Iowa
Old Press
Daily Iowa State Register
Des Moines, Polk co., Iowa
June 10, 1868
TOUR OF IOWA COUNTIES - VAN BUREN COUNTY - IT’S
PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
Part First—Description, History, Statistics.
Van Buren county is situated in the Southeastern part of the
state, and is bounded on the east by the counties of Lee and
Henry, on the north by Jefferson, on the west by Davis, and on
the south by the Missouri line. It contains about four hundred
and eighty square miles of surface, being a fraction over
thirteen Congressional townships. It is divided into 13 civil
townships, viz: Bonaparte, Cedar, Chequest, Des Moines,
Farmington, Harrisburg, Jackson, Lick Creek, Union, Vernon, Van
Buren, Village and Washington. This county was organized Dec 7,
1836, under the Territory of Wisconsin, and while Iowa was yet a
part of that Territory. It is consequently one of the oldest
settled counties in the State, and in many respects one of the
most important. Its population in 1838 was 3171; in 1840-6,165;
in 1844-9,019; in 1846 - 9,870; in 1847-10,203; in 1849-11,577;
in 1850-12,269; in 1851-13,000; in 1852-12,753; in 1854-13,843;
in 1856-15,921; in 1959-15,879; in 1860-17,081; in 1863-15,882;
in 1865-15,599, and in 1867-16,298.
The grandest of Iowa rivers - the Des Moines - runs diagonally
through the county from the northwest to the southeast. Numerous
tributaries empty into the river on both sides, among which may
be mentioned Holcomb Creek, Chequest, Bear Creek, and Indian
Creek on the South Side: and Stump Creek, Lick Creek, Rock Creek,
Copperas Creek, Honey Creek and Reed's Creek, on the north side.
Big Fox and Little Fox in the southwest part empty into the
Mississippi in Missouri; and Big Cedar, crossing the northeast
corner of the county, empties into the Skunk River. Nearly all
these streams afford an abundant supply of water for stock at all
times, and all of them are skirted with the finest timber to be
found in Iowa. It is so distributed as to be easily and
conveniently obtained in every portion of the county. In timber
and prairie the county is nearly equally divided - the former
perhaps predominating. It is mainly composed of the following
varieties: white oak, black oak, red oak, burr oak, black and
white walnut, hard and soft maple, hickory, linn, ash, elm etc.,
with some cottonwood along the streams. The red cedar is also
found at several points on the rocky bluffs of the Des Moines.
There are some find groves of the hard maple, or sugar tree, and
at the proper season, it is not uncommon to witness the social
joys of an old fashioned "wax pulling," reminding one
of "days lang syne" away back east. How I do hope that
no thoughtless axeman will ever unnecessarily destroy one of
those grand old trees, around which, in the years to come, may
cluster so many sweet associations of the past. When a ruthless
hand is about to perpetrate a deed so cruel we must not fail to
remonstrate with the earnestness of the poet:
"Woodman, spare that tree!"
In consequence of its numbers streams, this county is more
rolling than most others in this part of the State. Very little
of it, however, is so broken or hilly as to prevent easy
cultivation, and scarcely any portion is swampy or marshy. Along
the Des Moines river on either side, alternately, are narrow
belts of alluvial bottom lands. These bottoms were originally
covered with heavy timber, but large portions of them are now in
cultivation. The soil is somewhat sandy, warm, light, and
exceedingly productive. The prairies of this county are generally
small, with rolling surface, but equal in fertility to the
average prairie soils. Good well water is everywhere easily
obtained on the prairies, but along the river bluffs, and in the
timber in many places it is necessary to provide cisterns. Good
springs are found in many places.
The county is rich in coal deposits. In almost every portion of
the county coal has been mined to a limited extent, but now
little more is taken out than enough to supply the local demand,
and wood being so abundant, the demand for coal is very limited.
The veins are from three to four feet in thickness. A
considerable quantity has been taken from a three and a half foot
vein near Business Corners in the North-west part of the county.
This coal is well adapted to mechanical purposes, as it contains
but little sulphuret of iron. Some three different seams or beds
of coal are know[n] to be exposed, but that of the second or
middle vein seems to be most highly prized. The lower seem
contains a greater proportion of sulphuret of iron.
Building stone is abundant, and easily accessible at all points
in the county. The concretionary limestone is found outcropping
along nearly every creek. There is also a species of sandstone
which is easily worked, when first taken from the quarry, but on
exposure, becomes harder. The limestone, however, has been
chiefly used for building purposes. Stone taken from some of the
quarries is susceptible of a very fine finish. - The block of
Iowa marble contributed to the Washington Monument was taken from
a quarry on Chequest Creek. A quarry in the vicinity of Doud's
Station has been recently opened, the quantity of which is fully
equal to that found at Chequest. The upper layers of the
concretionary limestone make excellent flagging stone, being
easily quarried in strata of about three inches in thickness.
There is no difficulty in manufacturing quick-lime on nearly
every stream in the county. Fox river is the only stream on which
suitable stone for lime does not exist in the greatest abundance.
Clay and sand suitable for brick and building purposes are also
abundant. A bed of fire-clay about five feet in thickness within
2 1/2 miles of Keosauqua has for a number of years been worked.
From this bed Mr. Dickson, of Vernon, has obtained his supplies
for his extensive pottery at that place. The excellent reputation
of the ware which he manufactures attests the good quality of the
material. A variety of iron-ore is found at several places, but
probably in quantities that would not justify the erection of
furnaces. - A specimen presented the writer by Charles Baldwin,
Esq., contains about 73 per cent. of the pure article. It was
obtained about two miles north of Keosauqua. It is found in
connection with the lower coal measures.
This county presents a fine field for the investigation of the
geologist. In addition to the coal measures and concretionary
limestone formations, the geode bed out-crops along the Des
Moines River from Farmington to within two or three miles of
Keosauqua, where it passes below the bed of the river and
disappears. What our geologists term the Keokuk limestone, also
first appears on the Des Moines River in this county two miles
below Bonaparte, rising to an elevation of seventy feet above the
bed of the river at Bentonsport, and gradually depressing,
finally disappears four miles above Bentonsport. - Many fossils
interesting to the geologist are obtained from this formation.
For manufacturing facilities this county is scarcely excelled by
any other in the State. Though there are some good
establishments, a large proportion of the immense hydraulic power
in this county is unused for the want of capital, or rather for
the want of men disposed to invest their means in enterprises
which could hardly family to remunerate them. - Three of the four
dams completed under the old Des Moines River Improvement project
are in this county, one at Bentonsport and one at Keosauqua.
There are several other eligible points for dams in the county,
each affording immense water power. The large amount of wood and
coal would supply the fuel for steam machinery, in addition to
the water power of the Des Moines. With her immense hydraulic
power, wood, coal, and building material, Van Buren stands
unrivaled as a field for investment in manufacturing enterprises.
Of this we shall say more as we notice the different points.
This is a great fruit-growing county. Being one of the oldest in
the State, there are many grown orchards, and they rarely fail to
yield a bountiful supply, especially of apples, and various kinds
of small fruits are abundant. Peaches more frequently succeed in
this portion of the State than any other. A timber region is
better for fruit than any other, and for this and other reasons,
fruit-growing in this county has proved peculiarly successful.
The soil produces abundantly all the grains, grasses and
vegetables which will grow in this latitude. The general
appearance of farms, with their improvements and stock, fully
demonstrates that agriculture is profitable here, as it usually
is elsewhere.
History
On the 6th day of September, 1834, the Sixth Legislative Council
of the "Territory of Michigan," passed, at its extra
session, "An Act to lay off and organize counties west of
the Mississippi River." This legislation created the
counties of Dubuque and Des Moines. What is now the State of
Wisconsin was then "Iowa county," and its laws, as far
as applicable, were extended over the counties west of the river.
June 15, 1836, Michigan became a State, and under an Act of
Congress of April 20th of the same year, Wisconsin, with the
country west of the Mississippi river, became, on the 4th of
July, a Territorial organization. The first Legislature of the
new Territory was held at Belmont near the ancient town of
Mineral Point, in November, 1836. The third Act passed by this
Legislature was one dividing the county of Des Moines into Lee,
Van Buren, Des Moines, Henry, Louisa and Muscatine. - The limits
of Van Buren country [sic] at that time extended westward
indefinitely.
The first court organized in the county was held at Farmington,
April 10, 1837. Hon. David Irvin, Judge of the Second Judicial
District of Wisconsin presided. A Grand Jury was empannelled
[sic], and several indictments were found, one of which was
against N. Doose for exercising the office of Constable in the
county, by authority of the State of Missouri. The next court was
also held at the same place in April, 1838, the same Judge
presiding. At this court Charles Mason was appointed Prosecuting
Attorney, pro tem, for the county. A petit jury was empannelled
[sic] to try an indictment for house-breaking. The party was
found guilty and fined fifteen dollars. - About this time, or
shortly after, commenced a controversy about the location of the
permanent County Seat, which is doubtless seriously felt in its
effects to the present day. Van Buren is emphatically a county of
many towns, and nearly all of them have been competitors for the
county seat. We may mention Keosauqua, Pittsburg, Philadelphia,
Rochester, Columbus, Rockport, Bentonsport, Lexington,
Farmington, and Utica. All these towns, we presume, were once in
Van Buren county, but some of them it would be difficult to find
at the present time, especially those with the more pretentious
and high-sounding metropolitan names. By an Act of the First
Territorial Legislature, approved January 25, 1839, Benjamin F.
Chastain of Jefferson county, Michael H. Walker of Lee county,
and Stephen Gearhart of Des Moines county, were appointed
Commissioners to locate the county seat. The same Legislature had
previously passed an Act locating it at Rochester, but the
Governor had vetoed the bill. The bill appointing Commissioners
also provided for holding the fist term of District Court, after
its passage, at Keosauqua, but forever after to be held at the
place selected by the Commissioners. The location was made at
Keosauqua.
Several enactments of the first Territorial Legislature pertain
to the early history of this county. By an act approved January
15, 1839, "The Des Moines Mill Company" was
incorporated, in which William Duncan and his associates are
authorized to construct a dam across the river at a certain point
named. The bill stipulated that they should build a lock not less
than 130 feet long and 35 feet wide for the passage of
"steam, keel, flat boats, rafts, and other water
crafts." This was the beginning of Iowa legislation
concerning a river which has certainly proved a prolific subject
of legislation from that day to this! An act approved January 19,
1839, also incorporates "The Plymouth Mill and Manufacturing
Company," and authorizes E. B. Kimbrell, H. King, Lewis R.
Bissell, Martin A. Britton, and E. A. M. Swasey, and their
associates, to construct a dam across the Des Moines river in the
Southwest quarter of section 26, township 68, range 8, with the
same restrictions embraced in the other bill.
An act of the same legislature was approved Jan 23, 1839,
"establishing" at different points some 12 Seminaries
of learning, three of which were in Van Buren county. One, styled
"The Farmington Academy," was to be at the town of
Farmington. Henry Bateman, Martin A. Britton, John Crane, Stephen
Miles, and their associates, were the corporators. Another
institution to be styled "The Bentonsport Academy," was
to be established in the "town of North or South
Bentonsport," as a majority of the citizens of the town
might decide. The incorporators S Richards, G W Howe, H P Graves,
H Buckland, Bertrand Jones, Henry Smith and their associates.
"South Bentonsport" is now known as Vernon. Still
another institution was located at Keosauqua called "The
Keosauqua Academy." The incorporators were J N Lewis, C H
Ober, John Carnes, John Fairman, S W Summers, James Hall, Wilson
Stanley, and their associates. All these institutions were for
the "instruction of young persons of both sexes in science
and literature."
The same Legislature also authorized William Meek & Sons to
construct a dam at Bonaparte; and Henry Eno, George W Howe, and
Seth Richards, one at Bentonsport, with the usual clause guarding
the navigation of the river by the construction of locks, etc.
The fist town in Iowa bearing the name of "Iowa City"
was not that which is located in Johnson county, for on the 25th
of Jan. 1839, certain commissioners were appointed to
"review, lay out, and establish a territorial road from Mt
Pleasant to Rome, in Henry County, from thence to Lockridge,
thence to Smith's Crossing on Big Cedar, in Jefferson county,
from thence to Iowa City, in Van Buren county."
In 1839 a conflict arose between the State of Missouri and the
territory of Iowa, relative to a strip of land lying along the
border between Keosauqua and the present State line. Missouri
claimed that the "Des Moines Rapids" mentioned in her
State constitution as a point in her northern boundary, referred
to the rapids in the Des Moines river at Keosauqua. - Iowa
claimed that the "Des Moines Rapids" in the Mississippi
were the rapids meant. - Both parties claimed jurisdiction over
the disputed territory. So intense was the feeling that a martial
spirit began to develop itself. - Troops were organized, and
history records no war more bloodless than the one which ensued.
In this war , Van Buren County took a conspicuous part. Some of
her citizens acquired great distinction as officers, among whom
may be mentioned the name of Capt. J. H. Bonney. After a
manifestation of the most undoubted pluck and heroism of the part
of our troops, and the exhaustion of the supply of liquors on
both sides, peace was declared, the enemy having concluded to
yield her claim until the courts could decide the question. The
tract was finally adjudged ours, and thus ended the first war in
which Iowa, and especially Van Buren county, acquired military
laurels! Of the heroic deeds and sufferings of her recent
military heroes in the war for the Union, let the reports of our
Adjutant General speak. That she remembers and appreciates their
services is attested by the fact that she is about to erect at
Keosauqua a noble monument to the memory of her fallen ones.
Statistics
From the census report of 1857 we obtain the following statistics
of Van Buren county:
No. of dwelling houses 2,780
No of white males 8,165
No of white females 9,944
No of colored males 86
No of colored females 77
No entitled to vote 3,491
No of militia 2,359
No of foreigners not naturalized 43
No between the ages of 5 and 21 6,032
No of blind 9
No of deaf and dumb 8
No of insane 6
No of students attending college 118
No miles of railroad 30
No colleges 1
Value of manufacturers for 1866 $263,236
Bushels of coal raised 71,170
Value of minerals raised, not including coal $27,312
Value of agricultural implements $196,280
No rods of hedging 32,840
No of acres of land inclosed 123,634
No of acres of spring wheat for 1866 6,224
Bushels harvested 50,062
No acres of winter wheat 7,734
No of bushels harvested 69,052
No acres Oats 8,469
No bushels harvested 248,627
No acres of corn 35,864
No bushels harvested 999,460
No acres of Rye 1,860
No bushels harvested 22,599
No acres of barley 44
No bushels harvested 759
No acres of Sorghum 506
No gallons syrup from Sorghum 46,915
No acres of Hungarian grass 380
No tons of hay from Hungarian grass 459
No acres of tame grass 24,409
No tons of hay from tame grass 18,397
No tons of hay from wild grass 363
No bushels of grass seed 11,149
No acres of Irish potatoes 657
No bushels harvested 31,235
No bushels of sweet potatoes 2,128
No bushels of onions 3,792
No acres of flax 347
No bushels flax seed 1,798
No pounds of lint 1,250
No acres of all other crops 508
No of fruit trees in bearing 57,856
No of fruit trees not in bearing 92,195
No of pounds of grapes raised 16,814
No of gallons of wine made 512
No of pounds of hops raised 774
No of pounds of tobacco raised 9,295
No of acres planted for timber 6
No hives of bees 2,882
No of pounds of honey taken 23,000
No of pounds of beeswax 983
No of hogs of all ages 36,136
No of cattle of all ages 15,698
No of milch cows 5,733
No of pounds of butter made 331,660
No of pounds of cheese made 19,262
No of work oxen 207
No of sheep in 1866 41,352
No of pounds of wool shorn in 1866 134,265
No of sheep in 1867 48,065
No of horses of all ages 7,517
No of mules and asses of all ages 769
No of dogs 2,165
No of sheep killed by dogs 1,420
Value of sheep killed by wolves $474
No of acres of land assessed 305,350
No of acres of land enclosed 123,684
Assessed value of land per acre $8.07
Assessed value of land and town lots $2,814,693
Assessed value of personal property $1,341,458
Total valuation $4,156,151
POSTOFFICES
The following are the names of the post offices in the county,
viz: Bentonsport, Birmingham, Bonaparte, Doud's Station,
Farmington, Hickory, Home, Iowaville, Keosauqua, Kilbourne,
Lebanon, Milton, Mt. Sterling, Mt. Zion, Pierceville, Pittsburgh
[sic], Upton, Utica, Vernon, and Winchester.
[transcribed by R.L., November 2014]
Daily Iowa State Register
Des Moines, Polk co., Iowa
June 11, 1868
TOUR OF IOWA COUNTIES - VAN BUREN COUNTY - RAILROADS BUILT AND
PROJECTED
Keosauqua—Its Growth, Business, and Advantages
Sketches of the Village of Independent
Iowaville—The Home and Grave of Black Hawk
Doud’s Station—A Live Little Town
Statistics, Generalities and Traditions
(Continued from yesterday)
RAILROADS
The Des Moines Valley R. R. runs up the valley of the Des Moines
river through the county, making about 80 miles of railroad line
completed, with seven stations in the county, viz: Farmington,
Bonaparte, Bentonsport, Summit, Kilbourne, Doud's Station and
independent. A daily line of hacks connects the Summit with
Birmingham, Fairfield and other points north. Hacks also run from
Keosauqua to the Summit in connection with all passenger trains.
The people of this county have, in times past, had several
railroad projects in view, but have, so far, failed to realize
all their expectations in this respect. About two years ago a
company was organized at Fairfield and duly incorporated for
building a railroad from the Muscatine branch of the M. & M.
R. R. at or near Washington, via Brighton, Fairfield and
Keosauqua to some point connecting with the North Missouri R. R.
- Some $20,000 of private subscriptions was raised in the town of
Keosauqua, and other sums at Fairfield and other points. There
seems to be some revival of interest in the project. The route of
the proposed road is undoubtedly a perfectly feasible one, and
the proposition is surely worthy of the serious consideration of
those interested. There is also some agitation of the project of
constructing a railroad connecting the B. & M. road at Mt.
Pleasant with the D. V. road at Bonaparte. The day will doubtless
come when Van Buren county will enjoy the advantages of increased
railroad facilities.
TOWNS AND VILLAGES.
KEOSAUQUA. - This is the county seat of Van Buren county. It is
situated on the north bank of the Des Moines river at the lower
extremity of a peninsula, on what is known as the Great Bend,
which, in the Indian language, the term Keosauqua (or Keoshauqua)
is said to mean. It is the opinion of some, however, that this
was the Indian name of the river before it received its French
christening of Des Moines. The town is four miles south of Summit
Station on the D. V. R. R. and within about seven miles of the
Missouri line. The first whir man who settled on the spot where
this place now stands, was one John Silvers, who in 1835, made a
claim and built a small cabin on the bank of the river about
where the old Keosauqua Hotel now stands. About the same time
several other persons settled in the vicinity - among them, E.
Pardom [Purdom], Isaac W. McCarty, John Patchett, and John
Tolman, with his Indian wife. Silvers sold his claim in the fall
of 1838 to Meschack Sigler for $300. Mrs. Sigler was the first
white woman who made her home at this place. In 1837, a Company
styled the "Van Buren Company," purchased of Mr. Sigler
his claim. This Company was composed of James Hall, James
Manning, Edwin Manning, John J. Fairman, John Carnes, and Robert
Taylor. Sigler subsequently became one of the company. Taylor
soon sold his interest to William Billups and Simon Druillard. In
1837 they laid out a portion of the town, and in the spring of
1839 the whole town was surveyed and recorded. The first house in
the new town was built by the Van Buren Company in 1837. In this,
Carnes & Fairman kept the first store. Faiman was the first
Postmaster, the name of the office being Portoro. At the land
sales in 1838, James Hall was authorized by the Company to
purchase in his own name the tract of land on which the town was
located. In 1839 the first brick house was erected by Edward R.
Tylee. In 1838, T. Lane opened the first taylor shop, and the
next year formed a partnership with J. J. Kinersly. There is no
record that either of these gentlemen ever rose from their humble
position up through all the graduations of official life to the
Presidency! The first physician was Cyrus H. Ober, and the first
lawyer Isaac N. Lewis. The first hotel was kept by Elisha Puett,
in a one-story log house. The landlord was a hard case, and as
civilization encroached upon him, he went to Texas. - The first
blacksmith was David Smith. In April, 1839, R. King laid out what
is known upon the record as "Des Moines City,"
immediately below and adjoining Keosauqua. - Here a flouring mill
was erected. At this point a dam is build across the river, and
there is now a stone flouring mill with two run of stones.
In the fall of 1830, the first steamboat ascended the river as
far up as this point - the adventurous pioneer craft being the
"S. B. Science," Capt. Clarke, Master. She brought
goods for the Indian trading posts at Portland and other points
above, with flour, meal, port and other necessary articles for
the settlers. This was an occasion for much rejoicing. It is said
the good boat brought a liberal supply of scertiappo (whisky) for
both whites and Indians.
About this time, an affair of honor transpired between two of the
settlers, A. W. Harlan, and one Bushnell. Russo King and M.
Sigler were the seconds. Pistols were the weapons chosen, and it
may be whisky was substituted for coffee! Fortunately no shooting
occurred. Their friends induced them to settle the difference by
the less dangerous method now practiced by the ring. Harlan came
off victor, and thus ended this first, and so far as I have
learned, last, appeal to the code of honor in Van Buren county!
The first white child born in Keosauaua was a daughter to William
Billups, and the first marriage solemnized was that of Lewis
Lapplant and Nancy Hill on the 27th of January, 1838, by Benjamin
F. Green, a Justice of the Peace. The first newspaper was
commenced in the summer of 1843 by Jesse M. Shepherd and John T.
Mitchell. It was called the "Iowa Democrat and Des Moines
Riber Intelligencer."
I have thus briefly mentioned a few facts connected with the
early history of a place that once bid fair to become one of the
most important points on the Des Moines river. For most of these
facts I am indebted to Hon. Geo. G. Wright, as I gleaned them
from an address delivered by him in Keosauaqua on the 4th of
March, 1858. The expectations of the founders of this once
promising town have not been realized. That are the reasons? One
of them doubtless is the fact that in the constructions of the
Des Moines Valley Railroad, Keosauqua is left about four miles
distant, owing to its peculiar situation in the bend of the
river. But it is believed she has advantages in water power and
facilities for manufacturing which fully compensate of the loss
of the railroad, if some of her wealthy citizens did not, like
the rocks upon which she is built, belong to a former age! Some
of them are of the ante-diluvian period. When they pass away, if
they ever do, and men of the age of steam and electricity take
their places, the vast water power at this place may be turned to
some account. At present, it is made useful in running but a
simple flouring mill of limited capacity. In natural advantages
for manufacturing purposes, no point on the river excels this.
There is an exhaustless quantity of the best building stone to be
found in the State, easily quarried within the town limits, and
all around it. Coal and wood are abundant and cheap. Potters'
clay is abundant n the vicinity of the town, and yet we heard of
no one engaged in the manufacture of ware!
One enterprise, however, has been commenced, which, it is hoped,
will prove successful. - A suspension bridge of 612 feet span is
in course of construction. The abutments for the same are nearly
completed, and it is hoped the bridge will be finished this year.
The towers will be about 57 feet above the abutments. Eight
cables will be used in its construction, each of 2 1/4 inches in
diameter, and, exclusive of the suspenders, calculated to bear a
strain of 500 tons. The greater portion of the rock need is
quarried within 500 feet of the river bank. For these particulars
I am indebtedd to Mr. James L. Loring, the gentlemanly engineer
in charge of the work.
The Court House is not a building of imposing appearance, but is
substantial, and with another building used for the county
offices, affords ample accommodations for the transaction of the
public business of the county. - Both buildings are brick. The
jail is built of stone and iron, with a brick portion attached,
forming the residence of the Sheriff. It is one of the most
secure prisons in the State.
Near the Court House, on lots purchased for the purpose, a
Soldiers' Monument is about to be erected. It is to cost about
$5,000, toward which the county, in its cop orate capacity, has
contributed $500. The names of all soldiers of the county who
died in the service are to be engraved upon the monument.
Keosauqua, and some adjacent territory, forming an Independent
School District, has now in process of erection, a brick school
house, which is to cost $15,000. There are four churches, viz:
Methodist, Congregational, Episcopal and United Presbyterian,
with Rev. I. P. Teter, J. W. Windsow, T. B. Kemp and J. S. Ross,
respectively, as pastors. There are lodges of Masons, Odd Fellows
and Good Templars, all said to be flourishing. An excellent Brass
Band is organized here, and holds itself in readiness to rally
the Grant boys during the pending campaign. The city has one
newspaper, the Republican - a sound Radical organ. Though the
county at large may claim them as her representatives, we must
here notice the popular county officers. They are as follows: -
Alexander Brown, County Judge; John A. Miller, Clerk District
Court; Joshua S. Sloan, Treasurer; John C. McCrary, Sheriff;
Edwin Goddard, Recorder; George B. Walker, Superintendent; Ira
Clafflin, Surveyor; and L. W. Thornburgh, Coroner. With these
gentlemen at the head of affairs, the count is finically sound,
being entirely free from debt.
There are several attorneys in the place. - We mention Robert
Sloan, Charles Baldwin, and Henry Strickling.
Among the reliable and enterprising business men who deserve to
be patronized, we mention the following: L. W. Thornburgh, Lumber
and Agricultural Implement Dealer; James L. Loring and Gebhardt
& Son, are dealers in Hardware; Thomas Rankin, P. B. Walls,
Alexander Henry, and J. W. Moore, each have good establishments
in the line of dry goods and groceries. M. C. Davis, W. C.
Stridger, and A. Burns & Co., are dealers in groceries. - By
the way, M. C. Davis will be remembered as one of the
paper-folders of the last House of Representatives. He was a good
soldier in the war, and lost his leg in front of Atlanta. - His
friends will be pleased to hear of his success. John Shane is the
accommodating landlord of the "Shane House," which we
found to be a pleasant home during our sojourn in the place. O.
S. Willey deals in jewelry, watches, clocks, etc.
There are in the town 6 dry-goods stores; 4 grocery stores; 2
drug stores; 2 harness makers; 3 dealers in boots and shoes; 1
news dealer; 2 hotels; 2 hardware stores; 2 watchmakers; 1 lumber
dealer; 1 furniture dealer; 2 dealers in agricultural implements;
1 dealer in stoves and tin-ware; 1 barber; 2 tailors; 2
milliners; 1 dentist; 3 physicians, and 6 lawyers.
Across the river, opposite Keosauqua, is the town of Pleasant
Hill, which also contains a store. The total populations of
Keosauqua according to the last census, within the town limits
proper, was 683. Beside this, Pleasant Hill has a population of
about 100. We now leave the county seat for the purpose of
noticing some of the smaller villages and shall begin with:
INDEPENDENT - This is located in Village township, being the
North-west corner township of the county. It is on the Des Moines
Valley Railroad, eighteen minutes from Ottumwa, and twenty from
Keosauqua. It embraces 84 lots, mostly 65 by 132 feet in size.
These lots, without improvement, range in price from $30 to $200
each, depending upon location. One George Stump was the original
proprietor, as well as the owner of a large body of adjacent
land. His enterprise of laying out a town at this point had its
origin from the following circumstances: He desired the
establishment of a public road from his premises to the
neighboring village of Iowaville, but his project was sternly
opposed by the intervening land owners. he then declared he would
be independent of Iowaville, and lay out a town on his own land.
Accordingly, in 1851, he carried his threat into execution, and
located the town, calling it Independent. It struggled along
through a half score of doubtful years under the frowns of its
elder sister and rival, who delighted to apply to it, in the
spirit of contempt, the unpoetical name of "Stump
Town." But there was a day of deliverance coming. In due
time the railroad wound its way up the Valley, and found our
little village quietly nestled in her romantic retreat on the
banks of the Des Moines. Under the fostering care and protection
of the railroad it imbibed new life and vigor. Independent is now
a point of considerable trade, and one of the best grain shipping
stations on the Des Moines Valley Railroad. It is also said that
during the last year about $150,000 worth of hogs were shipped at
this point. It now contains a population of about 150. There are
five stores and groceries, a harness shop, wagon and blacksmith
shop and hotel. There is a good school house, with a school now
in prosperous condition under the charge of Miss Lizzie C.
Robinson as teacher. A Methodist Episcopal Church is being
erected, a portion of the material now being ready on the ground.
A laudable enterprise in the way of establishing manufactories is
beginning to appear. A joint stock company has been organized for
the erection of a large flouring and woolen mill. The work has
already commenced. The main building is to be 34x54 feet, and
four stories high, with an engine room 14x34 feet. A fifty horse
power engine is to be set up, and the entire machinery and
structure is to be first class. The work has been placed in
charge of Capt. George W. Elerick, formerly of the 30th Iowa
Infantry. Under his superintendence the enterprise cannot fail to
be a success. The facilities for operating manufactories by steam
here cannot be excelled. There is a great abundance of water,
timber, coal and building stone, all easily obtained. It is also
in the midst of a fine grain producing region. Indeed there is no
good reason why Independent should not have a prosperous future.
The principal business house of the place is that of F. G. Adams
& Co., whose sales during the last year amount to over
$15,000.
D. C. Beaman, Esq., keeps a stock of family groceries, and a
general assortment of notions. He also serves Uncle Sam as
Postmaster and acts as the agent of the U. S. Express Company. By
the way, it must be kept in mind, that while the legal and
railroad name of this town is "Independent," the name
of the Post-office is "Hickory," but the Express office
is still designated as "Independent." The reason why
the name of the Postoffice was changed was because mistakes
frequently occurred in the transmission of mail matter, on
account of the similarity of the former name to that of
Independence, Iowa.
Dr. Joseph Knowland caters to the public appetite and comfort,
and our experience warrants us in the assertion that no one need
leave the "Des Moines Valley Hotel" hungry. He is also
a physician of the Homeopathic school.
The railroad station here is in charge of George B. Leonard, who
also acts as telegraph operator.
The crossing of the road leading from Fairfield to Troy is at
this point. The public will always find a safe and excellent
ferry in charge of N. Sanford, who is its enterprising
proprietor.
Near this place, on land belonging to the estate of the late
George Stump, is a spot of ground exhibiting a peculiarity which
may excite speculations of the curious. It formerly contained an
area of 30 feet square, on which, for twenty years, no vegetation
could be made to grow, although regularly planted each year with
various kinds of grain. The barren spot is now somewhat smaller,
but still embraces about 20 feet square, on which not a single
spear or leaf has ever been known to grow. The ground is a rich
black loam, slightly damper than the surrounding land. It is
situated on the side of what is called in the West a
"draw," and below it at the bottom of the ravine is a
spring, the water of which is slightly impregnated with sulphur.
Scientific investigation may solve the mystery. Part of the town
is an immense heap of sand, rising, we should judge, nearly 100
feet above the bed of the river. It is mixed with a sufficient
quantity of vegetable mould to render it quite fertile.
IOWAVILLE. - A little over one mile west of Independent is the
old trading post of Iowaville. This part of Van Buren county is
indeed historical ground. Here the renowned Black Hawk, after his
glory had departed, spent the closing days of his life. Near this
place he was buried in the fall of 1838. This is also the old
battleground of Sacs, Foxes, and Iowa Indians, and the ruins of
Keokuk's old house are still visible. The village is situated on
the north bank of the river in the midst of an exceedingly
fertile portion of the Des Moines Valley, which has in times
past, produced immense quantities of corn for consumption at the
large distillery a few years ago in operation at this place. The
village contains a mill, two or three stores, and two churches,
with a population of about 150. W. T. Abel is the proprietor of
the mill and wool-carding factory, and C. D. Bailey and Aaron
Parks have the principal stows of the place. The last named
gentleman is postmaster.
DOUD'S STATION: - Some five miles down the Des Moines Valley from
Independent, is the handsome and sprightly little town of Doud's
Station, only 18 months old. Its original proprietors were Hon.
David Doud, and Hon. Eliab Doud, the present distinguished State
Senator from Van Buren county. Every deed conveying lots in this
town contains a stipulation that no intoxicating liquors shall
ever be sold as a beverage by the grantee, or with his concent,
upon the premises. Of course there are no beer shops or whisky
salons in Doud's Station. The place contains three dry goods and
grocery stores. Those engaged in this trade are David Payne,
Manning and Parker, and T. P. Doud. Each of these dealers has a
well selected stock, and all of them seem to be doing a
profitable business. The firm of Manning and Parker have sold
during the past year goods to the amount of twenty thousand
dollars. They have also shipped about 500 head of hogs and 2,500
bushels of grain. The sales of T. P. Doud have amounted to
$25,000. He has also shipped a large amount of grain - about
4,000 bushels - in the last month. Messrs. Winterbotham &
Son, recently of Fort Madison, have just established a hardware
store, and also deal largely in stoves, tin-ware, and furniture.
Two lumber yards supply lumber to a large extent of country - one
kept by Capt. James Elerick, and the other by Tobias & Son.
Capt. Elerick did his country service in the 59th Illinois
Infantry. - Tobias & Son also deal largely in agricultural
implements. The village also contains a harness-maker,
shoe-maker, painter, wagon and blacksmith shop, saw-mill,
milliner, etc., all doing a prosperous business. There are two
physicians, Drs. Crawford & Whitten. Miss Mary A. Doud,
daughter of Senator Doud, has charge of the Postoffice. Our young
friend, T. C. Jackson, is the genial and accommodating railroad
agent, telegraph operator, and U. S. Express agent.
The town is beautifully located on the north bank of the Des
Moines, directly opposite the ancient town of Portland, the scene
of many a pioneer adventure, and with which it is connected by an
excellent ferry. It is 21 miles from Ottumwa, 12 miles from
Keosauqua, 28 from Bloomfield, 15 from Fairfield, and 55 from
Keokuk. The surroundings are highly picturesque and beautiful,
with its landscapes of field, forest, and river. Vast quarries of
the finest building stone are found in the immediate vicinity,
some of which is susceptible to a fine a polish as to be nearly
equal in that respect to marble. Sone coal is abundant, and the
surrounding country is heavily timbered. The Doud brothers own
some seven hundred acres of the best land to be found in the Des
Moines Valley. They settled here about 27 years ago, in the days
when almost the only roads were cow paths and Indian trails. They
have lived to see the transforming influences of civilization and
Anglo-Saxon energy. May they long live to enjoy the fruits of
their personal sacrifices, and to witness the continued growth
and prosperity of the town which they have founded.
I must not forget, however, to say that several new buildings are
about to be erected., some of which are now under way. Among the
improvements in contemplation, are a school house, church, hotel,
and mill. Mr. Payne is erecting a fine residence. The village
probably has a population of 100. Every thing about it impresses
one with the idea of neatness, comfort and industry.
[transcribed by R.L., November 2014]
Daily Iowa State Register
Des Moines, Polk co., Iowa
June 12, 1868
TOUR OF IOWA COUNTIES - VAN BUREN COUNTY - ITS TOWNS AND WEALTH.
Bentonsport—Vernon—Bonaparte—Farmington—Summit—Birmingham—Milton—Winchester.
BENTONSPORT. - This town is in Washington township, on the left
bank of the river. It is in the midst of a rich agricultural
portion of the county, but the hills in the immediate vicinity
hide from view the many fine farms near by. The dam across the
river at this place affords water power for a vast amount of
machinery. There is a flouring mill belonging to Brown &
Keck, doing a considerable business. It is a five story building
built of brick, and furnished with the best of machinery. Green,
Bragg & Co. many years ago built at this place the first
paper mills in Iowa. It is yet doing good service. The building
is stone, and is three stories high above the ground. There is
also in operation a woolen factory, belonging to Brown &
Moore, with machinery for carding and spinning. About two years
ago the extensive factory of Mr. Brown at this place was entirely
consumed by fire, a disaster which has retarded in no small
degree the prosperity of the place. There is likewise a saw mill
in operation. This place is one of considerable trade. One
wholesale and retail establishment belonging to H. F. Greef &
Bro. sells goods to the amount of $50,000 per annum. Their rooms
are models in their systematic arrangement throughout. A. Laubach
is also engaged in dry goods; Mason Bros. in the line of stoves,
tin-ware and furniture, while J. F. Mason, one of the brothers,
runs a livery stable, and the other, George H. Mason, acts as
landlord of the "Ashland House," the only hotel in the
place. Mrs. H. A. Rehkopf has the largest harness establishment
in the county in charge of her son, B. F. Rehkopf. Dr. A. H.
After seems to be the physician and druggist of the place. The
Railroad Company is faithfully represented by R. L. Clarke, their
popular agent and telegraph operator. He is likewise agent of the
U. S. Express Co.
A neat and spirited Democratic paper, called The Signal, is
published here by A. C. Bailey, Esq., to whom we are indebted for
many kind attentions during our visit. We have seen some
excellent samples of job work executed at the office of our
friend Bailey.
There are four churches, viz: Methodist, Presbyterian,
Congregational and Universalist, all of brick except the last,
which is frame. Masonic and Good Templars Lodges exist here, both
in flourishing condition. The town forms an independent school
district, and has a good two-story brick school house. In
addition to those mentioned, there are several other business
firms, Mrs. Ann Appleton has charge of the Postoffice.
VERNON. - This town is immediately opposite Bentonsport, with
which it is connected by a ferry. It has a large flouring mill
belonging to Sanford & Keyes. It is four stories above
ground, built of brick, and is fifty by seventy feet. It has
three pairs of stones, and will grind fifty bushels per hour. The
machinery is the best used. It was erected in 1858 by Allender
and Freeman. The woolen factory here belonging to Allender &
Gelatt is one of the best in Iowa, and is doing a large business
in the manufacture of cloths. We have before mentioned the
pottery of Mr. R. M. Dickson. He manufactured last year 250,000
gallons of stone ware. A large proportion of his business is the
manufacture of drain tile. His main shop is built of brick. He
recently sustained a loss by fire to the amount of $2000. Another
establishment of the same kind is just going into operation. It
is owned by J. W. Fown, and will commence with sufficient
capacity, as we are informed by its proprietors, for turning out
75,000 gallons of ware per annum.
The foundation of a new school house is just completed. It is 42
by 32 feet, with a vestibule 12 by 32 feet, and will be built of
brick two stories high. It is to be finished in the best style
and furnished with cast-iron seats. - Riley Cass is the
architect. The building will be an honor to the town. There are
general stores, the largest perhaps, being that of Richards &
Son, D. P. Wilson in the grocery line, and N. Mallett in drugs,
both have good establishments. The last named gentleman is the
Postmaster. We met here a hale of hearty old resident of this
county in the person of Mr. James McCrary. He is the father of
Hon. Geo. W. McCrary of Keokuk. This town is making considerable
growth. We noticed several buildings under way. Its population is
about 600.
BONAPARTE - Four miles below Bentonsport is the promising
manufacturing town of Bonaparte. It has 4 general stores; 4
family groceries; 3 boot and shoe stores; 1 drugstore; 2 hotels;
3 wagon factories; 1 cabinet shop; 2 blacksmith shops; 1 planing,
sash, door and blind factory; 1 cooper; 2 lumber yards; 1
pottery; 1 jeweler; 1 livery stable; 1 artist; 3 milliners; 1
harness shop; 1 tannery; 3 physicians, etc. Some of the
manufacturing and business establishments are deserving of
particular notice.
The woolen factory of Meek & Brothers is one of the largest
in the State. The main building is of brick, 50 by 85 feet, and
four stories high. They have in operation six sets of
manufacturing cards, and four sets of double roll cards. There
are six spinning jacks of 240 spindles each, and one of 200,
making 1640 spindles in all. Twenty-two narrow and four broad
looms, with the necessary machinery to operate them, occupy one
story of the building. This department gives employment to about
thirty women. About 500 yards of cloth are manufactured per day.
- During the last year the retail business of the establishment
amounted to $75,000. and the wholesale trade to $139,000. In
addition to the main building, there is also a large stone dry
house, and a frame building containing an additional set of cards
and a spinning jack. - They have also a three story brick
building, 50 by 70 feet, for sales rooms, ware rooms, offices,
%c. In this large quantities of will and cloth are stored The
same gentlemen have in operation a flooring mill with four run of
burrs, and also a saw mill. They use no steam about their factory
or mills, except for heating purposes. They run the first
spindles by machinery in the State, having commenced in 1851. In
1863 they were burnt out, but rebuilt the same year. Messrs.
Parker & Hanback have an extensive pottery for the
manufacture of stone ware. They make 100,000 gallons per annum.
The clay from which they make it, is obtained about three miles
southeast of the town, from a vein about three feet in thickness.
A planing mill and sash door and blind manufactory are just going
into operation. - The enterprising proprietors are Messrs.
Entler, Meek & Chapman. Among the excellent business houses
of the place we mention Troutman & Pickett, and Christy &
Johnson, dealers in dry goods, groceries, &c.; George
Schoonover, in boots and shoes, hats and caps; Charles L. George,
in drugs and stationery, also news dealer; John Leach, proprietor
of the "Bonaparte House," and J. M. Cox, the No. 1
agent and telegraph operator of the D M V Railroad. Among the
live men of the place is Dr. R. N. Cresap, who settled in the
county as early as 1834. He has extensive interests in and around
the place, and is perhaps its oldest inhabitant. One of the
institutions of the place, second to none in the county is that
known as "Bonaparte Academy." It has been in operation
one term, under the charge of Prof. Edward P. Howe as Principal.
The building is just completed, and is 70 1/2 by 50 1/2 feet, and
two stories high. It is surmounted by a dome, and has an
excellent bell. On the south side is a portico supported by four
massive columns. There are four principal rooms, each nearly 35
feet square, and capable of searching 1?50 pupils. The seats and
desks are patent cast iron. The rooms of the upper story have
arched ceilings, and are divided by a folding partition. The
building is to be heated by furnaces in the basement. The cost is
to be about $20,000. the location is a beautiful elevation,
commanding a view of one of the finest landscapes in the West.
Around this seat of learning, much that is grand and beautiful
will combine to inspire youthful minds with those elevated and
noble sentiments so essential to happiness and virtue.
There is also a flourishing District School and a Select School
in operation. Lodges of Masons, Odd Fellows, and Good Templars
are all in a flourishing condition. A large class in music is
being taught by Miss Ella M. Keables, and accomplished teacher.
There are three churches, Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist.
The people of Bonaparte are _____ that a railroad will be
constructed from their place to Mt. Pleasant, there connecting
with a road running north to Minnesota. A survey has already been
made, and great interest is felt in the project. The energy
displayed by the people of this place in establishing
manufactories and making other improvements, entitles them to the
consideration of capitalists, and the chances are much in their
favor.
In the vicinity of this town are some splendid groves of hard
maple. In passing through one of them adjoining the village, I
counted a group of seven mounds - the work of an ancient race.
The form an irregular chain, running nearly north and south,
parallel with the river, and nearly all have large trees growing
upon them. All are about the same size, being some fifty feet in
diameter at the base and about four feet high. There is no
appearance of excavation in the vicinity of these mounds to
procure the material for them.
Some twenty years ago it was thought that salt water might be
procured here by boring. The work was commenced, and a depth of
100 feet was reached. The project was then abandoned. The place
where this well was sunk is now in the river, being then
immediately on its bank.
Although this town has now a population of nearly one thousand,
there is as yet, no municipal organization. Capt. Edgar Pickett
serves the people, and Uncle Sam as P. M., and Wm. Entler
officiates as J. P.
FARMINGTON. - This is the "ancient metropolis" of Van
Buren county, and although I believe it has not gained population
for a number of years, its location is one of the most beautiful
on the river. It is thirty miles from Keokuk on the Des Moines
Valley R. R. The present population is about 800. There are 4
general stores; 1 dealer in agricultural implements; 2 in
millinery and fancy goods; 1 family grocery; 2 harness shops; 2?
wagon Makers; 2 blacksmith shops; 1 painter; 3 hotels; 3 boot and
shoe-makers; 1 steam flouring mill; 2 livery stables; 1 furniture
manufactory; 1 lumber dealer; 1 pottery; 8? coopers; 4
physicians; 1 dentist; 1 attorney; 1 tobacconist; 1 artist; 1
brewery; 1 butcher; 1 rope-maker; 1 jeweler; 1 barber, &c.
If the people are pious in proportion to the number of churches,
Farmington is highly favored. There are no less than seven houses
of public worship, to-wit: Methodist, Baptist, Christian, German
Lutheran, German Methodist, Cregreational,and Catholics. - The
Methodist and Christian are brick buildings - the others frame.
Among the most active and wide-awake businessmen of the place, I
take pleasure in mentioning the following: Boner & Sims,
dealers in dry goods, groceries, grain, hay, &c. Since
January 2d, they have shipped 8,000 bushels of grain and 340 tons
of hay. Charles Glecker and Dr. C. P. Stevenson both deal
extensively in dry goods and groceries. Shreve & Scott are
the druggists of the place, and are young men deserving of
success. Dickey & Keslor are the proprietors of the "O.
K. Mills." John Meler seems to be the leading painter of the
place. A. T. Church is the Railroad agent and telegraph operator,
and like the Station agents generally along the line of the Des
Moines Valley Railroad, is a gentleman in the true sense of that
term. George Beeson, the "Des Moines House,: is a No. 1
landlord.
The people of Farmington are expecting the completion, at an
early day, of the Iowa & Missouri [sic] State Line Railroad.
About forty miles are graded, and the work is now progressing.
The friends of this road think there is a prospect of securing a
grant of land to aid in its completion. E. Robinson is President;
S. B. Tuttle, Secretary, and George Schramm, Treasurer. The
gentlemen, with the directory, are doing all in their power to
push the enterprise ahead as rapidly as possible. From this
point, this road is to run west to Nebraska City, and east to
connect with the Pennsylvania Central.
Another company is organized to construct a railroad from M.
Pleasant to some point on the D. V. Road. A survey is about to be
made from this place to Salem on the line of a survey already
made from Mt. Pleasant to Bonaparte. Or this company, Gov. R. P.
Lowe is President, and S. B. Tuttle of this place is earnestly
engaged in forwarding the enterprise. It will also be remembered
that, some two years ago, a company was organized of which
Senator James W. Grimes was elected President, to build a
railroad from Burlington to Farmington. With all these railroad
projects on the tapis?, Farmington is hopefully looking forward
for the "good time coming."
Col. O. H. P. Scott, who owns the water power at this point,
contemplates the erection of a mill and factory at an early day.
A gentleman is preparing to manufacture quicklime on a scale of
sufficient magnitude to supply the Des Moines valley. The
lime-stone here is peculiarly adapted for that purpose.
About three-quarters of a mile southeast of the town, is the
somewhat noted artesian well, on which a company here, several
years ago, expended some $5,000. They bored to the depth of 740
feet, passing through, at 100 feet from the surface, what is said
to be a vein of pure white marble, equal to any found in the
United States, and 40 feet in thickness. At a depth of 700 feet
the water rushed in with such force as to throw the drill to one
side and stop much further prosecution of the work. A pipe or
tube has been inserted, which throws the water some feet above
the surface. The water is warm, very clear, and has a slight
taste of epsom salts, or something similar. It is used by
invalids in the vicinity and it is said, with beneficial results.
SUMMIT: - The location of this village is on the D. V. R. R.,
four miles from Keosauqua. - It has a good hotel, kept by Geo. W.
Miller, who is also the Postmaster and keeps a store. The name of
the Postoffice is Mt. Zion. J. K. Waller is the efficient station
agent, U. S. Express agent, and operator at this point. Moss
& Beardsley keep a produce and provision store, and are
extensively engaged in shipping hay, grain, eggs, &c. During
the last year they have shipped 500 tons of hay, 600 bushels
clover of seed, 6000 bushels of timothy seed, 15,000 bushels of
oats, 25 cars of wheat and 4 cars of rye. During the egg season
they have shipped 9,000 dozens of eggs per week. - There is a
lumber yard, 3 stows, and 2 blacksmith shops. Price of lots from
$50 to $150. - There is a saw mill in the immediate vicinity.
BIRMINGHAM. - This place is situated in the north part of the
county, 11 miles from Keosauqua and 8 from Fairfield. It has a
population of about 800. The country around it is unsurpassed in
fertility, and is in the highest state of cultivation.
Magnificent farms and splendid orchards are to be seen in every
direction. All the indications of wealth and comfort are visible.
The town is situated on a rolling prairie, with plenty of timber
and coal convenient, and is supplied with the purest water from
wells usually from 20 o 30 feet deep. The buildings are mostly
frame, neatly painted white, but there are also a few brick
buildings. The town is regularly incorporated. Its officers are:
Dr. J N Norris, Mayor; J W Latham, Recorder; Wm Trotter, H.
Huffman, and J J Randall, Council; and Casper Miller, Marshal.
One of the attractive features of the village is its delightful
park, neatly enclosed with a circular fence, and ornamented with
forest trees. It is now being provided with a stand, seats, and
other conveniences for public meetings.
There are three churches, to-wit: Methodist, Old School
Presbyterian, and United Presbyterian. All of them are neat and
commodious frame buildings. This place has an enviable reputation
for its educational advantages. It has a college in successful
operation, in which all the higher branches are taught. The
college building is a substantial three story brick of beautiful
and imposing architectural structure, and finished with all the
modern conveniences for the accommodation of pupils of both
sexes. It is in charge of Rev. G. P. Bergen as Principal, with
competent assistants. - During the last term over 100 students
were in attendance. There are also two other schools in operation
most of the time, one in a frame and the other in a brick
building, each of good size.
Birmingham has five general stores, 3 drug stores, 2 hotels, 4
blacksmith shops, 3 wagon shops, 1 plow shop, 4 cabinet shops, 2
harness shops, 1 artist, 1 tannery, 1 shoemaker, 2 milliners, 1
stove and tin ware dealer, 1 family grocery, 3 physicians, 1
lawyer, 1 cooper, 1 tailor, 1 livery stable, and 1 establishment
for the sale of agricultural implements. In business enterprise,
O. L. Moss, is conceded to be the leading man of the place. He
has in connection with D. C. Cramer and extensive woolen factory
in operation, also a large flouring mill, saw mill, lath and
shingle mill, blacksmith and wagon shops, dry goods store, and a
farm of 500 acres. He has constantly in his employment from 40 to
50 men. Beside the above branches of business, he sometimes packs
pork, and deals largely in stock.
Among those engaged in other branches of business, who are
deserving of special mention, are the following: J J Randall,
general store, and dealer in stoves and tin-ware; W. B. Travis
& Bro., general store; Huston, Duffield & Son, general
store; W. C. Davis, family grocery; W. B. Young and Calhoon &
Hope, druggists; S. G. Torrance, cabinet maker and manufacturer
of window blinds; A. W. Silvis, cabinet maker and inventor of an
improved hand loom. A. Cole is the veteran landlord of the
"Birmingham Hotel." He has been engaged in the business
30 years, and knows all about it. D. D. Calhoon keeps the
"City Hotel," and has a good reputation as a landlord.
Our legislative friend, Hon. Joel Brown, has associated himself
as one of the firm of Moss, Shott & Brown, for the
manufacture of plows and wagons on a large scale. Birmingham may
be set down as a live village, and with such men as we have named
as her leading spirits, she will continue to prosper.
MILTON. - This place is situated on the prairie in Jackson
township, near the Southwest corner of the county, about 14 miles
from Keosauqua. It has a Postoffice, 3 dry goods and grocery
stores, 2 drug stores, 3 blacksmiths, 1 wagon maker, 2 cabinet
shops, 2 shoe makers, 1 hotel, and 1 saw mill. Its population is
about 100, and the business of the place is estimated at about
$100,000.
WINCHESTER. - This place is four miles southeast of Birmingham.
It has a Postoffice, 2 general stores and a blacksmith shop. It
is one of the oldest villages in the county, and although in the
midst of a splendid agricultural region, has seen better days.
One of the rich farmers of Iowa, Timothy Day, whose herds of fine
blooded cattle have a reputation throughout the West, lives near
this place.
I have now made the tour of Van Buren county, and have endeavored
to set forth fairly, from personal observation, its material
wealth and resources, and to do justice to the different points
visited. The reader will agree that the element requisite to
elevate the county to a high position in the various industrial
pursuits, exist within her borders in great profusion, and only
wait for enterprise and capital to develop them. A. R. F.
[transcribed by R.L., November 2014]