This district comprises all of congressional township 98 north, of range 22, west of the 5th principal meridian, and is the extreme southwestern of the whole county. It is bounded on the north by Bristol, and on the east by Danville townships; on the west and south by Winnebago and Cerro Gordo counties. It is well watered by several streams. Grass creek entering the northern part of the township on section 4, traverses, in a general southeasterly direction, sections 3, 10, 15, 23, 25 and 36, and makes a junction with Lime creek, just over the line in the next township. Beaver creek traverses the southern part of the township, from west to east, until it empties into Lime creek, on section 34. This stream of Lime creek comes from Cerro Gordo county, on the south, and runs but a short distance through the lower sections of the township. A good water-power is here developed at the village of Fertile. Considerable timber is also found in all the southern sections of the precinct, although the general character of the whole township is rolling prairie. In the western part there is some broken land, covered with groves and sloughs. All along the banks of Beaver and Lime creeks, the land was once covered with heavy bodies of timber, but much of it is now cut off. The soil is a black, sandy loam, having the same general characteristics as the balance of the county.

LAKES

Goose lake lies on sections 26 and 27, covering the most of the latter, and a mud lake lies on sections 19 and 30. Neither of these are very extensive, and are but shallow pools, largely overgrown with reeds and rushes.

EARLY SETTLEMENT

The first settler in this township was William Rhodes, who came to Iowa in 1856, and after stopping for a short time in Charles City, came to Fertile township. While he was in Mason City, he became acquainted with a man, who, in conversation, told him of the existence of a mill site in this locality, and he, therefore, started out on a voyage of discovery. When he arrived at the spot, which was at or near the present site of the village of Fertile, he admired the location, and determined to become the owner thereof. He returned to Charles City, and making the necessary arrangements, purchased tools, supplies, etc., loaded up his wagon drawn by oxen and started for this, then, boundless wilderness. He arrived here Aug. 6, 1856. His first labor was to build a grindstone frame to grind his scythe that he might cut grass for his oxen. Here he erected an humble log cabin, going to Owens Grove, in Cerro Gordo county, for lumber to roof it in. This mansion was 14x18 feet in size, with a Dutch fireplace at one end. In this house he took up his residence, three weeks at a time often passing without looking upon the face of his fellow creatures, nor a single specimen of them. The latch-string was always hung out, and when he had occasion to be absent from home, it was his custom to chalk upon the door, "Walk in and help yourselves." This fall deer were plenty, wild fruits of all kinds were abundant, and he lived "in clover," as the saying is, if his nearest neighbor was eight miles away. Mr. Rhodes was at this time a single man. After completing his house and fixing up about it, he commenced to put in a dam across the creek, for his mill. This he completed satisfactorily and had the mill up, machinery all in and a saw-mill ready for operation by the next July. He ran this mill until the spring of 1858, when the high water cut around the south end of the dam. Business was compelled to halt for a short time while this was repaired. Everything seeming in good condition when this break was fixed, the mill was again started, but the fates were unpropitious, for that same night, rain set in, and poured down in torrents, and when the morning had dawned, it was discovered that the creek had again swollen, and had again cut around the dam, and made a clean sweep of some forty feet of the embankment. Mr. Rhodes says that was the only time in his life that he felt sick or discouraged over any loss or set-back, in his life, but it was no use grieving over what could not be helped. This year of 1858 was known to all the old settlers as the "wet season," and Lime creek was not fordable at any time during that summer, and of course, no work could be done on the dilapidated dam. In the month of February, news came to Mr. Rhodes of the death of his father, in Roscoe, III., and he now debated in his own mind, as to whether it would be better to leave the country, and let his creditors fall heir to all his mill property, or to stick to it manfully, and work it through. In the end he concluded to adopt the latter alternative, sink or swim. Accordingly, in the latter part of February,1859, he got some help, cut out the ice in the creek, and extended his mill-dam fifty feet and again started the mill. He now met no further obstacles and continued to operate it with considerable success until Aug. 22, 1862, when he enlisted in company B., 32d Iowa Infantry, with which he served until 1865, when, after his discharge, he returned to this township. He now went to work again, and ran the sawmill, which he had improved, until 1868, when he erected a grist mill on its site. This building is 34x42 feet in dimension, two and a half stories high, has three run of stone and a capacity of turning out some fifty barrels of first class flour per. diem.

The next to settle in the township was William K. Fankell, in 1857. He located on the southwest quarter of section 36; was a single man and came from Wisconsin, but had formerly lived in Ohio. He brought his mother and sister with him, who kept house for him here, until in 1872, he removed to Cerro Gordo county, just over the line, where he now lives.

E. S. Winan, a brother-in-law of Fankell's, came at the same time and settled on the northeast quarter of section 36. He built a log cabin, and with his family, consisting of two children, took up his residence therein, but that same fall returned to Wisconsin, and did not return to this township until 1865. He was a citizen of the township from that date until 1880, when he removed to Lincoln, Cerro Gordo county, where he still resides. In 1862 Mr. Winan enlisted and entered the service of the Government, and returning to the township, "when the cruel war was over" was stricken down with the smallpox, but managed to "weather" that through.

These were all the settlers until 1865. Just after the war Henry and Charles Platts came into the township from Bristol, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 26. The former of these had a family, the other none, but boarded with his brother. They continued to be residents of Fertile, until about 1876, when they were taken with the western fever and emigrated to Moody Co., Dak., where they at present reside.

ORGANIC

Fertile township was organized, by an order from James Reefer, at that time the county judge, dated Oct. 20, 1860, in which all of congressional township 98, range 22, with four sections, 29, 30, 31 and 32, from Bristol township, was to be formed into a civil township, under the name of Fertile. In this order, the county judge authorized John Morris to post notices, calling a meeting of the legal voters of the township, which was to be held at the house of Warren Caswell, on the first Tuesday of November, 1860. This election was held accordingly on the 5th day of November, and five ballots were cast. The officers chosen at that time are as follows : John Morris, supervisor ; John Morris, Warren Caswell, William K. Fankell, trustees; William Rhodes, clerk; William J. Clark, assessor; William Rhodes and William J. Clark, justices ; William K. Fankell, constable. The first election held in what is now Fertile township, was at the house of William Rhodes, the second Tuesday of October, 1861. The following were the officers elected: Warren Caswell, William K. Fankell and William J. Clark, trustees ; William Rhodes, clerk; William K. Fankell, assessor and H. H. Platts, supervisor. There were six votes cast at this election. The present township officers are as follows: M. Blackmore, T. Gordon and Edwin Haroldsen, trustees; Ole W. Belstad, clerk; H. Ouverson, assessor; K. K. Sagen and Ole A. Rye, justices ; Asle K. Rank and H. L. Eschrich, constables.

FIRST ITEMS

The first birth within the limits of the township, was that of John Fenton, a son of William and Hannah Rhodes, who was ushered into existence, Dec. 1, 1861. This young man is still a resident of his native township.

The first marriage was that of Marcus O. Blackmore and Louise Fankell, which took place July 2, 1868. The nuptial knot was tied by Elder Mason, a Congregational minister. This couple still reside within the same township, and live happily surrounded by their five children.

'The first death was a daughter of Luther Place, which took place during the severe winter of 1856-7. The child was about seven years of age and died with a fever. The roads were so badly blocked by the drifting snows, that it was impossible to get a team through, so it was necessary to go to Mason City with a hand sled, for a coffin for the little one. She was buried on Mr. Rhodes' land. This family was one in the employ of Mr. Rhodes.

The first school was a summer term taught in 1860, in a frame shanty, built by the township, on the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section .36. The fair preceptress, who presided at the time, was Phoebe Dennis, from Lime Creek, Cerro Gordo county. Her school consisted of five scholars.

The first blacksmith was David W. Fisher, who came from Lyons, Iowa, in the spring of 1864. He built a shop and was the first workman at this trade in the township. This business he followed for about five years, when he purchased some land, the east half of the southeast quarter of section 34, which he tilled, and where he resided until the day of his death, in the spring of 1880. He was at this time about sixty-six years old. After his death, his widow went to Minnesota, where she has again married.

The first breaking in the township was done by Gabriel Pence, for William Rhodes, in 1856, for a garden. On this patch was raised the first vegetables. The first wheat was raised by William K. Fankell, in 1859. He had some fifteen acres of it, and it is reported to have had an excellent return for his labors

The first Norwegian school was taught by Betsy Resta, during the summer of 1873.

As a reminiscence of that terrible winter of 1856-7, it is frequently told that all of the provisions for this little settlement had to be brought from Mason City, on hand sleds. The crust which formed upon the surface of the deep snow, was strong enough to bear up the weight of a man, but was not firm enough to allow a team to travel over it.

EDUCATIONAL

During the summer of 1860, a school was taught by Phoebe Dennis, from Lime Creek, Cerro Gordo county, in a small frame building erected on the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 36. This building was little better than a shanty, having been erected by the directors of the district as a temporary makeshift. Owing to the sparse settlement of this portion of the county at that time, but five children were in attendance, being all that were of the regulation school age.

The first school in which the Norwegian language was taught, was opened in the summer of 1873, in a small log house, on the farm of Ole O. Brunsvold. Betsy Resta, of Northwood, taught the young Scandinavians their mother-tongue. About twelve scholars were in attendance. Miss Resta afterward married and died during the summer of 1881, leaving one child.

The school house in district No. 5, was struck by lighting in May, 1859, and was so badly injured that it was not considered safe to use for the purpose any longer. It was therefore exposed for sale at public auction, and purchased by H. H. Barry, for the sum of $60. He removed it to his place on section 7, and repairing it, has used it as a dwelling house since. A new school house was immediately built on the site, that same fall, being finished during the month of November.

Educational matters are in as good shape, and excite as much interest in Fertile township as anywhere in this section of country, and the grade and efficiency of both teachers and scholars is advancing with the general tendency of educational ideas throughout the State.

RELIGIOUS

The first religious services in the township were held at the school house in district No. 8, during the summer of 1867. The Rev. James Williams, who was at that time stationed at Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo county, preached the sermon and conducted the services. This meeting was the initiation of a regular fortnightly service. A class was formed and a Sunday school instituted, and the organization of a society consummated. This state of things continued for about five years, when owing to the removal of the members, services were discontinued and the congregation that remained disbanded. During the fall of 1871, the Scandinavian element began to turn their attention to the building up of a Church Society of their own faith. The initial services were held at the house of A. Halvorsen, on section 32, by the Rev. T. A. Torgeson, so well known throughout the county, as foremost in all good works among his countrymen. There are about forty families that belong to this organization, and services are held upon every third Sunday, at the Fertile school house, no church edifice having yet been erected.

CEMETERIES

The cemetery of the Lutheran Society was bought by K. Paulson from J. C. Calhoun, in the fall of 1874. The grounds contain about two acres, and the price paid was $50 for the lot. Mr. Paulson, on receiving title, deeded it to the Lutheran Society. It is located on the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 26. The first to be interred in this cemetery was Carl Johan, a son of G. K. Daley, who was buried therein July 28, 1875.

The Evangelical Lutherans have a cemetery on the southeast quarter of section 16, where all of that faith are laid to rest when life's labor is done, and the grim angel of death has gathered them in.

POSTOFFICES

Fertile postoffice was established in 1868, and William Rhodes appointed postmaster. The office was kept at his dwelling, at this time. Mail was received but once a week from Mason City, by way of Rock postoffice in Cerro Gordo county. This office remained only about one year, when it was discontinued and this neighborhood was without a postoffice for about another year, when the office was re-established and Ole Ouverson was appointed as postmaster. Mr. Ouverson kept the mails and distributed them from his store. He held the office until January, 1870, when he was succeeded by Andrew Grove, the present incumbent. Mails are received from Mason City, Northwood and Forest City, each twice a week.

Nordland postoffice was established in the spring of 1879, at the house of Simon Larson, on section 8 ; that gentleman being appointed postmaster. Mails were brought by himself and neighbors from Fertile postoffice, as occasion served, until October, 1879, when a mail route was established from Bristol to Fertile, by way of this office, which afforded the proper facilities for getting their mails. Twice per week is the schedule of mail receipts and deliveries at this office. Mr. Larson continued in charge of this office until January, 1880, when L. W. Belstad was appointed in his stead. The office was then removed to the dwelling house of Ole W. Belstad, a brother of the postmaster, on section 7. Here it remained until the following October, when Mr. Belstad resigned the office and Asle K. Rank was appointed in his place. Mr. Rank then removed the office to his residence on section 2, where it still remains. Mr. Rank is at present in Dakota, but the office is under the charge of O. Robinson, assistant postmaster.

RAILWAY MATTERS

On the 21st day of January, 1880, a petition was received by the board of township trustees, signed by a number of the legal voters and freeholders of the township, asking that body to call a special election to vote on the question of extending aid to the Iowa Central & Northern Railway Company, in constructing a road from some point on and connecting with the above railroad near Mason City, and which railroad was to run through Fertile township. It was proposed to levy and collect a five per cent tax on the taxable property of the township for this purpose. The trustees granted the prayer of the petitioners and ordered the election. This was held in January, 1880, at the Platts school house, and some ninety-five ballots cast, forty in favor of the tax and fifty-five against it. Thus the scheme fell to the ground.

VILLAGE OF FERTILE

Tradition has preserved the story that a land speculator owning some land near the present site of the village, having an eye to the increase in the value of his domain, induced the publishers of a map to locate a town on their chart, which he pretended was laid out on section 34, and platted under the high-sounding, but euphonious name of Fontanelle. This is given simply as a memory of the past. The surrounding inhabitants, ignoring the more lofty title of this embryo village, gave it the pet name of Putsey, by which it is yet more frequently called than by any other name.

The present village was platted during the year 1877, and the plat thereof filed for record on the 21st day of August, of that same year. Thomas Emsley, of Mason City, was the owner of the town site, and sold the first lot to Grove and Kirk, on the 5th day of October, 1877.

The first store in the village was opened in 1872 by Ole Ouverson, in a small frame building. Here he kept a small stock of goods, and dealt out the mail at the same place, being at that time postmaster. In 1874 K. Paulson, from the State of Wisconsin, was admitted as a partner and increased the capital and consequent business. He, however, remained in this place but one year, when, selling out his interest to Mr. Ouverson, he returned to his place of former residence. Mr. Ouverson conducted the business alone until the fall of 1875, when he sold out to Messrs. Grove & Kirk, who largely increased the stock, putting in a large amount of general merchandise. They remained in the old building, occupied by their predecessor, until November, 1878, when they removed to their present quarters, which they had built during that summer. They carry, at the present time, a stock of about $3,000, and are doing a business of $10,000 annually. The post-office is in this store, Mr. Grove being the postmaster.

K. Paulson commenced business here in October, 1882, and does a general merchandise trade. He erected his fine store building during the summer previous to engaging in trade. The building is a frame one, 22x36 feet, and two stories high. Mr. Paulson carries a well selected and assorted stock of about $3,000, and by industry and strict regard for his word, has succeeded in working up a fine business.

Halver Ouverson commenced the business of blacksmithing in 1875, and by patient industry and ingenuity has increased it to a large extent. He does a general business in his line, having a blacksmith, wagon and general repair shop. Success has crowned his efforts, and he is one of the solid men of the community. Mr. Ouverson is quite a genius, in his way, having invented some of the machinery that he uses in his business.

Gunder K. Baley also conducts a blacksmith and wagon shop. He came to Fertile township in 1870, and erecting a shop, 12x14 feet, and eight feet high, opened for business. He remained in this building until 1872, when the rapid increase in his business necessitated his removal to more commodious quarters. He therefore tore down his old building, and on the site of it, erected one 18x24 feet, and ten feet high. This he continued to occupy until June, 1880, when it was blown down by a cyclone. He then erected his present shop, which is still larger, being 24x42 feet in dimensions, with an addition for a wood working shop and one for a grindstone room, in which latter he polishes the steel part of plows. He is doing a good business in general blacksmithing and repairing, also builds wagons, carriages, etc. The machinery of his shop is run by horse power. The annual income from the combined trade is not far from $1,800 annually.

The large gist mill of William Rhodes is also an important factor in the general make-up of the business interests of the village, doing a trade of about $10,000 per annum, mostly custom work.

Transcribed by Gordon Felland, July 28, 2008