Caldwell, ID
Home MenuMayoral History 1893-1928
Caldwell's first Mayor, Howard Sebree.
Served a 1-year term as Mayor in 1893 and again in 1901.
According to RootsWeb.com updated on 10/13/19, Howard Sebree was born near Owenton, KY on March 9, 1834 to Nimrod B. and Permelia Owens Sebree. Howard ran away from home when he was 17 years old, going to Frankfort, KY, and earned his apprenticeship in Blacksmithing 1855 and 1856 in Louisville, Kentucky. He followed the railroad to Salt Lake City in 1872.
When the Civil War commenced, Howard, an emphatic Southern sympathizer, was forced to leave the state and all of his property was confiscated. Howard recouped his assets working at his trade in Black Hawk, Colorado, during the years 1862-1866 when that town and its neighbor, Central City in Gilpin County, were feverish with a developing gold-mining boom. Howard then realized his dream of having a beautiful farm when he returned to the Midwest and accumulated 560 acres of land about thee miles south of Carthage, Illinois. Subsequent business activities in the West took Howard to Colorado, Wyoming (where he helped lay out the city of Cheyenne), Utah, Idaho, and Montana. As a contractor he built the Greeley, Colorado, canal in partnerships and alone he was involved in a variety of retail ventures, selling wagons, agricultural implements, groceries and dry goods. He owned forwarding and commission houses, manufacturing and banking firms. By 1892 Howard had liquidated most of his vast enterprise and retired to Caldwell, Idaho, a town he had helped lay out.
Throughout his life, he worked hard, traversing the yet untamed west, taking no less than 17 trips across the plains, establishing branches of his blacksmith shops in Blackhawk, CO & Leavenworth, WA and what is said to have been the largest blacksmith shop in the country located in Cheyenne, WY. He was approached with a request to leave Carthage, IL, and relocated to Salt Lake to open a store, and in 1870 Mr. Sebree did just that. With his wild success due to his honesty and business sense, branches were established in Utah, Montana and Idaho. These branches were bought out by the Church after a negotiation in 1884. He then relocated to Caldwell in 1885, organizing the Stockgrowers & Traders Bank and taking the presidency of the institution.
In 1887 he built the Sebree Canal, which carried water from Boise River to thousands of acres of land west of Caldwell. There is a Gulch between Boise and Mountain Home called Sebree Gulch. In 1888 he came to Caldwell, Idaho and helped organize the first Bank in Caldwell, the Stock Growers and Traders Bank. Two years later reorganized to First National Bank of Caldwell. He was President for 15 years.
In 1903, Howard Sebree, president of the First National Bank, told the Caldwell Tribune: "I realize the necessity for a good hotel in this town and am anxious to see one built." Because he was building a grand hotel, Sebree didn't expect profit from it for quite some time, and planned to build only if the city granted tax exemptions.
The Sebree's spared no expense to create an establishment "first class in all its appointments and fully up to the requirements of the place for many years." The steam heated building, 50 x 120 feet, had electricity, and included dining room, office, bar, and room for other offices. The second floor had suites, complete with bath and closets, and the third floor featured cheaper rooms. For $2.50 a night, each of its fifty rooms supplied hot and cold running water, steam heat, and electric light, courtesy of the Sebree's own Caldwell Power Company. The hotel could accommodate 150 people and was one of the largest hotels in the Northwest. The initial cost was $30,000 and an additional $10,000 to furnish it. In 1922-23 a fourth floor was added and the building was refurbished. Sadly, the building burned in 1990.
Howard Sebree was the Mayor, the President of First National Bank, the organizer and president of Stockgrowners & Traders, an entrepreneur, known for his integrity and honesty; a successful businessman, father and husband, and known fondly as "Uncle Howard" by Caldwell residents.
Mayor Montie B. (M.B.) Gwinn
Served a 1-year term as Mayor in 1894, and again in 1896
Montezuma "Montie" B. Gwinn was born in Boone, Iowa on September 16, 1857 to Rev. Robert M. and Martha Gwinn, who passed away when Montie was an infant. His father was the first regular missionary assigned to Idaho and it was said "No man was ever better suited for pioneer missionary work than Mr. Gwinn." He organized the First Methodist Church of Boise, the first to be organized in Idaho.
Montie moved to Boise when he was 14 years old and spent most of his life in Idaho and Oregon, in which states he is widely known as a representative of banking and financial interests, of real estate dealing and as an expert in the sheep industry. His education has been widely acquired in the school of experience.
On May 4th, 1881 Montie married Miss Delia Lake (born in Ohio). It appears that they did not have any children.
In the 1880's Montie B. Gwinn established the first store in Caldwell. It was a highly respected, stable general merchandise business owned by HUMPHREY AND GWINN. They dealt with groceries, dry goods, boots and shoes, hats and caps, and gentlemen’s toiletries, etc. They were centrally located on Front Avenue. The business was controlled by Mr. M.B. Gwinn.
In January 1890, the people of Caldwell voted to incorporate both Mayor and City Council seats, and promptly elected Montie B. Gwinn as the first elected Mayor. His reputation was that of an honest, hard-working businessman. M.B. was essential in settling and forming Caldwell through his work toward the setting of the Sebree Ditch, and his visits to Salt Lake to bring in investors. In 1896, his work earned him the title of "The Best Man in Idaho" according to the Caldwell Tribune, and a nomination for Idaho Governor. He worked hard to put Caldwell on the map, and was a well-respected member of the community. M.B. was the first appointed President to the State Board of Commerce, was managing director of the New York Life Insurance Company for Idaho and eastern Oregon, served as Chairman of the City Council, and was Vice President of both the Building and Loan Association, and the Board of Trade, he owned and nationalized the American National Bank in Pendleton, OR. M.B. was selected to be a representative for the Grand Encampment of Idaho when the Sovereign Grand Lodge was convened in Topeka, KS. Subsequently, he ran for and was elected as Caldwell's Mayor in 1894 and again in 1896.
In 1897 Montie received a land patent for the Greenleaf Timber Culture, an 80-acre section of land in Canyon, Idaho.
In 1925 Montie B. Gwinn received an Honorary Doctor of Law Degree from the College of Idaho.
Mayor Trowbridge C. Egleston
Served a 1-year term as Mayor in 1895
Trowbridge Clark Egleston was born in Madison, Ohio on June 18, 1857. He was one of three children born to Russell Searle Egleston and Elizabeth Trowbridge Egleston. He married Sarah B. Mann of Ohio in 1878 and later had two daughters, Florence and Ethel.
In 1892 Trowbridge relocated to Caldwell where he established a mercantile store, Frank R. Coffin & Brother in 1884. He purchased the store in 1892 where he remained the sole proprietor. He was a wholesale and retail dealer in hardware, stoves, tinware, groceries, provisions, wagons and farm machinery. His store was 40 x 125 feet with a basement, and also had two large storehouses where he kept his supply stock.
He was educated at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York and learned the hardware business in Albion. He worked at Pratt & Company in Buffalo for quite some time. He then became a traveling salesman for the Cambia Iron Company of Johnstown, Pennsylvania and later traveled for the Simmons Hardware Company of St. Louis. His travels and education led him to Caldwell, where he purchased the hardware store. He controlled a trade that was quite extensive in the area.
According to The Strangest Names In American Political History, dated September 28, 2014, in 1894 he became a Republican candidate for the Mayor of Caldwell. He won the election and served for one term in 1895, being noted as "having taken a considerable interest always in public affairs and looking ever to the welfare of the city and country."
In the years following his mayoralty Egleston continued to be active in Caldwell politics and business, and in 1903 was tapped by then Governor John Tracy Morrison to succeed Rees H. Davis as State Commissioner of Immigration, Labor and Statistics. During his term in office, Egleston compiled a state "irrigation census" for Idaho, noting in May 1904 that the "state has 2,422 miles of main irrigation canals" and that "the cost of construction of these canals was $5,446,180."
Fraternally he was a Mason, having received the degrees of Blue Lodge and Chapter.
Mayor George L. Alley
Served a 1-year term as Mayor in 1897
George Larkin Alley Sr. was born on December 28, 1864 in Harrison, Missouri and was one of eleven children born to Elanson McCarty Alley Sr. and Louisa Ann Elizabeth Flint. He married Mary Etta Baker on January 14th, 1886 in Ridgeway, Missouri. They were the parents of six sons, Harry, James, Robert, Montie and George Jr. She died of consumption on December 28, 1907. He was married three times: Mary Etta Baker (1868-1907), Lula Casford (1873-1935), and Mary Lucy Wells (1878-1960).
George attended Western Normal College (Iowa) and became a telegrapher. He eventually became a General Baggage Agent for the Oregon Short Line and the Union Pacific Railroad, a position he held for over 20 years.
Around the age of 25 George started suffering from rheumatism. At one point in May 1889 he was suffering so badly that he had to be carried into the car, then he and his family traveled to Ogden, UT to test the efficiency of the hot springs as a cure. And it was also reported that in April 1896 he had such a severe attack that he was confined to his room for several days.
George was not without a sense of humor, and in March 1891 he participated in the "Handsome Man" contest. According to the Caldwell Tribune, "Voting for the handsome man was quite spirited this week. The vote, however, was very scattering, there being so much masculine beauty in Caldwell that it is difficult to decide who does possess the most physical charms. In fact Caldwell gentlemen possess a reputation for beauty as well as enterprise, and a finer looking body of men cannot be found in Idaho. "
In August 1893 George traveled with A.F. Isham (Caldwell Mayor 1900) to Wood River and enjoyed several hours of fishing together. According to the Caldwell Tribune "They say the streams are fairly alive with the speckled beauties and that it is no uncommon thing for an angler to catch several hundred pound in a day."
In 1896 George Alley was nominated as one of the State Representatives. An article in the Caldwell Tribune stated "Mr. George Alley was selected above all others as the proper man. Mr. Alley is possessed of excellent parts. He has upon many occasions occupied positions of trust and responsibility in this city, and no man has ever dared breathe a whisper against his conduct." And in 1897 George Alley won the Mayoral election for the City of Caldwell over T. W. Boone with a vote of 157 - 76.
In 1913 George had a close call with a tornado in Omaha, NE. He is quoted in the Monpelier Examiner as saying "the cyclone passed too close to where he was to be comfortable, but he did not realize the danger he was in until he saw a large tree, a half block from him, torn up by its roots and buildings demolished, as if they were only mere shacks."
Fraternally George was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He died December 7, 1948 at the age of 83, and was buried in Long Beach California.
Mayor Charles S. Doan
Served a 1-year term as Mayor in 1898
Charles Seth Doan was born January 19, 1862 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Seth (41 years of age) and Mary (21 years of age) Doan. He married Bessie Page Hawley in 1890 in Massachusetts at the age of 28.
In April 1889 Mr. Doan was appointed county treasurer of Logan County, ID with an annual salary of $300 a year where he remained for 1 year. At the same time he was also the manager of the Howard Sebree Company in Shoshone, ID.
In 1890 he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Shoshone Falls Power & Electric Co. This same year he acquired a patent for 40 acres of land.
In 1891 he was appointed treasurer of the newly created county of Lincoln, ID and forfeited the treasurer seat of the now defunct county of Logan, ID. At that time he filed a lawsuit restraining people from removing records and property pertaining to the county seat of Logan.
In February 1895 Doan purchased an interest and became manager of the DeLamar Commercial Company that sold general merchandise, after it was reorganized with new capital. He remained in this position until the company was dissolved in October 1895 and he then moved to Caldwell, ID.
In January 1896 C.S. Doan was appointed to the Board of Director of T.C. Egleston & Co., Ltd.
In January 1898 he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the newly incorporated Little & Boone Co. which started with a capital of $25,000. This same month he purchased an option of land on Main Street in Boise, ID.
April 9, 1898 C.S. Doan won the Caldwell Mayoral election over George Alley 174 - 149. He served for one year.
In early 1900 Doan became the manager of the Caldwell Forwarding Company. In October of that same year he partnered with Howard Sebree to purchase property on Main Street.
March 1901 Doan was elected secretary of the Canyon, Boise and Owyhee Wool Growers' Association. Around that same time he partnered with Mr. Hay to form the Doan & Hay Co. grocery and hardware store.
May 1903 C. S. Doan became the vice president of the newly formed Building & Loan Association. This was the first business of it's kind created to help townspeople own their own homes. By 1907 the Building & Loan Association had helped make 90 loans, which meant 90 new residences were built.
In September 1903 he was one of 3 men appointed to supervise the laying of the new sewage system in Caldwell. The plans were finalized in October, work commenced in February 1904 and was completed in September 1904.
October 1903 Doan was appointed to the Board of Director for the Canyon County Fair, where he remained until his appointment to the Board of Directors of the Idaho State Fair in November 1916.
January 2, 1904 Doan became seriously ill from scarlet fever, but thankfully recovered later that same week.
March 1904 Doan was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Saratoga Hotel Company. June 1904 he was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Caldwell Building & Loan Assoc., and in 1910 was appointed as president.
January 1905 Doan was one of the leaders in the fight against the "two-mile law" for the Idaho Wool Growers' Association. The law made it illegal for sheep to be grazed or herded on the "possessory claims" of others or to be grazed within 2 miles of any dwelling.
In August 1906 Doan was one of the supporters of building the railroad from Butte, MT to San Francisco, CA. The railroad would cross the Oregon Short Line in Caldwell and was believed that with that, Caldwell was to become the metropolis of Idaho within five years.
January 1908 Doan was appointed to the committee to help create and fund a $125,000 endowment & building fund for the College of Idaho. This fund would forever be known as "The Boone Foundation", named after the current standing president Mr. Judson Boone. In April of that same year, Doan was appointed to the Board of Governors for the Caldwell Commercial Club, where he continued to serve in several roles until 1917.
January 1910 Doan was appointed to the Advisory Board of the reorganized Idaho Mortgage Securities Company. In May of that same year he gave birth to the idea and was appointed to the committee to raise money for the purchase of 15 acres of land on the old Ed Curtis homestead. This tract of land would then be deeded over to the city for a public park. Upon it's completion, this would be known as Curtis Park. Doan was one of the principal financial backers of the park.
March 1911 C.S. Doan was nominated to again run for Mayor for the City of Caldwell, where he "absolutely declined" the nomination.
Throughout most of his adult life Doan was a member of the Mason's. In November 1912 he donated several lots at the corner of 6th & Arthur for the new Masonic Temple. A building that is still standing today.
January 1915 the Union delivery service overseen by President C. S. Doan implemented a 4-trip-a-day delivery service. This service would provide deliveries every 2 hours to every business and home in the city.
He died on December 21, 1943 at the age of 81. Upon his death he left a bequest well in excess of $100,000 to the Children's Home Finding.
Mayor George Little
Served a 1-year term as Mayor in 1899
George Little was born in Daviess County, KY, July 15, 1839, and was of Scotch and English descent. In politics Judge Little's father was a Democrat and served as presidential elector in 1856, casting his vote for James Buchanan. In a political altercation with a Know-nothing he was shot and killed, leaving a family of 3 children. His mother died when she was 29 year of her age.
George Little was educated in the public schools of his native town, and during the great civil war gave his support to the Union. He believed that any attempt to destroy the power of the national government was absolutely wrong, which led him to join Company M, Seventeenth Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry, serving in Mississippi and Tennessee. He participated in a number of battles and was wounded in the thigh by a guerrilla. At the end of his term of service he engaged in merchandising on Green River, Kentucky, and joined a regiment which was organized for home protection, of which he was given the command of Major. This aroused the special ire of the guerrilla bands, who destroyed his store by fire and took him prisoner, but he was afterward rescued by a company of Kentucky cavalry. George Little then went to Louisville and enlisted in the regular army, serving on the regimental staff of General John Gibbon for 3 years.
In 1875 George Little was married, in Laramie, Wyoming, to Miss Flora Cameron, a native of Canada and of Scotch descent. They had 2 children: Edna, who attained a high reputation as a successful teacher in the Moscow high school; and Wesley, born September 1886, who attended college in Caldwell. In 1885 they had a son, who sadly passed away after only a few hours. The Judge was a lifelong Republican who supported the free-silver wing of the Party. He was made a Mason in Laramie Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M., of Laramie, Wyoming, and is a charter member and past master of Essene Lodge, No. 22, of Caldwell. Both he and his wife were active members of the Presbyterian Church, which he was a part of since the age of 16, and was superintendent of the Presbyterian Sunday School in Caldwell. He was a man of strong mentality, of broad humanitarian principles and kind motives. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed, and whether on the field of battle protecting the stars and stripes or in local political office, he is true to his country and its best interests, a loyal and patriotic citizen.
On the close of the war he resumed merchandising in the town of Laramie, Wyoming, where he remained for 16 years. During that time he served as postmaster of Laramie by appointment of President Grant, and also held important County offices.
In 1884 he organized a party to colonize the Deer Flat area under the Desert Claim Act. And was one of the incorporators of the Manhattan Gold Mining and Canal Company. He also became the Grand Marshall of the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows.
In March 1884 he came to Caldwell, where he established a drug store under the name of Gramm & Little. By June of that same year he had consolidated with the drug store Cox & Martin to become Little, Cox & Co., Drugs. However, by March 1885 the company Little, Cox & Co, Drugs dissolved and Little resumed his merchandising store under the name George Little & Co. He later partnered with Mr. Blatchley to form the company Little & Blatchley Drug Store, but sadly he was forced to dissolve this partnership due to ill health in June 1889.
Hoping that a change of climate would prove beneficial, in late 1889 he sought the higher altitude of the Jordan valley, in Oregon, where he ran a general mercantile store. But it was not successful and he returned to Caldwell. During that time he remained connected with the public service. He was district clerk and deputy auditor and recorder for 2 years, and since that time has been twice elected probate judge, together with that of superintendent of public instruction in Canyon County. His extreme fairness makes him especially capable in the former office, while his liberal mental culture, and deep interest in the cause of education render his service in the latter position extremely effective.
On February 2, 1889, not long after the establishment of the Caldwell Fire Department, a City ordinance was passed by Mayor George Little stating that all able-bodied men are required by law to respond to a fire alarm. In 1909, Caldwell Fire Department was formalized and City ordinances were combined to create the first set of Rules and Regulations adhered by the Caldwell Fire Department. The Caldwell Fire Department has a rich history dating back to the establishment of the first Hook and Ladder Company.
George Little died on July 10, 1913 at the age of 73 in California.
Mayor A.F. Isham
Served a 1-year term as Mayor in 1900
Dr. A.F. Isham was born as Williston Isham in Burlington, Vermont on February 10, 1858. He married Miss Lida M. Johnson on June 28, 1885. They had four children: Mary; Elsie, Helen and Henry, Jr.
He graduated from the University of Vermont on June 26, 1882. Throughout his career he maintained a great interest in the science of medicine and kept abreast of the new trends. During one of his trips to his old alma mater he was given the honor of the Vice Presidency of the College Alumni of the medical department.
Dr. Isham moved to Idaho in the fall of 1883 with a 6 month layover in Green River City, WY to do surgical work there. When he arrived in Idaho, Caldwell was a tent town. One of the first buildings was the hotel that was moved 5 miles into town on rollers. Upon his arrival to Caldwell he immediately assumed the duties of surgeon for the Oregon Short Line Railroad where he served for 14 year.
He didn't confine his efforts to the practice of medicine. He also ran the Isham Drug Store at 623 Main out of the Opera House that he owned with A. A. Hoover (they were among the 5 first town officers of Caldwell). He was also the first president of the First National Bank of Emmett, ID, an office that he held for 5 years. He was the vice president of the Peoples Bank of Cambridge, ID for 10 years, an organization in which he assisted in organizing and where he remained a stockholder in this bank for many years to come. He was the director of the First Bank of Vale, OR, and was on the building committee which erected the first fine hotel in Vale. He was the director of the First National Bank of Caldwell for 5 years and remained as a stockholder. He founded and ran the Idaho Milling & Feed Company. He had 500 farmers as his customers and turned out 8 train carloads of product per year. He invested in many different properties, which included 5 farms that he rented out and many improved properties as well. He was known through all of his business transactions to have "displayed notably sound judgment and keen sagacity, which have enable him to avoid the unwarranted risks and failures into which unrestricted progressiveness is so frequently lod."
Dr. Isham had many fraternal interest, in which he was very active. He served as master of the Blue Lodge in Masonry, he was a member of the Boise Chapter, R.A.M., the Knights Templar Commandery and the Mystic Shrine for 19 years. He held every office in the Odd Fellows organization and was the grand high priest of the Grand Encampment.
When Dr. Isham first arrived to Caldwell he recalled that there was no irrigation system, very few houses and the country had the appearance of an undeveloped desert. He was a member of the Caldwell Building & Loan Association for 7 years, during which they built 117 houses.
Dr. A.F. Isham served as Mayor of Caldwell in 1900, was president of the City Council in 1902 and was a member of the council for 3 terms. He also served on the school board for 2 years.
Mayor John C. Rice
Served a 1-year term as Mayor in 1902
John Campbell Rice was born January 27, 1864 in Cass County, IL, the 8th child in a family of 11 children. He was the son of Elbert Gallatin and Mary Ann Rice, and of Welsh descent. His ancestry traces back to Welsh emigrants who were one of the first to colonize Massachusetts during the early settlement of America.
He married Maude M. Beshears in Caldwell, ID in 1895. Together they had five children, Elbert G. (Olympia, WA); Homer B. (Wilder, ID); Martha Ann (Caldwell, ID); Mary Lois (Caldwell, ID); and Josephine Eva (Portland, OR). Maude passed away on June 30, 1923 at the age of 46.
Rice was educated at Illinois College in Jacksonville (1885) receiving an A.B. degree, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor (1888) receiving an A.M. degree and Cornell University in Ithica, NY (1890) where he received an LL.B. degree. He was an associate justice of the Idaho Supreme Court and served as the Chief Justice of the court from 1922 to 1923. However, he was most proud of the honorary degree of Law that was conferred on him in 1935 by Cornell University.
Rice was one of the organizers of the Commercial Bank of Caldwell in 1894, and continued to be the president even after consolidation until 1923 when he retired. He was also one of the organizers of the Canyon Abstract and Trust company in 1908 and a prominent member of the bar of Canyon County. In 1891 he moved to Caldwell and entered into law practice with a Cornell University classmate, John T. Morrison. In 1892 Rice helped organize the College of Idaho, teaching classes and serving as a trustee. He was chairman of the board at the time of his death. He served in the Idaho House of Representatives for a 2-year term from 1897 to 1899 and was elected Mayor of Caldwell for a 1-year term in 1902. He was elected to a 6-year term as an Associate Justice for the Idaho Supreme Court in 1917, and served as Chief Justice from 1922-1923. In 1931 Rice became a judge in Idaho's 7th Judicial District, which included the counties of Adams, Canyon, Gem, Payette, Valley and Washington. He continued in that office until his death.
Judge Rice was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and showed a great deal of interest in its work. He was an elder of the Christian Church of Caldwell which he also helped to organize. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic Lodge.
Politically Rice was a Democrat in which the judge watched with alarm the expanding government.
Rice died on November 7, 1937 at the age of 73 while walking home from church in Caldwell, Idaho. He died 3 days prior to his opening his 7th fall term of district court. He is buried at the Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell.
Mayor A.K. Steunenberg
Served a 1-year term as Mayor in 1903
Albert K. Steunenberg was born of sturdy Dutch stock and was one of 10 children born to B. and Corinne (Keppel) Steunenberg, Holland natives. He was born in Knoxville, Iowa, on September 11, 1863. He married Miss Carrie Coulter in 1890 in Des Moines, IA and together they had 3 children, Bess; Ancil K. & Thomas. Although he had many duties and responsibilities he never lacked time to devote to his home and family.
He received his education in his home town and later learned the printing trade. After 4 years of persistent labor, during which he held various positions and had become very familiar with every detail of the business, he became a journeyman printer. In 1886 A.K. Steunenberg and his brother, Frank (future Governor of Idaho) moved to Caldwell to purchase the type and equipment of the Tribune Press Newspaper, which was at that time in financial straits. Within a short time they had resuscitated it into a successful business and a representative journal. The brothers were both practical printers and men of sound judgement and business ability. They were instrumental in bringing Caldwell to the front as one of the livelier towns of the state. Though they were affiliated with the Democratic Party personally, they edited the paper as an independent journal and continued with the publication until 1893.
One of the pleasant things in his life was the close relationship and mutual dependence that existed between A.K. and Frank, although their tastes and abilities differed. Frank went into politics and won a place both in the state and the nation because of his fearless stand for law and order. Steunenberg was one of the most prominent financiers of the state. His brother Frank Steunenberg was a former governor of Idaho who was assassinated December 30, 1905. Up until the day of Frank's death, Frank went to A.K. for advice and counsel, as did A.K. to him.
After the sale of the Tribune he purchased a new plant and issued the first Odd Fellow paper in the state, which he published for about a year. His next investment was the establishment of the Commercial Bank of Caldwell which was established in 1895 where he served as the cashier. During his 5 year tenure the bank flourished to a capital stock of $25,000 and an annual dividend of 10 cents to the stockholders. The bank soon outgrew its current quarters and reincorporated with larger capital and a new building was erected in 1903. About this same time he planned and established a chain of banks throughout the state and was successful in this because of his keen insight into business opportunities. He was a student, thoroughly mastering financial problems, and at the time of his death he was recognized as one of the foremost bankers in the northwest.
Steunenberg never craved public office, but was always a leader. He served as a member of the City Council and as a school trustee merely because he was strongly urged to do so for the benefit of the town. He was elected Mayor of Caldwell in 1902 and served a 1-year term. He was a keen thinker along political, social and industrial lines, a student, but also a man of quick, decisive action and sound judgement.
Fraternally Steunenberg was one of the most prominent members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having held the position of Grand Secretary from 1888 to 1899 and was elected Grand Master and Grand Representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge. He was also prominently connected with the Knights of Pythias.
Through the years his income increased and it was largely through his efforts that the city had many of its brick buildings. He was not a financial coward when it came to his city and home town that he loved. He ventured where a less fearless man would have hesitated.
Their home located at 409 N. Kimball Street was a 2-story Colonial Revival expansion which was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and still stands today.
He died March 16, 1907 in Caldwell, ID at the age of 43. His death was the result of a complication from a cancerous growth obstructing the duct leading from the gall bladder and chronic liver trouble, from which he had suffered for several months. He is buried in the Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell.
Mayor T.K. Little
Served a 1-year term as Mayor in 1904
Thomas Kirkwood Little was born October 26, 1850 to George Little and Isabre Wilson in the northern part of Ireland, in the town of Mohill, county of Leitrim. He married Miss Minnie Hollecker of Ottawa, IL on February 24, 1879. They had one child, a daughter named Anabelle Little (Brownell).
After completing his elementary education he began serving an apprenticeship in a dry goods store in Longford, Ireland where he earned the esteem and trust of his employers. He became obsessed with earning his fortune in America, so he sailed to the American shores and then continued west to Chicago. There he attended Bryant & Stratton's College and learned practical commercial training. After graduation he was offered a good position at a large wholesale dry goods house, John V. Farwell & Company where he served faithfully for 21 years. Naturally he became thoroughly acquainted with all the departments of the business. For several years he traveled, almost exclusively in Michigan, for the company and became well versed in the retail and wholesale trade. He became well qualified to carry on a business of his own, and in 1891 a stock company was formed in Caldwell with Montie B. Gwinn as president and Thomas K. Little as Vice President. Three years later Mr. Little and Ernest Boone bought out the Montie B. Gwinn interests. But in January 1898 Mr. Little purchased his partner's interest and remained as a sole proprietor in the merchandising business which carried dry goods, clothing, furnishing goods, hats and caps, boots and shoes, carpets and general supplies.
Little always took a deep interest in the development and growth of the town and was involved in all local improvements and enterprises which would permanently benefit his local community. Though he gave great attention to his business dealings, he also found time for his patriotic duties. He always supported the nominees and measures of the Republican Party. In 1904 Little was elected Mayor of Caldwell, with the endorsement of Mayor A.K. Steunenberg, beating out R.S. Madden with a vote of 275 - 246. He believed in continuing improvements and had the moral and material interests of Caldwell well looked after.
January 15, 1899 Mr. Little purchased the Lucas block (renamed as the Little block, and today is known as the Harmon block), and remodeled the 1 1/2-story Queen Anne style house in 1906 that he resided in. It was one of the finest and most modern homes in the state. It was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and is located at 703 E. Belmont St., Caldwell.
In 1909 he closed his dry goods business, and in 1910 the Littles sold their house and moved from Caldwell to Boise.
He died February 21, 1918 at the age of 67 from fracturing his hip and also having acute intestinal obstruction.
Mayor Ross S. Madden
Served a 2-year term as Mayor in 1905 - 1906
Roscoe Shirley Madden was born on June 2, 1870 in Boise Valley, Idaho. He was one of 10 children born to Charles Francis & Ella Frances (Coleman) Madden. He married Marietta Alberta Dodd on July 21, 1897. Together they had 2 children, Dodd Edward "Ned" (1898) and Helen (1900).
Madden came to Caldwell in 1894. He was thoroughly respected for his honesty and business ability, and was one of the earliest members of the business circles of Caldwell. He started working in the implement business, while also engaging in the abstract of title business. For a while he owned the only official set of abstracts in the county. Although very successful in these ventures, he decided to cast his lot in the real estate business, and in July 1, 1904, while continuing in his implement and title businesses, joined forces with L.H. Lowell real estate company to form the firm of Lowell & Madden. He later partnered with Mr. H. J. Zeh to form the company Madden & Zeh. But by January 1911 O. V. Badley purchased the interests of Mr. Zeh and they created the firm Madden & Badley. In September 1911 T.M. Nichol combined forces with Madden & Badley to form the real estate firm known as Madden, Nichol and Badley Real Estate Company, which was known for its honest dealings and which owned some of the most valuable land in the county.
Ross Madden was a lifelong member of the Democratic Party and was very active in their work. In 1894 he was elected as a delegate in the populist primary for the Caldwell precinct to attend the Peoples Party County Convention, where he was elected to serve as Treasurer. He served as Treasurer of Canyon County for 1 term and was also a member of the City Council. In 1897 he served as the Sheriff's deputy for 2 years, and was appointed again in 1907. In 1905 he was elected Mayor of the City of Caldwell. And after proving his trustworthiness to the people, in 1910 he was then elected to represent them in the State Legislature. While Mayor, Madden was known for abolishing the Redlight district, regulating the saloons and adopting the early closing of businesses during the week, and enforced the Sunday closing law. Madden was described in the August 17, 1907 Caldwell Tribune as "an unpretentious looking little cuss, with a good-natured, friendly boyish appearance, like he wanted to be on good terms with all mankind, but underneath it all is a mighty strong will. All his friends and enemies combined could not make him do what he believes is not on the level." Madden also served as president of the Canyon County Abstract and Trust Company of Caldwell.
He had a great interest in education, and as such was elected President of the school board, a position he held for 2 years.
In the fraternal societies he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a very active member of the Methodist church where he was elected to several positions. He was the President of the board of trustees and was also a very generous contributor.
He died on April 20, 1949 in Caldwell, ID at the age of 78 and was buried in Caldwell at the Canyon Hill Cemetery.
Mayor C.C. Smith
Served a 2-year term as Mayor in 1907 - 1908
Charles C. "Charlie" Smith was born on February 1, 1859 in Libertyville, Jefferson, IA to Edward James Smith, age 21 and Alicy Jane Glenn, age 20. He had six sisters, Jessie & Mary E. (twins) born July 27, 1863, Ella born in June 2, 1864, Florence Evelyn born September 8, 1866, Mary born in 1868 and Lucinda Mae born May 4, 1869.
He married Lerah Catherine "Kate" Clemens on December 18, 1881 when he was 22 years old. Together they had two children, a daughter Bertha Mabel, born September 2, 1882 and a son Edward Clyde, born August 22, 1886. Sadly Kate passed away on March 4, 1900 when she was 37 years old. Charles remarried Pernetta C. Stephenson on October 20, 1902 when he was 43 years old. In 1904 he built a house and moved his family to a large ranch on Deer Flat that he owned and managed.
Charles moved to Caldwell, ID when he was 10 years old with his father. He went to Long Valley from Caldwell engaging in the stock business for a number of years. From Long Valley he went to Boise, remaining there for 2 year. He then located to Ontario, Oregon where he married Mrs. Permeta Stevens. He returned to Caldwell and became very well known for his fine saddle and harness craftsmanship. He was granted several patents for his creations during his career, some as early as 1887. He established the C. C. Smith, Harness and Saddlery Shop located on Kimball Ave., in Caldwell in the early 1900's. He donated many saddles and harnesses to youth contests at the Canyon County Fair, such as the 1/2 mile race ridden by boys under 12 years or younger and the Best Boys Saddle Horse shown by boys 12 year or younger, and also donated a carriage robe for the best matched buggy team shown to harness and driven by the owner.
In 1904 he was elected as a delegate to attend the Republican Primaries in Nampa and in 1905 Charles was elected to the City Council.
In 1907 he was elected Mayor of Caldwell. May 1908 he issued a proclamation that Tuesday, May 19th would be set aside as Caldwell Clean-Up Day and that the people of the city "should cease from their regular vocations and remove from the streets and alleys weeds and such things as are offensive to the sight, injurious to health, obnoxious to cleanliness, or noisome to the smelling." In October 1908 he sold negotiable municipal coupon bonds for the city in the amount of $5,000.00 to raise money for the construction of a wagon bridge across Indian Creek at the intersection of 7th Street. And on February 12, 1909 he issued a Proclamation in honor of Abraham Lincoln in recognition of his eminent services rendered his country by the martyr president, and that "this day would be known as a legal holiday within the confines of the City of Caldwell that all public building be appropriately decorated, and that the citizens of the city cease from their customary vocations on that day and spend the time in fitting commemoration of the life and deeds of this splendid exemplar of American manhood, Abraham Lincoln." Smith ran for Mayoral reelection on the Citizen's Ticket in 1909 but lost to Justin B. Gowen who ran on the Progressive Taxpayer's Ticket.
Fraternally he became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1904 and was also a member of the Rebekah's.
On July 15, 1910 it was reported in the Caldwell Tribune that C. C. Smith was down with typhoid fever, and was getting along as well as can be expected. However, on November 4th, 1910 it was reported in the same journal that on November 1, 1910 in Caldwell, Idaho after a 2 week illness he died from said illness. He was 51 years old.
Mayor Justin B. Gowen
Served a 2-year term as Mayor in 1909 - 1910
Justin B. "Jess" Gowen was born August 6, 1866 in Warsaw, Rice, Minnesota to John Brackett Gowen and Maria Louise Taylor. He married Antoinette Marie Wasmer January 8, 1891 in Nebraska. Together they had 7 children; William Wasmer, Lloyd Byron, Daphne Eileen, Justin Byron, Octavia Louise, Ralph Byron, and Paul R.
Justin moved to Caldwell in 1896 and started the family business called The Caldwell Forwarding Company and in 1901 moved his family to Caldwell. He was active in the early days of planning the affairs in Caldwell and assisted in planning the rose gardens where he later became the head and official caretaker of the beautiful Caldwell municipal rose gardens.
In politics Gowen was the Republican County Chairman and was a member of the State Legislature. He was elected as the state game warden in 1914 and served as Caldwell Mayor in 1909. He served as the postmaster from 1922-1934, was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Nation Guard finance department from 1927-1934 and held many state and county offices.
In civic duties, Gowen was a one-time Idaho-Utah district governor of the Kiwanis organization for 2 years and had a perfect attendance record for 26 years at the local club meetings. He was also a degree mason.
Mr. Gowen died on July 3, 1939 of a heart attack after complaining earlier that morning of not feeling well. He had been ill for quite a while, but felt well enough to tend to the Caldwell City rose garden and his own yard, attend City Council meetings as head of the north and as building inspector, and wrote the daily Kiwanis letters to local members.
Mayor Walter Griffiths
Served a 2-year term as Mayor in 1911 - 1912
Walter Griffiths was born June 3, 1866 near Nauvoo, Illinois.
When Walter was a young adult he lived in Colorado where he built a homestead. He received the degrees of A. B. and A. M. from the University of Kansas, and the next year earned his Master's degree. The following year he took a course in law from the University of Kansas, then spent one year at the University of California where he earned a law degree. He then moved to San Francisco where he entered the Hasting's Law College. He graduated in 1900 and moved to Idaho the same year. He become a legal partner with his brother Henry (H.A.) Griffiths, in the law practice of Griffiths & Griffiths Law Office in Caldwell, Idaho. There he began to gather clients, acres and honors.
On Aug. 11, 1909, the Mercury reported, "A wedding of much interest to San Joseans, in Berkeley when Miss Nellie Mabe Borton became the wife of Mr. Walter Griffiths of Caldwell, Idaho. The bride is the daughter of Mr. William F. (deceased) and Mrs. Barbara J. Borton. She is a graduate of the State Normal of this city and has been teaching for the past few years in the school department of Berkeley. Walter is a classmate of Fred E. Borton, of Bakersfield, the bride's brother. Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths will reside in Caldwell, Idaho."
Walter became Mayor of Caldwell in 1911, where he served for 2 years. He was unanimously re-nominated for Mayor in 1913 by the taxpayers' party, but lost the election to Charles H. Turner. He held the position of president of the Commercial Club, director and vice-president of the Boise Water Users Association and director of The First National Bank.
Nellie passed away at the age of 40 on April 5, 1913. There are no dates on Nellie's grave marker. Her estimated year of birth is from census records where she is listed as Walter Griffiths' wife in the 1910 census of Caldwell, Canyon County, Idaho, but she also appears in the 1910 census of Kern County, Calif., with her brother, Fred E. Borton and his family in Bakersfield; she was employed as a legal assistant, probably in Fred's law office (he was one of the founders of the Borton Petrini law firm). The census lists her as married with no children. Nellie and Water Griffiths may have divorced before her death, since her mother served as the executor of her estate.
Walter died on December 26, 1955 at the age of 89.
Mayor Charles H. Turner
Served a 2-year term as Mayor in 1913 - 1914
Charles H. Turner was born in Taylor, Iowa January 20, 1861. He moved to Kansas in 1876 with his parents where he lived for 27 years. At the age of 20 he became the overseer of his father's interests. In 1887 the Kansas Town and Land Company located the town of Agra on a part of the Turner farm and Charles devoted much of his time to the town's improvement. He opened a general merchandise store and started a newspaper, The Agra News. In 1894 he was elected general manager of the Agra Shipping Association. He married Olive M. Barney of Salem, Iowa in 1889. Together they had 7 children, 6 sons (Leland "Lee", Ray, Edward, Theodore, Thomas and John) and 1 daughter (Zoe).
He was honored to hold a seat in the Kansas State Legislature from 1897-1898. In 1902 he moved to Caldwell, Idaho. In April, 1903 he purchased a large parcel (over 600 acres) of land and moved his horse & mule business headquarters. He went into business with W. C. Haley of Nashville, Tennessee, forming the company Haley & Turner. He later founded the Caldwell Horse and Mule Company and was a very successful horse and mule trader where he quickly earned the title of the "horse king of Idaho". A few months later, in August, 1903 he purchased a house and acreage on Main Street to move his family from Kansas to Caldwell.
According to a Caldwell Tribune article titled "A Million Dollar Business - That of Haley & Turner--Leaders of the Horse Industry in Southern Idaho" published October 16, 1909 (6 years after moving their business to Idaho), Caldwell quickly became the leading horse market in Southern Idaho and Eastern Oregon. Haley & Turner dealt in all classes or horses and mules, from working stock to royal bloodlines, and handled hundreds of head annually with the promise that "if any animal did not measure up fully to their representations that they would refund the money without quibbling", and they staunchly stood by the opinion of "no money is worth making that unmakes the man". With that policy they quickly built up a loyal following for having the courage to stand up against the conventional methods of horse traders to prey on the innocent, ignorant and gullible. Their price range for their stallions was between $500- $3,000, with their average sales price of $100, which included jacks and mules. This same year they completed a contract with the U.S. Government to supply 200 head for the cavalry service, and also supplied hundreds of horses for the British government during their Boer War. They supplied horses to countries as far away as Canada and the Philippines, as well as supplying stock to dozens of transfer companies throughout the United States. The next year he opened his own business called "Turner's Horse Market", which was one of the finest sales stables in the state.
In February 1911 he was elected to the Canyon County Fair board, and two years later, in March 1913 he ran as a Caldwell Mayoral candidate for the Citizens' Party on the platform of reducing taxes. That same month he was working on finalizing the details of a two year endeavor of bringing into Caldwell one of the biggest meat packing plants in the state. It would cover 80 acres, and cost $100,000 to construct. On April 4, 1913, Turner won the Mayoral election with one of the biggest voter turnouts ever recorded to that point, with all of the nominees for the Citizens' Party winning their elections.
In December 1912 the Turner family moved into the A.K. Steunenberg house at 420 Kimball Ave. and in April 1915 it was reported in the Caldwell Tribune that Turner was making improvements to his home that was located at the corner of Kimball & Chicago by adding a cement wall between Kimball & 7th, and cement sidewalks along Chicago.
In May 1914 Mayor Turner's eldest son Lee was abroad on the marine battleship South Dakota in Mexican waters where he saw some of the heaviest fighting that the American forces engaged in. It was reported in the April 1914 issue of the Caldwell Tribune that he had returned home and was trying to recover from the effects of a gas attack.
Over many years C. H. Turner assisted with supplying thousands of horses for the war efforts of the U.S., France, Italy and Great Britain troops. Over those couple of years those same countries would purchase tens of thousands of horses for the wars.
The December 1916 Caldwell Tribune had an article stating that Charles Turner had also gone into the real estate business with his sons under the name Turner & Sons Real Estate.
For the better part of 1916 Turner, in association with J. A. Haley, and the Smeed brothers of Caldwell, decided to expand the Caldwell Horse & Mule Co., to both Sacramento, CA and Reno, NV. By now Turner was known as one of the best horse dealers in the United States. In September 1916 the Caldwell Tribune received a letter from Turner who had been traveling extensively throughout California and Nevada titled "Busier Than A Hen With One Chick" which stated: "...since I left Idaho I have established a horse and mule company in California; headquarters Turpin Hotel, Frisco; Mr. J. A. Haley in charge with five competent buyers in the field. Also one at Reno, Nevada, Ray Turner and George McGinnis in charge. I am now in Klamath Falls assembling horses for U.S. purposes...Mr. Strahorn, well known to Caldwell people, is here promoting a railroad from here to Bend with favorable prospects. When the Caldwell Horse & Mule Co. gets time I think will build one from Caldwell to Frisco, as it is the coolest summer resort that I know of, besides the Idahoans could run over to Frisco and get a Frisco Punch that makes the world look brighter and millionaires out of paupers as well as paupers of millionaires. Ladies (the spice of life) are very sociable, plentiful and possess many virtues. Otherwise, I would probably not remain here long."
By 1920 Turner was president of the Northwestern Livestock Commission and was elected to the school board.
Charles H. Turner died in an automobile vs. train accident. He was killed instantly a little after 2:00 PM, Wednesday, February 16, 1921 at the age of 60 when a westbound passenger train crashed into an automobile we was driving at the Union stock yards in Caldwell.
Mayor Fred C. Boyes
Served a 2-year term as Mayor in 1915 - 1916
Mayor E.H. Plowhead
Served a 1-year term as Mayor in 1917
Mayor Fred Lilly
Served a 1-year term as Mayor in 1918, and a 2-year term as Mayor in 1931-1932
Mayor Grant Ward
Served a 2-year term as Mayor in 1919 - 1920
Mayor Amos J. Miller
Served a 2-year term as Mayor in 1921 - 1922
Mayor John Smeed
Served a 2-year term as Mayor in 1923 - 1924
Mayor Dr. C.M. Kaley
Served a 2-year term as Mayor in 1925 - 1926
Mayor S. Ben Dunlap
Served a 2-year term as Mayor in 1927 - 1928
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