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PERRY.

     This town is located in the northern part of Spring Valley township, on sections 9 and 10. It is one mile from the Boone county line, three from Greene, and six from Guthrie. Being thus favorably situated a large portion of the trade is drawn from three counties, thus making Perry one of the most enterprising and live business towns in the county.

     Perry derived its name from one of the owners of the road at that time, Col. Perry, of Keokuk.

     The town was laid out in the winter of 1868 and spring of 1869, by John and Harvey Willis. The original town plat contained about 220 acres. Five acres was donated to the railroad company for depot purposes, also thirty-two lots south of Willis avenue, were given to the company.

     The first merchant in the place was D. J. Pattee, who first opened a store one and one-half miles west of Perry, two years before the railroad was completed. As soon as the town was located he moved his store and stock of goods to Perry. The building was 22x60 feet, two-story frame, and it was located on the corner where his present business house stands. It burned down February 7, 1870.

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     B. B. Campbell built the first residence. It was a frame building on lots 11 and 12, block 20.

     The first death in town was that of a child of Levi Thornburgh. The first death of an adult in town was that of Dr. J. H. Fry.

     The burying ground is located one mile north of town, and contains ten acres of ground. It was laid out about one year ago. It is nicely located, and in time will be nicely arranged for this purpose. It belongs to the city and is under its management.

     In 1870 the population of Perry was 301. The town was incorporated March 27, 1875.

THE FIRST OFFICERS.

Mayor-J. H. Conley.

Trustees

Robert Ginn,
W. H. Chandler,
J. H. Willis.
Recorder-A. G. Webster.
Treasurer-Robert Ginn.
Marshal-A. D. Haskins.

Council:

W. H. Chandler,
S. A. Carpenter,
Robert Ginn,
Will. McLuen,
B. F. Newport.

The present officers are:
Mayor-D. J. Pattee.
Recorder-O. H. Ainley.
Treasurer- Wm. Jennings.
Assessor-A. D. Haskins.
Marshal-J. T. Davis.

Trustees:

Wm. Jennings,
H. A. Hoyt,
J. A. Waldo.
D. W. Payne,
F. M. Hain.

Council meets first Monday night in each month, in Pattee & Webster's office.

Click on image for larger size J. R. Vanmeter

POST-OFFICE.

     The first post-office in Perry was established in the summer of 1869, D. J. Pattee as postmaster, who has held that office ever since to the general satisfaction of the people.

STEAM FLOURING MILL, ETC.

     Of this mill the people of Perry have reason to be proud. It was built during the summer of 1875, by Messrs. Otis & Selby Bros., at a cost bf $12,000. It is 40x70 feet in size, three stories high, with stone basement, and fire-proof engine room. It had originally three run of stone, and is

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fitted throughout with the latest improved and best machinery that could be obtained.

     In the fall of 1878 there was added another run of burs, and also another chest of bolts for the new process of making flour, at an additional cost of about $1,000. Their trade extends all along the Des Moines and Fort Dodge railroad. This mi1l is now managed by A. W. Otis.

     There are two plow factories doing quite an extensive business, F. M. Hains' and M. A. Conley's. Their plows are extensively sold throughout this section of the country.

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PUBLIC SCHOOL.

     The school-building is located on Second street, near the business center of the town. It is a two-story brick, a fine structure, nicely finished and furnished, and is 50x60 feet. It was built in 1876, at a cost of between $11,000 and $12,000. It is divided off in four departments, and four teachers are employed.

     Principal, G. Perkins; Intermediate, Miss Ella Cassidy; First Primary, Miss Rebecca Bohrer; Second Primary, Miss Ena Balentine.

DIRECTORS OF SCHOOL BOARD.

President-Rev. A. E. Simons; Secretary-J. Parmenter; TreasurerD. J. Pattee; George Harlen, F. M. Rain, W. F. Cordell, W. L. Warren, Wm. McLuen.

Average attendance about 200. The first lady teacher in the town was Miss J. Perkins, and the first gentleman teacher Jesse Macey.

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CATHOLIC CHURCH.

     This church was built during the summer of 1873. The building is frame, 30x60. They hold meetings the second Sunday of each month, and are now talking of building a new brick church, which they hope to have completed during the coming year. Priest, P. J. Harney.

BAPTIST CHUROH.

The following sketch was kindly furnished by the pastor, which we give in full:

     "The Perry Baptist Church was organized in 1869 in a school-house four miles south of town and was then known as the Spring Valley Baptist Church. There were nine constituent members.

     "In January, 1870, the place of meeting was changed to Perry, and the name changed to the Baptist Church of Perry. At the time this change was made the church numbered about 20 members. There have been received into the church since that time by baptism 91, and by letter 62.

     Recently twenty-nine members have been dismissed to form a new church in People's township, Boone county. The present membership of the church is 115.

     "Rev. E. R. Swain was pastor for one year after the first organization. In January 1, 1870, Rev. A. E. Simons became pastor and has continued as such until the present time. Lewis Maulsby was the first deacon of the church. The present deacons are A. Parker, David Bonine and S. J. Brom-

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field. The trustees are A. Parker, W. H. Phelps and A. Ashcroft. The clerk and treasurer is W. H. Phelps.

     "In 1870 the church procured the lots upon which the church building stands, laid the foundation for the building, put up the frame and enclosed it, In the spring of 1871 the house was temporarily seated and used in that condition until the winter of 1872-3, when it was completed, and dedicated in April, 1873. The entire cost of the building and furnishing has been about $3,500. There was upon the church lots when first obtained, a small house, which has been used as a parsonage; this has been enlarged so as to make a very commodious and pleasant dwelling at a cost of several hundred dollars, so that during this time there has been expended upon the church property some $4,200.

     "This enterprise was undertaken by a church numbering only about 30 members, all poor; and has been carried through by indomitable pluck, hard work and personal sacrifice. A Sunday-school has been maintained from the first. Rev. A. E. Simons is the present superintendent. The average attendance is about 100."

THE M. E. CHURCH

     Of Perry was organized October 17, 1869. Rev. I. F. Miller, pastor; Rev. Samuel Jones, presiding elder; H. A. Chappelear, class leader, and David Kelley, steward. The original members were Nancy Chappelear, Mary Kelley, Isaac Townsen, Hannah Townsen, Anna Townsen, Eliza Fry, Rebecca Allen, Lizzie Miller and Eliza Chappelear.

     Rev. I. F. Miller resigned the charge at the end of two months; Rev. H. B. Kees completed the year. On the fifth of Sept., 1870, Rev. I. Mershon was appointed to the charge and remained one year. Four additions were made to the church membership that year. Rev. W. C. Smith was next appointed, Sept. 24, 1871. For two years he labored with great success, and an addition of 94 members was made. Rev. D. Lamonte succeeded him Sept. 15, 1873; Rev. M. D. Collins being then presiding elder, having been appointed Sept. 15, 1872. Rev. Lamonte only staid one year when Rev. S. Snyder was appointed Sept. 15, 1874; he was succeeded by Rev. E. W. Brady, Oct. 12, 1875; and he by Rev. Samuel Jones, Sept. 26, 1877, the present pastor, who is now completing his second year as pastor of this charge, and who has kindly furnished us with the materials for this sketch.

     The church records show a present membership of 110, and though additions have been made to the church membership under the administration of each pastor, and frequently large ones, still the records show that over 100 have been dismissed by letter to other churches; so that the permanent increase has not been so perceptible on account of so many removals; but it is to be hoped that all these have only gone out as ministers and helpers in other parts of the Lord's vineyard.

     During the administration of Rev. D. Lamonte the first church building was erected on the corner of Third and Warford streets. It, is a frame structure 35x55 feet, costing $3,100, very neatly finished and furnished inside and outside, and was dedicated in November, 1874, Rev. Kendig officiating. During the administration of Rev. E. W. Brady, a good parsonage was built on lots 3 and 4, block 39. The property is now worth $1,000.

     The membership of the church is well represented in all the business of

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the town, and more than half of the professional men are members of the M. E. Church, and as the pastor states: "the corporation officers, merchants and manufacturers, together with the several professions, bear a greater proportion to the number thus employed, than the proportion of the membership does to the number of inhabitants; which proves that the talent of the town is we1l represented in. the M. E. Church."

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A. O. U. W.

     This society was organized in the spring of 1877, with the fo1lowing named persons as charter members:
      D. J. Pattee, P. C. Rude, J. E. Reed, W. L. Warren, M. W. Slocum, H. .T. Holmes, G. Harlan, P. H. Dunlap, W. F. Cardell, S. Parmenter, D. W. Payne, N. Endequist, H. Courtney, C. Lombard, J. S., Goss, S. Pangburn, L. H. Pickerel, A. T. Hart, E. W. Brady, J. P. Spalding and C. H. Amley-21.

     At the first meeting the fol1owing officers were elected: W. F. Cardell, M. W.; Dr. P. H. Dunlay, P. M.; H. J. Holmes, G. F.; J. E. Reed, Overseer; C. Lambard, Guide; S. Parmenter, I. W.; A. T. Hart, O. W.; J. P. Spalding, Financier; W. L. Warren, Receiver; D. W. Payne, Recorder.

     Present membership, twenty-nine. Present officers: D. J. Pattee, M. W.; H. Courtney, P. M.; P. C. Rude, G. F.; Geo. Harlan, Overseer; R. P. Stiles, Guide; H. J, Holmes, I. W.; J. Goss, O. W.; H. J. Holmes, Financier; C. H. Ainley, Receiver; E. D. Lunt, Recorder. They meet Monday evening of each week.

GOOD TEMPLARS.

     Perry Lodge, No. 235, I. O. G. T.-This lodge was organized February 1, 1878. There were sixteen original members, and they now have about fifty.

     Present officers: W. F. Cardell, W. C. T.; Mrs. H. J. Holmes, W. V. T.; H. J. Holmes, Secretary; Q. A. Willis, Financial Secretary; Mrs. C. L. Lane, Treasurer; I. N. Willis, Marshal; S. R. Ems, Chaplain; J. H. Willis, P. W. C. T.; Mrs. C. Pierce, W. G.; J. J. C. Van Norden, W. S. They meet Friday evening of each week.

MASONIC.

     Otley Lodge, No. 299. A. F. &: A. M.-This lodge was organized under Charter in 1871, with seven members, whose names were as follows: S. Pangburn, Robert Hastie, Ira Daty, F. M. Hain, H. A. Chappelear, Horatio Hall and Luma Gee.

     The following are the names of some of the charter officers: S. Pangburn, W. M.; Robert Hastie. S. W.; Ira Doty, J. W.

     The present officers are as follows: W. H. Chandler, W. M.; Ed. D. Lunt, S. W.; H. A. Chappelear, .J. W.; .J. M. Hain, Treasurer; I. Parmenter, Secretary; C. E. Cox, S. D.; J. D. Stiles, J. D. They meet Saturday evening of each month, on or before the full moon. The present membership is fifty-five.

The Palmira Chapter, No 86, received its charter in 1878.

     The present officers are: H. A. Hoyt, H. P.; B. B. Selby, K.; R. Ginn, Scribe; A. D. Hoskin, C. H.; C. E. Cox, P. S.; S. Pangburn, R. A. C.;

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W. H. Chandler, M. 1st V.; E. D. Selby, M. 2d V.; S. O. Conger, M. 3d V.

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BUSINESS INTERESTS.

    The following list of business houses and items is clipped from the Perry Chief of January 4, 1879:

Dry Goods, etc.-D. W. Payne, general stock, east side of square; S. M. Thornley, general stock, except clothing, east side; Wales & Co., drY goods, boots and shoes, west side; B. F. Van Leuven, general stock north side; G. H. Rowley, general stock, north side.
Clothing.--J. J. Van Norden, clothing and gents' furnishing goods, east side.
Groceries.-Parmenter & Co., groceries, queensware, etc., west side; W. Ar Shong, Chinese store, Willis avenue; W. H. Carmody, groceries and restaurant, Willis avenue; J. H. Shippey, groceries and restaurant, Willis avenue; Weaver & Cardell, groceries and drugs, northwest corner of square; Wm. Bollen, groceries and restaurant, Willis avenue; N. Schuchart, groceries, etc.
Bakers.-J. H. Shippey, Wi1lis avenue; W. H. Carmody, Willis avenue.
Drugs.-Courtney & Long, drugs, books, stationery and news depot, west side; Weaver & Cardell, drugs, books, stationery, etc., west side; Hunter & Goss, drugs, books, stationery, etc., north side.
Hardware.--C. H. Ainley, hardware, stoves, etc., west side; Lads &
Selby Bros., hardware, stoves, glassware, etc., east side.
Furniture.- W. H. Phelps, furniture, coffins, etc., Willis avenue.
Tin Shops.--J. D. Clark, over Lods & Selby Bros'. hardware store; C. H. Ainley, west side of square.
Millinery and Dressmaking.--Mrs. J. L. Grace, millinery, west side; Mrs. Whitman, millinery, west side; Mrs. S. Long, millinery and variety store, east side; Milligan & Cassidy, millinery and fancy goods, Second street; Mrs. Gale & :Mrs. Marrs, dressmakers, Third street.
Livery Stable.-William Bollen, Willis avenue.
Agricultural Implements.- W. H. Chandler, machinery, wagons, drain tile, etc., corner Willis avenue and Second street; J. L. Grace, machinery, wagons, etc., west side of square.
Wagon and Plow Shops.--F. A. Carpenter, wagon and blacksmithing, west of railroad; F. M. Hain, wagon and plow factory, Willis avenue; M. A. Conley, blacksmithing and plow factory, First street; C. L. Lane, blacksmithing and wagon making, Willis avenue.
Lawyers.-Cox & Hoyt, office west side of square; Cardell & Shortley, office on Second street, Blakeslee's Row; A. G. Webster, office north side of square.
Physicians.-S. Pangburn, office and residence on Third street; John Ross, office on Willis avenue; T. F. Johnson (homeopath), office at residence; P. A. Mowrer, residence one mile southwest of town.
Real Estate Agents.-Harlan & Rude, office on Willis Avenue; L. D. Gamble, office north side of square; Geo. D. Hendricks & Son, office at depot; Otley & Chappelear, office east side square, up stairs.
Lumber.-Holmes; & Durfee, lumber and grain, Second street, south of square; B. F. Newport, First street.
Perry Mills and Elevator.-Otis & Selby Bros., proprietors, west side of railroad.

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Shoemakers.-Swan Johnson, Willis Avenue, west of railroad; F. O. Griswold, Willis Avenue, Winsor's building.
Hotels.-City Hotel, southwest corner of square, A. D. Haskins, proprietor; Perry House, First street, ____ Fleming, proprietor.
Meat Markets.-Isaiah Smith, west side of square; W. B. Newkirk, Second street, Blakeslee's block.
Banks.-Geo. W. Blakeslee, corner Willis Avenue and Second street.
Barber Shops.-C. E. Gale, Second street, in Blakeslee's brick; D. M. Sipes, west side of square.
Jewelers.-J. P. Spaulding, clocks, watches and silverware, north side square; J. R. Winsor, Willis avenue.
Gunsmithing.-F. Rossiter, north side square, rear of Spaulding's jewelry store; J. P. Montgomery, Willis avenue, in Winsor's building.
Nursery.-Geo. D. Barton, one mile north of town.
Painter.-J. F. Hantz, residence on Third street.
Loan Agents.-Harlan & Rude, D. J. Pattee, Hendricks & Son, Geo. B. Paul.
Dentist.-Chas. E. Hunt, office on Second street, in Blakeslee's brick. Grain Dealers.-Otis & Selby Bros., Holmes & Durfee, O. Bridgman, J. Hart.
Harness and Saddles.-W. L. Warren, north side square; A. W. Parmenter, east side square, at McLuen's old stand.
Butter and Eggs.-J. F. Davis, east side of square.

     Through the kindness of Mr. Jennings, our station agent, we are enabled to give the number of cars of produce, stock, etc., shipped from this station during the year, as follows:
Corn ....................................................664
Hogs ....................................................153
Oats .....................................................90
Cattle ...................................................30
Flax Seed ............................................13
Potatoes ...............................................10
Butter and Eggs .................................12
Wheat ,................................................. 9
Flour and Feed ....................................3
Lumber ..................................................1

Total .................................................985

     The 664 cars of corn above mentioned represent 287,000 bushels, which, with the other shipments, make a very good showing for Perry.

     Perry is decidedly one of the most live, thorough-going business towns in the west, being surrounded as it is with a large tract of rich prairie and farming land, and so near the line of several different counties, it draws trade from great distances in nearly every direction, and since its first establishment the town has a rapid, steady growth.

     The merchants generally carry a full and well selected stock of goods, and the town and inhabitants display a general appearance of thrift and enterprise.

     The farming community around are usually well-to-do, industrious citizens, who are becoming extensively engaged in stock and grain-raising, and

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take great delight in furthering the general interests and growth of their favorite town which gives it the means of growth.

     Its location, about midway between the two great east and west lines of railroad to Chicago, and on the D. M. & Ft. D. R. R. connecting these two routes to the great market of the Northwest, gives warrant that the town of Perry is destined, at no very distant day in the future, to become a flourishing town of no small dimensions and importance, even to be numbered among the cities of the West.

     The place has one good newspaper, The Perry Chief, the history of which is found in the article on "The Press."

     Perry has a good cornet band under the leadership of Marion Flinn.

     The present population of the town is about 1,000.

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DEXTER.

     This enterprising business town is situated in the southwest corner of Union township, Dallas county, Iowa, near the four corners of sections 29, 30, 31 and 32, the principal part of the town being on the northeast quarter of section 31, and the north half of this last mentioned quarter-section comprised the original town plat of 80 acres, township 78, range 29.

     The town was surveyed and platted in June, 1868, by M. J. Marshall and A. Kimball.

     The lots were sold at private sale by Messrs. Marshall & Kimball, none being deeded to the railroad company, except, perhaps, a portion for depot purposes.

     The first lot in town was sold to Hunter Brothers, for $100, size 40x135 feet, in July, 1868.

     Cheeseman & Ellis sold the first goods in the town very soon after it was laid out. Their store building stood on lot 19, block 9, a frame structure. A number of other store buildings had been started, but were not yet completed when Cheeseman & Ellis opened their store and commenced selling goods in a small, low, one-story plank shanty, which stood a few doors east of where Stanley's drug store now stands. It is supposed that the first birth, as also the first death, in town, was that of a child of John Howard, born in 1869, and lived only a short time. Regarding the early settlement and business affairs of Dexter we present the following portion of an article clipped from the Dexter Herald of January 3, 1879.

     "About the first death in town was that of a little boy named Miller, who was thrown from the platform of a car, as he was getting off, one of his limbs being crushed almost off, several wheels passing over him. He lived a few days in great pain, and then died. Some eye-witnesses say it was one of the saddest sights ever witnessed.

     "The town was laid out by M. J. Marshall, in the spring or summer of 1868, the first building being built in June of that year. The second building was built by Mr. Roland, and is the building now owned and occupied by Charles Wolffinger as a business house and dwelling. The next was built by Messrs. Ellis & Cheeseman, who sold the first goods that were sold in Dexter, both dry goods and groceries, and as there was no boarding house they did a good business in sel1ing crackers and cheese, as that was all that could be had to replenish the inner man. Hunter Bros.

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soon had their business house up, and brought on a stock of drugs and groceries.

     "Their place of business was where J. G. Stanley now holds forth, though the building is not the same, as it was burned up, together with several others, in the fall of 1870.

      "All the lumber used so far in building was hauled from Des Moines by teams.

     "In the meantime B. B. Campbell built a boarding house 16x24 feet, and was so well patronized that at times some of the boarders would have to wait out of doors while others would eat. In August of this year, 1868, the cars made their first appearance in Dexter, and it wasn't long then till houses were looming up all over town. For awhile it was very difficult to get the railroad company to ship lumber in, as they had so much work of their own to do.

     "About the 25th of August J. C. Allen built the red warehouse, now owned by D. A. Burrows. The lumber in it was the first shipped into Dexter by railroad. This building was used by the railroad company as a depot until the present depot was built, when J. C. Allen used it as a grain warehouse, where he bought and shipped the first car load of grain that was ever shipped from Dexter. There was no grain but wheat to ship then, as corn had to be brought from further east to use here.

     "As there was as yet but little accommodation for man or beast, and there was need for both, J. .J. Young concluded to build a hotel and J. C. Allen a livery stable; so Mr. Young built the building long known as the Dexter House, but now known as the Johnston House."

BUSINESS INTERESTS.

     The following list of business houses and firms, as they stood at the beginning of the year 1879, is also clipped from the Dexter Herald of the same date:

Physicians.-A. W. Vance, office at residence on State street; E. J. Smith, office corner Dallas and Marshall streets, over Will Young's drug store; E. F. Linton, office corner Polk and Marshall streets, over Stanley's drug store; Robert Evans, office in residence.
Attorneys.-C. A. Berger, office over Pierce's bank; G. W. Seevers, office over Stanley's drug store; S. O. Simonds.
Insurance Agents.-E. Battey, station agent for the C., R. I. & P. R. R., and agent for several insurance companies, office at depot; C. A. Berger, agent for several insurance companies, office over Pierce's bank.
Real Estate and Loan Agents.-J. C. McManima, office at Herald office; B. Battey, office at depot.
Notaries Public.-J. A. Carrothers, office at post-office; C. A. Berger, office over Pierce's bank.
Justice of the Peace.-J. A. Carrothers, postmaster and justice of the peace.
Banks.-G. G. Pierce, brick building, corner Dallas and Marshall streets.
Dry Goods.-Downey & Conger, earner Dallas and Marshall streets; W. M. Isham, corner Polk and Marshall streets; Rimer & Crane, north side of Polk street; L. Frank & Co., north side of Polk street.
Groceries.-S. D. Clark. Marshall street, west side; S. Swihart, west side Marshal street, opposite post-office; P. Brower, north side Polk street.

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Hardware.-Meisker & Conger, brick block, west side Marshall street; J. H. Aten & Bro., east side Marshall street, one door north of post-office.
Furniture.-J. F. Watts, east side Marshall street, three doors north of post-office.
Drugs. -J. G. Stanley, corner Polk and Marshall streets; W. G. Young. successor to E. J. Smith, corner Dallas and Marshall streets.
Jewelry.-Ed Gittins, in W. G. Young's drug store, jeweler and dealer in clocks, watches, etc.; J. G. Stanley, in drug store. .
Clocks.-Ed Gittens, in W. G. Young's drug store; S. O. Davis, south side Dallas street.
Bakery.-E. A. Small, Marshall street, opposite Pierce's bank.
Restaurants.-E. A. Small, city bakery; Mrs. M. Connolly, Marshall street, Green Front; John Charles, Oriental Restaurant, south side Polk street.
Agricultural Implements.-J. B. Vorse, near depot; F. A. Small, near depot; Meisker & Conger, in bank block.
Coal Dealers.-Burke & Vorse, implement warehouse, near depot; J. H. Aten & Bro., in hardware store, north of post-office; M. Percy, at grange elevator; W. R. Maulsby, at Dexter mill
Lumber.-J. T. Van Orman, opposite grange elevator.
Grain.-F. A. Small, at steam elevator; M. Percy, at grange elevator; J. M. Burke, at implement warehouse; W. R. Maulsby, at Dexter steam mill.
Dexter Steam Mill.- W. R. Maulsby, proprietor.
Livery.-O. R. Spencer, opposite mill.
Feed Stables.-O. R. Spencer, opposite mill; C. G. White, in red livery stable.
Hotels.-Johnston House, near depot, O. P. Johnston, proprietor; Gilpatrick House, Dallas street, O. Hemenway, landlord.
Butter-packing.-L. B. Libley, north side Polk street.
Newspaper.-The Dexter Herald, opposite post-office, J. C. McManima, proprietor.
Millinery.-Miss I. M. Work, Marshall street, four doors north of postoffice; Mrs. Cherry, Marshall street, two doors north of post-office; Mrs. C. L. Holmes, Polk street.
Shoe-making.-A. Cowan, Dallas street; H. Pohle, dealer in boots and shoes, Dallas street; Wm. Cooney, Dallas street. Backsmithing.-A. S. Welch, shop north side of Polk street; Purdon & Wilson, shop south side of Polk street.
Tailoring.- Wm. Dona, Dallas street.
Coffins.-D. Hammond, Dallas street
Photograph Gallery.-Clifford & Bailey, over Small's bakery.
Meat-markets.-Homan & Ritcher, Polk street; F. P. Wood, Dallas street.
Saloons.-C. Wolffinger, Polk street; P. Hendeiff, Marshall street.
Barber Shop.-O. W. Henry, Polk street, opposite implement warehouse.
Harness Shops.-F. P. Young corner Marshall and Polk streets; Larkin Maulsby, Polk street.
Carpenters and Builders.- W H. Stevens, F. A. Bisbee, Ed Rugg, L. M. Grant.

     Dexter was incorporated December 13, 1870. The petition for incorporation was heard by Judge Mitchell, of the Circuit Court, and granted, and

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C. T. P. Bass, J. G. Mark, O. P. Williams, S. N. Stevens and Sol. Rimer were duly appointed as commissioners on corporation and corporation elections. In the following spring the first town election was held in Dexter, and G. K. Rockwood was duly elected as the first mayor of the town. All the commissioners except Charles Bass are now residents of Dexter. At the time of incorporation it is said "the town had a little over five hundred inhabitants, and was growing rapidly." It now claims a population of about 1,000.

Present town officers are:

Mayor-J. S. Downing.
Treasurer-Sol. Rimer.
Recorder-Charles W righ t.
Marshal- W. H. Stevens.
Councilmen:
F. S. Small,
Conrad Homan,
J. F. Watts,
A. N. Tate,
J. T. Thrasher.
Justice-J. A. Carrothers.
Constable- W, H. Stevens.

SHIPMENTS.

During the past year the following shipments were made from the depot at Dexter:

Wheat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 cars.

(400 bushels to the car.)
Corn ........................................650 cars
Oats ..........................................29  "
Barley ........................................ 3  "
Potatoes ......................................5  "
Broom Corn ................................2  "
Horses ,...................................... 1   "
Hogs ..........................................55   "
Cattle ........................................17   "
Butter ............................... 98,500pounds.
     The above statistics were kindly furnished by the station agent, Mr. B. Battey.

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THE POST-OFFICE

     Was established at Dexter in the fall of 1868: Mr. Carrothers was deputized to take charge of the office September 24, 1869, and continued in that capacity until May 16, 1870, when he was duly appointed postmaster, and has held that office ever since.

THE BURYING-GROUND,

     Situated one-half mile south of town, was laid off about 1870. The lot is owned and controlled by the corporation, and is a beautiful location for a cemetery.

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THE PUBLIC SCHOOL.

     This building is located at the north end of Marshall street, Allen's addition. It was built in 1870, at a cost of about $5,500. It is a frame two-story building, well finished and furnished, having two wings and five rooms, and over 200 pupils are in attendance. Five teachers are employed, two male and three female. Principal, Ira Doling; Grammer [Grammar] department, A. C. Holderbaum; Intermediate, Clara C. Lacey; Primary, Miss Julia K. Raycraft; Assistant, Miss Hannah Neal.

     The school is in a flourishing condition, and well sustained by the citizens.

SCHOOL BOARD.

M. C. Marshall, President; A. N. Tate; Charles Crane; J. C. McManima; N. Angle.

     It is an independent school district, and affairs are well managed, so that the district is out of debt, and has a small surplus on hand, which doubtless will soon be increased and expended in the erection of a new and more commodious public school-building, in keeping with the growth and development of the live enterprising town. Good salaries are paid, and the best teachers are employed by the board, thus warranting a thorough and satisfactory school, in which the citizens take a deep interest, and spare no efforts or means to make it a success.

THE GERMAN LUTHERAN SCHOOL

     Was started in 1875, and they now have an average attendance of twenty-five to twenty-eight pupils.

Rev. J. Horn, teacher.

     The school-building was erected in 1875, at a cost of $800, furniture included. It is a one-story frame structure, 22x32 feet, and 12 feet high; capable of seating about 200 persons. This building is also used for their church services.

NORMAL SCHOOL-BUILDING.

     This building is now under process of erection, the work on it having been commenced in October, 1878. The foundation is now laid, and it is expected the structure will be completed, finished and furnished during the coming summer, and ready for use in the fall or winter. It is to be a large brick building, 57x67 feet, three stories high, with half-mansard roof, tower, and all the modern improvements in like structures. The entire building will be heated by hot air pipes, and, as nearly as now can be estimated the cost will be about $6,000. The architect (is Benjamin J. Bartlett, of Des Moines, and the building is being erected by a stock company, comprising the business men of Dexter and farmers from Dallas, Guthrie, Madison, and Adair counties.

     The officers of the company are: President - J. C. Allen, Dexter; Vice-President - M. Percy, Dexter; Treasurer - A. N. Tate, Dexter; Secretary - E. J. Smith, Dexter.

     The board of directors are: J. C. Allen, M. Percy, A. N. Tate, E. J. Smith, James Simonds, Leverett Brown and A. C. Holderbaum.

     The building is located at the north end of Marshall street, Allen's addi-

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tion, near the public school-building, and the company own about three acres of ground in connection with the building.

     The intention of the company is to lease the building when finished to teachers of known ability in their profession and stability of character, who will make of it a most valuable institution of learning for the entire western portion of Iowa.

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SOCIETIES AND LODGES.

     Dexter Lodge, No. 215, I. O. O. F.-This Lodge was organized at an early day under Charter, with the following as Charter members: M. C. Marshall, M. Macy, A. J. Welker, J. E. Roper, E. S. Fry, and J. J. Davies, making six in all, four of whom received office at the first election.

     The following are the names of the Charter officers: James E. Roper. N. G.: M. C. Marshall, V. G.; J. J. Davies, Secretary; A. J. Welker, Treasure.

     The present officers are: M. Macey, N. G.; Edward Giddings, V. G.; M. C. Marshall, R. S.; W. H. Stevens, P. S.; C. Homan, Treasurer.

     The present membership is forty-two. The Lodge meets each Wednesday evening. The hall is located on the corner of Marshall and Polk streets.

     Mount Tabor Lodge, No. 293, A. F. & A. H.-This Lodge was organized under Charter June 7, 1871. The following are the names of the Charter officers: C. T. Bass, W. M.; Sol. Rimer, S. W.; J. E. Roper, J. W.

     There were several other Charter members whose names are not recorded and cannot now be obtained. The present membership is thirty-six, and they hold their regular meetings in their hall, corner of Polk and Marshall streets, on or before the full moon of each month.

     The present officers are: J. A. McBride, W. M.; E. J. Smith, S. W.; A. N. Tate, J. W.; J. F. Watts, Treasurer; J. H. Aten, Secretary; J. N. Main, S. D.; W. J. Nolan, J. D.; C. Vermillion, Tyler.

     Dexter Grange, No. 185, was organized in the spring of 1872, with 26, members. The present officers are: J. R. Chandler, Master; M. Macy.

     Overseer; M. Perry, Lecturer and Treasurer; John Watts, Steward; A. C. Macy, Assistant Steward; F. M. McPherson, Chaplain; Nicholas Ogle, Secretary; E. M. Lindsey, Gate Keeper.

     The Association meet every second Saturday of each month.

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ZION'S CHURCH

     Is a German Lutheran Church, organized in 1871, by Rev. F. Doescher, with nine members, whose names were as follows: Ed. Meisker, Nicholas Schlarb, Peter Schlarb, H. D. Holderbaum, Michael Holderbaum, Michael S. Holderbaum, Fredinand Rohde, Charles Wolffinger and Philip Guthei1. The membership now numbers twenty-four, and the church is in a flourishing condition, under the leadership of their present Pastor, Rev. J. Horn, who is also the teacher of their school. They hold services in their school-building every other Sabbath, with good attendance.

     This church belongs to the Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other States.

     They also have a good parsonage in connection with their association, which is located just north of the school-building, at the south end of Marshall street.

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THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH

     Is a neat little edifice, but there is now no organization or preaching by that denomination in town.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

     The following sketch regarding this church was furnished through the kindness of the Pastor, Rev. T. N. Buchanan:

     "The Presbyterian Church of Dexter was organized November 8, 1868, by Rev. P. H. Jacob, of Knoxville, Iowa. The original members were six in number, and their names are as follows: Mr. Joseph Hunter, Mrs. Annie Hunter, Miss Fannie O. Hunter, Mr. Jonathan Hunter, Mr. David B. Hunter and Mr. Jerry Carrothers.

     "Rev. D. L. Hughes was their first minister. Be began his labors on the nrst of September, 1869, and continued until March, 1870. Rev. B. O. Junkin succeeded Hughes, begining his labors in May, 1870, and continued to minister to that people until May, 1871. In September, 1871, Rev. H. H. Kellogg was called to the pastorate and continued in that relation until March 5, 1876. Rev. W. F. Frackelton succeeded Kellogg, and began to minister to the Dexter Presbyterian Church, as stated supply, in April, 1876, and continued his labors for six months.

     "Rev. T. N. Buchanan became stated supply to this church in June, 1877, and was ordained and installed pastor, November 7, 1877.

     "During the ten years since its organization, it has had five ministers, two of whom were pastors, the latter still continuing his pastoral relations to that people.

     "At the organization, David Hunter and Jerry Carrothers were chosen to the office of Elders. The present incumbents of that office are Charles Crane and Robert Williams. The present membership is thirty-four. The present condition of the church is good, and it is making fair progress. The church building, located on the corner of State and Lyon streets, was built in the fall of 1870. The building is 32x46, and cost $2,300."

THE M.E.CHURCH

     Was organized in August, 1869, with the following members:

     John R. Chandler, Charlotte Chandler, Albert Macy, Susan Macy, Will. J. Haines, Elizabeth A. Haines; Hannah Couch, B. F. Tate, Louisa Tate, Elizabeth Jameson, E. J. Farholm, E. A. Roland, J. F. Watts, Mary Watts, Charles Russell, Sarah A. Russell, Margaret Stephens, Robert Dwigans, Margaret Dwigans, Joanna Dwigans, Ann E. Dwigans, Robert J. Watts, Margaret Watts, Mary Price, Silas Lightner, Helen Lightner, R. A. Sire, Rachael Barnett, James Simonds, Eliza Simonds, Francis Jones, Barbara. Jones, James Thrasher, Elizabeth Thrasher, Susan Davis, Ruth May, A. .Johnson, Elizabeth Stephens, Peter Brower and Martha Brower-40.

     The names of the pastors who have been over this church from its organization until the present, are as follows:
Rev. James Lisle Appointed August, 1869.
Rev. D. Lamonte. . . . . . . . . " September, 1870.
Rev. James Lisle ...........................................1871.
" " " " "...........................................................1872.

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"Rev. Charles Ashton . . .. . . ., .. Appointed September, 1873.
" " " " " ....................................................................................1874.

Rev.T.Burk..................... " " October, 1875.
" " " ,................................... September, 1876.

Rev.L. Jean..................... " 1877.
"   "   " .......................October, 1878.

     "The last mentioned is the present incumbent, and to him we are indebted for the statistics herein set forth regarding this church.

     The present membership of the church is 140.

     They have a good church building well finished and furnished, which was built about 1872, at a cost of $3,500, and was dedicated January 25, 1873, by P. P. Ingalls.

THE PRESS.

     The town has one good newspaper, The Dexter-Herald, the history of which is found in the article of "The Press," in the general history.

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