OAKVILLE, ERICK AND ERICK JUNCTION IN ELIOT TOWNSHIP

pg 319

OAKVILLE was laid out by Abe and Harry T. Parsons, December 11, 1891, on the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 25, township 73 north, range 2 west, south of the Iowa Central railroad. The original town consisting of three blocks, containing in all thirty-five lots. Since then additions to Oakville have been laid out as follows: Downey's addition, by John and Elizabeth Downey, May 6, 1895; Elrick's addition, laid out by James W. Elrick, December 19, 1895; Elrick's second addition laid out by James W. Elrick, May 28, 1897; Brader's addition laid out by John H. Brader, May 7, 1898; and Downey's second addition laid out by John and Elizabeth Downey, October 21, 1898; Parson's addition to Oakville laid out by Abe Parsons, June 18, 1901; Waterhouse's addition to Oakville laid out by Alice M. Waterhouse, June 29, 1901; Roderick's addition to Oakville laid out by John L. Roderick, May 9, 1902; Carter's addition to Oakville laid May 4. 1911; and Williams' addition to Oakville laid out by W. B. Williams, September 4, 1911.

The Oakvillian who promised a history of that nourishing and enterprising town, has failed us. The first post office in that vicinity was Palo Alto. Oakville was incorporated by the District Court on petition of Geo. L. Seevers and 29 others, filed Sept. 5th, 1902. The court appointed M. P. Cook, E. J. McFadden, H. T. Parsons, E. M. Bell and J. C. Thomson, commissioners, and they held an election on Sept. 30 on the question of incorporation. The vote was 45 for to 28 against. The first election for officers was held on Oct. 21, 1902, at which...

pg 320

... the following were chosen: Mayor, H. T. Parsons; clerk, E. M. Bell; treasurer, E. J. McFadden; council, W. E. Lynn, W. D. Carter, J. A. Duncan, D. D. Marshall, W. T. Waterhouse, Bert Gawthrop.

Oakville has two railroads, two banks, good schools, good churches, and is a splendid trading point, whether one wants to buy or sell, and its people, and the people of the country around it, average up with the best in the county.

The population of Oakville in 1895 was given at 87, in 1905, at 317, and in 1910, at 389.

Two other towns have been laid out in Eliot township, as follows:

ELRICK, laid out by Jacob W. Elrick, October 3, 1891, on the west half of the southwest quarter of section 28, and the east half of the southeast quarter of section 29. all in township 73-2. The greater part of this town has since been vacated. This town of Elrick was laid out immediately east of Smith creek where the Iowa Central railway crosses it, and

ELRICK JUNCTION, laid out by H. O. Weaver, March 7, 1899. It is in the north half of the northwest quarter of section 29, 73-2, north of the Iowa Central railway track.

The town of Elrick is practically abandoned; Elrick Junction is located at the place where the M. N. & S. Ry. connects with Iowa Central, and has a good general store, and a hotel.

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