Iowa
Old Press
Washington Gazette
Washington, Washington co. Iowa
April 2, 1869
Iowa Township, Yatton, Iowa -- March 24, 1869
To the Editor of the Gazette
Sir--Perhaps some of your readers would like to hear whether Iowa
Township has played out, or whether it is still up with the front
rank. We are entering the busy season for farmers. Seedtime has
again arrived and our farmers are busy sowing their wheat.
Several sowed on the 23rd last. I believe there will be more
wheat sown through this section than last year. We have as good
soil along English valley as anywhere in the county. We have some
excellent farms with good running water therein, and plenty of
timberland, which would have no little effect on the sale of
land. English River is in a low stage at present, especially for
this time of year, fishing time will soon be here which will
afford plenty of profitable sport.
Yatton is our largest town, which is not behind any village of
this size. We have three stores. The principal one is kept by Jo.
Critz, who has a large assortment of dry goods and groceries,
boots and shoes. The next is kept by Mr. Woodburn, who has an
assortment of dry goods, in tinware and groceries. He is in
charge of Uncle Sam's epistolary department in Yatton. The
harness shop is run by William Younkin. There are two blacksmith
shops, one wagon shop, one cabinet and repair shop.
Mr McConehey has sold his property to Dr Ott. The Yatton folks
are flattering themselves that they are sure of the railroad
since Dr. Ott has bought in Yatton. We welcome the Doctor back.
Dr. J. Rousseau is securing for himself a large field of
practice.
We are blest with one church and cursed with one saloon. We have
eight school districts in our township. Schools have been taught
in all of them during the winter. District No 2 gave an
exhibition at the close of the term, which was undoubtedly the
best of the kind ever offered in this township. E. A. Rose was
the teacher. Miss Wilson's school, in Yatton gave an exhibition
at the close, which was very good. The little folks enjoyed
themselves highly. The Gazette is ever welcome with us.
Tyro.
[transcribed by N.J., Nov. 2012]