HISTORY: Linn County, Iowa From the A.T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa, 1875 ************************************************* Copyright. All rights reserved. http://files.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************* LINN COUNTY The surface of the country in Linn County is undulating, and, like Jones County, is broken into low, conical hills, with intersecting valleys running in every direction, while the general inclination is to the southeast and south, the water-shed being near the south bank of the Wapisinicon River, and extending nearly parallel with it. The soil is good, the whole county well watered, and the climate conducive to health. Well water is peculiarly pure and sparkling. The people are cheerful, busy and properous. [sic] All professions are well sustained, and industry is well rewarded. EARLY SETTLEMENT The first cabin within the limits of Linn County was built by John Mann, in Linn Grove, on what is known as Upper Big Creek, in February, 1838. It is said (though disputed by some) that he was the first white settler. He built a small flouring mill, which was carried off by a flood in the Spring of 1851, and he perished with his mill. The creek rose to the height of twenty feet in less than half an hour, and he was unable to make his escape. His body was found several days afterwards, and was interred near by. He was from Pennsylvania. The next settler, John Crow, was from North Carolina. He made claim to a tract of land on the Wapisipinicon in April, 1838. He was a gentleman of wealth and culture, and died a few years after his settlement here, leaving a family, some of whom still live in this and Jones County. After the above mentioned, several families came in 1838, among whom were John J. Gibson, Robert Dean, John McAfferty, Peter McRoberts, William Abbe, in Franklin Township; Judge Mitchell, Jacob Leabo, Mr. Henry, in Westport, Bertram Township; Samuel C. Stewart, James and John Scott, Robert Osborn, Hiram Thomas and Isabell Safely (who died in 2875, aged 103), in Linn Township. John Stewart, Joseph Morford, J. Burge, and D. S. Hahn, and others were here early. Claims were also made in Marion Township as early as 1838, and in 1839, John C. Berry, H. W. Gray, Rufus Lucore, James, Willis, Luman M. Strong, Esquire Bassett and others erected their cabins within its limits. We transfer the following items taken from an article recently published, as the risk of repetition. During the Summer of 1838 the settlements gradually extended in the east part of the county. The only persons now recollected of that early period as remaining, are John Gibson, of Mt. Vernon, and Andrew J. McKean, and Hosea W. Gray, of Marion. The first family west of Big Creek was that of Jacob Leabo from Kentucky. The first west of Indian Creek was that of James W. Bassett, from Vermont. The first justice of the peace was John McAfferty, commissioned in 1838. The first judge of probate was Israel Mitchell, a Tennessean, now residing in Oregon. The first sheriff was Hosea W. Gray. The first clerk of the district court was Socrates H. Tryon; he was also the first practicing physician. The first judge of the district court was Joseph Williams, a Pennsylvanian. The first officiating minister was the Reverend Christian Troup, A German Lutheran, who preached regularly in his own cabin near the mouth of Spring Creek, every Sunday during the latter part of the Summer of 1838. The first marriage was that of Richard Osborn and Sarah Haines, in the Spring of 1839. The first birth was that of a daughter of Mrs. Samuel McCartney, in July 1838. The first death was that of Mrs. Haines, an invalid elderly lady, who died from the effect of an accidental fall in July, 1838. The second was that of James Logan, an Irishman, who was killed by the caving in of a well which he was excavating in Marion, July, 1840. To the founder of a city, and to reap the emoluments thereof, early engaged the attention of the pioneers. Israel Mitchell laid out the first town July, 1838, which was named Westport, and in September following, William Stone staked off a town on Cedar River, which he named Columbus, but soon abandoned it. His site was a good one, and is now occupied by the City of Cedar Rapids. In October of the same year, Auson Cowles laid out a town and codgeted his brain a long time for a name, and was finally relieved by Sir Walter Scott, and called his town Ivanhoe, but it has since been vacated. The first store opened in the County was at Westport by Albert Henry, in the Fall of 1838. The second at Ivanhoe, in the Spring of 1839, by Colonel Wm. H. Merritt. In 1839, the first 4th of July celebration took place at Westport, and Judge Mitchell was the orator of the day. The usual dinner, toasts and ball followed, and William H. Smith, Andrew J. McKean, and H. W. Gray were the ball managers. In 1840, the census of the county was taken by H. W. Gray, Deputy Marshal; the population amounted to 1,342, so rapid had been the immigration in little over two years. Three years afterwards it was more than doubled again. This fine farming country could not long lie idle, when every home letter was full of its praise. Sssome of the early settlers were from the Souothern States, but Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, and other states had their representatives. Almost every settler finding himself in a land free from the trammels of political organization, immediately became a statesman, and advocated strongly whatever he could remember of the civil polity and police regulations of his own state. There was consequently no lack of variety of opinions, but some difficulty in harmonizing them. As they could not agree in adopting the code of any particular states, they came to the sage conclusion that they knew their own wants and could provide for them, and if transgressions found that justice was meted out in a more summary manner than was incident to the "law's delay," it was no more than they deserved. They at least learned that those hardy pioneers were not to be trifled with. "In common with all frontier settlements," says Edmunds, "the first settlers here were poor; they were obliged to transport their produce in wagons mostly, to the Mississippi River, at points, sixty or seventy miles distant. When reached, at such disadvantage, the markets were very low, consequently the accretions of wealth were slow, and were mainly invested in the homestead of the farmer. The discovery of gold in California, with the resulting emigration and the building of railroads, connecting the people with Eastern markets, greatly accelerated the prosperity of this country, as well as all other parts of the West. The financial crisis of 1857 interposed a check to this upward career of prosperity. It was but temporary, however. The people had fully regained their former standing when the Rebellion commenced." Elam Hollar settled on Prairie Creek, in College Township, about 1840 or before. Abner, Isaac and Joseph Cox, and John and Isham Hollar settled in Hoosier Grove about the same time. Colonel Henderson was one of the early settlers near Western. He had seven sons, all prominent men. ORGANIZATION, ETC. Linn County received its name from the Hon. Lucius F. Linn, United States Senator from Missouri, who being a favorite with some of the early settlers, was honored by having his name attached to one of the finest sections of Iowa. The limits of the county were defined by act of the Territorial Legislature, in 1837, while Iowa was a part of Wisconsin Territory, and consisted of twenty congressional townships – being an equivalent of 460,800 acres, or 2,880 farms of 160 acres each. In October, 1838, the first election was held as Westport, being the only poll opened for the county. There were thirty-two votes cast for members of the assembly, and the first member to the General Assembly from Linn County was the Hon. George Greene, member of the Legislative Council in 1840. September 9, 1839, the county commissions, consisting of Samuel C. Stewart, Peter McRoberts and Luman M. Strong, met at the house of James W. Willis, about half a mile north of the present site of Marion, and organized the county in due form of law. Hosea W. Gray was appointed sheriff, and John C. Berry, clerk. The site which had been suggested was approved and named Marion by said board. They divided the county into road and election districts, and appointed for constables, William H. Smith and Andrew J. McKean. FIRST COURTS. The first court was held at Marion, and the following is the first record made: "Minutes of the District Court of Iowa Territory, within and for the County of Linn: "IOWA TERRITORY. } Linn County } Pursuant to an act of the Legislature of the Territory of Iowa, approved July, 1840, the District Count of the United States, and also for the Territory of Iowa, met at Marion, in said county, on Monday, the 26th day of October, 1840. "Present: Honorable Joseph Williams, Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit for the territory; W. G. Woodward, Esq., District Attorney of the United States for the District of Iowa; R. P. Lowe, Esq., Prosecuting Attorney for Second Judicial Circuit; Hosea W. Gray, Esq., Sheriff of County of Linn; Socrates H. Tryon, Clerk of the District Court; Lawrence Maloney, Marshall of the Territory." The First Grand Jury, summoned for the above occasion, consisted of the following, viz.; Aaron Usher, Samuel Ross, James Leverick, D. W. King, Israel Mitchell, William H. Chambers, William Donahoe, Daniel Curtis, William T. Gilbert, George A. Patterson, Isaac Butler, John Goudy, John J. Gibson, Joseph Barnett, Asher Edgerton, William Chambers, O. S. Bowling, Daniel J. Doty, Joseph Morford. The First Petit Jurors were: David A. Woodbridge, Isaac Carroll, George W. Gray, Bertamis McGonigal, John McCloud, Thomas Goudy, James W. Willis, John Long, James W. Margrave, John Margrave, Ira Sammons, John Drow, Joseph Carraway, Stephen Osborn, A. B. Mason, O. R. Gregory, John Natlon, Thomas Maxwells, George Ylesley. COUNTY OFFICERS. JUDGES SECOND CIRCUIT, EIGHTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT – CIRCUIT COURT. Honorable Sylvester Yates….1869 Honorable John McKean…….1873 JUDGES OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT – DISTRICT COURT. Joseph Williams………………..1840 William E. Miller………………….1859 Thomas S. Wilson………………1846 Norman W. Isbell………………..1862 James P. Carlton……………...1847 C. H. Conklin…………………….1864 William Smyth…………………..1853 N. M. Howard………………...…1868 Isaac Cook……………………..1857 James H. Rothrock…..…………1867 Of the Supreme Court Judges two were from Linn County, viz.: Honorable Norman W. Isbell and Honorable George Greene. COUNTY JUDGES. N. W. Isbell, 1850. J. M. Berry, Daniel Lothian, Johnston Elliott, A. B. Dumond, 1868. CLERKS OF FISTRICT AND CIRCUIT COURT. John C. Berry (Com's. Clerk)..1839 Hosea W. Gray………………….1849 S. H. Tryon……………………….1840 James M. Berry………………….1851 John C. Berry…………………...1844 A. J. McKean……………………1854 Porter W. Earl………………….. 1847 J. L. Crawford……………………1873 SHERIFFS. Hosea W. Gray……………….1840 Thomas J. McKean………………1860 Ambrose Harlan……………...1844 William W. Smith………………….1861 Samuel W. Durham………….1846 O. O. Staunchfield……………….1862 Ambrose Harlan……………...1847 Heil Hale……………………………1866 Vincent Beall………………….1850 John G. Hayzlett…………………..1868 Samuel Brazleton…………….1853 G. D. Gillilan………………………..1874 Levi H. Mason…………………1855 AUDITORS. A. B. Dumont………………….1869 John P. Coulter……………………1870 TREASURERS AND RECORDERS. Addison Daniels………………1841 William M. Harris…………………..1846 O. S. Hall………………………..1844 Isaac Cook………………………...1851 John Zumdra…………………..1844 N. M. Day…………………………..1855 O. S. Hal………………………...1845 William Cook………………………1860 P. M. Earl………………………..1846 James Johnston…………………..1864 RECORDERS. John J. Daniels………………..1865 Charles E. Putnam………………..1853 TREASURERS R. T. Wilson……………………...1856 S. T. Berry……………………………1874 COUNTY SURVEYORS. Ross McCloud………………….1839 Adam Perry………………………..1856 S. W. Durham…………………..1841 Plympson Grear…………………..1857 T. J. McKean…………………...1843 G. A. Gray………………………….1859 A. D. Bottorft………………...…1847 John M. Greer……………………..1865 John McArthur………………… G. A. Gray………………………….1866 S. W. Durham…………………..1851 S. W. Durham……………………...1871 T. J. Stone……………………….1854 COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. Ira G. Fairbanks P. W. Reeder William Langham Homer Bradshaw T. R. Eastman Eli Johnston STATE SENATORS. Honorable Isaac M. Preston…1852 Honorable J. R. Young………….1864 " William G. Thompson 1856 " Robert Smyth………1868 " H. G. Angle………..1860 " E. B. Kephart……….1872 REPRESENTATIVES. Honorable John McArthur Honorable Mr. Steadman " O. O. Stanchfield " A. S. Belt " E. N. Bates " D. Lothian " J. E. Kurtz " J. Crawford " J. B. Young " I. Milburn " Charles Weare " J. B. Carbee " A. E. Warner " Adam Perry " J. S. McClure " A. M. Mckeel Honorable W. D. Litzenberg MEMBER OF CONGRESS. Honorable William Smyth, House of Representatives. LAWYERS. Marion – J. M. Preston & Son, J. B. Young, Corbett & Campbell, Daniel Lothian, R. D. Stevens, J. D. Gaflin, C. Latham, John Mitchell, C. M. Hollis, M. R. Allen, Charles Lee Murray, M. V. Sweezy, G. A. Gray, Isaac Cook. Mt. Vernon - H. A. Collin, J. T. Rice Lishan – P. J. Fisher Cedar Rapids – Hubbard & Deacon, Mills & Blake, West & Eastman, Nichols & Davidson, Bull & Hormel, G. D. Crafts, J.J. Smith, James J. Child, A. St. C. Smith, A. D. Collier, L. N. Whittam, B. F. Helms, J. J. Powell, W. B. Leach, R. B. Gilmore, Joseph Sosel, N. B. Parkhurst, A. S. Belt, A. H. Camburn, H. A, Yonge Center Point – T. J. Speakman, W. F. Fitzgerald Viola – John Warreil Western – W. J. Saucy Paola – J. E. Elson NEWSPAPERS AT CEDAR RAPIDS. The Cedar Rapids Times, first established in 1850 under the name of the Progressive Era; edited by D. O. Fitch: succeeded by Mrs. Rock: she by Fred Lyman, and he by J. J. Child. In 1855 it was purchased by J. L. Enos, and its name changed to the Cedar Valley Times. In 1857 it was purchased by J. G. Davenport. He was succeeded by Messrs. Greene, with W. H. Merritt, editor; in 1859 was bought by C. M. Hollis; in 1866 by Ayers & Co., F. McClellend, editor. In 1867 was changed to its present name; and in 1868 was bought by Ayers Bros.; in 1870 by Ayers, McClelland & Co.; in 1874 by Ayeres & McClelland, editors and proprietors. Circulation 1,200. Republican in politics. The Cedar Rapids Republican, daily, was established March, 1872, by the Republican Printing Co., consisting of Judge George Greene, William Greene, J.F. Ely, and Charles Weare. It is the only daily paper in the county, and has an extensive circulation. The Weekly was established May, 1872; circulation about 1,800, issued Thursdays; Robert Holmes. At the same house is published The Farmers Journal established May, 1872, devoted to the interest of farming, stock raising, etc.; circulation, 10,075; Issued monthly, edited by Alex. Charles. The American Swine and Poultry Journal, established July, 1874, has purchased and merged The National Poultry Journal. Monthly; three-column quarto; circulation, 2,000; Ward & Dyer, editors and proprietors. American Cattle Journal, devoted to the breeding and improvement of American cattle. The only paper of the kind in America. Alex. Charles, editor and proprietor. The Standard, established first in Marion in 1868, under the name of Linn County Signal; moved to Cedar Rapids January, 1869, under F. J. Williams; bought by T. G. Newman & Son, editors. It is a nine-column paper. Circulation 1,000. Democratic in politics. The same house publishes The American Bee Journal, a monthly devoted to bee culture; also The Progressive Farmer, the organ of the State Agricultural College of Iowa. At MARION. The Prairie Star was started in 1852 by A. Hoyt, being the first in this place. It was afterwards changed to the Linn County Register, and is now edited by S. W. Rathman. It is issued semi-weekly. The Herald was the first Democratic organ, and this was succeeded by the Marion Democrat in 1860, but did not survive long. The Union Campaign succeeded in 1862, under the management of Dr. R. S. Bardwell. The Linn County Signal, edited by P. H. Williams, was subsequently changed to Linn County Liberal, under the editorship of T. G. Newman. Defunct. The Linn County Pilot commenced August, 1871, by C. W. Kepler, and is now conducted by Beatty & Willits, editors and proprietors. Issued weekly. The Hope of Israel commenced in 1866, was changed to the Advent and Sabbath Advocate, under the charge of Jacob Brinkenhoff, editor and proprietor. At LISBON. The Lisbon Sun was established in 1874. W. T. Baker, editor; Democratic in politics. At MT. VERNON. The Linn county Hawk Eye, edited by S. H. Bann, was changed to Mount Vernon Hawk Eye, and at present edited by J. T. Rice. It was established about 1969. Republican in politics. At CENTER POINT. The Center Point Lotus was established about 1874. Henry A. Cook, editor. Independent in politics. At WESTERN. The Western Gazette was established at this place for a while, in the interest of the College. O. E. Hogue, editor. Suspended. A Bohemian paper in the Bohemian language is published at Western. The Western Light, established by Shatto A. Beatty, 1875; a seven-column paper. Issued Wednesday. Republican in politics. FIRST SELECTED SITES OF TOWNS IN LINN CO. 1. Westport - July, 1838, by Israe Mitchell near Bertram. 2. Columbus – September, 1838, by William Stone, where Cedar Rapids now stands. 3. Ivanhoe – October, 1838, by Anson Cowles, since vacated. TOWN PLATS RECORDED 1. Marion – April, 1839, by board of commissioners; county seat, on sections G and I. Marion Township; recorded January 26, 1844. 2. Cedar Rapids – August, 1841, by N. R. Brown, et al. on section 21. Rapids Township. 3. Mount Vernon – September 20, 1847, by A. J. Willits, et al, on section 10. Franklin Township. 4. Lisbon – May 20, 1851, by John Kurtz, on section 11. Franklin Township. 5. Macsville – June, 1852, by J. M. McClintick, on section 10, Fayette Township. 6. Center Point – February 22, 1854, by S. Brice, et al., on Section 9, Washington Township. 7. Palo – June 10, 1854, by J. G. Cole, on section 29, Fayette Township. 8. Paris – April, 1855, by Amos Bond, et al., on section 19, Jackson Township. 9. Paddington – September 20, 1855, by G. Paddington, et al., on section 19, Maine Township. 10. Springville – March 22, 1856, by J. White, et al., on section 28, Brown Township. 11. Fayette – April 28, 1856, by Daniel Richard, on section 32, Fayette Township. 12. Western – July 3, 1856, by Western College, on section 34, College Township. 13. Central City – September 9, 1857, by R. Barber, et al, on section 3, Main Township. 14. Bertram – April 18, 1858, by Iowa & Nebraska Land Co., on section 34, Bertram Township. 15. New Buffalo – December 4, 1858, by M. Carpenter, on section 6, Rapids Township. 16. Waubeck – October 28, 1859, by S. T. Buxton, et al., on section 18, Maine Township. 17. Cedar Bend – June 9, 1860, by Jacob Sheets, on section 33, Fayette Township. 18. Viola – June 21, 1861, by J. Leonard, et al., on section 14, Brown Township. 19. Vanderbilt – May 22, 1863, by G. W. Vanderbilt, on section 16, Fairfax Township. 20. Prairieberg – July 30, 1867, by N. Parsons, et al, on section 21, Bowlder Township. 21. Troy – November 10, 1869, by T. R. Ward, on section 5, Spring Grove Township. 22. Ely – June 5, 1872, by J. F. Ely, on section 30, Putnam Township. 23. Walker – July 8, 1873, by R. C. R. and M. Ry. Co., on section 4, Grand Township. CEDAR RAPIDS Is situated on the northeast side of Cedar River, embracing sections 21, 22, 27, 28 etc., in Rapids Township. The location is one of the most delightful in the state, occupying a plain rising above the river bed and extending back nearly half a mile, with a slightly rolling surface, affording fine building sites, with but little trouble in grading, and with peculiar grace in appearance. Ten years ago this level plat was surrounded by an abrupt elevation twenty-five to fifty feet in height, covered by a luxuriant growth of native oak. On these elevations today are elegant, residences, overlooking the valley for miles in either direction. On the south side of the river is Valley City, but so closely connected as to form but a single town as you gaze upon it from some elevation in the neighborhood. There is no rival city within twenty-five miles, and the richness of the surrounding country gives assurance of rapid growth. It is 220 miles due west from Chicago, and 75 miles southwest from Dubuque, and is well supplied with railroads leading to all parts of the country, east and west, north and south. The rapids in the Cedar River are the first as you ascent from its mouth at the Mississippi, and the water-power is one of the finest in the country. A dam and race have been constructed at a cost of about $30,000, and the water-power is being utilized by energetic capitalists. The timber in the vicinity is sufficient for ages to come. EARLY SETTLERS. Among the first settlers at Cedar Rapids were D. W. King and T. Gaines, who came in 1839 and effected a permanent settlement on the west side of the river. There was a man, however, by the name of Shepard, a noted horse-thief and counterfeiter, who erected a cabin near what is now Commercial Street, near the old mills, in 1828. His house was the rendezvous of a lawless band engaged in horse-stealing and plundering the early settlers, and their booty was secreted on the islands of the river. This gang of desperadoes and freebooters was not driven out of the country till about 1851. Mr. William Stone, in 1838, staked off a town where Valley City is now located, which he called Columbus; but it was never surveyed, and was finally abandoned. The following events mark the progress of Cedar Rapids during its early years; In 1842 the first dam was constructed across the Cedar River. In March, 1843, the lands came into market and first sales made. The same year the first saw mill was erected. The first death was that of William Brookey. The first frame building was built by John Vardey. In 1844 the first flouring mill was erected, by N. B. Brown, at a cost of $3,000. The same year the second saw mill was built, by A. Ely; the first brick building by P. W. Earle; the first hotel – the "Union House" – on corner of Adams and Market Streets. In 1846 the second flour mill was erected, at a cost of $9,000. In 1847 a post-office was established; J. Greene, postmaster. The first store was opened by Mr. Green, the second by Mr. Cleveland, the third by Mr. Molford. The first school house was built this year; Nelson Felch, teacher. The first white child born was a daughter of John Vardey. The first church – at the corner of Eagle and Adams Streets – was a "grout" building and was called "The Muddy." In 1848-9 the first woolen factory was erected, costing $10,000. About 1850 the first newspaper – the Progressive Era – was started by D O. Fitch. In 1855 the first steam engine was set in operation in the machine shop of A. Hager. The same year the fee bridge was built; it was carried away by the ice, and two young ladies drowned. In 1856 Cedar Rapids was incorporated as a city, Isaac N. Whittam, Esq., Mayor. In 1864 a paper mill was put up by Messrs. Couch, Reed & Fish, and a pork packing house established by Mr. Chase et al. In 1865 first printing paper made; and a second woolen factory erected, by the Cedar Rapids Manufacturing Company. The city at this date (1875) contains – Dwelling houses……………………………………………. 1,445 Families………………………………………………………. 1,451 -------- Number of white males…………………………………... 3,534 Number of white females………………………………... 3,573 Number of colored males……………………………….. 40 Number of colored females…………………………….. 32 --------- Total population……………,, 7,179 --------- Number of voters…………………………………………... 1,701 Number of militia…………………………………………… 1,285 Its real property is assessed at………………………. $1,258,190 Its personal at…………………………………………… 510,667 -------------- Total……………………………………………….. $1,769,857 MARION Marion, the county seat of Linn County, was laid out by the commissioners in 1839. It is beautifully located in the midst of an exceedingly fertile country, with limber in quantity and quality sufficient for all purposes for ages to come. Early in 1840 quite a large number of settlers came into the prospective town, and opened different kinds of business. Woodbridge A. Thompson opened the first store, in 1839. Addison Daniels, in 1840, erected a cabin and commenced selling dry goods and groceries, and has kept at it ever since. Lumon M. Strong kept a hotel in 1839, and a Mr. Hall opened another in 1840. Thomas Hare put up a blacksmith shop, and H. Woodbridge a shoe shop. A mill was erected by Hiram Bates and Richard Thomas. The American House was one of the first frame buildings, and a court was built, all in 1839 and 1840. The following, with others, built dwelling houses: Lumon M. Strong, D. A. Woodbridge, Joseph Bigger, James E. Brommeil, O. S. Hall, George Greene, etc. A school house was built in 1841, and was used for religious meetings. Rev. Mr. Emmons was one of the first preachers. Rev. Mr. Rankin was the first Presbyterian minister. The Methodist Episcopal Church organized a society in 1840; Reverent Hodges, preacher. The first newspaper was the Prairie Star, started in 1852 by A. Hoyt – now called the Marion Register. The present Central High School building was erected in 1869; cost, about $25,000. Marion is one of the oldest towns in the state away from the river, and is beautifully located in what appears to be an archipelago of groves, or forest-found prairie, interspersed with fine residences, stores, hotels, churches, etc., with a fine park, filled with trees, flower vases and a fountain, rustic seats and walks. The town affords delightful homes for active business men, retired gentlemen, merchants and farmers, and the industrious mechanic. Its educational and church advantages are superior, and every branch of traffic and industry is well rewarded. The business and business houses of Marion are as follows: - Six dry goods stores; eight grocery, three drug, eight boot and shoe; six clothing; one book, three hardware, two toy and fancy; one furniture; six millinery; two butter, eggs and poultry; three cattle, grain and product; two agricultural establishmeonts; eight blacksmith shops; three wagon; two jewelers; one machine; one foundry; seven shoemakers, one gunsmith, three harness; three barber; eight paint; three merchant tailors; one dairy milk factory; one gang plow; one spring bed; one planing mill; one tin; two flouring; two brick yards; three lumbers; six stone masons; three elevators; four hotels, four saloons; one fairground; one trotting park; two livery stables; three ice houses, two laundries; two meat markets; three photograph galleries; three sewing machine offices; twelve law; twelve doctors; two dentists; three printing; one express; ten notary publics; one internal revenue; two banks; two railroads;, one Masonic lodge; one chapter; one odd-fellows; one good templars; seven churches; one high school; two schools; one literary club; one dramatic club; one court house; one jail; one chemical laboratory and four restaurants. The property valuation, 1875, being one-third of the real and one-half of the personal is: Real, $447,101.00, personal $133,072.00. Population: Dwellings, 405; families, 408; males, 955; females, 1,071; colored males, 11; colored females, 16; total, 2,047. Voters, 463; militia, 247. Marion was incorporated a city in 1874. CITY OFFICIALS. D. I. McAfee, Mayor. City Council. First Ward – D. Carskaddon, Mr. Hoagland. Second Ward – H. P. Elliott, B. F. Seaton. Third Ward – David Wallace, A. B. Dumont. Fourth Ward – J. D. Griffin, Earl Granger. Robert Young, Clerk. BANKS. There are seven banks in Linn County, as follows: At Cedar Rapids – "The First National Bank," "The City National Bank," "The Savings Bank." At Marion – "Twogood and Elliott's Bank," established in 1855, does strictly a legitimate banking business at legitimate rates, and from its first establishment has maintained a high standing in financial matters. "The First National Bank" was the fourth chartered in the state, October, 1863. R. D. Stephens, President, having held the position from the beginning. Capital, $67,000; surplus, $11,800. Its credit among the financial institutions of the state is prime. J. W. Bowdish, Cashier. Directors – Alexander H. Stephens, John Davis, Henry A. Collen, Daniel Lothian, R. D. Stephens. Mr. Stephens is one of the best financiers in the state. At Lisbon – "First National Bank," organized September, 1874. Capital $50,000. Harrison Stuekshyn, President; G. Auracher, Cashier. At Cedar Point – There is a bank at this place, but we believe it is not a bank of issue. RAILROADS. This county is well supplied with railroads, and the following is the number of miles and cost per mile, etc. In the county: 1. Chicago - Northwestern, miles…………………………….29 Cost, $10,300 per mile – total…………………………... $301,790 2. Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Minnesota, miles…………..43 Cost, $3,800 per mile – total……………………………. 162,716 3. Dubuque Southwestern, miles……………………………..19 Cost, $3,000 per mile – total…………………………… 58,020 4. Sabula, Ackley & Dacotah, miles…………………………13 Cost, $3,000 per mile – total…………………………. 37,740 ____ Total miles-------------------------------------------------- 104 _______ Total cost--------------------------------------------------- $560,266 The first includes the old Iowa and Nebraska and the Cedar Rapids & Missouri Railroad. The second includes the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Minnesota and the Postville Branch. COUNTY BUILDINGS. The Court House at Marion is a good substantial brick structure, two stories high, finished with the ordinary rooms and a spacious court room. It was built about the year 1842, and has been improved from time to time. Cost, about $40,000. A view of the building may be seen in another part of this volume. The Jail, also at Marion, is a two-story brick building on Broad Street, near the court house; was erected in 1858. Cost, $15,000. G. Dean Guillan, Jailer. The Alms House is situated about six miles north of Marion on the county farm of 320 acres of excellent land. The house is a brick building, two stories above the basement rooms. It is about 24X365, with wings, and will accommodate all the poor there are likely to be in the county for ages to come. The barn is an excellent one, 86X48, with 24 feet posts, and cost about $7,000. The farm is valued at $12,000. The present overseer is Samuel W. Parker. Western College, under the direction of the United Brethren in Christ, was located in 1856, on lands donated by Jacob Shuey, Adam Perry, and W. A. Wherry, in Western, Linn County, Iowa. The incorporators and first trustees were Reverend S. Weaver, of Vinton, Reverend D. Runkel, of Lisbon, Reverend M. G. Miller of Tipton, J. Neidig, Esquire, of Muscatine, and Colonel W. St[??] of [??] (cannot read). The college is about eight miles southeast of Cedar Rapids, in a beautiful section of country, and is well supplied with convenient brick buildings for educational purposes, with a shady campus of about sixteen acres of land in the center of the town. Besides the college building proper, there is Lane Hall, a large three story building, which is used as a boarding hall for ladies. Neidig Hall is a two story brick building fitted up for students who may wish to board themselves in clubs. The first building was completed in the Fall of 1856, and the school formally opened the following January. Reverend S. Weaver, president, with three professors, constituting the faculty. Total number of pupils, fifty-eight. Reverend William Davis succeeded Mr. Weaver, and held the president's chair one year. Reverend E. B. Kephart succeeded Mr. Davis, and is still the president. The number of students connected with the college the past year, as per catalogue of 1875, is 310, as follows: College department – Classical course, seven; Scientific course, seven; ladies' course, thirteen. Preparatory department – Classical, eleven; scientific, two, ladies, three; general, one hundred and firty-nine. Commercial department, eight-one; music and drawing, thirty-five; German, two. The professors and instructors are nine in number. The usual college degrees are conferred by this institution. The library and cabinet of specimens are increasing. There are three literary societies. Tuition ranges from $7 to $25 per term, and board from $2.75 to $3.00 per week. The institution is in a flourishing condition. Cornell College is located at Mt. Vernon, Linn County, Iowa, sixteen miles east of Cedar Rapids, on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway, thus rendering it easy of access from all directions. The city is one of the most beautiful, healthy, and moral in the state. Having no billiard or drinking saloons, it is free from those influences that attract the attention and corrupt the morals of students. The grounds, embracing about twenty acres, are beautifully designed by nature, and command one of the finest prospects in the country. The extent, beauty, and variety of the scenery is such as to inspire and re[??] (cannot read) the youthful mind. The view from the top of the main college building is unsurpassed by any in Europe or America. The existence and growth of the college are largely due to the faith and energy of the Reverend G R. Bowman, through whose influence the "Iowa Conference Seminary" school was first projected in 1854. The board of trustees were organized in 1852, but the school was not opened till November 14, 1853. It continued as a successful seminary until 1857, when a college organization was consummated, and it received the name of Cornell College in honor of its generous benefactor, the late W. W. Cornell, Esquire, of New York City. The ladies' boarding hall was erected in 1853, and was used for general school purposes till 1856, when the main college building was completed. The gentlemen's boarding hall was erected in 1872. The board of trustees have authorized the erection of a new and commodious chapel the present year. As it is probably that every ten dollars hitherto expended for this institution has given to the world a whole year's labor of educated mind, surely the necessary buildings and endowments will hereafter be liberally provided for. Both sexes have enjoyed equal advantages, and received the same degrees. In 1860, in addition to the old classical course, the scientific course was organized, and in 1874 the civil engineering course. The military drill is an attractive feature in this institution. Professor Webster, an army officer, and a graduate of West Point and the artillery school of Fortress Monroe, has been detailed by the Secretary of War to act as instructor of the young men in military science and tactics, both infantry and artillery. Muskets, equipage, and two six pounders are furnished by the government for their use. Physical training is required of the ladies. A gymnasium has been opened, and light gymnastics are daily practiced. The museum contains a large and valuable Cabinet "embraces one of the rarest and most valuable collections of corals, sponges, starfishes, crustacea, etc. in the country. The general library contains over 4,000 volumes, and is constantly increasing. The expenses for tuition range from $7 to $43 per term, and board from $3.25 to $3.50 per week. The Presidents have been: 1. Reverend R. W. Keeler, M.A.,1857. 2. Reverend Samuel I. Fellows, M.A., 1860. 3. Reverend Wm. F. King, D.D., 1865. The institution has eighteen professors and instructors, and 500 students from nineteen different states as follows: Ten seniors, 9 juniors, 8 sophomores, 37 freshmen, 49 senior preparatory, and 387 junior preparatory. The graduating class of 1875 numbered ten, and the exercises were of a high order. There are five literary societies connected with Cornell College. RESOURCES There is but very little waste land in Linn County. The soil is exceedingly fertile being of a rich, dark sandy loam, and of great depth. Corn, oats, wheat and potatoes are good crops – some of them superior, - while no country is better for grazing. Tobacco, sweet potatoes, grapes and sorghum are cultivated to a considerable extent. Fruits are good, especially the small fruits and berries. Apple trees do not do so well, but we believe the difficulty is not in the soil, nor in the climate, but in making a wrong selection of the kind of fruit trees, and with not raising them from the seed without transplanting, and then grafting upon the undisturbed stalk. Linn County annually exports a large quantity of wheat, corn, flaxseed, oats, barley, pork, wool, hides, beef, etc. The timber is more abundant than in most prairie counties, and it is of a superior quality. Nearly one-third of the county is covered with beautiful groves of hickory, oak, walnut, sugar maple, linn, elm, ash and other kinds of salable timber for manufacturing purposes and for fuel. Clay exists in various parts sufficient to furnish all the brick necessary for building purposes, and inexhaustible quarries of the magnisian lime stone along the Cedar and Wapsipinicon Rivers are found. At Cedar Rapids a fine quality of clay is found which is used for the manufacture of pottery. The county is well watered. Scarcely a farm but has some sort of a stream. The Cedar and Wapsipinicon with their numerous tributaries interlace almost every section. The Cedar, running in a southeasterly direction across the western part of the county, furnished an immense water-power, and whenever the time arrives for its improvement not even the Merrimack or Massachusetts will excel it. The Wapsipinicon follows the same general direction, crossing the northern mart of the county diagonally and furnishes extensive water privilege. Mills at Waubeck, Central City, Paris, etc., are never still for want of water. The streams of the county are fed by living springs, and consequently do not fall in time of drought. Fine stock, blooded horses, short horns, sheep and hogs have been imported, and the stock of the county would not suffer by comparison with the best of Illinois and Missouri.