The miners' express. (Dubuque, Iowa) 1849-1854, 1850-10-02
LETTERS FROM THE COUNTRY.
By THE EDITOR
AHAMosA, Jones county, Iowa, J
September "a, 1850. {

consisted Of some four or five dwellings, without
even the sine qua non of all towns, u blacksmith
shop; now its population amounts to some two
hundred and fifty, or three hundred souls. Three
years ago, it was but hamlet, dgniiicd by the
stale appcllation Of "Lc1ington;" now It has the
real dignity Of being the County Seat of most
prosperous county-havng dropped the old
name, and assumed the beautiful and cuphon-
Gus one of "ASAMosA.'
This change in name and dignity took place
two years since at which time the town may
date the commencement of its prosperity. It is
situated upon the Wabcs pncon river, at the
point where the "Military Road, from Dubuque
TO Iowa City crosses said river, and about so
miles from the former and 40 from the latter
place. This inland position contributes very
much to the prospective Importance of the place,
as it increases the scope of country which must
look to it point Of trade. Another very I'M
portant element of prosperity consists in the cx-
cellcncc of the soil in the surrounding country,
and the abundance of water power afforded by
the streams in the immediate vicinity.
The Wabesipinicon is one of the fines; streams
in the interior Of Iowa, and within very short
distance Of this place, tlords some three or four
most eligible sites for mills, with water and fall
sufficient to drive almost any amount Of machi-
merry. The Buffalo creek, which takes its rise
some so miles north of this, cnptics itself into
the Wabespncon near this town. and also af-
lords excellent milling privileges
Upon this stream, within half a mile Of town
is already erected, and in operation a most excel.
lent Touring mill, with saw mill attached. and
upon the opposite side of the town, on the Wa
bcsipinicon is another Of the same class Of mills
r with the addition of a Carding machine The
former Of these mills is owned by Mr. Joseph
:. Fisher, and the latterby Mr. C. G. Reed Each
OF them have two run OF Burrs, and afford tol
' market large quantity OF first-quality flour
pom each of these streams, Il short distance Il
y bove, are saw mills erected and in operation, be
} sides several most excellent sites still unoccupi
ed
The county Of Jones is increasing in popula
ton, but not SO rapidly, perhaps the excellence
of its soil and other natural advantages woult
warrant. AS have already intinlated, the coun
ty is we'll watered and there is as tair proper
, ton of timber and prairie as in most of the coun
ties of Northern Iowa. There is still, however
i large quantity Of vacant land, and that, too, O
the very best quality, and even lying in the i'm
mediate ncighborhoou of this place
The proposed Rail Road from Dubuque te
kcokuk, by way Of Iowa City, will probably
pass through this place, and when once compile
ted, will afford to the town and the country al
$ the advantages which may be anticipated by an,
n section OF the route Of that most desirable I'M
provement. Stone of the finest quality, and 9th
!, er building material may be found in abundance
in this vicinity, and buildings of a substantial
and ornamental class already being erected
The Court House at this place is commodiou
y and wellproportioned and arranged building
i and would do credit to much older and wealthic
counties.
q q There too Hotels here, both favorably
: known to the travelling public, and both conduct
ed in manner highly acceptable to those whe
u seek comfortable and abundant hospitality. Mr.
e Crockwel, the proprietor of the one at which
. stop, has most happy faculty of rendering hi
house 'shomc' to the traveller His "Table'
and sleeping apparatus are of the best quality, ane
his commodious stables and excellent hostlery
make it Il perfect paradise for hard driven horse
Mr.. Ford, the proprietor of the other house, ha
just completed the most commodious taverr
house upon the road from Dubuque to Iowa City
and his reputation a polite and gentlemanly
landlord, is guarantee sufficient for the most in
creduous way y-farer
E There are two stores at this place, one by
Messrs. Gillett & Osburn, and the other by Sc.
crest and Hunt; both apparently doing prosper.
Gus business.
In the professional line, Anamosa is we'll sup
piled. She has two lawyers and two doctors
; OF the former Mr.. c. c. Rockwell is we'll and
favorably known as the efficient and accomplish
ed Secretary ofthe Senate at the last session OF
the Iowa Legislature. His co-laborer in the !e-
gal field, Mr.. Joseph Mann, is more recent
conner to the State, but has made most favora-
BILE impression upon the people Of the county,
as is manifest by their clccting him to the i'm
portant office Of School Fund Commission. He
is nephew of the Hon. Job Mann, member of
the present Congress from the State of Pennsyl-
vania
! The Medical Profession is we'll represented
here. Doctors Sales and Joslin are gentlemen,
who deserve success in whatever they undertake;
but we fear, from what we learn of the saubrity
of the Jones county atmosphere, and the tempe
rance of its inhabitants, that they will have to
turn their talents, in part at least, to other
channel to secure that pecuniary income they
merit Doctor Sales is the Senator elect from
the District composed of the counties Of Jack
son and Jones. He has already had some expe-
rience in Legislative life, having served in the
last Legislature as member Of the lower house
from the same District
| The District have made most excellent Sc
lection in the choice Of Doctor Sales, as theil
Senator. He will do credit to the stato.. to which
he has been elevated, and guard well the inter
ests of those he represents.
81 + p 4 3 7