Wapello News Items.

pg 357

The first newspaper printed in Louisa county was the Louisa County Times, published at Wapello, beginning November 27, 1850, by D. Sheward and J. Noffsinger. Mr. Sheward did not remain connected with the paper very long but Mr. Noffsinger continued to publish the Times for about three years, when he changed the name of the paper to the Wapello Intelligencer. The Intelligencer had so many editors and proprietors that it would be a difficult matter to keep track of them, even if we had complete files of the paper. Mr. Noffsinger seems to have sold out to A. Hodge, September 27, 1853, but on January 24, 1854, Mr. Noffsinger again resumed control. In the fall of the same year he sold it to J. S. and W. H. Milligan, who ran it until January, 1855, when W. H. and H. N. Milligan became proprietors but in March of that year another change was made, when J. E. Harroun and L. P. Wells assumed control, and the latter was editor for the greater part of 1856. Wells, Miller & Company were the proprietors in February, 1857, and Hodge & Barr in April, 1857. Up to this time the paper had been non-partisan, but on October 18, 1857, Mr. Hodge took charge and announced that thereafter it would be a strictly democratic paper.

In 1858-9 at different times it was edited or owned by J. B. Brigham; Thomas S. Bell; William Keach; Kelly, Ives & Mintun; John Jenkins & Company; Jenkins & Barr and perhaps others.

The Wapello Republican was established by J. M. Edwards in 1859, ar,d soon after this the Intelligencer went out of business, leaving the field to the Republican. The Republican had a variety of owners and editors prior to 1867, among whom were James D. Barr and S. E. Jones.

In 1867 it was purchased by L. W. Myers, who continued to publish it for a great many years. He sold to J. B. Wilson, who sold to Geo. E. E. Townsend; then C. M. Wright owned it awhile, and sold to R. G. Hawkins, the present owner. In 1870 James D. Barr established the Louisa County Record and continued to run it for several years. Julius Taylor, also edited the "Union Democrat" for a short period. L. P. Wells and Beard Brothers published the Louisa County Times, and later Hon. Clint. L. Price published the "Democrat." The Wapello Tribune, now owned by J. A. Bigger, was established by J. B. Wilson, he sold to R. L. Reiley, who sold to Mr. Bigger.

We have compiled a number of items of interest from the files of the early papers published in Wapello. This was a difficult compilation to make. It was hard to tell what to put in, and what to leave out. When the Times was first published, its office was on Front street, t'vn doors south of E. B. Isett's store. Local advertisers in the first issue were E. B. Tripp, proprietor of the Wapello drug store; E. G. Jones and Jacob Pilger, general merchandise. Mr. Pilger advertised to sell his goods for "cash, wheat or pork." From Mr. Jones' ad. it seems that he was also conducting a store at Columbus City at that time. The ...

pg 358

... lawyers having cars in this paper were J. Noffsinger, John Bird and E. H. Thomas. The doctors were H. T. Cleaver and J. Bell, Jr.

During December, 1850, we note the following advertisements: C. F. Morris, tailor; F. Mohns, saddler; John Carpenter, proprietor of the Ohio House, corner Jackson and Water streets; George Helbig, proprietor of the lone House.

The Times of December 31, 1850, says: "New and most favorable indications of coal were discovered within six miles of Wapello about a week ago."

In February, 1852, E. & W. Keach advertised the Union Hotel, being the building formerly occupied by Jacob Mintun. A. M. Taylor advertises to do wool carding in Wapello.

In May of this year appears the card of B. F. Wright, attorney at law, in which he states that he had recently come from Indianapolis. M. & J. Davison advertise their store this year.

On December 27, 1852, the Times shouts "victory" over the fact that Semple & Company's flour mill had begun to grind. It considers this the beginning of great prosperity for Wapello.

In the Times of February 24, 1852, is the entire directory of Wapello's business men advertising in its columns:

Merchants—E. B. Isett, E. Keach, M. Davison, J. Pilger.

Druggists—E. B. Tripp, E. B. Isett.

Tailors—Merkle & Mitchman, C. F. Morris.

Mechanics—M. Vanloon, carpenter; H. Hunt, J. Allison, wagon makers: Winter & Welker, H. Christy, cabinet makers; F. Mohns, D. P. Thompson, saddlers; Levi Fisher, tinner; George Graham, James Harris, J. Borchers, F. Weaver, blacksmiths; Tripp & Seely, A. Kent, shoemakers; P. G. Woodworth. Sala, plasterers; Joel Parsons, cooper.

Lawyers—J. Bird, B. F. Wright, J. Noffsinger.

Physicians—J. Bell, Jr., H. T. Cleaver, T. G. Taylor.

Hotels—Ohio House, lone House.

Bakers—A. M. Mathews.

This same issue has an article stating that during the past week a paper had been circulated for a subscription to build a Methodist church and that it was being liberally met. The Times states: "Perhaps no other town in the state with the same extent of population and amount of means, is more needy than this in point of good houses for public worship."

About this same time the name of Rev. Obed Sperry appears in the paper as a resident Baptist clergyman.

May 6, 1852, F. L. (Yankee) Robinson and his troupe gave a performance in a water proof pavilion, said to hold a thousand people and the show was pronounced a success.

The Intelligencer of May 24, 1853. has a personal item about B. F. Wright, Esq., who had just returned from an extended visit to his parents. The closing paragraph is as follows: "Speaking of his profession, reminds us that there is now pending an 'action in court,' in which he is 'chief advocate,' and we sincerely hope that he will prosecute it to a judgment ere many more 'courts.' It is a state case entitled 'The State of Matrimony vs. B. F. Wright'; the penalty, his heart...

pg 359

... and its affections; evidence on part of the state, the ladies generally; no doubt is entertained of his conviction. Sentence, for life. Don't know where the penitentiary of that state is located."

The Intelligencer of June 21, 1853, notes that the town is beginning to look up and prospects brightening; improvements about town going forward very rapidly. It is expected that the court house will be completed by fall. It is noted that the school district had recently voted $2,000 for the erection of a suitable schoolhouse, and Rev. Eastman had announced the opening of an academy on July 11th and had purchased the present (that is, the old court house) for a schoolroom and intended to add another story to it.

E. M. Dean advertises in 1853 as a stone cutter, and a local item praises the work he did for the courthouse, and states that the stone was taken from quarries at the bluff southwest of Wapello.

Dr. Andrew P. Ringer died in the summer of 1853.

In July, 1853, the Times published the business directory and in addition to the names given in the directory of 1852 we note the following:

Merchants—G. A. Jones.

Druggists—H. Howey.

Mechanics—Samuel Warn, carpenter; E. M. Dean, stone cutter; D. Morgan & Company, saddlers; H. Weber, blacksmith: Ira Tompkins, shoemaker.

Lawyers—John T. Burris.

Hotel—Louisa House.

The Intelligencer of January 31, 1854, has the following item:

"The large pens of corn on the premises of Messrs. Mark Davison and E. B. Isett, bespeak a brisk trade in that line, and are a passing comment on the productiveness of Louisa county farms. Whole trains of wagons loaded with corn are seen rolling into town nearly every day."
"The stacks of pork, too, in the establishment of the aforesaid dealers is unmistakable evidence that prices have ranged favorably, etc."

In July, 1854, the Intelligencer notes that the Congregational church, the Methodist church, the new schoolhouse and numerous private buildings are being erected. During part of this year there was a literary society, which held meetings every Friday evening at the rooms of the Wapello Academy, conducted by Rev. Eastman, and in February the following gentlemen were invited to deliver addresses before the society during the fore part of the year; Revs. Woods and Lathrop, Dr. J. Bell, Jr., Rev. Woodruff, B. F. Wright, Rev. Eastman, James Noffsinger, Rev. J. C. Tucker, E. Keach and Lewis Kinsey.

This year the law card of J. S. Hurley first appears in the paper.

There was quite a celebration on the Fourth in Wapello in 1855. We note that prayer was offered by G. W. Teas and that the Declaration of Independence was read by D. H. Reynolds, afterward a general in the Confederate army. The oration was delivered by L. P. Wells. J. H. Isett sang "The Star Spangled Banner." "This piece was performed in a manner that brought down the enthusiastic cheers of the audience upon the performer." A dozen or more toasts were given and it appears that the man who proposed a toast was usually invited to respond to it. These were Air Line railroad times and we give the toast proposed ...

pg 360

... by Dr. John Bell, Jr., and the editorial comment in regard to it: "The Pacific Railroad.—The wedding of the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. Nations stand ready to greet the bridal morn and serve the bridal feast; and when the last link is laid, and the first fire breathing offspring has tried his metal lungs at a squall, and started on his triumphal Air Line march to greet his Pacific Father, at the setting sun, his track right across Aunt Louisa's bosom, may her oldest son, young Wapello, be out, with his mother's consent, on Stilts as one of the Landmarks."

Dr. Bell, being called upon, said it was too late to talk about the Air Line. It had been necessary to do a good deal of talking and it had been done, "and the railroad was no longer a creature of air, but a living, acting reality, a fixed fact," the Doctor sat down "amid thunders of enthusiastic applause."

This year the Wapello mill was grinding between four and five hundred bushels of wheat daily.

The card of D. N. Sprague, attorney at law, first appears in April of this year.

In December, 1856, we note that W. H. Milligan was conducting the Intelligencer; also that during that month Lewis Kinsey was appointed by Governor Grimes as clerk of the supreme court to fill the vacancy occasioned by the declination of the "late incumbent."

During this year there were many items concerning the Air Line railroad, but we have treated that matter pretty fully in its proper place.

In 1857 we find advertisements of Taylor & Muldoon, druggists and of J. B. Brigham, attorney and counselor at law.

September 7, 1857, the following officers were elected in Wapello: Mayor, John Bird; recorder, Henry Hintzen; marshal, E. W. Brady; assessor, Thomas Stoddard; treasurer, John Hayes; cotmcilmen, first ward. J. H. Rollins and David McMichael; second ward, William Keach and M. P. Vanloon; third ward, J. M. Herrick, John Brogan.

In April, 1857, appears the card of the first bankers in Wapello, namely, Bird. Brown & Company, the firm consisting of John Bird, T. Horace Brown and Elias Keach. The firm was soon changed to Brown & Company, Mr. Bird retiring During the close of the year Elias and James Keach advertised the exchange and banking house under the name of E. Keach & Company.

This year Sheriff Taylor advertises the sale of the Globe House on a judgment in favor of John L. Foor and against William Rankin. This house was situated on lot 1, block 10, in the original town.

We publish in full the business directory appearing in the Intelligencer early in January, 1859:

Wapello Business Directory, 1859

"Intelligencer" Office, Empire Block, No. 3, Up Stairs.

Merchants

C. Jackson & Co., E. L. Crain, J. P. Bull, G. A. Jones, Gun. Jones, A. Runge, L. P. Wells, R. Fuhrmann, Mark Davison, Henry Helverson, John Carpenter.

Druggists

M. P. Vanloon, Harris Howey.

Photo of Scene on the Iowa River at Wapello

pg 361

Hardware

T. W. Bailey.

Shoemakers

George Plitt, J. Rock, A. Cook.

Books & Stationery

John Keller.

Tailors

C. F. Morris, G. Grieble.

Daguerrean Artist

S. T. Trimble.

Coopers

J. C. Parsons, Isaac Thorndike.

Blacksmiths

A. Garret, T. Murtha, P. Drischal, J. Sprinkle.

Masons

P. Gilda.

Tin Shops

Levi Fisher, Second street, one door north post office; D. S. Stuart, over T. W. Bailey's.

Cabinet Makers

Christie & Stein, Henry Christy, John Stein.

Carpenters & Joiners

Archibald & Lincoln, J. C. Chase, John Sweeney, John Brogan, J. Stone. B. H. Druse.

Harness Makers N. D. Morgan & Brother, Henry Botha.

N. D. Morgan & Brother, Henry Botha.

Wagon Makers

John Allison Gray.

Millers

Wapello Mill Company, S. Townsend, James Semple, R. F. Charles, John Mann and Neal, millers.

Planing Mills and Sash Factories

Archibald & Lincoln, J. C. Chase.

Lawyers

Hurley & Brigham, J. S. Hurley, J. B. Brigham, Bird & Sprague, J. Bird, D. N. Sprague, Richman Bro. & Perkins, H. W. Perkins, resident; B. F. Wright.

Physicians & Surgeons

H. T. Cleaver; Taylor & Muldoon, T. G. Taylor, J. Muldoon; John Hurley.

pg 362

Ministers of the Gospel

O. H. Miller, Presb.; J. H. Coggshall, Bapt.; J. McClasky, Meth.

During this year Chase & Bull started the steam flour mill, and Thomas Owens began to advertise the Iowa House.

From the Wapello Republican of January 12, 1860, published by J. M. Edwards and Henry Mintun we copy the following program of the Calliopean Institute:

The Calliopean Institute Will Meet At the Court House
On Friday Eve, January 13, 1860
Programme

1. Music	Strauss Band
2. Reading Minutes
3. Miscellaneous Business
4. Critique	H. W. Perkins
5. Impromptu	B. F. Wright
6. Select Reading	Miss Abbie Baker
7. Music	Strauss Band
8. Written Discussion	D. C. Hurley—G. F. Danson
9. Poem	T. S. Bell
10. Essay	J. L. King
11. Declamation	P. P. Kinsey
12. Essay	Miss Cal Ringer
13. Music	Strauss Band
14. Impromptu	Levi Chase
15. Machine Poetry	John Hale
16. Declamation	Smith Galey
17. Essay	J. E. Vale
18. Select Reading	Miss Mary Thomas
19. Song	A. W. Kelly
20. Reading "Wreath"	Miss Rose Davison
21. Essay	G. B. Williams
22. Declamation	Jacob Hunsicker
23. Select Reading	Miss Ella Wilson
24. Reading "Banner"	H. N. Milligan
25. Music	Strauss Band
Adjournment.
	John Herrick,
	President.
	J. N. Beatty,
	Secretary.

In January, 1860, fall wheat was worth 80 to 85 cents; spring wheat, 75 to 80 cents ; corn 25 cents; potatoes, 30 to 40 cents; flour $2.50 per cwt.; hogs, $5.50 per cwt; coffee, 16 2/3 cents lb.; sugar, 9 to 11 cents lb.

The Republican changed hands several times during 1860. January 12, Mintun & Edwards were publishers; May 31, J. & H. Mintun were the publishers, and ...

pg 363

... Henry Fulton, editor. August 9 the firm was Fulton & Mintun and on the 16th it was H. Fulton & Company.

The issue of the Republican for January 3, 1861, indicates hard times. Nearly one-half the paper was taken up with the tax sale list of Columbus City and Wapello townships alone. The list was so large that it could not all be printed in one issue.

Sheriff Taylor also had eight sheriff sale notices in this issue.

We have few items of interest concerning Wapello history during the war period, except such as relate to the war. Many of her citizens responded to the call for soldiers, and their names will be found in the chapter devoted to that subject.

In June, 1865, James D. Barr was publishing the Republican. Among the advertisers we note R. Prentiss as an attorney. Shortly before this Mr. Prentiss had advertised at Port Louisa. Also E. B. Downs, M. D., of Wapello.

Howe's Circus visited Wapello in June.

About this time L. P. Wells was doing some poetical advertising. We quote from one of them to show their style:

"Hark on the air the music swells
And list unto the tale it tells
As o'er the plains and through the dells
With sound as sweet as Switzer bells
The fall of prices it foretells—
Now list the sound ye city bells
And each that in the country dwells
Go buy your 'rig' of him who sells
At cheapest price—that's L. P. Wells."

Monday, September 4, 1865, the following named persons were elected to office in the city of Wapello: Mayor, J. H. Rollins; recorder, I. S. Drummond ; assessor, H. Lincoln; marshal, R. Archibald; councilmen, first ward, J. H. Keller and Joseph Jackson; second ward. J. D. Barr and O. A. Taylor; third ward, Charles V'anloon and Vinton Massie.

January 9, 1866, the Republican seems to have been published by E. H. Thomas and edited by S. E. Jones, who was also a physician and county judge. In this paper G. T. Whisler advertises as a lawyer in Grandview. H. D. Keller advertises a new photograph gallery. It also has the business cards of J. F. Grimes, M. D., and E. H. Burris, electric physician and surgeon.

Editorial reference is made to a recent meeting of the Louisa County Medical Society, in which it is stated that this is the oldest medical society in the state, having been organized nearly fourteen years ago.

In 1866 we find E. D. Ferguson as a doctor in Wapello, and Walter Fritzche, claim agent.

Among the business cards in the Republican in 1866 we note P. P. Kinsey, L. P. Wells, A. Runge, M. Davison, Jacob Mintun, A. Garrett, G. Jones, John Keck, S. Griebel, Hicklin & McKay and M. P. Vanloon.

This year the Wapello woolen Till building was commenced in the fall, by Henry Botha, James Semple and others.

pg 364

Another institution that should be mentioned in connection with Wapello's history is the Louisa County Agricultural Society, which is believed to have been the first county society of this kind to hold a county fair. The most of its exhibitions were given at Wapello, although at one time it was "on wheels" for a few years, giving exhibitions at Morning Sun and at Columbus City. The Agricultural Society has had many ups and downs, possibly more of the latter than the former. A few years ago it was succeeded by the Wapello District Fair Association, and considerable money was spent in paying up old debts, erecting new buildings, fences, etc., but owing to unfavorable weather conditions for several years another heavy debt was contracted and the association practically retired from the fair business.

We do not have the date of the first fair, but our authority for the statement that Louisa county had the first fair, is an article from the Iowa Farmer, quoted in the Wapello Intelligencer of August 23rd, 1853, which states: "The first agricultural fair ever held in the state was held in Louisa county. It was projected and carried forward from year to year by the farmers of the county voluntarily and without that stimulus from the state government which perhaps induces the organization of some of the societies now days."

The original society held a fair at Wapello in October, 1853, and awarded to George Key the first premium for the "best acre of corn,—120 bushels to the acre." Soloman Fishthorn was given the second premium because he only raised 11 1 bushels to the acre. They either had some very tall corn or some very accommodating judges in those days.

We must not forget to mention the fact that Wapello once issued money. At that time it was called scrip, and bills of denomination of one, two, three and five dollars were issued in large numbers in 1857. Samuel Townsend was mayor and Levi Fisher was Recorder. It is said that they were largely circulated through the medium of the bank of Bird, Brown & Keach, or their successors, we are not sure which, as Colonel Bird was not connected with the bank very long. It is also said that Wapello never received any financial benefit from the issuance of this scrip, but never lost anything by it, as none of it was ever redeemed. A facsimile of the various denominations of this scrip is given herewith. During the war the Wapello soldiers distributed considerable of this scrip among the unsophisticated southerners, and for years afterward it was not an uncommon thing for the Wapello banks or the city officials to receive some of it for collection. We have it on the authority of men who were living in Wapello at that time, that many of our neighboring cities issued similar scrip and that none of it was ever redeemed.

Wapello Lodge No. 5, A. F. & A. M., was constituted on January 2, 1843. by the Grand Lodge of Iowa at Iowa City. A dispensation was granted to George W. McCleary. Robert F. Burchell, Lewis Kinsey, and others to form a lodge at Wapello; and this was done and the lodge was represented at the second meeting of the Grand Lodge in January, 1844, by G. W. McCleary, Z. C. Inghram, and Lewis Kinsey. At this meeting a charter was ordered to be issued to the lodge as Wapello Lodge No. 5, this being the first original charter issued by the grand lodge of Iowa; and the original charter is still in use in the lodge room. It is interesting to know that there was some good-natured rivalry for the honor of securing the first charter from the new Grand Lodge of Iowa. Brother William ...

pg 365

... Abbe, a prominent Mason residing at Marion in Linn County, concluded that he would like to have the first dispensation issued by the new Grand Lodge, and so stated while at Iowa City a short time before this. George W. McCleary was in the legislature, and concluded that he would outwit Brother Abbe and sent a special messenger to Wapello to secure the requisite signatures for the organization of a lodge. The petition of the Wapello brethren was promptly presented and the dispensation issued, with George W. McCleary as the first Master. At its organization, the lodge was composed of 15 members, and the officers not already mentioned were A. G. Siverly, treasurer, J. C. McCleary, secretary, David Hurley, S. D., J. A. Millard, J. D., and J. W. Watson, tyler. It is said that the dispensation was procured by J. W. Watson, who made the trip to Iowa City and back for that purpose, on foot. The Masters of the lodge in the order of their service are as follows: Geo. W. McCleary, Lewis Kinsey, J. W. Isett, John Bird, Dr. John Bell, Jr., J. Winter, C. F. Morris, Elias Keach, M. P. Vanloon, John Hale, Dr. T. G. Taylor, L. P. Wells, J. M. Edwards, Dr. J. F. Grimes, J. S. Hurley, John Jenkins, T. L. Garrett, L. C. Wonnell, L. A. Reiley, Dr. W. S. Grimes, D. Kirkpatrick, Clint. L. Price, H. O. Pease, Arthur H. Dewein, Oscar Hale, James S. McChesney, J. A. Bigger, J. H. Dickson, Frank Smith.

The lodge was organized in a room in Drake's Hotel, the building which was afterwards called the Iowa House. After that, its sessions were held for a while in a room over Pilger's store, which was situated on the opposite side of the street from the Iowa House, and was burned long ago. It next occupied a room in the house of John Allison, adjoining the lot on which its present building now stands. Then it was removed in 1846 to a room prepared for that purpose in the house of J. W. Watson, situated where the Wapello State Savings Bank is located. In 1849, a movement was started to build a hall in conjunction with the Odd Fellows. This resulted in the erection of the present G. A. R. building, the lower story of which belonged to Elias Keach, and the upper story was owned jointly by the Masons and Odd Fellows, and was occupied in 1851. In 1882 the lodge moved to the Odd Fellows' Hall, where it remained until the erection of its present building, which was completed about December 24, 1887. The present membership is 92.

Wapello Chapter No. 257, Order of Eastern Star was instituted in Wapello, Iowa, May 3, 1899, with twenty-three charter members, viz: Mr. and Mrs. John Hale, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Davison, Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Reiley, Mr. and Mrs. John G. Keck, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Keck, Mr. and Mrs. Clint. L. Price, Dr. and Mrs. W. S. Grimes, Mr. and Mrs. A. O.'Thompson, Mrs. George Hayden, Mrs. W. H. Cody, Mrs. Dr. Tustison, Miss Mary McChesney, Miss Una Lacey, Miss Florence Hurley, Mr. E. K. Hurley.

The first officers were: Mrs. Mary A. Davison, Worthy Matron; Clint. L. Price, Worthy Patron; Mrs. Clara Hale, Asso. Matron; Miss Florence Hurley, Secretary; Mrs. Ida Price, Treasurer; Mrs. Laura E. Grimes, Conductress; Miss Una Lacey, Asso. Conductress; John Hale, Chaplain; Mrs. Sophia Tustison, Adah; Mrs. Jessie Thompson, Ruth; Mrs. Lydia Keck, Ester; Mrs. Vira Keck, Martha; Mrs. Sarah Hayden, Electa; Mrs. Louisa Cody, Warder; H. B. Davison, Sentinel. The Eastern Star now numbers 112 members. Its present elective officers are: Mrs. Ida C. Frost, W. M.; L. C. Wonnell, W. P.; Mrs. Laura ...

pg 366

... E. Grimes, Secretary; Miss Alice L. Hurley, Treasurer; Mrs. Sylvia Herrick, Cond.; Miss Kate Kremer, Asso. Matron; Mrs. Lola G. Edwards, Asso. Cond.

Louisa Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., of Wapello, was instituted December 18, 1848, and is now in its sixty-third year. On the 18th of November, 1848, the late George Grasham made a trip to Bloomington, now Muscatine, and paid the charter fee of $30, the receipt for which is now in possession of the lodge. The lodge received its charter January 19, 1849. George W. McCleary was the first noble grand and Henry Christie the first representative to the grand lodge.

Meetings were first held in a building owned by Pilger Brothers, located on Water street at the corner of Merchant. In 1851 the lodge moved to a building on Second street, which stood on the site of the building now used by the Knights of Pythias. A few years later they moved to their present home, which they subsequently purchased. The building together with the contents was destroyed by fire, August 13, 1873, and a new building was erected on the same site at a cost of $3,500. At the time of the fire the lodge had only $900 insurance, and when the new building was completed it left them in debt to the extent of $1,800. The debt was eventually cancelled and the new hall used until January 8, 1892, when another fire occurred. The lodge immediately rebuilt, purchasing more ground. The building was made larger, and the lodge again incurred an indebtedness of $2,000 but this was paid off in a few years. The building eventually became too small, owing to the steady growth of the lodge and in 1908 a two-story addition was built. The hall is now a two-story brick structure 24x100 feet. The lower story is leased for a store room, while the entire upper floor is used for lodge purposes. It is neatly and comfortably furnished and serves as a home for the Rebekah encampment as well as for the subordinate lodge.

The charter members were: George W. McCleary, Henry Christie, Lewis Kinsey, Joseph L. Derbin, Thomas J. Fleming and Micajah Reeder. The lodge now has a membership of 140 and is in a prosperous and flourishing condition. The present officers are: N. G., E. B. Cook; V. G., Fosdick Fitzgerald; Rec. See, Aner Nearhood; Fin. Sec, Fred Gall; Treas., C. M. Donaldson.

Derexa Rebekah Lodge, No. 129, was chartered on December 3rd, 1898. It 1s named after Mrs. James Semple. who was a member of a Rebekah Lodge which existed here many years ago, but which had been abandoned.

The charter members of Derexa No. 129 were: H. A. Plitt, Minnie Plitt. J. S. McChesney, E. C. McChesney, W. S. Otto, Ella Otto, Herman Otto, Elizabeth Otto, Marie E. Otto, Horace Beane, Louie Beane, John Imber, Minnie M. Imber. America Beane, D. Kirkpatrick, Sarah A. Kirkpatrick, Margaret Graham, James Semple, Clara Keller, Lillie Shipman, L. C. Winter, Lena Winter, S. G. Stone. Geo. R. Keller, Margaret Keller. The present officers are: Mollie Schneider, Noble Grand; Angie Bates, Vice-Grand; Maud Lesnet, Secretary; Carrie Hoag. Treasurer.

This lodge now has a membership of 85, and is recognized as among the active lodges of the state. One of its members, Mrs. Marie E. Dewein, has been stenographer for the state assembly for several years, and is now a candidate for treasurer of the state organization.

One of the live and thriving social organizations is Black Hawk Lodge No. 281, Knights of Pythias, which was organized February 5, 1891. P. P. XXVII. The charter members were A. M. M. Dornan. S. P. Newell, W. C. Morgan, J. C. ...

pg 367

... Byram, W. E. Fielman, J. C. Goodrich, R. G. Hawkins, R. D. Jamison, A. R. Copeland, Fred Keck, R. M. Garrett, J. E. Garrett, E. R. Tillman, H. T. Fish, W. A. Lester, E. K. Hurley, J. W. Illingsworth, W. A. Colin, David Kirkpatrick, H. M. Holler, J. E. Ware, W. S. Grimes, E. M. Edwards, Isaac Black, Ed. Hicklin, J. S. Kelly, A. W. Loper, G. A. Freeland.

The lodge was instituted by Liberty Lodge No. 22 of Columbus Junction. It now has about 125 active members, and its present officers are: Rex Nyemaster, C. C.; E. V. Johnson, V. C.; Fred Davis, P.; R. W. Adye, M. W.; H. B. Kelly, K. R. of S.; Walter Schwob, M. F.; R. L. Davison, M. E.; J. O. Isett, M. A.; Warren Stroup, I. G.; John Mayne, O. G.

The Pythian sisters were organized as Wapello Chapter No. 168, August 13, 1903. The charter officers were: Mrs. Lola Druse, M. E. C.; Mrs. Eleanor Garrett, E. S.; Mrs. Mattie McCray, E. J.; Mrs. Emma Foor, M. T.; Mrs. Irene Archibald, M. R. C; Mrs. Millicent Hicklin, M. F.; Mrs. Louisa A. Crutchfield, P. T.; Mrs. Jessie Tustison, G. T.; Miss Elizabeth Hurley, P. C.

The present officers are as follows: Mrs. Nelia C. Springer, M. E. C.; Miss Anna Warren, E. S.; Mrs. Mary Bumgardner, E. J.; Mrs. Mayme Davison, M. T.; Mrs. Mae Kelly, M. R. C.; Miss America Beane, M. F.; Mrs. Rachel Kelly, P. T.; Mrs. Emma Isett, G. T.; Mrs. Elizabeth Owens, P. C.

Wapello Camp No. 3005, Modern Woodmen of America was chartered May 27, 1895. The charter members were: W. H. Bothe, John E. Davis, R. M. Garrett, J. D. Hicklin, Fred Keck, John G. Keck, J. I. Lesnet, J. E. McCray, J. L. Nyemaster, S. H. Schafer, D. C. Thomas, and C. W. Warren. Its'officers in 1911 were W. A. Stroup, V. C, Fred Davis, W. A., Will Mottet, E. B., R. W. Adye, P. C, C. M. Wright, F. E. Beane and C. A. Lofgren, trustees. Present membership, 150.

The Royal Neighbors were chartered March 24, 1902, the charter members being: Myrtle Townsend, Lulu Linehan, Kittie Wright, C. M. Wright, Ella Hicklin, Alice A. Peters, Angie Zerber, Linnie Neal, Orran Zerber, T. J. O'Donnell, Anna May O'Donnell, Mrs. J. Grimm, Minnie Marshall, Ada Smith, J. A. Wallahan, Carrie L. Shipman, Ella B. Wallahan, Emma Foor, Jennie Joy, John Dunn.

The principal officers at this time are: Mrs. Blanche Bigger, oracle; Mrs. Maud V. Schafer, receiver; Mrs. Clara Hook, recorder.

Wapello has a strong Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. It is called A. M. Taylor post, and was organized February 23, 1884. There had been a post in existence in Wapello before, organized about 1866. The membership of the A. M. Taylor post at the present time is 53. They own the present post office building and have their meeting hall in the second story. The present officers are: W. C. Saunders, commander; N. W. McKay, adjutant; J. F. McLaughlin, senior vice commander; Phillip Richley, junior vice commander; J. F. Heins, chaplain; C. E. Frost, quartermaster; Dan Graham, officer of the day; Tarlton Wilson, officer of the guard.

There were 28 charter members of this post, of whom only six are now living, viz: N. W. McKay, S. F. Small, F. M. Ong, W. R. Colip, Silas Tompkins, W. C. Saunders.

Auxiliary to this there is an excellent organization of the Women's Relief Corps, of which Marietta Foor is president, and Emily Mincher, secretary.

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One almost forgotten enterprise was the Wapello Distillery, which was operated here for quite awhile, along about 1867. It did an extensive business and furnished a good market for Louisa county corn.

Mention should be made of a number of our "old timers" who now live in Wapello but have retired from active business. J. L. Sweeney was at one time a contractor and builder; F. M. Ong was first a merchant tailor, and later he and George R. Keller conducted a drug store for a great many years. J. B. McCullough was an extensive dealer in lumber, and J. C. Farver was a merchant.

Two of the men, who, for a great many years, did much to keep up the business reputation of Wapello as a trading point, were Abel Garrett, who died several years ago, and D. C. Thomas who died in 1907. In addition to his qualities as a merchant, Mr. Thomas had, and deserved, the reputation of being one of the most public-spirited men in the county. H. A. Plitt who recently moved to Wisconsin, will long be remembered as having been a popular and enterprising merchant of this place, who always did his share to promote the general welfare. Special mention must also be made of Henry D. Keller, for years the leading photographer of the county, a good soldier and a splendid man.

The population of Wapello, at various census enumerations, has been as follows: 1850—336; 1854—544: 1859—1,027; 1860—821; 1863—876: 1865—880: 1870—870; 1875—933; 1880—928; 1890—1,009; l$95—I,29o; 1900—1,298; 1905 —1,293; 1910—1.326.

One of the most important industrial institutions in the county is the sweet corn canning factory, owned by Baxter Brothers and located in Wapello. It is among the largest and best in the state, canning about three million cans of corn in the summer of 1911. During the canning period which generally lasts five or six weeks, Baxter Brothers often have three hundred people employed.

Another important concern is the button factory, which occupies the new brick building recently built for it by the citizens of Wapello. The factory is owned by The Vienna Pearl Button Company and employs about forty hands.

Wapello has a complete and well managed Electric Light plant, owned by Mr. Ora Vaught, who also furnishes power for various labor saving appliances, such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners, fans, irons, etc.

It also has a good system of waterworks, giving fire protection to every part of the city; a considerable part of the city has sewers, and the rest will doubtless be served in the near future.

Wapello has a very efficient set of officers, as follows: L. C. Wonnell. mayor; John G. Keck, recorder; R. D. McCullough, treasurer; Ward Williams, marshal. Councilmen: First ward, Aner Nearhood, M. Hunter; Second ward, A. G. Lischer, G. R. Deihl; Third ward, H. R. Christie, H. O. Pease.

One enterprise which we almost omitted, was the Woolen Mills, established in the late '60s by Henry Botha, Julius Johann, and Ernest Winter. We note that in 1868 they advertised that they were fully prepared to make fine qualities of cloths, flannels, satinetts, etc., and to do carding and spinning.

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