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Audubon County |
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Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon Counties
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This branch of farm industry has grown to be one of vast importance in Audubon County. Much of this business is in the hands of men who have means to carry on their affairs on a large scale, and they have spared no pains to improve stock, until all of the best breeds of cattle, horses and swine are now represented. The number of cattle alone in the county in 1887 was 16,997, which were assessed at $204,928 -- this being less than one-third their actual value. This number is highly complimentary to so new and undeveloped a county. There there are many advantages in stock-growing. Among the heavier dealers, those who operate stock-farms or "ranches," may be named Charles Stuart & Son, nine miles east of the county-seat; William M'Lerans, one mile west of Audubon, and Thomas Mussons, ten miles east of Audubon. |
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
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Very early in the history of Audubon County did the settler see the need and prize the value of forming an agricultural society. Such an organization was perfected prior to the Rebellion, but finally went down. About 1870 a joint-stock company was organized, doing business at Exira, under the name of the Audubon County Agricultural Society. This, however, did not seem to meet with popular approval among the farming classes, as the teachings of the "Grange" movement had instilled into the minds of farmers a distrust for all stock companies. Upon the completion of the Rock Island road to Audubon measures were taken to reorganize the society and procure suitable grounds for annual exhibits, while the property could be obtained at cheap rates. But the old stockholders opposed anything which sought or tended toward the upbuilding of the new county seat town. The Exira people bitterly opposed the removal. The people of the central and northern portions of the county then considered the propriety of holding a fair at Audubon. A call for a meeting was published, and none but farmers were asked to sign such call. The first meeting was held at the freight-house in Audubon, called to order by I. A. Shingledecker, and Captain Stuart placed in the chair, but he was obliged to go away on the incoming train, so Mr. Shingledecker took the chair. An organization was then perfected by the election of George Gray as President; D. Barlow, Vice-President; H. U. Funk, Secretary; A. H. Roberts, Treasurer. Also township directors. The newly-formed society had neither land nor money, so success depended on the working force found within the society. However, the third week in September, 1879, was fixed as the date for holding a county fair. Up to the 4th of July not a dollar had been raised. On that day the sale of membership tickets was begun at Luccock's Grove and about $60 realized. During the next few weeks the society, through the agency of E. J. Freeman, procured forty acres of land, which was a donation by the Rock Island Railway Company. Subscription was circulated, and some funds raised, with which needed improvements were made on the grounds. But the work could not be completed in time, so the fair was postponed until October 1. In the meantime work went on with a rush, and the county-seat contest grew hot, Exira people straining every nerve to defeat its removal to Audubon. Many of the farmers in the south part of the county had never yet seem the new town of Audubon, hence had no just conception of its growth. It was desired that these people should visit the place, so E. J. Freeman got the railroad company to run special cheap trains during the fair week. The weather proved excellent, and a large crowd were present. The number of entries was large, and the exhibit was a good one. The total receipts from all sources was $711, while the premiums paid amounted to $702. No one man deserves so much credit for his untiring energy and liberality as E. J. Freeman, who superintended all the work of the fair grounds. In the fall of 1879 the violent winds blew down the fair ground fences, and about 2,000 feet of lumber were stolen. These losses were met and the repairs made. When the Northwestern Railroad was built its line badly cut up the fair grounds and other grounds had to be procured. The society now owns forty acres, upon which tract they have commodious buildings, shedding, etc. It has come to be one of the permanent fixtures of the county, each annual exhibition growing better, and the feeling once existing seems fast fading from the minds of those who at first opposed the society in locating its home at Audubon. |
| Prev. <=== Continue Reading ===> Next Transcribed by Cheryl Siebrass September, 2014 from "Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon Counties", Chicago: W. S. Dunbar & Co., 1889, pp. 665-666. |
