This town is located on Section 11, Lynn Grove Township, and was laid out by John R. Sparks, Esq., in 1856.

The early history of the settlement in this vicinity is full of interest. The first claims made in what afterward became Lynn Grove Township, were those of Wesley Stallings and "Tandy" Mayfield, who came here in the Spring or Summer of 1844, and these two men are all that can now be definitely stated to have settled in the county that year.

In the Fall of the same year, occurred the first birth in the neighborhood, and the second one in the county. This interesting event took place in the family of Mr. Mayfield, and the ladies who assisted were a woman from Gabney's Grove, in Mahaska County, and Mrs. Stallings. The child was a healthy boy, and was named Napoleon B.

John R. Sparks and several others settled in the Grove during 1845.

The first death occurred during this year, the victim being a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stallings, aged 10 or 12 years. The second death was that of Mrs. Williams, 1846.

Mr. Sparks, who had brought a little capital with him, began the construction of a saw-mill in the Fall of 1845, but he did not get it completed till some time in the following year. Being the first saw-mill started in the county, Mr. Sparks at once entered on a remunerative business for there was no other place where lumber could be obtained for many miles around.

A Claim Protection Society was formed by the settlers of Lynn Grove, probably in the Spring of 1846. The place of meeting was by a log pile in Spark's clearing, and all the settlers in the vicinity attended. Rules were adopted substantially the same as those found so effectual in other counties, and the Clerk of the meeting made a plat of the precinct, on which all the claims then made were noted, and also registered on a separate sheet. When a newcomer came he was advised to inspect the plat kept by the Clerk, in order that he might see what land was already claimed, and any one was glad to spend a day with him in hunting up a desirable location not already taken. Settlers were very sensitive about the movements of strangers whose movements were not fully vouched for. Thus, Mr. Sparks says that, on one occasion, accompanied by Mr. Coleman, the surveyor who located the Territorial road from Iowa City, he visited the cabin of John J. Mudgett. The surveyor had some thought of locating a mill-site, and their business was mainly to see if one could be found. Mr. Coleman asked Mr. Mudgett to give him the number of the section he was living on, which the latter did, and then proceeded to describe a spot the surveyor had just mentioned. Coleman interrupted him by saying that knew all about it, which alarmed Mr. Mudgett, who at once became cold and reserved, and had no more information to offer. Sparks and his companion soon left. That evening, Sparks, who understood well Mudgett's change of manner, made the surveyor promise to return the next day and visit the suspicious settler, in order to remove the unfavorable impression he had created. This he promised to do, and started off early the following morning. He found Mudgett, stayed to dinner, and returned, leaving his host fully convinced that he had no covetous intentions regarding his claim.

The first election in the precinct, which was to choose county officers, was held at Spark's saw-mill. The Judges were M.T. Matthews, W. Stallings and J.W. Swann, and Harvey Stephens was one of the Clerks. Not more than twelve votes were cast.

The first wedding was that of Alexander Davis to Mrs. Mercy Shoemake, which occurred, probably in the Winter of 1848-49. The second marriage was during 1848, the twain being Jesse Hammer and Margaret Sparks.

The first sermon ever preached in Lynn Grove was at the house of John R. Sparks, by Rev. John Cameron, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister. A class of the Methodist Episcopal Church was formed during the same year, but it seems to have died out after three or four years.

The grist-mill begun by Mr. sparks in 1847 was completed by himself and Mr. Richards in the Fall of 1848. This was the first flouring-mill completed in the county, and was a valuable property. Mr. Sparks owned it until within the past few years. He sold it to F. & J. Arnold.

A school house was built in the Fall of 1848, and a school taught by a young man named Foster during the following Winter. The next Spring, a Sabbath school was organized, with Miss Lizzie Springer as Superintendent.

A camp meeting was held near John R. Sparks' house, either in 1850 or 1851. The ministers were Rev. Messrs. Kimberly, Creel and another, whose name is forgotten. They were Methodist Protestants. This was probably the first meeting ever held in the county.

Lynnville lies on the right bank of the North Skunk, which is here a rapidly flowing stream. It has grown very steadily since it was first started, and now has probably 500 population. It is about four miles west of the Central Railroad of Iowa, and the nearest station is Searsboro. Contrary to the usual rule, Lynnville has found the proximity of the railroad no detriment to its prosperity, for it has grown continuously, and now enjoys a large and remunerative trade.

The township of Lynn Grove stands highest in valuation on the assessment list of Jasper County, and hence there is need of a considerable village to supply the needs of this wealthy and prosperous region. Both town and township are filled with sober, industrious and intelligent population. Tippling is unknown, and a profane word is rarely heard.

A newspaper was established here in 1876 by B.F. Arnold, who did a very satisfactory business till he found a more inviting field in Kellogg.

The local history of the town is sufficiently exhibited in the school and society records which follow, and to give it here would be merely useless verbiage.

MUNICIPAL.

The town of Lynnville was incorporated in 1875 for the purpose of controlling the liquor traffic, which found to be unmanageable under the general laws. The first Council met for the first time on the 28th of September, 1875, and was made up as follows: O.C. Meredith, Mayor; W.W. Dryden, Recorder; Z.F. Gause, Joel Hyatt, B.F. Arnold, G.R. White, I.J. White, Trustees; Joel Hyatt, Treasurer; J.B. Naylor, Solicitor; D.C. Edwards, Marshall; Taylor Brown, Street Commissioner. The Council met again on the 30th, and passed Ordinance No. 1, regulating the liquor traffic. October 7th, fourteen ordinances were passed.

A pound was provided July 31, 1876, and before that time considerable attention had been given to the construction of sidewalks.

The present officers are: Joseph Arnold, Mayor; W.W. Dryden, O.C. Meredith, Dr. Dilley, Addison White, J.R. Davis, S.M. Robertson, Trustees; D.B. Mendenhall, Recorder; I.J. White, Assessor; W.P. Stallings, Street Commissioner; Z.F. Gause, Treasurer.

SCHOOL RECORD.

The Independent District of Lynnville was created March 21, 1870, with A.O. Silver, President; Z.F. Gause, S. Stallings, P. Bushong, T.J.White, H.D. Williams, Directors; Benjamin F. Arnold, Treasurer.

August 21, 1871, the Board ordered the old school house to be sold, and appointed a committee to confer with the "Friends' Monthly Meeting" with a view to renting a building of them for school purposes.

This action led to the most important passage in the history of the town. The Society of Friends had a large building which had been used by them as an academy, but it was idle. If this could be rented, the heavy tax for the much-needed school house could be deferred, perhaps, for years. Accordingly, a bargain was struck, and the building was removed to a more suitable location, but on grounds owned by the Quakers. The Friends stipulated that they were to be consulted in the employment of teachers while the building should be used by the district; but they do not appear to have been very rigorous in this matter.

It is stated that the school at once became an excellent one. The Quakers, who composed a considerable body in the vicinity, were in the habit of commending the school to those living in the vicinity of Lynnville, and in consequence a considerable revenue was created from extra tuition.

In 1876, the rented building was found to be too small for the needs of the district, and it was decided to build an addition to it in order to furnish the needed space for school work. But, June 14th, at a meeting of the Board, an injunction was read by the Secretary, which restrained the Board from expending money on ground not owned or leased by the district. The injunction had been sued by two or three persons, and was doubtless good in law. It is probable that the District Board, and the people as well, would have been willing to buy the building, but the Friends did not care to sell. No attempt was made by the Board to defend the injunction suit.

The Friends having, in consequence of this action, assumed possession of their building again, the District Board called a special election for the 11th of July, 1876, at which time the voters authorized the issuance of $2,000 in bonds to build a school house. The work of building was begun soon after by I.J. White, the contractor. The structure is 28x40 feet in size, two stories high, and is one of the most conspicuous buildings in the town.

The following gentlemen now compose the Board: J.M. Rayburn, J.C. Hyatt, Peter Bushong, Z.F. Gause, O.C. Meredith, E.H. Bartow, Directors; D.B. Mendenhall, Secretary.

S.H. Hawley is Principal of the school.

CHURCHES.

Christian. - A Church of this faith - sometimes called "New Light" - was formed here in 1857, by Elders James Quillan and John A. Killim. The first members, as nearly as can be ascertained, were Boston Finders and wife, Matthew Sparks and wife, and two or three others. Soon afterward, Mrs. Mayfield, John R. Sparks, Jr., and Stephen J. Sparks united.

The Church became nearly or quite extinct during the war, but was revived about 1865, nearly all the old members returning.

Those who preached to the society have been Elders Boston Finders, Isaac Johnson, Hiram Westbrook, S.T. Coate and wife, J.H. Darner, S.R. Culp, John Sharp, C.W. McDonald. Elder Darner has been Pastor for two or three years past.

Peter Bushong is Deacon, and H.J. Bump is CLerk. The Trustees are Isaac Stallings, Stephen J. Sparks, Wm. R. Stallings, Peter Bushong, George W. Bushong.

The Church has 100 members.

The house of worship was built in 1870, and 30x40 feet in size. Its cost was about two thousand dollars.

A union Sabbath school is held at the church on Sunday afternoons, which is well attended. Addison White, a member of the Society of Friends, is Superintendent.

Methodist Episcopal. - The Church at Lynnville was organized by Rev. Mr. Wright in 1865. The first members were H. Moody and wife, William Reardon and wife, D.C. Edwards and wife, Harrison Dryden, A.O. Silver and wife, John P. Stallings, and A. Chambers and wife. The church building was small. In 1871, the society bought the district school house, which was converted into a little church. It is now intended to build a larger and more suitable structure at an early day. The deferent Pastors have been Rev. Messrs. Wright, Rollins, Ditarr, Michener, S.R. Ferguson, Morey and Shane. There are about sixty members. D.C. Edwards is Steward. The Trustees are H. Moody, G.W. Spain and John P. Stallings. J.W. Moody is Superintendent of the Sabbath school; O.C. Meredith, Librarian and Organist. The teachers are W.C. Rayburn, O.C. Meredith, Mattie Cloud, Mrs. Kinsman and Mrs. Merser.

Society of Friends (Orthodox). - This body of believers was formed in Lynn Grove in 1851. Previous to its organization, Ambrose Osborn and family settled here, Mr. Osborn purchasing the mill erected by Mr. Sparks. Soon after him came Jarvis Johnson, accompanied by his wife, Melissa, and four sons, who emigrated from Indiana; Nathan Arnold, his wife Sarah, and son Joseph, from Mahaska County; Jesse Arnold, his wife Sarah, and six children; Henry Zimmerman and wife, Paris Mendenhall and family, Solomon Edwards and family, the later from Indiana. Such a number found it advisable to hold a preparative meeting, which was under the care of Spring Creek (now Oskaloosa) Monthly Meeting. The first preaching was by J.A. Grinnell. This effort of the Friends on the frontier attracted the attention of those of like faith in Indiana, and rapid increase followed, through which came about that Sugar Creek, Chester and Lynnville Meetings were organized and held preparative meetings. These uniting, were authorized to hold Monthly Meeting, which has been maintained over twenty years, with a membership of 631. The ministers at Lynnville are Joseph Arnold, Ann White and Phebe Macy; Truman Cooper and William Harris, Sugar Creek; Aaron Symons and Ann Symons, Chester; Joseph Arnold has charge of Monthly Meeting. The house of worship used for the Monthly Meeting was built in 1856, and is 30x60 feet in size. The weekly meeting will soon be held in the Academy building. Interesting Sabbath schools are conducted at all the Friends' places of worship, usually just before service.

In the County History will be found some details regarding the station on the line of the "underground railway," maintained at Lynnville from 1856 to 1858.

MASONIC.

Lebanon Lodge, No. 227, A., F. & A. M. - This lodge was organized under dispensation Dec. 7, 1867, with James B. Naylor, W.M.; I.J. White, S.W.; W. R. Matthews, J.W.; J.P. Bump, Treasurer; Joseph R. Naylor, Secretary; Dewitt Dunham, S.D.; W.C. Rayburn, J.D.; S.W. Caster, Tiler. John R. Sparks was the remaining charter member. S.M. Robertson was the first candidate to form the "perfect square." The only death in the society was that of Dr. Davis Vestal, about 1870. James B. Naylor served as Master for seven years. His successors have been W.R. Matthews, I.J. White and O.C. Meredith.

The present officers are: O.C. Meredith, W.M.; S.M. Robertson, S.W.; B.F. Hines, J.W.; A>R. Matthews, Tresurer; C.E. Quire, Secretary; C.F. Dilley, S.D.; C.H. Smith, J.D.; I.J. White and H.C. Edwards, Stewards; Peter Bushong, Tiler. There are about fifty members. Lodge meets on Saturday evenings before full moon.

ODD FELLOWSHIP.

Lynnville Lodge, No. 322, I. O. O. F. - This Lodge was constituted October 21, 1875, by J.H.F. Balderson, District Deputy. The first officers were R.H. Cook, N.G.; O.C. Meredith, V.G.; J.W. Moody, Secretary; A.R. Matthews, Treasurer. The other charter members were William Hamilton, Thomas McGlasson and S. Condon, the latter been "borrowed" to make up the requisite number.

The present officers are: J.S. Dryden, N.G.; C.E. Quire, V.G.; J.W. Moody, Secretary; O.C. Meredith, Treasurer; J.J. Sparks, Warden; Jacob S. Kitch, Conductor. The Lodge has a membership of about fifty. Meets every Monday evening, at its own hall, over Gause & Macy's Store, which is handsomely furnished. The Lodge has had one or two public installations, attended by members of the Order from Kellogg, Newton and Monroe.

Lynnville Encampment, No. 83, I. O. O. F. - This collateral Order was established here October 18, 1876, T.P. Burchinal, of Monroe, D.D.G.P., officiating. The first officers were as follows: O.C. Meredith, C.P.; J.W. Moody, H.P.; A.R. Matthews, S.W.; Jacob S. Kitch, J.W.; W.H.H. Nelson, Scribe; S.M. Robertson, Treasurer. V.A. Roberts was also a charter member.

The present officers are: J.S. Dryden, C.P.; Jacob S. Kitch, H.P.; S.M. Robertson, S.W.; V.A. Roberts, J.W.; C.E. Quire, Scribe; A.R. Matthews, Treasurer. The Encampment has about thirty members, and meets at Odd Fellows' Hall on the first and third Wednesday evenings of each month.

Neither body has lost a member by death, and it is to be hoped they may be spared such a calamity for many years to come.

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