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History of Pottawattamie County
1882
By W. T. Giles


Chapter 5 <--> Index

CHAPTER 6


Organization of the County - Organization of and Division into Townships - Officers - Patriotism, Etc.

The county of Pottawattamie was organized on September 21, 1848, with only two or three voting precincts, which have been divided up into twenty-seven townships, and several wards in the city of Council Bluffs.  But few of the early settlers of this county had any idea of what would follow in the short time that has passed.  They did not dream of the railroads and triumphs that now astonish their vision.  The growth and advancement of this section of country have been very much more rapid and extensive than could be foreseen by the most observing or experienced in the early settlement of countries.  It may well be repeated, the change has been so vast and rapid as to "astonish the oldest inhabitant."  Many stand amazed, and frequently express surprise that they should have lived to see the grand changes that have taken place.  The red men who were here have departed, and given place to a sturdy, energetic and progressive white race, who allow no obstacle to retard their onward march.  They are determined to recover every "lost art," and improve upon every invention, and herein lies the cause of the triumphs made and the progress developed in the new settlements of the great American continent.  Every new discovery seems to surpass it's former attainments, and one surprise is left to astonish the other, until surprises will become obsolete in the way of developments in our new countries and settlements.  Even now, this section, of but a few years, is becoming too old for many of the early settlers, and they are talking of the "West," as if they were on the extreme of the East, and were too circumscribed to enjoy life.  These restless spirits have been the pioneers of every new country, and to them much of our wonderful success is due.  It was this spirit that caused the discovery of  America by Columbus - that sent Lewis and Clark to explore this section and the Rocky Mountains; and in fact, it was this spirit that settled and caused Pottawattamie County to bloom and blossom.

In the early organization of Pottawattamie County, James Sloan was selected as the first District Judge.  The county was formed in the usual way, from a survey made by the agents of the United States Government, embracing a large territory.  In 1852, Thomas Burdick acted as first County Judge; Even Green, County Clerk and Auditor; Luke Johnson, County Treasurer; Alexander McRae, Sheriff, and Dr. E. Aylesworth, Coroner.

The county, at that time, was in its incipient state of formation, and just emerging from wide scattered settlements, and establishing local authorities for the protection of its people.  The town site of Kanesville (now  Council Bluffs), having long been a garrisoned fort of the Government, established for the protection of the early pioneers seeking homes here, was naturally selected as the county seat, and here the largest body of settlers accumulated by colonization, under the aegis of a religious belief known as Mormonism.  The leaders of these people exercised a great control over their adherents, and this contributed largely to good government, peaceful relations, and the opening up of the county to speed settlement.  In 1853, Franklin Street, as County Judge, was authorized by the United States Government to execute deeds to those who had settled upon the public domain under what was commonly known as a 'squatter's claim."  The order was issued in 1853, and the deeds were generally given in 1854.  Hons. J. P. Cassady and W. C. James were acting as Notaries Public, the acknowledgments of deeds being made before David De Vol and David Lindley, Justices of the Peace.  The divisions of the county into townships began back as long ago as its organization, and divisions have continued until recently.

In August, 1853, Rockford Township was organized, and in 1880 the census showed that it contained a population of 930.  This township occupies a prominent place in the history of the county, as it was one of the first townships organized.  Some of the old settlers here are in a prosperous condition, and own well-improved and well-stocked farms where they are surrounded by peace and plenty.

The organization of Wright Township took place in September, 1873, and the report of the census of 1880 showed the population of the township to be 683.  This portion of the county contains some excellent farms, many of which are under a good state of improvement and cultivation, and their owners are growing independent.

In September, 1858, the township of Silver Creek was organized, and in 1880, the population numbered 634, with many fine and well-improved farms.  Many of the settlers are enterprising and are growing some fine blooded stock.

Layton Township dates its organization back to June, 1878.  It is located on a high, rich, rolling prairie country, and is quite a wealthy portion of Pottawattamie County.  Walnut, a thriving town and good grain market, on the Chicago, Rock Island& Pacific Railway, in 1880, contained about one thousand of a population, and the township, in addition to the town, 488, making the population of Layton Township, complete, 1,488.  Here many of the best farms are to be found, and best farmers in the county reside, and many of them are independent - have good improvements and fine stock.

On June 6, 1870, Washington Township was organized, and became one of the important divisions of the county of Pottawattamie.  In the year 1880, the population of this township was 519.  A large proportion of this population are well-to-do farmers who are surrounded with good improvements, including most of the late farm implements, and possess some fine stock.  The soil of this section of country is generally excellent.

Lincoln Township was organized on April 5, 1876, and the census report of 1880 showed a population of 628, mostly composed of thrifty, prosperous farmers, some of whom are growing fine stock.  This township is rapidly growing into favor, as one of the best sections of the county.  At the present rate of growth, it will soon be one among the most populous in the county.

Keg Creek Township was organized in January, 1873, and the population in 1880 was given at 692, many of these persons being among the most independent and oldest settlers of the county.  Among the early settlers in Keg Creek Township as Rasmus Campbell, wife and family of four children (Mr. Campbell has officiated in several of the offices of the township), Morrison M. Fay, William Orr, S. G. Underwood and others.  Mr. Underwood came to this county in 1854, and is now one of the most prosperous farmers in his township, possessing 1,000 acres of that rich and productive soil.

In June, 1878, Valley Township was organized, and is now one of the most important townships in the county.  The population of this organization was given in the census of 1880 at 965.  This section is rapidly filling up, and ere long it promises to become one of the most desirable townships in Pottawattamie.  The farmers are taking a deep interest in their improvements, as well as in stock-growing.  The yield of crops is generally good and remunerative.

In August, 1857, Macedonia Township, one of the most populous in this county, was organized.  The census of 1880 showed a population of 1,064.  It is about twenty-five miles southeast of Council Bluffs, situated on the rich and fertile soil of the West Nishnabotna, which land, for productiveness, is equal to any in the State of Iowa.  It is fine for grazing purposes also, and therefore, a great deal of fine stock is grown and sent to the markets from this section.  here we find a good mill, an excellent elevator, stores, hotel and other public buildings of interest.  The town of Macedonia also contains a bank and printing office, and it is a very good point for trade.  The country is rolling and beautiful, and is attracting the attention of men of capital.  Here blue limestone is found in large quantities, but the quarries are just being utilized.  Hon. B. F. Clayton, R. H. and T. J. Woodmancy, F. J. Potter, Sylvester Dye and Mr. Lane are solid men and enterprising citizens.  We are told this township is third in the State for stock-growing.

In addition to the town of Macedonia, we find the enterprising town of Carson in this township, with elevator, stores, hotel and the Carson Fairdealer, edited and published by Messrs. Jullian and McManima.  This town is at the junction of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroads.  These two towns give to the citizens of Macedonia Township excellent markets for all they have for sale.

Waveland Township, formerly Walnut Creek, was organized in January, 1857, and its population in 1880 was 776.  Here are some of the finest and most inviting lands to be found in the county.  The improvements are generally of a good character, and in some cases, many of these are very costly.  Much fine stock is to be seen in this township, and the farmers are generally growing rich.

On June 10, 1876, Lewis township was organized, and the census report in 1880 gave the population at 977.  The land and improvements in this township will compare very favorably with any other section of the county, and the farmers here are making good progress in the growth of fine stock.  Some of the oldest settlers are nicely fixed, and are in a condition to enjoy their hard-earned homes.

James Township was organized in September, 1858, and the population in 1880 was 570.  The citizens of this township have battled along manfully, and now many of them are enjoying fine homes and handsome farms.  They also grow a great deal of good stock, and are well prepared to battle with life's difficulties.  Many of these individuals passed through severe trials and great difficulties in the early days of the settlement of this county, and are entitled to the pleasures they find in their nice homes and on their well-stocked farms.

On June 9, 1873, Norwalk Township was organized, and in 1880 the population was 618.  This township is possessed of some very valuable lands, as well as many well-improved farms.  Most of the citizens of this section, after many struggles, are enjoying peace, plenty and prosperity.  They possess good houses, and some of the best stock in the State, showing what time and industry will accomplish.  The population of this township is increasing with commendable rapidity, and soon the population will be double that of 1880.

It appears, from the records of the county, that the township of York was organized on the National birthday, July 4, 1856.  The population of this township in 1880 was 526.  The farmers here, like in the other townships, had to undergo many privations in the early days of the settlement, but now they are enjoying good buildings, orchards, well-cultivated places, with a large amount of excellent stock of every kind.

Center Township was organized in June, 1856, and the population in 1880 was 1,075.  Oakland, formerly called Big Grove, is located on the east back of the West Nishnabotna, in Center Township, in the center of a rich and extensive country.  It is a leading point on the Avoca & Southwestern Railroad.  It is a picturesque place, being a natural forest town.  At this section of the Nishnabotna Valley are found forest of oak, walnut, hickory and other trees of hard wood.  Not many years ago the hunter found wild game, such as deer, turkey, prairie chickens and other game in abundance.  Oakland is near the center of one of these extensive forests, where the belt of timber extends for some distance east of the town.  This town was founded by Hon. John T. Baldwin, of Council Bluffs.  It is supposed that at some day not far distant, Oakland will be the seat of a new county.  Center Township is put down as one of the best stock growing townships in the State of Iowa, and that portion of it is unrivaled for grain.

Pleasant Township was organized April 7, 1873, and in 1880, contained a population of 654.  This township is filling up fast with solid farmers, who are making the lands bloom and blossom.  They are also raising some very fine stock, and making substantial improvements.  It will be, as the name indicates, a pleasant section of country to dwell in.

The township of Belknap was organized in September, 1872, and we find that the census report for 1880 gave the population at that time at 583.  This township contains find lands, and is becoming one of the popular sections of the county.  The old settlers who are now enjoying life had to pass through many trials and difficulties, but at this time they have their railroad stations, and are in the midst of good markets, where they find ready sales for their grain and fine stock.  Many of the improvements in this township will compare favorably with the improvements in other portions of the county.  Considerable timber will be found in portions of this country.

Boomer Township was organized as early as 1858, in June, and, of course, it has changed very materially in the years that have elapsed since.  The population of this township in 1880 was 870.  Here you will find well-improved, beautiful farms, where in 1856 nothing but the wild prairie was to be seen.  The early settlers toiled along for years with commendable energy, and they are now enjoying their hard-earned homes of plenty.  Here you will find schools, churches and all the advancements of civilization.

It is recorded that Minden Township was organized in September, 1876, and the population in 1880 was 700.  The village of Minden is located on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad.  It contains about three hundred inhabitants, mostly Germans.  This is the place where most of the business of the township is transacted.  Here you will find merchants and grain buyers, and men carrying on the various avocations of life.  James Crow, a Justice of the Peace, is an American by birth, and is enterprising.  This township is making good progress, and the old settlers who went there when everything was wild, are enjoying the fruits of some of the best farms in the county of Pottawattamie.

Either because of neglect or slow growth of population, some of the townships of this county are of recent date; we find that Neola, with a population in 1880 of 681, forming an organization in June, 1872.  while this township was slow in organizing, it has been progressing in improvements, and contains some very excellent farms, fine stock and many fruit trees, schools, churches, etc.  The early settlers are generally well fixed, and have good markets within short distances.

Knox Township, containing the largest population of any township in the county, excepting Kane, was organized in January, 1855, and in 1880 contained 2,237 of a population.  The town of Avoca is near the center of this township, and it has grown into a place of considerable importance, contains schoolhouses, churches, hotels, stores, two newspapers, railroad and grain depots, etc.  The town was platted in the spring of 1869, but it did not take much of a start till 1871.  Mr. Jules Priester is said to have erected the first house.  The first building of any note was the hotel, known as the New England House.  The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad reached the town in April, 1869.  The name first given the town was Pacific, then Botna, and in June of the same year, the name was again changed to  Avoca by some ladies who were there on a railroad excursion, and this name still remains.  In 1873, Avoca put on the mantle of a city, and the citizens elected the following persons as officers:  H. W. Wilson, Mayor; Fred G. Hetzel, Clerk; Edward Davis, Treasurer; R. S. Heart, Charles Norton, George Phall, James Hipsley, Nat. Acker and Samuel Temple, Aldermen.

The Catholic, Presbyterian, Congregational and Methodist denominations each have an organization.  The public schools were attended by 400 pupils.

This township is probably one of the best improved in several counties, and contains a large amount of wealth.  The early settlers are mostly independent, and in a condition to enjoy life.  Their farms, in many cases, are perfect gardens, and they are surrounded by an abundance of good stock.

Grove Township was organized in August, 1859, and it's population in 1880 amounted to 958.  The township was so called because of the numerous groves in it.  Wheeler's Grove is one of the principal post offices, at which a large proportion of its citizens get their mail matter.  The land In this township is generally rolling, rich and beautiful.  Here some of the finest homes in the county are found.  The old settlers of this section would not exchange lands with the farmers of any other section.  They have taken great pains with their homes in many cases, and have beautified their lands until they are very attractive.  This people have considerable fruit and are very advanced in all the improvements of the times.

In 1869, Hardin Township was organized and took an independent position in the county of Pottawattamie, and in 1880 the population, according to the census of that year, was 549.  The old settlers of this township have some of the best lands and neatest homes in Iowa.  They appreciate their situation, and surrounded by good stock and all the conveniences of the day are enjoying life as becomes the Christian.  They find ready markets for all the have for sale, and their pleasures are so complete as to cause them to forget their early trials and tribulations.  The traveler passing over this township now could scarcely be made to believe that many of the settlers had passed through half the hardships they were compelled to undergo in its early organization.

The township of Crescent was organized on March 2, 1857, and the first election was held on the 19th of June following, when 109 votes were polled.  The Mormons originally settled this township.  In 1848, immediately south of the bottom land skirting Pigeon Creek  Valley, in Township 76, Range 44, they erected a large tabernacle of logs, capable of holding 500 persons.  A mill was erected near this point and a number of farms were opened.  In 1852-53, when the Mormons left for Salt Lake, they were succeeded by a number of families from Indiana, among whom were William A. Reel and family in 1852.  Mr. Reel erected a large frame dwelling in one of the most beautiful localities in the northern part of the township.  He also built a saw-mill and laid out a town site, which place he called Americus.  Here a number of Gentiles settled, among whom were Edmund Latham, Joseph Boulden, David Dunkle and Elkanah Hall.  After the location of the Mississippi & Missouri River Railroad and the alleged discovery of rock bottom on the Missouri, at Florence, in Nebraska, which point is just east of Crescent Township, much excitement was created.  It was supposed that the line of railroad, instead of following the valley, would incline westward in the northern part of the county, and run down the valley of Pigeon Creek and across the Missouri at Florence.  This created a furor, and soon some speculative persons located a town site and called it  Crescent City.  This was on Sections 24 and 25, in Township 76, Range 43.  J. E. Johnson, the wide-awake editor of the Council Bluffs Bugle, had a farm a short distance from the new city, and he at once established a paper there to advocate the interests of the town.  The paper was called the Crescent City Oracle, and it lived two years.  During the years of 1856-57, the new town grew rapidly.  Stores and shops were opened.  A steam grist and saw mill were erected.  A schoolhouse was put up and a school opened.  Early in 1857, a post office was established, with Lewis J. Goddard as Postmaster.  Samuel Eggleston followed Mr. Goddard in this office, and he only remained in it for a short time, when David Dunkle became Postmaster.  The principal business men in the town were Johnson & Blake, Reel & Dutrow, Samuel Eggleston, William Meury, Allison & Nutting.  The financial crash of 1857, and the knowledge that the railroad mentioned would continue its line to Council Bluffs, caused a check to fall upon the growth of the new town.  In 1858, Mr. Johnson removed his press to the county seat.  Many of the best buildings were removed to Council Bluffs or to farms.  The North Western Railroad crosses this township from north to south.  This is a fine farming district.  it is well supplied with water and considerable timber.  The population, as given by the census of 1880, was 575.

It is stated that the township of Garner, called so for William Garner, one of the best citizens in the county, was organized in April, 1877, and in 1880, the population was 908.  This township, without a doubt, contains a number of the very finest farms in Western Iowa, and many of the citizens of this section are enterprising, industrious and energetic, and after toiling many years, are in the enjoyment of peace, plenty and prosperity.  They are also very hospitable, and entertain in the olden style, with a freedom that makes the visitor feel at home.  Here, too, they have taken great pains to get and grow fine blooded stock, and in many cases some of the finest cattle, horses and hogs can be seen.

Hazel Dell Township was organized in June, 1873.  The population, as given in the census of 1880, was 960.  Many of the oldest settlers in the county are comfortably located in this township.  William J. Cook, a native of England, settled in this county in 1857; Mrs. Lucy A. F. Hall, a native of Kentucky; Capt. Robert Frost, a native of England, came to this county in 1855; Joshua A. Gregg, a native of Ohio, came to Pottawattamie in 1856, and all are well rewarded for their stay in the county and their early settlement in Hazel Dell Township.  It is true, in the early settlement of this township, the pleasures and advantages were few, but now schools and churches abound, and every convenience that is to be found has its locality here.  The people are progressive and show it in their way of living.

First District and County Officers. - James Sloan was first District Judge; Thomas Burdick was County Judge; Even Green was first County Clerk and Auditor; Luke Johnson was first County Treasurer; Alexander McRae, Sheriff; E. Aylesworth, Coroner.

Present District and County Officers. - J. R. Reed, District Judge; C. F. Loofbourow, Circuit Judge; J. P. Conner, District Attorney; S. D. Street, County Clerk; T. A. Kirkland, County Auditor; John Bennett, County Treasurer; Theodore Guittar, Sheriff; Samuel Denton, County Surveyor; Bradbury W. Hight, County Attorney; Henry Faul, Coroner.

Board of Supervisors. - Eli Clayton, Chairman; S. B. Frum, S. Dye, J. M. Phillips and S. J. Underwood.

City Organization. - It is stated in the Annals of Iowa, that "in April, 1854, Congress passed an act authorizing the Judge of Pottawattamie County to enter 640 acres of land for the benefit of the owners and occupants of claims.  Judge Street, accordingly, on the 10th day of May, 1854, entered, under the law, eighty acres in Section 30, and eighty acres in Section 31, Township 75, Range 43; and 240 acres in Section 25, and 240 acres in Section 36, Township 75, Range 44 - forming a square mile, and comprising within its limits nearly all of the village of Kanesville."

We are told that it was a difficult matter to divide this land to give satisfaction, in all cases, to the claimants.  It frequently happened that two parties claimed the same lot.  In the spring of this year, Judge Street employed Thomas Tostevin to survey the land entered by him, and Mr. Tostevin performed his work with care, when a large majority of the owners of claims became satisfied, and in all subsequent conveyances, the original survey stood as the guide.  Many suits grew out of the disputed claims, and took much of the time of the courts, for some years.  The additions of S. S. Bayliss, Mynster, Jackson, Stutsman and Mills were within the limits of the one mile square entered by the County Judge.  In the fall of 1854, other lots were surveyed, and new additions made to the town.  Among these additions were the names of Grimes, Curtis, Hall and Beers.

End of Chapter 6

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