A special train, dispatched from Milwaukee, brought two railroad officials and the company's lawyer, Judge R. Noble of McGregor. The Burlington sent one official and a legal counsel. A decision was reached to suspend further work until district court could act. Through the mediation of attorney Garter, seven Ossian property owners agreed to drop claims for damage to their lots for payment of one dollar per frontage foot. A grateful Burlington Road wanted to name the depot between Ossian and Decorah, "Cartersville", in his honor. But M. J. declined and suggested that the Reverend A. Johnson of Springfield township be accorded this selection. The Pastor named the station, Nordness.

Through the decision of the courts, the controversy ended with the Milwaukee Road leasing usage of their right of way for trackage in this location. The town granted right of way to the Burlington with the adoption of orinances 33 and 34.

Grany Brothers and Bethune held the contract for grading and laying track.

The Crany boys were great admirers of Grover Cleveland. They took all bets against their hero in the election of 1884, and won over $4000 on the outcome. Carter held the stakes. He reported two Ossian businessmen lost $1400, while others becoming faint-hearted withdrew over $1000 in wagers on the last day.

The town authorities wanted the Burlington depot located near Porter Park, but John Collins, with the help of Mr. Carter, prevailed on them to put it across from the C. M. St. P. depot on lots owned by him. (Present site of the Ossian housing). An old residence was utilized until a station could be built.

Carter recalled; "There was a hot time in the old town that night; dozens of fights broke out when hungry, thirsty section hands were refused service."

Oddly enough, attorney Carter and roadmaster Ahern became good friends and shared many a laugh over recollections of the "great railroad war at Ossian."

THE BATTLE OF JACKSON JUNCTION

Actually the skirmish in Ossian was a tame affair compared to the battle of Jackson Junction in 1893.

A group of farmers headed by Miler McGovern and Peter Meyer decided they would build a warehouse at this point despite assertions of the Milwaukee officials that this would not be made a shipping point. The railroad sent a crew to lay rails right through the building site. The farmers gathered and resisted, resulting in a bloody battle with crow bars, hammers, clubs and rocks as weapons. Eight men were severely injured with one not expected to survive.

We can find no further account of this conflict, so must assume that the railroad prevailed.

THE STATE CENSUS OF 1885

We limit our recording of this census to Ossian businessmen and a few clerks.