Bussey, Iowa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bussey, Iowa
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Merrill Street in Bussey
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Location of Bussey, Iowa
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Iowa |
| County | Marion |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.31 sq mi (0.81 km2) |
| • Land | 0.31 sq mi (0.81 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 869 ft (265 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 387 |
| • Density | 1,244.37/sq mi (480.42/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
50044
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| Area code(s) | 641 |
| FIPS code | 19-09730 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2393481 |
Bussey is a small city in southeast Marion County, Iowa, United States. In 2020, about 387 people lived there. It's a quiet place with a history tied to railroads and coal mining.
Contents
Where is Bussey Located?
Bussey is found where two roads, G71 and T23, meet. It is close to the borders of Mahaska and Monroe counties. A stream called North Coal Creek flows nearby. It then joins the Des Moines River to the northeast.
The city is about 14 miles northwest of Knoxville. It is also about 13 miles northeast of Oskaloosa. According to the United States Census Bureau, Bussey covers about 0.33 square miles of land. There is no water area within the city limits.
Bussey's Early History
Bussey was founded by Jesse Bussey. He bought the land for the town in 1867. In 1875, he planned out the town along a new railroad line. This railroad was later bought by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.
Jesse Bussey also started a business in lumber and grain. By 1880, Bussey had nearly 100 people. It had four general stores and one drug store. The town officially became a city in 1895. After some early issues, a second vote was held in 1899. James Bussey was then elected as the first mayor.
Coal Mining in Bussey
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many coal mines were in the Bussey area. The Powers company had two mine shafts. They used a special tramway to move coal to the railroad. J. A. Powers also started the O.K. Coal Company in Bussey. This company built a mile-long railroad track to its mine south of town.
This mine was the biggest coal producer in Marion County. It operated from 1895 until about 1902. Later, Powers changed the company's name to Mammoth Vein Coal Company. They moved their main work to Everist. Another company, Cricket Coal Company, was based in Bussey. It later became Equality Coal Company. In 1915, their mine produced 18,000 tons of coal. The coal seam there was 4 to 6 feet thick.
Workers' Unions in Bussey
Workers in Bussey formed a union called United Mine Workers local 69 in 1899. A union is a group of workers who join together. They work to improve their pay and working conditions. In 1902, this union had 275 members. By 1907, most mining had moved, and it had only 8 members.
Before the union, miners earned about $1.50 per day. By 1902, their pay increased to $2.15 per day. By 1907, wages ranged from $1.90 to $2.70 per day. Another union group, UMW local 2482, had 216 members in Bussey in 1912.
Bussey's Population Changes
| Historical populations | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1900 | 550 | — |
| 1910 | 669 | +21.6% |
| 1920 | 585 | −12.6% |
| 1930 | 546 | −6.7% |
| 1940 | 632 | +15.8% |
| 1950 | 633 | +0.2% |
| 1960 | 557 | −12.0% |
| 1970 | 498 | −10.6% |
| 1980 | 579 | +16.3% |
| 1990 | 494 | −14.7% |
| 2000 | 450 | −8.9% |
| 2010 | 422 | −6.2% |
| 2020 | 387 | −8.3% |
| Source: and Iowa Data Center Source: |
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The population of Bussey has changed over the years. In 1900, there were 550 people. The population grew to 669 by 1910. After that, it slowly decreased. In 2020, the population was 387 people.
Bussey in 2020
The 2020 census counted 387 people living in Bussey. There were 164 households and 113 families. The city had about 1,244 people per square mile. Most residents were White. There were also people of Black, Native American, and Asian backgrounds. Some residents identified with two or more races. A small percentage of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
About 28.7% of households had children under 18. Many households were married couples living together. The average age in Bussey was 43.7 years. About 24.8% of residents were under 20. About 22.2% were 65 or older. The population was almost evenly split between males and females.
Bussey in 2010
The census of 2010 showed 422 people in Bussey. There were 176 households. The population density was about 1,278 people per square mile. Most people were White. There were also Native American and Asian residents. About 2.1% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
About 33% of households had children under 18. Many were married couples. The average age was 40.7 years. About 26.8% of residents were under 18. About 16.6% were 65 or older. The city had slightly more females than males.
Schools in Bussey
The Twin Cedars Community School District is in charge of the public schools in Bussey.
Famous People from Bussey
- Kenneth Veenstra (born 1939), a politician
See also
In Spanish: Bussey (Iowa) para niños
