Jasper County Nears Its 100th Anniversary Mark

FROST, HIGHLAND, MAYFIELD, SPARKS, STALLINGS, TOOL, VANCE

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 3/14/2020 at 12:31:32

Jasper County Nears Its 100th Anniversary Mark
First White Settlers Came into County In April of 1843
Jasper county, through many hardships, trials and tribulations during the years, will celebrate her first century of settlement – her 100th birthday – during the month of April.
It was 100 years ago this month that settlers moved west, and, from available historical records, point out that a quartet of hardy pioneers, Adam Tool, William Highland, John Frost and John Vance, settled on a spot now known as the town of Monroe on April 23, 1843, first named Tool’s Point.
The four ventured into the wilderness of Jasper county seven days before white men were supposed to be permitted to, under the White Breast Line Treaty, which was to go into effect May 1, 1843.
From that time until settlement of the county was complete, the steady northwestward push of the pioneer can be noted. A year later W. F. Stallings and Tandy Mayfield pushed into Lynn Grove township, while still a year later John R. Sparks settled in the region.
So Jasper county started. It has made progress, from a few settlers on the rolling prairies and along forested streams, to one of the thriving agricultural centers of Iowa.
By 1846 and 1847 almost all of the townships had a few settlers established, but from there it grew by leaps and bounds, along with the entire state.
The exact date of the first Jasper county settlement may be conflicting in varying stories, but according to the most general information, and generally accepted, Jasper county will be 100 years old April 23, 1943
Source: The Newton Daily News; April 3, 1943, page 1