In 1845, or thereabouts, David Cass had claimed 160 acres about two miles north of the town DeWitt, now owned by Moses Goff, W. Saltmarsh and M. H. Haskins, in the timber. But Willard Barrows, of Davenport, was desirous of laying a claim to it, and sent out the party to the land, on which they put up a cabin, which was immediately torn down by the settlers. A claim meeting was held with references to the matter, at the house of Jonas M. Oaks, at which the old settlers convened. Norman Evans was appointed Marshall. The claimants were heard, and the land divided between them. Barrows afterward forfeited his right to the land and the whole of it reverted to Cass. In 1841, J. W. Kirtley and Dr. Turner had a law suit over a claim to some land, in which Kirtley was successful. Kirtley celebrated his victory by giving a barbecue at Point Pleasant on the Wapsie, at which all the old settlers were present, among whom were Seth Lum and wife, A. Kendall and wife, S. P. Burton and wife, the Walrods, Norman Evans and wife, and many others. All joined in the festivities of the occasion and took part in the dance.
SOURCE: Allen, L. P., History of Clinton County, Iowa, Containing A History of the County, it's Cities, Towns, Etc. and Biographical Sketches of Citizens, War Record of it's Volunteers in the late Rebellion, General and Local Statistics, Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men, History of the Northwest, History of Iowa, Map of Clinton County, Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, &c, &c., Illustrated. Chicago IL; Western Historical Company, 1879