CHAPTER X.
UNION TOWNSHIP (CONT'D).

WATER WORKS AND TELEPHONE SYSTEMS.

In 1902 a destructive fire swept away several business houses on the east side of Main street, causing great loss to several merchants, and immediately the question of waterworks was taken up and agitated for several months before any definite action was taken. But before the close of the year the question of better fire protection had been thoroughly discussed, and an election was held authorizing the mayor and recorder to issue bonds on the credit of the town to pay for the installation of a system of waterworks. The bonds were immediately issued and the works begun. A deep well and storage tank system had been decided upon, and the work was completed at a cost of about $5,000. The system proved to be highly satisfactory. An abundance of good water was found at a depth of about 200 feet and, besides furnishing ample protection against fire, is largely used for private consumption. At present the water mains cover but a part of the city, but it is evident that an extension will soon become necessary, in order to accommodate those citizens who wish to become patrons. The people of Cumberland are justly proud of this improvement which places the town in a class with others of much larger size, besides greatly increasing the value of property and giving the town a metropolitan appearance.

While the question of waterworks was agitating the minds of Cumberland's citizens, another important matter presented itself, that of a telephone system. A company known as the Briscoe & Cumberland Telephone Company, composed of about forty stockholders, residents of the city and also farmers living adjacent to the city, had been formed, and a telephone line built from Briscoe to the corporate limits of Cumberland. This company asked for and was granted a franchise to build and operate a telephone system in the town. This marked the beginning of an industry which has grown so rapidly that today Cumberland enjoys the distinction and pleasure of being able to communicate with practically every resident within a radius of ten miles, there being twenty lines having over 300 subscribers entering the town. Besides these there should be included three toll lines which also handle a large amount of business.

PIONEERS OF THE TOWN.

The past four years Cumberland has grown in the same steady, substantial manner that marked the earlier years of her existence. There have been a great many changes, new residents have located here, many of the older ones have removed to other climes, some have gone to their eternal home, and a few of the pioneers yet remain. Among the latter may be mentioned John Worthington, who has resided in the city since the site was purchased from him. At present he is engaged in looking after his farming interests and is one of the most highly esteemed residents of the city.

George F. Scarr, the druggist, came to Cumberland in April, 1885, and has been engaged continuously in the drug business since that date. Mr. Scarr enjoys the distinction of being the only pioneer merchant who has resided here longer than twenty years.

E. A. Jonas commenced business as a carriage maker in Cumberland in June, 1885, and is engaged in that line.

Dr. M. J. Murphy located in Cumberland in April, 1885, to practice his profession, and although he later removed to other locations, has returned and is at present looking after the physical condition of a large patronage.

J. H. Reppert, the genial agent of the Burlington route, took charge of the station when the railroad was completed into Cumberland and has transacted the company's business at this point ever since that time.

There are many other citizens who removed to Cumberland in the early days from their nearby farms, and have contributed largely to the upbuilding of the town. Among these may be mentioned George L. Edwards, William Cool, W. A. Dowell, W. B. Edwards, and many others.

At the present time Cumberland is a thriving little city of 650 inhabitants, and is steadily growing larger. The merchants and business men enjoy a large patronage from the surrounding country, and many of them have built commodious residences, as well as business blocks, testifying to the general prosperity that is the reward of strict attention to business. The church and school privileges are unexcelled in any town of her size in the State, and the constant aim of her citizens is to continually improve along all lines, wherever possible.

"Compendium and History of Cass County, Iowa." Chicago: Henry and Taylor & Co., 1906, pg. 140-141.
Transcribed by Cheryl Siebrass, August, 2018.