LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

Submitted by Lynn McCleary May 11, 2022
(transcribed as written)

Page 10

AN INCIDENT OF OAKLAND TOWNSHIP IN 1839

    The votes of three townships voted in Concord township (Fredonia) and having more settlers than the others, they out-voted the others and elected all o the officers in their own township. So the settlers in Union and Oakland townships got together and made out their own ticket. They had to cross two rivers in canoes that would hold only two men at one trip, so they appeared at the polls tow at a time and casually voted. They had called out every voter in the two townships and agreed to all use the same ballot. The polls were in the old hotel and the ballot box was a tall silk hat with a shingle laid on top and held down with a stone. There was no suspicion as to the result of the vote until almost time to close the polls, then Union and Oakland townships had all the offices, the first time they had had any representation in the offices, gained y strategy, which is nothing new in politics.

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AN INDIAN INCIDENT

    Barstow and Zebina Williams came from Indiana in 1837 and entered land on Long Creek, built a log cabin, then worked out to help anyone who needed help in clearing ground or building cabins. When leaving their cabin they would fasten the door safe as they thought, but on their return would find all their food gone. In their absence the Indians would break in and hunt until they had found all the food.

    Barstow opened his home for preaching after he married. Both brothers married Hall sisters. One day the preacher was talking very loud and gesticulating with his arms and some Indians came in and demanded “fire water”. They said the preacher had “fire water” and they wanted some. It took force to get them out of the house and get rid of them. Sermon by Elder Ross.