Iowa Old Press

LeMars Semi-Weekly Globe
June 2, 1891

DECORATION DAY!
How It Was Observed in This City.

Decoration Day, notwithstanding the heavy rain the night before, was all that any one could wish for as regards to weather. Early in the morning people began to flock in from the country and by 9 o’clock our streets were filled with people who had come in from the country to honor our dead soldiers. About 10 o’clock the procession formed in front of the Opera House. On account of the muddy conditions of the streets, there was not much system carried out and some took the sidewalks. The procession was made up about as follows:
Gen. Atkins, Hon. I. S. Struble and A. A. Alline in carriage.
LeMars Band.
Flower Girls.
Co. G. I.N.G.
Mower Post, G.A.R.
Fire Department.
City Council.
Woman’s Relief Corps.

It was the largest assemblage that ever turned out on a like occasion in this city and it was estimated that at least 3,000 people was in the procession.

After marching to the City Cemetery the ceremony, as laid down in ritual of the G. A. R., was carried out, conducted by I. T. Martin and C. H. Jones. The flower girls then decorated the graves of the following old soldiers:
D. Chamberlain;
H. Wescott;
C. Myers;
J. C Ball;
H. Rosa;
R. H. Jacobs;
A. F. Brown;
L. S. White;
A. Dresser;
A. J. Riffle;
E. Covill;
J. B. Manderville;
S. W. Potter;
E. Higley;
Sidney Nash;
Wm. Love;
Mr. Slocum;
M. Clay;
E. Mede;
G. Hamur;
Fred Woods;
J. H. Brown;
Frank Amos.

Also the following deceased members of the W. R. C.:
Mrs. D. O. Marchant;
Mrs. W. Winslow;
Mrs. J. S. White;
Mrs. Jno. Goode.

The procession then moved to St. Joseph’s cemetery where the following soldier’s graves were decorated:
C. Hausmann;
Michael Tritz;
J. Britts;
J. Conroy;
A. Schroll;
M. Lewis;
L. M. Doty;
W. R. C.;
Mrs. Molampy.

The procession then moved back to the city and disbanded.

AT THE OPERA HOUSE.
At 2 o’clock in the afternoon the Opera House was literally packed to hear the address by Gen. Atkins, which was pronounced to be one of the best memorial addresses ever delivered in the city.

In the evening another large crowd turned out to the entertainment given by the W. R. C. at the Opera House. The program consisted of songs, music, recitations, tableaux and addresses by Gen. Atkins and Struble. Mr. Atkins is quite a story teller and gave the audience a few. The Flag of our Union” and “How to Hold the Baby While Isaac Danced,” fairly brought down the house.

MARRIAGE LICENSES ISSUED FOR MAY.

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
June 2, 1891

DECORATION DAY
A FINE DAY—A LARGE CROWD—ELOQUENT AND APPROPRIATE SPEECHES

LeMars has seldom, if ever, had a celebration of the day which was as well
attended as that of Saturday. At the hour for the parade, hundreds of people
were gathered on the streets and great interest was manifested. The
procession formed at the corner of Sixth and Main streets. The procession
was formed as announced in the program of the day, with the exception of the
civic societies. The G. A. R. Post and Co. G. were in line. The procession
was a long one. The ceremonies at the cemetery were attended with the usual
serious reflections. No one can attend this annually occurrence event and
witness the devotion of the people to the dead heroes who have been laid to
rest, without becoming more patriotic in spirit. One may not have lost dear
ones in the army to appreciate what it is for others who have lost them and
now, perhaps for the last time, strew flowers upon their graves.

In the afternoon the Dalton was comfortably filled to hear the eloquent
speech of General Atkins, the orator of the day. The General is a fine
speaker and handled the subject in a touching and eloquent manner. Owing to
the fact that there was a ball game in progress a part of the time, the
Opera House was not jammed. Had it been otherwise, there would not have been
standing room.

The exercises at the opera house in the evening consisted of the program as
published. The house was well filled.

Hon. I. S. Struble made a short address stating that the day had been the
pleasantest in his experience in years. He alluded to the fact that even in
southern states the day was being remembered with honor. He said that the
most important epoch of American history was the War of ’76, and the
soldiers of that war are entitled to our love and respect. The soldiers of
the War of 1861 are as much entitled to our pure love and respect for they
saved our country from ruin.

General Atkins also made a witty and interesting speech in which he touched
up some of our local people formerly neighbors. He then proceeded to speak
in memory of soldiers. He said that a grander patriotism than that which
nerved the arms of the Union soldiers in the late war, never nerved the arms
of any nation to battle. He spoke feelingly of the weary march through the
southern states and the joy of the soldiers at seeking the flag over
Pensacola.

Miss Grace Emsminger, aged twelve, did herself credit in the violin playing
in the duet.

The old soldiers and all those interested may congratulate themselves upon
the pleasant memories of the day.

There are now buried in the city cemetery the following soldiers whose
record is complete. To each of these the government furnishes a headstone to
mark their resting place: D. Chamberlain, H. Westcot, C. Myers, J. C. Ball,
J. C. Kelley, H. Rosa, R. H. Jacobs, T. S. White, A. Dresser, A. J. Riffle,
E. Coville, J. B. Manderville. S. W. Potter, Wm. Love, J. H. Brown and F.
Amos.

Those whose record is not complete are, C. Hausman, M. Tritz, Geo. Hamm,
Elias Meade, F. Wood; E. Higley, S. Nash and Messrs. Slocum and Clay. In the
city cemetery are also buried the remains of the following persons of the
Women's Relief Corp. Mesdames D. O. Marchant, W. Winslow, T. S. White and
John Goodenough.

At the Catholic cemetery at St. Joseph's church, J. Britt, J. Conway, A.
Schroll, M. Lewis and L. M. Doty were the old soldiers and Mrs. Molampy of
the W. R. C. are buried.

For these lists and particulars we are indebted to Robert Ramsey the only
man who has a record.

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS.

ADAVILLE: (Special Correspondence)

C. S. Rowley attended county Alliance at Merrill, Saturday.

Mrs. Stearns, of Akron, attended church in the Valley, last Sunday evening.

Tom Stinton came near losing his fine Shire mare last week.

J. W. Miller was in Sioux City last Wednesday, doing business.

Mr. Wallace Fuller has out 315 acres of wheat this season.

We understand the Valley boys have organized a base ball club. “Ye LeMars
fellows want to look out now or ye will drap.”

Miss Belle Harding is at present living in the Valley with Mrs. Ingersoll.

Windy Miller changed hired men last week. His force now is Norton, Troxell,
and Son Dan.

The following is a report of the Pleasant Valley School for the month ending
May 22, 1891. Number of days taught, twenty; total number of days
attendance, 348; average daily attendance, seventeen and two-fifths; average
number belong, twenty-one. Names of pupils present each day during the
month: Jennie and Birdie Poyzer, Carrie Miller, Blaine King, Pearl Kanago,
Emily Rowley, Willie Fletcher, Jourdan Sullivan. ~O. R. Gaston, teacher.

A. Fletcher and wife were in Akron last Monday doing some trading.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Poyzer on Monday, May 25, 1891, a boy.

SENEY: (Special Correspondence)

Rev. F. A. Morrow will attend the district conference at Hawarden.
Consequently, there will be no service next Sunday.

Miss Clara Wernicke, of LeMars, Sundayed at Hi Becker’s.

Mrs. William Lancaster is visiting friends and relatives at Leeds.

Mrs. H. E. Dotson and wife are contemplating a very pleasant trip to West
Superior, Wisconsin, their old home, for rest and recreation. His friends
all wish them a pleasant vacation and will gladly welcome them on their
return.

Mr. M. G. Mills has been absent for several days looking after his interests
in South Dakota.

Mrs. F. A. Morrow and Mrs. A. F. Eckenbeck attended the ladies Home
Missionary Convention last week at Sioux City. This society of ladies, of
which Mrs. Morrow is an official member, is doing a wonderful work in the
United States, and its auxiliaries should be established in every town and
hamlet in our entire land.

Road supervisor, Wm. Kennedy, is improving the roads tributary to our city.

Seney’s proprietor to the Alton Democrat went though our city with a brand
new buggy and nobby suit of clothes. If we judge of such indications by the
other young men of our town, there’s a wedding in the wind.

I. E. Eldridge very recently sold to Samuel Penhalligan, of Struble, one of
his famous two year old trotting colts for $175.00.

Our county bridge across the Floyd is being replanked and repaired
generally.

Lafe March has a new pair of gloves and says he is going into district No. 2
to take boxing lessons. You had better not try it, Lafe, you will get
knocked out.

Rev. F. A. Morrow preached a sermon last Sunday morning, that should not
fail to arouse Seney out of its lethargy, and spiritual deadness. It was a
great pity it was given to so many empty seats.

The motive power to the Burn’s old elevator died Sunday morning and was
buried the same day with all due pomp and ceremony in Eldridge’s pasture.
“Well done thou good and faithful servant.”

The children of our Sunday School are preparing for a proper observance of
Children’s Day.

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
June 5, 1891

CUT WITH A SCYTHE.
Tuesday evening, while Mr. Jerry Thompson was mowing some weeds in a yard,
his little grandson, child of Mr. and Mrs. T. G. Andrew, aged two years, was
severely cut with the blade. The little fellow was playing behind him when
the scythe struck a dry stick and whirled it in such a way as to strike the
child on the ankle and nearly severed the tendons. Under Dr. A. P. Bowman’s
skillful care the limb is getting well.

SENEY SCHOOL.
Report for the month ending May 29, 1891. Number of days taught, 20; grand
total days attendance, 700.5; average daily attendance, 35.25; number
enrolled, 40. Those neither absent nor tardy: Sadie Alderson, Ida Alderson,
Max Eckenbeck, Bessie Kennedy, LaFayette March, Jessie March, Harry
Pechelder, Fordham Smith. ~Lela M. Barnes, Teacher.

LeMars Sentinel
June 12, 1891

The Lawn Party

The lawn party held Wednesday evening at the home of  M.J. Chapman, was
well attended and a fine time was had.  During the evening, Mr. Alex
Reichmann spoke in a few well chosen words, present.  Mrs. Dr. Mc Mahan
with a very pretty painting in water colors as a token of esteem and
friendship of the Bee Hive for her untiring work in drilling and
assisting in the public rehearsals conducted by the Bee Hive society.
The painting was a landscape showing the ____ Thames in England and was
the work of Miss McGuire, of this city.

Mad Dog

The second mad dog scare of the season occurred Wednesday.  Mrs. J.
Hopkins noticed a small dog, belong to another family, foaming at the
mouth and acting in a very peculiar manner.  She watched the dog
through a half open door, and when her daughter came home, sent her for
the marshal.  The dog was abruptly shot and dragged away.  Too much care
can not be exercised in re_____ to the dogs of our city at this season.

LeMars Wins Again

A number of our youthful base ball players went to South Sioux City,
Neb., Saturday, and played a game which resulted 9 to 21 in favor of
LeMars.

PECH-Tuesday, June 9th, the week old baby of Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand
Pech, north of town.  The funeral took place Wednesday.

MARRIED

Hodgson - Grant
At the M. E. parsonage in this city, Rev. J.W. Walker officiating, June
10th, 1891.  Mr. William Hodgson, of Elkhorn township, and Miss Jennie
Grant, of Mallard, Palo Alto county.

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
June 26, 1891

PIONEER DAYS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY
AN HISTORIC ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY SETTLEMENT, ORGANIZATION AND SUBSEQUENT
DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTY BY TOWNSHIPS

Interesting Reminiscences, Adventures, Amusing Incidents, and the Hardships
Connected with the County’s History from 1856 to 1891, Including the
“Homestead” and “Grasshopper” Days.

By W. L. Clark

CHAPTER XXI.
ELKHORN TOWNSHIP

Descriptive- Organization-First Settlement-Schools-First Events-A Big Wheat
Farm-Village of Quorn-First Railroad Pioneer Newspaper-Homesteaders

That portion of Plymouth county described by congressional township ninety
and range forty-four west is known as Elkhorn township. It is one the south
line of the county, with Garfield township to its east, Union on the south
and Lincoln on the west. Not unlike the remainder of Plymouth county, this
township is noted for its excellent land and fine natural drainage system,
formed by numerous creeks and rivers, among which may be mentioned the West
Fork, of the Little Sioux river, in the south and western portion; also
Muddy Creek, in the western part, leaving the territory from section four;
John’s creek is another small prairie stream. These principal water courses
are each supplied with many lesser feeders.

Elkhorn township was constituted a separate civil organization, by an act of
the board of county supervisors, dated September 3d, 1877. Prior to that
time it was included in Lincoln township. The population, which now numbers
486, in 1885 was only 350, 240 of which were American born.

The village plat of Quorn, on section twenty-five, was platted in September,
1880, but owing to the building up of the railroad town of Kingsley, a mile
to the east, it is now virtually defunct.

FIRST SETTLERS
In going about along well-improved highways, with excellent farms on either
hand attracting the attention of the passer by, the question naturally
arises, today, “Who was the first to claim land and build for himself a home
in this goodly territory?” By careful research among the pioneers, it is
learned that in 1876 Charles Bullis came from Franklin county, Iowa, and
purchased the land in the autumn of that year, on section twenty-six,
township ninety and range forty-four, which now constitutes Elkhorn civil
township. At that date there was not a house of any description to be seen
in Elkhorn’s eastern neighboring township of Garfield.

Four members of the family named Higday settled in the northwest corner of
the township. One moved away, two are deceased, and one named Joseph, is
still a resident.

Nearly all the pioneers of this township made homestead entries, George
Evans locating on the southwest quarter of section seventeen. John and
“Mike” Trow claimed land on the southeast of section seventeen. The former
is still living there, his brother, Gresh, who located on section nine is
now dead. A Mr. Mann settled along the west line of the township, and
remained until about 1886. Hugh Mason, who is still an honored resident,
effected a settlement on section thirty-one and thirty-two. J.J. Edwards
settled on section twenty-nine, but subsequently removed to another county.
P.J. Ward was one of the very earliest settlers, and is still a resident of
this township. He settled on section twenty-four, where he now enjoys the
fruit of his labors, in the possession of a most valuable farm, upon which
is situated a magnificent grove planted and cultivated by his own hands. S.
North settled on the north half of the southwest quarter of section
fourteen. He is now deceased. Henry Addington located on a part of section
twenty-four, but soon removed. A man named Cain settled on the northwest of
section thirty-two; and one named Bruseau on section twenty. They
subsequently removed to California.

From about 1877 settlement was made more rapidly. In 1876 the township had
about twenty voters within her borders.

EARLY EVENTS.
The first marriage in what now comprises Elkhorn was that of Arthur Dufty in
1872.

The first religious services were held at the Higday school house by Rev. C.
W. Batchelor, Methodist, in 1858.

The first death was that of Sarah North, in 1877, aged sixty-seven years.

The first child born was Emma Kane, in 1872.

The first term of school was taught in 1868, at the Higday school house. The
first school houses were erected on section thirty-two and section six—both
built the same year. As the settlers increased, new sub districts were made
and provided with good frame buildings until today the township has six
sub-districts each having a good school edifice. The total enrollment of
pupils in 1889 was 142. The schools are in excellent condition, and keep
pace with new educational methods in all respects.

VILLAGE OF QUORN (defunct)
In the month of October, 1880, Close Bros. platted the village of Quorn on
section twenty-five of Elkhorn township. It was expected that the Chicago &
Northwestern Railway line would eventually be constructed through its
limits, but the company not liking the business style of the proprietors
they changed the route, platted Kingsley a mile to the east and left Quorn
off of the line or road, which fact forever blighted its hopes. However,
before this transpired, the village had commenced to thrive and put on
western city airs. Several general stores were being operated; a post office
was petitioned for and granted; and John Gaspar was the first to hold the
office of postmaster. A roller mill was built and operated by Heacock Bros.
and still does a paying business. Casper Brothers, Rathburn & Ireland and
Mr. Varnum all conducted good stores from which general goods and hardware
were sold. A newspaper known as the Lynx was established at this point in
1883 by Frank Calhoun, who subsequently removed it to Kingsley and gave it
the title of Kingsley Times.

With the oncoming of emigration and the push which always centers around a
new railroad town, the village of Quorn was left out in the cold, and now
may justly be classed among the defunct places of the county. But while
there remains nothing save the old mill and a few foundation stones,
together with a few residences, to remind the passer by of a townsite, yet;
so long as memory is theirs the old settler, the early pioneer of long ago
days, will often refer to Quorn and think of the good time fully come, when
they could get flour to eat and mail matter, including a home paper to read,
with in that now half deserted plat, the village of Quorn.

CHAPTER XXII
HANCOCK TOWNSHIP

Organization-Early Settlement, French Squatters-Early Events
Elections-Birth-Death-Schools-Fatal Accidents-Grasshopper Scourge of 1868 as
Seen by Pioneer Joseph LeBerge

In size this is the least of any of the twenty four civil townships of
Plymouth county. It comprises seventeen full sections and several fractional
parts of sections of Congressional township ninety range forty eight west
[three lines not readable.]

At one time Hancock was a part of Perry township, but was set apart as a
separate organization on April 3, 1883. Sioux township is on its north,
Perry on the east and Woodbury county on the south. It contains about 13,090
acres of land. Broken Kettle creek passes the northwestern portion of its
territory, and has its confluence with the Big Sioux river on section nine.
In 1885 its population was 150 with only thirty of foreign birth. The 1890
census gives the population at 184.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Let the reader turn his thoughts and view in his most vivid fancy, the
territory embraced in this part of the county as it might have been seen
prior to 1854, during which year Surrell Benoist, a Frenchman who had
marriage a Sioux Squaw and by whom he had reared a family, found his way up
the Missouri river to this spot and took a squatter’s claim, as this was
before the land had been surveyed by the government.

For years this was the only inhabitant of the township. The place he claimed
is the fine bottom farm owned by Joseph LaBerge, on section thirty-five,
township ninety, range forty-eight. It is in the most romantic and
picturesque portion of the famous Big Sioux valley, at a point about seven
miles northwest of Sioux City. This Frenchman looked upon the fertile valley
just as it has been left by the savage Indian tribes, that had recently made
it their hunting and fishing ground, but who had caught the faint but
certainly increasing echo of civilization, with its steady tramp of
conquest, and hence sought a still more secluded home father to the
northwest. Upon this tract was built a log cabin, which stood on the exact
spot where now a portion of Mr. LaBerge’s farm house now stands. Although
more than a third of a century ago this pioneer cabin was reared, yet some
of the logs are about the premises, in a fair state of preservation, having
been made use of in the first dwelling built on the place by Mr. LaBerge,
who came to the locality during the month of May, 1867, and became the
second squatter on the same place, Benoist, the first settler, having
abandoned it.

It was in 1857 that a man named Verrigutt squatted on section twenty-seven
and remained until about 1863.

When Joseph LeBerge became a settler of the township, he found John Hardin,
who came from Pennsylvania living on section twenty-seven, where he had
pre-empted his land, and where he remained until 1877, and then removed to
Washington territory.

Section fifteen had for its occupants old Mr. Conley, who was Hardin’s
father-in-law, with his three sons, John, Richard, and Allen.

B.B. Sutton another settler in the north part of the township, lived on
Broken Kettle creek, and was a conspicuous figure in the first organization
of the county. He finally sold and moved to Kansas.

Section three was settled by Ezra Carpenter, who came from Dakota about
1865. He afterwards removed to Arkansas.

In 1868 Joseph Benoist (French) made a settlement on the southeast quarter
of section twenty-three, where he lived about five years.

Section thirty-six was settled on by Timothy Harrington, who took advantage
of the homestead act. He now resides in Sioux City.

Henry Multhoup was another early homesteader to claim land on section
thirty-six. He is also in Sioux City at present.

Mr. Wood located on section twenty-three in 1869, but only remained a short
period.

J.H. Cowell bought lands on section fifteen about this time. He is still a
resident of the township.

W.D. Carlisle settled on section twelve in 1870. He is still there, and is a
prosperous and honored citizen.

Frank West, another pioneer settler of section twelve, proved up on his
homestead and sold to Duncan Ross, now a prosperous farmer of Dakota.

In 1878, T. Fursee homesteaded a portion of section twelve.

In 1879, came James Daily. He came from Sioux City, and lived on what is now
known as the Marks farm. He removed in 1881. He also purchased land on
section twenty-three.

Other early pioneers were Messrs. Lamoureaus, Easton and Denisten. From
1873 on, until after the grasshopper plague had passed away, in 1877, but
few, if any, came in as settlers. The greater part of the township being
extremely uneven, in some places rough and hilly enough to be called
mountainous in this prairie country, other parts of the county were settled
first.

EARLY EVENTS.
The first school in this township was taught in 1868, at the private
residence of Pioneer B.B. Sutton, but an old gentleman named Carrons. A
school building was erected on section twenty-six, in 1869, by Joseph
LeBerge, who says he paid $6 per 1000 for the shingles used and as much in
proportion for all the lumber.

The first birth within Hancock township was that of George, a son of
Donzitte Lamoureaux, born in October, 1869.

The first marriage was that of Abe Sutton, son of B.B. Sutton, who was
married not later than 1867.

The first death in the township was that of Richard Connolly, who was killed
by an early settler named Benoist, a Frenchman with whom he had a difficulty
in February, 1872. One the ground of partial self-defense, the man was sent
to state’s prison for one year.

The first election in what is now Hancock township was held in the school
house on section ten, known as the “Massey school,” in 1883.

Among the fatal accidents which have occurred in the township, may be
mentioned the death of Pioneer Knapp, who was killed by lightning, during a
slight hurricane, about 1875. It is related that he, in company with others,
had sought shelter by a granary or barn, and that while there they saw an
out building blow over, which sight provoked laughter from Mr. Knapp, and
that at that instant he was stricken dead by the lightning and so sudden was
the shock, that even for hours after death, his face wore a smile, terrible
as it was for friends to behold.

The date of the first appearance of the grasshoppers in this section of the
country was August 27th, 1868, at eleven o’clock a.m., when the sun was
darkened as if by a heavy snow storm filling the atmosphere. The fine
prospect for crops was entirely removed before sunset, that eventful day, as
all vegetation was destroyed.