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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
VETERANS' REUNION.
Following the fair and beginning on the 28th of September,
was the reunion of the Veteran Association of Southwestern
Iowa and Northwestern Missouri. The Driving Park Association
gave the use of the fair grounds to the reunion. Through the
aid of Congressman Hepburn the war department loaned the association
one hundred and fifty hospital tents. The first morning was
clear and cool, and the first trains brought veterans by the
hundred, 'and by night three thousand of them were comfortably
quartered in camp.
Colonel John H. Keatley was commandant, aided by Colonel
D. B. Dailey, chief of staff. General G. M. Dodge, former
commander of Sixteenth Army Corps and first colonel of the
Fourth Iowa, was on a visit home from New York to meet the
old regiment and take part in the reunion. On the afternoon
of the first day the veterans were organized into two battalions,
the one called the Wabash battalion, under command of Colonel
Ellis, of Villisca, and the other, the Northwestern battalion,
commanded by Colonel J. C. Cook, of Carroll. Both battalions
gave dress parades at five o'clock that evening, witnessed
by thousands of spectators.
On the second morning at nine o'clock the column formed at
the fair grounds and marched into the city for parade and
review. Old tattered and torn battle flags were borne by the
column as it marched up Broadway by platoons to First street,
and counter-marching. General Dodge took position at the intersection
of Fourth street while the column passed in review and retiring
when the last veteran had passed. The scene was affecting,
not only to the participants, but to the thousands of spectators
that lined the street. The afternoon was occupied by speeches
by Colonel Hepburn, Major Anderson and others to their comrades,
and at evening, when on dress parade, congratulatory dispatches
were read from Generals Grant, Sherman, Sheridan and Howard.
At night the city was illuminated in honor of the veterans
and General Dodge threw his house and grounds open, giving
a reception to the veterans and public generally.
The reunion closed on Saturday after election of officers
for the ensuing year, with farewell greetings, and fixing
the next place of meeting at Marysville, Mo.
At the election held November 7, 1882, S. D. Street was elected
clerk; J. F. Broadbeck, county surveyor; S. B. From and R.
Kirkwood, supervisors.
During the years 1881-2-3 a large amount of building was
done; Among these was the Mueller Music Hall.
For this he had labored for a quarter of a century. It was
complete in its appointments, the first story being the sale
room for all supplies belonging to the trade, with repair
room and elevator in the rear. While the
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
second story, reached by both elevator and stairway, was
used as a store-room for pianos, and the third was a concert
hall.
In 1882 the four-story building of the Empkie Shugart Hardware
Company was built, as was also the Shugart block and the Twentieth
avenue schoolhouse.
During September, 1883, the people were startled by the report
that Dr. A. B. McCune had been killed by Dr. Cross.
The former was a very popular physician with an extensive
practice. There had been ill feeling for some time between
them, each accusing the other of unprofessional conduct.
Finally Cross was instrumental in getting McCune indicted
for criminal practice. Unfortunately both lived on the, same
street, Cross where the Elks' club house now stands and McCune
one square west, and meeting just at dark, the tragedy occurred.
McCune died before his statement could be taken. The theory
of the prosecution was that Cross was lying in wait for his
victim near the front of his dwel1ing, while Cross declared
that McCune overtook him and struck him from behind a terrible
blow, remarking at the same time, "I've got you now."
They evidently had a struggle, as Cross had shot through his
own left hand in the fray. On hearing the report, Chief Field
started for the place and overtaking Sheriff Guittar both
went to the house, where they found Cross already in custody
of Policemen Brooks and Cusic. He was bathing his wounded
hand. A great crowd had gathered around the house, but Cross
was not in the least excited. After bathing his hand he directed
his wife where to get the proper dressing and assisted in
applying the bandage.
Chief Field then asked him if he understood that he was under
arrest. He replied, "Yes, I will be ready in a minute."
A friend who was in the house suggested that as there was
a great crowd in front, that we go out the back way. He replied
that he had done nothing of which he was ashamed and would
go the front way. Kissing his wife and telling her not to
worry, he said he was ready and walked down to the jail.
When the grand jury met he was indicted and held without
bail, took a change of venue to Mills county, was convicted
and sentenced to death, but on appeal to the supreme court,
the decision was reversed on error in instruction and admission
of evidence, and when cause was set for hearing, a change
of venue was again taken to Montgomery county, where he was
finally acquitted. It has been reported that Dr. Cross has
recently died.
During this year another tragedy occurred of a darker color
than the one related above. It appeared that a colored man
named McGee, an employee of the Pacific House, and George
Washington, also colored, of the Ogden, were rivals for the
affections of a very dark colored woman of about two hundred
pounds weight. There was also rivalry between the two hotels,
and at the time it was hinted that some of the other employees
and even guests took sides in encouraging the rivalry. Be
this as it may, Washington was of lighter color than McGee,
and with the prestige of his name added, he seemed to be getting
the best of McGee, who, becoming desperate, made a raid upon
the Ogden.
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Washington, seeing him approaching, suspected danger, retreated,
but was followed into the house and shot down. McGee was tried,
convicted and sent up for ten years.
The Dohany theater was built during this year. On November
12 the city council granted the Edison Electric LIght Company
the right to install their system.
At the city election in spring of 1884 W. R. Vaughan was
elected mayor; treasurer, John Clausen; auditor, F. A. Burke;
engineer, J. F. Broadbeck; marshal, F. H. Guennella; judge
of the superior court, E. E. Aylesworth; solicitor, G. A.
Holmes; assessor, Hiram Shoemaker; weighmaster, William Galvin;
clerk, E. A. Troutman; chief of the fire department, C. D.
Walters; chief of police, Thomas Skinner; street commissioner,
A. E. Avery; aldermen-at-large, P. J. McMahon and William
Seidentopf; ward aldermen, first ward, Conrad Geise; second,
William Mynster; third, M. Keating; fourth, W. C. James.
The city having moved into new quarters on Bryant street,
the old building which had done duty for many years, first
as bank, then as county recorder and treasurer's offices,
and finally as city building, together with the engine house
and stable on the rear, fronting on Pierce street, were ordered
sold and the ground on which they stood was used to widen
Glenn avenue.
This spring the city also added a long step to its progress
in paving Broadway with granite blocks from First to Twelfth
streets and Main from Broadway to Sixteenth avenue. Many new
buildings were 'added this year, among which was the Creston
House by Max Mohn, being the first stone front in the city.
This year electric lights were introduced and the high towers
adopted for street lighting.
This being presidential election year, the campaign opened
early and proved to be the liveliest for many years. W. H.
M. Pusey had been elected to congress two years before owing
to disagreement among the republicans, and was up for a second
term, and it was generally understood that he had a barrel
to be kept on tap, while his opponent Major Lyman was backed
by the soldiers. Blaine was the idol of the republicans, even
as was Bryan after his cross of gold speech, and the democrats,
remembering the jugglery, by which Tilden was counted out,
were determined to retrieve that disaster. So that our local
affairs were overshadowed by the national and congressional
campaign. As election day approached the excitement increased
and brass bands, torches and transparencies became the order
of the night and stump speaking by day, with the result that
Cleveland was barely elected, Pusey defeated, and in our county
affairs J. J. Shea was elected clerk, H. J. Chambers recorder,
and Robt. F. Jones supervisor.
The city schools were flourishing under the superintendence
of Prof. McNaughton and two new schoolhouses were added to
the district, the Pierce Street, with six rooms, afterward
enlarged to twelve, and the Third Street of four, and later
enlarged to eight.
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Quite an amount of building was done this year, among which
were the Marcus block, next to the opera house, the Straub
block on Main, the Sanborn on Broadway and Bryant, two churches,
and a number of first class dwellings.
At the regular spring election of 1886 John W. Chapman was
elected mayor; treasurer, F. W. Spetman; auditor, L., Kinnehan;
engineer, Thos. Tostevin; marshal, F. H. Guenllella; judge
superior court, E. E. Aylesworth; solicitor, G. A. Holmes;
assessor, W. L. Patton; weighmaster, W. S. Amy; clerk, F.
A. Burke; chief of fire department, J. L. Templeton; chief
of police, J. M. Mathews; street commissioner, K S. Barnett;
aldermen at large, John Bennet and Josiah Danforth; first
ward, L. Hammer; second ward, S. S. Keller; third ward, Chris
Straub; fourth ward, .E. L. Shugart.
On June 10 of this year the most exciting race was pulled
off at a fireman's tournament at Dubuque, wherein the Council
Bluffs Hose Team No. 3, a like team from Pierre, South Dakota,
and one from Waterloo, Iowa, were contestants. It appearing
that most of the men were professional foot racers, a protest
was made to the board of control. This being the case, they
refused to act as judges, and turned it over to the citizens'
committee of arrangements. These chose their judges and timekeepers,
and the race was called. The Bluffs team made the run and
coupling in forty-one and one-half seconds. The Pierre gained
a second in run, but lost two in coupling. The Waterloo tied
the Pierre team, leaving the Bluffs team winners of the greatest
race of Iowa, and on which thousands of dollars changed hands.
Mayor Chapman died before he had served his first year, and
J. F. Evans was made mayor pro tern. This was the first time
that a mayor of the city had died while in office.
Mr. Evans served until the spring election of 1887, when
Will. Groneweg was elected mayor; treasurer, F.W. Spetman;
auditor, L. Kinnehan; engineer, Thos. Tostevin; marshal, F.
H. Guennella; judge superior court, E. E. Aylesworth; solicitor,
G. A. Holmes; assessor, W. L. Patton; weighmaster, W. S. Amy;
clerk, F. A. Burke; chief of fire department, J. L. Templeton;
chief of police, Jerry Mullen; street commissioner, A. E.
Avery; aldermen-at-large, Josiah Danforth and Lucius Wells;
first ward; Louis Hammer; second ward, S. S. Keller; third
ward, Patrick Lacy; fourth ward, Geo. Metcalf. .
During this year an ordinance was passed granting the Manawa
Street Railway Company a franchise for twenty-five years.
On July 2, 1887, an ordinance was passed and approved granting
an electric light and power company a franchise for twenty
years.
Council Bluffs has become a great market for all kinds of
agricultural machinery as well as wagons and carriages of
every description. Among the first to engage largely in this
business were Beresheim and Weis back in the early '60s. This
was before the Union Pacific railroad was built, and freighting
by wagon wag the only means of transportation. The Schuttler
wagon had achieved an enviable reputation for enduring the
long, dry, hot trips without shrinking. For shrinkage to occur
and wheels shed their tires a
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
hundred miles from any repair shop was a serious proposition,
and freighters were not slow to select the article that was
proven to be the best, and for years their wagons had the
preference. Beresheim and Weis secured the exclusive agency
for that wagon for this point and extending to all points
from Nebraska to Sioux, inclusive, and reaped a rich profit.
On the coming of railroads others saw the advantage of this
as a great distributing point with the result many of the
great manufacturers established houses here. Shugart and Lininger
were among the earliest dealers and others followed rapidly,
until the number of wholesale houses reached twelve. These
are sales establishments, and not including manufactures,
which are treated separately.
At the election November 3, 1885, John H. Keatley and R.
S. Hart were elected representatives; auditor, John Clausen;
treasurer, John H. Plumer; sheriff, Perry Reel; school superintendent,
J. W. W. Land; surveyor, J. F. Broadbeck; coroner, Dr. F.
P. Billinger; supervisors, S. G. Underwood and James Boiler.
At the city election of 1887 the following officers were
elected: Mayor, Wm. Groneweg; treasurer, F. W. Spetman; auditor,
L. Kinnehan; engineer, Thos. Tostevin; marshal, F. H. Guennella;
judge of superior court, E. E. Aylesworth; solicitor, G. A.
Holmes; assessor, W. L. Patton; weighmaster, W. S. Amy; clerk,
F. A. Burke; chief of fire department, John L. Templeton;
chief of police, Jerry Mullen; street commissioner, A. E.
Avery; alder-men-at-large, Lucius Wells and Josiah Danforth.
During this year I. M. Sigler, a prominent citizen of Boomer
township and an old pioneer, died while on business in Nebraska,
and his remains were brought home for interment.
Among the prominent buildings erected this year was the Eisman
building, the one now occupied by the Beno store.
A sad case of suicide occurred at the Transfer Hotel this
summer, being that of a woman, apparently about forty years
of age. She had a little son with her, and was on her way
from San Francisco to Boston, where the little boy said they
had relatives. The railroad men took up the case, paid for
her. funeral and got a home for the boy. The history of her
troubles died with her, as the boy was too young to know.
Everything indicated that she had been a lady of refinement.
I.O.O.F. Celebration, April 27, 1868. Looking up Broadway.
(click image for larger size)
THE COURTHOUSE AND JAIL.
As early as 1884 hints were circulated that the old courthouse,
although only sixteen years old, was unsafe. Be this as it
may, the county had outgrown it, and the jail in the basement
was not in sanitary condition, and at the regular meeting
of the board of supervisors on February 4, 1885, a resolution
was passed submitting the proposition to borrow $150,000 for
the purpose of building a courthouse and $30,000 for a jail,
to be voted upon at a special election to be held March 10,
1885.
At that election 5232 votes were cast in favor, and 2933
against the prop-
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
osition. The bonds were issued and advertised, and taken
by Messrs. Woodbury and Moulton, of Portland, Maine, they
being the highest bidders.
Plans and specifications by Eckle and Mann were approved,
and bids advertised for, and on August 12, 1885, the bids
were opened, and that of Wickham Brothers, for $136,800 being
the lowest the contract was let to them, they giving $1,000
for the old building. The board leased the two lower stories
of the Masonic Temple for county purposes during construction,
the lower for offices and the main hall for court room with
side rooms for juries and board room.
On excavating for foundation the architect decided that the
ground was such that the concrete foundation provided for
in contract was not sufficient, and piling under the entire
structure was ordered. This was done by Stephen Robinson and
involved an extra cost of $5,046.08. The decoration was by
K. A. Norling.
The building speaks for itself, and for beauty, architecturally,
convenience and durability, it is a success, and with proper
care will serve the people for a century. Its construction
lasted nearly three years, being accepted February 15, 1888.
Additional ground was required and purchased, affording room
for the jail, which also is a substantial structure.
The first term of court to be held in the new building was
by Judge Loofboro.
At the election November 8, 1887, Wm. Groneweg was elected
state senator; R. S. Hart and Wm. Wyman representatives; sheriff,
Jas. O'Neil; auditor, Ira Hendricks; county superintendent,
J. K. Cooper; surveyor, J. F. Broadbeck; coroner, Dr. J. C.
Waterman; treasurer, John H. Plumer.
At the city election, spring of 1888, the following named
persons were elected: Mayor, M. F. Rohrer; treasurer, F. W.
Spetman; auditor, C. A. Hammer; engineer, F. Stimson; marshal,
F. H. Guennella; judge of superior court, E. E. Aylesworth;
solicitor, G. A. Holmes; assessor, yr. L. Patton; weighmaster,
W. S. Amy; clerk, F. A. Burke; chief of fire department, C.
D. Walters; chief of police, O. H. Lucas; street commissioner,
A. E. Avery; aldermen-at-large, W. H. Knepher and John Weaver;
alderman first ward, E. T. Waterman; second ward, E. P. Billinger;
third ward, Patrick Lacy; fourth ward, Geo. Metcalf.
During the year 1888 the new Washington Avenue schoolhouse
was built, with a seating capacity of 950 pupils.
This being the year for holding presidential election a lively
campaign followed and the republicans adopted to a limited
extent the methods resorted to by the whigs during the campaign
of 1840, by reviving the log cabin idea, that proved so effec6ve
in electing the grandfather of their candidate, while the
democrats stood pat for Cleveland. It was conducted with less
mud slinging than the one that preceded it. Locally the following
persons were elected: Clerk of the court, H. J. Chambers;
recorder, W. H. Thomas; attorney, John P. Organ; supervisors,
Alex Osler and Charles Alexander.
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
ELECTRIC STREET RAILWAY.
An event of much importance this year was that of the completion
of the Omaha and Council Bluffs bridge and electric street
railway line. Two years before, T. J. Evans, who had been
east and witnessed the operation of the first electric line
in the United States, became enthusiastic on the subject of
connecting the two cities by a toll bridge and electric line,
and on arriving at home proceeded to enlist capitalists in
the enterprise. The two cities granted the franchise and the
work was rushed to completion, and during the fall of 1888
the first car was run over the new track, and the event was
celebrated by; a grand trade display in which the business
men of all trades and professions joined.
For years the getting back and forward between the two cities
was quite a serious proposition and up to this time not much
advance had been made since Harl's bus line used to take you
across and to any pan of the city for fifty cents either way.
With the electric line taking them over in half an hour for
ten cents was a great change, and still they are not happy,
but for two years have been clamoring for a five cent fare,
with partial success.
During this year we also had a severe attack of the cedar
block pavement mania and for five years we had some elegant
drives, only to come to an untimely end after about that length
of time.
The city granted the Chicago and Northwestern Railway Company
the right of way along First avenue to the river.
Also to the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway Company,
on and along Fourteenth street from Twelfth to First avenue,
and on First avenue from there to the river.
As early as 1880 the people of Council Bluffs believed themselves
entitled to a postoffice building, but not until 1883 was
there an appropriation of $100,000 secured. The usual strife
then commenced over its location
The old strife between up town and down town was revived,
up town, with the Ogden House and Neumayer Hotel influence
wanted it on the Platner property on the corner of Glenn avenue
and Broadway, while the Nonpareil influence contended for
the present site, and the latter was successful. Work was
not commenced until 1886. On testing the ground it was demonstrated
that piling would be necessary for the foundation, and further,
that the plan submitted by the architect could not be built
within the appropriation. At the next session of congress
an additional appropriation of $50,000 was made, the corner
stone was laid and work commenced under Supervising Architect
M. E. Bell of the treasury department and prosecuted to completion.
It was occupied during the summer of 1888, but not completed
until a few months later. The building, though massive, is
not a thing of beauty. In fact from an artistic standpoint
it is a failure. Hon. Thomas Bowman was the first postmaster
to occupy it, and the late Judge J. M. Love was the first
to hold a term of the United States district court in the
building.
The court room is not what it should be. Already an addition
is contemplated, but whether it can be made in a way to redeem
the appearance of the building as well as to add to its convenience,
remains to be seen.
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
At the city election for 1889 the following persons were
elected: Mayor, F. M, Rohrer; treasurer, F. W. Spetman; auditor,
C. A. Hammer; engineer, F, Stimson; marshal, F. H. Guennella;
judge of superior court, E. E. Aylesworth; solicitor, G. A.
Holmes; assessor, W. L. Patton; weighmaster, W. S. Amy; clerk,
R. S. Huntington; chief of fire department, C. D. Walters;
chief of police, O. H. Lucas; street commissioner, A. E. Avery;
aldermen-at-large" John W caver and W. H. Knepher; alderman
of first ward, E. T. Waterman; second ward, F. P. Billinger;
third ward, Patrick Lacy; fourth ward, Leonard Everett. The
result being intensely democratic.
During this summer the state firemen's tournament was held
at the Trotting park and was largely attended and some fine
work done. The rescue steamer of Council Bluffs won on first
water.
In the hose race the Alert of Marshalltown took first prize.
Hook and Ladder Co. of Atlantic won first in that contest,
and in that of hand engine Liberty No, 1 of Crestonville,
Iowa, was the champion.
The attendance was the largest ever held in the state and
the proceedings were all harmonious.
During 1889 the venerable old Pacific House that previous
to the erection of the Ogden House had been the leading hotel
in western Iowa was doomed to give way to a more modern structure,
and the Eisman building was erected in its place.
Another prominent building erected this year is the Sapp
block on the corner of Broadway and Scott streets. This is
a modern office building of five stories.
Here again another venerable old land mark had to give way.
It had once, been used as the dry goods store of B. B. Brown,
and later as a hotel called the Napoleon House, and for some
years was kept by the late Peter Bechtel. But such is the
fate of all. Two of the large implement houses were built
during the year.
At the election held November 5 of this year R. W. Briggs
and W. H. Ware were elected to the legislature; county treasurer,
J. H. Plumer; auditor, 1. F. Hendricks; school superintendent,
J. K. Cooper; coroner, J. C. Waterman; surveyor, H. F. Broadbeck;
supervisors, A. C. Graham and August Bostedt.
Again the spirit of rivalry between up town and down town
flared up. The Ogden House being located up town, and its
proprietor, also owner of the old street car line, it was
claimed that the latter was run in the interest of the former,
and on the opening of the electric line it was determined
to have a hotel down town to eclipse the Ogden and the preliminary
steps were taken by calling a meeting at which arrangements
were made with Kimball and Champ, bankers, who agreed to erect
the building, providing the citizens would donate a suitable
site. That where the Grand Hotel now stands was agreed upon,
and was purchased of Dr. E. I. Woodbury and the purchase money
raised by subscription. A more desirable location could not
have been made, facing as it does on Bayliss park and on direct
carline running to all the railroad depots as well as to Omaha.
Kimball and Champ commenced by putting in piling for the
entire
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
foundation at a cost of $5,000. The main building was erected
at a cost of $183,000, and the annex, including lot, at a
cost of $50,000.
Later a company was organized and incorporated by Council
Bluffs citizens as the Grand Hotel Company, which purchased
the property of Messrs. Kimball and Champ, and in whose interest
it has been conducted. Edward W. Hart is the present manager,
and there is no better hotel west of Chicago than the Grand.
At the city election 1890 Dr. Donald Macrae was elected mayor;
auditor, J. C. Lange; treasurer, L. Kinnehan; engineer, Thos.
Tostevin; marshal, John Templeton; judge of superior court,
J. E. F. McGee; solicitor, J. J. Stew&rt; assessor, W.
D. Hardin; weighmaster, A. B. Paris; clerk, A. J. Stephenson;
chief of fire department, F. R. Levin; chief of police, Wade
Carey; street commissioner, A. E. Avery; aldermen-at-large,
Alex Wood and W. H. Knepher; alderman first ward, L. A. Casper;
second ward, Peter Wind; third ward, Patrick Lacy; fourth
ward, Leonard Everett; fifth ward, Peter Smith; sixth ward,
J. W. Mikesell.
At the regular election for county and state officers held
November 4, 1891, the following person's were elected: Clerk
of district court, T. S. Campbell; recorder, Wm. H. Thomas;
attorney, John P. Organ; supervisor, F. G. Hetzel; representatives,
W. H. Ware and R. W. Briggs; treasurer, W. B. Reed; sheriff,
Thos. Hazen; coroner, Dr. F. T. Seybert; surveyor, L. P. Judson;
senator, 'Wm. Groneweg; supervisors, J. R. Black and Wm. Groneweg.
During this season quite a number of important buildings
were erected, among which was the Baldwin six story block,
corner of Broadway and Pearl street. John N. Baldwin, from
whom it derives its name, commenced it in 1890 and completed
it in 1891, at a cost of $30,000. In 1893, it was purchased
by the stockholders of the Council Bluffs Savings Bank. The
Second Avenue school was built this year at a cost of $20,000,
also the Harrison Street public schoolhouse was also built
this year, at a cost of $12,000.
EARLY CHARACTERS.
During the good old days, several persons appeared, each
of whom in his favorite role became conspicuous. Among them
were Henry DeLong, Sport Miller and Jim Snodderly.
The exact time when these men commenced their activities
is involved in uncertainty, but tradition points back to the
palmy days of the Ocean Wave saloon. Their roles were somewhat
dissimilar. Henry's long suit was praying, that of Sport was
absorbing Derby & Day's thirteen cent whiskey, and Jim's
was being arrested. During the long years when Bump, Burkhart,
and "Old Jack" were city marshals it became a common
saying that no matter what crime had been committed, Jim was
arrested for it, dragged before old Squire Burke, only to
walk forth "clothed in the spotless robes of innocence."
Most persons would have resented such treatment, but not so
with Jim. He seemed to accept the situation just as the stage
villain accepts the part assigned him by the manager. He was
in the habit of experiencing religion in the winter but would
invariably back-slide with the opening of
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
spring, when his arrests would be resumed. For some reason
he changed his abode to a home in Nebraska. After years of
self imposed exile, he pined to review the scenes of his early
triumphs, but how changed! The good old squire had gone to
a higher court than any here, as well as those marshals. He
visited some of his old haunts, but they too had changed.
An occasional tall man in blue with brass buttons would pass
without noticing him, and he returned sorrowfully, without
seeing the inside of our city bastile or beholding the majesty
of our superior court.
As for Sport, he could carry a pretty heavy load of bad whiskey
and still have a pretty clear conception of the relative value
of two pairs, threes, four flush, or a full hand, etc. But
as time went on the whiskey seemed to be getting the best
of him, to the extent that an enterprising temperance lecturer
took him around to exhibit as a horrible example. Finally,
he having been a soldier, his friends prevailed upon him to
retire to the Soldiers' Home. After years he too, longed to
revisit the old scenes. He came but no one recognized him.
In this instance it was he that was changed. The regulations
of the Home had done its work, but he saw the point. He proceeded
to take on one of his old-fashioned jags when the mask fell,
and all his old friends gathered around and congratulated
him, and after a pleasant visit he returned with the good
wishes of all.
As for Henry he kept on praying and occasionally digging
a well for a resting spell and added preaching to his labors,
and at last his labors received recognition. He received the
appointment of probation officer. The county authorities fitted
him up a chapel in the courthouse handy by the clerk's office
where, as licenses are issued he is ready to perform the marriage
ceremony, and it is a poor day on which he fails to unite
two or three willing couples in the holy bonds of wedlock.
This, with his pay as probation officer, makes a pretty good
thing for Uncle Henry, and some think of having him open the
courts with prayer. Having observed the salutary effect upon
our legislative bodies, they see no reason why it should not
prove equally beneficial to the judiciary. It has also been
suggested that he be employed to preach to the "Spirits
in prison" on Sundays. This has been objected to as being
in conflict with the provision in the Constitution which declares
that "Cruel and unusual punishment shall not be inflicted."
But seriously, neither of these were bad men, but had their
peculiarities, and all have a host of friends that are glad
to see them at any time.
Another interesting character that the old-timers will remember
was Major Bayliss. He was a brother to S. S. Bayliss, proprietor
of the Pacific House, and became a part of the assets. His
long suit was entertaining the stranger guests of that hostelry,
and it was a very unappreciative stranger that failed to invite
him to the bar. He was a picturesque figure, perhaps sixty-five,
a little lame, wore a somewhat damaged plug hat slightly cocked
to one side, and when he assured a stranger that he was a
high toned Virginia gentleman by G-- sir, few would question
its truthfulness His dignity received a pretty severe shock
away back in the 60's after a large committee of the young
men prevailed upon him to run for mayor on an independent
ticket, assuring him of their active support, when the
86
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
returns showed that he had received eight votes. It resulted
in a coolness towards some of his most ardent admirers. No
one ever knew how he came by the title of Major, but after
forming the acquaintance of Major Bagstock, in Dombey &
Son we see the point. They were twins, but he too is gone.
He will not return like the others.
John and Hannah Ford held the front of the stage for years.
He was an Irishman of the ould stock, small in stature but
long on courage, consequently was frequently getting into
trouble. While Hannah, who was twice his size, usually acted
as his attorney. In a civil suit before Justice Treynor in
which Hannah was an important witness, and during a rigid
cross examination, in which she would baffle the attorney
by witty answers, John would manifest his approval by a cheerful
yelp. The court administered a severe reprimand, admonishing
him that a repetition would result in his expulsion from the
court room. The offense was soon repeated, and the constable
not being present, the court proceeded to perform the office
personally. He deliberately opened the door and seizing John,
attempted to eject him, but John turned and would have ejected
the court, but for help of some of the spectators.
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