Dakota County, Nebraska - Chapter 6: Dakota County Towns, 1893

Dakota City

(/Ounty seat of Dakota county, was temporarily surveyed in 1855, and the foUowinj^ year it was re-snrveyed under tliB direction of the Dakota City Company, of which Augustus Kouncze, afterwards a wealthy banker of New York, was president. A plot of the town was tiled for record September 20, 185r3, by J. D. M. Crockwell, agent for the Dakota City Company, and the city was incorporated by the county commissioners April 5, 1858 with the foUowiiiL^ limits: East one-half of section 8, and sections U and lO, township 2S, range 1), east. On the same day trustees were appointed as follows: Barnabas Bates, (too. a. Hiiisdale, Wm. H. Jaines, E. Wakely and John C. Turk. S.inuel Whitehoru, W. H. S. Hno-hes and Jaines W. Virtue were also selected as judges for the first towii election, held on Monday, Mhj 3, 1858, at which time the abo\-e trustees were re-elected, with the exception of E. Wa]<eiy, and he was superseded by J. D. Ivi. Ciockwell. At a special election held February 7, 1S59, which Mas the fiist to select town officei's, the followincr were elected: Barnabas Bates, m:;yor; James W Virtue, recorder; CliarlesF. Echhart. assessor; J . M. Yanauhen. marshal; Thomas T. Collier, treas-urer; J. IS'. PI, Patrick, Wm. PI. James. John 0. Tiu-h, E. F. ]\Jason and John B. Zeiplei-, aldeiinen.

Bates House. - The 'd>ooin" had struck Dakota City and the town was full of life and activity. A large three-story l)otel was erected, with a two-story wing, in 1858, at a cost of ^16,000, and called the Bates House, with E. F. Mason as proprietor. The structure was built by the "Town Compai-y.'" At times tliis imuiense bnildiiig was crowded to its utmost capacity with boarders, but it was doonied to decay. After the close of the war things were not as active hei-e as they had bean and the large hotel was no longer needed, which was abandoned and toi'n down in 1879, and sold as old lumber. It stood on the corner of Bruadway and thirteenth streets.

CnuRcuKs.-^The first denomination to hold divine woi'ship in Dakota C^ity was tlie Presbyterians, with Rev. Thomas Chestnut of Sioux City, Iowa, as minister, who conducted the first services ever held tiiere in the spring cf 1857, in a snndl log hou:>e that stood on Broadway, opposite the Chihuahua IJonse. John j\;ilfziger and wife, F. A. Robinson and wife^ and about a dozen others attended this meeting. Other Pi-esbyterian ministers have since held sei'vices in the town l)nt no edifice of their ow;i was ever built. In 1881 Rev. II. Wilson was a resident n.inister, who in October of that year took charge of a new educational institution at 0;d<dale, Nebraska, since which time they \\n\e had no ministei'.

The Methodists next orgarized here, in June. 1857, and their ministers from the earliest times down to the present were: Revs. Doi'sey. AVm. M. Smith. Y. B. Turmann, Munhall, Amsbiirv, Reed, S. P. Yandoozer. J. II. DeLaMatyi-, JohnS.'On-, Gearheai-t, J. M. Richards, Joel A. Sinitli, 1). Maiipiette, W. 11. Carter, Wm. II. VVorley, II. W. C.>i,Uy, ,] . W.Jennings, D. AV. McGregor and 11. C. Myers^ In 1878 the present brick Methodist church was built at a cost of ^4,000.

Rev. II. W. Kuhns, a inissioiiai-y sent to Nebraska Teri'itt^ry, preached the fir^t Lutheran sermon at Dakota City in the front room of the Rates House, in November, 1858, and on the 22nd day of July, 1859 he (organized a church society there. The foHowiuiij names were given in for membership and were the founders of the church :it tliat place: John B. Ziegler, Caroline Ziegler. Charles F. Eckhart, Elizal)etli Eckhart, Conrad Arnibreclit, Melosine Armbrecht and Augustus Ilaase. Tiie members at once began preparations for a liou'e of wor>iiip. A store building was purcliased in tlie abandoned town of Pacific City, but it v.-as burned by praii-ie tire while being moved to Dakota City. In tlie spring and summer of 1860, tlie present Lutheran cliurch was erected by Augustus Haase at a cost of t^2,000. This was the tirst Lutheran church in the town, county and state, and it to-day the oldest church edifice, ofany denomination, now standing in Nebraska, Inconsequence of the above facts a lai-ge photograph of this church was sent to the World's Fail*, at Chicago in 1893. Their ministers have been H. W. Kuhns (1858), Samuel Augliey, J. F. Kuhlman, J. Zimmerman, J. C. Brodfuh"rer,'j. P. Schnure, W. C. iVicCool, C. Baird, D Sprecher and II. J. Ilapeman. The . territorial court was held in this church for many years.

Court House. --For more than fifteen years the county records were scattered around in log cabins and rented houses. January 2, 186U, the county commissioners ordered that steps be taken for the Iniilding of a, C(Mirt house and jail, but the project failed for the want of sufficient funds. A special county election was held June 18, 1870, to vote on a proposition to bond the county for the erection of a !i^l5, 000 court house, $5,000 to be paid by Dakota City, at wliich time there were 170 votes for and 165 against bonds. Commissioners ordered bonds issued September 15, 1870,

Contract let to A. H. Baker and A.. T. Haase. October 8, 1870, for the construction of said court house, bi'ick to be manufactured and furnished by Geo. T. Woods. October 25, 1871, court house was completed and turned over to the sheriff of said county.

Post Office. - The postmasters at Dakota City have been James W. Virtue, C. F. Eckiiart, Barnal)as Bates, Helen Bates, M. O. Ayres, Henry Herweg, D. C.Stinson and Mell A. Schmied. This is a postal note ;in<l money order ofKce. The post office was first kept in the Chihuahua House, then moved to a building opposite the Bates House on Broadway, then to a house east of the old Griffey residence, from here it was taken to C. F. Eckiiart's store, then to Bates House, to Col. B. Bates' residence on Walnut street, to M. O. Ayres* stores on Broadway, to Stinson & Herweg's stoi-e on corner of Broadway and Fifteenth street, tiien to its present location on corner of Broadway and Fourteenth street.

Schools. - The present tvvo-storv brick school house M-as erected in 1866 at a cost of $4,500 and the frame building neai- it, which was used as a high school was built in 1874. Prior to this time, in 1857, the first school was taught by Mrs L. C. Packard in the old logcourt house oti tiie corner of Broadway and Nineteenth street. In 1892 bonds of $4,000 were voted and in the fail of that year an elegant frame two stoiy building was completed.

Societies, - Among tlie tirst societies of Dakota City was the Sons of Malta, of which Col. 13. Bates was the principal factor, and he relates many amusing incidents of the doings of that organization. See biographical sketch of his life elsewhere in this book.

The CI. A. R. Crittenden Post, No. 170, was organized in 18S3, and was re-organized h\ter and called McBeath Post, in honor of AV. C. McBeath. The charter was surrendered in 1892.

The Dakota County Teachers' association was organized November 28, 1875, at the high school building in Dakota City, with Jolin T. ISpencer cluxirman and Rev. J. Zimmerman secretary. Prior to this, however, on Septeml)er 5, 1870, the Teacliers' Institute of Dakota County whs organized at the same place.

The Dakota County Bible society was organized April 28, 1869, by Rev. Wm. McCandish, General A gent for the Amei-ican Bible society of JS'ew York. The following w(!re its first officei's: Rev. Sau)uel Aughey, president; P. Mikesell, vice president; Mrs. JohnG. Ogden, corresponding secretai-y; John P. Bayha^ txeasiirer. This society is not a thing of the past but still lives.

Land Offick. - The land office was established in Dakota City in March, 1857, and closed at 4 o'clock p. m., August 31, 1875. when it was moved to Niobrara It aoain closed at that place July 1, 1888 and moved to O'Neil, where it was opened July 16 and still remains there. Tlie f(>llo\ving have been its officers and the year in which they wej-e appoinied: in the town, and the sec<*nd in the county. The first issue was jiublislud July 15. 1857, by Joseph B. Sti-ickland, and edited by luiliei't A. llow.-ird. From this issue is <(ju()ti'(l the following exci-aet in descril>ing the 1th of

"A meeting was held in a largo unoccupied room fitted up for the occasion. Upon motion of Dr. M. Siiville, of Logan. Gen. Jos. Ilollman w,i» called to the chair. He made a few pertinent reuiarks, stating the object of th» meeting and the propriety of the peoplethus uniting together, liiying asideall jealousies to rejoice in a common privilege. He concluded by introducing to thciuulienco Mr. J. F Warner, of Logan, who re:id in an eloquent manner the Dec'iiration of Independence. The orator of the day, W. G. Crawford, Esq., of Dakota City, w:is then pie.-entcdby the president."

One column is devoted to the proceedings of a Democratic Mass Convention, of which Win. H. James was president, held at St. Johns on tlie 11th of July. 1857. A committee consisting of Hfirlon 13aird,(if the Bluffs, Daniel D.iggau,(.f Elk Creek, Haughey, «.f Cvington. Gen. Ilollman, of Dakota City, Jose[)h Brannan, of St. Johns, D. T. J^ramble. of At>way Creek. Dr. M. Saville. of Login, Junies t'arrell, of l^'ranklin City, and C. llowai'd, of l-'aeiHc City, was appoinred to nominate couutv ofhcers hut after further consideration the convention adjoui'iied to meet at the same place on the 18th of July.

The Herald w=is afterwards sold to Diley .^ Foley ami published Jibmir one vear, when it was disfoiirjnued. It was again revived in March. ISoU. by Daniel McLaughlin and apj>eaf.s to have been discontiniieil tor a while wIicm that gentleman re>nmed its pnblieation March 80, 18()1, un<ler the name of the

On Tuesday night Harlon Baird, Esq., phiced four trnps on the edge of the lake ;m'l on the fulluwin,' iiioining found jceuiely f.istened in them three large beavers and one uiink."

Chns, Goodfellow. of i^t. Jolin'.<, has, we learn, the best crop oi' Rio ijrnnde wheat in his vicinity. It will average a little over tliirty bushles to the acre."

Among tlie advei'tisei'S in tin's issue arc: Henry Reaui, proprietor of the Eates House; C. F. Eckhnrr, dry goods and gi'ocei-y store; Willirims & Very, })roprietors of new i'ei'i'y bttween Dnkotti City and Sergeant's Blnfts; J. B. Zieglei-, proprietor of Dakota City pottery; John Tafie, T. L Griffey and A. II. Jackson, attoineys fit law; J. W. Virtue, cashier Bank of Dakota; John lUigy. proprietor Ilngy Plouse, Sioux City, Iowa; H. A. Fuller, pi'oprietor Wauregan House, Sioux City, Iowa; L. D. Parmer, di-y goods, etc., Sioux City, Iowa.

"Tbo brick fo.- the new ouur>iy court house is being riipiilly IiiiiiIimI on tlie grouml by th'; contrarlor, Mr. Woo'l.-. The brick was biii-ot'il by. Mr. Woiids ill bis Kihi, in this city, niid is of a tir-t c'a.-s quality - equal to any in this s<<!lion ol'tbo countiy and cxocllcd by n^ne.

C. F. BH3'ha took charge of the Mail October 27, 1871, and the paper was again sold to John T. Spencer, October 9, 1874, who employed Will S, Jay as assistant (MJitor December 15, 1870 to i\ iignst 17, ' 1877. The Dakota City Mail was suspended September 28, 1877 and revived in Covington, Deceml)er 21st of the sanu; year niider the name of the Mail, and its publication was forever discontinued March 1," 1S7S, the good will and subscription list being purchased by Hart & Martin, who consolidated it with The Kagle, of Dakota City. John T. Spencer on retiring from the journalistic field said in his valedictory; began its publication at Dakot>^ City, May 24, 1870, with Atlee Uart and Will S. .lay as editors, and the following appealed in its salutatory:

J). Martin October 80, 1877. Col. Martiti commenced the publication of a lomantic continued story August 24tii of that year, entitled. '-The Conflict - Love or Money/' The Kagle was enlarged to an eight-column folio papi-r Maivh 8, 187S. March 18th of the same year Alcs>rs. Hart cV' Martin l.onght the Mail, which was coii^olidnted with The Kagle.^ CD. Martin sold his interest t<. (^eo. T. Woods May 2, 1871), who, after one is^ne^ol.l to Will S. Jay. j'ldy 15, 1881, Jay sold his half to Hart, who l)ecaM:e sole owner of the paper. On May 20, ISSO. I'beKaule was enlarged to a sixcolninii"<piarto. On tiic 7tli day of A])ril, 1882, John T. Sj)^jncer houo-ht one-half interest in The Kagie and sold t<» (ieo. Herb, January 1, 1884, who sold hnclc to

Hart May 15, 1884, tliis date being the commeiicenient of the ninth voliinie. On March 26, 1885. The Eagle assumed an entire change in typographical appearance, putting on an entii'e new dress and on March 24, 1887, another improvement was made hy tlie pi'oprietoi'S putting in a new power cyh'nder press, the only one in tiie county. Aiell A. Sclimied Ixnight one-half interest in The Eagle January 1, 1889, and tiie papei- is now owned hy IJart & Schmied, the senioieditor remaining with the institution since its establishment. May 15, 181lO, it was again, enlarged to a sevencolumn quai'to, which makes it one oftlie lai'gest countiy weekly newspapers puhlisiied in Kebraska.

The North Nebraska Argus

was the next paper established at Dakota Citv. May 7, 1880, by C. D. Martin and J. 11 Goslu.rn, t'he bitter selling his intei'est to the fti!»nei- in September following. January 1, 1887, Will C. Dibble bought one-half interest in the Argus, selling back to Martin January 1,1888. The p:iper was sold to Eugene P.. AVilbur September 28. 1888. who, in his salutatory says:

Ilarrv A. McCormick leased the p-aper fi-om May 3, 1889, until January. 1891 when its MWJier took chai-ge otthe paper, and moved it to South Sioux City, November 9, 1891.

one bank, M. O. Ayres; two hotels, William Foltz and Mrs. W. I. Broyhill; two agricultural implement stores. George Barnett and M. M. Ream; one tm shop, Frank Ayres; one meat market, Woodward & Smith; one i-estaii rant, James Willis; one barber shop, C. E. Doolittle; two shoemakers, Peder Hammer and Henry Niebnhr; surveyor, Alex Abell; one livery barn, J. E. Easton; one blacksmith shop, William Plammett; two physicians, C. H. Maxwell and D. C. Stinson; one billiard hall, William Foltz; three contractors, August T. JLiase, Julius Messeidioeler and William Foltz; five carpenters, Howard Crozier, Daniel Hager, Edward Phillips, George and Henry Niebuhr; live stock and grain, E. H. Gribble and J. W. Fern, confectionery, Smith and Woodward; Dakota City feed mill, Atlee Hart; one I'.ewspaper, Eagle, with Hart & Schmied as publishers; dressmaking. Misses Mamie ^dair and Lettie Hammond; two draymen, William Bennett and Charles Phillips; three masons, A. H. Baker, B. Bates and O. C. Crone; windmills, and drive wells, M. M. Ream; monuments, Henry Niebuhr; sewnng machine agent, Mrs. Mary R. McBeath; four music teachers, Carl Schriever, Nina M. Ream, Mell A. Schmied and D, W. Griffey; lumber and coal, Edwards & Bradford Lniuher Co.; ocean steamer agency, Mell A. Schmied; n^.anufacturer of patent corn planters, Adam Wenzel; real estate and live stock, Atlee Hart; insurance, J. N. Hamilton; three school teachers, J. S. Buckley, - principal. Miss Ethel Durgen and Mrs. Annie E. Frazer; two ministers, Revs. H, J. Ha]jfeman and H. C. Myers; seven lawyers, Mell C. Jay and Mell C. Beck of the firm of Jay& Beck, John T. Spencer, Kelly W. Frazer, W. P. Warner, J. J. McAllister and John E. Kavanaugh; abstractors, Dakota County Abstract Co.

City, Iowa. It was first taken as a town site in 1856, by tiie old Sioux City Company, of wliicli Dr. John K. Cook was president, and was called Harney City, after Gen. Harney, wdio at that time had charge of troops in this vicinity. The town site M'as jumped by a company, consisting of Thomas L. Gritt'ey, James Kelehan, John Feenan, J. M. White, W. W. Culver, William Kapp, Jacob Ludvvig, Gustave Pecaut and John T. Copelan, and the name was changed to Newport, plotted January 19, 1857, located in sections 21 and 16, township 29, range 9, east. But before it was filed fov record February -1, 1857, thy name was airain chano;ed to Covington, and was incorporated by the county commissioners April 5. 1858, who appointed Thomas L. Grififey, Gust-i.ve Pecaut, James Ploy, Jacob Ludvvig, and William Kapp as its first trustees, and at the first town election, May 3rd of the same year, all the above named trustees were elected except James Hoy, John Feenan taking his place. On the 1st of September. 1858, the county commissioners incorporated South Covington, with the following limits: North-east quarter of the north-west quarter and the north-west quarter of the north-east quarter of section 21, townsiiip 29, range 9, east, and appointed trustees, and at its first election, April 5, 1859, trustees were again chosen as follows: Tliomas L. Grifiey, Wm. Schmied, Gustave Pecaut, William Cobb, and James McKenna. The entire town was incorporated under tlie name of Covington, April 5, 1870, and Thomas Carter, William Bingham, Gustave Pecaut, C. P. Heath arid D. B. Dod son were appointed trustees.

Early SKTTLEME>fT. - Gustave Pecaut was the first settler in Covington, who built a log cabin there in 1854, which is 'said to have been the earliest in that vicinity.

Anion^ tlie settlers of '55 to '50 were G. Pecaiit. Tlioinas L. Grilfej, J. Ludwig, James Kelehan, G. Ilattenbacii, Wm. Eapp, W. W. Culver, J. M. White, J. T. Copelai), John Feenan, James Farrell, D. Canghlin, Andrew Johns, J.Gillett, Charley Higgins, diaries Collins, R. Wilbur, George Griffey, Enos Whinnery. Henry Chaptnan, Thomas McConehey, William Cope- Ian, J. Brown, J. Pearson, John Yeoman, J. McCarty, William Smith, William Leach, William Brown, James Seaton, William Senton, A. Baker, H. August, John Stranney and James McKenna; and in the vicinity of Covington resided James Stott, C. D. Martin, J. Fitzpatrick, R. R. Kirkpatrick, D. JV. Finkerton, Eugene L. Wilbur and William Frazier.

In 1S5() William Rapp opened up tlie first hotel, the '-Rapp Tavern,'' and John Virden brought a saw mill from Sioux City in Jnly, In November of the same year C. D. Martin started a shingle mill on his pre-emption south-west of Covington. John Feenan operated tlie tirt^t ferry boat and in the fall of 1858 R. R. Kirkpatrick built a steam mill for grinding corn. The first child born in the town was John Qiiinn, in 1857; first marriage, John Feenan to Margaret Boyle; and Hv^t death was of an old man found dead near the river. The first school was taught in 1857 by Mary Finkerton, in a little old log school honse situated near the site of the present school building, which is still standing, although previous to this time Mrs. Charles Kent had tanglit school in Pacific City.

Relioion. - The first sermon ever delivered in Covington was by Rev. Thomas M. Chestnut, a Presbyterian clergyman of Sioux City, who preached here each alternate Sunday in the old school house which is yet standing north of the present school building. Rev. C. D. Martin also expounded Presbyterian doctrines to the early settlers.

town was built in 1871. Rev. S. P. Voiidoozer being- the first minister to occupy its pulpit, althougli Rev. Dorsej and others had previously conducted services in the school house.

History of the Fekry'.- - In 1855 John Fennan launched a rude looking flat boat upon the Missouri river and carried passengers between Sioux City and Covington, This was the first ferry of any kind to ply l)etween these points. lie took Harry lluddleson in as a partner in 185(3. In 1857 '(Charles Howard and L. Rol)inson began operating the steamer "Robert Burns" as a ferry and continued to run ihe boat until 1864, when it sunk in the Missouri river. Chai-les Howard and E. L. Wilbur then run a flat boat until April 22, 1866, when James A. Sawyers and William Leach were granted a charter for six years. William Leach conducted the flat boat two years and Sawyers then managed the ferry himself, until April 10, 1873, when the fianchise was granted to C. E. Hedges and James A. Sawyers for a pei'iod of six yeai's. The steatner ''Undine," was then brought into service and there is not an old settler in Dakota county who does not remember the "Undine" and especially the ^2.00 a ti-ip he had to pay to cross the I'iver on her. April 1, 1879, Grant Marsh & Torinus were granted the ferry franchise for ten years from date. They beg^an running the "Andrew S. Bennett," with. C-. Larson as captain. The next change in boats was April 17. 1878, when the "Dr. Burleigh" steamed across the river to Covington. On the 23rd of July 18S8, the county commissioners granted the franchise to Ebenezer Ayres and Wm. Luther until April 1, 1891. The "Andrew S. Bennett" with Wm. Luther as Captain, continued to be used as means of transportation. The "Mary E. Bennett^' was used as a passenger ferry and pleasui'e boat in 1888. In 1892 the franchise having been granted to Selzer Bi'os., of Sioux City, Iowa, for a period of ten years, the Sioux City & Covington Fei'ry Company was organ- ized, composed of Nick Malier, Jolm N. Peysen, James P. Twohi^ and Selzer Bros., who brought the ''Yhit Stillings" up from St. Louis and operated it for several weeks, but it soon ceased to be a paying investment and the boat was tied up.

In 1889 John M. Moan and others built a pontoon bridge across the river, which was opened for travel with a great celebration May 18th of that year. Six hundred teams crossed the bridge and ten thousand people witnessed the ceremonies. It cost about |20,000. Capt. "Wm. Luther liad charge of the bridge until 1892 when the structure was sold to the Pontoon bridge company with Capt. Dick Talbot as manager, under whose supervision it now is. The rates for crossing are: Team and driver, with members of family, each way, 25 cents: foot passengers, each way, 5 cents.

In 1890 thegeneral government was asked tu Drotect the river bank at this place, but no action being taken in the matter, the Pacific Short line Bridge Company undertook the work as a protection to its proposed new combination wagon and railroad bridge, from Prospect Hill un the Iowa side of the river to Covington on the Nebraska side. This protection to the banks was made of willow matresses, interwoven with steel wire and fastened to iron plates which were forced into the bank ten feet. At present extensive preparations are being made by the railroad companies to protect the banks from the Short Line Bridge down to the bridge of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis aiid Omaha road.

Thousands of dollars have been expended to protect the Iowa shore along the town site of Sioux City, until to-day the banks are safe from the inroads of the Missou I'i river.

As land inci-eases in value and expensive bridges aiid buildings are endangered by the ever shifting current of the Missouri, greater efforts will be put forth to protect the shore.

The following are tlie dates of freeziiio- and hi'eak- ' ing up of ice in the Missouri river at this point since the settlement of the county:

The Press. - The Covington News was the lirst newspaper established in thits town by B. L. Northrop, in 1870, who sohl one-half interest to Erwin Wood, and the following year Wood bought the entire outfit, which expii-ed the same year.

In 1 77, I.. N. Taylor established the Covington J(ini-ii;d which did not live to celebrate the anniversary of its first birthday, expiring November 10, 1877.

John T. Spencer conducted the Dakota County Mail in Covington from December 21, 1877 to March 1, 1878, when it was moved lo Dakota City and consolidated with The Ea^le.

Tlie Covington Courier, a branch of the South Sioux City Sun, made its first appearance September 1, 1888. It was run in the interest of the liquor element, but soDU afterwards ceased publication. After a four weeks demise J. L. Donham took hold of it and endeavored to do something, but failing in liis efforts the paper was forced to ijive up.

The Clipper, another Covington entei'prise, made its first appearance August 10, 188l», with Fred P. Herbert at the helm. Four long weary weeks through the heat was all that it could endure.

Post Office. - A post office was established in the town in 1857 and its postmasters have been: Charles D. Martin, James Ogg, John Cavanaugh, William Cobb, John Riley, Henry Powers, J. V. Mellette, C. Yordy, Mrs. E. L. Osman, R. L. Grosvenor and John A. Williams, the last named holding the office when it was discontinued January 1, 1890.

Covington in 1893. - Owing to the ravage of the turbulent Missouri, about one-half of the town site of Covington has been wasted away by that stream and eacli year shows further marked inroads of the current. Upon the passing of the prohibitory law in Iowa in 1888, the ''bum" element of Sioux City was driven across rhe river and they established themselves in this, heietofore quiet burg, and at one time the town con-

^t present tbere is in tbe town one large two -story scliool house one of the finest in north-eastei'u Nebraska, costing $10,000, being erected in 1890. F. D. Fales is principal, and Miss Fern Stamm primary teacher. There are two general stores, Nick Maher and C, D. Shreve proprietors; one blacksmith shop, A. L. Saltsgiver; one livery barn, B. F. Sawyer; one lawyer, John A. Williams; two real estate ofiices. J. H. Burke and C. Erwin; two hotels - Hotel McIIenry, William York, landlord, and the Cosmopolitan, J.J. Truax, landlord; one laundry, WaLee; one butcher-shop, C. D. Shreve; eleven saloons, J. R. Judson, Selzer Bros., flittle & Weir, Hittle & Cofifell, G. G. Castler, Marshall Luthe)-, Mandersheid & Loup, T. A, Provost, Hugh McGoffin, W. J. McGofiin and James Sprey. In 1893, Covington and South Sioux City were consolidated under the name of the latter town, and henceforth Covington will be known only in the history of the past. Its last trustees were: Nick Maher - Chairman, X. J. McGofiin, PI. A. McCormick, John A. Williams and Marshall Luther.

Jackson

This town was laid out by Barrett and McOormick, and is situated on Elk creek, where that stream emerges from the bluff land, nine miles west of Dakota City^ and was at first called Franklin, but as there was another post office in the state by that name, the county commissioners in session January 2, 1865, incorporated the town under the name of Jackson. The petitionei-s were Gerald Dillon, John Dillon, James Maloney, Michael Kennelly and Thomas Barrett, who were appointed trustees. On the 4th of April, 1871, the commissioners extended the boundary lines and appointed Gerald Dillon, Martin Barrett, Michael McCormick, Jason Passmore and Joseph Brannan trustees.

Early Skttlkment. - Gerald Dillon erected the iirst fri'.nie house in 1860 and Thomas Barrett and Joseph Brannan kept the first two stoi-es, John Mc- Ginn huilt the first brick house, Michael Kennelly operated the first blacksnjith shop, Clark & Preston built ji Lyrist mill, Father Dillon delivered the first sermon, a .^ehool house was built and Gerald Dillon taught the first school - all in 1860.

1-tKLiGious PROSPERvrv. - The first pastor, Father Ti-ecy, spared no pains to promote the happiness of his people. His foresight and enterprise gave renewed couracre to them to press onward to success. In 1860 he withdrew from his charge - the founder of this settlement and of the others that have sprung from it, for mott of the old settlers at Hubbard, Brady's Crossmo; and nil around had their homes first at Jackson or jit St. Jolms - and well may he be called the great beneiVictoi'. Several priests succeeded Father Trecy in the years that have since elapsed. Among those who are now living and will be remembered by many of the older citizens were Revs. Fatlier Pyan, Father Kelley and Father Lawless.

Up to 1887 the people had a very unassuming building for a church. Father Lawless who took charge of Jackson and surrounding country in 1887, was enabled by the good will and generosity of the people, to build the present fine brick church in 1879 and 1880. The building is 36 feet wide by 100 feet long. The Cost was between five and six thousand dollars.

In 1881 a hirge bi'ick p:irsonage was built, which owing to defective foundations and poor material became unsafe and had to be taken down in 1892. In the fall of 1891 a priest's house (frame) was commenced <on the west side of the church, whicli was linished in

Since then many improvements liave been made in the church property. In July, 1892, the foundation of the new convent building was laid. It is built on the site of the old brick parsonage. It is among the finest and most iinpusing looking buildings of the kind. is a credit to the Jackson people and to the whole county, and will place in our midst an educational institution equal in inerit to any of the kind in the state The building will be ready for occupancy in (3ctober " 1893, costing the sum of ^20,000. It will be a bonrding and hIso day school.

The St. Patrick's Bet\evolent Society, of Jackson, was organized March 17, 1888. The constitution was adopted April 15, 1888. This society has among its members the best men of the community, old and young; men who are industrious, honest, temperate and always ready to help every good move made in the parish. The organization has done a great amount ot good socially and intellectually in the community. A good society should be helped on all sides and by all. The St. Patrick's society has a fine hall west of the new parsonage on the same property. The liall is fni'nisiied with a stage and -has seating accommodation for tlve hundred persons. The society has a tife and drum l)and and is supplied with beautiful Irish and American Hags, badges and such other paraplieriialia as generally 'belong to societies.

The Press. - ^Tlie Jackson Herald, the first paper printed in the town, was established March 1, 1878 and expired in 1879. Geo. P. G(»ldie and Will Dawley were the editors.

wliich Win. llnse ik Son, of Ponca, were the fathers. It was printed in the office of the Ponca Journal and only lived to make a few friends for four brief months in the summer of 1879.

The Jackson Citizen was established May 15,1885, and expired about a year later. A Matthews and Wm. A. Nead, editors, the type so long used in publishing Tlie North Nebraska Eagle being purchased.

The Criterion was started April 1, 18S5, by James P. Twohig and Wm. T. Bartlett. Soon after starting Twohig transferred his interest to his partner who has ever since conducted it. On the night of April 25, 1890, the entire outfit was consumed by fire but new material was immediately ordered. The editor, Mr. Bartlett, was considerably burned in ti-ying to save his property.

Post Office. - Gerald Dillon was Jackson's first postmaster. Joseph Brannan was appointed postmaster in 1867, and held the office until 1889, when Mr. Dillon was again appointed. The present postmaster, D. C. Ilelfernon, was a pointed in 1895.

Schools, - Jackson has one of the finest brick school houses in northern Nebraska, it being erected in 1886 at a cost of $4,000. Prior to that time school was conducted in a frame house in the west part of town.

Jackson in 1893. - Since the establishment of the town it has enjoyed a good substantial and steady growth, until to-day it is recognized as one of the best, if not the best, town in Dakota county. Nearly every branch of l)usiness is represented and the merchants are all in prosperous condition. The citizens are a unit For any cause that will help build up their town and will support any measure in a liberal manner

The Ponca division of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railway and the Pacific Short Line passes through the town and each company has a neatly erected depot - one in the west and the other in the east part of town.

At present, (1893,) there are four general stores with the following proprietors: Frank Davey, D. F. Waters, C. D. liyan and W. B. Brannan & Co.; one drug store, J. B. Jouvenat; one bank, Bank of Dakota Connty, Ed, T. Kearney, cashier; one restaurant and confectionery, M. E. Ken nelly; one confectionery, Mrs. Annie Sinnott; two meat markets, Michael Heffernon and M. E. Kennelly; three blacksmith shops, John C. O'^Jeil, T. Kulkins and Finnell & Kennelly; one wagon shop, Finnell & Kennelly; one barber shop, MMtZulauf; one variety store, H. II. Beals; one school, J. A. Hall principal, the school board consisting of Gerald Dillon, Michael Boler and C'. D. Ryan; one Catholic cliurch, P. A. Lysaght, priest; one newspaper, Jackson Criterion, W. T. Bartlett publisher; six carpenters, H. H. Beals, T. F. McGrath; J. T. Daley, R A. Clark, J. M. Severson and Sanford Brown; two physicians, D. D. Barr and R. B. Leahey; one painter, H. 11. Beals; tiiree dressmakers, Mrs. D. C. Heffernon, Mrs. Patrick Harty and Miss Alice K-^nnelly; paper hangers. John Severson and O'Brien Bros.; dealers in live stock, Frank Davey, C. D. Ryan and J. M. Barry; one hotel. Hotel Sawyer. B. F. Sawyer proprietor; Jackson Roller Mills, Bleisnei' & Heyl; one undertaker, B, F. Sawyer; one race track.. Jackson Race Track Association, Thomas Sullivan, president, W. T. Bartlett, secretary; one picnic grpund, Barry's Grove; one saloon and billiard hall, Jerry Mc- Bride; three grain buyers, Frank Davey. C. D. Ryan and J. Q. Adams - with R. S. Renniger as manager for the latter; two implement dealers, C. D. Ryan and Frank Davey; one livery barn, B. F.Sawyer; one society hall, St. Patrick Benevolent Society; one convent; one lumber yard, with J. J, Serry as manager; four wooO dealers, Frank Davey, C. D. Ryan, Thomas Clark and William Renniger; four insurance agents, D. C. Heffernon, J. W. Brannan, Ed. T. Kearney; and W.T. Brtletf ; veal estate dealers, Clark & Sullivan; one opera house» William Riley, propi'ietor; one post office, i). C, Hetier-

11011, postmaster; two justices of tlie peace, Michael Keiinellyand W. T. Bartlett; two notaries public, Ed. T. Kearney and Joseph Brannan; one drayman, B. F. Sawyer; two station agents, J. II. Lynch and John Lily; town council, Thomas Sullivan chairman, W. T. Bartlett clerk, Thomas Clark, William Brannan and Patrick Harty; one mason, M. U. Morrissey; general loan agent, J. M. Bfiri-y; farm loans, J. W. Brannan.

Homer

The location on which Homer is built has witnessed many interesting scenes and sanguinary conflicts in the mighty contest of advancing civilization with the wild aborigines and uninhabited prairies of the west.- The very ground upon whicli Homer -now stands was in 1800 the home of hundreds of Omaha Indians. Their village which was one of the largest in tlie north-west, extended from Homer to the Waterman farm. In this year the small pox broke out in the tribe and they burned their village and moved south. On the 18th day of August ISOi, some of Lewis and Clarke's men explored the ruins of the ancient village and crossed Omaha ci'eek wliere Homer is now situated.

Jesse Wigle moved his family to Dakota county on the 19th day of August 1855, and on St. Patrick's day, 1856, moved to his claim, which included the self same ground wliere Honier is built, and erected a house at the foot of the bluffs, probably near where C. J. O'Connor s residence is built. Here he lived to witness the terrible winter of '56-7, which is among the things aievei" to be forgotten by the sturdy pioneers of those brave old times.

October 1, 1871, 'Squire Martin S. Mausiield crossed the Omaha creek on a low bridge, where Homer was subsequently built, with a load of lumber and his tools. When the sun went down on that memorable day in the history of Homer he had completed the first liouse ever erected in the town, which was occupied be-' fore dark by John and Joseph Smith with a stock of general merchandise.

The changing years roll on. Where but a few years ago all was wild jungles and high prairie grass to-day is reared, magic-like, thriving towns and villages.

The town is suri-ounded by a very fertile farming country and is situated on the west bank of the Omaha creek, near the junction of Wigle and Fiddler cieek valleys, about ten miles south-west of Dakota City.

Early Settlement. - The second building to be erected was a more substantial store house in Noveniber, for the Smith Bros., on the north-west corner of John and Fi'ont streets, and the third house was Smith Bros.' blacksmith shop, which was placed in charge of Charles Nystrand, while the fourth building was M. S. Mansfield's residence. About this time Herbert Harris erected a hotel building on lot 6, block 4, facing on John street, in which he also kept the first saloon. This building was subsequently pui-chased by the school district for a school house, and varied and many are the scenes that transpired within the walls of this small building. For years nearly every soul in Omadi precinct would at times congregate hei-e at school exhibitions, enthusiastic religious revivals, Christmas entertainments, etc. It M'as used for school, church services, concei-ts, shows, political meetings, voting place and various other purposes. The next building wms Joseph Smith's residence, on "the south-west corner of J(>linand Front streets.

In 1872 the Omadi post office was moved to Homer from Charles H. Potter's fann, and John Smith war; irs first postmaster, followed by Millard Logan, C. J.

O'Connor. Albert Nash, M. S. Mansfield, Joseph R, Kelsey and James L. Blanchard. Tlie office was kept in the store on corner of John and Front streets until 1883, when Albert Nash moved it to the stoi^e of Nasli & Herman, and afterwards to Herman's residence, in the same block, with Miss Mary Herman as deputy. In 18S5 M. S, Mansfield moved the office to the corner of John and First streets, Joseph K. Iveisey moving it in 188s to the south-west corner of Robert and Front streets, afterwards to the site of the old Homer saloon, school and town hall bnildina. The office is now located on John Street.

Ill 1874 the Smith Bi-os., founders of the town, hud the site surveyed and plotted by John H. Maun, altiiough previous to this time William Adair had surveyed John street.

February 1, 1875, the county commissioners incorporated the town under the name of Homer and appointed the followino; trustees: Robert Smith, A. F. DeBorde, Alfred Pilgrim, Henry Loomis and John Smith, jr. Alfred Pilgrim was chosen chairman and John Smith, jr. as clerk. The town government progressed for two years, when it was entirely ignored by the citizens until May 23, 1887, when through the efforts of M. S. Mansfield the Incorporation was revived by the county commissioners and the following trustees appointed: Samuel A. Brown, Henry Loomis, Albert Nash, Arthur W. Turner and Thos. Ashford, jr.

The first child born in Houier was Walter, son of Joseph Smith, and the first death was Milton, infant son of Robert Smith. The first school was taught by Henry Ream, who also conducted the first Sabbath school. Homer now has a good substantial school building, situated in the western part of town.

CnuRonKS. - The first church edifice built in Homer was by the United Brethern denomination, undei" the management of Rev. James P. Griffin, and dedicated June 15, 1S81:. This church is at present occupied by

College Enterprise. - A meeting was held in Homer, Jannaiy 29, 1885, for the purpose of taking steps in the matter of building a large and costly college under the auspices of the United Brethern church. A board of incorporators was organized and during that year the college foundation was laid on a liigii bluff adjoining the town on the north-west. The people of Homer and vicinity subscribed liberally to the building fui>d, but owing to the failure of the United Brethern church to fiirnish their share of money, the enterprise was abandoned. In the fall of 1887, however, tlie Lutherans established a seminary in the United Bretlieran church, which had been purchased and fitted up fur that purpose, but after a couple of years it was suspended.

J^ewspapers. - The first newspaper ever printed in Homer was called the Herald, the first number of which appeared tlie first week in July, 1889, with Geo. E. Henry, editor. The plant was owned bv J. L. Knesen, of Lemars. Iowa.

The Independent succeeded the Herald with L. M. Warner as editor, who conducted it until February 3, 1893. when Elmer E. Smith purchased a one-half interest in the same.

Homer in 1893. - There are five general stores with the following proprietors: M. S. Mansfield, M.J. Hermann, Thomas Ashford jr., B. McKinley, and IL A. Jandt, w^tii D. L. Allen as manager of tlie latter:, one drug store, M. Mason; one hardware store, L. M. Warner; one meat market, B. McKinley; one millinery store, Mrs. L. M. Warner; two hotels, Far)ner's Home. A. S. Richards, landlord, and the Pilgrim's Home^ William Pilgrim, landlord; one l)arbei' shop, Todd Christopherson; two livery barns, A. S. Richards and Joseph R. Kelsey; one stage line. A, S. Richards; one l)ank, Huiner State, with C. J. O'Connor as cashier; two dressmakers, Mrs. Carrie Rockwell and Mrs. Alice M. Bolster; two blacksmith and wagon shops, S. A. Brown and Hansen & Frederickson; two notaries public, M. S. Mansfield and C. J. O'Connor; two justices ot'the peace, M. S. Mansfield and Seth Barnes; one saloon, G. F. Hammer;four churches, Methodist, Lutheran, Danish Lutheran an(i Catholic; one newspaper. Homer Independent, L M. Warner and E. E. Smith publishers; two carpet weavers, Mrs. John Trask and F. M. Robinson; one dealer in butter, eggs and poultry, Albert Phillips; two carpenters, Ephiaim Rockwell and A. Mc- EntarA'er; one liouse and sign painter, J. B. Bubb; two plasterers and masons, M. McEntarffer and John B. Myres; post office, James L. Blanchard, postmaster; one house mo^aM', M. C. Thorn; one well digger, Robert Smith; real estate and loan, J. W. Davis and L. M. Warner; three draymen, Robert Tague, T. M. Rol)inson and M. C. Thorn; one confectionery store, L. M. Warner; two insurance agents, J. W. Davis and Seth P. Barnes; Homer Roller Mills, Sam A. Coiitbs; one scho<-»l, S. E. Col)b, principal and Josie Kennelly primary teacher; two bands. Homer Cornet and Homer Orchestra; dealer in livestock, W. C. Ream; one brick yard, Edward Norris; Homer Drivini^ Park and Picnic Grounds Association, oi-ganized in May, 1889, with C. J. O'Connor aa president, A. W. Turner secretary and Col. H. Baird treasurer. They have a half mile race track and picnic ground one-half mile north-east of Homer, and the officers are Thomas Ashford president, and M. S. Mansfield secretary; one mill wright, Thomas (Miristophersoii; one village jail; one circulating library, estal)lislied in 1889; one harness shop, Thomas, Abhford; tou'u eouncil. Todd Christopherson chairman. M. S. Maiisfield clerk, S. A. Brown treasurer, Rasmus Fredcrickson, B. McKinley and Ephraim Rockwell; marshal, A. Kinuear; street commissioner, Set.li P. Barnes; one town hall O'Connor's Hall. Population, four hundred.

In the spring of 1893 an Independent Order ot Good Templars Lodge was organized here with eigiity-five ehartei- members, which is the largest charter member lodge in the state, and has swelled its membership to more than a hundred and forty members.

This town is located on the Chicago, St. Paul., Minneapolis & Omaha railroad, about ten miles souths west of Dakota City, which was laid out by that company in 1880, and so named in honor of Judge A. W. Hubbard, first president of the Covington, Columbus vfc Black Hills railroad.

Th'e station building was the first to be erected in the town and John F. Myres kept the first store, and was also first postmaster, who was succeeded in that office by J. F. Duggan, J. C. Duggan, J. W. Bridenbaugh and Thomas Cullen.

Religious Advancement. - In 1885 the people of Hubbard, who until then formed a part of Jackson parish, wishing to have a church built for themsehes. were organized into a parish of their own with Homer connected. They soon built a church and a parochial i-esidence, both of which have been added to and improved a great deal since. In 1887 thei-e was a large debt of ^1,600 or more, which fell to the lot of Father Lysaght, of Jackson, who was then attending to the spiritual wants of the people, to liquidate, in the absenceof their regular pastor. This w^as a big debt in so small a community, but big though it was they paid it, and had a nice little sum of about 3100 over, which Father Lysaght felt proud to be able to hand to their next regular pastor. Rev. J. T. Smith, now of North Omaha. This fact of the debt is mentioned because it was the great event in the history of the Hubbard church, which pi'oved the face and generosity of the people. Since tlien many substantial improvements have been made, until now, with the indefatigable Rev. J. M. Delbove, as pastor, the people have as desirable church property, and unincumbered, as any congregation in the state, considering their needs.

The generosity of the Hubbard people is not contined to home; they who have been called upon by Father Lysaght to help him out with the convent building, at Jackson, have most liberally and cheerfully given their big hearted donations; and it is just as certain that the others, when called npon, will be equally generous in the good cause.

Hubbard in 1893. - There are two general stores with Barney Gibble and Thomas Cullen as proprietors; lumber and coal dealer, Cornelius Oshea; one blacksmith shop, Albert Foster; one saloon, Louis Eby; three carpenters, T. F. Magee, R. D. Eockwell and Thomas Cullen; station agent, J. R. Derington; one Catholic church, J. M. Delbove, Priest; one school. Miss Mary Howard, teacher; three dressmakers. Misses Maggie and Mary Howard and Olive Gribble; music teacher. Miss Mary Howard; one livery and feed barn, Thomas Cullen; one justice of the peace, John B. Rooney; one hotel. Hotel Kent, Henry Kent, landlord; notary public and post master, Thomas Cullen; one mason, M. J. Morrissey; one drayman, Michael Cullen.

This town is situated in the extreme south-western part of the county on the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis it Omaha railroad, with the Winnebago Reservation or Thurston county bordering on the south and tlie county line between Dakota and Dixon counties is its Main street north and south. It was established in 18S1 and is the junction of the C, St. P., M. ct O. railroad and its Norfolk branch.

The first building erected was the depot, and the second was a section house. Boyle Bros, built the third, where they kept a store, and William "Warnock l)nilt the fourth, which was the first dwelling house there. In 188311. E. Kuhn plotted the ori<^inal town site, since which time additions have been made by D. W. Mathewson, Atlee Hart, William Wat nock, Emerson Mill and Improvement Company and othei-s.

First Settlers.- - Among the first residents wiio located upon the prai]-ie hills here andfounded the town of Emerson were William Warnock, P. H. Boyle, H. S. Boyle, Patrick Bannan, W. S. Lippold, John Eugelen, M. PVnden, M. L. Rossiter. J. J. McCarthy, L). W. Parmelee, R. H. Kuhn, C, A. Johnson and JMelson Feauto.

Newspapers. - The Echo was tlie first newspaper venture in this town, established in the spring of 1883, by Nelson Feauto, who was succeeded by Joshua Leonard, July 21, 1885. Mr. Leonard changed the name of the paper to the Emerson Era and conducted it until 1892 when the paper expired. In a few weeks thereafter Harry S. Swenson and Chas. S. Packard started the Emerson Enterprise, and the paper was sold to Frank Bancroft, who in December, of the same year sold to H. W. Conley, he selling to S. E. Cobb, June 2, 1893.

The Emerson Times was established March 25, 1893, with A. L. Moore as editor, but two weeks of journalistic life was enough for him and the paper was sold to Z. M. Baird, April 8, who is its present editor.

Churches and Schools. - -There are three good church buildings in the town, the Presbyterian, Albert A.ston, pastor; St. Paul Lutheran, Emile Asbrans, pastor; Catholic, J. Barry, pastor. The Presbyterians and Catholics also have built parsonages for their pastors.

Societies - The first secret society organized iis the town was the Grand Annyof the Republic, which established C. R. Weaver Post, Na 185, on April 1^,

1884, J. F. Warner, then Coiiiinander of the Post at Dakota City, being installing officer. Among tlie charter members were William Warnock, B. F. Goodwin, John Bennett, I. M. Shockley, N. Feauto, J. Dixon, Charles Boyle, E. Barber and John Ward.

An Independent Order of Good Templars Lodge was oi'ganized here in the spring of 1893. L. Wakefield is Chief Templar and Hallie Bennett, secretary.

Grist Mill. - In November 1892 a meeting was held in the town at which time the Emerson Mill and Improvement Company was organized, and the following spring work was begnn on the Emerson Roller Mills, which were completed June 1. 1893, The mill complete cost $15,000 ; has a capacity of 100 barrels per day, and bin room for 10,000 bushels of wheat. The officers of the company are J. L. Davis, president; Benj. Bonderson, vice president; C. C. King, secretary and generaf manager and S. W. Appleton, treasurer.

Emerson in 1893. - Tliere are three general stores, Dax^is & Fuller, Knntz & McCarthy and M. A. Mines; one hardware store, Painter and Isenbei'ii:; one druw; store, J()hn Connors; one furniture store, W. M. Kellogg; one clothing store, E. J. Smith; undertaking, W. M. Kelloj^g; two banks. Farmer's State, with S. W. Appleton as president, Fred Bin me, vice president and C. (\ King, cashier and the German American with E. J. McCarthy as president, William Warnock, vice president and H. F. Moseman as cashier; one physician, M. H. Evans; one attorney, Joshua Leonard; one saloon, Borowsky & Scheuneman; two meat markets, Theodore Rliode and Charles Mann; two blacksmith shops, J. C.

Winters and L. J. Edgar; two lumber yards, Edwards & Bradford Lumber Co., W. H. Crahans, as manageiand Jensen & Wiseman; two livery barns, John Engelen & Son and Kobert Poole; contractors and builders, A. N. Carlile, P. G. Fancher, P. J. Bannan, John Schaub, Jensen Bros, and S. "R. Davis; grain flour and feed store, L. F. Demers; proprietor steam elevator, L. F. Demers; one school, J. W. Fisher, principal, L. Wakefield and Miss. Sarah Jones, teachers; real estate dealers, Wm. Warnock, Joshua Leonard, Joseph Hollman and Boyle Bros.; dressmaking and millinery, Mrs. Ward Parmelee, Misses Scollard & Kerwin and Mioses Witt & Erwin; station agent, F. Paulger; dealers in live stock, Webb Kellogg, John Doran, Davis & Fuller and J. W. Bridenbaugh; hotels, P. Doyle, Chas Zapp, Mrs. Flegg and Enoch Beals; mail carrier, A. N. Carlile; loan and insurance, notary public, justice of the peace and postmaster, Wm. Warnock; auctioneers, John Doran, and A. Ira Davis; agricultural implements, G. A. Puis; cement work, AVilliam Harte; cigar factory. Henry Stahl; wagon shop, wind-mills and pumps, Carlile and Fancher; real estate and insurance, H. W. Conley; harness shop, William Metz; barbers, Howard Parmelee and Thomas Coyle; masons, William E. Shane and H. D. Engelen ; the railroad companies have a good substantial depot building, three section houses, extensive water works, car scales and e:ood stock yards; the village board is as follows: H, T. Moseman chairman, L. F. Demers, F. O. Paulger, W. L. Ross and H. D. Engelen, trustees; W. H. Crahan, clerk; A. IS'. Carlile, treasurer; Joshua Leonard, attorney; Lo\iis Gigear, marshal. The population is six hundred.

South Sioux City

This is the youngest town in Dakota county and was incorporated by the county commissioners January, i, 1887, in accordance with a petition signed by E. L. Will)ur and forty-one others residino' there. Ked H.

South Sioux City, 93

Kinery, J. L. Krceseii, C. D, Smiley, D. C. Willnir and C;i?s Brainiainan were appointed trustees. The original tdwn site included section 21 and all of section 22. except a portion of the north-west corner which had been washed away by the Missouri river.

John M. Moan bought the Tiffey land in Septembftr, 1886, which was a portion of the old Pacific City town site, laid it out in lots, and sold anuniber of them at a great auction sale held there in October. A town company was organized consisting of J. M. Moan, Fi-ank Hunt and E. C. Palmer.

The first house was built on lot 7, block 5, and occupied by C. D. Smiley, March 1, 1887, with a stock of groceries, he being the first resident. This building now stands on Main street, lot 14, block 9. The secoiuJ building was occupied on the lower floor by Gillette Bros, as a hardware store, and in the upper story the News was published.

The Sun was established August 27, 1887, by Will S. Jay and Al Fairbrother, the latter selling his share to W. C. Fairbrother that fall. The Sun and News were consolidated with Jay & Fairbrother proprietors, who managed the paper until January, 1891, when the plant was transferred to II. A, McCormick, who changed the name of the paper to the Democrat.

Churches AND Schools. - The flrst church edifice was built by the Presbyterians, thi-ough the liberality ^)r E. L. Wilbur and others, in 1887. The Presbyterian 4-hurcli was used for school purposes until the town voted 35,000 bonds for the erection of the present

The Grace Evangelical Lutheran church was dedicated October 12, 1890, Rev. D. Sprecker conducting the services, assisted by Rev. 8. B. Rarnitz, who delivered the dedicatory sermon. The buikling was begun in 1887, under the supervision of Rev. C. Baird, and cost ^1,600.

The Covington and South Sioux City Street R. R.Co. was organized and road built in 1887, the incorporators being E. C. Palmer, J. M. Moan, b'rank Hunt, C. D. Smiley, E. B. Wilbur, Atlee Hart and Judge T. L.Griffey. The first officers were E. B. Wilbur, president; J. M. Moan, vice president; Frank Hunt, secretary; C. D. Smiley, treasurer. In July, 1889 the South Sioux City Electric Motor Street R. R. Co. was organized, the old Company being absorbed in the new one. The present officers are C. D. Smiley, president; E. C. Palmer, secretary; Frank Hunt, treasurer. The line will be extended to Crystal Lake on the completion of the Short Line combination bridge across the Missouri river.

The next secret society organized Iiere was theGrand Army of the Republic, Banner Post, No. 308. August 16, 1890, with the following charter members: Samuel B. Funk, Henry C. Phillips, Daniel Martin, James W. Heath, John N . Conkiing, Clymer Shadinger, John W. Gibson, William McDonald, William E. Everett, James H. Bliven, William E. Shane, William H. George, James H. Loomie, John M Church, Isaac J. j^mmerman, Andrew Christensen and James M. Woodcock. Following are the officers for 1893: S. R. Cowles, commander; James H. Bliven, senior vice commander; John McConeiiey, junior vice commander; William E. Shane, officer of the day; C. Erwin, quartermaster; M. B. Slocum, adjutant; W. H. Georye, officer of guard.

Stanton Addition. - In 1S56 Marion Pinkertoi and John Fitzpatrick entered a tract of land east of the town site of Covington. E. L. Wilbur pureh sed the Fitzpatrick portion and sold it to E. D. Stanton in 1864, the latter laying out the town of Stanton here, in 1870. The town never made any progress until 1889, when the pontoon bridge was built across the river with the Nebraska terminus at the foot of Bloodgood street. That year it grew very rapidly and built up with a large number of saloons, gambling houses,, etc., which were afterwards burned to t'lo ground, (see chapter on fires.) When South Sioux City was established Stanton was incorporated in that town.

Consolidation. - On the 4th, of April, 1893, a vote was taken on the matter of consolidating South Sioux City and Covington which resulted as follows: Vote of South Sioux City - for consolidation, 83; against, 12. Vote of Covincjcon - for consolidation, 50; against, 15. The consolidation w^as accepted by the Board of super- \iiiors and certified to bv the county clerk, to date from May 1st, 1893.

Elk Valley Coburn Junction

Is situated about tive miles due west of Dakota City, on the C, St. P , M. & O. railroad, at the junction of the Ponca branch. There is neither a settlement nor post ofhee at this point.

Whicli was formerly called Simon's Siding, is located seven miles south-west of Hubbard on the main line of the C, St. P., M. & O. railroad, and a post office was established there in 1S92 with Henry Danker as postmaster.

Is located on th« Pacific Short Line, about ten miles south-west of Jackson, and was established in 1892 by John C. Duggan, who conducts the only general stort^