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         FIRST THINGS. The first land broken between the Iowa River and Muscatine Slough was by David Morgan for Christopher Shuck, in 1835.

The first representative from this county to the Territorial Legislature of Iowa was Jacob Mintun.

Rev. Alex Blakie, an Associate Reform minister, preached the first sermon in the county.

The first celebration of the 4th of July in Louisa County was held on the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 30, township 76, range 4 west.

Dr. John Bell delivered the oration, and Leonard Hutchinson read the Declaration of Independence. Mr. Dolly prepared the dinner.

The first military company in the county of Louisa and the State of Iowa to be fully equipped was the Union Guards of Columbus City. They organized in 1857, and elected W. W. Garner, Captain. The company was uniformed in gray, neatly trimmed in black. It took part in numerous public gatherings and celebrations.

According to Mrs. Joseph Higbee the first minister of the Gospel was Rev. C. R. Fisk; the first school was taught by John Fergeson; the first marriage was that of H. Long and Mary Lacey; the first birth was that of John McCleary; the first death was that of E. Shuck; the first Recorder, Treasurer and Surveyor was John Gilliland.