GROVES.
There are about nine groves of native timber named in this county, viz., Center Grove once covered parts of sections 15, 22, 23, 25. 26 and 36, but much of the larger timber is gone; all in Union Township.
Ballard's Grove originally covered parts of sections 18 and 19 in Union Township; and parts of 12, 13, 14, 23 and 24 in Palestine Township. Ballard's Branch runs through the entire length of the grove. The timber once in this grove was, much of it, pretty good. It was named in honor of Mormon and Daniel Ballard, who were among the first settlers of Story County.
Walnut Grove originally covered parts of sections 1 and 2, in Palestine Township; and parts of sections 34, 35 and 36, in Washington Township. This Grove also in earlier days had some valuable timber; but some of it, it was said, as well as timber of other groves, emigrated to other countries. Walnut Creek runs through its entire length.
Worrall's Grove originally covered parts of sections 16, 17 and 18, in Washington Township. This Grove was named after an old and good citizen, named Shadrick Worrall, who was elected, April 4, 1853, as the first Coronor for Story County. This Grove in common with the others shared a loss of timber. Worrall Creek passed through it and entered the flats of Squaw Fork.
Luther's Grove originally comprised parts of sections 4, 5 and 6, in Washington Township. Luther Creek passes through this grove. It once had some good timber in sections 4 and 5. This Grove and the Creek were named for a Mr. Luther, who in very early times lived in the grove, or owned a part of it.
Bear Grove covers part of the west half of section 28, in Howard Township. It received its name from the circumstance of a Mr. Smith, in early times, killing a black bear in or near it.
Spring Grove is or was a small patch of timber in the northeast quarter of section 5, township 84, range 23, on Bear Creek.
Johnson's Grove originally covered parts of sections 12, 13 and 24, in Richland Township. Much of the best timber, as in other groves, is gone. This Grove commences the head or upper timber of East Indian Creek.
Deer Grove once occupied some of sections 21 and 28, in Indian Creek Township. This grove never had a great deal of timber. I was in it 1854; and about the time the post-office was at Goshen where old Mr. Corey lived and who, I believe, was the postmaster at Goshen. The office was moved to Iowa Center sometime afterward.