West Liberty History 1838-1938

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

Incorparated Town of West Liberty, Iowa, organized January 1, 1868. Mayor, S. W. Sedgewick; Recorder, Henry Harrison ; Trustees, (now called councilmen), Elisha Schooley, Alonzo Shaw, George Bagley, Z. N. King, Albert F. Keith. All were sworn in on the day mentioned, and the first session of the Council was on Jan. 7th, 1868.

The first motion empowered Shaw and Harrison to draw up such by-laws as they deemed wise to govern their body or trustees, and such ordinances as would be regarded wise and necessary for the good government of our citizens.

Their first request made, was that the Rock Island Railroad be asked to make their depot platform level, said request to be signed by the Mayor and Council. Adjourned to Jan. 13th, 1868.

Shaw presented a letter from the Secretary of State, dated Oct. 11, 1868, acknowledging a receipt from Shaw for $ 28.15 which he had paid, of which $13.25 had been contributed by local citizens. The balance $14.90 was paid to Shaw by a certificate of indebtedness, drawing 19% interest.

The first ordinance was to provide for a Treasurer and Marshal. The second, to prevent swine from running at large. Third, to license shows and exhibitions. Fourth, to regulate peddlers and auctions. The first money received was: Show for little folks $3.00; Fine (prominent citizen) $3.00; License to sell soap $1.00; Auction $5.00; From and Elecution $3.00; Fine (prominent citizen) $1.00; License circus $20.00.

July 24,1868 Repaid Shaw Certificate of indebtedness, $14.90 and interest, $1.75; total $15.65.

On March 27, 1869 received the first tax money from the County Treasurer, $173.00; On March 26, 1870 from same source, $127.72.

The first sidewalks were laid on the south side of East Third street and west side of North Calhoun street of 1 1/4 inch plank, but after part was constructed, the Council required the balance to be of two inch plank.

March 15th, 1869 new town officers were elected : Mayor, J. Palmer; Councilmen, Alonzo Shaw, Collier Baird, Evans McDonald and Hoge.

Nov. 1, 1869 Geo. C. Shipman elected Mayor.

First Fire Company was organized Dec. 6th, 1869.

First Assessor S. W. Sedgewick was elected Feb. 14, 1870.

First Marshall was T. K. Chase.

Assessor Wm. Henderson elected March 7, 1870.

First Chief of Fire police Wm. R. Childs received $15.00 for two years service.

P. R. Evans elected Mayor June 2, 1870.

June 21, 1870, minutes of the meetings of the Council to be published in the West Liberty Enterprise, free of charge.

April 1, 1872 sidewalk made to depot.

Sept. 2, 1871 first reference made to providing a place of burial of the dead.

Oct. 2, 1871, Metcalf and Deemer were appointed to dig a town well and asked for subscriptions from property owners in the immediate vicinity.

Nov. 6, 1871, Z. John was paid $89.00 for digging corporation wells and further expenses of wells for brick, platforms and pump. $114.00 was paid and wells committee was ordered to collect all unpaid subscriptions.

First Night watchman appointed May 5, 1871.

First jail May 5, 1871, cost $150.00.

Jan. 16, 1872 a committee was appointed to ascertain the indebtedness of the Cemetery. Report $162.44.

The present East Oakridge Cemetery grounds were purchased by W. C. Evans, June 28, 1858, to be paid for as the lots were sold, and was operated as a private cemetery until May 6, 1872. It was known as the " graveyard " for many years, and the suggestion that the name be " Oakridge " was made by M. W. Ball and C. E. Chesebro. Several additions have been made to the original plot.

The perpetual care fund was established June 5, 1895. On hand in this fund now $21,000.00 mostly yielding less than 3%, an amount insufficient to care for Oakridge.

The old town hall was constructed in 1886 and the new town hall was built in 1936.

The sewer system was built in 1911, and the new sewer and disposal plant were constructed in 1934.

The municipal water plant was established Sept. 3, 1888 by a vote of the people. Result: for 124; against 22. The pumps of the present system can pump 590 gallons from the two wells, with two auxiliary pumps that can in case of an emergency pump 1500 gallons per minute from the supply tanks into the mains. The addition of an iron removal plant is to be installed as soon as funds are available.

The municipal electric light plant was established in 1897. The first street lights were established March 9, 1893. Records do not state whether they were kerosene or gasoline lamps. The present lighting system was constructed in 1915, with some additions from time to time. This system followed the old carbon electric light system built in 1897 and 1898.

The first diesel engine was installed in 1920, a 180 H. P. unit. The latest addition, or second diesel unit was installed in 1938, this unit being of 450 H. P.

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