Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
RICH, Jacob
RICH, Jacob. (New York, NY, Dec. 18, 1832--Dubuque, IA, Sept. 1,1913). Editor, political operative. Rich bought half-interest in the Dubuque Daily Times in October 1870, and became its editor. The paper grew quickly under his management with steam machinery being added in 1871. Rich sold his interest in the paper in 1875 and retired. Locally in 1884 he helped organize the IOWA TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK of which he remained a director. In 1890 he was president of the LINSEED OIL COMPANY, vice-president of the Fenelon Place Elevator Company, and a director of Iowa Trust. He served as president of the Board of Public library Trustees in 1911-1912.
Politically Rich was among the inner counsel to Senator William Boyd ALLISON. The chairman of the Republican state central committee during the presidential elections of 1872 and 1877, Rich was appointed the Dubuque pension agent and held the position until the districts were consolidated and the office moved to Des Moines.
In 1896 Rich successfully led efforts in Iowa to have Allison nominated as the Republican candidate for President of the United States only to have his work sidetracked by the successful campaign of William McKinley.
Locally Rich used his powers of persuasion to successfully protest an ordinance that would have given the DUBUQUE STREET RAILWAY COMPANY a seventy-five-year extension on its franchise. He championed only a thirty-three year extension and a workingman's fare of 2.5 cents at designated hours of the morning and evening.
See: JACOB RICH-890 WEST THIRD
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Source:
Dubuque, Iowa Architectural Survey: Online: http://weblink.cityofdubuque.org/WebLink8/1/doc/18042/Page1.aspx