Muscatine County, Iowa

ARDON
1901 – 1954


HISTORY OF A SMALL TOWN IN “76” TOWNSHIP
MUSCATINE CO. IOWA
by
HOWARD R. HEALEY, 1979

~ PART 8 ~

Transcribed, as written, Beverly Gerdts. Submitted November 28, 2019

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 Work—Begin
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.

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