Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1911-05-04
Single Surv;vor Of Water Works Council

William H Calhoun, a resident of
the city for forty five years, one of
the leading business men OF early days,
and the last surviving member Of the
city council of 1876 that installed the
present municipal water works, is pre-
California, TO make his future home. OF
the group of nine men--eisht council
men and Mayor o. B. Barrows-Mr
Calhoun is the only one living. and at
% years Of age is more vigorous than
many men at 80
That the old council Of 1876 was pos
sessed of forethought has been demon
strated time and time again. and theme
is not citizen Of Marshalltown today
who would have the public water sup
ply in other hands than the municipal
ity. Since the water works was built,
thirty five years ago. there has never
been fire in the city but that was
confined to the place of origin. The
nearest any fire ever came TO getting
away from the building where il start
ed was the Let's Fletcher blaze of De-
ing, then housing the postoffce, was
threatened. However the flames were
kept within the Kirby building. occu-
pied by the wholesale concern.
Comes to MarshaIitown in 1865.
In the fall Of 1865 Mr. Calhoun sold
his farm in Carroll county. Illinois.
near the little town of shannon. and
came to Marshalltown. attracted by the
apparent prosperity of the new west
ern country expecting TO make this
city his future home. Mr.. Calhoun has
never regretted the change and has
always taken a lively interest in the
city's welfare and prosperity.
Mr.. Calhoun had hardly more than
got nicely settled here until he entered
city politics. and was elected TO the
council from the Second ward in 1869
He served on the council eight years
until 1S7S-having been off during the
year 1874 He was therefore mem
Der Of the council al the time me
municipal water works was built. and
one Of the committee Of three TO install
the system.
John Turner and DR. n L. Bunce.
were the other members of the COM
mittee. and in speaking Of the old days.
actual building Mr. Calhoun said that
TOO much credit could not be given
John Turner for levising plans for the
success OF the enterprise.
Big Fire Led to Building
we had a erea, fire in 1S12.' saio
Mr.. Calhoun in speaking Of old days.
that had wiped out a large part OF
the southeast part Of town. and all Of
the citizens We're clamorous ror fire
protection. But how TO get il was the
vital question We had several propo-
sitions 70 grant franchises 10 public
service corporations. This plan was
opposed by a part of the council. MY
self included, as I was in favor then,
as am now, of municipal ownership.
Sell Bonds to Build System.
We finally issued and sold $4,000
worth OF city bonds with which 70 build
the water works system. ! know now
that We acted wiser than we knew at
that time recall a one meeting OF
the council. when a subsidy PROPOSE
ton was before the body. and il was
defeated by a single vote, that when
leaving The council cha mber one Of our
leading citizens, y. :. ketchum by
name. said TO me. I never felt SO much
like killing a man in my life as l did
YOU when You voted against that water
works proposition tonight Mr.. ketch-
urn, however. has lived To see the time
when ne would thank me many times
over foT my vote. IS Ii knows nov.
as we'll as do al! Other people. tfat the
council acted wisely in building the
system for the city rather than per
hitting private concern 70 furnish the
water. 1t was desperate effort. but
our persistence for what We considered
right was crowned with success. and
our city owns and controls its own
water works system a result.
4 am sorry 70 say ! am the only
survivor of the water works council.
All are gone. including the mayor o.
3. Barrows. Our city at that time was
repreSerted by sturdy fighters for
Marshalitowr. Charles f. Bromley and