Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
LORIMIER, Peter
LORIMIER, Peter. (Canada, 1783-Dubuque, IA, Oct. 1871). MAYOR. Coming to Dubuque in 1833, Lorimier began both MINING and merchandising activities and met with sufficient success to purchase land around Dubuque as well as in the town.
On September 8, 1834, he was appointed United States court commissioner, the first person given judicial responsibility in present-day Iowa and part of Minnesota, by the governor of the Minnesota Territory.
In 1838, Lorimier served as a county commissioner along with Andrew Bankston and James Fanning.
Lorimier was elected mayor of Dubuque in 1847. During his first term of office steps to organize three fire companies were taken in January, 1847; the old fire engine was found to be practically useless; fire ladders were ordered for the upper, lower and central sections. The Fulweiler slaughter house was ordered removed from the city limits in February, 1847; but evaded the order and remained. The islands in front of the city were reserved from public sale. By paying $50 the council obtained permission to use for fire purposes the well of Emerson Shields on Fourth street.
Upon the payment of $100 Timothy Fanning was given exclusive ferry privileges in 1847-8. The grading of Bluff street from Dodge to Twelfth was ordered in May, 1847. A room for a calaboose was ordered rented and fitted up; it was ready in July. In August, 1847, the mayor was authorized to buy the islands in front of the city .
He was re-elected in 1851. In 1857, in association with others, he built the famous LORIMIER HOUSE.