This is a full congressional township, embracing township 85, range 13. It is situated in the eastern tier of Tama county townships, and is bounded by Geneseo on the north, Perry on the west, Oneida on the south, and Benton county on the east. There are three small streams having source in this township; two of them, flowing toward the south, are branches of Salt creek, and make confluence in Oneida township; the other, Rock creek, flows toward the east, and leaves the township on section 1.

There is one railroad passing through the township in the center from east to west - the B., C. R. & N. R. R.

The surface of this territory lies gently undulating, or nearly level. The soil is mostly a dark sandy loam and there is very little of any natural timber within its boundaries. The inhabitants are chiefly engaged in agriculture, and mostly Americans, with a considerable settlement of Germans. The town of Dysart is located in this township and recieves due attention elsewhere.

SETTLEMENT
The first settlement in what is now Clark township was made by CHARLES UNGER and family, July 13, 1855, upon the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 1. Here Mr. Unger erected a little log cabin, which was the first in the township. He still resides in the township.

G. W. BRADLEY, a native of Massachusetts, came during the year of 1855, and entered the northeast quarter of section 8. He was a single man, and "boardedround" until 1862, when he was married and moved into the house which he had erected upon his farm. He remained here until 1864, when he sold and removed to Black Hawk county. He is now dead.

ASABEL PARMENTER and family came to Clark township in 1855, and located on the southwest quarter of section 1, where he died in 1860.

JOSEPH DYSART came in 1855, and entered the whole of section 24. He commenced to improve in 1858, but did not make actual settlement untl 1863.

On the 26th of May, 1856, David Torrence and family settled upon land on section 9, where they erected a house. In May, 1855, Mr. Torrence came from Jones county and entered the land. In September, of the same year, he hauled some lumber to his future home, and put up hay which was spoiled by rain. In May, 1856, he made actual settlement. He now lives in Traer.

During the summer of 1856, Joseph Moss and family arrived, coming from Benton county, settling on section 18. They were natives of Ohio, and Mr. and Mrs. Moss were usually called "father" and "mother". They moved from here to Perry township, and later to Vinton, where they both died.

NEWTON MILLER settled in Clark township in 1855. In the chapter upon "Early Days" will be found a reminisence written by Mr. Miller, giving the details of his early settlement, and the death of his wife by a prairie fire.

P. P. WENTCH was a settler of 1857, making his selection on section 6, where he still lives. He was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, June 29, 1822. He came to America in 1851 and worked on a farm in Connecticut for eighteen months; then came west to Huron county, Ohio, where he remained until 1854, at which time he came to Tama county and located in Buckingham township. Three years later he settled in Clark township, where he has since resided. Mr. Wentch is one of the large land owners of this part of the county, his farm consisting of 460 acres in a high state of cultivation. He has always taken an active part in politics, having held several of the township offices. In 1852, he was joined in matrimony with Miss C. B. Reitter, a native of Germany. They have nine children; Catharine, Mary, George F., John H., Louise, Julia Ann, May Bell, Joseph P. and Wallace W.

ANDREW BOYLAN came in 1859, and made settlement on section 4, where he remained until 1865, when he moved to Buckingham township. He now lives in Traer.

T. S. TALMAGE also came in 1859, and located on section 11, where he still lives. He is a native of Greene county, New York, born January 27, 1834. He is a son of Henry and Jane A. (Reed) Talmage. His father was a physician and was born in Vermont. His mother was a native of New York State. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm in his native county and there received a part of his education at Greenville Academy. Upon removing to the State of Wisconsin, in 1856, he attended Beloit College. After completing his education he traveled for two seasons through Illinois as agent for J. H. Manning & Company, the celebrated reaper manufacturers. The winters of said years were spent in teaching. In April of 1859, he came to Tama county and immediately settled on his present place - section 11, in Clark township- which land he had previously purchased. The whole journey from southern Illinois to this county was made by Mr. Talmage on horseback. In policits he is a Republican and was the first County Supervisor from this township, which office he held three years. He has held nearly all of the township offices and was Clerk of the same for the long period of twelve years. He is a member of, and was one of the organizers of the Presbyterian Church at Dysart. He is a member of the Iowa legion of Honor. Mr. Talmage was united in marriage, in 1861, with Miss Eliza A. Howe, a native of Girard, Erie county, Pennsylvania. Four children have blessed this union: Jennie R., Hattie B., Charles H. and Harry H., who died January 12, 1881, at the age of six years, seven months and nine days.

STEPHEN R. HUNT came in 1860, and settled on the northwest quarter of section 14. He remained here until 1880, when he moved to Kansas, where he still lives.

The settlement of Clark township was slow, the cause being the lack of timber. Among those who have come in since the date last mentioned, and have been, or are now, prominent citizens of Clark townhsip, may be mentioned; James Enderton, Hugh Calderwood, John T. Converse, Christian Knoop, F. B. Thomas, Samuel Everett, Mathias Stoakes, J. N. Stoakes, Robert Powell, J. T. Findley, R. B. Beach, M. D. Bonney, Robert S. Smith, William H. Stoakes, J. D. E. Reed, J. F. Redmond, William Stewart, John Campbell, and John Jensen.

JAMES ENDERTON was born March 4, 1833, at Medina Centre, Medina county, Ohio. In the fall of 1839, his parents moved to Sterling, Illinois, and James E. remained with his parents till of age. He married Miss Lucinda Root, a native of Farmington, Trumbull county, Ohio, November 17, 1856. Two daughters, Jannie and Sylvia, bless their union. He came to Tama county in the spring of 1866, and settled on the northwest quarter of section 11, in Clark township. He owns a fine farm of 80 acres. Mr. Enderton is a Republican, and has held the office of School Director, Road Supervisor, Township Trustee and Assessor.

HUGH CALDERWOOD was born in Fulton county, New York, August 13, 1834. He is a son of John and Jane Becket Calderwood, both natives of Scotland. Hugh remained at home until 1859, at which time he came west to Iowa, and settled in Elk River twonship, Clinton county, remaining there until 1867, when he selttled in Tama county, on section 18, clark township, where he has a fine farm of 380 acres. In politics, Mr. Calderwood is a Republican, and has held the offices of Justice of the Peace four years, and has been Assessor twice. He was married to Miss Mary Stewart, a native of Scotland, in 1865. Six children bless this union - John B., Floretta J., Anie May, Ruby Elizabeth, William Stewart and Arthur Janes.

CHRISTIAN KNOOP was born in Bredstadt, Germany, April 24, 1838, and came to America in 1865. The first three years after coming to the United States were spent in Scott county, Iowa, and in 1868 he came to Tama county, locating on section 31, Clark township, where he now owns 320 acres of land under good improvement. He has held the office of Road Supervisor for two years. In 1868, he was married to Miss Lena Gosau, a native of Germany. They have one adopted son, George.

B. F. THOMAS, an enterprising farmer in Clark townhsip, was born in Preble county, Ohio, March 6, 1837. He is a son of L. H. Thomas, a native of Pennsylvania, and Lydia (Phillips) Thomas, a native of Tennessee. His early life was spent in his native county where he learned the potter's trade. In 1856, the family came to Tama county and settled in Buckingham township, where his parents still reside. In 1861, he enlisted in Company G., 14th Iowa Infantry as a private, but was after-ward promoted to a non-commissioned officership. During his service he participated in the battles of Donelson, Shiloh, Lake Chicot, Tupello and Town Creek. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862, and remained a prisoner of war two months. He was honorably discharged in November, 1864. He then returned to his home and was engaged in working at his trade. In December, 1864, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Stoakes, daughter of John Stoakes, of Perry township. In 1869, they settled on section 5, Clark township where he now owns a farm of 240 acres. Mr. Thomas is a Republican in politics, has held the office of Justice of the Peace, and is at present one of the township Trustees and Treasurer of the township schools. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are the parents of seven children, six of whom are now liivng, John L., Arthur H., Lewis N., Curtis H., B. Frankie and Willie H.

SAMUEL EVERETT was born in Somerset county, Maine, on the 7th day of January, 1832. He is a son of S. F. and Calista (Turner) Everett. His early life was spent in his native county, receiving but a limited education. In 1850, he came west to Dodge county, Wisconsin, with his parents. In 1851, he engaged as a sailor on the lakes and during that year helped to unload the first railroad engine ever brought into Wisconsin. In the fall of that year he returned to his home in Dodge county, where he remained until 1864, then came to Iowa, spending the first year in Allamakee county, then came to Tama county and located in Perry township, near West Union, buying a farm of 104 acres. Mr. Everett was at one time postmaster of the Wolf Creek postoffice. In 1869, he settled on section 19, Clark township, where he has since resided. He was married in December, 1866, to Miss Caroline L. Vanglike, a native of Madison county, New York. Three children bless this union; Carrie, Lizzie A. and Hattie M.

MATHIAS STOAKES, son of William M. and Caroline (Householder) Stoakes, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, on the 18th day of January, 1848. He came with his parents to Iowa in 1851, and to Tama county in 1855. He was reared on his father's farm in Perry township, and received a good common school education. In 1869, he settled on section 7, in Clark township, and 1874 settled on section 8, and now owns one of the finest farms in that township. Mr. Stoakes has always taken an active part in matters of local interst, especially in school affairs. He was married in 1874 to Miss Jane Stewart, a native of Washington county, Wisconsin. They have four children: Ella Jane, Charles Stewart, William Mathias and Edith Elizabeth.

J. N. STOAKES, brother of Mathias, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, August 7, 1849. In 1851, his parents emigrated to Iowa, locating in Van Buren county, where they remained until in February, 1855, and then settled in Perry township, Tama county. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood on his father's farm, receiving a good common school education. In 1870, he settled on section 7, Clark township, where he now owns a fine farm of 160 acres. Mr. Stoakes is a Republican and has held several township offices. At present he is Assessor and Secretary of the School Board. In 1871, he was married to Miss Mary Jane Brown, Five children have been born unto them--Thomas F., Maggie, Ernest R., Carrie C., and Grace.

ROBERT POWELL is a native of Wales, born September 5, 1844, his parents being Edward and Elizabeth (Davis) Powell, both natives of Wales. He came to America with his parents in 1855 and settled in Wisconsin. August 14, 1862, he enlisted in Company C., 29th Wisconsin Infantry and served until honorably discharged at Madison, Wisconsin. While in the service, he was a participant in the following engagements: Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Black River, seige of Vicksburg, seige of Jackson, Sabine Cross Roads, Pleasant Hill, Spanish Fort, and Fort Blakely. After his discharge he returned to Dodge county, Wisconsin, and in 1870 came to Tama county, locating on section 19, Clark township, where he now owns a farm of 160 acres. Mr. Powell has held several of the township offices. He was married in 1867 to Miss Sophia Furrow, a native of Wisconsin. Their children are--Edward, Emma, John, Estella, Martha and James Garfield.

J. T. FINDLEY, a son of William and Rebecca (Taylor) Findley, was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, on the 7th of May, 1836. He attained his majority in his native county, and in 1857 came west to Minnesota, where he remained two years, locating in 1839 in Warren county, Illinois. July 7, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, 83d Illinois Infantry, and afterwards participated in the second battle of Fort Donelson, Nashville and Columbia, being honorably discharged from service at Chicago, Illinois, July 5, 1865. He then returned to his home in Warren county and remained there until 1867, when he came to Tama county and first located in Geneseo township. In 1870, he moved to Clark township and settled on section 20, where he now owns a fine farm of 240 acres. Mr. Findley was married in 1859 to Miss Margaret E. Williams, a native of Pennsylvania. Six children have been born to them--Alpheus L., Thomas, Fatima, Abbie, Emery and Ottie.

R. B. BEACH is a native of Iowa, born at Lyons, in Clinton county, May 22, 1858. His father, the Rev. H. W. Beach, was a methodist minister. R. B. Beach's educational advantages were the common schools in his native county, in connection with those of Tama. In 1865, his parents removed to Geneseo township of this county, where they remained until 1874, when they came to Dysart. Here his father engaged in the lumber trade until his health failed, in 1877, and in the followinig year his death occured. The subject of this sketch has continued to reside here since coming with his parents in 1874, and at present is engaged in farming. During 1882, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Roxie J. Freeman, who was a native of Benton county, Iowa.

M. D. BONNEY is a native of Ohio, born in Portage county, January 18, 1827. He is a son of Hezekiah and Marietta (Dewey) Bonney. He was reared on his father's farm, recieving a good common school education . In 1851 he removed to Lorain county, Ohio, where he was married January 18, 1853, to Miss Arvilla R. Holcomb, a native of that county, and daughter of Truman and Phoebe (Pike) Holcomb. Two children were born to them in that county, one of whom is now living: Everard M. In 1857, they settled in Branch county, Michigan, and, while there, George H., Ardelle A. and Marietta V. were born to them. In 1870 they settled in Tama county, on section 11, Clark township. In politics Mr. Bonney is a staunch Republican and has held several local offices. They are members of the Methodist church of Dysart.

ROBERT S. SMITH, one of the enterprising farmers of Clark township, is a native of Scotland, born on the 10th day of May, 1842. His parents Robert and Jennie (Stevenson) Smith, came to America in 1849, and located in Green Lake county, Wisconsin. In 1862 they moved into Iowa, settling in Hardin county where they now reside. In 1859, Robert visited Colorado and remained one year. Again in 1870 he visited the golden west, returning after a sojourn of two years to Hardin county. In 1875 he settled in Clark township, on section 27, where he now owns one of the finest farms in the township, consisting of 400 acres of well improved land. Mr. Smith is Independent in politics, and is one of the present Township Trustees. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and has reached the 32d degree. In 1870 he was joined in wedlock with Miss Lillie Filkins, a native of New York State.

WILLIAM H. STOAKES settled in this county with his parents in 1855. He was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, May 21, 1853. He is a son of William and Caroline (Housholder) Stoakes, and a brother of Mathias and J. N. In 1855, his parents came to Tama county and settled in Perry township, where they still reside, and where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. In 1876, he settled on section 7, Clark township, where he still lives. He was married in 1876 to Miss Alice Jameyson, daughter of Charles Jameyson of Genesoe township. Three children bless this union--Irene, Charles R. and Howard.

J. D. E. REED was born in Vigo county, Indiana, December 4, 1840; remained there until 1865, when he came west to Cedar county, Iowa, and in 1869 to Tama county, where he settled on section 6, in Oneida township. In 1876 he became a resident of Clark township, where he now owns a farm of 240 acres, eighty acres on section 33 and 160 acres on section 28. He was married in 1859 to Miss Letitia Watts, a native of Kentucky. They have four children--George W., Ellen M., Charlie and John D. E.

JOHN F. REDMOND was born in Wicklaw county, Ireland, November 29, 1834. He came to America in 1857 and first located in Ulster county, New York, but soon after came to Ogle county, Ill., and resided there until 1865, when he came west to Benton county, Iowa, where he settled on a farm two miles west of Dysart. In 1878, he came to Clark township where he now owns a fine farm of 160 acres adjoining the village of Dysart. In 1870 he was married to Miss Catherine Skiffington, a native of Ireland. Their children are John P and Joanna E.

WILLIAM STEWART is a native of Washington county, Wisconsin, born to William and Jane (Pringle) Stewart, on the 14th of August, 1858. He was reared on his father's farm, receiving a common school education, until 1876, when he attended and graduated at the Oshkosh Business College. In October, 1879, he came to Tama county and settled on section 8, Clark township, where he now owns a fine farm of 240 acres. Mr Stewart is a Republican in politics.

JOHN CAMPBELL is a native of Chemung county, New York, born to Judson and Abigail (Young) Campbell, on the 15th of August, 1838. He resided in his native county for thirty years, then came to Tama county, settling first on section 35, Perry township, where he spent five years, at the end of which time he located in Carroll township, remaining until 1881, and then moved into Clark township where he now owns 160 acres on section 30. Mr. Campbell was married in 1860, to Miss Mary A. Butts, a native of New York State. Their children are Elsie, Judson, William, Florence, Carrie and Charles. September 6, 1861, Mr. Campbell enlisted in the 50th New York Volunteers Infantry, and after serving fourteen months, was discharged on account of physical disability.

JOHN JENSEN was born in Germany, October 17, 1847, and came to America in 1864, locating first in Scott county, Iowa, where he was engaged in farming for five years. In 1870, he came to Tama county and located on section 2, Oneida township, where he remained until the spring of 1882, when he moved to his present farm of 320 acres on section 29, Clark township. He was married, in 1877, to Maria Thiesen, a native of Germany. They have two children living: Peter and Thomas.

ORGANIC.

The first election was held at the house of David Torrence, November 6, 1860. The following have been the officers:

1860—Trustees, Joseph Moss, Charles Unger and G. W. Wierman; Assessor, David Torrence; Clerk, G. W. Bradley; Supervisor, T. S. Talmage. G. W. Bradley resigned the clerkship April 8, 186_, and David Torrence was appointed to fill the vacancy.

1861—Trustees, Joseph Moss, Charles Unger and T. S. Talmage; Assessor, Joseph Moss; Clerk, David Torrence.

1862 – Justices David Torrence and J. A. Parmenter; Constables, G. A. Gummell and P. P. Wentch; Trustees, Joseph Moss, C. Unger and T. S. Talmage; Assessor, Joseph Moss; Clerk, Dvid Torrence.

1863—No records.

1864—No records.

1865—Justices, P. P. Wentch and David Torrence: Trustees, Andrew Boylan, Newton Miller and Henry Moss; Assessor, David Torrence; Constable, Charles Unger.

1866—Assessor, James Enderton; Clerk, T. S. Talmage; Trustees, P. P. Wentch, Henry Moss and Charles Unger; Justices, David Torrence and Solomon Cochrane; Constables, Newton Miller and Jerome Lee.

1867—Supervisor, Joseph Dysart; Clerk, T. S. Talmage; Assessor, James Enderton; Trustees, Solomon Cochrane, David Torrence, P. P. Wentch; Constable, James Enderton.

1868—Assessor, Hugh Calderwood; Clerk, T. S. Talmage; Trustees, Solomon Cochrane, Enoch Converse and Samuel Everett; Justices, David Torrence and T. S. Talmage; Constables John W. Thomas and Ezra Coffee.

1869 - Trustees, David Torrence, James Enderton and S. F. Everett; Assessor, Hugh Calderwood; Clerk, T. S. Talmage; Justices, B. F. Thomas and W. H. Shafer; Constables, A. Coutts and H. F. Mosher.

1870 - Trustees, David Torrence, James Enderton and Hugh Calderwood; Assessor, J. t. Converse; Clerk, T. S. Talmage; Constables, H. F. Mosher and Kelsey Phelps.

1871 - Clerk, T. S. Talmage; Trustees, M. D. Bonney, David Torrence and B. F. Thomas; Constables, F. M. Crissman and Benjamin heath; Assessor, W. H. Shafer.

1872 - Justices, J. W. Crissman and S. F. Everett; Assessor W. H. Shafer; Clerk, T. S. Talmage; Trustees, Joseph Dysart, James Enderton and Daniel Pickett; Constables, F. M. Crissman and P. Olson.

1873 - No records.

1874 - Assessor, H. Frank; Justices, S. Hardin, H. Calderwood; Constables, M.B.D. Wetherin and J. N. Black; Trustees, James Enderton, B. F. Thomas and Daniel Pickett; Clerk, T.S. Talmage.

The officers elected in the fall of 1882, are as follows: Justices, N.C. Rice and L.J. Tussey; Clerk, E. Pearson; Trustee, B.F. Thomas; Constables, W. P. Worrall and A. Burnett; Assessor, J. N. Stoakes.

Clark township was so named in honor of Judge Leander Clark. Quite a number of names were proposed, among which were “Plain,” on account of its level surface, and “Rock Creek”, after the creek of that name, but “Clark” was finally decided upon.

EDUCATIONAL.

The first school in this township was held in a building on the northeast quarter of section 2, owned by Newton Miller, in 1862, and was taught by Jacob Parmenter. There was an attendance of about seven scholars. The first school house built was on the northeast corner of section 11, in 1863, and cost $224. It is still standing. The first school in this building was taught by Miss Annie Torrence during the winter of 1863-4. The district in which this building is located now comprises sections 1,2,11 and 12.

There are now nine school districts in the township, including the independent district of Dysart. All these have good school building excepting number 9, and the educational facilities compare favorably with other townships of similar population.

ETTIE POSTOFFICE.

This office was established in 1869,at the house of John T. Converse, on section 11, where it remained until its removal to Dysart, in February, 1873, when the name was changed to correspond with that of the village. J.T. Converse was the first postmaster, and remained in charge until after the name was changed to Dysart.

John T. converse was born in Ashford, Windham county, Connecticut, October 31, 1823. His parents were palmer and Betsy (Tyler) Converse. He grew to manhood in his native county. His educational advantages were the district schools, and later an attendance at an academy. During 1846 he was married, in Tolland county, Connecticut, to Miss Marcia Crawford a native of Union, Tolland county, and a daughter of Judge Ingoldsby W. and Rhoda (Taft) Crawford. Her ancestors were among the early settlers of Tolland county. After their marriage, the young couple spent some years

In Windham, where Mr. Converse was engaged in farming; and in 1857, they removed to Minnesota, locating in Dakota county. During 1866, they returned to the east, and in February, of 1867, came to Tama county and settled on the southeast quarter of section 11, Clark township. Mr. Converse was appointed postmaster of Ettie post office in 1868, and later was first postmaster of Dysart. His death occurred on the 21st day of December, 1880, at San Antonio, Texas, where the family were spending the winter. His remains lie in the cemetery of Dysart. Mrs. Converse has two children living, Marcia Melora, wife of Adelbert A. Ives, of Dysart; and John T. who is living in Grundy county, Iowa.

HISTORICAL ITEMS.

The first birth was George F. , a son to P.P. Wentch and wife, September 27, 1857; his is still living.

The first marriage in the township was that of Newton Perkins and Miss N. Moss. It occurred in 1859.

The first death occurred in October, 1856, the wife of Newton Miller. Her death was occasioned by a dreadful prairie fire in which she was caught during a high wind. Particulars will be found in chapter 11.

TOWN OF DYSART.

This place is pleasantly located in the eastern part of the township. The land on which it rests was formerly owned by John W. Crissman, who caused the village to be platted in November, 1872. To this original plat an addition was made during the summer of 1875, by David P. Tussey, of Blair county, Pennsylvania. Afterward another addition was made by Rev. H. W. Beach, of about thirty acres.

The village was named in honor of Hon. Joseph Dysart, ex-State Senator from Tama and Benton counties, and ex-Lieutenant Governor of the State.

ORGANIC.

Dysart has been duly incorporated, the first election being held July 12, 1881, when the following named persons were elected to office: N. C. Rice, Mayor; T. C. Curyea, Recorder; Peter Jensen, C. P. Federson, S.W. Arbuthnot, D. E. Hallet, Chars. Betebenner and George Alexander, Trustees.

The next election held, March 1882, resulted as follows: N. C. Rice, Mayor; R. B. Beach, Recorder; C. P. Fedderson, S. W. Arbuthnot, Geo. Alexander, Peter Jensen, P. C. Jones and J. E. Hollabaugh, Trustees. N. C. Rice resigned, November 14, 1882, and H. W. Persons was elected Mayor to fill vacancy by the council on November 12.

The officers elected in march, 1882, were as follows: H. W. Persons, Mayor; Peter Jensen, and D. E. Hallet, Trustees; Arthur Sewall, Assessor; J. H. Pinkerton, Recorder; Wendell Pierce, Treasurer; Byron Stewart, Street Commissioner.

BUSINESS MATTERS AND MEN.

The first store built in this town was erected by William Davidson who opened therein a general stock of merchandise, in January, 1873. It is now occupied by Emmett & Peters for a hardware store.

The second store building was erected by John W. Crissman in which Mr. Durand, of Belle Plaine, opened a stock of goods. This building then stood on the southwest corner of main and Wilson streets. It is now occupied by the general merchandise store of Clough & Shaeffer, and stands on the north side of Wilson street.

J. E. Clough, one of the business men mentioned, is a native of New York, born in Tompkins county, in 1840. He lived at home until twenty-one years of age, and then removed to Indiana, where, during 1862, he enlisted in Company D., 74th Indiana Volunteers. He participated in the battled of Chickamauga and Mission Ridge, besides being in other engagements while with the army of the Cumberland and with General Sherman in his “March to the Sea: He was honorably discharged at Indianapolis in 1865. Two years later, he removed to Benton county, Iowa, where he was engaged in carpentering; and, in 1876, settled in Dysart. Here he was employed at the same occupation until November, 1881, when he associated himself with John Coutts and embarked in his present business. Mr. Clough is a member of the I. O. O. F. society, and is also a charter member of the A. O. U. W. organization. He was married in 1876, to Miss Jennie E. Farnsworth. Two children bless their home - Bessie and Charles.

The third store carried dry-goods, and was opened by Johansen & Pollikek in the spring of 1873.

The fourth store was established by O. D. Bonney and opened during the spring of 1873.

These buildings were on the west side of Main street, and in July, 1882, the latter was burned.

George W. McDonald opened his dry goods and general merchandise store in Dysart in 1877. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in York county, on the 14th of March, 1839. His parents were John and Catherine (Wiant) McDonald. AT the age of fifteen, he began clerking in a store in Baltimore, and subsequently learned the Millwright’s trade, which he followed, making his headquarters in the cities of Washington and Baltimore. During the spring of 1855, he removed to the State of Ohio, locating in Mount Blanchard, Hancock county, where he engaged in mercantile business until 1869, at which time he sold out and emigrated to Clarence, Shelby county, Missouri. While there, Mr. McDonald engaged in the lumber trade and also had an interest in a dry-goods house part of the time. In the fall of 1876, he located at Greene, Iowa, and in the spring of the following year came to Dysart, where he has since been engaged in the dry-goods business. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows, and also a member of the Masonic order. On the 8th day of January, 1863, he was united in marriage with Miss Maggie McGuigan, who is a native of Pennsylvania.

The first railroad train made its appearance within the limits of the village on the 27th day of December 1873, on the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railroad, and was a welcome visitor. This was for a time the terminus, and the village improved rapidly.

The first house for a dwelling was built early in December, 1872, by Levi Johnson. It has since been torn down. It was the only residence in the town until the spring of 1878.

The first meat market was established in 1873, by John Theid, who remained in the business about one year. The market has changed hands several times, and is now conducted by John Schloc.

Joseph Furrow established his meat market in January, 1883, and is now doing a good business.

Joseph Furrow was born November 17, 1841, in Champaign county, Ohio. He remained in his native county until fourteen years of age, and then removed to Miami county, Ohio, where he engaged in farming for a number of years. August 14, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, 2d Ohio Infantry, and served until honorably discharged, October 20, 1864, at Camp Chase, Ohio. He participated in the battles of Stone river, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and Atlanta, besides being in several lighter engagement. In 1866, he came to Tama county, Iowa, and located on a farm in York township. There he remained until 1871, at which time he engaged in farming in Oneida township. He continued farming until in December, 1872 and then came to Dysart, where the following spring he erected the Central House, of which he was proprietor five and a half years. He then engaged in the livery business until January of 1882, and is at present operating a meat market. His livery stable was destroyed by fire July 5, 1882. Mr. Furrow has held the office of Town Constable for six years. He is a Master Mason. His marriage with Miss E. E. Bowen, a native of Indiana, occurred in 1871. They have two children, Eddie H. and Florence E.

The lumber and coal trade is represented in Dysart by P. Jensen of Dysart and Ellis & Son of Vinton. The interests of Ellis & Son in Dysart are managed by H. H. Allison.

P. Jensen is a native of Germany, born in June 1854. He came to America with his parents in the year 1865. They first settled in Davenport, Iowa, where they lived until 1870, and then moved to Oneida township, Tama county. The subject of this was reared on a farm and received a common school education. In 1877, he came to Dysart, where he clerked one year and then went to Germany and spent one year. In 1879, he returned to Dysart and opened his lumber and coal yards. Mr. Jensen votes the Republican ticket, and is at the present time one of the Town Councilmen and also a Director of the public schools. His marriage with Miss Mary Meggers, occurred in 1879. They have two children: Dora and Frank.

H. H. Allison is a native of Stephenson county, Illinois, where he was born March 5, 1854. When eleven years of age, he removed with his parents to Benton county, Iowa, where he grew to manhood on the farm. He obtained a good common school education in order to fit himself for a business career; and in 1875, began clerking for Ellis & Son, lumber dealers, of Vinton. Three years later he was given charge of their branch office at Dysart, which position he now fills. Mr. Allison was married during 1876, to Miss Lillie Stone, a native of Scott county, Iowa. One child, Grace Dell, blesses their union.

The first blacksmith shop was erected by Levi Johnson. He died in Illinois soon after the shop was completed. Mr. Finch bought the tools and worked in the shop

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