COLUMBUS CITY.

pg 325

What seems to be the plat of the original town of Columbus City is certified to by John Gilliland, county surveyor, but is not dated. It was laid out by David Mortimore as proprietor. The streets from north to south were named as follows: Utah, Mulberry, Church, Philadelphia, Market, Main, Jefferson, Washington and Spring. Beginning on the east side, the north and south streets were named as follows: Water, Pearl, Chestnut, Columbus, Iowa, Burlington and Hamilton. Market street was 150 feet wide, Main, Philadelphia, Columbus, Iowa, Burlington, Chestnut and Pearl streets were 100 feet wide, and the others 75 feet wide. Most of the lots were 50x150 feet. The streets bore north twenty-nine degrees east, by north sixty-one degrees west. The plat does not state on what ground the town was laid out but on the back of it is a certified acknowledgment, dated June 18, 1840, made by John Gilliland, justice of the peace, which he certifies that on that day David Mortimore acknowledged the instrument to be the original plat and plan of Columbus City.

Rice and Mortimore advertised a sale of lots in Columbus City to be held on Thursday, July 16, 1840. The notice of the sale which they had printed and circulated at the time is an interesting and valuable historical item and we are under obligations to Colonel J. W. Garner for one of the original copies. It is as follows:

Columbus City Valuable Town Lots at Public Sale.

There will be several hundred in-lots offered at Public Auction, commencing on Thursday, the 16th July, 1840, on the premises.

This town is beautifully situated one and a half miles south of the forks of the Iowa and Cedar rivers, in Louisa County, Territory of Iowa, about half way from Iowa City to Burlington, immediately on the main Territorial roads, one running from Iowa City to Burlington, crossing the river at Sturges' Ferry, and the other running from Wapello to Iowa City, crossing the river at the Forks; there are also several other roads crossing through this place.

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The location is upon a beautiful elevation where the timber and prairie intersect, it is also surrounded by a large body of choice farming land not surpassed by any other portion of the territory, and this portion of country is settling thick and fast.

As regards health, Columbus City has the advantage of choice spring and well water and fine rolling prairies, varying from one to three miles in width, passing on the south and extending many miles up the river, and is bounded on the north by a large body of choice timber.

There are several buildings now in progress, and there will be one or more mills in operation by next fall.

Steam Boats have been and can run up to this point, which, with other advantages will doubtless make this one of the most flourishing and interesting towns in the Territory.

Emigrants and others who wish to make investments of money in good town property are respectfully requested to attend this sale, as a view of the place, together with a knowledge of the Territory, will doubtless convince all that this is an important point.

Terms of sale—one fourth of the purchase money in hand, the balance in two equal payments, six and twelve months.
               Levi Rice,
               David Mortimore.
               Proprietors.
June 15th 1840

The above plat was probably located chiefly in the northwest quarter of section 31, township 75 north, range 4 west, and possibly extended over north into the southwest quarter of section 30. David Mortimore and Levi Rice were interested together in what is known as the old town of Columbus City, and the records of original entries show that Levi Rice entered the west half of section 31 and the southwest quarter of section 30. The angle of the bearing of the streets also points to the same conclusion, because it seems that the old road from Wapello to the ferry across the Iowa river had about the same bearing and direction as the north and south streets in this plat would have. It would also appear by the advertisement for the sale of lots in Columbus City as made and published by Edward F. Willson and others in 1841 that the town as laid out by Edward F. Willson was not in the same location as the one laid out by Mortimore and Rice.

Edward F. Willson's plat of Columbus City, laid out March 23, 1841. The streets shown on this plat running east and west were as follows, beginning at the north: Mulberry, Church, Philadelphia, Market, Main, Jefferson, Washington and Pring, and the north and south streets beginning at the east were Water, Pearl, Chestnut, Columbus, Iowa and Arlington. Most of the lots were 50x150 feet and all streets were 75 feet wide except Main and Market streets, which were 100 feet in width. The plat does not state upon what particular ground it is located but we know it was located in the northeast quarter of section 36, township 75 north, range 5 west, being just a little west of the town as laid out by Mortimore and Rice. The land was entered by David Dix and conveyed to Edward F. Willson, who at that time lived in Burlington.

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Immediately after the laying out of Willson's addition, as it was then called, but Columbus City, as it is now called, Mr. Willson seems to have conveyed a large number of lots to the half dozen other men whose names are signed to the following notice, which seems to have been published in the Burlington Patriot not long after its date.

“Emigrants To Iowa!

"The subscribers having located the plat of Columbus City upon a more elevated and advantageous site than heretofore, are now prepared to dispose of lots upon the most favorable terms. Viewing it as a matter of the highest importance that the youth of our Territory should enjoy the privilege of a thorough academic and collegiate education, arrangements are now in progress for the erection of a suitable building to be put up immediately for the reception of pupils of both sexes the present season. . . . Columbus City is situated in Louisa County, at the confluence of the Iowa and Cedar Rivers, on a beautiful rolling and healthy prairie, abounding with as fine springs of running water as are to be found in any of the Eastern States. ... As six or eight of the most public thoroughfares in the Territory centre at this point, it will consequently be the great deposits for pork, and produce generally, in this part of the Territory. . . .
               Edward F. Willson,
               J. M. Robertson,
               William Reynolds,
               C. M. McDaniel,
               William L. Toole,
               Samuel Hutchison,
                       Proprietors.
March 25, 1841”

Rice and Mortimore had a great many lawsuits beginning about the time they laid out the old town of Columbus City. The result seems to have been that David Mortimore acquired the interest of Rice in the town plat. Mr. Mortimore was anxious to give his new town a good start by providing for a seminary of learning, and this resulted in a very interesting and curious incident of more than local importance. On December 1, 1840, William L. Toole, who was then a member of the territorial legislature from this county, introduced House File No. 41, entitled "A bill to establish a seminary of learning at Columbus City in Louisa county." On December 2d this bill was read a second time and on motion of David Hendershot, of Des Moines county, it was made the order of the day for Friday, December 4th. On December 4th, on motion of Mr. Toole the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole house for the purpose of considering this bill. After some time spent in consideration of the bill, Mr. Teeple. chairman of the committee of the whole, reported that the committee had directed him to report the bill back to the house with certain amendments, which were then agreed to by the house. The journal of the house does not state what these amendments were but we may presume from the record which follows that these amendments were to strike out the lottery plan of selling certain lots to raise money for the erection of a seminary of learning and insert instead a provision ...

pg 328

... to sell the lots by a public or private sale. After these amendments were agreed to it seems that Mr. Toole and the friends of the bill were not satisfied and the bill was referred to the committee on incorporations. This committee consisted of David Hendershot, of Des Moines county, James Brierly, of Lee county, and Timothy Mason, of Dubuque county.

The committee soon after reported the bill without change and it was laid on the table. Mr. Hendershot from the minority of the committee made a report and submitted with this report a new bill, House File, No. 86. We may gather what the new bill contained from the report of Mr. Hendershot, from which we make the following extracts: "The objects of the bill are expressed in its title and the seminary proposed to be established is intended for the education of youth of both sexes. The bill provides for a donation of forty lots of ground in Columbus City, being a donation by Mr. David Mortimore, by the sale of which, as provided in said bill, a fund is expected to be raised sufficient to put the seminary into immediate operation. To accomplish these objects, an act of incorporation is asked for and in order to render this donation of town lots immediately available and also to enhance the fund derived from their sale, the bill asks the privilege to dispose of these lots by lottery. Objections to this clause of the bill led to its reference to your committee and to this subject the attention of the committee has been mostly directed."

The report then proceeds at some length to discuss the subject of iotteries, severely condemning the ordinary lottery schemes and the way in which they are usually carried out, and deprecating their tendency to produce undue excitement and to promote a spirit of gambling, etc., and then says "but the lottery asked for in this bill is of a very different character. . . . Its capital is a limited number of town lots of a value that every one understands. There cannot be any fraudulent scheme proposed, for there is no bonus to cover, no profits to be made but what grows out of the sale of the lots, and all this is for the benefit of the community who are deeply interested in promoting the means of education . . . and the drawing of such a lottery for such a purpose your committee cannot suppose will ever be likely to ripen into an injurious custom or to introduce any gambling habits into the community. Besides, your committee are of the opinion that if this privilege is not granted in this bill the only mode by which the trustees can dispose of these lots, the only capital on which they depend for establishing the institution must be a private sale, or a sale at auction to the highest bidder. The process of the first will be so slow as to prevent the seminary from going into operation for years to come, like most others that have been chartered in this territory—and the last would sacrifice the property and defeat the beneficent design of the donor."

The report estimated that, sold in either of these ways, the lots would bring from two to three thousand dollars, but disposed of by lottery they would bring from ten to twelve thousand dollars. The minority therefore recommended the passage of the bill with the privilege of disposing of the lots by lottery.

Final action on this matter was taken on December 21st, at which time the house then again went into a committee of the whole on the new bill of House File 86. The committee of the whole recommended an amendment and Mr. Summers, of Scott county, moved to strike out the words "lottery or otherwise" and insert "public or private sale." This motion was carried by a vote of fifteen to …

Photos of Scenes in Columbus City: U.P. Church, Christian Church, Main Street, Public School & M. E. Church.

pg 329

... nine, as follows: Yeas: Avery, Box, Brierly, Isett, Lash, Lewis, Mason, Miller, Porter, Steel, Summers, Van Antwerp, Whitaker, Wilson of Henry county, and Wilson, of Jefferson county. Nays were Browning, Felkner, Hendershot Leffler, Robertson, Teeple, Toole, Walworth and Speaker Cox.

This action of the house killed the lottery plan and we may infer that the promoters felt that no other plan would be of any immediate benefit, for on motion of Mr. Hendershot, the enacting clause of the bill was stricken out.

There seems, however, to have been a Columbus City seminary organized in the year 1841, for we find that Edward F. Willson deeded outlot No. 4 to the trustees of the Columbus City Seminary. This deed was dated October 22, 1841, and is recorded in Book B, Page 216.

No seminary building was ever constructed on outlot No. 4 and nothing seems to have been done with it until in January, 1847, when the state legislature passed an act authorizing Wesley W. Garner, James M. Robertson and William L. Toole to sell outlot No. 4 in Columbus City and to execute a conveyance therefor. The act provided that the proceeds should first be applied to the payment on the date accorded by the trustees of the Columbus City Seminary and that if any money should remain after the payment it should be invested in books for the use of some public library in Columbus City. It is understood that the principal part of the proceeds went to pay a debt due Dr. James M. Robertson from the Columbus City Seminary.

The earliest merchant mentioned in any Columbus City history is Italian Myler. who started a store there in 1842. His store sign was "I. Myler, Picayune Grocery." Mr. Myler was a well digger and worked out at his trade much of the time, keeping his, store open on Saturdays and other days when there was likely to be a crowd in town. Myler was a noted character in Columbus City, and he often broke into county history by getting his name on the court docket. He continued in business until his death, in 1885, and at one time had quite a large business.

But according to the county records there were store keepers in Columbus City much earlier than 1842. Some were in the old town. We find that on August 15, 1840, a license to sell merchandise was granted to Gildea & McGannon, and their place of business was given as Columbus City. And on December II. 1840, a similar license was granted to G. B. Alexander & Company located at Columbus City. Charles Wightman, afterward a prominent citizen of Burlington, and at one time County Judge of Des Moines County, was either a clerk or a partner in the store of Alexander & Company. These two stores were in the old town, of course, as the other was not laid out until 1841. It is likely that the first real store, or at least among the first, at Columbus City, was kept by Philip Gore. Mr. Gore deserves honorable mention as one of the pioneers in the founding of Columbus City. He was postmaster from 1845 to 1849 and was justice of the peace for a number of years and also School Fund Commissioner. He was a man of good character and of much more than ordinary education. He was not, however, as is generally supposed, the first postmaster at Columbus City.

Following is a list of the postmasters at Columbus City, with the date of their appointment, as given by the post office department up to 1864: Tobias Hammer, appointed March 3, 1843; Uriah Limbocker, June 14, 1844; Philip Gore, June ...

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... 14, 1845; John Gardner, February 19, 1849; J. A. Luckett, April 23, 1849; Benjamin G. Neal, June 10, 1854; William M. Clark, June 19, 1851; John Gardner, April 17, 1852; William A. Colton, June 24, 1854; William G. Allen, September 8, 1857; William O. Kulp, June 9, 1859; William G. Allen, July 1, 1859; Elisha T. Williamson, May 4, 1861, James Goble, February 9, 1866. There was a time after the appointment of J. A. Luckett when Colonel W. W. Garner was in charge of the post office, but his name does not appear in the list furnished from the post office department. There is a tradition that William H. R. Thomas was postmaster at Columbus City at a very early day, supposed to have been prior to 1843, but it may well be doubted whether this tradition has any foundation.

A little later there were some first-class stores in Columbus City and for many years it was one of the leading trading points in the county, its trade extending into Muscatine, Johnson, Washington and Henry counties.

One of the leading firms for some years was Fitch & Luckett and N. G. Fitch & Company, and another was Harrison & Barrett. The first drug store was opened by the firm of Clark & Colton, both being doctors.

The first physicians to locate in Columbus City were Dr. J. M. Robertson, Dr. E. H. Skillman, Dr. John Bell, Dr. John Cleaves, Dr. William M. Clark, Dr. B. G. Neal, Dr. William A. Colton, and Dr. W. S. Robertson and they came in about the order named here.

The early tavern keepers were Dr. Skillman, Philip Gore and John Gardner.

The first hardware store was established by Colonel W. W. Garner in the year 1850 or 1851. This was the first store of its kind in either Louisa or Washington counties and commanded a very large trade.

We have a number of shipping bills connected with the business of Colonel Garner, which throw some light on the means of transportation in those days, the freight charged, etc. The first is dated April 22, 1851, and is as follows:

“Mr. W. W. Garner, to Steamer Black Hawk, Dr.
To Freight on 8732 lb. Iron at 40c pr. 100	$34.93
To Freight on Lot from Burlington	$1.00
	$35.93
April 22d, 1851.
Rec'd Pay't, W. M. Zalzell, Clerk."

The above does not state where the 8732 pounds of iron came from but we are informed it came from St. Louis.

Another shipping bill is dated April 17, 1852, from John Phillips & Company of St. Louis, by the steamboat called the Black Hawk, of some iron and steel at forty cents per hundred pounds, to be delivered near Columbus City.

Another shipping bill is from the same firm, October 19, 1852, by the steamboat Milton—a shipment of hardware to be delivered at Port Louisa, consigned to Lockwood & Williamson at the rate of fifty cents a hundred.

Another bill is for goods shipped by Colonel W. W. Garner from Todd's Landing, June 6, 1853, by the steamboat Daniel Hillman, for Brown, Phillips & Company, of St. Louis. The shipment was for thirty-six sacks of flaxseed at the rate of fourteen cents per bushel.

pg 331

The project of building a bridge across the Iowa river at or near the forks of the Cedar and Iowa was broached as early as 1850 by the people of Columbus City who were greatly interested in it. The first meeting toward this end of which we have any knowledge was held March 27, 1850. At least we may presume it was so held, because of the following notice:

”Bridge Meeting.

"It is in contemplation to build a Bridge across the Iowa river, at or near the forks of Cedar and Iowa. In this project the whole State has an interest; but those more immediately interested, on the west side of the river, are persons residing between English river and Virginia Grove, and as far west as Keokuk and Mahaska counties. A general meeting will be held at Columbus City, on Wednesday, 27th of March inst, at noon of the day, to talk about it and see how much money can be raised. Let everybody come.
               "Columbus City, March 11, 1850."

The above notice is copied from one of the original bills printed and circulated at the time.

Another project that interested the people of Columbus City in those days was the proposed extension of the plank road leading north from Burlington, and it would seem from the following notice, which is copied from one of the original bills, that a meeting was held for this purpose at Columbus City on March 12, 1852:

”Plankroad Meeting!

"THERE will be a Plankroad meeting at the School House, in Columbus City, on Friday, the 12th day of March next, the object of which will be to make our arrangements for the extension of the Burlington and Louisa County Plankroad to Columbus City. All that feel an interest in such an enterprise are requested to attend.
               Philip Gore,
               Alfred Limbarker,
               W. W. Garner,
               Committee of Correspondence.
               "Columbus City, Feb. 27th, 1852."

The name Limbarker is a misprint; it should be Limbocker.

The plank road from Burlington north was built by the Burlington & Virginia Grove Plank Road Company, incorporated in 1851. We are not able to state just how far north from Burlington the road was actually built but it was at least as far as Dodgeville. The first officers of this company were: President, Hiram Leonard, Yellow Springs; treasurer, John G. Foote, Burlington; directors, William M. Graham, Honey Creek, Luke Palmer, Burlington, S. Fullenwider, Yellow Springs, Abner Leonard, Flint River and T. B. Crocker, Burlington, secretary. The capital stock of the company was fixed by the article at $60,000 in shares of $50 each, and it was authorized to do business as soon as $5,000 of the stock was taken.

We have before us a few copies of the Columbus City Courier edited by B. ...

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... G. Neal, M. D. Number one of Volume I is dated April 8, 1856. This is said to be the first newspaper ever published in Columbus City. The writer is of the opinion that there was a paper published in Columbus City in 1855 and it may be that before this goes to press this fact can be definitely determined. The prospectus of the paper is dated April 3, 1856, and is signed by J. L. Grubb, W. M. Clark and B. G. Neal, styling themselves "committee of publication." Many interesting items in regard to the Columbus City of that day and its hopes and prospects are to be found in this first issue. The first article in the editorial part of the paper is entitled "Salutation," and we make the following extracts from it:

"In order to keep pace with our flourishing village and surrounding country, a company of gentlemen in this town formed themselves into an organized body for the purpose of procuring the material necessary for publishing a respectable paper in this place—which object being accomplished, with pride we lay before you today the first number. . . . Railroads are approaching us from all important directions, and commercially our village will soon be connected with the great center of circulation—so that there is no more danger that Columbus City will become isolated and fall into decay. The gassing for a fine seminary has all been completed and the more substantial part put in a fair way of accomplishing the work. Our prairies are fast filling up with intelligent and enterprising men who think more of good houses and large fields than of their dogs and guns. So the idea of having a Newspaper in Columbus City cannot be considered premature, but at the same time it is hoped that all good citizens will come up promptly to the support of their own paper. . . ."

This editorial is followed by another which is so full of interesting information in regard to the town and its prospects at that time that we copy substantially the entire article. It is as follows:

"Columbus City is situated on an elevated tract of land about midway between the Iowa River and Long Creek. It forms the center of an area of country which for beauty of landscape scenery, fertility of soil and healthfulness of situation, is rarely equaled. It is on the main travelled road leading from Muscatine west through the counties of Washington, Keokuk, Mahaska, Marion and so on to Council Bluffs. It is some twenty miles from Muscatine and about the same distance from Washington. It is also on the main road from Burlington to Iowa City, and nearly equi-distant from each of those cities. It is convenient to large bodies of timber and to quarries of rock. Beds of coal have been found in the neighborhood. Dating the period of its growth about two years back, it contains now a population of near 500 inhabitants, and is rapidly growing. Besides being the central point of important roads from nearly every point of the compass, we possess the advantage of being on the line of the Keokuk, Mt. Pleasant and Muscatine railroad—one of the most important roads we think in the western country. In June of last year a company was organized at Mt. Pleasant with a capital stock of two million dollars for the construction of this road. With less expenditure of noise and gas than any other company we know of, it has, we venture to say, made as much substantial progress as any other. Its able and efficient president, Col. Dewey, in a communication to the public, under date of October 31, 1855. speaking of the formation of the company and the prospects of the road says:

pg 333

"'This road extends from the City of Keokuk, by way of Mt. Pleasant and Columbus City, to Muscatine, and thence connects by means of the Junction, and Davenport and Iowa City road, with the railroad bridge across the Mississippi river, at Rock Island. With these connections it traverses the counties of Lee, Henry, Louisa, Muscatine and Scott, five of the most productive and wealthy counties in the State of Iowa. It crosses and connects, directly and indirectly, with six railroads located across the State from East to West, and is intended to connect the permanently navigable waters of the Mississippi below the Des Moines rapids, with the river above the Rock Island obstructions. The construction is therefore an enterprise of great importance to the people of the entire State, and to all others who are interested in the trade, present and prospective of the upper Mississippi. It is also regarded as a link of that chain of roads which must soon connect St. Paul in Minnesota, with the Mexican Gulf.'

"From Davenport to Muscatine the road is finished and in operation. The section of the road from Muscatine to the Iowa river will be completed in October next. This will bring the road within some three miles of our town. But it stops not there. Mr. Taylor, of Wisconsin, an enterprising and experienced railroad contractor, is understood to have the contract for building the bridge over the Iowa and for grading the road on this side of the river. He is on the ground making preparations for a vigorous prosecution of the work. A preliminary survey of the road from this point to Keokuk shows the distance to be about seventy miles. The estimates of the engineer gives the cost of clearing, grubbing, grading, bridging and masonry of the entire line to be $529,363 for a first class road. Of public subscription the city of Keokuk has taken $100,000, the county of Henry and the town of Mt. Pleasant $150,000, and the county of Louisa, $50,000. Not to mention other subscriptions along the line of the road, we are informed that the private subscriptions in Keokuk, Montrose and St. Louis amount to $100,000. From Keokuk north, the work is progressing with vigor. Judge Nash, the secretary of the company, under date of February 19, 1856, writes: 'We hope to have the road ready for freight and passengers in June, as far as Montrose. The engines, cars, spikes, etc. have already been purchased. The grading and masonry can be completed in six weeks after the spring opens. The ties are being delivered and all the means are now secured to complete this division without encumbering that or any other part of the road.'

"This county we have said has authorized a subscription of $50,000 to the capital stock of this road. This is well as far as it goes, and shows the prevalence of the right spirit among our people. Our efforts must not cease here. Much more is expected of us. The company will draw upon us for a private subscription of at least $25,000."

This issue also contains the following business directory:

COLUMBUS CITY.

Hotels

Cottage House, corner of Columbus and Washington; Columbus House, corner of Columbus and Jefferson.

pg 334

Auctioneer.
W. W. Paschal, Mechanics' Row."

Physicians.

John Cleaves, West Side Market street; J. M. & W. S. Robertson, southwest corner of town; Clark & Colton, south door Union building; B. G. Neal, west side of Market street; Thomas Burns, Iowa street, north side.

Druggists.

Clark & Colton, south door Union building.

Merchants.

Harrison & Barratt, corner store Union building; Grubb & Allen, corner of Main and Columbus streets ; N. G. Fitch, east side of Market street; W. P. Miller, southeast corner of Main and Columbus street; W. D. Moore, north side of Columbus street.

Iron, Stoves & Furniture.

Garner & Reiner, corner of Columbus and Spring streets.

Groceries & Provisions.

H. V. T. Huls, west side of Market street; Geo. T. Burroughs, east side Market street; J. Q. Buffington & Co., corner of Columbus opposite Cottage House; Gamble & Wren, northeast corner Columbus and Main; I. M. Myler, Mechanics' Row.

Carpenters & House Joiners.

Warn & Kelley, corner of Columbus and Washington; John Gentzler, west side of Market street; M. M. Carson, corner of Main and Burlington streets; John Orr, west side Main street; Milton Richey, northwest corner of town.

Tailors.

P. Rasley, Mechanics' Row; J. B. Freed, Mechanics' Row.

Shoemakers.

Jacob Knott, east side Market street; Charles Johnson, Mechanics' Row.

Wagon Makers.

Darrow & Calhoun, south side Columbus street.

Blacksmiths.

Jacob Getts, south side Columbus street; Shaum & Klotz, between Main and Market; R. Stewart, west side Main street.

Auctioneer.

W. W. Paschal, Mechanics' Row; Jacob Getts, south side Columbus street; Shaum & Klotz, between Main and Market; R. Stewart, west side Main street.

Joseph Manners, whose name is not in the directory, advertises that he will commence the boot and shoe business in the south room of Esquire Denham's residence on the 15th of April.

In regard to the improvements that were in contemplation at this time, we ...

pg 335

... cannot do better than to quote the following article, also found in the same paper:

"On every hand we hear the busy notes of preparation for building, the coming season. Col. W. W. Garner will lead the way, as he has the material all on the ground for the erection of his new family residence. The seminary trustees are also collecting the material for the seminary building and there is no doubt but that the work will be put under contract in a short time and the building completed the present season. It is also in contemplation to build a new district schoolhouse, the old one being unfit for further use. We earnestly hope that the citizens will vote a liberal tax for that purpose, that such a house will be built as will be an honor to the town and meet the wants of a rapidly increasing population. The Methodist church has also raised funds to build a house of worship, thirty-five feet wide by fifty feet in length. The house will be put under contract immediately and completed the present summer. Many of our citizens are making preparations to build family residences and numerous contracts are already let, so that we think we speak within the bounds of reason when we say that Columbus City will double its population within the next twelve, months. Why not? It is admitted on all hands that the country surrounding it is far in advance of the town, and a more fertile, beautiful and well cultivated country cannot be found in Iowa, and that is as much as need be said of any country. Add to this its beautiful location, its unrivalled healthfulness and the certainty that one of the best railroads in the state will pass through it, and another near enough for all practical purposes and then say if we have overstated the bounds of probability or why Columbus City should not take rank with the best inland towns in Iowa."

Number 2 of this paper was published according to its date on May 22, 1856. Among the advertisements we notice nearly a column given to Levi J. North's National Circus, advertised as "the largest company in the world," and to exhibit at Columbus City on Friday, June 6th.

The Wapello ferry, Charles Vanloon proprietor, also has an advertisement; and there is an advertisement of a steam ferry at Keithsburg, S. H. Redmond, proprietor. There is an advertisement of. D. A. Chapman & Company of the Fredonia ferry, stating that they have a new boat.

It would seem from the following advertisement that in those good old days the cook was expected to work in the kitchen: "Wanted.—A good cook. None need apply that is too nice to work in the kitchen. I. Myler."

We also notice in t lis paper Jesse Phillips' advertisement as a cooper: E. M. Ashford's advertisement as a brick and stone mason; and T. Z. & D. M. Stark, as carpenters.

Number 4 of this paper was published June 5, 1856, and it contains the salutatory of Andrew Gamble, as editor. This salutatory is such an able and patriotic document and so characteristic of the honest and fearless old pioneers who wrote it that we copy it in full:

"Patrons of the Courier: The partiality of the Executive Committee who have charge of your paper, have selected me for its Editor. It is a new and untried field, in which I never have labored and I enter upon the discharge of my duties with the greatest reluctance. I shall not, therefore, make many pledges ...

pg 336

... or promises as to the manner in which your paper shall be conducted; but simply say that I will give it the best attention I can, consistent with my other duties. The paper, as the prospectus indicates, will be 'Independent on all subjects Neutral in Nothing;' consequently, whilst I express my own opinions of principles of measures and of men, the columns of the paper will be always open, to a reasonable extent, to every person, who may either feel aggrieved or wish to be heard on any question or subject, interesting to the readers of the paper. The local news of our town, county and state, will always be first considered and constitute a prominent feature in the Courier. In regard to politics I deem it almost unnecessary to speak. Old party lines are lost and blotted out, and the great question now is, shall freedom or slavery be dominant, in the United States. On such an issue I have no hesitancy in ranking myself on the side of Freedom. From my earliest youth up, I have been, from principle, a Democrat, and uniformly voted the Democratic ticket. Many of you have been acquainted with me for the last nine years, and you will know I shrunk from no issue, presented by the party to which I belonged, but ever esteemed it no less a duty than a pleasure, to face the music, by whomsoever played, and advocate the principles of my party, as laid down by Jefferson and carried out in practice by Madison, Monroe and Jackson. But the great principles that were the guiding stars of those good men have been lost sight of, and ambitious and incompetent men are fast hurrying us on to destruction. Already the fires of civil discord are lighted up, and the children of the Republic are imbruing their hands in each others blood, a dark cloud has gathered and burst on our western frontier, a noble town has been sacked and pillaged, and defenseless women and children are now wandering houseless and homeless, on the banks of the Kansas. The government at Washington stretches forth no restraining hand, but her soldiers are compelled to be silent spectators, whilst the mob disarms the citizen and then butchers him. Such are a few of the reasons, dear reader, why I decline to act with what is termed the Democratic party at this time. But as I have said before, I have ever been a democrat and I cling with all the tenacity of life to the old landmarks of the bygone days. But names have lost all their terrors for me, and it matters not what I may be called, I shall be ever ready to act with that party that strikes for Freedom and the right. Through the columns of the Courier, I expect to enunciate my principles to the public, for which I alone will be responsible, and which I ask no one to adopt unless they agree with their own convictions of right and duty."

We copy the following item from this same issue in regard to the seminary:

"What has become of our Seminary? We hear no more about it. Was it all fuss and feathers, or are you waiting for a 'good ready?' We wo'd like to hear from somebody who knows, for it is a subject in which we are all interested. We understand that Messrs. Springer and Burt have offered to donate ten acres of ground north of town, than which no better or more beautiful location can be found in our vicinity. Friends, you cannot have too many schools, they cannot be too good, they will in the end pay you better than Congress lands or Corner lots in town. Come up to the work manfully then, you are abundantly able to give your children a liberal education, and when you are dead and gone they will 'Rise up and call you Blessed.'"

pg 337

Following are the Columbus City market quotations for June 5, 1856:

"Flour per 100 lbs	$3.50 to $3.75
Wheat, spring per bushel	60 to 75
Wheat, winter	75 to $1.00
Corn, per bushel	18 to 20
Oats per bushel	18 to 20
Potatoes per bushel	50
Hams per lb	8 to 10
Sides per lb	7 to 9
Shoulders per lb	6 to 8
Butter per lb	12 1/2
Eggs, per dozen	6 ¼”

This issue contains the advertisement of J. L. Paschal, attorney and counselor at law, located at Columbus City.

The fifth number of this paper was published June 12th. One interesting item in it states that N. W. Burris had recently sold to Messrs. Craig & Bentley, brokers of Mt. Pleasant, five hundred lots at Burris City at an average of $70 per lot, an aggregate of $35,000. It is stated that "Messrs. Craig and Bentley intend to put up a large business house and otherwise improve their property."

This paper also has the advertisement of I. H. Griffin, house and sign painter.

Number 6, published June 19th, referring to "Our Railroad," states that the piling across the Iowa river bottom was being put in and that the contractors were getting out timber for the trestle work and that it was likely there would soon be a railroad on both sides of the Iowa river whether there was a bridge or not. It was also stated that if stone could not be obtained with which to build the piers for the bridge, timber would be substituted and the work be carried forward with energy.

We find in this paper the advertisement of George Darrow, advertising the sale of about five hundred and fifty acres of timber and prairie land with a good steam sawmill and also two houses and lots in Columbus City. The advertisement concludes: "For further particulars inquire of William Darrow at the drug store, or of the undersigned at his sawmill twelve miles north of town."

John L. Merrill advertises the finding of a six-shooter on the road between Fredonia and Muscatine and states that the owner could have it by proving property and paying charges.

The publication committee beginning with the second issue was J. L. Grubb, W. M. Clark and G. D. Harrison. We have been unable to find any copies of this paper later than No. 6 and it may be that this was the last issue printed. The press and material of the Courier was afterward moved to Burris City.

Columbus City was incorporated as a town in 1871, but steps were taken looking to that end as early as June, 1857, as W'H appear by the following petition found among the files of the county judge's office:

"To the County Court of Louisa County, Iowa:
"Your Petitioners, Citizens of the village of Columbus City in Louisa County, Iowa, desire to become incorporated as a town, including the limits of the original plat of said village with such additions as may hereafter be made to it and respect ...

pg 338

... fully ask you to submit the same to a vote of the citizens. Your petitioners would also represent that upon an enumeration of the citizens of said village there are six hundred permanent residents.
               "Columbus City, Iowa, June 2, 1857.

"Petitioners Names: W. A. Colton, Joseph L. Paschal, James S. Murphy, W. M. Clark, Jas. E. Nisbet, Wm. W. Paschal, Wm. H. Shaw, Peter Merrill, Jr., Henry Hobin, A. Gamble, Jno. Gardner, J. F. Titus, D. P. Matthews, H. L. Denham, Wesley W. Garner, W. G. Allen, M. Barratt, Jno. C. Murphy, T. Z. Stark, T. W. Widdecombe, G. D. Harrison, W. S. Robertson, John D. Dugdale, John H. Titus, John Cleaves, George T. Burroughs, John Orr, Patrick Dennis, Enos Grover, John C. Bell, T. Stronach, W. P. Hartman, John B. Freed, Jacob Hildebrand, G. A. Elsworth, Jesse Philips, M .M. Carson, John Hulick, E. W. Elsworth, Isaac N. Paschal, John R. Nelson, John Walt, John Deitrich, J. W. Nicholson, J. H. Mumper, H. Will, Wm. Arning, H. S. Denham, John C. Smith, Thos. Matthews, Thos. Anderson."

This petition was presented to the county judge on June 15, 1857, and it was ordered that the question of incorporation be submitted to the people of the village of Columbus City on Saturday, June 27, 1857, and that Joseph Paschal, John Orr and John Gardner be appointed judges and J. Fitch Titus and James E. Nesbit, clerks.

The county court record for Monday, July 6, 1857, shows that returns from this election had been received and that a majority of the votes cast were in favor of incorporation and the election was ordered to be held on Saturday, July 18. 1857, to choose three persons to prepare a charter for such village, and John Gardner, W. G. Allen and Joseph L. Paschal were made judges and J. Fitch Titus and Dr. W. M. Clark, clerks.

The returns of the election of July 18th show that Samuel Reiner, W. A. Colton and Andrew Gamble were elected to draft a charter for the incorporation of Columbus City. However, nothing further seems to have been done until 1871. at which time Andrew Gamble, I. Myler, Abram Fulton, George D. Harrison and H. P. May were appointed commissioners to call an election. The first officers elected were: Mayor, Abram Fulton; recorder, W. W. Garner; members of the council, H. P. May, G. L. Thomas, I. M. Smith, I. Myler and David Morgan. The present officers of Columbus City are as follows: C. N. Johnston, mayor; J. W. Garner, clerk; Frank Colton, treasurer; F. M. Molsberry, S. J. Lewis, J. C. Richie, F. L. Snyder, W. T. Cutkomp, councilmen.

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