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HISTORY
OF
DUBUQUE COUNTY
,,.:'^ IOWA
Being a General Survey of Dubuque County History,
Including a History of the City of Dubuque and
Special Account of Districts throughout the
County, from the Earliest Settlement
to the Present Time
WESTON ARTHUR GOODSPEED, LL. B.
Author of History
KENNETH CORNELL GOODSPEED
Author of Biography
J
d^
FACSIMILE SIGNATUBB OF JCLIBN OUBCQUB
GOODSPEED HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
CHICAGO
341^^^^
R 1841! L
PREFACE
AN examination of this \olume by subscribers will reveal that
a vast extent of original research for material has been
made in newspaper files, public documents and private rec-
ords of various kinds. The object has been to compress
into the pages, even at the partial expense of finished literary style,
interesting and valuable data concerning the county so far as space
would allow. In additi(5n, though the subscription list is small,
the number of pages has I^een extended over two hundred beyond
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what was contemplated at the outset, in order still further to save
from permanent loss thousands of interesting items usually over-
looked or disregarded by local historians. Thus a permanent foun-
dation for a future perfect historical work, which can be elaborated
and improved by subsequent writers, has been laid. Generally,
statistical tables have been avoided and a narrative form has been
adopted. The book necessarily contains errors, though it is believed
they will be found comparatively few. The publishers stand ready,
as is their custom, to correct all such by a special errata sheet to be
sent to subscribers to be pasted in the books. As a whole we feel
confident that subscribers will appreciate this fine volume.
The Publishers.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HISTORY
CHAPTER TAiSE
Geology, Lead and Zinc Mining, etc 17
Dubuque 's Settlement, the Indians, etc 31
City of Dubuque, 1788 to 1849 46
City of Dubuque, 1850 to 1859 88
City of Dubuque, 1860 to 1869 131
City of Dubuque, 1870 to 1911 167
Boating, Eiver Commerce, etc 204
Railway Projects 240
Military Record 251
PoUtics 324
County Affairs 391
Practice of Medicine, Dentistry, etc 421
Protestants 431
Bench and Bar 447
Townships, Settlement, etc 467
CathoUcs 871
Education 903
Miscellaneous Events 935
BIOGRAPHY
PAGE
A
Abeln, Frank G 818
Adams, Shubael P 773
Aitchison, Albert Wallace 783
Aitchison, William C, Jr 811
Allen, Leonard P 699
Allison, .Tames Emerson 797
Altman, Franc W 647
Andres, Claus 679
Arendt, Charles F 699
Armstrong, David 593
Armstrong, David W 82.3
Armstrong, .Tames 592
B
Baird, William 537
Baldwin, Charles Dunn 530
Baldwin, Isaac W 529
Barker, W. T 455
Barmeier, Harry 752
Barry, Rev. Michael 852
Baumann, Rev. Father .Tohn S. . 515
PAGE
Beattv, .Tames W 512
Beaubiues, The 501
Beck, Guido 651
Becker, August 619
Beiler, Frank A 644
Benton, Charles 572
Benton, Curtis D 568
Berg, Christopher H 704
Beringer, John F 771
Sevan, .Tames W 533
Bigelow, Dr. Isaac S 861
Bisenius, Nicholas John 695
Blocklinger, Dr. Albert Herman 755
Blocklinger, Benjamin Franklin 684
Board, Charles L 812
Bockensted, Anton 737
Boeckensted, Frank 741
Boldt, Gustav H 703
Bonsoii, Richard 643
Bonson, Hon. Robert 650
Brede, .Tohn F 710
Brede, Louis H 749
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAOS
Briggs, Thomas G 551
Briggs, Thomas Howard 552
Brinkmau, Herman 693
Broell, John C 582
Brouillarii, Henry 784
Brownson, Dr. Orestes A 752
Brueekner, Edward 604
Brumnier, John W 647
Brunkow, Ferdinand W 837
Buckley, Henry L 850
Bueehele, John Paul 777
Bueehele, Theodore E., Sr 777
Bullinger, Francis Xavier 864
Bunker, Horace F 847
Burdt, Frederick C 846
Burlage, Simon, Sr 620
Burns, John F 502
Byrne, John M 863
C
Campbell, Edmond H 791
Carey, Eugene C 793
Carey, Rev. Michael H 851
Carkeek, Thomas T 708
Carney, Frank 501
Chesterman, Caleb C 606
Christman, Charles 630
Christman, Mrs. Christiana 857
Clancy, Mathew C 843
Clark, Alfred L 845
Clark, Rev. Arthur M 514
Clarke, Dr. E. Lincoln 560
Clarke, Frederick M 565
CoUis, George 691
Conlin, James L 535
Conlin, Thomas J 556
Connell, Charles W 566
Conzett, Arthur M 847
Cooley, Mrs. Clara Aldrich 762
Cooley, Hon. D. N 761
Cooper, Augustin A 499
Cox, Walter G. . . 584
Craft, George W 538
Craft, William 689
Crawford, Hon. Phineas W 770
Crawford, Theophilus 656
D
Dchner, Henrv L 532
Dell, Charles H 824
Dement, Herman 676
Deming, Judson Keith 566
Denison, .lohn D., Jr 728
Denlinger, Martain 807
Dersch, Francis H 701
Deyen, George B 822
Dickinson, George F 526
Doerr, Phillip 522
Doerrmann, Fred 686
Dorr, Col. Joseph B 532
Dreher, .loseph J 648
Drexler, Anton 735
Drexler, Frank L 820
PAGE
Dubuque Academv of Music. . . . 742
Dubuque. Julien.". 19, 31, 43, 46, 391
Dufifv, James J 618
Dyer, Judge J. J 452, 453
Ede, David F 6TS
Eighmey, Charles H 653
Elmer, Mrs. Phoebe 857
Ellwanger, Andrew 719
EUwanger, John 631
Ellwanger, Otto 720
Emerson, J. Hannibal 661
Emerson, James M 657
Ersehens, Peter F., Jr 639
Even, Peter 605
Evers, Henry 586
F
Fagan, James 527
Faha. Frank 604
Fanning, James 664
Fanning, Timothy 664
Farrington, Earl J 834
Feigner, Emil 736
Fengler, Edwin A 520
Fengler, Leo M 521
Ferring, Anton W 841
Finn, .lohn J 516
Fitzpatrick, Thomas J 623
Flick, Arthur R 524
Pober, Joseph L 702
Poulke, H. B 459
Prantzen, J. P 665
Freeman, L. P 814
Freking, Ferdinand , 863
Friedman, Anton 694
Friedmann, George 711
Friedman, Jacob 713
Frith, Eugene E 737
Fromm. Dr. Lawrence 588
F^udden, Hon. A. F 652
Fuhrman, Edward 720
Fuhrniann, Frank P 774
G
Ganfield, Henry 789
Ganfield, Samuel 788
Garrigan, Matthew 816
Gebhard, John B 820
Gehon, Gen. Francis 251
Gehrig, Joseph 692
Gehrig, D. A 869
Gerken, Prof. George F 580
Gerkon, Henry 580
Giegenrich, Albert 636
Glab, Adam 581
Glab, .lohn 579
Glab. Nicholas 581
Glaser, August L 545
Goetzinger, Nicholas 641
Gorman, Very Rev. Daniel M.,
LL.D 664
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Gostlen, Henry 789
Graffort, Thomas 665
Graham, William 744
Gregoire, Charles Hypolitte 501
Gregory, E. James 775
Guthrie, James R., M.D 663
H
Haas, Hon. Daniel J 640
Ham, Mathias 799
Ham, Moses M 673
Hammel, August 771
Hamil, Andrew Preston 792
Hamil, Thomas A 783
Hamilton, Judge William W 665
Hammond, William A 528
Harkett, William A 636
Harragan, Joseph F 717
Harrington, Cornelius Daniel. . . 578
Harris, Capt. D. S 205, 218
Harris, James H 666
Hartniann, Anthony A 833
Hartmann, Leo. L 834
Haudeushield, Jacob 836
Hauer, Lorenz 626
Hawkins, Benjamin 718
Hawkins, Reuben 750
Hav, Robert 621
Heald, Burton D 548
Healey, Mrs. Elizabeth 857
Healej', George W 662
Heeb, Anthony F 611
Heer, Fridolin Joseph, Sr 597
Heer, Rev. George W 650
Heery, William 814
Heffernan, Thomas Henry, M.D. 603
Hein, George L 540
Heim, John L 655
Heisey, David J 719
Heitzman, William 668
Heles, John B 587
Hempstead, Gov. Stephen 497
Henderson, Col. D. B.. .377, 384, 386
Herod, Joseph 664
Herdmann, Thomas A 830
Heme, Gustavus A 838
Higbee, Herbert G 510
Higgins, Eugene 803
Higgins, Warren 804
Hillvard, Lorenzo 610
Hinds, Franklin 639
Hirons, Harvey 551
Hodgdon, Gen. John 661
Hoefer, Adam J 576
Hoerr, Peter 671
Hoifman, Mathias M 724
Holmes, Dr. Harry Lowell 511
Hollnagel, Charles H 683
Holscher, Bernard, Sr 732
Honerbaum, Barnard 809
Horchem, B. J 781
Huplshoff, Bernard H 645
PAGE
Huntoon, D. C 866
Hyde, Lucien R 517
J
.Jaeger, Frank M 753
Jackson, Dr. Edward R 605
Johnson, A. C 523
Jonas, Dan J 763
Jones, Gen. George W 865
Jones, Rudolph 689
Jungk, Philip 825
K
Kapp, John 572
Karrick, Capt. George 252
Kearney, Frank J 687
Kearney, William S 812
Keckevoet, John 831
Kehoe, John C 557
Kelly, Thomas 540
Kenline, Henry Charles 749
Kenneally, Daniel J 669
Kennedy, Michael 815
Kenter, Clemens 818
Kerper, .Jacob • 575
Kerper, .John A 539
Kessler, .Jacob 634
Kiene, Emil 559
Kiene, Henry 538
Kiene, Peter, Jr 501
Kiene, Peter, Sr 501
Kies, John L 777
Kif er, John H 805
Kingsley, Thomas 681
Kinsella, .John A 677
Kirchen, John P., Sr 751
Klauer, Peter 617
Klauer, WMlliam H 834
Kleis, Charles E 507
Kluesner, .John 765
Knapp, Dr. Horace G 505
Knight, William J 465
Knoll, Dr. Oscar A 800
Knowlton, Henry A 676
Ivoch, John Adam 705
Kohlmann, Henry W 527
K:olck, Richard 531
Kremer, George 716
Kretschmer, Prof. Charles G. . . . 627
Kretschmer, Frederick N 577
I\retschraer, Herbert C 576
Kuhn, Prof. Albert 799
Kumpf , Edward E , . 795
Kutsch, Frank P 844
Kutsch, Joseph P 504
L
Lange, Dr. Frank X 582
Lange, Otto Fernando 734
Langel, Adolph 868
Langel, John 869
Langworthy, Edward 507
Langworthy, Dr. Henry Glover. 658
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Lungwort hy, James L 313
Langworthy, James Lyon 696
Langworthy, Luiius H 498
Lattner, Samuel B 746
Lcarv, James 860
Leffert, Daniel 806
Leigh, (Jharles E 758
Leman, Adolph Warburg, M.Th. 738
Lemper, Henry P 730
Lenz, Nicholas Martin Phillip. 733
Levens, Capt. Thomas 532
Levi, James 588
Lightcap, Leonard L 702
Limbach, Joseph H 596
Linehan, Dr. Charles M 591
Linehan, Edmund A 860
Linehan, J. J 591
Linehan, Dr. Mathias D 633
Link, James F 822
Loetscher, Christian 725
Loizeaux, Charles, E., M.D 603
Lorimier, Peter A 497
Lubok, Louis C 782
Luchrsmann, Dr. Bernard H... 596
Lufhterhand, Fred L. M 709
Lusk, William H 523
Luther, William C 622
Lyon, Col. D. E 550
Lyons, Michael Edward 722
Lyou, George T 550
M
MacHogan, William 819
Maguire, Daniel D 842
Maguire, John E., M.D 552
Maiers, Peter J 856
Manson, John W 525
Manson, Walter 632
Martin, William B 843
Martin, Moses H 546
Martin, Robert 790
Massev, Frederick 1 695
Mason, Dr. Timothy 636
Mathes, Lee Dandrige 657
Mathiesen, Julius H 837
Matthews, Alphous 722
Matthews, Hon. Matthew C. ... 794
McCollins, John J 713
McCraney, Thomas 646
McEnanv, Michael 835
McFadden, Prof. John A 729
McGee, George 573
McGee, Isaac L 569
McNamara, C. B 766
McXaniara. John F 726
Menke, John W 864
Jlorkes, Thomas 707
Mesi-her, Henry J ". 817
Mctcalf, George 643
Meuser, Jose])h A 542
Meyer, Joseph L 549
Miiim. John .1 717
Moes, Dr. M. J 706
P.\GE
Moes, Mathias 707
Moloney, Lawrence 754
Monger, Shubael A 727
Monroe, Thomas M 455
Mueller, Dr. Emil F 594
Mueller. Henry 546
Mulgrew, Thomas J 851
Mulkern, Hon. M. B 4.53,454
Mullany, John 1 624
Mullen, Richard D 544
Muntz, Samuel E 774
Murphy, John Stanford 766
Murphv, William C 687
Murray, P. C 796
Myers, Dorrance Dixon, Sr 602
N
Nabor, Bernard A 585
Newburgh, Joseph W 858
Newton, Rev. Isase 571
Neyens, John 784
Nightingale, George L 517
Noel, John B 712
Norman, J. J. E 639
Norton, John W 829
Norton, Patrick 854
O
Ovel, John G 583
O'Neill, John 810
O'Neill, .John H 456,459
Oneill. William B 543
O'Malley, Rev. Peter 848
O'Farreil, James 832
Otto, Prof. Rudolph Franz 719
Oberbroekling, Rev. Frederick
William 671
Orvis, Rev. Gurnev Mahan 648
Ott, Joseph John ." 660
P
Palmer, William A 728
Pape, Rev. Frederick W 629
Perkins, Solon B 787
Pond, Dr. Alonson M 801
Planiondon, Isidore J., Jr 555
Pitman, John A 564
Pottebaum, Henry 508
Patterson, Samuel 519
Pitschner, Charles 840
Palen, Dr. Charles 849
Preston, Gustavus V 828
Poole, Horace 697
Pfersch, Philip C 633
Q
Quinlan, Robert W 859
Quigley, Patrick .1 654
R
Rankin, .John 547
Hanson, Franklin Adelbert 571
Rath, George C 510
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Redding, James E 560
Reinold, John F 680
Renier, Philip J 798
Reynolds, Joseph 238
Rhomberg, Alphons L 534
Khomberg, Alphonse J 535
Rhomberg, Frank M 574
Rliomberg, Joseph Andrew 532
Rhomberg, Joseph H 574
Rhomberg, Titus E 536
Rider, Peter 615
Rittscher, John A 616
Roberts, Thomas C 458
Robinson, Frederick C 634
Roche, Michael 674
Rodgers, Robert W 802
Roedell, Alfred T 868
Rose, George De Forest 616
Roshek, John Jerome 867
Rowan, Joseph J., Jr 553
Ryan, the Rt. Rev. Roger 848
Ruete, Theodore W 656
8
Samuels, Ben M 635,451
Manner, John P 816
Sauer, Daniel 747
Sauser, J. P 813
Sauser, Michael H 685
Schaetzle, Joseph W 740
Sc-haul, Adolph 855
Schemmel, Theodore 736
Schenimel, Joseph 587
Schemmel, William 588
Seherr, Bernard C 613
Scherr, Franz 613
Sehiek, Arthur D 559
Schollian, Alexander 672
Schmid, George, Jr 518
Schmid, George, Sr 517
Sehmitt, Paul J 521
Schroeder, Frank N. 637
Sehrup, Nicholas J 592
Schrup, John 592
Sehruj), Dr. Joseph Henry 715
Schublin, August 828
Schulte, Bernard 756
Schulte, George G 757
Schulte, John J 757
Schultz, Daniel 786
Schunk, Henry A 746
Schwind, Benjamin J 619
Sehwind, John W 612
Sehwinn, Phillip 669
Sebo, Nicholas 808
Segur, James F. 705
Seippel, Peter J 667
Shaffer, Nicholas M 541
Shiras, Hon. Oliver Perry 778
Simplot, Alexander 690
Singrin, William 827
Skemp, Charles P 612
Skemp, Charles W 608
PAGE
Sleator, Col. David 665
Slocum, Prof. Perkins S 554
Sniead, John S 556
Smith, Albert Hugo 614
Smith, George P 842
Smith, Prof. Harry B 721
Smith, Thomas 548
Spahn, Charles J 714
Speilman, Jacob 862
Spencer, John 688
Spensley, Harker Brent 849
Spoden, John N 764
Spoden, Peter 765
Staheli, Christopher E 852
Stampfer, Joseph Frederick.... 594
Stedman, Benjamin F 585
Stetfens, Dr. Cornelius M 731
Steuek, Carl A 854
Stichler, George W 553
Strief, Samuel L 562
Stronck, Michael 626
Stronck, Peter 627
Stuber, John William 514
Sullivan, Timothy 756
Summerfiekl, Adolph G 682
Sumpman, Dr. Hubert Anton... 595
Sweenev, Dr. Robert J 727
Swift, Samuel T 578
T
Tavlor, Stanley Morgan 607
Tavlor, Thomas J 830
Tegeler, Henry 743
Tegler, Bernard 821
Tibbals, William R 698
Tingley, Patrick 643
Traub, Eugene 735
Traufler, George 730
Traut, Paul 780
Tredway, Alfred 570
Tredwav, Harry E 570
Trexlerl Adolph M 567
Tromblev, Robert H 853
Tschudi," Fred 709
Tucker, Edward 809
U
Utt, Anna M 824
Utt, John B 824
Ilrbach, Abe 670
Urbaeh, Milton 670
V
Van Horn, Charles 590
Van Vors, Jason F 839
Voelker, Christian Anthon .... 638
Von Der Heide, John Henry... 733
Vorwald, Henry ^ 624
Vorwald, John and Annie 609
W
Walker, Marshall M 563
Waller, John R 629
-io TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE PAGE
Walsh, Jamea M 589 Wilson, Mrs. Frances P. (Stoke-
Walter, John B 748 ly) 498
Walton, Charles Wesley 658 Wilson, Judge T. S 453, 463
Waples, Peter 517 Wiltse. Gen. Henry A 660
Weaver, Gassoway S 503 Wise, Benjamin C 509
Webb, Capt. N. F 204 Wood, Fernando H 642
Weigel, Frederick 758 Wright, William Scott 682
Wieland, Dr. Frank W 678 Wunderlich, Henry J 529
Wieneke, August W 840 Wunderlich, Henry 529
Williams, John B 615
Winner, Milton F 589
Willv, Ulrieh 506
Wilberding, Henry 827
Wilson, Judge David S 452, 462 ZumhofT, William 683
Winner, Milton F 589 „ t, u » ^ tha
Willv, Ulrieh 506 ^''""S' ^"^"^ *^
Wilberding, Henry 827 Z
ILLUSTRATIONS
Name Facing page
Allison, William B 369
Asylum 113
Beck, Guido 651
Birdseye View of Dubuque 257
Boldt, G. H 703
Chriatman, Mrs. Christiana 857
Cooley, Hon. D. N 761
Cooley, Mrs. Clara Aldrich 762
Cooper, A. A 499
Cooper, Mrs. A. A 500
Country Club 129
Dubuque, 1846 65
Dubuque 's Monument, Julian 177
Dubuque in Early Days 33
Dubuque Club 113
Dubuque Boat Yard 161
Dubuque Views 471
Eagle Point 145
Eagle Point High Bridge 225
Ellwanger, John 631
Elmer, Mrs. Phoebe 857
Fitzpatrick, T. J 623
Frantzen, John P 665
Glab, John 579
Guthrie, Dr. J. B 663
Ham, M 799
Ham, M. M 673
Healey, Mrs. Elizabeth 857
Heeb, A. F 611
Heer, F. J 597
Henderson, Hon. David B 385
Herod, J 664
High and Railroad Bridges 241
Hollnagel, Charles fiS3
TABLE OF CONTENTS II
Name Facing pack
Hollnagel, Mrs. Charles 683
In and around Dubuque 193
Jones, Gen. George W 49
Keane, Archbishop John Joseph 896
Kiene, Peter, Sr 501
Kieue, Peter 502
Klauer, Peter 617
Kleis, C. E 507
Kretschmer, Charles G 627
Linwoofl Cemetery 97
Matthews, Alphons 722
Matthews, M. C 794
Hazzuchelli, Fr. Samuel 871
Mouth of Catfish Creek 161
Mississippi River View 225
Oldt, F. T 903
Pape, Rev. Frederick W 629
Park and Country Views 273
Patterson, Sam 519
Picturesque Dubuque 289^
Quigley, P. J 654
Khomberg, F. M 574
Rockdale, Street Scenes, etc 321
Roman Catholic Church, Dyersville 455-
Ruins of Old Mill 97
Schwind, Jacob 612
Smith, H. B 721
Steps to Cemetery Hill 257
St. Boniface Catholic Church 423
St. Joseph 's Sanitarium, Dubuque 390^
The J. 8. and W. W 209
Thole, Rev. A. J , 629
Trexler, A. M 567
Trinity Catholic Church, Luxemburg 671
Waller, John R 63a
Y. W. C. A. Building 129
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
GEOLOGY, LEAD MINING, ETC.
DUBUQUE COUNTY lies only partly within the driftless
area of this region; this area extends down from the north
along the Mississippi in varying widths to about seven miles
below the city of Dubuque, where it runs to a point. It
extends up the Catfish some ten or twelve miles and up the Little
Maquoketa about twenty miles. This region is represented by the
Pre-Cambrian system and the remainder of the county by the
Ordovician system.
The valley at Dubuque lies about 600 feet above the sea, and
above the valley tower the bluffs a few hundred feet higher. The
plain back of the bluffs is an important feature of the county. This
plain is cut by abrupt ravines and valleys, the principal streams
draining Dubuque county being Turkey, Big and Little Maquoketa
and Tete des Mort rivers and Catfish creek. The Mississippi flows
through a narrow valley bounded by steep bluffs or mounds. This
narrow valley and high bluffs are exceptional. Between two long
tributaries of one of the smaller streams the upland reaches out in
a long, finger-like promontory ; between two tributaries of the
Mississippi there is instead a sharp canyon wall, as if there had
existed promontories which later were truncated half or three-
quarters of a mile back from the main stream. Thus the valley
reverses the normal habit of rivers, becoming narrower here than
farther up stream. Certain other streams show this same tendency
in a less marked degree, and in addition Maquoketa river and
Catfish creek now join the Mississippi through new valleys up
stream, having deserted old open valleys having the normal down-
stream course usual for tributary valleys. These and other pecu-
liarities are unusual in the formation of water courses.
"This region is one of unmetamorphosed, little disturbed, sedi-
mentary rocks of the Paleozoic age and there are no igneous rocks
in it or recent ones near it. It has been at least once worn down by
erosion to mature topographic development and afterward uplifted
and is now being redissected. The rocks have a very gentle dip to
17
i8
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the southwest, superimposed on which are numerous shallow folds
of local extent. Within the ore-bearing district only Ordovician and
Silurian beds occur." The principal exposures of rock at Dulnique
are the Galena formation. I'he Maquoketa shale and Niagara dolo-
mite are seen elsewhere in the county. The lead and zinc deposits
lie within the well-known driftless area.
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The Pre-Cambrian rocks lie i,ooo to 1,500 feet below the sur-
face ; they do not outcrop in Dubuque county. The Cambrian rocks
are represented by about 1,000 feet of sandstone with minor por-
tions of shale and dolomite. The Pre-Cambrian and Cambrian
rocks slope gently toward the southwest. The Ordovician rocks
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 19
are the only ones of importance in the mining operations of
Dubuque county. Where this formation is fully developed it
embraces (i) a dolomite at the base; (2) a sandstone in the middle;
(3) a second dolomite. Above the latter lies the St. Peter sand-
stone ; then the Platteville limestone ; then the Galena dolomite, and
then the Maquoketa shale. Above this are the quaternary deposits.
Lead ore was discovered at Dubuque by the Indians as early as
1780, and about four years later Julien Dubuque, then at Prairie
du Chien, was informed of the existence of that mineral at Dubuque
by the Fox Indians. From 1788 to 18 10 he worked these mines
with hoe, shovel, crowbar and pick, but sank no shafts. He had a
furnace at the mouth of Catfish creek and another at Eagle Point.
In 1805 Lieutenant Pike learned that Dubuque mined from 20,000
to 40,000 pounds of lead annually.
After his death the Indians burned Dubuque's house and fences
and destroyed all traces of his mining operations so far as possible
in order to keep out other white men. The Indians themselves
continued to work the mines intermittently and sold the ore to
traders who had furnaces on the islands in the river. In 1830
J. L. Langworthy and others, having previously obtained the con-
sent of the Indians and the Dubuque heirs, crossed the river and
began work in the mines. The Eagle Point crevice, it is said, was
located at this time. Troops drove out the miners and burned their
cabins. Evidently the Durango diggings were worked before 1820,
because Schoolcraft, who visited this locality in 1820, says they
were known and called "Mine of Maquanquitons."
"Very likely Dubuque himself worked these mines, because so far
as known no others were permitted to do so. The ore in this
locality is the common sulphuret of lead, with a broad foliated
structure and high metallic luster. It occurs massive and dissemi-
nated in a reddish loam, resting upon limestone rock. It generally
occurs in beds or veins which have no great width and run in a
certain direction 300 to 400 yards. . . . The lead ore at these
mines is now (1820) exclusively dug by the Fox Indians, and as
usual among savage tribes the chief labor devolves upon women —
also old and superannuated men ; they use hoe, shovel, pickax and
crowbar. . . . When a quantity of ore has been gotten out it
is carried in baskets by the women to the banks of the Mississippi
and then ferried over in canoes to the island, where it is purchased
by the traders at the rate of $2 for 120 pounds, payable in goods.
The traders smelt the ore upon the island in furnaces. Formerly
the Indians were in the habit of smelting the ore themselves, upon
log heaps, by which a great portion was converted into what are
called lead ashes and thus lost. Now the traders induce them to
search about the sites of the ancient fires and carefully collect the
lead ashes for which they receive $1 per bushel delivered at the
island payable in merchandise." — (Schoolcraft.)
20 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
When tlie Blackhawk Purcliase was made in 1832 tlie settlers
again crowded into tliis connty, but again they were forced to leave
by tlie soldiers because the treaty had not been ratified. After
June, 1833, they were no longer opposed.
The first geological survey of this region was made by D. D.
Owen in 1839. I" 1846 tlie system of leasing mineral land by the
government was abolished and much of the mining land was thrown
into market.
The early mining at Dubuque was for lead ores. Pockets of this
ore are yet found and individual pockets sometimes contain over
500 to 1,000 tons. Since 1880 zinc carbonate or "dry bone" has
been more extensively mined than galena or lead ore. Neither !ias
been mined except above high water of the river. In 1898-00
mixed carbonate and sulphide of zinc were worked at the Alpine
mine. At the same time several carloads of mixed blende-galena-
marcasite ore were taken from the Pike's Peak mine just below
water level by the Dubuque Lead Mining Company. The ore at