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The importance of preserving in concise form the traditions of the past has never been questioned, nor the usefulness of local history been disputed. Believing that the county of Cass afforded most excellent material for a good county history, the Continental Historical Company placed in the field a full corps of experience historians, prepared to spare no time or money in compiling a complete and reliable work. The manuscript of this history has been submitted to the committee chosen by your own citizens for the purpose, who, after a critical examination of them, have approved of our work. We feel confident that we here present our patrons with a work that is as correct as it is possible for humanity to make. That errors have crept in, and may be found, we do not doubt. Man is at the best but a fallible creature, but every statement herein published is honestly believed in by the parties furnishing the information, by the historians, and by the committee of revision. All desire the truth, and nothing but the truth. They gave much time and labor to the work, and deserve the thanks of the citizens of the county for the faithful discharge of the trust reposed in them. Our thanks are due to the numerous friends who have so kindly assisted us in gathering up items and assisting in the compilation of this volume. We cannot name them all, for their name is legion, but we must not forget to mention Rufus H. Frost, Hon. Lafayette Young, J. H. Willey, V. M. Conrad, Jeremiah Bradshaw, J. W. Brown, William Whitney, Samuel Holaday, R. D. McGeehon, J. B. Erion, Thomas Meredith, Charles H. Hebing, V. M. Bradshaw and others, the press and the gentlemanly officials of the county.

Nor must we forget to remember and thank the historians of the company who have labored so hard and faithfully for the good of all--James S. Walters and Charles W. Moseley, general historians; Maurice E. Power, C. W. Demmon, James McFarland, J. J. Rising, E. F. Graves, E. D. Dudley, J. H. Power, local historians; W. B. Wetherbee, manager of the illustration department; Mrs. W. B. Wetherbee and Miss Adele Walters, editors of the biographical department. All have tried to do their duty well, and please the company and our patrons.

In conclusion, we would say that our work is done; the History of Cass County is before you. We cheerfully hope it will please you.

Yours Very Truly,

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, December, 1884.

From the History of Cass County, Iowa, Springfield, Illinois: Continental Historical Company, 1884.
Transcribed for Cass County by Cheryl Siebrass, March, 2022.