anamosa

During the time I was proprietor of the Western Star printing office, I commenced (in the Western Star) the publication of a history of Harrison County, by townships, with a promise to notice each township separately—to correct and publish the same pamphlet form, with a map of the county, and gratuitiously distribute among the paying patrons of the STAR. The present Volume is designated to fill that promise.
I have, at no time, supposed that a book of the kind would be sought after, like as thrilling romance, or as a book of narrow escapes or bold adventures. In fact the traditions of this county furnish but little of the kind to record. Its (the county’s) people are principally of those who, with scant means, left older settlements, seeking homes beyond the bounds of densely populated countries. When they left they left behind friends and relatives, who are continually inquiring about this, their new home. This book is designed for an answer to all the inquiries. Therefore, I have taken as much pain as possible to describe the land, water,timber, health, &c., &c. Feeling a lack of ability which a more experienced writer would possess, I can claim but one virtue, in describing the county—that of truthfulness. True, I may have fallen short of conveying a full idea of the native wealth of the county, but I have in no case exaggerated. For information respecting the soldiers, who left this county during the late rebellion, I am under especial obligations to Lieutenant John W. Stocker, of Magnolia, and Captain John Donaldson, of Calhoun.

Harrison Township is the northeastern township of Harrison County, State of Iowa; is bounded on the north by Crawford County, on the east by Shelby County, on the south by Boyer township and on the west by Lincoln township. Latitude north 41 ¾ ‘o, longitude west 18 ¾ ‘o, from Washington. It contains 36 square miles, or sections of land, equal to 23,040 acres. Timber in this township is not over abundant, the groves being small; but since it is surrounded by groves on all sides it cannot suffer for timber.

Through it flows the beautiful Boyer’s healthy water. The Boyer is a small river, and one of the best streams for mils and water powers in the west. Springs abound in abundance, and a healthier climate or purer water cannot be found anywhere.

The eye of man never beheld a valley or tract of land more inviting to the agriculturist or grazier than the Boyer Valley, in this township, was unmolested by civilized man, except a few wagon roads (and perhaps but one of them) crossing it. In the latter part of 1856, or the beginning of 1857, three settlers located here and built themselves temporary houses, and commence opening farms. The names of these three pioneers are James Welch, Henry Olmstead and Nathan Brown. Settlers now began slowly to come in, and in two years after a brick school house was built near Mr. Olmstead’s and is now the residence of Mrs. Olmstead. The first teacher was Miss Cole. The same year the Congregationalists organized a church of seven members with Rev. H. D. King (Formerly of Gustavus, Trumbell Co.; Ohio) for their pastor. And here allow me to digress in personalities of Rev. King. It is said, and perhaps with too much truth, that many of the preachers who came west clothed in lambs clothing in those early days cared more for the almighty corner lot and choice quarter section of land that they did for the salvation of the immortal soul, or the Being they pretended to serve, and many a man suffered by misplaced confidence in these more than infidels.

Not so with Mr. King. He stood a worthy model, beloved by Christians and represented by all. The influence of his Christian spirit we hope will never be lost, but help to make and model the morals of the people of this community. Unmistakable traces of his noble character are still visible among the people, and the little church he started has not been idle but have added to their numbers, and have erected at the new town of Dunlap, a church building 20 by 40 feet, with the Rev. Mr. Freeman for their pastor.

The nearest points of trade, traffic and the nearest mill for the first settlers of this township was at Council Bluffs, a distance of forty miles, where they marketed their produce and bought their sugar, teas, coffee clothing, &c.

Nearest post office was at Shelbyville, a distance of 6 or 8 miles, where they received two mails a week, carried on the back of a horse.

Notwithstanding the beauty of this township, the fertility of its soil, the abundance of its water, both in streams and springs, the convenience of its timber, its more than usually healthy climate, in consequence of its distance from market, settlement went on slow until the fall of 1866 the cars of the C. & N. W. R. R. came screaming down the valley, opening new prospects to the people, and inviting new settlers. In July, 1887, the new-town of Dunlap was laid off into lots. Dunlap is situated on the N. E. qr. Of sec. 9, and S. W. qr. Of section 10, township 81, range 41. This town since that date has had the most rapid growth of any new town in western Iowa. The R. R. Co. have built a two story hotel or eating house. The building room inside is 38 by 75 feet. The Company have also built a round house with 15 stalls. Its foundation is of stone and walls of brick. It is 250 feet long and 65 feet from outside to outside width, and is covered with slate and warmed by steam. An octagon tank 40 feet in diameter is now built. The lower part under the tank is divided into three rooms and an entry; one for the stationery engine to drive the machinery in the machine shop, one for boiling and one for oil room. The tank is iron, 34 feet in diameter. The foundation of the tank house is six feet in thickness, and the walls outside and divisions are of stone. The company also have built two coal houses, 24 x 120 feet each. In the township there are at present between 10 and 11 hundred inhabitants; more than one half of which have come in within the past 9 months. There are three schools and two churches; the Episcopal Methodists having lately organized with Rev. Laidley for their pastor, and have recently built a commodious church building at Dunlap. This denomination has ever been on the alert in new as well as old settled countries. No sooner has a settlement sufficient number to form a church than one of these Christina preachers are among them, partaking of the usages of the country in which they preach. They are sociable, and a welcome visitor to every neighborhood.

Dunlap is the only town in the township worthy of mention. It now has one hundred and fifty dwelling houses, and a population of five or six hundred. It has stores, groceries, hotels, boarding houses, wagon shop, blacksmith shop, furniture factory, one good physician, drug store, clothing store, saloons, &c., and business men generally. I lately visited the town and made acquaintance with a large number of its citizens, and must say as a community they are all business and goahead. They are liberal hearted, liberal minded, intelligent and hospitable. They know how to treat a stranger to make him feel at home, and they use their knowledge. The business men are beginners in a new place, and like all other places, feel somewhat the effect of a contracted currency. We predict for this place a bright future. Its location for business is excellent, situated as it is in the very heart of nature’s garden. It is surrounded by timber, there being within a circle of 7 miles 40 sections, or 25,600 acres of woodland, and the balance the best of prairie. Nature has laid the foundation, and art is fast constructing and remodeling.---True, as it now looks, it would seem the town was ahead of the country, but it must be remembered the farmers are not idle, and emigrant farmers are daily looking up locations and preparing to open new farms. It is eighteen miles from Dunlap to Dennison, its nearest neighbors in trade on the north; 25 miles to Harlan, on the east; 9 miles to Woodbine, on the south, and 28 miles to Little Sioux on the west, giving it abundance of territory for support.

But little now remains within our knowledge that would interest the reader; however, to show the general health of the township it might be mentioned that for 11 years past there has been but 6 deaths in this township, and one of them at least was by accident—that of Mr. Henry Olmstead, who was killed about six years ago by a vicious horse running away. Mr. Olmstead was one of Harrison’s first settlers and most enterprising and esteemed citizens. No case of fever and ague or any prevailing disease was ever known here.

About three years ago Mr. Wm., Roberts, in digging a well, found buried about 60 feet below the surface, the bones of some very large animal. The fact that bones and other things belonging to the surface have been found in many places at great depths under the ground in this vicinity, has led to a great many speculative ideas; the most plausible of which is that a small animal called the gopher goes to a great depth on high land, probably for water, and drags these things after him.—His hold has been followed in digging wells to the depth of 60 feet or more. The large timber that has been found 20 or 30 feet underground is close to some hill or bluff, which probably caved off or was washed off by ruins, or fell off by freezing and thawing of the ground until the timber was buried as indicated.

To illustrate the civil disposition of the people of this township, it is only necessary to say that for several years they elected a J. P. who never qualified. -- There being no business for him to do, the people found no fault. In 11 years there was not one lawsuit in the township.

The first saloon or whiskey shop opened at Dunlap, it is stated, was run on the principle of money to me and death to you. The people of the place, impressed with a sense of self-preservation, congregated and completely demolished the whole concern, not leaving a vestage. Although there are now several establishments selling intoxicating liquors, we presume them to be of a better order, as they are unmolested by the people, and we heard no complaint.

An incident at the first wedding at Dunlap is strongly illustrative of the goaheaditiveness of the people. The lady to be married, just before the sacred ceremony, attempted to mount a wagon, slipped and dislocated the knee cap, causing great paid. A surgeon was called, who fixed the matter up as best he could. The minister who had been called to officiate at the wedding looked a little sad to see the surgeon officiate instead of himself, and prepared to leave, hoping (we suppose) his job would come in a few weeks. However he was stopped by the lady, who asked him where he was going.

Minister—“Going home.”
Lady—“What for? Have you forgot the ceremony?”
Minister, (looking confused,)—No; but I will come when you get well.
Lady—But can’t you stay long enough now?”
Minister, (more confused,)—But it may be several days before you get well.”
Lady (indignant)—“Sir, we don’t want you to stay as a surgeon, or come back as a physician.”

The minister here completely broke down, not thinking is possible his matrimonial job was, under the circumstances, now at hand. The lady, noticing his embarrassment and rightly judging the cause, informed him they would be married at once; that she never put off till to-morrow what should be done to-day.—This woman made an excellent wife, and may she and her’s ever put her rule in practice.

The first fight was between a man and a woman, showing that the future generation will be good to quell a rebellion. It appears the lady had a house and lot.—The lot not being fenced this man was in the habit of crossing it.—This lady did not like, and gave him fair warning to keep off, which injunction he neglected to obey, whereupon the woman rallied forth with a club, and the battle commenced. In a few minutes the man was among the wounded, having received a blow on the arm; he then beat a hasty and confused retreat to the office of the Justice of the Peace, while the lady, victorious, rested on the field of battle.

The justice not wishing to encourage lawsuits advised a compromise, and volunteered to be the medium to propose terms of reconciliation. Accordingly, he repaired to the house of the lady, and being a widower, was a first well received, and the following conversation took place:

Lady—How do you do “Squire? Come in and take a seat.”
‘Squire (taking a seat)—Cool today. I thought I would come over to see you.”
Lady (looking pleased)—“Indeed, ‘Squire, why did you not come sooner; I have always wished you would come.”
‘Squire (slightly confused)—“I came over to see you and have a little talk with you.”
Lady—“that’s right ‘Squire; just right. I am glad you came; you are just the image of my dear man that’s dead. Let me see, he has been dead this 15 months past. I am glad you came.—Come often ‘Squire, come often.”
‘Squire (looking three ways for Sunday)—“I came over to see you and have a little talk with you, and to cut a long story short, ask you to—to—“ (here the ‘Squire paused to shape his words.)
Lady (with one of her broadest and sweetest smiles)—“It takes you longer than it did my first husband, but I won’t say yes until you ask the questions, bound if I do.
Squire (hardly knowing what he said)—“I want to know if you will—“
Lady (eyes sparkling with glee)—“Yes, yes, of course I will; here is my hand. My heart is yours. You are an angel-the prettiest man I ever seen. Good kind soul, I am glad you came, you will now come often, won’t you. You shall have everything your own way. Bless you.”
‘Squire (here it took all the ‘Squires muscle to speak, but determined to do his errand and undeceive the old lady, he proceeded)—“I am Justice of the Peace.”
Lady—“I prefer to have a priest.”
‘Squire—“And it is my duty to stop all quarrelling and fighting so far as I can, and I came to tell you that should you again be guilty of a breach of the peace as you was this morning, it will be my duty to have you arrested and dealt with according to law in such cases made and provided.”
Lady (her eyes flashing lightning, and face looking daggers)—“You dirty blackguard you look like the imp of satan! I’ll beat your ugly owled face to pieces! Get out of my house, and don’t never come back again.” And the old lady was seen to shake her fists in a most terrific manner, while the “Squire made tracks for his office rejoicing on the stoic plan that things are no worse.

While it is a pleasure to speak of good men, it is embarrassing that all cannot be mentioned.—Like a battle that has been fought by a brave army, a few names only are handed down by the annals of history to future generations, while many wise, brave and good med die “like the dull worm,” soon to be forgotten.

The first, and to this date the only physician and surgeon of the place, is Dr. Dwight Satterlee.—The Dr. was a surgeon in the U. S. Army during the late war with the rebels, serving until the stars and stripes waved triumphant over all its former and rightful domain. His credentials are of the highest tone. But what is better than all—the success he has had since he located at Dunlap in the fall of 1867. Those needing either a physician or surgeon will do well to secure his services.

Coldren and Swartz, lumber merchants, take pains to keep a good stock of all kinds of building material, and it is admitted that they keep the Saginaw and Greenbay lumber, which is the best the market affords.

J. Williams & Son opened the first grocery store at Dunlap, and they now keep a good stock of groceries, fruits, tinware, furniture, &c.

J. W. Whiteley, the real estate agent, is a man you would like to do business with—prompt, punctual and reliable. Being the man who sold the first town lot ever sold at Dunlap, and being continually in the conveyancing business, is fully acquainted with lands in that vicinity. Those wishing to purchase good lands would do well to give him a call.

Although not acquainted with the game of billiards, the appearance of McDonald’s billiard saloon indidates nothing bad. Being a place of amusement it is visited by the friends of the game, and those seeking innocent and healthful pastime.

Mitchel & Bryan are the pioneer dry goods merchants of Dunlap, and now keep the only stock worth advertising in the place.—

These gentlemen are men of the times, content with large sales and small profits, and they de a thriving business. Their stock is constantly supplied and never allowed to run down. They wait on all the customers they can, but ‘is busy days they can’t wait on them all, and then a few go elsewhere. This, however, is not often the case, for being good, agreeable and expert salesmen, they can dispatch business in a hurry.

Cotton & Manning, the pioneer druggists of the place are eminently fitted for the business they follow, having been raised to it, and fully understand it. They keep a good stock of medicines, drugs, books, stationery, toys, &c., &c.

Wheeler & Warner are the pioneers in the lumber business. — They keep all kinds of lumber and building material, and are gentlemen, agreeable and reliable to do business with.

W. L. Brown is an old citizen of the west, has been county judge of Shelby county, and held other important places of public trust with honor. During the fall of 1867 he erected a building opposite the R. R. eating house. The building in now rented and used for the purpose of a bowling alley, and it is said that none but those who will behave in the most genteel manner are allowed to play here.

Persons wishing a good pair of boots or shoes, either fine or coarse, will do well to call on Thomas Whiteley. His work is decidedly the best that can be done in the county.

Leaving Harrison township on the north and proceeding down the Boyer Valley, we come to Boyer township.

Boyer township is bounded on the north by Harrison and Lincoln townships, on the east by Shelby county, on the south by Jefferson and Cass and on the west by Magnolia township. The settlement of this township commenced in the year 1851. Among the first settlers were Richard Musgrave, Evans Obanion, Thos. Thompson, J. Jeffrey, Geo. Mefford, Mather Hall and Lorenzo Butler. This township originally contained 108 sections, but recently Lincoln township has been cut off the north-western part, containing 38 sections, leaving 72. — There is about seven or eight sections of timber, equal to between 1,480 and 2,000 acres. The timber is good, being composed of oak, hickory, black walnut, ironwood, elm, basswood, &c. The names of the groves are Twelve Mile Grove and Bigler’s Grove. The land is similar to that of Harrison township. The soil is as good as Iowa affords; and most of the farmers have been in the habit of burning the manure. However, the wanton profligacy is slowly becoming disreputable, and although the land is of the best, experience has taught to keep it so, it should be well treated with its due amount of manure.

The first settlers found here wild fruit, such as plums, gooseberries, raspberries, strawberries and grapes, all in abundance; and there still continues to be plenty of these fruits, proving that tame fruits of a better grade will do well, although it must be admitted that the settlers here have been very slow until quite lately in trying to raise them. They also found plenty of game. Mr. Musgrave reports that he has frequently seen three hundred deer in a drove, and wild turkeys used to come right up to his window.—Coons and wild cats were a common thing, with an occasional panther. No one was ever hurt by any of these animals, but one of Mr. Musgrave’s boys got a good scare by a wolf. Mr. M. and his two sons were in the woods splitting rails, and one of the boys was sent to the house on an errand.—Being followed by a large black wolf he concluded to hide behind a log. He did so. The wolf took a good look at him, then left, as much as to say “you cowardly little scamp, you are not worth eating.”

Many hunting stories are told by the pioneers up to the winter of 1858. This winter is known all over Western Iowa as the “hard winter,” it being unusually cold, and the snow falling to an immense depth, and by a series of freezing and thawing formed a stiff crust on which men and dogs could run or walk with safety, while the deer and elk would break through, making their escape impossible when pursued. Taking advantage of their helpless condition the people of the country very nearly exterminated booth deer and elk, and it is probable that there was not an elk left in Western Iowa the next spring. The fore part of the winter (1857) a drove of elk being scared and hotly pursued by dogs, came scampering into Woodbine, and apparently confused, they made a drive into the saw mill yard of L. D. Butler, where were several men at work. Becoming entangled among the logs the men made an attack on them with their axes, and killed seven before they could escape. The winter of 1857 will long be remembered by the hunter and pioneer of Western Iowa, both for its severity as a cold, disagreeable winter, and as its being the last profitable winter for hunting. In the beginning of the winter, while game was fat, it seemed right to kill it; but when the poor creatures by starvation, became lean, helpless and worthless, except for their pelts, it seems wrong that they should have been destroyed, but “willful waste brings woeful want,” and if these men who sided in this wholesale destruction wanted for meat the next few years, (having had no pity or mercy for the helpless deer and elk,) they got their just deserts, and never ought again to taste of venison.

Wild bees were common, so the first settlers, with plenty of good, fat game, and a surplus of wild fruit and honey, with the vast prairies for the cows and other stock, could be said to live in a land of milk and honey.

Their nearest point of trade and traffic was Kanesville, (now Council Bluffs,) a distance of forty miles. Their nearest mill was on Pigeon Creek, a distance of twenty-five miles. The old mill is now in ruins. There was then no wheat raised in the county and the mill ground nothing but corn. The young people thought that a wheat cake was the ne plus ultra of all things good; and that a king who would want anything better as a dainty, was a tyrant. At a wedding a mammoth short cake was made from wheat flour, and the guests allowed to feast thereon, for which extravagance the couple married acquired the name of codfish aristocracy. Should a couple provide the same these times they would acquire the name of hogs. A short-cake as big as the moon would not clear them from the name of stingy.

The highest water ever known here in the Boyer valley was the first year of settlement. In the spring of that year the entire valley was covered with water, and it was then quite subject to these overflows. It has become drier every year until now it is of the most valuable land of the west.

For the first five years improvements went on slow, although the land yielded bountifully, and stock of all kinds did well. Produce commanded such small prices that money was scarce and enterprise sleeping.

However, about the year 1856 two school houses were built, one at Bigler’s grove and one at Woodbine. The Episcopal Methodist organized a church with six or seven members. This was a small beginning, but “from the small acorns large trees do grow,” and from this small church has sprung up a membership of two or three hundred. And they have just finished a good church building at Woodbine. The people of this community owe much for its morals and religious complexion to the influence, teaching and example of these early Christians. The Christians (or Campbellites) also have organized a church in this township, with how many members I am not informed. The Latter day Saints (or Mormons) also have an organization at Bigler’s Grove, members of which may be found all over the township. These people (although their religion is not respected by other churches) are looked upon as honest, honorable people, and by their upright dealings in life have banished from them the odium attached to the name in many places, denouncing polygamy and the vices practiced by people of the same name at Salt Lake and other places. They are a peaceful, industrious and intelligent people.

Sometime in the year 1855 or ’56 Mr. L. D. Butler erected a grist mill on the Boyer in that part of the township known as Woodbine. This mill ground wheat and corn, both of which was now plenty. Mr. Butler was one of the most energetic and enterprising men of the early settlers. He kept the first post office an opened the first store in the township; and Woodbine became quite a business point. In the summer of ’65 he sold his mill and privileges to Messrs. Clark & Dally, who erected close to the mill, a woolen factory, costing $27,000, and opened a first class country store. Mr. Butler also kept up his store with an increase of stock.

Soon after the woolen factory was completed Mt. J. W. Dally bought: out the interest of his partner, and is now the sole proprietor. The factory runs 200 spindles, manufactures 100 lbs of wool a day, and 600 yards of cloth per week. Mr. Dally is an energetic, thorough businessman, and makes the factory profitable to himself and a blessing to the country. When these improvements were going on the people of Boyer township thought they had got pretty near the top of improvement, but the railroad continued its way down the Boyer through Boyer township, and in the fall of 1866 the people about Woodbine found the cars among them. The railroad company laid out a town a short distance from the factory and called it

Woodbine is situated on section 14, town, 80, range 42 latitude and north 41 2/3’ o, longitude west from Washington 18 ¾’o. The town was laid off in October, 1865, on the prairie, where up to that time not even a wagon road crossed the town site. The town now contains about three hundred buildings, all told. It contains two dry goods stores, two hotels, two drug stores, one grocery store, one saddle and harness shop, one lumber yard, and two physicians, one produce dealer, &c. at this place, but in the summer of 1867, they changed their design, and moved their division to Dunlap, and there contemplated buildings. This was hard on Woodbine. But there is one thing which the company can never do, and that is to take the surrounding county from them. While it must be admitted that in the loss of these buildings the place lost much, still when we look at the broad farms, and know that in less than one year, perhaps, they will number twice what they now do, we feel that Woodbine is scarcely up with the country. It is emphatically a farmer’s town, and will be supported by them. They come here to market their grain and produce, and buy merchandise. Although it is not expected that Woodbine will become a great city, it is confidently believed that it will always be a good trading point, and that although its growth may not be so rapid as some other places, it will continue that healthy growth which is permanent.

To convey an idea of the amount of business done here, we will give an account of the produce shipped from here during the latter part of the fall of 1867, and fore part of the winter of 1868. There was shipped from this new town 160 cars loads of wheat, 820 bushels to the car, or 51,200 bushels, at $1.50 per bus., amounting to $76,800. Nearly all of the wheat was marked No. 1, and brought the highest price. Ten car loads of dressed hogs were shipped, averaging about 21,000 lbs. to the car, or 210,000 lbs, at 6 ¼ cts. Per lb., amounting to $13,000; 7,000 bushels of oats, at 50 cts. Per bushel, amounting to $3,800. For these articles it will be seen that there was paid out at this place $96,425. Considering that this is a new place, and that the country about it is not one part in one hundred cultivated, it would appear that this was quite a sum for a couple of months. But this was not all, for the farmers raise sheep, sell wool, and raise stock of all kinds, such as horned cattle, horses, mules &c. And it was from this place the car load of wheat was shipped to Toledo, of which Toledo Blade made a mention, as being the best brought to market, and bringing twenty cts. Per bushel more than any other wheat in that market. A Penemite lately visited Woodbine with a view to buying lands for himself and friends. Under the guidance of a land shark (a man, who claims to own everything, but really owns nothing,) he went up the Boyer valley, thence he took a circuit of about 7 or 8 miles, and examined the country, and looked at various tracts of land.—When he got back to Woodbine, Mr. Sharkey asked him if he was going to buy. “No, he said, “I am not. I will report to my friends and get their advice.” Here is his report: Woodbine, Iowa, April, ’68. Dear Friends; With regard to the town of Woodbine, I gave you a full description in my last. This week I have been viewing the country in this vicinity, trying to make selections of land for you, as well as myself. Coming up the Boyer six or seven miles I noticed quite a number of nice improved farms. The price of these farms I learned to be from 20 to 30 dollars per acre, but I found but few who would talk selling. Next I took an easterly course, and have examined the whole country for six or eight miles in all directions, and the Boyer valley is all that is claimed for it. But on leaving the valley, I was surprised, for what I had expected to find a rough, worthless country, but, on the contrary, when I came to the foot of the hill, (they call hills bluffs out here,) lining the valley on either side, I found them gradual slopes, rather than hills.—When I got to the top I found ?io? level or rolling land. Going west about four miles, I crossed what is called the divide between the Willow creek and the Boyer. This divide is high, rolling prairie. When I struck the Willow I was again surprised, for here is a valley of which I never heard a word. For beauty this valley is not surpassed, even by the famed Boyer; but it has no railroad to boost it up, and timber is not quite so plenty here.—Land is worth, unimproved, from six to ten dollars per acre, and some men ask more, but I can get as good as I want within these figures. I would have bought long ago, but this is a hard place to select. In a country where there is but little choice land, a man who can secure it is fortunate, but in a country like this it is hard to get a piece better than your neighbor, and I shall wait until William comes out to help me make a choice. Address me at Magnolia. Yours, as ever, J. II. I publish this letter for several reasons—one because it gives a pretty fair description of the country about Woodbine, and to show persons who have lands to sell in this county, that when they have selfish med to deal with, don’t show them all the country. If you do he will be like a woman purchasing a dress at a dry goods store. It is all so pretty he won’t know which to take; and this man left the county and bought land in Pottawattamie county. The land here was too good for him; he must buy where he could make a choice so that his neighbor could not get as good as him. It is hoped, should he stay west long enough, that he will become westernized, and glad to see his neighbor prosper, and proud to see all who ?? bor equally succeed.

While we think of progress and prosperity, the gay scenery of nature’s choicest works, intermingled with artificial structure of man, our mind forgets that we are normal. But necessity, not choice, frequently compels us to stop for a time at least and view the more solemn incidents among us. And now, while the country about Woodbine, with all it natural and artificial gayety, lies spread before the mind’s eye, there is a heart-rendering scene, that of two little girls and one boy drowned, that dims and darkens the picture. In the summer of 1865, three little girls about 5 or 6 years old, went to the Boyer (near where the woolen factory now is) to bathe. Two of them, one daughter of John Obanion, the other the daughter of James Foster, waded in too deep. The other seeing them struggle, ran as fast as she could to the house and gave the alarm. The agonizing parents were soon on the ground, but it was too late, and the little ones were dead.—May 6, 1868, near the same place, a little boy about two years of age, son of Levi and Sarah Scripter, while playing along the bank of the creek slipped in.—Shortly after his mother went in search of him. After repeated calls and close looking, she discovered his hand mark in the mud, where he had put forth his feeble hand to save himself. A search was immediately commenced for the body. The people of the neighborhood turned out en masse, and all day long the creek was thronged with people, eagerly wading, swimming and feeling, but all in vain. Might closed in and the young parents with aching hearts and anxious minds, were left childless, without ever the body of a dear one. The night before, how happy. Tonight the beauties of all nature buried beneath the densest cloud of disappointment and sorrow. Next day the search was resumed; and Mr. David Selleck, Henry Richardson and Geo. Cole, taking a boat, and feeling along carefully down the stream half a mile below where the sad accident occurred, found the body. Sad and lonely as we must feel at the loss of these little ones., we should remember that except we “become as these little children” we “can in no wise enter the kingdom of heaven.” Dark spots of sorrow mingle and mix with the most prosperous; and glad I have no more of these accidents to record, I pass on to

And last, but not least, is the flouring mill of Davis & Donmeyer. The construction of this mill was commenced by Chatburn & Davis in the summer of 1865, under the personal supervision of Mr. Chatburn. Under his control was a good mill. But its present scientific reputation is due from the energy of Mr. J. W. Donmeyer, who, something less than a year ago, but Mr. Charburn’s interest, and set about improving the machinery until the whole internal arrangement may be said to be new. The building is three stories, and is sixty by thirty feet, and contains three run of burrs—two for wheat and one for corn.—The smut machine is of the capacity of six run of burrs, and there are two oat separators. Taking it all together, there is not a speck of dirt that reaches the hopper.—The mill grinds six hundred bushels of wheat per day, and packs it into barrels (when dried) without any muscular strength of the miller. The mill is situated on the Boyer about two miles south of Woodbine.

When we look over this township, and allow our mind to revert eighteen years past and find it without a mill, without a post office, and perhaps without a settler, and then think of its present condition, with a railroad, whose importance is second to none, with its two flouring mills, woolen factory, stores business men, farmers and farms, it inspires us with a feeling of wonder that civilization allowed this beautiful country to go so long unnoticed and unsettled.

Improved lands are worth from 20 to 80 dollars per acre. Average crop of wheat per acre, one year with another, since the first settlement is 23 ½ bushels, corn 45 bushels to the acre. Quite a number of good farmers feel satisfied that I put the average of the crops too low. It is true that the average crops of some of the farmers are much higher, but there is about the same difference in crops that there is in the men that raise them.

The first settlement commenced in Lincoln Township was some time during the year 1857. Jas. Selleck, Hiram Moore and Henry Henshaw, were among the first who broke the sod in this township, and is evidence of their appreciation of the place they located, they have remained there ever since, and are now prosperous farmers. After the organization of Jefferson township, up to the fall of 1867, Lincoln township was a part of it, but the people of this part wishing to be separated, was organized into a separate township. Lincoln township contains thirty-six sections of land, most of which is a beautiful prairie. Scoping in the fertile valley of the Willow, it crossed the divide, giving it a mixture of bottom and upland. Timber is rather scarce, there not being more than one section in the whole township. The groves are Four Mile, Cockran’s and Selleck’s Grove. The first school house was built in 1860, and there are now two good schools houses, in which are taught each year six month’s school to the house. There is no organized church in the township, and but fifteen families there. On the farm of Mr. Sellick is where the last battle between the Indians and the pale faces was fought. The pits the whites dug in which to hide from the bullets and arrows of the Indians, are still distinctly visible. But the battle was more imaginary than real, for while the Indians were clear beyond the reach of their shots, they fired and then ran, leaving their pits. The Indians returned the fire, but without effect. However, there was one man who refused to leave until he done something. Mr. James Bates waited till one Indian came within range of his rifle, and then taking good aim, fired and wounded him in the arm.

The nearest trading points for the people of this township, are Woodbine and Dunlap, and recently there has been a road located from the Willow to Woodbine, making it convenient for the people here to market, to mill, post office, &c., it only being four miles across the divide, and a good road. The average crop of wheat has been about the same as other places in the county. Corn, forty five bushels to the acre. The best business of this township is stock raising.—Mr. James Sellick has paid some attention to the cheese making and reports he knows of no better place for the business. Price of improved farms, from twelve to twenty dollars per acre. Water, Soil and health as good as any part of the county.

Cass Township is situated in the eastern part of Harrison County. While we pass up or down the Boyer, Willow, Missouri, or other valleys of the county, admiring the scenery, and imagining its future appearance when it shall be one continuous chain of improved farms, we must not think, the moment we ascend the bluffs, a desert or uninhabitable country will meet our gaze. If we do, we shall be disappointed, for on the very top or side of the steepest, roughest looking hill that can be found, vegetation is springing up, timber makes its appearance; and here we have a diversity of scenery, a mixture of plains, hills, and valleys, timber and prairie, sprightly brooks, and cool springs of ever flowing water, and the gay flowers of the forest and prairie mingled together. Of this Cass township is simple. The soil of the upland is strong and productive. In proof of which it is only necessary to state that the farmers here have as yet found no use for manure on their lands, on the contrary most of them burn the straw to get it out of the way. However it is generally admitted that there will be a day when the land along the edges and on the side of hills may be better of manure, while the soil of the valleys will never wear out. But the hill lands have some advantages over the bottom. In wet seasons they yield the most and are not so subject to early frosts.

The first two white men that turned the sod and laid claim to soil in Cass township was Isaac Ellison and Uriah Hawkins, in the year 1848. It appears that they lived here about two years without a neighbor. A little anecdote is told on them, that they held an election for the purpose of electing a justice and a constable. When the votes were counted it was found that each one had a vote for justice and constable, so it was a tie. After voting several times with the same result they agree to allow their wives to vote. This time each of them had two votes for each office, and the election was indefinitely postponed. In 1850 a respectable addition was made to the little colony, Rev. Curland Card, Samuel Dunningan, Edward Houghton and Mr. Brooner, with their families, every one of them a host in a new country, made claims here and commenced opening farms.

For the person who would like a wild and romantic life, beyond the bounds of civilization, there could have been no better place. In the very midst of wild game and fruit, with plenty of grass, timber and water, unrestrained by the tight reins of society, he could let loose his fancy and live without much labor; but the men who stopped here were not of that mind. They came to open farms and build up society, to transform the wild and romantic into the improved and scientific. In 1852(?) Mr. Kibler, Mr. Shedrick Card, and others were added to the settlement. Up to this time the children of the neighborhood got no teaching, except from their parents or older brothers and sisters. However, this winter (1852) the services of Mr. Stephen King was obtained to teach them. Mr. King was an excellent teacher and gave universal satisfaction, and although a log cabin was the best house the town could afford, no grumbling was heard, but industry took place of convenience, and all felt highly favored with the opportunity of sending their children to a good school. One of the patrons of this school lately remarked to me that a good school in a poor house is better than a poor school in a good house.

In 1854 Mr. Asher Servis emigrated to their township, and much is due him for bringing to this county the John Richard stock of horses. At every fair where his stock has been shown it has taken the premium. And in agriculture Mr. Servis is one of the most enterprising; his wheat, vegetable and poultry are always at the head of the premium list. At the fairs of 1863, 1864 and 1865, he got the highest premium on apples, and it is believed he raised the first apples that were raised in the county. Cass is now the banner township in Harrison County for fruit, as there is not a farmer in it but has an orchard, some of which are bearing fruit every year, and those too young to bear look well and thrifty. The first school house built for school purposes, in this township, was built by Mr. Asher Servis in the autumn of 1855. There is now four good frame school houses, well seated and furnished, in each of which are taught from six to eight month’s school per year. The principle churches of the township are Latter-day Saints (Mormons), Methodists, Christians and Presbyterians. There is no church building in the township, and religious meetings are held at the school houses. Cass and Jefferson townships were formerly both in one, being organized as a voting precinct in 1853; but during Judge Brainard’s administration they were separated. It contains---sections of land, nine of which is good timber. Among this timber is found the best walnut trees in the west. Mr. Servis made from one tree fifty-five thousand shingles, and now has trees standing six feet through, and more than fifty feet without a limb. Unimproved lands are worth from three to ten dollars per acre; improved farms from twenty to thirty dollars per acre. Nearest trading points either Woodbine or Logan, distance about six miles, with good grist mill at either place. Average crop of wheat per acre twenty bushels. (This is according to the common estimate of good farmers all over the country as well as here, but it seems to me to be low. I have noticed the crops for a number of years past, and have not known it to fall below an average of 18 bushels to the acre, while it has run as high as 35 bushels to the acre.) Corn forty bushels to the acre. The oat crop is uncertain, it grows so rank and tall that it is apt to fall down; but when it does well about one hundred bushels to the acre may be depended upon. The voting population of Cass is now fifty. Most of the improvements are in farming and farmers’ implements, reapers, mowers, cultivators, corn planters, and the most improved implements generally for the purpose of carrying on agriculture with the greatest ease and profit.

Lands, as in all other parts of the county, are cheaper, comparatively speaking, than they were ten or fifteen years ago. True, they could then be got for $1.25 per acre; but when the farm was open and the crop raised where was the market, when corn was dull at 10 to 12 ½ cts per bushel, wheat 35 t0 40 cts., and all other produce in proportion, when the farmer went thirty-five miles for a plug of tobacco, a pound of tea, to mill, and to the post office. If his land was worth one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre then, how much is it worth now, when his wheat brings $1.60 to 1.75 per bushel, his corn 75 cts to $1, his post office, mill, market and trading place in his own immediate neighborhood. The price of lands vary more according to who has them to sell than according to the quality of the land.

Union Township is in the southeast part of Harrison County. IT has Pigeon and Mosquito creeks, with their tributaries, running through it, and with numerous springs of good water. It has two small groves, about 1? Sections of good timber, Union and Wakefield’s groves. It contains 56 sections of land, the soil of which is about the same as the rest of the county. At each of the groves there is a small settlement.

The first settlement commenced in 1853. Samuel Wood, Mr. Sellers, Mr. Egon and Mr. Lelan, were among the first to locate here. Although the township has not filled up quite so fast as some others, I know no reason why it will not be numbered among the best of farming land. True, its farmers have go further to market than the most of Harrison county farmers, but their lands are just as rich; and they are sufficiently close to market to prosper and grow rich.Unimproved lands in this township are worth from two to five dollars per acre. There are two school houses in the township, in which are taught from 6 to 8 month’s school each, per year.

Lagrange has a part of Calhoun, all of Jefferson, and a small portion of Cass township on the north, Union township on the east, Pottawattamie county on the south, and St. John township on the west. In 1848, while the western part of Iowa was comparatively little known, and generally considered a worthless plain, the Latter-day Saints (or Mormons) being in trouble with the people of Illinois and Missouri, left the bounds of civilization, seeking homes in the far west.—Under the guidance of diverse leaders, they became scattered and confused, both in religion and destination. Most of them made a stop in western Iowa, and it was some of these men who commenced the improvements that now exist in lagrange, as well as many other places of this and adjoining counties. Some of them are still with us, denying Brigham Young as their leader, denouncing the abomination he taught, as of the devil. They chose to remain where they were, cut off from the church which they believed had lost every semblance of Christ’s people. But it is contrary to the design of this work to speak of this people further than is necessary to show the early settlement of the county. Suffice it to say, that the great portion of them were a floating population, and only commenced improvements for the benefit of others, and most emphatically was this the case in Lagrange. Consequently it is more probable, that in giving names of early settlers, I miss these, as the names of permanent settlers only are intended.

In the latter part of the year 1848, Mr. Harris located within the present geographical limits of Lagrange township, and it was from him that the famed Harris Grove took its name. From this time up to 1850, I have no account of any person stopping here with the intention of making more than a temporary stay. But the fertility of the soil, purity of the water, (gushing forth from numerous springs, the mixture of timber and prairie, together with wild fruit, wild honey and wild game, made this place look like the land of promise to the weary traveler, who, overcome by inclination, would make at least a temporary stop. In 1850, Mr. William Tucker located here. In the fall of 1851, Thomas McKinney, Sen., M. J. McKinney, Thomas Reeder, J. D. Rogers, William Howard, and about the same time J. T. Stern and William Dakan bought claims and commenced improving. The first school was taught by J. B. McCurley, during the winter of 1851, with an average attendance of thirty schollars—an old log but being used for a school house. There are now three good frame school houses in the township, in each of which were taught from six to eight month’s school per year.

In the fall of 1853, the first election was held, and the township organized. Mr. M. J. McKinney, having been appointed organizing sheriff, to organize the county of Harrison, ordered an election of the county, but in consequence of a dissatisfaction arising out of the location of the county seat, some of the precincts refused to hold an election, hoping thereby to defeat the county organization and get a re-location of the county seat. This precinct, however, opposed to the location of the county seat at the place selected, refused to be instrumental in defeating the county organization, and held an election which resulted in the election of the county officers mentioned elsewhere, with Michael Rogers and William Dankan justices of the peace for Lagrange township.

The township contains fifty-two sections of land, seven or eight of which is good timber.

There are no large streams of water coming in contact with Lagrange; however, it has Harris Grove creek, a stream of never-failing water, and other small creeks, with springs sufficient for the convenience of grazing or agriculture.

The first death in the settlement was that of Thos. McKinney, Sen., in the spring of 1852.

Nature has eminently fitted Lagrange for an agricultural and grazing district, and although like all the rest of the county, there is, as yet, but a very small proportion of it transformed into productive farms. Still, there has enough been done, and the farmers are all prosperous. Their average crop of wheat, for 18 years past, has been twenty-two bushels to the acre; average crop of corn, forty-four bushels to the acre.—Considerable attention has been given to the raising of fruit, and all small fruits have a proven a perfect success; in fact strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries, grapes, plums &c., are natives and grow wild, but larger varieties, and more prolific producers are now extensively cultivated. In 1854, Mr. William Dakan planted one hundred apple trees, which he brought from Missouri, in the winter; the roots exposed were frozen, and about half of them died. However, the half that retained vitality the first season are still alive and bearing fruit. Mr. Dakan is of the opinion that to raise apple here the orchard will require more attention than in many more places.—He washes his trees with soapsuds or weak lye once or twice a year. His reason for this is that the fine dust blown by the wind fills the pores of the bark, and causes decay and ultimate death, to the tree. His orchard is unprotected by timber or hills, and he has no trouble with apples blowing off. He does not cultivate his orchard, but would advise cultivation at a good distance from the trees, and prefers corn to small grain, corn being less condusive to gophers, the greatest enemy of orchards. (These little rascals live under ground, and destroy trees by eating off the roots.) Mr. Dakan thinks the best place to raise an orchid of any kind of fruit trees is an open, high prairie, unprotected by trees or anything else. His reason for this is because the high prairie is less liable to frost than low or bottom lands. I speak of Mr. Dakan’s orchard as a sample, as it probably is the oldest, though not the largest, in the township. Some of his neighbors differ with him, both as to place and manner of treatment; most of them being of the opinion that it is better to have a northwest protection of some kind; but his success and my own experience and observation leads me to believe he is right, and that it does not make so much difference where the trees are planted, as how they are treated before and after. About its being absolutely necessary to wash the trees with an alkali, I think he is mistaken, (although it may be highly beneficial,) for I know of nice thrifty orchards all over the county, and I have talked with men most enterprising in this matter, and he is the only one who has spoken of washing the trees.

Unimproved lands in Lagrange are worth from five to ten dollars per acre. Though I presume there is but little that would sell for ten dollars per acre, there are, no doubt, tracks that could be bought for no less. But I am satisfied that good land can be got for five. Partial improved land is worth 12 to 20 dollars per acres. Nearest trading point for the township is Logan or Mo. Valley, a distance of six or eight miles.

Leaving Boyer and passing south, either by rail or private conveyance, we come to Jefferson Township. Geographically, Jefferson lies south of Boyer, west of Cass, north of Lagrange, and east of Calhoun and Magnolia townships. Through this township also, the Boyer river, of which so much has been said of its abundant water, (and on either side broad and fertile bottoms), winds its way, and with its numerous tributaries of creeks, brooks, riv?lets and never-failing springs.

The township is placed in vanguard with its neighbors, by that thirst satiating draught so refreshing to man and beast.—Here, also, there is but little difficulty, compared with many other parts of our country, of obtaining the best of well water. In this respect, what is said of Jefferson, may be said of every part of Harrison county. I have noticed many wells walled but just above the water, (and I know of none walled higher), and yet these wells will stand for years. Jefferson township is half the size of Boyer, having 36 sections, or 23040 acres of land. This is good Iowa timber and prairie land, in the proportion of one acre of timber to five of prairie. The principle bodies of timber are found in Elk, Six Mile and Harris groves. At a much earlier date it was thought the few groves of timber would soon be giving way before the advance of civilization, but now we find plenty for all practical use00the increase of emigrants and large consumption by the late R. R. to the contrary, notwithstanding. Passing many things that might prove of interest to the agriculturist, by way of chemical allusory to soil &c., (but all lands are fertile in our county), we come to the

and with this, doubtless, the reader will watch for a thrilling romance, so invariably associated with towns in our most eastern states; but with us, as well as incident, we lack the heavy forecasts of timber, crystal lakes and rocky gorges, in which to wind our was as “Longfellow,” and borrow from balmy nature with our poetic mind,

The first settler was George Mefford, in 1848 or 1849, and in three years, perhaps the number reached half a dozen families.—Among the number were William Howard, James Dunnigan, Samuel McGavern, Peter Brady, Thos. W. Reeder, George White, McGavern, Stephen King, Isaac Childs and Henry Kanouse. Mr. Henry Reel has sometimes been accredited to this township. His residence, however, is in Calhoun township, while a part of his farm and his mills are in Jefferson.—Most of these early settlers are still at their old places. Some of them, however, have made short moves, and located in adjoining towns. This sometimes gives rise to confusion, for their names appear in two towns about the same date, as first settler. Mr. James Dunnigan is still here, and retains that social welcoming character common with the pioneer.

Peter Brady may also be found on his old farm, with his immense herd of cattle, his broad fields of grain, comfortable residence, and improvements. Thos. W. Reeder is still a prosperous, energetic citizen of Jefferson. Mr. George White is keeper and proprietor of the hotel at the town of Logan, and as a hotel keeper is acknowledged to be one of the best our county affords; and as a business man, energetic and preserving. S. King is on his old place, which, by the way, is one of the nicest farms the county affords. Mr. King was the first county Judge of Harrison county, afterwards Co. Superintendent of common schools; and still later, in 1863, was elected on the Republican ticket, Representative to the legislature of the State of Iowa; which office he filled with honor to himself, and to the satisfaction and credit of his constituents. In 1867 he was again nominated by the Republican convention, but withdrew from the canvass, and Mr. J. H. Smith was elected. For a man in this county to travel barefoot, (“except en route to the legislature,”) is a little uncommon, (said Thomas.) But soon after the town of Magnolia was laid off, in 1853, Mr. King, having a desire to see the new town, started on foot. There was no road or guide, except his pocket compass, and knowing the direction, he felt safe in his undertaking. Soon coming to the Boyer river, he drew his boots and attempted to throw them across, preparatory to his swimming the swollen stream. The first one lit safe on the opposite shore, and Mr. King felt that he was a good thrower. Although I did not hear what he thought, I am persuaded he had it fixed up in his mind how, on his return, he would tell his wife his dextrous feat; but lo! The second boot hit splash in the river, and sank to rise no more. However, he swam the river, and made several desperate efforts, by, diving, to rescue the boot from a watery grave, but all to no effect. Persons who may have noticed the stiff stubble of the prairie grass, can well imagine the condition of Mr. King’s bare foot when he reached the town of Magnolia. When Mr. King got safe to town, with one boot on and one bare foot, it was rumored that he had half a notion to follow his illustrious predecessor to the Legislature.

In 1854, Thomas B. Neely, Dist. Att’y elect, P. G. Cooper, Co. Clerk elect, James Hardy, Co. Judge elect, and Chester Hamilton, Sheriff elect, wishing to appear before Judge King, and take the oath of office, started from Magnolia.—They had to cross the Willow and Boyer, neither of which had a bridge. Being on horseback, they got across the Willow without much trouble; but coming to the Boyer they found the stream considerably swollen by recent rains, and there was a proposition to turn back, whereupon one spoke up, “What will my wife say if I go back before P.M.?” This was a stimulous to the whole party, and hitching their horses, drawing their boots, they swam the river, and in a short time were duly qualified as county officers.

In the summer of 1855, the brave men of this township went out with their neighbors from all parts of the county, in search of the Indians, with the expectation of just clearing the country of the red skins; and after discharging their rifles at the shadow of some bushes, made by the moon light, they were ready to peaceably return; but lo! the Indians hearing the crack of the rifles, came to see what it all meant; when these brave men, strongly supported by their friends, nerved their muscle, and with their unloaded rifles’ breech, first broke and ran for home. Among the whole number (about 50) there was but one man cowardly enough to stay and fight, and he actually kept the Indians at bay and slept on the field of battle until morning. In this battle one poor fellow lost his coat. The Indians had a good laugh, and soon left the county.

Buena Vista and Jeddo were the first towns laid out in the township, and as these are near each other in location. (being 3 miles apart,) and important as trading points, we here speak of them in connection. These, at one time, could raise as much excitement of rivalry, perhaps, as some of our railroad towns at the present time. Buena Vista finally leading off with one or two hotels, stores and shops, until 1867, when the destroying angel for small towns, (the C. & N. W. R. R), passing by, (contrary to the ancient mode of warfare), left the town in most extreme throes of misfortune. Some years ago Hon. L. R. Bolter commenced buying up the lots of the ancient town of Jeddo, preparatory to making them into a farm. He now has the way clear, and there is on file, in the office of the probate court of this county, a petition for the vacation of the town, which will be, beyond a doubt, granted. Mr. Bolter has moved most of the houses off, only leaving one for a residence, and a few tenant houses; and now has as nice a farm of it as man could wish. He is an energetic, persevering man. In 1865 he was nominated by the Democratic party of the 55^th District, as a candidate for Representative to the State Legislature. After an obstinate canvass he was elected. As a public man he is universally respected, and the only fault his political enemies have to him is his politics. In 1867 he was again run by his party for representative, and was beaten by his opponent, Hon. J. H. Smith. This time, however, he ran ahead of his ticket. His attention is now taken up with his farm, the appearance of which is evidence of his good judgement and skill in agriculture and horticulture. His style of raising grapes is practically worthy of mention. Instead of having a high and inconvenient rack for his vines to creep up on out of his reach, he keeps them cropped off, and says they always bear well. He prunes in the fall. The only village now in the township worthy of mention is

Logan is situated on section 18 and 19, Town, 74,Range 42, about forty rods from the Boyer river, six miles southeast of Magnolia, and on the line of the C. & N. W. R. R.. For beauty of location, this town has no superior.—Situated as it is on what is called the second bottom, it is neither too high nor too low, but is intermediate between the lowest bottom nor the highest bluff. The first business house (indeed the first house of any kind built, after the town was laid off) was a drug and grocery store. The town was laid out the last of June, 1867,-- this building was completed the first of July. Next Messrs. Cole & Fish moved their store from Whitesboro. Meantime, Rudasill, Wood & Low, of Magnolia, had a store room in process of completion. Soon after, Broadwell & Cavin commenced their store room; and before winter set in, Logan had three good stores.--There is now at Logan two good dry goods and grocery stores, with full stocks, one good drug store, one shoe shop, blacksmith shop, meat market, one physician, one dentist, one good hotel and one boarding house, one lumber merchant, and dealer in agricultural implements; three warerooms to deposit wheat, corn and produce for shipment. Within 50 yards of the town stands Reel’s Mill, owned now by James McCoid. The site on which this mill is built is one of the best.—The stream is just the right size to afford plenty of power the year round, and the fall is just what suits millers; but what puts it ahead of anything else along the Boyer, is its rock or limestone bottom—the dam being built of limestone. And it is from this vicinity that our county furnishes to commerce the large supply of limestone for building purposes, and from here that lime for all of its various purposes is furnished in almost and quantity demanded.

Had a person passed over the piece of ground where Logan now stands, one year ago, they would have seen no roads—not even a foot-path—except right along the R. R.; but they would have seen as nice a piece of land as the eyes of man ever looked upon, all carpeted with its native grass. But as soon as the town was laid out, and its proprietor, (Mr. Henry Reel,) was ready to dispose of lots improvements commenced. There are but few, if any, strangers in the town. They are all men fully acquainted with the country, and their improvements commenced. There are but few, if any, strangers in the town. They are all men fully acquainted with the country, and their improvements are all substantial. They build as if they meant to stay and spend their days there, and they act the same. In some of the new towns along the railroad, there is too great a rush of merchants and business men overdoing the business at once. However, this was not case with Logan. In this line they have got about what the country will support, until the surrounding farming interests of the places are more developed; then an increase proportionately of merchants will be needed. For a support, Logan has a good territory of as fine land as American can produce. Nearest trading point north of them is Woodbine, a distant of eight miles; east Harlan, forty miles south, Mo. Valley, eight miles; west, Magnolia, six miles; and this is in the point where the farmers in the vicinity of Magnolia market their grain; and where the Magnolia merchants receive and ship goods.—Being in the vicinity of good timber, the cars are here supplied with wood and water. Logan is a beautiful, healthy, prosperous little town.

The surrounding country has before partially been described.—I will not give a more minute description to follow up the Boyer bottom from Logan, you will find some beautiful farms already improved, but plenty more that should be improved. Go east, and leaving the bottom, you next come to the second bottom, bench or table land. This land is about one mile in width, and for all purposes, can’t be beat, except for grass, and the bottoms are supposed to be better for that. A very little of this is improved.—Next you come to the up land, or that which is entirely on top of the bluffs, where you will find more improvements. And don’t imagine that because you are on top of the hill, the land is poor, for the soil is good, needs no manure, and you can dig fifty feet, and not go to the bottom of the soil. True, the up lands are sometimes broken by gulches, but in this immediate neighborhood there is no wasteland in this way; but like all other townships of the county, there is land, and plenty of it, that is lying idle for want of improvement. However, this is fast giving way before the increase of inhabitants. South of Logan, down the Boyer, and you will find it pretty well settled, and good, prosperous farmers. West, between Magnolia and Logan, there is not a house. The land is rougher, but is all capable, and will, ere long, be farmed. In this township, there are now two flouring mills, one water and the other steam. The steam mill is known by the name of Reeder’s Mill, and was built by Jason Whitinger and Norman Squires, in the southeast part of the township, in the year 1859; the other, Reel’s Mill, of which I have already spoken, was built at an earlier date. There are also three saw mills in the townships.

Mr. John McKinney, having a farm on the highest elevation of land in the township, nine years ago planted an orchard of apple trees; out of the number planted (one hundred and twenty) there are now one hundred standing, and look well and thrifty. South of his orchard is a grove of dense timber. Mr. McKinney thinks this grove is of great advantage to his orchard, since it protects it from the warm south winds we occasionally experience in the winter. He thinks that apple trees, when unprotected, are liable to have the sap start during the winter, and afterwards the cold freezing weather would injure, if not kill the trees. He puts at the bottom, and about the roots of the trees, little stones or pebbles. This is to prevent the gophers from destroying them.—This last may be just the thing, but it would seem cheaper to kill the gophers. But the idea of protecting orchards with groves or anything else against freezing, would seem useless, since there are trees all over the country unprotected from winds.—His orchard was planted eight years ago, and now is bearing, and looks fine. Mr. Rider, however, is of the opinion that some protection would be good; says he has been troubled with apples blowing off.

Horticulture has not received half the attention in this township it should have received; the people having contented themselves with the wild fruit which was, as is, so abundant; yet there was quite a number of orchards equally as good as any in the county, to be found here.—Can’t, the word when applied to fruit raising in this county, means won’t. I have frequently talked with farmers who say, ‘If we could only raise fruit here, this county would just suit me; this is all the fault I have with it.” I have said to these men, “Do strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, plums, grapes, currants, &C, do well here?” ‘O Yes,’ they say ‘but we can’t raise apples.” I have asked them how they knew we could not. After stretching, gaping, and a half long breath, looking sleepy, &c., they answered, ‘Oh; be-c-a-s-u-s-e we can’t.” I have told them that apples were raised north of us, east of us, south and west of us. Now, why can’t we raise them here.” “Oh, we can’t raise apples here,” “Yes, but,” says I, “we do raise them here; and now there are plenty of orchards all through the county, bearing fruit, and doing as well as they can do in Missouri, or anywhere else.’ About this time the man says, walking off, “We can’t raise apples.” Now, the reason you can’t raise apples, pears, plums, cherries, &c., is because you don’t try. The county in which you live is too good to you. The land is so easy worked and so little labor required to get living and make a living, that you have become lazy, and unless you can plant in the spring and reap in the fall, can’t heads you off. It is well for the county that there are but a few of this class among us, and that they are getting fewer every day.

The principal, and most lucrative business of the township is farming, and by this I mean stock raising, as well as raising grain. The farmers all carry on a mixture of agriculture, horticulture, and stock raising. For stock, it can’t be beat. During the summer that cattle roan over the prairie, without expense to their owner, and get fat. To keep them through the winter the farmer hitches his team to a mower, drives out on to the prairie, cuts what hay he wants, and rakes and stacks it; and this, with a little corn for the younger stock, or such as he uses, is all that’s needed. The Messrs. Adams of this township have paid some attention to cheese making, and found it very profitable. Mr. Adams is from the Western Reserve, Ohio, and he informs me that he can make just as much, and just as good cheese per cow, here, as he could on the Western Reserve, with less than one-fourth the expense. The average yield of wheat, per acre, since its first introduction into the township, is 23 bushel; that of corn 50 bushel; potatoes will yield over 250 bushels to the acre. The land is always soft and easy worked, and never bakes, although plowed in wet weather. Most all the farmers keep a few sheep, and some have large droves, and they do well and are healthy. Quite a number of men, near Logan, are always engaged quarrying stone and cutting it out into suitable shape for shipment, and others are engaged in burning lime to supply the surrounding county.

About the land &c., are enough has already been said, except its price. Improved farms are worth form 20 to 30 dollars per acre; unimproved, from 3 to 10 dollars per acre. Persons holding lands here usually require a small payment at time of sale, and give good long time on balance. Persons coming from the east to this township will not be pitching their families into the wilds of the west or depriving them of society. Here you can have a good market for all you raise. You will be handy to mills, to post office, to a good trading point, to the R. R. depot. You will also be handy to church, the Methodists, Baptists and Congregationalists being organized here at Logan. Here, too, in Jefferson township, you will find as good district schools as in any State of the Union. And to my acquaintance I know of no healthier place. Ague is not known here, or any disease depending on malary.—Consumption and lung diseases are strangers to the place, except contracted elsewhere and brought here, and if not too far gone it is believed that the purity of the atmosphere would cure even those who were consumptive.

N. B.--In giving the business appearance of Logan, I forgot one item which will show somewhat the business of the place, &c., through the kindness of Mr. Rudasill, I am able to submit the following statistics of shipments for the month of January, 1868; Pork, 5 car loads or 80,000 lbs.; wheat, 20 car loads of 320 bushels each, or 6,400 bu., which, at $1.60 per bushel, amounts to $10,240. Considering this town at the time, only six months of age, these figures speak well for the energy and capital of the men of the place, to all who have a hint at business talent.

Cole & Fish, general merchants.
G. B. Cadwell, dealer in stoves, tinware, hardware, &c.,
James McCoid, proprietor McCoid’s Flouring Mill.
Kelley Bros., druggists. Dealers in drugs, medicines, paints, oils, &c., &c.
Geo. White, hotel proprietor.
Rudasill, Wood & Low, general merchants.
T. M. C. Logan, wholesale and retail dealer in agricultural implements, and produce merchant.
William Orr, licensed stock broker.

In the history of this township is involved the earliest history of the county. The germ and radiating point of her civilization having been elected here in January, 1848, by the distinguished pioneer, and now worthy citizen, Daniel Brown. Having been an early pioneer in Illinois, strong and athletic from fearless adventures, he was the fit man to honor an undertaking calling forth the most brilliant genius, noble courage and daring intrepidity. In March he constructed a rude log hut on the eminent prairie upon which the town of Calhoun now stands, commanding a delightful, picturesque view of the Missouri bottom for 20 miles, and on the 6^th of April, 1848, with his family, made claim by possession of the first land of Harrison County, Iowa. What a striking contrast between the log palace, with neither windows, doors, shutters or floor, and the improvements of only 20 years? Who can but remember with pride and esteem those who have contributed so much toward the advancement of civilization and accumulation of wealth. It is highly praiseworthy to gallantly face death amidst the clashing arms and boom of artillery in the excited rage of battle; but he who braves peril and danger, in solitude, in the quietness of evening, or fainting rays of moonlight, must possess the action of a most vivid intellect, indomitable courage and decided character. Closely following the settlement of Mr. Brown was Mr. Litz, who became a near neighbor, and the coming May four families came into the County—Messers.”J. Vincent, O. M. Allen, Gay Cleveland and Davis—and thus stopped immigration this year for this part of the county. The early settlers immediately began tilling the ground, and the follow autumn they were blessed with a bountiful harvest of corn. Soon after ripening they found ready sale for it, from the large number of Indian traders with their horses, passing north to hunt and barter. Mr. Brown relates that he had no means of clothing for his family, not having seen a dollar for months, when these traders, stopping with him, gave him the first start. They were all now as happily situated as could be desired, plenty of game from which to obtain meat, corn for bread, and means with which to gather apparel. The famous Boyer valley to this time, and long afterwards, awaited the pleasure of the honored agriculturist, when Henry Reel, from Indiana, made first choice thereof, settling on the west side of this beautiful valley, and now in the northeastern part of Calhoun township. Never was there a more favorable choice, and never were such privileges granted to man more unassuming, industrious and upright. Mr. Reel’s acute judgement chose the most desirable location on the Boyer valley for mill seat and farm—the first of which was lately sold for seven thousand dollars, and the last becoming the beautiful site of Logan. See history of Jefferson township. The nearest post office for this township for years was Council Bluffs, distant twenty-five miles, which accounts somewhat for the slow settlement at this early day. Yet a sufficient number had made claims in 1852 to justify an organization of the county. Committees from this township were chosen to settle the land sales at Council Bluffs, bid on claims, and protect the working citizen when in contact with the heartless speculator. Those committees attended with instruction to bid $1.25 per acre on lands put up what were claimed; and to carry death into the ranks of those who would unjustly bid against them. The first land bought in Harrison county was by Mr. D. Brown, purchasing 80 acres where the town of Calhoun now stands, at $1.28 per acre; and Mr. Brown, assisted by Messers. Willis, Beldon & Johnson, laid off the town of Calhoun July 5, 1853, on the E. hf. S. W. qr. Of Sec. 19, Town. 79, N. of Range 43, west. This little place commenced under auspicious circumstances, and soon was a trading point of considerable importance. Mr. Hardin commenced the mercantile business in the town, but the first heavy stock was by his successors, the firm of W. S. & E. W. Meech, in 1855. These gentlemen have since continued at their old stand. At an early day, the town of Calhoun was one of the most important business points in the county, but the railroads have left it on each side, at such a distance as to effect materially its business interests. W. W. Rose is the leading merchant of the place at present, and doing a fair business. The town at present has twenty-one dwelling houses, two stores, one school house, and a new school house under construction. This number, with their ornamental trees and fine location, is marked for beauty and pleasantness. Passing to the more rural parts of the township at an early day, one may have noticed enterprising med at all occupations. In the year 185.—Jas. Hardy Esp., erected a mill on the Willow, and doing good work, the people were greatly relieved from long travels after breads tuffs. Mr. Hardy continues at present in this business, and has filled with credit the highest offices in the county. Calhoun is the center township of Harrison county, bounded on the north by Magnolia, east by Jefferson, south by Lagrange and St. Johns, and west by Taylor. In part, the surface is hilly and broken, but many of the finest farms in the west may be found in the Willow and Boyer valleys, of this township. A nine strip timber skirts the Willow of soft wood, and south and west from the Willow and in the hills, encircles a heavy strip of hard wood for a number of miles. Taking this with the fine grove in the northern part of the township, Calhoun may justly claim all that could be asked of importance to the immigrant. The Willow and the Boyer rivers are the principal streams passing through the township, but with their small tributaries in conjunction, it is well watered. At an early day these, advantages must be noticed, and the fine rolling prairies now unoccupied, will be in turned into rich and valuable farms. Perhaps no township in the County can equal Calhoun in her legends of romance and feats of adventure. Indeed, the savages were troublesome from the beginning. In the spring of 1848, when Mr. Brown was on a trip to Missouri to procure provisions for the summer, the Indians came to his house and began plundering and destroying all that could be found. At last, lifting a guilt hung from the wall of the house, (placed for the purpose of concealment), he espied half a dozen guns hanging one above another. One looked, and with the familiar ugh! The others in turn repeatedly raised the quilt and peeped behind; whereupon, all supposed there was a man secreted for each gun, and left the building immediately. But enough had already been taken to place the family in a starving condition ere the return of Mr. Brown. A heavy skirmish took place on the Boyer river between twelve whites and thirty Indians. Near a dozen rounds were fired when most of the Indians were captured and given a French leave to cross the Missouri in a hurry. At one time six Indians stole two horses from Mr. Litz; four of the Indians having already mounted, they were all rightly rigged out for a march. The thieves were found out immediately, and six men (all at that time in this part of the county) started in pursuit. A few shots were exchanged at the outset, but no person on either side were injured. (It was dark.) Mr. Brown and his nephew mounted the only two horses remaining and started in pursuit. The followed closely on the rascals around through where Magnolia now stands, and on , crossing the Soldier while the water was yet muddy from tracks of pursued horses. They still followed to Little Sioux river, but the fresh traces plainly show the wily crew had passed. It was useless for two men to continue search in an Indian county, and the only alternative was to return. They started back and reached home near midnight, thirty hours from time of starting, with a somewhat elated order for fighting it out on that line. The Indians were very annoying, killing cattle. Mr. Brown states that he remained six weeks at a time on the Missouri bottom, herding cattle. His home was a log hut, ten feet square, strongly built; and at night would bolt the door by heavy timbers placed in crosswise, and with his revolver and gun for companions, retire prepared for any emergency. It was not a very choice thing to be either Brown or Indians at this little hut. Calhoun Township was organized at an early date, with Squire Messenger for Justice of Peace, and S. Stanwood Constable. An educational interest was early manifest, and now the township supports a number of excellent schools. Isaac Cox, an early settler in the Boyer valley, a man of high character, vigilant and active, did as much toward the advancement of educational interests as any other man in the township. The Supt. of Common Schools for Harrison County in 1867, Mr. R. N. Day, is a resident of this township. The first school was taught by Mr. Brigham, in Calhoun, in 1865. The first death in township was in 1854, William Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. D. Brown.

Harrison County was organized in the year 1853, and from that period up to 1857, the south part of the County constituted a precinct for voting purposes, and held elections at Harris Grove.—In the summer of 1857 the township of St John was organized. It contains forty-three sections of land. It has Taylor and Calhoun townships on the north, Lagrange on the east, Pottawattamie Co. on the south, and Cincinnati township on the west. In this township the Boyer and Missouri valleys unite, and as if vying with each other for beauty and richness of soil, they present a scenery more worthy the pen of the poet than of your prosy writer. In company with Dr. Ellis and P. D. Mickel, Esp., I lately ascended a very high bluff close to the pleasant town of Missouri Valley, overlooking St. John and the surrounding country, where the eye could feast the mind with nature’s finest work of landscape; and thanks to the doctor, we had a huge spy-glass with us, by the aid of which we could distinctly see the old capitol building at Omaha, Neb., also the houses, and even people, of De Soto, Neb.—But saw nothing on the opposite side of the Big Muddy half so attractive to us as the broad, fertile bottoms of the Boyer and Missouri. Here in the united natural wealth of these two valleys, where, up to the year 1849, there had not a white man intruded, this year found one man, William Smith, a settler. It appears that it was two years before Mr. Smith had a neighbor, except some of his kinsmen who had induced to come here to settle.

In 1851, Mr. William Dakan, an enterprising farmer, settled here. It was again two years before any additions were made to the numbers of these enterprising men. This year (1853) William Spencer, John Deal, John Hatcher, Champion Frazier and others settled here and commenced preparing farms. (These lands were then bought from the Government at $1.25 per acre.) Being all of them enterprising men they soon reaped remuncrative crops, and it being but twenty or twenty-five miles to market, they prospered and soon were independent as old farmers, with wheat and corn in the graneries, wild game plenty for their meat, fat cattle on the prairie for the market, and wild fruit as in every township of the county. Who can wonder they were proud of their new homes, or that they induced their friends to come here and settle to do well also.

Those who are not acquainted with the customs of the pioneers at the west can hardly appreciate their desire to have everybody do well. I once knocked at the door of one of those enterprising men in the late evening, a stranger in a strange land, homesick, hungry, tired and weary. Expecting to be told that his house was small, family large, with a few other excuses, and that, ‘I can’t keep you,’ which to me appeared to be really a fact. Feeling, however, that I could not pass the semblance of a chance to stop without a trial. I meekly addressed the proprietor, asking the privilege to stop with him for the night; to which he said, “Certainly,” and seemed pleased to see me. After making me comfortable, and feel that he was my friend, he sat down, and to the best of my knowledge, asking 27 questions in half an hour, and frankly answered as many more for me the next half hour, telling all about the country, choice pieces of land, good chances for speculation, laughing at my notion of being home sick, saying if I stayed here a little while I would be homesick if I left, and experience has proven true. I thought he was an exception of a man, (and I half believe yet he was,) but this was the general style of the people, hale fellows well met, sociable, accommodating and agreeable.

However, it will not do to suppose because the pioneer is, according to the western expression, whole souled, that he is easy gulled; for many a swell-head has come to these parts with a few dollars, expecting to out-sharp the settlers, accumulate a fortune in a few months, and then return east and live in comfort and affluence. These chaps are generally soon relieved of their surplus dollars, and their head dwindles amazingly.

For good, honest, industrious men, there is no better place in these parts than St. John Township, and it matters but little what occupation or profession he wished to follow. If he is a farmer he can find the best of land, improved or unimproved, at prices vastly beneath its real value. If he is a mechanic, merchant or professional man, the town of Missouri Valley is the place for him. Of this town I shall speak more hereafter.

In the fall of 1857 a company was organized, consisting of Robert and George McGavern, John Deal, G. H. Cotton, E. W. Bennett, Noah Harris, P. J. McMahon, C. Vorhees, H. C. Purple and James A. Jackson. The company was organized the 27^th day of August, by selecting Robert McGavern President, E. W. Bennett, Secretary. The object of this company was to lay off and build a town; consequently, the town of St. John was laid out, and building immediately commenc’d. Harvey&Woodruff open’d a store that fall, and Jacob Preston opened a hotel which he called the Boyer Valley House, and soon sold out to Jacob Fulton. A school house and some dwellings were built the same season. The winter not being favorable, improvements now ceased until spring, when there was a general waking up all over the township, and improvements went ahead.—This year the town built a school house, the best then in the county. Thus improvements went on until wild-cat banks failed all over the country, ruining a great many good business men, and casting its blight on old and new towns. (The effect then experienced was about what we now are just beginning to experience by a contracted currency.) But railroads build towns, and in 1867 the cars made their appearance one mile northwest from St. John, and here, on the N. W. hf. Sec. 14, and N. E. qr. of Sec. 15, Township of St. john, the town of New St. John was laid off; since, however, the same has been changed to.

Missouri valley is beautifully situated at the foot of the bluffs, one mile from the Boyer river, six miles from the Missouri, and is at the junction of the C. & N. W. R. R., and U. P. & S. C. R. R. It contains one hundred dwellings. The population is about six hundred. The freight agent, Mr. Waldo Abeel, of the C. & N. W. R. R. Co. informed me that during the winter months of 1867 and 1868, the net income of this office was $35,000 per month.—Truly showing a magnificent business for a place but one year old. The township now has six school houses, in each of which are taught from six to nine months school per year. The country about Missouri Valley can’t be beat in the west. Timber is good; land a mixture of up and bottom land, making a variety sure to suit every one. The streams, aside from the Boyer river, consist of pure, healthy brooks; add to this the numerous springs—chief among which are the big springs half a mile northwest from Missouri Valley, on the farm of R. S. Snyder. Near these magnificent springs, Mr. Snyder has recently erected a large brick farm house, the finest farm house now in the county.

T. E. Brannen, attorney at law.
P. D. Mickel, attorney at law.
J. M. Riley, saddler and harness maker.
H. C. Warner, wholesale and retail dealer in general merchandise.
R. McGavern & Co., dealers in hardware and agriculture implements.
Smith & Cogswell, carpenters and joiners.
McGavern & Hull, dealers in drugs, &c.
D. A. Babcock, dealer in stoves, tinware, and farming implements.
J. C. Enke, plasterer and brick layer.
McBride & Birchard, druggists.
L. S. Snyder & Co., dealers in stoves, tinware, hardware, etc.

Magnolia Township is situated on the divide between Missouri and Boyer rivers, and has 84 sections or square miles of land, about five sections of which is good timber, composed of oak, blackwalnut, hickory, &c., &c.—It has the Willow creek, a stream of sufficient size for water power to impel the machinery of mills or factories. Heretofore I have spoken of natural wealth of the Boyer valley, but in no respect (except extent of width and length) does the Boyer surpass in beauty, wealth and grandeur, the valley of the Willow. This stream runs the full length of the township from north to south, and its valley is fast changing from nature’s meadow to beautiful farms.

The next two streams of any considerable size is Allen creek and Stowe creek. It may be doubted whether either of these creeks are of sufficient size to be of any other benefit except for stock water, but for this purpose alone they should not be underrated. Their valleys are rich, and tall, luxuriant grass is produced, providing an abundance of pasture and fodder for the immense herds of stock they are destined to support. The township is bountifully supplied with springs of never failing water, from which small brooks wend their way, and before the atmosphere can absord and extinguish them, they meet reinforcements from other springs, and go on in increased rather than diminished.—Thus Magnolia Township, with a temperate climate and pure water, is a place noted for health, not only for man but for beast.—Such a thing as a case of consumption is rarely, if ever found; and some who have supposed to be suffering with this disease, who have changed their location to this place, have become entirely well, without the aid of medicine. While a case of heaves among horses is never known; but to bring a heavy horse here is sure to cure him in a few months; I have no knowledge of any prevailing disease among stock of any kind, and I have known a whole drove of sheep to be cured of foot-rot by being brought to this county.

While I have spoken in glowing terms of valleys in this county, I may have induced the idea that they are all the good land.—If so, I wish now to correct it, for there is but little if any land but what is good, and as to which is the best, the upland or the bottoms, there is diversity of opinion. Some choose one, some the other. Gently rolling or level upland cannot be surpassed by the bottoms for anything else but for grass or grazing, and it is less liable to early frosts, and by some supposed to be superior for raising grain, and generally conceded to be the best for fruit. Mr. Phineas Cadwell, of this township, one of the most enterprising and scientific farmers of the community, has a farm composed entirely of as high land as can be found on a divide, with which he is entirely satisfied.

The first settler of this township was George Blackman, in the spring of 1852. But he was not long to have the place all to himself, and the same year James Hardy, senior, Jacob Hoffman, Stephen Mahoney and Jonas Chatburn, in their western course settled here with families, and commenced improvements.—Mahoney and Chatburn housed their families in their wagons and commenced and completed a saw mill on Willow creek. Mr. Chatburn, although an Englishman, soon exhibited the ingenuity of a yankee. With his own hands having prepared a run of burs to grind corn, and having it all complete to attach to the power of the saw mill, except the leather belts, a raw cowhide was cut into strips and the mill set at work. One grist was ground, and Chatburn & Mahoney, buoyant with success, went to supper, and while about the table told their wives they ground the first corn ever grounded in these parts, and how much they should grind on the morrow. But how often are our brightest prospects blasted. When they returned to the mill, lo! The wolves had been there and eat up the raw belts, leaving the corn mill entirely detached from the power. However, energy and perseverance is good for repairs, and in a few days the mill was again running. This mill sawed the first planks, ground the first corn, rolled the first wool in Harrison County.

In the spring of 1853 Chatburn and Mahoney had a farm open ready to plant, but there was no seed corn to be found in the country; whereupon Mr. Chatburn started for Kanesville (now called Council Bluffs) on foot, a distance of thirty-five miles. There were no bridges the whole distance, and the streams were out of their banks. In this trip he had to swim the Willow creek, the Boyer river, Honey creek, Pigeon creek, and other smaller streams, which he done, returning in three days with a peck of seed cork. Mr. Chatburn is now a Wealthy and influential citizen of Shelby county, Iowa, residing near Harlan.

Mr. Mahoney is on the farm he first settled on. He has enough of the world’s goods to be independent, and can now look on all sides of him and see plenty of neighbors and room for plenty more, which room is continually being diminished, and before many years roll around, he can see one continued link of improved farms, where at first he saw nothing but forests and prairies.

Mr. Blackman used to go forty miles to mill with a yoke of oxen. When he came to a stream too deep to ford without a bridge, he would fall a tree across it, over which he would carry his grist, then take wagon to pieces and carry it across piece at a time, then force his oxen to swim across. He would then put his wagon together, load up, hitch up, and drive on rejoicing that a mill was so handy. He also is at his old place, a prosperous farmer, and go to nearly a dozen mills in less that so many miles, and have good bridges to cross on.

Mr. Hardy was noted for his coolness when threatened by Indians, and is still among us, residing on his farm near the mill himself and Mr. Hoffman erected in Calhoun township. His post office address is Magnolia.

The township was organized into a voting precinct in the year 1852, and the same year Mr. S. King laid out a small portion of what is now called the town of

Some time after Mr. James Hardy laid out what is known as “Hardy’s addition, and the same year the county seat of Harrison County was located at this place. About this time Mr. James W. Bates commenced a building designed for a store. Timber being scarce he carried the timber from the woods on his shoulders, and in the course of the fall or fore part of winter, opened the first store, and soon after the first hotel ever opened in Magnolia.—The hotel building at first was quite small, but they repeated additions is now a large and commodious hotel, originally known as the Bates House, but now as the Raymond Hotel, and is kept by Wm. T. Raymond. The second store opened was by Mr. Isaac Bedsaul. The first post office was established in the fall of 1854, but there was no mail route to the place, so the people had to carry the mail a distance of thirty five miles at their own expense. This state of affairs lasted for nearly two years, when there was a mail rout established from Council Bluffs to Sioux City, passing through Magnolia. The first school was taught by Hon. T. B. Neely, during the winter of 1854, in a log cabin. The first regular physician of the place was Dr. J. H. Rice. The doctor is still a member of this community, and in the practice of his profession, after having served a term as assistant surgeon in the 29^th Regiment Iowa Volunteers.

The first Church organization was by the M. E. Church, in the fall of 1854, Rev. Tarkington Pastor. In consequence of some variance between the Pastor of this organization, the Church organization was soon lost. In April 1855, the Congregationalists organized with a membership of only three. W. W. Luddon, Pastor, John A. Donalson, and Dr. J. H. Rice. Rev. Mr. Luddon was a man of excellent character, and under his preaching the church the same spring materially added to its numbers. Among the additions during the spring and summer, were Mrs. H. N. Rice, wife of Dr. Rice, Silas Rice and wife, and Miss Julia Hopkins. In the spring of 1856 S. E. Hillis and wife, Mrs. Irish and others added to their numbers. In the fall of 1856 Rev. H. D. King took charge of this congregation and Mr. Luddon moved to Elkhorn, Nebraska. Under the preaching of Mr. King the church still prospered and in the fall of 1857, a church building was commenced and completed and dedicated the flowing December. The Dedication sermon being preached by Rev. John Todd of Tabor, Iowa. The building is neat and commodious, being the only Church building of the place, or indeed of the County, with a bell. The course of the church numerically and it is hoped spiritually has been progressive and it now has a membership of about fifty. In the fall of the same year, 1855, the M. E. Church was again organized with Rev. Wm. Scott, Pastor. Mr. Scott was a man universally beloved and respected, and under his charge the church, although small at first, fast increased. The first members were Jacob Fulton and wife, Mrs. D. E. Brainard, Mrs. Isaac Bedsaul, Peter Barnet and wife, Josiah Crom and wife, Mrs. D. Young, and others. During the latter part of 1864, and the fore part of 1865, under the preaching of Rev. Adair there was a great revival in this church, and a great many new members added. A subscription list for the purpose of erecting a church building was gotten up and about two thousand dollars subscribed. Some time during the year 1866, the contract for erecting the building was let.. Mr. J. Fulton taking it, he went on to do his part, but the excitement was partially over, and pay came very slow; however, he determined to enclose it, pay or no pay, which he did, and for some time it appeared no pay would prevail. It was in vain he called for a partial remuneration, for what he had done, and for want of means he had to stop. But Mr. Fulton is a persevering man, and a Christina, and to his patience and perseverance is much due for the completion of the building early in the spring of 1868. The size of it is 50x32 feet, and it is neatly and comfortably finished in a superior workman-like manner. The Church is now nearly or quite out of debt and in a prosperous condition, with a membership of about fifty.

The Catholic Church building was commenced about the same time that the Methodists commenced theirs, and was pushed right along to its completion. It is a very neat and well furnished structure, that does credit to the church that built it, and is an ornament to the place. The Evangelical (German) Church commenced the erection of a building during the summer of 1867, and had the external part finished, but during the late wind storm, (in June, 1868,) it was blown from its foundation and considerably injured; however, it is being repaired and will soon be furnished. The Christians (or Campbleits), the Latter-day Saints (or Mormons), and the Protestant Methodists frequently hold meetings at the Court House. Magnolia is noted for being a place of churches and religion.

The first school house was built during the year 1858, although it will be remembered that there were schools long before that date taught at private houses or forsaken log cabins. The first school house that was built was a poor shack of a thing—frame—two stories high, and designed for a graded school, and was used for school purposes until 1866. In the township there are now six school houses, in each of which is taught from six to ten months’ school per year. In the village is a graded school, taught in as neat and convenient a school house as can be found in Western Iowa.—The building is divided into two rooms and an entry, and is seated in the most approved manner. It sets on a knol, and may be seen for miles around. On its top is a beautiful belfry containing a large bell. In this house two schools are taught the year round, except holidays. For six months during the coolest parts of the year there is a select school taught in the Congregational Church, making three schools in the village, and for the past few years none but the best teachers have been employed. The village also contains several vocal and instrumental music teachers who spend their entire time with their professions. So that it has been said a truth that Magnolia is far ahead of most of the western towns in educational interests.

When the C. & N. W. R. R. made its appearance down the Boyer, leaving Magnolia six miles in the cold, it was thought and said by many, that the town would wink out. New towns sprung up along the road, and it was supposed that as they would cut off part of the trade, Magnolia must suffer. Again, the U. P. & s. C. R. R., passing up the Missouri bottom, leaving Magnolia eight or ten miles to the east, elevated the idea that the town must die. But in the contrary, it has rapidly improved, and while I write I can hear the screech of the saw and the clank of the hammer on all sides, erecting and remodeling buildings, and the town has improved more in the past two years than it did in ten previous. During the summer of 1867, Dr. W. F. Clark, a merchant of this place, erected a dwelling of concrete blocks. During the time the doctor was having the blocks prepared and laid into the walls, himself and building were the subjects of about the same remarks that Noah and his ark excited. Some said, “The doctor is throwing his money away! The rain will wash his house down! It will fall on him and kill him!—He’s a fool! He’s crazy! I can stand it if he can. What a pity,” &c. But the doctor, Noah-like went on with his work, and during the fall completed the best concrete building of the state. The people now say, “What a beautiful building! How substantial! I always knew that Clark was thorough in what he undertook.” The main building is two stories, 26x36 feet, with a wing to the right, one and a-half stories, 18x25 feet. There is a kitchen and wood house at the north, or back end of the main building, out of the same material. The roof is made of linen cloth, and coated over with some kind of composition that becomes very hard and durable. A regular frame of posts and studding is erected on the inside, so as to form a vacuum between the concrete wall and plastering, and then lathed and plastered. This makes the rooms free from dampness in summer, and frost in winter. The rooms are warmed by hot air flutes attached to a furnace.

The town now contains one good hotel, and would support another; three good dry good stores, two drug stores, one furniture store, two stove and tinware stores, one grocery store, two blacksmith shops, one wagon shop, one chair factory and paint shop, two carpenter shops, two millinery stores, one shoe shop, one tailor shop, one printing office, three lawyers, five physicians, three land grant agents, and an officer for each county office (except Co. Judge). The town receives a daily mail from Logan via Brainard’s hack line. Business here is lively in all branches, and the merchants are doing all the business they could possibly wish. The sale of two of the dry good stores the past year was 90,000 each, and they will even be higher than that this year. Of the five physicians there is but two who make it a business to practice their professions, and one of them has a farm, and the other a drug store, showing that the health of the place is good.—In fact, I know of no healthier place east or west.

The town of Magnolia is surrounded by as beautiful and fertile a country as the State affords, but there is a great portion of it yet that is unimproved, especially in the northern part of the township. In plain sight of this beautiful village; yes, in immediate connection with it, good land can be bought at from five to ten dollars per acre.

While giving the history of Jefferson township, I should have gave an account of a good joke on as honest miller of that place, but since the Hon. J. H. Smith is a citizen of this place I will give it here. It appears that during the fall of 1867, when Smith and Bolter were opposing candidates for Representative in the State Legislature, that both of these candidates had solicited the vote of this honest miller, and he had promised his vote to each of them. When election day came the miller was on hand. A friend of Smith handed him a ticket, and a friend of Bolter’s handed him another. He politely accepted them both, and slipped them into his pocket. About the same time a boy handed him a telegraphic dispatch, and he also slipped that into his pocket. Watching his opportunity he slipped up to vote, and handed out as he supposed, his ticket. It was placed in the box; then he retired to read the dispatch, but lo! he had both tickets, but no dispatch. He then went back and told the judges he had voted a dispatch, and wanted them to open the box and take it out; but they refused, and it was late that night before he could read it, and when he did get it he found it related very important matter, and that had he known what it contained in the morning, he could have sold a large quantity of flour, but now it was too late. It is said this man now believes that honesty is the best policy, and that a man should know what ticket he votes.

H. C. Harshbarger, licensed conveyancer.
Dr. J. Giddings, dealer in drugs &c.
J. H. Rice, physician and surgeon.
Waterman & Dewell, att’ys, surveyors, conveyancers and land agents.
Wood, Ridasill & Low, dealers in dry goods, groceries, &c.
M. Holbrook, att’y at law, conveyancer, and claim agent.
J. B. Akers, saddler and painter.
Harvey & Co., real estate agents.
Dr. H. O’Linn, physician and surgeon.
O’Linn & Brainard, dealers in drugs, medicines, &c.
Clark & Yeisley, dealers in dry goods, groceries, hardware, &c.
W. H. H. Wright, dealer in stoves, tinware, &c.
J. W. Stoker, dealer in, and manufacturer of furniture.
J. A. Boies, dealer in stoves and tinware.
Musgrave & Cook, proprietors of the Western Star news, book and job office.
G. F. Waterman, att’y at law
S. Dewell, County surveyor.

Cincinnati Township is situated in the south west corner of Harrison County, Iowa.—has Clay and Taylor townships on the north, St. John township on the east, Pottawattamie County on the south and the Missouri Valley on the west. The township contains 36 sections or square miles of land, which lays fairly on the Missouri bottom; nearly one half of which is cottonwood timber of the largest growth. In this timber may be found six or eight steam saw mills continually transforming this timber into fence and building material. The land, as regards, to the soil, is the best; but a considerable portion of it overflows and is swampy.

The first permanent settler was R. S. Gurley, in 1854. The township was organized in 1857, by Squire Messenger, of Calhoun; on committee were Messrs. J. S. Fountain and J. H. Waggoner.—The town of Cincinnati, or Paris City, was then laid out; and its promising situation soon gathered around it many settlers. The first vote of the township was given as 39. It was the hard times, from ’58 to ’63, that did mischief to this place, and hence a decrease of numbers on the town site, instead of an increase. The citizens have strong hopes of a city here yet; and with the advantages of an excellent boat landing, (hundreds of vessels land here during the summer season), railway junction, and the railway bridge, which the C. & N. W. R. R. Co. are now constructing.—Their hopes seem well founded.—And no one who is acquainted with the county, now doubt that there will be, in this township, a large town, to say the least, if not a city. As for its railroads, and river privileges, the reader is referred to the map accompanying this book.

On that singular stream, the Missouri river, or Big Muddy, lies the thirty township of Clay, directly south of Morgan, west of Taylor, north of Cincinnati, and east of the Missouri river. Standing in the eastern part of the township, the surface presents a gradual slope from the river. This mirage is caused by the heavy timber on the western boundary. The surface is level to the river bank. South-west, the township is crossed by the Soldier river, and minor tributaries affording abundance of water. There are 30 sections of land in this township, being fractional on the southwest. More than three fourths of this is good timber, a portion equaled by no other township in the county. The numerous steam saw mills in this timber raise the proportion, as a lumbering point, much higher. This lumber is shipped down the river to Council Bluffs and Omaha, or drawn to the eastern part of Harrison and adjoining counties.

As early as 1848, this township was dotted with soldiers’ and herders’ tents; but the first permanent settlement was made in the spring of 1852, by Stephen Hester, and in the autumn of 1854, S. Chase, J. Ross, G. Ross, T. A. Dennis and J. Sharpneck. These enterprising men commenced improving, and in 1856 the township was organized under the administration of Judge Hardy. The present voting population of the township is one hundred and ten. The market town for this colony was Council Bluffs, but they often went as far as Cooneville (now called Glenwood,) a distance of fifty miles for milling.—Now with railroad communications it would be but an easy task; but think of your big wagon trip without guide boards or road, short, cold stormy days or long, hot sultry ones, how would we have liked it.

But some man must be first and foremost in all things and the thought that the fronter settler is an uncomfortable, unhappy man must not be indulged. They are generally men of strong mind and muscle, prepared to meet and overcome difficulties, and do it cheerfully. Unimproved lands in this township, are worth from three to ten dollars per acre. The principal Indian tribes to be dealt with are the Omahas and Winnebagos, nothing more serious than burglary occurred with them. During the first years of the settlement there was plenty of game, turkeys, wolves, deer, elk &c. Chief among the wild fruits of this township are grapes, which may be gathered in their season by the wagon load.

Taylor Township originally formed a part of Magnolia Township, but was added to Calhoun during Judge Brainard’s administration, and in 1860, was set off a full township, 36 sections. This is mostly prairie land, extending from the rising ground or bluffs towards the Missouri river, and presents to the eye an unrivaled lay for the noble pursuits of agriculture, horticulture, and grazing. The small portion of timber in this township (about one section) is handsomely met by the preponderance of this in Clay, lying beside and directly west of Taylor. The Soldier river enters the township in section four, continues in a south-westerly direction, and leaves the township in section 18, affording abundance of water for all ordinary purposes.—The basin or head of fish lake, on the premises of J. W. McIntosh, is a freak of nature seldom met on the western slope. It covers an area of one acre, 45 feet deep, and in it is to be found the highly prized fish: pickerel, buffalo, perch and catfish.

In the 1853, Robert Hall made the first settlement, in the north-eastern part of this township. The following year, J. C. Wills, S. J. Oaks and Mr. Lockling, put up buildings, and commenced improvements. At this time the few settlers had but little or no trouble in obtaining all the game wished for food. Mr. Wills spoke of counting 45 deer at one time, and turkeys were also at the time, as common. In 1860 this township was organized as a separate township. The first officers elected were J. W. McIntosh, Township Supervisor, James Matthews, Justice of Peace, James Kelley, Township Clerk.

The farmers of this and adjoining bottom townships, claim a larger yield of wheat and oats than those of the upland districts. The average yield per acre in 1866 was, wheat 25 to 35 bushels, oats ?0 to 100. In 1867, wheat 25 to 35 bushels, oats 90 to 100. These are large figures for an average crop, but we obtained them from the best men in the township, and believe them to be correct. The farmers will soon have the real advantage of a flouring mill in this township. Messrs. Mahoney & Wakefield are actively engaged erecting one near the residence of Mr. Wills, on the Soldier river. By reference to the map, it will be seen this township is entirely on the Missouri bottom. Mr. Wright, of this place, spoke of the Missouri bottom in comparison with that of the Mississippi; having lived for some time in each, he says that the Mississippi bottom is much more subject to overflow than the Missouri.

Only one incident of trouble with Indians noted. Perhaps this is connected with the adjoining townships. The Omaha Indians becoming very troublesome, pilfering &c., the settlers attempted to drive them off. After much parleying, and one Indian being shot, they concluded to leave the whites to themselves, and started; but the whites, flush with victory, followed. After going ten miles the natives turned upon their pursuers, changing the direction of flight the white men leading, and finally returning to their homes, this ending all difficulties. The only religious organization is the Christian (or Campbelite) order, a congregation having been organized in April 1867, Mr. Snyder pastor.

In giving a description of this township, one has but to paint in true color the advantages of a nature and improvements of art that beauty, grandeur and enterprise may be awarded signaled approbation, and the western immigrants realize those freaks of immigration which at other places have proven mythical. Little Sioux Township, is situated in the north-west corner of Harrison County, Iowa, Monona county lying north, Jackson township on the east, Raglan and Morgan on the north, and Missouri river west, all forming an advantageous boundary. The Little Sioux river is the principal stream running through the township, and affords excellent water privileges for mills and manufactories. The land is mostly level, extending from the Missouri river to the bluffs, and for richness, depth and productiveness of soil, is unexcelled by any, for the experienced agriculturist. Lying on the Missouri river, and two miles inland through the township, is a heavy strip of gigantic cottonwood timber, tall and straight, averaging for saw log lengths from 60 t0 80 feet. This timber also skirts the banks of the Little Sioux river, while in the hills or bluffs is hard wood, commonly oak, hickory, walnut and hackberry.—Along the bluffs and river timber is an occasional pond, affording the finest fish, which are eagerly sought for by resident epicureans. The prairie land, stretching far in every direction, and dotted with beautiful farms, houses, shade trees, &c., becons to the passersby with these improvements to come and realize these lavishing fantasies, and many have, for early pioneers are found in the

S. W. Condit, Sidney Chase, Amos Chase, Seth Palmer, McEvers, and others, while looking for new homes in a rich country, made choice here in the year 1850, and first commenced improvements. To them it seemed a land of promise—wood, water, a genial climate, the best soil of the world affords, bringing forth strawberries, gooseberries, plums, grapes, crab apples, &c., at will for then only, but numerous inhabitants, wild game, and wild Indians, the last forming a wall, as It were, around these luxuries, and not to be scared away by the blowing of “rams horns.” The settlers were determined however, and accepted the consequences of “experimenting” as attempts are known out west. The Indians were troublesome at times to such an extent that it became necessary at last to banish them across the river, under the penalty of being shot should they return. This now seems very hard, but to those who have become acquainted with their habits and character, and suffered from their peevishness, can only recommend a stringency as the better law, and execute with benevolent pride and ambition. The last one of these times who attempted to loaf and look out sights for mischief, was followed by Mr. J. Conyers; he had a good rifle, but being at too great a distance to risk a shot, thought to get closer by running; being a champion in that way, he had his best holt, and was gaining on the persued fast. But the Indian noticing, resorted to stratagem. Coming to a hay stack he secreted himself until his pursuer had passed under full speed, then emerging took hasty steps in an opposite direction. They were both running at last accounts, but an account of their meeting has not been made public. Earlier, one was hot in the hip, by a Mr. Chase, for stealing. They called him Jim Dick. The Indians didn’t like him afterwards, for being caught in a mean trick. Following to an extent the Lycurgian code: “it is no harm to steal if you are not caught at the business.” Did the whites call them Dick afterwards they would soon get mad, and quickly prove their innocence by showing their ?hip all sound and unharmed. Numerous modes are related of these Indians burying their dead. On one occasion two squaws were noticed to feed (or attempt to) their pappooses each day, which had died and been laid away on top of ground. This was only relinquished when the babies had decayed. Warriors were buried with their armor to make a brave entrance to the rich hunting ground, whilst others rested in branches of lofty trees. These practices were quickly obliterated when the coleny began to occupy the country, and establish schools and christian organizations. Before a school house was built the children met at private houses for instruction, and all classes must do the same for religious worship. It was really Icelandic in congregational efforts—beautifully contracting the present when different places are each Sabbath day occupied by many to worship.—The population increased rapidly, and in 1856, the town of

Was laid out by S. W. Condit, T. B. Neely and Wm. Neely. IT is situated on the left bank of the Little Sioux river, two miles from the mouth, in section 24, township 81, range 45, of Harrison County, Iowa. This site, though on the bottom land is dry and healthy, and commands, with its ornamental trees, a beautiful location. One school house was built in ’56, and Mr. J. Smith opened a store and hotel the same year. He was succeeded by D.M. Gamet, who is still successfully following in the place the mercantile business. In 1857 the inhabitants were relieved from traveling to Council Bluffs, distant fifty miles, and other places for their milling, through the enterprise of Mr. James Scofield, a saw and grist mill, greatly assisting them in efforts of industry. Mr. Scofield continued improving and enlarging his saw and grist mill until 1866, when he could justly claim one of the largest and best in the west. It is built on the most approved plan, strong, substantial and durable. The mill house is 24 x 36, two stories high, two run of 3 ¼ inch burs, making flour from 400 bushels of wheat per day—which is acknowledged to be the best. Mr. Scofield is now garnering the fruit of his industrious planting. Little Sioux is fast becoming a business little place, containing 100 dwellings, school house, two hotels, a number of stores, mills, shops, &c., also foundry and machine shop under construction. Steamboats have been up as far as the town, but the railroad bridge crossing the Little Sioux river at present, has made the stopping point one mile distant. At this point a town has been laid out by Mr. S. Dewell on the south side of the river, called Malta, and the R. R. Company have marked a site on the north side, but neither of these places have had time for development. Citizens of the old town at present entertain no apprehensions of a rivalry. The township generally is fast improving through the industry displayed in agricultural pursuits. The county fair grounds are filled with the choicest products each year. In an early day, when the representative District was composed of western counties generally, Mt. T. B. Neel, of this township, was sent to the Legislature. Personally, Mr. Neely is a gentleman of rare ability, devoted to principle and friends, but at this time is reported to have been noted for his drollery and oddity.—On one occasion, while at the capital, he was asked what the population of his District was. He answered: “It is cottonwood, hickory and walnut, but mostly cottonwood.” Being a little shabby dressed, one asked “if there was no smarter a man in his District to send to the Legislature?” “Yes” was the reply, “but they had no good clothes,” with such calmness perhaps unconsciously following the instructions of “looking on the bright side,” as we pass through this life. In the spring of 1867, Dr. L. J. Kynett, a graduate of Philadelphia Medical College, located at Little Sioux and opened a drugstore, and the township can now boast of one thorough physician.

Raglan Township partakes of the Missouri and Soldier river bottoms, and then extends up into the bluffs, “The Soldier river enters the township in section 4, range 44, and leaves it in section 32, running the entire length of the township. The U. P. & S. C. R. R. touches the south-west corner in section 31. The settlement of this township commenced in the year 1852, by A. Lockling and A. Pate, D. M. Follett, John Danielson, J. Ingelson, Chester Hamilton and Jacob Minton. Chester Hamilton was the first Sheriff of Harrison County, and Jacob Minton the second. John Danielson shortly after the outbreak of the rebellion, enlisted in Co. “H” 15^th regiment, Iowa volunteers, and from a private was soon promoted to captain, and received a severe wound in the leg at the battle of Pittsburgh Landing. Raglan is a good township, and is prospering in agriculture, schools, &c. Unimproved land is worth from three to ten dollars per acre. Improved land according to improvements.

Morgan Township has been included under the organization of Raglan, and formed a part until the 1^st of January, 1868, at which time, by previous petition, it was organized as Morgan Township. Morgan lies west of Raglan and on the Missouri river, four by five miles in extent, and contains as good timber and farming land as any township in Missouri Valley.

Is the name of a new town laid off in section 25, of this township, on the U. P. & S. C. R. R., and bids fair to be a good trading and shipping point. The first settlers of this township were E. J. Hagerman, D. W. Fletcher, I. Gamet and G. H. Burcham, all of whom settled about the year 1857. Now most of them may be considered rich, for the west; in enviable circumstances at least. I have not yet seen a more promising country for the enterprising farmer than the Missouri Valley.

The soldier river enters this township in the north-east corner, and leaves it about the middle of the south side. The Little Sioux river enters in section 5, and leaves in section 19. About its early settlement I know but little; but this I do not know, that its habitants at present are a good working class of people, and that the township is composed of good and fertile land, a large portion of which is as yet in a state of nature, awaiting the plow of the farmer.

Harrison County is in the western part of the State of Iowa, about the center of the U. S. A. Commercially, it is favorably situated, having the Missouri river on the west, a stream (except when frozen) always navigable many hundred miles north for the largest steam boats. The C. & N. W. R. R. runs the entire length of the county, entering it at the north-east corner and leaving at the south-western corner, where the R. R. Company are now constructing a bridge across the Missouri river, uniting with iron ties this county and State with Nebraska, and the far west and the distant east are held in communion by the same strong ties. After leaving this county to the east this road unites with the U. P. R. R., and forms one great link in main thoroughfare across the continent from New York city to San Francisco. That this is one of the most important railroads in the world, no man acquainted with the subject, can have a doubt. And if an important railroad is of any advantage to a community, this county is peculiarly blessed. But this is not the end, for through the entire length of the County, from north to south, runs the U. P. & S. C. R. R., on the west.—These railroads and the river insure speedy means of shipping produce in any direction desired, and receiving and interchanging merchandise. Then with land whose soil has no superior in producing the most valuable of crops, a healthy and temperate climate, the best of water, a sufficiency of timber, high prices for produce and low prices for land, he who is industrious and economical is sure to succeed and amas wealth.

In this chapter we shall give so far as possible, the names of the soldiers who left this COUNTY to aid in suppressing the late rebellion. The principal part of these soldiers were in Co. “H,’ 15^th Regiment Iowa Inf’ty volunteers, or Co. “C”, 29^th Regiment Iowa infantry volunteers. Co. “H” was partly composed of men from this County, and partly from Pottawattamie and adjoining counties. Co. “C,” 29^th regiment, Iowa volunteers, was originally from this County.

Mr. H. C. Harshbarger (and many others, whose names I have not got) enlisted in companies out of this County and State.

1.    1. Wm. H. Ennis, July 9^th, 1861, Co. ‘B’ 4^th Inf’ty. Captured at Ringgold, Georgia, and died a prisoner.
2.    Thos. R. Brooks, July 9^th, 1861, Co. ‘B’ 4^th inf’ty. A Veteran.
3.    Frank O. Danielson, July 9^th, 1861, Co. ‘B’ 4^th infantry.—served three years.
4.    James W. Murphy, July 9^th, 1861, Co. ‘B’ 4^th infantry. Wounded at Kennasaw.
5.    James Rabblin, July 9^th, 1868, Co. ‘B’ 4^th infantry. Discharged at Young’s Point, Ark.
6.    John H. Reel, July 10, 1861, Co. ‘B’ 4^th infantry. Captured at Clayville, Ala., and killed.
7.    Wm. F. Schaffer, Aug 20, 1861, 2^nd battery. During the war.
8.    John A. Danielson, Nov. 12, 1861, Co ‘H’ 15^th infantry.—Wounded at Pittsburg Landing, Tenn.
9.    Sabin C. Stanwood, Nov 22, 1861, Co. ‘H’ 15^th infantry.--Discharged at Corrinth, Miss., and afterwards went in 2d battery.
10.  Jonathan Vincent, Nov. 22, 1861, Co ‘H’ 15^th infantry.—During the war.
11.  Hiram G. Vincent, Nov. 22, 1861, Co. ‘H’ 15^th infantry.—Lost right foot at Pittsburgh, Tenn.
12.    W. W. Rose, Nov. 22,’61, Co. ‘H’ 15^th infantry. During the war.
13.     Solomon V. Catlin, Nov. 22, 1861m Co. ‘H’ 15^th infantry.—Discharged. Sick.
14.   Logan Crawford, Nov. 27, ’61, Co. ‘H’ 15^th infantry. Wounded and captured at Atlanta. Served during war.
15.      Nelson G. Boynton, Jan. 28, 1862. Served during the war. Wounded.
16.       Hiram Lewis, Aug. 11, ’62, Co. ‘A’ 39^th infantry.
17.       James H. Christian, Aug. 12, 1862, Co. ‘A” 29^th infantry.
18.        Evan T. Hardin, Aug. 14, 1862, Co. ‘A’ 29^th infantry. During the war.
19.        Marian F. Richardson, Aug. 15, ’62, Co. ‘C’ 29^th infantry.
20.        James Richardson, Aug. 15, ’62, Co. ‘C’ 29^th infantry.
21.         David W. Work, Aug 15, ’62, Co. ‘C’ 29^th infantry. During the war.
22.        Wickliff B. Copeland, Aug. 16, ’62, Co. ‘C’ 29^th infantry. During the war.
23.          Benjamin H. Dennis, Aug. 18, Co. ‘C’ 29^th infantry. Discharged.
24.          John R. Ennis, Aug. 18, ’62, Co. ‘C’ 29^th infantry. During the war.
25.           Pelig C. Evans, Aug. 198, ’62, Co. ‘C’ 29^th infantry. Died from wound.
26.          Anson F. Beldon, Aug. 18, ’52, Co. ‘C’ 29^th infantry. Died from wound.
27.          Calvery S. Stowell, Aug. 18, ’62. Co. ‘C’ 29^th infantry. During the war.
28.          Charles E. Willis, Aug. 18, ’62 Co. ‘C’ 29^th infantry. During the war.
29.          James Owen, Aug. 18, ’62, Co ‘C’ 29^th infantry. During the war.
30.          John M. Perkins, Aug 18, Co. ‘C’ 29^th infantry.
31.          James E. Vincent, Sept. 9, Co. ‘H’ 15^th infantry. During the war.
32.         James Shaw. Drafted.

Andrew M. Ellis, Nov. 39’61. Discharged for disability, at Corrinth, Miss., Aug. 10, ‘62.

James Tull, Dec. 27’ 61. Died at Jefferson Barracks, near St. Louis, Sept. 17, ’64.

Stephen Foreman, Nov 22, ’61. Wounded at Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, in face, on June 28, 64. Served during the war.

Wm. Alaway, Jan. 14, 1862.—Wounded in right thigh, near Atlanta, Georgia, on July 4, 64.—Served during the war.

Alfred C. Barns, Nov 22, ’61.—Wounded at Atlanta, Georgia, and taken prisoner on same day, July 22, ’64. Afterwards died while a prisoner.

Richard G. Boyd, Dec. 30, ’61. Wounded in left arm, at Corrinth, Miss., Oct. 3 ’62. Discharged from effect of wound.

Martin Billeter, Feb. 15, ’62.—Discharged at Keokuk, June 10, ’62, for disability.

James Clark, Dec. 24, ’61.—Wounded in thigh, at Pittsburg, Tenn., on April 8, 1861. Discharged at Keokuk, Jan. 14, ’62; afterwards enlisted in Co. ‘C,’ 29^th regiment infantry.

John W. Ellis, Dec. 17, ’62.—wounded at Pittsburgh, Tenn., in right hand; afterwards died at Keokuk, April 22,’62.

Wm. Evans, Feb. 3, ’62. Discharged for disability at Bolivar, Tenn., Sept., ’62.

John H. Forgens, Nov. 17, ’61. Taken prisoner at Atlanta, Georgia, July 22, ’64, and served during the war.

Elijah McCLannaham, Nov. 22, ’61. Discharged for disability at Abbeyville, Miss., Dec. 16, ’62.

Company “C.” 29^th Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Quite a number of this Company was from Shelby and other counties, whose names are emitted.

All mustered out a New Orleans, La., August 10^th, 186, except as shown in the column of remarks. There were twenty-three other soldiers joined this Company from Co. “I “ 19^th Iowa Infantry. Joined July 12, 1865, and were mustered with Company.

It would have been gratifying to have given a more extended account of the marches, battles, &c., in which the soldiers of our county engaged, but the design of this little book will not permit, since our boys were mixed up with regiments all over the State besides regiments from other States. And now I will close this volume by a few personalities:

Wm. W. Fuller, captain Co. “C,” 29^th regiment Iowa volunteers, enlisted as a private Aug. 13, 1862, and was chosen captain by his company, and accordingly commissioned by the Governor of the State. Previous to his enlistment he was a practicing lawyer at Magnolia, Iowa, and represented his district in the State Legislature. HE was a young man, respected for his talent and honor, bid fair to make a high mark in his country’s records; but the monster death took him from us. His loss was deeply felt by his regiment and company and all Union loving men who knew him.

Lieutenant Bacon, the 14^th of March, 1863, was promoted captain, and was wounded in the eye and taken prisoner at Jenkins’ ferry, April 30, 1864. The wound resulted in the total loss of his eye. ON his return home, Mr. Bacon was elected County Treasurer; which office he filled with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents, and is now one of our most enterprising farmers.

Lieutenant Smith, after his return home, was first, as a token of appreciation of his patriotism, chosen by his fellow citizens as County Recorder, and later as Representative in the State Legislature.

John W. Stocker, private of Co. “C,” 29^th Regiment, Iowa Volunteers, was first promoted to 1^st Sergeant, and steadily moved on up to 1^st Lieutenant, and had command of the Company after Capt. Bacon lost his eye, April 30, 1864, until the close of the war. Lieut. Stocker was an officer of the times, suited the boys and after his return home was elevated County Clerk, which office he now holds, and shows by his example that a good military ry officer may also be a good civil officer.

Capt. Danielson, of Co. “H,” 15^th Regiment, Iowa Volunteers, seems to be one of those men born for narrow escapes, and never to be killed. The first actual service his company saw was at the battle of Pittsburgh landing. In this engagement every officer in his company above the rank of corporal was either killed or wounded, but fortunately the captain, although constantly in the lead where death was dealt the swiftest, was the last who fell, and his company stood sternly and firmly to the shock of that bloody day, and if they didn’t repel the enemy they helped to hold him I check, and left more than half their number dead or wounded on the field. Mr. Danielson is now a respected citizen of Calhoun Township.

During the summer of 1862, Dr. J. H. Rice, of Magnolia, was offered by the Governor of Iowa the position of Surgeon if an Iowa regiment. The doctor declined, expressing his willingness to accept the position in the 15^th. At that time there was no vacancy in this regiment, but not long after, a vacancy occurred, and the doctor was commissioned 2d surgeon of the 15^th regiment infantry, Iowa volunteers. He served during the war, and is now at home practicing his profession.

Before I closed I must express my gratitude to Messrs. E. L. and G. T. Kelley, of Logan, and appologize to Mr. C. W. Lamb for not publishing his excellent poem. The poem was good, but too lengthy for time and space. On page 28 I should have mentioned that Mr. John McKinney, in raising fruit, recommends the opposite treatment as regards cultivating-fruit trees in this county to that pursued in the eastern States. Instead of cultivating to make the ground soft and mellow, the earth about the trees and making it as compact as possible. His reason for this is good. The soil here has no hard clay foundation, but is loose and porus to the depth of the deepest wells. Mr. McKinney is a successful horticulturist, and his experience is valuable.

Names.	Date of Enlistment.	Rank.	Remarks.
Wm. W Fuller,	Aug 13, 1862,	Captain,	Died March 14, 1863, of appopxley, at Greenwood, Mississippi
Geo. S. Bacon,		1st Lieut.	Promoted to Capt. To date from 14th day of March, 1863. Wounded and taken prisoner April 30, 1864, Jenkins' Ferry, Ark. Mustered out with the Company.
Jos. H. Smith,	Aug. 13, 1860,	2d Lieut.	"Mustered out June, 5, 1863 for disability.
John G. Downs,	" 15, "	2d Sergeant.	Promoted to 1st sergeant, July 1st, 1863.
Benj. H. Dennis,	" 18, "	3rd Sergeant.	Discharged, May 14, 1864, at Keokuk, for disability.
Geo. Main,	" 17, "	4th Sergeant.	Discharged May 3d, 1865, for disability.
John W. Stocker,	" 18, "	5th Sergeant.	Promoted to 1st sergeant, to 2d Lieutenant, July 24, 1862, promoted to 1st Lieutenant March 6, 1864.
John R. Ennice,	" 18, "	1st Corporal.	Transferred veteran reserve corps.
Charles E. Wills,	" 18, "	2nd Corporal.	Promoted to Sergeant July 13, 1863.
Albert Wakefield,	" 18, "	3d Corporal.	Wounded and captured April 23, 1864, at battle of Jenkins' Ferry.
William H. Bourn,	" 18, "	6th Corporal.	Promoted to Sergeant Aug. 19th, 1863, promoted Sergeant-Major Feb. 14th, '64. Wounded May 27, 1865.
Eugene R. Scofield,	" 18, "	6th Corporal.
Benjamin F. Roberts,	" 13, "	7th Corporal.	Promoted to Sergeant May 14th, '64.
John M. Perkins,	" 18, "	8th Corporal.	Promoted to Sergeant May 1st, '63.
John M. Rogers,	" 18, "	Musician.	Promoted to the ranks Jan. 4th, '64.
William Agens,	" 18, "	Private.	Promoted to Corporal Aug. 1st, '64
Jas. L. Armstrong,	" 18, "	"
Jacob Antibus,	" 18, "	"	Died at Little Rock March 27, '61, from disease.
Thomas Anderson,	" 14, "	"	Discharged Memphis, Tenn., May 17th, '61, for disability.
Jas. H. Brace	" 13, "	"	Wounded in leg at Jenkins' Ferry April 30th, '64. Wounded in head slightly March 25, '65
James Bird,	" 14, "	"	Discharged for disability.
Joseph H. Baxter,	" 13, "	"	Discharged for disability Feb. 24, '63, at Helena, Ark.
Henry O. Beebe,	" 15, "	"
William P. Boyd,	" 15, "	"	Discharged May 15th, '63, for disability, at Little Rock, Ark.
Anson F. Belden,	" 18, "	"	Wounded in knee July 4th, 1863, at Helena, Ark. Died from wounds Memphis, Tenn., July 21st, 1863
Harrison Billiter,	" 18, "	"	Died Feb. 4th, 1863, Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Mo.
Isaac F. Bedsaul,	" 18, "	"	Discharged July 23d, 1865. Keokuk, Iowa, disability.
Aninsy Beedle,	" 16, "	"	Promoted to Corporal Oct. 31st, '64.
E. P. Brown,	" 18, "	"	Discharged June 14th, '65, New Orleans, La., disability.
Jas. H. Christian	" 13, "	"	Died on board steamer Henry Clay, Feb. 4th, '63. Disease.
W. B. Copeland,	" 16, "	"
Wm. H. Cornine,	" 18, "	"	Died Feb. 5th '63, Helena, Ark.
O. H. P. Cook,	" 18, "	"
John H. Dearting,	" 18, "	"	Promoted to Corporal June 30th, '63.
Michael Doyle,	" 13, "	"	Promoted to Corporal, May 1st, '63. Promoted to Sergeant Aug. 1st, '63.
James Davis,	" 15, "	"	Died Jan. 4th, '63 Columbus, Ky., inflammation of the bowells.
Linley N. Evans,	" 15, "	"	Transferred Sept. 28, '63, to invalid corps.
A. B. M. Ellis,	" 18, "	"
John E. Ellis,	" 18, "	"
Clark Ellis,	" 18, "	"	Promoted to Corporal Aug. 1st, '63.
Peleg D. Evans,	" 18, "	"	Wounded in groin July 4th, '63. Died of wound at Memphis, Tenn., July 13th, '63
Wm. W. Frazier,	" 18, "	"	Discharged May 13, '63, Memphis, Tenn., Disability.
Jas. C. Frazier,	" 18, "	"	Died March 1st, '63, Memphis, Tenn., Disease.
Geo. H. Fouts,	" 18, "	"	Died Feb. 13th, '63, Helena, Ark., Disease
Milton Greenfield,	" 18, "	"	Discharged April 4th, '63, Memphis, Tenn., Disability.
M. C. Hendrickson,	" 18, "	"	Died June 14th, '63, Helena, Ark., Disease.
F. T. Hill,	" 18, "	"
James W. Hester,	" 18, "	"	Discharged June 2d, '63, for disability, St. Louis, Mo.
Theodore Helmer,	" 18, "	"
Wm. H. Hale,	" 18, "	"	Discharged January 25th, '64, Little Rock, Ark.
W. H. H. Hobbs,	" 18, "	"	Died June 1st, '63, Helena, Ark. Disease.
W. B. Jones,	" 18, "	"
Abram M. Kimo,	" 18, "	"	Died February, 11th '63, Helena, Ark. Disease.
John N. Kinnis,	" 18, "	"	Died July 13, '64, Little Rock, Ark. Disease.
Lyman A. Lewis,	" 18, "	"	Leg broken while on duty in gov't saw mill, Helena, Ark. Died from wounds Aug. 8, '63, Mound City, Ill.
Jacob S. Lytell,	" 18, "	"	Discharged May 26th, 63, Helena, Ark. Disability.
John W. Meecham,	" 18, "	"	Transferred to veteran corps November 29th, '63.
William J. Martin,	" 18, "	"	Died February 23d, '63, Helena, Ark. Disease
Richard Morgaridge,	" 18, "	"	Wounded and captured April 30, '64, Jenkins' Ferry, Ark. Prisoner of war till June 13, '65, when discharged.
William Mahoney,	" 18, "	"	Died June10, '63, Helena, Ark. Disease.
I. H. McWilliams,	" 18, "	"	Discharged June 10th, '63. St. Louis, Mo.
Jackson McCauley,	" 18, "	"	Died April 25th, '63. Helena, Ark.
John H. Noyes,	" 18, "	"
Rudolph Neitzsch,	" 18, "	"	Died September 7th '63. Memphis. Tenn. Disease
Hugh Neeley,	" 13, "	"	Promoted to Corporal Aug. 1st '63
Geo. A. Langley,	Dec. 29, 1863	"	Never reached the regiment. Died at Memphis, Tenn.
Henry C. Merrill,	Dec. 29, 1863	"	Discharged May, 3d, '65, Little Rock, Ark. Disability.
Chas. W. Oden,	" 18, "	"	Transferred to Q. M. Sergeant June 18, '63. Promoted Quartermaster of regiment Sept. 11th, '64.
James Owens	" 18, "	"
Martin Poter,	" 15, "	"	Died April 30, '63, Helena, Ark. Disease.
Wm. W. Potter,	" 15, "	"	Died April 18th, '63, Helena, Ark. Disease.
Leander P. Batch,	" 18, "	"	Died March 17th, '63, Memphis, Tenn. Disease.
Henry B. Reel,	" 14, "	"	Died February 16th, '63, Helena, Ark. Disease.
Henry R. Rilllo,	" 18, "	"
James Richison,	" 15, "	"	Died April 4th, '64, Little Rock, Ark. Disease.
Walter Richison,	" 18, "	"
Marion F. Richardson,	" 18, "	"	Died February 17th, '63, Helena, Ark. Disease.
Milton Richardson,	" 18, "	"	Died February 8th, '63, Helena, Ark. Disease.
Geo. A. Ross,	" 18, "	"
John W. Reel,	" 15, "	"	Promoted to Corporal May 13th, '64.
Wm. W. Rinehart,	" 15, "	"	Discharged June 6th, '63, Little Rock. Disability.
A. T. Roberts,	" 18, "	"
Martin I. Spire,	" 18, "	"	Wounded July 4th, '63, Helena, Ark. Discharged on account of same December 3d, '63.
John R. Sullens,	" 18, "	"	Transferred to invalid corps September 3d, '63.
Calvery S. Stowell,	" 18, "	"	Promoted to Corporal January 4th, '64. Discharged June 3d, '65. Disability.
S. M. Tarkington.	" 18, "	"
W. B. Tarkington,	" 28, "	"	Died March 1st, '63, Helena, Ark. Disease.
John Thompson,	" 18, "	"
John Varnaussdall,	" 18, "	"
Benj. Wharton	" 18, "	"
Lowery Wilson,	" 18, "	"	Discharged June 17, '63, Mound City, Ill. Disability.
Erastus Wills,	" 18, "	"
Warren White,	" 18, "	"	Discharged June 4th, '63, St. Louis, Mo. Disability.
David W. Work,	" 15, "	"
Charles Young,	" 18, "	"
David Young,	" 18, "	"	Died November 25th, '63, St. Louis, Mo. Disability.
Daniel Yapel,	" 18, "	"	Died March 5th, '63, Memphis, Tenn. Disease.
Henry George,	Jan. 4, 1864	"	Transferred to invalid corps April 17th, '65.
John B. King,	Dec. 22, 1863	"	Deserted April 12th, '64, and went to the enemy.
T. P. Kellogg,	Jan. 4, 1864	"
Soreno Lyman,	Sept. 17, 1863	"
William Lyman,	Dec. 31, 1863	"
Jas. A. Smith	Jan 4, 1864	"	Wounded and captured April 30, '64, Jenkins' Ferry, Ark. Died of wounds March 5, '65, Tyler, Texas
John M. Wills	Nov. 21, 1863	"
John Kreps	July 18, 1864	"	Killed April 26th, '64, Jenkins' Ferry, Ark.
Charles Kreps	July 18, 1864	"	Discharged New Orleans, La., May 5th, '65. Disability.
Jas. T. Barrett	Jan. 12, 1864	"	Discharged General Hospital, Greenville, La., July 5th, 65.
Thos.. W. Chatburn	Jan. 14, 1864	"
Jas. T. Defield	Jan. 4, "	"	Deserted August 16th, '64 Lewisberg, Ark.
William H. Eaton	Feb. 2, "	"	Furloughed Dec. 24th, '64, by order of Secretary of War to join the telegraph corps.
Emmett Harvey	Jan. 21, "	"
Lloyd Jenkins	March 24, "	"
Joseph Kessler	Feb. 18 "	"
Wm. T. Wilds	Feb. 29 "	"
John Welch	Sept. 27 "	"