Page 221
12-1902
TOWNS ALONG THE NEW
C. M. & ST. P. LINE.
Road Has Opened Up a Rich Farming Country and Several New Towns
Will Come Into Prominence When Trains Begin to Run.
The new Milwaukee road is going to be something more than a mere
cutoff to shorten the distance between Chicago and Kansas City. The
Milwaukee people believe in developing towns along their lines. In
this way they build up a good contributing territory . Along the line
from Muscatine to Ottumwa, a distance of about 80 miles , there
are some old towns, but the most of the stations will be new ones
and the people in this section of the state will have to become used
to some unfamiliar names. But they will not be unfamiliar long
if the plans of the road carry out as intended. Those places are
to become centers for the trade of the country lying contiguous to
the line. Taking the stations in order from Muscatine westward,
they are as follows:
The Towns on Milwaukee
Ludbury (Junction with Rock Island at city limits.)
Ardon (Just beyond the Mississippi river bluffs eight miles out.)
Madura (On the upland before the road enters the Cedar valley.)
Conesville (Junction with the old B., C. R. & N.)
Gladwin (Just beyond the Iowa river bluffs.)
Haskins (On the fine upland about nine miles east of Washington.)
Washington (Junction with C. R. I & P, and B. & N. W.)
Titus (in good farming country west of Washington.)
Rubio (Sufficiently distant from other towns to make a good one. )
Richland (Not the main town but near enough for a station.)
Linby (Junction with B. & W.)
Farson (In splendid farming country distant from other good towns.)
Rutledge (Junction with main line two miles from Ottumwa.)
Towns From Muscatine West
The towns along the new line with their distances from each other
and from Musatine are as follows:
Page 222
| | Between Towns | From Muscatine |
| Ludbury | 1. 3 | 1.3 |
| Ardon | 7. 0 | 8.3 |
| Madura | 4. 0 | 12.3 |
| Cone | 4. 7 | 17.0 |
| Gladwin | 4. 7 | 21.7 |
| Haskins | 5. 9 | 27.6 |
| Washington | 8. 1 | 35.7 |
| Titus | 5. 6 | 41.3 |
| Rubio | 8. 6 | 49.9 |
| Richland | 4. 1 | 54.0 |
| Linby | 7.6 | 61.6 |
| Farson | 6. 2 | 67.8 |
| Rutledge | 9. 7 | 77.5 |
| Ottumwa | 2. 5 | 80.5 |
The distance to Washington from Muscatine by the Rock Island is 38
miles. Heretofore the shortest route to Ottumwa has been by way of
Fairfield, where the Rock Island crosses the C., B. & Q. This way
the distance is 91 miles and by Sigourney it is 94.
The town of Titus beyond Washington was named for Muscatine's
townsman, G. M. Titus, he being one of the men the Milwaukee
has depended upon largely in securing its right of way and in
selecting the points for town sites.
Some of the New Towns
In the above list, of course, some are doomed to mediocrity because
of their location. But there will be some towns of several hundred
in a few years . It is reasonable to suppose that Ardon will make a
pretty good point. Madura will be a very fair little village. Haskins
is finely located, being about 12 miles from Columbus Junction,
Conesville, Riverside, and nine miles from Washington. Rubio is
pretty well located to grow into a fair sized town and Farson can
well be expected to make a real good trading point for as prosperous
a farming community as one will find in Iowa.
At some of these towns steps have already been taken to push them
into prominence. As soon as the road is about ready for regular
trains there will be a sort of booming campaign on the part of the
Page 223
railroad and those interested in the towns. For instance, there is
talk of establishing several good business firms at Ardon. It will
be a good shipping point. Already a fine $5, 000 church has been
built by the Catholics. It is expected that the United Brethren church
near the M. L. Shellabarger place will be moved to Ardon. A new
depot will probably go up this winter. And next spring it will become
a thriving little place. By the way it might be mentioned that there
is a probability that the town will not be called Ardon but Healey in
honor of the well known gentleman who resides near by. Conesville
was already a splendid business point before the coming of the
Milwaukee and now it will be all the better.
Then there is Haskins, which has already taken on the aspects of a good
country town. Win Smouse, the well known real estate man of Wash-
ington, is interested in a company which is pushing the place. Before
the road was scarcely graded the town was laid out, two or three miles
of streets graded, several blocks of sidewalk laid, a lumber yard was
put in, a two-story hotel started, a banking company talked of, a
general store started, a church subscription begun and other enterprises considered. It is thought that inside of a year the Haskins town
site company will have the town doing a thriving trade. The only
drawback is that it is located but four miles from Ainsworth. But
this does not deter the promoters from their belief that there is the
site there for a good town.
At Farson in Competine township Wapello county, there is about a
similar location. Hedrick is eight or nine miles away. Ottumwa is
about ten and no other good town is nearer. The Milwaukee and
other interests will probably see that this becomes one of the good
towns of the line.
In Washington the people are already singing the praises of the Milwaukee,
fine new depot has been built and it is just where the people wanted
it, easy of access from the business portion of the city, near the spot
the people wanted the Rock Island to build, rather than in the place where
the latter now has its depot.
Through Fine Section
The Milwaukee runs through a fine section from here to Ottumwa and
it is reasonable to suppose that there will be other financial returns
Page 224
for the expense incurred in building the road than what will come
from the saving of a shorter haul from Kansas City. The people
of Muscatine and those along the new line will look for the most
considerate treatment from the Milwaukee management and will
doubtless get it, as the road has a reputation for fairness and
accommodation.
Page 225<
ST. MALACHY CHURCH -- CATHOLICS HAVE PUT
UP A FIVE THOUSAND DOLLAR BUILDING AT
ARDON AND ARE NOW USING IT.
The only new Catholic church to be erected in Muscatine county the
past year was built at the new station of Ardon in Seventy Six Township
on the new line of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad.
The church is named St. Malachy's, and was erected to take the
place of one about one mile west of the location of the new one.
The church is a beautiful edifice, and one of which the residents
of that part of the county are extremely proud. It was built by the
good people of that community, money being contributed irrespective
of religious belief, and is certainly a lasting testimonial to the
liberality of the people of that section.
Building Committee
The building committee who planned the church and superintended
its construction was composed of the following men: James O'Toole,
Patrick O'Toole, John O'Brien, Thos. Cashman, and James Furlong.
These gentlemen are deserving of much credit for the vigor with
which they worked and the success they achieved. The church was
started last April. For a time there was some little discussion as
to the exact location of the edifice. It was the desire of all to have
the church in or very near the new town of Ardon, and when this
was decided on, it was placed on the road just west of the station.
An official of the railroad remarked that the location was admirable,
and could not be bettered.
Cost of the Edifice
The church cost in the neighborhood of $5, 000. The money has all
been provided for and the parish is practically free from debt. The
edifice is certainly one to be proud of. It is a good sized frame
building, facing the west. It is neatly painted, and has a lofty
steeple, which can be seen for many miles around owing to the land
eminence upon which the building stands. The grounds about the
building have been graded and sodded and in the spring will present
a neat and attractive appearance. Stained glass windows admit the
Page 226
light into the building, setting off the beauties of the interior. The
interior of the church is finished up in a neat, and artistic manner
which is pleasing to the eye. Five memorial windows were presented
to the church, and are beautiful in design and coloring. Mrs. John
Byrne, Miss Maggie Fanning, Father Nolan, Mrs. Finland and
Mrs. James Gorey were the givers of these handsome gifts and the
parish and those who had much to do in the erection of the church
have the greatest appreciation for the generosity of these people.
The church was dedicated November 9 with appropriate and imposing
ceremonies. Father Nolan, the pastor of the church, was assisted
by Father Gillespie of Mechanicsville, and Father Ryan, of Davenport
at that time, and special music was provided. The services at this
church are conducted once in two weeks, and Father Nolan who has
the pastorate at Nichols, has this charge as well and divides his
time between the two places. The parish is in an excellent condition
and with the fine new church, the building up of the new town and the
coming of the railroad, the outlook for the future is exceedingly
bright.
Page 227
12-18-02
PLATTING THE YARDS
Engineer Schofield Making Measurements and Many
Surprises are in the Air
For some days past Engineer Scoffield of the Milwaukee and a crew of
assistants have been busy making a plat of the Rock Island Yards of
this city. Their work has been principally taking measurements and
surveying things in general, and had not created any amount of comment
until today. This morning the South Muscatine people were a little
suprised and greatly pleased to note that Engineer Scofield was also
measuring and making an extensive plat of the Hershey mill property,
It is said that he measured up as far as Apple's grocery and all kinds
of rumors are afloat as to the object of the work being done. It will be
remembered that some time ago a Journal representative interviewed
a head official of the Milwaukee road in Chicago at which time this
official stated that if the Rock Island road could not furnish the faculties
for handling the business of both roads in Muscatine that they (the
Milwukee Road) would supply those facilities, as they were out for the
business and intended to do it up in first class shape. It is also well
known that both roads have had an eye out for this property and the
suggestion has been made time and again that the land be purchased and
used for yard room and better shipping facilities.
South Muscatine Delighted
This action of the Milwaukee engineer has put the residents of South
Muscatine in the "seventh heaven" and they are rejoicing for they claim
that in all probability they will get the location of the new depot. This is
not all a "pipe dream" by any means, and the probabilities of a union
depot being built in that vicinity are not the most dismal. Future develop-
ments concerning this matter may come to light in a short time, and
Engineer Scoffield's actions and movements fully explained.
Page 228
LABOR-SAVING MACHINERY USED IN CONSTRUCTION
Something of the Wonderful Steam Shovel Purchased
Especially for This Work.
IT WEIGHS ABOUT FIFTY-FIVE TONS.
It cost $7,000. 00 and Can Do the Work of 200 Men--Was
Taken Seven Miles Across the Country--Other Machinery
Used Is of Large Dimensions.
One thing to be noticed more than any other at the scene of the
great railroad work on the Milwaukee is the labor saving machinery
that has been put into use. One not acquainted with the manner
and methods of railroad construction and who does not take the
vast amount of labor saving machinery into consideration, would
actually think that the construction of this road within a year
would be well nigh impossible. Thousands and thousands of yards
of dirt have to be moved and this done with the smallest number
of men with the greatest amount of speed.
Money Invested
It is this labor saving machinery that causes the immense expenses
in the contracting business. When the energetic firm of MacDougal
and Yale undertook the vast contract that they have south of this
city, they came to the realization of the fact in a very short time
more machinery than they possessed at that time would be required
Negotiations were at once opened up with the Bucyrus Manufacturing
company of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the purchase of a
gigantic steam shovel with which to burrow through the great hill
and bluff that was in the contract of this firm.
A Heavy Expense
A few days before the arrival of this monster which would take the
place and do the work of probably two hundred men. Mr. Yale
stopped a Journal reporter on the street and showed him a bill
for $7,000 from this South Milwaukee firm, for this steam shovel
pictures of which are to be found on these pages. "That is enough
to buy a Muscatine county farm, " said he to the reporter . It takes
Page 229
money to push these things, but the profits are large.
The Bucyrus Company
The firm from which this giant piece of machinery was purchased
is one of the largest and most extensive in the manufacture of
machinery of this character . They are the designers and builders
of steam shovels, dipper dredges, elevator dredges, hydraulic
dredges, railroad wrecking cranes , and placer mining machines.
They are located at South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but have offices
in Cleveland, Ohio and New York City. They are an immense
firm and their equal in the construction of machinery of this kind
is not to be found in the world.
Various Sized Shovels
The smallest shovel that this great company makes is one weighing
about 12 tons. This is used in cities where the work is not very
heavy, for grading and paving. The next largest is the 35 ton
shovel and is used for light railroad work. From these they
grade up to 95 ton machines, which are employed in the heaviest
work to be found in placer mining or railroad construction. This
95 ton machine has a car over 40 feet in length. The size of the
cylinder of its main engines is 14x16 inches. It is equipped with
a locomotive boiler with a diameter of 66 inches and a length of
14 feet and three inches. It is a monster piece of machinery and
does the work of hundreds of men. It has a five yard dipper,
with a clear lift from pail to the bottom of the dipper door when
open of 17 feet and can make a cut at an elevation of 8 feet, 54
feet in width.
The Machine Here
The machine used here on the work below the city has the enormous
weight of 55 tons. The car on which it is placed is nearly 40 feet
in length and ten feet wide. The main engines have 10x12 inch
cylinders and the diameter of the boiler is 54 inches and is over
12 feet in length. It has a clear lift of over 12 feet and the width
of the cut at an eight feet elevation is 50 feet. It is equipped
with three different engines, all supplied by steam from the
same boiler.
Page 230
How It Works
This massive piece of machinery works into a bank, commencing
at the side and working its way through. It the cut is to be a deeper
one than the machine can make, the shovel makes another trip up
through, and gradually cuts its way down to the established grade.
On the work at the Adam Wigim farm southwest of Muscatine, a 44
foot cut is to be made and the shovel whill have to make two trips
through this stretch, and farther on, there is another place where
the cut is nearly as deep. At the present time it is on the second
trip .
Three Men Required
To run the machine itself, it requires but three men. The foreman to
keep the steam up to the proper notch, the engineer, who have levers
and valves galore and one would think could use a dozen hands, and
the craneman, who works out on the crane, or projecting long arm,
that can be seen in the pictures. The engineer and the craneman are
paid the best of any men on the work and must have a clear head
and thoroughly understand the machine, they have in their charge.
The most of the responsibility rests with these two and they receive
ample renumeration.
Shovelers and Helpers
Of course, there are more than three men at work in connection
with this piece of machinery. There are about twenty shovelers
and helpers, who assist in changing the jackscrews and the rails,
when the machine is moved forward and also keep the dirt away
from the track upon which the cars run.
How a Lift Is Made
The engineer swings the crane around to the proper place, where
the first shovel is to be taken out, letting the dipper down to the
bottom of the pit. Then starting the various engines and the crane-
man starting or stopping the thrusting engine as he deems necessary,
the large dipper plows its way up to the top of the embankment,
being full-by the time it has reached that position. The engineer
then swings the dipper and crane around to the track, while the
craneman with his eye gauges it until the dipper is over the car,
Page 231
when he pulls a rope, releasing the bottom of the dipper and
lettng the contents drop into the car . The string of cars is
moved along and the operation repeated until the train load
is filled, when it is run down to the dump and emptied. The
work appears quite simple, when looking at it, but its quickess
ness and capacity for work depends entirely on its management
and system. The system used here is a fine one and one would
be surprised at the rapid progress made in the few months.
When one of these dipper fulls is emptied it takes three cubic
yards of dirt, an amount which would take shovelers some
time to accomplish.
Has a Nick Name
But this big piece of machinery has a nick-name that is expressive
and to the point. When it first came into use,
Irishmen were employed all over this country in the construction
of railroads and the removal of large quantities of dirt.
When the steam shovel put in an appearance, nearly all of
these sons of Erin were forced to seek other employment.
It then received the name of "Big Mike" from the fact that it
could do the work of about 200 Irishmen.
How Transported
The shovel is on a set of trucks like a railroad car, and the
crane is removed and the rest of the outfit placed in a train,
and thus moved from place to place. But down here they had
a proposition with which to contend by the removal of this
machine across the country seven miles. The machine was taken
to Lotts, and from there was taken across the country to the
place where they are now working. A track was laid in front
of the shovel and taken up as fast as it had passed by. When
it has finished its work south west of Muscatine, it will be
taken out on the new road itself. Mcintosh Brothers also have
a shovel to work near here and this was transported at the
same time as the new one.
Other Machinery
But other machinery is used in the construction of a railroad,
There are the various kinds of dump cars , dump wagons,
graders, etc. A great deal of the work is done by the ordinary
wheel scraper , but there is also a machine used on the side
of a hill where there is not such a large amount of dirt to be
removed that is very interesting. It is called an excavator
and is manufactured by the Austin Manufacturing company of
Page 232
Harvey, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. This machine is pulled
by four teams of horses and the dirt is plowed up and carried
by a system of endless chains to the level of a dump wagon
and dumped into the box. The dump wagon is driven along
the side of the machine, and as fast as one is filled there is
another to take its place. Three or four of these machines are
used on the work.
Will Work All Winter
So, briefly is described the various kinds of heavy machinery
used on this work. The contractors will work all winter, for
with this equipment, frost has no terrors . That shovel has
been used on ground and work far heavier than the frost-laden
clay of Muscatine county.
Page 233
1-9-03
LIST OF TAXPAYERS
Those Who Pay More Than $25 Taxes in Three Townships
Of The County
SEVENTY-SIX, LAKE AND ORONO
A Good Healthy List In Each Township--Road Tax
Is Not Included in the Amounts Published Below -
interesting figures.
The list of taxpayers paying more than $25 taxes to the County, not including road tax, in the townships of Seventy-Six, Lake and Orono is
given below. As announced before, the road tax is not included, and
the fact that a man pays taxes in more than one township may make some
difference. The list in these three townships is as follows:
Seventy-Six Township
| R. J. Altekruse | $132.69 |
| Melvin W. Baker | 25.08 |
| Henry Bertram | 55.11 |
| William Bloomer | 72.16 |
| John Byrne, Jr. , estate | 29.63 |
| Thomas Byrne | 39.45 |
| Mary A. and Sarah Byrne | 52.03 |
| Joseph P. Byrne | 44.72 |
| Louis F. Byrne | 37.69 |
| James Byrne | 41.92 |
| Thomas Cashman | 70.59 |
| Eliza M. Cecil | 51.17 |
| C. M. & St. P. Ry. Co. | 37.95 |
| W. H. Clymer | 39.02 |
| Edward J. Cody | 46.72 |
| Patrick Dalton estate | 81.27 |
| Elmer E. Eichelberger | 53.73 |
| Xavier Eisley | 28.09 |
| Martin Eliason | 34.08 |
| John Eliason | 69.41 |
Page 234
| Lewis Eliason | 73.49 |
| Mary Foley | 36.51 |
| Henry Fry estate | 52.89 |
| Cyrus Fry | 31.35 |
| F. M. Frizzell | 28.49 |
| Cora E. Fullerton | 29.35 |
| W. D. Goldsberry | 27.73 |
| Elizabeth Gorey | 28.38 |
| David Grant | 27.27 |
| Celesta N. Grosjean | 60.45 |
| Thos. Hackett | 67.00 |
| Harrigan Bros. | 54.82 |
| Patrick Harrigan, Sr | 65.04 |
| Andrew Healey | 161.28 |
| William Hendrix | 92.84 |
| John Hickey | 47.84 |
| Henry Jayne | 104.38 |
| Isaac Lee | 175.86 |
| Robert Lee | 165.80 |
| Jacob J. Legler | 75.21 |
| David Legler | 85.14 |
| Newton Longstreth | 27.55 |
| Joseph W. Lindley | 80.37 |
| Patrick Lynch, Sr. | 48.73 |
| Patrick Lynch, Jr. | 43.71 |
| Michael Lynch | 37.59 |
| Joseph W. Meeker | 33.90 |
| John Warren Meeker | 57.55 |
| B. F. McBridge | 38.23 |
| McDougal & Yale | 78.26 |
| Daniel McCabe | 49.55 |
| J. McIntosh | 54.25 |
| Holland McGrew | 55.79 |
| Joseph McMichael | 62.1 |
| Charles S. Miller | 62.42 |
| Joseph O'Brien | 25.51 |
| John M. O'Brien, Sr. | 109.25 |
| Patrick O'Brien | 95.49 |
| Daniel O'Brien | 54.86 |
| Isaac Reed | 40.78 |
Page 235
| Charles H. Rider | 33.79 |
| Dayton M. Riggs | 85.57 |
| Miller W. Riggs | 139.78 |
| Frank A. Runyan | 46.08 |
| Milton J. Shellabarger | 48.73 |
| Rosina Smalley | 49.34 |
| Chas. W. Stroup | 37.3 |
| Arthur D. Timberlake | 42.07 |
| James Toole | 105.67 |
| Patrick Tomney | 36.06 |
| Patrick Toole | 160.64 |
| George T. Townsley | 114.56 |
| John Tomfield | 32.82 |
| James Vanatta estate | 43.65 |
| William Vanatta estate | 47.19 |
| David H. Vanatta | 28.81 |
| John T. Verink | 42.46 |
| Homer W. Vincent | 80.37 |
| C. F. Wabnitz | 87.83 |
| Martha E. Wagner | 31.50 |
| A. J. Westbrook | 43.97 |
| D. H. Westbrook | 39.88 |
| Samuel Wigim | 30.75 |
| Adam Wigim | 179.06 |
| Valuations | |
| Lands | $247,585.00 |
| Personal | 45,010.00 |
| Total | $292,595.00 |
| | |
| Taxes | |
| Consolidated | $3,950. 02 |
| Seventy-Six Twp. Dist. | 2,340.76 |
| Dogs | 38.00 |
| Polls | 82.50 |
| Total | $6,411.28 |
Page 236
5-19-03
RUSH THE CUT-OFF
Steel on the Milwaukee is Laid To Washington
LEAVES GAP OF TWELVE MILES
Track Layers are at Richland on Other End--Brighton-
Perlee. Cut-off Work Rapidly Going To ruin--Thousands
of dollars Damage Done.
Washington, Ia. May 19--(Special)
Today Washington was connected with Muscatine, Davenport and
the rest of the world on the Milwaukee system by the completion
of the track of that road to this city by the way of the new cut-off
and but about twelve miles now remain to be laid to completely
join the bands of steelbetween Rutledge, near Ottumwa, and
Davenport. The track layers on the west end of the cut-off are
now at Richland, a distance of twelve miles from this city.
Ballast trains are at work repairing the soft fills. They will be
kept at work several months yet until all the track is well ballasted
Close on the heels of the track layers are the telegraph and fencing
crews. The telegraph instruments are in place at the depot here and
in a short time communication can be made with the main offices and
other points on the system by telegraph.
The track laying is being witnessed by large crowds daily who go
from this city and vicinity.
Page 237
5-28-03
FIRST TRAIN ON THE MILWAUKEE CUT-OFF
BE RUN NEXT MONDAY
Permanent Service From Muscatine To
Washington Will Be Established
BE ACCOMMODATION
Done In Order To Comply with Provisions of
An Ordinance
FEW MILES UNCOMPLETED.
Bridges Cause Delay in Completion of WorkBegin
Again Tomorrow on This Portion of the Contract
Be Done Saturday Night
Davenport, Ia. , May 28(Special)
The first train over the Milwaukee cut-off will be operated next
Monday between Muscatine and Washington, according to the
statement made here today by Chief Engineer Wilcox. The service
will be permanent and will be in the nature of an accommodation
train. Trains will run in order to fulfill the provisions of an
ordinance passed by the city council of Washington giving the Milwaukee company the right to the use of ground in the city limits if
trains were running over the line by June 5.
The service will not begin at this place until the track is completed
from Davenport to Rutledge, which means the completion of the
improvement.
The gap of unfinished line between Washington and Richland amounts
to sixteen miles. The work of construction has been delayed by the
inability of the contractors to complete the bridge work owing to the
wet weather. It is expected that Friday work will be begun again on
this portion of the construction work and that it will be finished by
Saturday night.
In this city the work has been delayed at the Crescent Bridge by the
high water and should the rise continue it will be delayed indefinitely.
Page 238
6-20-03
WORK IS RESUMED
Construction on Milwaukee Cut-off Taken Up Yesterday
RAINS HAVE CAUSED TROUBLE
Roadbed Suffered in Many Places- - Expect to Complete
Telegraph Communications Between Muscatine and
Washington Tomorrow.
The construction gangs on the Milwaukee cut-off resumed
work yesterday, after three weeks of idleness on account
of the heavy rains. The laying of the steel rails began
yesterday three miles on this side of Washington and the
work will be hurried on with all possible speed. The roadbed
has been in a frightful condition, and much extra work has been
occasioned by the high waters. With favorable weather the remaining ten miles of track will be completed soon.
Completing Telegraph Connection
The telegraph linemen are working rapidly toward Washington
from this end, and expect to have the wires in working order
by tomorrow.
Page 239
7-6-03
NEW CUTOFF OPEN
Milwaukee Short Line To Be Open For Work Trains Tomorrow
OVER THE ENTIRE DISTANCE
Regular Train Service Will Be Established About September 1
Freight To Be Recovered For Transportion Tomorrow
The Milwaukee cut-off between Ottumwa and Muscatine upon which work
has been going on for many months will be open for the passage of
work trains over the entire distance on next Tuesday, says the
Ottumwa Courier. At that time the local office, according to a
statement made by the Milwaukee agent, A. J. Packard, will receive
freight for transportion upon the work trains. No regular train
service has been established as yet and the company cannot guarantee
delivery at any stated time.
The regular train service is to be established about September 1,
when both passenger and freight trains will run on schedule time,
The delay in establishing the regular service is due to the fact
that the entire distance must still be ballasted and it is thought
that this will take about two months.
The opening of this cutoff will put Ottumwa at a division point upon
the shortest and most direct route between Chicago and Kansas City.
It will also give Ottumwa direct communication with Muscatine and
Davenport, two points which are very difficult of access at the
present time. It will open up a large section of territory to the
Ottumwa merchants which they have been unable to touch in the past
and which will prove a valuable acquisition to the wholesale and
jobbing houses.
Ottumwa Division Headquarters
The new cutoff forms a junction with the Marion and Kansas City
branch of the Milwaukee at Rutledge, three miles north of Ottumwa,
and the yards and transfer stations will be located at that point,
as at present, but Ottumwa will be the division headquarters with
the consequent increase in the number and importance of the officers
located at this point. Ottumwa will become the home of the crews of
bot the divisions and this fact alone will make the opening up of
the new line of matter of great moment financially to the merchants
and businessmen of the city.
Takes Water
Cone was the next station carded but the train stopped at Coke Lake
for water, and changed engineers, R. A. Ansom from Chilicothe, Mo.
taking the run from this point. Several minutes was lost at the
water tank, and it was 4:42 o'clock when the train pulled out of
Cone station, a mile further down the track from the water tank.
Page 240
7-6-01
Making Good Time
Gladwin was reached at 4:52 o'clock and the train was then only
eight minutes late. Haskins was reached at 5:01 o'clock and a
stop of two minutes was made loading baggage and taking on passengers. Washington, eight miles further was reached at 5:16 O'clock
and a stop of three minutes was made there a large number of passengers being taken on board, and also considerable baggage.
Run To Titus
Titus, named after Ex-Senator Geo. M. Titus, of this city, was the
next station, six miles distant, and this place was reached in
eight minutes. Eight minutes more was consumed in taking water and
the train pulled out for Rublo West of Titus the track in Richland
is not in the best of condition, not having been ballasted completely
between these places. However good time was made all along and
Rublo was passed at 5:52 o'clock, the train being but six minutes
late then.
At Richland
Richland was the next station, and while the track was still poor,
two minutes time was made up and the train left here at 5:58 o'clock
Linby was the next stop, where the Burlington Route crosses the tracks
and this place was reached at 6:14 o'clock, but one minute late. A
few minutes were lost here taking on passengers, and Farson the next
place, formerly the old island town of Competine, nine miles from
Linby, was reached at 6:25 o'clock three minutes late. A good run
to Rutledge the station where the cutoff intersects the old Kansas
City line was made, and the train arrived there three minute ahead
of time and was ready to pull out for Ottumwa, the terminus when the
time to leave had arrived.
Did Good Business
The train did an excellent business all along the line and Train-
master, J. F. Richards who was on board was greatly pleased. He
said the business the new line was doing, was much greater than his
company had anticipated, and this in view of the fact that the opening had hardly been advertised at all, and that the traveling public
hardly knew that trains were running as yet. Mr. Richards said that
as soon as the roadbed had become thoroughly settled and that when
his company had installed its through trains, and was giving the
service that it anticipated there would be entire satisfaction for
all.
Page 241
7-23-03
INSPECT CUTOFF
Milwaukee Officials Through on Special This Morning
ARE ANXIOUS TO START TRAINS
Reported That Object of Inspecting Tour is to find a
way to Hurry Work and get trains running--Stopped
here Only Few Minutes
A special train bearing a number of Milwaukee officials passed
through this city this morning about 10 o'clock, but did not stop
at this city longer than ten minutes. The object of the trip is
an inspecting tour over the cut-off between this city and Rutledge.
The train stopped a few moments at the Rock Island depot, and
again at the freight depot, and then proceeded to the tour at
Sudbury, but it stopped only a few moments there.
The train was composed of two couches and a baggage car.
Hurry the Work
It was intimated at the depot that the officials were going over the
line to hurry the work of ballasting as rapidly as possible so that
trains could be started at an early date. The Milwaukee has a large
sum of money invested in the cutoff and it is learned that they a re
anxious to get their trains started and commence business. There is
considerable work yet to be done before trains can run on a fast
schedule, but the tracks are rapidly being gotten into good shape, and
it is thought six weeks will be enough time to complete the cutoff.
Trains in September
It is now thought that trains will be started, possibly the first week in
September, but the schedule on which they will run has not yet been
given out. However, it is the openion that several experiments will
have to be made before a regular folder will be gotten out.
Page 242
8-1-03
THIS IS RELIABLE
An Official of the Milwaukee Talks of the
Cutoff Local Service.
MAY START SOON AND MAY NOT
F. A. Miller, General Passenger Agent Writes
to the Journal That in No Event can Local Trains
Be Promised to Begin before September 1.
F. A. Miller, General passenger agent of the Chicago, Milwaukee
and St. Paul Railway, writes to the Journal that in no event, will
the local service on the Muscatine Rutledge cutoff be given the
people of this part of Iowa before September 1, and in his opinion
it will be somewhat later than that.
In consideration of the numerous and varying reports that have
been given circulation in this section of the country regarding
the new line the Journal wrote to Mr. Miller asking for any
definite information that he might care to give. In reply he
stated plainly that the service would not begin before September I
and a part of his letter is reproduced.
"It is possible that we may be able to establish local service on the
cutoff by September 1, certainly no earlier , and possibly somewhat
later , the opening depending very much on the weather and our
ability to secure the labor. "
Page 243
8-11-03
NEW TRAIN GOES ON
Milwaukee Adds Passenger From Kansas City
To Chicago
MUSCATINE GETS THE BENEFIT
As soon as the Cutoff is completed Two Routes
will be open to Chicago--New coaches have been
received and are being "broken in".
As soon as the Muscatine-Rutledge cutoff of the Milwaukee is
completed and in a condition for regular passenger traffic,
a new train will be put on which will leave Kansas City at 6
o'clock in the evening and reach Chicago in time for breakfast
on the following morning. The coaches for this train have been
completed and are now being broken in on the Chicago Milwaukee
run. They are handsomely finished in rosewood and mahogany
and are far superior ,to the coaches of the Pioneer Limited,
which has a reputation of being one of the finest trains in the
country.
May Mean Cheaper Rates
It is anticipated that with the commencement of the Kansas City-
Chicago on the Milwaukee that there will be a material decrease
in passenger rates from Muscatine to either of these cities . The
Milwaukee and the Rock Island will then be in direct competition,
and no town or city is more favorably situated for the receiving
the benefits of the competition than is Muscatine.
Trade Already Increasing.
The traffic over the Milwaukee between Kansas City and Chicago
has been on a rapid increase for several months, and with the installation of several new trains , the officials of the road believe
that the future is bright. The business in the vicinity of Kansas
City has increased to such an extent that the appointment of a
superintendent for terminals which was recommended several
months ago has been made.
Page 244
8-17-03
Ardon.
Ardon, Ia. , Aug. 17--The hum of the thrashing machine is again
heard in our neighborhood.
Mike Lynch was a business caller in Muscatine Saturday.
Miss Leola Lee entertained a number of her friends Saturday
evening to a party at her home, it being in honor of her cousin,
Miss Ewing, of Keithsburg, Ill. , who is visiting her. The crowd
numbered about sixty and all report a good time.
Andrew Healey and Pat Lynch arrived from Chicago Tuesday
where they marketed their fat cattle.
Miss Mildred Ruffner, of Muscatine is spending a few days
with her friend, Maud Vanatta.
Grace Grosjean and Kate Healey attended the Chautauqua at
Columbus Junction Thursday.
The Misses Helen Ineichen and Margaret Healey, of Muscatine,
Julia Bradley, of Chicago, and Maragaret Fitzpatrick, of Tipton,
spent Friday with the Misses Healey.
Ray McCabe, Roy Baker, Ira Altekruse and Stewart McBride were
passengers to the Junction Thursday where they attended the
Chautauqua.
Miss Nannie O'Brien, who is attending summer school, spent Sunday
at home.
Fred Vanatta, after an absence of a few weeks, is again seen on our
streets .
The Misses Anna and Clara Healey attended camp meeting at Wilton
last Sunday.
Joe Byrne accompanied by his sister Annie departed for Chicago, where
the former has accepted a position and the latter will spend a few weeks
visiting her sister.
The Misses Jane and Katie Lee who have been quite ill for the past
two weeks, are reported as being much better.
Page 245
Miss Mayme Foley, of Muscatine, is visiting with Mrs. Jas Byrne.
Wm. Cashman and Mike Byrne, of Letts were callers at Ardon
Tuesday evening.
Mrs. Joe Vanatta and daughter, Mrs. Geo. Eitman, spent Thursday
evening with Mrs. Adam Wigim.
Hugh Byrne is busily engaged hauling sand for the store which is being
erected. They are also building two fine residences and a few small
cottages.
Misses Hattie and Maud Meeker of Letts, are spending a few days with
their cousin, Hazel Longstreth.
Master Andrew Healey spent Sunday visiting his brother John, of Bayfield.
Pat and John Tomney assisted N. Longstreth with his threshing this
week.
The Misses Agnes and Mary Byrne and Mary Foley called on Nellie
Cushman Sunday.
Crat Dalton and Ed. Coady were passengers yesterday for Atalissa,
where they will visit friends and also take in the Liberty Fair.
Miss Nellie Abbot, who has been visiting her friend, Allie Chapman,
returned to her home at Conesville Monday.
Lizzie Healey and cousin Annie Ryan, of Muscatine, vistied Gertie
Grosjean last week.
Joe Furlong, who was so seriously injured in a runaway is improving
and will be able to be out in a few days.
Page 246
August 20, 1903
RUSH CUT OFF
Milwaukee Line Will Be Opened
September 1
NEED GOOD WEATHER
Superintendent Lass Intends to Complete
Work and Turn it Over to the
Construction Department of the
Road--Limited on Later.
Washington, Ia. , Aug. 20. --(Special)--The Muscatine-Rutledge
extension of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad will be
turned over by the construction department for traffic on schedule
time--September 1. Superintendent Lass intends to meet the
request of the officials and turn over the road next month provided
the present good weather continues twelve more days.
There are from ten to thirteen trains running constantly distributing
sand between Washington and Rutledge. The first course has been
finished over the entire extension and the second course completed
eastward fifteen miles beyond Washington. There are nineteen
crews in all at work on the entire cut off. Several surfacing gangs
are working west of here. The Western Union has four wires
strung from Titus station east to Muscatine and one wire through
on the short, line. Washington and other stations along the line
are being supplied with passenger tickets and other supplies for
the ticket office, freight office and baggage rooms.
Freight and passenger business will undoubtedly be carried on in
September as planned sometime ago by the officials. Agent Shaw
is busy getting ready for the opening of business soon. It is
intimated that the "Southwestern Limited" will not be put on until
October 1.
Page 247
9-3-03
TRAINS MONDAY
Milwaukee Passengers Reach Here at 3:45 O'clock
DEPOT TO BE OPENED SUNDAY
Official Information Received Today From A. Miller
General Passenger Agent of the Milwaukee Road-
First Passenger Train Over Cut-Off
Next Monday afternoon at 3:45 o'clock two Milwaukee passenger
trains will pull into the city of Muscatine for the first time
and within a few minutes after one train will pursue its way
to Savanna where close connections will be made with Milwaukee
trains for Chicago, the east and points in the west. The other
trains will run to Ottumwa.
Is Official
This is official. It is contained in a letter received today
from F. A. Miller, of Chicago, General Passenger Agent of the road.
Establish Depot Sunday
Mr. Miller also says he understands the joint agency with the
C. R. I. & P. and his road will be opened Sunday with Agent E.
R. Beem in charge. The road will use the Rock Island Depot.
Ralph Hollapeter will be joint agent for the two roads at Sudburry
or South Muscatine.
The Letter
Mr. Miller in outlining the situation says:
It is the intention to run a through passenger train between
Savanna and Ottumwa via Moline, Rock Island and Davenport. The
train to leave Savanna about 1 p.m. and arrive at Ottumwa about
6:30 p.m. passing Muscatine about 3:45 p.m., reaching Savanna
about 6:35 p.m. Close connection will be made at Savanna with
our day trains between Chicago and Omaha in both directions. This
through train leaves Chicago 9:35 a.m. and arrives here 9:55 p.m.
W. P. Warner has been appointed traveling freight and passenger
agent with offices in Ottumwa, of the territory between Davenport
and Ottumwa.
It has not been determined when through service between Chicago
and Kansas City will be established. I understand the office
at Muscatine will be opened not later than Sunday next with an
agent in charge.
Page 248
9-4-03
IT IS HERE AT LAST
Official Announcement of Milwaukee Cut-off Trains.
FROM SAVANNA TO OTTUMWA
West Bound and East Bound Passengers Will Meet in Muscatine Every
Afternoon at 3:57 O' clock - - Miller Makes Statement.
Commencing next Monday afternoon, two Milwaukee passenger trains will
meet in Muscatine daily between 3:33 and 3:57 o'clock. F. A. Miller,
general passenger agent of the Milwaukee, today furnished the Journal
with the complete schedule of the two trains between Savanna, Ill. and
Ottumwa. For the benefit of the Muscatine public the portion of the
announcement pertaining to this vicinity is reproduced. It follows:
Agents should have newspapers call attention to the new service as an
item of news.
| 5 | Stations | 4 |
| P. M. | | P.M. |
| 12:55 Lv. | Savanna | Ar. 6:35 |
|
. Lv. | Timbuctoo | Lev..... |
| 1:11 Lv. | Thompson | Ar. 6:19 |
| 1:23 Lv. | Fulton | Lv. 6:07 |
| 1:33 Lv. | Albany | Lv. 5:57 |
| 1:47 Lv. | Cordova | Lv. 5:42 |
| 1:55 Lv. | Port Byron | Lv. 5:35 |
|
. | Rapids City | Lv.
. |
|
. | Hampton |
. |
|
. | Watertown |
. |
| 2:10 Lv. | East Moline | Lv. 5:20 |
| 2:18 Lv. | Moline | Lv. 5:12 |
| 2:33 Lv. | Rock Island | Lv. 4:58 |
| 2:50 Ar. | Davenport | Lv. 4:45 |
| 2:50 Lv. | Davenport | Ar. 4:35 |
| 3:15 Lv. | Buffalo | Lv. 4:10 |
| 3:25 Lv. | Montpelier | Lv. 3:59 |
| 3:35 Lv. | Fairport | Lv. 3:47 |
Page 249
| 3:52 Lv. | Muscatine | Lv. 3:33 |
| 3:57 Lv. | Sudbury | Lv. 3:25 |
| 4:13 Lv. | Ardon | Lv. 3:14 |
| 4:22 Lv. | Madura | Lv. 3:07 |
| 4:32 Lv. | Cone | Lv. 2:56 |
| 4:44 Lv. | Gladwin | Lv. 2:45 |
| 4: 56 Lv. | Haskins | Lv. 2:32 |
| 5:14 Lv. | Washington | Lv. 2:14 |
| 5:26 Lv. | Titus | Lv. 2:02 |
| 5:46 Lv. | Rubio | Lv. 1:44 |
| 5:54 Lv. | Richland | Lv. 1:35 |
| 6:13 Lv. | Lichy | Lv. 1:17 |
| 6:22 Lv. | Farson | Lv. 1:03 |
| 6:48 Lv. | Rutledge | Lv. 12:42 |
| 7:00 Ar. | Ottumwa | Lv. 12:30 |
No. 4 and 5 connect at Savanna with C & C. B. trains 4 and 5 and will have
through coaches between Chicago and Ottumwa.
F. A. Miller
General Passenger Agent
Page 250
9-7-03
MILWAUKEE CUT-OFF IS OPENED TO THE
PUBLIC THIS AFTERNOON
East and West Round Trains West in Muscatine at
3:30 o'clock
HISTORY RECALLED
Contracts for Construction were Let On August 20, 1901
WAS LONG CONSIDERATION
First Deed was Signed by William Harper, of Near Conesville-
Construction of Road Cost about $3, 000, 000--Regular Service
Promised
The contracts for the construction of the Muscatine--Rutledge cut-off of the
Chicago-Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad were awarded August 20, 1901
The object of the road was to shorten the distance of the company's line
from Kansas City and Chicago.
The total cost of construction was about $3, 000, 000.
The first deed of the selling of right of way was signed by William Harper,
of near Conesville.
When an eastbound train and a west bound train, each of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad company, meet in Muscatine this afternoon
between 3 and 4 o'clock, the city of Muscatine will see the realization of the
ambition of many years of this railroad corporation to shorten its line
from Kansas City to Chicago. This was the object considered in building the
Milwaukee cut-off.
Contract Let In August, 1901.
The contracts for the construction of the cutoff--a line between Rutledge and
Muscatine, were let August 20, 1901. Flick and Johnson, and McIntosh, were
given the contracts for the construction of the road bed and it was estimated
that the cost of their work, exclusive of the cost of rails, etc. would be in
the neighborhood of $3, 000, 000.
Page 251
Cost Greater Than This.
It has been stated, reliably though unofficially, that the cost was
greatly in excess of the amount named.
Expensive Piece of Road.
It is further stated that the cutoff is the most expensive piece of railroad
that has ever been attempted by the Milwaukee.
First Man To Sign.
The first man to sign a deed for right of way for the new line was William
Harper, a wealthy farmer of near Conesville. The deed was signed and
the transfer made with George M. Titus, of Muscatine, representing the
company, the transaction being made early in September, 1901.
Through These Farms
The right of way for the remainder of the road in Muscatine county was
purchased from the following farmers and others.
Mary A Weir , David Mayer, Wm. Singleton, William Harper, Thomas
Tipton, John Gay, H. Westerman, D. Mayer, C. A. Quimby, J. T. James,
T.J. Maxwell, John Stone, Luther Colbert, William Ve rink, Mike Byrne,
A. Cone, Cyrus Fry, Elizabeth and O. J. Cecil, John O'Brien, Pat O'Brien,
Isaac Lee, Andrew Healey, Adam Wigim, Dan McCabe, D. A. Vanatta,
Holand McGrew, A. Q. Smalley estate, Sam Vannatta, J. G. Hinton,
Margie Hintermeister, H. W. Funk, Charles S. Millet, Mary Fulliam,
A.B. Brown, James Healey, John Leutzinger, German Lutheran Estate,
Mrs. Hershy, Priscilla Hartman, W. D. Smalley, Hershey estate.
Ready for Service.
The train service over the new road begins today, and as has been stated, an
east and a westbound train will meet in Muscatine this afternoon. The South
Muscatine station, where regular stops for all trains will be made will be
known as Sudbury. The office will be in charge of Ralph Holopeter, who has
been appointed agent. The Muscatine station will be in charge of E. R. Beem,
who will act as joint agent for the Milwaukee and for the Rock Island.
Page 252
9-10-03
60 MILES AN HOUR
Milwaukee Makes Fast Time Over the Cut-Off
A JOURNAL REPORTER's RIDE
Makes the Trip From Muscatine to Ottumwa--Road Has a
Fine Track--Keeps its Promise to Make the Line High Grade.
Sixty miles an hour over track that had been in use but two days is
the excellent record made by the Milwaukee railroad over its new cut-off,
which was placed in commission between here and Ottumwa Monday. Not
only was this wonderful speed made in one place, but in several, and the
good run was sustained all along the line. The extraordinary speed made
by trains over this line, shows that the road has done all that it claimed
in constructing the cutoff and that when the track is thoroughly settled it
will be one of the finest in the west. As soon as through trains are established it is probable that the Milwaukee will schedule the fastest run
west of Chicago, between that city and Kansas City.
Makes the Trip.
A Journal representative made the trip on train No. 5 leaving here at 3:53
p. m. Tuesday, going through to Ottumwa. If, what was done on that
run is a criterion of what the Milwaukee intends to give its customers along
the new line, there will certainly be no cause for complaint.
Conductor Blanchard
Train number five left here Tuesday on time in charge of Conductor Blanchard
who was sent to this division from the Kansas City division, and who is a
brother of Wm. Blanchard of this city and who has several other relatives
here. Engineer Heath was at the throttle and when the train pulled into the
yards at Sudbury, a delay of 16 minutes was encountered, working on the
engine which had not been steaming right.
Seven Miles in Ten Minutes
The train pulled out of Sudbury at 4:13 o'clock and at 4:23 o'clock it had
topped at Ardon, the first station out a little over seven miles, and up hill
early all the way. This was wonderful running and shows that the track is
all right. Madura, four miles farther was reached at 4:30 o'clock and the
train was only one minute late.
Page 253
Takes Water
Cone was the next station carded but the train stopped at Cone lake
for water, and changed engineers, R. A. Ansom from Chilicothe, Mo.
taking the run from this point. Several minutes was lost at the
water tank, and it was 4:42 o'clock when the train pulled out of
Cone station, a mile further down the track from the water tank.
Making Good Time
Gladwin was reached at 4:52 o'clock and the train was then only
eight minutes late. Haskins was reached at 5:01 and a stop of two
minutes was made loading baggage and taking on passengers. Washing-
ton eight miles further was reached at 5:l6, and a stop of three
minutes was made there a large number of passengers being taken on
board and also considerable baggage.
Run To Titus
Titus named after Ex-Senator Geo. M. Titus, of this city, was the
next station, six miles distant, and this place was reached in 8
minutes. Eight minutes more was consumed in taking water and the
train pulled out for Rublo West of Titus the track in Richland is
not in the best of condition, not having been ballasted completely
between these places. However, good time was made all along and
Rubio was passed at 5:52, the train being but six minutes late then.
At Richland
Richland was the next station, and while the track was still poor,
two minutes time was made up and the train left here at 5:58. Linby
was the next stop, where the Burlington Route crosses the tracks and
this place was reached at 6:14, but one minute late. A few minutes
were lost here taking on passengers, and Farson the next place, formerly
the old island town of Competine, nice miles from Linby, was
reached at 6:25 three minute late. A good run to Rutledge the station
where the cutoff intersedts the old Kansas City line was made,
and the train arrived there three minutes ahead of time and was ready
to pull out for Ottumwa, the terminus when the time to leave arrived.
Did Good Business
The train did an excellent business all
along the line and Trainmaster J. F. Richards who was on board was greatly pleased. He said
the business the new line was doing, was much greater than his company had anticipated, and this in view of the fact that the opening
had hardly been advertised at all, and that the traveling public
hardly knew that trains were running as yet. Mr. Richards said that
as soon as the roadbed had become thoroughly settled and that when
his company had installed its through trains, and was giving the
service that it anticipated there would be entire satisfaction for
all.
Page 254
9-24-03
INSPECT THE ROAD
Party of Muscatine Officials Look Over the Cut-off
FAST SERVICE NEXT MONDAY
Movements of Construction Gangs, Block System to be used on the
Road--Through Freights for fast service start the first of week.
A party consisting of W. J. Underwood, assistant general manager;
D. L. Burt, general superintendent; and E. Laas, superintendent of
construction, officially inspected the new Milwaukee cutoff yesterday.
Superintendent Laas stated that the work would be completed about
October 5. The sand ballasting has been completed and now workingmen
are putting on the finishing touches. Two construction gangs were
ordered removed yesterday. The officials express themselves as
highly gratified over the condition of the road bed.
Through Freight Soon.
Next Monday all the fast freights which have been running over the Cedar
Rapids route will run over the new cutoff. There will be three freights,
each way daily besides numerous specials. All the meat trains will come
taking the Marion route.
It was also rumored that new passenger service was to be placed at the same
time but the agents were unable to confirm this report.
TO USE BLOCK SYSTEM.
The telegraph operators between Sudbury and Rutledge on the Milwaukee
cut-off have been given notice to take the examination on the block system
of running trains . This system will probably go into effect next week on
this road. Under this system no train is allowed to leave one station for
the next while another train is between these two stations.
A twenty eight car meat train went through this morning from Kansas City to
Chicago.
Page 255
9-26-03
ARDON.
Ardon, Ia., Sept. 25--Most of the people of this place attended the
carnival in Muscatine.
Dayton Reed was a passenger from Ardon to Muscatine yesterday.
Mike Tomney has accepted a position in Muscatine.
Tom Cushman came in contact with a mad cow at J. B. Vanatta's sale.
Mrs. Adam Wigam called on Mrs. R. J. Altekruse Wednesday.
The new road has opened into Ardon. Joe O'Brien, Joe Bryne and Joe
Furlong are doing the work to make the road passable.
Miss Anna Foley is home for a few days visit.
Emmet Chapman was a business caller in Muscatine Wednesday.
Christy Nolan was a business caller at Robert Green's Tuesday evening.
Miss AnnaTomney was a passenger from Muscatine to Ardon, after having
visted with her friend, Mrs. A. F. Abbott.
Nolie and Raymond Townsley are attending Western College.
sam Altekruse passed through here Sunday afternoon.
Anna Byrne was a passenger from Ardon to Muscatine Wednesday evening.
Miss Maud Meeker departed for Toledo last evening, where she is going
to school.
Page 256
9-28-03
CAMP IS MOVED
Milwaukee Laborers Transferred to a New Cut-off.
NEW TRACK IS FINISHED.
Directors Special Takes Inspecting Party Over Line Today
Will Probably Accept the work of the Superintendent of Construction.
The boarding camp on the Milwaukee road at Washington, (Ia. ) was
transferred yesterday to Thompson, (Ill. ) where another cutoff is
being made from Thompson to Ashdale on the main line. This will
make the distance from Rock Island to Chicago about thirty miles
shorter than by the old route.
There were forty two cars of the camp train that passed through Muscatine
yesterday and there were on board in all about 300 mne, cooks and hostlers
and laboorers. The sand and gravel trains were taken off this line last
week with 300 laborers . These were taken to Rockford, Pit. One construction
train is left but will probably be moved soon.
The directors special passed through Sudbury station this morning to inspect
the road and if found satisfactory they will accept the construction work as
reported by Superintendent Laas. The fast trains will be put on soon. Two
fast freights were put on this morning and went east over the road, the
other two west bound will be put on tomorrow.
Page 257
9-29-03
TO SHORTEN ROUTE
Golden State Limited Will Be Run 'Over Portion
OF MILWAUKEE
MAKES REDUCTION OF 25 MILES
Rumored That Old Train Will be put on again soon and that Southwest
Limited is Soon To Be Installed on Milwaukee.
When the Golden State Limited is reinstalled on the Rock Island, and according
to rumor this will be done soon, the train will use the new Milwaukee cutoff
from Washington to Seymour in order to shorten the route. An unofficial report
has reached Muscatine to the effect that the Golden State will be put on within
a short time, and although local officials say that they have received no notice
of this intention, the opinion prevails here as well as elsewhere that the
service is to be thus improved. If the Milwaukee tracks are used by the
Golden State Limited, there will be a reduction of twenty five miles in the route.
Southwest Goes on Nov. 1.
Word has also been received here, though not officially, that the southwest
limited, the Milwaukee Kansas City-Chicago train will be put on November 1.
All arrangements for installing the train at an earlier date than this has been
changed. It is said, in order to allow the track and road bed to be put in
proper condition for fast service.
The Milwaukee is negotiating for an air line to St. Louis, according to
persistent rumors now in circulation in railroad circles. It is said that the Eldon
& St. Louis Line, which runs direct from the Wapello county town to the
Missouri metropolis, is to be bought by the Milwaukee and that a line is to be
run to Ottumwa along the south bank of the river, connecting with the Milwaukee
line there. If this is done the Milwaukee will have a short line from Cedar
Rapids to St. Louis.
Rumor Affecting Wabash
It is said that surveys have been made of the proposed right of way along the
south bank of the river from Eldon to Ottumwa and that negotiations have been
held in abeyance pending the completion of this survey. It has long been known
that the Milwaukee has been desirous of securing a line into St. Louis through this
section. Rumors have been afloat to the effect that the road had made overtures
of the Wabash for the purchase of that line between Ottumwa and Moulton, with a
view of running a rival line into St. Louis from Moulton. This rumor was given
little credence, however, for various reasons.
Page 258
10-14-03
START NEW TRAIN
Passenger service will be increased on the
Milwaukee November 1.
The Southwestern Limited
Will Have Complete Equipment and Be Modern
In every particular--Will run between Kansas
City and Chicago--Double Tram Service
The Southwest Limited, a new daily train between Chicago and
Kansas City, will be placed in service about November 1, 1903.
Its equipment will be new and complete, including standard and
compartment sleepers, dining car and observation-library car.
It will be electric lighted from locomotive to observation platform,
and the service will measure up to the high standard maintained
on other famous trains of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
Railway. The Pioneer Limited, between Chicago St. Paul and
Minneapolis, and the Overland Limited, Chicago, Omaha and
San Francisco,
Double daily train service between Chicago and Kansas City be
offered in each direction. Announcement of train schedules will
be made at an early date.
This announcement was received in this city last night. The coming
of this new train is notice of the completion of the new cutoff through
Moline and Rock Island. This new line makes the distance from
Kansas City to Chicago twenty miles less by the Milwaukee than by
the Rock Island, and this shortening of the distance is all west of
Muscatine.
Page 259
11-9-03
MILWAUKEE SERVICE DECEMBER 6
The time tables of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul line are being
arranged to provide for the entrance of the road into the Union
depot for its Kansas City terminus, December 6. The same day the
new cutoff via Muscatine will be opened and the Southwest Limited
between Chicago and Kansas City will be put in. Speaking of this new
service the St. Paul's new folder, received in Muscatine last week
says:
"The new short line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway
between Chicago and Kansas City, has been completed. It forms a
cutoff through Moline, Rock Island, Davenport, Muscatine, Ottumwa
and Chillicothe. Double daily train service between Chicago and
Kansas city will be offered in each direction.
The southwest Limited, a new daily train between Chicago and Kansas
City, will be placed in service about December 1. Its equipment will
be new and complete including standard and compartment sleepers,
dinig car and observation-library car . It will be electric lighted
throughout. The service will measure up to the high standard main-
tained on other trains of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway - -
The Pioneer Limited, between Chicago, St. Paul and Minneapolis
and The Overland Limited between Chicago, Omaha and San Francisco."
Page 260
11-25-03
ARDON
Ardon, Ia. , Nov. 25--Ray Downer is improving as rapidly as
could be expected after his serious illness. Dr. Armentrout,
of Letts, is in attendance.
Mrs. George Baker and daughter Myrtle, were calling on their
Ardon friends Friday.
Mr. Roberts and family, of Madura, moved to Ardon last Tuesday.
Mesdames Marden and Schwin were Muscatine visitors Saturday.
Andrew Healey returned from Chicago last Tuesday, after spending
a few days with his son Michael.
Johnnie Tomney left some very fine corn at the store last Monday.
There were three ears that measured each thirteen inches in
length and weighed five pounds.
Rev. Charles P. Lang of Oakland, Neb. was visiting with his sister,
Mrs. John T. Downer, Thursday and Friday.
Five car loads of cattle were shipped from here Sunday. Miller
Riggs shipped three loads and Will Bros. two.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith of Sudbury, visited with Miss Agnes Byrne
Sunday afternoon.
Newt Longstreth spent Thursday in Muscatine.
Miss Anna Byrne visited friends in Muscatine Monday and Tuesday.
Mr. Deane, one of the employes of the Milwaukee road, spent Sunday
at the home of Mrs. Anna Byrne.
Agent Martin made a business trip to Muscatine Wednesday.
Mesdames Nitzel and McKay of Milwaukee visited with Mrs. John
Page 261
Byrne last Thursday and Friday.
Mrs. Jas. O Toole was a business caller in Ardon Saturday.
Misses Clara and Anna Healey were calling on friends in Muscatine
Thursday.
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Wigim o£ Muscatine spent last Sunday visiting
at the home of Adam Wigim.
The windmill and water tank at the stock yards have been completed
and everything is in convenient shape for watering stock.
Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Noble of Muscatine called at J. T. Downer's
Sunday afternoon.
There was a large crowd in town Sunday afternoon to see the cattle
loaded.
Page 262
12-1-03
ARDON
Ardon, December 1-Edward Healey, who is attending school at
Davenport, spent Thanksgiving at home.
C. Schwin and Lillie Bentley spent Saturday and Sunday with
the former's parents, near Wilton.
Miss Agnes Byrne visited with friends in Muscatine Wednesday.
John Healey, of Muscatine, was visiting at his old home Wednesday
and Thursday.
Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Timberlake and Arthur, attended an oyster
supper at Cedar Valley M. E. church Thanksgiving evening.
Miller Riggs returned from Chicago Tuesday evening.
William Schwin, a student of the S. U. I, spent Saturday and
Sunday with his brother, C. Schwin, after returning from St. Louis,
where he played in the hotly contested foot ball game between the
S. U. I. team and the Washington school of that place.
Mrs. J. Bantle was a passenger to Muscatine Tuesday.
Miss Marie Byrne is reported on the sick list at this writing.
Misses Lizzie Healey and Bliss Marden spent Saturday with Katie
Lee.
Ray Downer still continues to improve and will soon be able to
resume his school work.
Michael Lynch was a business caller in Ardon Saturday.
Todd Frizzell moved from below the bluff to the farm vacated by
Mrs. Wm. Reddick.
Four new passenger trains will be put on the Milwaukee cut-off
Dec. 6 which will be a great convenieince to passengers.
Page 263
12-4-03
TRAIN IS A BEAUTY
Southwest Limited One of Finest In Milwaukee Service
INSPECTED AT MUSCATINE
Hundreds of people of this city were shown through
the coaches yesterday--Elegance of the Equipment
of New Flyer is Unsurpassed in West.
The Southwest Limited, the new Milwaukee train which made its
initial run yesterday, and stopped for a half hour in Muscatine,
is modern in every particular. The train consists of a standard
chair car, high back chair car, standard and compartment
sleepers and observation library coaches, the finishing and
equipment being superior in nearly every detail to the fine
Pioneer Limited and Overland Limited of the Milwaukee. t he
train is lighted by a twenty five horse power motor, which is
stationed in the front portion of the coach adjoining the tender.
Convenient facilities for reading and other purposes are furnished
in the arrangement and style of lights used.
For the pleasure of passengers with different tastes regarding
comfort in traveling, a high back chair car in addition to a standard
chair car is carried, and a small smoking compartment adjoins
each of these. In the smoking room an ideal laboratory arrangement
contributes to the general luxuriousness of the coach.
Evidently the pride of the company as far as this train is concerned is
the compartment car. A distinct color scheme as well as style of
wood finishing is followed in each compartment, and each space is
furnished with a cabinet laboratory, and other toilet conveniences.
In the dining car no expense has been spared to make this feature
equal to that of any train that travels in the west. The candleabras
which adorn each table, the silver, linen, chairs, and in fact the
entire equipment is in keeping with the elegance which prevails
elsewhere in the train.
Hundreds of Muscatine people were at the station yesterday afternoon
and inspected the train.
Page 264
12-8-03
ARDON
Ardon, Ia., Dec. 8 - Miss Anna Healey attended the teachers meeting
at Wilton last Saturday.
Miss Florence Johnson spent Saturday and Sunday with her cousin,
Mrs. Dewey Timberlake.
John Verink shipped five car loads of wood to Muscatine last week.
Mrs. C. Schwin left for Moscow today where she will spend a week
visiting with friends and relatives.
Mrs. Anna Byre was a passenger from Muscatine Saturday.
J. T. Downer made a "business trip to Muscatine Friday.
Mr. Simon from High Prairie, was a Pleasant caller in Ardon Wednesday.
The Ladies' Aid Society met with Mrs. Robt. Lee last Wednesday. All
report having a good time.
Mrs. J. T. Downer and son Ray took their departure for Wilton today
where they will spend a week visiting with relatives.
Revival meetings have begun at St. John's Chapel, Sunday evening
They expect an evangelist from the last of the week.
Isaac Lee was a business visitor in Muscatine last Friday.
Harry Buck called on his old time friend, J. T. Downer, last Wednesday
Miss Marie Byrne, who was reported ill last week, is better at this
writing.
It is reported that there will be another section gang put on the
cutoff and that they will be located at this place.
A contract is about to be closed with the Heinz Pickle Works for a
large number of acres to be put in pickles and tomatoes which will
be shipped from this place. If this proves to be the case it will
be the means of several families moving here in the spring.
As the weather grows cold and stormy, the people are becoming more
enthusiastic about the new road, realizing what a great a great convenience
it will be for them to get to the store, and as Mr. Healey has made
a fair proposition let everybody take hold and do their part and
we will have a road in the near future.
Page 265
12-17-03
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSCATINE-RUTLEDGE CUTOFF
One of the events of the year 1902 of great significance to the
city of Muscatine, perhaps the chief accomplishment of the year
when considered in its broadest meaning, was the opening up for
regular traffic of the Muscatine-Rutledge cutoff of the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad. Since the latter part of October
freight and passenger trains have been running over the new line on
regular schedules, and during November and the portion of the
present month which has passed the company has been laying the
foundation for plans that will benefit Muscatine in no less degree
than any other town or city between Kansas City and Chicago.
Happily Located
If any benefits are to be derived by the towns of the region through
which the new line passes , Muscatine is by reason of its location,
in line for some of the best of all the possibilities that the enterprise
promises.
The building of the cutoff in its real sense means the connection of
Muscatine and Ottumwa, for the purpose of shortening the route of
the Milwaukee between Chicago and Kansas City. More strictly
speaking this was what the undertaking and accomplishment meant
to the men who caused the road to be built. But Muscatine people
saw more in the proposition than the mere chance of a shorter
journey to Chicago.
The Real Good
The distance between Muscatine and any one of the towns on the cutoff
has by the completion of the road been decreased in a measure that
can not be estimated in miles. Five years ago the territory in this
portion of the southwest upon which Muscatine had any claims as far
as trade and commercial relations were concerned, extended barely
beyond the ci ty limits, Muscatine could not look to the southwest for
friends because the people were looking in this direction for friends.
There was much there that we wanted, and much here that they wanted--
and no manner by which either could be satisfied. By the people
between Muscatine and Ottumwa, this city was regarded as a town or
city somewhere on the Mississippi River, a fact that was learned in the
study of geography. There was no other reason for remembering it.
Page 266
To the people of the southwest, this city was an impossibility.
Perhaps they never thought of it in that light, but Muscatine
so regarded it before the construction of the road, and the
feeling has not changed since.
Summing it all up, the building of the cutoff meant for one
thing the extension of Muscatine's acqualitance from a commercial
standpoint. It added valuable territory , the worth of which in dollars
and cents is inestimable.
Look To Muscatine.
A large number, if not the majority, of the towns along the cutoff
will naturally look to Muscatine as the center of trade in certain
lines. In the first place, if Ardon, Madura, Cone, Gladwin,
Haskins, Titus, Rublo, Richland, Linby, Farson, and Rutledge,
develop as present conditions indicate, the first thing for the
builders of these towns to consider is a place to buy lumber for
instance. In the event that Muscatine only comes in for a share of
this trade, the proportion will be of such dimensions as to benefit
every man of this city who is interested in lumber, whether he be a
stockholder or an employe. Muscatine lumbermen are competing
successfully with other like interests in all parts of the United States,
and in the matter of the supplying of the dozen towns along the cutoof,
a glance reveals the possibility in this line. This is given as a
specific instance of the possibilities of the cutoff for Muscatine, In
addition to lumber, other building will be in demand and the demands
of the people along the line will not be confined to laths, lumber, nails
and cement. Every merchant in Muscatine is directly or indirectly
benefited by the opening up of this territor , and the advantages are
not confined to the men who have articles to sell.
Not all of the sections along the cutoff will become cities. Many of
them will never be thriving villages, and some of them perhaps will
possibly continue indefinitely to consist of a depot and a coal shed
All of the points along the line that have been donated as stations cannot
hope to gain permanency by reason of their having been honored with
an appellation. Only those that are happily located, or for other reasons
which may never be apparent to more than a few men with enterprise, who
caused the towns to grow, will really develop up to the magnitude anticipated
upon the advent of the road. It is a safe assertion, however, that
the road will not mean a deterioration by any mean s to any of them. To
Muscatine, the question is the degree of the benefits that will be received.
Page 267
Muscatine is a growing city, and in view of its manufacturing
interests, its possibilities are great. The safety of its commercial
interests by reason of the new road is strengthened undoubtedly. To
designate specifically what could be expected on this account within
the next few years is an anticipation that cannot be indulged in accurately,
but the measure of the developments to come will be self evident,
Muscatine is now in competition with Ottumwa in many respects just as
it is in competition with Davenport. It is a pleasure to believe that the
odds are in favor of the Pearl City. Whatever excellence in trade activities
Muscatine has gained in the past cannot be attributed wholly or in any
large degree to its railroad facilities. Certainly with no railroad advantages
it would not have occupied the rank it has today, but it is
positive that this city is not the product of railroad builders who have
seen it to bestow upon it favors that fall in the ordinary conduct of
their business. Muscatine is not an accident. It has grown slowly and
substantially and its institutions are permanent. The Milwaukee
cutoff, tapping the district that it does, aids in the solution of many
problems, that have handicapped the city, and lightens the labors of
conquests that have long been contemplated and which will soon be
achieved.
Page 268
12-30-03
ARDON
Ardon, Ia. , Dec. 29--Mrs. Jacob Legler, of Muscatine, and Mrs.
Harper, of Kearney, Neb., spent Monday and Tuesday with Mrs.
Dave Legler.
Ida Altekruse and Emma Riggs, who are attending school at Toledo
(Ia. ) are spending the holidays at home.
Mr. Carr shipped a load of cattle to Chicago last Tuesday.
Connell Bros, of Wilton, spent Christmas at Andrew Healey's.
Mrs. J. T. Downer and Mrs. C. Schwin were passengers to
Muscatine Friday.
Clara Healey visited with friends in Davenport over Sunday.
Miss Ewing, of Muscatine, is spending the week with her cousin,
Leila Lee.
Eddie Healey, who is attending school in Davenport, is spending his
vacation at home.
Robert and Gertrude Wigim invited a number of their little friends to
enjoy their Christmas tree with them Saturday evening.
Mike Tomney assisted in Geo. Eitman's grocery store in Muscatine
Thursday last week.
E. Chapman has rented a farm above Muscatine and John Healey will
occupy the place vacated by Mr. Chapman.
Miss Isley visited with Anna Tomney last Sunday.
Messrs. Cochran and Thompson, of Letts, were pleasant callers
Ardon last Wednesday.
Mr. and Mrs. Casper Weiss were business visitors in Ardon Thursday.
