pyrotechnical Display Ever Seen in the West.
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Terpsichore Outdanced at the Boat House.
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There were moist eyes in Burlington on June 1. He who stood
in the pride of his youth and saw only the hilarity that reigned in the great
masses of humanity that surged through the streets and blocked the highways,
could perhaps see nothing in the glad and eager throng but hope and joy, but the
gray haired patriarch who stood upon the paved streets and marble floors, who
gazed upon the sculptured buildings and the countless thousands that passed in
endless review before him and whose mind reverted to the days of log cabins and
flint hills, whose memory covered the period during which all these evidences of
prosperity and wealth had been evolved from the resources of a native
wilderness, his heart throbbed with strange and tender emotions. They were not
emotions of regret, but of pride. He was glad to stand, a Hawkeye of the
Hawkeyes, witnessing the evidence of the enterprise, thrift and patriotism of
one of Iowa's leading cities, and reflecting that it was but one of a score of
cities that were each as prosperous, as enterprising, as patriotic.
That Burlington assumed the duty and the privilege of
entertaining Iowa on this occasion was proper, for, with it of all the cities of
the state the earliest political organization and history is most closely
identified, but the Hawkeye state as it reviews the miracle of progress that has
been wrought within its limits during the last fifty years turns to every
quarter of her wide domain and finds cities bristling with business enterprise,
second to none in patriotic ardor for the commonwealth and grown to robust
stature and vigor during the first half century. She looks upon Dubuque, and
Davenport and Des Moines and Council Bluffs and Sioux City, and Keokuk and
Muscatine and Iowa City and Ottumwa, and other thriving cities and towns, and
calls them, as the Roman mother called her children, her jewels.
Burlington has reason for pride for the cordial manner in
which every portion of the state co-operated in her plans for the generous
recognition of the propriety of the hospitality she tendered. The people of no
city could have been more cordial and sincere in their effort to entertain than
those of the Orchard city, and no host could entertain a more delightful party
of guests. The arrangements for the reception and attention to the wants and
convenience of strangers in the city, the display of decorations, private and
public, and the unanimity with which the various bodies turned out in parade
were as complete as it is possible for such things to be and when it is borne in
mind that only thirty days have been occupied in preparation the praise due to
those having the movement in hand cannot be too lavish. From the venerable
president of the day, General Dodge, to the efficient little orderly, Willie
Potter, every member of every committee worked with an ardor and devotion that
has reflected credit upon the city of which Iowa is justly proud.
The immense crowds exceeded the most sanguine expectations.
The city was crowded Thursday night, and when a packet arrived at midnight from
Muscatine loaded with passengers to the waters edge, there were apprehensions
that all could not find shelter, but the morning trains and steamers, the
farmer's wagons along the country roads brought in the people in the morning so
suddenly that before breakfast the streets were alive with a countless throng
which seemed to appear by magic.
The crowd, as a Hawkeye crowd always is, was determined to be
good natured, and were all so glad all day that none of the inconveniences
inseparable from such an occasion moved them except to witty, repartee and good
humored laughter, and the day, as lovely a day as ever, was bestowed by a kind
Providence upon an out-door jubilee, passed away without an accident of
unpleasant feature, and old and new friends said the unavoidable good-bye with
the repeated assurances of meeting again in the same place at the end of another
fifty years.
A GORGEOUS DISPLAY.
There was a most varied display of decorations. Thousands of
yards of bunting and bright flags fluttered in the breeze from every building in
the business portion of the city and many private residences on the hills. The
street cars, carriages and vehicles sported the stars and stripes. The
decorations were artistically arranged, though many of them were put up hastily.
From all the public buildings, banks, insurances and newspaper offices, fire
stations and stores, floated the national flag, producing an effect that is
indescribable. The city was a veritable bower of beauty, so handsome and
striking were the decorations. The business men and merchants appeared to vie
with each other in the extent and elaborateness of their displays, making a
harmonious whole. the myriads of flags fluttering in the breeze together with
the graceful folds of bunting afforded an exhibition worthy of the grand
occasion which commemorated the fiftieth anniversary of the birthday of Iowa,
the greatest state in the Union. Main and Jefferson streets were gorgeous in
their holiday attire. Pedestrians surged along beneath a canopy of bunting,
mottoes and streamers. From the windows floated streamers of red, white and
blue, while many appropriate and beautiful devices were exhibited. The tout
ensemble was striking and pleasing, and never have the decorations upon any
occasion been so lavish and profuse.
GRIMES' OPERA HOUSE
was decorated in a very original manner and three mottoes were hung in front
worthy of particular note. One represented a country road with an old team
drawing a covered wagon, and above the famous words of Horace Greeley, "Go
west, young man." At one side hung the picture of an engine, "Big
injun,!! and the date. At the other a very natural looking savage. At least his
head hung there or a picture of it. On the reverse was pictured a palace. The
idea was beautiful and well carried out.
The Fourth and Jefferson street monument showed the
expenditure of a great deal of care and labor. In the center of the street a
very large arch was erected. Surmounting this is a monument with the inscription
"Bunker Hill," and date 1776. The monument is entirely surrounded with
evergreens and flags draped across and around with fine effect. High over the
arch, monument and all, was an enormous sign, five feet wide, and twenty-one
long. This read, "Elliott's Business College."
Ewing's drug store was very elaborately decorated and
attracted much attention.
At Third and Jefferson streets was a very elaborate affair.
In the center was a large start containing the word "Iowa." At either
side is a vacant space with the dates 1833-1883; above in the center is a
medallion which read, "Fifty years half a century." At each side are
banners which read: "How time flies!" and the other side answers:
"Well, I should say so!" The star and dates are pierced and were
illuminated with gas last night. It was a handsome display at any time, but
especially in the evening.
The boat house is at all times an object of attraction, and
with the floating flags, happy faces at the windows was something to be proud of
yesterday.
The union depot being decorated exclusively with flags, will
not admit of much description, but the general effect was very fine. In front
were several designs very suitable to the occasion. A banner was hung between
two triangles. The left triangle contained two clasped hands, with the name,
"Flint Hills," above and "1833" below the hands. At the
right, above and below the hands, we read "Burlington, 1883." Between,
on the banner were the word, "We Greet You."
In front of the Union Hotel was a representation of Keys, and
the words, "The Liberty of our City. Take Possession."
At Fourth and Washington were three designs. One informs us
that "S.S. White was the Founder of Burlington." The one
to the left contains the words "Wm. R. Ross, First Postmaster," and
the other, "J.B. Gray Proposed the Name." This was exceedingly
appropriate and very well executed.
The postoffice was chiefly noticeable for a beautiful gold
and blue banner. The wind twisted it so constantly as to render it impossible to
see the designs upon it.
The police station looked so cool and pleasant, with its
waving flags, that we were tempted to step into the steam bakery and steal a
barrel or something for the sake of being entertained there during the day.
George Boeck's meat market was a perfect bower with its
festoon and wreaths of evergreen.
One enterprising man had a "Merry go round,"
consisting of a hoop skirt suspended by a string. Flags were inserted between
the hoops and as the wind swayed to and fro, the sight caused everything in the
neighborhood to look faded.
Mrs. Hungerford's millinery store was well worth a second
look. It was draped with bunting, and the windows, as usual, were full of
beautiful objects. In the center, suspended beneath an arch, is an immense poke
bonnet. Judging from the size and from the trimming of natural colors, we
suppose this bonnet to be one recently ordered by the goddess of liberty or some
lady who has recently inherited a fortune.
Bell, Smith & Segner's wholesale grocery establishment
was elaborately decorated. There was surely a profusion of flags and evergreens.
The place could hardly be recognized. Across from here the Ray, Filley &
Co.'s shops were noticeable. Besides the usual bunting, flags, etc., there were
two perfect evergreen trees at one of the doors. The effect was splendid. At
Main and Jefferson was an enormous horseshoe encircled by the words "Good
luck to all."
Wyman & Rand had very little outside decoration, but a
glance in their beautiful windows was sufficient to take the attention away from
the most elaborate display of flags and flowers.
L.E. Waterman & Co. exhibited a beautifully constructed
star, containing the announcement of a golden wedding. The decorations of this
house were profuse and lavish.
Coming down from the hills the first glimpse was the large
flag on the top of THE HAWKEYE building and four flags on the tower of the
Congregational church. Many private houses were tastefully decorated but space
forbids particularizing.
McKell's china store was really one of the most beautifully
decorated buildings in the city.
The Gazette's display deserves especial mention. The front of
the building was adorned with flags, evergreens, and a tablet containing one
side, "Gazette, the oldest paper in Burlington," and on the other,
"First train west, July, 1856." Another tablet in the street contained
the name "Gazette" in neat, elegant-looking letters.
The corner of Main and Valley was artistically decorated with
snakes wound around a man's neck and arranged in a knot for a necktie. Most of
the other streets were noticeable for the amount of pretty girls and peanuts.
On the corner of Front and Jefferson were three mottoes- two
representing Burlington in 1833 and 1883. Anther read, "Glad to see you.
SHAKE!"
The following is a list of the business houses decorated not
mentioned in the above: Uncle John's saloon, Swygard's restaurant, Henry Weis,
Ney's sample room, B.R.C. and N. ticket office, W. Penrose, N.J. Burt, August
Kriechbaum, Delahaye, Purdy &Co., Elliott & Co., American Express
company, E.M. Eisfield, Trau & Klein, Bruner & Altoff, James A. Guest,
T.W. Barhydt, T.N. Naudain, A.A. Perkins, The Hair Store.
Temple of Music, J.C. Arden, Price & Henry, H. Shier,
Chas. Buettner, Hawk Eye tin shop, Smither's bakery, J. Schlitz, Wehmeier &
Bro., H.S. Ball, Valley street house, A.G. Adams, Mrs. Luy, Pilger Bros., John
Blaul and Sons, Liebstaedter & Levi, Home Life association, Gorham house,
Swan & Ewing, L.H. Dalhoff, National State bank and Commercial bank, Schram
& Schmieg, C.P. Squires, J. Lehman, H.H. Scott, Empire clothing store,
Wright Bros., Aetna Insurance company, Taylor Bros., Jos. Stoehle, Herman's
boots and shoes, Mauro & Wilson, W.S. Linder, P.R. Wright, G.H. Waldin, P.A.
Andre, Carpenter's jewelry store, Raab & Bro., M.W. Phillips, M.L. Connor,
and all the bands, Charles Waldin, C.B. Parsons, Frank Kepper, H. Ranke, Kaut
& Kriechbaum, Wyman & Rand, Julius Schaffer, C.F. Boesche, Raundorff
& Benzer, Rice & Pollock, L.H. Drake, C.F. Schmidt, Bicklen, Winzer
& Co., Bramberger's shoe manufactory, Price's drug store, P.E. Unterkircher,
Board of Trade, Western Union telegraph office.
THE HAWKEYE building was modestly decked with flags and
bunting. Upon the cornice a large sign was displayed bearing the original name
of the paper. "THE IOWA PATRIOT." Under the fourth floor windows was
another large sign 1840- Hawkeye and Patriot 1843. Beneath the windows of the
third floor "1856- HAWKEYE AND TELEGRAPH 1857," while the usual
business sign of the paper under the second floor windows revealed the simple
legend, "THE HAWKEYE," being the name of the paper during the
remaining periods of its career.
GEN. A.C. DODGE'S ADDRESS.
Ladies and Gentlemen:- Never was a more pleasing duty imposed
upon any one than that assigned me of bidding you a cordial welcome to this
city. Your presence in our midst upon this occasion is a source of deep and
heartfelt gratification to every citizen of Burlington and we fondly hope it
will be to all our visitors.
They day we celebrate is big with the fate of our state.
Deserving forever to be honored is that first day in June 1833, for it decreed
that millions of freemen were destined to find within her borders happy homes:
"That spot of earth's supremely bless
A dearer, nearer place than all the rest."
Born of the religious zeal of Marquette and Joliet who in a
frail bark canoe faced danger, starvation and death and thus acquired Iowa for
France? her title being that of discovery. It was subsequently passed to Spain
and again grasped by the iron will of Napoleon. The daring and ambitious first
consul had 25,000 French soldiers concentrated in the ports of Holland under the
command of Marshal Victor, to take possession of Louisiana. But in the
providence of God and by a feat of diplomacy unparallelled in great results the
author of our declaration of independence circumvented the Frenchman. Jefferson
found the Mississippi (April 30, 1803) our western boundary and made it the
center of the republic. He reunited the two halves of this great valley and thus
laid the foundation for the largest empire of freeman that time on earth ever
has behold.
The historian Mars Bois relates that after the conclusion of
the treaty (1808) Napoleon remarked: "This accession of territory
strengthens forever the power of the United States. I have this day raised up
against England a maritime rival that will sooner or later humble her
pride." April 1832 in contrevention of solemn treaties the "British
Band" led by Black Hawk and constituting a large portion of the confederate
tribes of Sac and Foxes crossed the Mississippi, invaded Illinois and commenced
war upon her citizens, sparing neither age, sex nor condition. For many months
they successfully resisted in battle or eluded by retreat the troops sent
against them. But on the second day of August 1832, at Bad Axe, in Wisconsin,
they were finally beaten and their leader soon after captured in attempting
flight to Canada.
The treaty by which the country became ours was negotiated at
Rock Island September 2, 1833, and ratified February 13, 1833. But by an order
of government the rich lands, salubrious climes, Iowa sites, water power and
valuable lead mines remained forbidden fruit until this day fifty years ago. The
regular soldiers who for many long months had driven back our pioneers, pulled
down and burned their cabins, were withdrawn and the first permanent settlements
commenced in Iowa. Here in 1834 with an old rickety compass and rope used as a
surveyor's chain, Dr. Wm. R. Ross, (now present) for the proprietors McCarver,
Dolittle & White surveyed the original town of Burlington, laying it into
streets and lots and congress subsequently sanctioned the doctor's survey. It
was named by John B. Gray, Esq., a native of the "Green Mountain
State" for Burlington in Vermont. For nearly two years the pioneers having
been without any law or much gospel, on the 28th of June 1834 congress attached
the Black Hawk purchase to Michigan. The 6th day of September in the same year
the territorial legislature sitting at Detroit, established the counties of Des
Moines and Dubuque, dividing them by a line running west from the southern
extreme of Rock Island to the Missouri river. "The village of Dubuque is
named in the law as the seat of justice for that county, but Burlington was not
thus honored except by her original cognomen "Flint Hills." Our
gratitude is due to our own three country judges Wm. Morgan, Young L. Hughes,
and Henry Walker, for having located the seat of justice at Burlington. To
effect an organization ab initio the clerk of the court (Dr Ross) administered
the court of office to the chief justice of the court (Wm Morgan) who after
himself having been sworn in, proceeded to administer the oath of office to the
clerk (Ross) and to his two associates of the county court according to law.
Then it will be seen that the venerable gentleman now present (Dr. Ross) was the
first person who ever administered an oath in this county.
April 1835 Dr. Ross informs me the first court in southern
Iowa was held in his log cabin on the bluff east of this park. The judges have
been named. The resident lawyers were W.W. Chapman, Robert Williams, Isaac
Leffler, and Joseph B. Zeas.
...to be continued...
[C.J.L. JULY 2004]
Hawk Eye
Burlington, Des Moines co. Iowa
June 7, 1883
Masonic - Meeting of the Iowa Grand Lodge
Cedar Rapids, June 5 -- The Iowa Grand Lodge of Masons convened inthe grand
opera house this morning. The following grand officers were present:
George B. VanSaun, grandmaster, presiding; Charles I. Granger, grand senior
warden; John D. Gamble, junior grand warden; Phillip Schaller, G.T.;
Theodore S. Parvin, grand secretary; Rev. E.K. Young, grand chaplain; Father
Theodore Schremer, grand tyler. Over four hundred representatives and
permanent members are in attendence. Hon. John T. Stoneman delivered the
address of welcome to the city, to which the grand master responded. The
grand masters address, which was able and exhaustive, was read during
morning session and referred to a committee. Various working committees
were appointed. The session will continue for three days.
In Persuit of the Barber Outlaws
Waverly, June 5 -- The notorious Barber brothers, outlawed by reason of
their murder of Deputy Sheriff Sheppard, of Fayette county, Iowa, last
September, and for other crimes, and for whose capture $5,000 reward is
offered in Illinois and $1,000 in this state, were discovered near Sumner on
Monday afternoon. Deputy Sheriff A.H. Jarvis and a posse attempted their
capture and Jarvis was wounded in the shoulder by one of the outlaws. An
armed body of two hundred men is now scouring the woods in the vicinity for
them, and their capture appears assured.
Sumner, June 5 -- A report reached Sumner at three o'clock on Sunday that
the Barber brothers were seen in a school house three miles north of Sumner.
A.H. Jarvis, deputy sheriff of Bremer county, with six men started after
them. When near the school house the party separated and the Barber boys
were soon seen by some of the party and fired at. They ran south and were
met by Jarvis, when the boys commenced firing and hit Jarvis in the shoulder
and the Barbers escaped. Sheriff Fair, of West Union, was here on Monday
with one hundred men, and they are trying to capture them. This morning
the
Barbers were at a house a mile south of Tripoli, and parties have gone there
after them. The sheriff of Black Hawk county has started out from Waterloo
and is coming north. The chances for their capture are poor, as the leaves
are out. The Barbers left their coats and boots on Sunday evening in the
woods near Sumner. Jarvis is not dangerously wounded. All the
citizens of
Sumner were out on Sunday night and Monday hunting the Barber boys, and they
are without coats or boots and have large white wool hats.
Chicago, June 5 -- The Inter-Ocean's Cedar Rapids, Iowa, special says: "At
last accounts the Barber brothers had not been captured. They were
supposed
to be in Wilson's grove, where their coats, boots and cartridge belts were
found. Four hundred men scoured the woods, but could not find them.
A
large body of armed men is still in pursuit. It is believed they have gone
into the timber along the Volga or Wapsie rivers. Every known avenue of
escape therefrom is guarded.
Captured.
Waverly, Iowa, June 5 -- The Barber boys were captured this evening about
eight o'clock while eating their supper in a house about six miles south of
Tripoli, Iowa, after a very desperate fight, in which the Barber boys were
severely wounded. Four men were shot, two mortally.