Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 1.djvu/398



capitalists from the eastern States and Chicago, and such prominent citizens of Davenport as Hiram Price, John P. Cook, James Grant and Ebenezer Cook. As it became apparent that this company could command capital to build the road, negotiations were opened with its directors by the officers of the Iowa City and Davenport Railroad Company, by which its franchises were transferred to the Mississippi and Missouri Company, upon the condition that the road should be built through Iowa City. Meanwhile the Chicago road was approaching Rock Island. The following announcement shows its progress at this time:

“On Monday, March 14, 1853, and until further notice, a passenger train on the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad will run daily (Sunday excepted) between Chicago and La Salle, leaving Chicago at 8 o’clock a. m., arriving at La Salle at 1.20 p. m., connecting with steamers at La Salle for St. Louis and intermediate places on the Illinois River, and with stages west for Davenport, Iowa, and northward to Dixon, Galena and Dubuque. A. R., Superintendent.”

The Legislature having created the office of Attorney-General, D. C. Cloud, Democrat, was elected over Samuel A. Rice, Whig, by a vote of 14,464 to 6,900. In 1854 the California immigration had subsided and the tide again turned into Iowa. The Chicago and Rock Island Railroad reached the Mississippi River opposite Davenport early in February, and on the 22d of that month thousands of citizens of Iowa and Illinois gathered at Rock Island to witness the arrival of the first train. At 5 p.m., the engine, Le Claire, profusely decorated with flags, came in sight and sounded its whistle. A mighty shout from the assembled people, roar of cannon and firing of rockets was the welcoming response. Two other trains loaded with visitors followed in rapid succession. Then came a great mass meeting, speeches of welcome, enthusiastic cheering and general rejoicing, which continued late into the night. All realized that it was the dawning