Pg 648

         OAKLAND TOWNSHIP. This township was organized in 1853, its first election being held April 4 of that year. The township was named by Charles H. Abbott, for a township in Michigan where he formerly resided. It comprises all of township 76, range 5 west, lying east of the Iowa River, and that territory lying in Louisa County between the forks of the Iowa and Cedar Rivers. This township was formerly a part of Fredonia, and all elec- . . .

Pg 649

. . . tions were held at the village of that name. In order to vote the citizens of this township were compelled to cross the Cedar River, which made it very inconvenient. They therefore held a caucus at old Port Allen, with a view of electing officers for the township who lived west of the river. In pursuance of this idea, after consultation, they ferried across the river in an Indian canoe, two at a time, until about thirty men were collected around the voting place at Fredonia. Sauntering up and quietly casting their ballots, in order to allay suspicion of their scheme, they then returned to their homes. A short time before the polls closed, those residing on the east side of the river suspected that something was wrong, and that they were being out-voted. Putting some boys on horses they sent them out in all directions to bring in voters from their side of the river; but too late, all the township officers elected being from the west side of the river. The citizens of Fredonia, not liking the plight they were in, petitioned the County Court to set off the territory now comprised the township of Oakland from Fredonia Township, which was accordingly done. It is stated that the ballot box used at this election was a plug hat belonging to John Tucker, afterward County Treasurer. As a cover to the hat a shingle was used, with a slot through which to drop the ballots. There was a jug of whisky standing outside in the sand, in front of the hotel where the election was held, which was free to all.

At one time there was a post-office at the old Port Allen kept by Hiram Hall, but it was afterward removed to Oakland Village. In an early day private schools were organized and were sustained until the passage of the laws for free schools. There are now five schools in the township, located as follows: No. 1, on section 1, is a frame building erected at a cost of $1,500; No. 2, on section 15, is a frame building costing about $600; No. 3, on section 2, No. 4, on section 25, and No. 5, on section 4, cost about $600 each. The schools in this township will average with any other in the county.

There are two cemeteries in this township. Oakland Cemetery is located on the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 36, and contains one acre of ground. It is one of the oldest cemeteries in the county. Beauchencamp Cemetery is located on the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 23, and contains one and one-half acres. There was an old cemetery on section 4, but it is now abandoned.

There are two literary societies now in operation in this township. The Oakland Literary Society meets at Oakland school-house from October to March each year. The meetings of the society are interesting and profitable. The McQuinn Literary Society meets at the McQuinn school-house from October to March, with an average attendance of sixty.