of
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| History of Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume I, 1911, pages 209-215
MONTPELIER TOWNSHIP. This was one of the original townships organized by the board of commissioners in 1842. It is located in the southeast corner of the county and is bordered on the west by Sweetland, on the north by Fulton, on the east by Scott county, and on the south by the Mississippi river. Here there is considerable timber and the soil is plentifully watered by numerous streams, the principal one being Pine creek. Its first settlers were the Nyes, Benjamin and Stephen, and Err and Lot Thornton, all of whom came in 1834, the Nyes in the spring and Thorntons in the fall.
In the spring of 1834, according to J. P. Walton, Benjamin Nye and his cousin, Stephen Nye, took claims and built cabins on the two sides of Pine creek, Benjamin on the east and Stephen on the west. As soon as the cabins were completed Benjamin went to St. Louis and laid in a stock of goods and opened a store. His principal trade for some time was with the Indians. In the fall of that year he returned to Ohio and brought his family to his new home. The Nyes and Benjamin's wife were natives of Vermont, where two of their children were also born.
September 25, 1884, the Old Settlers' Association held its meeting for that year a little above the mouth of the Pine, where Benjamin Nye first settled, and on that occasion Judge Hastings delivered an address, in which he stated that "Benjamin Nye occupied the adjacent lands as the first settler as early as the year 1834. This gentleman was a fine specimen of the Puritan adventurer, from the state of Vermont, and named the place Montpelier. His nearest neighbor was Major William Gordon, a West Point graduate, and ex-captain of the First Regiment of United States Dragoons. Major Gordon having resigned from the dragoons, became a mountain trapper and spent his winters near the mouth of Pine. In the early part of 1838 he established there a store or trading post and had as a partner Arthur Washburn, an educated merchant. But not having been successful in this, to him, new business, Major Gordon became disgusted with mercantile pursuits and if possible, with all civilized life, became exceedingly irascible and did not much admire his more successful neighbor, Mr. Nye, and soon had a personal feud with him. Nye ordered Gordon from his premises and drew upon him a large bludgeon, felling him to the ground. Gordon fired his derringer but missed Nye and lay at the point of death for several weeks. The next event which I call to mind was the selling of a sawmill site by John Knapp, who was a man of gigantic proportions and resided on the creek back of the mouth of the Pine. Gordon died about a year after his conflict with Nye. Washburn, who was my brother-in-law, died a few years after. These were all remarkable men, especially Nye and Gordon, who were known from St. Louis to the Falls of St. Anthony and the spot which they inhabited should never be forgotten."
Judge Hastings then gave an amusing account of a ball that took place at the mouth of Pine on July 4, 1837, at which Dr. Charles Drury and Vincent Chambers were among the managers. The ball took place in a double log cabin with puncheon floor and the music was by two violins, a banjo and a triangle. He described the dancing as "a constant swinging and balancing to your partners, crossing over and down the middle and all promenade to your seats on a full trot and gallop."
At this same gathering to the question, "Who was the first child born in Muscatine. county?" W. P. Wright answered, "Daniel Shelley, in Montpelier township, in February, 1837."
Vincent Chambers being called upon for an address, stated that he located in the vicinity in the spring of 1842.
BENJAMIN NYE FIRST SETTLER IN THE COUNTY. Not only was Benjamin Nye the first settler in Montpelier township, but also the first one to permanently locate in the county. For many years it was a matter of controversy among such men as Suel Foster, J. P. Walton and others, who made a study of the early history of the county, as to who was the first settler in Muscatine county. For a time the honor seemed to have been settled on Err Thornton, but in one of Walton's invaluable scrapbooks the following notation in Walton's handwriting and signed by him, gives conclusive evidence that the distinction belongs to Ben Nye: "It has recently been proven that Nye was here before the Thorntons came, so Err has since told me. J. P. Walton."
Nye came in 1834 and settled at the mouth of Pine creek, and later attempted to start a town near there which he called Montpelier. It had the first post-office in the county. Letters received at the place were directed, "Iowa Post-office, Black Hawk Purchase, Wisconsin Territory," and most of them had twenty-five cents postage charges. There was also a grocery store, the stock in trade being composed mostly of coffee, sugar, molasses, salt, pork, and whiskey, the latter the most important article in that day. The store was owned by Benjamin Nye and Major Gordon, who finally got into a difficulty in which Nye stabbed Gordon with a pocket knife. While the Major was laid up for repairs the stock of goods was sold by the clerk. He was the first man who sold "Yankee clocks" in the county, which sold at that time for from $20 to $30.
NYE KILLED BY HIS SON-IN-LAW. The story of the tragic end of Benjamin Nye is here related by one who was familiar with the facts:
"Nye was a type of the rougher sort of pioneers, a worthy man and one who possessed the confidence of his neighbors so far as to elect him county commissioner, and to other local offices; was fearless as a lion and implacable as an Indian. It is stated that in some way becoming involved in a controversy with a noted border desperado known as Major Gordon, Nye attacked him and in the fierce fight with the 'bowies' which followed, both were supposed to have been fatally wounded. Nye at last recovered and first came into contact with George McCoy as a farm hand in his employ. McCoy wooed the daughter of his employer, but had to run away with her in order to get married, which Nye never forgave to be on speaking terms thereafter. In 1840 McCoy was elected sheriff of Cedar county, serving as such several terms; but getting the gold fever in 1849, he started for California, leaving his wife and children living in Tipton. Leaving suddenly, McCoy placed all his affairs in the hands of an old personal and political friend, S. A. Bissell, afterward known as Judge Bissell, who was then a very important figure in local affairs of all kinds, and held a high official position, especially enjoining upon him care for his wife and children. The latter injunction was alleged to have been too literally obeyed--at all events, when McCoy had been in California about two years the news came from his far-away home in Iowa that his friend had been recreant to his trust. He dropped everything and hastened back with vengeance in his heart. But the jOurney was a long one in those days and time was given for much reflection--so much so that instead of doing hasty murder on his arrival, he avowed his only object to be to obtain his own children and take them back to California with him. The friend in charge, on hearing of McCoy's arrival, took to his bed and was sick for some time but no doubt was greatly relieved when McCoy finally sent him word that he might go to and from his official duties without fear, even if the permission was coupled with such a threat, in case he should be found elsewhere, as kept him most religiously to the prescribed line of march. In the meantime the wife and children were at Benjamin Nye's, in Muscatine county; and, although McCoy was reminded of the character of his father-in-law, and advised to proceed by legal process only, he took a wagon and a couple of trusty men--and learning that Nye would be in Muscatine on business, on the 3d of March, 1852, made a raid on his premises, got the children in the wagon and was away without hindrance. But it so fell out that Nye soon returned, and learning the situation, sprang into his own wagon and drove at racing speed until he overtook McCoy eight miles on the road toward Tipton. Passing the team of the latter, he turned his own across the road, handed the lines to his companion, and jumping out, demanded the children. McCoy produced a revolver and warned him that death would be the penalty of interference, but the old borderer advanced to the wagon without flinching and actually seized one of the children, although meanwhile the pistol had twice been fired at him. But being unarmed, he then suddenly changed his tactics and rushing to the fence, seized a heavy stake and again advanced. McCoy by this time had jumped from the wagon and stood with his pistol leveled. He waited an instant too long, however, and down came Nye's club and the pistol went whirling into the road, while the arm that held it fell disabled at its owner's side. But this time the old grizzly had met his fate! Without hesitation McCoy drew a huge bowie knife with the other hand, and springing upon his antagonist, twice buried it to the hilt in his body--the last time actually turning it in the wound. Either gash was sufficient to let life out, but still Nye's determination defied death for several days. McCoy, on his part, put his children in a place of safety and went at once to Muscatine and surrendered himself to the authorities."
The matter was brought before the grand jury and that body refused to return a bill against McCoy, being of the opinion that McCoy was justified in the means adopted to safeguard his life and the lives of his children. McCoy returned to California, where he became quite prominent.
Mrs. Azuba Nye, widow of Benjamin, and the first white female settler in Muscatine county, died on the original claim made in 1834 at Montpelier, Iowa, March 4, 1879.
PINE MILLS. One of the most picturesque spots in Muscatine county is Pine Mills, located on Pine creek, hidden amid rolling hills and beautified by the artistic hand of nature. The spot is indeed worthy of a master hand to do its beauty justice. Great pine trees lift their green branches from the hillsides. The old mill which has been the subject of many camera pictures has grown moss green and rugged with the wear and tear of years. It was erected in 1850 and at that time the pioneers for miles around brought the first fruits of the Iowa grain fields to have them ground. For the building of the Pine Mills the county was indebted to Benjamin Nye, who was the first settler in that region, having arrived in 1834 in the fall. He settled at the mouth of Pine creek, where he laid out a town, which failed to materialize. Along Pine creek Mr. Nye built three mills, only one of which is now standing, which was constructed at a cost of $10,000, and the timbers used were the largest in any building in the territory at that time. Pine Mills is neither a town, village nor hamlet at this time. About one mile from the site of the mill is a cluster of houses surrounding New Era, a most unique institution and one of great interest. One is surprised in coming out of Pine creek valley to find a structure of most modern design, standing amid the rural surroundings. This is a building one would take for a city church but which seems decidedly out of place in its present location. This structure is called the New Era, by far the most interesting institution in the county. The building is of a very beautiful architectural design, and stands somewhat back from the road amid the sheltering trees of a well kept grove. As one faces it, to the right is the park, to the left is a cottage, which would grace a lawn in Muscatine's most aristocratic location. This is the parsonage. Inside the church building everything is finished in the most elegant style and wonderful to relate, instead of a rostrum and pulpit, a stage and drop curtain greet you. Upon this curtain is the motto, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." The stage is some twenty feet wide and about fifteen feet deep. A dressing room is located at either side. On the floor of the building opera chairs of the most comfortable design are placed, so they may be removed with little effort.
New Era is a church but it is far more. It is the embodiment of socialistic principles as taught by Graham Taylor and other communistic disciples. This chapel, playhouse and schoolhouse is the gift of the late William Ziegler, of New York city, a millionaire. Through his connections with the Brandt family he became interested in the community and through their efforts he was induced to furnish the means for building the church. The institution is well named, for from the erection of the buildings certainly dates a new era in the history of Pine Mills community, the trade of which principally goes to Muscatine. The farmers in the locality are all well-to-do. Their homes are substantial structures, furnished with all the conveniences of a city residence.
NEW ERA GYMNASIUM. About two miles north of Fairport, standing in the midst of a small sized rural community, in a village which consists only of a few neighboring farm homes and the Ziegler Memorial church of New Era, is the New Era Gymnasium. This gymnasium at New Era is not a makeshift, not a converted barn, or abandoned building turned, when its former usefulness is over, to this newer purpose. It is a commodious, well equipped, splendidly arranged building, built especially for the purpose for which it is now used, at a cost of $6,000. It is the generous gift of the Misses Clara and Emma Brandt, of Davenport, to the young people of New Era, and especially to the members of the Ziegler Memorial Lutheran church. In November, 1910, it was opened, soon after it was completed. The opening nights were gala events for that little community. Splendid programs were given and the audience on the first night included some three hundred or more people, many of whom came beyond the boundaries of the New Era neighborhood, and included parties from Muscatine and Davenport. The gymnasium is not only a place where the youth of the community may obtain opportunity for the same athletic diversions which the youth of the towns are permitted to enjoy, but also a social center for the community and the scene of all the social activities in connection with the church work.
Here the socials are held. Here the gatherings of the young people of the community take place. Here the church choir and the church orchestra practice. Gymnasium classes, basketball and all of the usual gymnastic activities are, of course, features of the athletic programs. In every way the gymnasium under the direction of the church pastor and authorities supplies those healthful and helpful social and athletic features, the lack of which, in country life have, it is believed, driven many of the best young people of the rural communities from the farms to the cities and large towns.
Here in this small and unpretentious Muscatine county community is being worked out an experiment in the attempted solution of a big social and economic problem, and what is more, it is being worked out on a scale of sufficient magnitude so that its success, in the event that it shall be a success, and its friends are enthusiastic in their predictions, will be impressive and convincing. The dimensions of the building are 45x65 feet. In the interior, at the rear end of the building, is the raised orchestra platform, extending across the width of the floor and fifteen feet deep. This leaves the main gymnasium floor 45 feet square. A large and commodious gallery, capable of seating some three hundred spectators, is provided.
The work is under the direction of Rev. W. E. Pearson. This energetic and effective young clergyman is proficient both as a physical director and as an instructor in music. He is a graduate of Augustana College and Theological Seminary at Rock Island, having also completed a post-graduate course at that institution. His home was formerly in Chicago, whence he came to New Era in April, 1910, to accept the pastorate of the Ziegler Memorial church.
Rev. Pearson directs the gymnastic class drills and the athletics and sports which mark the activities of the new gymnasium work, and also conducts the choir and the church orchestra which have been organized, and which under his direction have become capable musical organizations. In his address at the opening of the new gymnasium, Rev. Mr. Pearson said: "The New Era gymnasium is opened to the public for the first time, and with this opening occasion an epoch in the work of the Ziegler Memorial Lutheran church has begun. It marks the beginning of a special social activity in connection with the religious, a branch of educational work which must be made to be a stepping stone to the religious work as a whole. It is a phase in the general field of instruction which cannot be minimized, but quite on the contrary, enlarged and, properly controlled, be made to render valuable aid in church activity. This is the aim in general of the work thus begun in New Era. It shall in nowise become a lounging quarter nor an abode of foolishness but shall ever stand for honorable and pure sociological efforts. It will be guarded closely so that no shade of disrespect will be reflected upon the church, which institution is ever the head of all. With the loyal assistance of each individual this phase of the church work shall prove a success."f
MONTPELIER. Montpelier is a village of about one hundred inhabitants, and came into being since the southwest branch of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad was built, which was in 1881 and 1882. The town for some time promised great things in the way of the pottery industry, the soil in the vicinity giving promise of being available. Several establishments were operated for some years to quite good advantage, but eventually the industry waned in importance and has now been discontinued. At one time there were some very large kilns in the place, but only remnants of them are now to be seen. The site of Montpelier is that of an old town. In the '50s the stage route between Muscatine and Davenport passed through Montpelier and an inn at the little town was the half way place of the two cities. There are probably residents still living in that vicinity who remember the stage passing along the river road, making its weekly runs into the hamlet. Benjamin Nye, whose sketch appears on another page, was the first settler in this township, locating in 1834 at the mouth of Pine creek, where his ambition was to found a town. Nye's proposed metropolis was named by him Montpelier, the same as that of the present village. Most of the trade of the vicinity goes to Davenport, which is fourteen miles away. Some goes to Muscatine.
There are four good schools, open eight months in the year with an average attendance of twenty-two. The cost to maintain these schools is $1.74 per pupil.
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