Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
DUBUQUE, MARION, AND WESTERN RAILROAD COMPANY
DUBUQUE, MARION, AND WESTERN RAILROAD COMPANY. The history of this railroad begins with the DUBUQUE WESTERN RAILROAD which was incorporated on September 10, 1855. (1) It began at Farley and by 1859 had reached Sand Springs, fourteen miles to the southwest. In 1860 financial difficulties resulted in it being reorganized as the Dubuque, Marion and Western Railroad Company. When it again faced financial problems, the line was reorganized to become the DUBUQUE SOUTH WESTERN RAILROAD COMPANY. (2) This line was able to extend track into Marion, Iowa by 1863. In two more years, it had laid track into Cedar Rapids. Eventually the line became part of the Milwaukee Road.
Printed by Edward Mendel of Chicago, the currency of the company was receivable at all stations for freight and fare. Payment on demand was made in current bank notes. Bills were signed by L. Boisot, secretary; Edward Stinson, president; or William Gelpcke, vice president. Gelpcke was a private banker in Dubuque from 1858 to 1861. (3)
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Source:
1. Donovan, Frank P. Jr. Iowa Railroads Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, p. 211
2. Ibid.
3. Oakes, Dean G. Iowa: Obsolete Notes and Scrip