Scarcely more than a quarter of a century ago, this beautiful land, now teeming with life and animation, and dotted all over with the happy homes and busy workshops of an intelligent, wealthy and prosperous people; these noble woodlands and lovely prairies, that have so often rang beneath the strokes of the woodman's ax, or rattle of the mower; and that have echoed the clear joyous shouts of happy childhood; these babbling springs and this murmuring stream, with their life-giving waters, were a part of a vast wilderness, the home only of wild animals, and still wilder savages who challenged the advance of civilization at every step, yet in that early day was heard

''The tread of pioneers
Of Nations yet to be ;"

and a small hamlet sprung up on the banks of the stream and Northwood was born, a little feeble spark at first, but soon, by the tide of emigration swelled, branching out into one of the fairest of Iowa's children.

While there may have been nothing abnormal or wonderful in the development of the past, or nothing peculiarly striking in the present, still there is much that cannot fail to be of interest to those who have been closely connected and identified with Northwood in all the various changes that have occurred from year to year. To those who have watched its course since first it assumed a shape, until the present time, the accomplishment of by-gone days would seem almost a herculean task, but they are the result, the sure and certain result of an advanced state of civilization, aided by energy, foresight and indefatigable labor. Endowed with a thousand natural advantages, aided by the strong arm of enterprising husbandry, Worth county has assumed a high position among the bright sisterhood of counties; and Northwood, as the first town within her limits, first in all matters of enterprise as well as in number of population, has kept pace with the improvements and advancement.

Northwood is situated in the northern part of Worth county, on the banks of the Shell Rock river, and is about 120 miles from the Mississippi river at the nearest point of landing. It is connected, by rail, with all the centers of commerce, which affords most excellent marketing facilities. The town is surrounded by some of the finest and most productive, agricultural and stock raising lands in the northern part of the State, which is a guarantee of a permanent and ever increasing trade. Besides these advantages, the Shell Rock river, on whose banks the town rests, furnishes a most excellent water-power, which, although improved to a certain extent, has not been fully utilized, as it eventually will be. There are some substantial brick buildings to be seen upon the main thoroughfare, and the town site is dotted all over with most elegant dwellings, villas, ornees and cottages, many of them costly and of considerable architectural pretentious. There are several very fine church buildings and an elegant edifice for educational purposes, besides the court house. An abundance of shade trees adorn the streets and with the natural groves in which each residence is embowered, add greatly to the beauty. The location is exceedingly healthy ; and the society is of the most refined and desirable character.

RECORDED PLATS

The various town plats of the town of Northwood were filed for record as follows:

Northwood proper, by Charles Wardall, Lemuel Dwelle and Joel Dayton, Sept. 21, 1858.
Egbert's addition was recorded on the 8th of April, 1872.
Jones' addition, April 8, 1872.
Dwelle's addition, Sept. 19, 1873.
Woodworth's addition, 24th of June, 1875.

EARLY DAYS

In the summer of 1853, as has been stated, G. 0. Mellem settled on the northeast quarter of section 32, where he erected a log cabin, as bag been told in the general history. He entered this piece of land and the southeast quarter of section 29, May 12, 1857. In the same summer of 1857, Mr. Mellem sold to Charles Wardall all of this land lying northeast of the Shell Rock river, Mr. Wardall paying part cash and giving a purchase money mortgage for the balance. The foresight of this gentleman saw that this point would eventually be the site of a considerable town and determined to survey and plat the. same, but could not raise the necessary funds at the time to pay off the incumbrance, without lifting which he could not legally enter his plat for record. In this juncture, Lemuel Dwelle, who had come west in search of a betterment in his fortunes, in company with Joel Dayton, purchased a part of the land, thus allowing Mr. Wardall to clear up the title on the whole. These parties therefore went to work and surveyed the original town site of Northwood, laying it off into the proper lots and blocks in July, 1857. This plat was filed for record Sept. 21, 1858. At the time of the survey, William Anderson had a small pole shanty; S. D. Green a small frame shanty, and Wardall a log cabin on the original site. Dr. D. D. Franklin that same summer had purchased the northwest quarter of section 33, which adjoins the town on the east of Kittel Olsen Klabbo, and had built a log cabin, and Samuel Egbert, who had entered the southwest quarter of section 28, resided upon his land. These were about all the buildings of the embryo town. In July, S. H. Franklin built a frame building for store purposes. This was immediately rented by B. H. Beckett, one of the most prominent figures in these early days, and now one of Worth county's most solid men, and on the 9th of September, 1857, he opened the first store in the town. This edifice was the first frame building in the town, and yet stands a monument of the pioneer days, in the rear of the stately brick block since erected by L. and A. J. Dwelle, on Main street. The goods which Mr. Beckett exposed for sale were hauled by team from McGregor, on the Mississippi, some 130 miles away, through swamps and sloughs, and over almost impassable roads, and was for several years the only store in the town, and indeed in the vicinity. In this historic old building was held the first election on the organization of the county, and round its hallowed wall still cling many memories of the past, when the store was regarded with pride by all who had any interest in the progress and advancement of the town.

In 1857 Charles Wardall, thinking to improve the water-power which was placed so naturally at his door, put in a dam and erected a saw and feed-mill. These he run for some years, until 1860, when L. and A. J. Dwelle purchased the property and proceeded to erect a substantial grist-mill, with four run of stone, of which more anon.

Almost from its inception, Northwood and Bristol were rival contestants for the county-seat, but the influx of emigration in 1857 having set in more strongly toward the western part of the county, gave Bristol the advantage, and the three commissioners, appointed by Judge Murdock, of the tenth judicial district, consisting of Messrs, Harwood, Van Patten and Finney, to locate the county-seat, gave the preference to Bristol and settled upon that classic spot as the future seat of county government, as detailed in the general history of the county. The people of the eastern half of the county, and of Northwood in particular, were dissatisfied with this location and tried at various times to have the question put to the test of a vote, which was finally accomplished in 1863, when the county-seat was moved to Northwood, by a vote of 115 to forty. Thus ended the county-seat contest. The location here, of the seat of government, added an impetus, to the growth of the town, and it rapidly grew in size and influence.

ORGANIC

Northwood was incorporated as a town in 1875. The following is a list of the mayors, recorders and trustees, from that time until the present, that are upon the record :

1875. O. V. Eckert, mayor; E. W. Smith, recorder; Lemuel Dwelle, J. B. Thompson, E. S. Johnson, C. A. Knapp and H. Peterson, trustees.
1876. W. S. Thomson, mayor; P. O. Noben. recorder; C. A. Knapp, A. C. Walker, E. L. Johnson, D. C. Bigelow and William Hunter, trustees.
1877. W. S. Thomson, mayor; P. 0. Noben, recorder; D. C. Bigelow, E. L. Johnson, 0. A. Knapp, A. C, Walker and William Hunter, trustees.
1878. T. R. Crandall, mayor; S. D. Ensign, recorder; B. K. Walker, G. F. Wattson, H. Peterson, H. V. Dwelle and J. B. Thompson, trustees.
1879. G. F. Wattson, mayor; C. W. Clauson, recorder; B. H. Beckett, H. V. Dwelle, R. C. Pike, J. B. Thompson, Edwin Collin and W. T. Spencer, trustees.
1880. S. O. Peterson, mayor: Dow Sirnmonds, recorder; R. C. Pike, Edwin Collin, W. T. Spencer, A. D. Robertson, J. B. Thompson and A. N. Nye, trustees.
1881. S. O. Peterson, mayor; Dow Simmonds, recorder; A. N. Nye, A. D. Robertson, R. C. Pike, W. S. Thomson, J. B. Thompson and L. S. Butler, trustees. During the year, S. O. Peterson resigned the position of mayor and A. C. Walker was appointed in his stead.
1882. W. E. Pickering, mayor; S. D. Ensign, recorder; W. S. Thomson, F. C. Hall, A. N. Nye, L. D. Klove, W. T. Spencer and L. S. Butler, trustees.
1883. A. J. Cole mayor; G. F. Watt-son, recorder; A. N. Nye, L. D. Klove, F. C. Hall, William Hunter, W. S. Thomson and L. S. Butler trustees.

POSTOFFICE

The mail facilities of the earlier pioneers were not very satisfactory as they were compelled to go Osage for their letters. An application was forwarded to the department at Washington, asking for the establishment of a postoffice at Phelps' Grove, to be called Northwood, and when the papers, etc., were forwarded, the citizens of the rising young village captured the outfit and calling the town by the name of Northwood, from the postoffice, held on to it. The date of the institution of this office was the fall of 1857. Dr. D. D. Franklin was commissioned the first postmaster, which position he held until he was succeeded by B. H. Beckett; who removed the office to his store. A sketch of Dr. Franklin, the first postmaster, will be found under the head of the medical profession of the county and of Mr. Beckett under that of biographical. J. U. Perry was the next postmaster, a man as well known throughout the county as any man could be, and who, besides being the first attorney admitted to the bar in the county held several of the more important offices. He was succeeded in the handling of the mails by R. C. Pike, who had come to this vicinity to enter into mercantile pursuits. He was identified for several years with those interests, finally entering the bank, which business he carried on until 1882 when he left for Decorah, Winneshiek county, where he now resides.

C. C. Wattson was the next incumbent. He was a native of Adrian, Mich., and came to Worth county upon the close of the war in 1865. He had been a member of the famous 3d Iowa Infantry regiment, and lost his arm at the battle of the Hatchie. He afterward was engaged in various mercantile pursuits at Northwood, notably in the drug trade, and is now in California, where he has attained to considerable prominence, having been elected a member of the legislature of that State.

P. D. Swick succeeded C. C. Wattson. Mr. Swick is well known to all the older residents of the county, having instituted the "Northwood Pioneer" the first newspaper in the county. J. P. Egleston was the next appointee. Mr. Egleston kept this office for several years, when he unaccountably disappeared, and no trace of him could be found. Strong efforts have been made to ascertain his fate, but with no avail. No cause being assignable for his disappearance, bis sorrowing friends and family know not what to think.

A. J. Cole was the immediate successor of Mr. Egleston, and held the office for some time. He is the present mayor of Northwood.

George F. Wattson, the present post master, was the successor of Mr. Cole.

From a small beginning, the office has has grown to one of considerable importance. Instead of one mail semi-frequently, brought hither in the pocket or hat of the enterprising traveler from the distant shores of Osage, Mitchell county, four daily and several semi-weekly, and weekly mails are received. On the 7th day of July, 1873, a money order department was established at this office. On that day an order was issued to P. D. Swick, of Northwood, for the sum of $1.35, in favor of the Wisconsin News Company, of Milwaukee. This was the beginning of a large business in this department, there having been drawn in the last ten years considerably over 10,000 orders.

HOTELS

As a nation the great American people are the travelers par-excellence. Continually on the move, either coming or going, on business tours, seeking health or a new location, where "fithy lucre" can be accumulated, they develop a restlessness, said by foreigners to be the supreme characteristic of this people. To meet the wants of this vast floating population, public houses must be provided, and in this respect the town of Northwood need not be slighted by the tourist, be he on pleasure or business, as three caravansaries hold out the proper inducements of "entertainment for man and beast."

In 1858, Simon H. and Asa Franklin erected a frame hotel building on the site where the postoffice now stands. John Becker rented this and hanging out his sign, informed the public that he was prepared to "give entertainment" for a consideration, thus becoming the pioneer landlord of Northwood. Before this every man's cabin was to some extent a public house, and every weary traveler was welcomed and given the best that the limited resources afforded. No style was observed in these cabins; the food was placed on the table to be eaten, and it was the guest's fault if he went away hungry. There was no great variety, but it was generally of a wholesome character and suitable to those living the out-of-door life of those days. Northwood was happy now in the possession of a hotel, and the younger fry rejoiced that now there existed no necessity for them to go sleep in the hay mow or other inconvenient place, to give a bed to the traveler. This hotel was called the City Hotel and was well patronized, for in those early years there were a great number visiting this vicinity looking for a place to locate. Mr. Becker, after a short trial of the business, sold out to Jerome Beals, a man of whom old residents say, "His name at home was George — George Washington Beals, but for style, he was Jerome when he got here." After Mr. Beals, several parties had possession of it and tried their hand at the hotel-keeping, among them were: J. C. Hitchcock, William Weed, J. C. and John Colony. In December, 1874, the house passed into the hands of Harry Pepper by whom it was completely renovated, and the name changed to that of Pepper House, under which it was run until Oct 12, 1876, when the old landmark was devoured by fire, and the place that knew it, knew it no more.

In May, 1875, George Gardner, announced that he having purchased the late boarding house of R. C. Pike, would, after refitting the same open it as a hotel, under the name of the Gardner House. For a year this continued to run, but finally was given up, and is now occupied by one of the leading citizens, as a private residence.

The Northwood House was started as such in October, 1875, and has had a varied existence since. It is now in the able hands of Lewis Carter, a son of L. S. Carter, one of the prominent men of the county. The Union House was once a tannery in the hands of Mr. Stromstine, who, finding that business not a paying one, turned it into a saloon, and from that it grew into the present hotel.

The Dwelle House was built in the summer of 1877 by L. and A. J. Dwelle, and was, when first finished, known as the American House. When they had finished the edifice these gentlemen rented it to C. B. Ingalls, who had had some experience in the same business at Mason City, and who opened the new hostelry with a grand flourish of trumpets. The Pioneer of August that year, has several allusions to the new institution, among them the following:

"The new house, so long needed in Northwood, is open and in running order. It is large and commodious,the main building being 30x60 feet, three stories high, with a dining-room 32x22 feet, in addition. Southeast of this dining-room is still another department containing sitting-rooms, two bedrooms, kitchen and laundry. The house contains in all thirty-three sleeping rooms. The office is large and well ventilated, the parlor of good size, with a bridal chamber in connection. A veranda runs around three sides of the house, below and above. The house is elegantly furnished from Arnold Bros' large furniture establishment, at Marshalltown."

The article goes on to enumerate the furniture in the usual style, and winds up by saying that : " It is a first-class house, and an ornament to our beautiful town, and a haven of rest to the weary traveler." The house was opened by a large party, given in welcome to the new landlord, at which time the citizens, appreciating the enterprise of the Messrs. Dwelle, respectfully asked those gentlemen to rechristen the hotel "the Dwelle House." After some hesitation this was assented to, and the name changed. The lot whereon the hotel is built was the site of a former residence of Mr. Dwelle, and when, in an early day, he selected it, he had the forethought and sagacity to set out a large number of beautiful trees. The hotel, therefore, stands in a lovely grove, " the boundless contiguity of shade" so pined for by the poet, and is shielded from the blinding glare of a mid-day's summer sun, or winter's chilling blasts.

C. B. Ingalls was the landlord of this hotel until April, 1881, when he resigned the reins, and betook himself to pastures new. He was, immediately succeeded by C. P. Hunter who, however remained but a year, when Messrs. L. and A. J. Dwelle assumed the management themselves, under the able direction of the junior partner, Albert J. Dwelle, who is ostensibly the landlord. He is the very personification of the "jolly host," and has so far conducted the hotel to the general satisfaction of the traveling public. The house is under the management of Fred. E. White, a nephew of the proprietors, who tries to fill all the positions of landlord, clerk and steward, with fair success.

RELIGIOUS.

The first religious service in Worth county was held by the Rev. C. L. Clausen, of St. Ansgar, Mitchell county, who ministered unto the spiritual wants of the Scandinavian settlers, who were all of the Lutheran faith. After several missionary trips to Worth county, and holding meetings with the old settlers, he assisted in the organization of the first Lutheran Church in the county. This was called the Shell Rock Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church, and was the first organized Church of any denomination in the county. It was organized in the house of Ole Aslakson, and most probably during the year 1858, but as the documents relating thereto bear no date, it is not certain. The paper of organization was at once signed by the following members: Ole Aslakson Lee, Aslak Olsen Lee, Gunder Jorgensen Sanda, Tarje Aslaksen Lee, Gulbrand Olsen Mellem, Iver G. Dahl, John Olsen, Michael Paulsen, Christian Amundsen, Ole Aslaksen, Simon Rustad, Torgees Haroldsen, Ole O. Berg, Ole O. Hove, Erick Olsen, John Syverson, Elling Ellingson, John D.Johnson, Abraham Christophersen, Ole Amundsen Plaate, Halvor Halvorsen, Hans Olsen, Christopher Olsen, Gustorm Kittlesen, Jorgen Simonsen Lee and Guldbrand G. Dahl. The articles of incorporation, which come later, bear date of Nov. 28, 1859, and are signed by the following as trustees: Simon Rustad, Ole A. Lee and Elling Ellingson. The Rev. C. L. Clausen was the pastor of this congregation, as well as of several others in his extended field. He resided at St. Ansgar, the center of the scene of his labors, and continued to supply the spiritual food to his infant Church until 1865. He was succeeded on the 19th of August of that year by the Rev. T. A. Torgerson, who had several other charges in this county. This gentleman remained here until May, 1869, when he was deprived of his sacerdotal office by a majority of the Church members, they assigning as a reason his advocating the doctrine that slavery was no sin in the eyes of the Lord. In July, 1870, the Rev. B. B. Gjeldaker, an ordained minister from Norway, took charge of the Shell Rock, Silver Lake and Elk Creek Churches, in Worth county, and three more congregations in Winnebago and Freeborn counties. He remained in this harvest field until December, 1876, when, having been appointed professor in the Augsburg Theological Seminary at Minneapolis, he left the county. The Rev. 0. Nilsen, from June, 1874, was the assistant minister in the extended fields of Rev. Mr. Gjeldaker, and in 1877, on the retirement of that gentleman, took charge of the Shell Rock and Elk Creek Churches. In this field he is still working with commendable zeal and merited success. It is said of him that he was the first Lutheran minister who resided in Northwood, the others living elsewhere. The fine church edifice was erected by the Shell Rock Church society, one mile west of the town of Northwood, on land belonging to Simon Rustad, in 1874. Its interior was finished and the building dedicated to the worship of the living God on the 20th of November, 1880. It is 66x36 feet in dimension, and the handsome steeple that surmounts it is a conspicuous landmark for miles around. The cost of the edifice was $5,500, which is all paid, and no debt stands against it. The present officers are: Simon Rustad, secretary; I. Holstad, O. J. Lucken and E Syversen, trustees; A. Nosheim, chorister and Sabbath school superintendent; John I. Hove, treasurer; O. N. Kjorland, organist. There are at present 255 members.

The following interesting history of the rise of religious associations and the formation of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Northwood, was taken from the records of that organization and was from the able pen of T. M Nichols, and is given entire:

"To find the exact period at which any history begins is one of the most difficult labors of the historian. To say that the history of a war begins with the firing of the first gun, or that the history of a Nation begins with its foundation, is to state an error; for in both these cases there were causes leading up to these events, which form a very important part in their history. Neither should the time -of preaching the first sermon, or the time of building the church edifice, be considered as the commencement of the history of the Church, for back of these there have been prayers offered, labors per-formed, and blessing received or these events would never have occurred.

"In the year 1860, the people of Northwood, which was then a town four years old, in answer to somebody's prayers, and in accordance with divine blessings received, found themselves inquiring after some one to come and preach the gospel of Christ to them. Their wants were made known to a brother, Matteson, who was preaching at the time at Shell Rock, a place about nine miles a little west of north of here. He made one appointment and found what he thought to be a good field in which he could sow the seed of eternal life and do good work for the Master, consequently he made a regular appointment for once in four weeks, which lie filled for nearly two years.

In the year 1861 Walter Stott, a local preacher who lived at Shell Rock, began to preach frequently in Northwood, a work which did good, which the people appreciated, and which he kept up during the remainder of his life. In the fall of 1862 Brother Matteson's time was up at Shell Rock, and the Minnesota conference, of which he was a member, removed him and sent Brother Garner on to the circuit who fulfilled an appointment at Northwood every four weeks for two years. During this time, aided by brother Walter Stott, he held a revival meeting and seven professed to be converted to God. At the close of the meetings they were formed into a class, Charles Wardall being appointed leader. But neglecting their private devotions and forsaking the assembling of themselves together, they soon went back to the ways of the world and engaged in open sin.

Brother Gleason succeeded Brother Garner in 1864, and in 1866 Brother Elliott followed Brother Gleason on the Shell Rock circuit and both preached regularly at Northwood once in four weeks. Neither had visible manifestations of the result of their labors at this place. They were planting and watering for another to receive the increase.

At its regular session in the fall of 1868, the Des Moines conference instructed Brother Groom, whom it sent to Forrest City circuit, to cultivate this field as apart of his work. He, aided by Walter Stott, held a revival meeting in the forepart of the winter of 1869. At this meeting several were converted and a healthy class was organized. This was really the beginning of our present society, or the nucleus about which it was formed.

In the fall of 1870 the Upper Iowa conference claimed the territory of Northwood, and sent Brother Webster on the circuit known as Worth circuit. He was assisted by Brother Adrian.

The first quarterly conference on the circuit was held Nov. 26, 1870, William Bush, P. E. At this meeting the first stewards of Northwood were elected, D. Wright, Walter Stott and William Perkins. Brother Webster was succeeded in the fall of 1871 by Brother J. W. Gould. The name of the circuit was changed, at this time, to Northwood circuit. The appointments on the circuit during this year were: Northwood, Gordonsville, Shell Rock, Gardner's school house and Parker's school house. The preacher's salary for the year was estimated at $300, all of which was paid. F. B. Grant was sent to the circuit in the fall of 1872, who remained one year and was followed by W. W. Robinson, whose salary was estimated at $300.

During these years, things had passed off quietly. Accessions to the Church membership had not been very great at any one time, but the number of members had increased slowly, though steadily. At first, all religious meetings were held in the school house, up to the time of Rev. J. W. Gould's term, when the use of the court house was secured, and meetings were held in that place all of the time, until the new church was built, except a few months, during which time the M. E. Society occupied the Presbyterian church on alternate Sundays. At the first quarterly conference, of the next year, which was held at Northwood, Nov. 21, 1874, we find William Lease, P. E., in the chair and Rev. J. O. Hazelton preacher in charge. At this meeting, at the suggestion of the presiding elder, it was

Resolved, That we proceed to build a church as soon as practicable, and a committee of three be appointed to secure a site for a church. On this committee, J. O. Hazelton, O. V. Eckert and Walter Stott were appointed.

The committee procured the present site and the work of building a church was now undertaken with a zeal which betokened success. The result was that during the year 1876, the beautiful edifice which now adorns the town, was dedicated to the worship of our Creator.

The church was built at an expense of something over $6,000, and was when dedicated all paid for except $1,000. It stands upon the southeast corner of Main and Tenth streets.

Soon after the building was finished the Ladies M. E. Aid Society presented the church with bracket lamps and a chandelier, which cost over $100. In a few weeks the chandelier fell to the floor and was destroyed.

Rev. T. E. Flemming came to the circuit in the fall of 1875, and entered upon the work incumbent upon him, as pastor, but during the first six months his health failed and it found it necessary to give up his work. He went to Little Rock, Ark., but soon found that the southern climate did not agree with him, as his health was all the time failing. He returned in about three months, in a very feeble state of health, and entered again upon this work. His health now began to improve, and he served the charge the remainder of the year. During his absence the pulpit was filled by J. W. Robinson. In the fall of 1876 T. E. Flemming was sent back to Northwood from conference, where he labored another year successfully. During the winter he held a protracted meeting for five weeks. He was aided in these meetings by Walter Stott and Rev. E. H. Sayer, of the Presbyterian Church. Thirty persons asked for prayers and thirteen joined the Church on probation, but out of this number but three ever joined in full connection. During a part of this year Mr. Flemming went ten miles south, to Hildreth's school house, once in four weeks, to preach. The next year the society found Rev. Will F. Barclay at its head, who labored for the people nearly one year. He held a series of meetings at Hildreth's school house, and was gratified by the receipt into the Church of some thirty members at that place as the result of his labors there. The basement of the church had not been finished, but this year it was finally accomplished.

At the beginning of Mr. Barclay's administration, Nov. 24, 1877, the Church met with a heavy loss in the death of Walter Stott, then a local deacon in the Church. Nothing like a complete history of the Church could be made, and no more mention be made of this brother than has already been done. Since 1861, when he began to preach here, he had a deep interest for the spiritual welfare of the people. Often was the time when he would work hard all day and walk from his home, nine miles away, to preach to this people in the evening. He was recording secretary of twenty-five out of the twenty-eight quarterly conferences that were held upon the circuit before his death. He was one of the first to preach here; one of the first stewards; one of the first in the building committee, and, in fact, one of first wherever and whenever there was Church work to be done. "Of the pastors he was both an Aaron and a Hur of the society; one of the principal members, and of the Sabbath school a father. He was a regular attendant upon all social meetings of the Church and a frequent visitor at the bedside of the sick. His faith was firm through all his sickness, and he went peacefully to sleep, trusting in Jesus."

In November, 1878, Rev. T. M. Nichols was appointed the spiritual shepherd of this fold, and ministered to the wants of the congregation for one year. He was succeeded in 1880 by Rev. M. A. Goodell, who remained the shepherd of the flock for two years, when he was followed by the Rev. B. A. Wright, the present pastor, who was appointed in 1882. The present officers of the Church are: O. V. Eckert and William H. Perkins, class leaders; O. V. Eckert, W. T. Hartley, S. A. Foster, James Randall, I. M. Bolton, stewards, from North wood; W. H. Perkins, William B. Hildreth and W. H. Russell, stewards, from Manly, and Charles Locke, from Kensett. The trustees are as follows: W. T. Hartley, S. A. Foster, 0. V. Eckert, I. M. Bolton, James Randall, Joseph Mitchell and George Gardner.

The Presbyterian Church society was organized Dec. 4, 1869, under the ministrations of the Rev G. H. Chatterton, a synodical missionary, with the following roll of membership: Mr. and Mrs. J. U. Perry, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Moir, Mrs. Angeline Hall, Mrs. Dar Weed, Mr. and Mrs. S. P. Boyd, Mrs. Martha Atwood.

The first elders were S. P. Boyd and J. IT. Perry. The Rev. R B. Abbott, of Albert Lea, supplied this Church with its pastoral manna, holding service every six weeks at the court house. In the fall of 1870, the Rev. G. T. Everest, accepted the charge of the Church and services were held regularly. The regular society organization took place under his earliest ministrations, on the 19th of November, 1870. The members of this were Rev. G. T. Everest, J. U. Perry, S. P. Boyd, Duncan McKercher, L. S. Butler,and R.C. Pike. These commenced to build the church, which structure was finished in October, 1872, when it was dedicated. The edifice cost in the neighborhood of $2,500 and is a fine frame building. The pulpit from that time has been filled by several gentlemen, as follows: Revs. G. H. Chatterton, E. H. Sayer, W. J. Wever, T. A. Mills, David Blakely and H. Hostetler, the latter of whom left the place in September to finish his theological studies in New York city. The membership at present is about twenty-five, and the society is entirely free from debt. The elders are now: H. T. Toye, W. T. Spencer and J. U. Perry.

In April, 1877, the Baptist Church was organized with the following members: H. V. Dwelle, Helen E. Dwelle, Lemuel Dwelle, Sarah P. Hunter, John Seater, Mary Seater, H. M. Dickinson, Porter Dickinson, H. J. McMaster, Ethelinda McMaster, James Marcy, Mary B. B. Marcy, Sarah Wardall, Mrs. P. A. Greenleaf, Mary Egleston, Fannie Lewis, and Clara Wardall. At this time of organization B. H. Beckett, Lemuel Dwelle, William Hunter, H. M. Dickinson and H. J. McMaster, were elected trustees; H. M. Dickinson and James Marcy, deacons; H. V. Dwelle, clerk; H. J. McMaster, treasurer. For a long time services were held in the court house, but in 1881, it was determined to build a church edifice, and steps were taken toward that object. The structure was completed in 1882, and is architecturally one of the finest buildings in the county. A miniature model of those old English churches of 200 years ago, it makes a new departure in church building. Quaint in design, exquisite in finish it stands a monument to the good taste of the society, who discarded that hideous nightmare of architecture, the old-fashioned square or oblong barn, called a meetinghouse. The total cost of the structure is not far from $3,000. The first pastor of this society was Rev. N. F. Hoyt, and was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Daniels. At the present, the flock is without a shepherd, the people without a spiritual guide. The same officers that were elected at the inception of the Church, still continue to hold their several offices, no change having been made in that respect. The membership now numbers some forty-two souls. A Sunday school was also organized about the same time as the Church society and under the able management of superintendents H. L. Percival and H. J. McMaster, has attained to a considerable number and larger influence.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS

During the year 1869, the few faint attempts heretofore made toward the institution of a Sabbath school, came to a focus, and a union Sunday school was organized at the court house. This was sustained until the summer of 1872, when the Presbyterians withdrew, instituting a school in connection with their Church. H. T. Toye is the present superintendent.

Shortly after this the Baptist withdrew from the union school and now all three of the Churches supports its own school, W. T. Hartley is superintendent of the Methodist and H. J. McMaster of the Baptist school.

EDUCATIONAL.

The first school in the township was the one that has the honor of being the first in Worth county, namely; that taught by Catharine Hostetler at the house of Tilly McWithy, at Phelps' Grove, in the northern part of the township.

The first school in the town or village of Northwood, was one opened also by Catharine Hostetler, in the stone house now occupied by A. Gray. This was during the summer of 1858. The fall and winter following she continued this school in a room over the news tore building of B. H. Beckett. Those were both private or subscription schools. The first public or district school was taught in the summer of 1859, by Cylinda Burnapp. There being no school building, a room was had at the house of Charles Wardall for the purpose, and here was the beginning of the present fine system of educational interests at Northwood.

The next year, 1860, a small frame school house was erected and the scholars and teacher transferred thither. This building was made to do duty until the district was made an independent one, and it was determined to build a larger one, when the old one was sold. On the 10th day of May, 1873, was held the first meeting of the independent school district of Northwood, for the purpose of electing officers. The meeting was organized by the appointment of H. J. Olney as chairman, and H. V. Dwelle as secretary. The balloting then was commenced, and the polls kept open until 4:30 p. m., when they were declared closed and a canvass of the votes made. A. C. Walker was declared president of the board; Thomas Wardall, treasurer; B. H. Beckett, D. Abbey and H. V. Dwelle, directors. On motion of Mr. Perry, a tax of $600 was voted for the purpose of building a new school house, and the board of directors were given authority to sell the old school house and site and purchase a more desirable lot for a site. The board immediately took the necessary steps, and on looking the matter over, determined upon the purchase of a lot of R. L. Kimball for the sum of $400, and let the contract for the construction of the edifice for school purposes to A. D. Barnum, for the sum of $4,500. To this expense may be added some $382.72, expended at the same time for furniture, desks, etc., for the use of the school, making a total cost, at the start, of $5,282.72. To meet this expenditure the district had on hand $550, received from the sale of the old school house and lot, and $490 cash, received as the share of the school tax. The bonds of the independent school district of Northwood were therefore issued for $4,500 to meet the indebtedness, and put it in a shape where it could be handled with greater ease and safety. The school house was finished during the fall of the same year, and is a tasty, substantial and commodious brink building of two stories height, and a basement, on block 59, and is well fitted and furnished.

Transcribed by Gordon Felland, August 14, 2008