Thirteen miles southwest of Chariton Point, as it was known in 1870, English settlers migrated and the town of Derby sprang into existence. It is located on the southwest quarter of section twenty-four in township seventy-one, north of range twenty-three, west, Union Township.
In June 1875, Mr. J.W. Riggle, laid out Riggle's addition to Derby, containing fifty-nine lots. While the population in 1880 (174) was not large, Derby was never the less a good point for business as it was situated in the midst of splendid farming country. The town contained a general store, grain elevators and a post office. Major Lewis and Mr. Throckmorton bought and shipped large amounts of grain and stock to Chicago.
Derby Postal Service originated from Henderson, Lucas County, Iowa in July of 1866. The Post office was moved to Derby in February of 1872.
Before there was a telephone office in Derby, different people had a switch in their homes or store. They would call people for you. The following places were switch stations. The A.J. Fight Home, Dunn's Drug Store, Grimes and Winslow Store and Charley Young home in the country.
The worst fire in the history of Derby occurred on August 2, 1915, shortly after eleven o'clock. The fire started in the rear end of James Morrison's meat market. A few minutes after the fire began, the interior of the building was in flames and it spread rapidly to the buildings adjoining. In a short time the fire had gained such headway that it was impossible to save the frame buildings between the opera house and R.E. Brant's dry goods store, which were of brick. In less than three hours the seven frame buildings lay in ashes. The losses amounted up in the thousands and would have been much greater had it not have been for the water-soaked conditions of other buildings from recent rains and the timely efforts of the citizens.
Derby Postal Service originated from Henderson, Lucas County, Iowa in July of 1866. The Post office was moved to Derby in February of 1872.
Before there was a telephone office in Derby, different people had a switch in their homes or store. They would call people for you. The following places were switch stations. The A.J. Fight Home, Dunn's Drug Store, Grimes and Winslow Store and Charley Young home in the country.
The worst fire in the history of Derby occurred on August 2, 1915, shortly after eleven o'clock. The fire started in the rear end of James Morrison's meat market. A few minutes after the fire began, the interior of the building was in flames and it spread rapidly to the buildings adjoining. In a short time the fire had gained such headway that it was impossible to save the frame buildings between the opera house and R.E. Brant's dry goods store, which were of brick. In less than three hours the seven frame buildings lay in ashes. The losses amounted up in the thousands and would have been much greater had it not have been for the water-soaked conditions of other buildings from recent rains and the timely efforts of the citizens.
From the Lucas County Heritage 2000 Book:
Derby City Council members are: Ralph Conner - Mayor; Carla Mongar - City Clerk; and Council members Pearl Teater, Don Lavley, Joyce Halferty, Gary Fogle and Steve Porterfield.
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