Iowa History

       An IAGenWeb Special Project

Join the IAGenWeb Team

Page 30.

     History.- The first lead ore discovered in Iowa was in Dubuque county, by the wife of Peostas, a Fox chief; subsequently, the Indians granted a wide strip of land to Julien Dubuque, at a council, held at Prairie Du Chien, in 1788. In 1796, the Indian title to these lands was confirmed by Baron De Carondelet, Governor of Louisiana, in which they were designated as the "Mines of Spain." Julien Dubuque died on the 24th of March, 1810, aged 45 years and 6 months. A stone monument, with a Spanish inscription, still marks the spot of his resting place, on a high bluff, a mile or two below the city which bears his name.

CLAYTON COUNTY.

     This is the most northerly county within the organized limits of the Territory. It is bounded on the east by the Mississippi, which river separates it from Wisconsin; north by the Neutral Grounds of the Sacs and Sioux; south by Delaware and Dubuque; west by Fayette and the Neutral Grounds. Its principal water courses are Yellow and Turkey rivers, Volga, Buck creek, and Bloody Run. Turkey river is among the most beautiful and placid streams of the Territory; it affords most excellent water power for mills and machinery, and is susceptible of steam boat navigation to the forks. This county is well worthy the attention of emigrants. Much choice land can yet be obtained at $1.25 per acre.

    Prairie la Porte is the seat of justice for Clayton. It is handsomely located upon an elevated bank of the Mississippi, a few miles above the mouth of Turkey river.

BUCHANAN, FAYETTE, AND DELAWARE COUNTIES.

     These are the extreme northwestern counties of the "Old Purchase," and but recently organized. The population at present is sparse, although they present great inducements to the enterprising emigrant. The timber is good, the water power is abundant; possessing also, one of the best climates in Iowa. This region is destined, at no distant period, to form a very important portion of the Territory. Many eligible locations, unclaimed, can yet be purchased at $1.25 per acre. Land Office, at Dubuque.

Page 33.

formation, and may be regarded as a geological wonder. * This celebrated quarry is situated within the limits of Iowa City. Johnson county has derived more than ordinary notoriety from the circumstance of the seat of government being located within its borders, at Iowa City. During the first few years of its settlement, about the time the public buildings were commenced, the current of emigration in this direction was immense; hundreds of enterprising adventurers were continually wending their way to the city. In fact, it was the Ed Dorado- the "promised land;" and probably the results witnessed, in a few short months from the first settlement of this county, is without a parallel in the growth of countries. Iowa City is the seat of justice of Johnson county, and political capitol of the Territory. (See Iowa City Directory.)

HENRY COUNTY.

     Henry county has, deservedly, the character of one of the most healthy, fertile and productive counties of Iowa. It is situated immediately west of Des Moines, and contains an area of about four hundred and thirty-two square miles. The face of the country is generally high, dry and rolling. Prairie generally predominates, although the water courses abound with some of the best bodies of timber in the territory. Many of the farms of Henry bear the aspect of old settled country. Much attention has been devoted, by several enterprising individuals of this county, to the introduction of an excellent and superior quality of fruit; several extensive nurseries are already established, where every variety of fruit trees may be obtained. In horticulture, Henry will probably take the lead as the fruit county of Iowa.

STATISTICS.

     It appears from the Marshal's returns for 1840, that there were, in Henry county, 1,086 individuals engaged in horticultural pursuits; 26 in commerce; 99 in manufactures and trades; 18 in the learned professions; 7 primary schools; 920 horses and mules, 2,634 neat cattle, 2,538 sheep, 12,714 swine, and $3,220 worth of poultry. Productions-11,375

* The writer presented specimens of this singular formation to the National Institute, Washington, and to the British Museum, London; where they were regarded with extreme interest for their unique beauty.

Page 34.

bushels of wheat, 23,500 bushels of oats, 280 bushels of buckwheat, and 283,000 bushels of Indian corn. It may be safe to add, at the present time, 200 per cent, at least, on the foregoing statistics. Population in 1840, 3,784; in 1844, 6,017.
  

   Mount Pleasant is the seat of justice of Henry county, and the most important town in the county. It may be regarded as one of the most healthy locations upon the west side of the Mississippi. [ See Mount Pleasant Directory.]
 

     Salem is also a pleasant and thriving town, situated in the southern part of the county. It has a charming location on a beautiful prairie of gentle undulation, and commands a wide and expansive view of the surrounding country. Salem is interesting from the fact of its being the nucleus of a large and respectable settlement of Friends, or Quakers. Here, also, is the extensive fruit nursery of the Llewellyns.

     There are also several smaller villages in Henry county, among which are New London, Trenton, &c.

JEFFERSON COUNTY

Is bounded north by Washington, east by Henry, south by Van Buren, and west by Wapello; containing an area of about three hundred and eighty square miles. In point of fertility of soil, excellence of timber, and healthy location, Jefferson will rank among the most desirable counties of Iowa. No better evidence can be adduced in favor of its combined excellences, than the fact that, previous to October 21st, 1837, more than one-half of the whole county belonged to the Sac and Fox Indians, (consequently not subject to occupancy by the whites,) since which time the population has increased upwards of six thousand inhabitants!

     Jefferson is well watered by the Checauque or Skunk, and its various tributaries, the principal of which are Big Cedar on the south, and Walnut, Richland and Brush creeks on the north. These streams abound with excellent timber, embracing the usual descriptions of oak, hickory, walnut, locust, linn, &c., with a sufficiency of water power to supply the demands of the adjacent country both for sawing and grinding.
 

     Near the forks of the Walnut creek is a heavy body of timber called the Rich Wood; the soil is excellent, with abun-

Page 35.

dance of rock and stone coal, and will admit of large and extensive settlements.
   

  Locust Grove, near Big Cedar, and adjacent to the old Indian boundary line, is beautifully situated about seven miles west of Fairfield. It is about five miles in extent, and one mile wide, encompassed by broad and gently rolling prairies. Here is a large settlement of intelligent and enterprising people, possessing well improved farms, good schools, good preaching, and all  those appendages that give charm to social and civilized life.
 

     The Round Prairie, in the southeastern portion of the county, is a charming strip of country. Here are farms not inferior in extent and cultivation to the old counties on the Mississippi.
 

     Fairfield is the seat of justice of Jefferson county. It is a place of rapidly increasing trade, situated in the heart of one of the richest agricultural counties of Iowa. Here is located the United States Land Office for the southern district of Iowa. [ See Fairfield Directory.]

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Is bounded north by Johnson, east by Louisa, south by Henry and Jefferson, and west by Keokuk county.
  

   Washington county is well supplied with timber, consisting of the usual descriptions generally found in other portions of the territory. The county is high and rolling, climate salubrious, the soil exceedingly rich and productive. Washington county is well watered by the Checauque and its tributaries, likewise by English and Crooked creeks. Several mills are in successful operation upon these streams, and others are erecting in different sections of the county. Crooked creek and its tributaries abound with excellent building rock. The Iowa river flows through the northeastern corner of the county. The old "Black Hawk" boundary of 1832 crosses diagonally through Washington county, dividing it east and west nearly equally.
 

     This county has had a steady and vigorous growth, and is fast settling up with an enterprising and intelligent population. Notwithstanding the rapid settlement, however, many eligible locations yet remain, presenting the most inviting prospects to the industrious and enterprising.
 

     Washington is the seat of justice; located in 1839. It is

Page 36.

pleasantly situated, on the margin of a beautiful prairie; contains a population of upwards of two hundred inhabitants; several stores, hotels, schools, religious denominations, &c.

     Brighton is a thriving little village, pleasantly situated, near the Checquque (Skunk) river, and commands considerable trade.
 

     Population of Washington county, in 1838, 238; in 1840, 1,572; and in 1844, 3,120.

VAN BUREN COUNTY.

     This is one amongst the most populous counties of Iowa, and is bounded north by Jefferson, south by the boundary line of Missouri, east by Henry and lee, and west by Davis county.

     For beauty of scenery, extent of cultivation, and fertility of soil, Van Buren county stands unrivalled; and, if we except the mineral productions of Dubuque and Jackson county, Van Buren county combines more variety in its logical features than any other county in the territory. Quarries of the best building material abound in the bluffs of almost every stream; bituminous coal of excellent quality, has been found in great abundance; tin, copper and iron ore have also been discovered; and it only requires the proper development of the abundant resources of Van Buren to insure wealth and comfort to her favored population. Van Buren county was organized in 1837-8. Population in 1840, 6,166; in 1844, 9,019.
 

     Keosauqua is the seat of justice. It is handsomely situated on a beautiful plateau, in the great bend of the Des Moines. It carries on an extensive trade with the Indian country, and has been the residence of some of the most enterprising merchants and explorers in the country. [See Keosauqua Directory.]
 

    Farmington is also a thriving town, with much enterprise and business activity. It is situated on the Des Moines, below Keosauqua, in the midst of a fine agricultural country, abounding with rock and coal. Here are several mills, both for grinding and sawing in successful operation.
 

     Bonaparte (formerly Meeks' Mills,) situated on the Des Moines, about twelve miles below Keosauqua, is an interesting village, containing several stores, a good hotel, &c. Here, also, is situated one of the finest and most substantial

Page 37.

flouring mills in the western country. It is six stories high, designed for six run of stones, and is the property of Judge Meeks & Sons, the original proprietor of the town. Bonaparte is rapidly improving, and presents a good field for mechanics.

THE TURKEY RIVER COUNTRY

FORT ATKINSON, ETC.

     This is one of the most desirable, healthy, and picturesque regions of the West. It derives its name form the placid stream that irrigates its borders. Turkey River, like all the rivers of Iowa, flows in a south-easterly course, having its sources in the Sioux country, north-west of the "Neutral Grounds." It pursues a diagonal course through a portion of Clayton county, and empties into the Mississippi directly opposite Cassville, Wisconsin territory. That portion of the country subject to occupancy by the whites, already contains some of the finest farms in the territory.

     Fort Atksinson, a United States military post, occupies a central situation, about midway north and south, in the "Neutral Grounds." This region is, at present, occupied by the Winnebago Indians. The situation of the Fort is highly romantic and picturesque- possessing ample accommodations for quartering a full regiment of troops, and stabling for several hundred horses. In journeying from Prairie Du Chien to this post, you travel a little north of west, over one of the best natural roads in the country. To the tourist of leisure, who desires to spend a few weeks respite from the fatigues and restraints of city life, I know of no place that holds out more attractive inducements, or greater variety of rural sports than the Turkey River Country. The tributary streams, uniting with Turkey River north of the Fort, abound with the most delicious mountain trout. Perennial springs, of the purest water, gush from every ledge. Prairie hens, (grouse), wild turkeys, rabbits, deer, &c., abound. Wild honey can be obtained in profusion in the hollow trees of the forest. Should the traveler desire the more exciting sports of the buffalo chase, or the elk hunt, the buffalo country may be reached in two days' travel north-west of the Fort. Measures are now in progress, by the United States Government for the acquisition of this valuable country. Should a treaty be effected, (of which there is scarcely

Page 38.

a doubt,) it will throw open to settlement one of the finest domains that has ever been offered to the American people.
 

    WINNEBAGOES- The Winnebagoes temporarily occupy the country known as the "Neutral Grounds." This tribe was formerly one of the most numerous and warlike of the many tribes of North America. Like the rest of their race, they are now reduced to a mere handful- probably not more than 3000 souls. Like the Sacs and Foxes, wares, to a great extent, have lessened their numbers; but the greatest scourge that ever found its way among this unfortunate race, is "whisky." It is a disgrace to the American name, that the benevolent and humane designs of government have been so long counteracted and thwarted by a horde of unprincipled and mercenary whisky sellers, who, under the guise of friendship, have triumphed in the downfall of this noble race. Many of the chiefs and principal warriors are fully sensible of the melancholy fate to which they have been reduced by the introduction of the "Fire Water," * by their civilized white brethren.

     The Winnebago Sub-Agency Station is situated about four miles below the Fort, and occupies a delightful situation. In the immediate vicinity is the celebrated
 

     Winnebago School.- This excellent institution is at present under the management of the Rev. Mr. Lowery, who was its founder. The zeal evinced in behalf of these untutored children, and the efforts made in imparting instruction, have been attended with the happiest results. Showing conclusively that the "children of the forest" are equally as susceptible of acquiring an education, as the more favored ones of the Anglo-Saxon race. From 60 to 120 scholars are in daily attendance. Their aptness in acquiring a knowledge of geography, and the various branches of learning, is truly astonishing. All the usual branches of education commonly taught in our schools and seminaries are taught here.
 

    Connected with the school is the department of Domestic Economy, at present under the superintendence of Mrs. A. Lockwood, late of Bloomington. This lady will be favorably remembered, by many of the citizens of Iowa, as the former attentive hostess of the "Burlington House," Burlington, Iowa. All the females of the establishment devote a portion of each day in acquiring a knowledge of needle work of all

          * Or, "Water that burns"- Indian name for whisky.    

Page 39.

descriptions. This branch of the institution, under its present worthy matroness, furnishes all the clothing necessary for the school children. Some 20 to 30 girls spend a considerable portion of each day in this highly useful and excellent department.
 

     It is an interesting spectacle to behold, in the midst of the forest, far beyond the confines of civilization, an assemblage of one hundred children of Nature, eschewing the wild excitement of savage life, throwing aside bow and quiver, and bowing to the shrine of learning.
 

     Through the kindness of a friend, who has recently visited the "School," I have been favored with a few fugitive scraps of original composition-the production of two little Indian girls, from twelve to thirteen years of age. Although trivial effusions, every one will be struck with the artlessness and simplicity of description which marks the child of Nature.

                                                                                    WINNEBAGO SCHOOL.

     I like to see another Spring come; I love to see all the beautiful flowers growing. I like to take a walk in the woods, and hear the birds singing upon the trees. In a little while all the Indians will come back, and fix their wigwams with new bark. I like to go and live in a new bark wigwam. When all the children come back from hunting, they are glad to come in school again. A great many school  children have died. When any one dies, they paint their face, then put every thing new on; then dress them very fine, and bury them. Then they take goods, and put it on the grave; and if it is a woman, the women gather them together and play games; if it is a boy, the boys gather themselves, and play ball; and if it is a girl, the girls gather themselves together and play. The Indians have a great many things to do. They say white people when they die go to one place, and the Indians go to another place. At a medicine feast they have an otter skin; or some other skin, which their medicine is in, and call them medicine bags; they shoot themselves down, and say those that join the feast that God would forget their sins, and those that stay out are sinners; and they must fix themselves very nice if they go to the feast, if they don't fix themselves God will not like them.

WINNEBAGO SCHOOL.

     I am very glad that Spring is coming, for it is so pleasant to see the flowers when they begin to spring up; then the birds begin to build their nests. I like to roam about the Indian graves. When any of the Indians die, they put on all the best garments they have, then they wrap them up in a new blanket, if they have any; then they dig the grave about two feet deep. As soon as they lay the body into the grave, the friends of the one that died walk over to the grave, then they go off mourning; sometimes they fast five days; they carry fire to the grave; they put it at the head of the grave four nights, so that the spirit might keep away from the wigwam and they carry food to the grave, and put it on top of the grave, under the boards which they lay over it; then they play the game which the one that died liked the best; they say if they dont prepare things, that the spirit wont keep away from the wigwam; sometimes they say that they see the spirit sitting in the wigwam in the night. They say that our spirits dont go with white spirits, they go to another place; they go to good hunting grounds, where they have plenty of game and running streams.

                                                                                                                             ELIZA GLEASON.