The first railroad constructed in the State was in the year 1855, when that portion now operated by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company, from Davenport to Iowa City, was completed to the latter place. Iowa City was then the seat of State Government, and a large portion of the State was destitute of settlement, and familiar only to the savages and wild beasts that wandered over the prairies. Since then the onward march of the hardy pioneer has prepared the way for future greatness, as is indicated by the development of our resources, and the construction of public improvements, until, in the year 1875, twenty years after the first railroad was built, there were three thousand seven hundred and sixty-five miles of completed roads in the State, affording transportation to the cities of the east for our surplus products. Nearly all portions of the State are accessible to railroads that furnish a good market for the products of industry. Thousands of acres of wild land are annually brought under cultivation and add to the productive resources of the State. The present year is one of unusual prosperity, and a bountiful harvest rewards the labors of the husbandman. Millions of dollars will be distributed throughout the State in payment of the surplus wheat, oats, corn, eggs, butter, hogs, cattle, and other products that will be shipped to feed the thousands of hungry souls that congregate in the large cities, and reside in the densely populated districts of the eastern states. Thousands of families that have come here in poverty, or with limited means, have acquired pleasant homes, and are surrounded with the comforts and luxuries of life. In this land of plenty there is room for all that desire to come, if they are willing to add to the industry of the country by the use of labor or capital. Skilled laborers of all classes, mechanics, manufacturers, members of the different professions, and common laborers, can here find profitable employment, and are needed to aid in the development of the country. The progress of the State in the past has been one of continuous advancement, and the future may be looked to with bright hopes and encouraging prospects. 118 REPORT OF REGISTER OF STATE LAND OFFICE. [No. 5. CONCLUSION. In closing this report I am happy to acknowledge the valuable services of my deputy, Mr. John M. Davis, whose familiarity with the business of this Department is not surpassed, and to whom is largely due the accuracy attained in discharging the responsible duties of the office. Respectfully submitted, DAVID SECOR, Register of State Land Office. INDEX. PAGE. ACTS-(Published in this Report)— Of Congress requiring swamp selection to be passed upon............... 29 80 .....81-82 Resuming the McGregor & S. C. R. R. grant........... Providing for permanent surveys of lands--State law..................109-110 .98-102 .........103-104 BLACK HAWK COUNTY-Swamp cash indemnity....... BUENA VISTA COUNTY-Swamp lands patented to........... BURLINGTON & MISSOURI RIVER R. R. CO.- Grant to, under act 1856............. Grant to, under act June 2, 1864......... Amount of lands certified to State for........... Amount of lands certified to, by U. S............. Supplemental lists of lands...... CALHOUN COUNTY-Swamp lands patented to........... CHICAGO, ROCK ISLAND & PACIFIC R. R. CO- Grant to by State...... Amount of Lands certified to State for...... Lands confirmed to in Audubon and Shelby counties........ CHICKASAW COUNTY-Swamp cash indemnity........... CONCLUSION...................................... CONTINGENT FUND............... DAVIS COUNTY-Swamp cash indemnity...... DECISIONS Of courts affecting title to swamp lands................................... PAGE. 78 80 81 80 85 40 63 ..41-42 .27-28 118 .....114-115 .42-43 .28-29 Of Secretary Interior relative to swamp claims to lands certified as Under act of July 12, 1862, inures to D. V. R. R Co...................................... Grant of May 15, 1856, did not attach to..................... Indemnity for confirmed by act of Congress..... Several hundred patents awaiting delivery. Statement of quantity received and disposition of same...................... DUBUQUE, BELLEVUE & SABULA R. R.- Grant to by State.............. Grant resumed.................................. DUBUQUE & SIOUX CITY R. R.- Grant to.......... To release certain lands......................... May change its line of road............. Contract with I. F. & §. C. Railroad confirmed....................... FISHER, HENRY—Money refunded under act April 2, 1860........................................... FIVE SECTION GRANT-Donated to Agricultural College................. Total amount of the grant......... Patented to the several counties......... FLOYD COUNTY-Swamp cash indemnity..... FRANKLIN COUNTY-Swamp cash indemnity. GREENE COUNTY-Swamp lands patented to.......... GRUNDY COUNTY-Swamp cash indemnity.. GUTHRIE COUNTY-Swamp cash indemnity... HARDIN COUNTY-Swamp lands patented to....... INDEMNITY— Des Moines river lands......................... ...22-23 .34-62 |