Buchanan County, Missouri - Municipal Officers, 1904

Municipal Officers

The Board of Town Trustees - The City Council - ]\Iayor - Clerk, Register and Auditor - Collector and Treasurer - Comptroller - City Engineer - The Health Department - Assessor - Counselor - Street Commissioner - Building Inspector - License Inspector - -Boiler Inspector - Plumbing Inspector- Salaries, Terms of Office and Duties.

The municipal affairs of St. Joseph, hke those of other incorporated communities, have ahvays been administered by men chosen by the people. As a town the administrative function was vested in a board of seven trustees, who selected one of their number as president.

The Board of Town Trustees. - The first board, elected in 1845, "^'^"''^s composed of Joseph Robidoux, president ; Isidore Barada, John F. Carter, Johnson Copeland, Wiley M. English, Sinclair K. Miller and Benjamin Powell. The next board, in 1846, was composed of Wiley M. English, pfesident ; Preston T. Moss, Johnson Copeland, Allen G. Mansfield, Posey N. Smith, Henry S. Creal and Joseph Robidoux. The board for 1847 was composed of Henry S. Creal. president; Wiley M. English. Johnson Copeland, Preston T. -Moss, Edward Searcy, William H. High, Aaron Lewis and James B. Gardenhire. The board for 1848 was composed of Lewis Tracy, president; Joseph Smith, W^illiam Ridenbaugh, Preston T. Moss. Samuel D. Overstreet. Thomas Wildbahn and James A. Anthony. The board for 1849 "^v^'^s composed of James

A. Anthony, president ; John Whitehead, Henry S. Creal. Thomas Price, Wiley M. English, Thomas Wildbahn and Lewis Tracy. The last board was composed of James A. Anthony, president ; Lewis Tracy, John Rhode, William ]\I. Carter, James B. Pendleton, Abraham M. Dillon and Lewis Stigers.

The City Council. - The first Council, elected in 185 1, was composed as follows, there being but three wards : First Ward, John Angel, James Pendleton; Second Ward, William AI. Carter. James B. Pendleton; Third Ward, James A. Anthony, John H. Whitehead. For the ensuing years the representation was as follows :

For 1861-62 - First Ward, ]\lichael Mc- Gee. Louis Hax ; Second Ward, A. G. Clark, John Saunders; Third Ward, James A. Storm, Samuel H. Boyd.

For 1864-65 - There were now five wards, represented as follows : First Ward, Thomas H. Ritchie, William Z. Ransom ; Second U'ard. John R. Bell. W. L. Chadwick; Third Ward. John Corby, George T. Hoagland ; Fourth Ward, J. D. McNeely, A. Andriano; Fifth \\'ar(l, H. N. Turner, Jeremiah Whalen.

For 1869-70 - First Ward, Florence Kiley, J. C. Kessler; Second Ward, Robert Gunn, I. Van Riley ; Third Ward, John A. Dolman, J. A. V. McNeal ; Fourth Ward, D. H. Winten. Philip Pinger; Fifth Ward, Patrick Early, M. Fitzgerald.

and his place was left vacant) ; Third Ward, J. C. Gregg, Ewald Padberg; P^ourth Ward, William H. Jones, O. M. Spalsbury; Fifth Ward, William E. Jamieson, John B. Ryan.

P'or 1890-91 - In 1890 the city limits were extended and the territory divided into eieht wards. There were 16 aldermen, as follows: First Ward, Hans Nielson, William Dersch; Second Ward, James M. Hall, David E. Marshall; Third Ward, Samuel Ostrander, J. W. Lancaster; Fourth Ward, John L. Zeidler, T. W. Hackett; Fifth Ward, Patrick Alartin, lienry Ellinger; Sixth Ward. Joseph Hermann, Edward B. Polling; Seventh Ward, Stephen T. Pendleton, A. E. Arnell; Eighth Ward, Charles A. Pfeiffer, James W. Mansfield.

For 1900-01 - Early in 1900 the territory to the south, embracing the now populous but unincorporated town of St. (icorge, built up because of the packing industries, was annexed to the city and the Ninth Ward was created. The Stock Yards and packing houses were not included in the annexation. The Council for 1900-01 was as follows: First Ward, W. A. Bodenhausen, William Liebeg; Second Ward. William TL Finch. William F. Bode; Third Ward, John W. Bruce, Fred Hoefer, L. O. Weakley f Hoefer resigned) ; Fourth W'ard,.

For 1901-02 - The city charter was amended by the Legislature of 1901 so as to giye the city a doiible house, there l)eing proyision for a delegate from each \yard constituting the House of Delegates and fiye members, elected at large, constituting the Council. Each body had its own presiding ofificer and ^vhen there was a joint session the body was known as the Municipal .\ssembly and was ])resided oyer by the president of the Council. For 1901-02 the Council was composed of nine members, this being necessary because seyeral members had yet one year to serye. the meml)ership of the body being William Liebig, William F. Bode. John W. Bruce. E. AI. Birkes. O. M. Spalsbury. Charles F. Ogden. William

E. Jamieson. C. J. Fohle and Louis R. Sack. The House of Delegates consisted of J. E. Gates, representing the First \\"ard ; Ben B. Turner, Second Ward : L. O. Weakley. Third W^ard; F. C. Barrington. Fourth Ward; Joseph Andriano. Fifth Ward; John Wiesniewski. Sixth Ward : J. L. Meyer. Seyenth Ward ; August W. Horn. Eighth ^^'ar(l : and J. \\'. Fleeman. Ninth \\'ard.

request of a number of citizens the Legislature pro\-ided a new scheme, formulated by a committee of attorneys and members of the administration. This plan proyides for a Council of one member for each ward, elected at laroe and a president elected at large; also for a Board of Public Works, consisting of three members, appointed by the mayor, the auditor and the comptroller, the party in power Xu haye majority in the board, each member of the board to be ai)pointefl for three years, the plan being so arranged that there shall be a vacancy eyery year. The new scheme did not go into full effect until April 18. 1904, the two legislative bodies, however, being merged in April, 1903. The Council for 103-04 was composed as follows: Louis R. SacK, E. O. Hicks, Edward W. Klos. Joseph A. Fullerton, John O. Barkley. Brant C. Thayer, John W. Bruce. L'lysses G. Crandall, Thomas Cannon, Daniel J. Barrett. David C. Reeves. Joseph Andriano. John V. Imel and August W. Horn.

Clerk, Register and Auditor. - The late Gen. Ben. F. Loan was apointed clerk and attorney at the first session of the town trustees, in 1845. Le\i T. Clark was clerk in 1846, James B. Gardenhire, afterward Attorney General of Alissouri, in 1847; Ben. F. Loan in 1848. A. D. Madeira in 1849. I" 1850-51. the late Joseph J. Wyatt held the of-

Under the city charter which went into operation in 185 1, the city register's office was created. The register was a combination of secretary to the Council and city accountant. The office was first held by Milton H. Wash, who served 1851-56, and wdio compiled and published the first city ordinances. William C. Toole succeeded Mr. Wash and served 1856-64, when the late John A. Dolman was elected. Major Dolman served 1864-66 and was succeeded by Thomas H. Ritchie, wdio served 1866-68. Col. Robert C. Bradshaw, who had distinguished himself in the w^ar, was elected in 1868, and served two years. In 1870 \V. W. Brown was elected and served four 3'ears, being succeeded by Hardin A. ' Davis, who served until 1877, when he was succeeded by Enos J. Crowther, who served until 1880. James H. Ringo was elected in 1880 and was succeeded in 1882 by the late Francis M. Tufts. Mr. Tufts was the last register. He was elected in 1884, for two years. When the new charter was adopted, he resigned and was made auditor.

Purd B. Wright was the first city clerk. He was appointed in April, 1885, and served continuously until April, 1896. Mr. Wright created numerous features of this office and brought order out of a wilderness. His work, his indices and his classifications are of immeasurable value to the city. He was succeeded by Charles S. Shepherd, who served four years and was succeeded by Frank W. Beach, the present incumbent. The city clerk is appointed by the mayor and Council. The register was elected by the people.

]\Ir. Tufts was succeeded as auditor by Harry C. Carter, in 1888. Oswald M. Gilmer -was elected in 1890. and served four years. He was succeeded in April, 1894, by Thomas R. Ashbrook, who served until April, 1900,

Collector and Treasurer. - The constable collected the taxes under the town organization, and the marshal under the city organization, up to 1866. Thomas Henry was the first collector, serving 1866-70. He was succeeded by H. R. W. Hartwig, who served 1870-72. George M. Hauck served 1872-74; Daniel T. Lysaght, 1874-76; James A. Mil- Ian, 1876-78; H. N. Turner, 1878-80; Joseph Andriano, 1880-84; Harry C. Carter, 1884-85.

The collector paid the mioneys over to the city treasurer, who was generally connected with one of the local banks. Robert I. Boyd and John Curd kept the city's moneys in the town days, and John Curd was city treasurer from 185 1 to 1863. George Lyon succeeded Mr. Curd and served three years. In 1866-68 Samuel McGibbens was treasurer, and was succeeded by W. H. Collins, who served one year. Ignatz G. Knapper served 1870-73; H. N. Turner, 1873-74; W. B. Johnson, 1874-77; George C. Hull, 1877-79; George W. Belt, 1879-81; Christian Frenger, 1881-82; Thomas W. Evans. 1882-84; John Colhoun, 1884-85. The collector was elected by the people and the treasurer appointed by the mayor. Under the charter of 1885, these offices were merged. Harry Carter, who had been elected collector in 1884, for two years, resigned and was appointed collector and treasurer for the year 1885-86. The collector received fees under the old system and the treasurer received a salary. The office is now elective and the salary is fixed by the Council. Harry Carter was elected to succeed himself, and served 1886-88, when he was succeeded by- George C. Crowther, who served 1S88-92. Joseph Albus served 1892-96, and was succeeded by Rice D. Gilkey,

Comptroller. - This office is fiscal in its functions. It is a check upon the auditor and treasurer, nor can any money be appropriated by the city unless the comptroller certifies that the amount is in the treasury to the credit of the fund from which it is to be drawn. He also countersigns all warrants upon the treasury, redeems outstanding bonds, pays interest coupons and is the city's fiscal officer.

Gen. James Craig was the first comptroller, the office ha\ing been created under the new charter. He was appointed in April of 1885 and served two years. In 1887 he was succeeded by William B. Johnson, who served until 1895, he w-as succeeded by John P. Strong, who served two years, and was succeeded in 1897 by M. M. Riggs. who in turn \vas succeeded in 1899 by John F. Johnson. The Legislature of 1899 made the office elective and Mr. Johnson was elected for a term ending April 18, 1904, Avhen he w'as succeeded by Thomas R. Ashbrook. elected for a term

City Engineer. - In the early days there was a town surveyor. The first man to hold this position was Capt, F. W. Smith, whose plat of the town Robidoux had accepted. He was succeeded in 1846 by Simeon Kemper, who had also made a plat, that was rejected, which is to be deplored, more at this late day than ever, as Mr. Kemper's plat is said to have been provided with wider streets than Captain Smith's plat. ^Ir. Kemper served until St. Joseph became a city. Charles Schreiber was the first city engineer, serving 1851-54, when he was succeeded by ^[. Jeff Thompson, wdio served 1854-56. Simeon Kemper served in 1856-57 and was succeeded by Charles Hausding, who served 1857-59. P. K. O'Donnell was engineer in 1859-62, and was in turn succeeded by Mr. Hausding, who served 1862-66. John Severance served 1866-70, when he was elected mayor. John Ouigly succeeded Colonel Severance, serving 1870-76, and was succeeded by Thomas Long, who served 1876-77. M. J. McCabe was engineer 1877-82, and was succeeded by Frank Fanning, who served 1882- 85, when he was in turn succeeded by M. J. McCabe, who served until 1 89 1, when Charles \\'. Campbell, Jr., took the office. Mr. Campbell served until May of 1898, when he was succeeded by J. R. Rackliffe. ]\Ir. Rackliffe served until the spring of 1901, wdien William H. Floyd was appointed by IMayor Combe. This office is now controlled by the Board of Public Works, and ]Mr. Floyd continues as its incumbent.

T/ie Health Department. - During the California emigration days, when St. Joseph was filled with a miscellaneous population that lived pricipally out-of-doors, waiting for the grass to come, it became necessary to have a health officer to enforce sanitation. Dr. Daniel G. Keedy was appointed by the board of town trustees in 1849, and served one year. He was succeeded by Dr. Josiah H. Crane, w-ho held the office for two years, being the first appointee of the mayor and Council wlien S" Joseph became a city. The place has Deen hel I by the following physicians since then : Dr. James Sykes, 1852-55; Dr. John A. Chambers, 1855-56; Dr. Crane, 1856-57; Dr. C. F. Knight, 1857-58; Dr. J. G. Meacher, 1858-60; Dr. Knight, 1860-61 ; Dr. Hugh Trevor, 1861- 62; Dr. W. I. Heddens, 1862-64; Dr. James

In 1890-92, Dr. W. T. Elam was assistant health officer to Dr. Berghoff. In 1894-96, Dr. J. R. A. Crossland (colored) was assistant to Dr. Geiger. In 1896-97, Dr. Le\i Longwas assistant to Dr. Davis, and in 1897-98, Dr. Graham was Dr. Davis' assistant. During the term of Dr. Graham as city physician there was no assistant. Dr. M. F. Hall was Dr. Tygart's assistant and Dr. Spier Richmond was Dr. Owen's assistant. Dr. E. S. Ballard is Dr. Deffenbaugh's assistant.

In 1890, a city dispensary was estaljlished and the office of city chemist created. The dispensary was located at the City Hall. The <luties of the chemist were to analyze milk and food, to compound charity prescriptions, to act as clerk of the Board of Health, issue burial permits and to keep x^ital statistics. Logan D. Currin was the first city chemist. He was succeeded by Ed. F. Hunter, \\ ho held the place continuously until the office was abolished in the first part of the fiscal year, 1898-99. The offite of assistant health officer was also abolished at the same time and the hospital steward, who was required to be a physician, filled the place and also acted as clerk of the Board of Health. In 1902, the office of clerk of the Board of Health was again established and W^illiam H. Hartigan was appointed to the place.

Counselor. - Prior to 1877 there was no regularly employed attorney to give advice to the mayor and Council and to defend suits against the city. It was the duty of the city attorney to do this. The first regular counselor, as near as can he ascertained, was Benjamin R. Vineyard, who was ajjpointed by Mayor Beattie in 1877. ^Ir. Vineyard served until the spring of 1879 and was succeeded by Andrew Royal, who ser\-ed 1879-80. Mordecai Oliver was counselor to Mayor Piner in the first year of his administration, 1880-81, and Samuel B. Green in the second year, 1881-82. Vinton Pike held the position under Mayor Posegate, 1882-84, and was succeeded by James Limbird. under Mayors Hart wig and Doyle, 1884-87. Under Maycjrs Doyle and Englehart, Thomas F. Ryan was counselor, and he was succeeded by Morris A. Reed, w"ho served 1889-91, under Mayors Englehart and Shepherd. Samuel P. Huston served 1891-95 and was succeeded by \\'illiam K. Amick, who served 1895-97 ^1^*^^ ^'^'^^ succeeded by Benjamin J. Casteel, who resigned in April of 1899 and was succeeded by R. E. Culver. Mr. Culver served two years and was succeeded by Kendall B. Randolph. In 1903, Mr. Randolph was succeeded by James M. Wilson, the present incumbent.

Building Inspector. - This office is appointive by the mayor. It was created in 1886, and Seymour Jenkins was the first appointee, ser\-ing two years. He was followed by Myron Lytle, 1888-90: Joseph Massard, 1890-92; Thomas Winn, 1892-94; George W. Bulger. 1894-96; Lyman \A'. Forgrave, 1896-1902; \\'il]iam Fredericks, 1902-04; Thomas A\\ Stanley, 1904 - .

License Inspector. - This office was created in 1885, and James A\'. Fowler was the first incumbent. He was succeeded in 1889 by Joseph E. Co<jk, who served until 1893. Edward Burns s.erved 1893-95. John D. Clark served 1895-97, and was succeeded by Louis Herwig, who in turn was succeeded by Charles Craighill. The present incumbent, John P. Remelius, has served since 1899.

Boiler Inspector. - This office was created In 1886 and is appointive by the mayor. Philip Hart served from 1886 to 1892; George Zipf served two years and then Phihp Hart was again appointed and served until 1898. Gustave Geis served 1898-99; William Horigan, 1900-01 ; Joseph Williams is now serving.

Chapteh Xii Municipal Equipment

The Parks of St. Joseph, Their History and Development - Lake Contrary as City Property - The Free Public Li brary ; Its Origin and Expansion - Street Lighting; From Gas to Electricity and Municipal Ownership - The Sewer System ; Its History and Condition - Street Paving ; the Various Periods of Progress.

There are four public parks in the city proper. Krug Park, the largest and most beautiful, is beyond the city limits, though under municipal jurisdiction. All of these parks were donated. Smith Park was the gift of the late Frederick W. Smith ; Patee Park the gift of the late John Patee; Mitchell Park, the gift of A. M. Mitchell, and Washington Park, the gift of those who placed St. Joseph Extension Addition on the market.

These were all dedicated when the additions containing them were platted. Krug Park, containing lo acres, was the gift of Henry and William Krug, made in February of 1889.

Smith and Patee parks were rough ground in the beginning, but the grader made all things e\en. Up to 1879 Smith Park was occupied by a florist. When the Smith Branch sewer, which cut through the northeastern portion of the park, was completed, the place was graded and filled. In 1882, an iron fence was built. In 1884, Dr. Henry D. Cogswell, of San Francisco, a noted advocate of temperance, presented the city with his statue, to be placed in the park. Dr. Cogswell was engaged in perpetuating himself by the means of these statues, which were mounted upon drinking fountains. Samuel Westheimer, who was then a member of the Council, and who had been instrumental in having Smith Park opened for public use, heard of Dr. Cogswell. Mr. Westheimer was of the opinion that any kind of a statue would look better than no statue, and if one could be had without cost, the effort should be made. He therefore induced the Council to request Dr. Cogswell for his effigy m metal. The Doctor was a little slow, but finally yielded - conditionally, however. The conditions w^ere that the city should purchase four lamps and should agree to keep the fountains running during the drinking season, and that one fountain should give forth ice water. These conditions were agreed to and the statue arrived. The city built a substantial base, under which provision was made for cooling the water. This feature of the bargain, however, has long been neglected. Much sport was.

made of the statue at the time of its arrival and some wag circulated the report that it was the advertisement of a "vinegar bitters." Dr. Cogswell, though vain, was a well-meaning man, and did everything in his power to promote and encourage temperance, even to being a candidate for the presidency in the interest of prohibition.

Patee Park was opened to the public at about the same time as Smith Park. The ground was low, and a fill of five feet was made when Mesanie street Avas graded. Cottonwood trees grew there in profusion for a time, but these were cut out and other shade pro- \'ided.

Mitchell Park was used for some years as a potato patch, and tlien occupied by a florist, who remained until 1891. Since that time it has been respectably maintained by the city.

Washington Park, which was originally dedicated for a market place, was beautified in 1894, and has since been greatly appreciated by the people of the northwestern portion of the city.

St. Joseph owes much to the energy and perseverance of the park board. Before 1890 there was a council committee on parks. Mayor Shepherd appointed a board of commissioners, naming H. M. Garlichs, W^illiam E. Jamieson and N. P. Ogden. These commissioners employed a superintendent. Rudolph Ran. a skillful florist and landscape gardener, who is still in his place. The Council provided liberally, and the result is that Krug Park is one of the most picturesque places in the West, and in 10 years \\ill surpass any pul)lic park of its size and kind in the country.

There were th.ose who l^elived. and with good reason, that if tlie city owned Lake Contrary that body of water and the surroundings would be greatly improved and beautified. Congressman R. P. C. Wilson was appealed to. and, in 1890, secured the passage of an act of Congress, granting to the city of St. Joseph Lake Contrary and the shores thereof. Early in 1 89 1, the city ordered a canal cut to unite the upper and lower lakes. The farmers in the neighborhood protested and obtained an injunction. The cause was tried, and it was found that the United States, liaxing previously given to the State of Missouri all of the territory embracing" Lake Contrary, had no right to give the property to the city, having in fact, no title.

The park board has been composed as follows since 1890: Eor 1890-93, H. M. Garliclrs. ^^'illiam E. Jamieson, N. P. Ogden; for 1893-94, Joseph Hansen, Charles F. Bacon, F. G. Hopkins; for 1894-96, Charles F. Bacon, F. G. Hopkins, John L. Bittinger; for 1896-98, Frank G. Hopkins, Charles F. Bacon, Sol Ehrman; for 1898-99. Frank G. Hopkins. Sol Ehrman, Henry Uhlinger ; 1899-1900, Sol Ehrman, Henry Uhlinger, Adolph Schroeder ; for 1900-01, Henry Uhlinger, Adolph Schroeder, R. A. McGowan; for 1901-03, R. A. Mc- Gowan, Henry Uhlinger, J. R. McKillop, L. D. W. Van Vliet ; for 1904, Henry L'hlinger, L. D. W. Van Vliet, J. M. Austin. -

Prior to 1887 there were several circulating libraries in St. Joseph. In [May of that year Warren Samuels announced through the newspapers that he would give the free use of a room in his building at Sixth and Charles streets for lil)rary purposes. pro\ided a certain sum of money could be raised for the purchase of books. Mrs. T. F. Van Natta and Mrs. George C. Hull took the matter in hand, and, ascertaining ivont Mr. Samuels that if $5,000 was raised he would g"i\e the use of a room for five years, plans were at once outlined for securing the sum required. These ladies, together with Mrs. John S. Lemon, successfully solicited 75 life memberships at $50 each, and they had collected a total of $3,000 by the August following. When the financial work had progressed thus far, Mr. Samuels executed a lease of a large room on the second floor of of his building for three years, with the understanding that the lease would be extended to five years when the remainder of the fund should have been collected.

The first board of directors and officers consisted of Mrs. John S. Lemon, president; Mrs. Winslow Judson, vice-president; Mrs. T. F. Van Natta, treasurer ; Mrs. George C. LIull, secretary, and Mrs. M. A. Reed, Mrs. John D. Richardson, Jr., Mrs. John L McDonald and Mrs. B. F. Colt.

The library opened with 2,200 volumes of well-selected books, and during the first year of its existence 1,000 additional volumes were added. Under these auspices it did excellent work, but a lack of funds prevented the success desired. The small yearly sum charged for the iise of the library, $2, proved inadequate to its needs, but the library was by no means permitted to lanquish. The ladies in charge worked hard, and through their efl^orts alone the institution was kept intact.

In January. 1890. Edward S. Douglas suggested the idea of taking advantage of the State law. which authorized cities to establish free public libraries 1)y a \-ote of the peo])le. and the suggestion met with hearty support. Purd B. Wright, the present librarian, united with Air. Dougles in the movement, and these two pushed the matter. Petitions were prepared asking that the question of voting a tax of tliree-tenths of a mill be submitted to the voters of the city, as authorized by law. Only 100 names were necessary, but many times this number were secured. When presented to the Mavor and Council for official consideration, the petition contained not only the names of the mayor, George J. Englehart. but those of nine of the 10 aldermen as well, in their capacity as citizens. The question being submitted to the voters, such was the interest that had been aroused that it carried bv a vote of more than six to one.

In April, 1890, the then mayor-elect. William M. Shepherd, appointed as the first 1)oard of directors: Rev. H. L. Foote, Prof. E. B. Neely, WWkiul P. Hall, H. G. Getchell, Dr. J. Francis Smith, B. Newburger. G. W. Hendley, Mrs. J. S. Lemon and Mrs. George C. Hull. Rev. Mr. Foote was at the first meeting elected president and Mr. Getchell, secretary; Prof. E. B. Neel}' at the next meeting being elected Aice-president. After a few months' service, Mrs. Hull and Mrs. Lemon and Dr. Smith resigned from the board, Air. Johnson, George C. Hull and John L. Bittinger succeeding them. Mr. Foote remained the president of the board until he left the city in 1895. Prof. E. B. Neely acted as president during the remainder of the term and was succeeded by Rev. Henry Bullard, who in turn gave way in 1896 to John DeClue, who died October 25, 1899, and was succeeded by J. W. Atwell. who is still president. Others who have served on the board are Charles A. Pfeift'er, J. H. Ale- Cord, Elliot Marshall, C. C. Macdonald. Jol:n Michel, Dr. Daniel Morton, A. B. Weakley and Charles P. Cargill.

Meantime, the old library association, by a vote of a majority of its directors and life members, donated the books owned by it, numbering 3.272 volumes, to the Free Public Library, and went out of existence, having accomplished its real purpose in providing the nucleus of the present successful institution. Mrs. Russell, who had succeeded Miss Millan as librarian, was continued in the employ of the Free Public Library under Mr. Carr. The remainder of the force was Miss C. L. Rathbun, still at the library ; Miss L. C. Senter, who was appointed assistant librarian in April, which position she retained until placed in charge of the Carnegie Library in South St. Joseph; and Miss Agnes Van Volkenburg. Miss A. M. Perry was the next employe, and is still a member of the staff.

Large purchases of books were made as soon as a librarian was employed, but the work of classifying and cataloguing required so much time that the libray was not opened for the issue of books for home use until March 16, 1891, with 5.510 volumes; the reference and reading rooms, howe\er. were opened two months previously. On the resignation of Mr. Carr, George T. Wright, formerly of this city, but then of California, was offered tlie position, but declined on account of his health, and William H. Culver was appointed, continuing in charge until the following year in May, when he resigned. Miss L. C. Senter assumed charge of the library and conducted it until July ist, when H. L. Elmend(jrf was appointed to the position of librarian. He remained until October I, 1896, when, he, too, resigned and was succeeded by Purd B. Wright, the present incum1)ent.

During the administration of Mr. Culver, the library was removed from Sixth and Charles streets to its next location at loth and Sylvanie streets, where it remained until March, 1902, when the present building ^^-as occupied.

In March, 1900, the people voted the Board of Education authority to issue $100,000 bonds for the purpose of erecting a building to be used as offices for the board and a Free Public Library, upon the principle that th.e library was of great value to the cause of public education. The bonds brought a premium of $10,700. Ground was purchased at the northwest corner of loth and Felix streets and the erection of a modern stone building commenced.

The new library was opened to the puljlic March 23, 1902. It is strictly modern in every appointment and built for the future. \Miile the buildino- belongs to the school district, the library is managed liy the board appointed by the mayor.

Carnegie Library, South St. Joseph, a branch of the main institution, is the result of efforts with iVndrew Carnegie by John Donovan, president of the St. Joseph Stock Yards Company. The South St. Joseph Town Company donated a block of ground, Mr. Carnegie gave $25,000 for the building and the people of St. Joseph agreed by their ballots to provide $2,500 per annum for maintenance. The building is of stone and was occupied in November of 1902, with Miss L. C. Senter as librarian.

vestment. In 1861 a second concern secured the contract and the city was hg-hted, after a fashion, with gas, until 1889. In 1887 gasoline lamps mounted on wooden posts, supphed by a Chicago concern, were added to the system.

In 1889 the city embarked in municipal ow'nership as to street lighting. A contract was made with the Excelsior Electrical Company of Chicago for a $60,000 plant, to he paid for in two years. The city built a power house at Fifth and Olive streets. Walter C. Stew-art superintended the construction of the plant and managed it for the Excelsior Electrical Company. Frank P. Yenawine was the first city electrician, succeeding" Mr. Stewart in i89[. He served until May of 1896 and was in turn succeeded by J\lr. Stewart, who is the present superintendent. The near future will see a new plant, as $75,000 is to be expended for that purpose.

The Sewer System

There are now (1904) nearly 49,000 lineal feet of main sewers in St. Joseph. In the early davs the creeks that coursed through the city from the hills formed the only drainage. Blacksnake. Bush Branch, Smith Branch and Liniment (or Patee Branch) were all creeks of consequence, especially when the rains were heavy. In planning the sewerage system of the city, these natural water courses were followed wherever possible. The first effort at sewering w^as made in 1867, when a section was built between Fifth and Sixlh streets, covering Bush Branch. In 1870 an extension of 160 feet was added, which broug^ht the sewer to a point on Fifth street about where the side entrance to the Tootle Theatre is. This is a 5-foot sewer and its mouth was then above ground. There was a trap-door, hinged at the top, which opened automatically when the volume of w-ater was great enough. The street was paved in the shape of a gutter, and during heavy rains w^as impassable.

The sewer-building era properly began in 1874, when a 9-foot solid limestone sewer was constructed on Charles street, from the river to Seventh street. This was followed by the completion of the Smith Branch sewer, which had been started at an earlier period, and w hich now extends from 20th street and Frederick avenue to Seventh and Charles streets. The Bush Branch sewer was next continued down Fifth street to Charles. The conibined length of these sewers is 16,523 feet.

Alessanie street was sewered from the river to Eighth street in 1879. This is a round brick culvert, five feet in diameter. The total length of the sew^er now is 1,856 feet.

The building of the Union Depot at Sixth street and Mitchell avenue made it necessary to sewer Liniment Creek. In 1880 a section reaching from Fifth to Eighth streets was built. In 1886 it was completed to the river. This is called the Mitchell avenue sew'er. It is 13 to 15 feet in tliameter, and built of brick. The Patee Branch sew^er, ranging in diameter from 85^ to ioj/4 feet, oval, brick, joins the Mitchell avenue sewer at Eighth street. It w^as built in sections and completed to 22nd street in 1894. The combined length is 8,188 feet. From its terminus there is a pipe sewer to the State Hospital for Insane, No. '2.

The first section of the Blacksnake sewer was built in 1883 across Main street. In 1889 it was carried east to Third street. In 1891 th.e city and the Chicago Great Western Railway Company jointly built the sewer from the Main street section to the river. In 1894 the sewer was extended from Third street, along" the course of Blacksnake Creek, to Pendleton street; and in 1896, to Middleton street. This is a brick sewer, egg-shaped . The dimensions of the western portion are i4j/4 by 17. At the time of its building- it was the largest brick sewer in the world. The dimensions of the eastern portion are 13J/2 by 153^ feet. The total length of the Blacksnake sewer is 4.797 feet.

Olive street and Patee street ha\e 5-foot brick sewers, tapering to three feet. The length of the Olive street sewer is 2,110 feet, and of the Patee street sewer 2,794 feet. There is an 8-foot brick sewer on Grand a\enue, 1.154 feet in length, which will be extended in time to the Blacksnake sewer. There is also a 12- foot sewer on Atchison street. 300 feet long, which will be extended in time.

There are several 4 and 5-foot sewers of considerable length, all of which will be extended. On Aliddleton. Linn and Chestnut streets there is one of this class, 1.7 16 feet in length ; on Isabelle street, from Blacksnake west, one of 710 feet in length; on Franklin street, from Blacksnake west, one of 2,040 feet; on i6th, 17th and Sacramento streets, one of 1.409 feet; on 19th street, one of 2,623 feet; on 23rd and Olive streets, one of 1,246 feet. In a short time $250,000 will be expended to extend the main sewer system.

Prior to 1885. property owners who desired sewerage had to build at their own expense. Now. however, the city is dixided into sewer districts, and when a sewer is desired in a certain neighborhood, to drain into a main sewer, three or more property owners petition the Council, and an ordinance is passed ordering the .sewer. The city engineer advertises for bids, and when the work is completed the cost is assessed against all of the real estate in the district, in proportion to tlie number of square feet contained in each lot. Special tax bills are issued, which 1)ear 6 per cent, interest after 30 days. The contractor is placed under bond to keep his work in repair for one year. By this method the burden of sewer building has been lightened, and. as a consequence, the drainage of St. Joseph is excellent.

Street Paving

From 1866 to 1873 ^^""^ topography of the city underwent a great transformation. The grader opened streets, leveled hills and filled hollows ; many miles of macadam were put down in the business and residence portions of the city. 11iere had been street paving in the neighborhood of Market square before the war, but the streets in "eneral were in bad condition. Nor did the enter])rising people of St. Joseph stop at home in their ;;eal for paving, but they went across the ri\-er - or at least their money did - and aided in the building of a rock road from Elwood west. Bonds in the sum of $25,- 000 were voted for this purpose, and the money was doubtless returned indirectly by the farmers who came to the city over the highway. Portions of the n->ck road are still in existence, though in bad repair.

The panic of 1873 checked all i)ublic improvements, and for the next 13 . years .little pa^-ing was done. By 1886 the business streets were in wretched condition. The macadam was worn in many places beyond repair. Omaha was putting down asphaltum ])avements. Dr. Tliomas H. Doyle, who had been elected mayor upon the issue of good streets, was a strong advocate of asphaltum, and a committee that visited Omaha brought back satisfactory reports. The real estate boom was on and the prospects seemed brilliant. There was no difficulty in securing signers for street pavine. and so the work began, in the summer of 1886. Felix and Fdmond streets were paved with asphaltum, and Francis street to Frederick avenue; as were also Fourth street, from Felix to Olive, and Third street, from Jules street to ^Nlessanie. In 1887 Sixth street was paved with asphaltum from Atchison street to Hall, and Frederick avenue from Eighth street to its terminus. In 1888 cedar blocks were put down on 20th and on Faraon streets, and during the same year many miles of macadam were laid in the residence districts. The cedar blocks were taken up in 1900 and replaced by macadam and asphaltum. In 1890 vitrified brick was introduced, and with this material Francis street was paved from Frederick avenue to 13th street. Main street from Felix to Isidore, and Fifth street from Patee to Antoine. In 1891 brick paving- was laid on Messanie street from Second street to Eighth, on Lafayette street from 22nd to 28th and on Olive from 26th to

28th. In 1892 Charles street, from Second street to 12th, was paved with brick; in 1893 Jules street, from ]Main street to Sixth, and Fourth street, from Francis street to Faraon were similarly paved.

For the next four years no paving except macadam was put down, and not much of that. In the fall of 1897 Third street was paved with asphaltum from Jules street to Franklin. Seventh street, from Olive to Robidoux, was paved with asphaltum in 1899.

From 1897 to 1904 some 60.000 lineal feet of brick and asphaltum, including Sixth street from Atchison street south and King Hill avenue, the main thoroughfare, to South St. Joseph, were put down.