When I watch or listen to any form of broadcast media these days, I feel inundated with political ads. There are times when I simply want to tune it all out; hence my enjoyment of streaming music while mowing the lawn (now that we’ve gotten some rain). Surely it hasn’t always been this way?

In late summer of 1864, a young man of 24 years arrived in Webster City from Illinois. David D. Miracle was already an accomplished lawyer and hoped to succeed in the newer, less-developed state of Iowa. He was tall, well-built with thick black hair and was said to be the most eligible bachelor on his arrival. Within a month he had already set his sights on getting elected to a position in local government and, in mid-October, announced his candidacy for county recorder. Apparently, the only qualification he lacked was local experience.

In the October 29, 1864, edition of the Hamilton Freeman, the editor wrote, “It is a bad, a very bad, sign — and it will be a miracle if Miracle survives it. We do not believe he will. We trust that the Union men of this county will be on the alert and allow the Copperheads (southern sympathizers) to perform no such “Miracle” as the one they now have in contemplation.” David Miracle came in third out of four candidates for the office. It was not a good start for what would become a much greater career for this new resident of Webster City.

Miracle applied his energy well in this city. In 1866, the very eligible bachelor was married to Miss Ella M. Bell and had started his own law office. By 1870 he had hired a junior partner, John Kamrar (who was introduced in an earlier “Our Neighborhood” article), and the partnership became the most influential of Webster City by the end of the decade. Mr. and Mrs. Miracle also found time to have four children during this period, two sons and two daughters.

In 1880, Miracle ran for the position of circuit judge. The references contained in the July 7, 1880, Hamilton Freeman show a distinct liking for him. In it, the Dubuque Times is quoted, “D. D. Miracle, of Webster City, has been nominated by the Republicans for Judge of the Circuit Court, to succeed J. H. Bradley. Mr Miracle is a good lawyer, a very popular attorney and a man of integrity. He will be elected by a very large majority.”

It was not long before Judge Miracle was, again, on the ascendancy of the bench. In 1887 he became district judge and was admired throughout the state, known as the “Just Judge.” In December of that year, the Webster City Freeman reported, “The Judge, as his friends will regret to hear, is considerably out of health at present, and may make a brief visit to Hot Springs, Arkansas, during his short vacation.” It was not to be a time of healing. During the next half year, Judge Miracle would become more and more ill, until his passing on July 29, 1888. As a part of his obituary, printed in the August 8th edition of the Webster City Freeman, was the following:

Resolution of Respect

To the memory of Judge D. D. Miracle by the bar of Hamilton County, Iowa, July 30, 1888:

“Whereas, In the providence of God, our brother, the Hon. D. D. Miracle has finished his labors with us and entered into the eternal and better life, it is fitting for us to bear testimony to the manner in which he discharged his duties here.

“Therefore, we declare that during his residence of almost a quarter of a century in this city his life has been an exemplary one, adorned with the highest virtues. Of untiring industry, great capacity, unswerving fidelity, his record as a man, citizen, lawyer and judge is well worth the careful study and emulation of others. Whatever came to his hands to do he did well; every duty cast upon him he discharged; every trust confided to him he faithfully executed. His modest deportment, kindness of heart and true benevolence marked him as a gentleman of great worth. In the home-circle he was ever the loving husband, father and friend. To his aged parents a dutiful and affectionate son.”

Some candidates stand head and shoulders above the rest, I guess. Enjoy this election season and remember to vote