VILLAGE OF RAPIDS CITY.
Rapids City was surveyed and laid out in 1838. About 1833 a grist mill was built by the Wells Brothers; a saw mill being subsequently added. Another grist and saw mill was built by Joseph Cox in 1838.
A Mr. Runkle and a Mr. Blanchard sold the first goods.
Joseph Garnett, the first blacksmith shop in 1847.
Henry S. Shurtliff started a regular grocery store in 1855, and afterwards added dry goods.
In 1857 E. M. Prudens started a general merchandise store.
August 12, 1875, the county court, after canvassing the votes of an election called and appointed prior, to vote on village organization—the result of which was forty-six votes for organization and one vote against—the court decreed the Village of Rapids City to be incorporated. It is situated on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway.
The village is incorporated, the officers for 1885 being R. M, Mitchell, President of the Board; Casper Maurer, William Scherschell, James Graham, Abraai Lloyd, Adam Hofistetter, Trustees; A. Lindstrom, Clerk.
A postoffice was established here in 1857, Henry S. Shurtleff receiving she appointment of Postmaster, his first commission bearing date March 12, 1857, Mr, Shurtseff served three terms, and was succeeded by J. L. Perkins, who held the office but a short time, moving from the village. Dr. Samuel Gast was the next appointee; John Hannegan, Peter McCarls and George J. Rowe each held it in succession, the latter being the present incumbent.
Coal was discovered near this village at an early day, hut mining was not done to advantage until the completion of the railroad. There are now two shafts in the neighborhood, and a large quantity of coal is annually mined. The mines here have brought in many foreigners, that element being at present largely in the ascendency.
The moral interests of the village arc guarded by the Catholics, Methodist Episcopal and Christian Churches.,
The benevolent secret societies are represented by the Odd Fellows and United Workmen, Ixnh of which have flourishing lodges.
Rapids City is part of School District No. 8, which was formed after the village was laid oat. A school house was built at the time. Josiah Rickel was the first teacher in this house. In 187, a new school house was erected. Two teachers are constantly employed. There are 200 children of school age in the village.
In the summer of 1885 there were in the village 3 general stores, 1grocery store, 1restaurant, 1 hotel, 2 shoe shops, 1 blacksmith shop, 1agricultural implement dealer and i millinery store. There is neither lawyer or physician in the place; so the good citizen boasts of its peacefulness and its healthfulness. The population is about 500.
History of Rock Island County
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