West Liberty History 1838-1938

Source: One Hundred Years of History
* Commemorating a Century of Progress in the West Liberty Community * WEST LIBERTY, IOWA
ARTESIAN WELLS

In October of 1886 J. W. McElravy began agitation for an artesian well for West Liberty. Taking a subscription paper, he started out among the business men and in a few hours had over $600 subscribed for the purpose of experimenting as to whether water could be easily obtained. The town added $300, the school board $200 more. A public meeting was called and the question discussed. All were in favor of it.

In November a contract was made with A. K. Wallen to bore the well, but little was done until the spring of 1888 when William Barber of Minooka, Ill., took charge of the work as foreman. The well was sunk to a depth of 1768 feet where the flow was considered sufficient. A contract was let to Dennison and Co. of Muscatine, to lay the water mains.

By 1889 the water mains were being rapidly exrended and many business houses and families were using the water. The well was located near the intersection of Calhoun and Eighth streets, in front of the house where John Boden now lives. The total cost of the well was $10,000.00.

By 1898 the supply of water was not sufficient to meet the demands of the people, so it was necessary to drill another well, located on South Calhoun street near the present power house. In 1923, the town purchased the well formerly used by the Iowa Condensed Milk Co. and at that time owned by J. D. Potter and Frank Weber.

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