Thirty-seventh Congress-1861 to 1863-First District, First Session, Samuel R. Curtis.* First District, Second and Third Sessions, Jas. F. Wilson; Second District, Wm. Vandever.

Thirty-eighth Congress-1863 to 1865-First District, James F. Wilson; Second District, Hiram Price; Third District, William B. Allison; Fourth District Josiah B. Grinnell; Fifth District, John A. Kasson; Sixth Dist,, Asahel W. Hubbard.

Thirty-ninth Congress-1865 to 1867-First District, James F. Wilson; Second District Hiram Price; Third District, William B. Allison; Fourth District Josiah B. Grinnell; Fifth District John A. Kasson; Sixth District, Asahel W. Hubbard.

Fortieth Congress-1867 to 1869-First District, James F. Wilson; Second District, Hiram Price; Third District, William B. Allison; Fourth District, William Loughridge; Fifth District, Grenville M. Dodge; Sixth District, Asahel W. Hubbard.

Forty-first Congress-1869 to 1871-First District, Geo. W. McCrary; Second District William Smyth; Third District, William B. Allison; Fourth District, William_Loughridge; Fifth District, Frank W. Palmer; Sixth District, Charles Pomeroy.

Forty-second Congress-1871 to 1873-First District, George W. McCrary; Second District, Aylett R. Cotton; Third District W. G. Donnan; Fourth District, Madison M. Walden; Fifth District, Frank W. Palmer; Sixth District, Jackson Grr.

Forty-third Congress-1873 to 1875-First District, Geo. W. McCrary; Second District, Aylett R. Cotton; Third District, William G. Donnan; Fourth District, Henry O. Pratt; Fifth District, James Wilson; Sixth District, William Loughridge; Seventh District, John A Kasson; Eighth District, James W. McDill; Ninth District, Jackson Orr.

Forty-fourth Congress-1875 to 1877-First District George W. McCrary; Second District, John Q. Tufts; Third District, L. L. Ainsworth; Fourth District, Henry O. Pratt; Fifth District, James Wilson; Sixth District, Ezekiel S. Sampson; Seventh District, John A. Kasson; Eighth District, James W. McDill; Ninth District, Addison Oliver.

Forty-fifth Congress-1877 to 1879--First District, J. C. Stone; Second District, Hiram Price; Third District, T. W. Burdick; Fourth District, H. C. Deering; Fifth District, Rush Clark; Sixth District, E. S. Sampson; Seventh District, H. J. B. Cummings; Eighth District, W. F. Sapp; Ninth District, Addison Oliver.

Forty-sixth Congress-1879 to 1881-First District, Moses A. McCoid; Second District, Hiram Price; Third District, Thomas Updegraff; Fourth District, H. C. Deering; Fifth District, Rush Clark; Sixth District, J. B. Weaver; Seventh District, E. H. Gillette; Eighth District, W. F. Sapp: Ninth District, Cyrus C. Carpenter.

STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

On the 14th of April, 1853, the following editorial appeared in the Fair field Ledger:

"STATE FAIR.-Iowa is an Agricultural State, but as yet her agricultura resources are but in the infancy of their development. In some counties

*Vacated seat by acceptance of commission of Brigadier General, and J. F. Wilson chosen his successor.

however, some attention has been paid to the organization of societies for the promotion of the interests of agriculture. These several societies have had their annual fairs, and in this way much good has been done, but the growing importance of our agricultural and industrial interest now demands a more general and extensive arrangement. Let us then have a State Agricultural Fair sometime in next October or November. Let some central point be fixed upon for an exhibition which will be an honor to our young State. It would not be expected that the first exhibition of the kind would vie with those of older States, where societies have long been established. But in a few years a well organized State Society with its annual fairs, would accomplish the same good results that have attended them in other States. The mechanical arts, as well as the raising of stock or grain, might be brought to a high state of perfection. We suggest that this matter be taken into consideration in time, and let there be a union of all the county societies that are organized, with such as may be organized, for the purpose of holding a general Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition next fall."

The suggestions of the foregoing article were heartily seconded by several papers of the State, and especially by the Iowa Farmer and Horticulturist, at Burlington.

No definite action was taken until the 14th day of October, 1853, when at the close of the Second Annual Exhibiton of the Jefferson County Agricultural Society, that Society met for the election of a board of officers. At this meeting C. W. Slagle offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That the officers of the Society be instructed to take immediate steps to effect the organiztion of a State Agricultural Society and use their influence to have said Society hold its first exhibition at Fairfield, in October, 1854.

This resolution was adopted, and on the 21st of November, a notice signed by P. L. Huyett, C. Baldwin, and J. M. Shaffer, was issued to the different county societies, inviting them to send delegates to a meeting to be held at Fairfield, December 28, 1853, to take part in the organization of a State Society. Pursuant to this call, the meeting was held, and delegates were present from the counties of Henry, Jefferson, Lee, Van Buren and Wapello. Communications from officers of societies, and one from Hon. James W. Grimes, were read, heartily approving of the movement. D. P. Ins keep, of Wapello county, was chairman of the meeting, and David Sheward, of Jefferson county, secretary. A committee was appointed which reported a constitution for the society. The society was duly organized with the folfollowing officers: Thomas W. Claggett, Lee county, President; D. P. Ins keep, Wapello county, Vice President; J. M. Shaffer, Jefferson county, Secretary; C. W. Slagle, Jefferson county, Corresponding Secretary, and W. B. Chamberlin, Des Moines county, Treasurer.

In addition to the above officers, the following were appointed a Board of Managers:

Lee County.-Arthur Bridgeman, Reuben Brackett, and Josiah Hinkle. Van Buren County.-Timothy Day, Dr. Elbert, and William Campbell. Henry County.-Thomas Siviter, Amos Lapham, and J. W. Frazier. Jefferson County.-P. L. Huyett, John Andrews, and B. B. Tuttle. Wapello County.-R. H. Warden, Gen. Ramsay, and Uriah Biggs. Mahaska County.-Wm. McKinley, Sr., John White, and M. T. Williams.

Polk County.-Dr. Brooks, Thomas Mitchell, and William McKay.

Des Moines County.-J. F. Tallant, A. K. Avery, and G. Neely. Louisa County.-George Kee, Francis Springer, and Joshua Marshall. Muscatine County.-J. H. Wallace, James Weed, and John A. Parvin. Dubuque County.-W. Y. Lovel, Orlando McCraney, and L. H. Lang worthy.

Johnson County.-R. H. Sylvester, LeGrand Byington, and C. Saunders. Scott County.-J. A. Burchard, James Thorington, and Laurel Summers.

A resolution was adopted providing that the first State Fair be held at Fairfield, commencing Wednesday, October 25, 1854. A resolution was also adopted for the appointment of a committee of five to memorialize the General Assembly for pecuniary aid, and the following were appointed: George W. McCleary, of Johnson county; George S. Hampton, of Johnson county; David Rorer, of Des Moines county; Ralph P. Lowe, of Lee county, and George Gillaspy, of Wapello county.

At this meeting the following fourteen persons affixed their signatures to the Constitution, agreeing to become members: Charles Negus, J. M. Shaffer, D. P. Inskeep, Amos Lapham, J. W. Frazier, Josiah Hinkle, J. T. Gibson, Stephen Frazier, Evan Marshall, Thomas Siviter, John Andrews, B. B. Tuttle, Eli Williams, and P. L. Huyett.

This meeting was held in the court house at Fairfield, and was not very largely attended, for at that time there was not a mile of railroad in the State.

THE FIRST STATE FAIR.

In accordance with the arrangement made at the organization of the Society, the first annual fair was held at Fairfield, commencing October 25th, 1854, and continued three days. The number of people in attendance was estimated at the time at from 7,000 to 8,000. The exhibition was considered a grand success. All portions of the State at that time settled, were represented by visitors. The fair was held on the grounds which have for many years been occupied as the depot grounds of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad. There was a fine display of stock, agricultural implements, farm products, and articles of domestic manufacture. In the ladies' department there was an attractive exhibit of their handi-work. The natural history of the State was illustrated by Dr. J. M. Shaffer's collection of reptiles and insects, and by a fine collection of birds shown by Mr. Moore, of Des Moines. The dairy was well represented, and a cheese weighing three hundred and sixty pounds was presented to Gov. Grimes by his Lee county friends.

The most exciting incident of the fair was the equestrian exhibition by ten ladies. This took place on the afternoon of the second and the forenoon of the third day. The first prize was a gold watch, valued at one hundred dollars. It was awarded by the committee to Miss Turner, of Keokuk. One of the fair contestants was Miss Eliza J. Hodges, then only thirteen years of age. She rode a splendid and high-spirited horse, the property of Dr. J. C. Ware, of Fairfield. The daring style of her riding, and the perfect control of the animal which she maintained, enlisted the favor and sympathy of the throng present in her behalf. The popular verdict would have awarded the prize to Miss Hodges. A purse of $165, and some other presents, were immediately contributed for the "Iowa City girl," as the heroine of the day was called. Provision was also made for her attendance,

free of all charge, for three terms, at the Ladies' Seminary at Fairfield, and one term at Mt. Pleasant, all of which she gracefully accepted.

George C. Dixon, of Keokuk, delivered the first annual address. Thomas W. Claggett was re-elected President, and Dr. J. M. Shaffer, Secretary. The second annual fair was appointed also to be held at Fairfield, commencing on the second Wednesday in October, 1855, and continuing three days.

Such is a brief account of the humble beginning, and first exhibition of the Iowa State Agricultural Society, which has since grown to be one of the important institutions of the State, attracting to its annual exhibits many thousands of people, not only from all parts of Iowa, but from other States.

THE FISH COMMISSION.

The Fifteenth General Assembly, in 1874, passed "An act to provide for the appointment of a Board of Fish Commissioners for the construction of Fishways for the protection and propagation of Fish," also "An act to provide for furnishing the rivers and lakes with fish and fish spawn." This act appropriated $3,000 for the purpose. In accordance with the provisions of the first act above mentioned, on the 9th of April, 1874, S. B. Evans of Ottumwa, Wapello county; B. F. Shaw of Jones county, and Charles A. Haines, of Black Hawk county were appointed to be Fish Commissioners by the Governor. These Commissioners met at Des Moines, May 10, 1874, and organized by the election of Mr. Evans, President; Mr. Shaw, Secretary and Superintendent, and Mr. Haines, Treasurer. During the first year the Commissioners erected a "hatching house" near Anamosa, and distributed within the State 100,000 shad, 300,000 California salmon, 10.000 bass, 80,000 Penobscot salmon, 5,000 land-locked salmon, and 20,000 of other kinds.

The next General Assembly amended the law, reducing the commission to one member, and B. F. Shaw was appointed. During the second year there were distributed 533,000 California salmon, and 100,000 young eels; in 1877, there were distributed 303,500 lake trout in the rivers and lakes of the State, and several hundred thousands of other species. During the years 1876 and 1877, the total number of different kinds distributed, and on hand, was over five and a half million. The Seventeenth General Assembly, by an act approved March 23, 1878, appropriated $6,000 for continuing the promotion of fish culture in the State. B. F. Shaw was con

tinued as Commissioner.

STATE ENCOURAGEMENT OF IMMIGRATION.

The first legislative act in Iowa designed to promote immigration, was passed in March, 1860. The law provided for the appointment by the Governor of a Commissioner of Immigration to reside and keep an office in the city of New York, from the first of May until the first of December of each year. It was made the duty of the Commissioner to give to immigrants information in regard to the soil and climate of the State, branches of business to be pursued with advantage, the cheapest and best routes by which to reach the State, and to protect them from imposition. To carry ont the objects of the law, the sum of $4,500 was appropriated to be applied as follows: for the payment of the Commissioner two years, $2,400;

for printing documents in English, German, and such other languages as the Governor might deem advisable, $1,000, and for office and office expenses for the Commissioner, $1,100. Under this law, Hon. N. J. Rusch, of Scott county, who had previously been Lieutenant Governor, was appointed Immigration Commissioner, and in May, 1860, established an office in New York. The object of the law seems to have had special reference to foreign immigration. The Commissioner in his report to the Governor, in December, 1861, gave it as his opinion, that the establishment of an agency in New York was not the most successful method of inducing immigration to a particular State. He thought far more could be accomplished at less expense by the distribution of documents. In February, 1862, the law was repealed, and the office of Commissioner of Immigration was discontinued May 1st of that year.

The next effort put forth by the State to promote immigration was under an act passed by the Thirteenth General Assembly, in 1870. Hon. M. J. Rohlfs, of Scott county, had at the previous session introduced a bill in the House of Representatives for the purpose, but the measure did not then succeed. At the next session he renewed his efforts with success. The law provided for the appointment by the Governor of a Board of Immigration, to consist of one member from each Congressional district, and the Governor, who was ex-officio President of the Board. It also provided for a Secretary, to be ex-officio Commissioner of Immigration, and to be chosen by the Board. Provision was also made for the appointment of agents in the Eastern States and in Europe, and for the publication and distribution of documents. To carry out its objects an appropriation of $5,000 was made. This was designed to pay expense of documents, salary of Secretary, and compensation of agents, the members of the Board receiving no compensation, except mileage for two meetings each year, to be paid out of the general fund. Under this law the following persons were appointed by Governor Merrill: Edward Mumm, of Lee county; M. J. Rohlfs, of Scott county; C. L. Clausen, of Mitchell county; C. Rhynsburger, of Marion county; S. F. Spofford, of Polk county, and Marcus Tuttle, of Cerro Gordo county. At their first meeting, held in April, 1870, they elected A. R. Fulton their Secretary, and authorized him to prepare a pamphlet for distribution, in the English, German, Holland, Swedish and Norwegian languages. Many thousands of copies of a pamphlet entitled "Iowa: The Home for Immigrants," were printed in the several languages named, and distributed throughout the East and in European countries. Many other pamphlets and documents were also distributed, and several agents commissioned. So successful were the efforts of the Board that the next General Assembly appropriated $10,000 for continuing the work. The amendatory law, however, reduced the Board to five members, including the Governor. The Board, as reduced, was composed of the following members: M. J. Rohlfs, of Scott county; S. F. Spofford, of Polk county; Marcus Tuttle, of Cerro Gordo county; C. V. Gardner, of Pottawattamie county, and the Governor. The new Board continued the former Secretary, and pursued its work by the distribution of documents, through agents and by correspondence. After four years existence the Board of Immigration was discontinued, but not until it had doubtless been the means of inducing thousands to find homes within the borders of Iowa.