The 1879 History of Jones County Iowa was transcribed by
Janet A. Brandt
THE METHODISTS
"The Methodists held their first meeting in
Thomas Green's barn in June, 1855, and formed a class. It was then a
part of Mineral Creek Circuit, and Joel B. Taylor was the preacher in
charge, and J. G. Dimmitt was the Presiding Elder. I think the latter
was a sound man on some theological points. I once heard him say that 'a
lazy man was one of God's nuisances,' and I consider that a point in
theology too much neglected. The Church has been very prosperous from
its first organization, and very harmonious since the completion of its
church edifice. For ten years, the meetings were held in the
schoolhouse. They would all agree quite pleasantly, would talk, sing and
pray with fervor, and wish for a house of worship. They were willing to
give both time and money to procure a church edifice; but when location
was talked, there was always trouble. On the hill, in numbers, they were
the strongest. On the flat, they felt the omnipotent power of money.
That little stream, innocent, in itself, to the brethren on the hill was
a perfect terror. To the brethren on the hill, that flat was worse than
the Slough of Despond, described by Bunyan; while to the brethren on the
flat, that hill was worse than the Hill Difficulty, described by the
same author. I have seen men go down to Jordan's stormy river more
complacent than those brethren would approach the little rivulet. In the
early history of the town, there was a great, but not always
commendable, rivalry between the two sections. Where stand those brick
blocks, the pride and ornament of the village, was considered way out of
town, and yet they were hardly a stone's throw from what was then
considered a wonderful place of business. In its business relations,
this rivalry entered the Methodist Church, and for a long time prevented
them from building a house of worship. Various expedients were resorted
to to reconcile the inharmonious elements. At one time, it was thought
best to raise the subscription and let that locate the church.
*
* * * * * * * * *
Bishop Haven said that 'every town has some
building or structure that denotes its folly.' This Methodist Church
building came near proving the rule true in reference to Wyoming. It had
been built for a mill, by a stock company. The war and other
circumstances caused the work on the mill to be stopped when the walls
were up and the roof partly on. Here it stood with its windows open, but
not as now-toward Jerusalem. Owls, doves and bats found homes in its
attic. Its basement was filled with cribs of corn; but no famine made a
demand for it, and part of it, at last, was fed to swine in the cellar
below. Tired of its dilapidated look, the stockholders, with one or two
exceptions, proffered to donate it to the Methodist society, if they
would finish it for a church. The offer was accepted, the vestibule
added, the Church united, and, as the result, we have this comfortable,
convenient and almost elegant church. It was dedicated by the Rev. A. J.
Kynett September 3, 1866. Who the first officers of the Church were the
records do not tell. J. B. Taylor, Stevenson, A. Bronson, F. Amos, H.
Bradshaw, J. Scholes, J. H. Todd, H. Taylor, R. Hawn, L. Catlin, G. R.
Manning, W. A. Allen, B. C. Barnes, L. Taylor, H. H. Green, W. E.
McCormac and J. A. Kerr have been Pastors. No minister has died, while
ministering to this Church, since its organization. Two local preachers
have died, who, in the early history of the Church, did much to
encourage and sustain it. They were Rev. Ansel Brainard and Rev. Thomas
Bronson. Both had long been identified with the Church, were ripe in
years and rich in faith.
PRESBYTERIANS
"The Presbyterian
was the first church edifice in the town or in the township. The Rev.
George E. Delavan, then living at Maquoketa, having occasion to pass
through Wyoming, was pleased with its location, and, upon his
representations, the Rev. James H. Spellman, a home missionary, came
here to look up the interests of Zion, in connection with the
organization of a Presbyterian Church.
"On the 17th day of May,
1857, a society was organized, as preliminary to the organization of a
Church. A constitution was adopted, and Joseph Bryan, John Morse and
Emmons Leonard, elected Trustees; A. W. Pratt, Treasurer, and A. M.
Loomis, Clerk. The Rev. George E. Delavan became the Pastor. Articles of
Incorporation were adopted April 8, 1859. The organization was effected
at the house of A. W. Pratt. A. M. Loomis, A. W. Pratt, Jeremiah Gard,
Thomas Haines, Sr., and A. M. B. Stiles were the members who signed
those Articles of Incorporation. The Church thus consisted of six
members. Four of them had passed the meridian of life, and two were
young and full of hope.
"Capt. Loomis is the only one left in
our midst to tell the old story of the organization of that Church, by
those half-dozen men. How widely divergent have been their paths. Pratt,
in Massachusetts; Bryan, gone West; Haines, gone North; Stiles in
Chicago; Gard, moved to Kansas in the spring of 1878. He felt the
infirmities of age, and remarked to the writer that he had only a little
while to stay, and if the boys could do better in Kansas, he was willing
to go. He died there in the fall of the same year. He was an upright
man, a good neighbor and a sincere Christian. He organized a Sabbath
school on Pleasant Ridge, and was the efficient Superintendent. His last
meeting with his school was very affecting, and seemed more like a
father bidding adieu to a family, than simply a neighbor moving away. He
was not afraid to die.
* * * * * * * * * *
When the news
of his death was received here, every heart was sad, and all, with one
accord, said in sober accents, 'Uncle Jerry died among strangers.' In
Kansas, he organized another Sabbath school, and died with harness on.
"He had been twice married, and twice he had followed to the
grave his partners. He left one daughter and four sons. He had lived in
Wyoming nearly a quarter of a century, and had reached nearly fourscore
years.
* * * * * * * * * *
"During the summer of 1860,
the old church edifice was erected. The Rev. Trowbridge, of Dubuque,
laid the corner-stone, with proper ceremonies. An excavation has been
made in the stone, where the records of the church, a copy of the Eureka
and several other articles, were deposited in a sealed box. Mr. Delavan,
the Pastor, was untiring in his efforts to build that church. He wrote,
begged and worked, until his efforts were crowned with success. He
witnessed the gradual rising of its walls with pride and pleasure, till
the last brick was laid and the last flourish given by the mason's
trowel. With one blast from the breath of Omnipotence, those walls were
razed to the ground. The faithful gathered around to view the ruins, and
with philosophic and pious mien, in solemn chorus, said
"' It
was to be, It's God's decree From time's beginning.'
"Fondly cherished hopes were blasted. The numerical and financial
feebleness of the Church almost made the idea of rebuilding hopeless.
Standing on one corner of those ruins, Mr. Delavan, with uplifted hand,
said: 'With God's assistance, these walls shall be rebuilt.' His
untiring energy was again called into activity. He visited remote parts
of the county, enlisted the sympathies of men and women abroad, and
again had the satisfaction of seeing those walls rising in place.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Mr. Delavan was the only minister that
has died in Wyoming while sustaining pastoral relations to any of the
churches, and he deserves very honorable mention in connection with the
growth of Wyoming and its moral and religious development. He was an
active worker in the field for the benefit of his fellowmen. The first
winter after he came here, he organized a library association, and
succeeded in gathering together quite a number of volumes of valuable
books. He also caused to be read a paper. It was a semi-monthly
publication, and was edited and read by a person appointed at each
meeting, thus giving the editor two weeks to write his editorials. It
was called The Iris.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Some time in
the fall of 1860, Mr. Delavan was attacked with bleeding at the lungs.
He continued his ministrations after he became so weak that he could not
stand while he preached; but, sitting in his chair and breathing with
difficulty, he proclaimed the great truths of the Gospel. I remember
going in to see him one morning, just as he was finishing his breakfast.
He said to his wife: 'Get the Bible, and we will have our usual family
worship.' She replied that she was fearful he was too much prostrated.
Said he: 'I can acknowledge God.' Then, sitting in his chair, he
devoutly implored the divine blessing upon his family and all mankind.
March 18, 1861, he passed serenely from earth to receive the reward of
the faithful, and his funeral was the first religious service held in
the church he had labored to build. He was a man of marked ability, a
thorough scholar, and, in his intercourse with men, exhibited very many
of those excellencies that should adorn and embellish Christian
character. His widow was left with four small children, in very limited
circumstances. Trusting in the widow's God, she has done nobly. One son
and one daughter are well situated in Pittsburgh, Penn.; one daughter is
the wife of the junior editor of the Anamosa Eureka, and the youngest
son is the editor and proprietor of a prosperous newspaper in Greene
County, Iowa.
"The widow lives at Hopkinton, Iowa, and is at work for 'The
Master.' Her time, voice and pen are freely given for the benefit of the
Sunday school and missionary work. Her 'Bible Readings' evince a
thorough knowledge of that book and a sincere belief in its wonderful
teachings. Her addresses are remarkably clear, and show an order of
talent that would grace any pulpit in the land. The ministers who
followed Mr. Delavan as Pastors were Revs. George R. Carroll, J. L.
Janes, A. K. Baird, Mr. Lodge and Mr. Goodale.
"Mr. Janes, while
temporarily preaching at Floyd, was attached with cerebro-spinal
meningitis, and died suddenly. He was brought here for burial. His
connection with the Church as Pastor had been so recent, his many acts
of kindness and generosity, his faithful preaching, his social manners,
and all relations, whether as Pastor, friend or neighbor, endeared him
to the people, whether in or out of the Church, and he was followed to
the grave by a mourning community, who realized the great loss, but were
consoled by the thought that it was his gain. His widow lives in our
midst, esteemed and respected. Benevolent, generous and kind, with
health much impaired, she patiently waits to 'enter into the joy of the
Master.' The son is a successful physician, and lives at Newark, N. J.
The daughter is the energetic and talented wife of E. B. Champlin, Esq.,
of Wyoming.
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN
"This Church was
organized November 4, 1859, by the Rev. Jonathan Stewart, with twenty
members. Samuel Coburn, Jesse Barrett and J. W. Wherry were the first
Elders. Coburn and Barrett are gone and Wherry alone of that trio is
left. Of this organization, I have but a few incidents to relate; but,
in passing, will simply state-their church was built without
ostentation; they sing the Psalms of inspiration, and mind their
business with admiration.
"The first preacher I recollect
connected with this denomination, was John Anderson, a young man from
Washington County, N. Y. He preached here before the Church was
organized. He was sent out as a supply, was quite young, but his sermons
were ripe with thought and careful preparation. He preached good sermons
full of beauty, pathos and power, one of which I well remember. His
subject was 'The Judgment Day,' and from the storehouse of thought and
the elevated planes of imagination, with Gospel truth and eloquent zeal,
he portrayed the scenes of that awful day. He warned, admonished,
entreated, and if any of those who heard him receive the reward of the
workers of iniquity, it will not be the fault of John Anderson. L. J.
Crawford, J. U. McClenahan and William Donaldson have been the installed
Pastors.
BAPTIST CHURCH
"The Baptist Church, which, in
the early history of Wyoming, had an existence here, was organized on
Pleasant Ridge, at the house of Judge Holmes, by his father, Rev. Luther
Holmes, in 1852. In 1858, it was transferred to this town, where it
retained an existence without any settled Pastor until 1862. At its
organization, there were six members. The largest number connected with
the Church at any one time was twenty-three, of whom two were united by
baptism and the rest by letter. The Church was feeble; the removal of
some and the death of others diminished their number, and, after a
struggle of nearly six years, the organization was abandoned.
"Rev. Luther Holmes located on Pleasant Ridge in 1851, and died in 1858.
He was among the first resident ministers in the township. During his
residence here, his ministrations partook much of the character of our
itinerant preachers. In winter, private houses, and summer, the groves,
were used for Church purposes. His name is remembered as one of the
early Christians who taught both by precept and example. He died at the
age of seventy years.
"I would be glad to mention various
associations that had an existence, but space forbids. Wyoming had its
prosperous Lyceum, flourishing Literary and Library Association, Horse
Protection Society, often called Vigilance Committee, its object being
as stated in its constitution, 'to ferret out offenders and bring them
to justice.
* * * * * * *
The organization of these societies in all new countries is
almost a necessity. They are a terror to evil-doers, and the horse-thief
and blackleg flee from the 'wrath to come.'
* * * * * * * * * *
"The old Iowa Mutual Insurance Company was formed here, just how
early I cannot tell, but should say about 1857. Milton Briggs was the
Company, and there were a few men they called Directors. The stock was
represented by energy, perseverance, and determination, and its surplus
capital was invested in what is commonly called 'cheek.' It was
astonishing to see what an amount of this commodity could be bought with
so small a surplus. It was a good thing for Wyoming, and brought to our
town many men and considerable money. It loaned money, and when its
affairs were wound up, there was no one to receive its indebtedness, or
look after it, and that clever old statute of limitations paid it. It
favored the education of the young, and for this purpose built a large
schoolhouse in our town, and would have made it more ornamental, if it
had not been for short-sighted School Directors. It discharged its
obligation with fidelity and paid its losses promptly. It might have
been doing business yet, but it was alleged that legislation was
unfriendly, and its affairs had better be wound up.
"In the
spring of 1856, Thomas Green and Mr. Bodenhoffer built a steam mill in
the north part of the township. It has been torn down and removed. It
furnished lumber for most of the buildings that were being erected at
that time, and there is not a farm for miles around but what is fenced
with lumber, more or less of it coming from that mill.
"In our
early history, all merchandise was brought in wagons from various points
on the Mississippi River; afterward, London became the great shipping
point. In wet seasons, it was a severe task to get across the Wapsie
Valley and over some of the miry sloughs, both this side and beyond. For
years, we looked and hoped for a railroad connection directly east. At
length, with aid to the amount of $40,000, the Davenport & St. Paul road
was finished through our town in the year 1871.
* * * * * * * *
* *
"The Midland Railroad was finished through the north part of
the township the same year, and the town of Onslow commenced. By the two
railroads, our citizens have access to all points, north, east, south
and west.
* * * * * * * * * *
"The first doctor who lived
on this town plot was Dr. Edwards. He came in the spring of 1856. Of his
antecedents, I know nothing; of his skill, I am entirely ignorant; but
it was said he bought a fine pacing horse of Nick Countryman. One day,
he paced out of town, and Nick's estate would be glad to know if he is
pacing yet.
James A Bronson
S. K. Toutellot
Thomas Green
R. S. Williams
"Among the first merchants were J. A. Bronson, Irving
Green, Gilbert & Kelly, Hendricks & King, B. K. Bronson, S. M. Bronson,
A. G. Brown, A. Bronson, S. K. Tourtellot, J. B. Allen, Hezekiah Moore,
Charles Gilbert and George Foote, Benjamin Stiles, L. D. & D. E.
Brainard. The first tinner's name was White, and his shop was in the
back part of A. H. Persons' house. The latter was the first artist in
the town, and his rooms were in the house of Mr. Thomas Green. R. S.
Williams was the first successful brickmaker, and to him Wyoming is
greatly indebted for its brick blocks and dwellings. His stores, halls
and galleries, and shops of various kinds, speak of merited success. The
first hotels were kept by Brainards, and in the business they got up a
corner. Uncle Ansel and Daniel E. were cornered where the Valley House
stands, and Nial and his sons were cornered where the Bissell House
stands, and L. D. was cornered out on the prairie, a mile east of town,
but running a hotel.
"I have mentioned the earliest settlers, or
those who came in 1839 and 1840. It is a short list and I repeat it:
James Van Voltenbergh, with his sons Joseph, Taylor, Peter and Dan,
David Pence, William Knight, Garrisons, Simpsons.
* * * * * * *
* * *
"In 1842, John B. Nichols, the father of our druggist,
moved on what is now called South Prairie, and located on the farm now
owned by Mr. John Byerly. He was the first settler in that vicinity. In
the summer of 1842, he cut logs, and drew them out on the prairie for a
house. His farming occupying his time for a few days, his track on the
prairie was no longer visible, and he lost his logs. A second lot of
logs shared the same fate. When he drew the third set, he took occasion
to mark the road so that he could find them. You can judge that there
was pretty tall grass over there. He is said to have killed seventeen
rattlesnakes one morning before breakfast.
"In 1844, Joel B.
Taylor and Seaborn Moore moved here. Taylor located where Peter Byerly
lives; his father came a few years later. Seaborn Moore was formerly
from Georgia; but he had been living in Indiana and Illinois long enough
to get himself and family thoroughly filled with a real genuine ague,
and he left that country to find a spot where the ague was unknown.
Those of you who know where he located will readily conclude that the
ague would never find him. It was a very secluded spot in the northeast
corner of the township. There were two ways to get there. You could
follow up a narrow, crooked, rocky ravine from toward Monmouth, or you
could go over through the brush toward Canton. No matter which way you
went, you could always tell when you were most to Esquire Moore's. When
you had gone just about as far as you could get, you felt very certain
that you were pretty near Mr. Moore's. There was no ague there. A pure
spring of crystal water came up among the rocks. Lightning had a
peculiar attachment for that place, and often manifested its power.
There were in the family father, mother, seven boys and two girls. Some
of them, however, were married, and all became stout and robust. In
after life, five of those boys enlisted to fight the battles of their
country and against the oppression of the native heath of their father.
Those five boys were as successful in dodging rebel bullets on
battle-fields as they had been heaven's artillery in the rocky ravine at
home. Mr. Moore was the first Justice of the Peace in the township.
* * * * * * * * * *
"John Tompkins came to Wyoming in 1846,
and is one of the few who has retained his first location. Sarles
Tompkins, the father of Stillwell, came in 1848. He or Thomas Green
built the first barn in the township; both were built the same year. Mr.
Tompkins was killed while trying to load a log on to a sled in 1862.
John T. Lain, the father of Samuel, came into Wyoming in 1849, and
located on the farm now owned by Roderick Spencer. He sold his claim
afterward to Sweet and Lindsay, who claimed to be doctors; but it is
said to be a question whether they were engaged in that laudable
business or stealing horses. He died some years ago. His widow is still
in our midst, tottering under the infirmities of age.
"S. C.
Bill, O. J. Bill, L. D. Brainard and G. W. Fawcett came in 1851, and
located on Pleasant Ridge, and chained their wagons to the trees to keep
them from blowing away. They had heard of Iowa's balmy breezes and
thought they would anchor their prairie schooners to some trees and thus
secure a footing on terra firma. They were the first settlers on that
ridge, and came from Ohio. They had traveled from the Buckeye State in
wagons, during one of the wettest seasons ever known, and when they got
on to that ridge, they probably thought it like Mount Ararat, and they
took possession of it. L. D. Brainard pitched his tent on the Stephen
Hamilton farm; also entered some timber-land in the east part of the
township. This timber had been claimed by some one from Jackson County,
and the Claim Society from that county came up to notify L. D. that he
must get off that land. He heard what they had to say, and then in
language almost profane said, 'By the long wars, we have six rifles and
plenty of ammunition. You undertake to drive me away from here and we
will show you that we know how to use them.'
* * * * * * * * * *
"He never heard of that Claim Society again. Brainard built a
saw-mill on Bear Creek, which was the first in this vicinity. He went
West several years ago. W. H. Holmes and Amos Robbins came the same
year. The latter shot himself a few years later. Mr. Holmes is still in
our midst. At the first election in the township, he was elected Justice
of the Peace; has since been Representative, Senator, County Judge and
State Treasurer, and is now our obliging Postmaster."
"Samuel
Conally, Sr., and Benjamin Wilson came into the township in 1851. In the
two families, there were twenty-two persons; and they are all living
except one. Thomas Conally went to California and died; all the rest
remained in Iowa and lived. Mr. Conally lives on the land he then
bought. He is eighty-eight years old, and I believe is the oldest person
in the township, and is one of the few survivors of the war of 1812.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Samuel Conally, Jr., lives in the first
frame house that was built in the township. It is the house where George
Gilbert formerly lived.
"W. S. Johnson came in the spring of
1852, and William Stuart, in the fall of the same year; both located on
the ridge. Mr. Johnson was at one time a Representative in the Iowa
Legislature. He died a few years ago, in Connecticut, where he had gone
for the benefit of his health. He leaves three sons in Wyoming, and one
(the Doctor) in Connecticut. Mr. Stuart was the first Postmaster in our
township. The post office was at his house, and was called Pierce; it
was established in 1853. As before mentioned, Mr. Stuart went to
California and died.
"William Ingles came that year, and located
in the east part of the township. Walter Trimble and James Tabor came
the same year. The former is dead; the latter lives in the southeast
corner of the township, on a well-improved farm, and is said to have the
largest orchard of any man in the State. John Russell and John Sim were
among the immigrants that year. The former lives in Clay Township, but
the prominent offices he has held make him familiar to us. He has been a
member of the Legislature several terms, and Speaker of the House of
Representatives and State Auditor. In the fall of 1879, he was elected
State Senator, to represent Jones and Cedar Counties. His companion,
John Sim, lives on the farm he bought from Uncle Sam, near Onslow, and
is spending the decline of his life in ease and retirement. He is one of
the noblest works of God-an honest man.
"Truman Eastman, the
father of Joel, was among the arrivals that year and located on the
ridge; he died several years ago. His widow still lives on the old
homestead.
"Nathan Potter, Joseph and Hiram Wheeler, and Charles
Gardner came in 1853.
"Mr. Stingley located the same year on S.
G. Franks' farm, and Widow Seals on the land now owned by Charles
Johnson and W. J. Brainard. John Miller came that or the next year, and
bought and improved the west part of R. B. Hanna's farm. The house has
been removed.
"Benson Stunkard and S. J. Pence also came this
year. The latter planted the first large orchard in the township, and,
unlike many others, he stays to enjoy its fruits. E. B. Nims came that
year, and located where his widow now lives. William Tasker was also one
of the settlers who came in 1853. He lived on a farm a little east of
Onslow, a lonely bachelor, until he found grace with Paul. His brother,
John Tasker, came soon after, and has been much interested in county
politics, and has been a member of the House of Representatives. Elijah
Edwards, on Beers' Creek, was among the first settlers of the township.
Old Mr. Paul, the father of all the other Pauls and of both of the
Taskers' wives, came about the same time, and located on what is now
called South Prairie. He spent the decline of a well-spent life honored
and respected, and surrounded by more children grown to mature years
than often falls to the lot of man. He died at the house of his son
John, some years ago, at the age of seventy-eight. The evening before he
died, he sent for me to come and see him. When I sat down by his
bedside, he said, with his native politeness, 'I do not wish to take any
medicine; excuse me. I sent for you to come and tell me how long you
thought I would probably live.' The fluttering pulse told me that life
was fast ebbing, but his mind was clear and serene. No tremor shook his
frame at the thought of death's cold embrace. He had laid his treasures
'where moth and rust do not corrupt.' Before the morning sun had shed
his rays on the beauties of earth, the spirit of Henry Paul had gone to
the realm of everlasting life. I have thus sketched some of the early
settlers up to the organization in 1854. The rapid increase after that
prevents further details.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Most of
us, ere we reach the half-century stake in Wyoming's progress, will have
finished our course. A few of those in middle age will be permitted to
linger on the threshold of the second half-century of our history, among
the increased beauties, enjoy the more exalted privileges, and
appreciate better the early sacrifices of those who were pioneers in
molding, fostering and directing the early career and institutions of
the township of Wyoming."
WYOMING IN 1879
The flourishing
town of Wyoming is very pleasantly situated in the southwestern portion
of the township of the same name, and numbers at least a thousand souls,
nearly all of whom are Americans. The place was settled by emigrants
from the States of New York and Ohio. The Bear Creek runs through the
town and joins the Wapsipinicon River, about four miles from the
corporation limits, and affords something of a water-power for the use
of the inhabitants. The business portion is on the east side of Bear
Creek, and the business houses being built of brick give to the place a
good substantial appearance. The public-school building and the church
edifices are plain, simple and commodious, and bespeak that the
inhabitants prefer convenience and comfort above useless display and
architectural ornament. The place was incorporated as a city in 1873.
OFFICIAL ROSTER
1873-Mayor, M. H. Calkins; Recorder, T. E.
Patterson; Treasurer, E. Perkins; Marshal, L. V. Brainard; Street
Commissioner, J. W. Milner; Trustees-B. H. White, D. L. McDaniels, S. W.
Johnson, T. M. Wilds and W. J. Brainard.
1874-Mayor, M. H.
Calkins; Recorder, C. S. Gilbert; Treasurer, J. B. McGrew; Street
Commissioner, J. W. Milner; Marshal, J. H. Countryman; Assessor, L. F.
Hartson; Trustees-S. W. Johnson, B. H. White, D. L. McDaniels, T. M.
Wilds and W. J. Brainard.
1875-Mayor, John Waite; Recorder, T.
E. Patterson; Treasurer, W. T. Fordham; Street Commissioner, John A.
White, Sr.; Assessor, A. B. Holmes, Trustees-D. L. McCaniel, W. J.
Brainard, T. M. Wilds, S. W. Johnson and Lansing Hoyer.
1876-Mayor, J. A. Bronson; Recorder, P. D. Swigart; Treasurer, A. B.
Holmes; Trustees-W. H. Holmes, A. M. Loomis, M. H. Calkins, W. J.
Brainard and O. L. Thompson.
1877-Mayor, J. A. Bronson; Recorder,
P. D. Swigart; Treasurer, O. M. Watson; Assessor, Ansel Bronson; Street
Commissioner, William Ireland; Trustees-W. J. Brainard, A. M. Loomis, A.
E. Spitzer, T. R. Marshall and H. Arnold.
1878-Mayor, A. E.
Spitzer; Recorder, P. D. Swigart; Treasurer, W. T. Fordham; Assessor,
Ansel Bronson; Street Commissioner, John A. White, Sr.; Trustees-J. A.
Bronson, J. White, Sr., L. Hoyer, C. S. Gilbert and H. Arnold.
1879-Mayor, R. S. Williams; Recorder, A. L. Trumbull; Treasurer, C. C.
Horton; Assessor, Ansel Bronson; Street Commissioner, John A. White,
Sr.; Trustees-A. E. Spitzer, A. E. Allen, F. O. Ellison, S. W. Johnson,
A. M. Loomis and H. Arnold.
The present officials are opposed to
the sale of intoxicating beverages, and no saloons are licensed in the
town. There are three churches, one graded school, one newspaper, one
national bank, three dry-goods stores, one merchant tailor, one clothing
store, one exclusively grocery store, two restaurants and groceries
combined, two drug stores, one flour and feed store, two harness-shops,
two shoe-shops, two millinery and dressmaking establishments, one
furniture store and undertaker, two meat markets, two hardware stores,
one livery stable, one lumber-yard, one barb-wire factory, one machine
and wagon shop, two blacksmith-shops, one cooper-shop, one barber-shop,
one steam flouring-mill, one creamery, one agricultural implement store,
two hotels, three doctors, four lawyers, two dentists, one architect and
builder, one railroad office, one express office and no saloons.
The people are thriving and industrious, and the prospects of the
town flattering. The Wyoming Creamery is situated here, and is a
valuable acquisition to the town, which is well situated to secure the
trade of a large and fertile agricultural district.
Wyoming
Journal-The first newspaper published at Wyoming was in December, 1870,
by A. L. Smith, and was called the Wyoming Journal. Smith continued the
publication until March, 1872, and then moved his office to Anamosa and
began the publication of the Anamosa Journal, the history of which is
given elsewhere. After the lapse of a few weeks following Smith's
removal to Anamosa, Rev. E. Skinner purchased material and established a
newspaper office, and began the publication of a weekly paper, also
entitled the Wyoming Journal. Mr. Skinner filled the chair of editor and
proprietor for some months, and sold the office to N. W. Woodford, who
continued the publication something more or less a year, and abandoned
the enterprise, and the office reverted to Rev. Mr. Skinner. For a time
no paper was issued, when the office was purchased by Messrs. Hunt &
Howard, the publication resumed, but the name was changed to Wyoming
News. After a brief period, Mr. Hunt became the sole proprietor, and the
publication was continued to the close of the first volume of the News.
Again for a time no paper was published. In January, 1875, P. D. Swigart
purchased the offices of Messrs. Hunt & Skinner, and resumed the
publication of the Wyoming Journal, and still continues as editor and
proprietor. Politically, the Journal maintained the principles of the
Republican party during its early years of publication, and until the
time when Mr. Hunt took control, and during is administration it was
neutral on political matters. Since 1875, under the present management,
it has maintained an independent standard, and has had but little to say
in reference to political matters; Mr. Swigart aiming to furnish a local
newspaper for the people of Wyoming and vicinity, and deeming it not
advisable or necessary to espouse the cause of either political party.
The office of the Journal is well supplied with material in the jobbing
department, and enjoys a good local patronage. The circulation, though
not large, is increasing steadily; and there is reason to believe that
the Journal has secured permanent footing, and will continue to prosper
as the years go on.
Wyoming Lodge, No. 147, I.O.O.F.—Instituted
January 4, 1867. The first officers were: W. T. Fordham, N.G.; Robert
Hanna, V.G.; C. C. Horton, Secretary. Officers for 1879: F. O. Ellison,
N.G.; C. C. Horton, V.G.; L. F. Hartson, Secretary; L. J. Richards,
Treasurer. The Lodge has a membership of thirty-five, owns its hall and
furniture, and has $300 at interest; has on hand about $100, and is in a
good healthy condition.
Keystone Lodge, No. 206,
A.F.&A.M.—Organized at Wyoming, under dispensation,
February 2, 1867, and under charter, June 5, 1867. The first officers
under the charter were: O. E. Aldrich, W.M.; A. G. McGrew, S.W.; A. B.
Stiles, J.W.; R. Gilbert, Treasurer; Truman Gilbert, Secretary; John A.
White, Jr., S.D.; John Paul, J.D.; R. L. McCune, S.S.; C. C. Horton,
J.S.; Ed Smith, Tiler. The present officers are: C. H. Johnson, W.M.; C.
S. Shepard, S.W.; Charles Pawson, J.W.; C. C. Horton, Treasurer; T. B.
Reynolds, Secretary; M. M. Van Horn, S.D.; W. H. Peck, J.D.; H. B.
Littell, Tiler. The Lodge has a membership of seventy-one, owns its
hall, which is well furnished, and also owns an adjoining hall, which is
used for refreshment purposes, etc.
Wyoming Lodge,
No. 109, A.O.U.W.—Organized March 29, 1877, and elected
the following officers: H. H. Green, P.M.W.; W. J. Chamberlain, F. O.
Ellison, G.F.; T. R. Marshall, O.; M. E. Hurd, Recorder; A. M. Loomis,
Financier; W. J. Brainard, Receiver; C. C. Horton, G.; E. B. Wherry,
I.W.; L. W. Norton, O.W. The Lodge has a membership of thirty-five, and
is in good working condition. Since organization, the Lodge has
sustained but one loss, that of Mr. W. E. Hurd, to whose widow was paid
the sum of $2,000.
MADISON TOWNSHIP
This township is situated in the second tier
of townships from the south, west of the township of Wyoming. The
surface in general is smooth and unbroken, in parts rolling, and there
is a range of low hills extending east and west through the center.
There is but little timber in the township, and the inhabitants depend
in a measure on the adjoining towns for wood for fuel. The farmhouses
are good, the farms well cultivated, and the soil as fertile as in any
part of the county. Bear Creek crosses the southern part from west to
east, and a branch of Mineral Creek has its source in this township. The
township makes a fine display of good schoolhouses, and the employment
of good teachers bespeaks a commendable interest in the education of the
rising generation.
Among the early settlers were Mr. Scriven,
who settled in the township about the year 1855, at the place where the
village of Onslow now stands. He is now dead and the family is
scattered; one daughter is now living on a part of the old farm, the
wife of Alex Clark, also an old settler.
Amos Gilbert settled a
half-mile north of Onslow. He died two years ago.
Fred
Dockstader settled a quarter of a mile west of Onslow, and C. C.
Himebaugh on the farm next west of him.
Mr. Crouse, a German,
settled in the extreme north. He died some years ago.
Jacob
Bender and his brother Thomas settled in the south part of the township.
Horace Fay founded what was once the village of Madison in the
southwest.
These are perhaps all those who might be properly
called pioneers.
A few years later, the following persons were
added to the settlers of the township: H. Bartow, William Hawley and
family, Henry Cross, John McDonald and brothers, John Anderson, James
Tuttle, M. O. Felton, John and Willard Niles
THE VILLAGE OF
ONSLOW
The village of Onslow is in the northwest portion of
Wyoming and the northeastern part of Madison, a part in both townships.
E. M. Franks, who settled in Wyoming Township some years ago, and become
a large land-holder, was the proprietor of the town. The site was laid
off into lots and the village begun, in the spring of 1872, on the
completion of the Midland Branch of the Chicago & North-Western Railway
to this point. Mr. Franks died two years ago.
The site is a
pleasant one, and Onslow has been an important shipping- point on this
railroad. The prosperity of the village has been materially affected, in
its commercial interests, by reasons of the ravages of fire. No less
than three destructive fires have occurred in the business portion
during its seven years existence. There are three good church edifices
in the village, the Presbyterians, the Methodist and the Roman Catholic.
The Rev. Mr. Goodale, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Wyoming,
supplies the Presbyterian pulpit at Onslow, and the Rev. Charles P.
Mathers, of Center Junction, the Methodist pulpit. The inhabitants of
the village are nearly all Americans, and the support of the Catholic
Church is principally from the surrounding country. There is a good
public school of two departments, and a commendable spirit of enterprise
characterizes the inhabitants of the village. There is one large general
store, one hardware store, two drug stores, one grocery store, one
furniture store, one agricultural implement store, one lumber-yard, one
grain elevator, one confectionery store, one millinery store, one
art-gallery, two blacksmith-shops, two wagon and repair shops, one
cheese-factory, one livery stable, one hotel, one meat market, one
harness-shop, two doctors, one dentist, one lawyer, and one saloon.
The stockyards are first-class, and a good deal of shipping is done.
The village is not incorporated and numbers about two hundred and fifty
souls.
CENTER JUNCTION
This village, of about the same size as Onslow,
is situated on the same railroad in the northern part of the township of
Madison, and also at the junction of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
Railroad with the Midland. This village is quite near the geographical
center of the county, and it is owing to this fact and the railroad
junction, that it was named Center Junction.
The proprietors of
the town were Kinsey Elwood, James A. Bronson, S. W. Johnson and John M.
Squares, and the village began its existence in the fall of 1872, the
year in which the Midland Railroad was completed through the township.
John M. Squares has since purchased of the other proprietors their
interests, and now owns the vacant lots, as well as the most of the
lands adjoining the village. Owing to railroad facilities, Center
Junction is a good shipping-point. The village has a good public school,
and there are two church edifices, owned by the Presbyterian and the
Methodist societies. The Presbyterian Church was recently dedicated, is
built of brick, and is an ornament to the village. The Pastor is the
Rev. Daniel Russell. The Pastor of the Methodist Church is Rev. Charles
P. Mathers, and the society has a neat and commodious house of worship.
There are two general stores, one drug store, one hardware store, two
restaurants, one millinery store, two blacksmith-shops, one wagon and
repair shop, one tin-shop, one hotel, one creamery, two depots, two
express offices, one harness-shop, two grain warehouses, stockyards, two
doctors and no saloons. The Postmaster is Zuri G. Isbell.
Lodge
No. 245, I.O.O.F., was instituted at Center Junction in 1872, and has a
membership of 35.
Lodge No. 160, A.O.U.W., was established in
the spring of 1878, and is in a prosperous condition. The Lodge has had
no losses since it was established.
Much of the early history is
similar or identical with that of Wyoming Township, and is given at
length by Dr. Calkins, elsewhere.
OXFORD TOWNSHIP
This is
the southeastern township of the county. The Wapsipinicon River enters
the township from the west, at about the center of the north and south
line, and, crossing diagonally, leaves the township about a half-mile
west of the southeast corner. The township, like all others in the
county, is well watered. Along the Wapsipinicon there is sufficient
timber for the ordinary uses of the inhabitants. Much of the land that
was too wet for farming purposes years ago, now constitutes a part of
the best land in the county. The township is well settled by emigrants
from the Eastern States, and there is quite a large settlement of
Bohemians.
John Bryan, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, was
the first settler on the north side of the river. He left Ohio with his
family in 1847, and came to Iowa and settled in Linn County, whence he
moved into Oxford Township in 1849, where he still resides. He did the
first breaking on the north side of the river. The first settler on the
south side of the river was a Mr. Strong, the father of William Strong,
who settled there the year before Mr. Bryan settled north of the river.
Among those who came about the same time that Mr. Bryan did, were L.
Wallston and family and Samuel Coon and family. These, with Bryan and
Strong, were the only inhabitants in the township until 1850. In that
year, William Bowers and family came and settled in a log cabin near the
river, and was driven from his home for a time during the high-water
season of that year. In the fall of 1852, Miles Carter came into the
settlement and bought out William Bowers and opened up what is now one
of the largest farms in the county. He died some years ago, and Ira and
Julius Carter carry on the farm, which comprises about a thousand acres.
About the time that Carter settled here, John Waite and Francis Bennett,
with their families, came and settled in the western part of the
township. Bennett was drowned in the Wapsipinicon, and John Waite
resides in Wyoming. He was attacked with paralysis a year ago, which
rendered him entirely speechless. About 1853, Peter Moore, John Wherry
and William Bratten, with their families, settled in Oxford Township,
and James Bollen, now deceased, came in soon after. Clement Guthrie and
George Rathbone also settled in the town not far from the same time.
From this time on, the settlement of the township was rapid, and now
it is one of the most populous in the county, aside from those in which
there are large towns.
OXFORD JUNCTION
The village of
Oxford Junction is situated about a mile north of the river, near the
center of the township, and at the junction of the two branches of the
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, and contains near two hundred
inhabitants. The site was laid off into village lots in 1871, by John
Bryan. Since that time, two small additions have been laid out; one by
Bryan and one by George Wilson. The C., M & St. P. Company recently
purchased land at this point, and the machine-shops, etc., for those
divisions are to be located here. This gives to the village an air of
importance, and the prospects of its improvement are quite flattering.
Already building has commenced, and another addition is to be made to
the town soon. The village now contains one school of fifty pupils, a
recently established newspaper, one church, erected by the Lutheran
Church society four years ago, three dry-goods stores, one drug store,
one hardware store, one restaurant, two meat markets, one harness-shop,
three grain ware-houses, two wagon and blacksmith shops, three
shoe-shops, one hotel and three saloons.
OXFORD MILLS
This
village, of near the size of the Junction, is situated on the south bank
of the Wapsipinicon, a mile south of the above place. Its name is
derived from the flouring-mill erected here about the year 1857, by
Messrs. Courtright & Lathrop. It is a three-story wood building and
contains the modern appointments of a first-class mill. The property has
changed hands at sundry times, and is owned by S. F. McDonald, Esq. The
Wapsipinicon at this point affords an excellent water-power, which, if
utilized more fully, would greatly benefit the town. Messrs. Cartwright
& Bristol are the proprietors of a large general store; there are two
drug stores in the village, one public school, and the Methodist Church
society has a good house of worship. There is also a hotel and the usual
shops found in a village of the size.
HALE TOWNSHIP
This
township was named in honor of the Hon. J. P. Hale, at the suggestion of
Daniel Garrison, who was the first settler of the township. The township
of Hale is situated west of Oxford and east of Rome, in the southern
tier of townships in the county. The Wapsipinicon River crosses the
township from west to east, and divides it into two nearly equal parts.
Along the river there is considerable timber and there are a number of
small groves; so that the township may be said to be well timbered. A
good supply of building stone is found in the township and the quality
is most excellent. A good share of the surface is beautiful, rolling
prairie land, and the farms are in a good state of cultivation. There
are three church edifices in the township; one at Pleasant Hill, one two
miles southeast of that place and one at the small village of Hale. The
first settlement south of the river was at what is now called Pleasant
Hill, and, as stated, Daniel Garrison and family were the first
settlers. Mr. Garrison emigrated from the State of Indiana, and came
into Hale Township in the month of June, 1838. Pleasant Grove and the
land south of it was claimed by a colored man in the year 1837, and for
many years the place has been known as "Negro Point." The name was
changed to Pleasant Hill at the suggestion of Miss Martha Miller, and to
the satisfaction of the people of the neighborhood. The church at this
place is called the Pleasant Hill Church, and the Sunday school,
Pleasant Hill Sunday School. Daniel Garrison built the first log cabin
the neighborhood, and the house is still standing, though it is more
than forty years old. Horace Seeley came in the spring of 1839, and
Lawrence Simpson and William Simpson in the fall of the same year.
Lawrence Simpson was once County Surveyor. Joseph Bumgarner came in
1840, M. Q. Simpson and Silas Garrison in 1842.
On the north
side of the river, the settlement was not made as early as on the south.
Philip Lewis and William Cronkhite were the first and came about 1850.
After them came Clement Lane, Robert Brown, William Vroman, Mrs. Sweet,
Burt Smith, John Fradenburg, George Thurston, Harvey Campbell, Clement
Guthrie, William Wallston, John Brigham, J. C. Austin, and others.
The Sabula, Ackley & Dakota Branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul Railroad crosses the north part of the township, and the small
village of Hale is situated on this road. There is one general store, a
blacksmith-shop, a wagon-shop, a public school and a good house of
worship, belonging to the Methodist Church society. George Lewis is
Postmaster of the village. Much of the early history is identical with
that of the adjoining township of Rome.
GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP
This is the southwestern township of the county. The surface is
generally even and unbroken, and the soil as fertile as any in the
county or State. A number of small but beautiful groves, pleasantly
distributed, constitute the only timber-land in the township. It is well
watered by the north and the south fork of Walnut Creek and their
tributaries.
The township is one of the best agricultural
districts in the county, the farmhouses are good, and the farmers
thrifty and prosperous. Among the early settlers of this township were
John Armstrong, deceased; Amos Breed, deceased; Jonathan Raver,
deceased; T. O. Bishop, A. S. Miller (J. G. Hakes was an early settler
of Fairview, but now resides in Greenfield), James and I. Curtis, Ira
Mead, R. D. Stephens, John Arnold, A. and E. Peet, Valentine Newman,
Robert Murfield, Jonathan Goudy, Amos and John Cole, the Millers, Rosses
and others.
The Sabula, Ackley & Dakota Branch of the C. M. & St.
Paul Railroad crosses the north part of the township, and the small
village of Martelle is situated on this road, in the northwest corner of
the township. There are about one hundred inhabitants, two general
stores, one drug store, one wagon-shop, one blacksmith-shop, one
hardware store, one school, and the Christian Church has a good church
edifice. The Baptist society also worships in the same building. There
are two other churches in the township, one near the center and another
in the southern part. There are a goodly number of Germans in the
township, and, as elsewhere, they are among the most prosperous citizens
in the county. The education of the rising generation is well cared for
by erecting schoolhouses and the employment of faithful teachers.
ROME TOWNSHIP
The following, from the pen of the late R. J.
Cleaveland, will be read and appreciated by all who had the pleasure of
his acquaintance. Mr. Cleaveland was born in Boston, Mass., in November,
1805, and died at his residence in Olin, Jones County, on the 7th of
September, A. D. 1877, at the age of nearly seventy-two years. He
graduated at Harvard University in the class of 1827, and was a ripe
scholar, a genuine patriot and an honest man. At the outbreak of the
civil war, he sought to enlist as a volunteer, but was rejected because
of his age. He was finally admitted to the ranks of the famous Iowa
ninth, and, with that regiment, served until it was mustered out of
service. It was due to his acquaintance at Boston that the ladies of
that city presented to the regiment the magnificent colors, the details
of which are related in the war history of the county, elsewhere.
The historical sketch here published was written by Mr. Cleaveland
and printed in the Olin Times, a newspaper that was established at Olin,
in the year 1874, by Messrs. Stickle & Arlen, but was discontinued at
the end of a few months. After completing the history of Rome Township,
Mr. Cleaveland, at the request of many, wrote a portion of the early
history of the county, but, as the facts give by him are the same as
those given elsewhere by Barrett Whittemore and others, we have thought
it not necessary to repeat it in this connection.
Among the
early settlers of Rome, no one now living has been more successful in
material accumulation, or is held in higher esteem as a citizen, than
John Merritt.
REMINISCENCES OF ROME—1840–1841
By R. J.
Cleaveland
"On the 9th of September, 1840, a cold, misty rain
falling, my wife and I, after fourteen days' ride, in a lumber wagon,
from Logansport, Ind., arrived at the log cabin of Norman B. Seeley.
This dwelling stood near where the town-well now is. Here the
hearthstone and one log still remain to mark the spot. Mr. Seeley's
house, saw-mill, and blacksmith-shop were the only structures here-the
latter roofed with a rag carpet.
"My wife was an only daughter,
and the motive which prompted this long journey was to give her mother
(old Mrs. Seeley) a home with us. Thirty miles from our destination, we
learned that Mrs. S. had died in July of that year. But we came on,
though with ardor dampened-hopes withered. The country appeared in
consonance with our feelings, a dreary waste of prairie-except Walnut
Creek and Wapsie timber, 'Sugar Grove' and 'Big Woods'-to the north and
west. The beautiful groves of young timber on the right bank of Walnut
from the bridge to Sibballs, Creek was then all prairie, and the view
without obstruction.
"On the left, above the bridge from Mr.
Gilman's house to far above Moore's, was a large and fine grove of white
oak long since cut down by the greedy pioneer. "Here I commenced my
first lesson in chopping, plowing, mowing and farm work in general. Here
we succeeded, though poor, indeed, we both were, in all except brave
hearts and strong arms, in gaining a home in these then Western wilds. I
had but $2 left when we arrived.
"The Indian, wolf, and deer,
and other wild animals were almost the sole occupants of the soil. N. B.
Seeley, John and Joseph Merritt, Isaac Simpson, Moses Garrison, Orville,
Cronkhite, George Saum, Thomas Green, Horace Seeley, Francis Sibballs,
E. Booth, the Reeds, Browns, Joslyns, and others, were in Jones County
before me.
"At that time, there were no railroads west of
Buffalo, N. Y., and no telegraphs. The mails crept slowly and sadly
along in stage-coaches, and letters were subject to 25 cents postage.
There were no bridges nor stores away from the 'Father of Waters.' Many
a time I have walked to Dubuque and back, bringing a pack of thirty to
fifty pounds of groceries for myself and neighbors.
"The
generation of to-day can hardly dream of the obstacles to be
overcome-the hardships borne at that time. Difficulty is the element and
resistance the work of every true man or woman. I now thank God for
casting my destiny in this glorious and most beautiful State, where half
my life has been passed. I glory in being a pioneer of Iowa.
"As
remarked, my wife's mother died on the 9th of July, 1840, only two
months before our arrival. The first American flag hoisted in Jones
County was hoisted at Rome in 1840, and made by this aged lady. She
allowed no other fingers to work thereon but hers, and this was her last
work. Here, and at this time, was also the first liberty pole raised,
the first post office located, and the first district school instituted
in the county. The school was taught in the 'Sugar Grove' by T. Stivers,
Esq., who was the only blacksmith here, and also Deputy Postmaster.
"The town was located by N. B. Seeley, and surveyed, platted and
recorded by William Hutton, County Surveyor, in 1840. At this time, the
U. S. Surveyor had just finished his work, and the corners and
subdivisions were readily found.
"We lived the first two years
in a little cabin opposite Smith's mill. In the winter of 1840-41, my
wife taught school in our cabin six hours each day, while I was absent
cutting timber for fencing and for building a home. I look back on those
two years as the happiest spent time of our lives; hope was strong and
bright within, and physical vigor perfect.
"In the spring of
1841, there were ferried across the Walnut two barrels of Illinois
whisky. These arrivals were succeeded by more of the same spiritual
character for about fifteen years.
"In the year 1841, the
patriarch who dealt in the spiritual articles aforesaid built the house
now occupied by Uncle Holden. The building now occupied by F. O.
Carpenter, and the one where the widow of Thomas Connelly now lives,
were also built the same year.
"In the same year, John Hannon,
who was a skilled bricklayer, stonecutter and mason, also took up his
abode here. He and Seeley blasted a prairie bowlder, and by much hard
and constant labor made therefrom a set of buhrstones, which ground
excellent corn-meal and very fair flour. This was indeed an eventful era
in the lives of the settlers here, as previously they had to go a great
distance, most frequently to the Mississippi River, in order to reach a
mill. But after a few years this mill was discontinued on account of a
defective dam and lack of water.
"One most important character
of this period I must not omit-the Methodist circuit-rider, who has done
so much for religion and humanity, who defied the elements and the
hardships of this new country, and dispensed the bread of life to the
hardy pioneer, men of culture as they were, counting comfort and ease as
dust compared to the happiness of saving souls. Elders Rathbone and
Hayden were among the first of these, and labored here in 1841. The
former now resides at Marion. Both were men of culture, urbane in
manners and never weary in doing good.
"In July, 1842, the house
now owned and occupied by N. M. Everhart, Esq., was erected by myself.
It was for some years the largest house in the county. We occupied it
before completion, and passed with only a cooking-stove the severest
winter experienced in our lives. I feel confident that the few old
settlers remaining will never forget the winter of 1842-43.
"I
think it was in the fall of 1841 that the first court was held in the
county, being in a log Court House in Edinburg, not far from the present
county Poor House. All who attended court then went prepared to camp out
and do their own cooking. The United States Marshal attended to the
paying of jurors, which was about all the coin that came into the
territory for six years. Wheat was then the common medium of barter and
exchange. We always had uncommon lively and jolly times in attendance at
court then among some very remarkable and sage worthies, some of whom I
shall have occasion to mention hereafter. Judge Wilson, of Dubuque,
officiated, always coming with gun and dogs to enjoy a little shooting
as well as to attend to his graver (legal) duties. But the most
remarkable person at that time was Uncle Francis Sibbalds, an Irishman,
with all the odd, racy and peculiar characteristics of his countrymen.
He lived at that time just over the town line, in what is now Hale
Township. If his conduct and character were singular, his appearance was
no less so. He talked with the richest brogue, ardent in his friendship
as in is hatred, illiterate, but warm-hearted and outspoken. In short,
there was so much unison between us that we were warm friends as long as
be lived. Previous to coming to Iowa, he had committed matrimony with an
elderly Yankee lady-a school-marm, sometimes called old maid-a lady very
peculiar, as such ladies generally are, but of fair literary attainments
for that day, and of high moral and religious character, and who was
justly reverenced and respected by her husband. I wish, for the sake of
truth, it were possible for me to give a clear and accurate personal
description of Uncle Sibbalds, but nothing I can say will do him
justice! A man of medium size, with rather a worn appearance, indicating
hard labor and exposure to the elements, rather past his prime, but on
first sight all these were swallowed up and lost sight of in viewing his
mouth; so vast, yawning and capacious was it, that when opened, it
extended nearly from ear to ear! No less remarkable than the nose of the
Grand Duke of Choss Johannisberger, only it was in this case his mouth
instead of his nose, and unfortunately being somewhat deaf, he kept it
open more than was safe or expedient, in order to hear better. And this
brings to mind a good joke they got on him while at court in Edinburg.
One of the lawyers, an unusually small but carefully-dressed
gentleman-in short, a perfect little Petit Maitre-being called for by
the Judge, everybody hunting for and nobody able to find him, the
precious time of the court wasted, an awful pause pervading the court
room, a wag had the temerity to tell His Honor he believed old Uncle
Sibbalds had greased and swallowed him, as he (Sibbalds) had told him
over an hour ago that he felt quite hungry! The court room rang with
laughter, Judge, jury and all, and, as bad luck would have it, the
little lawyer coming in at that moment, and ignorant of the cause,
little dreaming that he was partly the subject of it, served only to add
to the uproar to such a degree that it could not be stopped. The Sheriff
had to clear the house, and all business came to a stand for the rest of
the forenoon. If I should live centuries, I can never forget the scene.
The little lawyer stupefied with amazement and anger and outraged
dignity, and Uncle Sibbalds grinning wider and more ghastly than before.
In the midst of the uproar, another wag coolly suggested, 'If that had
actually happened, the good man had got more law in his belly than all
the other lawyers had in their heads.' And this remark did not tend to
lessen the noise and shouting, but rather to increase it.
"At
the time I am now attempting to describe, indeed during the decade from
1840 to 1850, intemperance ruled with despotic sway the early
settlements of Iowa, and yet there prevailed a far more friendly spirit
than now.
"We exchanged frequent and friendly visits with
Denson, where Massillon now is, and ten miles below, near Toronto, with
Samuel Solesby, of Pioneer Grove; Capt. S. P. Higginson, of Mariner's
Grove, near Tipton; with Col. Preston, Mayor McKean, and others, of
Marion. Neighbors were then few and far off, but kind and true, and
selfishness little known or practiced.
"As I am a very modest
man, I dislike extremely having to speak of myself so often, but the
thread of the narrative would be broken did I not do it.
"It was
deemed necessary, at that time, to elect a Justice of the Peace in 1841,
and, although never having any aspirations for office, I was elected to
that dignity almost without opposition. This was strange indeed, as I
was, perhaps, almost the only Whig in the village of Rome. Being what I
was, a deadly foe to whisky, and never bending the pliant knee to Baal,
it was somewhat strange that I was elected to the office. With these
preliminary remarks let us go on. The portrait of old Ben. Smith rises
now on my mental vision, in all its native deformity!
"Fancy, if
you can, an animal on two legs, in the shape of fat and swollen limbs,
suffering much from asthma and gout; a man, flat, flaccid and flabby,
misshapen, unwieldy in form, with a head and face on top of it that
completely baffles description: The hair white and erect, like hogs'
bristles, the face rosy and rubicund, the nose studded with divers
blooming pimples, the eyes twinkling like a sow's when contemplating
mischief, and with thick, sensual lips.
"This patriarch had a
large family of sons and daughters, was a widower, and depended on his
children for support, and also on the profits of a whisky saloon, with
cards and dice in his own house. Every Saturday night the orgies were
celebrated in the old house where uncle Holden now lives, till the small
hours of the morning; genial spirits from the surrounding country coming
in from a long distance to aid and assist the aged patriarch in
conducting them; John Royal playing the fiddle with unwearied assiduity
and tenacity, and all went merry as a marriage bell, unless it was
diversified with a slight bit of a fight, with perhaps an eye badly
bunged up and closed for the time being, or a thumb partly bit off! But
these little incidents only served to add variety and raciness to the
scene, and never for a moment stopped the general hilarity. But enough!
Let us for the present draw the veil of pity and of charity over this
mortifying and disgusting portrait. And let it serve as a warning, a
beacon-light to all now coming on the stage of action, to avoid
drunkenness and sinfulness of all kinds, if they wish to live useful and
happy lives.
"The question naturally arises, what became of poor
old Uncle Ben? The answer to it is a sad one indeed. After setting a
baleful, blighting influence and example here for eight consecutive
years, he started, in the spring of 1849, to revisit the scenes of his
childhood in Western New York, and subsequently died miserably of
cholera, on board a boat on the Upper Ohio, among strangers, with no
friend to smoothe his dying pillow.
* * * * * * * * * *
"I remarked that I was elected Justice of the Peace. I held my first
court in the log cabin opposite the present mill, in the fall of 1841,
Uncle Ben Smith being the plaintiff, and another most worthy sage, very
partial to whisky (whom we will not name as he still lives here), was
the defendant. The cause of action was a very grave and knotty one, and
which would have puzzled the wisdom of Solomon himself, viz., a pumpkin!
These two sages had gardens adjoining, and Uncle Ben's vines, as
pumpkin-vines will sometimes, ran through the fence into the adjoining
lot and bore the best pumpkins in the said lot, with not one only but
several large inviting looking pumpkins-more than defendant could stand,
doubtless thinking (and with good reason) that the said pumpkins
belonged to him. Be this as it may, he appropriated the largest one he
could find to his own use, hence the suit. There were at that day many
(in common parlance called pettifoggers, a phrase I always disliked)
attorneys at law. There were two of pre-eminently brilliant
qualifications and parts, who left their many competitors far in the
rear, and who were generally pitted against each other, as they both
resided in Fairview Precinct, viz., Uncle Clement Russell and Hon. John
Leonard. Law cost something in those days, as it does in the present. It
was then as now-l-a-w law, with a c-l-a-w claw. If you are fond of pure
vexation and sweet procrastination, you are just in a situation to enjoy
a suit at law. It was probably owing to this fact, viz., the great
expense of this luxury, that induced both parties at this, my first
court, to attend to it themselves, and being (as they both were) well
stimulated and fortified with whisky, they fancied themselves perfectly
grounded in law, and able to go on with it. The case, as you see at a
glance, was a perplexing and knotty one. There was much to be said on
both sides, and both equally plausible. Knowing this as I did, and
dreading the torrents of eloquence apparently without end, and not being
overstocked with patience, I resolved when the court was called to cut
the Gordian knot which none could untie. With that peculiarly
persuasive, winning, bland tone and manner which all who know me know to
be innately mine, I remarked to them that we were emphatically, in this
new country, a band of brothers; that nothing was so pleasing to the
Great Father of us all as brotherly love and harmony, and, over and
above this consideration, nothing conduced so much to our temporal
welfare as harmony, etc.; told them what an insignificant thing it was
to go to law about-a pumpkin, nothing else; the great difficulty
attending a correct solution of the case, inherent in its very nature;
and, concluding, in my judgment there was no cause of action, adding, at
the same time, I should give up my fees and hoped they would all do so
likewise. Had they not been both of them pretty drunk (Uncle Ben always
feeling rich in that condition) I doubt but my eloquence would have been
wasted on them. As it was, they yielded to my advice, shook hands, took
a rousing snort of whisky all around, the court adjourned and the
hostile sages were soon after seen engaged in a sociable game of cards
with the hospitable whiskey jug within easy reach of them, and to
complete and perfect the harmony, John Royal took his fiddle and struck
up a jig or Highland fling, and mirth, hilarity and good feeling
prevailed all around-Uncle Ben's four lusty and strapping daughters,
always ready to trip it on the light fantastic toe, found partners ready
to their hand, and they kept it up as usual until the small hours of the
morning, no King on his throne richer, happier, or more independent than
Uncle Ben.
"After the disposition of the case spoken of, I felt
as if a mountain was lifted from my back, and being released from the
onerous duties incumbent on me, I went about my usual avocations,
receiving the congratulations of my friends at the issue, Uncle Sibbalds
himself grinning all the time, with evident symptoms of uncommon
satisfaction! I wish to add, that in that early day when a lawsuit was
to come off, all other business for the time being came to a halt; no
one could forego the intense delight of attending and drinking in wisdom
from the lips of the legal oracles of the day, as well as from the jug!
Some of the richest scenes I ever went through with occurred afterward,
at courts held in the north room of our new house, the carpenter's bench
and tools being there at the time. At one suit, Mrs. C. got a dinner for
twenty men. A lawsuit, like raising a barn, could not go on without a
large crowd attending; and lubricated, as it always was, with whisky,
how could all help going on secundem artem. As a matter of course, it
could not. But I crave pardon of my readers for taking up so much of
their valuable time.
* * * * * * * * * *
"I have taken
much pains to ascertain who was the first white settler in this county,
and from the best information I could obtain, I am satisfied Hugh Bowen
was the man, that beautiful tract of country in Richland Township being
named after him. I recollect well his telling me he was in the Black
Hawk war, and that, only a few years after, he came into this county,
probably in 1836. Perhaps a few of the salient points of his character
may prove interesting to the readers of to-day.
"He was a
bachelor at this time, in his prime, erect as an Indian and clad in
buckskin like one; of great energy and rare simplicity of character. He
was our first Sheriff, serving in that capacity for many years, and, if
I should add, the best the county ever had, it need cause no blush to
mantle the cheeks of his worthy successors. He was a noble specimen of a
Western man, untainted by his vices, and entirely free from all the
silken disguises, subterfuges and hypocrisies which prevail in old
settled countries, and in those grades of society miscalled civilized,
refined, fashionable, etc.; undaunted and fearless as a lion in the
discharge of his duty; simple and confiding as a child, in all the
little suavities and amenities of life, and illy prepared to guard
against the advances of the well-dressed fancy-man, black leg, gambler
of the present day.
"After many years' absence in the then Far West, he concluded
to visit once more his native State, Ohio, when the first railroad from
the East reached the Father of Waters. Although traveling with a friend,
and cautioned again and again against pickpockets, he was rifled of some
$40 or $50, all he had, long before he got to the end of his journey. On
obtaining the first view of that monstrum horrendun, a
locomotive engine, his wonder and amazement were unbounded! Fearful that
the train might start without him (instinct with life and power, more
than human as it was), he insisted on sleeping (camping), in the cars
all night! I have not met him for many long years, and regret to add,
the last I heard of him he was at Denver, Colo., much reduced in
circumstances. He was Sheriff of this county many years in succession.
"It is highly probably that other portions of the county kept
pace with those already named in its early settlement, but of this I
cannot speak positively, being, like most of the early settlers,
dependent on my days' work for my daily bread, and never leaving home
unless on matters of urgent business.
"The county, in 1839-40, was divided into
four road districts, viz: Bowen's Prairie was No. 1; Buffalo Fork, No.
2; Walnut Fork, No. 3, and Farm Creek No. 4, with a Supervisor in each
district, to keep the roads in order.
* * * * * * * * * *
"The first saw and grist mills in the county were erected by George
Walworth, on the Buffalo Fork of the Wapsipinicon in 1838, (where, at a
later day, the Messrs. Fisher erected spacious mills), and were in full
blast when I came here, in 1840. I met the gentleman late in the fall of
1840, at the house of my brother-in-law, N. B. Seeley, and, from that
time until he left the county, some five or six years, we were always on
the most cordial and friendly terms. He was the first Representative in
the Territorial Legislature at Iowa City, with other counties attached
(Cedar and Linn, I think), and served in that capacity many years with
great acceptance to his constituents. He was a bachelor, his sister
keeping house with him, and a man in strong contrast to all and
everything around him. He was then in his prime, and a finer looking man
I have seldom, if ever, met. He was, in manner, appearance, dress and
address, emphatically a gentleman, as I understand that term, viz., it
is inborn, not infused; it springs spontaneously from the heart. In
other words, a man may be a gentleman without being a Christian, but a
true Christian must be a gentleman. Warm-hearted, cordial, hospitable,
public-spirited, he possessed the faculty of adapting himself to all
kinds and classes of men, and was the soul, the life, of every crowd he
chanced to mingle with. He possessed, in a high degree, that rare and
beautiful combination, termed suaviter in modo, cum fortiter in re,
and, as I often thought, was perfectly out of his element in a new
county. We have had many good times together at his house and at mine,
and, when he left us, I felt we had lost a man the county and State
could ill afford to spare. It was with deep and profound grief I heard
of his sudden and untimely death, in Texas, many years ago. The high
respect and ardent friendship I cherished for the man, the grateful
sense I shall always feel for his kindness and hospitality to me
personally, over and above his public services to the county and the
Territory, would not permit me to pass him by with a more brief or less
eulogistic notice. He has taken his last long journey whither we all are
so rapidly following."
OLIN IN 1879
Olin, named after D.
A. Olin, General Superintendent of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
Railroad, is beautifully located on the west bank of the Wapsipinicon
River, upon the central portion of Section 13 in Rome Township. It was
first called Elkford, then Walnut Fork, afterward Rome, and now Olin. It
is an important shipping-point on the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad,
containing a population of about seven hundred inhabitants. It is
surrounded by a beautiful rolling prairie, occupied by a thrifty farming
community. It has a good grist-mill, a woolen-mill, prosperous schools
and churches, and the Olin College has recently been organized and
incorporated, and will soon have a commodious and comfortable college
building. A public library and reading-room are contemplated. The city
of Olin was incorporated in 1878. The following are the city officers:
Mayor, N. Barnhard; Recorder, H. Jeffries; Treasurer, Samuel Easterly.
Council—J. A. White, J. W. Jamison, James Dayton, C. L. Porter, W. H.
Dicus, William Scoles. The Council are strictly temperate men.
There are four church organizations-Methodist, Baptist, United Brethern
and Advent. The Methodist denomination has a commodious church edifice.
The Baptist and Advents hold services in the public-school building. The
Pastor of the Methodist Church is Rev. J. Hurrell. None of the other
denominations have a settled Pastor.
The public school contains
three departments—Primary, Intermediate and Grammar, and has a very good
school building. The teachers are as follows: C. F. McGrew, Principal
and Instructor in the Grammar Department; Miss P. Robinson, Intermediate
Department; Miss L. Holmes, Primary Department.
The College was
organized September 1, 1878; incorporated August 1, 1879. Its pupilage
for the first year was forty-eight. Of its pupils, nine received
certificates from the County Superintendent.
The Trustees are as
follows: A. J. Dalby, President; C. L. Porter, Secretary; N. M.
Everhart, Treasurer; John Merritt, D. R. Carpenter, Andrew Coppess, John
M. Rummel, W. V. Field, J. B. Ingersoll, J. A. White, J. W. Jamison, L.
K. Rese, J. Scoles, J. Whitmore, Jonathan Easterly, F. S. Dunklee, C. H.
Derr, John Hess, Jacob Starry, William Gordon.
There will be
three distinct courses of study-Preparatory, Scientific and Classical.
The first college class proper will be organized at the commencement of
the fall term, and it is desirable that those who contemplate a
three-years' course with diploma, should be present at that time. Music,
instrumental and vocal, will be taught to those who desire it.
The studies taught in the various courses are: Fundamental-Reading,
Spelling, Writing, Grammar, United States History, Drawing, Rhetoric,
Logic, Elocution, Mental and Moral Science, Theory and Practice of
Teaching, Constitution of the United States. Mathematics-Arithmetic,
Book-Keeping, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Surveying,
Conic Sections, Calculus. Natural Sciences-Geography, Geology,
Mineralogy, Physiology, Botany, Natural History, Astronomy.
Languages-Greek, Latin, French and German. Music-Vocal and Instrumental.
C. L. Porter, A. M., Principal (biographical sketch elsewhere),
is a graduate of Amherst College, has been a professional teacher for
sixteen years, and is thoroughly recommended by the State Superintendent
and others. Miss Laura J Hendy, teacher of music, is a skillful teacher
of the piano and organ. The teacher of the Preparatory Department has
not yet been selected. Other teachers and professors will be added as
occasion may require. The Bible is the corner-stone of this institution.
Tuition, per quarter of twelve weeks, $6. Fee for incidental
expenses, per quarter, 50 cents. Tuition in Preparatory Department, per
quarter, $3. Instrumental music, per twenty-four lessons, $8. Tuition
payable quarterly upon admission.
The College occupies at
present the largest hall in town, is handsomely seated, and is
comfortable and convenient. Board can be obtained in private families at
$2.50 to $3 per week. Preparations are being made to erect a large stone
building in the spring of 1880.
SOCIETIES
Of those there
are four: Masons, Odd Fellows, United Workmen and the Olin Temperance
League.
Ancient Landmark Lodge, No. 200, A.F.&A.M., was
organized November 20, 1866. It was chartered by the Grand Lodge June 5,
1867. The first officers were: Eli Walker, W.M.; Westley Southwick,
S.W.; Andrew Coppess, J.W.; D. E. Rummel, Sec.; Timothy Stivers, Treas.;
N. B. Connor, S.D.; G. W. Miller, J.D.; R. J. Anderson, Tiler. The Lodge
has a membership of forty-eight, owns a good hall, very well furnished,
and has a small fund at interest. The present officers are: I. B.
Southwick, W.M.; W. J. Merritt, S.W.; G. W. Miller, J.W.; W. Southwick,
Sec.; C. H. Derr, Treas.; H. B. Harrison, S.D.; C. W. B. Derr, J.D.; J.
T. Gilman, Tiler. The Lodge has lost two members by death.
The
Olin Lodge, I.O.O.F., was organized February 3, 1876. The following were
the first officers elected: George Stivers, N.G.; E. R. Sealls, V.G.; L.
K. Rose, Treas.; J. W. Jamison, Rec. Sec.; G. H. Mason, Per. Sec. The
present officers are as follows: V. Slife, N.G.; J. F. Butters, V.G.; S.
P. Slife, Rec. Sec.; G. H. Mason, Treas.
Olin Lodge, No. 90,
A.OU.W.—Organized January 17, 1877. Charter members: W. A. Seeley, J. A.
White, G. W. Miller, H. Rummel, A. E. Carpenter, S. L. Easterly, James
Dayton, J. W. Jamison, Daniel Starry, James Slife, E. R. Sealls, A.
Barker, H. Benfield, A. Gearhart, P. H. Driscoll, T. B. Everett, Edward
White, W. F. Duncan, J. C. Williams, J. H. Miller, A. Glick. The
following were the first officers elected: H. Rummel, Master; E. R.
Sealls, G.F.; W. A. Seeley, O.; A. Gearhart, Receiver; James Dayton, F.;
S. L. Easterly, Rec.; J. W. Jamison, Guide; J. C. Williams, P.M.W.; A.
E. Carpenter, I.W.; A. Barker, O.W. The present officers are as follows:
John Figeley, Master; E. Bedell, G.F.; A. E. Carpenter, O.; A. Gearhart,
Receiver; S. L. Easterly, F.; T. J. Townsend, Rec.; W. F. Duncan, Guide;
G. W. Miller, P.M.W.; J. H. Miller, I.W.; D. Starry, O.W.
The
Olin Temperance League—This is an organization for the promotion of
temperance. It holds its sessions at the Methodist Church, each
alternate Tuesday. The exercises consist of discussions, essays,
declamations, readings, music, etc. Its basic is the "Murphy Pledge."
The present officers are: C. H. McGrew, President; Miss Phemie Robinson,
Vice President; Miss Carrie Hull, Secretary; C. L. Poster, Chorister.
Within a mile of Olin are three most excellent stone quarries.
The stone taken from these is a soft, magnesian limestone (Niagara
group; Upper Silurian), and is of the quality and texture as that of the
celebrated quarries at Anamosa. There are two good lime-kilns in the
immediate neighborhood. Good sand for building purposes is found on the
margin of Walnut Creek, which empties into the Wapsipinicon at this
point. Within the corporate limits is an excellent clay bank for the
manufacture of brick.
The people of Olin are mainly from the
Eastern States, and have brought their thrifty habits with them. There
is little or no foreign population. Olin has one of the best brass bands
in the State, Henry Jefferies, Leader. The hotel is the Olin House,
admirably kept by R. H. Jordan, proprietor.
(We are indebted to
Prof. C. L. Porter for preparing the history of Olin.—EDITOR.)
CASTLE GROVE TOWNSHIP
This township, according to the United
States survey, is numbered 86 north, west of Range 4.
A large
portion of the township is high rolling prairie, interspersed with
ravines and glades, which, by draining, make the very best of meadow
lands. There are several creeks running through the township, which
afford excellent opportunities for stock-raising. There is quite a large
body of timber in the northeast portion of the township which, by
economical usage, will furnish a supply for the needs of the inhabitants
in this direction for a long time to come. The inhabitants of this
township are a thriving, industrious and preserving people. The
never-failing appendage of a thrifty Yankee farmer-a good barn-is
frequently found on these prairies, though many of the inhabitants are
descendants from the Emerald Isle. The citizens of this township, in
common with the people of the other portions of the county, show their
appreciation of good morals by erecting schoolhouses, in which the youth
may be trained up to usefulness and kept from idleness. The monotony of
the prairie is frequently relieved by trees which have been set out for
shade and ornament. Altogether, the township is desirably and pleasantly
located. The soil is fertile, and the healthfulness of the people most
excellent.
The Castle Grove Post Office is situated near the
center of the township, and James M. King is Postmaster. There are three
churches in the township, two Protestant and one Catholic Church.
The Castle Grove Mill is in the northeast part of the township, and
is owned by Levi Berlin. The mill was built in 1872, by Berlin &
Stambaugh, at a cost of $10,000. There are two run of stone, and the
capacity of the mill is about one hundred bushels of wheat per day.
Among the early settlers of this township were Simeon Forman, Thomas
Galligan, McLaughlins, Kehoes, Hogans, Rearricks, Starrs, Deischer,
Heisey, Downer and others. There is no village in this township.
CHURCHES
The Church of the Immaculate Conception, in Castle
Grove, is situated in the northern part of the township, and was erected
by the Roman Catholics in the year 1877, at a cost of about $20,000. Mr.
John Kenan was the architect and Mr. M. Doyle, of Anamosa, the
contractor. The edifice is a remarkably fine one and does honor to the
members of the Church in Castle Grove. It is, without doubt, the finest
church edifice in the State outside the largest cities.
Evangelical Church, of Castle Grove Township. This church was organized
in 1855. The first minister was Rev. John Miller. Daniel High was the
first Class-Leader. A church edifice was built in the year 1876, at a
cost of $1,400. Present membership, twenty-two. Pastor in charge, Rev.
Daniel Fink. The first Trustees were Daniel Deischer, Henry Heisey, John
Heisey, John Wint and Benjamin Rider.
The present Board of
Trustees are Daniel Deischer, Benjamin Rider, John Heisey, John Kline
and Madison Franks.
Castle Grove Baptist Church—This church was
organized on the 5th of July, 1874. James Starr was elected Clerk and B.
F. Searles and Jerome Scott, Deacons. The church edifice was dedicated
September 26, 1876. The following Pastors have served the Church: Revs.
J. W. Thompson, L. H. Thompson, W. C. Archer and J. G. Johnson, the
present Pastor. There were twelve members at the time of organization,
and there are now twenty-nine.
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP
This
township is east of Monticello and west of Washington, and is one of the
first settled in the county. The south fork of the Maquoketa River
crosses the southwest corner of the township, and by this means and
numerous creeks, the whole is well watered. About one-third of the area
is as fine prairie land as there is in the State, and the balance is
timber-land. The prairie is in the northwest corner, and here the
village of Bowen's Prairie is situated. Twenty years ago, this was a
village of considerable importance, but the building-up of the town of
Monticello caused the removal of businesses to that place. The following
heads of families are found at Bowen's Prairie Village: E. S. Blodgett,
Cyrus Whittemore, William Whittemore, Widow Heims, Frederick Pennaman,
N. C. Rowley and James Craig. N. C. Rowley is the Postmaster. There are
two churches in the village and a German Church in the western portion
of the township, about two miles south of Bowen's Prairie. We were
unable to get the history of the Methodist Church at the village, or the
German Church, when we were in that part of the county.
The
timbered portion of the township is settled principally by Germans and
Irish. A portion of the town of Cascade is in the northeast corner of
the township, and an excellent water-power is here afforded by means of
the north fork of the Maquoketa.
The Bowen's Prairie district
constitutes one of the loveliest landscapes in the State, and, had the
village secured a railroad would have been one of the most important
towns in the county.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF BOWEN'S PRAIRIE
By
Barrett Whittemore
The following, by Barrett Whittemore, though
somewhat lengthy, is so entertaining that we give it entire, knowing
full well that every subscriber to the Jones County History will be
delighted with anything from the pen of "The Old Schoolmaster of Bowen's
Prairie."
"Bowen's Prairie originally included all that prairie
region west of Cascade, which lies between the two Maquoketa Rivers, and
east of Plum Creek, and including a part of the counties of Dubuque,
Jones and Delaware, comprising two townships of land, more or less. It
derives its name from Hugh Bowen, who, in company with John Flinn, in
the year 1836, first visited this locality; and, being charmed by its
beautiful scenery, fertile soil, salubrious springs, and other desirable
attractions, they selected adjoining claims. That of the former being
well known as the "Bowen Farm," and the latter lying immediately west of
it, and now owned by Ebenezer Little and Barrett Whittemore. The
favorable reports which these adventurers gave of the country stimulated
others to visit this section, and the same year, Moses Collins and
Joshua Johnston came and staked off claims north of the two just named,
and now owned by William Beatty and Robert Bunting's widow. Alfred
Weatherford also arrived the same season, and, in the absence of Mr.
Flinn, took possession of his claim, and, by intimidation, succeeded in
holding it. About this time, Thomas S. Denson, Gillespie Laughlin,
Charles Johnston and Franklin Dalby came and selected claims in the same
neighborhood, all now or lately owned respectively by Joseph Hickman,
William Brazelton, Philip Cline and Franklin Dalby. In the same year,
the Delong family, consisting of father and mother, and their five sons,
William, Parley, Perry, John and Jacob, and a daughter Susan, took
possession of the Falls and the vicinity known as Cascade. They put up
two cabins on the premises, one being situated about four rods west of
the Falls and the other near the present site of G. G. Banghart's store.
As there seemed, however, to be a prospect that their claim would be
contested, they sold the water-power and the land lying east of the
river, with a narrow belt 200 feet wide lying west of the river, to John
Sherman, who afterward disposed of one-half his interest to Hugh Bowen.
Near this time, Daniel Varvel and William Clark took possession of the
present site of Monticello, where they built a commodious log house, and
opened adjoining farms. About the 1st of January, 1837, Thomas Dickson,
with his wife and two children, Elizabeth and William, moved to the
prairie, laying claim to the premises now occupied by the Yousse family.
After living on, and improving the same several years, he sold his claim
to Benedict Yousse, who has been a resident on the same some
thirty-three years. In the same year, William Moore, Sr., with his three
sons, William, Thomas and John, came and took up claims south of the
Yousse farm just mentioned. Two of the sons, William and John have
lately died, and Thomas is still living on the original claim. The
father, William Moore, a hale and hearty old gentleman, after leaving
Bowen's Prairie, bought the Beardsley farm, some seven miles west of
Monticello, where he lived until two years ago, when he died. I will
illustrate some of the inconveniences of the good olden time, even
extending to the important act of getting married, by relating the
following incident: Mr. Moore, being a widower, and deeming it not good
for man to be alone, sought a helpmeet, and succeeded in finding one who
was willing to accommodate him, provided the necessary preliminaries
could be compiled with. But here was a dilemma. Ministers and Justices
of the Peace were not as plentiful as at present, and to obtain the
services of either would be attended with delay, expense and trouble. A
Justice, however, was found, in the person of Jacob Hamilton, then
living at Whitewater in Dubuque County; and, being sent for, he came,
but on his arrival, found himself in a different county, and, therefore,
out of his jurisdiction. Here, then, was another difficulty to be
surmounted. But necessity is truly the mother of invention.
"The
parties could all walk over the line into Dubuque County, and then all
would be right. So, shortly after, having made the necessary
arrangements for a foot-tramp of some three or four miles, a party of
five, including the important personage of Justice, with Thomas Dickson
and wife as witnesses, set out on foot, and in due time reached the
desired locality, just within the precinct of Dubuque County. And here,
under the blue canopy of heaven, surrounded by the forest oaks, the knot
was tied, the blessing pronounced, and the parties dispersed; and this
is the history of the first wedding on Bowen's Prairie, just forty years
ago.
"The United States surveys of the public lands in this
vicinity, were made in the years 1836-37. As many claims were taken and
improvements made previous to these surveys, some of the claimants were
much annoyed by the Government lines passing through their improvements,
thus frequently, essentially interfering with private boundaries
established by the claimants themselves. A small inclosure was liable,
in certain contingencies, to fall on four different sections, frequently
placing the building on one section and the improved land on another. To
the married man, this was of comparatively minor importance, as he would
have the ability to purchase whatever he wanted. But these contingencies
often made sad havoc with the poor settler's anticipations, whose means
were frequently limited to the purchase of forty or, at most, eighty
acres. A compromise in such cases was frequently made by accommodating
neighbors, but selfishness, then as now, was not an uncommon element in
the human heart.
"The 16th Section, being reserved for school
purposes, and placed under the control of the State, was liable to be
kept out of market for a series of years, and, when offered for sale,
was put up with such limitations in regard to price, as was deemed most
advantageous to the school fund. Therefore, should a settler have made
valuable improvements on such lands, he was liable to be subjected to
pay a higher price per acre for his lands than he would have been had
such land been under the control of the General Government. The cutting
and using of timber on such lands, except under certain restrictions,
was declared by law an indictable offense.
"On the 1st of
January, 1838, Barrett Whittemore first took up his permanent residence
on Bowen's Prairie, and commenced improving the premises now occupied by
himself, and including the farm immediately east, now owned by J.
Hickman, consisting of 100 acres of prairie and 80 acres of timber. His
first domicile was a log cabin 14x16 feet, built some three rods north
of his present residence, and into which he moved on the 19th day of May
in the same year entering into a temporary partnership with T. Dickson,
and boarding with him.
"On the 28th of February, in this year,
John Gillman, a Methodist minister, held the first religious meeting on
Bowen's Prairie and probably the first in the north part of the county.
He preached here regularly every three weeks afterward, during his stay
on this circuit.
"On the 24th of April following, a most
melancholy event transpired on the prairie, filling the whole community
with gloom, and the family immediately interested with unspeakable
anguish. The circumstances were these: We had finished our out-door work
and chores, glad to enter the house to sit down and enjoy the cheerful
fire blazing upon the hearth, which the cold, bleak northeast wind and
rain rendered peculiarly grateful to our chilled bodies. Darkness had
set in, rendering the out-door desolation doubly so. Suddenly we were
aroused by a knock on the door, and the entrance of two of our
neighbors, who informed us that a boy was lost. Alfred Denson, a
remarkably bright and amiable lad of six years, and the light of the
household, had wandered from the house and was lost, either on the cold,
bleak prairie, or in the still more dismal forest. The instant the
information was communicated, we felt that the poor boy's fate was
sealed. If he had wandered into the thick woods, he might possibly
survive until morning, but if, as we feared, he had strayed out into the
wide, unprotected prairie, we felt that his sleep that night would be
'the sleep from which there is no awakening.'
"Dark and dreary
and uncomfortable as was the night, the citizens were aroused, and
started out with the resolution to do what they could. But the night was
intensely dark; we were destitute of lanterns, and were obliged to
depend on torches to guide us in our travels, and these were
comparatively useless on account of the strong wind and rain. We
expected to get lost ourselves, but this did not deter us. Our first
design was to search the forest in the vicinity of the child's home, and
to build fires in different places, if possibly the child might discover
some of them; they also might be guiding-stars to the searchers.
"There was a timber road leading into the forest, which we thought
possibly the boy might have taken, and, examining it particularly with
the light of our torches, we discovered his track leading into the
forest. This encouraged us to proceed, thinking now we had ascertained
the direction he had taken. We were also the more encouraged in regard
to the safety of the boy, as, if we should not find him that night, he
might obtain a shelter which would save him from perishing. Soon,
however, we found another track of his retracing steps, and leading back
into the prairie. On this discovery, we were thrown into confusion in
regards to the course we should take. We knew not whether he would abide
by the road, and thus reach the open prairie, or whether, in the
darkness, he might have left it and still be wandering in the forest.
We, however, followed it, and again discovered his track near the
northeast corner of Hugh Bowen's field, and some 100 rods out into the
open prairie. Here we took rails from the fence, and built a large fire,
which could be seen all through the settlement. We built the fire also,
partly, as guide to the child, if he should be fortunate enough to see
it, and partly as a pilot to ourselves.
"Hoping that possibly he
might, in his wanderings, have reached some of the neighbors, we visited
those living on the north side of the prairie, to wit: Moses Collins,
Charles Johnston and Franklin Dalby. Not discovering any further trace
of the child, we proceeded thence westerly on a neighborhood road,
became bewildered, losing our track and course. We then commenced
shouting, and obtained a response from the elder Mr. Dalby. We groped
our way to his residence, and deeming it advisable to hunt no further
before daylight, we encamped by the fire for the night.
"For two
succeeding days, the whole community, including Cascade and Monticello,
comprising some thirty persons, made a systematic search through the
timber, north and south of the settlement, and the prairie between, but
without success, and it was not until the fourth day afterward that the
lifeless body of the boy was discovered nearly covered up with tall
slough-grass, some eighty rods north of the present residence of T. W.
Little, and nearly two miles distant from his home. He doubtless
perished on the first night of his wanderings. The sympathizing
neighbors immediately collected and assisted as best they could in
performing the last rites of burial. There was no minister to officiate.
A little band of sincere mourners bore the child to its last
resting-place, there to rest in peace until the resurrection morn. And
this marks the era of the first death and burial on Bowen's Prairie.
"On the 26th of May, in the same year, Williams Collins first
visited the prairie, taking up a claim on the north side-now more
familiarly known as the Collins farm. He soon afterward moved to the
prairie with his wife and two small children-Mary and Ann. The elder
one, Mary, is living in Delaware County and is the widow of the late Dr.
Moses Perley. Mr. Collins was a native of Kentucky, and first came up
the Mississippi River about the year 1827, landing at Galena, and thence
proceeding to the Blue Mounds, in Wisconsin, where he resided some six
years, when, in 1833, at the first settlement of Iowa, he came to
Dubuque and commenced mining on Catfish Creek, some two miles southwest
of Dubuque. Thence he moved to Durango, where in January, 1835, he
married Kezah Hogan, a daughter of David Hogan, with whom, as above
stated, he moved to Bowen's Prairie. I do not feel justified in closing
his history just here. Born in Kentucky, he possessed in an eminent
degree that frankness, hospitality, that stern independence, that
delicate sense of honor, which marks the true Kentuckian. His wife,
also, was a model woman, remarkable for her intelligence and grace, and
for all those noble qualities of mind and heart which characterize the
true Christian lady. She died suddenly on the 30th day of September,
1842, leaving a family of five helpless children and a broken-hearted
husband. During the gold excitement, Mr. Collins went to California,
where he remained fourteen years and then returned to Bowen's Prairie.
After remaining here some five years, he moved to Warrensburg, Johnson
County, Mo., where he died some years ago.
"On the 24th of May,
1838, the Delong brothers raised a saw-mill some two miles above
Cascade, being the first saw-mill built in this vicinity. On the 12th of
June following, the Territory of Wisconsin was divided by act of
Congress, to take effect on the 3d of July following, that portion west
of the Mississippi River to constitute the Territory of Iowa. On the
11th of September, 1838, the first general election in Jones County was
held at the house of Barrett Whittemore, for the purpose of electing a
Delegate to the legislative Assembly of the Territory of Iowa. Eleven
votes were cast. Mr. Whittlesey, a candidate from Cedar County, was
present. On the 7th of December following, a meeting of the citizens of
Jones County was held at the house of Barrett Whittemore for the purpose
of taking the preliminary steps toward the organization of Jones County.
Hugh Bowen was Chairman of the meeting and William Hutton, Secretary. On
the 24th of January, 1839, the county of Jones was organized by act of
the Legislature, to take effect on the 1st of June following; also on
the same date, January 24th, an act was passed appointing three
Commissioners to locate the county seat of Jones County. The names of
the Commissioners were: Simeon Gardner, of Clinton County; Israel
Mitchell, of Linn County, and William H. Whitesides, of Dubuque County,
who were instructed to meet at the house of Thomas Dickson, of Bowen's
Prairie, for that purpose, on the second Monday in March, 1839. On the
day appointed, Mr. Mitchell arrived, and, after waiting two days and the
others failing to make their appearance, he returned without
accomplishing his mission.
"On the 1st of January, 1839, an act
was passed providing for the establishment of common schools. February,
1839, marks the era of the first settlement of Fisherville, some two
miles above Anamosa, on the Buffalo, by George H. Walworth and Gideon H.
Ford, for the purpose of building a saw-mill. Hon. Timothy Davis, of
Dubuque, was also a partner in the concern. A hewed-log house
twenty-four feet square, was erected for the accommodation of the firm.
Shortly after, two younger brothers of Mr. Walworth, to wit, C. C.
Walworth and J. D. Walworth, arrived and formed a part of the household.
On the 16th of April, 1839, Harrison Bowen, a brother of Hugh Bowen,
arrived with his family from Ohio, taking up his residence with his
brother. Joseph Berryhill, a half-brother of Mr. Bowen, arrived at the
same time. On the 23d of May, in the same year, the engineers appointed
to survey the military road from Dubuque to Iowa City, passed through
the prairie, locating the road substantially where it now runs; $20,000
were at first appropriated by the General Government for surveying,
bridging, grubbing and opening the same. Subsequently, $13,000
additional were appropriated for the same purpose. Out of this
appropriation, a Mr. Reed, of Fairview, was paid for building the first
bridge across the Wapsipinicon at Anamosa. In the same year, 1839, James
L. Langworthy, of Dubuque, also took contracts for bridging, grubbing,
and opening the road, paying $3 per mile for running a furrow to
indicate the locality of the road. July 3, 1839, witnessed the raising
of Walworth's mill, at Fisherville. Runners were sent some eighteen
miles for hands to raise. Thirty were obtained. This was probably the
first heavy raising in Jones County without whisky. Strong coffee,
richly prepared with sugar and cream, was used as a substitute. As the
raising occupied two days, all hands encamped for the night on the ample
floor. As a pastime, during the evening, an interesting discussion on
banking was held, George H. Walworth being in favor and James L.
Langworthy opposed, to the institution.
"On the 24th of July,
1839, the first political caucus in Jones County was held, at the house
of Clement Russell, for the purpose of nominating Territorial county
officers. George H. Walworth was nominated for the Assembly. On the 5th
of August, was held the second general election in Jones County,
forty-two votes being cast in Bowen's Prairie Precinct. The candidates
for Representative were Israel Mitchell and George H. Walworth. The
latter was elected. Hugh Bowen was elected Sheriff. I will relate an
incident, said to have transpired in this precinct at this election,
tending to illustrate the accommodating spirit of Justices in those
days, as well as the sensitiveness of candidates for office when their
fitness for duties was called in question. During the day of election,
it was noticed that a certain candidate was for some length of time in
close consultation with a certain Justice of the Peace. There appeared
to be great earnestness on the part of the candidate, as well as a
disposition to listen on the part of the Justice. Something was up, that
was evident, an ax to grid, if nothing more. At length an inkling of the
state of things was revealed by a favored few, who pretended to know how
matters stood. The said candidate, whom we will call Daniel, had heard
it whispered that he was incompetent for the office, in fact, that he
couldn't spell his own name correctly. This, if true, would surely have
been a damaging accusation. But the said candidate was determined that
such a glaring slander should be refuted; that obstacle, at least, in
the way of his election, should be removed. He would produce an
affidavit, signed by his own hand; that the accusation was cruelly
false; that he did know how to spell his name; that he had done it and
could do it again; that he never spelled his name Daniel; that he was
prepared to produce documents to show that he always spelt it Danill.
Having, of course, satisfied the legal voters on this point, it is
presumed they governed themselves accordingly, accepting his statement
of the case that he did spell his name with a double instead of a single
'l.'
"As horse-racing is one of the established institutions on the
day, it may not be inappropriate to trace back its history to the first
grand horse-race on Bowen's Prairie, and probably in Jones County,
tending to show, if nothing more, the respectability of its origin, its
felicitous results, and its tendency to elevate and refine the moral
sentiments of the community at large. This event happened on the 18th
day of August, 1839. The competitors were Charles Johnston and Alfred
Weatherford; the day, the holy Sabbath; the wager, a gallon of whisky;
distance to be run, eighty rods; terminus, a stake-and-ridered fence. At
the word 'go,' both parties started off at a commendable pace, but, as
they neared the fence, the said Johnston, valuing his head at a higher
figure than a gallon of whisky even, held up, and thus saved a
skull he was not prepared to break. But his competitor, Weaterford, was
not to be thus defeated; he could see in the stake-and-ridered fence
ahead something which would make him happy for a week, so for the fence
he went with all the madness of a Calmuck Tartar. His horse, however,
once in his life, seemed disposed to exercise his own rights, to-wit,
that of life and limb, and when within some twenty feet of the decisive
leap which would have mingled horse, rider and fence in one
indistinguishable ruin, suddenly stopped. The momentum,
however, carried the rider most effectually not only to but
into the desired goal, completely demolishing both rider and fence.
The conflict was over, the race won, and the whisky most cheerfully
forthcoming, the loser declaring his entire satisfaction at the result,
and proposing to repeat the contest, saying he had one more gallon he
would be happy to dispose of with similar results. Whether the race was
repeated, deponent is not informed.
"On the 24th of
August, 1839, a meeting of the citizens of Jones County was held at the
center of the county, to obtain an expression of their wishes in regard
to the county seat. On the 16th of September, 1839, Edmund Booth called
here on his way to Fisherville. It is none of our business to inquire
what his business was, or why, in a reasonable time afterward, he led to
the alter the accomplished sister of Mr. Walworth. On the 13th and 14th
of November, 1839, Joseph E. Green raised his hewed-log house, on the
premises now owned by Francis M. Hicks, being attracted to that locality
by its bountiful spring of water and beautiful scenery, and on the day
following, a dwelling-house was raised by a Mr. Michaeljohn, a
Scotchman, near the late residence of Andrew Gordon. On the 27th of the
same month, Hugh L. Johns raised a blacksmith-shop some twelve rods east
of the house of Barrett Whittemore.
"On the 21st of January,
1839, an act was passed appointing Chauncy Swan, John Ronalds and Robert
Ralston to meet at Napoleon, on the 1st day of May, 1839, and locate the
seat of government of the Territory of Iowa, resulting in its location
at Iowa City, in the county of Johnson. On the 17th of January, 1840,
the city of Dubuque was incorporated. On the 13th of March, in the same
year, ground was broken on the public square of Iowa City for the
foundation of the State House, Barrett Whittemore being plowman. On the
15th of June, 1840, the official census of Jones County was taken by
Hugh Bowen, as follows: Males, 290; females, 185; total 475. About the
20th of June in this year, the citizens of Bowen's Prairie, including
Monticello and Cascade, met at the house of Moses Collins for the
purpose of taking measures to protect their claims at the coming land
sales, from the iron grasp of land speculators, and to reconcile
conflicting claimants, so as to avoid conterbidding at the sale. A
resolution to that effect was drawn up and signed by twenty-five
persons. William Collins and Barrett Whit temore were appointed to
act as bidders for all purchasers in this vicinity, and George H.
Walworth for the same purpose in the south part of the county. "On
June 22, 1840, the land sales for this region commenced. George L.
Nightingale was Auctioneer, and Thomas McKnight, Receiver. Two townships
were sold daily, occupying about one hour. The remainder of the day was
devoted to receiving money and issuing certificates. On Thursday
following, June 25, Richland Township was offered. Only two sections
were sold, amounting to $1,600. This amount not only drained the
purchasers of their ready cash, but a considerable amount of it was
borrowed at 25 to 30 per cent interest. The remaining claims were left
unsold for the want of means to purchase with, thus subjecting the
claimants to the risk of losing their claims. The risk, however, was not
wholly on one side. Woe to the audacious speculator, who, in those days
failed to recognize the equitable rights of the occupying claimants.
During the hours of sale, the auction-room was surrounded by an
organized band of determined men, ready to inflict summary vengeance on
any who should dare to raise the bid of an actual settler, or who should
bid on land claimed by one. It must be acknowledged that the stand taken
by the settlers could not have been legally sustained, and might, in
certain contingencies, have provoked a conflict between the settlers and
the Government. But the settlers were willing to incur that risk, and
circumstances rather tended to lead to the impression that the
Government officers were inclined to avoid, if possible, such a
conflict.
"At this date, Alfred Weatherford sold his claim to
Francis Gehon, and moved to Missouri. Mr. Gehon sold to a Mr. Malony,
who, in 1847, sold to Ebenezer Little. His son is the present owner and
occupant. During this season, 1840, John Byers, then a lad of some ten
summers, came to the Prairie, taking up his residence with Hugh Bowen,
with whom he lived till about the time of his marriage to Mary Ellen
Graham, a daughter of David Graham, formerly of Bowen's Prairie, and now
a resident of Anamosa. Mr. Byers lived for some years in independent
circumstances on his farm near Langworthy, and, with his estimable lady,
still retains the cordial respect and good will of numerous friends of
his earlier days. He now lives in Great Bend, Kan.
"On the 19th
of October, 1840, the first schoolhouse on Bowen's Prairie, if not in
the county, was raised, being a private institution of Barrett
Whittemore's, and situated a few rods east of his present residence. For
some nine years, this building was used alternately as a schoolhouse, a
church and a court room. Previous to this, quite a number of settlers
had located in Cascade and vicinity, including John Rafferty, Mahlon
Lupton, Asa Leek, Lyman Dillon, Robert and George Snowden, Peter
Summers, and others whose names are not recollected. Elon Rafferty, son
of John Rafferty, still lives on or near his original homestead.
"On the 28th of January, 1841, John O'Sullivan raised his first
dwelling-house on the premises now owned by his son.
"On March
22, 1841, the District Court was held in Edinburg, probably the first
session held in the county. Thomas S. Wilson, of Dubuque, was Judge,
Hugh Bowen, Sheriff, and William Hutton, Clerk. In the lack of outside
accommodations, the court-room was used as a substitute. In the evening
was held a political discussion, in which Lewis A. Thomas, a lawyer from
Dubuque, and George H. Walworth were speakers; Charles P. Hutton also
participated, after which was had an organization of the Whig party.
This year, William Tibbetts arrived with his family, and settled on the
premises where he resided until a few years ago, when he moved into
Monticello. During his residence, he has been elected to various county
and township offices, prominent among them that of Justice of the Peace.
"On the 3d of February, 1841, Charles Johnston moved to
Missouri, but subsequently returned, and, about the year 1850, moved to
California, where he still resides.
"In 1841, John McGinty and
family moved to Bowen's Prairie, occupying a house belonging to Franklin
Dalby, where he resided some two years, when he removed to his farm, two
miles east of Cascade.
"June 21, 1841, a school was opened by
Barrett Whittemore on Bowen's Prairie, being the first school taught in
Jones County, north of the Wapsipinicon, and continuing in session, with
two short vacations, until the 4th of March, 1842, constituting a term
of thirty-five weeks, or 175 days; tuition, $3 per quarter; children
under 7 years, $2.50; whole attendance, 29; average, 15. Books used were
McGuffey's First, Second and Third Readers, Webster's Elementary
Speller, Smith's, Pike's, Daboll's and Smiley's Arithmetics. There were
eighteen writers, eleven in written arithmetic, two in geography and one
in grammar.
"On the 27th of June, 1841, Rev. Ira Blanchard, a
Baptist minister, residing in Castle Grove Township, held a religious
meeting in the schoolhouse and made appointments to preach every fourth
Sabbath after. At his second meeting, on the 24th of July following,
some seventy-five persons were present, considered then the largest
collection of persons ever assembled in Jones County; some of the
hearers residing fifteen miles distant.
"About the 1st of
January, 1842, a post office was established at Cascade; L. A. Styles,
Postmaster. On the 19th of February following, was held the first
temperance meeting in this vicinity, at a house owned by Arthur Thomas,
of Cascade. Some twenty persons were present, twelve of whom signed the
pledge. Two weeks afterward, a second meeting was held and a Temperance
Society formed; William Collins was elected President, Asa Leek, Vice
President, and William Hutton, Secretary. Temperance meetings were
frequently held afterward in this vicinity, awakening considerable
interest in the cause, but instigating the enmity of the rumsellers.
"During the year 1842, the Delong family sold their lands in Cascade
and vicinity to the following purchasers: Caleb Bucknam, since deceased;
G. G. Banghart and John Taylor, the present occupants. Most of Mr.
Bucknam's original purchase is now merged in the village of Cascade. Mr.
Banghart has been a prominent merchant in Cascade for nearly the whole
period of his residence there, some thirty-seven years, occasionally
assuming the duties which the county or township imposed on him. He was
elected County Commissioner of Jones County soon after its organization,
performing his duties with credit and ability. John Taylor was a native
of Rockingham County, N. H., whence he emigrated to New York at the age
of sixteen, thence to Wisconsin, subsequently to Dubuque, and thence to
Jones County, as above stated. Soon after his arrival, he was elected
Probate Judge of Jones County, which office he held for three years. In
1844, he was elected as Delegate to the Convention for framing a State
Constitution, and has been repeatedly elected as State Representative,
serving in that capacity six or eight sessions in all. It is not
necessary to speak of him as a neighbor and citizen, what the writer
could say would be deemed a cold compliment by those numerous recipients
of his bounty, by the desolate bosoms which have been cheered by his
sympathy, and by alienated hearts which have been reconciled by his
timely and wise counsels.
"June 17 and 18, 1843, witnessed the
arrival on the prairie of Otis Whittemore and wife, with a
brother-in-law, John H. Eaton. He soon after laid claim to his old
premises on Bowen's Prairie, which he commenced improving and on which
he resided some twenty-four years, when, nine years ago, he moved to
Monticello, where he now resides. He took a prominent part in building
the Congregational Churches both in Cascade and Bowen's Prairie. About
the year 1854, he opened a store on Bowen's Prairie, and, for several
years, supplied most of the inhabitants with dry goods and groceries. In
1860, he was elected a Representative to the State Legislature. He has
always been a stanch advocate of temperance, freedom and the moral
reforms of the day.
"In 1854, Phillip Cline arrived on the
Prairie, and purchased the premises known as the Cline farm, where he
continued to reside for some thirty years, when he moved to Nebraska. He
was a native of Virginia; moved thence to Ohio; thence to Illinois, and
finally to Bowen's Prairie. He has seen a large family of children grow
up under his care; several have died; one still resides here. The others
are eligibly situated with homes of their own. The oldest son, William,
influenced by the glaring reports from California, about the year 1850,
joined the crowd of adventurers, and, after an absence of three years,
returned, not as too many are foolish enough to do, with an elephant on
his foot and a flea in his ear, but did the more sensible thing of
returning with a pocket full of rocks. Surely this double present of a
husband and a fortune must have been somewhat bewildering to any young
lady, and we must not be much surprised if his fairy-bird was not an
exception. Be that as it may, he is now living in very comfortable style
in an elegant mansion, with his wife and children, with an abundance of
rich acres surrounding him, and I presume, hardly dreams that some
twenty-six years have glided away since the enactment of the drama just
described.
"William Brazleton moved to the Prairie in the year
1845, and first settled on the premises now owned by A. R. Doxsee, and
upon which he resided until the year 1849, cultivating and improving his
farm, and burning brick. He erected the first brick house built in this
vicinity, being the one now owned and occupied by the widow of Robert
Bunting. He subsequently moved to Independence, Buchanan County, where
he opened a hotel and ran it with profit to himself and satisfaction to
the traveling public. Believing the locality an unhealthy one, he sold
out and returned to the Prairie, and purchased the farm on which his son
now resides. By availing himself of all the modern improvements in
husbandry, and in building and household conveniences, he rendered his
premises an inviting resort for all lovers of scientific husbandry. He
now resides near Monticello, and, having been successful in accumulating
a competency sufficient to release him from the necessity of physical
toil, it is to be hoped that he will still continue to be, as he has
been, the defender of an honest appropriation of the revenues."
It will be noticed that some of the above points are elsewhere referred
to, but only so much as to fully corroborate what is written.—(ED.)
Bowen's Prairie First Congregational Church.—This
church was organized March 23, 1853; Rev. E. Wright, of Anamosa,
preached on the occasion. The following persons were admitted to
membership at the time of organization: John White and wife, Lucian Rice
and wife, Edmund Blodgett and wife, Otis Whittemore and wife, Barrett
Whittemore and wife, and Fanny S. Flint.
April 2, 1853, the
Church met and agreed to accept the Rules and Articles of Faith of the
Dubuque Congregational Church. In May following, four members were added
to the Church by letter. There have labored with this Church in the
Gospel ministry: Revs. T. H. Canfield, S. C. Cady, J. Searles, I Russell, W.
Apthorp, C. S. Thompson, N. Closson and the present Pastor, Rev. Harvey
Adams, one of the "Iowa Band." The communion service was the gift of
Mrs. James Bowen.
The First Congregational society was formed
September, 1853, to co-operate with the Church in building a house of
worship. The foundation was laid the first of October, and the church
completed and dedicated the following June. The cost of the edifice was
$1,300, three hundred of which was donated from the Church Building
Fund. This church has a fine bell, the cost of which was partly donated
by Asa Bowen, Otis Whittemore and others; $100 was raised by means of a
bell-festival. Otis Whittemore donated the ground upon which the church
was built, and also donated the grounds for the parsonage and half an
acre of land for cemetery purposes, near the church. The cemetery has
since been enlarged.
This Church had for many years one of the
finest choirs in this part of the State. There were at one time sixty
members in the choir. At the outbreak of the war, a number of the young
men became volunteers, and the following were among the number: Alfred
Hines, killed at the battle of Pea Ridge; Edgar Heims, died in camp at
Helena, Ark., and Frederick Blodgett, died at Memphis, in hospital. He
was an only son of Edmund S. Blodgett. On receipt of the news of the
death of the above, the orchestra of the church was draped in mourning
for many days. Much of the work of erecting the church edifice was done
by Mr. Otis Whittemore, who was the leader of the choir for many years.
Mr. Whittemore also donated the grounds on which the M.E. Church at
Bowen's Prairie was built.
SCOTCH GROVE TOWNSHIP
The first
settlement in this township was made in 1836 or 1837, and, consequently,
Scotch Grove is one of the very earliest settled districts in the
county. The first settlers were Scotch emigrants from the Selkirk
settlements, in British America, on the Red River of the North. They are
said to have traveled the whole distance in ox-carts of the most
antiquated style of construction. The hardships and privations incident
to their journey-nearly a thousand miles-were numerous, and such as must
have tried the very souls of these hardy pioneers to an extent that
entitles them to the everlasting respect of all who now enjoy the
advantages of this rich and populous district of the county of Jones.
The indomitable will and courageous spirit of these early settlers have
stamped their impress upon the character of the district in which they
located, that will continue to be felt for a long time to come. The
honor that is justly their due has never been paid to them, and the
passing notice we give to them is by no means commensurate with their
just deserts.
The first settlers were John and Alexander
Sutherland, Joseph Bremner, Alexander McLlain and David McCoy. After
these came Ebenezer Sutherland, Donald Sutherland and Donald Sinclair,
who came in about 1838. Donald Livingston came in 1840, and settled near
what is now the poor farm on the west side of Scotch Grove. About 1843,
M. H. Hutton, and, somewhat later, L. J. Dreibelbis and Mathew Dawson
settled in the township. In 1841, John E. Lovejoy, who had settled in
Clay Township in 1839, came into Scotch Grove, and is still a resident,
though he has at times been a resident of other portions of the country
for a time, and was, for three years and a half, Consul to Peru, under
the appointment of President Lincoln.
At the time of the first
settlement, there were no houses between the military road and Canton.
The nearest market was Dubuque, and the nearest mill at Catfish Creek,
and was a very poor excuse for a mill at that. The places now called
cities were almost without inhabitant. Maquoketa had a few settlers
about it, and Dubuque was a mere hamlet. A few accessions were made
occasionally until 1850, when some pioneers arrived from Indiana and
Pennsylvania, and the spies having sent back a favorable report, others
followed thick and fast, and now the township is thickly settled. Taken
as a whole, it may be said that this township is unsurpassed for beauty
of location by any in the county, and but few, if any, in the State. The
South Fork of the Maquoketa waters the township on the north, along
which there is good timber. Mineral Creek waters it in the southeast,
and another small stream runs through about the center. The soil is a
black, sandy loam, yielding abundantly to the cultivator, though it
requires care and attention to develop its full resources. The
inhabitants are, as a rule, a moral, temperate and industrious people.
During the late civil war, Scotch Grove was among the first in the
county to send volunteers to the front, to fight for the preservation of
the Union, and she continued equally patriotic throughout the long
struggle.
The small village of Scotch Grove is on the Davenport
Branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, in the west part of
the township. H. D. Hanna has a general store, and is also the
proprietor of a flourishing creamery.
CHURCHES AND RED RIVER
EMIGRANTS
The Scotch Grove Presbyterian Church is situated on
Section 22 of the township and near the center of the county. The
original county seat was located in the southwest corner of this
township and named Edinburg, near which the society laid out its burying
ground and intended to build its church. When the township was named
Scotch Grove, in 1831, the name of the Church was changed to correspond.
Its present location, nearly east of Scotch Grove Station, is four miles
northeast of the historic Edinburg. This Church was organized in 1841,
by Rev. M. Hummer, of Iowa City, then the capital of the State. Its
first members were Highland Scotch families from the Red River
settlement of Lord Selkirk, in British America, a rival of the Hudson
Bay Company. They had gone to this place in 1810, and had suffered
considerable hardships from the jealousy of the Hudson Bay Company, from
the severity of the climate and the depredations of the grasshopper, and
had been disappointed of the services of a Presbyterian minister, which
Lord Selkirk had promised them. One of their number, Alexander McLain,
had gone to Dubuque about 1835, and invited them to follow him, and he
came with them to the Maquoketa timber, where many of them took up
claims. James Livingstone, Alexander Rose and Angus Mathieson went to
the Upper Grove, near Hopkinton, while James Mathieson, the McIntyres
and the Campbells went on to the other side of the Mississippi, opposite
Bellevue. The first company came to Jones County in 1837, while Indians
were still roving in the neighborhood, which were not removed by the
Government to Kansas until 1846. The families who came in the first
company were John Sutherland and his large family of boys, Alexander
Sutherland and family, Joseph Bremner, David McCoy and Alexander McLain.
Next year, four families arrived, Donald and Ebenezer Sutherland, Donald
Sinclair and John McLaine. In 1840, Donald Livingston, David Esson and
John Livingston came, making in all about seventy-five persons. They
traveled in ox carts, such as are still used by the Pembina half-breeds
in the Red River country. They are made without any iron, and are
generally drawn by one ox, whose harness is made of untanned
buffalo-hide.
The first death in the settlement occurred in
1839, and was that of Mrs. Isabel Sutherland, the mother of Donald,
Alexander and Eben Sutherland and Mrs. McIntyre. For two years after the
Church was formed, there was no preaching except the occasional visits
of Methodist ministers. John Sutherland and Donald Livingston were the
first Elders. In 1843, Rev. Samuel Cowles, of West Point, Lee Co., 130
miles distant, visited them on his way to the Presbytery at Dubuque, and
promised to preach for them as often as he could on his large circuit
through Linn Grove and Marion. Those were the days of large circuits,
and of ministers with saddle-bags instead of satchels. Mr. Cowles was an
earnest, able and pious minister, whose visits were welcomed by old and
young. He preached to these scattered Churches about five times a year
for seven years. He died in 1868. In 1850, Rev. F. A. Pratt preached for
one year, and his wife taught select school in the house of E.
Sutherland. He is still living, without a charge, in Mankato, Minn. In
1851, Rev. James Gallatin, one of the famous Gallatins of Pennsylvania,
originally from Geneva, Switzerland, came just as the brethren had
finished a new frame church (which stood in the middle of the graveyard
in old-country fashion, and preached the first sermon in the new church
and continued to labor faithfully on that charge and at Maquoketa for
five years, when he was suddenly removed by death, and was buried on the
east side of the church, where a modest gravestone tells of his
cherished memory. He chose to serve his country friends, although
frequently called as a minister by the Churches of Dubuque and
Muscatine. He was succeeded, in 1856, by Rev. James L. Wilson, who
continued their Pastor for sixteen years. During his ministrations, in
1861, the second church was built, which they now occupy. This church
cost over $2,000, and was built without aid from abroad. It is furnished
with a fine bell, and has the modern addition of an excellent organ. The
Rev. John Rice, a graduate of Glasgow College, and the Reformed
Presbyterian Seminary, in Paisley, Scotland, has supplied this charge
for the last six years.
This Church has been the mother of
several of the same denomination in the county, namely, Wayne, Bethel,
Onslow, Anamosa and Center Junction, and a former Pastor held stated
service at Canton, Ozark and Cascade. The present membership is 74, but
288 persons have been members of this Church. Besides those previously
mentioned, the following have been Elders: David M. Cook, James Clark,
Mathew Dawson, Robert B. McCullough, John Bentley, Dr. Hugh McKean, S.
Hazen Clark, Lyman B. Hoyt, Thomas Lyons, William Clark, David
Sutherland and Dr. Alexander McKean. The following have been Deacons:
Donald Sutherland, John Gibson, Phillip Kuhns, John and William A.
Sutherland, Donald Sutherland, Jr., William H. Bolton, William and
Robert Sutherland and Angus Sinclair.
In 1852, and soon after, a
large number of people from Western Pennsylvania, principally
Presbyterians, settled in the neighborhood and united with the Church.
Prominent among these were Rev. James McKean and his family of boys. He
had preached for twenty years, in Waynesburg, Ohio. The old Church is
still vigorous, and vies with its youthful companions in earnest,
faithful effort to promote the cause of morality and religion.
In 1858, a Methodist Episcopal Church was built at the little village of
Jonsontown, in the southeastern part of the township, but village and
Church afterward suffered because of the superior attractions of
railroad centers. About ten years later, another Methodist Episcopal
Church was built on Section 16, one and a half miles east of the
railroad station. Regular service is held in the latter church.
In 1872, the Christian denomination erected a house of worship at Scotch
Grove Station, and is in a prosperous condition.
This township
combined with Wayne, have greater church facilities than any other three
townships in the county. It can be said of them, with emphasis, that
they are a church-going, law-abiding, patriotic and prosperous people.
CLAY TOWNSHIP
Clay is one of the oldest-settled townships in
the county. The first permanent settlers were David Killam, John E.
Holmes, Benjamin Collins, Truman Brown and Madison Brown, who were here
before 1838. John E. Lovejoy, now of Scotch Grove, came in 1839; P. D.
Turner and Horace Turner came the same year, and, in the following
spring, Lyman Turner, the father of P. D. and Horace. From 1840 to 1850,
a few settlers came in, but in the latter year, the tide of emigrants
which came pouring West, reached that place, and Clay Township was
rapidly settled from that time on. A small portion of the village of
Canton is in this township, and Canton may be called the commercial
center. In early years, considerable lumber was manufactured at Canton.
The South Fork of the Maquoketa enters the township at the northwest
corner, and crossing to the east, leaves the township at the village of
Canton. Along the river there is a good body of timber. The land along
the river is a good deal broken and some of it rather sandy, but where
it can be tilled gives good crops. Mineral Creek runs through the
township near the south side, entering it near the north line of Section
31, and leaving it about a mile and a half north of the southeast corner
of the township. The land in the prairie districts is abundantly
productive, and the township is well watered and timbered.
Taken
as a whole, Clay compares favorably with other townships of the county.
BETHEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
This Church was organized June
14, 1870, at the schoolhouse in the southwest quarter of Clay Township,
by a committee of the Dubuque Presbytery. The committee consisted of
Revs. S. Hodge, D. D., J. L. Wilson and Elder Judge McKean. Previous to
the year 1861, Rev. George E. Delavan, of Wyoming, had preached in this
neighborhood, and on his death, which took place that year, Rev. James
L. Wilson, of Scotch Grove, was invited and continued to preach at the
Paul Schoolhouse in Wyoming Township, every two weeks, from June 16,
1861, till the close of 1872. In 1865, these services were held in the
Paul Schoolhouse, Clay Township, and the Lord's Supper was administered
frequently here, the Elders of Scotch Grove assisting, with which Church
the most of the brethren in this neighborhood had united.
April
27, 1870, a petition was sent by these friends to the Presbytery and a
committee appointed as above stated, who, in company with Revs. H. N.
Potter, of Epworth, Moderator, and Justus L. Janes, of Wyoming, met as
stated, on the 16th of June, 1870, and organized Bethel Presbyterian
Church, of Clay Township.
Andrew Scroggie and Stephen R.
Streeper were chosen Elders, and ordained and installed by the
committee.
Arrangements were also made to build a church
edifice, but as soon after a Church was formed in Onslow, agreement was
made with the Free-Will Baptist Church in Clay, to have services in
their church, which has been continued till the present time. A charter
and by-laws were adopted and legally executed December 17, 1870.
On January 13, 1873, Rev. J. L. Wilson resigned the pastoral charge
of this Church, and, on May 25, Rev. John Rice preached and was invited
to return and has since continued to preach to this Church in connection
with Scotch Grove.
On June 16, 1877, a congregational meeting
was held, Rev. John Rice presiding, at which time it was resolved to
adopt the limited term of office for the Elders and Deacons, whereby
each is to serve three years; and the following were chosen as Elders:
Andrew Scroggie, Stephen R. Streeper, Andrew Duncanson and Thomas
Hamilton; and as Deacons, A. P. Ornsby, John Dennison and David H. Orr,
and on November 4, they were duly installed.
This Church, at its
yearly meeting, January 8, 1879, gave strong expression to the
principles of the Presbyterian Church, on subjects of temperance and
dancing.
Officers, 1879: John Orr, Chairman; John Dennison,
Secretary; A. P. Ornsby, Treasurer.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
There are but few counties in which there is no Washington Township, and
Jones County is no exception to the rule. This is the northeast township
of the county, and is one of the first settled portions in it. The north
fork of the Maquoketa River enters the northeast corner, crosses to the
southeast and leaves the township about a half-mile north of the
southeast corner. The Whitewater branch of the Maquoketa enters the
township from the north, a mile west of the northeast corner, and unites
with the latter in the north part of Section 10. Farm Creek crosses the
southwest portion, and, entering Clay Township on the south, empties
into the south fork of the Maquoketa a little north of the center of
that township.
The surface of Washington is quite broken and
hilly, and a large portion is timber-land. The soil, when cultivated, is
productive, and the settlers are mostly Irish. Among the pioneers in
this township were C. P. Hutton, who was one of the first Board of
County Commissioners, as is stated elsewhere; James Hutton, the son of
C. P. Hutton, who now resides in Scotch Grove Township; Abraham
Hostetter and a Mr. Mefford. These settlers there about 1836 or 1837.
William Radford, Mahlon Lupton, William Rafferty and George Banghart,
came and settled in Washington, not far from the same time. A portion of
the city of Cascade is in the northwest corner of this township and in
the northeast corner of Richland, but the greater portion is in the
county of Dubuque, and Cascade is properly a Dubuque County city.
The early history of this township is more or less identical with
that of Richland, and is given in a chapter by Barrett Whittemore.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP
This township is east of Fairview and west
of Madison. The surface is, largely, rolling prairie land; in parts it
is somewhat broken. The Wapsipinicon River enters from the west, near
the center, and running southeast, leaves the township a mile west of
the southeast corner. Along the river, there is good timber-land, and
there is considerable timber in the northeast corner. The village of
Newport is in the south part, on the Wapsipinicon, and consists, at the
present time, of only a small collection of dwellings and a grist-mill.
There is an excellent water-power at this point, and this village was
once the county seat. One of the finest bridges spans the Wapsipinicon
at this place that there is in the county. It is an iron structure, and
rests upon good, solid, stone abutments.
The Christian Church
society have a small brick church edifice in the northwestern part of
the township, and there is a fine schoolhouse in the same neighborhood.
The first settlers in the township were James Sherman and Adam Overacker.
They were here as early as 1838 or 1839. Sherman settled in the eastern
part, and in early times was a Justice of the Peace. Overacker settled
in the neighborhood of Newport. Levi Cronkhite, David Myers, Anthony
Overacker settled also in the neighborhood of Newport. David German
settled in the eastern part, near Sherman. Rueben Bunce, now of Anamosa,
was also an old settler in Jackson. In the year 1846, Francis Byerly,
Michael Byerly, Jacob Byerly, Andrew Byerly, John Byerly, William Byerly
and Adam Byerly came and settled in the neighborhood of Newport. William
Benadon and Simon P. Benadon came with the Byerlys, Charles Beam came
also about the same time. Daniel Slife came in 1849. From this time on,
the settlers came in rapidly and Jackson is now well settled and well
improved.
CASS TOWNSHIP
This township is north of
Fairview, and, though not the earliest settled, comprises a portion of
the very best farming land in the county. The south portion is
considerably broken, and is principally timber-land, and a small
district in north is likewise hilly and uneven. The central portion is a
beautiful prairie district, almost entirely level or slightly
undulating. The farms are in a good state of cultivation, and the
farmhouses and barns good and substantial. The Buffalo Creek runs across
the southwest corner, and the Dubuque & Southwestern Branch of the
Chicago & Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway crosses the southwest. In the
center of the township the Congregational Church society has a good
house of worship, and there is a Methodist Church two miles north of the
center. In the southwestern portion there is one of the most flourishing
creameries in the county, owned and operated by Messrs. Stuart &
Chadwick. Among the early settlers of this township were Elisha Dodge,
now of Monticello, Solomon Thomas, Mr. Pitcher, George Hall, Alex.
Crawford, A. P. Condit, John Powell, M. Reaves, Linus Osborne, David
Osborne, John Reaves, Silas Samms, Jonas Samms, Robert Dondit, Oliver
Doyle, Mr. Acres, John Wallace and others.
There were but few
settlers in the township until the year 1854, and the population
increased rapidly after that time.
WAYNE TOWNSHIP
This
fine agricultural township lies immediately south of Monticello and
northeast of Anamosa. It is surpassed by none in the fertility of its
soil and the character of its inhabitants. While in many portions of the
township the land is comparatively level, yet, as a whole, it is
abruptly rolling and uneven, interspersed with rich lowlands and lined
by several small ravines. Primeval forests are not found, but areas of
thrifty young timber are not rare. Nearly all the land is tillable, and
is watered by Kitty Creek with its two main branches and their small
tributaries. The southern sections constitute a "ridge" or water-shed
from which small streams flow northward, and others to the southeast.
The township is traversed by no river. The soil is generally a sandy
loam, which produces excellent small grain, fair corn, good grass, and
nearly all the varieties of fruit which are adapted to this latitude.
Areas of alluvial soil yield premium corn. Their luxuriant meadows and
cultivated grasses supply winter food for the cattle gathered in from
their "thousand hills." The township is well adapted to general farming
and the dairy business, which latter interest is rapidly becoming
prominent.
EARLY SETTLEMENT
The first permanent settler
was James Spencer, who located in the north part of the township in the
spring of 1840. It was the general intention to name the township in his
honor, but at the organization in 1856, "Wayne" was chosen in memory of
a county in Ohio.
J. McLaughlin is said to have built a cabin
and dug a well on land now owned by Hon G. W. Lowell, as early as 1838,
and possibly a few others may have founded claims before J. Spencer, but
they remained only a short time, and he was the earliest settler still
residing in the township at date of its organization. His widow lives in
Monticello with her son-in-law, Joseph Clark. The growth of the township
was not rapid until after 1850. During the decade prior to 1860, the
population increased a hundred-fold. Notwithstanding its natural
advantages, it was among the last to be settled, and was the latest
organized in the county.
ORGANIZATION
This township,
previously nameless, was organized on the 7th of April, 1856, at the
house of O. G. Scrivens, by the electors of said township, who were
convened by call of Joseph Gant, who had been appointed for that purpose
on the 15th of March preceding, by G. C. Mudgett, the County Judge.
The Judges of election were Jacob Zigler, T. Hartman and Henry
Simmons. The Clerks of said election were B. F. Gant and John Clark. The
first township officers elected were: Justices of the Peace, David M.
Cook and Alpheus Johnson; Constables, William Nelson and R. Batchelder;
Assessor, John Clark; Town Clerk, Joseph Gaut; Trustees, O. M. Gaut, J.
Goodin, T. Hartman; Road Supervisor, O. G. Scrivens.
Twenty-three votes were cast at said election. The following list
includes a majority of all the early settlers, and their nativity, who
located in Wayne Township at any time prior to its organization in 1856;
E. Ackerman, New York; I. Ackerman, New York; W. Armatige, Pennsylvania;
Robert Barnhill, Indiana; George Brown, Indiana; John Batchelder, New
Hampshire; Steven Batchelder, New Hampshire; N. Batchelder, New
Hampshire; Romance Batchelder, New Hampshire; B. Batchelder, New
Hampshire; A. Batchelder, New Hampshire; N. Bigley, Pennsylvania; Warren
Burrough, N. Y.; Martin Barts, Pennsylvania; John Clark, Pennsylvania;
J. C. Clark, Pennsylvania; David Cook, Pennsylvania; Roswell Crane, New
York; Joseph Dawson, Pennsylvania; Z. Dunning, New York; M. Davis,
_______; C. S. Gilkey, Michigan; O. M. Gaut, Pennsylvania; Joseph Gaut,
Pennsylvania; Benjamin Gaut, Pennsylvania; A. Himebaugh, Illinois; L.
Hitchcock, Pennsylvania; Stephen Hester, Indiana; George Hall, New
Hampshire; T. Hartman, Pennsylvania; William Jorden, _______; Alpheus
Johnson, New York; George W. Lovell, Michigan; Daniel Loper,
Pennsylvania; J. McDonald, Canada; G. C. Mudgett, Indiana; James Milne,
New York; John McBride, Pennsylvania; W. H. Perine, Ohio; David Reed,
Pennsylvania; Robert Reed, Pennsylvania; James Spencer, Pennsylvania;
Thomas Schoonover, Indiana; G. Schoonover, Indiana; L. Schoonover,
Illinois; H. Simmons, Illinois; O. G. Scrivers, Indiana; James Stacy,
New York; E. Stroman, Pennsylvania; William Sanford, Ohio; A. Sanford,
Ohio; W. P. Sanford, Ohio; C. Taylor, New Hampshire; D. Tucker, New
Hampshire; M. Tippen, Ohio; S. Wooster, New Hampshire; E. Wooster, New
Hampshire; Jacob Zigler, Pennsylvania.
In the newly organized
township, the first school was taught by Miss Nellie McConnon, in the
house of Roswell Crane at Langworthy, but Miss Martha Crane, and
doubtless others, had taught school in the unnamed and unorganized
township. Miss McConnon afterward married W. H. Proctor, a merchant in
Monticello, and has since died.
COUNTY FARM
The State of
Iowa, through C. P. Hutton and T. S. Dawson, Commissioners of Jones
County, donated to Jones County the northeast quarter of Section 36, in
Wayne Township, on the 20th of June 1840. This, with subsequent
additions and modifications, constitutes the "County Poor Farm." It now
contains about 200 acres, and the county has occupied and improved it
since about 1860. The first Steward was O. B. Doyle. It has been for ten
years in charge of John Platner and wife, who are regarded as thoroughly
competent. General farming is practiced. The beneficiaries of the
institutions average fully twenty in constant attendance, and comprise
nearly all nationalities and all colors, and all ages, from the nursling
to the veteran of nearly ninety winters. The county is burdened with
several who are incurably insane. While the policy of the county is to
decline furnishing a comfortable retreat for all the lazy, able-bodied,
willingly dependent applicants for its charities, nevertheless, the
treatment of all its unfortunate is considerate and humane.
VILLAGES
Langworthy, now a station on the Southwestern Branch of
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, was laid out by Col. W. T.
Shaw, January 2, 1858. It is situated in the northwestern part of the
township, and contains about one hundred and twenty-five souls. It has
one general store, one creamery, one idle cheese-factory, one
blacksmith-shop, one shoemaker's shop, a post office, a depot, a church,
express office, and no saloon. A. H. Hall is the merchant, and is doing
an average annual business of $12,000. He is also the acceptable servant
of the people and the United States Government as Postmaster. The
obliging station agent, J. A. Rollins, informs us that the total amount
of freight and passenger business is annually about $1,700, which
includes the transportation of seventy-five tons of butter and
twenty-five carloads of live-stock. The "Crescent Creamery," described
elsewhere, is the chief enterprise of the place.
Amber—This
enterprising little village is in the southern central part of Wayne,
and has grown up since the autumn of 1874, when the Midland depot was
there located. It now has one general store, kept by Mrs. C. E. Sanford
& Son, one wagon-shop, by J. P. Hollenback, one blacksmith-shop, by W.
H. Green, one carpenter-shop, one paint-shop, two warehouses, a depot,
express office and post office; there is also a lumber-yard and an
office for the sale of agricultural implements. J. C. Ramsey, the
station agent, buys annually 30,000 bushels of grain, and Hartman &
Sanford have shipped 15,000 bushels this year. Forty-five car loads of
live stock are shipped annually; 950,000 feet of lumber are sold, and
$700 received for the sale of tickets. The founders of Amber were the
Hartmans, the Sanfords and J. C. Ramsey, and they are still prominent in
business. T. Hartman, a pioneer, is the original Postmaster. The post
office was established in 1873, with the name of Blue Cut, which was, on
the 1st of July, 1878, changed to Amber.
CREAMERIES
On the eastern central part of Wayne is the noted Diamond Creamery of H.
D. Sherman & Co., proprietors. Howard Putnam, Superintendent. It was
opened in the spring of 1878, and the average amount of milk used per
month the first season was 10,000 pounds. Average per month in 1879,
14,000 pounds.
This creamery uses the Orange County deep-setting
pans, the square revolving churn and the Walker Patent Butter-Worker.
The milk is entirely supplied from Wayne Township, and twenty-seven
pounds are used in the manufacturer of a pound of butter. This creamery
received the first premium for Iowa butter and the sweepstakes at the
International Exhibition in New York in 1878.
The Crescent
Creamery, C. E. Marvin, Proprietor and Superintendent, is located
at Langworthy station, and is ample in all its appointments. This was
erected early in 1879, and is receiving a monthly average of 265,000
pounds of milk from the dairies in Wayne Township, and the monthly
product of butter is nearly 12,000 pounds, and pays to farmers about
$25,000 per year. Some small dairies average forty pounds per day for
each cow for nine months. An artesian well supplies the creamery with
constant and pure water. Philadelphia and New York monopolize the
"Crescent" and "Diamond" products.
Near
Langworthy, also, is the neat little creamery owned by Minor Davis,
which receives an average of 2,000 pounds per day during the season.
All of these creameries are recently established, and the farmers of
Wayne are thus given a home market for $50,000 worth of the most
profitable farm product.
CHURCHES
The oldest church in Wayne is that of the United Presbyterian, on the
eastern border, near Scotch Grove, which is the nearest post office. It
was organized on the 12th of May, 1856, with twelve members. One hundred
and eighty-six persons have been members of this Church. The first
Pastor was the Rev. A. J. Allen, and the present Pastor, the Rev. W. D.
Ralston, has been in charge since 1864. The present Elders are Matthew
Nelson, Robert Heasty, J. L. Acheson, James Milne and George L.
Himebaugh. The church and parsonage are valued at $3,000. The present
church edifice was erected in 1865, and, from the shape of its spire is
locally known as "The four-horned church." Many of its members reside in
Scotch Grove.
The Langworthy Circuit of the Methodist Episcopal Church was
organized in October, 1859, by the Rev. Bishop Isabel, and has enjoyed a
continuous itinerant pastorate. The preacher in charge is the Rev. R.
Ricker. The present edifice, named the "Springer Memorial," was built in
1872. The first Trustees were P. G. Bonewitz, Minor Davis, Michael
Tippin, H. Albertson, J. F. Wilkins, Z. Dunning and F. J. Fish.
The Burr Oak M. E. Church, a charge on the Langworthy Circuit, also
erected a new church in the autumn of 1872, the Rev J. M. Hedge being
Pastor. The first Trustees were Daniel Loper, Ephraim Stroman, George
Soper, Jacob Fryberger and Jacob Rhue.
There are three German
Churches, the oldest of which is the German Evangelican Lutheran St.
John's congregation, (of Unaltered Augsburg Confession). This society
was organized in 1861, the first minister being R. Oswald. Their new
church was built in 1877.
The Evangelical Lutheran Zion's
congregation built a church in 1874, and their first Minister was J. J.
Oetjen.
The United German Lutheran Reformed Church was organized
in 1876, and their first minister was George Rettig. This society holds
no service at the present date.
Town Officers—The
following is a list of town officers elected October 14, 1879: Town
Clerk, P. M. Himebaugh; Trustee, Noah Bigley: Assessor, J. C. Lawrence;
Collector, A. H. Hall; Constable, Orange Lawrence.
Road Supervisors—District No. 1, T. Tobiasen; No. 2, J. C.
Lawrence; No. 3, H. Adams; No. 4, W. B. Allen; No. 5, G. L. Himebaugh;
No. 6, George Schoonover; No. 7, Henry Hoyen; No. 8, T. Borderker; No.
9, J. D. Priest; No. 10, Horace Soper; No. 11, Peter Hartman; No. 12,
Henry Hartman; No. 13, H. J. Jacobs; No. 14, H. Harms; No. 15, Noah
Bigley; No. 16, E. Stroman.
The township is traversed by three
railroads, two of which are controlled by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul, and the other is the Midland Branch of the Chicago &
North-Western. Most of the residents of Wayne own the farms they
cultivate. The majority are Americans, but a large percentage in the
north and east are German and others, foreign-born. The population, in
1875, was 1,135. Two hundred and three votes were cast at the election
in October, 1879, but the number of male adults exceeds that number,
since many foreigners do not care to assume the duties of citizenship,
although this class, together with all others, unite to form one
industrious, thrifty and moral community.