Polk County IA Archives History - Books .....County And City, 1865 - 1875 1898 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ia/iafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com April 13, 2006, 5:25 am Book Title: Annals Of Polk County, Iowa And City Of Des Moines CHAPTER XVI. COUNTY AND CITY, 1865 TO 1875. THE war being over, during the few years following times were what is sometimes termed flush, and both city and county enjoyed what in later times was called a "boom." One cause of this was that during the war thousands of men had become soldiers. They had for a few years participated in dangers and stirring adventures. They had been away from, and to a large extent, had broken away from their former home attachments and surroundings. New hopes, new desires and ambitions had been aroused in them, and after months and years of military service they could not contentedly settle down in their old homes and quietly pursue the occupations they had left at the time of their enlistment into the army. The return of peace brought to many of them restlessness and a desire for a change of residence, if not of occupation. Many of those in the East during their soldier life had visited the West or become more or less acquainted with Western men. They heard of the openings for young and middle aged men in the West, and they heard of Iowa as one of the very best of what were then termed the Western States. Under the foregoing circumstances it was but natural that Iowa should attract at that time within her borders many thousands of the soldiers of the Union and even hundreds of those who had served in the Confederate ranks. And chief among the attractions of Iowa were the County of Polk and City of Des Moines. In the five years following the war the immigration from this source into the county and city was very heavy, and with the old soldiers came many others who had not been in the military service. Those who came first, being pleased with the country and the prospects before them, naturally attracted others from their old homes in other States. The influence of new settlers in this half of a decade, 1865-1870, was a very noticeable one and among them came a large number of the prominent citizens of today in county and city. The larger part of these new citizens were young men and women, or others in the prime of life, and they soon adapted themselves to their new surroundings and commenced to labor for their own advancement and the betterment of the community of which they soon formed a goodly part. The figures giving the population show this rapid increase: Polk County in 1865 had a population of 15,244; in 1867, 22,630; in 1869, 26,408; in 1870, 27,857. The City of Des Moines had a population in 1865 of 5,722; in 1867, 10,511; in 1870, 12,035. The City of Des Moines more than doubled its population in the five years immediately following the Civil War. The next five years show much less gain. In 1875 Des Moines had increased to only 14,443 in population. Among the leading citizens of Des Moines and the county today who have been or are now engaged in active business in town or agriculture and other pursuits in the country, it will be found a proportionately large number of them settled here during these five years. Then following the war saw the advent of railroads into the county and city, adding immensely at once to the growth and prosperity of both, and to all classes of business, giving as they did our people immediate and close connection with the cities and towns of the East and South. The city and county had to wait many years beyond their first expectation for the advent of a completed railroad. As mentioned in another chapter the citizens had frequently been deceived by promises, which were not fulfilled in letter or spirit. The financial troubles of the latter fifties had stopped the extension of the two roads pointing toward Des Moines, and during the war period not many extensions of railroad lines were made in Iowa. But when the war was ended and "flush times" followed in its wake, at last new life was given to railroad construction. The great Union Pacific Railroad across the Continent was not only surveyed and platted, but actual work commenced upon its construction. Several roads across Iowa competed as to which would be the first to make a connection with the great railroad for which the general government was granting millions of acres of land and other millions of dollars in bonds. The now Northwestern Railroad was rapidly constructed, and for a time it was hoped it would be diverted with its main line to pass through Des Moines, but this movement was a failure and it passed on a few miles north of the Polk County line. The sole dependence of the city and county for a main east and west line was then upon the old Mississippi and Missouri Railroad Company, which had stopped construction for years at Iowa City, and had later on slowly pushed its way west from there in a halting, hesitating manner. Finally in 1866 the old company becoming bankrupt new men took hold and a new company was organized under the name of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company. Then work was pushed, the whole line was let through to Council Bluffs, and on Monday, September 9,1867, the first regular passenger train on this road ran into Des Moines. The road through to Council Bluffs was opened for traffic in June, 1869. But this was not the first railroad opened to Des Moines. The Des Moines Valley Railroad had been for years struggling up the valley from Keokuk, and in war times was opened to Eddyville. Then toward the close of the war new vigor came to this line. It was rapidly pushed on to Oskaloosa, Pella, Prairie City, and then a bold and rapid push was made for Des Moines, and the result was that it led them all into this county and city. On August 20, 1806, the first passenger train on this road and the first railroad train ever here, reached Des Moines and was given a most hearty and enthusiastic reception. At last, after a weary waiting of many years, Des Moines had a railroad connection with the East. The days of stage coaches and freight wagons were gone, never to return. The effect upon the business of the city and county was at once apparent. The advent of the railroad was the commencement of a new era. Among the public buildings erected during this decade was the State Arsenal, built of iron, brick and red rock stone, two stories high, with marble floor and iron stairways. This was erected on West Front street in 1867, an appropriation having been previously made for the same by the General Assembly, through the representations and influence of the then popular Adjutant General Baker. Here were placed the arms and military records of the State, together with the flags and many other trophies of the war. The flags have since, by the order of the General Assembly, been placed in the Capitol, where they can now be seen, preserved in glass cases. Here, when writing of the State Arsenal, may be a fitting place to write of Nathaniel B. Baker, than whom no man that ever lived in Iowa was more loved. He was born September 29, 1818, in New Hampshire. Prepared for college at Phillips Academy he entered Cambridge, graduating in the class of 1839. He then studied law with Franklin Pierce, afterwards President, and others, and was admitted to the bar in 1842, but soon connected himself with newspaper work. In 1845 he was appointed Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, and the next year promoted to Clerk of the Supreme Court for his home county. In 1852 he resigned the clerkship and re-entered the practice of law. In 1852 and 1853 he was a representative from Concord, and Speaker of the House both terms. In 1854 he was elected Governor of New Hampshire, and his administration was characterized by the promptness, energy and liberality so characteristic of the man. In 1856 he removed to Iowa, settling in the young city of Clinton, where he followed his profession. He was elected a member of the General Assembly as a Democrat and served in the House in the regular session of 1860, at once taking high rank among the members. July 25, 1861, he was appointed by Governor Kirkwood Adjutant General, and at once entered upon the discharge of the onerous duties of the office. His energy, administrative ability and generous enthusiasm made him the one beloved by the soldiers of Iowa, and gave to him a glorious name far beyond the limits of the State. He was not only great, but always good, a generous, great-hearted man. After the war was over he continued his deep interest in the soldiers, and wrould always give kind words, and if need be, his last dollar to one of "my boys." And when the settlers in Northwestern Iowa were suffering from the ravages of grasshoppers, Gen. Nathaniel Baker came quickly to their relief, and by his energy and organizing capacity, and touching appeals to the people, soon had food and other supplies in the homes of the sufferers. He originated and carried out promptly this help for them. Gen. Baker held the office of Adjutant General until his death in Des Moines, September 13,1876. The people of the State universally mourned his death, and his funeral was one of the most imposing and at the same time caused more general sorrow and regret than almost any other ever held in the city or State. He lies buried in Woodland Cemetery under a monument erected by his fellow citizens, guarded by cannons donated for this purpose by the government he had so well and faithfully served. In the acute and generous mind of Adjutant General N. B. Baker originated a scheme which resulted in the greatest reunion of old soldiers ever held in Iowa or any other State. Gen. Baker enlisted others in the work, and securing an endorsement and appropriation from the General Assembly of 1870, arrangements upon a large and generous scale were made for a grand reunion of the soldiers at Des Moines, commencing August 30, 1870, and continuing several days. It was made an extraordinary success through the executive ability of Gen. Baker, the prompt and efficient help of others, and the generous liberality of the citizens of Des Moines and of the State generally. At the time it was estimated that there were at one time 75,000 people present, of whom at least 30,000 had been soldiers. Gen. W. T. Sherman was present and received a hearty welcome. But it was the privates who swept the field with their numbers and enthusiasm. The churches and other public buildings were thrown open for the crowds, while arrangements had been made for the accommodation of old soldiers in tents. Thousands of them camped by companies and regiments on the grounds east of and around the Capitol. There the various Iowa regiments and batteries were reorganized under their commanders. They were wasted by time and casualties of war, but they presented a grand and affecting spectacle as they marched through the streets of the city on their last grand parade. It was the grandest demonstration ever witnessed in Iowa. To feed this army of men not only were all the houses of the city freely thrown open, but other extensive arrangements were made. The large packing house of Murphy & Co. was converted into a mammoth cook house, run by steam, and a dozen Iowa beeves were cooked at one time, and sixty-four barrels of coffee were served up at one meal. In all over one hundred beeves were slaughtered and cooked, and five hundred barrels of coffee, nearly 30,000 gallons, were drank in the camp. Other supplies were in the same proportion, and all were bountifully fed during the few days of this grand encampment and reunion of the old soldiers of Iowa and their comrades of other States. Today, twenty-five years and more after its occurrence, this grand reunion is often mentioned among the remaining old soldiers and their friends, and it will be many years yet before it is forgotten and only remembered in history. It was a grand conception, intelligently and faithfully carried out, and was in every respect a grand success. And with the flush times following the war, and the influx of new people at that time came the era of rapid building in the city and the opening up to cultivation of thousands of acres of land in the county. Not only were the old farms extended and new farms opened, but great improvements were made in the character of farm houses, barns and outbuildings. Times were what is termed good, all the products of the farm were in demand and commanded good prices, and the farmers were encouraged to improve their living comforts and luxuries and extend their operations. The farmers were prosperous, and their prosperity extended not only to Des Moines, but also to the smaller towns and villages of the comity. In Des Moines many hundreds of business and dwelling houses were erected during this period, and not a few of these were large business blocks, highly creditable to the city, and many of the tine residences then built are yet regarded as elegant and comfortable homes. It would be difficult to give a list of the business houses erected during these years, and we must be content with writing of these generally. In looking over the files of the State Register we find a detailed review of the buildings and improvements during the year 1869, some figures of which may give the reader an idea of the onward march of improvements during that one year of this period—1869. The money value of the building and improvements of that year are thus aggregated: Dwelling houses and improvements $1,221,700 Hotels, stores, offices, churches, etc 359,150 Total $1,580,850 Other buildings and improvements not included in the above: Baptist University $ 3,500 Des Moines Valley Railroad 80,000 Rock Island Railroad 10,000 School houses, West Side (improvements) 2,000 State Arsenal 2,000 Streets 25,000 Walnut Street Bridge 7,356 Fire cisterns 2,600 Sidewalks 12,000 Driving park 3,000 Gas company 20,000 While lamenting that it has been a very unfavorable year for building purposes, the Register states that during the year 225 dwelling houses and 12 business blocks had been erected. At that time the Walnut street bridge was, as it yet is, though the old bridge long since passed away, the main thoroughfare between the East and West Sides of the river, and the Register gives the following figures as to crossings made in one day over that bridge: Country teams 603 Country saddle horses 91 City teams 420 Saddle horses 40 Making in one day a total of 1,158 The amount expended in 1868 in Des Moines in the erection and improvements of the business houses and dwellings was placed at higher figures than of 1869, being for the former year $1,600,000, and the city is credited with having expended $60,000 on streets and bridges. In May, 1869, occurred one of the most disastrous fires then known in the city. This was on Walnut, between Third and Fourth streets, and among those who suffered the heaviest losses were Laird Brothers, Frank Butler, Comparet & Stark, W. A. Reed, W. W. Williamson and others. In September, 1879, one span of the Walnut street bridge was broken down and for a time that important thoroughfare was necessarily closed. At the time of the break down a drove of Texas horses or mustangs were being driven over it, and it was supposed their restless and uneasy movements were the cause of the disaster. A number of the horses were killed or crippled, and out of this grew a number of law suits. In the fall of 1869, the first German newspaper was established in Des Moines by Voight & Co., with Prof. Conrad Beck as editor. This is now the Staatz Anzeiger, so long and ably conducted by Col. Joseph Eiboeck. In August, 1869, came the total eclipse of the sun. It was known that at Des Moines this eclipse would be total, and hence preparations were made by scientists from the Smithsonian Institute and from other societies and colleges to here take close observations of this important event. Among those who established headquarters at Des Moines for observation was S. V. White, a former resident of this city, but then and now a prominent broker and financier of New York, who had devoted much of his time to the study of astronomy and kindred sciences. When the time arrived the scientists, as well as all the people of the city and county were on the alert, and as an early settler remarked: "There was no postponement or fake about that show." There may have been a few drawbacks in the way of clouds at the time, but on the whole the observations taken by the scientists were satisfactory, while the people generally looked on with mingled feelings of awe, fear and admiration at the seldom witnessed total obscuration of the sun during the time when he is ordinarily sending out over the earth his brightest rays of light. It may be true as told the chickens began to hunt their accustomed roosts, thinking night was suddenly upon them, and it is certainly true that not a few men and women, who knew little of eclipses of this character, were badly frightened at this obscuration of the sun—this turning of day into night, at an unusual hour. This eclipse was a fruitful subject for comment and conversation among our people for months and years after its occurrence. In October, 1868, the District Agricultural Society, composed of members of some twenty counties adjoining or west of Polk, held a very successful fair on the grounds between Horseshoe Lake and the Raccoon River. P. F. Bartle was then, and for some years, the efficient secretary of the society, and much of the credit of its success was due to his untiring and efficient management. In May, 1870, Gilcrest Bros.' planing mill, on East Vine and Second streets, was destroyed by fire, entailing a very heavy loss. In June seven buildings near Sixth and Walnut streets were badly damaged by fire, entailing a loss of some $7,000, and in November the Foster planing mill on East Court avenue was burned. More than twenty-five years ago some of the leading women of the city were advocating female suffrage, and in the old newspaper files we find the proceedings of a convention, in which we note the names of Mesdames Callanan, Coggeshall, Savery, Cattell, Wright, Cutler, Pomeroy, etc. This was not the begining of this movement in Des Moines. Years before that date there had been advocates of this change in the suffrage laws in the city, and they then and since have worked zealously for what they regarded and now regard as their just rights, and they certainly have greatly increased in numbers during this last quarter of a century. Be our opinions what they may upon this question, and the writer certainly does not lean much in that direction, yet all must give due credit to such estimable ladies as Mrs. Callanan, Mrs. Coggeshall and their associates, for the ability, zeal and energy with which they have during all these years sought to accomplish what they and many others regard as a most worthy object, far-reaching in its future benefits to both man and woman kind. The good times financially continued in county and city during the last half of the sixties and on into the first of the seventies, but speculation was overdone and the reaction was sure to come. In 1873 came the noted financial panic, entailing much loss to many and causing- great financial distress and disaster throughout the entire country. This city and county were in better shape to meet this trouble than were many other communities, but there was much suffering and complaint here. The financial troubles naturally stopped at once many contemplated improvements and checked the rapid advance which had been continuously going on in the prices of farms and city lots and real and personal property. However, upon the whole Des Moines and Polk County worried through this financial crisis with much less loss and suffering than did many other cities, towns and counties. Its effects were nevertheless felt here for several years. Illustrative of this is the fact that while the census returns of 1870 gave Des Moines a population of 12,035—more than doubling in the previous five years—and an enumeration in 1873 gave 15,061, the census of 1875 showed a falling off in population from the latter figures, the total being only 14,448, an actual loss in two years of 618. This is the only known instance of the kind in the entire history of the city. It is also only fair to state that, as with a more recent census, the citizens claimed this census of 1875 had not been properly taken and that the city had many more inhabitants than the census taken had given it credit for. To correct what was claimed to be a gross and injurious error by order of the mayor another census of the city was taken in August and September, 1875, and this proved up a total population of 16,141, showing a small gain instead of a loss over the census of two years previous. These financial troubles also brought a new element into polities which for a time influenced and partially controlled the legislation and policy of political parties and of the State. The "Grangers" became very active and influential, not only in this city and county, hut also throughout Iowa, and many other States, especially in those of the West and South. Starting in a humble way, with granges or lodges of "Patrons of Husbandry," owing to financial and other causes, the order or society spread with great rapidity all over the country. It was a time of unrest, politically and financially and otherwise. These helped the spread of the "Grangers," as they were generally termed, and as a matter of course the little and big-politicians, who first laughed at and ridiculed the movement, had to join the "Grangers" when they found that they were becoming a great political and social power in the country. So rapid was the growth of the "Grangers" that in a few years they were strong enough, with the aid of the Democrats, to tie the lower house of the General Assembly, and also control to a large extent the election of county and other local officers, and naturally influence the election of members of the General Assembly and of Congress. The strength of the "Grangers," however, culminated in a year or two, though in that time they brought about some needed reforms, and its influence waned. This order yet remains in existence, but has little of the influence it had in the first few years of its existence. This "Granger" movement gave an impetus to what was termed the "Greenback party," which for several years wielded a large amount of power in this city and county and throughout the State. By fusion, or rather concert of action with the Democratic party, a "Greenbacker," Hon. E. H. Gillette, was elected to Congress from this district, and William H. McHenry was twice elected Judge of this judicial district, together with a number of local officers. In the adjoining Sixth Congressional District Gen. James B. Weaver was three times elected to Congress as a "Greenbacker," and "Greenbackers" were elected in the Fourth, Fifth and Eighth Congressional Districts. The members of these independent parties were variously termed at the same or different times—Grangers, Anti-Monopolists, Greenbackers, etc. In the past few years those of them who have not returned to their membership of the older parties, are generally known as Populists, or members of the People's Party. In the closing year of the decade Dr. Aborn came to Des Moines, and after being here but a short time became imbued with faith in the future growth and prosperity of the city. At that time the Savery House, now Kirkwood, was the one and only leading hotel in the city, and the Doctor thought there was a good opening for one other large first-class hotel. Accordingly he purchased the lots on the southwest corner of Court avenue and Fourth street, owned by and for years occupied by the residence of B. F. Allen. This brick building was torn down and upon the lots was erected the large and spacious brick building since so widely known as the Aborn House. Dr. Aborn yet owns this valuable property, and has recently refitted and refurnished the same in a most complete and tasteful manner, and under his supervision it now holds its rank as one of the best of the leading hotels of the city. Early in the seventies B. F. Allen, the banker, then considered the most wealthy man in the county, if not in the State, commenced the erection of a magnificent residence in the western part of the city. This was, when completed, much the finest residence in the city, and equal if not superior to any in the State. Considerably more than $100,000 was expended upon and in it. An opening party was given, which surpassed all previous social events in this city. There were hundreds of guests present and they were entertained in a most lavish and hospitable manner. For a short time Mr. and Mrs. Allen dispensed many hospitalities at this fine residence, and it was an attractive social center until Mr. Allen's removal to Chicago. Some time after his financial failure and much litigation, it became the property of Fred M. Hubbell. There for years Mr. and Mrs. Hubbell and family have had their delightful home, and have not been behind in their hospitable entertainment of many of their old and new friends. The reunion of the Army of the Tennessee was held in Des Moines on September 29-30, 1875. Among the distinguished veterans present were President Grant, Secretary of War Belknap, Gen. W. T. Sherman and daughters, together with a large number of other prominent officers of the army. Elaborate preparation had been made and a warm welcome was given by the citizens to their guests. Arches trimmed with flags and evergreens were erected across Walnut and Fourth streets and Court avenue. Public buildings and many residences were profusely decorated and brilliantly illuminated at night in honor of the occasion. The residence and extensive grounds of Maj. Hoyt Sherman were beautifully decorated and illuminated, and there Gen. Sherman was the welcome guest of his brother. President Grant was the guest of Hon. C. C. Cole, at his spacious residence on Fourth street, which was also profusely decorated and illuminated. On the second day the children of the public schools, by invitation, assembled at the Opera House and there President Grant delivered a short address which was quickly distributed over the country, attracting much attention and eliciting many comments. The reunion was a very successful one, and the visiting members of the Army of the Tennessee gave much praise to the citizens of Des Moines for the hearty welcome and hospitalities so liberally and freely showered upon them. The original capitol building had been erected at a day when it was difficult or impossible to procure the best of material, and it was necessarily somewhat hastily constructed. In the course of a few years it became apparent that a new capitol or state house must be built. From the first this had been anticipated, and the original building had been designed and intended as only a temporary capitol. The increase in population of the State also increased the work to be done in the State offices, and the result was the old building soon became crowded and uncomfortable for those who were compelled to be or transact business there. Then when the General Assembly met it was worse. The halls were illy heated and ventilated, and this caused much sickness, if not several deaths. Added to the discomfort was the more than suspicion that the building was not entirely safe, and many entertained fears that a horrible accident or catastrophe might at any time occur, by or through the collapse of the building. In the latter part of the sixties agitation was commenced in favor of the building of a new capitol upon the magnificent grounds originally set apart for that purpose and then belonging to the State. Of the struggle over this question—the commencement of the erection of a new capitol building—more will be said in another chapter. After preliminary work at previous sessions this battle was fought to a finish in the General Assembly at the session of 1870. After a prolonged and earnest fight the friends of the new capitol were finally successful. The bill passed both houses, was promptly approved by the Governor, and steps were taken to at once commence the work which in some ten years after culminated in the completion of the magnificent building which now graces Capitol Hill, and sheds honor upon all those connected with it and upon the State. The commencement and carrying on of this great work materially helped the county and city, and was of special benefit to the East Side. It settled for many years to come the site of the capitol, and made many other matters fixed and certain, and Avas eminently satisfactory, not only to the people of this city and county, but also generally to the people of the State. During the period embraced in this chapter a number of bridges were erected over the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers in the city, and also a number of good bridges over streams in the county, among the latter being a new and costly one over the Skunk River. Not only were many of these public improvements made, but also old roads were much improved, and many new ones laid out and worked more or less. A few new towns were located in the county, and the older ones were much improved with new buildings and other evidence of material prosperity. As previously stated many new farms were opened up and old farms enlarged, new buildings erected, and the farmers generally invested heavily in all the latest improved agricultural implements. Great improvement was also made in the character and quality of farm live stock. Choice herds of blooded cattle were to be found in every township, and hundreds of fine horses, for the road or farm, or heavy drafts, were reared in the county, while much attention was given to the rearing of improved breeds of swine. Corn and hogs have been from the first almost a specialty with the farmers of the county, and through these much has been added to the wealth and consequent prosperity of the people, especially the farmers. Timber culture was also entered into extensively, notwithstanding the more than average amount of native timber in the county. Much attention was also paid to farmers' houses, barns and other outbuildings, and many of these country homes were beautified with shrubbery, trees, orchards and grassy lawns. The value of farms and farm lands steadily advanced in prices, and this advance, though not as rapid as the advance sometimes made in other property, was steady and healthy, and this advance has continued up to the present time, when a Polk County farm is generally considered a most valuable property to hold. It is noticeable that when financial panics or "hard times" come upon a community many of the town people retire to the country and become farmers. And it is further noticeable that a large majority of these former town people become attached to a farm life and remain farmers on to the end. Some of them, too, make the very best of progressive, successful farmers. One fact is worthy of making a special note of in connection with county affairs during this period. This is, that in the years 1872 and 1873, the county was entirely out of debt. Fortunately for Polk County there never was any heavy bonded indebtedness hanging over the taxpayers. Back in the fifties the county, like unto other counties then in existence, anxious to secure railroad connection with the rest of the world, by a vote of the people agreed to give its bonds to the amount of $300,000 to the old Mississippi and Missouri, now the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company. But fortunately, perhaps, for the county that railroad company did not comply with the conditions imposed, the bonds were not issued, and the vote was subsequently rescinded. Thus, in the years after the war, when other counties and cities in Iowa were being sued in the United States courts, upon railroad and other bonds issued by them, and heavy judgments were being obtained against them, the County of Polk and City of Des Moines were not harassed in this way. And while there may have been at times needless expenditure of county funds, yet upon the whole the finances of Polk County have been well managed. During the ten years embraced in this chapter Polk County more than doubled its population, jumping from 15,244 in 1865 to 31,558 in 1875. The City of Des Moines also nearly tripled its population in the same time—the census of 1865 showing a total population of only 5,722, while the census of 1875 gave the city 14,443 inhabitants. In 1865 there were in the county 3,135 voters, and 1,419 voters in the city. In 1875 there were 41,842 voters in the county, over 2,000 of whom were in the City of Des Moines. October 8, 1867, a vote was taken in the county upon the proposition to restrain sheep and hogs from running at large and was defeated by the following vote: Yeas, 851; nays, 1,144. But two years later, October 12, 1869, the same proposition was submitted and carried by a large majority: Yeas, 2,066; nays, 930. October 12, 1875, came a vote upon the question, shall stock be restricted from running at large? This proposition was defeated by a vote of: Yeas, 1,747; nays, 2,500. Two years later the same proposition was again defeated, but in 1880 it carried by a majority of 853. For several years this same question caused more or less agitation in the city. It was an easy matter to pass an ordinance requiring horses and hogs to be restrained from running at large, though for several years the hogs were allowed to make free raids upon the gardens of the citizens, but when it came to restraining cows that was another matter. In the early days a cow was considered a necessary adjunct to every well regulated family, and when the City Council attempted to pass or enforce an ordinance compelling the owners to keep their cows in stables or pastures the indignation of many men and women was aroused at once and they proceeded without delay to "make it warm" for the offending aldermen. At that time, too, there were vacant, lots and parcels of land in and about the city where, in the season, the cows could find an abundance of good grazing, and when they desired a change of diet they could make raids upon the gardens or lands of the citizens. In the winter time the cows picked up much sustenance from the wagons and sleds of the farmers in the streets of the city, and they were not at all particular as to what they took therefrom. Finally, this nuisance became so great that the Council at last passed a cow ordinance, and had the courage to enforce it, and this now meets the approbation of a large majority of the citizens. To a great extent the milkman has taken the place of the family cow, while the market gardener supplies what was formerly procured from the family vegetable garden. But seldom now we find the irate family man, armed with a bean pole, frantically chasing an invading cow from his lot, swearing vengeance upon both cow and owner. The cow has about disappeared, save a few that the boys drive to and fro, or herd during the day and stable at night, and the family vegetable gardens are only to be found now outside of the more densely settled portions of the city. Many of the old-time fences have also disappeared, and tine lawns, shrubbery and flowers are unenclosed and open to the street. The restraining ordinance protects them more safely than did the fences of an earlier day. Additional Comments: Extracted from: ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY, IOWA, AND CITY OF DES MOINES BY WILL PORTER. "And this volume, dedicated to its people, sets forth in attractive style all the facts and incidents that go to make up the history of which all citizens are justly proud." —Major Hoyt Sherman. GEO. A. MILLLER PRINTING COMPANY, PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS, DES MOINES, IOWA, 1898. 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