Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
TURCK, Solomon
TURCK, Solomon. (St. Louis, MO--New York, NY, Jan. 30, 1907). MAYOR. Turck was associated with the LAFLIN AND RAND POWDER COMPANY powder company while living in Dubuque and served as manager of its manufacturing mill at Platteville, Wisconsin. He was also involved in silver mining in Colorado with his brothers who lived in Central City, Colorado. They also held valuable gold mines. (1) Turck held the office of mayor in 1868. City officials that year complained that although the paid over one-half of the bridge tax, it received no benefit. The county replied that the city was benefited by the trade which came over the bridges to the city. (2)
Late in 1868 the city was ready to vote on the question of increasing the city debt; new bonds were to be issued to cover all the old indebtedness, which totaled nearly $1,000,000. Many thought the city could secure a great reduction from creditors, a few wanted to repudiate the debt, but the great majority were willing to pay their honest obligations. The vote was postponed and committee of the council was sent East early in 1869 to negotiate matters with the city creditors. Turck and Thompson, both ex-mayors, were on the committee. (3)
Turck was again elected mayor in 1872. He submitted his resignation as mayor on September 17, 1872 and moved to New York to serve as the company's president. (4) One of the early fire engines was named in his honor. (5)
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Source:
1. "The Silver Mines of Colorado, Dubuque Herald, August 11, 1865, p. 2
2. "Dubuque Sought Business Methods From Beginning," Telegraph Herald, March 27, 1921, p. 14. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bi5eAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SmANAAAAIBAJ&pg=6644,4092622&dq=james+fanning+dubuque&hl=en
3. Oldt, Franklin T. History of Dubuque County, Iowa. http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/franklin-t-oldt/history-of-dubuque-county-iowa-being-a-general-survey-of-dubuque-county-histor-tdl/page-18-history-of-dubuque-county-iowa-being-a-general-survey-of-dubuque-county-histor-tdl.shtml
4. "Special Session of the Council," Dubuque Herald, September 17, 1872, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18720917&printsec=frontpage&hl=en
5. "Salon Turck Dies in New York City," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, January 30, 1907, p. 12