CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND GIVEN IN I89I BY HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE Cornell University Library F 627K6 H67 “ii 3 1924 028 914 153 olin be La ae PRET eH AE aE DATE DUE riteriibra PRINTEOINU.S.A. GAYLORD HISTORY OF ¢ KOSSUTH and HUMBOLDT COUNTIES, [LG WA, a? TOGETHER WITH SKETCHES OF THEIR CITIES, VILLAGES AND TOWNSHIPS, EDUCATIONAL CIVIL, MILITARY AND POLITICAL HISTORY; PORTRAITS OF PROM- ‘ INENT PERSONS, AND BIOGRAPHIES OF REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS. HISTORY OF LOW A, EMBRACING ACCOUNTS OF THE PRE-HISTORIC RACES, AND A BRIEF REVIEW OF ITS CIVIL AND MILITARY HISTORY. [LLEUST RATED SPRINGFIELD, ILL. UNION PUBLISHING COMPANY. 1884. a caylee’ TO THE PIONEERS OF Kossuth and Humboldt Counties; THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, WITH THE HOPE THAT YOUR VIRTUES MAY BE EMULATED AND YOUR TOILS AND SACRIFICES DULY APPRECIATED BY COMING GENERATIONS. r PREFACE. This work was commenced, and has been carried forward to completion, with a specific object in view, which was, to place upon record in a reliable manner and in permanent form, whatever incidents of importance have transpired within what are now the limits of Kossuth, and Humboldt counties, since their first settlement. As preliminary to the narrative proper, it was thought best to give a succinct history of the State at large. In the general history of the three counties, as well as in those of their cities, townships and villages, the reader will find that incidents, reminiscences and anec- dotes are recorded with a variety and completeness commensurate with their impor- tance. Herein is furnished (and this is said with confidence) to the present genera- tion and to those which follow it, a valuable reflex of the times and deeds of the pioneers. It has been truly said that “a people that takes no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors will never achieve anything to be remembered with pride by remote descendants.” It is believed that, in the following pages, there is erected to the pioneer men and women of Kossuth, and Humboldt counties a lasting monument. The resolutions passed by Congress in 1876 in reference to the preparation and preservation of local history, and the proclamation from the President recommend- ing that those resolutions be carefully observed, have met with the very general and hearty approval of the people. Indeed, so acceptable has seemed this advice from our law-makers, that steps have already been taken in almost every thoroughly organ- annals of each neighborhood, thus rescuing from oblivion much interesting and valu- ized community throughout the land to chronicle and place in permanent form the — = Iv PREFACE. able information that is irretrievably lost each year through the death of old settlers, and the decay and ravages of time. It was thought there could be no good reason why the history of Kossuth, and Humboldt counties should not be placed upon as enduring a foundation as those of surrounding counties; and, to this end, no expense or pains has been spared to render it worthy the patronage of its citizens. A number of experienced writers upon local history have had the work in charge from its inception to its close; and, upon completion of their labor, before any portion of the manuscript was sent to the press, the whole was submitted to committees of citizens for revision, thus insuring correctness and adding materially to the value of the book. The labors of all engaged in this enterprise have been cheered by the cordial as- sistance and good-will of many friends; so many, indeed, that, to attempt to name them, would, in this connection, be impracticable; to all of whom, grateful acknowl- edgments are tendered. The press of each of the three counties is entitled to special mention for their help and encouragements so generously tendered. UNION PUBLISHING COMPANY. JUNE, 1884. fj es laid a ®) : uh te. TABLE OF CONTENTS. HISTORY OF IOWA. CHAPTER I. os PAGE Military Interference with Settlements..... .. 45 PAGE Extinguishment of Indian Titles......--.....-- 46 The Fort Madison Settlement......--.....---+. 47 INTRODUCTORY ...--.. 200000 - eee cece ae cence eens WW Flint Hills. -.-.-.0 oe. cece eee eee eee eee cere eee 47 Original Inhabitants..........------+-+0----+-+- 1" The Davenport Settlement......-..----.----..+5 48 Mound Builders «... sccecisaecees vesrcxaee ee wace ec 18 Clayton County Settlement....*-"*-.-.....---- » 48 The Red MeD o.sc onc~e00ce0e ceneds reas esistecaes 18 Council Bluffs....-.----.06 ---+---eeeeeeeeereeee 48 Discovery of the Mississippi....-..-..-....---- 19 Des Moines. .--...--------220eceeeee ence cent ees 49 TABS espe oem "2 CHAPTER V ROGUE caaxcexnrupiersacne - Purchase of Louisiana.........----------+-----+ 20 THRBTNO RIA aNaY Greet RE Amey 37. AN TIONS 50 CHAPTER II. Territory of, Wisconsin eda gcaeesmans vax Geeremens 50 erritorial Council ......-..-- - 50 INDIANS AND INDIAN WARS. .....--------2-+-+ 21 Organization of Counties... - BL The Illinois, Sacs and Foxes. - -- 2 Territory of lowa......------ . Bl The lowas.------------2e20-0-eree eects 22 First Territorial Officers.....-... 51 War Between Sacs and Foxes and Iowas. - 2 First lowa Territorial Legislatur 52 The SiouxX.-..-----0-0 sees ecee eens ee eerr ees 24 Firat Session of the Legislature 52 Black Hawk War.. A Stormy Session. ..... 52 Battle of Bad Ax Selection of the Capital 52 Iowa City mad SER Uee Race nets 53 CHAPTER III. Loan for the Completion of the State H: 53 : Woman’s Rights. deCaceosmrusaceuds 54 INDIAN TREATIES.....-.------2eeeeee eee cet ree 36 The Missouri War. 55 Black Hawk Treaty - - 36 Attempt at State O 56 Sacs and Fox Treaty 38 Constitutional Convention.... 56 Treaty with the Siou - 39 Second Constitutional Convention. 57 Treaty with the Sacs. 39 Election of State Officers........... . BT Treaty with the Foxe: . - 39 Salaries of State Officers.......-..-..----- neste 58 Treaty with the Iowas......----- Lenee 40 Treaty with the Sacs of Rock River 40 CHAPTER VI, Treaty Of 1824...----------0e-eeeeeree ee 40 Treaty of 1830.--...---------2--2-00-7 ne 40 | GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE. 58 Treaty with Sacs, Foxes and other Tribes 4L State School Superintendent, ..........-...--.. 58 Treaty with the Winnebagoes.....--..--- 41 Public Buildings.........-.2-. seceeeeceeceeeeees 59 Treaty of 1836, with Sacs and Foxes.... 42 Location of State University.. .....-.-..-. ... 59 Treaty Of 1837..-.....-----2eceeeeeeer ee eee 42 2 ppere ueee of Supreme Judges...-...-- ---- 60 Treaty of Relinquishment. . « Railroad Buildings......-...----..------++-+---- 62 Treaty Of 1842..-.----------eeeeneeeeee eee cee eeee 42 Organization of the Republican Party......... 68 i Constitutional Convention.....-....-.-...-.-++ 64 CHAPTER IV. Des Moines Chosen the State Capital......-..-. 64 RLY SETTLEMENTS 8 Census by Counties.........---.-2..20. eee ee eens 67 BARLY SETTLEMENTS. .....----2--s2e--eeeeeee ee The Dubuque Settlement...------------+-----++ 43 CHAPTER VII. The Giard Settlement..... ..... -------eeeee 43 d The Montrose Settlement....--......----------- 48 GEOLOGY—TOPOGRAPHY—WATER COURSES. 69 The Burlington Settlement. 43 Azoic System.....-...... --- -- %0 The Keokuk Settlement......-..-----------+++ 43 Lower Silurian System. Rules for the Government of Dubuque......- 45° Upper Silurian System....... £6 @. 2 5 VI TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGE CHAP , Devonian System...........0eeee eens ease cieig tafe 1 H TER m Carboniferous System. .........-ssseeeer seer eeee i rhea Boats. = System 1 | EDUCATIONAL—STATE INSTITUTIONS........ 17 Gypsu 16 ate ae ere TE One is sa pte ei eas a D its Sulphate of Lime.........-...-- 78 Act for the Ks shment of Common Schools. 11! Minor Deposits Suh BES GE) TALIS. ponent pot ele The State UNIVETSItY......-.--.-.ceeeascvesseeees B Sulphate of Baryta............-0ceseseee eee eees 78 State Normal School......... Sulphate of Magnesia...............seeeeeee eens 18 State Agricultural College 124 Climate. . 19 Other Colleges and Universities.............-.- 124 Topograpk 79 Deaf and Dumb Institute....... eee Tasbacedeynsels 126 Lakes and Stre 80 College for the Blind............. cece cece eee eens 126 ie soap ital Tor the at ses ecaseld eo 127 ospital for the Insane at Independence...... 128 CHAPTER VIII. Soldiers’ Orphans’ Home weap ae 128 . wA D THE REBELLION..... ...--.20e000+- 89 sylum for Feeble Minded Children............ 129 10 ah soot to the Nation’s Call. 90 Penal Institutions........... 0.0.20 cece cece ee eens 129 First Infantry . 96 Anamosa Penitentiary....... ... 180 Second Infantry 97 Boys’ Reform School...... es . 130 Third Infantry. 97 State Historical Society..... . 181 Fourth Infantr 98 State Agricultural Society.. . 131 Fifth Infantry. 98 Fish-Hatching House....... ..-.ceesscee eee eees 181 ae potent : - even nfantry Highih infantey: 2 CHAPTER X. inth Infantry.. 4 Tenth Infantry... Beas Ti) 99 | POLITICAL.....20 0-01-22 0eeeeeee steerer etter renee Bleventh Infantry...........00e0eeeee ... 100 First Election... Twelfth Infantry.........62 ceeeeee ees ... 100 Campaign of 1840. Thirteenth Infantry...........2.0:eeeeeeee ee eee 101 Campaign of 1841. Fourteenth Infantry.............ceeeeeee eee eens 101 Campaign of 1842. Fifteenth Infantry............eee cece eee eee ees 11 Campaign of 1843. Sixteenth Infantry...........0c.:eeee eer seen eee 102 Campaign of 1844,....... Seventeenth Infantry..........0.eeeee cece ee eee 102 Constitntional Convention Bighteenth Infantry..............ceceeee eee eens 103 Campaign of 1846. .........-------eee eee eee oe Nineteenth Infantry... ........c.eese cece ee eens 103 Campaign of sit : d Twentieth Infantry. .........-..0eeeeee erences 103 Campaign of 1848. . ; Twenty-first Infantry.........eeeeee eee enee ee eens 103 Campaign of 1849.........----2--2-2-2---++ Twenty-second Infantry.............:..eeec cere 104 Campaign of 1850... Twenty-third Infantry...........-0.seceeeeeeeeee 104 Campaign Alissa: neemedeaseeeeceneueosseee= Twenty-fourth Infantry......2...0ccceec cere eres 105 Campaign asta ae a cle Seeeiti is Twenty-fifth Infantry...........ccceeeee sees eee 105 Campaign Twenty-sixth Infantry. alone encaae 105 Campaign Twenty-seventh Infantry...............e cece eens 105 Campaign Twenty-eighth Infantry...........ccseeeeeen eens 106 Campaign Twenty-ninth Infantry. can 208 Campaign Thirtieth Infantry.. _ 106 Campaign Thirty-first Intantry.. . lot Campaign Thirty-second Infant: . 107 Campaign Thirty-third Infantry. Thirty-fourth Infantr: Thirty-fifth Infantry Thirty-sixth Infantr. Thirty-seventh Infanti Thirty-eighth Infantry. Thirty-ninth Infantry Fortieth Infantry.. Forty-first Infantry Forty-fourth Intant: Forty-fifth Infantry Forty-sixth Infantr Forty-seventh Infantr Forty-eighth Infantry First Cavalry... 107 Campaign 107 Campaign 108 Campaign 108 Campaign 108 Campaign 109 Camprign 109 Campaign 110 Campaign 110 Campalgn 0 Campaign hay Campaign 11 Campaign 11 tampaign lil Campaign i Campaign Second Cavalry. .. 112 Campaign Third Cavalry... / ip Campaign Fourth Cavalry... oo... .cscccsecsseceenceeseenes liz Campaign Fifth Cavalry.............00e Cuoidad nck Moko 13 Campaign Sixth Cavalry.............5 eda iis lersrartint eee Avais 118 Campaign Seventh Cavalry............cs0005 sr asmsaiarkiaveiets alerts il Campaign Bighth Cavalry: oc is v-crincedeisinersarcsinegecavscs lis Ninth Cavalry .cs: cox cicsasveesees oa ose ween ansu cs il4 Hirst, BAGOLY scsi 34 ceca BaP ieee FAW eens cgn sees i4 . CHAPTER XI. Boone alter? ai cadssialagiivis stare sav ces dns adeisnein mance ate ii4 Grd BAttOry as avcincia'e sep arenes voeacisar tek sais 1b | TE Fourth Battery... 00S 115 Pe as oe Towa Regiment of Colored Troops.............. 115 John Chambers.............-s-scsceseeeee oe Horipem Border on ade badee bane gas webu ot 116 James Clarke........sorseeee eee teceeeeeeveteeee 353 outhern Border Brigade... 0.000.020.2002. UB Other Territorial Officers......202222707 IIT Po ns Use peeled ee a “ ‘oe < 7 — oil aD) | TABLE OF COFTENTS. VII & - HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. CHAPTER I. an CHAPTER XIII. PAGE INTRODUCTION.....--..0.0ccccccceeeceeseseneeeeees 231 TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY AND AGRICUL: CHAPTER | EUR Beseeeeecesereceseres ceetenene teteseencees B52 EARLY HISTORY AND SETTLEMENT.......... 234 CHAPTER AI County’s Name..........cckeeeeee ceeeee eeeeees 249 NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY REPRESEN- | * Historical Items .............. 402s eee eee cence eee 244 TO Nicchvsecnucng oe iensca euteee tease CHAPTER III. CHAPTER Xy. ALGONA TOWNSAID.............ccecceseeee sees eeee COUR CEE DE Phexig so siatealnet seo 246 CITY OF ALCON Asiciassiccieecicdtcicinas accion s)8% eerste a2 CHAPTERIV. CHAPTER XVI. OFFICIAL MATTERS. ....... s.seeeeseeeeeeeee++ 953 | BIRT TOWNSHIP... ececcececcacee ceceeee cose 434 CHAPTER V. CHAPTER XVI. POLITICAL.-2-+00000eccee - eRe ees 60 | GRESCO TOWNSHIP... .eccccecccceeceeeecereeeee 446 CHAPTER VI CHAPTER XVII. TO DICTAT 3s oo caged nsvoas Beesaanera aaa 28 | cunron TOWNSHIP . eee CHAPTER VIL. GHA PTET EX, THE BAR OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.........000006+ SUE os sigan GRR TWINSETTE = cas, claclolen CHAPTER VU. TOWN OF BANCROFT.... © cccce cence eee eevee 479 THE MEDICAL PROFESSION..........2000eee eee 283 CHAPTER XX. CHAPTER IX. IRVINGTON TOWNSHIDP.. .......00.0220 cee ee eee 489 VILLAGE OF IRVINGTON. ....... 00005 ce eeee eee 493 THE PRESS .. ..........45- Algona Pioneer Press... CHAPTER XXI, Bes ae LOTT’S CREEK TOWNSHIP...........2--000eeees 498 Algona TimeS.....ec... cee tees ceceee cee VILLAGE OF WHITTEMORE........--:.. cece sees 501 Koeuth.t County Hevievr. CHAPTER XXU. The Bancroft Register .... . LUVERNE TOWNSHIDP......0.cc6c0 ceeseeeceseees 507 CHAPTER x, CHAPTER XXIII. Oa peat ae PORTLAND TOWNSGHIP.. vairtonsaneeasys B12 Choo: mmissi on County Superintendents . B04 CHAPTER XXIV. ee ere ++ 808 | PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP....00.000 00 cers tseseeees 531 Teachers’ AsSOciation........ cc. esee cece eeee oe CHAPTER XXV. CHAPTER XI. RAMSEY TOWNSHIP... .....2....0020seeeeeen ones 533 THE WAR FOR THE UNION..........0.::0000e eee 312 CHAPTER XXVI. Experience of Lieut.-Vol. Spencer..........-. 319 | si BRMAN TOWNSHIP..... 00 ccecsseeeeseeeeees 539 : CHAPTER XII. CHAPTER XXVII. ‘ REMINISCENCES AND EVENTS OF INTEREST 345 | WESLEY TOWNSHIP..........00.---s0seseeeeeeees 542 ea cad fee : ase A “VIL TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGE PAGE Ackley, DeWittC....... 389 Pouane Hamel esau i. 3oL Hofius, H. F...... .... 424|Mason, Amos&......... Alcorn, W. W.. ... 4/6/Curran, Henry.. -... 541/Hotius, J. B............ 436|Matsop, Hiram A....... Allen, George C. «+. 52u Hobo, *Leonard.....---- 523]/Mayne, Samuel......... Altweg, g, Jacob.. . 514/Danson, Robert J... 280| Hollenbeck, Henry C.. ve Meinzer, GeorgeM..... 445 Amos, | William M.. 456] Dau, Chrisiian.......... 43x| Holloway, George F... 554/Millen, Stephen W...... 447 Andruss, Zebina C 4¥7| Davis, John T. . 47z)/Holiman, Abbie A.. . 523/Millis, John A... - 618 Austin, George O 3|Davison, Kasse. 527) Holtz, Joachim . 469|Minger, Krederi 452 Austin, Oscar.... Davison, Daniel. . 527|Hopkins, J. W.. . 5d Minkler, B. C.. - 495 Davison, Jesse D....... 525]Hudson, A. L.......... 277|Minkler, Qrange.. talons: seth 422 Bachman, E. W........ DeGraw, Jonas. .. .... 503/Hudson, M. H.......... 289|Munch, "Henry .. Sas Bagley, Hdward5S...... Devine, Barnet......... 448/Hudson, Matthew H... 496 Murray, John.......... Baker, George J... Dickman, George...... 654/Hulburt, Elijab........ 440 Barslow, Peter M.. Dinger, August........ 54$]/Hume, Frank W... .... 550) Nicoulin, J. F.......... 394 Barr, James........ j}Dorland, Chester P..... 280/Hunt, KR. J.....-.. eee 524|Norton, Hiram......... 439 Batterson, Abijab. 4 Dorweiler, Philip...... 45u;]Hutchins, D. H........ 403 Bell, Henry........- Dorweiler, Paul........ 451|Hutchinson, John B.... 439/Oleson, Carl E.......... 548 Bell, Christian .... Dorweiler, Henry. .... 451 Oliver, Charles N....... 506 Benscnoter, Oliver. Duitman, David A...... 538}/{ngham, W.H ......... 366/Olson, Ole...... ...... 479 Benschoter, Grant. . 526 inghum, Harvey....... 295}Osterbauer, Joseph.... 432 Berringhauser, Rudolt. 459 Earley, Thomas........ 388i Owen, Martin A........ 529 Birge, Charles......... 381|Eddy, George W. ... 551/Jacobs, Henry H....... 456 Blanchard, M.D. ..... 363}Edwards, John G. . 482| Jain, Rodolph.. .. 515|Palmer,O. E............ 429 Blossom, C. H.......... Ellis, David A.. . 801/Jenson, John W... 39y| Patterson, D..... . 382 Blunt, James L. Ellis, Verne S.. . 801;/Johnson, A. M.... 393 Patterson, Henry H.... 458 Bohn, Gotleb.. Emmons, 0. J . §46|Johnson, William 46U| Pearce, Caleb. . 5384 Bongey, Alfred Evans, Alfred. 466|/Jones, UC. Pearce, Willet - 534 Bonnstetter, Michael.. 451 Jones, John - F Peck, William,......... 470 Bonnstetter, Martin.. Ferguson, P. T......... Jones, Wiliam . Peterson, Swen P...... 436 Brayton, RobertI.. Ferris, ee Jordan, Ww. E. 3] Phillips, Albert H...... 54 Bronson, A. A..... . Fill, J. Jordan? J.F.. Pine, (Ny Avvisasccieddavicsnt 96 Bronson, PeterL.S.... Finnegan, Jércine.. Joslyn, W. Lease Pinkerton, John M..... 365 Brown, Jobn..... ..... 487/Fish, Charles O.. 6 . Pompe, Frank ....... 506 Brown, Robbins........ 463 Fisher, Addison... Kuin, Patrick.......... 520} Potter, Loron B........ 288 Brown, Jr., Alexander. 447)/Forbush, B.G.. {Kargleder, John . ..... 435/Potter, ShermanS . . 464 Brunson, A. A........-. 388] Fraser, ‘alexander 466|Keith, Edgar P........ 630/Pride, John M.......... 287 Budach, Richard P...... 51z/Frink, Albert B 428) Kennedy, Alexander K. 54% Buell, Dumont A....... King, Di. Wosisccasscees 4z2|Ranney, Francis L ‘Burt, Thomas... .... 426/Gahr, Eberhard ... 582) Knapp, E.F.. . 485]/Raney,Joseph..... Burtis, G. C..... 1.2... 609/|Gallagher, J.S........ Kopke, Fred.... . 432]Raney, Walter W. Bush, A.J.. .... .. 471/Gallion, Thomas Kriethe, Peter... ..... 448)Raymond, J, C Butler, Hyman B...... 462 Gardner, pees S. 524| Krueger, Ernest.. . 435) head, S.G. A. Butts, F.M ia Garfield, L. K.. 284|Kubn, N. C..... . 43v]Reed, John. Byson, Orcas Gilbert, Hollis J.. 52u|Kyes, Calvin . 528} Reed, Benja Gilbride, Thomas j t Rice, Daniel..... Cain, Jesse W.... Gilbride, Jobn..... .. Lake, C.B...... . 480)Richmond, R. M. Call, Ambrose A. 2|Gilmore, David.... .... f}Lane, Wlijab.... 491|}Riebhoff, Michael. Call, Asa F.............. Gilmour, ic laa Lunge, red.... . - 461/Ringstorf, William .... 526 Call, ABA Ces os sdisievescen Goddard, OD Wesscoiis Lantry, Thomas H..... 424]/Rist, Luther ...... 0... 361 Call, George C.......... 399]Godden, ucaes Wises 51¢|Latbrop, M. C 284|Rist, S. S....... eee 363 Carlon, Kinsey......... Graham, J. G....... 48t}Luwson, George J.. 544] Robbins, Jr., Parues . 276 Carter, William........ Gray, James P.. 554| Leslie, James..... 444) Robe, William.. 4 , Caulkins, Elijah........ Gray, Mark....... 45" | Lituletield, O...... 477i) Robinson, J. Ww. Chapin, Morris B 425|Green, Jesse W.. 496|Lochtu, John.... . . 525)Robinson, Obed... .... 544 Chapin, John. ......... 521 Grove, Isaac........ .. 394] Lund, Christian L..... 395] Robison, ‘Thomas....... 490 Chipman, Willie A..... 530)Grover, J. H............ 52 Roth, David P . Chubb, C.C.. -. 358) McArthur, Thomas..... 426|Roth, Francis E. Clarke, George Bw 282|Haggard, D. A........ 365)McCaffrey, Dennis F... 431/Roth, Marshall L....... Clarke, BE. F............ 486|Hale, Oscar F.......... 365/McClelan, Samuel B.... 461|Rourke, Michael........ Clark, ‘Blhanen W...... 458] Harsh, William.. ...... 444/McCoy, Franklin....... 284 Clark, Thomas M....... 470)Hartman, Kochus...... 43.|McDonald,John..., .. 435/Sample, D. W...... . 492 Coffen, Warren Hartwell, Norman... . 425}McDonald,Joseph D. : 44./Sands, Samuel . . 474 Coffin, C iS iiss ciescs os oncrsists Hawkins, - Jasper H.. . 277|MeDouuld, Hugb....... 525/Sawvel, Adam.. . 605 Cogley, R......... Heckart, J.C.... ...... BBs McFarland, K.M.J..... 456/Schenck, Horace. . 423 Collar, Norman... Heckart, John ......... 390] McKay, John.. Schmidt, Frederick.... 536 Comstock, J. M 3 Henderson, Sr., James, 424 McWhorter, Billi Schneider, Peter G. 537 Crandall, Levi P....... 511| Henderson, Robert H.. 464] Mauss, C.l'.W.. schryver, Israel G 425 . Creed, Charles D....... 604] Henderson, J. B........ 461|Martin, Peter... seely, Andrew L. 513. / Crose, Philip... .....-.. 490} Herman, Conrad 435] Marble, George Sharp, Stephen,..... ... 497 | | 4 — Seca — — TABLE OF CONTENTS. Ix E PAGE Sheetz, L. A.......... PAS Starr, Milton..-.-....... Tietz, Ferdinand... ... 506|Winkie, B. H........... Siefert, Alonzo A...... 462/Stewart, George... si Tinker, Thomas W..... 538] Winter, William P. Siefert, William H...... 462 Stockwell, Lemuel. : Tryon, A. L... ... .... 552|Wiltse, Case... . ... 430/Stow, C. A . 428/Turner, Lafayette ... . 460/Wilson, John J ... 392|Stow, Comfort P.. Wilson, Jobhn.. ... 687/Stough, M. W.......... Wood, Francis A.. Smith, Benjamin - 522|Strucker, Hermann. Wadsworth, Joseph W. 401 Woodworth, G.R -- 385 Smith, Charles C --. 429/Sutton, @. T....... Walker, Peter J....... 505| Woodworth, Charles... 482 Smith, G. W....... . 484/Swanson, John.. Wallace, John.......... 364) Wooster, Helen. ...... 3 Smith, Henry A 519|Sweet, George W...... 44¢ Walston, Rufus... .... 425|Wooster, Abel.. Smith, J. A...... . . 894 Walters, Milton R...... 392) Smith, John G. ... 382/Tallman, Elias....... iste Ward, E.L......... .. 482/Younie, A.............. 404 Smith, J.G...... . 887\Taylor, Marcellus. = Warren, JamesH ..... 427 Smith; Lewis H 360/Taylor, F. M....... Warren, R. B.........- 295|Zahlten, August.... ... 423 Solomon, George.... 388/Taylor, Chauncey Wartman,S.S.......... 510/Zanke, Joseph. «+. 430 Spear, S.C........ ... 386/Thompson, John. me Weaver, JohnN........ 280\Zigrang, J. iat Spencer, Robert H . 414/Thompson, Joseph. . 424|Weaver, E. .-. 382|/Zimmerman, David.... 465 StaGy,, a 2B irs wi caries 361|Thruceker, William.... 462|Wilkinson, J. J. 307|Zoelle, Valentine. .... 507 POR TRALTS, FAGe PAGE PAGE PAGE Carlon, Kinsey.. Carlon, Henrietta aor Minkler, B.C... ...... 876|Minkler, Mrs. Katie.. 377|Zahlten, A............. 415 4 + — ae +l &s 4 x TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION ... 1... 0. serene cece cece eeeeecnes 555 CHAPTER II. TOPOGRAPHY, GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. 557 CHAPTER III. BARLY SETTLEMENT.... ..----eeeeee cee eens 559 First Things... ......------.--- wins saeucanens. O68 County's Name..u. ss. +. ieee eee eee caer erenes 565 CHAPTER IV. COUNTY GOVERNMENT....-. ..------------020++ 567 CHAPTER V. POLITICAL..---- 02.005 cece cece ee cece ee eee ene enee 578 CHAPTER VI. OTHER OFFICIAL MATTERS........ ---.-------+ 583 CHAPTER VII. NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY REPRESEN- PATTON cxwssmenws veeniee x Congressional.....-. General ‘Assembly. County Officials...---.... CHAPTEB ‘VILL. THE NEWSPAPER BEEBE The Moccasin. . e Humboldt-Kosmos.. anaes. The Independent.........----- The Livermore Independent . The Livermore Gazette. ...... sania ee Gilmore City Herald ....... ------ sees seen eee CHAPTER IX. JUDICIAL........ District Court Cireuit Court. County Court CHAPTER X. HE BAR OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY........---. 627 CHAPTER XI. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION..........2-.000.004. 684 CHAPTER XII. EDUCATIONAL icscesiecseveccey sane deonciclecees 646 CHAPTER XIII. SWAMP LAND AND RAILROADB............-. 653 CHAPTER XIV. AGRICULTURE AND SGnISUCTURAT __S09L. CHAPTER Xv. THE WAR-ITS CAUSES................0046 weneee 668 Humboldt County in the War.................. 673 CHAPTER XVI. HUMBOLDE CODDEQ Bc ciacsan cievanexesacass pais 683 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. CHAPTER XVII. REMINISENCES OF PIONEER DAYS. . beeen NB CHAPTER XVIII. A: PETROSPEOT occ cc ccna vans aeeesersermcadsmnes > 713 Reminisence by William Thompson............ 715 CHAPTER XIX. AVERY TOWNSATE ir. scrarescwscicseneenareerese 1T VILLAGE OF BRADGATE.......+-00eee eee eeee eee (22 CHAPTER XX. BEAVER TOWNSHIP.......---..0:eeceeecceeeeeene 124 CHAPTER XXI. CORINTH TOWNSHIP... scnassnvseaeencenenseus 731 CHAPTER XXII. THE TOWNSHIP AND TOWN OF DAKOTA.... 741 CHAPTER XXiIl. DELANA TOWNSHIDP.......-c2-:: eee cece eee eens THe VILLAGE OF SUMNER.....--... sseeee ae THE VILLAGE OF BODE.........-0ceeeeceeeeees CHAPTER XXIV. GROVE TOWNSHIP ...00:.004 eawemeemeweas eeenvene CHAPTER XXV. TOWN OF HUMBOLDT..............022 0 ceeeaees CHAPTER XXVI. HUMBOLDT TOWNSHIP..........2 sesseeeeeeeees TOWN OF LIVERMORE .........55 cceeeeeeerers CHAPTER XXVII. LAKE TOWNSHIP VILLAGE OF HARDY... CHAPTER XXVIII. NORWAY TOWNSHIP... . ..ccccceecneee cee eeeeee VILAGE OF THOR 0c pecnsennseen neni cose MERON CHAPTER XXIX. RUTLAND TOWNSHIP.. VILLAGE OF RUTLAND. CHAPTER XXX, VERNON TOWNSHIP ........cccc esse ne ceeeeer eens VILLAGH OF RENWICK. VILLAGE OF VERNON.......e cece cece en eee eens CHAPTER XXXI._ .- WACOUSTA TOWNSHIP. ........:- cece eeen ee neee ee CHAPTER XXXII. WEAVER TOWNSHIP........0-06 -ereees GILMORE CITY........6.6 ceeee vee ce eee po TABLE OF CONTENTS. XI BlLOGRAPHICAL, PAGE PAGE PAGE Adams, Albert M.. phacte'gs ase Flegler, Godfrey D..... 748)Large,John ...=....... 140/O’Neil, Patrick.. 766 ‘Adams, Charles W.... 898|Flemmig, Charles F... 728/Larsen, Peder. .. 860! Opheim, Lars K 758 Adams, Frank E....... 811|Flemming, Hiram..... 752} Larson, Osman 730|Osborne,G. D . 145 Albee Joseph..... ..... 735/Flower, R. 8...... . 182|/Lathrop, Oscar 617/Ough, Richard 759 Anderson, Andrew.... 893 Foster, John D.. . 736|Learmont, William. "36 Owens, Thomas. . 769 Anderson, L. J.. ... 812)/Foster, J. W..... . 809/Le Compte, George. 847 Arnold, Hiram. . 714|Foster, William. . 769/Leland, William B 822|Parker, D...... 826 poe ¥ QO. ; an French, Franklin F.... 598 Lien Baleee pedo on een é Le very, O. F... ree|Locke, William H. . ersons, Reuben Baker, Edward. 643 Gare Go a eee 633 epee lea hl A.... 876|/Pike,J M... . 822 Baker, L.... ‘17 g10|Garlock, Levi. ) 904| Lorbeer, John G.. Pinn, George 909 Bane, Lemuel ... : 739\Gaughen, P. J.. . 903|Lorbeer, C. A a Pinney, Albert 816 Barker, J. E.. . 137|Gay, Conklin... . 749/Lorbeer, Louis a7 Pone,F. Bs 824 Bartholomew, John.... 771|Gordon, Elinor E... .. 798) Luchsinger, camuel Potter, Willia 885 Barton, Lasley......... 8v7|Grace, Henry J........ 747)Lund, Peter J. Prettyman, C. W.. . 871 Beam, William O..... 645|Graves, J. F............ 829] Lund, Christian J Prouty, J.N..... .. 681 Beer, W.N........ "!, 628)Griebel, Peter Louis... se3/Lyons, WL... Mra aes ae ie 186 Bellows, Simon B.. Gullixson, UE, 3 aaa o £09 Quivey, W. W. Benton, Myron A Gullixson, C. F........ 600|/McCau a ge te Fs siti Bergk, Charles... : 595/Gullixson, Ole H.....: 762|McFarland, A. W....... ansom, Elihu 863 Berry, W. H.. 758 McKinstry, H a Ray,D. A 811 Bicknell, A. D...-...620-826/Hack, Orville J 870|McKitrick, James M . . 870|/Rine,J. H 817 Bigelow, A. Dei 911|Halgrims, Ole.. McLaughlin, ‘Alexander 593 Rogers, T. T. 814 Bogart, Gilbert........ 83]|Hamersly, D. B. McLean, Alexander.... 594/Rossing, C. A.. 163 Roright, Jay.......-... 629|Hanchett, F. W.. McLeod, John. 652 Rossing, Torkill A. viva Brackett W.M........ 643|/Hand, Solomon P MeNelly, William 762) Russell, DP. BAL Brewer, 8. H.......... 807/Hanna, Mason.... MeNelly, - 763; Brink, Sr., L. H. Hanson, Jacob.. MeNelly, John.... 163 Brown, George P Harkness, B. H Malvick, Ezekiel T Safford, Mary A. 790 Brown, Thomas... ... Hart, John...... Mann, George W Sample, Matthew «18 Brown, Wade H........ Harvey, Daniel. Markin,C. D.. Sauer, Ole 858 Buchholz, George. eh 772|Hayes, Rufus C.. c Marso, Henry... Scherrer, J. C. 813 Burgi Atandeviic...: Hal iendeison, Robey I a Neloo 0. elfen Madr 4 enneberry, M. J..... ‘ e , Martin......... Busse, Herman Gece. 729 Hoge Oped Rane : Mason, iT. cy i peverns..4 eevee i nee a ;| Hollowa: Jamies Hi: kes eagher, John ager, John.......... . gadote ete John T....”. nd Hoover, ‘iroses... ‘ Mersch, Mathias........ Sharpe, Seth G ........ 887 Carr, Isaac L......... . 731|Hoyt, David..... 2|Metcalf, Job...... acne 722|Sheky, Jacob.......... » 739 Clark, A. E..: * @28| Hughes, James. Metcalf, Mrs. Laura ... 885|Sheldos, Lewis... ... 858 Clark, C. Hunt, A ede Miles, D. Rivssaeceseaes 601/Shellenberger, G. H.... 632 Clark, G. Hardy... 6d eaey Cones an usenet eueridan, Patrol ces i + 862 rN. Jackson, Jesse B.... .. 898|Miller, Lewis A........ Sherman, Edward...... oan Matien Do nes BS James, Mrs. Spraxa... 879|Miller, Thomas H Simmons, Benjamin F. 597 Collins, T. 753| Johnston, John......... 830/Miner, Harlow ... ..... Skildon, Erick O..... 728 Combs, Carios.......... 598/Johnson, Nels M. Mitchell. John... ....... 737/Smith, Benjamin H.... 907 Connor, Edward....... 810|Joiner, Thomas E....... Mulholiang,J. J........ 902|Smith, Theo. J.......... 761 Coyle, Charles C 629| Jolliffe, J. J...--.-..e eee Murray, Jacob.......... 9Smith, William J..... 743 Govle, Daniel F... .... 629 Murray, William..... . 19|\Smylie, John........... 162 Grage, William......... 742/Kenline,Jobn..... ..... 773|/Myzatt, A. S 644\Snook, Edward......... 750 Cruikshank, George L. 732/Ketman, A. J.. » 25 Snyder, Jared N. ...... 620 Cusey, James C 600| Kircbhof, Ernst.. sf . 726)Nash,G. T........ Acca Sorlien, Hans A........ 164 By a pedans 1a Kircbhof, Gottfred..... Nelson, Alex.. .. 855/Spayde, F. M.......... » 824 Dean, James............ Kirchhof, Hermann.... %26|Nelson, Nels 855|Spohn, D. A............ 165 Dickey, John, ..-- King, C. Nu... Nelson, Nels O.......... 738|Spohn, Samuel......... 765 Downs, Martha J...... 878\King,J. W. Nelson, Ole..... :. 765|Springer, James D..... 628 Dyer, George W........ Kinney, Edward H..... Nelson, Oliver .- 855|/Stanley, Samuel........ 8i7 ; Knowles, Henry A 827|Nelson, Peter.. . (67\Stanley, William. .... , 849 . Bdge, John...... re Koppe, Frederick. . 728|Nickson, E. D.. .. 648/Starrett, A. R......... 633 Edson, William.. 3 Hea Korslund, Ole.. .,. 860]Nickson, John... .. 892 Stephens, H.E........ « 723 Emerson, Edward ... 597/Krouskup, Orrin... ... “te Nickson, T. Bee oa a eee ee sae an a eaiieis j SJODD, ese eeeee 7 opens, A. C............ 82! : vee Bversole, D. L.... Krujheck, Jo! p a Stevenson, 8. (aie eo TH yiod5 2 WW ainiearece warns 772|Lane, Carlos E.. .....-. 735|]Olson, Lewis ......... 5 ewar omas..... 770 Poon Bo hay. eee 631'Lane, Hiram........- o» 135) Olson, Stewart.......... 857!Stoehbe, ‘Elizabeth...... “186. ] : oe a XII TABLE OF CONTENTS. A PAGE PAGE PAGE Stone, Eber............. 651/Tellier, Daniel...... ... 720;Wallace, Samuel,..... 903|White, G. B......-.. +++ 812 Stone, Frank ...... . . 885/Tenneson, Emanuel... 853|Waller, George S....... 908]|Wickes, Cynthia... Strait, John....... ..... 898/Thomas, David...... 865)Walter, John A......... 629) Williams, Dearman.. Struthers, James....... 889/Thomas, Walter........ 829|Ward, Enos........ .... 897| Williamson, Peter... Swain, J.B ............ 813/Thompson, Ole T....... 855)Webber, Augustus P.. 724|Williamson, Teman.... Thompson, William.... 693/Webster, Frederick ... '74|Williksen, Ole W....... Tremain, G.L.......... 808|Weeks, Phocion........ 835) Willey, L. E........ one Taft, Stephen H.. ... 792 WE, We Disessacues 444 909| Wilson, Cyrus E........ Taft, WilliamJ... ..... 630 Welch, George......... 601 Taft, Frederick H...... 795|Van Steenburg, Willard 909|Welch, Ira L............ 641 as Telfer, Andrew........ 900/Vought, Lewis......... 761\|Wells, Henry S......... 824|Youngs, William....... 773 PORTRAIT 3s: Dickey, John...... eats Flower, R.S..... ..... PA GE PAGE PAGE PAGE 675|Johnston, John......... 657)Taft, S. H............... 603) Welch, M.D., IraL.... 639 693|Malvick, Ezekiel P .... 711/Thompson, William.... 621 4 Certificates of Committees. We, the undersigned, committee appointed for the purpose of examining and correcting the manuscript of the History of Kossuth County, written and compiled by the Union Publishing Company, of Springfield, Illinois, do hereby certity that the said manuscript was submitted to us, and that we made all the changes and additions that we, in our judgment, deemed necessary, and as so corrected, we approve the same. W. H. Ingham, Ambrose A. Call, Mrs. C. A. Ingham, Mrs. H. E. Stacy, Committee. J.E. Stacy, Lewis H. Smith, B. F. Reed, J We, the undersigned, members of the committee appointed by the citizens and prominent men of Hum- boldt County, to revise and correct the manuscript of the History of our County, compiled and written by the Union Publishing Company, of Springfield, Illinois, do hereby certify that the said manuscript was sub- mitted to us by the Historian, and that we have made such changes, additions and corrections, as we, in our judgment, deemed necessary, and as thus corrected, we approve the same. Ole Halgrims, T. E, Collins, Mrs. 8. W. Collins, A.H. Knowles, | Cc. N. King, Committee. Geo. C. McCauley, Patrick Sheridan, S. B. Bellows, | S.H ‘ t, HISTORY OF TOVvy Ay — CEADPT ER. 1, HE traveler, in wending his way across the fair State of Iowa, with its evidences of civilization upon every hand; its magnificent churches with spires pointing heavenward; its school-houses almost upon every hill; palatial residences evincing wealth and refinement, cannot realize-that, less than a half century ago, this “beautiful land” was the home only of the red man, who roamed at will over the fair and fertile prairies, hunting in the woods and fishing in its streams. The change would seem too great for him to realize. But it is indeed true. These churches, these school-houses, these pala- tial residences, these railroads, these tele- graph and telephone wires, all have been erected or placed here within the space of a half century. Before the advent of the Red Men, who were found in possession by the Europeans, who inhabited this country, is a subject yet unsolved, and is shrouded in mystery. That there were human beings of a distinct race from the red men of later days, is gen- erally conceded, but scientists fail as yet to agree as to their nature and origin. That this continent is co-existent with the world of the ancients cannot be questioned. Every investigation instituted under the auspices of modern civilization confirms this fact. It is thought by many that the first inhabitants came from Asia, by way of Behring’s Strait, and in large numbers. Magnificent cities and monuments were raised at the bidding of tribal leaders, and populous settlements centered with thriv- ing villages sprang up everywhere in man- ifestation of the progress of the people. For the last four hundred years the colo- nizing Caucasian has trodden on the ruins of a civilization whose greatness he could only surmise. Among these ruins are pyramids similar to those which have ren- dered Egypt famous. The pyramid of Chalula is square, each side of its base being 1,335 feet, and its height 172 feet. Another pyramid north of Vera Cruz is formed of large blocks of highly polished porphyry, and bears upon its front hiero- +e ie Y 18 HISTORY OF IOWA. glyphic inscriptions and curious sculpture. It is 82 feet square, and a flight of 57 steps conducts to its summit, which is 65 feet high. The ruins of Palenque are said to extend 20 miles along the ridge of a moun- t»in, and the remains of an Aztec city, near the banks of the Gila, are spread over more than a square league. The principal feature of the Aztec civilization which has come down to us was its religion, which we are told was of a dark and gloomy character. Each new god created by their priesthood, instead of arousing new life in the people, brought death to thousands; and their grotesque idols exposed to drown the senses of the beholders in fear, wrought wretcheduess rather than spiritual happi- ness. In fact, fear was the great animating principal, the motive power which sustained this terrible religion. Their altars were sprinkled with blood drawn from their own bodies in large quantities,and on them thousands of human victims were sacri- ficed in honor of the demons whom they worshipped. The head and heart of every captive taken in war were offered up as a sacrifice to the god of battles, while the victorious legions feasted on the remaining portions of the bodies. It is said that during the ceremonies attendant on the consecration of two of their tem- ples, the number of prisoners offered up in sacrifice was 12,210, while they them- selves contributed large numbers of volun- tary victims to the terrible belief. The race known as the Mound-Builders next attracts the attention of the ethnolo- gists. Throughout the Mississippi Valley, including many portions of Iowa, are found mounds and walls of earth or stone, which =) can only have a human origin. These mounds vary in size from a few feet to hundreds of feet in diameter. In them are often found stone axes, pestles, arrow- heads, spear-points, pieces of flint, and other articles. Pottery of various’ de- signs is very common in them, and from the material of which they are made geol- ogists have attempted to assign their age. Some have thought that the Mound- Builders were a race quite distinct from the modern Indians, and that they were in an advanced state of civilization. The best authorities now agree that while the comparatively civilized people called the Aztecs built the cities whose ruins are occasionally found, the Mound-Builders were the immediate ancestors of the In- dians De Soto first saw, and little different from the Indians of to-day. The origin of the Red Men, or Ameri- can Indians, is a subject which interests as well as instructs. It is a favorite topic with the ethnologist, even as it is one of dee concern to the ordinary reader. A review of two works lately published on the origin of the Indians, treats the matter - in a peculiarly reasonable light. It says: “Recently a German writer has put for- ward one theory on the subject, and an English writer has put forward another and directly opposite theory. The differ- ence in opinion concerning our aboriginals among authors who have made a profound study of races, is at once curious and in- teresting. Blumenbach treats them in his classifications as a distinct variety of the human family; but, in the three-fold divi- sion of Dr. Latham, they are ranked among the Mongolide. Other writers ON races "3 ae Se ] +, a) ¥ HISTORY OF IOWA. 19 regard them as a branch of the great Mon- golian family, which at a distant period fuund its way from Asia to this continent, and remained here for centuries separate from the rest of mankind, passing, mean- while, through divers phases of barbarism and civilization. Morton, our eminent ethnologist, and his followers, Nott and Gliddon, claim for our native Red Men an origin as distinct as the flora and fauna of this continent. Prichard, whose views are apt to differ from Morton’s, finds reason to believe, on comparing the American tribes together, that they must have formed a separate department of nations from the earliest period of the world. The era of their existence as a distinct and isolated people must probably be dated back to the time which separated into nations the in- habitants of the Old World, and gave to each its individuality and primitive lan- guage. Dr. Robert Brown, the latest authority, attributes, in his ‘Races of Man- kind,’ an Asiatic origin to our aboriginals. He says that the Western Indians not only personally resemble their nearest neighbors —the Northeastern Asiatics—but they re- semble them in language and tradition. The Esquimaux on the American and the Tchuktcis on the Asiatic side understand . one another perfectly. Modern’ anthro- pologists, indeed, are disposed to think that Japan, the Kuriles, and neighboring regions, may be regarded as the original home of the greater part of the native American race. It is also admitted by them that between the tribes scattered from the Arctic sea to Cape Horn there is more uniformity of physical feature than is seen in any other quarter of the globe. The weight of evidence and au- thority is altogether in favor of the opin- ion that our so-called Indians are a branch of the Mongolian family, and all additional researches strengthen the opinion. The tribes of both North and South America are unquestionably homogeneous, and, in all likelihood, had their origin in Asia, though they have been altered and modi- fied by thousands of years of total separa- tion from the present stock.” If the conclusions arrived at by the reviewer is correct, how can one account for the vast difference in manner and form between the Red Man as he is now known, or even as he appeared to Columbus and his successors in the field of discovery, and the comparatively civilized inhabitants of Mexico, as seen in 1521 by Cortez, and of Peru, as witnessed by Pizarro in 1532? The subject is worthy of investigation. In the year 1541, Ferdinand DeSoto, a Spaniard, discovered the Mississippi river, at the mouth of the Washita. He, how- ever, penetrated no further north than the 35th parallel of latitude, bis death ter- minating the expedition. It was thus left for a later discoverer to first view the “beautiful land.” In a grand council of Indians on the shores of Lake Superior, they told the Frenchmen glowing stories of the “great river” and the countries near it. Mar- quette, a Jesuit father, became inspired with the idea of discovering this noble river. He was delayed in this great un- dertaking, however, and spent the interval in studying the language and habits of the Illinois Indians, among whom he expected to travel. In 1673 he completed his pre- parations for the journey, in which he was to be accompanied by Joliet, an agent of == —— e 4 20 HISTORY OF IOWA. the French Government. The Indians, who had gathered in large numbers to wit- ness his departure, tried to dissuade him from the undertaking, representing that the Indians of the Mississippi Valley were cruel and blood-thirsty, and would resent the intrusion of strangers upon their do- main. The great river itself, they said, was the abode of terrible monsters, who could swallow both canoes and men. But Marquette was not diverted from his pur- pose by these reports, and set out on his adventurous trip May 18; he reached, first, an Indian village where once had been a mission, and where he was treated hospit- ably; thence, with the aid of two Miami guides, he proceeded to the Wisconsin, down which he sailed to the great Missis- sip pi, which had so long been anxiously looked for; floating down its unknown waters, the explorer discovered, on the 25th of June, traces of Indians on the west bank of the river, and landed a little above the river now known as the Des Moines. For the first time Europeans trod the soil of Iowa. Marquette remained here a short time, becoming acquainted with the In- dians, and then proceeded on his explora- tions. He descended the Mississippi to the Illinois, by which and Lake Michigan he returned to French settlements. Nine years later, in 1682, La Salle de- scended the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico, and, in the name of the king of France, took formal posession of all the immense region watered by the great river and its tributaries from its source to its month, and named it Louisiana, in honor of his master, Louis XIV, The river he called “Colbert,” in honor of the French Minister, and at its mouth erected a column and a cross bearing the inscription, in French: ‘LOUIS THE GREAT, KING OF FRANCE AND NAVARRE, BEIGNING APRIL 9, 1682." France then claimed by right of dis- covery and occupaucy the whole valley of the Mississippi and its tributaries, includ- ing Texas. Spain at the same time laid claim to all the region about the Gulf of Mexico, and thus these two great nations were brought into collision. But the country was actually held and occupied by the native Indians, especially the great Miami Confederacy, the .Miamis proper (anciently the Twightwees) being the east- ern and most powerful tribe. Spain having failed to make any settle- ment in the newly-discovered country, it was left for France to occupy the land, and that government, soon after the dis- covery of the mouth of the Mississippi by La Salle, in 1682, began to encourage the policy of establishing a line of trading posts and missionary stations, extending through the west from Canada to Louis- jana. In. 1762, France, in a timé of extreme weakness, ceded all the territory west of the Mississippi, including what is now Jowa, to Spain, which power retained pos- session until October 1, 1800, when it retroceded it to France. This latter power ceded it to the United States in 1803, for the sum of $15,000,000. On assuming control, the United States organized all that region west of the Mis- sissippl and north of the Territory of Orleans as the District of Louisiana. In 1805 the District of Louisiana was organ- ized into the Territory of Louisiana, A 9. ? ———| ey t =—— shee YY 4~ fo HISTORY OF IOWA. 21 This Territory was subsequently divided, | iana, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, and now forms seven great States—Louis- | Kansas and Nebraska. CHOAPIER Lt, INDIANS AND INDIAN WARS. For more than one hundred years after Marquette and Joliet trod the virgin soil of Iowa, and admired its fertile plains, nota single settlement had been made or attempted, nor even a trading post estab- lished. The whole country remained in the undisputed possession of the native tribes, who often poured out their life blood in obstinate contest for supremacy. That this State, so aptly styled “The Beautiful Land,” had been the theatre of numerous fierce and bloody struggles be- tween the rival nations for possession of the favored region long before its settle- ment by civilized man, there is no room for doubt. In these savage wars the weaker party, whether aggressive or de- fensive, was either exterminated or driven from its ancient hunting grounds. When Marquette visited this country in 1673, the Illini were a very powerful people, occupying a large portion of the State; but when the country was again visited by the whites, not 2 remnant of that once powerful tribe remained on the west side of the Mississippi, and Iowa was principally in the possession of the Sacs and Foxes, a warlike tribe which, originally two distinct nations, residing in New York and on the waters of the St. Lawrence, had gradually fought their way westward, and united, probably after the Foxes had been driven out of the Fox River country in 1846, and crossed the Mississippi. The death of Pontiac, a famous Sac chieftain, was made the pre- text for war against the Illini, and a fierce and bloody struggle ensued, which con- tinued until the Illini were nearly de- stroyed, and their hunting grounds pos- sessed by their victorious foes. The lowas also occupied a portion of the State, for a time, in common with the Sacs, but they, too, were nearly destroyed by the Sacs and Foxes, and in “ The Beautiful Land ” these natives met their equally warlike foes, the northern Sioux, with whom they maintained & constant warfare for the pos- session of the country for many years. In 1803, when Louisiana was purchased by the United States, the Sacs, Foxes and Towas possessed the entire State of Iowa, and the two former tribes, also, occupied most of Illinois. o A ee «| = c 22 HISTORY OF IOWA. / The Sacs had four principal villages, where most of them resided. Their largest and most important town—if an Indian village may be called such—and from which emanated most of the ob- stacles encountered by the Government in the extinguishment of Indian titles to land in this region, was on Rock river, near Rock Island; another was on the east bank of the Mississippi, near the mouth of Henderson river; the third was at the head of the Des Moines Rap- ids, near the present site of Montrose ; and the fourth was near the mouth of the upper Iowa. The Foxes had three principal villages. One was on the west side of the Missis- sippi, six miles above the rapids of Rock river; another was about twelve miles from the river, in the rear of the Dubuque lead mines; and the third was on Turkey river. The Iowas, at. one time identified with the Saecs of Rock river, had withdrawn from them and become a separate tribe. Their principal village was on the Des Moines river, in Van Buren county, on the site where Iowavillenow stands. Here the last great battle between the Sacs and Foxes and the Iowas was fought, in which Black Hawk, then a young man, com- manded one division of the attacking frees. The following account of the bat- tle has been given: “Contrary to long established custom of Indian attack, this battle was commenced in the day-time, the attending circum- stances justifying this departure from the well-settled usages of Indian warfare The battle-field was a level river bottom, about four miles in length, and two miles wide near the middle, narrowing to a point at either end. The main area of this bottom rises perhaps twenty feet above the river, leaving a narrow strip of low bottom along the shore, covered with trees that belted the prairie on the river side with a thick forest, and the immediate bank of the river was fringed with a dense growth of wil- low. Near the lower end of this prairie, near the river bank, was situated the Iowa village. About two miles above it and near the middle of the prairie is a mound, covered at the time with a tuft of small trees and underbrush growing on its sum- mit. In the rear of this little elevation or mound lay a belt of wet prairie, covered, at that time, with a dense growth of rank, coarse grass. Bordering this wet prairie on the north, the country rises abruptly into elevated broken river bluffs, covered with a heavy forest for many miles in ex- tent, and in places thickly clustered with undergrowth, affording convenient shelter for the stealthy approach of the foe. “Through this forest the Sacand Fox war party made their way in the night, and secreted themselves in the tall grass spoken of above, intending to remain in ambush during the day and make such observa- tions as this near proximity to their in- tended victims might afford, to aid them in their contemplated attack on the town during the following night. From this situation their spies could take a full sur- vey of the village, and watch every move- ment of the inhabitants, by which means they were soon convinced that the lowas had no suspicion of their presence. “At the foot of the mound above men- tioned the Iowas had their race course, where they diverted themselves with the , ji Wal A 4 oo a —_— 4 HISTORY OF IOWA. 23 excitement of horse-racing, and schooled their young warriors in cavalry evolutions. In these exercises mock battles were fought, and the Indian tactics of attack and defense carefully inculeated, by which means a skill in horsemanship was acquired that is rarely excelled. Unfortunately for them this day was selected for their equestrian sports, and, wholly unconscious of the proximity of their foes, the warriors re- paired to the race-ground, leaving most of their arms in the village, and their old men, women and children unprotected. ‘‘Pash-a-po-po, who was chief in com- mand of the Sacs and Foxes, perceived at once the advantage this state of things afforded for a complete surprise of his now doomed victims, and ordered Black Hawk to file off with his young warriors through the tall grass and gain the cover of the timber along the river bank, and with the utmost speed reach the village and com- mence the battle, while he remained with his division in the ambush to make a sim- ultaneous assault on the unarmed men whose attention was engrossed with the excitement of the races. The plan was skillfully laid and most dexterously exe- cuted. Black Hawk with his forces reached the village undiscovered, and made a furious onslaught upon the de- fenseless inhabitants by firing one general volley into their midst, and completing the slaughter with the tomahawk and scalping- knife, dided by the devouring flames with which they enveloped the village as soon as the fire-brand could be spread from lodge to lodge. “On the instant of the report of fire-arms at the village, the forces under Pash-a-po-po leaped from their couchant position in the grass, and sprang, tiger-like, upon the un- armed Iowas in the midst of their racing sports. The first impulse of the latter natur- ally led them to make the utmost speed to- ward their arms in the village, and protect, if possible, their wives and children from the attack of their merciless assailants. The distance from the place of attack on the prairie was two miles, and a great number fell in their flight by the bullets and tomahawks of their enemies, who pressed them closely with a running fire the whole way, and the survivors only reached their town in time to witness the horrors of its destruction. Their whole village was in flames, and the dearest objects of their lives lay in slaughtered heaps amidst the devouring element, and the agonizing groans of the dying, mingled with the exulting shouts of the victorious foe, filled their hearts with maddening despair. Their wives and children who had been spared the general massacre were prisoners, and together with their arms in the hands of their victors; and all that could now be done was to draw off their shattered and defenseless forces, and save as many lives as possible by a retreat across the Des Moines river, whick they effected in the best possible manner, and took a prsition among the Soap Creek hills.” Previous to the settlement of their vil- lage on Rock river, the Sacs and Foxes had a fierce conflict with the Winnebagos, subdued them and took possession of their lands. At one time this village contained upward of 60 lodges, and was among the largest Indian villages on the continent. The number of Sacs and Foxes in 1825 was estimated by the Secretary of War to ¥ oe + lee o 94 HISTORY OF IOWA. be 4,600. Their village was situated in the immediate vicinity of the upper rapids of the Mirsissippi, where the flourishing towns of Rock Island and Davenport are now situated. The extensive prairivs dotted over with groves, the beautiful scenery, the picturesque bluffs along the river banks, the rich and fertile soil pro- ducing large crops of corn, squash and other vegetables with little labor, the abundance of wild fruit, game, fish, and almost every- thing calculated to make it a delightful spot for an Indian village, which was found there, had made this place a favorite home of the Sacs, and secured for it the strong attachment and veneration of the whole nation. The Sioux located their hunting grounds north of the Sacs and Foxes. They were a fierce and warlike nation, who often dis- puted possessions with their rivals in savage and bloody warfare. ‘The possessions of these tribes were mostly located in Minne- sota, but extended over a portion of Northern and Western Iowa to the Mis- souri river. Their descent from the north upon the hunting grounds of Iowa fre- quently brought them into collision with the Sacs and Foxes, and after many a con- flict and bloody struggle, a boundary line was established between them by the Government of the United States, in a treaty held at Prairie du! Chien in 1825. Instead of settling the difficulties, this caused them to quarrel all the more, in consequence of alleged trespasses upon each other’s side of the line. So bitter and unre!enting became’ these contests, that, in 1830, the Government purchased of the respective tribes of the Sacs and Foxes, and the Sioux, a strip of land twenty miles wide on both sides of the line, thus throw- ing them forty miles apart by creating a “neutral ground,” and commanded them to cease their hostilities. They were, however, allowed to fish and hunt on the ground unmolested, provided they did not interfere with each other on United States territory. Soon after the acquisition of Louisiana, the United States Government adopted measures for the exploration of the new Territory, having in view the conciliation of the numerous tribes of Indians by whom it was possessed, and aiso the se- lection of proper sites for the establish- ment of military posts and trading sta- tions. The Army of the West, Gen. Wil- kinson commanding, had its headquarters at St. Louis. From this post Captains Lewis and Clarke, with a sufficient force, were detailed to explore the unknown sources of the Missouri, and Lieut. Zebu- lon M. Pike to ascend to the head waters of the Mississippi. Lieut. Pike, with one sergeant, two corporals and seven- teen privates, left the military camp, near St. Louis, in a keel boat, with four months’ rations, August 9th, 1805. On the 20th of the same month the expedition arrived within the present limits of Iowa, at the foot of the Des Moines Rapids, where Pike met William Ewing, who had just been appointed Indian Agent at this point, a French interpreter, four chiefs, fifteen Sacs and Fox warriors. At the head of the rapids, where Montrose is now situated, Pike held a council with the Indians, in which he addressed them sub- stantially as follows: “ Your great father, the President of the United States, wishes to be morein ee | oe = ~~ HISTORY OF IOWA. 25 acquainted with the situation and wants of the different nations of Red people in our newly acquired Territory of Louis- jana, and has ordered the General to send a number of his warriors in different directions to take them by the hand and make such inquiries as might afford the satisfaction required.” At the close of the council he presented the Red Men with some knives, tobacco and whisky. On the 23d of August he arrived at what is supposed, from his de- scription, to be the site of the present city of Burlington, which he selected as the location of amilitary post. He describes the place as “being on a hill, about forty miles above the River de Moyne Rapids, on the west side of the river, in latitude about 40 deg. 21 min. north. The channel of the river runs on that shore. The bill in front is about 60 feet perpendicular, and nearly level at the top. About 400 yards in the rear is a small prairie, fit for gardening, and immediately under the hill is a limestone spring, sufficient for the consumption of a whole regiment.” In addition to this description, which corres- ponds to Burlington, the spot is laid down on his map at a bend in the river a short distance below the mouth of the Hender- son, which pours its waters into the Mis- sissippi from Illinois. The fort was built at Fort Madison, but from the distance, latitude, description and map furnished by Pike, it could not have been the place se- lected by him, while all the circumstances corroborate the opinion that the place he selected was the spot where Burlington is now located, called by the early voyagers on the Mississippi “ Flint Hills”) In ¢ m- pany with one of his men, Pike went on | shore on a hunting expedition, and follow- ing a stream which they supposed to be a part of the Mississippi, they were led away from their course. Owing to the intense heat and tall grass, his two favorite dogs, which he had taken with him, became ex- hausted, and he left them on the prairie, supposing that they would follow him as soon as they should get rested, and went on to overtake his boat. After reaching the river he waited some time for his canine friends, but they did not come, and as he deemed it inexpedient to detain the boat longer, two of his men volunteered to go in pursuit of them, and he continued on his way up the river, expecting that the two men would soon overtake him They lost their way, however, and for six days were without food, except a few morsels gathered from the stream, and might have perished had they not accidentally met a trader from St. Louis, who- induced two Indians to take them up the river, and they overtook the boat at Dubuque. At ‘he latter place Pike was cordially received by Julien Dubuque, a Frenchman, who held a mining claim under a grant from Spain. He had an old field piece, and fired a salute in honor of the advent of the first Amar- ican who had visited that part of the Ter- ritory. He was not, however, disposed to publish the wealth of his mines, and the young and evidently inquisitive officer obtained but little information from him. Upon leaving this place, Pike pursued his way up the river, but as he pas ate, HISTORY OF IOWA. 55 against bribery and corruption. The judiciary power was vested in a Supreme Court, District Court, Probate Court and justices of the peace. Real estate was made divisible by will, and intestate pro- perty divided equitably among heirs. Murder was made punishable by death, and proportionate penalties fixed for lesser crimes. A system of free schools, open for every class of white citizens, was estab- lished. Provision was made for a system of roads and highways. Thus, under the Territorial organization, the country began to emerge from a savage wilderness, and take on the forms of civil government. The Territorial Legislature held its eighth and last session at Iowa City, com- mencing December 1, 1845. James Clark was the same year appointed the successor of Governor Chambers, and was the third and last Territorial Governor. In 1843 the Territorial Legislature compiled and pub- lished a code of general statutes, making a volume of 800 pages, that continued in force until July, 1851. THE MISSOURI WAR. In defining the boundaries of the coun- ties bordering on Missouri, the Iowa authorities had fixed a line which has since been established as the boundary between Iowa and Missouri. The consti- tution of Missouri defined her northern boundary to be the parallel of latitude which passes through the rapids of Des Moines river. The lower rapids of the Mississippi immediately above the mouth of the Des Mcines river had always been known as the Des Moines Rapids, or the “rapids of the Des Moines river.” The Missourians (evidently not well versed in history or geography), insisted on running the northern boundary line from the rapids in the Des Moines river, just kelow Keosau- qua, thus taking from Iowa a strip of ter- ritory eight or ten miles wide. Assuming this as her northern boundary line, Missouri attempted to exercise jurisdiction over the disputed territory by assessing taxes, and sending her sheriffs to collect them by distraining the personal property of the settlers. The Iowans, however, were not disposed to submit, and the Missouri offi- cials were arrested by the sheriffs of Davis and Van Buren counties and confined in jail. Governor Boggs, of Missouri, called out his milita to enforce the claim and sustain the officers of Missouri. Governor Lucas called out the militia of Iowa. About 1,200 men were enlisted, and 500 were actually armed and encamped in Van Buren county, ready to defend the integrity of the Territory. Subsequently, Gen. A. C. Dodge, of Burlington, General Churchman, of Dubuque, and Dr. Clark, of Fort Madison, were sent to Missouri as envoys plenipotentiary, to effect, if possi- ble, a peaceable adjustment of the difii- culty. Upon their arrival, they found that the county commissioners of Clark county, Missouri, had rescinded their order for the collection of taxes, and that Governor Boggs had dispatched messengers to the Governor of Iowa proposing to submit an agreed case to the Supreme Court of the United States for the settlement of the boundary question. This proposition was declined; but afterward, upon petition of Jowa and Missouri, Congress authorized a suit to settle the controversy. The suit was duly instituted, and resulted in the decision that Iowa had only asserted “the Y | 6” ES Y 4 a 56 HISTORY sail, = OF IOWA. truth of history,” and that she knew where the rapids of Des Moines river were located. Thus ended the Missouri war. “There was much good sense,” says Hon. C. C. Nourse, “in the basis upon which peace was secured, to-wit: ‘If Missourians did not know where the rapids of the river Des Moines were located, that was no suf- ficient reason for killing them off with powder and lead; and if we did know a little more of history and geography than they did, ve ought not to be shot for our learning. We commend our mutual for- bearance to older and greater people.’” Under an order from the. Supreme Court of the United States, William G. Miner, of Missouri, and Henry B. Hendershott, of Towa, acted as commissioners, and surveyed and established the boundary. The ex- penses of the war on the part of Iowa were never paid, either by the United States or the Territorial Government. The patriots who furnished supplies to the troops had to bear the cost and charges of the struggle. The population being sufficient to justify the formation of a State government, the Territorial Legislature of Iowa passed an act, which was approved February 12th, 1844, submitting to the people the ques- tion of the formation of a State constitu- tion and providing for the election of delegates to a convention to be convened for that purpose. The people voted upon this at their township elections in the fol- lowing April. The measure was carried by a large majority, and the delegates elected assembled in convention at Iowa City October 7th, 1844. On the first day of November following, the convention completed its work, and adopted the first State constitution. Hon Shepherd Leffler, the president of this convention, was instructed to transmit a certified copy of this constitution to the delegate in Congress, to be by him sub- mitted to that body at the earliest practi- cable day. It also provided that it should be submitted, together with any conditions or changes that might be made by Con- gress, to the People of the Territory, for their approval or rejection, at the township election in April, 1845. The Constitution, as thus prepared, pro- vided the following boundaries for the State: Beginning in the middle of the channel of the Mississippi river, opposite the mouth of the Des Moines river; thence up the said river Des Moines, in the mid- dle of the main channel thereof, to a point where it is intersected by the old Indian boundary line, or line run by John C. Sul- livan in 1816; thence westwardly along said line to the “old” northwest corner of Missouri; thence due west to the middie of the main channel of the Missouri river; thence up the middle of the main channel of the river last mentioned, to the mouth of the Sioux or Calumet river; thence in a direct line to the middle of the main chan- nel of the St. Peters river, where the Wa- tonwan river — according to Nicollett’s map—enters the same; thence down the middle of the main channel of the said river to the middle of the main channel of the Mississippi river; thence down the middle of the main channel of said river to the place of beginning. These boundaries were considerably more extended than other Western States, and Congress therefore amended the (‘on- stitution, by act approved March 3, 1845, as follows: Beginning at the mouth of = a siele = HISTORY OF IOWA. 57 the Des Moines river, at the middle of the Mississippi; thence by the middle of the channel of that river to a parallel of lati- tude, passing through the mouth of the Mankato or Blue Earth river; thence west, along said parallel of latitude, to a point where it is intersected by a meridian line 17° 380’ west of the meridian of Wash- ington City; thence due south, to the northern boundary line of the State of Missouri; thence eastwardly, following that boundary to the point at which the same intersects the Des Moines river; thence by the middle of the channel of that river to the place of beginning. Had these boundaries been accepted, they would have placed the northern boundary of the State about 30 miles north of its present location, and would have deprived it of the Missouri slope and the boundary of that river. The western boundary would have been near the west line of what is now Kossuth county. But it was not soto be. In consequence of this radical and unwelcome change in the boundaries, the people refused to accept the act of Congress, and rejected the Con- stitution, at.the election held Aug. 4, 1845, by a vote of 7,656 to 7,235. May 4, 1846, a second Convention met at Iowa City, and on the 18th of the same month another Constitution, prescribing the boundaries as they now are, was adopted. This was accepted by the people, August 3, by a vote of 9,492 to 9,036. The new Constitution was approved by Con-: gress, and Iowa was admitted as a sov- ereign State in the American Union, Dec. 28, 1846. The people of the State, anticipating favorable action by Congress, held an election for State officers October 26, which resulted in Ansel Briggs being de- clared Governor; Elisha Cutler, Jr , Secre- tary of State; Joseph T. Fales, Auditor; Morgar Reno, Treasurer; and members of the Senate and House of Representatives. The act of Congress which admitted Iowa gave her the 16th section of every township of land in the State, or its equivalent, for the support of schools; also, 72 sections of land for the purpose of a university; also, five sections of land for the completion of her public buildings; also, the salt springs within her limits, not exceeding 12 in number, with sections of Jand adjoining each; also, in consideration that her public lands should be exempt from taxation by the State, she gave the State five per cent. of the net proceeds of the sale of public lands within the State. Thus provided for as a bride with her marriage portion, lowa commenced house- keeping on her own account. A majority of the Constitutional Con- vention of 1846 were of the Democratic party; and the instrument contains some of the peculiar tenets of the party of that day. All banks of issue were prohibited within the State. The State was prohibited from becoming a stockholder in any cor- poration for pecuniary profit, and the Gen- eral Assembly could only provide for pri- vate corporations by general statutes. The constitution also limited the State’s indebt- edness to $100,000. It required the Gen- eral Assembly to provide public schools throughout the State for at least three months in the year. Six months previous residence of any white male citizen of the United States constituted him an elector. er ~~ ala, idee 58 HISTORY OF IOWA. The government was started on an economical basis. he members of the General Assemb'y received, each, two dol- lars per day for the first fifty days of the session, and one dollar per day thereafter. The sessions were to be biennial. The salaries of the State officers were limited the first ten years as follows: Governor, $1,000 per annum; Secretary of State, $500; Treasurer of State, $400; Auditor of State, $600; and Judges of the Supreme Court, $1,000each. And it may be said here that these prices did not discourage the best talent of the State from seeking these positions, and that during these ten years none of these officers were ever known to receive bribes, or to steal one dollar of the public money. At the time of organiza- tion as a State, Iowa had a population of 116,651, as appears by the census of 1847. There were twenty-seven organized coun- ties in the State, and the settlements were being rapidly pushed toward the Missouri river. CHAPTER Wi. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF TIE STATE. The first General Assembly was com- posed of nineteen Senators and forty Rep- resentatives. It assembled in Iowa City, November 30th, 1846, about one month be- fore Congress passed the act of admission. The most important business transacted was the passage of a bill authorizing a loan of $50,000 for means to run the State government and pay the expenses of the Constitutional Convention. The election of United States Senators was called up at this session, and was the occasion of much excitement and no little hard feeling. The Whigs had a majority of two in the House and the Democrats a majority of one in the Senate. After repeated attempts to control these majorities for caucus nom- inees, and frequent sessions of’a joint con- vention for purposes of an election, the attempt was abandoned. A public school law was passed at this session, for the or- ganization of public schools in the State. In pursuance of its provisions, an election f.r superintendent of public instruction was held the following spring, and James Harlan received a majority of the votes cast. After the election the Democratic Secretary of State discovered that the law contained no provision for its publication in the newspapers, and he claimed it had Jas ae or 7 o|" Game jee HISTORY OF IOWA. 59 not gone into effect. He, therefore, and the Governor, refused Harlan a certificate of election. The Supreme Court sustained their action. At this first session of the General As- sembly, the Treasurer of State reported that the capitol building was in a very exposed condition, liable to injury from storms, and expressed the hope that some provision would be made to complete it, at least sufficiently to protect it from the weather. The General Assembly re- sponded by appropriating $2,500 for the completion of the public buildings. At the first session, also, arose the question of the relocation of the capitol. The western boundary of the State, as now determined, left Iowa City too far toward the eastern and southern boundary of the State; this was conceded. Congress had appropri- ated five sections of land for the erection of public buildings, and toward the close of the session a bill was introduced pro- viding for the relocation of the seat of government, involving to some extent the location of the State University, which had already been discussed. This bill gave rise to much discussion, and parlia- mentary ‘maneuvering almost purely sec- tional in its character. It provided for the appointment of commissioners, who were authorized to make a location as near the geographical centre of the State as a healthy and eligible site could be ob- tained; to select the five sections of land donated by Congress, to survey and plat into town lots not exceeding one section of the land so selected; to sell lots at public sale, not to exceed two in each block. Having done this, they were then required to suspend further operations, and make a report of their proceeding to the Governor. The bill passed both Houses by decisive votes, received the signature of the Gov- ernor, and became a law. Soon after, by “An act to locate and establish a State University,” approved Feb. 25, 1847, the unfinished public buildings at Iowa City, together with the ten acres of lands on which they were situated, were granted for the use of the University, reserving their use, however, by the General Assembly and the State officers, until other provisions were made by law. The Commissioners forthwith entered upon their duties, and selected four sec- tions and two half sections in Jasper county. Two of these sections are in what is now DesMoines township, and the others in Fairview township, in the southern part of that county. These lands are situated between Prairie City and Monroe, on the Keokuk & DesMoines railroad, which runs diagonally through them. Here a town was platted called Monroe City, and a sale of lots took place. The number of 415 lots were sold, at prices that were not con- sidered remarkably remunerative. The cash payments (one-fourth) amounted to $1,797.48, while the expenses of the sale and the claims of the Commissioners for services amounted to $2,206.57. The Com- missioners made a report of their proceed- ings to the Governor, as required by law, but the location was generally condemned. When the report of the Commissioners, showing this brilliant financial operation, had been read in the House of Represent- atives, at the next session, and while it was under consideration, an indignant member, afterward known as the eccentric Judge McFarland, moved to refer the report to a a = eS Y o_o 60 HISTORY OF IOWA. select committee of five, with instructions to report “how much of said city of Mon- roe was under water, and how much was burned.” The report was referred, with- out the instructions, but Monroe City never became the seat of government. By an act approved January 15, 1849, the law by which the location had been made was re- pealed, and the new town was vacated, the money paid by purchasers of lots being refunded to them. This, of course, re- tained the seat of government at Iowa City, and precluded for the time the occu- pation of the building and grounds by the University. At the same session $3,000 more were appropriated for completing the State building at Iowa City. In 1852, the fur- ther sum of $5,000, and in 1854 $4,000 more were appropriated for the same pur- pose, making the whole cost $123,000, paid partly by the general Government and partly by the State, but principally by the proceeds of the sale of lots in Iowa City. After the adjournment of the first Gen- eral Assembly, the Governor appointed Joseph Williams, Chief Justice, and Geo. Green and John F. Kinney Judges, of the Supreme Court. They were afterward elected by the second General Assembly, and constituted the Supreme Court until 1855, with the exception that Kinney re- signed in January, 1854, and J. C. Hall, of Burlington, was appointed in his place. Hall was one of the earliest and ablest lawyers of the State, and his memory will long be cherished by the early members of the profession, Some changes having occurred by death and removal, the Gov- ernor was induced to call an extra session of the General Assembly in January, 1848, with the hope of an election of United States Senators. The attempt, however; was again unsuccessful. At this session, Charles Mason, William G. Woodward and Stephen Hempstead were appointed Com- missioners to prepare a code of laws for the State. Their work was finished in 1850, and was adopted by the General As- sembly. This “code” contained, among other provisions, a code of civil practice, superseding the old common-law forms of actions and writs, and it was admissible forits simplicity and method. It remained in force until 1863, when it was superseded by the more complicated and metaphys- ical system of the revision of that year. The first Representatives in Congress were S. Clinton Hastings, of Muscatine, and Shepherd Lefler, of DesMoines county. The second General Assembly elected to the United States Senate, Augustus Ceasar Dodge and George W. Jones. The State government, after the first session, was under the c -ntrol of Democratic ad- ministration till 1855. The electoral vote of the State was cast for Lewis Cass, in 1848, and for Franklin Pierce in 1852. The popular vote shows that the Free-Soil element of State during this period very nearly held the balance of power, and that up to i854 it acted in the State elections to some extent with the Democratic party. In 1848 Lewis Cass received 12,093 votes, Zachary Taylor 11,043, and Martin Van Buren, the Free-Soil candidate, 1,226 votes, being 176 less than a majority for Cass. In 18.2, Pierce 1ec-ived 17,762 votes, Scott 15,855, and Ilale ([ree-Soil) 1,606, being for Pierce 301 votes more than a majority. oe + —_s HISTORY OF IOWA. 61 The question of the permanent location of the seat of government was not settled, and in 1851 bills were introduced for its removal to Fort DesMoines. The latter appeared to have the support of the major- ity, but was finally lost in the House on the question of ordering it to its third reading. At the next session, in 1853, a bill was again introduced in the Senate for the re- moval of the seat of government to Fort DesMoines, and, on final vote, was just barely defeated. At the next session, how- ever, the effort was more successful, and January 15th, 1855, a bill relocating the Capital within two miles of the Raccoon Fork of the DesMoines, and for the ap- pointment of Commissioners, was approved by Gov. Grimes. The site was selected in 1856, in accordance with the provisions of this act; the land being donated to the State by citizens and property-holders of DesMoines. An association of citizens erected a building for a temporary capitol, and leased it to the State at a nominal rent. The passage by Congress of the act organizing the Territories of Kansas and Nebraska, and the provision it contained abrogating that portion of the Missouri bill that proh bited slavery and involuntary servitude north of 36° 380’ was the begin- ning of a political revolution in the North- ern States, and in none was it more marked than in the State of Iowa. Iowa was the “first free child born of the Missouri com- promise,” and has always resented the de- struction of her foster parent. In the summer of 1854 there was a tacit coalition or union of the Whig and Free- Suil elements of the State. Alarmed at the aggressive spirit manifested by the ad- herents of the peculiar institution, the Free-Soilers, who almost held the balance of power in the State, readily adopted as their candidate the Whig nominee for Gov- ernor. Many of the old-line Whigs aban- doned their party because of this coalition, but many. strong and able men among the Democrats co-operated withit. James W. Grimes was the nominee of the Whigs, and Curtis Bates, of Polk county, was the nominee of the Democratic party. - Grimes was then in the vigor of his manhood, and all the energies of his being appeared to be aroused by what he denominated the aggressions of the slave power. He was thoroughly in earnest, and canvassed most of the organized counties of the State. The people flocked by the thousands to hear him, and were electrified by his elo- quence. No one of the opposition at- tempted to meet him in debate. The re- sult was his election by a majority of 1,404 in a vote of 21,794. A majority was also secured in the General Assembly on joint ballot of the two Houses in opposition to the Democratic party. The opposition party in 1854-5 were known as anti-Ne- braska Whigs. A caucus of this opposing element nominated James Harlan as their candidate for United States Senator, Geo. G. Wright for Chief Justice, and Norman W. Isbell and Wm. G. Woodward for Judges of. the Supreme Court. A portion of the opposition, however, refused to go into this caucus, or to abide by its decision as to the United States Sen- ator. Ebenezer Cook, of Scott county. -A joint convention was secured, and the Judges of the Supreme Court were elected. = They were the personal friends of . eee 5" ae ale, 62 HISTORY OF IOWA. After frequent balloting and adjournments, it was at last understood that Cook’s friends had yielded, and would support Mr. Harlan. When the hour arrived to which the joint convention had adjourned, messengers were sent to the Senate by the House, to inform that body that the House was ready to meet them in joint conven- tion. Before this message could be de- livered, the Senate had adjourned over until the next day. The anti-Nebraska Senators, however, entered the hall of the House and took their seats in joint conven- tion. Much confusion prevailed, but finally a President pro tem of the conven- tion was chosen, and Mr. Harlan was elected. His seat was contested, and his el:ction declared invalid by the United States Senate. At the next session of the General As- sembly, held in 1857, Mr. Harlan was re- elected, and was permitted to take his seat. The year 1856 marked a new era in the history of Iowa. In 1854 the Chicago & Rock Island railroad had been completed to the east bank of the Mississippi river, opposite Davenport. In the same year the corner-stone of a railroad bridge that was to be the first to span the “Father of Waters,” was laid with appropriate cere- monies, at this point. St. Louis had re- solved that the enterprise was unconstitu- tional, and by writs of injunction made an unsuccessful effort to prevent its comple- tion. Twenty years later in her history St. I ouis repented her folly, and made atonement for her sin by imitating Iowa’s _example. January Ist, 1856, this railroad was completed to Iowa City. In the mean- time two other railroads had reached the east bank of the Mississippi—one opposite Burlington and one opposite Dubuque— and these were being extended into the interior of the State. Indeed, four other lines of railroads had been projected across the State, from the Mississippi to the Mis- couri, having eastern connections. May 15th, 1856, Congress passed an act granting to the State, to aid in the con- struction of railroads, the public lands in alternate sections, six miles on each side of the proposed lines. An extra session of the General Assembly was called in July of this year, that disposed of the grant to the several companies that pro- posed to complete these enterprises. The population of Iowa was now 500,000. Pub- lic attention had been called to the neces- sity of a railroad across the continent. The position of Iowa, in the very heart and center of the republic, on the route of this great highway of the continent, began to attract attention. Cities and towns sprang up through the State as if by magic. Capital began to pour into the State, and had it been employed in devel- oping the vast coal measures and establish- ing manufactories, or if it had been expended in improving the lands, and in building houses and barns, it would have been well. But all were in haste to get rich, and the spirit of speculation ruled the hour. In the meantime, every effort was made to he!p the speedy completion of the 1ail- roads. Nearly every county and city on tbe Mississippi, and many in the interior, voted large corporate subscriptions to the stock of the railroad companies, and issued their negotiable ‘bonds for the amount. Thus enormous county and city debts were incurred, the payment of which these mu- er “ye |¥ Ret MEH as ~ A HISTORY OF IOWA. 63 nicipalities tried to avoid, upon the plea that they had exceeded the constitutional limitation of their powers. The Supreme Court of the United States held these bonds to be valid, and the courts, by man- damus, compelled the city and county authorities to levy taxes to pay the judg- ments recovered upon them. These debts are not all paid, even to this day; but the worst is over, and the incubus is in the course of ultimate extinction. The most valuable lessons are those learned in the school of experience, and, accordingly, the corporations of Iowa have ever since been noted for economy. In 1856 the Republican party of the State was duly organized, in full sympathy with that of the other free States, and at the ensuing presidential election the elec- toral vote of the State was cast for John C. Fremont. The popular vote was as follows: Fremont, 43,954; Buchanan, 36,- 170, and Fillmore, 9,180. This was 1,396 less than a majority for Fremont. The followi: g year an election was held, after an exciting campaign, for State officers, resulting in a majority of 1,406 for Ralph P. Lowe, the Republican nominee. The Legislature was largely Republican in both branches. In June, 1854, a Board of State Com- missioners contracted with the DesMoines Navigation Railroad Company, an organ- ization composed principally of New York capitalists, to undertake the work, agree- ing to convey to the company lands at $1.25' an acre for all moneys advanced and expended. In the meantime difficul- ties arose in regard to the extent of the grant. The State claimed lands through- cut the whole extent of the river to the north line of the State. The Department of the Interior changed its rulings under the several administrations. The Com- missioner of the General Land Office cer- tified to the State about 320,000 acres of land below the Raccoon Fork of the river, and about 270,000 acres above it prior to 1857, when he refused to certify any more. This led to a settlement and compromise with the Navigation Company in 1858, whereby the company took all the land certified to the State at that date, and paid the State $20,0L0 in addition to what they had already expended, cancelled their con- tract and abandoned the work. The General Assembly granted to the DesMoines Valley Railroad Company the remainder of the grant to the State line, to aid in building a railroad up and along the DesMoines Valley; and Congress, in 1862, extended the grant, by express enactment, to the north line of the State. The most injurious result to the State, arising from the spirit of speculation pre- valent in 1856, was the purchase and entry of great bodies of Government land within the State by non-residents. This land was held for speculation, and placed beyond the reach of actual settlers for many years. From no other one cause has Iowa suf- fered so much as from the short-sighted policy of the Federal Government in sell- ing Jands within her borders. The money thus obtained by the Federal Government has been comparatively inconsiderable. The value of this magnificient public do- main to the United States was not in the few thousands of dollars she might exact from the hardy settlers, or that she might obtain from the speculator who hoped to = “yo 4 =—_ all, 64 HISTORY OF IOWA. profit by the settlers’ labors in improving the country. Statesmen should have taken a broader and more comprehensive view of national economy, and a view more in harmony with the divine economy that had prepared these vast fertile plains of the West for the “homes of men and the seats of empire.” It was here that new States were to be builded up that sl ould be the future strength of the nation against for- eign invasion or home revolt. A single regiment of Iowa soldiers during the dark days of the Rebellion was worth more to the nation than all the money she ever ex- acted from the toil and sweat of Iowa’s early settlers. Could the statesmen of forty years ago have looked forward to this day, when Iowa pays her $1,000,000 annu- ally into the treasury of the nation for the extinction of the national debt, they would have realized that the founding of new States was a greater enterprise than the retailing of public lands. In January, 1857, another Constitutional Convention assembled at Iowa City, which framed the present State constitution. One of the most pressing demands for this con- vention grew out of the prohibition of banks under the old constitution. The practical result of this probibition was to flood the State with every species of ‘“wild-cat” currency. Our circulating medium was made up in part of the free-bank paper of Illinois and Indiana. In addition to this, we had paper issued by Iowa brokers, who had obtained bank charters from the Ter- ritorial Legislature of Nebraska, and had their pretended headquarters at Omaha and Florence. Our currency was also well assorted with the bills from other States, generally such as had the best reputation where they were least known. This paper was all at 2, and some of it from 1U to 15 per cent. discount. Every man who was not an expert in detecting counterfeit bills, and who was not posted in the history of all manner of banking institutions, did business at bis peril. The new constitution made ample provisions for house banks under the supervision of our own laws. The limitation of our State debt was en- larged to $250,000, and the corporate in- debtedness of the cities and counties were algo limited to five per cent. upon the valu- ation of their taxable property. The Judges of the Supreme Court were to be elected by the popular vote. The permanent seat of government was fixed at DesMoines, and the State Uni- versity located at Iowa City. The qualifi- cations of electors remained the same as under the old constitution, but the schedule provided for a vote of the people upon a separate proposition to strike the word “white” out of the suffrage clause, which, had it prevailed, would have resulted in conferring the right of suffrage without distinction of color. Since the early or- ganization of Jowa there had been upon the statute books a law providing that no negro, mulatto or Indian should be a com- petent witness in any suit or proceeding to which a white man wasa party. The Gen- eral Assembly of 1856-’7 repealed this law, and the new constitution contained a clause forbidding such disqualification in the future. It also provided for the education of “all youth of the State” through a sys- tem of common schools. This constitution was adopted at the ensuing election by a vote of 40,311 to 38,681. “ aie 4 | satis 80 HISTORY OF IOWA. . Per Mile. From 8S. W. corner to highest ridge between the two great rivers (in Ringgold county)..4 ft. i in. From the highest point in the State (near Spirit Lake) to the lowest point in the State (at the mouth of DesMoinesriver) 4 ft. We thus find that there is good degree of propriety in regarding the whole State as belonging to a great plain, the lowest point of which within its border, the south- eastern corner of the State, is only 444 feet above the level of the sea. The aver- age height of the whole State above the level of the sea is not far from 800 feet, although it is a thousand miles from the nearest ocean. These remarks are, of course, to be un- derstood as applying to the State as a whole. On examining its surface in detail, we find a great diversity of surface by the formation of valleys out of the general level, which have been evolved by the actions of streams during the unnumbered years of the terrace epoch. These river valleys are deepest in the northwestern part of the State, and consequently it is there that the country has the greatest di- versity of surface, and its physical features are most strongly marked. The greater part of Iowa was formerly one vast prairie. It has, indeed, been estimated that seven-eighths of the surface of the State was prairie when first settled. By prairie it must not be inferred that a level surface is meant, for they are found in hilly countries as well. Nor are they confined to any particular variety of soil, for they rest upon all formations, from those of the Azotic to those of the Creta- ceous age, inclusive. Whatever may have been their origin, their present existence in lowa is not due to the influence of cli- mate, of the soil, or of any of the under- lying formations. The real cause is the prevalence of the annual fires. If these had been prevented fifty years ago, Iowa would now bea timbered country. The encroachment of forest trees upon prairie farms as soon as the bordering wood- land is protected from the annual prairie fires, is well known to farmers throughout the State. The soil of Iowa is justly famous for its fertility, and there is prob- ably no equal area of the earth’s surface that contains so little untillable land, or whose soil has so high an average of fer- tility. Ninety-five per cent. of its surface is capable of a high state of cultivation. LAKES AND STREAMS. Lakes —The lakes of Iowa may be prop- erly divided into two distinct classes. The first may be called drift lakes, having had their origin in the depressions left in the surface of the drift at the close of the gla- cial epoch, and have rested upon the undis- turbed surface of the drift deposit ever since the glaciers disappeared. The others may be properly termed fluviatile or allu- vial lakes, because they have had their origin by the action of rivers while cut- ting their own valleys out from the surface. of the drift as it existed at the close of the glacial epoch, and are now found resting upon the alluvium. By “alluvium” is meant the deposit which has accumulated in the valleys of rivers by the action of their own currents. It is largely composed of sand and other coarse material, and ‘ ~~ rN HISTORY OF IOWA. 81 upon that deposit are some of the best productive soils in the State. It is this deposit which forms the flood plains and deltas of our rivers, as well as the terraces of their valleys. The regjons to which the drift lakes are principally confined are near the head waters of the principal streams of the State. They are consequently found in those regions which lie between the Cedar and DesMoines rivers, and the Des Moines and Little Sioux. No drift lakes are found in Southern Iowa. The largest of the lakes to be found in the State are Spirit and Okoboji, in Dickinson county, Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo county. and Storm Lake in Buena Vista county. Spreir l.axe.—The width and length of this lake are about equal, and it contains about 12 square miles of surface, its north- ern border resting directly on the boun- dary of the State. It lies almost directly upon the great water-shed. Its shores are mostly gravelly, acd the country about it fertile. Oxosost Laxe.—This body of water lies directly south of Spirit Lake, and has somewhat the shape of a horse-shoe, with its eastern projection within a few rods of Spirit Lake, where it receives the out- let of the latter. Okoboji Lake extends about five miles southward from Spirit Lake, thence about the same distance westward, and it then bends northward about as far as the eastern projection. The eastern portion is narrow, but the western is larger, and in some places 100 feet deep. The surroundings of this and Spirit Lake are very pleasant; fish are abundant in them, and they are the re- sort of myriads of water-fowl. a Crear Laxe.—This lake. is situated upon the water-shed between the Iowa and Cedar rivers. It is about 5 miles long, 2 or 8 miles wide, and has a maximum depth of only 15 feet. Its shores and the country around are like that of Spirit Lake. Storm Laxz.—This lake rests upon the great water-shed in Buena Vista county. It is a clear, beautiful sheet of water, con- taining a surface area of between 4 and 5 square miles. The outlets of .all these drift lakes are dry during a portion of the year, except Okoboji. ' Watiep Laxres.—Along the water-sheds of Northern Jowa great numbers of small lakes exist, varying from half a mile to a mile n diameter. One of the lates in Wright county, and another in Sac, have each received the name of “Walled Lake,” on account of the embankments on their bord.rs, which are supposed to be the work of ancient inhabitants. These embank- ments are from 2 to 10 feet in height, and from 5 to 30 feet across. They are the result of natural causes alone, being refer- able to the periodic action of ice, aided to some extent by the action of the waves. _ These lakes are very shallow, and in win-_ ter freeze to the bottom, so that but little unfrozen water remains in the middle. The ice freezes fast to everything on the bot- tom, and the expansive power of the water in freezing acts in all directions from the center to the circumference, and whatever was on the bottom of the lake has been thus carried to the shore. This has been going on from year to year, from century to century, forming the embankments which have caused so much wonder. > =a 2 fo sisi, 89 HISTORY OF IOWA. Springs issue from all the geological formations, and form the sides of almost every valley, but they are more numerous, and assume proportions which give rise to the name of sink-holes, along the upland borders of the Upper Iowa river, owing to the peculiar fissued and laminated charac- ter and great thickness of the strata of the age of the Trenton limestone which under- lies the whole region of the valley of that stream. No mineral springs, properly so- called, have yet been discovered in Iowa, though the water of several artesian wells is frequently found charged with soluable mineral substances. Rivers.—The two great rivers, the Mis- sissipi and Missouri, from the eastern and the western boundaries, respectively, of the State, receive the eastern and western drainage of it. The Mississippi with its tributaries in Eastern Iowa drain two- thirds of the State, and the Missouri with its tributaries drain the western third. The great water-shed which divides these two systems is a land running southward from a point on the northern boundary line of the State, near Spirit Lake, in Dickinson county, to a nearly central point in the northern part of Adair county. From the last named point this highest ridge of land between the two great rivers continues southward, without change of character, through Ringgold county, into the State of Missouri; but it is no longer the great water-shed. From that point another ridge bears off southward, through the counties of Madison, Clarke, Lucas and Appanoose, which is now the water-shed. All streams that rise in Iowa occupy, at first, only slight depressions of the land, and are scarcely perceptible. These uniting into larger streams, though still flowing over drift and bluff deposits, reach consid- erable depth into these deposits, in some cases to a depth of nearly 200 feet from the general prairie level. The greater part of the streams in West- ern Iowa run either along the whole ora part of their course, upon that peculiar deposit known as bluff deposit. The banks even of the small streams are often five to ten feet in height and quite perpen- dicular, so that they render the streams almost everywhere unfordable, and a great impediment to travel across the open country where there are no bridges. This deposit is of a slightly yellowish ash color, except when darkened by decay- ing vegetation, very fine and silicious, but not sandy, not very cohesive, and not at all plastic. It forms excellent soil, and does not bake or crack in drying, except limy concretions, which are generally dis- tributed throughout the mass, in shape and size resembling pebbles; but not a stone or a pebble can be found in the whole deposit. It was called “silicious marl” by Dr. Owen, in his geological re- port to the Government, and he attributes its origin to an accumulation of sediment in an ancient lake, which was afterward drained, and the sediment became dry land. Prof. Swallow gives it the name of “bluff,” which is here adopted; but the term, “la- custrine” would have been more appro- priate. The peculiar properties of this deposit are that it will stand securely with a precipitous front 200 feet high, and yet is easily excavated with a spade. Wells dug in it require only to be walled to a point just above the water-line. Yet, com- = 2—l2, at, HISTORY OF IOWA. 83 pact as it is, it is very porous, so that water which falls on it does not remain at the surface, but percolates through it; neither does it accumulate within it at any point, as it does upon and within the drift and the stratified formations. The thickest deposit yet known in Iowa is in Fremont county, where it reaches 200 feet. It is found throughout a region more than 200 miles in length, and nearly 100 miles in width, and through which the Missouri runs almost centrally. This fine sediment is the same which the Missouri once deposited in a broad depression in the surface of the drift that formed a lake-like expansion of that river in the earliest period of the history of its valiey. The extent of the deposit shows this lake to have been 100 miles wide and more than twice as long. The water of the river was muddy then as now, and the broad lake became filled with the sediment which the river brought down. After the lake became filled with the sediment, the valley below became deepened by the con- stant erosive action of the waters, to a depth sufficient to have drained the lake of its firat waters; but the only effect then was to cause it to cut its valley out of the deposits its own muddy waters had formed. Thus along the valley of that river, so far as it forms the western boundary of Iowa, the bluffs which border it are composed of that sediment known as bluff deposit, forming a distinct border along the broad, level flood plain, the width of which varies from five to fifteen miles, while the orig- inal sedimentary deposit stretches far in- land. Chariton and Grand rivers rise and run for twenty-five miles of their course upon the drift deposits alone. The first strata that are exposed by the deepening valleys of both these streams belong to the Upper Coal Measures, and they both continue upon the same formation until they make their exit from the State, (the former in Appanoose county, the latter in Ringgold county,) near the boundary of which they passed nearly or quite through the whole of that formation to the Middle Coal Measures. Their valleys deepen gradually, and 15 or 20 miles from the river they are nearly 150 feet below the gen- eral level of the adjacent highland. When the rivers have cut their valleys down through the series of limestone strata, they reach those of aclayey composition. Upon these they widen their valleys, and make broad flood plains or “bottoms,” the soil of which is stiff and clayey, except where modified by sandy washings. These streams are prairie streams in their upper branches and tributaries, but flow through woodland farther down. The proportion of lime in the drift of Iowa is so great that the water of all the wells and springs is too “ hard” for washing purposes, and the same substance is so prevalent in the drift clays that they are always found to have sufficient flux when used for the manufac- ture of brick. Platte river belongs mainly to Missouri. Its upper branches pass through Ringgold county. Here the drift deposit reaches its maximum thickness on an east and west line across the State, and the valleys are eroded in some instances to a depth of 200 feet, apparently, through this deposit alone. The term “ drift deposit” applies to the soil and sub-soil of the greater part = =e Secia os , sian. 84 HISTORY OF IOWA. of the State, and in it alone many wells are dug and our forests take root. It rests upon the stratified rocks. It is composed of clay, sand, gravel and boulders, promis- cuously intermixed without stratification, varying in character in different parts of the State. One Hundred and Two river is repre- sented in Taylor county, the’ valleys of which have the same general character of those just described. The country around and between the east and west forks of this stream is almost entirely prairie. Nodaway river is represented by east, middle and west branches. The tw» for- mer rise in Adair county, the latter in Cass county. These rivers and valleys are fine examples of the small rivers and valleys of Southern Iowa. They have the general character of drift valleys, and with beautiful undulating and sloping sides. The Nodaway drains one of the finest agricultural regions in the State, the soil of which is tillable almost to their very banks. The banks and the adjacent nar- row flood-plains are almost everywhere composed of a rich, deep, dark loam. Nishnabotany river is represented by east and west branches, the former having its source in Anderson county, the latter in Shelby county. Both these branches, from their source to their confluence, and also the main stream from there to the point where it enters the great flood-plain of the Missouri, run through a region, the surface of which is occupied by the bluff deposit. The West Nishnabotany is probably without any valuable mill-sites. In the western part of Cass county, the Hast Nishnabotany loses its identity by becom- ing abruptly divided up into five or six different creeks. A few good mill-sites occur here on this stream. None, how- ever, that are thought reliable, exist on either of these rivers, or on the main stream below the confluence, except, per- haps, one or two in Montgomery county. The valleys of the two branches, and the intervening upland, possess remarkable fertility. Boyer river, until it enters the flood- plain of the Missouri, runs almost, if not quite, its entire course through the region occupied by the bluff deposit, and has cut its valley entirely through it along most of its passage. The only rocks exposed are the upper coal measures, near Reed’s mill, in Harrison county. The exposures are slight, and are the most northerly now known in Iowa. The valley of this river has usually gently sloping sides, and an in- distinctly defined flood-plain. Along the lower half of its course the adjacent up- land presents a surface of the billowy character, peculiar to the bluff deposit. The source of this river is in Sac county. Soldier river—The east and middle branches of this stream have their source in Crawford county, and the west branch in Ida county. The whole course of this river is through the bluff deposit. It has no exposure of strata along its course. Little Sioux river.—Under this head are included both the main and west branches of that stream, together with the Maple, which is one of its branches. The west branch and the Maple are so similar to the Soldier river that they need no sep- arate description. The main stream has = oC Ff ia . | —_ +s], HISTORY OF IOWA. 85 its boundary near the northern boundary of the State, and runs most of its course upon drift deposit alone, entering the region of the bluff deposit in the southern part of Cherokee county. The two prin- cipal upper branches near their source in Dickinson and Osceola counties are small prairie creeks within distinct valleys. On entering Clay county the valley deepens, and at their confluence has a depth of 200 feet. Just as the valley enters Cherokee county it turns to the southward, and be- comes much widened, with its sides gently sloping to the uplands. When the valley enters the region of the bluff deposit, it assumes the billowy appearance. No ex- posures of strata of any kind have been found in the valley of the Little Sioux or any of its branches. Floyd river—This river rises upon the drift in O’Brien county, and flowing south- ward enters the region of the bluff deposit a little north of the centre of Plymouth county. Almost from its source to. its mouth it is a prairie stream, with slightly sloping valley sides, which blend gradually with the uplands. , a— la, HISTORY OF IOWA. 107 Of 978 officers and men in this regiment, 44 were killed, 264 died, 145 were dis- charged, 222 were wounded, 2 were miss- ing, 19 were captured, and 48 were trans- ferred. Taz Turrry-First INFANTRY was or- ganized in the summer of 1862, with William Smyth, of Marion, as Colonel; J. W. Jenkins, of Maquoketa, as Lieuten- ant-Colonel; and Ezekiel Cutler, of Ana- mosa, as Major. It was mustered into the service of the United States at Davenport, October 13, 1862. The Thirty-first was engaged at Chicka- saw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Raymond, Jackson, Black River, Vicksburg, Chero- kee, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Ringgold, Taylor’s Hills, Snake Creek Gap, Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta and Jonesboro; was in Sherman’s cam- paign through Georgia and the Carolinas, and was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., June 27,1865. The regiment always did its part nobly. It was received home with speeches, feasting, etc., but the people’s joy was tempered with sadness, as the regiment had gone forth 1,000 strong, and returned with 370. But had not so many regiments returned with thinned ranks, the Rebellion had not been. conquered—the Union had not been saved. Of 977 officers and men, 13 were killed, 279 died, 176 were discharged, 85 were wounded, 13 were captured, and 72 were transferred. Tue Turrty-Szeconp INFANTRY was or- ganized in the fall of 1862, with John Scott, of Nevada, as Colonel; E. H. Mix, of Shell Rock, as Lieutenant-Colonel; and G. A. Eberhart, of Waterloo, as Major. The regiment was mustered into the ser- vice of the United States at Dubuque, October 5, 1862. The regiment was en- gaged at Fort De Russey, Pleasant Hill, Tupelo, Old Tower Creek, Nashville and other battles. For some time the regi- ment was separated, and the detachments in different fields, but at last they were all united, and the regiment served as a unit. It was mustered out at Clinton, Iowa, August 24,1865. Of 925 officers and men, 59 were killed, 242 died, 174 were dis- charged, 142 were wounded, 98 were cap- tured, and 35 were transferred. Tue Turrry-Tuirp Inranrry was or- ganized in the fall of 1862, with Samuel A. Rice, a popular politician of Central Towa, as Colonel; Cyrus H. Maskey, of Sigourney, as Lieutenant-Colonel; Hiram D. Gibson, of Knoxville, as Major; and was mustered into the service of ‘the United States at Oskaloosa, October 1, 1862. The regiment was engaged at Little Rock, Helena, Saline River, Spanish Fort and Yazoo Pass. The regiment worked | to best advantage at the brilliant victory of Helena. It remained in Arkansas till the early part of 1865, when it moved south to take part in the closing scenes in Alabama. The Thirty-third was mustered out of service at New Orleans, July 17, 1865. Of 985 men and officers, 26 were killed, 241 died, 145 were discharged, 177 were wounded, 7 were missing, 74 were captured, and 82 were transferred. Tue Turrty-Fourta INrantRy was organized in the fall of 1862, with Ge. rge - W. Clarke, of Indianola, as Colonel; W. ojo ~~? 108 HISTORY OF IOWA. S. Dungan, of Chariton, as Lieutenant- Colonel; R. D. Kellogg, of Decatur, as Major; and was mustered into the service of the United States at Burlington, Octo- ber 15, 1862. The regiment was engaged at Arkansas Post, Fort Gaines and other places in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Ala- bama. January 1, 1865, the regiment was consolidated with the Thirty-eighth. Re- cruits from the Twenty-first and Twenty- third had been, on the muster-out of those regiments, transferred to the Thirty-fourth, and this regiment had a total of 1,131 offi- cers and men at its muster-out at Houston, Texas, August 15,1865. Of 953 properly belonging to this regiment, 4 were killed, 234 died, 314 were discharged, 16 were wounded, 4 were captured and 22 were transferred. The regiment traveled over 15,000 miles in its service. elHE Tuirty-FirtaH Inrantry was re- eruited in the summer of 1862, and mus- tered into the service of the United States, at Muscatine, September 18, with S. G. Hill, of Muscatine, as Colonel; James S. Rothrock, of Muscatine, as Lieutenant- Colonel, and Henry O’Conner, of Musca- tine, as Major, The regiment participated in the battles of Jackson, siege of Vicksburg, Bayou Rapids, Bayou de Glaze, Pleasant Hill, Old River Lake, Tupelo, Nashville and the Mobile campaign. The hirty-fifth served bravely in a dozen battles, and traveled 10,000 miles. On its return home, it was greeted with a most hearty recep- tion, and a reunion of old soldiers. The regiment was mustered out at Davenport, August 10, 1865, and paid and disbanded at Muscatine six days later. Of 984 offi- cers and men, 38 were killed, 208 died, 192 were discharged, 95 were wounded, 3 were missing, 15 were captured and 65 were transferred. Tue Turety-Srxta INFANTRY was or- ganized in the summer of 1862, with Charles W. Kittredge, of Ottumwa, as Colonel; F. M. Drake, of Unionville, Appanoose county, as Lieutenant-Colonel, and T. C. Woodward, of Ottumwa, as Major. The regiment was mustered into the service of the United States, at Keo- kuk, October 4, 1862. The Thirty-sixth was engaged at Mark’s Mills Ark., Elkins’ Ford, Camden, Helena, Jenkins’ Ferry and other places during the “Little Rock expedition.” The regiment suffered greatly from sickness Before it was fully organized, even, small-pox and measels attacked the men, and the com- mand lost 100 men. Then it was obliged to encounter the malarial fluences of Yazoo river and Helena. Before they recovered their vigor fully, more of them were forced to surrender to the rebels. The regiment was mustered out at Duvall’s Bluff, Ark., August 24, 1865. Of 986 officers and men, 35 were killed, 258 died, 191 were dis charged, 166 were wounded, 460 were cap- .tured and 24 were transferred Tur Tuirty-Seventa INFANTRY was generally known as the “Gray-beard Reg- iment.” It was composed of men over 45 years of age, and hence not subject to military service, but their patriotism in- duced them to enlist, and the services of the regiment were accepted by the Secre- tary of War, for post and garrison service. = =“ ee wee OR Lew en * grand review at Washington. “— HISTORY OF IOWA. 109 Tt was organized with George W. Kincaid, of Mu-catine, as Colonel; Geo. R. West, of Dubuque, as Lieutenant-Colonel, and Lyman Allen, of Iowa City,as Major. The muster-in took place at Muscatine, Decem- ber 15, 1862. The regiment served at St. Louis in guard of military prisons, then on the line of the Pacific railway, then at Alton, III. Here they remained guarding the rebel prisoners till January, 1864, when they moved to Rock Island to perform similar duties until June 5. They served the next three months, in very hot weather, at Mcmphis. Thence the command moved to Indianapolis. From here five companies went to Cincinnati, three to Columbus and two to Gallipolis, Ohio. At these posts they remained till May, 1865. This “Gray- . bard Regiment” was the only one of its kind in the war, and it received many favorable expressions from commanding officers under whom it served. It was mustered out May 24, 1865, the day of the The Thirty- seventh was the first Iowa three-years’ regiment to come home, and was mustered out thus early by special request of General Willich, in whose brigade they were, in or: er that they might save their crops, most of them being farmers. Of 914 officers and men, 8 were killed, 145 died, 359 were discharged, 2 were wounded, none were missing and none captured. Tue Tnoirtry-Eieuta INFaNTRyY was re- cruited in Angust, ‘86 ', and mustered into the service of the United States at Du- buque, November 4, with D. H. Hughes, of Decorah, as Colonel; J. O. Hudmitt, of Waverly, as Lieut -Colonel; and Charles Chadwick, of West Union, as Major. The regiment participated in the siege of Vicksburg and Banks’ Red River expe- dition, and was consolidated with the Thirty-fourth Infantry, January 1, 1865. Of all Iowa’s regiments, the Thirty-eighth was most unfortunate in regard to sick- ness. It had not been in the service two years when more than 800 enlisted men and a number of officers had died of disease. Duwiing the same period 100 had been discharged for inability. There were long weary weeks when there were not enough well men to take care of the sick— not even enough to bury the dead. It was at last obliged to give up its own existence. Though the regiment had not had an op- portunity to achieve brilliant renown in the field, it did fulfill a no less honored destiny than many whose banners were covered with the names of battles. It did all that men could do—it gave itself up for the good of the service. Of its 910 men, 1 was killed, 314 died, 120 were dis- charged, 2 were wounded and 14 were transferred. ; Tue Tarrry-Ninta Inrantry was or- ganized with H. J. B. Cummings, of Win- terset, as Colonel; James Redfield, of Redfield, Dallas county, as Lieutenant- Colonel; and J. M. Griffiths, of DesMoines, as Major. The regiment was engaged at Parker’s « Cross Roads, Tenn., Corinth, Allatoona, Ga., Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, and was in Sherman’s march to the sea, and through the Carolinas to Richmond. The regiment was one of the most distin- guished in the field, and met with a royal welcome from the warm-hearted people oo Y 110 HISTORY OF IOWA. of Iowa, on its return home. It had pre- vicusly taken part in the grand review at Washington. It was mustered out at Washington, June 5, 1865, and was dis- banded at Clinton, Iowa. Of its 933 officers and men, 41 were killed, 148 died, 123 were discharged, 113 were wounded, 206 were captured and 16 were transferred. Tue Forrizts Inrantry was the high- est in numerical order of Iowa’s three- year’s regiments, but not the last to leave the State. Three or four other regimental organizations, too, were commenced, but not completed. Some 300 men were enlisted for the Forty-first, who united with the three companies of the Four- tcenth, stationed at Fort Randall, Dakota Territory; another regiment, to be called the Forth-second, was attempted, with camp at Dubuque; and still another, at Ottumwa, was to be called the Forty- third. These attempts were unsuccessful in so far as the complete formation of an infantry regiment after the Fortieth was concerned. The: Fortieth was organized at Iowa City, November 15, 1862, with John A. Garrett, of Newton, as Colonel; 8. F. Cooper, of Grinnell, as Lieutenant- Colonel; and 8. G. Smith, of Newton, as Major. The regiment participated in the siege of Vicksburg, Steele's expedition, Bauk’s Red River expedition, and the battle of Jenkins’ Ferry. It was called the “Cop- - perhead Regiment,” by political partisans, but it bore its share of the fatigues of war in a patriotic way that might have been emulated by some of their political ene- mies The fact is, moreover, the regiment always gave a small Republican majority, though the contrary was believed for a time. The Fortieth was mustered out at Port Gibson, August 2,1865. Of 900 offi- cers and men, 5 were killed, 196 dicd, 134 were discharged, 43 were wounded, 3 were captured, and 26 were transferred. Tur Forry-First INFANTRY was never completed as an infantry regiment. It con- tained three companies. Its infantry or- ganization was under the command of John Pattee, of Iowa City. Under authority from the War Department, these three companies became K, L and M of the Sev- enth Cavalry. Tue Forry-Fourra Inrantry was raised in the summer of 1864. Generals Grant and Sherman being actively en- gaged with large armies against the enemy, the Governors of the Northwestern States proposed to the authorities of the War Department to send into the field a consid- erable number of troops for a short-term of service, who might relieve others on guard and garrison duty at the rear, and thus be the means of adding largely to the force of drilled and disciplined men at the - front. This proposition was, after a time, accepted, and the term of service was es- tablished at 100 days. Gov. Stone accord- ingly issued his proclamation calling for such troops, and the citizens responded with four regiments and one battalion. Because commissions had been issuéd to persons designated as officers of the Forty- first, Forty-second and Forty-third Regi- ments, which were never organized, how- ever, although considerable was done in the way of their formation, the number of the regiments of 100, days’ men commenced = “IB ats, | 4 HISTORY OF IOWA. 111 with Forty-four. This regiment was under the command of Colonel Stephen H. Hen- derson, and was mustered in at Davenport, June 1, 1864. The regiment did garrison duty at Memphis and LaGrange, Tenn., and was mustered out at Davenport, September 15, 1864. Of 867 officers and men in the Forty fourth, 1 was killed and 18 died There were no other casualties. Tas Forty-Firta INFANTRY was mus- tered in at Keokuk, May 25, 1864, with A, J. Bereman, of Mt. Pleasant, as Colonel; 8. A. Moore, of Bloomfield, as Lieutenaut- Colonel; and J. B. Hope, of Washington, as Major. This was the first of the regiments of 100 days’ men organized; it even preceded the Forty-fourth. It performed garrison duty in Tennessee,. and was mustered out at Keokuk, Septem- ber 16, 1864 Of 912 officers and men, 2 were killed, 19 died, 1 wounded, and 2 were transferred. Tue Forty-Sixta INFANTRY was organ- ized with D. B. Henderson, of Clermont, as Colonel; L. D. Durbin, of Tipton, as Lieutenant-Colonel; and G. L. Tarbet as Major. It was mustered in at Dubuque, June 10, 1864. The Forty-sixth performed garrison duty in Tennessee, and was mustered out at Davenport, September 23, 1864. Of its 892 officers and men, 2 were killed, 24 died, 1 was wounded, and 3 were captured. Tne Forty-SEvVENTH INFANTRY was mustered into the service of the United States at Davenport, June 1, 1864, with James P. Sanford, of Oskaloosa, as ‘Colo- nel; John Williams, of Iowa City, as Lieutenant-Colonel; and G. J. Wright, of Des Moines, as Major. This regiment was stationed at the sickly place of Helena, Arkansas, where many succumbed to disease. Of 884 officers and men, 1 was killed, 46 died, and 1 was transferred. Tue Forry-Erenta Inranrry (Bat- TALION) was mustered into the United States service at Davenport, July 13, 1864, with O. H. P. Scott, of Farmington, as Lieutenant-Colonel. The battalion served its time guarding rebel prisoners on Rock Island, in the Mississippi river, opposite Davenport, It was mustered out at Rock Island barracks, October 21,1864. Of 346 officers and men, 4 died and 4 were trans- ferred. The services of these 100-days’ men were of great value to the national cause. They were acknowledged by the President of the United States, in a special execu- tive order, returning his hearty thanks to officers and men. Tue Firsr Cavatry was organized in the spring of 1861, with Fritz Henry War- ren, of Burlington, as Colonel; Charles E. Mess, of Keokuk, as Lieutenant-Colonel; E. W. Chamberlain, of Burlington, James O. Gower, of Iowa City, and W. M. G. Torrence, of Keokuk, as Majors. The regiment was engaged at Pleasant Hill, Mo., Rolla, New Lexington, Elkin’s Ford, Little Rock, Bayou Metoe, Warrens- bury, Big Creek Bluffs, Antwineville, and Clear Creek. The regiment veteranized in the spring of 1864. It did not take the usual 30 days’ furlough until May, for their services were needed in the field, and they Cr a ale = 112 th HISTORY OF IOWA. gallantly volunteered to remain. After the war was closed the First served in Texas, with Gen. Custer, until its muster- out, February 15, 1866. Of 1,478 officers and men, 43 were killed, 215 died, 207 were discharged, 88 were wounded, 2 were missing, 22 were captured, and 39 were transferred. Tuz Seconp CavaLRY was organized with W. L. Elliott, a Captain in the third cavalry of the regular army, as Colonel; Edward Hatch, of Muscatine, as Lieuten- ant-Colonel; and N. P. Hepburn, of Mar- shalltown, D. E. Coon, of Mason City, and H. W. Love, of Iowa City, as Majors. The regiment was mustered in at Daven- port, September 1, 1861. The Second participated in the siege of Corinth, the battles of Farmington, Boone- ville, Rienzi, Iuka, Corinth, Coffeeville, Palo Alto, Birmingham, Jackson, Grenada, Collierville, Moscow, Pontotoc, Tupelo, Old Town, Oxford andi Nashville. The regiment performed active and arduous service all through the war, and so often distinguished itself as to become well known throughout the nation. It was mustered out at Selma, Ala., September 19,1865. Of its 1,894 officers and men, 41 were killed, 224 died, 147 were dis- charged, 173 were wounded, 10 were missing, 74 were captured and 42 were transferred. Tur Tnirp Cavalry was mustered in at Keokuk, August and September, 1861, with Cyrus Bussey, of Bloomfield, as Colonel; H. H. Trimble, of Bloomfield, as don, as Majors. The Third was engaged at Pea Ridge, La Grange, Sycamore, near Little Rock, Columbus, Pope’s Farm, Big Blue, Ripley, Coldwater, Osage, Talla- hatchie, Moore’s Mill, near Montevallo, near Independence, Pine Bluff, Bott’s Farm, Gun Town, White’s Station, Tupelo and Village Creek. The regiment was raised by Hon. Cyrus Bussey, who, in his call for volunteers, requested each man to bring with him a good cavalry horse to sell to the Government. In two weeks he had a thousand men well mounted, in the rendesvous at Keokuk. In order to still further hasten matters, Colonel Bussey personally contracted in Chicago for equipments. In this way the delay exper- ienced by other regiments in preparing for the field was entirely avoided. The regi- ment took an active part in many battles and raids, and always behaved with dis- tinguished gallantry. Was mustered out at Atlanta, Ga., August 9,1865. Of 1,360 officers and men, 65 were killed, 251 died, 311 were discharged, 166 were wounded 1 was missing, 146 were captured and 34 were transferred. Tue Fourth Cavalry was organized and mustered into the service of the United States at Mt. Pleasant, November 21, 1861, with Asbury B. Porter, of Mt Pleasant, as Colonel; Thomas Drummond, of Vinton, as Lieutenant-Colonel; and 8S. D. Swan, of Mt. Pleasant, J. E. Jewett, of DesMoines, and G. A. Stone, of Mt. Pleasant, as Majors. The Fourth fought bravely, and lost men at every one of the following engagements: Gun Town, Miss., Lieutenant-Colonel; and C. H. Perry, H.| Helena, Bear Creek, Memphis, Town C. Caldwell and W. ©. Drake, of Cory- | Creek, Columbus, Mechanicsburg, Little ¢ a ee 7 @ —f = |" a ae < oT FEB HISTORY OF IOWA. 113 Blue river, Brownsville, Ripley, Black River Bridge, Grenada, Tupelo, Yazoo River, White River, Osage, Lock Creek, Okalona, and St. Francis River. The Fourth was one of the bravest and most successful regiments in the field, and its services were of the utmost value to the Union arms. It was mustered out at Atlanta, Ga. August 10, 1865. Of 1,227 officers and men, 44 were killed, 207 died, 241 were discharged, 119 were wounded, 3 were missing, 94 were cap- tured, and 35 were transferred. Tuu Firta Cavanry was but in part an Towa regiment, The States of Minnesota and Missouri and the Territory of Ne- braska were largely represented; but as Iowa had the most, it was designated as an Iowa regiment. It was organized and mustered into the service at Omaha, with Wm. W. Lowe, of the regular army, as Colonel; M. T. Patrick, of Omaha, as Lieu- tenant-Colonel; and Carl Schaeffer de Bern- stein, 2° German baron, Ww. Kelsay and Alfred B. Brackett as Majors. This regi- ment was engaged at the second battle of Fort Donelson, Wartrace, Duck River Bridge, Sugar Creek, Newman,Camp Creek, Cumberland works, Tenn., Jonesboro, Ebe- nezer Church, Logkbridge’s Mills, Pulaski and Cheraw. The gallant Fifth was in many situations requiring the greatest coolnes and courage, and always acquitted itself with high honor. At one time the regiment was surrounded by rebels, gnd the Colonel in charge of the brigade had escaped with two other regiments to the Union lines, reporting the Fifth all killed er captured. But the result was far from that. At the critical time the brave Major Young, afterward the Colonel of the regi- ment, thundered out in the still night air, “The Fifth Iowa is going straight through; let the brave follow!” Then came the single word of command, “Forward!” and when they reached the rebel lines, “Charge!” Fifteen hundred troopers dashed at full speed over the bodies of the surprised rebels, and escaped to tbe Union lines with the loss of but 15 men. The regiment was finally mustered out at Nashville, Tenn, August 11, 1865. Of its 1,245 officers and men, 47 were killed, 141 died, 224 were discharged, 56 were wounded, 217 were captured and 17 were transferred. Tue Sixta CavaLry was organized and mustered in at Davenport, January 31, 1863, with D. S. Wilson, of Dubuque, as Colonel; S. M. Pollock, of Dubuque, as Lieutenant-Colonel, and T. H. Shepherd, of Iowa City, E. P. TenBroeck, of Clin- ton, and A. E. House, of Delhi, as Majors. This regiment was employed on the frontier against the Indians, and did excel- lent service. Their principal engagement was the battle of White Stone Hill, in which they severely punished a band of hostiles. The Sixth was mustered out at Sioux City, October 17, 1865. Of 1,125 officers and men, 19 were killed, 72 died, 89 were discharged, 19 were wounded and 7 were transferred. Tue SEVENTH CAVALRY was organized and mustered into the service at Daven- port, April 27, 1863, with S. W. Summers, of Ottumwa, as Colonel; John Pattee, of Towa City, as Lieutenant-Colonel, and H. H. Heath and G. M. O’Brien, of Dubuque, and John 8. Wood, of Ottumwa, as Majors oO e ~ oO te 114 HISTORY OF IOWA, This regiment also served against the Indians in the West. It fought bravely in many battles, and won the lasting grati- tude of the people of the West. It was mustered out at Leavenworth, Kan., May 17, 1866, except Companies K, L and M, which were mustered out at Sioux City, June 22, 1866. Of its 562 officers and men, 47 were killed, 101 died, 252 were discharged, 8 were wounded and 9 were transferred. Tur Erquta Cavatry was recruited by Lieutenant Dorr, of the Twelfth Infantry. As the result of his energy, 2,000 were goon enlisted for the Eighth. Some 300 were rejected, 450 were turned over to the Ninth Cavalry and about 75 to the Fourth Battery. The Eighth was organized with Joseph B. Dorr, of Dubuque, as Colonel; H. G. Barner, of Sidney, as Lieutenant- Colonel; John J. Bowen, of Hopkinton; J. D. Thompson, of Eldora, and A. J. Price, of Guttenberg, as Majors; and was mustered into the United States service, at Davenport, September 30, 1863. This regiment served gallantly in guard- ing Sherman’s communications, and at the battles of Lost Mountain, Lovejoy’s Sta- tion, Newman and Nashville. It partici- pated in Stoneman’s cavalry raid round Atlanta, and Wilson’s raid through Ala- bama. After the close of hostilities and before the muster-out, Col. Dorr died of disease. He was much beloved by his command, and highly respected at home, where he had been an able editor. The Eighth was mustered out at Macon, Ga., August 13,1865. Of its 1,234 officers and men, 30 were killed, 106 died, 67 were dis- charged, 87 were wounded, 2 were missing, 259 were captured and 22 were transferred. Tur Nivru Cavarny was the last three years’ regiment recruited in Iowa. It was organized and mustered into the service of the United States, at Davenport, Novem- ber 30, 1863, with M. M. Trumbull, of Cedar Falls, as Colonel; J. P. Knight, of Mitchell, as Lieutenant-Colonel; E. T. Ensign, of DesMoines, Willis Drummond, of McGregor, and William Haddock, of ~ Waterloo, as Majors. 7 The regiment performed heavy scout- ing, guard and garrison duties in Ar- kansas, for the small part of the war after it was organized. It was mustered out at Little Rock, Ark., February 28, 1866. Of its 1,178 officers and men, 6 were killed, 178 died, 64 were discharged, 15 were wounded, 1 was captured and 11 were transferred. Tue First Barrery or Liest Arri- LERY was enrolled in the counties of Wa- pello, DesMoines, Dubuque, Jefferson, Black Hawk and others, and was mustered into the service at Burlington, August 17, 1861, with C. H. Fletcher, of Burlington, as Captain; was engaged at Pea Ridge, Port Gibson, in the Atlanta campaign, at Chickasaw Bayou, Lookout Mountain, ete.; was mustered out at Davenport, July 5, 1865. Of 149 members, 7 were killed, 55 died, 35 were discharged, 31 were wounded and 3 transferred. Tur Seconp Barrery was enrolled in the counties of Dallas, Polk, Harrison, Fremont and Pottawatamie, and mustered in at Council Bluffs, and at St. Louis, Aug- « = 7h Altss. wats, HISTORY OF IOWA. 115 ust 8 and 31, 1861, with Nelson I. Spoor, of Council Bluffs, as Captain. The bat- tery was engaged at Farmington, Corinth, and other places Was mustered out at Davenport, August 7, 1865. Of a total of 123 officers and men, 1 was killed, 30 died, 16 were discharged, 15 were wounded, 1 was captured, and 6 were transferred. Tue Turrp Barrrry was enrolled in the counties of Dubuque, Black Hawk, Butler and Floyd, and was mustered into the~service at Dubuque, in September, 1861, with M. M. Hayden, of Dubuque, as, Captain. The battery was engaged at Pea Ridge and other important battles. Was mustered out at Davenport, October 23, 1865. Of 142 officers and men, 8 were killed, 34 died, 28 were discharged, and 18 were wounded. Tue Fourrn Batrzry was enrolled in Mahaska, Henry, Mills and Fremont coun- ties, and was mustered in at Davenport, November 23, 1863. This battery was on duty most of the time in Louisiana, but did not serve in any important battles. Was mustered out at Davenport, July 14, 1865. Of 152 officers and men, 6 died, 11 were discharged, and 1 was transferred. Tux Iowa Reement or CoLoRED TROOPS was organized and mustered into the ser- vice of the United States, October 23, 1863. John G. Hudson, Captain Company B, Thirty-third Missouri, was Colonel; M. F. Collins, of Keokuk, was Lieut.-Colonel; and J. L. Murphy, of Keokuk, was Major. / This regiment was afterward the Sixtieth Regiment of United States Colored Troops. It was not called upon to fight, but it per- formed valuable guard and garrison duties at St. Louis and elsewhere South. Tut Nortuern Borper BrigapE was organized by the State of Iowa to protect the Northwestern frontier. James A. Saw- yer, of Sioux City, was elected Colonel. It consisted of five companies, all enlisted from the northwestern counties. Tue Sovurnern Borprer BrigapE was organized by the State for the purpose of protecting the southern border of the State, and was organized in the counties on the border of Missouri. It consisted of seven companies in three battalions, PROMOTIONS. The following promotions were made by the United States Government from Iowa regiments : MAJOR-GENERALS, Samuel R. Curtis, Brigadier-General, frm March 21, 1862. Frederick Steele, Brigadier-General, from No- vember 29, 1862, Frank J. Herron, Brigadier-General, from No- vember 29, 1862. < Grenville M. Dodge, Brigadier-General, from June 7, 1864. BRIGADIER’ GENERALS. Samuel R. Curtis, Colonel 2d Infantry, from May 17, 1861. Frederick Steele, Colonel 8th Infantry, from February 6, 1862. Jacob G. Lanman, Colonel 7th Infantry, from March 21, 1862. Grenville M. Dodge, Colonel 4th Infantry, from March 31, 1882. James M. Tuttle, Colonel 2d Infantry, from June 9, 1862. a ae me Jali | 116 HISTORY OF IOWA. _ Washington L. Elliot, Colonel 2d Cavalry, from June 11, 1862. Fitz Henry Warren, Colonel 1st Cavalry, from July 6, 1862. Frank J. Herron, Lieut.-Colonel 9th Infantry, from July 30, 1962. Charles L. Matthies, Colonel 5th Infantry, from November 29, 1862. William Vandever, Colonel 9th Infantry, from November 29, 1862. Marcellus M. Crocker, Colonel 18th Infantry, from November 29, 1862. Hugh T. Reid, Colonel 15th Infantry, from March 18, 1863. Samuel A. Rice, Colonel 33d Infantry, from August 4, 1863. John M. Corse, Colonel 6th Infantry, from August 11, 1863. Cyrus Bussey, Colonel 3d Cavalry, from Jan- uary 5, 1864. Edward Hatch, Colonel 2d Cavalry, from April 27, 1864. Elliott W. Rice, Colonel 7th Infantry, from June 20, 1864. Ww. W. Belknap, Colonel 5th Infantry, from July 30, 1864. J.hn Edwards, Colone) 18th Infantry, from September 26, 1864. James A. Williamson, Colonel 4th Infantry, from January #3, 1864. James I. Gilbert, Colonel 27th Infantry, from February 9, 1865. Thomas J. McKean, from November 21, 1861. BREVET MAJOR-GENERALS. John M. Corse, Brigadier-Gencral, from Octo- ber 5, 1864. Edward Hatch, Brigadier-General, from De- cember 15, 1864. William W. Belknap, Brigadier-General, from March 18, 1865. W. L. Elliott, Brigadier-General, from March 18, 1865. Wm. Vandever, Brigadier-Gencral, from June 7, 1865. BREVET BRIGADIER-GENERALS. Wm. T. Clark, A.A.G., late of 18th Infantry, from July 22, 1864. Edward F. Winslow, Colonel 4th Cavalry, from December 12, 1864. 8. G. Hill, Colonel 35th Infantry, from Decem- _ ber 15, 1864. Thos. H. Benton, Colonel 29th Infantry, from December 15, 1864. Samuel 8. Glasgow, Colonel 23d Infantry, from December 19, 1864. — Clark R. Weaver, Colonel 17th Infantry, from February 9, 1865. Geo. A. Stone, Colonel 25th Infantry, from March 18, 1865. Francis M. Drake, Lieut.-Colonel 36th Infant- ry, from February 22, 1865. Datus E. Coon, Colonel 2d Cavalry, from March 8, 1865. : George W. Clark, Colonel 84th Infantry, from March 13, 1865. Herman H. Heath, Colonel 7th Cavalry, from March 18, 1865. J. M. Hedrick, Colonel 15th Infantry, from March 18, 1865. W. W. Lowe, Colonel 5th Cavalry, from March 8, 1865. 1 asl, HISTORY OF IOWA. . 117 CHAPTER IX, =e EDUCATIONAL—STATE INSTITUTIONS. The people of Iowa have ever taken a deep interest in education, and in this direction no State in the Union can show a better record. The system of free pub- lic schools was planted by the early set- tlers, and it has expanded and improved until now itis one of the most complete, comprehensive and liberal in the country. In the lead-mining regions of the State, the first to be settled by the whites, the hardy pioneers provided the means for the education of their children even before they had comfortable dwellings for them- selves. School teachers were among the first immigrants to Iowa. Wherever a little settlement was made, the school house was the first thing undertaken by the settlers in a body, and the rude, primi- tive structures of the early time only dis- appeared when the communities increased in population and wealth, and were able to replace them with more commodious and comfortable buildings. Perhaps in no single instance has the magnificent pro- gress of the State of Iowa been more marked and rapid than in her common school system and in her school houses. To-day the school houses which every- where dot the broad and fertile prairies of Iowa are unsurpassed by those of any other State in this great Union. More especially is this true in all her cities and villages, where liberal and lavish appro- priations have been voted by a generous people for the erection of large, commodi- ous and elegant buildings, furnished with all the modern improvements, and costing from $10,000 to $60,000 each. The people of the State have expended more than $10,000,000 for the erection of public school buildings. The first school house within the limits of Iowa was a log cabin at Dubuque, built by J. L. Langworthy, and a few other miners, in the autumn of 1833. When it was completed, George Cabbage was em- ployed as teacher during the winter of 1838-4, and thirty-five pupils attended his school. Barrett Whittemore taught the school.term, with twenty-five pupils in at- tendance. Mrs. Caroline Dexter com- menced teaching in Dubuque in March, 1836. She was the first female teacher there, and probably the first in Iowa. In 1839, Thomas H. Benton, Jr., afterward for ten years Superintendent of Public Instruction, opened an English and classi- cal school in Dubuque. The first tax for the support of schools at Dubuque was levied in 1840. At Burlington, a commodious log school house, built in 1834, was among the first buildings erected. A Mr. Johnson taught the first school in the winter of 1884-5. == =a" ; é ba 118 : HISTORY OF IOWA. In Scott county, in the winter of 1835-6, Simon Crazin taught a four-months term of school in the house of J. B. Chamberlin. In Muscatine county, the first school was taught by George Bumgardner, in the spring of 1837. In 1839 a log school house was erected in Muscatine, which served for a long time as school house, church and public hall. The first school in Davenport was taught in 1838. In Fairfield, Miss Clarissa Saw- yer, James F. Chambers and Mrs. Reed taught school in 1839. Johnson county was an entire wilder- ness when Iowa City was located as the capital of the Territory of Iowa, in May, 1839. The first sale of lots took place August 18, 1839, and before January 1, 1840, about twenty families had settled within the limits of the town. During the same year Mr. Jesse Berry opened a school in a small frame building he had erected on what is now College street. In Monroe county, the first settlement was made in 1848, by Mr. John R. Gray, about two miles from the present site of Eddyville; and in the summer of 1844 a log school house was built by Gray, Wm. V. Beedle, C. Renfro, Joseph McMullen and Willoughby Randolph, and the first school was opened by Miss Urania Adams. The building was occupied for school purposes for nearly ten years. About a year after the first cabin was built at Oskaloosa, a log school house was built, in which school was opened by Samuel W. Caldwell, in 1844, At Fort DesMoines, now the capital of the State, the first school was taught by Lewis Whitten, Clerk of the District Court, in the winter of 1846-7, in one of the rooms on “Coon Row,” built for barracks. The first schoo] in Pottawattamie county was opened by George Green, a Mormon, at Council Point, prior to 1849; and until about 1854 nearly all the teachers in that vicinity were Mormons. The first school in Decorah was taught in 1855, by Cyrus C. Carpenter, since Gov- ernor of the State. In Crawford county the first school house was built in Mason’s Grove, in 1856, and Morris McHenry first occupied it as teacher. During the first twenty years of the his- tory of Iowa, the log school house pre- vailed, and in 1861 there were 893 of these primitive structures in use for school pur- poses in the State. Since that time they have been gradually disappearing. In 1865 there were 796; in 1870, 336; and in 1875, 121. January 1, 1839, the Territorial Legisla- ture passed an act providing that “there shall be established a common school, or schools, in each of the counties in this Territory; which shall be open and free for every class of white citizens between the ages of five and twenty-one years.” The second section of the act provided that “the County Board shall, from time to time, form school districts in their respec- tive counties, whenever a petition may be presented for the purpose by a majority of the voters resident within such contem- plated district.” These districts were governed by boards of trustees, usually of three persons; each district was required to maintain school at least three months in every year; and later, laws were enacted providing for county school taxes for the payment of teachers, and that whatever a= aa ae Y oe HISTORY OF IOWA. afr 119 additional sum might be required should be assessed upon the parents sending, in proportion to the length of time sent. In 1846, the year of Iowa’s admission as a State, there were 20,000 scholars, out of 100,000 inhabitants. About 400 school districts had been organized. In 1850 there was 1,200, and in 1857 the number had increased to 3,265. In March, 1858, upon the recommenda- tion of Hon. M. L. Fisher, then Superin- tendent of Public Instruction, the Seventh General Assembly enacted that “each civil township is declared a school dis- trict,” and provided that these should be divided into sub-districts. This law went into force March 20, 1858, and reduced the number of school districts from about 8,500 to less than 900. This change of school organization resulted in a very material reduction of the expenditures for the compensation of district secretaries and treasurers. An effort was made for several years, from 1867 to 1872, to abolish the sub-district system. Mr. Kissell, Superintendent, recommended this in his report of January 1, 1872, and Governor Merrill forcibly endorsed his views in his annual message. But the Legislature of that year provided for the formation of independent districts from the sub-districts of district townships. The system of graded schools was inaugurated in 1849, and new schools, in which more than one teacher is employed, are universally graded. Teachers’ institutes were organized early in the history of the State. The first official mention of them occurs in the annual report of Hon. Thomas H. Benton, Jr., made December 2, 1850, who said: “An institution of this character was organized a few years ago, composed of the teachers of the mineral regions of Illinois, Wiscon- sin and Iowa. An association of teachers has also been formed in thé county of Henry, and an effort was made in October last to organize a regular institute in the county of Jones.” At that time, although the beneficial influence of these institutes was admitted, it was urged that the ex- penses of attending them was greater than teachers with limited compensation were able to bear. To obviate this objection, Mr. Benton recommended that “ the sum of $150 should be appropriated annually for three years, to be drawn in installments of $50 by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and expended for these insti- tutions.” He proposed that three institutes should be held annually at points to be designated by the superintendent. The expense of this would be trifling, and all recognized the benefits to be derived; and yet no legislation was had until March, 1858, when an act was passed authorizing the holding of teachers’ insti- tutes for periods not less than six working days, whenever not less than 30 teachers should desire. The superintendent was authorized to expend not exceeding $100 for any one institute, to be paid out by the county superintendent, as the institute might direct, for teachers and lecturers, and $1,000 was appropriated to defray the expenses of these institutes. Mr. Fisher at once pushed the matter of holding institutes, and December 6, 1858, he reported to the Board of Education that institutes had been appointed in 20 counties within the preceding six months, and more would have been held but the ce : 7} olor Y 4 120 appropriation had been exhausted. At the first session of the Board of Education, commencing December 6, 1858, a code of school laws was enacted, which retained the existing provisions for teachers’ insti- tutes. In March, 1860, the General Assembly amended the act of the Board by appro- priating “a sum not exceeding $50 annually for one such institute, held as provided by law in each county.” In 1865, the super- intendent, Mr. Faville, reported that “the provision made by the State for the benefit of teachers’ institutes had never been so fully appreciated, both by the people and the teachers, as during the last two years.” By an act approved March 19, 1874, normal institutes were established in each county, to be held annually by the county -superintendents. This wasregardeda very decided step in advance by Mr. Abernethy, and in 1876 the General Assembly estab- lished the first permanent State Normal School, at Cedar Falls, Black Hawk county, appropriating the building and property of the Soldiers’ Orphans’ Home at that place for that purpose. This school is now “in the full tide of successful experiment.” The present public school system is ad- mirably organized, and if the various offi- cers who are entrusted with educational interests of the commonwealth continue faithful and competent, should and will constantly improve. Funds for the support of public schools are derived in several ways. The 16th section of every congressional township was set apart by the General Government for school purposes, being one-thirty-sixth HISTORY OF IOWA, \ one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. Congress algo made an additional donation to the State of 500,000 acres, and an ap- propriation of five per cent. on all the sales of public lands to the school fund. The State gives to this fund the proceeds of the sales of all lands which escheat to it; the proceeds of all fines for the viola- tion of the liquor and criminal laws. The money derived from these sources consti- tutes the permanent school fund of the State, which cannot be diverted to any other purpose. The penalties collected by the courts for fines and forfeitures go to the school fund in the counties where col- lected. The proceeds of the sale of these lands and the five per cent. fund go into the State treasury, and the State distributes these proceeds to the several counties accord- ing to their request, and the counties loan the money to individuals, for long terms, at eight per cent. interest, on security of land valued at three times the amaunt of the loan, exclusive of all buildings and im- provements thereon. The interest on these loans is paid into the State treasury, and becomes the available school fund of the State. The counties are responsible to the State for all money so loaned, and the State is likewise responsible to the school fund for all moneys transferred to the counties. The interest on these loans is apportioned by the State Auditor semi- annually to the several counties of the State, in proportion to the number of per- sons between the ages of five and twenty- one years. The counties also levy an annual tax for school purposes, which is apportioned to the several district townships a ; part of all the lands in the State. The|in the same way. A district tax is also minimum price of these lands was fixed at | levied for the same purpose. The money e — ee <4 Severs ai ____ 9 alia ®: | “|e 7 HISTORY OF IOWA. 121 arising from these several sources consti- tutes the support of the public schools, and is sufficient to enable every sub-district in the State to afford from six to nine months’ school each year. The burden of direct taxation is thus lightened, and the efficiency of the schools increased. The taxes levied for the sup- port of the schools are self-imposed. Un- der the admirable school laws of the State, no taxes can be legally assessed or col- lected for the erection of school houses until they have been ordered by the elec- tion of a district at a school meeting legally called. The school houses of Iowa are the pride of the State and an honor to the people. If they have been built some- times at a prodigal expense, the tax-payers have no one to blame but themselves. The teachers’ and contingent funds are determined by the Board of Directors, under certain legal instructions. These Boards are elected annually, except in the independent districts, in which the Board may be entirely changed every three years. The only exception to this mode of levy- ing taxes for support of schools is the county school tax, which is determined by the County Board of Supervisors. The tax is from one to three mills on the dol- lar; usually, however, but one. In 1881 there were in the State 4,839 school districts, containing 11,244 schools, and employing 21,776 teachers. The average monthly pay of male teachers was $32.50, and of female teachers $27.25, There were 594,730 persons of school age, of whom 431,518 were enrolled in the public schools. The average cost of tuition for each pupil per month was $1.62. The expenditures for all school purposes was $5,129,819. 49, The permanent school fund is now $3,547,123.82, on which the income for 1881 was $234,622.40. In each county a teachers’ institute is held annu- ally, under the direction of the county superintendent, the State contributing annually $50 to each of these institutes. THE STATE UNIVERSITY. By act of Congress, approved July 20, 1840, the Secretary of the Treasury was authorized to “set apart and reserve from sale, out of any of the public lands within the Territory of Iowa not otherwise claimed or appropriated, a quantity of land not ex- ceeding two entire townships, for the use and support of a University within said Territory when it becomes a State.” The first General Assembly, therefore, by act approved February 25, 1847, established the “State University of Iowa,” at Iowa City, then the Capital of the State. The public buildings and other property at lowa City, were appropriated to the University, but the legislative sessions and State offices were to be held in them until a permanent location for a Capital was made. The control and management of the University were committed toa board of fifteen trustees, to be appointed by the Legislature, and five were to be chosen every two years. The Superintendent of Public Instruction was made President of this Board. The organic act provided that the University should never be under the control of any religious denomination whatever; and that as soon as the revenue from the grant and donations should amount to $2,000 a year, the University should commence and continue the instruc- tion, free of charge, of fifty students annu- v = @e_& 122 HISTORY OF IOWA. ally. Of course the organization of the University at Iowa City was impracticable, so long as the seat of government was re- tained there. : In January, 1849, two branches of the University and three normal schools were established. The branches were located at Fairfield and Dubuque, and were placed upon an equal footing, in respect to funds and all other matters, with the University at Iowa City. At Fairfield, the Board of Directors organized and erected a building at a cost of $2,500. This was nearly de- stroyed by a hurricane the following year, but was rebuilt more substantially by the citizens of Fairfield. This branch never received any aid from the State, and, Jan- uary 24, 1858, at the request of the Board, the General Assembly terminated its rela- tion to the State. The branch at Dubuque had only a nominal existence. The normal schools were located at An- drew, Oskaloosa and Mt. Pleasant. Each was to be governed by a Board of seven Trustees, to be appointed by the Trustees of the University. Each was to receive $500 annually from the income of the Uni- versity fund, upon condition that they should educate eight common-school teach- ers, free of charge for tuition, and that the citizens should contribute an equal sum for the erection of the requisite buildings. The school at Andrew was organized No- vember 21, 1849, with Samuel Ray as Principal. A building was commenced, and over $1,000 expended on it, but it was never completed. The sckool at Oskaloosa was started in the court house, September 18, (852, under the charge of Prof G. M. Drake and wife. A two-story brick build- ing was completed in 1853, costing $2,473. The school at Mt. Pleasant was never or- ganized. Neither of these schools received any aid from the University fund, but in 1857 the Legislature appropriated $1,000 for each of the two schools, and repealed the laws authorizing the payment to them of money from the University fund. From that time they made no further effort to continue in operation. From 1847 to 1855, the Board of Trus- tees was kept full by regular elections by the Legislature, and the trustees held fre- quent meetings, but there was no actual organization of the University. In March, 1855, it was partially opened for a term of 16 weeks. July 16, 1855, Amos Dean, of Albany, X. Y , was elected President, but he never entered fully upon its duties. The University was again opened in Sep- tember, 1855, and continued in operation until June, 1856, under Professors John- son, Welton, Van Valke: burg and Griffin. The faculty was then re-organized, with some changes, and the University was again opened on the third Wednesday of September, 1856. There were 124 students (83 males and 41 females) in attendance during the years 1856-7, and the first regu- lar catalogue was published. At a special meeting of the Board, Sep- tember 22, 1857, the honorary degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred on D. Franklin Wells. This was the first degree conferred by the University. The new constitution, adopted in 1857, definitely fixed the Capital at DesMoines, the State University at Iowa City, and pro- vided that it should have no branches. In December of that year, the old capitol building was turned over to the Trustees of the University. In 1858, $10,000 were ‘i a |* co -—l, HISTORY OF IOWA. 123 appropriated for the erection of a board- ing hall. The Board closed the University April 27, 1858, on account of insufficient funds, and dismissed all the faculty except Chancellor Dean. At the same time a res- olution was passed excluding females. This was soon after reversed by the General Assembly. The University was re-opened Septem- ber 19, 1860, and from this date the real existence of the University dates. Mr. Dean had resigned before this, and Silas Totten, D.D., LL.D., was elected President, at a salary of $2,000. August 19, 1862, he resigned, and was succeeded by Prof. Oli- ver M. Spencer. President Spgncer was granted leaveof absence for fifteen months to visit Europe. Prof. Nathan R. Leonard was elected President pro tem. President Spencer resigning, James Black, D. D., Vice-President of Washington and Jeffer- son College, Penn., was elected President. He entered upon his duties in September, 1868. The Law Department was established in June, 1868, and, soon after, the Iowa Law School, at DesMoines, which had been in successful operation for three years, was transferred to Iowa City and merged in the department. The Medical Department was established in 1869. Since April 11, 1870, the gov- ernment of the University has been in the hands of a Board of Regents. Dr. Black resigned in 1870, to take effect December 1; and March 1, 1871, Rev. George Thatcher was elected Presi- dent. In June, 1874, the chair of military , instruction was established, and Lieuten- ant A. D. Schenk, Second Artillery, U. 8. A., was detailed by the President of the United States as Professor of Military ‘Science and Tactics. In J une, 1877, Dr. Thatcher’s connection with the University was terminated, and C. W. Slagle was elected President. He was succeeded in 1878 by J. L. Pickard, LL. D:, who is the present incumbent. The University has gained a reputation as one of the leading institutions of the Weat, and this position will doubtless be maintained. The present educational corps consists of the following, besides President Pickard: in the Collegiate De- partment, nine professors and six in- structors, including the Professor of Mili- tary Science; in the Law Department, a chancellor, two professors and four lec- turers; in the Medical Department, eight professors and ten assistant professors and lecturers. No preparatory work is done in the University, but different high schools in the State, with approved courses of study, are admitted as preparatory departments of the University, whose graduates are ad- mitted without examination.. Common schools, high schools and university are thus made one connected system. The present number of students in the Collegiate Department is: males, 163; females, 69; total, 232; in Law Depart- ment, 140; in Medical Department, 195. STATE NORMAL SCHOOL. This is located at Cedar Falls, Black Hawk county, and was opened in 1876. The institution trains teachers for our schools, and is doing excellent, though limited, work. What is wanted is more i= 1 issun Maat s 124 HISTORY OF IOWA. room and increased facilities of every kind. Other institutions of a similar kind should also be established throughout the State. STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. The State Agricultural College and Farm were established by act of the Gen- eral Assembly, approved March 23, 1858. The farm was located in Story county, at Ames. In 1862 Congress granted to Iowa 240,000 acres of land for the endowment of schools of agriculture and thé mechani- cal arts. In 1864 the Assembly voted $20,000 for the erection of the college building. In 1866 $91,000 more were appropriated for the same purpose. building was completed in 1868, and the institution was opened in the following year. The college is modeled to some extent after Michigan Agricultural Col- lege. Tuition is free to pupils from the State over sixteen years of age. Students are required to work on the model farm two and a half hours each day. The faculty is of avery high character, and the institu- tion one of the best of its kind. Sale of spirits, wine and beer as a beverage is for- bidden by law within three miles of the college. The current expenses of this institution are paid by the income from the permanent endowment. A. S. Welch, LL. D., is President, and is assisted by twelve professors and eight instructors. Whole number of students admitted, 2,600; present number, 240. The college farm consists of 860 acres, of which 400 are under cultivation. Besides the State University, State Agricultural College and State Normal The |. School, ample provision for higher edu- cation has been made by the different religious denominations, assisted by local and individual munificence. There are, exclusive of State institutions, 23 universi- tiés and colleges, 111 academies and other private schools. All these are in active operation, and most of them stand high. A list of the universities and colleges, and a brief notice of each, is herewith given: Amity College is located at College Springs, Page county. S. C. Marshall is President. There are 6 instructors and 225 students. Burlington University is located at Bur- lington, Des Moines county. E.F Stearns is President of the faculty. There are 5 instructors and 63 students. Callanan College is located at Des Moines, Polk county. There are 14 in the faculty, of which C. R. Pomeroy is Presi- dent, and 188 students are enrolled. Oentral University is located at Pella, Marian county. It is an institution of the Baptist denomination. Rev. G. W. Gard- ner is. President of the faculty, which numbers 7. There are 196 students. Coe College is located at Cedar Rapids, Linn county. 8. Phelps is President. There are 10 in the faculty and 100 students, Cornell College is located at Mt. Vernon, Linn county, and is under the control of ‘the M. E. Church. W. F. King is Presi- dent. There are 20 instructors and 400 = =e jsf HISTORY OF IOWA. 125 students. This college is one of the highest in character, and has a large at- tendance. Drake University is located at Des Moines, Polk county. G. T. Carpenter is President, and is ably assisted by 25 in- structors. There are 125 students. Griswold College is located at Daven- port, Scott County, and is under the control of the Episcopal Church. W.S. Perry is President. There are 7 instructors and 80 students. Lowa College is located at Grinnell, Po- weshiek county. G.F. Magoun is Presi- dent. There are 14 instructors and 359 students. The institution is one of the leading colleges in Iowa, and is perma- nently endowed. Towa Wesleyan University is located at Mt. Pleasant, Henry county, W. J. Spaulding is President. There are 6 in the faculty, and over 160 students in at- tendance. The University is under the auspices of the M. E. Church, and enjoys a high degree of prosperity. Luther Oollege is situated in Decorah, Winneshiek county. L. Larson is Presi- dent of the faculty, which numbers 10. There are 165 students in attendance. Clin College is located at Olin, Jones county. C. L. Porter is President. Oskaloosa College is situated in Oska- loosa, Mahaska county. G. H. McLaugh- linis President. The faculty numbers 5, and the students 190. very high. The college stands Penn College is situated in Oskaloosa, Mahaska county. B. Trueblood is Presi- dent of the faculty, which numbers 5. There are 175 students in attendance, Simpson Centenary College is located at Indianola, Warren county. E. L. Parks is President. There are 9 instructors and 150 students. Tabor College is located at Tabor, Fre- mont county. Wm. M. Brooks is Presi- dent. The college was modeled after Oberlin college, in Ohio. The faculty consists of 6, and there are 109 students. Upper Iowa University is located at Fayette, Fayette county, and is under the control of the M. E. Church. Rev. J. W. Bissell is President. There are 11 instruc- tors and’350 students. This University stands very high among the educational institutions of the State. University of Des Moines, at DesMoines, has 5 instructors and 80 students. Whittier College was established at Salem, Henry county, by the Friends. J. W. Coltrane is President. There are 4 instructors and 105 students. Riverside Institute—This school is located at Lyons, on a beautiful elevation overlooking the Mississippi river. Rev. W. T. Currie is the Principal of this Academy. =. (= Y Te 126. HISTORY OF IOWA. DEAF AND DUMB INSTITUTE. By an act of the Legislature of Iowa, approved January 24, 1855, the Iowa Insti- tute for the Deaf and Dumb was estab- lished at Iowa City: In 1866 a great effort was made to re- move the Institute to DesMoines; but it was finally permanently located at Council Bluffs, and the school opened in a rented building. In 1868 Commissioners were to locate a site, and superintend the erection of new building, for which the Legisla- ture appropriated $125,000. The Com- missioners selected 90 acres of land two miles south of the city. In October, 1870, the main building and one wing were completed and occupied. In February, 1877, fire destroyed the main building and east wing, and during the summer following a tornado blew off the roof of the new west wing and the walls were partially demolished. About 150 pupils were in attendance at the time of the fire. After that, half of the class were dismissed, and the number of pupils re- duced to 70. The present officers are: B. F. Clayton, President, Macedonia, term expires in | 1886; A. Rogers, Secretary, term expires 1884; John H. Stubenranch, term expires in 1884. The county supefintendent of schools annually reports all persons of school age that are deaf and dumb; also those too deaf to acquire learning in the comnron schools. The cost per pupil is $28 per quarter, and is paid by the parents or guardian; but when unable to do go, the expense is borne by the respective county. The regular appropriation is $11,000 per annum, drawn quarterly. Parents and guardians are allowed to clothe their ‘children. The whole number admitted to the Institution is 621. Present number, 221. Last biennial appropriation, $27,839. COLLEGE FOR THE BLIND. The first person to agitate the subject of an Institute for the Blind was Prof. Sam- uel Bacon, himself blind, who, in 1852, established a school of instruction at Keokuk. The next year the Institute was adopted by the State, and moved to Iowa City, by act of the Legislature, approved January 18, 1853, and opened for the re- ception of pupils, April 4, 1853. During the first term 28 pupils were admitted. Prof. Bacon, the Principal, made his first report in 1854, and suggested that the name be changed from “Asylum for the Blind” (which was the name first adopted) to that of “ Institution for the Instruction of the Blind.” This change was made in 1855, and the Legislature made an annual appropriation of $55 per quarter for each pupil; afterward this appropriation was changed to $3,000 per annum. Prof. Bacon was a fine scholar, an eco- nomical manager, and in every way adapted to his position. During his administration ‘the institution was, in a great measure, self-supporting by the sale of articles manufactured by the blind pupils. There was also a charge of $25 as an admission fee for each pupil. Prof. Bacon founded the Blind Asylum at Jacksonville, Illinois. In 1858 the citizens of Vinton, Benton eounty, donated a quarter section of land and $5,000 for the establishment of the asylum at that place. On the 8th of May, = “ie eee HISTORY aofe OF IOWA. 127 that same year, the trustees met at Vinton and made arrangements for securing the donation, and adopted a plan for the erec- tion of a suitable building. In 1860 the contract for enclosing was let to Messrs. Finkbine and Lovelace, for $10,420. In August, 1862, the goods and furniture were removed from Iowa City to Vinton, and in the fall of the same year the school was opened with 24 pupils. The institution has been built at a vast expenditure of money, much greater than it seemed to require for the number of occupants. The Legislative Committee, who visited the college in 1878, expressed their astonishment at this utter disregard of the fitness of things. They could not understand why $282,000 should have been expended for a massive building for the accommodation of only 130 people, costing the State over $5,000 a year to heat it, and about. $500 a year for each pupil. The present officers are: Robert Car- others, Superintendent; T. F. McCune, Assistant Superintendent; Trustees: Jacob Springer, President; M. H. Westbrook, J. F. White, C. O. Harrington, W. H. Leavitt, 8. H. Watson. Whole number of occupants, 436. Present number, males, 36; females, 50, Salary of superintendent, $1,200; assistant, $700; trustees, $4.00 per day and mileage. Annual appropriation, $8,000, and $128 per year allowed for each pupil. Annual meeting of trustees in June. Biennial appropriation in 1880, $3,000. IOWA HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE. The Iowa Hospital for the Insane was established by an act of the Legislature, approved January 24,1855. Gov. Grimes, Edward Johnson, of Lee county, and Chas. S. Blake, of Henry county, were appointed to locate the institution and superintend the erection of the building; $4,425 were appropriated by the Legislature for the site, and $500,000 for the building. The commissioners located the institution at Mount Pleasant, Henry county, and a plan of the building was drawn by Dr. Bell, of Massachusetts. The building was designed to accommodate 300 patients, and in Octo- ber work commenced, superintended by Henry Winslow. The Legislature had appropriated $258,555.67 before it was completed. One hundred patients were admitted within three months. In April, 1876, a portion of the building was de- stroyed by fire From the opening of the Hospital to the close of October, 1877, there were admitted 3,684 patients. Of these, 1,141 recovered, 505 were improved, 589 were discharged unimproved, and 1 died. During this period 1,384 of the pa- tients were females. The trustees are elected by the Legisla- ture, and all officers are chosen by the trustees. Superintendents are chosen for six years. Dr. Ranney was first chosen in 1865; salary, $2,000 annual. Whole number of patients admitted, 4,598; present num- ber males, 298; present number females, 235. Trustees paid $5 per day and mile- age, not to exceed 30 days each year. Annual meeting, first Wednesday in Octo- ber; quarterly, January, April and Sep- tember. Present officers are: Mark Ranney, M. D, Superintendent; H.M.Bassett, M.D., J. P. Brubaker, M.D., and Max Witte, M.D., assistant physicians. < “ ~ “2 7 Y A 128 HISTORY OF IOWA. HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE, AT INDEPEND- ENCE. The Legislature of 1867-8 adopted meas- ures providing for an additional hospital for the insane, and an appropriation of $125,- 000 was made for that purpose. Maturin L. Fisher, of Clayton county, E. G. Mor- gan, of Webster county, and Albert Clark, of Buchanan county, were appointed com- missioners to locate and superintend the erection of a building. These commis- sioners commenced their labors June 8, 1868, at Independence. They were author- ized to select the most desirable location, of not less than 320 acres, within two miles of the city of Independence, that might be offered by the citizens free of charge. They finally selected a site on the west side of the Wapsipinicon river, about a mile from its banks, and about the same distance from Independence. The contract for building was awarded to David Arm- strong, of Dubuque, for $88,114. It was signed November 7, 1868, and work was immediately commenced. George Josse- lyn was appointed superintendent of the work. The first meeting of the trustees was called in July, 1872. At the Septem- ber meeting, Albert Reynolds, M. D., was elected Superintendent.of the Hospital; George Josselyn, Steward, and Mrs. Anna B. Josselyn, Matron. The Hospital opened May 11,1878. Whole number of patients admitted, 2,000; pres- ent number (1882), 533; males, 290; fe- males, 243. Biennial appropriation (1880), $35,300. The present officers are: G. H. Hill, Superintendent; term expires in 1882; salary, $1,600. H. G. Brainard, M. D., Assistant Superintendent; salary, $1,000. Noyes Appleman, Steward; salary, $900. Mrs. Lucy M. Gray, Matron; salary, $600. SOLDIERS’ ORPHANS’ HOME. This institution is located at Davenport, Scott county, and was originated by Mrs. ‘Annie Wittenmeyer, during the late rebel- lion. This noble. woman called a conven- tion at Muscatine, September 7, 1863, for the purpose of devising means for the education and support of the orphan chil- dren of Iowa, whose fathers lost their lives in defending their country’s honor. The public interest in the movement was so great that all parts of the State were largely represented, and an association was organized, called the Iowa State Orphan Asylum. The first meeting of the trus- tees was held February 14, 1864, at Des Moines, when Gov. Kirkwood suggested that a home for disabled soldiers should be connected with the Asylum, and arrange- ments were made for raising funds. At the next meeting, in Davenport, the fol- lowing month, a committee was appointed, of which Mr. Howell, of Keokuk, was chairman, to lease a suitable building, solicit donations, and procure suitable furniture. This committee secured a large brick building in Lawrence, VanBuren county, and engaged Mr. Fuller, of Mount Pleasant, as Steward. The work of prepa- ration was conducted so vigorously that July 18, following, the executive commit- tee announced that they were ready to receive children. Within three weeks 21 were admitted, and ina little more than six months the soldiers’ orphans admitted numbered 70. a aie ate, HISTORY OF IOWA. 129 Miss M. Elliott, of Washington, was appointed the first Matron, but she resigned the following February, and was succeeded by Mrs. E G. Platt, of Fremont county. The Home was sustained by voluntary contributions, until 1866, when it was taken charge of by the State. The Leg- islature appropriated $10 per month for each orphan actually supported, and pro- vided ‘for the establishment of three homes. The one in Cedar Falls was organ- ized in 1865; an old hotel building was fitted up for it, and by the following Jan- uary there were 96 inmates. In October, 1869, the Home was removed to a large brick building about two miles west of Cedar Falls, and was very prosperous for several years; but in 1876 the Legislature devoted this building to the State Normal School. The same year the Legislature also devoted the buildings and grounds of the Soldiers’ Orphans’ Home, at Glenwood, Mills county, to an Institution for the Sup- port of Feeble-Minded Children. It also provided for the removal of the’ soldiers’ orphans at Glenwood and Cedar Falls Homes to the institution located at Daven- port. The present officers are: §S. W. Pierce, Superintendent; Mrs. F. W. Pierce, Matron. Whole number admitted, 1,525; present number, males, 79; females, 90. The 18th Grand Army Corps appropriated $2,000 to build eight cottages, school house and other buildings; these have been completed, and the home will, when finished, accommo- date 200 children. Superintendent’s sal- ary, $1,200 per annum. Trustees are elected for two years. ASYLUM FOR FEEBLE-MINDED CHILDREN. An act of the General Assembly, ap- proved March 17,1878, provided for the establishment of an asylum for feeble- minded children at Glenwood, Mills county; and the buildings and grounds of the Soldiers’ Orphans’ Home at that place were taken for this purpese. The asylum was placed under the management of three trustees, one of whom should bea resident of Mills County. The grounds to be used were found to bein a very dilapidated condition, and thorough changes were deemed necessary. ' The institution was opened September 1, 1876, and the first pupil admitted Septem- ber 4. By November, 1877, the number of pupils had increased to 87. The whole number admitted has been 257. Present inmates number 200. PENAL INSTITUTIONS. The first penal institution was estab- lished by an act of the Territorial Legisla- ture, approved January 25, 1839. This act authorized the Governor to draw the sum of $20,000, appropriated by an act of Congress in 1838, for public buildings in the Territory of Iowa. It provided for a Board of Directors, consisting of three - persons, to be elected by the Legislature, who should superintend the building of a penitentiary to be located within a mile of the public square, in the town of Fort Madison, county of Lee, provided that the latter deeded a suitable tract of land for the purpose, also a spring or stream of water for the use of the penitentiary. The first directors were John S. David and John Claypole. They were given the power of appointing the warden, the latter ~~—e 4 sate, 188 HISTORY OF IOWA. to appoint his own assistants. The citizens of Fort Madison executed a deed of 10 acres of land for the building, and Amos Ladd was appointed superintendent June 5, 1839. The work was soon entered upon, and the main building and warden’s house were ‘completed in the fall of 1841. It continued to meet with additions and im- provements until the arrangements were all completed according to the design of the directors. The estimated cost of the building was $55,933.90, and was desigued of sufficient capacity to accommodate 138 convicts. Iowa has adopted the enlightened policy of humane treatment of prisoners, and utilizes their labor for their own support. Their labor is let out to contractors, who pay the State a stipulated sum therefor, the latter furnishing shops, tools, ma- chinery, etc., and the supervision of the convicts. The present officers of the prison are: E. C. McMillen, Warden, elected 1878 and 1880; Hiel Hale, Deputy Warden; W. C. Gunn, Chaplain; A. W. Hoffmeister, Physician; M. T. Butterfield, Clerk. The whole number of convicts admitted up to the present time (1882) is 3,387. Number of males in 1881, 350; females, 8; number of guards, 33. The Warden is chosen biennially by the Legislature, aud receives a salary of $2,000 per annum. ANAMOSA PENITENTIARY. In 1872 the first steps toward the erec- tion of a prison at Anamora, Jones county, were taken, and by- an act of the General Assembly, approved April 23, this year, William Ure, Foster L. Downing and Mar- tin Heisey were appointed commissioners to construct and control prison buildings, They met on the 4th of June, following, and selected a site donated by the citizens of Anamosa. The plan, drawings and specifications were furnished by L. W. Foster & Co., of DesMoines, and work on the building was commenced September 28,1872. In 1873, 20 convicts were trans- ferred from the Fort Madison prison to Anamosa. The officers of the Anamosa prison are: A. E. Martin, Warden; L. B. Peet, Deputy Warden; Mrs. A. C. Merrill, Chaplain; L. J. Adair, Physician; T. P. Parsons, Clerk. ! The whole number admitted since it was opened is 816. Number of males in 1882, 183; females, 2. Salaries of officers the same as those of the Fort Madison peni- tentiary. BOYS’ REFORM SCHOOL. By act approved March 31, 1868, the General Assembly established a reform school at Salem, Henry county, and pro- vided for a Board of Trustees, to consist of one person from each Congressional District. The trustees immediately leased the property of the Iowa Manual Labor Institute, and October 7 following, the school received its first inmate. The law at first provided for the admission of children of both sexes under 18 years of age. The trustees were directed to organ- ize a separate school for girls. In 1872 the school was permanently located at Eldora, Hardin county, and $45,000 were appropriated for the neces- sary buildings. In 1876 the law was so amended that only children over 7 and under 16 years of age were admitted. “— ' P Alea. HISTORY OF IOWA. 131 The children are taught the elements of education, in particular the useful branches, and are also trained in some regular course of labor, as is best suited to their age, dis- position and capacity. They are kept until they arrive at majority, unless bound out to some responsible party, which relieves the State of their care. Occasion- ally they are discharged before the age of 21, for good conduct. The institution is managed by five trus- tees, elected by the Legislature. Whole number of boys admitted, 818. There are 204 inmates at present, and also 63 in the girls’ department, at Micheliville. The biennial appropriation for 1880 was $16,900. STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY. By act of the General Assembly ap- proved January 28, 1857, a State Historical Society was provided for in connection with the University. At the commence- ment, an appropriation of $250 was made, to be expended in collecting and preserv- ing a library of books, pamphlets, papers, paintings and other materials illustrative of the history of Iowa. There was appro- priated the sum of $500 per annum to maintain this Society. The management Consists of a board of 18 curators, nine appointed by the Governor and nine elected by vote of the Society. The State Historical Society has pub- lished a series of very valuable collections, including history, biography, sketches, reminiscences, etc., with quite a large ‘number of finely engraved portraits of prominent and early settlers, under the title of “Annals of Iowa.” STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. This Society is conducted under the auspices of the State, and is one of the greatest promoters of the welfare of the people under the management of the State government. It should receive more pe- cuniary assistance than it does. The Society holds an annual fair, which has occurred at Des Moines since 1878. At its meetings subjects are discussed of the highest interest and value, and these pro- ceedings are published at the expense of the State. The officers are a President, Vice-Presi- dent, Secretary, and Treasurer and five Directors. The last hold office for two years, and the other officers one year. FISH HATCHING-HOUSE. This was established in 1874, and has for its object the supplying of rivers and lakes with valuable fish The General Assembly first appropriated the sum of $3,000. Three fish commissioners were appointed, and the State is divided into three districts, one for each commissioner. The Hatching-House was erected near Anamosa, Jones county, and is conducted in the same manner as similar houses in other States. Since 1876 there has been but one commissioner, B. F. Shaw. Mr. Shaw is enthusiastic in his work, and has distributed hundreds of thousands of small fish of various kinds in the rivers and lakes of Iowa. The 16th General Assembly passed an act in 1878 prohibiting the catching of any kind of fish’ except brook trout from March until June of each year. <_—, | ss ofa te, 132 HISTORY OF IOWA. Fit PoE i oaks POLITICAL. The Territory of Iowa was organized in 1838, and the following Territorial officers were appointed by President Van Buren: Governor, Robert Lucas, of Ohio; Secre- tary of the Territory, William B. Conway; Chief Justice, Charles Mason, of Burling- ton; Associate Justices, Thomas 8. Wilson, of Dubuque, and Joseph Williams, of Pennsylvania; Attorney-General, M. Van Allen, of New York; Marshal, Francis Gehon, of Dubuque. The first election was for members of the Territorial Legislature and a delegate to Congress. The Democracy controlled the Legislature by a large majority. The vote on Delegate was as follows : Wm. W. Chapman, Dem.... ... sieaierasa se 1,490 Peter H. Engle, Dem.............. ee 1,454 B. F. Wallace, Whig..... sieflatele sibiee sess -. 913 David Rorer, Dem. .......ssesseeseee eoeee 805 Mr. Talliafero............. topes Sissies 1. 380 The election of 1839 was for members of the Second Territorial Legislature, and created little interest. In 1840, the year of the “hard cider campaign,” the interest was awakened, and both parties put in nomination candidates for Delegate to Congress. There was also an election for Constitutional Convention, which was defeated. The vote on Dele- gate was as follows: A.C. Dodge, Dem..... sescevesees -4,009—515 Alfred Rich, Whig......scecceseees+-3,494 Mr. Churchman.......... sieevexseses 92 The Whigs held a convention in 1841, at Davenport, on the 5th day of May, and adopted the following platform ; WHEREAS, It has pleased the Governor of the Universe, by one of those inscrutable acts the righteousness of which no man may question, to take from the American people their beloved Chief Magistrate, William Henry Harrison, and transfer him frum this to another, and, we trust, to a better world; therefore, Resolved, That we sincerely mourn over and deplore the loss of one whose services in every department of society have been so pre-emi- nently useful. Asacitizen, he was beloved for his rectitude and benevolence; as a soldier, dis- tinjruished for his bravery and success; as a statesman, his ability, purity and patriotism were remarkable; as a Christian, he was humble and pivus. In short, his whole character was made up of traits seldom to be found in men occupying the place in society he filled, and is worthy -f imitation by all those who love their country. Resolved, As a token of our sorrow on this providential bereavement, we will wear the usual badge of mourning thirty days; and that we concur with President Tyler on recommend- ing to the people of the United States that the 14th of May be observed as a day of fasting and prayer. Resolved, That we have full confidence in the ability and current political sentiments of John z je “ye v HISTORY OF IOWA. Tyler, who, by the voice of the people and the Providence of God, now fills the Executive Chair of the United States. Resolved, That we recognize in John Cham- bers, the gentleman lately appointed to the Ex- ecutive Chair of Iowa, a sterling Democratic Whig; one whose early life is honorably identi- fied with the history of our late war with Great Britain; and whose uniform devotion te the best interests of our country affords us a sure guar- anty of his usefulness in this Territory. Alfred Rich was again nominated for Delegate to Congress. The Democrats held their convention June 7, at Iowa City, and passed the fol- lowing resolutions : WaueEreas, The Federalists, or self-styled Whigs of Iowa, fiushed with their recent victory in the Presidential contest, and secure in the enjoyment of power, are laboring zealously and perseveringly to effect a revolution in the polit- ical character of thc Territory, to accomplish which all their united energies wiil be brought into action at the next general election; and, Wuenreas, The Democracy here, as well as elsewhere, believing the principles of their party to be based upon the immutable and eternal doc- trines of right and justice, feel it to be their duty to maintain and assert them upor all prop- er occasions—in the hour of defeat as when tri- umphant; and, Wuereas, By union and harmony, exertion and activity, we can administer a rebuke to the arrogant spirit of Federalism, at our next gen- eral election, which, while it will exhibit Iowa to the Democracy of the Union in the most en- viable light, will also demonstrate to the enemies of our principles the futility and hojelessness of their efforts to obtain the ascendency; there- fore, Resolved, That it is the duty of every Democrat of Iowa, nu matter what may be his station in life, to be watchful, vigilant and active in main- taining the ascendency of his party in the Ter- ritory; and it is earnestly urged upon all that they lay aside local questions and sectional feel- ings, and unite heart and hand in exterminating their common enemy, Federalism, from the Territory, Resolved, That Iowa, in defiance of the efforts of the National administration to throw around her the shackles of Federalism, is, and will cen- tinue to be, Democratic to the core; and she spurns, with a proper indignation, the attempt of those in power to enslave her, by sending her rulers from abroad, whose chief recom- mendation is, that they have not only been noisy, but brawling, clamorous politicians. Resolved, That in the appointment of David Webster to be Secretary of the State, we see the destinies of our beloved country committed to the hands of a man who, during the late war with Great Britain, pursued a course to which the epithet of ‘‘moral treason” was justly ap- plied at the time. In the gloomiest period of the war, Mr. Webster was found acting, upon all occasions, in opposition to every war meas- ure brought forward by the friends of the country; and the journals of Congress and speeches of Mr. Webster clearly established the fact that, though not a member, he connived at and leagued in with the traitorous Hartford Con- vention. Resolved, That the recent astounding and extraordinary disclosures made by the stock- holders of the United States Bank, with regard to the mismanagement, fraud and corruption of that wholesale swindling institution, prove the correctness of the course of the Democracy of the Nation in refusing to grant it a new charter, and redounds greatly to the sagacity, honesty and Roman firmness of our late venerable and iron-nerved President, Andrew Jackson. Resolved, That the distribution of the public lands is a measure not only fraught with evil, on the grounds of its illegality, but that, were it carried into effect, would greatly prejudice the rights and interests of the new States and Ter- ritories. Resolved, That a permanent prospective pre- emption law is the only effectual means of securing to the hardy pioneer his home,—the or Pee eee 134 HISTORY OF IOWA. result of his enterprise and toil, which alone has brought our lovely and cultivated plains from the rude hand of nature to their present high state of cultivation. Resolved, That in Thomas H. Benton, the buld and fearless leader of the Democracy of our country, on this as well as all the matters of western policy, we behold the poor man’s true and firmest friend, in whom, as the advocate of their interests and rights, they have the highest confidence, and on whom they can rely for sup- port and protection in the enjoyment of rights and privileges which it has ever been the policy of the Federalists to divest them of. Resolved, That Democracy is based upon the principles of equal rights and justice to all men; that to deprive man of the privileges bestowed upon him by the laws of nature and his country, without yielding him a just equivalent, is to take from him all that renders lite worthy his possession—independence of action; such we believe to be the effect of the recent order of the present Chief Magistrate. Resolved, That we respect all, of whatever station, who boldly and fearlessly advocate our rights and secure us in the frec enjoyment of the same, while we heartily despise and con- demn those, come from whence they may, who are leagued with our enemies in their efforts to wrest from us our homes and sacred altars. Resolved, That it is the characteristic doctrine of Democracy to secure to all the enjoyment of rights and privileges inalienable to freemen, and that the proscription of foreigners by the Federalists is a contracted effort to secure to themselves the inestimable privileges of free- dom and free government, and thus cut off a large portion of the human family from rights which the charter of our liberties declare are granted to all. Gen. A. C. Dodge was placed in nom- ination, and elected by the following vote: A. C. Dodge, Dem.........0.00.+2. .4,828—618 Alfred Rich, Whig ............005...4,815 No platforms were adopted by the par- ties in 1842; neither was there in 1843. William H. Wallace was nominated by the Whigs and A. C. Dodge by the Dem- ocrats for Delegate to Congress. The vote stood: A. C. Dodge, Dem.........e0006«.6,084—1,272 William Wallace, Whig............4,812 On the 9th day of January, 1844, the Whigs met in convention, at Iowa City, and without making nominations adopted the following platform: Resolwed, That ; ublic meetings for the free in- terchange of feelings and opinions on the part of the American people, in regard to important measures, are interwoven with our political insti- tutions, and necessary to the perpetuity of our national liberty. Resoleed, That it is the duty of all patriots to keep a watchfui eye upon their rulers, and to resist at the threshold every inroad to cor- ruption; that we deprecate the prostitution of the patronage of the President and of the dif- ferent officers of the Government to the services of a party and the practice of offering the officcs of honor and profit as a reward for political treachery; that we believe this exercise of ; ower to be eminently dangerous to the political integ- rity and patriotism of the «ountry, and that a limitation to one Presidential term would, in a great degree, arrest the progress of corruption and political profligacy. Resolved, That inasmuch as the States, in the formation of the constitution, surrendered to t] e General Government exclusive control of all the sources of incidental revenue and reserved tu themselves the right of taxation alone as a source of revenue to meet their individual wants; justice, reason, and common honesty require that the General Government should provide an incidental revenue equal to all the wants of the Government, without resorting to the proceeds of the public lands ur the odious and oppressive measure of direct taxation as contendel for by the so-called Democratic party. — a ee - Ale HISTORY OF IOWA. 135 Resolwed, That we regard the proceeds of the sales of public lands as the legitimate property of the States, and as only a trust fund in the hands of the General Government, and that the trust should be executed without further delay by a distribution of the same among the States and Territories; that this measure is especially a debt of justice at this time, when many of the States are groaning with taxation and almost driven to bankruptcy by an accumulation of debts, which have resulted in a great measure from the ruinous policy of the so-called Demo- cratic party. Resolved, That we deprecate experiments in legislation where the result is uncertain and un- ascertainable, and that while we should avoid the errors of the past, we should cling with unflinching tenacity to those institutions which have successfully stood the test of experiment, and have received the sanction and support of the framers of the constitution. Resolved, That we deem the establishment of @ national currency of certain value and every- where received, as indispensably necessary to the greatest degree of national prosperity; that the international commerce of this widely ex- tended country is greatly retarded and heavily burdened with taxation by the want of a com- mon medium of exchange, and that it is the constitutional duty of the General Government to remove all impediments to its successful pros- ecution, and to foster and encourage the internal commerce and enterprise, the interchange of commodities among the States, not only by a reasonable system of internal improvements of a general character, but also by furnishing to the nation a currency of equal value in all parts of its wide-spread domain, and that the exper- ience of the past fully proves that this end has been accomplished by a national bank, can be ‘again accomplished by a national bank, and in no way so safely and so certainly as by the agency of a well regulated national bank. Resolwed, That a tariff which will afford a rev- enue adequate to all the wants of the General Government, and at the same time protect the agricultural and mechanical industry of the American people, is a measure necessary to secure the prosperity of the country, and warmly advocated by the Whig party of this Territory. Resolved, That although we have no right to vote at the approaching Presidential election, yet we look forward to the exertions of our friends of the States for the elevation of Henry Clay to the Chief Magistracy of the Union with intense interest and assurance of our most ardent wishes for their success. Resolved, That governments should be admin- istered so as to produce the greatest good to the greatest number, and that this istrue Democracy; that the self-styled Democratic party, by the policy they have pursued for the last ten years in their efforts to destroy the prosperity of our farmers and mechanics by rejecting a tariff for revenue.and protection, by destroying the best currency ever possessed in any nation, by seek- ing to deprive us of all currency except gold and silver, in refusing to the indebted States relief by paying to them their proportion of the proceeds of the public lands, in their continued uniform and violent opposition to all measures calculated to advance the national and individ- ual prosperity, by means of the encouragement of commerce and internal improvements, by a narrow and selfish policy in converting the ex- ecutive power into an engine of party, by their federal and aristocratic exertions to maintain the veto power, and consolidate all the powers of Government in one leader, thereby rendering the administration of the Government a mere machine of party, in their repeated efforts to undermine and destroy the constitution and laws of Congress, by openly disregarding the rights secured by those laws, in their demoraliz- ing efforts to induce the States to disregard their honor and repudiate their debts, in their open vioiation of private rights, by repealing charters and violating the obligation of contract; in short, by their whole policy and principles which, in a time of peace, and abundant crops, and with the smiles of heaven, have reduced this wealthy, proud and prosperous nation to actual bank- ruptcy, national and individual, they have for- feited the name of Democrats, and as a party are no longer to be trusted with the reins of power. — = Ales dé s 136 HISTORY OF IOWA. The Democrats adopted no platform in 1844. The Legislature on the 12th of February, 1844, passed another act submitting the question of a constitutional convention to the people, which was carried. A consti- tution was framed by this convention, and Congress passed an act providing for the admission of Iowa as a State; but curtail- ing the northern and western boundaries. At an election held in April, 1845, the people rejected the constitution. The August election, 1845, was for Delegate to Congress. Ralph P. Lowe secured the Whig nomination, while A. C. Dodge was nominated for re-election by the Demo- crats. The vote stood: A.C. Dodge, Dom.......sccccceecees «2012-881 R. P. Lowe, Whig,.... cos sseeeese+- -6,681 In April, 1876, delegates were chosen to a second constitutional convention, which met at Iowa City, May 4, 1846. The con- stitution framed by this body was accepted by the people in August, Congress having repealed the obnoxious features respecting boundaries, giving Iowa the territory to which it was justly entitled. After the adoption of this constitution, the Whigs met in convention at Iowa City, September 25, and nominated the following State ticket: Governor, Thos. McKnight; Secretary of State, James H. Cowles; Auditor of State, Eastin Morris; Treasurer of State, Egbert T. Smith. The following platform was adopted: Resolved, That, considering it our duty, as Whigs, tu effect a thorough organization of our party, and, by use of all honorable means, faith- fully and diligently strive to ensure the success of our political principles in the State of Iowa. Resolved, That we, as Whigs, do proucly and unhesitatingly proclaim to the worl¢ the follow- ing distinctive and leading principles, that we, as a party, avow and advocate, and which, if carried out, we honestly believe will restore our beloved country to its prosperity, and its insti- tutions to their pristine purity: 1, A sound national currency, regulated by the will and authority of the people. 2. erfect restraints upon executive power, especially upon the exercise of the vetc. 4. An equitable distribution of the proceeds of the sales of the pullic lands among all the States. 6. One Presidential term. 6. Expenditure of the surplus revenue in national improvemcnts that will embrace the great rivers, lakes, and main arteries of com- munication throughout our country, thus secur- ing the most efficient means of defense in war and commercial intercourse in peace. Resolwed, That the re-enactment of the thrice condemned sub-treasury, which will have the effect of drawing all coin from circulation and locking it up in the vaults and safes of the Gen- eral Government, the passage of McKay’s British tariff bill discriminating in favor of foreign and against American labor, and striking a blow, intended to be fatal, to home market for Ameri- can agricultural productions, and the executive veto of the river and harbor bill which paralyzes the western farmer’s hope of just facilities for transporting his surplus products to a markct, and cripples the enegies of commerce in every division of the Union, should consign the present administration to a condemnation so deep that the hand of political resurrection could never reach it. Resoloed, That we hold these truths to be self- evident, that the forfv-ninth degree of north latitude is not fifty-four degrees, forty minutes; that James K. Polk’s late letter was a deception and falsehood of a character so base as none but the most dishonorable mind would have resorted to; that McKay’s tariff is not a judicious revenue ie <= ies —— fe -—b, HISTORY OF IOWA. 187 = tariff affording incidental protect to American industry; that the annexation of Texas is not a peaceful acquisition; that lamp-black and rags, though called treasury notes and drawn on a bankrupt treasury, are not the constitutional currency, and that locofocoism is not Democ- racy. Resowed, That we believe the American sys- tem of Henry Clay, as exemplified in the tariff of 1842, is essential to the independence and happiness of the producing classes of the United States; that in its protection of home protec- tions it nerves the arm of the farmer and makes glad the hearts of the mechanic and manufac- turer by ensuring them a constant and satisfac- tory remuneration for their toils, and that it is found by the test of experience to be the orly permanent check on the excessive importations of former years, which have been the principal cause of hard times, repudiation, bankruptcy, and dishonor. Resolved, That we regard the adoption of the constitution at the recent election, by reason of the highly illiberal character of some of its pro- visions, as an event not calculated to promote the future welfare and prosperity of the State of Iowa, aud that it is our imperative duty to pro- cure its speedy amendment. Resolved, That we pledge ourselves to use our utmost exertions to keep up a thorough organi- zation of the Whig party in Iowa; and although our opponents claim erronerusly, as we believe, to possess an advantage in numbers and depend upon ignorance, prejudice and credulty for suc- “Sess, yet, having a superiority mm the principles we profess, we have implicit confidence in the dawning ef a brighter day, when the clouds and darkness of locofocoism will be dispelled by the cheering rays and invigorating influence of truth and knowledge. On motion, it was Resolved, That we recommend to the support of the people of Iowa, at the coming election, the-ticket nominated by this convention; that we believe the candidates to be good men, and that the members of this convention, in behalf of those for whom they act, pledge to them a cordial and zealous support. The Democratic Convention was held September 24, which nominated the ful- lowing ticket: Governor, Ansel Briggs; Secretary of State, E. Cutler, Jr.; Auditor of State, J. T'. Fales; Treasurer, Morgan Reno. The following platform was adopted: Resolved, That the conduct of James K. Polk, since he has been President of the United States, and particularly during the last session of Con- gress, has been that of an unwavering and un- flinching Democrat; that Young Hickory has proved himself to be a true scion of Old Hick- ory; and we tender to him and his coadjutors in the executive department the gratitude of the people of the State of Iowa. Resolved, That the recent session of Congress has been one of the greatest importance to the people of these United States, since the time of Mr. Jefferson, and we confidently regard the acts passed by it, particularly the passage of the Independent Treasury Bill, the settlement of the Oregon question (though the people of Iowa would have preferred 54, 40), and the re- peal of the odious tariff act of 1842, as desfined to advance the welfare, promote the interest, and add to the peace and harmony not only of our people, but of the civilized world. Resolved, That the repeal of the unjust, un- equal and fraudulent tariff act of 1842, at the recent session of Congress, deserves the highest praise from the people of Iowa, and entitles those members of Congress who voted for it to the lasting gratitude of all good citizens; that by its minimum and specific duties—by its unequal and unjust protection of the captalists and moneyed institutions, and by its casting the burden of taxation upon the laboring masses, and exempting the uper ten thousand, it was absolutely a federal tariff, based on the doc- trines of the great God-like Belshazzer of Massa- chusetts, viz: ‘‘Let the Government take cure of the'rich, and the rich take care of the poor”; that the conduct of the Vice-President of the United States, upon that great question of the age, entitles him to the highest place in the con- fidence of the Democracy of the United States. “| ~— >, szaailie 4 138 HISTORY OF IOWA. Resolved, That all modes of raising revenue for the support of Government are taxes upon the capital, labor and industry of the country; and that it is the duty of a good government to impose its taxes in such a manner as to bear equally on all classes of society; and that any government which, in levying duties for raising revenue, impresses burdens on any one class of society, to build up others, though republican in form, is tyranical in deed, ceases to be a just government, and is unworthy of the confidence or support of a free people. Resolved, That the separation of the public moneys from the banking institutions of the country, in the passage of the Independent Treasury Bill, meets the approbation of this Convention, and the recent vote of the people of this State, adopting the Constitution, is a de- cisive indication of public sentiment against all banking institutions of whatever name, nature or description. Resolved, That the repeated unjust aggression of the Mexican people and Mexican Government have long since called for redress, and the spirit which has discouraged, opposed and denounced the war which our Government is now carrying on against Mexico, is the same spirit which op- posed the formation of a Republican Govern- ment, opposed Jefferson and denounced the last war with Great Britain, and now, as they did then, from a federal fountain. Resolved, That General Taylor and our little army have won for themselves the everlasting gratitude of the country, for which they will never, like Scott, be exposed to a shot in their rear from Washington or any other part of the country. Resolved, That we repudiate the idea of party without principles; that Democracy has certain fixed and unalterable principles, among which are equal rights and equal protection to all, un- limited rights of suffrage to every freeman, no property qualifications or religious tests, sov- ereignty of the people, subjection of the Legis- lature to the will of the people, obedience to the instructions of constituents, or resignation, and restriction of all exclusive privileges to corpo- rations to a level with individual rights. Resolved, That henceforth, as a political party, we are determined to know nothing but Democ- racy, and that we will support men only for their principles. Our motto will be: Less leg- islation, few laws, strict obedience, short ses- sions, light taxes, and no State debt. The vote on Governor was as follows: Ansel Briggs, Dem........00ce00ceee -7,626—247 Thomas McKnight, Whig........... «7,879 The office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction having been vacated, it was provided in the act that an election should be held the first Monday in April, 1847, for the purpose of filling the office. The Whigs placed James Harlan in nomi- nation, and the Democrats, Charles Mason. Harlan was elected by a majority of 413 out of a total vote of 15,663. By act approved February 24, 1847, the Legislature created a Board of Public Works for the improvement of DesMoines river, and provided for the election of a President, Secretary and Treasurer of such on the first Monday in August. The Democrats in State convention at Iowa City, June 11, placed the following ticket in the field: President of Board, H. W. Sample; Secretary, Charles Corkery; Treas- urer, Paul Bratton. The following plat- form was adopted: WHEREAS, Our country is at present engaged in an expensive and sanguinary war, forced upon her against her will, and canied on to repel aggravated and repeated instances of in- sult and injustice; and, WuereEas, There are those among us, native- born Americans, who maintain that Mexico is in the right and the United States in the wrong in this war; and, Wuereas, The public mind is, at the present time, agitated by other great questions of na- tional policy, in relation to which it is proper that the Democracy of Iowa should speak out So xT oe a Alita HISTORY OF IOWA. 139 through their representatives here assembled; therefore, Resolved, That we indignantly repel the charge made by the Whig press and the Whig leaders, that the war is one of aggression and conquest. The United States, we fearlessly assert, have for years submitted to treatment at the hands of Mexico which, by any European government, would have been regarded as a good cause of war, and which our own government would have made cause of quarrel with any transat- lantic power. Resolved, That we triumphantly point to the repeated efforts made by our government, since the commencement of the war, to re-open nego- tiations with Mexico with a view of putting an end to hostilities as evidence of the pacific motives by which it is actuated, and we rely upon this testimony for the justification of our government in the eyes of the civilized world. We also point, with the highest satisfaction, to the humane and Christian-like manner in which the war has’ been conducted on our part, show- ing, as it does, that the United States have throughout acted upon principle in every respect worthy of the enlightened and civilized age in which we live. Resolved, That we have the most unlimited confidence in the ability and statesman-like qualities of President Polk; that the measures of his adwinistration, standing, as they have done, the test of time, have our most, cordial approbation; that in the prosecution of the war with Mexico, he and the several members of his cabinet have evinced the most signal energy and capacity; that the brilliant success of our arms at every point, and the fact that in the short space of one year more than one-half of Mexico has been overcome by our troops, and is now in our possession, furnishes a refutation of the assertion sometimes heard from the Whigs, that the war has been inefficiently conducted, and that the country has the amplest cause to con- gratulate itself that, great and important as the crisis is, it has men at the head of affairs fully equal to the emergency. Resolved, That the thanks of the American people are due to Major-Generals Scott and Taylor, their officers and men, for their courage, bravery and endurance; that in the victories they have achieved, they have shed imperishable honor upon their country’s flag at the same time that they have won for themselves, one and all, chaplets of imperishable renown. Fesolved, That in the demand which now ex- ists in the countries of the old world for Ameri- can provisions, we have an illustration of the incalculable benefits which are sure to result to the United States, and particularly to the great West, from reciprocal interchange of commo- dities; that the agriculturists of Iowa have sen- sibly partaken of the benefits resulting from this liberal system of policy, and in the name of the Democratic party of Iowa, we tender to President Polk and the Democratic members of Congress our thanks for the enactment of a tariff, which is likely to have the effect of caus- ing foreign countries to still further abolish their restrictions upon American grain and American provisions. Resolved, That the evidence to be found in the fact that, within the last three months, the enor- mous sum of fifty-five millions of dollars has been offered to be loaned to the Government at a premium, is a proud vindication of the finan- cial ability of the Government, at the same time that it rebukes with merited severity the croak- ing of those who, at the commencement of the war, predicted that the treasury would be beg- gared in less than a year, with no means of re- plenishing it. Resolved, That we approve of the conduct of the Democratic members of our first State Legis- lature. Under the peculiar circumstances by which they were surrounded, their conduct was such as became them, and is sustained by the entire Democracy of the State. Resolved, That the Democratic party have ever regarded education as the only means of pre- serving and perpetuating our republican institu- tions; that it is now and ever has been solicitous for its extension throughout the whole length, and breadth of our land; and that itis one of the chief objects of the Democratic party of this State to establish such a system of free schools as will enable every child within its borders to ik Ne “ -— 4 ole 140 HISTORY OF IOWA. qualify himself to perform all the duties devolv- ing upon a citizen of this favored country. Resolved, That we pledge ourselves collectively to support the nominees of this convention; that in our respective counties we will spare no efforts to promote their success; that we will permit no selfish consideration, no sectional feel- ings, to influence us, but, rallying under the banner of the good old cause, the cause of De- mocracy, we will march on to victory, triumph- ant victory ! The Whigs nominated for President of the Board, Geo. Wilson; Secretary, Madi- son Dagger; Treasurer, Pierre B Fagan. Sample was elected over Wilson by 510 majority, out of a total Vote of 16,250. The Whigs of Iowa were first in the field in 1848, meeting in convention May 11th, at Iowa City. They nominated for Secretary of State J.M. Coleman; Auditor, M. Morley; Treasurer, Robert Holmes. The following platform was adopted : The Government of the United States is based upon and exists only by the consent of the peo- ple; and, WHEREAS, It is the duty as well as the rights of the citizens of the United States to meet in their primary capacity, whenever their judg- ment may dictate, to examine into the affairs of the Government; and, Waereas, This right carries with it the power to approve the conduct of their public servants, whenever approval is merited by faithfulness. and integrity, so it equally confers the duty of exposing imbecility, selfishness and corruption, when they exist in the administration of the Re- public, and of denouncing those who, disregard- ing the example and admonitions of the Fathers of the Republic, are abandoning the true prin- ciples on which our civil institutions are found- ed, and proclaiming and carrying out measures that cannot but prove detrimental to the har- mony and best interests of the Union, and may eventuate in the overthrow of our present Re- publican form of government; therefore, Resolved, By the Whigs of Iowa, through their | Representatives in State Convention assembled, that the Government of the United States is a limited Government, divided into three depart- ments, each having its appr riate sphere, and separate and well-defined duties to perform; that it is necessary to the stability and perpetu- ity of our institutions, that the Executive, Leg- islative and Judicial Departments should be kept distinct, and confined to their legitimate duties; and that any encroachr:ent, by one de- partment, upon either of the others, is a viola- tion of the spirit and letter of the constitution, and should call down the severest reprehension of the American people. Resolwed, That the admonition of a late Presi- dent of the United States, ‘“Keep your eye upon the Presitent,” should especially recommend itself to all the people in times like the present; that the Government can only be kept pure by the constant watchfulness of the people and the expression of their loudest censure, when spec- ulation and corruption is detected. - Resolved, That entertaining these opinions, we have no hesitation in declaring that the eleva- tion of James K. Polk to the Presidential office was a sad mishap to the American Government; and that his administration, by its total aban- donment of the principles of true Republican- ism, as taught by Washington, Jefferson and Madison; by its encroachments on the national constitation, and its entire disregard of the will of the people, as expressed through their Rep- resentatives in Congress; by its denunciations of its own constituents, its futile attempt to misrepresent facts and conceal the truth, its endeavors to prostrate the industrial energies of the people and discriminate-io favor of the man- ufactures and machinery of Europe, its violation of its own much lauded system of finance, the sub-treasury, thereby furnishing the people with promise to pay its officers with gold and silver; by its war, commenced without the assent of the war-making power, against a weak and dis- tracted sister Republic, while at the same time, ‘it ignobly and cowardly crouched before the lion of England, and took back its own asser- tions; its public debt of one hundred millions ales HISTORY OF IOWA. +— la, 141 and its sacrifice of human life; its veto of meas- ures that met the approval of every former Pres- ident; and, worse than all, by its infamous at- tempt to rob of their well-earned laurels, won on the tented field, in the heart of the enemy’s country, those who commanded the armies of the Republic, and bring them into unmerited disgrace before the American people,—by this aggregation of misdeeds, has signalized itself as the worst, most selfish and corrupt adminis- tration the United States ever had. Resolved, Taat, while we concede that it is the duty of every citizen to support his country when engaged in a conflict with a foreign power, yet we equally insist that it 1s the duty of the people to hold their public servants to a strict accountability, and honestly to condemn what- ever their judgment cannot approve; that we indignantly hurl back the imputation of James K. Polk and his parasites, that the Whig party of the Unicn are wanting in love of country, and deficient in its defense, and in evidence of the patriotism of the Whig party, we proudly point to the commanding generals, the distin- guished officers and the brave soldiers who, in our army in Mexico, have shed luster upon them- se'ves and renown upon the flag of their country. Resolved, That, believing the war terminated, our convictions require us to declare that the war with Mexico was a war brought on by the Exccutive, without the approbation of the war- making power, that had the same prudence which governed the administration in its inter- course with Great Britain, relative to the settle- ment of the Oregon question, exercised toward Mexico, a nation whose interna] dissensions and weakness demanded our forbearance, the war would have been averted, and the boundaries between the two nations amicably and satisfac- torily settled. Resolved, That we are in favor of the applica- tion of the principle contained in the Wilmot proviso (so called), to all territory to be incor- porated into this Union, and are utterly opposed to the further extension of slave territory. Resolved, That our opposition to the sub-treas- ury and the tariff of 1845 has not been dimin- ished by the evidence furnished us of their oper- ations; that they are twin measures, calculated and designed to depress the free labor of the country, for the benefit of a minority of the people—the one operating to lessen the price of labor, and bring down the wages of freemen, and the other throwing open our ports for the introduction of the productions of the pauper labor of Europe, thereby crippling our own man- ufacturers and compelling them either to sacri- fice their laborers or close their business; that the one has failed as a disturbing system of the Government, the administration having been compelled to resort to banks and paper in making their payments, and the otber, as a rev- enue measure, has proved entirely inadequate to the support of the ordinary expenses of the Gov- ernment; that the one, by withdrawing from circulation, and shutting up in its vaults a large amount of specic, and the other, by overstock- ing the market with foreign goods, have largely contributed towards, if they have not entirely produced, the present financial difficulties; and that we cannot but foresee that the country will soon be visited, if these measures are continued, with a commercial revulsion as great and disas- trous as that of 1837. Resolved, That the profession of the adminis- tration of James K. Polk, that it is in favor of, and devoted to, an exclusively metallic currency, while it is issuing millions u,on millions of paper money, in shape of treasury notes, irre- deemable in specie, is an insult to the American people, and deserves the unqualified denuncia- tion of every lover of truth and honesty. Resolved, That the great West, whose popula- tion and commerce are rapidly increasing, bear- ing, as it does, its full proportion of the public burdens, is entitled to some consideration at the hands of the General Government, and to some participation in the Union; that the Mississippi river is to the whole Mississippi Valley what the Atlantic is to the Eastern and the lakes are to the Northern States; that if it is constitutional to clear and improve any harbors in the latter, it is equally constitutional to do the same in the former; that the River and Harbor Bill of the last session of Congress contained only appro- o—r- he" ioe 142 HISTORY OF IOWA. 4 priations for work that had met the approval of Jackson and VanBurcn; that the veto of that measure by the Executive was a high-handed usurpation upon the rights of the pe ple and their representatives, uncalled for and unnéces- sary, and that, by that act, James K. Polk proved himself false to the principles of his pre- decessors, and hostile to the future growth and best interests of the West. Resolved, That in view of the misrule, venality and infractions of the Constitution which have characterized the present administration, we deem the approaching Présidential election one of the most important that Las occurred since the organization of the Government; that it is necessary to the preservation of the institutions bequeathed to us by our fathers, that there should be a change of rulers as well as a change of measures; that, animated by a sincere desire to promote the welfare and honor of our coun- try, we have determined to buckle on our armor and enlist for the war; and, in the language of one who never faltered in his devotion to his country, we call upon every Whig in Iowa to ‘‘Arouse ! Awake! Shake off the dew-drops that glitter on your garments!” and, in company with your brethren throughout the Union, ‘‘Once more inarch forth to battle and to victory !” Resolved, That, although the Whig party of low has expressed a preference for General Taylor as the Whig candidate for President, yet. they deem it due to themselves to declare that they commit the whole subject into the hands of the Whig National Convention, and whoever may be the nominee of that body for President, the Whigs of lowa will give him a cordial sup- port. Resolved, That locofocoism in Iowa has proved itself a faction, ‘held together by the coercive power of public plunder,” and devoid alike of generosity and principle; that, under cover of an assumed love of law and order, it has under- taken and cast from office a citizen chosen by a large majority of the popular voice, while, at the same time, it is represented in Congress by men elected without the shadow of law; that in foist- ing into the halls of Legislature, men who had no right there, for the purpose of carrying out their own selfish designs, they were guilty of a clear violation of constitutional law, and of usurpation upon the rights of the people; and that the Whig members of the Legislature, by refusing to go into the election of Senators and Supreme Judges, while those individuals exer- cised the functions of Representatives, truly reflected the will of their constituents, and de- serve the thanks of every friend of good gov- ernment. Resolved, That we most cordially commend to the support of the people of Iowa the ticket placed in nomination by this convention, of State officers and electors of President and Vice President; that they are citizens distinguished for their ability, integrity, patriotism and cor- rect moral deportment; and that we pledge to this ticket a full, hearty and zealous co-opera- tion in the ensuing canvass, with the confident assurance that if every Whig does his ‘‘duty, his whule duty, and nothing short of his duty,” at the ballot-box, they will receive from the people of Iowa a majority of their suffrages. Resolved, That we are watching with deep in- terest the recent movements in Europe, indica- ting as they do, the spread of popular liberty, and the determination on the part of the masses to throw off the fetters of despotism and kingly rule; that we joyfully admit into the brother- hood of republicanism the new republic of France, trusting that an all-wise Providence will guide and watch over the destinies of the new government and establish it on a permanent basis; and that to the masses of the other na- tions ef Europe, who are now struggling to be free, we tender our warmest sympathies, and bid them a heartfelt God-speed in their efforts to obtain a recognition of their rights and liberties. The Democrats placed the following ticket in nomination at a State convention held June Ist, at Iowa City: Secretary of State, Josiah H. Bonney; Auditor, Joseph T. Fales; Treasurer, Morgan Reno. The official vote showed Bonney to be elected Secretary of State by 1,212 majority, out of a total of 28,522. : i whe al HISTORY OF IOWA. 1438 The campaign of 1849 was opened by the Democrats, who met in convention at Iowa City, and nominated William Patter- son, President of Board of Public Works; for Secretary, Jesse Williams; Treasurer, George Gillaspie. The platform adopted by the convention was as follows: Resolwed, That, in view of the large interest at stake in the judicious and vigorous prosecution of the public works on the DesMoines river, and in view also of the efforts on foot by the Whig party to obtain the control and direction of the same, by means of a Whig Board of Public Works, it is important that the Democracy of the State should take immediate and energetic steps toward a thorough and complete organiza- tion of the party, and be ready on the day of the election to secure to themselves, by a tri- umphant majority, the choice of the officers; and that, while we cordially and unreservedly recommend the nominees of this convention to the confidence and support of the people, we should also take occasion to admonish our friends, that in union there is strength, and in vigilance, success. . Resolved, That this convention has received, with feelings of profound grief, the intelligence of the death of that pure patriot and able states- man, James K. Polk, late President of the United States; and that for his eminent and distinguished services to his country, for his faithfulness to principle, and for his purity of private life, his memory will ever live in the cherished recollec- tions of the Democracy of the nation, by none more honored than the people of this State. Resolved, That we recur with pride to the tri- umphant success, the splendid achievements, and the imperishable renown of the late admin- istration; and that, while we point to these as the glorious results of past labors, we should re- member that, as they were gained by a strict adherence to honest principles and the adoption of an honest policy, they can be sullied or im- paired only by @ base abandonment of them upon the altar of expediency, or by a disgruce- ful surrender in the form of coward silence. Resolved, That we still adhere as firmly as ever to the principles and measures which dic- tated and governed the course of the late admin- istration; and that we derive a high pleasnre from the fact that a Democratic Senate is vouch- safed to us as an impassable barrier between the federal high tariff, bank and paper policy, hopes and designs of the present dynasty, and the gold and silver currency, and low tariff and inde- pendent treasury policy of the people. Resolved, That the administration of Gen. Taylor, as far as it has proceeded upon its mis- sion, has unblushingly falsified every promise and grossly violated every pledge given before the election by its nominal chief; that a party which can go before the country upon one set of issues, and immediately after its installation into power enter upon the practice of another sei, is more than ever deserving of the reproba- tion of the world, and of the continued and uncompromising hostility of the Democratic party. Resolved, That General Taylor, for the part which he has played, or has been made to play in this disgraceful game of deception, has dis- played a want of honest principle or weakness of mind and character, which equally disquali- fies him for the place he holds, and fully justi- fies the worst predictions ever made agains’ his fitness for the Presidency; and that, although we may once have admired the soldier in the tented field, we are now reluctantly brought to condemn and to repudiate the cipher in tbe cabinet of the country. . Resolved, That the removals in this State have been made without cause and in direct violation of the professions of General Taylor, before the election; and that the appointments which have followed have been made in equal violation of the same professions. Resolved, That the appointment of a bureau officer from this State, in the person of Fitz Henry Warren, is an act deserving the censure and undistinguished condemnation which it is receiving from a large majority of the Whigs of Iowa; and that his retention in office, in the face of these open and emphatic expressions of @ [er a) CT a ro) v i os 144 HISTORY OF IOWA. public disgust, is well calculated to prepare the mind of every one to be surprised at nothing, in the way of moral turpitude, which may mark the future character of General Taylor’s admin- istration. Resolved, That the Democrats who have been removed from office in this State by the federal and proscriptive administration now in power, retire from their respective posts without re- proach from government, and with the unim- paired confidence and respect of the Democracy of the State. Resolved, That we deprecate any separate and sectional organizations, in any portion of the country, having for their object the advocacy of an isolated point involving feeling, and not fact—pride, and not principle, as destructive to the peace and happiness of the people and dan- gerous to the stability of the Union. Resolved, That inasmuch as the Territories of New Mexico and California come to us free, and aie free now by law, it is our desire that they should remain forever free; but that until it is proposed to repeal the laws making the country free, and to erect others in their stead for the extension of slavery, we deem it inexpedient and improper to add to the further distraction of the public mind by demanding, in the name of the Wilmot Proviso, what is already amply secured by the laws of the land. The Whigs met in convention June 30, at Iowa City, where they nominated the following ticket: President of Board, Thomas J. McKean; Secretary, William M. Allison; Treasurer, Henry G. Stewart. The following platform was adopted: Resowed, That this convention has unlimitéd confidence in the integrity, ability and patriotism of the people’s President, General Zachary Tay- lor. The illustrious services he has rendered his country in forty years’ devotion to her in- terests and her glory in the fieid, and the abun- dant evidence he has given since his inaugura- tion as Chief Magistrate of the Republic, of the possession of eminent administrative talents, afford a sure guaranty that his administration will be devoted to the highest and best interests of the country, the whole country, and nothing but the country. With such a leader, one who has successfully encountered every danger, whether in front, rear or rank, we may look with confidence to the speedy restoration of the country to her true Republican destiny. Resolved, That, in the opinion of this meet- ing, the recent demonstration of public senti- ment inscribes on the list of executive duties, in characters too legible to be overlooked, the task of reform, and the correction of those abuses which have brought the patronage of the Federal Government into conflict with the freedom of election; and that as vacancies by death are few, by resignation none, the task of reform and the correction of those abuses can be accom- plished only byremoval; and we regard the wail- ings of the locofoco press at the salutary and essential changes which the administration has seen proper to make, as involving a disregard of the important truth here referred to, and a contempt of the first principles of Democracy. Resolved, That the welfare and interests of the people of Iowa imperatively require an amend- ment to the State Constitution, by which the incubus, imposed in some of its provisions upon their resources and prosperity, shall be removed. Resolved, That the people have a right to demand that this question shall be submitted to them for their action, and in the judgment of this convention they will be recreant to their interests if they do not visit their condemnation upon a party that, with professions of Demuc- racy perpetually upon its lips, has shown itself in practice to be destitute of the true principles of Democracy. Resolved, That the course of the dominant party of this State, in the late General Assem‘sly, in its daring assaults upon the most sacred pro- vision of the constitution; in the outrage which jt committed against the great principles of civil and religious liberty, in depriving one of the counties of the State, as a punishment for the free exercise by its voters of the elective fran- chise of the rights of representation, in ex- cluding it from all the judicial districts of the a= —— s + alee e HISTORY OF IOWA. +— a, 145 State, and in its flagitious attempt to destroy its organization altogether, and to excommunicate its inhabitants, indiscriminately, from the pro- tection of civil society; in its contemptuous refusal to allow the people of the State the priv- ilege of expressing their opinion on the subject of a convention to amend the State constitution; in its refusal to instruct the Senators in Con- gress from this State to favor the policy of the Wilmot Proviso, by excluding the institution of. slavery from our newly acquired Territory; in its attempt to create new offices, not demanded by the public interest, as a sort of pension to partisan favorites—offices which would have im- posed new burdens in the shape of. increased taxation without any corresponding benefit,— and in its reckless prodigality of the public money, should consign it to the perpetual con- demnation of a free people. Resolved, That we are opposed to the exten- sion of slavery into territory now free, and that we believe it to be the duty of the Fedcral Gov-. ernment to relieve itself of the responsibility of that institution, wherever it has the constitu- tional authority so to do; and that, the legislation necessary to effect those objects should be adopted. Resolved, That for the compliment paid to our State, in the appointment of one of our fellow- citizens to the important office of Assistant Postmaster, the President is entitled to our thanks. Resolved, That we commend the ticket pre- sented by this convention to the people of this State for their cordial support. Patterson was elected President over McKean by a majority of 712 out of a total vote of 22,632. The Whigs met in convention May 15, 1850, at Iowa City, and made the follow- ing nominations: Governor, James L Thompson; Secretary of State, Isaac Cook; Auditor of State, William H. Seevers; Treasurer of State, Evan Jay; Treasurer of Board of Public Works, James Nosler. The resolutions adopted were as follows: Resolved, That every day’s experience vindi- cates the sentiment proclaimed by the Whig State Convention last year, that the welfare and interests of the people of Iowa imperatively require an amendment to the State constitution, by which the incubus imported in some of its provisions upon their resources and prosperity shall be removed. Resolved, That the people have a right to de- mand that this question shall be submitted to them for their action, and in the judgment of this convention they will be recreant to their interests if they do not so determine by their votes at the approaching election. Resolved, That we have undiminished confi- dence in the integrity, ability and patriotism of the people’s President, General Z. Taylor, and in the wisdom of the policy by him recom- mended to Congress. Resolved, That the Whigs of the country owe it to themselves and the great principles they profess to cherish, to give the President a Con- gress disposed to co-operate with him in his patriotic purposes to serve the country, instead of pursuing a factious opposition to the bitter end. Resolved, That we cherish an ardent attach- ment to the union of the States, and a firm de- termination to adhere to it at all hazards and to the last extremity. Resolved, That we hail with the highest grati- fication the rising of a new State upon the borders of the Pacific, and that we are in favor of its immediate admission into the family of States upon no other conditions than those im- posed by the constitution of the United States, and untrammelled by any question of Territorial legislation. Resolved, That while we hold it to be the duty of all to be ready and willing to stand to and abide by the provisions of the constitution of the United States, we are nevertheless free to re- affirm, as we now do, the opinion heretofore ex- pressed by the Whig party in Iowa, that we are in favor of free. men, free territory, and free States. aa 4 146 HISTORY OF IOWA. Resowed, That the Surveyor General’s office of Wisconsin and Iowa, under the control of the Democratic party, has been, and is, an engine of vast political power, and that its extensive patronage has been used to subserve the interest of that party. We, therefore, re- spectively and earnestly request of the President of the United States the immediate removal of C:H. Booth, Esq., the present incumbent, and the appointment of one who will not use the patronage of this office for political ends. Resolved, That we cordially recomriend the candidates nominated by this convention, for the various State offices to be filled at the next August election, to the confidence and support of the people of Iowa. The Democrats met at Iowa City June 12, 1850, and nominated the following ticket: Governor, Stephen Hempstead; Secretary of State, G. W. McCleary; Auditor, Wm. Pattee; Treasurer, Israel Keister; Treasurer Board Public Works, George Gillaspie. The following platform was adopted: Resolved, That the events of the past year, having served to demonstrate the soundness and wisdom of the resolutions adopted by the last Democratic State Convention, we re-assert and re-adopt them, as follows: Resolved, That we recur with pride to the tri- umphaaot success, the splendid achievements and the imperishable renown of the late admin- istration; and that, while we point tu these as the glorious results of past labors, we should remember that, as they were gained by a strict adherence to honest principles, and the adoption of an honest policy, they can be sullied or im- paired only by a base abandonment of them upon the altar of expediency, or by a disgrace- ful surrender in the form of a cowardly silence. Resolved, That we still adhere, as firmly as ever, to the principles and measures which dic- tuted and governed the course of the late admin- istration; and that we derive a high pleasure from the fact that a Democratic Senate is vouch- sufed to us as an impassable barrier between the Federal high-tariff, bank and paper policy, hopes and designs of the present dynasty, and the gold and silver currency, low tariff and independent treasury policy of the people. Resolved, That the administration of General Taylor, as far as it has proceeded upon its mis- sion, has unblushingly falsified every promise and grossly violated every pledge given before the election by its nominal chief; and that a party which can go before the country upon one set of issues, and immediately after its installation into power enter upon the practice of another set, is more than ever deserving of the reproba- tion of the world, and of the continued and un- compromising hostility of the Democratic party. Resolved, That General Taylor, for the part which he has played, or has been made to play, in this disgraceful game of deception, has dis- played a want of honest principle, or a weakness of mind and character, which equally disquali- fies him for the place he holds, and fully justifies the worst predictions ever made against his fit- ness for the Presidency; and that, although we may have once admired the soldier in the tented field, we are now reluctantly brought to con- demn and to repudiate the cipher in the Cabinet of the country. Resolved, That the removals in this State have been made without cause and in direct violation of the professions of General Taylor before the election; and that the appointments which have followed have been made in equal violation of the same professions. Resolved, That it is as gratifying to the pride as it is creditable to the patriotism of the Dem- ocrats of Iowa, that prominent statesmen of all parties, in seeking for a satisfactory adjustment of the difficulties which unfortunately exist be- tween the slave and non-slaveholding States, are found uniting, in main, on the policy of non- intervention; and while they arrogate to them- selves no right to question the course of other States on this subject, they point to the fact, with feelings of unmingled satisfaction, and they, in co-operating with those who are striving t. preserve the Union, are required to ‘‘tread no steps backward.” “| Te. Ge a fee HISTORY OF IOWA. ° 147 Resolved, That, regarding the preservation of our happy form of government as paramount to all other considerations, and believing that the threatened danger may be averted, we approve of the bill recently introduced into the United States Senate by the Committee of Thirteen, generally known us the ‘‘Compromise Bill.” Resolwed, That, as this bill authorizes the im- mediate admission of California, organizes the Territories of New Mexico and Utah, provides for the settlement of the Texan boundary ques- tion, enforces the provisions of the constitution with regard to the reclamation of persons escaping from service, and abolishes the slave trade in the District of Columbia, we believe its adoption, as a whole, would be hailed as a peace- offering by an overwhelming majority of the people; nor is our confidence in the wisdom of the measure diminished by the fact that the ultraists of both extremes are found united in opposition to it, but rather increased. Resolwed, That the late decision of Secretary Ewing, by which the State of Iowa has been robbed of nearly a million of acres of valuable land, and the improvement of her principal interior river, retarded, if not wholly destroyed, is an act which finds no justification in the pre- cedent or usages of the government; that it isa derogation of both the letter and spirit of the act of Congress making the donation, and that, in the name of the people of Iowa, we feel called upon to denounce it as illegal and unjust. Resolved, That this decision, taking away from the State, by a Whig administration, the greater portion of a valuable grant, made to it undera Democratic rule, the people of Iowa have suf- fered a wrong which, while they have no alterna- tive but submission, they cannot but feel most deeply and sensibly that the administration at Washington is not less responsible for the deci- sion than those who defend it; and that itis the duty of the Democracy to arraign them at the bar of public opinion at the approaching election for aiding and abetting in crippling the energies of our young and expanding commonwealth. Resolved, that President Taylor’s Cabinet have, in the recent Galphin swindle and other specula- tions of the same kind, proven to the world that their promises of retrenchments and reform in the administration of the government were made to deceive the people, and not with the intention of being kept. . Resolved, That the present Governor, Secre- tary of State, Auditor and Treasurer, whose terms of office are about to expire, each and all of them, by the honest, efficient and impartial discharge of their duties, deserve the cordial approbation of the people of the State of Iowa. Resolved, That we confidently present the nomiuees of the convention to the voters of the State of Iowa for their support; and that we, ourselves, will individually use all honorable means to sccure their election. The official vote on Governor was as fol- lows: Stephen Hempstead, Dem.........13,486 2,083 James L. Thompson, Whig .......11,408 . William Penn Clark..... sescccecee 575 In 1851, for Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Democrats nominated ‘Thomas H. Benton, while the Whigs sup- ported William G. Woodward, an Inde- pendent candidate. Benton was elected by a majority of 1,351. In 1852 the Whigs were early in the field, meeting in convention at Iowa City, February 26, and placing in nomination the following ticket: Secretary of State, J. W. Jenkins; Auditor of State, Asbury Porter; Treasurer of State, Hosea B. Horn. The following platform was adopted: Resolved, That we most cordially approve of the administration of President Fillmore, and have the fullest confidence in the executive officers of our government, and that the admin- istration of our forcign and domestic affairs deserves our highest admiration and firmest support; and we have the assurance that under such an administration our republic will always be safe. ale" “- 148 HISTORY OF IOWA. Resolved, That our warmest gratitude is due | lowing ticket: Secretary of State, Geo. to those of whatsoever political party, who | W. McCleary; Auditor, William Pattee; have, for the last two years, battled for i Treasurer, M. L. Morris. The following union of these States, and that we now regar ; the question out of which our apprehension of platform was adopted: disunion arose as settled now and forever. Resolved, That paramount to all questions of a Resolved, That we rejoice to see our Demo- | Party or sectional nature, we are in favor of ? ae i = cratic fellow-citizens in the Western States The Union now mad, forever.” occupying a part of our political platform, es- Resolwed, That to carefully regard the rights pecially that relating to currency, to the im- | of States, is the only possible way to strengthen provement of rivers and harbors by appropria- | and perpetuate our glorious confederacy. ne feo ns oe eveyone Resolved, That a strict construction of the ofthe tar of Aes. ; Constitution of the United States is the only Resolwed, That, as by alone following the | safeouard for the rights of the States, and that advice of the illustrious Father of our Country we fully recognize the doctrine of the Virginia tor three-quarters of a century, our nation 18 | ang Kentucky resolutions of 1798 and 1799 and prosperous and happy, we are still for adhering the Baltimore platform of 1844. to that which teaches us to be at peace with all Rested, Tavs ais-appaed tow walinnal nations, and to form entangling alliances with hank, » high protective tariff and all measures BODE: : and monopolies of a like nature, and are in Resolved, That the delegates to the National favor of the independent treasury and tariff of Convention be left ftee to act according to their 1836. own judgment, when they meet their brethren : in the National Convention, to nominate candi- Resolved, That we are opposed ia wasteful, ; : ; | extravagant and corrupt system of internal im- dates for President und Vice-President of the : f a : provements; but hold that improvements of a United States, according to the lights that there . : ai nied eudiea 0 aet-wede harmonize national character may properly be made with PP eg .,. | the nation’s money, and that, in justice, the conflicting claims and interests, and to maintain " the integrity of the Whig party and the ascend- general government, as a great landholder in the ey of Whig principles States, should contribute of her large domain to ue ee a Se . those public enterprises by which her interests Resolwed, That it is the opinion of this con- | are secured and promoted and the value of that vention that a convention to revise the constitu- domatn enhanced. tion of the States should be called at as early a ot Tene : day as is practicable; and, with a view to the Resolved, That we are in favor of the “ com- advancement of this object, it is hereby recom- promise” as & final seftlementt of the question mended to State and local candidates in every which has 80 Tong agitated the country upon the part of the State to make this issue distinctly subject of domestic slavery. and strongly before the people. Resolved, That we are opposed to ‘ nullifica- Resolved, That this convention request the | %”” of every kind, whether in the legislature exeiitive mama ien of the State, and of each | °f Vermont, or in the latitude of South Carolina, , . s : county and of each district composed of several and are in favor of a faithful execution of ioe counties, to effect a complete and efficient or- of Congress until they are repealed, or declared ganization of the Whig party in their respective THODED NE by the proper tribunals of the counties and districts. country. 3 : Resolved, That our adopted citizens well The Democratic convention met May | geserve the political blessings which are now 28th, at Iowa city, and nominated the fol- | extended to them by the existing naturaliza- —> ov | or + < + HISTORY OF IOWA. 149 tion laws passed by our Democratic forefathers, and we are opposed to any alteration of them sought for by native ‘‘Americanism.” Resolved, That we are opposed to the nomi- nation of a candidate for the Presidency upon the naked idea of availability, but are in favor of a candidate whose principles are known to be national and in conformity to the time-honored tenets of the Democratic party. Resolved, That we are in favor of the nominee of the Baltimore convention, as our candidate for the Presidency, and to such nominee we pledge our hearty and individual support. In regard to State policy— Resolved, That we heartily concur in the great principles of judicial and financial reform which are agitating the civilized world, and which have to some extent been recognized by the adoption of our revised code; but at the same time repro- bate many of the provisions as destructive of the great ends sought after, and earnestly recom- mend a thorough revision of all obnoxious fea- tures. The official vote for Secretary of State was as follows: George G.McCleary, Dem.........16,884—1,857 J.W. Kenkins, Whig... ...ee+e00+015,027 In 1853 the Democrats inaugurated the campaign by nominating David C. Cloud for Attorney Gieneral, and adopting the following resolutions: Resolved, That the delegates this day in con- vention assembled, congratulate the Democracy of the Union, upon the emphatic verdict of the people in favor of Democratic principles, as ex- pressed in the election of Franklin Pierce and Wn. R. King, to the Presidency and Vice-Pres- idency of this Republic. Resolved, That we recognize as principles car- dinal in the Democratic faith: ‘The election of all officers by the people.” ‘The limits of State indebtedness.” ‘Equal taxation”—coripelling the property of the rich, invested in stock, to bear its proportion of the public burthen of con- tribution to the taxes of the State. The restraint of the legislative power—confining it to the legitimate subject of general legislation, and the crowning glory of repeal, which secures the people sovereign from ever becoming slaves to any law or charter passed by their servants. Resolved, That a wise political economy de- mands a more liberal system of disposing of the public lands, and that the prosperity of the country, and the happiness of individuals would be eminently promoted by the passage of a law giving the public domain in limited quantities to actual settlers at a price covering the cost of survey and other necessary expenses, Resolved, That no species of industry should be fostered to the injury of another, that no class of men should bé taxed directly or indi- rectly for the benefit of another; that every de- scription of industry should stand or fall on its own merits, and that commerce should be unfet- tered, and, like the air, free. Resolved, That the Democracy of Iowa adhere to the known and long-established doctrines of the party relative to the currency. Resolved, That to the Democratic, Republican, State and federal institutions, resting on univer- sal suffrage and universal eligibility to office, do these United States owe their unexampled pros- perity among nations, and that it is our duty to sympathize with every people struggling against tyrants for freedom. Mr. Walker introdiced the following resolutions, which, on motion, were adopt- ed: Resolved, That the present Commissioner of the DesMoines Improvement, General VY. P. Van Antwerp, by the fidelity, energy and ability with which he has discharged the duties of his respon- sible position, is entitled to the highest esteem and gratitude of the people of this State. Resolved, That to his faithful and judicious efforts we are indebted to the final grant by the general government of the fund for the Des Moines River Improvement, sufficient and ample to ensure acompletion of the work, and develor. the resources of the DesMovines Valley. 150 HISTORY OF IOWA. Resolved, That in prosecuting the negotiatlons for the State, he has displayed unsurpassed per- severance, industry and discretion against the most trying discouragements and embarassments, and that he has not only faithfully improved every opportunity to advance the interests of his trust, but has signalized his term of service by measures which will identify his name with the successful completion of the public works. Resolved, Therefore, that in his voluntary re- tirement from the office which he hasso ably filled, we hereby tender to him, in convention of the Democracy of the State, the endorsement, ‘‘ Well done, good and faithful servant.” The Whigs made no nomination, but supported Samuel A. Rice for the office of Attorney-General. Cloud was elected over Rice by 7,564. In 1854 the Democrats convened on the 9th of January, at Iowa City, placed the following ticket in the field, and adopted a platform: Governor, Curtis Bates; Secre- tary of State, Geo. W. McCleary; Auditor of State, Joseph L. Sharp; Treasurer of State, Martin L. Morris; Attorney-General, David C. Cloud; Supt. of Public Instruc- tion, Jas. D. Eads. The following is the platform : Resolved, That we, the delegates of the various counties of Iowa, in State Democratic Conven- tior. assembled, do hereby re-affirm and pledge ourselves to the principles of the Baltimore Na- tional Convention of 1852, and that we hold and cons der them as constituting the true platform of the Democratic platform, and as fundamental and essential with all true Democrats. Resolved, That we look upon ourselves as members of the real National Democratic party, a party radically identical in all parts of the Union; and that we have no sectional views to gratify, no selfish designs to accomplish, but are wholly devoted to the Union, harmony and success of the cause; we therefore repudiate all disaffection on sectional or personal grounds, and denounce all bickering among ourselves and most earnestly recommend “union, har- mony, concession and compromise,” as a nucleus for universal observance. Resolved, That we have increased confidence in the talents, and in the integrity and patriotism of Eranklin Pierce, that his administration of the government have been distinguished by wisdom, firmness aud unwavering adherence to its sound Democratic principles; that he has fully redeemed the pledges given to the Ameri- can people, previous to his election. Resolved, That we regard the right of instruc- tion 1s the sheet anchor, the main pillar of our freedom; and that we are determined never to surrender it, but to the last stand by and defend it, convinced, as we thoroughly are, that it is only by frequent and rigid exercise of this in- valuable privilege that the Democratic character of this government can be preserved, and we believe the agent who disobeys to be unworthy the confidence of his constituents, and that he ought to resign his seat. Resolved, That the liberal principles embodied by Jefferson in the Declaration uf Independence, and sanctioned in the constitution, which makes ours the land of liberty and the asylum of the oppressed of every nation, have ever been cardi- nal principles in the Democratic faith, and every attempt to abridge the privilege of becom- ing citizens and the owners of soil among us, ought to be resisted with the same spirit which swept the alien and sedition laws from our statute books. Resolved, That in the recent development of the grand political truth of the sovereignty of the people, and their capacity and power of self-government, we feel that a high and sacred duty is devolved with increased responsibility upon the Democratic party of this country as the party of the people, to sustain and advance among us constitutional “liberty, equality and fraternity,” by continuing to resist all monopo- lies and exclusive legislation for the benefit of the few, at the expense of the many, and by vigilant and constant adherence to those prin- ciples and compromises and strong to uphold the Union as it was, the Union as it is, and the = “oe HISTORY OF IOWA. 151 Union as it should be, in the full expansion of the energies and capacity of this great and pro- gressive people. Resolved, That we look upon the speedy or- ganization of Nebraska Territory as a highly important object, and that its northern boundary should coincide, or nearly so, with the latitude of the northern boundary of Iowa. Resolved, That we hereby pledge ourselves to abide the decision of this convention, and to use all honorable means to secure the election of the nominees. Resolved, That the proceedings of this con- vention be published in all the Democratic papers in the State, and copies be sent to the President, heads of departments, and to our Representatives in Congress. The Whigs met at Iowa City, February 22, and nominated the following ticket: Governor, James W. Grimes; Secretary of State, Simeon Winters; Auditor of State, Andrew Jackson Stephens; Treasurer, Eliphalet Price; Attorney-General, James W. Sennett. The following is the plat- form: Resowed, That an experience of seven years under our present constitution has demonstrated that that instrument is not suited to the politi- cal, the agricultural and commercial wants of the State or the Spirit of the age; that the wants of the people demand a constitution making liberal provisions for the promotion of works of internal improvement, and providing, also, for a well regulated system of banking, which will relieve the people of this State from the onerous and oppressive burden they now suffer in the shape of indirect taxation paid to the banks of others States, whose money is in circulation among us. Resolved, That, in common with the Whig party throughout the Union, we recognize the binding force and obligation of the act of Con- gress of 1820, known as the Missouri Compro- mise, and we view the same as a compact between the North and South, mutually binding and obligatory, and as a final settlement of the question of slavery within the geographical limits to which it applies. Resolwed, That we most unqualifiedly and emphatically disapprove of the efforts now being made in Congress to legislate slavery into the free Territory of Nebraska, and we do most heartily recommend to our Senators and Repre- sentatives in Congress to oppose by all honor- able means the passage of the Nebraska Bill, as reported by Senator Douglas, of Illinois; and that we cannot otherwise look upon the pretense by Mr. Douglas ‘and his aiders and abettors, that “the 8th section of the Missouri Compromise is suppressed by the acts of 1850,” than as a propo- sition totally unreasonable and absurd on its face, conceived it bad faith and prompted by an ignoble and most unworthy ambition for party and personal political preferment; and that we do, as citizens of the West and the free State of Iowa, most earnestly desire to sce an immediate organization of Nebraska Territory, without any infringement of the solemn compact of 1820, commonly called the Missouri Compro- mise. Resolved, That, as Whigs and citizens of the great valley of the Mississippi, we are heartily in favor of that well regulated Whig policy of liberal appropriations by the general govern- ment, for works of internal improvement of a national character, and that we view all navi- gable waters in the country, whether rivers or inland seas, as eminently national in their char- acter, and recommend to our Senators and Representatives in Congress to endeavor, by all honorable means, to procure appropriations for such purposes, and especially for the remova) of obstructions to navigation in the Mississippi river. Resolved, That we view the proposition of Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois, to effect an improvement by the levying of tonnage du- ties on the internal commerce of the country, as entirely inadequate to the accomplishment of such a purpose, and only calculated to impose heavy and unjust burdens on the people of the West, in the shape of indirect taxation, without 4 oe ~~ } Y j ~~ } 152 HISTORY OF IOWA. securing to them any of the proposed advan- | January 24, at the Capitol, and nominated tages. the following ticket: Commissioner Des Resolved, That we unreservedly and cordially | Moines River Improvement, O. D. Tisdale; approve of the course and conduct of the Hon. Register DesMoines River Improvement, John P. Cook, our Representative in Congress Wm. Dewey; Register Land Office, Stark from the Second Congressional District, and we 4 ; . : hereby pledge ourselves to sustain him in his H. Samuels. The following is the plat- able and independent course. form adopted: WHEREAS, The object of our educational sys- Wuereas, It isin accordance with the Dem- tem was to place the means of a common school | ocratic party, to declare, from time to time, its education within the reach of all; and views upon the various political principles that Wuereas, Under its present management | Occupy the attention of the country; therefore, more than one-third of the proceeds of the fund Resowed, That there has been a period in the set apart to cherish ani maintain that sys-| history of our country, when we could with tem is annually absorbed by its constitutional | more confidence proclaim to the world our entire guardians, subjecting it to a loss, in the year | adherence to and approval of the old landmarks 1851, of $10,751.40 to pay the salaries and ex- | of the Democratic party. penses of the Superintendent of Public Instruc- 2. That the temporary success of our foes tion and Commissioners of the School Fund, and being a result of an abandonment of principles leaving only the sum of $20,600.11 to be dis- | on their part, and of the aggression of discordant tributed among the public schools; and elements, brought together for mercenary ends, Wuereas, The duties of said officers may all | ®ffords no grounds for alarm; but confident of be discharged by other State and county officers, | the correctness of our principles, and of the in- without any or with but a trifling expense to said | tegrity of the masses, we appeal to the sober, fund; therefore, second thought of the people with no fears as to Resolved, That sound policy and enlightened The sere wat Shey midy reNdee, philanthropy demand such legislation und 8. That we declare our firm determination to amendment to our constitution as will preserve sustain the principles recognized as correct, in this fund inviolate to the purposes originally | reference to slavery agitation, to support the intended as an inheritance to our children and | constitution faithfully, to carry out its provis- their posterity. ions, and discountenance all incendiary move- Resolved, That we are in favor of a donation, | ™ents that tend to the overthrow af our govern: by Congress, of public lands, in limited quanti- ment, from whatever source they may originate. ties, to actual settlers. 4, That the efforts being made to colonize Resolved, That we believe the people of this | free negroes in thcir native land, is a measure State are prepared for, and their interests re- | that commends itself to every philanthropist as quire, the passage of a law prohibiting the man- | being the only favorable plan for the ultimate ufacture and sale of ardent spirits within the | accomplishment of the first wish of every friend State as a beverage. of freedom. The official vote on Governor was as fol- 5. That we endorse, to the fullest extent, the lows: compromise measure of 1850, believing those Jimes W. Grimes, Whig..........28,025— 1,828 res a ss biaiiaiaia easy hase ite has at Curtis Bates, Dem ................21,202 6. That in changing his domicile from one 7 . | portion of a republican government to another, The election of 1855 was for minor offi- | man does not divest himself of his political, cers. The Democrats met in convention, | moral or natural rights, nor can he be deprived eg ein C(O =— I HISTORY OF IOWA, 153 of them otherwise than as he has consented to constitutionally. 7. That the liberal principles embodied by Jefferson, in the Declaration of Independence, and sanctioned in the constitutioh, which makes ours the land of liberty and the asylum of the op- pressed of every nation, have ever been cardinal principles in the Democratic faith, and every at- tempt to abridge the right of becoming citizens and the owners of soil among us ought to be re- sisted with the same spirit that swept the alien and sedition laws from the statute books. 8. That we adhere to the doctrine of an un- restrained religious liberty, as established by the constitution of the United States, and sustained by all Democratic administrations. The Whigs held their last State conven- _ tion at Iowa City, January 25, 1855, and, without resolutions, made the following nominations: Commissioner on DesMoines River Improvement, Wm. McKay; Regis- ter DesMoines River Improvement, J. C. Lockwood; Register Land Office, Anson Hart. The official vote for Commissioners was as follows: William McKay, Whig. .....0s0.. .24,743—4,737 O. D. Tisdale, Dem..........00.+- 20,006 A vote was taken this year on the pro- hibition liquor law, with the following re- sult: For the law... ..cccccccceccvccs es -20,000—2, 910 Against the law......cecccsceess+ 22,040 While the Whig party in this State ap- parently was in a well organized condition, throughout the Union it was undergoing a process of disintegration. In the South it was being absorbed by the American or Know Nothing party, and in the North by the newly organized Republican party, born out of the issues growing out of the slavery question. Representatives of the Republican party met in, convention at, Iowa City, February 22, 1856, and selected | the following ticket: Secretary of State, Elijah Sells; Auditor, John Patten; Treas- urer, M. L. Morris; Attorney-General, 8. A. Rice. The following platform was adopted at the same time and place. United in a common resolve to maintain right against wrong, and believing in the determina- tion of a virtuous and intelligent people to sus- tain justice, we declare— 1. That governments are instituted among men to secure the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 2. That the mission of the Republican party is to maintain the liberty of the press, the sov- ereignty of the State, and the perpetuity of the Union. 8. That under the constitution, and by right, freedom is alone national. 4. That the federal government, being one of limited powers, derived wholly from the consti- tution, its agents should construe these powers strictly, and never exercise a doubtful authority —always inexpedient and dangerous. 5. Ifthe plan is Jeffersonian, and the early policy of the government is carried out, the fed- eral government would relieve itself of all re- sponsibility for the existence of slavery, which Republicanism insists it should and means it shall do, and that regarding slavery in the State as a local institution, beyond our reach and above our authority, but recognizing it as of vital con- cern to every citizen in its relation to the nation, we well oppose its spread, and demand that all national territory shall be free. 6. That the repeal of the Missouri Compro- mise, and the refusal of the slave power to abide by the principles on which that repeal was pro- fessedly based, make the national domain the battle ground between freedom and slavery; and while Republicans stand on a national basis, and will ever manifest and maintain a national spirit, they will shrink from no conflict and shirk no responsibility on this issue. 7. That the slave power, the present national administration and its adherents, having violated af. oe ae 154 HISTORY OF IOWA. this policy, and the principles on which it is based, by a disregard of the law and its own profession, by encroachments upon the State and personal rights, and by breaking solemn covenants of the country, make the issue whether freedom shall be limited to the free States, or slavery to the slave States, and make that issue absorbing and paramount. Resoloed, That the firm, consistent, and patriotic course pursued by the Republican members of the present Congress, during the arduous protracted struggle for the speakership, * meets with our cordial approval, and we recog- nize in Hon. N. P. Banks a statesman of mature abilities, a Republican of reliable character; and we hail his election as a proud triumph of those great principles of human liberty upon which the American government was founded, The Democratic convention met at Iowa City, June 26, 1856, and adopted a plat- form and made the following nominations: Secretary of State, Geo. Snyder; Auditor, Jas. Pollard; Treasurer, George Paul; At- torney-General, James Baker. The follow- ing is the platform: Resolved, That the Democracy of Iowa receive with joy, and ratify with confidence, the nom- inations of James Buchanan and John G. Breck- enridge. 2., That the platform of Democratic principles Jaid down by the Cincinnati convention meets our hearty concurrence, and that it is such a one as is worthy of the only National party in exist- ence. On motion of Col. Martin, of Scott, the following resolution was unanimously adopted: Resolwed, That freedom and equal rights are the basis of Democracy, and that no measure or principle not embracing or recognizing these is any part or parcel of the Democratic creed; that Democracy is equality against privilege, freedom against aristocracy, liberty against licentious- ness, strict construction against latitudinaran interpretations of the constitution, law and order against anarchy and violence, and the peace, har- mony, prosperity and perpetuity of our glorious Union to the end of time. The entire Republican ticket was elected. Sells, for Secretary of State, received 40,- 687 votes and Snyder 32,920. There were three elections in 1857—the first in April, for Superintendent of Public Instruction, Register of Land Office and DesMoines River Commissioner; the sec- ond in August, for the purpose of a vote on the new constitution; the third in Octo- ber, for Governor and Lieutenant Gov- ernor. The Democrats nominated the following ticket: Superintendent Public Instruction, Maturin L. Fisher; Register, Theodore §. Parvin; DesMoines River Commissioner, Gideon Bailey; Governor, Benj. M. Samuels; Lieutenant-Governor, Geo. Gillaspie. The Republicans nominated the follow- ing ticket: Superintendent Public In- struction, L. A. Bugbee; Register, W. H. Holmes; DesMoines River Commissioner, H.F. Manning; Governor, Ralph P. Lowe; Lieutenant-Governor, Oran Faville. The following Republican platform was adopted: United in a common resolve to maintain right against wrong, and believing in the determina- tion of a virtuous and intelligent people to sus- tain justice, we declare: 1. That governments are instituted among men to secure the inalienable rights of life, lib- erty and the pursuit of happiness. 2. That the mission of the Republican party is to maintain the liberties of the people, the sovereignty of the States and the perpetuity of the Union. 3. That under the constitution, and by right, freedom alone is national. 4, That the Federal Government being one of limited powers, derived wholly from the con- or ae a! : HISTORY OF IOWA. 155 stitution, its agents should construe those powers strictly, and never exercise a doubtful authority, always inexpedient and dangerous. 5. That if this Jeffersonism and early policy were carried out, the Federal Government would relieve itself of all responsibility for the exist- ence of slavery, which Republicanism insists it should, and means it shall do, and that regard- ing slavery in the States as a local institution, beyond our reach, and above our authority, but recognizingit as of vital concern to the nation, we still uppose its spread, and demand that all national territory shall be free, 6. That the repeal of the Missouri compro- mise, and the refusal of the slave power to abide by the principle on which that repeal was pro- fessedly based, made the national domain the battle ground between freedom and slavery, and while Republicans stand on a national basis, and maintain a national spirit, they will shirk no respunsibility on this issue. 7. That the slave power—the present national administration and its adherents having violated this policy, and the principles on which it is based, by a disregard of law and its own pro- fessions, by an invasion of the State and per- sonal rights, and by breaking solemn covenants, has forced upon the country the issue whether freedom shall be limited to the free States or slavery to the slave States, and makes that issue absurbing and paramount. Resolved, That the recent opinion of the Su- preme Court of the United States, in the Dred Scott case, is the most alarming of those bold innovations upon the rights of the free States which have marked the administration of the government for years past, as sectional and disloyal to the spirit of our free institutions. We regard it as virtually revolutionizing the judicial action of the government, if tolerated; by giving to stavery a national instead of a local character; opening free States and free Terri- tories for its diffusion; reducing to the condi- tion of chattels those who are recognized by the constitution as men, belying the sentiments of the Declaration of Independence, an casting reproach upon the action of those who, amid toil and peril, laid deep the formation of the Union. 2. That the National Administration has brought disgrace upon the country by so long tolerating the demoralizing and lieaven-defying practices of Brigham Young and his followers in Utah. The embarrassment experienced by the present administration in reaching and cor- recting the evil, is mainly attributed to the doc- trine embodied in the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, and the retention of the U. 8. soldiery in Kansas to overawe unoffending men, instead of sending them to Utah, where the authority of the gen- eral government is brazenly defied, is humili- ‘ating evidence of perversion of the powers of the national government. 3. That we invite the affiliation and co-opera- tion of freemen of all parties, however differing from us in other respects, in support of the principles herein declared, and believing that the spirit of our institutions as well as the con- stitution of our country, guarantee liberty of conscience and equality of rights among cili- zens, we oppose all legislation impairing their security. 4. That we congratulate the people of Iowa upon the new constitution, for many reasons, but most of all in view of the fact that it enables them to provide for themselves a sound currency, and places the annual election in October instead of August, thus consulting the convenience of an agricultural population. 5. That it isa deliberate*conviction of this convention, that the next Legislature should provide a system of banking that will secure to the State a circulating medium, redeemable at all times, within its limits, in gold and silver; and we will support for State officers and the Legis- lature such, and such only, as are avowedly qualified favorable to this result. 6. That the administration of Governor Grimes deserves and receives our warmest en- dorsement, and that the thanks of all who love the character and prosperity of the State, are due to him, as well as to the Legislature, for their efforts to bring to justice a dishonorable public servant, defeat speculation, and prevent <|o—- =—_— SS i et q 156 HISTORY OF IOWA. the squandering of the fund consecrated to the education of the children of the State. 7, That in the nominees for Governor and Lieutanant-Governor we recognize men capable and honest, and every way worthy the support of the Republican party of this State. The Democrats adopted the following platform : As to national policy— 1. That we have undiminished confidence in the present administration. That the policy adopted is eminently wise and proper, and should command the support and approval of every rational man. 2. That the opposition to President Buchanan is now composed of the fire-eaters of the South and the Black Republicans of the North, who are vieing with each other in abusing the admin- istration and Democratic party. We therefore place them in the same category, and brand them as a united opposition, and will treat them alike as factionists, disunionists and ene- mies of the Democracy and the country. 8. That we will maintain and preserve the Constitution of the United States, with all its checks and balances, and that treaties made by the President and Senute, laws passed by Congress under the Constitution, and decisions made by the Supreme Court of the United States, are equally binding on the people, and must be maintained in order to preserve the country from anarchy, and that it is the duty of every citizen to sftstain these departments of government against the assaults of bigots, fanat- ics and traitors. As to State policy— 1. That we will preserve and maintain the institutions of this State ina just relation and harmony toward the general government, and we repudiate and condemn any effort that has been made, or may be made, which asserts the right or remotely tends to bring our State into collision orconflict with the general government. 2. That the conflict of the Black Republican party, acting through their Representatives in passing a law authorizing the Negroes and In- dians to become witnesses against the citizens of this State, was an unjustifiable innovation upon the laws of the State, passed without ne- cessity, and the first step towards a system to equalize the black and white races. 3. The late Constitutional Convention, com- posed of a large majority of Black Republican members, openly advocated the equality of the black and white people, and unanimous!y recom. mended, through an appendage to the constitu- tion, that the word ‘‘white” be stricken from that instrument; we, therefore, feel free to charge upon that party the design and purpose of abolitionizing the people of this State, and placing the negro upon an equality with the white man. 4. That the National Democracy of Iowa re- gard the new constitution just adopted by the people, in many of its features, as essentialiy anti-Democratic, unjust, and containing prin- ciples that tend to subvert the distinction be- tween the black and white races, and looking to equality between them. We, therefore, now proclaim open and undis- guised hostility to each and every action and part of said instrument which contains these ob- noxious provisions, and we here ruise the stand- ard of opposition and reform, and call upon every true patriot in the State to carry these questions to the ballot-box, and to elect officers for government of the State who will take every honorable measure to reform and amend said constitution. . 5. That the laws of the last Legislature ap- portioning the State into Representative districts and the adoption of that law by the late Black Republican Constitutional Convention, by which the majority of the members of the General Assembly are given to a minority of the people, and many thousands of our citizens are virtually disfranchised, was a tyrannical and flagitious outrage,—a violation of every principle of a Republican Government,—and demands the severest rebuke from the people; that we recog- nize in these proceedings a manifest conspiracy against the rights of the majority, and a wanton violation of the principles of our Republican form of Government. = Y ce 7 HISTORY OF IOWA. 157 6. That the refusal of the late Constitutional Convention to allow the constitution to become the supreme law of the land, when sanctioned and adopted by a majority of the peopie, and postponing the taking effect of portions of the same for more than two years after its adoption, which was avowedly done to withhold political power from the people, and retain it in the hands of already condemned officers, is an insult and an outrage upon the people, and deserving our condemnation. %. That the Democracy of the State of Iowa take this method of expressing their gratitude and confidence in the Hon.:George W. Jones, our Democratic Senator, and the Hon. A. Hall, late Democratic Representative, for their faith- ful adherence to Democratic principles, and their untiring vigilance for the welfare of our young and promising State. Fisher was elected Superintendent over Buzbee by 505 majority; Manning over Baily, for Commissioner, by 315; Lowe over Samuels, for Governor, by 2,149. The campaign of 1858 was opened by the Republicans, meeting in convention at Iowa City, June 17, and adopting the fol- lowing platform: Wuereas, We, the representatives of the Republicans of Iowa, being again permitted to assemble in State Convention, deem this a fitting occasion to briefly express our views of national and State policy, and to affirm our adhesion to the principles of constitutional liberty, for which we have been long and earnestly con- tending. We believe this Republic specially ordained by the blood and treasure of our fore- fathers for the free homes of the mechanic, the operative and the farmer, and we, their descend- ents, are determined it shall be preserved and administered for our common welfare; and that the great problem of the ability of the people to govern themselves shall be clearly solved in the onward progress and prosperity of our Republi- can constitution; manifesting to the nations of this earth that the free spirit of this nation is unconquered and unconquerable; therefore, Resolved, That the principles laid down in the Philadelphia platform, adopted on June 17, 1856, are founded upon the Constitution of the United States, are consonant with the teachings of Christianity, and are most heartily endorsed by the convention. 2. That in the contest now waging between freedom and slavery, our sympathies are wholly and strongly with the former—that we have no truce to offer, no mercy to ask, that with us the watchword is victory or death. 8. That the effort made to extend the area of slave territory on this continent, by the Demo- cratic party, is contrary to the spirit of the age and the genius of our institutions. 4. That by the passage of the English swindle for the admission of Kansas into the Union under the infamous Lecompton Constitution, whereby an unjust discrimination is made in favor of slave and against free States in the amount of population required to form a State government, the so-called national Democracy have proven devotion to slavery extension, their opposition to the interests of free labor, and their total disregard of the popular will. 5. That the new doctrine of the so-called Democratic party originated by Chief Justice Taney, in the Dred Scott decision, and carry slavery into our national territory, has no foun- dation in the Federal Constitution, is at war with the verities of our history, civil and judi- cial, and this is calculated to tolerate the en- slaving of our race in all the States. 6. That we view with satisfaction the course of those who, without respect to party feeling, and uninfluenced by the threats and in scorn of the bribes and corrupting influences of the Buchanan administration, boldly, and as free- men fighting for freemen’s rights, opposed with all thcir might the passage of the Lecompton Constitution and the English swindle through Congress, and we trust that among the people there wil] continue the samie strong opposition to the encroachments of the slave power, which they have so gallantly manifested before the nation. oF Y Adee 158 HISTORY OF IOWA. %, That we look forward hopefully to that good time, not far distant, when it shall be deemed legitimate, proper and constitutional for this government to extend its protecting care over free labor, the commerce and industrial interests of all the country, instead of bending its whole energies and treasure for the aggrand- izement of a slaveholding aristocracy in one section of the Union. 8. That the corruption which stalks abroad at noonday, pervading every department of the National Government, the gross and shameless use of Presidential power and patronage to in- fluence the action of Congress, the astounding increase in national expenditures in a time of peace and universal financial embarrassment (involving, as it does, a debt of forty-five mil- lions of dollars, and an expenditure of nearly one hundred millions of dollars during a single financial year), bringing upon the government the burning disgrace of bankruptcy and threat- ening the onerous burthens of direct taxation, demand a solemn, earnest protest from us in behalf of the people of Iowa. 9. That the mismanagement and reckless squandering of the school fund of the State by the late Seperintendent of Public Instruction, and the manner in which this sacred fund has been dealt with in many counties in the State, as developed by the investigation already insti- tuted, under a Republican State administration, demonstrates the wisdom of that thorough ac- countability and scrutiny provided for by the State Legislature. 10. That we, as Republicans, pledge our- selves to use all honorable efforts to promote the administration of the State and general government with strict ecouomy and a just regard to the growing interests of our State and Union. 11. That our State should have that consider- ation from the general government to which her resources, power and future prospects entitle her, and that we will demand from the general government five per cent. of the proceeds of those lands hitherto entered with land warrants within the State; the improvement of the navi- gation of our great inland seas, and such addi- tional grants of lands to aid the building of railroads through unoccupied portions of Iowa as will upbuild the population and wealth of our State and the general welfare of our common country. 12. That the members of this convention heartily endorse the candidates nominated to- day for the various offices, and promise their united and zealous support in the ensuing cam- paign, and, if their labors can achieve it, a triumphant election. 18. That the entire Republican delegation in Congress are entitled to the gratitude of the nation for their able and zealous advocacy of true Republican principles; and that our imme- diate Representatives, Messrs. Harlan, Curtis and Davis, have the unqualified approbation of their constituents for the talented and efficient manner in which they have represented the State of Iowa, and especially for the earnest aud uncompromising opposition waged by them against the Lecompton English Bill bribe and other tyrannical abuses of the present adminis- tration. The following ticket was then nomi- nated: Secretary of State, Elijah Sells; Auditor of State, J. W. Cattell; State Treasurer, John W. Jones; Attorney-Gen- eral, S. A. Rice; Register of State Land Office, A. B. Miller; Com. of DesMoines River Improvement, Wm. C. Drake. The Democrats met June 23 at Des Moines, nominated the following ticket and adopted a platform: Secretary of State, Samuel Douglas; Auditor of State, Theodore 8. Parvin; Treasurer of State, Samuel H. Lorah; Attorney-General, Jas. S. Elwood; Commissioner DesMoines River Improvement, Charles Baldwin; Register of Land Office, James M. Reid. The following is the platform: The Democrats of Iowa, through representa- tives in State Convention assembled, proclaim their unalterable devotion and adhusion to the principles embodied in the resolutions following: —~ HISTORY OF IOWA. 159 Resolved, That we adopt, abide by, and will cherish and defend the platform of principles promulgated by the representatives of the De- mocracy of the nation, when assembled in national convention, at Cincinnati, in June, 1856, believing, as we do, that the platform there laid down is broad and strong enough to uphold and sustain every true patriot, and with such only do we desire companionship. 2. That all attempts to engender sectional prejudice and animosities are pregnant with mischief, tend to hinder the progress and devel- opment of our country, and must, if persisted. in, lead to the dismemberment of the union of the States and the destruction of the only free government of the world. 8. That the rights of the people should be maintained alike against the encroachment of federal power, the zeal of blind partisanism and wiles of unscrupulous and demagogue politi- cians, and that the office of the Democratic party is to see these cardinal principals main- tained in their party. 4, That the agitation of the slavery question tends to weaken the bonds of our union by de- stroying that confidence which should exist between the different States, and begetting sec- tional animosities, and that it is the duty of all true patriots to frown upon such attempts, and secure, by all honorable means, the discredit alike of the extremists of the South and North. 5. That the decision of the judicial tribunals of the State and Federal Government should be respected, must be submitted to, obeyed and carried into effect; and that any attempt to set them at defiance is a step toward anarchy and confusion, tends to impair respect for the gov- ernment, and merits the unmeasured condemina- tion of all law-abiding and peaceably disposed citizens. 6. That the outrages recently committed on our shipping by officers of the British Govern- ment demands an immediate and unequivocal denial and apology; that now is an appropriate time to settle finally the question of the rights to visit and search vessels on the seas, and in the event an apology is refused, the arrogant pre- tensions of European powers should try the “last resort” of nations, the cannon’s mouth, and the world taught the lesson that our flag cannot be degraded, nor our nation insulted with impunity. 7. That the administration of State affairs in Iowa for the last four years, under Republican rule, is of a character to warrant the most rigid investigation by the people, and that the expo- sure thus far of their speculations, fraud and extravagunce calls for the denunciation of all honest men. 8. That an empty treasury, extravagant ex- penditures, and the stifling of investigation into corruption, by Republican officials of Iowa, should be sufficient to arouse t1x-payers to the enormous outrages perpetrated upon the people’s treasury, and absolutely demand a change in the administration, that the guilty may be brought to punishment, and our State preserved from utter bankruptcy. 9. That the Democracy of Iowa pledge to the people their earnest, persistent and unlterable purpose to reform the State government, and to bring to condign punishment whoever may be found guilty of criminal default in any of its departments. The Republicans carried the State by an average majority of 3,000. The Republicans were again first in the field for the State campaign of 1859. They met in convention, June 22, at Des Moines, and nominated the following ticket: Governor, 8. J. Kirkwood; Lieu- tenant-Governor, Nicholas J. Rusch; Su- preme Judges, Ralph P. Lowe, L. J. Stockton, Caleb Baldwin. The platform adopted was as follows: ~ Possessing an abiding confidence in the intel- ligence and patriotism of the American people, an unwavering faith in their devotion to the eternal principles of liberty, as they came from the hand and heart of the fathers of the Repub- lic, and invoking the blessing of heaven upon our efforts to maintain them in their purity, we . See =P ~—f>, 160 ‘ HISTORY OF IOWA. commend them most cordially to the sympathy and support of the Republicans of Iowa and of the Nation. Resolved, That we entertain an abiding confi- dence in the cardinal doctrines contained in the Republican National platform of 1856, and re- affirming the same, we commend them anew to the discriminating consideration of the people. 2. That the sum of nearly one hundred mil- lion dollars, supposed to be necessary to support the government under rule of the Africanized Democracy, is incompatible with just ideas of a simple, economical Republican government, and the issue of National shinplasters to meet such demand shows the hopeless financial degreda- tion of the present administration. 8. That we condemn the principles advocated by the Democratic party—no prohibition of slavery in the Territories—and proclaim as our principles, no interference with liberty by the President, by Congress or by the federal court. 4. Weclaim for citizens, native and natural- ized, liberty and conscience, equality of rights and the free exercise of the right of suffrage. We favor whatever legislation and administra- tive reform that may be necessary to protect these rights, and guard against their infringe- ment or abuse, and opp: se any absidgment whatever of the rights of naturalization now secured to emigrants, and all discrimination between naturalized citizens whatever, by the amendment of the State constitution or other- wise. And we cordially approve of the action taken by the Republican State Central Commit- tee in regard to the amendment proposed by the Massachusetts Legislature to its constitution. 5. That the Republican party will forever oppose the demand of the Southern Democracy for the enactment of a slave code for the Terri- tories. 6. That we look with horror upon the revival of the slave trade, and view with alarm the apathy and abortive attempts of administration and judiciary in arresting and bringing to trial and justice those who have recently been guilty of open infractions of those laws of our country which declare it piracy, and in sending such as have been arrested to places of trial where in- dictment was doubtful and acquittal certain; and while we will oppose, by every just means, the repeal of those laws, we will also insist upon their being hereafter faithfully executed and enforced, even though it involve the exercise of the full power of the federal government. % That we are in favor of granting to actual settlers suitable portions of the public lands free of charge; and we do most unqualifiedly con- demn the course of the present slavery Democ- racy in Congress, in opposing and defeating, in the United States Senate, the Homestead bill, which was designed to secure free homes for free people, whether of native or of foreign birth. 8. That the rights of citizens are equal, and they are equally entitled to protection at home and abroad, without regard to nativity or dura- tien of domicile; and that the late refusal by the federal government, as expressed in the late official communication of Lewis Cass, Secretary of State, to guarantee against arrest and deten- tion, abroad, of naturalized citizens, on the ground of their allegiance to foreign power, is a cowardly abandonment of the true and noble position hitherto occupied by our government. 9. That we re-assert, as cardinal principles of Republicanism, the maintenance of a strict economy in public expenditures, and the prompt and faithful discharge by public officers of their public duties; and we congratulate the people of Iowa that the present State officers are honest and enjoy their confidence in the execution of their official duties. 10. That while our State tax has been largely reduced, being less in 1858 than the preceding year, and less the present year than in 1858, the increasing county taxation is becoming so bur- densome as to call imperatively for reform in the system of county administration. The Democrats met at DesMoines, June 23, adopted a platform, and placed the fol- . lowing ticket in the field: Governor, A. C. Dodge; Lieutenant-Governor, L. W. Bar- bitt; Supreme Judges, Charles Mason, T. ‘ A ee Sse ee HISTORY OF IOWA. +—[s, 161 8. Wilson, C.C. Cole. The following is the platform, as to National policy: Wuereas, In view of the double relation in wh ch we stand toward the federal government on the one hand, and our own State on the other, we deem it expedient and proper, before enter- ing upon a contest which may, in no small de- gree, influence the character and destinies of both governments, to adopt and promulgate the following declaration ef principles for the gov- ernment of our conduct: Resowed, That we affirm the principles of the national Democratic platform of 1856, and re- assert the doctrines of non-intervention therein contained, as the ground upon which a national party can be maintained in these confederate States. 2. That the organized Territories of the United States are only held in their Territorial condition until they attain a sufficient number of inhabitants to authorize their admission into the Union as States, and are justly entitled to self-government and the undisturbed regulation of their own domestic or local affairs, subject only to the constitution of the United States. 8. That, inasmuch as the legislative power of the Territories extends undeniably to all right- ful subjects of legislation, no power can prevent them from passing such laws upon the subject of slavery as to them may seem proper, and whether such laws, when passed, be constitu- tional or not, can be finally determined, not by Congress, but by the Supreme Court on appeal, from the decisions of the Territorial courts. 4. That the Supreme Court of the United States,-being under the constitution, and an indépendent co-ordinate branch of the govern- ment, with a tenure of office which cannot be changed by the action of parties, through the instrumentality of Congress, we hold the Democ- racy entirely irresponsible for its doctrines, and jn no case conclusively bound by the same, except so far as to inculcate obedience to its decisions while they continue in force. 5. That without courts of justice, both State and national, respected by the people, and sus- tained in their proper functions by popular sen- timent, anarchy and violence become inevitable, and all rights of both person and property be- come insecure and worthless. 6. That the action of the public authorities in some of the States, in attempting to set at defiance by State authority, decisions of the Supreme Court and acts of Congress passed in accordance with the constitution, is the very essence of nullification. %. That a tariff for revenue alone is the true policy of this country, but an incidental protec- tion is one of its legitimate consequences. The amount of duties levied should be limited to the. necessary wants of the government, and they should be so apportioned as to fall as lightly as possible upon the people, by whom they are eventually to be paid. 8. That it is a doctrine of the Democratic party that all naturalized citizens are entitled to the same protection, both at home and abroad, that is extended to the native-born citizens, and that even a voluntary return of such citizens to the land of their birth, for a temporary purpose, does not place them beyond the range of that protection, but that our government is bound tv shield them from injury and insult while there, at every hazard. 9. That the expansion of our national domain is desirable whenever it shall be necessary for the safety, happiness and prosperity of the Re- public, and we will hail with pleasure the acqui- sition of the island of Cuba, whenever it can be effected with justice and in accordance with the wishes of the people thereof, and as a nation we can never assent to its appropriation by any of the powers of Europe, and will incur all the hazards of war to avert such a result, 10. That the building of a railroad connecting our Atlantic and Pacific coasts, by grants of the public lands along the line thereof, or by any other constitutional means, will meet with the hearty approval of the Democracy of Iowa. 11. That we are in favor of granting a honie- stead of 160 aeres of land by Congress to actual settlers, subject only to such restrictions as will exclude speculators from the benefits of such acts. = Baal. ae 162 HISTORY OF IOWA. 12. That we are in favor of an economical administration of the federal government, and will lend our best efforts to those who advocate reform and retrenchme:.t in our national expen- ditures. 18. That we are unconditionally opposed to the re-opening of the African slave trade; that its revival would not only renew those cruelties which once provoked the indignation of the civ- il zed world, but would entail a foul blot on our country’s fair escutcheon. 14. That we cordially tender to the Democ- racy of the Union an invitation to unite with us in maintaining our organization on principles jndicated in the foregoing resolutions, and that we earnestly appeal to them to drop past differ- ences, and assemble again as a band of brothers under the panoply of the constitution and Union. As to State policy— Resolved, That the burdens of taxation have increased and are increasing under the present administration of State affairs, and that a com- plete and thorough reform of existing abuses and expenditures is demanded by the highest interests of the people. 2. That the Democracy cordially and sincerely invite emigrants to settle in the State, promising them all the protection and right they have en- joyed under the laws of Congress since the days of Jefferson; and that we earnestly deplore the acts of the Republican party in Massachusetts, and their attempts in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, to confer upon the uncouth, semi-barbarian negro from the South the right of suffrage and office in one year, and requiring for the same purpose of the naturalized citizens a residence of two years after naturalization, equivalent to an extension of the period for nat- urulizition to seven years, thus degrading the foreign white man below the negro and mulatto. 8. That we are opposed to the policy inaugu- rated in this State by the Republican party, by which the immigration to this State of the Afri- can race is encouraged and promoted, thus bringing cheap negro labor into direct competi- tion with the labor of the white man, and filling our State with a class of population that can never become citizens thereof; and we are in favor of a change which shall discourage and prevent the settlement of that race among us. 4. That, since the border States of Ohio, In- diana and Illinois exclude the free negroes of the South from their limits by stringent laws, Iowa will become the great receptacle of the worthless population of the slave-holding States, to the exclusion of an equal number of free white laborers, if the present Republican policy be persisted in. 5. That such a policy leads necessarily to the intermixing of black and white children in the common schools, or the necessity of dividing the common school fund to maintain separate and independent schools in every locality where free negroes reside. 6. That the Democracy demand a total repeal of the provisions of our State constitution, and the law made in pursuance thereof, requiring negro children to be admitted into our common schools, or separate schools, to be supported out of the common school fund for their education. %. That the Maine liquor law is inconsistent with the spirit of a free people, and unjust and burdensome in its operations; it has vexed and harrassed the citizen, burdened the counties with expense and litigation, and proven wholly use- less in the suppression of intemperance. 8. That we favor a total change in the present common school system, so as to give the people the full benefits of a common school education without the cumbersome machinery and enor- mous expense which the present system requires. The vote for Governor was as follows: L. J. Kirkwood, Rep............. .66,506—2,964 A.C. Dodge, Dem.........00.... 53,542 The campaign of 1860 was the most ex- citing one in the history of the State, and, next to that of 1840, the most exciting campaign in the history of the Govern- ment. Abraham Lincoln had been nomi- nated by the Republicans for the Presi- dency; Stephen A. Douglas by the North- ern wing of the Democracy; John C. ie “yo 4 ®) ~+- (eed imal 5 —> HISTORY OF IOWA. 163 Breckenridge by the Southern wing, and John Bell by the Union party. The Re- publicans of Iowa met in convention at Towa City, May 23d, and selected the fol- lowing named candidates: Secretary of State, Elijah Sells; Auditor of State, J. W. Cattell; State Treasurer, Charles C. Nourse; Register of State Land Office, A. B. Miller. The platform adopted was short, and as follows: Resolved, That this convention approve and endorse the platform of principles laid down by the late Republican convention at Chicago, as the true and sound exposition of Republican doctrine, which we are prepared to advocate and defend. 2. That, in reference to State policy, the Re- publican party of the State of Iowa are in favor of a rigid economy in the expenditures of the public money, and the holding of all public offi- cers to a strict accountability. 8. That the Republicans of the State of Iowa in convention assembled, do hereby endorse the nominations made at the Chicago convention, of Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, for President, and Hannibal Hamlin, of Maine, for Vice-President, and pledge to them the undivided support of the party of the State. 4, That this convention have full confidence in the nominations made by it to-day, both for State and national officers, and we recommend them with entire unanimity to the support and confidence of the people of Iowa, The Democrats held their convention July 12, at DesMoines. Their ticket was as follows: Secretary of State, James M. Corse; Auditor of State, Geo. W. Max- field; Treasurer of State, John W. Ellis; Attorney-General, Wm. McClintock; Reg- ister of Land Office, Patrick Robb. Their platform was as follows: Resolved, That the Democracy of Iowa, by their delegates in the State convention assem- bled, do hereby most cordially endorse and approve of the Democratic National Convention, which convened at Charleston on the 23d day of April, and which concluded its labors at its adjourned session, in the city of Baltimore, on the 28d day of June, by the nomination of Stephen A. Douglas for the Presidency. 2. That this convention heartily endorses and approves the platform enumerated by said convention; and that we will give that platform and the nominees of the national Democracy for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency, Douglas and Johnson, our most zealous and energetic support. 3. That retaining unabated confidence in the intelligence, integrity and patriotism of the people, the Democracy of Iowa firmly adhere to the doctrine of non-intervention and popular sovereignty, laid down in the said platform, as presenting the only just and practicable solution of the question of domestic slavery. 4. That the Iowa delegates to the National Democratic Convention are entitled to the thanks of their constituency for the able and faithful manner in which they discharged the duty entrusted to them, and that this convention heartily approves of their action in said body. 5. That in view of the fact that efforts are being made in some of the States to form so- called union electoral tickets, pledged to vote for this or that candidate for the Presidency, as circumstances may subsequently determine, the Democracy of Iowa totally disapprove of all attempts to compromise the integrity of the Democratic party organization, by putting Dem- ocratic candidates for electors upon the same ticket with candidates who are not pledged to vote, if elected, for Douglas and Johnson, and for no other persons whomsoever. 6. That we approve of a homestead law, giv- ing to every citizen of the United States a home for himself and family; and that this convention recummend to our Representatives in Congress to use their best efforts to procure the passage of a law for that purpose. 7. That we cordially invite all conservative national men to fall into the Democratic ranks and help to crush the hydra-headed monster, Congressional Intervention. Cfo =P fa 164 HISTORY OF IOWA. 8. That the dominant party, called Republi can, during the brief period it has been in power, inflicted upon the people of Iowa a con- stitution and laws, the result of which has been the constant perplexity of the people, the crea- tion of an enormous, unconstitutional debt, and the imposition of taxes too grievous to be borne, thereby exhausting and using up the hard earn- ings of the industrious and the prudent—all of which call loudly for reform at the hands of the peuple. 9. That it is high time there should be a change of men in power and policy in govern- ment; that the Legislature should pass more wholesome and stringent laws, by which men in official station occupying a judicial capacity, either as dircctors and officers of banks or rail- road companies, shall be made personally liable for an improper use of the moneys of the people entrusted to their care and custody. 10. That the Democratic party of the State of Iowa is committed to and pledges itself to carry out, so soon as it obtains the administra- tion of the affuirs of the State, the following measures of State policy: 1. A reduction of the enormous and unneces- sary expenses of the government, which have grown up under the administration, and through the corrupt partisan management of the so-called Republican party. 2. Areduction of the appropriations of money for extraordinary purposes. 3. A reduction of appropriations for chari- table institutions and purposes, to the necessary requests of those classes of the unfortunate, for which it is the duty of the State to fully and liberally provide 4. To reduce the excessive taxation which now burdens the people and consumes the hard earnings of the industrious and frugal. 5. The construction of buildings for the use of our charitable institutions upon plans com- mensurate with the wants of those institutions and the ability of the State, without attempting to imitate the grandeur or magnificence of the public buildings erected for similar purposes in old and wealthy States or Governments. 6. The early revision of the State constitu- . tion, so as to free it from those features which render it justly obnoxious to the people. 7% The amendment of our banking laws so as to throw reasonable restrictions upon the operations of the banks, and to secure the peo- ple against the frauds and swindling which, un- der existing laws, enacted by Republican legis- lators, in the interests of the banks, may be practiced by bank officers, of which the system has already furnished its fruits in two important cases. = 8. That we are in favor of removing the stocks or other securities, pledged for the prompt redemption of the issues of the banks, from the the custody and control of the State Bank to the custody of the Treasurer of the State. 9. The increase of these securities to such an extent as will furnish ample protection to the people in using the issue of the banks, which is imperatively demanded, us the officers of the State Bank themselves admit that at the present time there is no real security for the redemption of the notes of the banks. 10. The entire separation of the finances of the State from the banks, and a repeal of all laws xuthorizing either State or county officers to deposit public money with the branches of the State Bank, save at their own risk. Resolved, further, That the Democratic party is opposed to any and all attempts to create an cnormous State debt, in violation of the consti- tution, for the purpose of promoting the schemes of plunder, of railroads or other speculators. 2. That the system inaugurated bythe Re- publican party of erecting unnecessary and use- less offices for the purpose of providing for the politically lame, halt or blind, and that we hold the revenues of the Government should be ap- plied strictly and economically to the legitimate wants of the Government. 8. That while we are in favor of fostering popular education, until the means of liberal education be placed within the reach of every child in the State; that while we are in favor of providing liberally and justly for all the benev olent institutions of the State, and for all classes oe a 4 HISTORY OF IOWA. 165 of the unfortunate, which humanity demands shall be yrotected and cared for,—we are op- posed to enormous appropriations of public money for uncalled-for purposes, or placing large sums of money in the hands of men, poli- ticians or unscrupulous persons, to be wasted in promoting private and political interests, instead of applying the same to the purpose for which the appropriations were made. For Secretary of State the official vote was as follows: Elijah Sells, Rep. .......see000+6+%0,706—18,670 J. M. Corse, Dem........00006+- 57,086 When the campaign of 1861 was inau- gurated the war for the Union was in progress. The Republicans met in con- vention, and placed in nomination Samuel J. Kirkwood for Governor; John R. Needham, for Lieutenant-Governor; Ralph P. Lowe, for Supreme Judge. The fol- lowing platform was adopted: 1. Renewing our declarations of unalterable devotion to the constitution and Union of the States, to the doctrine of the Declaration of In- dependence, and‘to the law of submission to the will of the majority, constitutionally expressed, we again commend each and all of these corner- stones of our government to the unchanging affection of the people of Iowa. 2. That this convention, in behalf of its own immediate constituency, of all patriotic citizens, acknowledges, with profound gratitude, the prompt dedication of life and fortune by our gallant volunteers, in response to the appeal made to a loyal people by a patriotic President, . and in this action, creditable alike to the admin- istration and to the people, we witness a return of the noble spirit of the revolution. 8. That the new doctrine of secession is a wicked abomination, as abhorrent to patriotism, as it is alien to the constitution, demoralizing in its principle, and destructive in its action, a dis- guise to treason, and an apology for traitors, the ruin of commerce, and the dissolution of political society, the mother of all political crimes and the sum of all villainies, and as such we utterly re- ject and hold it in absolute detestation. 4, That government always means coercion when its lawful authority is resisted, and those who oppose ‘‘ coercion,” necessarily oppose gov- ernment itself, and deny to it the o:. ly power by which it can be maintained. Anti-coercion, therefore, is only another of their disguises of treason, by which they hope so to weaken the government at present as to overthrow it in the future, and we brand it as hypocrisy and repu- diate it. * §. Having, by our first war of 1776, won our independence and established our glorious con- stitution and Union, and having, by our second war of 1812, maintained our national integiity against the most formidable of foreign foes, it now remains for us to establish that integrity for all years to come against internal foes, and in this third and last great trial of our country’s history, in its struggle to maintain that system of government which has been the admiration of the world, whoever hesitates or falters should receive the execration of mankind, as he surely will the reproaches of posterity. 6. The value of the constitution and the Union cannot be measured by dollars and cents, nor by the span of a human life, and there should be no limit to appropriations of men and money for their preservation, except the amount requi- site for certain success. We therefore cordially approve both the action of the President in call- ing for men and money, and the action of Con- gress in placing at his disposal more of both than he demanded, thus giving assurance to the world of the unalterable determination of this goverument to perpetuate its existence as estab- lished by our fathers, to crush out the foulest rebellion known to history, and liberate the loyal people of the rebellious States from the odious despotism and terrorism which have wrenched from them the blessings of peace and prosperity in the Union of the States, and we demand the prosecution of the war until the insults to our national flag and authority are avenged by the restoration everywhere of law and order, and the supremacy acknowledged on its own terms, 1 -_ a ale fa, HISTORY OF IOWA. 7. In the State affairs we demand all the economy consistent with the public safety, and all the liberality required for the comfort and efficiency of our volunteers, and for the protec- tion of the State against invasion. ‘To that end we approve the action of the General Assembly, at its special session, in making appropriations for war purposes. 8. We heartily invite co-operation with us of men of all parties, whatever their former politi- cal ties, who adhere to these sentiments, and who unite in the patriotic support of the present loyal administration of the government. The Democrats nominated William H. Merritt for Governor; Maturia L Fisher, for Lieut.-Governor; James L. Elwood, for Supreme Judge. Their platform was as follows: The people of the State of lowa who regard the constitution of the United States in its judi- cial relation to the States and people as inter- preted by the Supreme Court, and its political principles as enunciated from time to time by the Democratic party, and as applied by several successive administrations in carrying on the government of the United States, being assem- bled by their delegates in convention, in the Capitol at DesMoines, on the 24th day of July, 1861, do make and proclaim to their fellow citi- zens of the sister States of the Union, the follow- ing declaration: WaeErEas, In the vicissitudes which are inci- dent t all governments, to human safety, and to civiliza ion, the government andthe people of the United States have become involved in a civil war, which threatens alike to be disastrous to the form of government which experience has proved to be the most conducive to the happi- ness of mankind, and to result in imposing upon the present and future generations onerous burdens, which it should be the duty of a gov- ernment having any regard for the well being of the people to avoid, it becomes the incumbent duty upon the people for whose benefit alone government is instituted, and who, having the right to either alter or abolish it when it ceases to be administered for their happiness and pros- perity, have also the right to determine and direct how it shall be administered when they find it departing from the principles upon which it was founded, and to be precipitating into waste and ruin the fabric of civil society, instead of preserving the people in peace, p:omoting their prosperity, and securing their rights. Viewing, therefore, dispassionately, the present condition of our distracted country, and with the single purpose of making an effort to avert impending and other threatened calamities, and of restoring peace, founded upon that fraternal patriotism which gave birth to the American Union, and which preserved its integrity till the election of a President upon a principle which was hostile to the constitution of. the United States and antagonistic to the vested right of the people of nearly half the States of the Union, do declare— 1. That we regard the present condition of the country, the civil war in which the people are engaged, the effort to dismember the Union and all the concomitant evils which afflict us as a nation, as the legitimate result of the success- ful teaching of the doctrine and policy of the ‘“rrepressible conflict;” a doctrine and a policy which arrayed northern sentiment in antagonism to the constitutional rights of the people of the slave States, avd which proclaim an ‘‘irrepres- sible” and unceasing hostility to the domestic institutions of our brethren of the South. 2. That, notwithstanding the provocation given to the people of the South by the mani- festation of hostility toward their institutions, by a majority of the people of the North, we unequivocally condemn the course they have pursued to obtain a redress of their grievances, believing, as we do, that, aided by the conserva- tive people of the Northern States, their griev- ances would have been redressed, and their rights and interests respected and secured ina constitutional manner and by constitutional means, 8. That we are heartily opposed to the doc- trine of secession, a political heresy, unwar- ranted by the constitution, detrimental to the “| ~~ v sits ala, HISTORY OF IOWA. 167 best interests of the whole country, and destruc- tive of the Union and that glorious heritage of liberty bequeathed to us by our fathers. 4. That our obligations to the government, the duty we owe to posterity and the advance- ment of political freedom throughout the world, alike, command of us the preservation and per- petuity of our federal Union, and we hereby pledge the whole power of the Democratic party to every just and constitutional means to main- tain the same, whether its destruction be at- tempted by the insidious teachings of the higher law doctrine of the Abolition Republican party, or by the open attacks of men in armed rebellion against it. 5. That, as we were taught and admonished by the experience of every free people whose political existence was extinguished by the assumption of arbitrary power and the violation of fundamental principles, to resist the encroach- ment of executive prerogatives, we therefore emphatically and unequivocally condemn the assumption of unauthorized power by the Ex- ecutive of the United States, or by any other officers of the government. 6. That our Union was formed in peace, and can never be perpetuated by force of arms, and that arepublican government held together by the sword becomes a military despotism. 7 That the Democratic party are in favor of a convention of the different States of the entire Union, as soon as the same can be properly had, for such legislation as may secure equal and full rights to all sections of this Union, and a full representation of all the States, and a removal of the agitation of the question of slavery from the halls of Congress and the States of the Union. 8. That we repudiate the modern heresy that the States of this confederacy never had an independent existence distinct from the federal government, and are indebted for their present position in the Union to that government, asa gross insult to the common sense of the country, and a shameless falsification of historical facts, unworthy of the source from whence it emin- ated, and unless promptly met with a stern re- buke on the part of the people, fraught with consequences fatal to the liberties of the country, 9. That we are irreconcilably opposed to all paper money banking, as being a system of legalized swindling, to be indulged in only by the designing capitalist, and are oppos d to every species of paper, except commercial pa- per, for the transaction of business and trade, and in favor of a speedy return to a specie cur- rency; and, if for a time we must submit to the banking system, we recommend that the bank law be so amended as to make each stockholder individually liable (to the fall extent of his property not exempt from execution) for the debts of the bank, and to subject their corpora- tions to such restraints as to make them amen- able to law. 10. That we are opposed to a tariff of duties upon imports, for the purpose of protection, as creating monopolies, and that, in the present crisis of affairs, when the laborer is poorly paid and the products of agriculture are almost worthless, it is the interest of the people that the present burdens imposed upon these articles which enter into the consumption of the poorer classes of our citizens be at once removed. The official vote for Governor was as follows: S. J. Kirkwook, Rep .......0....59,853 ~ 16,608 William H. Merritt, Dem.........48,245 The Democratic convention was held at the. Capitol in 1862, and the following ticket nominated: Secretary of. State, Richard H. Sylvester; Auditor, John Browne; Treasurer, Samuel H. Lorah; Attorney-General, Benton J. Hall; Regis- ter of Land Office, Fred. Gottschalk. The following is the platform adopted: 1. That the constitution and the Union and the laws must be preserved and maintained in all their rightful supremacy, and that rebellion against them must be suppressed and put down; and that we are in favor of the employment uf all constitutional means for that purpose, not merely by force of arms, but by such other “| To { “a ae =, 168 HISTORY OF IOWA. measures as common sense, reason and patriot- ism will readily suggest to the governing powers. 2. That the true interests of the country, as well as the dictates of humanity, require no more war or acts of war should be prosecuted or done than are necessary and proper for the prompt and complete suppression of the rebel- lion. 3. That the present war, as avowed by the President and Congress, and understood by the people, was commenced and prosecuted for the purpose of suppressing the rebellion, and pre- serving and vindicating the constitution of the Union and the laws, and for that purpose only. 4. That the doctrines of the secessionists and of the abolitionists, as the latter are now repre- sented in Congress, are alike false to the consti- tution and irreconcilable with the unity and peace of the country, the first have already involved us in a cruel civil war, and the others (the abolitionists) will leave the couniry but little hope of the speedy restoration of Union or peace, unless the schemes of confiscation, eman- cipation, and other unconstitutional measures, which have been lately carried and attempted to be carried through Congress, be revoked by the people. 5. That the doctrine of State necessity is unknown to our government or laws, but the constitution and the laws are sufficient for any emergency, and that the suppression of the free- dom of speech and the press, and the unlawful arrest of citizens, and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, in violation of the constitution in States where the civil authorities are unim- peded, is most dangerous to civil liberty, and should be resisted: at the ballot-box by every freeman of the land. 6. That this isa government of white men, and was established exclusively for the white race; that the negroes are not entitled to and ought not to be admitted to political or social equality with the white race, but that it is our duty to treat them with kindness and considera- tion, as an inferior and dependent race; that the rigkt of the several States to determine the position and duties of the race is a sovereign right, and the pledges of the constitution require us, as loyal citizens, not to interfere therewith. That the party fanaticism or the crime, which- ever it may be called, that seeks to turn the slaves of the Southern States loose to overrun the North, and into competition with the white laboring classes, thus degrading their manhood by placing them on an equality with negroes in their occupation, is insulting to our race and meets our emphatic and unqualified condemna- tion. 7. That the purchase of the slaves by the government, as proposed by the President, will impose an enormous and unendurable burden upon the present generation, and entail upon posterity grievous exactions. 8. That Congress, in the enactment of the late tariff and tax bills, and the President by his avowal, have imposed unfair and unjust enact- ments upon the people at large, by discriminat- ing in these acts in favor of the comparatively wealthy, and against those who are least able to bear the burdens of taxation. 9. That we recur with patriotic pride to the bravery and valor of the officers and soldiers of all the Iowa regiments exhibited in the struggle upon the many bloody fields in which they have been engaged; and that this convention, in be- half of the Democracy of this State, tenders to them a united testimony to their valor, and devotion to the constitution and the Union, and offer to the friends and families of those who have fallen upon the field, its sincere sympathy and condolence. 10. That viewing the glories of the past and contemplating the realities of the present, we believe there is no hope in the future for the perpetuity of our government, but by preserving the constitution inviolate and in respecting it by both government and people as a sacred deposit of individual and State rights; in an economical and systematic administration of the govern- iment by which corruption will be prevented, extravagance restrained, expenditures reduced, and heavy taxation rendered unnecessary; in cultivating among the people that spirit of American fraternity which once knew no North, I “oe v anil a HISTORY OF IOWA. 169 a no South, no East, no West, except as parts of one unbroken Union; in submitting questions which might arise hereafter, effecting the legal rights of States to the judicial tribunals and not to the executive or legislative branch of the government. And firmly believing in the efficiency of the principles herein enunciated, we implore the blessing of God upon our efforts to have them applied to the administration of the government, and we appeal to our fellow citizens who love the constitution and Union as it was before its harmony was disturbed by abolition fanaticism, and its bonds broken by rebellion. The Republicans met at DesMoines and nominated as follows: Secretary of State, James Wright; Auditor of State, Jona- than W. Cattell; Treasurer of State, Wm. H. Holmes; Attorney-General, Charles C. Nourse; Register of the State Land Office, Josiah A. Harvey. The platform adopted 1ead as follows: We, the delegates of the Republican party of Iowa, assembled to declare anew our political belief, and to select candidates for important official positions, present to the. people the fol- lowing as our articles of faith: 1. That the constitution of the United States is the fundamental law of the land; that it was adopted by our fathers to establish justice and secure the blessings of liberty to themselves and their posterity; that in accordance with the forms prescribed by that instrument, and by the laws of Congress, Abraham Lincoln was elected by the voluntary suffrages of the people as the Chief Magistrate of the United States for the term of four years; that before he had taken the oath of office or exercised any of the powers with which he had been clothed, certain States of the Union passed ordinances of secession, assuming thereby to be no longer a part of, nor subject to the laws of, the United States; that soon afterward they organized a separate con- federation, proclaimed their independence of and hostility to the federal government, and from that time to the present have waged cause- less, merciless and barbarious warfare against the republic, to which they owe perpetual grati- tude and allegiance. 2. That for the maintenance of the govern- ment, in this the hour of its peril, it is the duty of every citizen to devote time, labor, property, life; that we, as the representatives of an organ- ized association of citizens, publicly pledge all our energies and substance, should they be needed, for the governmental defense. 8. That we have undiminished confidence in the President of the United States, that he is faithful to his pledges, is honest and determined in his purposes to crush the rebellion and main- tain the union of the States, and that we earn- estly endorse the action of our Representatives in Congress in aiding to pass laws for the aboli- tion of slavery in the District of Columbia; for the perpetuation of freedom in all the Territo- ries of the republic; for the confiscation of the property of rebels, and clothing the President with authority to use the slaves of traitors for all military purposes. 4, That we abhor all sympathizers with seces- sion, who, to cover their treasonable sentiments, raise the cry of abolitionism; but that, on the contrary, we will honor any loyal citizen, what- ever may have been his former political associa- tions, who will sustain, with all his power, the struggle of Democratic Republicanism against traitorous aristocracy, North or South. 6. That, extending a hearty welcome to those who are present with us in this convention who have left the so-called Democratic party, we in- vite all loyal citizens, regardless of former political associations, and who are in favor of giving the national administration their honest support, to co-operate with us, and we commend to all of such the patriotic words of the lamented Douglas, who said: ‘There is only two sides to this question. Every man must be for the United States or against it. There can be no neutrality in this war—only patriots or traitors.” 6. That we reiterate the demand for an eco- nomical administration of our national and State government, and for a punishment of fraudu- lent contractors and plunderers of the public treasury. = diltnhe 170 HISTORY OF IOWA. 4 7, That the valor of our soldiers and sailors, and especially those of our own State, on every battlcfield to which they have been calied, has earned for them a lasting gratitude, and com- mended themselves and their families to our practical sympathy and aid. 8. That the State of Iowa will promptly fur- nish her quota of troups called for by the recent proclamation of the President, and any addi- tional number which the public service may require. 9. That the voluntary enlistment of our adopted citizens in the army and navy, and their tried valor on our battle-fields, have demon- strated the warmth of their patriotism and an appreciation of liberty and good government which have earned for them the proud name of American citizens and soldiers. 10. That as citizens of a loyal State, whose patriotism, 'oth at home and upon foreign battle-fields, has spoken for itself, we earnestly appeal to the incumbents of the legislative and executive departments of the government, to use every legitimate means in their possession to crush the rebellion, and if, as a last measure for the preservation of the republic, it shall become necessary to blot out the institution of slavery from the soil of every State, we will say Amcn, letting the consequences fall upon the wicked authors of the war, and leaving the final issue with God. The official vote on Secretary of State was as follows: James Wright, Rep.......ssee+++ 66,014—15,205 Richard H. Sylvester, Dem...... 50,809 In 1863 the Democrats met in conven- tion at DesMoines, and nominated Maturin L. Fisher for Governor. Mr. Fisher sub- sequently declining, Gen. James M. Tuttle was substituted; John F. Lumcombe was nominated for Lieutenant-Governor, and Charles Mason for Supreme Judge. The following was the platform adopted: In view of the circumstances that have brought us together, we hereby resolve: 1. That the will of the people is the founda’ tion of all free government. That to give effect to this will, free thought, free speech and free press are absolutely indispensable. Without free discussion there is no certainty of sound judgment; without sound judgment there can be no wise government. 2. That it is an inherent and constitutional tight of the people to discuss all measures of their government, and to approve or disapprove as to their best judgment seems right. That they have a like right to propose and advocate that policy which, in their judgment, is best, and to argue and vote against whatever policy seems to them to violate the constitution, to imperil their literties, or to be detrimental to their welfare. 8. That these and all other rights guaranteed to them by the constitution are their rights in war as well as in times of peace, and of far more value and necessity in war than in peace: for in peace, liberty, security and property are seldom endangered; in war they are ever in peril. 4. That we now say to all whom it may con- cern, not by way of threat, but calmly and firmly, that we will not surrender these rights, nor submit to their forcible violation. We will obey laws oursclves, and all others must obey them. 5. That there isa manifest difference between the administration of the government and the government itself. The government consists of the civic and political institutions created by the constitution, and to the people owe allegi- ance. That administrations are but agents of the people, subject to their approval or con- demnation, according to the merit or demerit of their acts. 6. That we are opposed to the war for the purpose of carrying out the emancipation procla- mation of the President of the United States; and if the Federal administration expect a united North to attend its efforts to sup; ress a rebellion, it must not only come back to its object of the war, as set forth in the Crittenden resolution adopted by the House of Representa- tives in July, 1861, but it must, in its dealings _e— Ir =" HISTORY OF IOWA. 171 with the people of the States, infringe upon no one single right guaranteed to the people by either the federal or State constitutions. %. That we declare our determined opposition to a system of emancipation by the State upon compensation to be made out of the treasury of the United States, as burdensome upon the people, unjust in its very nature, and wholly without warrant of the constitution. 8. That we declare tuat the power which has recently been assumed by the President, where- in, under the guise of military necessity, he has proclaimed and extended, or asserts the right to proclaim or extend, ‘martial law over States where war does not exist, and has suspended the writ of habeas corpus, is unwarranted by the constitution, and its tendency is to subordinate the civil to the military authority, and subvert: our free government. 9. Tha! we deem it proper further to declare, that we, together with the loyal people of the State, would hail with delight any manifestation of a desire on the part of the seceded States to return to their allegiance to the government of the Union; and, in such event, we would cor- dially and earnestly co-operate with them in the restoration of peace and the procurement of such proper guarantees as would give security to all their interests and rights. 10. That the soldiers composing our armies merit the warmest thanks of the nation. The -country called, and nobly did they respond. Living, they shall know a nation’s gratitude; wounded, a nation’s care; and, dying, they shall live in our memory, and monuments shall be raised to teach posterity to honor the patriots and heroes who offered their lives at their country’s altar. The widows and orphans shall be adopted by the nation, to be watched over and cared for as objects fully worthy of the nation’s guardianship. 11. That we will adhere to the constitution and the Union as the best, it may be the last, hope of popular freedom, and for all wrongs which may exist, will seek redress under the constitution and within the Union by the peace- ful but powerful agency of the suffrages of o free people. 12. That we hail with pleasure and hope, manifestations of conservative sentiment among the people of the Northern Siates in their elec- tions, and regard the same as the earnest of a good purpose upon their part to co-operate with all citizens in giving security to the rights of every section, and maintaining the Union and constitution as they were ordained by the foun- ders of the republic. 18. That we will earnestly support every constitutional measure tending to preserve the union of the States. No men have a greater interest in its preservation than we have. None desire it more; none who will make greater sacrifices or endure more than we will to accom- plish that end. We are, as we have ever been, the devoted friends of the constitution and the Union, and have no sympathy with the enemies of either. 14. That the establishment of military gov- ernment over loyal States where war does not exist, to supersede the civil authorities and sup- press the freedom of speech and of the press, and to interfere with the elective franchise, is not only subversive of the constitution and the sovereignty of the States, but the actual inaugu- ration of revolution. 15. That we denounce as libelers of the Democratic party and enemies of the country, the men who are engaged in representing the Democracy as wanting in sympathy with our gallant defenders. 16. That we earnestly denounce the authors of those heresies, secessionism and abolitionism, which have culminated in an armed rebellion, desolated our country and brought sorrow to the heart of every person in this broad land. The Republicans met at DesMoines, June !7th, and adopted the following platform : We, a convention of representatives of the loyal people of the State of Iowa, assembled under the call of the Republican organization of the State, as an expression of the views which shall govern our political action, do declare: 1. That when our fathers formed our consti- tution, and founded thereon a republican form of rr wet, > 172 HISTORY OF IOWA. of government, they intended to and did grant to that government full power to sustain its natural existence. 2. That whenever the life of the Republic is endangered, either by invasion or rebellion, the constitution justifies the use of all necessary means known to civilized warfare in resisting invasion or suppressing rebellion. 8. That we fully and heartily endorse the policy of the administration, and we will to the utmost continue to sustain the government in suppressing the rebellion, and to effect that object, we pledge our fortunes and our lives. 4. That the gratitude of a free people is due to our soldiers in the field, both native and foreign born, for that heroic valor by which they have honored us and sustained the flag of our country, and we guarantee to them con- tinued encouragement and support. 5. That we have witnessed with pride and admiration the bravery and heroism of Iowa soldiers, and we recognize in their brilliant ca- reer a history for the State of Iowa, second to that of no other State in the Union. 6. That we approve of the action of the Gen- eral Assembly of the State, in enacting a law giving to our brave soldiers in the field an opportunity to vote at our elections, and we earnestly hope that no technicality may deprive them of their right. 7. That this convention hereby tenders to Hon, Samuel J. Kirkwood the cordial thanks of the loyal people of lowa for the able, fearless, and patriotic discharge of his duties, during the two terms he held the office of Governor of the State. 8. Finally, we declare that the preservation of the constitution and the Union is above and beyond all other interests, and that all questions of party, of life, and of property, must be sub- ordinate thereto. At that convention the following ticket was nominated: Governor, William M. Stone; Lieutenant-Governor, Enoch W. Eastman; Judge of the Supreme Court, John F. Dillon. The official vote on Governor was as follows: W. M. Stone, Rep.,.....eeeeeee s+ -86,122—88, 174 J. M. Tuttle, Dem.....cccccoses -47,948 The year 1864 brought with it another Presidential campaign. The Republicans placed in the field for re-election Abraham Lincoln, while the Democrats nominated General George B. McClellan. In Iowa the Democrats met in convention at Des Moines, June 16th, and placed in nomina- tion the following named, without adopt- ing resolutions: Secretary of State, John H. Wallace; Attorney-General, Charles A. Dunbar; Treasurer, J. B. Lash; Auditor, H. B. Hendershott; Register State Land Office, B. D. Holbrook; Supreme Jadge, Thomas M. Monroe. The Republicans held their convention July 7th, at DesMoines, when they nomi- nated the following ticket: Supreme Judge, C. C. Cole; Secretary of State, James Wright; Auditor of State, John A. Elliott; Treasurer, Wm. H. Holmes; Attorney- General, Isaac L. Allen; Register Land Office, J. A. Harvey. The platform adopted was as follows: Resolved, That we hereby ratify the nomina- tion of Abraham Lincoln for President, and Andrew Johnson for Vice-President of the United States, for the next term, and we pledge for them the electoral vote of Iowa, 2. That we cordially approve and adopt the platform of resolutions presented by the National Union Convention at its recent session in Balti- more, and that we most heartily endorse the action of Congress in repealing all laws for the return of fugitive slaves and abolishing the inter-State coastwise slave trade. 83. That the brave sons of Iowa who have gone forth to defend the cause of liberty and Union on the battle-fields of the South, and i “To 4 =|, HISTORY OF IOWA. 173 whose heroic achievements have shed imperish- able glory on our State and nation, we offer our highest praises and our most fervent gratitude, and that our State government should continue to make liberal provisions for the protection and support of their families. 4. That to the women of Iowa, whose patriotic labors have contributed so much moral and material aid and comfort to our sick and wounded soldiers, we tender our heartfelt thanks. A Peace Convention was held at Iowa City, August 24th, when the following res- olutions were adopted : WuEREAS, We believe that there is indispu- table evidence existing that the Union may be restored on the basis of the federal constitution; and, WuereEas, We further believe that a vigorous prosecution of this abolition war means the speedy bringing about of a division of the Re- public; and being ourselves in favor of a restored Union, and against the acknowledgment of a Southern Confederacy, therefore, be it Resolved, That the war now being prosecuted by the Lincoln administration is unconstitutional and oppressive, and is the prolific source of a multitude of usurpations, tyrannies and corrup- tions, to which no people can long submit, with- out becoming permanently enslaved. %. That we are opposed to the further prose- cution of the war, believing that the Union can be preserved in its integrity by the President agreeing to an armistice, and by calling a national convention of sovereign States, to con- sider the terms upon which all the people may again live together in peace and harmony. 8. That believing war to be disunion, and desiring to stop the further flow of precious blood for a purpose so wicked as disunion, we respectfully urge the President to postpone the draft {or500,000 men ‘‘to be driven like bullocks to the slaughter,” until the result of an armistice and national convention of States is known. 4. That in the coming election we will have a free ballot or a free fight. 5. That should Abraham Lincoln owe his re- election to the clectoral votes of the seceded States, under the application of the President's “one-tenth” system and military dictation, and should he attempt to execute the duties of the President by virtue of such an election, it will become the solemn mission of the people to depose the usurper, or else be worthy the slavish degradation, which submission under such cir- cumstances, would seem to be their just desert. 6. That if the nominee of the Chicago con- vention is fairly elected, he must be inaugurated, let it cost what it may. % That, in respect’ to the gereral relations whic do and ought to exist between the fedcral and State governments, we approve and will ad- here to the principles in the Virginia and Ken- tucky resolutions of '98—to the interpretations thereof by Jefferson, Madison and Jackson—and to the resolutions passed by every Democratic convention held in this country—to all of which special reference is here made, in utter condem- nation of the war, and of its incidents. 8. That in respect to the new and disturbing element of our times—negro equality—we shall maintain that the status of the inhabitants (black, white and mixed) of the States, within their respective States (now sought to be con- trolled by federal bayonets), is, and ought to be, an exclusively State regulation; that the African negro is not our equal ina politica! or social sense; and that every usurping attempt, by fed- eral force, so to declare him, will meet with our determined resistance. 9. That the foregoing preamble and resolu- tions be submitted to our delegation to the Chi- cago convention, for their consideration. The official vote at the November elec- tion, on Secretary of State, was as follows: James Wright, Rep..............90,03883—40,090 John H. Wallace, Dem...........49,948 The Republicans were the firstto meet in convention in 1865. They met at Des Moines June 14th, and selected the follow- ing ticket: Governor, Wm. M. Stone; Lieutenant-Governor, Benjamin F. Gue; \ ; , Be Le, -— fa, r 174 HISTORY OF IOWA. Supt. of Public Instruction, Oran Fayville; Supreme Judge, Geo. G. Wright. The platform adopted was as follows : Resolved, That the perpetuation of the federal Union, with all guarantees of Republican liberty which its founders contemplated, is the most sacred political duty of American citizenship. 2. Thét, during the four years of war, inau- gurated by pro-slavery traitors, the great truth has been demonstrated, in devastation and death, that the nation cannot exist half slave and half free, and believing that political and religious freedom is the natural right of man- kind everywhere, we do most fervently pray, and shall most earnestly labor, for the ratifica- tion of that amendment to the fundamental law which provides for the abolition of slavery throughout all the States and Territories of the federal Union. 8. That, to the end that the consequences of treason may be made so appalling that never again shall it be inaugurated upon the United States soil, we recommend the permanent dis- franchisewent of leaders of the rebellion, civil and military; and that the late President of the so-called Confederate States of America, as the deepest embodiment of criminal barbarity, be brought to the specdiest trial and swiftest execu- tion, regardless of the habiliments, under the immunities of which he sought, in the day of his calamity, to take refuge. 4. That, with proper safeguards to the purity of the ballot-box, the elective franchise should be based upon loyalty to the constitution of the Union, recognizing and affirming equality of all men before the law. ‘‘Therefore, we are in favor of amending the constitution of our State by striking out the word ‘white’ in the article of refuge.” 5. That we extend to Andrew Johnson, in his assumption of Presidential responsibilities, our confidence and support, pledging for the patri- olic masses of Jowa a continuance of the same devotion to the federal flag which was promptly extended to his predecessors. 6. That now the war is practically ended, and our brave citizen soldiery of Iowa may return to their homes and avocations of peace, we extend to them the grateful thanks of the people, and a welcome, such as only the patriotic and the brave are entitled to receive. %. That every man who voluntarily left his home in this State, before or during the rebellion, with a view to serve the cause of treason in the rebel army or navy, and also every man who left his State to avoid military service, due from him to the government, should be forever debarred by constitutional provision, from holding publis office, and from the exercise of the rights of suf- frage in this State. 8. That we approve the actions of our State executive in his hearty support of the gencral government, and we tender the thanks of this convention for the faithful administration o1 his office. 9. That wehumbly return thanks to Almighty God for the deliverance of our State and nation from the further perils of war, and that we de- voutly recognize His hand in the great work which has been wrought in the Jast four years, for our people and for humanity. The next convention held this year was a “Soldiers’ Convention,” or, as the body termed itself, “The Union Anti-Negro Suf.-. frage Party,” which convened at the Cap- itol August 23d, and adopted a platform and selected candidates for the various offices to be filled, as follows: Governor, Gen. Thos. H. Benton; Lieut.-Governor, Col. 8. G. Van Anda; Supreme Judge, H. H. Trimble; Supt. of Public Instruction, Capt J.W.Senate. The platform read as follows : We, the delegated representatives of the sol- diers and loyal citizens of Iowa, feeling pro- foundly grateful for the restoration of peace after four years of bloody war, have met to- gether, as free American citizens, to adopt such measures as in our judgment will most certainly tend to perpetuate our glorious union of States, and with the blessings of free institutions and ~~] us a ee O) ate, HISTORY OF IOWA. 175 the peace so happily restored, hereby adopt the following platform of principles, viz: 1. We are in favor of the Monroe doctrine. 2. We sustain the administration of Presi- dent Johnson, and especially endorse his recon- struction policy, and we pledge him our earnest and unqualified support. 3. We are opposed to negro suffrage or to the striking of the word “white” out of the article on suffrage in our State constitution, and will support no candidate for office, either State or national, who is in favor of negro suffrage or of the equality of the white and black races. 4. Weare in favor of the amendment of the constitution of the United States, abolishing slavery and the ratification of the same by our next Legislature. 5. That, inasmuch as we do not sufficiently know the sentiment of the people of the State in regard to the prohibitory liquor law, we deem it expedient to refer this matter to the different county conventions to take such action in the matter as by them is deemed proper, and to instruct their Senators and Representatives accordingly. 6. Weare in favor of the brave soldiers and marines who have faithfully served their coun- try in the army and navy of the United States, and especially of the crippled or disabled sol- diers, having the preference for all offices of profit, honor or trust, either by appointment or otherwise, where they are equally competent and qualified to discharge the duties of the office or the trust reposed. 7. That we cherish with grateful remem- brance the memory of our dead soldiers, and ever will be ready and willing to lend our aid, sympathy and protection to the crippled and disabled soldiers, and the widows and orphans of the war. The Democrats also held a convention, made no nominations, but adopted. the fol- lowing platform: 1. That we heartily rejoice in the suppres- sion of the great rebellion and the preservation of the Union, and give unfeigned thanks to Almighty God for the restoration of peace. 2. In order that this peace may be permanent and its effects speedily and widely felt, we be- lieve it is the duty of every patriot to sustain cordially the present policy of President John- son in reconstructing the States recently in rebellion. 8. That the establishment of a monarchy on the soil of this continent isin direct defiance of the Monroe doctrine—a doctrine accepted and recognized by all true Americans; and it is the duty of the Government of the United States to see that the people of Mexico are freed from the oppression of foreign bayonets, and the republic restored. 4, That we favor rigid economy in the national and State expenditures, and will insist on the reduction of the numberless horde of useless office-holders who feed like locusts on the hard earnings of the people. 5. That we earnestly condemn the trial of American citizens for civil offenses by courts- martial and military courts, in States and dis- tricts where civil law is unimpeded in its opera- tions and in full force. 6. That we are radically opposed to negro equality in all ils phases, and accept the issue tendered by the late Republican convention of the 14th of June in making that doctrine the chief plank in its platform by proposing to strike the word ‘‘white” out of the article on suffrage in the constitution of Iowa. 7. That the attacks on General Sherman, originating in the War Department at Washing- ton, and servilely copied and endorsed by many of the leading Republican papers of the State, are the offspring of envy and fanatacism, and will recoil with crushing force on the heads of his calumuiators. 8. That we feela just pride in the progress of our army and navy, and especially of the soldiers of Iowa, who, under Grant and Sher- man, have made a Jasting and glorious record of their patient endurance of suffering, their ad-— mirable discipline and indomitable valor. 9. That we hail with joy the return of these brave men from the battlefield, and extend to them our grateful thanks for their services and ‘a “ve. 4 ~—», 176 HISTORY OF IOWA. a hearty welcome to their homes, and believe that it is the duty, as it will be the pleasure, of their fellow-citizens to see that a due proportion of the civil honors and offices of the State shall be distributed among them, and the fostering care of the public extended to the widows and orphans of those who died in the service of their country. 10. That the assassinatian of President Lin- coln was an act of unmitigated barbarism, and one that should be held in utter abhorance by every good citizen. The official vote for Governor is as fol- lows: William M. Stone, Rep...... oso 000,445—16,375 Thos. H. Benton, Anti-Negro Suf.54,070 Questions growing out of reconstruction of Southern States afforded the issues for 1866. The first convention in this State was held by the Republicans at the Capi- tol, June 20, where the following ticket was nominated: Secretary of State, Col. Ed. Wright; Treasurer, Maj. 8. E. Rankin; Auditor, J. A. Elliott; Register of State Land Office, Col. C. C. Carpenter; Attor- ney-General, F. E. Russell; Reporter of Supreme Court, E. -H. Stiles; Clerk of Supreme Court, Lieut. C. Linderman. A platform was adopted, which reads as follows: Resolved, That the first and highest duty of our free government is to secure to all its citi- zens, regardless of race, religion or color, equality before the law, equal protection from it, equal responsibility to it, and to all that have proved their loyalty by their acts, an equal voice in making it. 2. That the reconstruction of the States lately in the rebellion belongs, through their representatives in Congress, to the people who have subdued the rebellion and preserved the nation, and not to the executive alone. 8. That we heartily approve of the joint resolution lately passed by the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled, pro- posing to the Legislature of the several States an additional article by way of amendment to the federal constitution, and we pledge the rati- fication of that amendment by the Legislature of Iowa. 4, That in the firm and manly adherence of the Union party in Congress to the above prin- ciples, we recognize new guarantys to the safety of the nation, and we pledge to Congress our continued and earnest support. 5. That we are in favor of the enforcement of the Monroe doctrine, and that we extend to all people struggling to preserve nationality or to achieve liberty, our warmest support. 6. That we are in favor of the equalization of the bounties of soldiers who faithfully served their country in the war for the suppression of the rebellion. 7. That we are in favor of the nomination and election to office of such persons as are known to possess honesty and capacity, and we unqualifiedly condemn dishonesty and careless- ness in every department of the public service, A conservative convention was called, which convened at DesMoines June 2%, and nominated the following ticket: Sec- retary of State, Col. S. G. Van Anda; Treasurer, Gen. Poe A. Slone; Auditor of State, Capt. R. W. Cross; Attorney-Gen- eral, Capt. Webster Balinger; Supreme Court Reporter, Capt. J. W. Senate; Clerk, Lewis Kinney. The following platform was adopted: 1. We hold that the constitution of the United States is the paladium of our liberties, ana that any departure from its requirements by the legislative, executive or judicial departments of the government is subversive of the funda- mental principles of our republican institutions. 2. Repudiating the radical doctrine of State rights and secession on the one hand, and the centralization and consolidation of federal authority on the other, as equally dangerous; and believing that no State can secede, and the “| ~~ ale, HISTORY OF IOWA. 177 war having been prosecuted on our part, as ex- pressly declared by Congress itself, to defend and maintain the supremacy of the constitution, and to preserve the Union inviolate, with all the dignity, equality and rights of the States unim- paired, the federal arms having been victorious, we hold that all the States are still in the Union, and entitled to equal rights under the constitu- tion, and that Congress has no power to exclude a State from the Union, to govern it as a terri- tory, or to deprive it of representation in the councils of the nation, when its representatives have been elected and qualified in accordance with the constitution and laws of the land. 8. While we fully concede to the federal government the power to enforce obedience to the constitution and laws enacted in conformity with it, and to punish those who resent its legiti- mate authority in the several States, we believe “in the maintenance, inviolable, of the rights of the States, and especially of the right of each State to order and control its own domestic insti- tutions according to its own judgment, exclu- sively, as essential to that balance of power on which the perfection and endurance of our political institutions depend. 4. We bold that each State has the right to prescribe the qualifications of its electors, and we are opposed to any alteration ef the State constitutions on the subject of suffrage. 5. We consider the national debt a sacred obligation, and the honor and reservation of the government as irrevocably pledged for its liqui- dation; no obligation, incurred in any manner whatever in aid of the rebellion, should ever be assumed or paid. 6. The nation owes a lasting debt of gratitude to our soldiers and sailors of the late war for the suppression of the rebellion; and in the bestowal of public patronage by election or appointment, preference should be given to those competent to perform duties required, and as a positive reward for their services, the government should give to each of those who have fallen in the ser- vice, or have been honorably discharged, or their legal representatives, one hundred and sixty acres of land; and justice to those who entered the service in the early part of the war demands that immediate provision should be made for the equalization of bounties, 7. We cordially endorse the restoration policy of President Johnson as wise, patriotic, consti- tutional, and: in harmony with the loyal senti- ment and purpose of the people in the suppres- sion of the rebellion, with the platfurm upon which he was elected, with the declured policy of the late President Lincoln, the action of Congress, and the pledges given during the war. 8. We regard the action of Congress, in refus- ing to admit loyal representatives from the States recently in rebellion, as unwarranted by the constitution, and calculated to embarrass and complicate, rather than adjust, our national trouble. 9. The ratification by the legislatures of the several States of the amendment to the consti- tution of the United States, for the abolition of slavery, settles that question virtually, and meets our hearty approval. 10. We are opposed to any further amend- ments to the constitution of the United States until all the States are represented in Congress, and have a vote in making the same. 11. We are in favor of a strict adherence to the Monroe doctrine, and extend to all people struggling to preserve nationality and liberty our warmest sympathy. 12. All officers entrusted with the manage- ment of funds should be held toa strict account-. ability for the faithful application of the same, and in case of the defalcation or misuse of such funds, they should not be permitted to evade responsibility by implicating irresponsible agents selected by themselves. Any party that counte- nances such evasion becomes accessory to the crime. The Democratic convention assembled July 11th at DesMoines. No Democratic candidates were selected, save for two offices, the committee on nominations recommending that the convention nomi- nate candidates for Clerk and Reporter of = A= , “To ss @_.. 4 7 2 < a 178 HISTORY OF IOWA. the Supreme Court, and “that we recom- | Hence, justice and equality require that said mend and will co-operate with the conser- bonds oe nai Bose vative element of the Republican party in 5. That strict and impartial justice demands ha Uaton and de- that the expenses of the general government as their efforts to FosnOTe c well as the State governments should be paid by feat radical disunionism, and for that | tne people according to their ability and not ac- purpose hereby agree to support their cording to their necessities. Hence we are candidates.” opposed now, as in the past, to the high tariff e r : The convention named Capt. Albert sen eee producke ior she Hen Stoddard for Clerk of the Supreme Court, 6. That the so-called Maine liquor law is in- and Capt. Fred. Gottschalk for Reporter. | gonsistent with the genius of a free people, and The following resolutions were adopted: | unjust and burdensome in its operations. It Resoloed, That the Democracy of Iowa will has vexed and harrassed the citizens, burdened adhere in the present and the future, asin the the counties with expenses, and proved wholly past, with unfaltering fidelity and firmness to ae in the suppression of intemperance. the organization of the Democratic party, and to e opinion of this convention is that the same its ancient and well settled principles, as enunci- ought to be repealed. ated by Thomas Jefferson, the great apostle of | 7%. That the plunder of the State treasury, by American Democracy, and as acknowledged and Governor Stone and accomplices, calls for the accepted by the party from the foundation of | condemnaticn of every honest man in the State, the government, and especially of equal taxa- | and if the radicals of the last Legislature had tion and representation of all the States subject | been true to the interests of the people, they to taxation. would not have labored to save the criminals, 2. That the one great question of the day is | but would have prosecuted them to a speedy the immediate and unconditional restoration of | 224 condign punishment. all the States to the exercise of their rights 8. That we are in favor of a prompt and within the federal Union under the constitution, | effective enforcement of the Monroe doctrine, and that we will cordially and actively support | and we heartily sympathize with the people of Andrew Johnson, President of the United | every country struggling for their liberties. States, in all necessary and proper means to] 9. That we approve of the National Union carry out his policy as directed to that end, and } Convention to be held at Philadelphia on the especially in securing immediate representation | 14th of next month; that we approve of the in the Senate and House of Representatives, to | principles and policy set forth in the address of the eleven States from which it is now unconsti- | the Democratic members of Congress, urging the tutionally and arbitrarily withheld. Democracy of the nation to unite with the 8, That for the purposes above set forth we | objects of that convention. will co-operate in public meeting, conventions 10. That the memory of the brave officers and at the polls with all men without reference | nq soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the to past party position, who honestly, and by | Ynion during the recent rebellion, is embalmed their acts and votes as well as by their profes- | in the hearts of the American people, and that sion, support the President in his policy of res- justice, as well as humanity, demands at the toration as declared. hands of the American people that the widows 4. That the exemption of United States | and orphans of those who died in the Union bonds from tax is nothing else than exemption | service shall be duly provided for by liberal of rich men from tax, because they are rich, | pensions; that there shall be an equalization of and they tax the poor man because he is poor. | bounty so that those who breasted the war at ~~ ie 4 ~< ~~. al als, HISTORY OF IOWA. 179 the start shall share the equal pecuniary mu- nificence of those who entered the army ata later date. 11. That we most cordially sympathize with the movement now being made by the friends of Ireland to obtain the independence of that glorious country from under the yoke of English tyranny, and that we bid them God-speed in the noble work, and hone that the subject of the independence of Ireland will continue to be agi- tated until the Emerald Isle shall stand out in full and bold relief on the map of the world as one of the independent nations of the earth. On Secretary of State the official vote was as follows: Ed. Wright, Rep......eeseeeeees-91,227-85,873 G. G. VanAnda, Dem............55,854 In 1867 the Republicans met in conven- tion at DesMoines, June 19th. They nominated for Governor, Col. Saml. Mer- rill; Lieutenant-Governor, Col. Jno. Scott; Judge of Supreme Court, Hon. J. M. Beck; Attorney-General, Maj. Henry O’Connor; Superintendent Public Instruction, Prof. D. Franklin Wells. The following is the platform adopted by the convention: 1. That we again proclaim it as a cardinal principle of our political faith that all men are equal before the law, and we are in favor of such ‘amendments to the constitution of the State of Iowa as will secure the rights of the ballot, the protection of the law and equal rights to all men, irrespective of color, race or religion. 2. That we approve of the military recon- struction acts passed by the 39th and 40th Con- gress. The illiberal construction by unfriendly officials depriving these acts of their energy and vitality, we demand that Congress assemble in July to carry out by additional enactments the true and original intent of said acts, the restora- tion of the rebel States upon a sure and loyal basis. a 8. That the promt trial and punishment, according to law, of the head of the late rebel- lion, for his infamous crimes, is imperatively demanded for the vindication of the constitu- tion and the laws, and for the proper punish- ment of the highest crimes, it is demanded by justice, honor and a proper regard for the pro- tection of American citizenship, and by a due regard for the welfare and future safety of the republic, and it is due not only to the dignity of the nation, but in justice to the loyal people who have been so heroic in tbeir devotion to the cause of the constitution, the Union and liberty, and to the soldiers of the Union who survive and the memory of the heroic dead. 4. That we are in favor of the strictest economy in the expenditures of public money, and that we demand at the hands of all officials, both State and national, a faithful and rigidly honest administration of public affairs. 5. That the Republican members of the Con- gress of the United States are entitled to the thanks of the nation for their firmness in resist- ing the conspiracy to turn over the control of the government to the hands of traitors and their allies, and defeating the purpose of a cor- rupt Executive, and thus sustaining the interests of liberty, in a great and dangerous crisis in our . history. The Democracy were in convention July 26th, and nominated the following ticket: Governor, Charles Mason; Lieutenant- Governor, D. M. Harris; Supreme Judge, J. H. Craig; Attorney-General, W. T. Baker; Superintendent Public Instruction, M. L. Fisher. The platform adopted by the convention was as follows: Resoloed, That the maintenance, inviolate, of the rights of the States, especially the rights of each State to order and control its own institu- tions according to its own judgment exclusively, is essential to that balance of power on which the perfection and endurance of our political fabric depends. 2. That we believe each State has the right to regulate the elective franchises for itself, and, as citizens of the State of Iowa, are opposed to striking the word ‘‘white” out of our State con- stitution.. «< 2 =P 4 180 HISTORY OF IOWA. 3. That the existing tariff laws are unjust and heavily burdensome to the agricultural States, without being of a corresponding benefit to the government, and only of advantage to a few manufacturing States, and should be re- pealed or greatly modified. 4. That all classes of property should pay a proportionate rate toward defraying the ex- penses of the government. We are therefore in favor of taxing government bonds the same as other property. 5. That we are in favor of repealing the pres- ent liquor law of this State, and in favor of enacting a well regulated license law in lieu thereof. 6. That we are in favor of an amendment to the constitution of our State giving to forcigners the elective franchise after they have declared their intention of becoming citizens of the United States, and have resided in the State one year. 7. That we demand of our public officers in the State of Iowa and in the United States the strictest economy in order to reduce the present burdensome taxation, and we denounce in the severest terms the profligacy, corruption and kuavery of our State officers and Congressmen. 8. That the denial of representation to ten States in the Union, through odious military reconstruction, in violation to the constitution, should meet the unqualified oppostion of every good citizen. On Governor the official vote was as fol- lows: Samuel Merrill, Rep.....sesee+-+ -90,200—27,240 Charles Mason, Dem............ .62,960 The year 1868 brought with it another Presidential campaign. Ulysses S. Grant was the Republican nominee for President, and Horatio Seymour that of the Demo- crats. In Iowa the campaign was opened by the Republicans, who nominated the following ticket: Secretary of State, Ed. Wright; Auditor of State, John A. Elli- ott; Treasurer of State, Maj. Samuel E. Rankin; Register of State Land Office, Col. C. C. Carpenter; Attorney-General, Major Henry O’Connor. The following platform was adopted : We, the delegates and representatives of the Republican party of Iowa, in convention assem- bled, do, for ourselves and party, resolve— 1. That it is as important that the principles of the Republican party should control, in the administration of the State and nation now, and for the future, as at any time since that party’s organization; and that the restoration to power, under any pretext or any form of party organi- zation of the men who would again apply the principles and policy of the pro-slavery party before and during the war, to the present and future administration of State and national affairs, would be an evil of the greatest magni- tude, and full of danger to the country. 2. That, while we recognize the fact that the electors of Iowa are to act individually and directly upon the proposed amendment to the constitution of the State; and while we recog- nize that the principles embodied in said amend- -ment are more sacred than party ties, and above all consideration of mere party policy, never-. theless we deem it proper to again proclaim it as a cardinal principle of our political faith, that all men are equal before the law, and we are in favor of the proposed amendment of the consti- tution of the State of Iowa, which will secure the rights of the ballot, the protection of the ° law, and equal justice to all men irrespective of color, race or religion. 8. That we demand the strictest economy in the administration of our State and national government. 4, That we are in favor of the nomination of U.S. Grant as our candidate for President, and as a guarantee of his life and safety as well as that of the nation, our delegates are especially enjoined to secure, as our candidate for Vice- President, a Republican of unswerving fidelity and unimpeachable integrity. 5. That the views, purposes and principles of the Republican organization of Iowa has ever © ? ~y oe HISTORY OF IOWA. 181 been well defined, understood and sustained, and we are resolved that the Republican standard shall never be lowered or compromised; that on the battle-field, at the polls, and in the councils of the nation, Iowa has ever been radically in earnest in fighting for and maintaining our lib- erty, our Union, the rights of man and the honor and integrity of thé nation; and that we expect and demand of the national convention to as- semble at Chicago on the 20th inst., an unequiv- ocal avowal of our principles, and upon such platform we propose to meet and overwhelm our political opponents. The Democracy met at DesMoines and made nominations as follows: Secretary of State, David Hammer, Register of Land Office, A.D. Anderson; Treasurer of State, L. McCarty; Auditor of State, H. Dun- lavey; Attorney-General, J. E. William- son. They also adopted the following res- olutions : Resolved, By the Democracy of Iowa, in con- vention assembled, that the reconstruction policy of Congress is unconstitutional and destructive of the spirit of American liberty, and, if carried out, will inevitably result in a permanent mili- tary despotism, 2. That the present depressed condition of the country, with its prostrated business, para- lyzed industry, oppressive taxation and political anarchy, are the direct. results of the unwise and unconstitutional legislation of the dominant party in Congress. 8. That it is the avowed object of the Con- gressional policy to continue in power the most venal and corrupt political party that ever dis- honored any civilization; a policy vindictively enacted and mercilessly prosecuted, with the unconstitutional purpose of centralizing and perpetuating all the political power of the gov- ernment in the dominant radical party in Con- gress. 4. That for the maintenance of the national credit, we pledge the honor of the Democracy of Iowa; but that we will unalterably oppose that policy which opposes to pay the rich man in gold and the poor man in depreciated currency; and that we believe that the currency which is good enough to pay the soldier, the widow and the orphan, is good enough for the bondholder; and that the bonds of the government, which are made payable on their face in “lawful money,” popularly known as greenbacks, having been purchased with that kind of money, may be justly and honorably redeemed with the same; and itis the duty of the government to pay them off as rapidly as they become due, or the financial safety of the country will permit. 5. That the national bank system, organized in the interest of the bondholders, ought to be abolished, and the United States notes substi- tuted in lieu of a national bank currency, thus saving to the people, in interest alone, more than $18,000,000 annually; and until such system of banks shall be abolished, we demand that the shares of such banks in Iowa shall be subject to the same taxes, State and municipal, as other property of the State. 6. That it is the duty of the United States to protect all citizens, whether native or natural- ized, in every right, at home and abroad, without the pretended claim of foreign nations to per- petuate allegiance. 7. That we are in favor of the repeal of the prohibitory liquor law, and of the enactment of a judicious license law in its stead. 8. That we are opposed to conferring the right of suffragé upon the negroes in Iowa, and we deny the right of the general government-to interfere with the question of suffrage in any of the States of the Union. 9. That the soldiers of Iowa, in the recent great revolution, exhibited a spirit of patriotism, courage and endurance, under great privation and sufferings, that have won for them the ad- miration of the nation, and entitle them to the kind recollection of their countrymen and the aid of a graceful government. 10. That Hon. Geo. H. Pendleton, of Ohio, is the first choice of the Democracy of Iowa for President of the United States. On Secretary of State, the official vote stood as follows: a sie as 182 HISTORY OF IOWA. Ed. Wright, Rep........+++e0++-120,265—45,801 David Hammer, Dem. .......... 74,464 The Republicans, in 1869, re-nominated Samuel Merrill for Governor; — Waldon for Lieutenant-Governor; John F. Dillon for Supreme Judge; In Iowa the Democrats and Liberal Republicans met in convention August 1, 1872, at DesMoines, and agreed upon the following ticket, of which two candidates were Democrats and _ three Republicans: Secretary of State, Dr. E. A. Guilbert; Treasurer, M. S. Rohlfs; Auditor, J. P. Cassady; Attorney-General, A. G. Case; Register of State Land Office, Jacob Butler. The two conventions also adopted the following platform: Resolved, That we approve of and endorse the action of the late Democratic convention at Baltimore, in placing in nomination Horace Greeley for President and B. Gratz Brown for Vice-President, and we adopt its platform and principles. 2. That in the State ticket this day presented by the joint action of the Democratic and Liberal State conventions, we recognize citizens of in- tegrity, worth and ability, whose election would best subserve the interests of the State, and to whom we pledge our undivided and cordial support. The Republican convention met August 21 and nominated, for Secretary of State, Josiah T. Young; Auditor, John Russell; Treasurer, Wm. Christy; Register of State Land Office, Aaron Brown; Attorney-Gen- eral, M. E. Cutts. The following platform was also adopted: The representatives of the Republican party of the State of Iowa, assembled in State conven: tion on the 2ist day of August, A. D. 1872, declare their unceasing faith in the principles and platform adopted by the National Republi- can convention at Philadelphia, on the 6th day of June, 1872, and with honest pride refer to the history of the party in this State and nation, and announces an abiding faith in its present integ- rity and future supremacy. Under the control of this organization, a gigantic rebellion has been crushed, four millions of slaves not only released from bondage, but elevated to all the rights and duties of citizenship; freedom of speech has been secured, the national credit sustained; the taxes reduced, and the commer- cial interests of the whole country nurtured and protected, producing a condition of individual and national prosperity heretofore unequaled. So marked, decisive and unmistakable has been the judgment of the people of this country that the maintenance of the principles of the Repub- lican party are the only true guaranty of national prosperity and national security throughout the country; that at last the Democratic party have nomirally abandoned the principles which they have heretofore maintained, and announced their adhesion to the principles of the Republi- can party, and are endeavoring to steal into power by nominating recent Republicans. But with full confidence of our glorious triumph in the present campaign, both in this State and the nation, we hereby reiterate and re-affirm the great principles that have governed and controlled the Republican party in the past, and pledge to the people their maintenance in the future. Resolved, That the nomination of our present able, earnest and incorruptible Chief Magistrate, Ulysses 8. Grant, for re-election to the Pres!- dency of the United States, and of Henry Wilson, of Massachusetts, for Vice-President, meets our unqualified and hearty approval. 2. That we are in favor of the most rigid economy in the administration of the affairs of this State and the nation. 3, That we are opposed to any legislation, State or national, that tends to unjustly dis- criminate between individual interest and that of corporations, believing that property, whether held by individuals or corporations, should bear their equal and just portion of the public bur- dens. ea ae C} r 4 +l», 188 HISTORY OF IOWA. 4, That we are opposed to all further grants of land to railroad or other corporations, and the public domain which is the common heritage of the people of this country should be sacredly held by the government for the use and benefit of actual and bona fide settlers. 5. That we hereby endorse the recommenda- tion of General Grant, that emigrants be pro- tected by national legislation, and that all efforts on the part of the government of the State or nation to encourage emigration from foreign countries meet our approval; and we hereby commend the labors of the officers of the State in their efforts to encourage and secure emigra- tion to this State. 6. ‘That we cordially endorse the nominations made by this convention, and pledge to the nominees our hearty, active and earnest support. A “straight” Democratic convention was held at DesMoines, September 8th, which adopted the following platform, and placed in nomination a ticket: Resolved, That the coalition ef office hunters at Cincinnati and Baltimore, whereby Horace Greeley, a life-long, mischievous and unchanged Republican, was presented as Democratic candi- date for Presidency, merits the condemnation of every honest elector, and we repudiate the same on behalf of the unpurchasable Democracy of the State of Iowa. 2. That, with Chas. O’Connor and the Louis- ville National Convention, we believe that Horace Greeley, above all other living Ameri- cans, is the recognized champion of the pernic- ious system of government. Intermeddling with those concerns of society which, under judicious laws of State enactment, should be left to individual action, and as such, he cannot consistently or safely receive the vote of any Democrat. 8. With the Louisville convention, we also believe that the principles of the dual Republi- can party, one faction of which is led by Grant and the other by Greeley, are inimical to consti- tutional free government, and hostile to the fun- damental basis of our union of co-ordinate self- governing States, and that the policies of said dual party are in practice demoralizing to the public service, oppressive upon the labor of the people, and subversive of the highest interests of the country. 4, That we will act upon the advice of said convention, and for national regeneration will form political associations, independent of either branch of said dual party, and nominate and sup- port, in the approaching fall elections, State and district candidates who are in harmony with said convention, and who are opposed to all the prin- ciples, policies and practices of said dual party; that we heartily endorse all the proceedings of the Louisville national convention, and pledge to its nominees, Charles O’Connor and John Quincy Adams, our most cordial support. 5. That the supposed availability of Horace Greeley, as a coalition candidate, upon which alone his name found any support, having already signally failed, it becomes the duty of the Baltimore delegates to formally withdraw from the lists a name which so manifestly fore- dooms the national Democratic party, with all its hopes and aspirations, to meritable and dis- honorable defeat. 6. That the alacrity with which the Demo- cratic press of Iowa, with one honorable excep- tion, has championed the corrupt Greeley con- spiracy, presents the most scandalous defection in all our political history, amidst which the sturdy devotion to sound principle, exhibited by the Audubon county Sentinel and the Chicago Times, is especially gratifying, and we there- fore urge upon the Democracy of Iowa a deter- mined effort to give the Times and Sentinel an extensive circulation throughout the entire State, and such other reliable Democratic jour- nals as may be hereafter established. “% That it is the sentiment of this convention that we proceed to nominate a full O’Connor and Adams electoral ticket and substitute Demo- cratic names on the State ticket, where Repub- licans have been placed in lieu thereof, and that we suggest that where Republicans have bien nominated for Congress by the so called Demo- crats and Liberals in the several Congressional A oe “si. 4 HISTORY OF IOWA. 189 districts, that Democrats in favor of the Louis- ville nominations be substituted in their stead by the several Congressional districts. The following State ticket was nomi- nated by the convention: Secretary of State, L. 8. Parvin, who subsequently de- clined and Charles Baker was substituted; Treasurer, D. B. Beers; Auditor, J. P. Cassady; Attorney-General, A. G. Case; Register of Land Office, Dave Sheward. The following is the official vote on Sec- retary of State: J.T. Young, Rep. ....s0++000.00132,859—57,862 E. A. Guilbert, Lib. and Dem.....74,497 D. B. Beers, straight Dem........ 1,322 The Republican State Convention for 1873 met at DesMoines, June 25, and nominated, for Governor, C. C. Carpenter; Lieutenant - Governor, Joseph Dysart; Judge of Supreme Court, J. M. Beck; Supt. of Public Instruction, Alonzo Aber- nethy. The following platform was adopted: The Republicans of Iowa, in mass convention assembled, make this declaration of principles: We hold the Republican party to be a political organization of those American citizens who are opposed to slavery in all its forms; who believe that all men are entitled to the same political and civil rights; who believe that all laws, State and national, should be made and administered so as to secure to all citizens, wherever born or whatever their color, creed, condition or occu- pation, the same rights before the law; who believe in free schools, free opinion and universal education; who believe that American society and the American people should all be raised to the highest possible plane of liberty, honesty, purity, intelligence and morality, and that all laws should be made and the government con- stantly administered with this aim in view, and that no party has aright to support of the people which is not inspired with this purpose. ing that the Republican party is still controlled Believ-, by these principles, and that it is now, as it has been from its beginning, an organization of the best and purest political sentiment of the country, we, as Republicans, renew the expres- sion of our devotion to it, and our belief that we can secure through it the political reform and the just and necessary measures of legislation, and of relief from monopolies and other abuses of power which the country so much necds; therefore, ; Resolved, That, proud as we are of most of the past record of the Republican party, we yet insist that it shall not rely upon its past achieve- ments; it must be a party of the present and of progress; and as it has preserved the Union, freed the slave and protected him from the oppression of the slave-master, it will now be direlict to its spirit and its duty if it does not protect all our people from all forms of oppres- sion, whether of monopolies, centralized capital, or whatsoever kind the oppression may be. 2. That we insist upon the right and duty of the State to control every franchise of whatever kind it grants; and while we do not wish that any injustice shall be done to the individual or corporation who invest capital in enterprises of this kind, we yet demand that no franchise shal] be granted which is prejudicial to the public interests, or in which the rights and interests of the State and the people are not carefully and fully guarded. ; 8. That the producing, commercial and in- dustrial interests of the country should have the best and cheapest modes of transportation possible; and while actual capital invested in such means of transit, whether by railroad or otherwise, should be permitted the right of reasonable remuneration, an abuse in their man- agement, excessive rates, oppressive discrimina- tions against localities, persons or intercsts, should be corrected by law, and we demand con- gressional and legislative enactments that will control and regulate the railroads of the coun- try, and give to the people fair rates of trans- portation, and protect them against existing abuses, 4, That we heartily applaud the active meas- ures of the late Congress, in ferreting out and or ae v Ade 190 HISTORY OF IOWA. ate exposing corruption. We have seen, with pro- found regret, in the developments made thereby, evidences of political and official corruption, and the abuse of responsible positions by men of all political parties, to further personal ends, and we demand pure official conduct and the punishment of unfaithful public men, who, having betrayed the confidence freely extended to them, shall not be shielded from the disgrace of their acts by any partisanship of ours. and we denounce all credit mobilier transactions and all official misconduct of whatever form. 5 That we believe that whenever a person holding any position of trust given him by the people, is guilty of fraud or embezzlement, he should be convicted ana punished under the criminal laws of our land, in addition to the re- covery from him or his bondsmen of the amount so embezzled. 6. That the act of the majority of the mem- bers of the last Congress, in passing what is known as the back-pay steal, by which they voted into their pockets thousands of dollars which did not belong to them, as well as the act of those who voted against the same and yet re- ceived the money, is most flagrantly improper and infamous, and should secure the political. condemnation of all who were party to it; and we demand that the provisions of the said act by which the salaries were increased, shall be promptly and unconditionally repealed. 7% That we sympathize with every movement to secure for agriculture and labor their due in- fluence, interests and rights, and the Republican party will be their ally in every just effort to at- tain that end. 8. That we are desirous of political reform, and for honesty, economy an.’ purity in all offi- cial administration; that to secure this is the duty »f every citizen; that to this end every good man should feel bound to participate in politics, and to make an end to bad men forcing their election by securing a party nomination, we declare it the duty of every Republican to oppose the election of a bad and incoinpctent candidate, whether he be a candidate upon our own or upon any other ticket. The question of monopolies began to agitate the people to a great extent at this time and the opposition to Republicans united under the name of anti-monopolists. An Anti-Molopolist convention was held at Des Moines, August 12th, and the follow- ing ticket nominated. Governor, Jacob G. Vale; Lieutenant-Governor, Fred. O'Donnell; Supreme Judge, B. J. Hall; Supt. of Public Instruction, D. M. Prindle. The following platform was adopted at this convention: WueEnreEas, Political parties are formed to meet public emergencies; ‘and when they have discharged the duty which called them into being, they may become the means of abuse as gross as those they were organized to reform; and, WueEreEA8, Both of the old political parties have discharged the obligations assumed at thcir organization, and being no longer potent as instruments for the reform of abuses which have grown up in them, therefore we deem it incon- sistent to attempt to accomplish a political reform by acting with andin such organization; there- fore, 4 Resolved, That we, in free convention, do declare, as the basis of our future political action,— 2. Thatall corporations are subject to legisla- tive control; that those created by Congress should be restricted and controlled by Congress, and that those under State laws should be sub- ject to the control respectively of the State creating them; that such legislative control should be in expressed abrogation of the theory of the inalienable nature of chartered rights, and that it should be at all times so used as to prevent the moneyed corporations from becom- ing engines of oppression; that the property of all corporations should be assessed by the same officers, and taxed at the same rate as the pro- perty of individuals; that the Legislature of Iowa should, by law, fix maximum rates of freight to be charged by the railroads of the State, leaving ‘them free to compete below the rates. ” “a ae 4% Qi fe, HISTORY OF IOWA. 191 8. That we; favor such modification of our banking system as will extend its benefits to the whole people, and thus destroying all monopoly now enjoyed by a favored few. 4. That we demand a general revision of the present tariff laws that shall give us free salt, iron, lumber, and cotton and woolen fabrics, and reduce the whole system to a revenue basis only. 5. That we will not knowingly nominate any bad man to office, nor give place to persistent seekers therefor, but will freely seek for our- selves competent officers—as heretofore, politi- cal leaders have sought office for themselves— and that we will nominate only those known to be faithful and in sympathy with these declara- tions, and will, at the polls, repudiate any candi- date known to be unfit or incompetent. 6. That we demand the repeal of the back salary law,and the return tothe United States treasury of all money received thereunder by members of the last Congress and of members of the present Congress. We demand a repeal of the law increasing salaries, and the fixing ofa lower and more reasonable compensation for public officers, believing that until the public debt is paid and the public burden lightened, the salaries of our public servants should be more in proportion to the awards of labor in private life. 7. That we are opposed to all future grants of land to railroads or other corporations, ard Velieve that the ‘public domain should be held sacred to actual settlers; and are in favor of a law by which each honorably discharged soldier or his heirs may use such discharge in any government land-office in full payment for a quarter-section of unappropriated public lands. 8 That public officers who betray their pledges or trust are unworthy of renewed con- fidence, and those who criminally trifle with the public funds must be punished as criminals, regardless of their previous influence or the political importance of their bondsmen. 9. That we are in favor of a strict construc- tion of our constitution by our Supreme and other courts, and are opposed to the exercise of the doubtful powers by judicial or other officers. 10. That in the corrupt Tammany steal, the credit mobilier fraud, the congressional salary swindle and official embezzelements, and the hundreds of other combinations, steals, frauds, and swindles, by which Democratic and Repub- lican legislators, congressmen, and office-holders have enriched themselves, and defrauded the country and impoverished the people, we find the necessity} of independent action and the importance of united effort, and cordially invite men, of whatever calling, business, trade, or voeation, regardless of past political views, to join us in removing the evils that ‘so seriously affect us all. : The vote was light, and on Governor was as follows: C. C. Carpenter, Rep........ ...105,182—24,112 J. G. Vale, Anti-M...............81,020 An Anti-Monopoly convention was held at DesMoines, June 23, 1874, which nom- inated the following ticket and adopted the following platform: Secretary, David Morgan; Auditor, J. M. King; Treasurer, J. W. Basner; Attorney-General, J. H. Keatley; Clerk of Supreme Court, Geo. W. Ball; Reporter of Supreme Court, J. M. Weart. The following is the platform: Resolved, That we, the delegated representa- tives of the people of Iowa, favorable to the organization of an independent political party, laying aside past differences of opinion, and earnestly uniting in a common purpose to secure needful reforms in the administration of public affairs, cordially unite in submitting these decla- rations: 1. That all political power is inherent in the people; that no government is worthy of pre- servation or should be upheld which does not derive its power from the consent of the gov- erned, by equal and just laws; that the inesti- mable right of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness should be secured to all men, without distinction of race, color or nativity; that the maintenance of these principles is essential to the prosperity of our republican institutions, ro” ey : 192 HISTORY OF IOWA. t and that to this end the federal constitution, with all its amendments, the rights of the States, and the union of the States must and shall be preserved. 2. That the maintenance inviolate of the rights of the States, and especially of the right of each State to order and control its own domestic institutions according to its judg- ment exclusively, is essential to that bal- ance of power on which the perfection and endurance of our political fabric depends; and that we denounce as a criminal excess of constitutional power the policy of President Grant’s administration in fostering the enormi- ties perpetrated in certain States of the Union in arbitrarily interfering with their local affairs, in sustaining therein the usurpations of aliens and irresponsible adventurers, whereby certain men have been illegally invested with official authority, and others deprived of their constitu- tional rights, oppressive laws enacted, burden- some taxation imposed, and immense and ficti- tious indebtedness created, resulting in the degradation of those States, and the general impoverishment of their people. 3. That the conduct of the present adminis- tration, in its bold defiance of public sentiment and disregard of the common good, in its prodi- gality and wasteful extravagance, in the innum- eruble frauds perpetrated under its authority, in its disgraceful partiality for and rewards of un- worthy favorites, in its reckless and unstable financial policy, and in its total incapacity to meet the vital questions of the day, and provide for the general welfare, stands without a paral- lel in our national history, and the highest con- siderations of duty require the American people, in the exercise of their inherent sover- eignty, to correct these accumulating evils, and bring the government back to its ancient land- marks, patiotism and economy. 4, That the faith and credit of the nation must be maintained inviolate; that the public debt, of whatever kind, should be paid in strict accordance with the law under which it was contracted; that an over-issue of paper money bi ing at variance with the principles of a sound financial policy, the circulating medium should be based upon its redemption in specie at the earliest practicable day, and its convertibility into a specie equivalent at the will of the holder, and that, subject to thes@ restrictions, it is the duty of Congress to so provide, by appropriate legislation, that the volume of our government currency shall at all times be adequate to the general business and commerce of the country, and equitably distributed among the several States. 5. That tariffs and all other modes of taxa- tion should be imposed upon the basis of rev- enue alone, and be so adjusted as to yield the minimum amount required for the legitimate expenditure of the government, faithfully and economically administered, and that taxation to an extent necessary to the accumulation of a surplus revenue in the treasury, subjects the people to needless burdens and affords a temp- tation to extravagance and official corruption. 6. That railroads and all other corporations for pecuniary profit should be rendered subser- vient to the public good; that we demand such constitutional and necessary legislation upon this subject, both State and national, as will effectually secure the industrial and producing interests of the country against all forms of corporate monopoly and extortion, and that the existing railroad legislation of this State should faithfully be enforeed, until experience may have demonstrated the propriety and justice of its modification. 7%. That while demanding that railroads be subject to legislative control, we shall discoun- tenance any action on this subject calculated to retard the progress of railroad enterprise, or work injustice to those invaluable auxiliaries to commerce and civilization. 8. That the limitation of the Presidency to one term, and the election of President, Vice President and United States Senators by a direct popular vote, and a thorough reform of our civil service to the end that capacity and fidelity be made the essential qualifications for election and appointment to office, are proposed reforms which meet our hearty endorsement. 9. That we demand such a modification of the patent laws of the United States as shall. 4 oe —> 4 ad. se HISTORY OF IOWA. 193 destroy the monopoly now enjoyed by the man- ufacture of agricultural and other implements of industry. 10. That the personal liberty and social rights of the citizens should not be abridged or con- trolied by legislative enactment, except in so far as may be necessary to promote the peace and welfare of society. 11. That holding in grateful remembrance the soldiers and sailors who fought our battles, and by whose heroism the nation was preserved, we insist that Congress shall equalize the boun- ties and grant to eaeh one of them, or to his widow and children, a homestead of one hun- dred and sixty acres of land from the unappro- priated domain of the country. 12. That we desire hereafter to be known as the Independent party of Iowa, and recognizing the individual conscience of the voter as para- mount to the claims of the.party, ask the co- operation of those only to whom this declaration of principles and the candidates nominated by this convention may commend themselves worthy. The Republican convention, which con- vened July Ist, at DesMoines, put in nom- ination for Secretary of State, Josiah T. Young; Treasurer of State, Wm. Christy; _ Auditor of State, Buren R. Sherman; Reg- ister of State Land Office, David Secor; Attorney-General, M. C. Cutts; Judge of Supreme Court, E. J. Holmes; Reporter of Supreme Court, John S. Runnells. The following is the Republican platform: We, the representatives of the Republican party of the State of Iowa, in convention assem- bled, do adopt the following platform of princi- ples: Resolued, That as the policy of the Republi- cau party in relation to finance, has afforded the people not only a safe, sound and popular cur- rency, of equal and uniform worth in every portion of our common country, but has like- wise greatly improved the credit of the country at home and abroad, we point with pride to its record and accomplishments iu this regard. And while re-affrming the policy announced by the party in the national conventions of 1868 and 1872, and triumphantly endorsed by the people at the polls—a policy which, while contributing to the public credit has also enhanced the indi- vidual and collective prosperity of the American people—we favor such legislation as shall make national banking free to all, under just and equal laws, based upon the policy of specie re- sumption at such time as is consistent with the material and industrial interests of the country, to the end that the volume of currency may be regulated by the national laws of trade. 2. That we re-affirm the declaration of the Republican national platform of 1872, in favor of the payment by the government of the United States of all its obligations in accordance with both the letter and the spirit of the laws under which such obligations were issued, and we de- clare that in the absence of any express provis- ion to the contrary, the obligations of the gov- ernment when issued and placed upon the mar- keis of the world, are payable in the world’s currency, to-wit, specie. 3. That under the constitution of the United Statcs, Congress has power to regulate all ‘“‘com- merce among the several States,” whether carried on by railroads or other means, and in the exer- cise of that power Congress may, and should, so legis ate as to prohibit, under suitable penalties, extortion, unjust discrimination, and other wrong and unjust conduct on the part of per- sons or corporations engaged in such commerce; and, by virtue of the same constitutional power, Congress may and should provide for the im- provement of our great natural water-ways. 4. That the State has the power, and it is its duty, to provide by law for the regulation and control of railway transportation within its own limits, and we demand that the law of this State passed for this purpose at the last session of the General Assembly shall be upheld and enforced until it shall be superseded by other legislation, or held unconstitutional by the proper judicial tribunal. 5. That we feel bound to provide all appro- priate legislation for the full and equal protec- e | -——-. —7-- ae re) 4 4 — 3 194 . HISTORY OF IOWA. tion of all citizens, white or black, native or | Isaiah Donane. The following platforn foreign born, in the enjoyment of all the rights | was then adopted: wranteed by the constitution of the United cur y The Democrats, Liberal Republicans, and States and the amendments thereto. ; : q . Anti-Monopolists of the State of Iowa, in delegate 6. That the $27,000,000 reduction in the | convention assembled, declare, as a basis of per- estimated general government expenses for the | manent organization and united action, the coming fiscal year meets our hearty commenda- | following principles: tion, and shows that the ae Dee es 1. A firm adherence to the doctrine of politi- RC aMOE of netrenolaneny and economy Is Carry | oa] government, as taught by Jefferson, Madison, ing out in good faith its oft repeated pledges to and other fathers of the republic. the people. 2. Astrict adherence to the constitution in 7, That we are in favor of an amendment to | 9]) measures involving constitutional power. the constitution of the United States, providing 8. Th € Hin Renwhit for the election of President and Vice-President ys € Supremacy. Of Uhe-wepunnean, govern= tite dinect sote-of the peoples ment within the sphere and reservation of the - local authority of the constitution as opposed to 8. That while inventors should be protected | the concentration of all powers in a strong cen-- in their just rights of property in their inven- | tralized government. tions, we demand such modifications of our| 4 Absolute prohibition of military interfer- patent laws as shall render the same more fair | . 156 with the local State elections, and the and equitable to consumers. peaceful assembling and organization of, the 9. That the faith of the Republican party is | State Legislatures, except in the manner clearly pledged to promote the best good of the civil | defined in the Constitution. service of the country, and that we, as Republi- 5. Honesty in the administration of the cans of Iowa, demand that only honest and public officers, and strict economy in the public capable men be elected or appointed to office, expenditures. and that we commend the position of the party 6. All offi to be hela : t in instituting investigations of corruption in bi lit f i cers Ope f “ ee sae cme sd office, sparing therein neither friends nor foes. ay on S ISHS? of ue aE un BOD 2OF the prostitution of their powers for private use. 0. That si th 1 i ? a eee ic rasta aig 4%. The preservation of all the rights of every with all questions of govermeutal reform, we | . “ heanewannd a 1 favor the final submission to the people of the ere ey “ ees are me question of amending the constitution so asto | 8 The reservation of the public lands for the extend the rights of suffrage to women, pursuant | benefit of actual settlers, and opposition to any to action of 15th General Assembly. further grants to corporate monopolies for any On Secretary of State the vote stood: a Soo ITY Re 107 248--28.188 9. The restoration of the Presidential salary . 1. Young, Pine cncecacconee ’ 0, to $25,000. No third term. David Morgan, Dem.......... 79,060 $85) : ; ; 10. That we are in favor of the resumption of For the campaign of 1875 the Democrats, specie payment as soon asthe same can be done Liberal Republicans and Anti-Monopolists | without injury to the business interests of the met at Des Moines, June 24th, and nom- country, and maintain & sufficient supply of inated a State ticket headed by Shepherd national curlency for business purposes; opposi- : tion to present national banking law. Lefler for Governor; Lieutenant-Governor ; ; : Te Woodware aud fs 2 11. A tariff on imports that will produce the oo see ea ane PEEGEe Court, largest amount of revenue, with the smallest W. J. Knight; Supt. of Public Instruction, | amount of tax, and no imposition of duties for - > ~ | at Qe — HISTORY OF IOWA. ; 195 the benefit of manufactures at the expense of agricultural interests. 12. We are in favor of the repeal of the present prohibitory liquor law, and the enactment of a practical license law, strictly enforced, as the best guard against, and the safest solution of, the evils of intemperance, 18. That we are opposed to all legislation that. restricts any citizenin his individual or social rights and privileges. With this declaration of principle and policy, in the language of our brethren of Ohio, we arraign the leaders of the Republican party for their extravagant expenditure and profligate waste of the people’s money, for their oppressive, unjust, and defective system of finance and taxa- tion; for their continued tyranny and cruelty to the Southern States of the Union, and their squandering of public lands; their continuance of incompetent and corrupt men in the offices at home and abroad, and for their general mismanagement of the government, and we cor- dially invite all men, without regard to past purty association, to co-operate with us in removing them from power, and in securing such an administration of public affairs as char- acterized the purer and better days of the republic. The Republican convention at Des- Moines placed in nomination for Governor, S. J. Kirkwood; Lieutenant-Governor, Joshua G. Newbold; Judge of Supreme Court, Austin Adams; Superintendent Public Instruction, Alonzo Abernethy. The convention also adopted the follow- ing platform: Resolved, That we declare it a cardinal prin- ciple of the Republican faith that the republic is a nation, one and indissoluble, within which the constitutional rights of the States and of the peuple to local self-government must be faith- fully maintained. 2. That we favor the early attainment of cur- rency convertible with coin, and therefore advocate the gradual resumption of specie pay- ments by continuous and steady steps. 3. That we favor a tariff for revenue, 80 adjusted as to encourage home industry. 4. That the earnest efforts of the government to collect the revenue, prevent and punish frauds, have our unqualified approval. 5. We are opposed to further grants of land to railroads or other corporations, but we de- mand a reservation of public domain for settle- ment under the homestead laws, and for other bona fide settlers. 6. We demand such a revision of the patent laws as will relieve industry from the oppression of monopolies in their administration. 7. That we cordially approve the policy of the present administration in the settlement of difficulties between ourselves and other nations, by arbitration, instead of appealing to arms. 8. The Republican party of Iowa is opposed to a third term. 9. We demand that all railway and other cor- porations shall be held in fair and just subjection to the law-making power. 10. We stand by free education, our public school system, taxation of all for its support, and ino division of the school fund. 11. That our national and State administra- tion of public affairs have our hearty support. 12. We cordially invite all who are opposed to the restoration of the Democratic party to power, to forget all past political differences, and unite with the Republican party in maintaining the cause of true reform. 18. The persistent and tyrannical efforts of the enemies of the Union, by murder and intim- idation of the enfranchised citizens, and the ostracisms and proscriptions of the white Repub- licans of the South, for the purpose of rendering null and void this amendment, merits the con- demnation of every honest man. 14. That we heartily endorse the action of President Grant in enforcing the laws when called upon to do so by the proper authorities of the State. The Prohibitionists of the State met and nominated for Governor, Rev. John H. “\s ? a 190 HISTORY OF IOWA. Lozier, and adopted the following plat- form: Wuerzas, The traffic in and use of intoxi- cating liquors as a beverage, is the greatest evil of the present age; and, Wuersas, The legal prohibition of said traffic aod use of liquors is the prime duty of those who frame and execute laws for the public wel- fare; and, Wuereas, The existing political parties, in their State platforms, have either ignored or re- pudiated the foregoing principles, the one de- claring for license, the other refusing to pass a resolution opposed to the repeal of the existing prohibitory law of our State; therefore, Resolved, That the temperance people of Iowa are, by this action of these political parties, forced to seek the promotion of their objects by such organizations and combinations as may prove most effective for the success of the tem- perance cause, without reference to previous political affiliation. 2. That we most cordially approve the policy of the present administration in the settlement of difficulties between ourselves and other na- tions, by arbitration, instead of appealing to arms; and also the efforts now being made to codify the international laws so that a World’s Peace Congress may be established before which all international difficulties may be adjusted, and thus ‘‘nations learn war no more.” 8. That the desecration of the Christian Sab- bath by public amusement, such as target-shoot- ing, dancing, theatrical performance, and kin- drcd practices, together with ordinary business traffic, except by persons conscientiously ob- serving the seventh day of the week as a Sab- bath day, augurs evil to the public morals, and that the laws of our State, touching Sabbath desecrations, should be rigidly enforced. 4, That we are in favor of maintaining our free schoo! system at the expense of the whole people, and without the division of our school fund with any sectarian organization whatever, and in favor of such legislation as will secure the education of all children within our State in the elementary branches of common school edu- cation. 5. That the doctrine of professed political parties ought to be, is, and shall continue to be, powerless to control men bound by their convic- tions to the mountain of great moral principles, and we call upon all concerned in the promotion of public morals to promptly and earnestly re- buke the policy now inaugurated by such pro- fessed leaders, and to seek its overthrow. 6. That we earnestly recommend that the temperance people of the several counties promptly form county organizations, looking to the election of such Representatives in our Leg- islature, and such officers as will enact and en- force laws for the promotion of the foregoing principles, leaving the question of calling a con- vention for the nominaticn of State officers and of further organizing to an executive committee to be elected by this convention. The vote on Governor was officially an- nounced as follows : 8. J. Kirkwood, Rep..........+.124,855—81,576 8. Lefler, Dem...... Ssea venweews: 938,279 J.H. Lozier, Pro.......00.eeeee- 1,897 The financial depression during the sec- ond administration of Grant was such as to influence the formation of a new party, known as the Greenback party, or, as it was styled in national convention, the Na- tional Greenback Labor party. Peter Cooper was the candidate of this party for the Presidency, while the Republicans nominated Rutherford B. Hayes, and the Democrats Samuel J. Tilden. The Green- back men of Iowa held a convention May 10th, at DesMoines, and adopted the fol- lowing resolutions : Wuereas, Labor is the basis of all our wealth; and capital cannot be accumulated except as the product of industry, or human life, given out in the daily labor of the toiling millions; and, Wueneas, Money is, in essence, only a certi- ficate of service rendered, and hence the solution . G ——— sels dis aioe HISTORY OF IOWA. 197 of the financial question lies at the bottom of all true government, and is the paramount issue of the present campaign, in which the Democratic and Republican leaders have failed to take the side of the people; therefore, we, the citizens of Iowa, in mass convention assembled, do thus organize the Independent party of Iowa, and declare our faith in the following principles: 1. That it is the duty of the government to establish a monetary system, based upon the faith and resources of the nation, in harmony with the genius of this government, and adapted to the demands of legitimate business. 2. That we demand the immediate repeal of the specie resumption act of January 14, 1875, and that the circulating notes of our national and State banks, as well as the local currency, be withdrawn from circulation, and their place supplied by a uniform national currency, issued direct from the government, the same to be made a legal tender for all public and private debts, duties on imports not excepted, and inter- changeable at the option of the holder for bonds bearing a rate of interest not to exceed 3.65 per cent. per annum. 8. We demand that the present bonded debt of the country be refunded as speedily as pos- sible into registered interchangeable bonds that shal] bear interest at a low rate, not exceeding 3.65 per cent. per annunt. 4. Weare in favor of the repeal of the act of March 18, 1869, making greenbacks payable in coin, and making 5-20 bonds perpetual or pay- able only in coin and thus unjustly discrimin- ating in favor of the money interest. A Greenback State ticket was nominated at a conveution held September 20th, and these additional resolutions were adopted: 1. We are in favor of the adoption of the platform of the Indianapolis National Conven- tion. 2. We recognize the rights of. capital and its just protection; we condemn all special legisla- tion in its favor. 3. We demand areduction of official salaries, proportionate to the reduction of the profits on labor. ; 4. We demand a remonetization of silver. | 5. We demand the equality of the soldiers’ bounties. 6. We approve ard endorse the nomination of Peter Cooper for President, and Samuel F. Cary for Vice-President of the United Statcs. The following is the ticket nominated: Secretary of State, A. Macready; Auditor of State, Leonard Brown; ‘Treasurer of State, Geo. C. Fry; Register State Lind Office, Geo. M. Walker; Superintendent Pub. Instruction, Rev. J A. Nash; Supreme Judges, Charles Negus, Oliver R. Jones. The Republicans placed in nomination the following, at a convention held in Des Moines: Svcretary of State, Josiah T. Young; Auditor, Buren R. Sherman, Treasurer, Geo. W. Bemis; Register of Land Office, David Secor; Supreme Judges, W. UH. Seevers, J. H. Rothrock; Attorney- General, J. F McJunkin; Superintendent Public Instruction, C. W. VonUoelln. At the same time they adopted as a platform the following: 1. Weare fur maintaining the unity of the nation sacred and inviolable; for the just and equa: rights of al] men; for peace, harmony and brotl erhooe throughout the nation; for men of unsullied honesty, and purity of character and public trust, and for the swift pursuit and un- sparing punishment of all dishonest officials, high or low. 3 2. That we are in faver of, and we demand, a rigid economy in the administration of the government, both State and national. 3. That we favora currency convertible with coin, and theretore a'lvocate the gradual resump- tion of specie payment by continuous and speedy steps in that direction. 4, That we demand that all railway and other corporations shall be held in fair and just sub- jection to the law-making power. 5. That we stand by free education, our school system, taxation of all for its support, a i. jr ae fe é 198 HISTORY OF IOWA. and no diversion of the school fund from the public schools. 6. That we cordially invite immigration from all civilized countries, guaranteeing to emigrants the same political privileges and social and re- ligious freedom we ourselves enjoy, and favor- ing a free and unsectarian system of common schools for their children with ours. 7. That in James G. Blaine we recognize a pure Republican and patriot, and one well worthy to be chosen as the standard-bearer of the Republican party in the coming campaign. The Democrats, in convention at Des Moines, August 30th, adopted the follow- ing: Resolved, By the Liberal Democratic party of the State of Lowa, in convention assembled, that we adopt as our platform of principles the reso- lutions and declarations of the National Con- vention at St. Louis, and earnestly approve the sentiments of the eminent statesmen of the party, Hon. Samuel J. Tilden and Thomas A. Hendricks, so ably presented in their letters of .acceptance of the nominations at said conven- tion. The following is the Democratic ticket: Secretary of State, J. H. Stubenrauch; Treasurer of State, W. Jones; Auditor of State, W. Growneweg; Register of State Land Office, H. C. Ridernour; Attorney- General, J. C. Cook; Judges of Supreme Court, W. I. Hayes, W. Graham. The vote on Secretary of State was as follows: J.T. Young, Rep. ..... seeeewrosd 12,171 J. H. Stubenrauch, Dem..........112,115 A. Macready, Gr......cccesseesees 9,436 Young’s majority over all ...... 50,620 In the campaign of 1877 the Republi- cans met first in convention at Des Moines, June 28, where they nominated the following ticket: Governor, John H. Gear; Lieutenant -Governor, Frank T, Camphell; Supreme Judge, James G. Day; Supt. of Public Instruction, Carl W. Von Coelln. The following is the platform: Acting for the Republicans of Iowa, by its authority and its name, this convention declares: 1. The United States of America is a nation, and not a league, by the combined workings of the national and State governments under their respective institutions. The rights of every citizen should be secured at home and protected abroad, and the common welfare promoted. Any failure on the part of eitber national or State governments to use every possible consti- tutional power to afford ample protection to their citizens, both at home and abroad, is a criminal neglect of their highest duty. 2. The Republican party has preserved the government in the commencement of the second century of the nation’s existence, and its prin- ciples are embodied in the great truths spoken at its cradle—that all men are created as equals; that they are endowed by the Creator with cer- tain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that for the attainment of these ends governments have been instituted among’ men deriving their justice from the consent of the governed, which con- sent is evidenced by a majority of the lawful suffrages of citizens, determined in the pursu- ance of the law. Until these truths are univers- ally recognized and carefully obeyed, the work of the Republican party is unfinished, and the Republican party of Iowa will stand by its colors and fight the good fight to the end. 8. The permanent pacification of the southern section of the Union, and the complete protec- tion of all citizens in the free enjoyment of all their rights, is a duty to which the Republican party stands sacredly pledged. The power to provide for the enforcement of the principles embodied in the recent constitutional amend- ments, is vested by these amendments in the constitution of the United States, and we declare it to be the solemn duty of the legislative and executive departments of the government to put in immediate and vigorous exercise all their powers for removing any just causes of discon- tént on the part of any class, and for securing = oo ae = HISTORY OF IOWA. ~ 199 to every American citizen complete liberty and exact equality in the exercise of the civil, politi- cal and public rights. To this end we impera- tively demand of Congress and the Chief Execu- tive a courage and fidelity to these duties which shall not falter until the results are placed beyond doubt or recall. 4, That the public credit should be sacredly maintained, and all the obligations of the gov- ernmect honestly discharged; and that we favor the early attainment of a currency convertible with coin, and therefore advocate the gradual resumption of specie payments by continuous and steady steps in that direction. 5. That the silver dollar having been a legal unit of value from the foundation of the federal government until 1873, the laws under which its coinage was suspended should be repealed at the earliest possible day, and silver made, with gold, a legal tender for the payment of all debts, both public and private. We also believe that the present volume of the currency should be maintained until the wants of trade and com- merce demand its further contraction. 6. That the investment of capital in this State should be encouraged by wise and liberal legislation; but we condemn the policy of grant- ing subsidies at public expense, either to indi- viduals or corporations, for their private use. % That we demané the most rigid economy in all departments of the government, and that taxation be limited to the actual wants of public expenditure. 8. That we favor a wisely adjusted tariff for revenue. : 9. That we hold it to be a solemn obligation - of the electors of Iowa to be earnest in securing the election to all positions of public trust of men of honesty and conscience; to administra- tive affairs, men who will faithfully administer the law; to legislative affairs, men who will represent, upon all questions, the best sentiment of the people, and who will labor earnestly for the enactment of such laws as the best interests of society, temperance and good morals shall demand. 10. That we rejoice in the honorable name of Iowa, that we ‘are proud of the State’s achieve- ! ments, of the degree of purity with which its public affairs have been conducted, and the soundness of its credit at home and abroad. We pledge to do whatever may be done to preserve unsullied the State’s reputation in these regards. The Greenbackers met at DesMoines, July 12, and nominated, for Governor, D. B. Stubbs; Lieutenant-Governor, A. Macready; Supreme Judge, John Porter; Supt. of Public Instruction, 8. T. Ballard. The convention also adopted the following platform: Wuenreas, Throughout our entire country, labor, the creator of all wealth, is either unim- ployed or denied its just reward, and all produc- tive interests are paralyzed; and, Wuereas, These results have been brought about by class legislation, and the mismauage- ment of our national finances; and, Wuerwas, After generations of experig¢nce, we are forced to believe that nothing further can be hoped for through the old pulitical parties; therefore we make the following dec- laration of principles: 1. We demand the unconditional repeal of the specie resumption act of January 14, 1875, and the abandonment of the present suicidal and destructive policy of contraction. 2. We demand the abolition of national banks, and the issue of legal tender paper money, by the government, and made receiv- able for all dues, public and private. 3. We demand the remonetization of the silver dollar, and making it a full legal tender for the payment of all coin bonds of the govern- ment and for all other debts, public and private. 4. We demand the equitable taxation of all property, without favor or privilege. 5. We commend every honest effort for the furtherance of civil service reform. 6. We demand the repeal of all class legisla- tion and the enforcement of such wise and pro- gressive measures as shall secure equality of rights to all legitimate interests, and impartial justice to all persons. Y t oe =a Kio ~—fr, 200 HISTORY OF IOWA. 7. We demand a reduction of offices and sal- aries, to the end that there be less taxation. 8. Wedemand that the Independents of Iowa sustain and endorse the principles of railroad legislative control, as expressed by the highest judicial authority, not as enemies of public enterprises, but as friends of the whole country and of the people. 9. We demand that all legal means be ex- hausted to eradicate the traffic in alcoholic beverages, and the abatement of the evil of intemperance. 10. Weare opposed to all further subsidies by either the State or general government, for any and all purposes, either to individuals or corporations. 11. We invite the considerate judgment of our fellow citizens; of ail political parties, upon these our principles and purposes, and solicit the co-operation of all men in the furtherance of them, as we do believe that upon their accept- ance or rejection by the people, the weal or woe of our beloved country depends. The Democracy met in convention this year at Marshalltown, and nominated the following ticket: Governor, John P. Irish; Lieutenant-Governor, W. C. James; Su- preme Judge, H. ©. Boardman; Superin- tendent of Public Instru.tion, G. D. Culli- son. They also resolved— 1. The Democracy of the State of Iowa in convention assembled hereby declare in favor of a tariff for revenue, the only economic home rule, the supremacy of civil over military power, the separation of church and State, equality of all citizens before the law, opposition to the granting by the general government of subsidies to any corporation whatever; and we believe, 2. The destruction of the industry of the country and the pauperism of labor are the in- evitable fruit of the vicious laws enacted by the Republican party. 8. That as a means of relieving the distressed portions of the community, and removing the great stringency complained of in business cir- cles, we demand the immediate repeal of the specie resumption act. 4, That we denounce as an outrage upon the rights of the people the enactment of the Re- publican measures demonetiziug silver, and de- mand the passage of a law which shall restore to silver its monetary power. 5. That we favor the retention of a green- back currency, and declare against any further contraction, and favor the substitution of green- backs for national bank bills. 6. We congratulate the country upon the ac- ceptance by the present administration of the constitutional and pacific policy of local self- government in the States of the South, so long advocated by the Democratic party, aud which has brought peace and harmony to that section. And in regard to the future financial policy, in the language of our national platform adopted in the New York convention, in 1868, we urge, 7%. Payment of the public debts of the United States as rapidly as practicable,—all the money drawn from the people by taxation, except so much as is requisite for the necessities of the government, economically administered, being honestly applied to such payment when due. 8. The equal taxation of every species of property according to its value. 9. One currency for the government and the people, the laborer and the office-holder, the pensioner and the soldier, the producer and the bondholder. 10. The right of a State to regulate railroad corporations having been established by the higher court of the country, we now declare that this right must be exercised with due regard to justice, as there is no necessary antagonism be- tween the people and corporation, and the com- mon interests of both demand a speedy restora tion of former friendly relations through just legislation on one side, and a cheerful submis- sion thereto on the other. 11. Rights of capital and labor are equally sacred, and alike entitled to legal protection. They have no just cause of quarrel, and the proper relations to each other are 4djustable by — “+O v ‘| +l, HISTORY OF IOWA. 201 national laws, and should not be tampered by legislative interference. 12, That we favor a repeal of the present pro- hibitory liquor law of the State, and the enact- ment of a well-regulated license law instead, and all the money derived from license to go to the school fund of the State, A State Temperance or Prohibition con- vention assembled at Oskaloosa August 30, and nominated Elias Jessup for Gov- ernor, and adopted, as a platform, the fol- lowing : WHEREAS, Intemperance is the enemy of all —the drinker, the seller, the financier, the states-. man, the educator and the christian; therefore, be it Resowed, By the temperance people of the Stute of Iowa, that we hold these truths to be self-evident, and we do hereby declare them as the basis of our political action. 2 We recognize intemperance as the great social, moral, financial and political evil of the present age; that it is not an incident of intelli- gence and refinement, but is one of the worst relics of barbarism; has produced the lowest and most degraded form of government; and there- fore should be overthrown by all republican governments. 8. We claim that all men are endowed by their Creator with the inalienable right of free- dom from the destructive effects of intoxicating liquors, and the right to use all lawful and laudiable means to defend themselves and their neighbors against the traffic as a beverage within our State. 4. That governments are instituted for the purpose of restraining and prohibiting the evil passions of men, and of promoting and protect- ing their best interests; and that, therefore, it is the duty of a government to use all its powers to make itas easy as possible for men to do right and as difficult as possible to do wrong. 5. We believe that the prohibition of the traffic in intoxicating liquors is the only sound legislative theory upon which this vexed ques- tion can be solved and the nation saved from bankruptcy and demorualization. Therefore, we insist upon the maintenance and enforcement of our prohibitory law, and upon such amendments thereto as will place ale, wine, and beer under the same condemnation as other intoxicating liquors. . 6. That this great evil has long since assumed a political form, and can never be eliminated from politics until our legislatures and courts accomplish its entire overthrow and destruction. 7. We hereby declare that, since we believe prohibition to be the only sound legislative policy, and since law is only brought to bear upon society through its officers, legislative, judicial, and executive, we therefore can and will support only those men who are known to be tried and true temperance prohibitory men. 8. We believe that in the security of home rests the security of State; that women is by her. very nature the acknowledged guardian of this sacred shrine; that intemperance is its greatest enemy; therefore we claim that the daughters of this commonwealth, as well as her sons, ought to be allowed to say by their votes, what laws shall be made for the suppression of this evil, and what person shall execute the same. 9. We believe the importation of intoxicat- ing liquors from foreign lands, and their protec- tion by the United States government, while in the hands of the importer, and inter-state com- merce in the same, cripple the power of State governments in enacting and enforcing such legislation as is and may be demanded by the people. The vote on Governor was as follows: John H. Gear, Rep... .......cecceeees es 121,546 D. P. Stubbs, Gress scesccies csses save ee es 88,228 John P. Irish, Dem........ cess eeee eens s 79,8583 Elias Jessup, Temp.........cceeceeeeees 010,639 Gearhad a majority over Irish of 23,193, but the combined opposition vote was greater by 674. In '878 the Greenbackers held the first State convention, assembling at Des Moines April 10th, and nominated for Secretary of State, E. M. Farnsworth; “ye ls" > Glo 202 HISTORY OF IOWA. Treasurer, M. L. Devlin; Auditor, G. V. Swearenger; Treasurer, M. Farrington; Attorney-General, General C. H. Jackson; Judge of Supreme Court, J.G. Knapp; Clerk of Supreme Court, Alex. Runyon; Reporter Supreme Court, Geo. W. Rutherford. They adopted the following platform: Wuereas, Throughout our entire country the value of real estate is depreciated, industry para- lized, trade depressed, business income and wages reduced, unparalleled distress inflicted upon the poorer and middleranks of our people, the land filled with fraud, embezzlement, bank- rupcy, crime, suffering, pauperism, and starva- tion; and : WHEREAS, This state of things has been brought about by legislation in the interest of and dictated by money lenders, bankers, and bondholders; and, Wuereas, The limiting of the legal tender quality of greenbacks, the changing of currency bonds into coin bonds, the demonetizing of the silver dollar, the exempting of bonds from taxa- tion, the contraction of the circulating medium, the proposed forced resumption of specie pay- ments, and the prodigal waste of the public lands, were crimes against the people, and so far as possible the results of these criminal acts must be counteracted by judicious legislation. 1. We demand the unconditional repeal of the specie resumption act of January 14th, 1875, and the abandonment of the present suicidal and destructive policy of contraction. 2 We demand the abolition of national banks and the issue of a full legal tender paper money by the government, and receivable for all dues, public and private. 3. We demand the remonetization of the silver dollar, making it a full legal tender for the payment of all coin bonds of the government, and for all other debts, public and private, and that the coinage of silver shall be placed on the same footing as that of the gold. 4, Congress shall provide said money ade- quate to the full employment of labor, the equit- able distribution of its products and the require- ments of business. 5. We demand that Congress shall not, under any circumstances, authorize the issuance of in- terest-bearing bonds of any kind or class. 6. The adoption of an American monetary system, as proposed herein, will harmonize all differences in regard to tariff and federal taxa- tion, distribute equitably the joint earnings of capital and labor, secure to the producers of wealth the results of their labor and skill, mus- ter out of service the vast army of idlers, who, under the existing system, grow rich upon the earnings of others, that every man and woman ‘may, by their own efforts, secure a competence, so that the overgrown fortunes and extreme poverty will be seldom found within the limits of our Republic. %. The Government should, by general enact- ment, encourage the development of our agri- cultural, mineral, mechanical, manufacturing and commercial resources, to the end that labor may be fully and profitably employed, but no monopolies should be legalized. 8. The public lands are the common property of the whole people, and should not be sold to speculators, nor granted to railroads or other corporations, but should be donated to actual settlers in limited quantities. 9. It is inconsistent with the genius and spirit of popular government that any species of private or corporate property should be ex- empt from bearing its just share of the public burdens. 10. That, while the interests of the labor and producing classes throughout the nation are identical, North, South, East and West, and while it is an historic fact that the war of the rebellion was inaugurated in the interests of a class kindred to that which oppresses us, therc- fore we declare that the Government of the United States shall never pay any part or por- tion of what is known as the confederate or rebel debt. 11. We demand a constitutional amendment fixing the compensation of all State officers, in- = a = “v8 ete = HISTORY OF IOWA. 203 cluding members and employes of the General Assembly. 12. We demand a general reduction of all county and court expenses, with a reduction of offices, to lessen oppressive taxes. 13. We demand that all just and legal means shall be used for the evils of intemperance. 14. We invite the considerate judgment of our fellow-citizens of all political parties upon these, our principles and purposes, and solicit the co-operation of all men in the furtherance of them, as we do believe that upon their accept- ance or rejection by the people, the weal or woe of our beloved country depends. The Democrats assembled in convention June 7th, and nominated the following ticket. Secretary of State, T.O. Walker; Auditor, Col. Hiboeck; Treasurer, E. D. Fenn; Register of State Land Office, T. S. Bardwell; Judge of Supreme Court, Judge J.C. Knapp; Clerk of Supreme Court, M. V. Gannon; Reporter of Supreme Court, J. B. Elliott; Attorney-General, John Gib- bons. The convention adopted the fol- lowing platform : We, the Democracy of Iowa, in convention assembled, congratulate the country upon the restoration of home rule to the South and the era of peace brought about in response to the demands of the national Democracy, and make this declaration of principles: 1. In favor of a tariff for revenue only; honest and economical home rule; the supremacy of civil over military power; the separation of the church and State; the equality of all citizens before the law; opposition to granting by the general government of subsidies to any corpora- tion whatever. 2. We believe the financial system of the Republican party has been one of favor to the moneyed monopolies, of unequal taxation, of exemptions of class, and of a reniorseless con- traction that has destroyed every enterprise which gave employment to labor, and therefore we denounce it, its measures and its men, as responsible for the financial distress, misery and want which now afflict the nation. 8. Labor and capital have an equal demand upon and equal responsibility to the law. 4, Public officials should be held to strict accountability, defaulters should be severely punished, and riot and disorder promptly sup- pressed. 5. We deprecate the funding of our non-in- terest bearing debt, and insist that our bonded debt be refunded at a rate of interest not ex- ceeding four per cent. 6. We favor an equal recognition of gold, silver and United States notes in the discharge of public and private obligations, except where otherwise provided by contract, and tu the end that the same be secured, we favor the uncon- ditional repeal of the resumption act, and the coinage of silver on equa] conditions with gold. We oppose any further retirement of the United States notes now in circulation, and favor the substitution of United Stutes treasury notes for national bank bills. % We declare it as our opinion that it is the duty of the government to take immediate steps to improve our great Western rivers, and that | the means provided should be commensurate with the importance and magnitude of the work. 8. Thorough investigation into the election frauds of 1876 should be made, the frauds should be exposed, the truth vindicated, and the crimi- nals punished in accordance with law, wherever found. 9. The management of our State institutions by Republican officials has been and is notori- ously corrupt, and a disgrace to the people; we therefore demand a thorough investigation of the same, and the punishment of all parties who have betrayed their trust. Resolved, That we accept and re-affirm the doc- trine of Mr. Tilden upon the war claims as a proper adjustment of the national policy con- cerning that class of claims upon the public treasury. The Republicans held their convention June 19, and nominated the following | oT yo @ v a © ka 204 HISTORY OF IOWA. ticket: Secretary of State, Capt. John A. T. Hull; Auditor, Maj. Buren R. Sherman; Treasurer, George W. Bemis; Register State Land Office, Lieut. James K. Powers; Judge of Supreme Court, Col. J. H. Rothrock. They also adopted the following platform: 1. That the United States of America is a nation, not a league. By the combined work- ings of the national and State governments, under their respective constitutions, the right of every citizen should be secured at home and abroad, and the common welfare promoted. Any failure on the part of either the national or State governments to use every possible consti- tutional power to afford ample protection to their citizens, both at home and abroad, is a neglect of their highest duty. 2. Against the assaults of traitors and rebels, the Republican party has preserved these gov- ernments, and they represent the great truths spoken to the world by the Declaration of Inde- pendence, that ‘‘all men are created equal,” that they “‘are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that for the attainment of these ends, governments have been instituted among men, deriving just powers from the consent of the governed,” which con- sent is evinced by a majority of the lawful suffrages of the citizens, determined in pursuance of law; and in order that this end may be justly and fully reached, the Republican party of Iowa demands that every qualified elector in every State, North and South, Democrat or Republi- can, white or black, shall be permitted, un tis- turbed by force and unawed by fear, to vote at all elections at the place prescribed by law, and nowhere else, just once, and no more than once; and that every vote so cast shall be honestly counted, and that every person chosen by such votes to any office shall be freely inducted into it, and effectively supported in the discharge of his duties; and every well informed person knows that with such freedom of elective action and honest administration as are herein de- manded, at least five of the Southern States are Republican by a large majority, and that they are now in the hands of the Democratic party, solely through force, fraud, intimidation, and failure to enforce the principles herein set forth. 3. The permanent pacification of the southern section of the Union, and the complete protec- tion of all its citizens in all their civil, political, personal and property rights, is a duty to which the Republican party stands sacredly pledged. In order to redeem this pledge, it placed the recent amendments in the constitution of the United States, and upon the righteous basis of said amendments it will go forward in the work of pacification until peace shall come through right doing, and contentment through justice. 4. The Democratic dogma of ‘‘home rule,” which seeks to shut out from participation in the political affairs of the southern States all citizens who oppose the Democratic party and are not natives of said States, and is. obedience to the spirit to which every man from the north, of republican sentiments, is termed a ‘“‘carpet- bagger,” ishereby denounced as the worst phase of State rights yet developed, and we demand for the people of Iowa absolute freedom to go whithersoever they may please within the limits of the nation, to utter their sentiments by speech or by press upon all subjects touching their interests, and all matters of public concern. 6. That the armed conflict between the traitors and the rebels who sought to destroy the republic, and the patriots who defended it, was more than a trial of physical force between Greeks. It was astruggleof right against wrong, of atrue civilization against a false one, of a good government against anarchy, of patriots against traitors, wherein the Republican party was the defender of right, the champion of a true civilization, the promoter of good govern- ment, and in whose ranks patriots marched against traitors; and who ever fails to regard the Republican party from this standpoint and in this light, fails to comprehend its character, its achievements, its purposes, and its duties, and whoever treats with the Democratic party from any other standpoint, manifests incapacity aa oy Y ae wats, HISTORY OF IOWA. 205 to understand palpable facts, and will be ober- whelmed with disaster. 6. That the soldiers who fought the battles of the republic are entitled to special credit for the heroism which they displayed, for their unselfish devotion to liberty and order, and for the great fact that the war ‘‘turned out as it did;” and discredit, in like degree, attaches to the traitors and rebels who fought to destroy the nation. Whoever fails to appreciate these facts, is derelict in the duty he owes to the party. 7. That the Republican party is the party of order as opposed to all lawlessness in whatever quarter the same may arise, or in whatever form it may appear. 8 That the wisdom of the financial policy of the Republican party is made manifest by its results. It has brought specie and paper practi- cally together months before the date fixed by law for t}e resumption of specie payment by the government; it has given to all classes money of the same value; ithas placed our nation on an equal footing with the other great nations of the world in all matters of financial concern; it has promoted the refunding of the national debt at a low rate of interest; it has maintained the national credit; and any change in this policy which tends to obstruct it in its work of restor- ing specie payment, whereby paper currency becomes absolutely as valuable as gold and silver standird coin; of reviving busiuess, pro- moting industry, and muintaining the public credit, is hereby denounced as wholly evil and injurious to the best interest of the country. 9. That the organized raid on the treasury by the Southern Democratic members of Congress, for payment of hundreds of millions of dollars of rebel war claims, is an unparalleled impu- dence, and a present danger against the success of which the triumph of tne Republican party is our only security. 10. That we favor a wisely adjused tariff for revenue. 11. In the matter of the faithful administra- tion of the public funds, the Republican party challenges the closest scrutiny, and invites com- parison with any and all other ageacies in pub- lic or private affairs. Notwithstanding the vast sums, amounting to thousands of millions of dollars, collected and distributed by Republican administration, the percentage of loss is less than can be shown by any other political party that has ever been entiusted with the control of public affairs, or by individuals in their own private business. This shows that the charge of corruption made against the Republican party is as groundlessly impudent as was the attenipt of the Southern Democracy to destroy the Union wantonly wicked and atrociously cruel. 12. The title to the Presidential term was definitely and finally settled by the forty-fourth Congress, and any attempt to open it is danger- ous, illegal, and unconstitutional, and the Republican party of Iowa will resist all efforts not founded on the constitution and the existing laws to displace the present possessor of said title, and it is a source of sincere congratulation that the firm attitude assumed by the Republi- can party of the country in this regard forced a majority of the House of Representatives to disavow the real but covert purposes of the so- called Potter investigation. 13. That the effotrs of the Democratic party in Congress to cripple and render inefficient the army and navy of the United States is most earnestly condemned, and all eflorts looking toa permunent reduction of the same, with a view to a future reorganization, whereby the official stations may be in whole or in part supplied by officers who engaged in rebellion against the nation, who hold to the doctrine of secession, aud who acknowledge primary allegiance toa State, are hereby denounce4 as dangerous to the peace of the country and vw the permanence of the Union. 14. That it is not only the right, but the duty, of every good citizen at party caucus, in the party conventions, and at the polls, to use his best efforts to secure the nomination and elec- tion of good men to places of official trust, and we disapprove of all interference with the perfect freedom of action of any citizen in the exercise of said right and in the discharge of said duty. —_ A a 206 HISTORY OF IOWA. 15. That personal temperance is a most com- mendable virtue in a people, and. the practical popular movement now active througout the State, for the promotion of temperance, has our most profound respect, sympathy, and approval. 16. That we demand the most rigid economy in all departments of the public service, and rigid retrenchment in all public expenses in all possible directions, and the reduction of taxa- tion to the lowest limits consistent with efficient publicservice. Inthe direction of such economy and retrenchment, we heartly commend the action of the Republican legislature in reducing the expenses of the State in the sum of four hun- dred thousand dollars, and this example set by the State, should be followed in all other depart- ments of our government. 17. That the Republican party of Iowa de- mands an honest, faithful and efficient discharge of duty by all officers, whether federal, State, county or municipal, and requires a full, fair, and impartial and searching investigation into [ the official conduct of all officials and the busi- ness of all officers, without regard to party or personal association, and whenever or wherever fraud and dishonesty are discovered, the Repub- licans of Iowa demand the prompt punishment of the guilty parties. ‘‘Let.no guilty man es- cape.” A fusion ticket, composed of Green- backers and Democrats, was agreed on September 29th, as follows: Secretary of State, E. M. Farnsworth (Greenbacker); Auditor, Jos. Eiboeck (Democrat); Treas- urer, M. L. Devin (Greenbacker); Register of Land Office, M. Farrington (Green- backer); Judge of Supreme Court, Joseph C. Knapp (Democrat); Attorney-General, John Gibbons (Democrat); Clerk of Su- preme Court, Alex. Runyon (Greenback- er); Reporter of Supreme Court, John B. Elliott (Democrat). On Secretary of State the vote was as follows: J. A. T. Hull, Rep..... eee ce cee 184,544 E. M. Farnsworth, Fusion........125,087 T. O. Walker, Dem......eseeeee. 1,802 Hull, over all stat eeeccccscccncecces ss 8,055 The Democrats held a convention May 21, 1879, at Council Bluffs, and nominated the following State ticket: Governor, H. H. Trimble; Lieutenant-Governor, J. Y. Yeomans; Judge of Supreme Court, Reu- ben Noble; Supt. of Public Instruction, Erwin Baker. The platform adopted by the convention is here given: Resolved, Fhat the Democratic party now, as in the past, insists that our liberties depend upon the strict construction and observance of the constitution of the United States and all its amendments. 2. That the States and the general govern- ment should be sternly restrained to their respec- tive spheres, and to the exercise only of the powers granted and reserved by the constitution. 8. That the policy of the Republican party, by which it inflates the importance of the States when necessary to cover the theft of the Presi- dency, and in turn magnifies the functions of the general government to cover the coercion of the States into the endorsement of the partisan will of the fraudulent executive, is full of evil and fruitful of danger. 4. That such a policy is intended to array section against section, the States against the general government, and it against the States in turn, for the purpose of destroying the freedom of both, and teaching the people to look to a strong government as a shelter from the anarchy its advocates have planned. 5. That evidences of these nefarious pur- poses is furnished by the present attitude of the Republican party, which is arrayed against a free ballot, on which depend all the liberties se- cured to us by the constitution. 6. That we view with alarm the determina- tion of the Republican party, through the fraud- ulent executive, to deprive this republic of its army, 80 necessary to the defence of its frontier, and its protection from foreign and domestic enemies, by vetoing appropriations for the pay “—- a a HISTORY OF IOWA. 207 and support of our soldiers, unless they can be used to force voters to record the mere will of the executive. 7. That we hail the Democratic Senators and Representatives in Congress as worthy the hero- ic lineage of American citizens, for standing firmly for the American idea in government as against the despotic theory from which our rev- olutionary fathers revolted, and we ask all lovers of liberty to join us and them in a protest against the change in our form of government proposed by the Republican party, which will substitute the will of one man for that of the majority of all the people. 8. That we are in favor of the substitution of United States treasury notes for national bank notes, and of the abolition of national banks as banks of issue; that the government of the United States issue the money for the people; and, further, that we favor a reduction of the bonded debt of the United States as fast as prac- ticable, and the application of the idle money in the treasury to that purpose. 9. That we favor the free and unlimited coin- age of the silver dollar of 4124¢ grains, and pro- viding certificates for silver bullion which may be deposited in the United States treasury, the same to be legal tender for all purposes. 10. That we favor a tariff for revenue only. 11. That we are in favor of economy in pub- lic expenditures, including reduction of salaries local and general, wherever they may be deemed excessive; and also a reduction in the number of officials. 12. That the Democratic party of Iowa is de- sirous of promoting temperance, and, being op- posed to free whisky, it is in favor of a judicious license law. 18. That we favor holding all public servants to a strict accountability, and their prompt and severe punishment for all thefts of public money and maladministration of public office. A Temperance convention was held at Cedar Rapids June 16th, and adopted the following platform : Resolved, We recognize the traffic in intoxicat- ing liquors as the great moral, financial, social, and political evil of the present age; that it is one of the worst relics of barbarism; that it has always been the moving cause of crime, and is, therefore, subversive of our republican form of government, and should be overthrown. 2. We believe that the prohibition of the traffic of intoxicating liquors is the only sound legislative theory upon which this vexed ques- tion can be solved and the nationsaved from bankrupey and demoralization; therefore, we insist upon the maintenance and enforcement of our prohibitory liquor law, and upon such amendments by the next Legislature of the State of Iowa as will place ale, wine, and beer under the same condemnation as other intoxicating liquors. 3, We believe that in the security of home rests the security of the State; that woman is by her very nature the acknowledged guardian of this sacred shrine, and that intemperance is its greatest enemy, therefore we claim that the daughters of this commonwealth, as well as her sons, be allowed to say,,by their vote, what laws should be made for the suppression of this evil, and what persons shall execute the same. 4, That the present movement inaugurated by the temperance organizations of the State to prohibit the manufacture and sale of alcoholic liquors, except for mechanical and medical pur- poses, including malt and wine liquors, meets our active support. 5. That we, as the Prohibitionists of the State of Iowa, in view of the great questions of public interest effecting the perpetuity of our general government, which are now absorbing the thought and action of all our people, deem it inexpedient and unwise to nominate a State probibitory ticket at the present time. A portion of the convention in favor of the nomination of a State ticket seceded, and nominated a State ticket, headed by G. T. Carpenter for Governor. Mr. Car- penter declining, D. R. Dungan was substi- tuted. The rest of the ticket was composed | “<8 fe. gale. oe 208 HISTORY OF IOWA. as follows: Lieutenant-Governor, Frank T. Campbell; Judge of the Supreme Court, J. M. Beck; Supt. of Public Instruction, J. A. Nash. The Greenbackers assembled at Des Moines May 28th, and nominated a ticket as follows: Governor, Daniel Campbell; Lieutenant-Governor, M. M. Moore; Su- preme Judge, M. H. Jones; Supt. of Pub- lic Instruction, J. A. Nash. The follow- ing platform was adopted: Wuereas, The sovereign and supreme power of the American Union is vested in the free will of the citizens thereof, who have an equal and unquestioniuble right to express that will as to them scems best adapted to secure the peace, perpetuate the liberty, and promote the pros- perity of each individual, as well as to enhance and protect the common welfare of our country; and, Waereas, This power has been delegated to unworthy servants, who have diverted it from its original purpose, whereby grievous wrongs have been perpetrated on the masses of the people, subjecting them to gross injustice, widespread poverty, untold privations, and business paralyzation; and, Wuereas, These grievances have been greatly augumented by limiting the legal-tender quality of the greenbacks; by loaning the credit of the government to national bank corporations; by changing government bonds into coin bonds, and making the same exclusively payable in gold, by the conversion of a non-interest bearing circulating medium into an interest bearing government debt; by defrauding labor of employ- nient; by the ruinous shrinkage in the value of property; by the depression of business; by the willful restrictions placed upon the remonetiza- tion of the silver dollar; by the exemption of capital from its just share of the burden of tuxa- tion; by the contraction of the greenback cur- rency; by the forced resumption of specie pay- ment; by the increase in the purchasing power of mouey, and its attcndaut hardshi,s on the debtor class; by declaring poverty a crime, and providing punishment therefor; by the criminal waste of the public domain, through enormous grants of land to railroad corporations; by oppressive taxation; by high rates of interest for the use of money; by exorbitant salaries and fees to public officers; by official corruption in the administration of public affairs; and, WaHereas, A moneyed despotism has grown up in our land out of this state of affairs, which con trols the law-making power of our country, dictates judicial decisions, wields an undue influence over the chief executive of the nation —in the consideration of the laws passed for the benefit of the people, thus enabling the money power to carry on its schemes of public plunder, under and by which colossal fortunes have been gathered in the hands of the ambitious and un- crupulous men whose interests are at war with the interests of the people, hostile to popular government, and deaf to the demands of honest toil; therefore, we, the representatives of the Union Greenback Labor Party of Iowa, adopt the following as our platform of principles: 1. The general government alone to issue money; the amount in circulation to be fixed by a constitutional amendment upon a per capita basis; calling in of all United States bonds, and the payment of them in full legal-tender money. 2. That the national banks, as banks of issue, must be abolished by law, and the legal tender greenback money of the government of the United States shall be substituted for their cir- culation. 8. That we demand the unlimited coinage of the silver dollar of the present standard weight and fineness. 4. That the American people owe a debt of gratitude to the Union soldiers that can never be fully paid, and in recognition of their patri- otic services we endorse the arrearages of pen- sions, and favor the passage of a bill providing for the equalization of bounties similar to the one vetoed by ex-President Grant. 5. That we view with grave apprehension the continued oppression of the people by cor- porate powers; and while we execrate the inhu- man treatment of the Union soldiers in prison > -—ls, HISTORY OF IOWA. 209 pens of the South during the rebellion, we con- demn the violence of partisan spirit in the legisla- tive halls of Congress, which seeks to revive the dead issue of the past while conspiring against and deliberately refusing to provide measures of relief adequate to the living necessities of the present. ° 6. Thatit is the right and duty of all qualified electors of any State in the Union to vote accord- ing to their conscientious convictions, and to have that vote honestly and fairly counted; and that any attempt to interfere with that right, either by threats of bands of armed men or the use of troops at the polls, or by fraud in con- ducting the election, or bribery in making out the returns, or by threats to dismiss from service, or any other means by which that right is abridged, is a crime that should be severely punished, %. That the office-holders of our country are the servants and not the masters of the people, and that these officers should be removed and punished to the full extent of the law whenever they betray the public trust confided to them; and we demand that all official fees and salaries, commencing with the President, should’ be re- duced from twenty-five to fifty per cent.; and we further demand the strictest economy in the administration of our courts of justice, and in all other federal and State officers. 8. That we highly commend the moral re- form of men and the elevation of families by agencies of the temperance cause, and demand the use of all just and legal means for the sup- pression of the evils of intemperance. 9. That all real estate be assessed to the owner, and the tax thereon be paid by him, pro- vided, that in case there is a mortgage or ven- dor’s lien upon the land, and he pays the whole tax, that he may deduct, as payment on said lien, the pro rata share of the tax. 10. That the revenue law of the State shall be amended so that the penalty or interest on the sale of delinquent taxes should not exceed the sum of ten per cent. per annum, and that the time of redemption shall be extended to a term of five years. 11. We favor the repeal of the present rail- road commissioners’ law, and the adoption of a suitable legislative action to reduce and equalize freight. 12. That the prison convict labor shall never come in competition with free labor, by the contract system, under any name. Resolved, That we approve the bold and inde- pendent stand taken by our Greenback repre- sentatives in Congress; and we especially endorse the conduct of Messrs. Weaver and Gillette in their conduct with the combined opposition of both old parties. 2. That the nominees of this convention are the candidates of the Greenback party of Iowa, and in no case will we recognize the right of any person or persons to alter or change the ticket here nominated, except to fill vacancies occa- sioned by death, in which case the central com- mittee shall not place on the ticket the names of any person or persons who are identified with either of the old parties. The Republicans assembled at Des Moines, June 11, and nominated the fol- lowing ticket: Governor, John H. Gear; Lieutenant-Governor, Frank T, Campbell; Supreme Judge, J. M. Beck; Supt. of Public Instruction, C. W. Von Coelln. A platform was adopted as follows: 1. That the United States of America is a nation, notaleague. This isthe doctrine of the constitution, confirmed by the result of the war of the rebellion. The Democratic party denies this, and opposes to it the doctrine of State rights, which includes the power of a State to dissolve its connection with the Union, therefore it is dangerous to the national life to trust it to the Democratic party. 2. Upon the foregoing doctrine of nationality depends the power of the republic to protect its citizens in all other rights, both at home and abroad, and from its denial by the Democratic party have resulted the barbarous outrages per- petrated on citizens in all of the disturbed sec- tions of the Southern States, and redress can be A ee ae —_— ie 210 HISTORY OF IOWA. had alone through the administration of public affairs in the several departments of the govern- ment by the Republican party. 8. We denounce the attempt of the Demo- cratic party in Congress to render the federal elections insecure by the repeal of the election laws of the United States as dangerous to a free and pure expression of the voice of the people through the ballot-box, and as tending to subject said elections to the dominations of the bull- dozing elements of the Southern States, and of repeaters and promoters of fraud in the city of New York and elsewhere, and the resistence made to the accomplishment of this result by the Republican Senators and Representotives in Congress, and by President Hayes in his veto messages, is accorded our profound commenda- tion. 4. That we approve of the financial policy of the Republican party, and refer with pride to its results. The Southern Democratic rebellion for the perpetuation of slavery and the enforcement of State rights forced an enormous interest- pearing debt upon the people, which, in August, 1865, reached its highest point, and then amounted to $2,381,530,294.96, requiring an an- nual interest payment of $150,977,697.87. On the Ist of August next, when the Republican refunding operations will be completed, this Democratic debt will be reduced to $1,797,643, - 700.00, with an annual interest charge of but $83,778,777.50, showing a reduction in the prin- cipal of $583,886,594.96, and of the annual interest charge of $57,203,619.87; and we declare this debt shall be honestly paid in honest money, and to this end are in favor of keeping our coin circulation at its largest practicable volume, and of maintaining our paper currency where the Republican party has placed it—at par with coin; and to the further end that the dollar earned by labor shall be worth as much as the dollar earned by capital. 5. Concerning further financial legislation, we say, let us have peace, undisturbed by Con- gressional tinkering, that our business interests may revive, investments of more idle capital be encouraged, commercial interests fostered, and the general welfave prometed. 6. The profit arising from the coinage of gold and silver should inure to the benefits of the government, and not to the advantage of private owners of bullion, as this tends to diminish the burdens of the tax-payers, and no part of the tax-paying currency should be converted into the new tax-paying list. 7. We favor a wisely-adjusted tariff for rev- enue. 8. We demand a strict economy in the impo- sition of public taxes and expenditures of pub- lic money, and such just reduction and equali- zation of the salaries and fees of public officers as shall place them on an equality with like po- sitions in private employment. 9. That we renew our expression of profound gratitude to the soldiers and sailors of the Union, and denounce the removal of employees of this class by the Democrats in Congress, and the ap- pointment, in their stead, of members of the Confederate army. 10. That we re-affirm the position of the Re- publican party heretofore expressed upon the subject of temperance and prohibition. The vote on Governor was as follows: John H. Gear, Rep. ......000e0004 157,571 H. H. Trimble, Dem.............. 85,056 F. T. Campbell, Gr....... 2.2006. 45,488 D.R. Dungan, Temp.........0+.. 8,258 Gear, over all... .... cccccccvcceccce es 20,828 The campaign of 1880 was an exciting one. James A. Garfield was the Repub- lican candidate for the Presidency; Win- field S. Hancock, the Democratic; James B. Weaver, the Greenback; Neal Dow, the Prohibition. The Republicans of Iowa were first in the field this year, meeting in convention at DesMoines April 7th, and nominating for Secretary of State, J. A. T. Hu!l; Treasurer, E. H. Conger; Auditor, W.V. Incas; Attorney-General, Smith McPherson; Register of State Land Office, J. K. Powers. They also resolved— 1. That we insist on the nomination of well- known Republicans of national reputation for 9 ¢ + v HISTORY OF IOWA. 211 ability, purity and experience in public affairs, and adhesion to Republican principles, for Pres- ident and Vice-President of the United States, by the National Republican Convention. 2. That, as Republicans of Iowa, recognizing in the Hon. James G. Blaine a man of tried iu- tegrity, of uncompromising loyalty and patriot- ism, of commanding ability both as a leader and stutesman, and a fearless advocate of the prin- ciples which have preserved the Union and given undying luster to the party of which he is the admired representative, we take pleasure in re- cording the fact that he is the preference of the Republicans of Iowa for the office of President of the United States. And while we pledge our- selves to support the nominee of the Chicago convention, we nevertheless declare it is our conviction that no other candidate will develop the enthusiasm or call out the number of votes that would be polled by the American people for James G. Blaine, as the standard-bearer of the Republican party in the national contest of 1880. 3. That the delegation of this convention to Chicago be instructed to cast the vote of Iowa as a unit; and that the delegation be further in- structed to use all honorable means to secure the nomination for President of the Hon. James G. Blaine. The Greenback party assembled in con- vention May 19th, at Des Moines and nominated Secretary of State, G. M. Wal- ker; Treasurer of State, Matthew Farring- ton; Auditor of State, G. V. Swearengen; Attorney-General, W. A. Spurrier; Register of State Land-Office, Thos. Hooker. The following is the platform adopted : We, the National Greenback Labor Party of Iowa, decide, as our first broad principle of faith, that that which is created is subservient to the power that created it. Resolved, That all currency, whether metallic or paper, necessary for use and convenience of the people, should be issued and controlled by the government, and not by or through the bank corporations of the country; and when so issued shall be a full legal tender for the payments of all debts, public and private. 2. That so much of the interest bearing debt of the United States as shall become redeemable in the year 1881, or prior thereto, being in amonnt $782,000,000, shall not be refunded beyond the power of the government to call in said obligations and pay them at any time, but shall be paid as rapidly as possible, and accord- ing to contract. To enable the government to meet these obligations, the mints of the United States should be operated to their full capacity in the coinage of standard silver dollars, and such other coinage as the business of the country may require. 3. That as the producing classes are now enslaved by interest-bearing debt, therefore we are unalterably opposed to all bonded indebted- ness. 4. That the payment of the bond in coin, originally payable in lawful money, was a gift to the bond-holder, and the payment of the soldiers in paper, when by contract payable in coin, was and is an unjust discrimination in favor of the bondholder; therefore, we demand, in justice to the soldier, that he be paid accord- ing to contraet. 5. That we are opposed to the importation of Chinese semi-barbarous labor, regarding it as a paralyzing and degrading system, that will, unless checked, undermine American free labor 6. That we demand the immediate passage by Congress of a law for the equalization of soldiers’ bounties similar to the one vetoed by President Grant. % That the right of suffrage, free press anc speech, are the inalienable rights of every citi- zen of the United States. 8. That we denounce the discrimination between government clerks and government laborers, the clerks working six hours and the laborers ten hours. 9. That we are opposed to a large standing army, either national or State, in times of pro- found peace, eating out the substance of the people. ° —e- oe 212 sath, HISTORY OF IOWA. 10. That we will continue to agitate the sub- ject of reform in this State, until official salaries shall bear a just proportion to the incomes of the people who pay them. 11. That the last Legislature of our State, in failing to pass the innocent purchaser bill, the bill to reduce court expenses, the bill to protect the destruction of sheep from the ravages of dogs, the bill to cut down our tax penalties, the bill to reduce the rate of interest, have neglected the best interests of the State, and ought to be turned out of power, 12. That the State should not sell contract labor to compete with free labor. 18. That as citizens of Iowa we feel proud of, and extend our heartfelt gratitude to Messrs. Weaver anc Gillette, for their noble and untir- ing efforts in the halls of Congress to secure the rights of the worthy toiling millions. 14. That we, as the National Greenback Labor Party, know no North, no South, no East, no West. 15. That all banks of issue and all monopolies must go, The Democrats met at Des Moines; Sep- tember 2d, and nominated a ticket as fol- lows: For Secretary of State, A. B. Keith; Treasurer, Martin Blim ; Auditor, Chas. I. Barker; Attorney-General, C. A. Clark ; Register of State Land Office, C. A. Dougherty. They also resolved : 1. We, the Democracy of Iowa, in delegate convention assembled, endorse the platform of the party adopted at Cincinnati, and pledge our earnest efforts in its behalf. 2, The Democracy of Iowa are heartily in favor of the National nominees, Hancock and English, as they give a decided assurance of pure and more thoroughly careful administration of national affairs. 3. We arein favor of a judicious license law, and condemn all efforts to legislate against those natural rights which do not trespass ipon those belonging to the whole community, and we applaud the action of our representatives at DesMoines in the Highteenth General Assembly for their manly and able opposition to the at- tempt at sumptuary legislation made by a Re- publican legislature. The vote for Secretary of State stood as follows: J. A. T. Hull, Rep.............-. 184, 166 A. B. Keith, Dem.ncssccacvecnes 105, 760 G.M, Walker, Gr... .. cc cs ee eee eee 32, 780 BCaCePiN Ss oo aks Vereen ieieesars 422 Hull overall........... eaiesuheiwed ——45, 204 In the campaign of 1881, the first con- vention held was by the Democrats, at DesMoines, June 16. They nominated for Governor, L. G. Kinne; Lieutenant- Governor, J. M. Walker; Judge of Su- preme Court, H. B. Hendershott; Supt. of Public Instruction, W. H. Butler. The convention adopted the following plat- form: The Democratic party of Iowa, in convention assembled, re-affirm the national platforms of 1876 and 1880, demand strict economy in all public expenditures, a strict accountability of all public servants, and declares— 1. For tariff reform, ultimating in simpler revenue system, with commercial freedom asits issue. . 2. That we oppose all sumptuary laws, and the proposed prohibitory amendment to the constitution in all its steps and stages as the must offensive form of sumptuary regulation, 3. That the great agricultural and producing interests of the country should be emancipated from the burdens of monopoly put upon them by Republican rule, and as a feature of such relief, for the cheapening of transportation by government appropriations for improvement of the Mississippi river, its navigable tributaries , and other water-ways, 4. That we execrate the constant official cor- ruption grown into Republican practice, and that the demand of our national platform for civil service reform is freshly emphasized by the immoral spectacle of Republican factions dis- oleae aoa a A aoa, HISTORY OF IOWA. 213 turbing the public peace, not by the agitation of great.measures of statesmanship, but by a vulgar quarrel over the partition of public spoils, and a squabble for the opportunities of official theft. The Greenback convention was held at Marshalltown, June 2, and the following ticket nominated: Governor, D. M. Clark; Lieutenant-Governor, James M. Holland; Supt. of Public Instruction, Mrs. A. M. Swain; Supreme Judge, W. W. William-; son. The following platform was adopted by the convention: 1. The right to make and issue money is a sovereign constitutional power to be maintained by the people for the common benefit. We de- mand the abolition of all banks of issue, and the substitution of full legal tender greenbacks in lieu of their notes. 2. We oppose the refunding of the national debt or the issue of interest-bearing non-payable bonds upon any pretext, and demand the pay- ment and destruction of those outstanding at the earliest possible moment. 3. We demand a gradual income tax, where- by capital shal! bear a just share of the public burden. 4. We regard the act substituting a railroad commission for laws governing freight rates in the State as a fraud secured by the railroad companies through a Republican legislature, and demand its repeal. While we favor liberal na- tional appropriations for the creation and_im- provement of water-ways, we demand laws protecting the people of Iowa from discrimina- tion, pooling, watering of stock, drawbacks or rebates, and all unjust charges on the part of railroads, until such time as the people, who built most of these roads with land grants, taxes and subsidies, shall own and operate or fully control them. 5. We demand a revision of our patent right laws, placing a fair limit upon the royalties of inventors, and protecting the people from injus- tice. 6. We demand that all land grants forfeited by reason of the non-fulfillment of conditions by failroad companies shall be at once reclaimed by the government, and henceforth that the public domain be reserved exclusively for homesteaders or actual settlers. 7. We demand absolutely Democratic rules for the government of Congress and State legis- latures, placing all representatives of the people upon an equal footing, and taking from all com- mittees a veto power upon proposed legislation 8. We denounce as most dangerous the re- Sstrictions of the right of suffrage in many States, and its abolition in the District of Col- umbia, and demand equal political rights for all men and women. 9. Believing that all questions affecting the public interest should be decided by the people, we favor the submission of the proposed consti- tutional amendment to the popular vote. 10. We demand that all ballots in this State shall be of uniform size, color and material, and that each party having a State organization shall have one member on the election board of each towuship precinct. 11. We favor the abolition of the electoral college, and the election of President, Vice- President and Senators of the United States by a direct vote of the people. 12. In the furtherance of these ends, we ask the co-operation of all.men and women, without regard to previous party affiliation or prejudice. The Republicans met at DesMoines, June 7, and nominated the following ticket: Governor, Buren R. Sherman; Lieutenant-Governor, Orlando H. Man- ning; Supt. of Public Instruction, John W. Akers; Judge of Supreme Court, Austin Adams. The convention also adopted the following platform: We, the representatives of the Republican party of Iowa, demand anew of the people of the State their fullest confidence and support, because of the faithfulness of the party, in the State and in the nation, to party pledges; be- cause of the marvelous devotion it has shown in support of the Union; because of its abhorrence oe ly Y fee 214 HISTORY OF IOWA. of slavery and polygamy, and of its successful efforts to crush the one, and of its persistent struggle to get rid of the other, sure to go on to its final extirpation; because of its active inter- est in the relief of struggling and oppressed humanity everywhere; because of its determin- ation to abolish all inequalities of citizenship, to give all men of all races and nationalities in this land equality of civil and political rights; be- cause of its efforts to establish temperance, to educate the people and build up all moral forces; because it has been earnest in its efforts toward honest and economical government, and has been swift to correct abuses when it has discov- ered them; because it has steadily maintained the financial honor of the nation, is rapidly dis- charging its great war debt, and has made the recent financial history of the government the marvel of natidns; because it has protected the labor of the country, and built up its agricultu- ral and manufacturing interests, and promoted the means of internal commerce by judicial leg- islation; because it is positive and progressive, and will, in the future, as in the past, prove its capacity to grapple promptly and successfully with every emergency of the nation, and with every question affecting the people’s interests; and, finally, because it will secure a complete and lasting unification of the country, entire peace and concord, upon the statute basis of free schools, free speech, a free press and a free ballot. In the spirit of the purpose that has redeemed former pledges and produced these results, the Republican party of Iowa resolves— 1. We re-affirm the Republican national plat- form of 1880, and insist upon its enforcement in its relation to the several affairs of the nation, the States and the Territories, in order that sound policies shall prevail in the nation, and ample protection be afforded toits citizens in all of their rights of citizenship in the several States; and that the territories be made as abso- lutely free from the debasing presence and ‘per- nicious influences of polygamy as the States now are of slavery. 2. We,congratulate this country upon the election of James A. Garfield, and the national adminstration upon the vigorous manner in which it has undertaken‘to ferret out fraud and suppress extravagance in public expenditures, to secure the personal and commercial rights of our people abroad, to deal justly with the Indian wards of the government, and upon the con- spicuous success of its financial policy. 8. That we are in hearty sympathy with the spirit of recent conventions for supplementing and improving the great water routes of the nation, and cordially endorse all measures which look toward a practical and judicious improve- mentof the magnificent water-ways which nature has afforded us for cheaply transporting the immense commerce of the States, and therefore developing the immense resources of the interior of our national domain. 4, That we recognize railways as one of the most potent agencies in our national progress, but one which by reason of its relation to the people, must be keptsubordinate to the interests of the people, and within the legislative control of Congress and the State. That in the spirit of its usefulness, it must be dealt with in fairness and without injustice. But we are in accord with the popular demand, that the unquestion- able legislative power shall be used to protect the people from any abuse and unjust exactions. 5. That the plenary power of Congress over the subject of patent, should beso exercised as to protect the people against the wrongs and abuses which have been developed and are practiced under the present system of laws relating to patent rights, and we ask our senators and repre- sentatives in Congress, to lend their best efforts to the accomplishment of this end. 6. That the position attained in our. com- merce by American meats and live animals, demand the enactment of effective legislation by both the nation and the States, for the sup- pression of such diséases as are calculated to interfere with this important feature of our foreign trade. % That in pursuance of the uniform justice of the Republican party to observe the pledges and perform the promises made and given in its platform, we declare that the provisions in the st e ar wv OY 7 > HISTORY OF IOWA. 215 platform of 1879, for the submission of the so-ealled prohibitory amendment of the con- stitution of Iowa, to a vote of the people ata special and non-partisan election should be enforced, in order that the good faith of the party may be maintained, and that the people in this government of the people, by the people, and for the people, may have an opportunity to express their wishes concerning the pending amendment, regardless of party affiliations, and with perfect freedom from all party restraint and influences. CHAPTER XI, TERRITORIAL AND STATE OFFICERS—A RETROSPECT. In the limited space of this State his- tory, sketches of the various Territorial and State officers cannot be given, though they would be of great interest. It is thought best, however, to insert sketches of the three Territorial Governors. These have been prepared by Hon. Samuel Mur- dock, of Clayton county, a gentleman than whom none are better qualified for the task, Rozert Lucas. In the spring of 1832 the celebrated Indian Chief, Black Hawk, in violation of tke treaty of St. Louis in 1804, which he himself had ratified in 1816, and again partially ratified in 1831, started with his band, composing a part of the Sac and Fox Indians, ascended Rock River to a considerable distance, where he took up a strong military position. Gen. Atkinson, with a large number of United States troops and volunteers from the surrounding country, immediately pur- sued him, with the intention of forcing the cunning chief either to retire or give him battle. And in compliance with this reso- lution, he dispatched forward Major Still- man, with three or four hundred volunteers, to reconoitre the position of Black Hawk. But Stillman had before him a “Warrior tried;” a man who had been born and cradled upon the battle-field; one who had followed his father througk many a hard- fought battle with the Cherokees; one who had stood shoulder to shoulder with Tecumseh at Brownstown and the Thames; one who, by experience, understood both the tactics of the white man and the Indian; one who had mingted in the strife and carnage of every desperate and bloody battle along the whole western border for nearly half a century before. As soon as he heard that Stillman was approaching his camp, he made preparations to meet him, and in doing this he planned and accomplished one of the greatest and most a ye ae te A 216 HISTORY OF IOWA. skillful military stratagems known to - modern times. Stillman, underrating the character of the man before him, rushed, with his whole force, into the very jaws of death; his troops were thrown into the worst kind of disorder, and fell around him dead and dying over the field. Bravely did Stillman attempt to rally his men and bring them into order, which he came very near doing; but the eagle eye of an old warrior was looking over that field, and just at the moment when the tide of battle seemed to hang in a balance, this brave old warrior puts him- self at the head of a chosen number of his gallant braves, and with a yell that sent a thrill through many a bold and daring heart, rushed to the charge, dealing death and destruction in his way. Stillman ordered his men to fall back, but all was now utter confusion, and the retreat became a perfect rout. Thus, sir, commenced the short and bloody “Black Hawk War,” a war in which few laurels were won, and nothing found to admire save the daring bravery of the savage commander. It is not my purpose to fol- low it further; its history is a history of the most disgraceful outrages and vile treacheries on the part of the Americans; and but for the noble conduct of the gal- lant Dodge connected with it, ought to be blotted forever from the recollections of American history. The war ended by the capture of “Black Hawk” through the treachery of the Win- nebagos; and a treaty was concluded with him on the 21st of September, 1832, . at Rock Island, by which he ceded to the United States a large tract of land, west of the Mississippi, which became known as the “Black Hawk Purchase.” This war had its important effects in the his- tory of the Great West; it brought into notice the rich valley of the Rock river; it laid open to view the wealth and treas- ures locked up for past ages in the lead mines of Wisconsin; it opened to the view of the emigrant a rich and fertile valley, lying between the Mississippi on one side and the Missouri on the other; and long before the stipulations of the treaty of 1832 could be carried out, thousands rushed pell mell into the new land, ming- ling savage and civilized life together. The National Legislature has never yet been able to keep up in making the neces- sary laws for their protection, with the great tide of civilization, as it rolls on- ward, year after year, upon the heels of retreating savages. On the 20th of April, 1836, Congress passed a law for the organization of the Territory of Wisconsin, by the provisions of which the northern boundary of Wibs- consin extended west in a zigzag direction from a point opposite the main channel of Green Bay through Lake Superior, touch- ing the White Earth river, thence down said river to the main channel of the Mis- souri, thence down the Missouri to a point due west from the northwest corner of the State of Missouri, etc.; thus, you see, in- cluding within the bounds of Wisconsin all the lands and territory which now compose the great States of Iowa and Minnesota. It was soon evident that this arrangement could not last long; Young America had crossed the Mississippi, and had left a natural boundary behind him; stretching his eyes three hundred miles of 4 =, HISTORY OF IOWA. 217 west, his vision rested upon another, and with this in view, he demanded a separa- tion, whicn no Congress at that time dared to refuse. On the 13th day of June, 1838, Congress passed an act organizing the Territory of Towa into a separate and distinct govern- ment. This was. the era of many a dar- ling project on the part of Young Amer- ica, which he has since carried out to per- fection and success; while at the same time it became the era of many a “bubble bursted” in the shape of fallen cities and deserted capitols. Cassville, below you, was once, in expectancy, a proud metropo- lis, and the seat of a more than Chinese Empire. The act took effect from and after the 3d day of July of that year, with all the requisites of a separate and inde- pendent existence. Robert Lucas, of Ohio, the person whose name heads this article, was appointed by Mr. VanBuren, her first Governor, in con- nection with Willian B. Conway, of Penn- sylvania, Secretary. Governor Lucas, at the time of his appointment, was quite an old man, and far advanced in the decline of life; he had spent his best days in the service of his country. His youth was spent amid the strife and storms of a cruel and desperate border war. He was engaged in almost every battle from the Huron to the Thames. He had mingled personally in almost every skirmish on the frontier during the. war of 1812, and his history was full of romantic adventures, hair-breadth escapes, and bold and daring encounters. He had seen the Great West territory pass from a howling wilderness, and become the abode of millions of freemen who could cultivate their own vine and fig tree, wor- ship at their own shrine, with none to fear or make them afraid. He had seen Ohio a despondency, a little colony, struggling for existence, with almost her entire male population drafted for a border war, and he left her for Iowa, the third among a confederation of States, the greatest, the most powerful, and at the same time the most proud and glorious republic the world ever saw. He commenced his public career in Ohio in her infancy; he assisted, by his valor and courage, to drive back the mur- derous foe who hung upon the borders to glut his vengeance on the innocent child at its mother’s breast. And not until the Indian had buried the tomahawk, and England had ceased to desolate her fron- tiers, did he quit his post and return to enjoy himself in the peaceful avocations of private life. He mingled in her halls and in her councils, and his name con- nected with almost every public act of that great State, which gave her prosperity and greatness; and as a tribute to his worth and a reward for his services, she conferred upon him, in his declining years, the office of Governor. It was soon after his term of office ex- pired in Ohio that he received from the President the Governorship of Iowa. It was during his term of office as Gov- ernor of Ohio that the dispute arose between that State and the territory of Michigan, in relation to their respective boundaries, which came very near plung- ing both of them into a cruel, desperate and fratricidal war. The matter was set- tled, finally, by giving Ohio all she claimed; and in order to keep the youngest child of —e aaral ye 4 | | 218 HISTORY OF IOWA. the Republic in these days from being naughty, she was given a strip of poor territory, two hundred and fifty miles from her, and north and west of the main channel of Green Bay. He commenced his career in Iowa with all the bouyancy of youth and better days, and looked forward with a great deal of interest to the day when he should see her a proud and noble State. Scarcely had he time to look around him and gather information, in his new field of labor, before he found himself involved in another question of boundry, between Iowa and the State of Missouri. Missouri had set up a claim to a strip of country about six miles wide extending along the south line of our whole State; and on this strip of land she had several times attempted to collect taxes and en- force her laws. The settlers resisted these claims of Missouri, and appealed to the Governor for protection. No sooner was their case made known to him than he resolved to call forth all the military force he could procure, and for this purpose he issued his proclamation. Hundreds responded to his call, and in a short time he had col- lected here and there through the territory a set of men who only wanted a nod from their commander, and they would have thrown themselves against odds into the very heart of Missouri. Gov. Boggs, of Missouri, had also called on his State for assistance, and he, too, was on his march with a desperate set of men to assert his claim. Had those two forces have met, nothing could have prevented a dreadful and fatal encounter, But wise councils prevailed, and the legislature of Iowa, to its everlasting credit, drew up and passed a preamble and resolutions requesting both Governors to suspend hostilities until the first day of July thereafter. These resolutions had the desired effect; military preparations were suspended by both parties, and an- other cruel and fratricidal war averted. The matter was afterwards submitted to Congress, where, through the influence of A. C. Dodge, with his uncle, Dr. Linn, who was at that time a Senator in Congress from Missouri; the matier was finally settled by giving to Iowaall she ever claimed. Thus ended the celebrated “Missouri war,” a war whose history is full of fun and anecdote, a war which has since fur- nished the theme for many an idle, but interesting romance; and a war which will only be remembered in machine verse and burlesque song; for “Missouri shall many a day” “Tell of the bloody fray ” *‘When the Hawkeyes and Pukies” “First met on her border.” Governor Lucas never forgot the inci- dents of this war during his life; and long after the difficulties had passed away, he never could talk about it without flying into a passion at the conduct of Missouri. He cherished a holy hatred for the land of “Pukes” during his lifetime. Not long after the difficulties with Mis- souri were settled, he got into a desperate quarrel with the legislature, and for a time, everything about the capital wore a bel- ligerant aspect. It will be recollected that at that time the legislature was filled exclusively by young men; “mere boys,” ~~ + Y 4 ek HISTORY OF IOWA. 219 as it was said of them at the time, anda higher set of fellows than they were, could scarcely be found. They looked upon Iowa as their own and each of them looked himself as the future Senator, Governor, or chief justice of a future State, which he himself was at that time laboring to bring about; and the history of occurring events will show, that with a large number of them, their early antici- pations turned out to be true; and with those who are still in obscurity, but yet in the prime of life, abright and happy future is still before them. The Governor was an old man, and, as they thought, tinctured somewhat with “Foggyism,” and they did not hesitate to declare that he was here for the office, and for the office alone, and that as soon as his term expired, he would return again to Ohio, as all Governors of new Territories have generally done. What wonder, then, that between such elements, there should, in the course of events spring up a collision. The Governor attempted from time to time, to check these young law-makers in their public expenditures, and did not hesitate to call them a set of proflligates. In retaliation for these acts on the part of the Governor, the legislature appointed a committee, consisting of James W. Grimes, since United States Senator, Chauncy Swan» who subsequently died at sea on his return from California, and Laurel Summers, afterwards United States Marshal for Iowa, to inquire into his power, and define his duties. Thiscommittee after due delibera- tion, gravely reported to the legislature, that. the Governor had full power and authority to vote all acts of the legislature, of every kind, name and description, except acts for the appropriation of money, and then asked to be discharged from the fur- ther consideration of the subject. But the matter did not end here, for the legis- lature on the 16th of January, 1840, instructed their delegate to Congress, W. W. Chapman to use his influence in procuring a law, allowing the people to elect their own Governor, and provided in this resolution, that the Governor himself should circulate it. This resolution he took good care to approve, and actually sent copies of it to Washington city. He was removed from the office of Governor, after the 4th of March, 1831, and John Chambers, of Kentucky was appointed to succeed him. After his removal he returned to private life, and resided at Bloomington for a number of years. He returned to Ohio and ran for Con- gress, but was defeated, after which he again returned to Iowa, and if I mistake not, was a@ member of the first constitu- tional convention. Old age crept upon him at last, and he died a number of years ago, at Muscatine. He was always a Democrat of the Jack- sonian school, and throughout a long public life he was strictly and religiously honest. He was not aman of much talent, but his long public life had made him familiar with the whole routine of public affairs. With his intimate aquaintance with public men and public affairs, he could have written an admirable history of the Great Wests. But he has left nothiug behind him save his own acts. . ae v Y seri 220 HISTORY OF IOWA. In person, he was tall and slender, and in his younger days, capable of enduring great hardships. As her first Governor, and one of her truest and best friends, he will live on the pages of Iowa’s history, when statues of marble and brass, shall have crumbled into dust. JouHN CHAMBERS. On the 4th day of March, 1841, William Henry Harrison was inaugurated President of the United States. He was carried into office through one of the most renowned and exciting political campaigns our coun- try has ever witnessed. During the administration of Mr. Van Buren, his immediate predecessor, our country, and indeed the whole civilized world, was visited by one of those great commercial revulsions which seems peri- odically to take place in the affairs of man. Never before had our country witnessed and felt such a universal depression of all kinds of business, nor could the most gifted seer in commercial pursuits tell how or when this great commercial calamity would end, or be remedied. The people thought they could look back into the administration of General Jack- son, when the deposits were removed, as the primary cause of all the distress in every ramification of trade which followed during the administration of his successor, and in order, as they supposed, to apply a remedy, and restore confidence and secu- rity again to the country, demanded a change in the affairs of the government, For twelve years previous to 1840, the government had been in the hands of a party calling themselves “Jackson Demo- crats,” and from their long tenure in office, many of them had come to the conclusion that they owned them in their own right, and that almost every office in the gift of the President was a life tenure. Acting upon this principle, many of these incumbents had become notoriously cor- rupt, and appropriated the money belong- ing to their respective offices to their own private and pecuniary profit. These things, added to the commercial distress I have mentioned, increased the- popular clamor for a change, and General Harrison was triumphantly elected Presi- dent. And although the writer of this article heard him declare in a public speech that he would suffer his right hand to be cut off before he would remove a public officer for opinion sake alone, yet. one of the first acts of his administration © was the removal of Robert Lucas from the Governorship of Iowa, and the appoint- ment of John Chambers, of Kentucky, to succeed him. He arrived in Iowa a short time after he had received his appointment, and imme- diately took possession of his office. He was a Whig, and of that Kentucky school of politics, in his day, which took rather a conservative view of public affairs. He was an old man, and had seen some service in his day. He was among the Kentucky volunteers on the frontier during the war of 1812, and distinguished him- self in several skirmishes with the Indians, and was looked upon as one of Kentucky’s bravest men. Everything in Iowa was in the hands of the Democrats; they had, since the formation of the Territory, filled every office; they had controlled and di- ——— ~~ oO Y t ae HISTORY OF IOWA. 221 rected its whole legislation; they had carved and cut every act to suit them- selves. So that when the new Governor arrived he found Iowa in the hands of a joint stock company, with the shares above par, and none to dispose of at any price. These same stockholders had been for several years accustomed to look upon his predecessor, although one of their own faith, with considerable distrust; and need we wonder that when a new man made his appearance among them, of opposite faith, that, for a time at least, he should receive the cold shoulder? He had been appointed for four years, and in all probability would remain his time out; but four years was an age, at that time, to those who in fact controlled the destinies of a future republic. A plan was therefore set on foot by those who owned the largest shares in the com- pany, to bring about a revolution, to change the form of government, to establish a State; and, in obedience to this plan, the legislature, on the 16th day of February, 1842, provided that at the August election following, a vote should be taken for or against a convention to form a constitution for the State of Iowa. At this time the general government had paid all the ex- penses of the Territory, in hard money. At every session of every court, in every county throughout the whole Territory, the Judge, the District Attorney, and last, though not least, the United States Mar- shal, or one of his deputies, always ap- peared together. As soon as the court was over, and justice had been meted out with unsparing hand, the Marshal called up the Grand and Petit Juries, and the witnesses upon all criminal trials, cashed all their. accounts in half dollars, and they went their own way over the broad prairies, whistling or singing that good old tune, ‘Uncle Sam is rich enough to give us all a farm.” Taxes they did not feel, for there was no occasion to gather them, and I know of no happier State on earth than where man can live and enjoy all the sweets of unre- strained liberty, be assured of protection from aggression and wrong, his fields and gardens yielding a bounteous return for the slightest touch of the hoe and the spade, upon his own soil, with a cabin reared by his own hands, and “children who cluster like grapes at the door,” with a table covered by the choicest viands, the latch-string never pulled in, and at the same time a government scattering broad- cast around him annually thousands of dol- lars in hard money, and asking nothing in return but good behavior. Such was the state of things in the Territory, at this time; and when the August election came, the péople voted against a convention, and wisely concluded to remain a few years longer in a state of dependency, in order to enjoy, as long as possible, the benefits showered upon them by the general gov- ernment. During all this time the new Governor had not been idle. He had, previous to this, collected all the information he could in relation to the country. He had helda treaty with the Sac and Fox Indians, and had succeeded in making a purchase of all their lands lying west of the Blackhawk Purchase and extending west to the Mis- souri, and north to the “Neutral Ground.” By this treaty Iowa acquired jurisdiction to the Missouri on the west, and by an act = ve [* Ade 222 HISTORY OF IOWA. of Congress a criminal jurisdiction to the British possessions on the north. Long before this treaty could be ratified at Washington, tens of thousands rushed pell-mell upon the “New Purchase,” deter- mined to make themselves “claims,” and stand by them to the last. Troops were sent to drive them off until the stipulations of the treaty could be carried out, and in order to give time to the Indians to re- move. But before the troops had time to re- move a few squatters in one portion, “claims” were made in their rear, adjoin- ing one another, at the rate of fifty miles a day. So great was the rush for “claims” that it was no uncommon thing for the in- habitants of an Indian village to wake up in the morning, and to their utter conster- nation and surprise, find a log cabin or “claim shanty” which had been erected in their town during the night, while upon the door, perhaps, with chalk or coal, the unmistakable pictures of the bowie-knife and revolver, indicating, as the Indians well knew, the desperate character of him who sleeps within, upon that pallet of leaves and grass. No troops could restrain them, and the officers gave up in despair, thus in a short time the Territory had received a large addition to her population. The friends of a State government thought they could now, after so large an increase of population as this new pur- chase had brought about, venture again upon their darling scheme. On the 12th day of February, 1844, the Legislature again provided that at the April election following a poll should be opened, and each elector interrogated “for or against a convention?” This time it was made a party measure, and to be “for a convention” was a true test of a man’s Democracy. The plan succeeded admirably, even beyond the expectations of the “share-holders,” and upon counting there was a small majority in favor of a convention. The delegates were elected at the Aug- ust election following, and the convention, consisting of seventy members, assembled at Iowa City on the first Monday in Octo- ber, 1844, and proceeded to form a consti- tution. After a few weeks deliberation, they produced what they called a constitu- tion, but, upon inspection, it was found to be rather a rickety affair; it was, however, | in accordance with the doctrine of ““Popu- lar Sovereignty,” submitted to the people for their rejection or approval, at the April election, in 1845. At the time of its form- ation, the convention, in defining the boun- daries of the future State, had included on the north nearly the whole of what is now the State of Minnesota. Congress had, however, in anticipation of our coming, and in order to meet us half way, passed an act admitting us into the Union, but at the same time curtailing our boundaries, both on the north and west, cutting us off from the Missouri entirely. This act of Congress became known only a short time before the April election, and this fact, in connection with the unpopularity of the instrument itself, caused its defeat at the election which followed. The legislature had wisely provided, at the session which provided for a conven- tion, that in the event the constitution should be defeated, there should be an election for members of the legislature in i oe a =< % Y a HISTORY OF IOWA. 223 April, and that such legislature should assemble on the first Monday in May, 1845. The election was held accordingly, and the Legislature assembled at lowa City at the time designated. Immediately after the organization, the Democrats called together a caucus, in which it was resolved to submit again the same constitution to another test; and, agreeable to this resolution, Shepard Leffler, of DeMoines, introduced into the Senate a bill for that purpose. This bill passed both Houses, and was submitted to Mr. Chambers for his approval. But he differed with the legislature in regard to their power to pass an act of that kind, and he returned it with his veto. The legislature, however, was too strong for him, and they passed the bill over his veto, and again submitted the constitution at the August election following. But the people by this time had got tired of the old thing. Copies of it had been handed from one to another until they were worn out; they believed the Governor was right in his veto; and the old man had the grand satisfaction in seeing his last public act in the territory triumphantly sustained by the people. It was again rejected by a large majority, and came very near defeat- ing General Dodge for Congress, who undertook to pack it and run against R. P. Lowe, the present Chief Justice of |. the State. Mr. Polk was inaugurated President of the United States on the 4th of March, 1845, and a short time after the close of the session of May, 1845, he removed Mr. Chambers, and appointed James Clarke, of Burlington, to succeed him. This closed the public career of John Chambers, second Governor of Iowa. A short time after his removal by Mr. Polk, he returned to his home in Kentucky, where he soon after died. He was a large, heavy man, round shouldered, and had rather a stooping gait. His manners were reserved, and at first sight you would not care about ap- proaching him, but a little familiar ac- quaintance with him would make him a favorite. A half hour’s conversation with him, and he was as pleasing as a child; and take him all in all, he was about the most perfect specimen of Kentucky gentleman that was ever my lot to fall in with. The longer he remained in Iowa, the more the people loved him. I bid him farewell for the last time on the steps of the Capitol at Iowa City, when he wept like a child. When he left Iowa for his own bright and sunny land, he left no enemies behind him. A noble hearted man, he fixed his name forever on the pages of our history, and he left us to mingle his dust in that . land which gave him birth. So far as my acquaintance with him is concerned, I can truly say with Burns: ‘‘An honest man now lies at rest, One who on earth was truly blest; If there’s another world, he lies in bliss, And if there’s none, he’s made the best of this.” James CLARKE. Sometime in the autumn of the year 1837, when the trees were in the yellow leaf, a printer boy of slender form and gentle appearance might have been seen A —3 4 OQ 224 HISTORY OF IOWA, crossing the “Laurel Hills” of his own State. Behind him rolled the waters of the “Blue Juniata,” on the banks of which he had spent, in merry glee, his youthful days. He had heard and read of strange countries that lay far off towards the set- ting sun, through which broad rivers run, and spreading landscapes unfolded to human eyes the most rare and magnificent beauty. These things inspired his youthful mind with a spirit of wild adventure—‘fields looked green far away” to his imagination, and he left the scenes of his early youth, severed the strong and loving ties that bound him to the land of his nativity, bid farewell to all that was dear to him on earth, and with his youthful gaze fixed upon that star which never sets, he launched forth into the wilds of Wisconsin, a stranger in a strange land, an adventurer seeking his own fortune, depending upon his own exertions, with no recommend save an honest countenance and genteel deportment. This young man was James . Clark, who in after years became the able, talented and popular Governor of Iowa. He remained in Wisconsin, working at his trade as a printer, until after the or- ganization of the Territory of Iowa, when he removed to Burlington, where the first legislaturé of Iowa assembled. After the death of Mr. Conway, he was appointed, by Mr. Van Buren, Secretarv of the Terri- tory, which office he filled with great credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. During the time he held this office he contributed, by his kind, gentle and amiable manner, to soften the feelings of hatred and distrust which at one time ex- isted between leading men of the Territory. Whoever had business at his office found him a kind, gentle, quiet, amiable man, always ready and willing to do whatever was desired of him, regretting, at the same time, that he could do no more. No man ever labored harder in an office than he did, and it always seemed to me that his whole pride and ambition was to serve some one, and by so doing make himself nseful to his fellow man. During the time he was Secretary he underwent great labor, but notwithstand- ing the large amount of business he trans- acted, he still found time to write for the press, and contributed many valuable articles touching the future greatness of Iowa. After he retired from the office of Secre- tary, he returned again to the Printing office, and became the leading Editor of the Burlington Gazette. To the columns of this paper he devoted his whole ener- gies, and by so doing, made it the leading democrat paper of the territory; a position which he has held to this days After the inauguration of Mr. Polk as President of the United States, in 1845, he removed Mr. Chambers, and appointed Mr, Clarke to succeed him as Governor of Iowa. Previous to his appointment, he had been elected by the people of his county, a delegate to the first convention which assembled to forma constitution for the State of Iowa. In this convention he dis- tinguished himself, both for his talent and personal demeanor, and contributed to the pages of that constitution, these great ele- mentary principles which lie at the founda- tion of human rights. And, although that constitution was defeated, he still had the satisfaction of Cn a —~+— BE eT ogre. oe A wt a—l, HISTORY OF JOWA. 225 seeing their spirit and meaning transferred to another, and still continued as the fun- damental law of our State. The first legislature, after he received his appointment of Governor, assembled at Iowa City on the first Monday of Decem- ber, 1845. His message to the legislature after its organization is a model of style and clearness. He set forth the importance of an early extinguishment of the Indian title to all the lands within the limits of Iowa, and urges the legislature to memorialize Con- gress to purchase a tract of land on the upper Mississippi for a future home for the Winnebagoes, and thus induce them to part with their title to a large tract of country known as the “neutral ground,” a recommendation which the general government soon after acted upon and carried out. As soon as the “Blackhawk Purchase” had been surveyed, and it was discovered that it contained within its bounds large tracts which were supposed to contain valuable mineral, these tracts were reserved from market, and the government set itself up asa great landlord to lease out these lands at a stipulated rent. Mr Clarke soon saw the evil and injustice of such a system upon the inhabitants of Iowa, and he set himself at work to break it up; and it was through his influence and exertions that the land was afterwards thrown into market. There was not a barrier in the future greatness of Iowa that did not call forth his attention, and he had the grand satis- faction of seeing everything that he re- commended for the benetit and prosperity of Iowa afterwards carried out, and carried out, too, precisely, as he had suggested and wished. He seemed to be aware that he would soon be called upon to pass over the government, over which he presided with so much skill and ability, into the hands of the real sovereigns of the soil, and he was determined that nothing should be left undone by him to retard her future greatness. On the 16th day of January, 1846, the legislature passed, once more, an act for the purpose of electing delegates to frame a constitution for the State of Iowa. This time the friends of a State govern- ment took it for granted that the people of the territory wanted a constitution, so the legislature provided that at the April election following the passage of this act, the people of the territory should elect delegates to a convention. Accordingly, at the April election delegates were elected, and the convention, agreeable to said act, consisting of thirty-two members, instead of seventy as in the previous convention, met at lowa City on the first Monday of May, 1846, and after a session of eighteen days produced a constitution, which con- stitution was submitted immediately fol- lowing, and was adopted by them as their constitution for the State of Iowa, Thus you see that Iowa, from a colony, a dependency, a territory, jumped, in the short space of seven months, from the time the act above mentioned first passed, to that of a sovereign independent State. After the result was known, the Gover- nor issued his proclamation for a general election in November following, at which election Ansel Briggs, of Jackson county was elected Governor of the State. or 7 | ee cr y 296 HISTORY OF IOWA. This proclamation was the last public act of James Clarke, for as soon as the new Governor was qualified, he turned over to him all the archives of his office, and returned once more to the printing office, Again he scattered through Iowa his beautiful editorials through the columns of the Burlington Gazette, until the name and fame of Iowa became known throughout the length and breadth of the land. He appeared at the capitol at the first session of the State legislature under the new constitution, to which body he deli- vered an affecting and interesting farewell letter, then stood back quitely during the whole of the session, and gazed with indig- nation upon his countenance at the dread- ful strife, storms and bitterness which was manifested during’ the entire session. Never since the organization of the ter- ritory, had any man seen, or even dreamed of anything like it; every man seemed to look upon each other as being in his way to places of honor and profit, and it became a cut and thrust game. Both parties were without leaders, or if they had them, the leaders themselves stood in gréat need of being led. Neither done anything—neither party could do anything. When one party made a move it was instantly checkmated by the other. Speech after speech was made, each one declaring himself a patriot and a true lover of his country, ready at all times to bleed and die for. her. No one could do anything for the reason that none of the rest would let him. They ate, drank, grew fat, and returned to their seats, only to play the same game over again as on the previous day. They in- stituted a court for the trial of any offender a ——— who should attempt to bribe any one of their number; and whenever such 2 tribu- nal is constituted, there is always sare to be some one to try. Now and then during the session some poor devil was snatched up, arraigned and tried for indiscretely showing his money to some one of its members. But such trials only served to lionize the victims, and it looked to an outsider as if these scamps themselves had purposely committed these offenses in order to bring themselves into notice, and thereby claim themselves to be the victims of a cruel persecution. In vain did they meet in joint conven- tion for the purpose of electing Judges of the Supreme Court and Senators. Every vote, some anxious aspirant in the “lobby” would brighten up, thinking perbaps this time the lucky card would turn up; but, alas! for human hopes, he lacked just onz vote of an eleetion. Your humble servant was an idle and curious looker-on at most of the interest- ing scenes which took place at this seseion, and if it was not for the notes that he took at the time, he could hardly tell at this day whether these scenes were real, or whether ‘they were the productions of an idle and troubled dream. They finally adjourned without electing either Judges or Senators, and the State toddled along very well, half State, half Territory. , This was the last time, I believe, that Mr. Clarke ever appeared at the legisla- ture. He died soon after, at Burlington, with that horrible scourge, the cholera. This closed the earthly career of a just and noble man, cut off in the prime of life and in the midst of a useful career, Y a 2 ate HISTORY OF IOWA. zen. “Wer 227 He was married to a sister of General OruerR TERRITORIAL OFFICERS. Dodge, and this fact being known at the Secretaries. time of his appointment as Governor, drew Wm. B. Conway, 1838, died 1888 upon the Dodge family the title of the James Clark, 1839-41 “Royal Family.” But whatever might O. H. W. Stull, 1841-3. have been said in this respect, the appoint- ae g. Biter, La 3 esse Williams, 1845. ment was due to Mr. Clarke, nor could it have been bestowed upon a better man, or Auditors. one more competent to fill it. Jesse Williams, 1840-43. He was the third and last Territorial William L. Gilbert, 1848-45. Governor of Iowa, and, like the other two Hobark M. Gocreat,. 1646; whe preceded him, as soon as he had passed Treasurers. the office into the hands of his successor, Thornton Baylie, 1839-40. he gently and calmly laid down and died. Morgan Reno, 1840, He was a tall, slender man, of a mild and Judges. amiable disposition, and had quite a femi- Charles Mason, Chief Justice, 1838. nine look. He left a family behind to Joseph Williams, 1833. mourn his sad loss. His history is without Thomas 8. Wilson, 1838. a stain or reproach, and tangas tour his Presidents of Counoa. whole life no man ever imputed ought " Fs a3 Jesse B. Brown, 1838-9. against his character as a man and a citi- Stephen Hempstead, 1830-40. M. Bajinridge, 1840-1. - =r J. W. Parker, 1841-2. John D. Elbert, 1842-8. I have thus given you a few random Thomas Cox, 1843-4. sketches of the three Territorial Governors 8. Clinton Hasting, 1645 of Iowa, together with a few of the prin- prepa HEE cipal events in the history of Iowa, con- Speakers of the House nected with their administration. William H. Wallace, 1838-9. Most of the incidents contained in these Edward Johnson. 183940. sketches I have given from memory alone, Thomas Cox, 1840-1. ‘ : e Warner Lewis, 1841-2. having been myself an eye-witness of, and James M. Morgan, 1842-3 personally cognizant of many of the facts. James P. Carleton, 1843 +. = By these sketches you not only see the James M. Morgan, 1845. character and noble traits of the three George W. McLeary, 1845-6. good and wise men, but you see that under eaire Gpaieenk. their care and protection, 2 youu and Gocarnore. thrifty State sprung into existence in the Ansel Briggs, 1846-50. short space of eight years from the time Stephen Hempstead, 1850-54. when the whole Territory was the home of James W. Grimes, 1854-58, ‘ L the savage. Rdiph P. Lowe, 1858-60. | vly om a 228 HISTORY OF IOWA. Samuel J. Kirkwood, 1860-64. William M. Stone, 1864-68. Samuel Morrill, 1868-72. Cyrus C. Carpenter, 1872-76. Samuel J. Kirkwood, 1876-77. J.G. Newbold, 1877-78. John H. Gear, 1878-82. Buren R. Sherman, 1882. Lieutenant- Governors. Oran Faville, 1858-60. Nicholas J. Ru&ch, 1860-62. John R. Needham, 1862-64. Enoch W. Eastman, 1864-66. Benjamin F. Gue, 1866-68. John Scott, 1868-70. M. M. Walden, 1870-72. H. C. Bulis, 1872-74. Joseph Dysart, 1874-76. Joshua G. Newbold, 1876-78. Frank T. Campbell, 1878-82. Orlando H. Manning, 1883. This office was created by the new constitu- tion, September 8, 1859. Secretaries of State. Elisha Cutter, Jr., 1846-48. Joseph H. Bonney, 1848-50. George W. McCleary, 1850-56. Elijah Sells, 1856-63. James Wright, 1863-67. Ed. Wright, 1867-73. Josiah T. Young, 1873-79, J. A. T. Hull, 1869. Auditors of State, Joseph T. Fales, 1846-50. William Pattee, 1850-54, Andrew J. Stephens, 1855-59. Jonathan W. Cattell, 1859-65. John A. Elliott, 1865-71. John Russell, 1871-75. Ruen R. Sherman, 1875-81. William V. Lucas, 1881. Treasurers of State, Morgan Reno, 1846-50. Israel Kister, 1850-52. ‘ Martin L. Morris, 1852-59. John W. Jones, 1859-68. William H. Holmes, 1863-67. Samuel E. Rankin, 1867-73. William Christy, 1873-77. George W. Bemis, 1877-81. Edwin H. Conger, 1881. Altorney- Generals. David C. Cloud, 1853-56. Samuel. A. Rice, 1856-60. Charles C. Nourse, 1860-64. Isaac L. Allen, 1865-66. Frederick E. Bissell, 1866-67. Henry O’Connor, 1867-72. Marcena E. Cutts, 1872-76. Jobn F. McJunkin, 1877-81, Smith MePherson, 1881. Adjutant- Generals. Daniel S. Lee, 1851-55. George W. McLeary, 1855-87. Elijah Sells, 1857. Jesse Bowen, 1857-61 Nathaniel Baker, 1861-77. John H. Luby, 1877-78. W. L. Alexander, 1878. Registers of the State Land Office. Anison Hart, 1855-57. Theodore 8. Parvin, 1857-59. Amos B. Miller, 1859-62. Edwin Mitchell, 1862-63. Josiah A. Harvey, 1863-67. Cyrus C. Carpenter, 1867-71. Aaron Brown, 1871-75. David Secor, 1875-79, J. K. Powers, 1879. Superintendents of Publie Instruction. James Harlan, 1847-48. Thos. H. Benton, Jr., 1848-54. James D. Eads, 1854-57. Joseph C. Stone, 1857. Maturin L. Fisher, 1857-58. Oran Faville, 1864-67. D. Franklin Wells, 1867-68. A. S. Kissell, 1868-72. Alonzo Abernethy, 1872-76. ae to HISTORY OF IOWA. 229 Carl W. Van Coelen, 1876-82. John W. Akers, 1882. This office was created in 1847 and abolished in 1858, and the duties then developed upon the secretary of the Board of Education; it was re- created March 28, 1864, State Printers. Garrett D. Palmer and George Paul, 1849-51 William H. Merritt, 1851-53, William A. Hornish, 1853. Den. A. Mahoney and Jos. B. Dorr, 1853-55. Peter Moriarty, 1855-57. John Teesdale, 1857-61. Francis W. Palmer, 1861-69, Frank M. Mills, 1869-71. G. W. Edwards, 1871-73. Rich. P. Clarkson, 1873-79. Frank M. Mills, 1879. State Binders, William M. Coles, 1855-58. Frank M. Mills, 1858-67, James 8. Carter, 1867-71. J. J. Smart, 1871-75. H. A. Perkins, 1875-79, Matt. Parrott, 1879. Secretaries of Board of Hducation. T. H. Benton, jr., 1859-63. Oran Faville, 1863-64. This office waa abolished March 23, 1864. Presidents of the Senate. Thomas Baker, 1846-47. Thomas Hughes, 1847-48. John J. Selman, 1848-49. Enos Lowe, 1849-51. W. E. Leffingwel!, 1851-53. Maturin L. Fisher, 1853-55. W. W. Hamilton, 1855-57. Under the new constitution the Lieut.-Gover- nor is President of the Senate. Speakers of the House, Jesse B. Brown, 1846-48. Smiley H. Bonham, 1848-50. George Temple, 1850-52, James Grant, 1852-54. Reuben Noble, 1854-56. Samuel McFarland, 1856-57. Stephen B, Sheledy, 1857-59. John Edwards, 1859-61. Rush Clark, 1861-63. . Jacob Butler, 1863-65. Ed. Wright, 1865-67. John Russell, 1867-69. Aylett R. Cotton, 1869-71. James Wilson, 1871-73. John H, Gear, 1873-77. John Y. Stone, 1877-79. Lore Alford, 1880-81. G. R. Struble, 1882. Chief Justices of the Supreme Court. Charles Mason, 1847. Joseph Williams, 1847-48, 8. Clinton Hastings, 1848-49, Joseph Williams, 1849-55. George G. Wright, 1855-60. Ralph P. Lowe, 1860-62. Caleb Baldwin, 1862-64. George G. Wright, 1864-66. Ralph T. Lowe, 1866-68, Jobn F. Dillon, 1868-70. Chester C. Cole, 1870-71. James Q. Day, 1871-72. Joseph M. Beck, 1872-74. W.E. Miller, 1874-76. Chester C. Cole, 1876. William H. Seevers, 1876-77. James G. Day, 1877-78. James H. Rothrock, 1878-79. Joseph M. Beck, 1879-80. Austin Adams, 1880-82. William H. Seevers, 1882. Associate Justices. Joseph Williams, held over from territorial government until a successor was appointed. Thomas 8. Wilson, 1847. John F. Kinney, 1847-54. George Greene, 1847-55. Jonathan C. Hall, 1854-55. William G@. Woodward, 1855. Norman W. Isbell, 1855-57. Lacon D. Stockton, 1856-60. ar Y A 230 HISTORY OF IOWA. Caleb Baldwin, 1860-64. Ralph P. Lowe, 1860. George G. Wright, 1860. John F, Dillion, 1864-70. Chester O. Cole, 1864-77. Joseph M. Beck, 1868. W. E. Miller, 1870. James G. Day, 1870. United States Senators. Augustus C. Dodge, 1848-55. George W. Jones, 1848-59. James B. Howell, 1870. George G. Wright, 1871-77. James Harlan, 1855-65. James W. Grimes, 1859-69, Samuel J. Kirkwood, 1866, James Harlan, 1867-73. William B. Allison, 1873-79. Samuel J. Kirkwood, 1877-81, William B. Allison, 1879. James W. McDill, 1881. Memsers or HovusE of REPRESENTATIVES. 1846-47—S8. Clinton Hastings, Shepherd Leffler. 1847-49—Wm. Thompson, Shepherd Leffler. 1849-51—Wm. Thompson, Dan. F. Miller, Shepherd Leffler. 1851-53—B. Henn, Lincoln Clark. 1853-55—Bernhart Henn, John P. Cook. 1855-57—Aug. Hall, Jas. Thorington. 1857-59—Samuel R. Curtis, Timothy Davis. 1859-61—Samuel R. Curtis, Wm. Vandever. _ 1861-63—Samuel R. Curtis, J. F. Wilson, Wm. Vandever. 1863-65—James F. Wilson, Hiram Price, Wm. B. Allison, J. B. Grinnell, John A. Kasson, Asahel W. Hubbard. 1865-67—James F Wilson, Hiram Price, Wil- liam B. Allison, Josiah B. Grinnell, John A. Kasson, Asahel W. Hubbard. 1867-69—James F. Wilson, Hiram Price, Wil- liam B. Allison, William Loughbridge, Grenville M. Dodge, Asahel W. Hubbard. 1869-71—George W. McCrary, William Smyth (died September 80, 1870, and succeeded by Wm. P. Wolf), William B. Allison, William Loughbridge, Frank W. Palmer, Charles Pome- roy. : 1871-73—Geo. W. McCrary, Aylett R. Cotton, W. G. Donnan, Madison M. Walden, Frank W. Palmer, Jackson Orr. 1873-75—Geo. W. McCrary, Aylett R. Cotton, W. G. Donnan, Henry O. Pratt, James Wilson, William Loughbridge, John A. Kasson. James W. McDill, Jackson Orr. 1875-77—Geo. W. McCrary; John Q. Tufts, L. L. Ainsworth, Henry O. Pratt, James Wilson, Ezekiel 8. Sampson, John A. Kasson, James W. McDill, Addison Oliver. 1877-79-—J. C. Stone, Hiram Price, T. W, Bur- dick, N. CO. Deering, Rush Clark, E. 8. Samp- son, H. J. B. Cummings, W. F. Sapp, Addison Oliver. 1879-81—Moses A. McCoid, Hiram Price, Thomas Updegraff, N. C. Deering, Rush Clark (died in May, 1878, and succeeded by Wm. G. Thompson), J. B. Weaver, E. H. Gillette, W. F. Sapp, Cyrus C. Carpenter. 1881-83—M. A. McCoid, 8.8. Farwell, Thos. Updegraff, N. C. Deering, W. G@. Thompson, M. E. Cutts, John A. Kasson, W. P. Hepburn, O. C. Carpenter. Present STATE OFFICERS. Governor, Buren R. Sherman. Secretary, John A. T. Hull. Deputy Secretary, Wm. T. Hammond. Auditor, Wm. V. Lucas. Deputy Auditor, Rufus L. Chase. Book-keeper, L. E. Ayres. Treasurer, Edwin H. Conger. Deputy Treasurer, C. R. Chase. Register Land-office, Jas. K, Powers. Deputy Register, John M. Davis. Sup'’t . Inst , John W. Akers. Printer, Frank M. Mills. Binder, Matt. Parrott. Adjutant- General, W. L. Alexander. Superintendent Weights and Measures, Prof. N. R. Leonard. Librarian, Mrs. 8. B. Maxwell. Assistant Librarian, Jessie Maxwell. Supreme Court. Ohief Justice—Wm. H. Seevers, Oskaloosa. Judges—James G. Day, Sidney. James H. Rothrock, Tipton. Joseph M. Beck, Fort Madison. Austin Adams, Dubuque. At’y Gen.—Smith McPherson, Red Oak. Clerk—E. J. Homes, Des Moines. Reporter—John §. Qunnells, Des Moines. oT Y =" ; Pils, POR ¥ KOSSUTH COUNTY, HE study of the annals of the past has, at all times and in all climes, claimed a large share of the attention of the more intelligent of men. To the sage and scholar, poring over some vast and ponderous tome, dusty with age, and in an almost forgotten tongue, the new be- ginner with his short and comprehensive compilation, suited tu his early years, each draw much pleasure from its peru- sal. Men, eminent in the domain of let- ters, have, however, divided history into several classes, the most prominent of which are, first, that which treats only of events; and the second, that which treats of men, the living actors in the world’s great drama. The first of these is but the CHAP T Ebi ds INTRODUCTION. dry bones of a fossil age, reft of all life, and is at best but a synopsis of the more important actions that have crowded upon the stage of the past, a list of kings, rulers, dynasties, and their acts, to which the people play but a secondary part. The second treats of the people, of men in their broad humanity, and is an ever liv- ing reality, clothed in the flesh, and the story of their deeds, has, in its relation, all the fascination of romance, enchaining . the reader to its pages until the volume is finished and laid down with a sigh. This form of history, warm and palpi- tating, as it is, with the busy lives of men, who, like ourselves, have lived and moved upon the world’s -broad surface, is the Ps or —~ qb 232 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. model after which it has been the en- deavor to compile these pages. No nar- row attempt to paint with partisan pen, the workings or machinations of any party or creed, but setting out in broad and comprehensive detail the actions of those brave men and heroic women who, in the early stages of this county’s exist- ence, played so well “their parts upon the mimic stage.” Brave, hardy pioneers, who, departing from their parent roof-tree, plunged into the great wilderness west of the “Father of Waters,” there to carve out for themselves homes upon the prai- ries. Heroic women who, leaving the home and association of childhood, where surrounded with ease and comfort they had passed their youthful days, followed their husbands to this then desert spot, and cheered their weary hours and shared their joys and sorrows. Men and women who lived true lives while here on earth, and “departing leftfovt-prints in the sands of time” that cannot help but make the world brighter, richer and truer. The times move on apace, and these, the pioneers of Kossuth county, are. al- ready passing away to their reward be- yond the “dark river,” and it behooves the historian to hasten in his task that he may note down from the lips of those who remain the account of the trials, the labors, the joys of those early days, to preserve within the pages of history their deeds, so that when they have “gone before to that bright and better land,” the annals of their times may be preserved. Here let us raise the monument of everlasting fame, and let History with her adaman- tine pen engrave their lives and actions upon her tablets, monuments that shall long outlast the bronze or stone that must ere long mark the resting places of them all. In casting a backward glance adown the “misty corridors of time,” the think- ing mind cannot but wonder at the short- ness of the time that has elapsed since these now fruitful fields and busy towns were but the waste and grassy desert, roamed over only by savage beast or the Indian. Where now rises the beautiful town or village, then stood, perhaps, the lonely teepee of the savage; where is heard the hum of busy industry or the whir of machinery, then re-echoed only to the howl of prowling wolf, the hoot of night seeking owl, or the horrid whoop of fiendish savage. But man came, civil- ized man, and with the characteristic en- ergy of the Anglo Saxon race, made these waste places to blossom as the rose. The savage gave place to industry and thrift, and villages and farms began to dot the virgin surface of the county. But thirty years have passed since first the pristine sod was pressed by the foot of white settlers, and one can hardly help but look around and contrast the differ- ence between the then and now. The early pioneer, to reach this locality, was forced to make long journeys in his wagon or on horseback, over undulating prairie, through swamp and slough, with no road to guide nor make his way smooth. No bridges spanned the streams, and his only alternative was to make a long detour to find a ford, or swim the creek or river. Then when he had reached his destina- tion, he had his humble cot to raise by the unaided efforts of his own hands, that he and his, might be sheltered from the ~~ ly : | Jd — © 4 at. HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 233 elements. He was cut off, to a certain extent, from mail communication with the outside world; and when he had by infinite toil succeeded in raising his little crop, he had no handy means of disposing of it except by hauling to a far distant market. But now neat frame cottages adorn the land, and he sits in his easy chair surrounded by every comfort and luxury that he knew in his old home in the older States; the iron horse snorts at his front door, and he can receive his daily paper, yet damp from the press, and learn the current events in far off climes of a day ago. Then, when he came here the imple- ments of husbandry were rude and simple, and the helps to domestic labor almost. | entirely wanting; and now the self-binder and mower have taken the place of the scythe and cradle, the thresher that of the flail; and all kinds of machinery have supplanted the expenditure of manual strength. Enter the house and the sew- | ing machine, the patent churn, the newly invented home creamery, and thousands 1 of appliances are found to help the busy ‘ housewife do away with much of the drudgery of earlier days. The children of this generation, looking around them, can little realize the trials, the toils, the penury and pinching want endured by their parents in their pioneer days, and it is the pleasing task of the historian to draw the veil, that they may look back into the past, and view the noble deeds of their fathers and mothers in those pristine days. Some one has justly said that “a price- less boon would have been conferred upon posterity, had some kind hand sketched down in living letters the pictures and the daily lives of the hardy pioneers, led by that noble Winthrop, who settled on New England’s rocky shore. Their per- sonal history, their every day customs, their principal characteristics, that we could know them as if we had lived among them.” In this spirit these pages have been compiled, and the personal sketches of the old settlers, living or dead, so per- meate the whole mass as to give it the semblance of a living reality, that could not be attained under any other mode of. treatment. 4 234 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. CH A Pure Re 1d. EARLY HISTORY AND SETTLEMENT. Usually the task of finding out the first settlers of a county, that has passed its second decade, is a more difficult task than it looks to be upon the surface, but in the case of Kossuth county the com- piler has been saved great trouble. Much of the facts contained in this chapter have been gleaned from a series of sketches written by Hon. Ambrose A. Call, the pi- oneer par-excellence of the county, and from which we freely quote, by kind per- mission. A habit this gentleman has fol- lowed of jotting down the events of the day in a diary, makes any contribution he may make to a historical work doubly val- uable, and no better account of the early settlement of the county could be written. The territory embraced by Kossuth county was formerly occupied by the Sioux Indians, although there is no evidence of their having had any villages or cultivat- ing any land on the East Fork. The Winnebagoes occupied the country as far west as Clear Lake and Pilot Mound (in Hancock county) and the Saes and Foxes, from the south as far up as the mouth of Boone river. The proximity of those tribes with whom the Sioux were con- stantly at war, doubtless made this locality an undesirable place for a permanent res- idence. It seems to have been their cus- tom to make annual raids in strong force on the frontier settlers, robbing and pil- laging as they went. Before the post was established at Fort Dodge, they frequently went down as far as the rapids, and as far east as Iowa river, and if they happened to meet a band of Winnebagoes or Sacs and Foxes, or a surveying party of whites in their territory, there was sure to be a mas- sacre, a fight or a foot race. To prevent these raids on the settlers, and also to keep peace between the three tribes of Indians, was the object of the government in es- tablishing a military post at Fort Dodge. Before the settlement of the county, there were no roads or trails passing through its territory. There were three trails running north and south, west of the Cedar, well known to the frontier settlers and trap- pers, one up the Boone river by Buffalo Grove to Mankato, Minnesota; one from Boonesboro by the way of Fort Dodge up the east side of the river, crossing just above the forks and up the West Fork to Fort Ridgely; one from Sioux City up the Floyd, crossing to the East Fork of the Rock, to the Minnesota river. Prior to 1854 two cabins had been built north of Fort Dodge in Iowa, one by Henry Lott near the mouth of Lott’s creek, in Hum- boldt county, and the other by William Miller, six miles north of Fort’ Dodge, on the east side of the river. They were = —> 2 as —s HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 235 both built and used for trading posts, while the soldiers were stationed at Fort Dodge. ‘In March, 1853, Lott-was robbed and driven out by the Indians, but he subse- quently returned with a fresh supply of whisky and tobacco, watched his oppor- tunity to get the perpetrators all drunk at once, when he succeeded in tomahawking six of their number, including the chief of the band. The bodies were carted four or five miles and dumped into Bloody Run, whence its name, after which exploit he packed up his goods, burned his cabin and left the country. Miller, on learning - of this last enterprise of his rival and fearing a retaliation, abandoned his claim and fortified himself in the old barracks at Fort Dodge. On July 3, 1854, when Ambrose A, Call reached Homer, one of the most conspicuous objects of the town was the head of the old chief stuck on a pole, which an enterprising trapper had fished out of the creek and brought down asatrophy. The part of Kossuth county south of the north line of township 95, was mostly surveyed in 1853-4, Col. Ellis and Capt. Leach were engaged in survey-- ing the north part of 95, about the 1st of July, 1854, when their camp was robbed by the Indians and they were compelled to abandon the work. The camp was lo- cated on the northeast quarter of section 15, township 95, range 29, two miles south of Algona; near what is known as the Os- good House. From these parties the Call brothers at Fort Dodge,July 5, heard a des- cription of the country and an estimate of the amount of timber in what they called the big grove, and at once decided to make up a party and explore that locality. But this party was not a success. One man volunteered, William F. Smith, a school- master, witha rusty rifle, a covered wagon, a balky horse to put with the old pack | -horse,made up the outfit,with a small stock of provisions and a large amount of good advice. The party left Fort Dodge July 7, and kept up the river on the east side. About 4 o’clock in the afternoon the driv- er discovered Indians, dead ahead, two, yes, three, four, five, eight of them alto- gether, several miles away. A consulta- tion was held, a vote taken, and the de- cision announced that the party should go right ahead and interview them, but they had disappeared—probadbly laid down in the grass, possibly gone back over the hill. Every member of the party was on the alert, revolvers examined, powder picked into the tube of the old gun, and prepara- tion made for war, when the advance guard shouted back that he could “lick a whole tribe of them Injuns,” which was literally true, for at the sound of his voice they took flight. The second night out, July 9, camp was made on the southeast quarter of section 12, township 95, range 29, near D. W. King’s residence. A very remarkable phenomenon was witnessed by this party, the evening of the Ist of July, one that seldom occurs except on the arid plains in the center of the great continent. A most beautiful mirage—proper—appeared in the north- west just at sunset. The day had been very warm, with scarcely a breath of wind. A few cumulus clouds were visible above the horizon, when they noticed a peculiar appearance of the sky in the northwest, as of ashadow. A few minutes, however, brought to their view an exact duplicate oe —“—> Y 236 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. of the bluffs and groves as defined against the horizon, inverted, and seemingly sus- pended in the air. At first the outlines were dim, but as the sun sank lower be- ‘hind the bluffs, the picture developed un- til the lower edge was as perfect as the groves and hills themselves. They watched the phenomenon with intense in- terest until the picture faded in the twi- light. The next morning a careful reconnois- sance satisfied them that the Sioux who robbed the surveying party had gone in an easterly direction. They found one of their encampments, near where the Col- lege building now stands. Their fires had apparently just gone out. A few “teepee” poles were left, and three or four rude racks, upon which they had “jerked” their buffalo and elk meat. Says Mr. Call: “There had been a large band of them; we estimated their number at 100 men, but we afterward learned that our estimate was too low, as they went as far east as Lime creek, and created a great panic among the settlers as far south as Cedar Falls and Waterloo. The settlers first heard of their proximity from his dem- ocratic excellency, Gov. Hempstead, who was out beyond the settlements selecting a few choice pieces of land, and who only by hard running escaped capture. The governor promptly ordered out the State militia, to drive them back. Carriers were sent out, and volunteers to the num- ber of some 200 gathered and confronted the Indians on Lime creek. Both parties fortified and made faces at each other for several days. Finally an old trader by the name of Hewett volunteered to take a flag of truce into the Indian camp, and try to find out what they wanted of our governor. The Sioux, after becoming satisfied that there were no Winnebagoes in the ranks of the whites, agreed to turn back. In their retreat towards the upper Missouri, they crossed the Des Moines near the mouth of Buffalo Fork about the 10th of August, fortunately not discover- ing our cabin. Our party, the 10th of July, passed over the town site of Algona, crossed the river just above Blackford’s grove, and took dinner on section 15, at the camp where the surveyors were robbed. We then went down the river on the west side, crossing Four Mile creek, and striking well out on the prairie, struck the old trail atthe ford above the forks, and reached Fort Dodge the second night. We had not yet decided whether there was anything in Kossuth county worth claiming, but on reaching Boons- boro, the writer hereof decided to return. A. C. Call was to return to Iowa City, and come back in four weeks. W. T. Smith had accompanied us as far as Boons- boro, on his way home to southern Ohio, but was persuaded to remain with metwo months for $14 per month. I succeeded in purchasing, in that vicinity, a yoke of oxen and wagon, a few implements and tools, and a stock of provisions; also a a large-bored rifle. This last I bought of Judge McFarland, who afterwards be- came quite well-known through the me- dium of Harper’s Drawer. “The Judge was a great buffalo hunter; in fact every kind of game suffered at his hands—especially poker. In returning from Boonsboro, after leaving the old trail this side of Fort Dodge, the best natural route was selected for a road, as on. peed ie HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 237 this was our only outlet to settlements. The fords where we crossed the streams were worked so as to make them pass- able, and a small log hitched under the hind axle of the wagon, which dragged down the grass, made a trail which could be easily followed. We reached our camping ground on section 14, near the present residence of C. C. Chubb, July 26. The weather was very unfavorable, raining almost constant- ly for several days. We also suffered great annoyance from the mosquitoes. The first few days were spent in making out claims, after which we went to work building a cabin, 14x16 feet, but which was raised twelve logs high August 8. This cabin stood about twenty rods south- west of C. C. Chubb’s house in Cresco.” This was the first dwelling raised in the county of Kossuth. ‘ Early in the year 1854, Asa C. Call, wishing to make some investments in western lands and to lay out a town plat somewhere, began to look around for a suitable locality. It was his idea to get somewhere upon navigable waters, but a trip along the banks of the Mississippi demonstrated that the territory was al- ready occupied, and a visit to the upper lake region produced a similar impres- sion. He therefore determined to go north from Des Moines, along the river of that name, into the unexplored region of this State. In July, in company with his brother, Ambrose, he started out and came to Kossuth county. After a thor- ough looking over the territory, they went back, but with the intention of returning. Ambrose A. Call was the first to do so. Making his second and final visit to this county the same month, and on July 26, 1854, camped on section 14, and raised their cabin as already mentioned. Thus the Call brothers are justly en- titled to the honor of being the first pio- neers of Kossuth county, and are yet the most prominent figures around which cluster the halo of many reminiscences of the past. During the fall of that same year, 1854, Malachi and W. G. Clark, William Hill and Levi Maxwell, settled in what is now Cresco. In this connection it would be well to mention that the wife of Asa C. Call was the first of that cour- ageous band of noble women who fol- lowed their husbands into this great wilderness, and was the first white woman whose feet trod the prairies of Kossuth county. In November, William H. Ingham, with D. E. Stein, came to Kossuth county, al- though he did not make a claim until later. But on the arrival of A. L. Seeley in the latter part of January, they in com- pany built a cabin on Mr. Ingham’s claim near the present residence of Mr. Rieb- hoff, in Portland township. During the winter, Richard Parrott and Lyman Craw took claims on the east side of the river, about three miles above Algona; also Henry Linder, a live young Hoosier, claimed “Linder’s Grove,” now “Paine’s Grove,” in Portland township. The creek took its name from him. About the latter part of the year 1854, there came to this locality, Charles Eas- ton, an Englishman, a man of years and well informed but curious in his ways, and to this day spoken of as an oddity. Christian Hackman also took a claim in what is now Cresco township. He, with a ay yy or =< e ses 238 ss HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. party by the name of Daniel Hill,seem to close the number of the pioneers of that year. Mr. Call, in his sketches of the early settlement says : “The first winter was very mild and favorable for the settlers, who were fre- quently obliged to make long journeys with ox teams after supplies, camping out by the way. The coldest day of the win- ter was January 13, when the mercury went eighteen degrees below zero ; Janu- ary 22 it got down to twelve below; on the 26th to nine below; and February 24 to ten below, with but little snow.” Early in the spring of 1855, Asa C. Call built a block house, (logs hewn on each side) near his present residence. This was the first house on the town site of Algona. Here he brought his young wife, and from this humble dwelling and this couple has grown the large and thriv- ing city of Algona, with its 2,000 inhabi- tants and teeming industries. Early in the spring of 1855, Solomon Hand and a Mr. Benson made claims in the county. The 1st of May, 1855, the pioneers of the Whitinsville colony arrived. These were James L. Paine, Francis C. Rist, Al- exander Brown,Sr., Alexander Brown, Jr., Barney Holland and Robert Brown. Paine and Rist took claims on section 12, Al- gona township. Mr. Brown bought out old Daniel Hill and took other lands adjoining, in Cresco, and Barney Holland and Robert Brown took up claims in the same vicinity. Both of these latter left the county after but a short stay, going back to Massachusetts. In March, J. W. Moore, accompanied by Jacob ©. Cummins, arrived. Mr. Moore was a man of considerable means, and bought several timber claims, as well as an interest in the town site. These I believe were the first claims transferred for a consideration, although Mr. Cham- bers, a brother of ex-Gov. Chambers, of Muscatine, had previously offered Am- brose A. Call a yoke of oxen for his and his brother’s claim on the town site, includ- ing the grove north of the town. Among the other settlers of 1855 may be found the names of Jacob C. Wright, Reuben Purcell, Thomas and John Rob- inson, Benjamin Hensley, George Smith, August Zalten, L. L. Treat, Kendall Young, D. W. King, Lewis H. Smith, Corydon Craw, E. Lane and Hiram Wilt- fong. These all came in the spring and summer of thatyear. Mr. Wright bought out Solomon Hand; Robinson and Hens- ley tookclaims adjoining; Purcell claimed what is known as Purcell Point; Craw claimed on section 17, township 95, range 28. The lower end of the county also received some settlers in 1855. The first after Michael and John Johnson were Harlow Miner, Solomon and G. W. Hand and Mr. Mayberry. Eber Stone settled near 8. Bellows’ present residence, the same year. In May, 1855, Mr. Carter, father of A. B. Carter, settled where he now lives on the West Fork, and was the first settler on that stream. In June, Dr. R. Cogley and John John- son bought claims, Cogley of Maxwell, (the Huntley place,) and Johnson of C. Easton, (the Fred Wilson place). Dr. Cogley was the first physician, a man of eo = —_s HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 239 fine presence and good abilities, although a little eccentric in his habits. A. Zahlten sold out his claim near Da- kota, and bought the grove where he now lives. The 4th of July Lewis H. Smith struck the settlement; he, with C. C. Car- penter, was finishing up the survey aban- doned by Leach and Ellis the previous summer. In July a large band of Indians came into the settlement; they were impudent and troublesome, taking everything they could lay their hands on when they found a cabin with the occupant absent, or whenever they could intimidate by threats. In one or two instances a collision seemed inevitable, but was avoided by the In- dians backing down. A number of the settlers finally armed themselves and went into their camp, and ordered them off; they promised to go at sunrise the next morning, which promise they faithfully kept, making a straight trail in a north- westerly direction. About 200 acres of prairie was broken in the county this summer, and sixty acres of sod corn raised by Asa C. Call, that produced about fifty bushels per acre of sound corn. E. Moll took claims in September, at the mouth of Buffalo Fork. In the fall of this year J. E. Blackford arrived and settled near the town of Al- gona. Richard Hodges, who came about the same date, located on the 8th of De- cember, on section 5, in what is now Sherman township. These parties were followed by a num- ber of others from Whitinsville, Mass.. among whom were Jason Richmond, Charles Osgood, Stephen Millen, Theodore Smith, John Hutchinson and Mr. Wood, Richmond and Holland bought out the Clarks, who moved to Irvington and be- came the owners of Benson’s claim. Mr. Call,in speaking of these old settler’s says: “Osgood bought out old Billy Hill, and this relieved us of Ais presence. About the middle of May, D. W. King, Preston, Smock, and Edward Putnam, struck the settlement. Mr. King took the claim where he now lives; Putnam remained several years, making his home with W. H. Ingham, and officiating as chief cook. He is now cashier of the Merchant’s Na- tional Bank, at Cedar Rapids. Smock and Preston left this locality soon after their settlement and their present where- abouts is unknown.” James Hall and Thomas C. Covill were also arrivals of this year. Hall worked on the saw-mill put up by Judge Call, and is now engaged in cabinet making in Des Moines. Covill went away from the county shortly after his advent here and has passed out of view. During the summer of 1856, the popu- lation of the county nearly quadrupled. Among the more prominent arrivals were: Barnet and John Devine, Joseph Raney, Levi Parsons, L. Fox, Kinsey Carlon, G. C. Carlon, William Carter, D. W. and Matthew Sample, George Wheeler, Charles Harvey, Luther Bullis, G. 8. Jones and his sons, George Blottenberger, John, Charles H., and Jesse Magoon, J. E. Stacy, Rev. Chauncy Taylor, John Heckart, Michael Reibhoff, J. G. Green, H. A. Hen- derson, Frank Harrison, Thomas White- head, Roderick M. Bessie, Robert Moore, William Carey, Horace Schenck, James Roan, Rev. D. 8S. McComb, Luther and Pp —~— 2 |, ~—| 240 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Sylvester S. Rist, Orange Winkler, ©. Gray, Oliver Benschoter, George E. Lowe, Havens F. Watson, Joseph Thomp- son, William Green, O. W. Robinson, Jonathan Callender, George D. Wheeler, Eli Ferris, William B. Moore, Amos 8. Collins, E. J. Rice, Gilbert W. Skinner, Amos Otes, George P. Taylor, James Cur- ran, and others. In this year of 1856, Mrs. Francis C. Rist, now the wife of Judge Smith, made the journey from Dubuque to Algona, to meet her husband. The roads were truly awful, the way long and dreary; but sus- tained by warm affection she dared the trial. Truly such women as these deserve this place in history, among the pioneers of the new country. There were many of the trials that the men escaped, and in the person of this lady, history honors the noble women pioneers of Kossuth county. The most of these pioneers thus briefly mentioned, and many who have been omitted, receive more lengthy notices fur- ther on, in the chapter of township history. The pioneer days of the county may by this time be said to be over, as many now flocked to this vicinity and the county settled up rapidly until the stringent times of 1857, and the breaking out of the rebel- lion stopped for a while the flow of emi- gration to Kossuth county, as it did all over the Union. Mr. Call, in his sketch of the first set- tlement, to which we are indebted for so much of this chapter, gives the following epitome of events as they looked to an eye-witness. We quote the article almost in its entirety, as it is the valuable contri- bution to historical research by one of the principal actors in the events of the time. He says: ‘ “The first formal meeting ever held in the county was for the purpose of organ- izing a claim club. This was held at the house of J. W. Moore early in the sum- mer of 1855. The meeting was organized by the election of Robert Cogley presi- dent, and Corydon Craw, secretary, who were also elected first officers of the club. A fee of $2 was charged for membership, with power to assess members as occasion mightrequire. Each member was allowed to record a claim of 820 acres, the same being plainly marked out, in the peaceable possession of which the club undertook to protect him. Meetings were held monthly and new officers elected quarterly. The club was never called upon to use violence in protecting the claims of its members, and I believe but one case came before it for arbitration; but there is no doubt but the organization did much good as a prevention of trouble. It was kept up until the lands became subject to pre- emption under the United States law. “Prior to 1859 the elections for State and county officers were held in August, and township officers were elected in April. The settlers had determined to organize at the general election in August, and with that object in view got together and made up a county ticket which seemed to give general satisfaction. Up to this time there had been no town ri- valry, in fact no other town but Algona had been spoken of, and so far as the writer knows there had- been no itching for political preferment. Speculation throughout the west was running high at that time; and Iowa had more than her =e ly Bak oe ee J ale a ae HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 241 share of it. Gold was abundant, and as | crete men with plenty of capital to back is usually the case when money is plenty interest was high; 8 per cent. a month be- ing considered reasonable for short time accommodations, but 4 per cent. was more common. Uusually from 36 to 40 per cent. was charged by the year, and at these high figures fortunes were made by borrowing money and entering lands. Men who had no capital whatever could, by making judicious selections of govern- ment land, borrow money to enter it, giv- ing the land itself for security, and before the end of the year more than double their money by selling. “Land and town lots was all the talk in the older portions of the State. Com- panies were organized and rings formed for the purpose of building up cities and making fortunes for the sanguine stock- holders. In this way Des Moines, Sioux City, Fort Dodge, Waterloo, Cedar.Falls, Charles City, and other Jarge towns were started, besides hundreds of others that proved failures and were abandoned by those who projected them. Of course large fish took the largest bait, the smaller ones having to content themselves with what was left and look out sharp that they themselves were not made bait of. Kossuth county and Calls’ settlement had gained considerable notoriety, and was considered a good field for speculative operation. Consequently, just before the August election, a company was formed, with headquarters at Webster City, for the purpose of capturing the offices, get- ting the county seat and building a rival town. The active men in the company were: George and Cyrus Smith, Kendall Young and L. L. Treat, all good and dis- them. They came quietly into the settle- ment, selected their own site at Irvington named their town Irvington, after Wash- ington Irving. “Securing the friendship of the family of Clarkes, thus giving them five votes, made up their ticket by giving the best offices to men who might otherwise go with Algona, agreed to divide their lots liberally with those who worked with them, and as the writer was afterward told by one of the parties, received pledges from four more than a majority of all the voters of the county to vote the Irvington ticket. “With the assurance of success they re- tired, leaving the election in the hands of the people. So quietly was this work done that the Algona party were taken by surprise. They had not expected a contest and had made no preparation for it. A number of voters were out of the county, but feeling that the prestige of our town depended upon our electing an Algona ticket, every exertion was made to win the election. One man (Jacob Cum- mins) who had started for Cedar Falls was overtaken sixty miles away and brought back to vote. The writer spent two daysin what is now Humboldt county chasing after voters who were out on the prairie elk hunting, and finally brought in two, Solomon Hand and Harlow Miner. The judges of election were sworn by John F. Duncombe, who came up from Fort Dodge on purpose. The election was hotly contested, and won by the Algona party by a few votes. The officers elected were: Judge, Asa C. Call; county clerk, Robert Cogley; treasurer and recorder, oT 242 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. J. W. Moore; county surveyor, Lewis H. Smith. The vote was canvassed at Homer, the county seat of Webster county. “The weather remained very mild until about the Ist of December, when con- siderable snow fell, followed by other storms artd very cold weather; snow ac- cumulated to the depth of nearly two feet. Game of all kinds were very abund- ant, being driven into the timber by the severity of the weather. At the head of some of the small streams, where the old grass was unburned, buffalo and elk were corralled by the snow and remained nearly all winter living on the old grass. The timber was full of deer and wolves, a great many of which were killed. Bea- ver, otter, fisher and mink were numerous, but as we were not skillful trappers we got but few of them.” At the time of the incoming of the first settlers but little, if anything, was known of the topography of that portion of Iowa lying west of the Cedar river and its afflu- ents, and north of Fort Dodge. But for all that, the Legislature of 1852 set off, bounded and named this tract of country, with the name, but not the same bound- aries it now bears. It then comprised sixteen townships and was twenty-four miles square. That part then lying north of Kossuth, was christened Bancroft county, after the great historian of that | name. In the Legislature of 1854-5, an organic act was passed, whereby, Kossuth, Bancroft and the north half of Humboldt counties were placed together and organ- ized under the name of Kossuth county, and temporarily attached to that of Web- ster county for judicial purposes. During the month of August, 1855, an election was held to perfect the organiza- tion and elect the first officers, as related by Mr. Call, and. resulted in the choice of Asa C. Call for county judge; Robert Cogley, county clerk; J. W. Moore, treas- urer and recorder; Lewis H. Smith, coun- ty surveyor. These were the first officers of the new county of Kossuth. In 1857, the General. Assembly of the State of Iowa, passed an act, chapter 147 of the session ordinances of that Assembly, whereby, that part of Humboldt county, heretofore a part and parcel of Kossuth county, was detached and the latter was made the size that it at present has. At this same session, an act was passed which prohibited the constitution of any new county “having less area than 432 square miles, nor shall the territory of any organ- ized county be reduced below such limit, except the county of Worth and the coun- ties west of it along the northern border.” In later years an abortive attempt was made to organize the twelve northern townships into a separate county, under the name of Crocker, an account of which may be found elsewhere. COUNTY’S NAME. Kossuth county was named after Louis Kossuth, who has long been known as one of the world’s most famous agitators, ora- tors and patriots. His learning and elo- quence have been admired on both sides of the ocean, and his heroic struggles for Hungary’s independence has stirred the heart and called forth the sympathy of every lover of freedom. “Four score years have rarely been allotted to public men who have worked so vigorously, suffered so many hardships, and lived as intensely y re a er) Yt feacbics 5) HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 243 as has Kossuth. He was emphatically the product of his times. Possessed of intel- lectual genius of a high order, and endowed with an indomitable energy, he would have been a man of mark in any country, but the sublimity of his patriotic devo- tion, the inspiration of his eloquence, and the rugged bravery of his character, could only have been developed and called out by the troubled times of his Nation’s his- tory. Hungary made Kossuth. Kossuth spent his life in trying to make Hungary. No effort he could put forth, no sacrifice he could make, was too great for her, but he had no word or work for any other cause. Wendell Phillips, in his lecture on Toussant L’Overture, graphically appeals to “the eloquent Son of the Maygar” for some word of sympathy with the down- trodden negro, but is forced to the con- clusion that however much he may love freedom, Kossuth is deaf to all cries but those of Hungary. Louis Kossuth was born in Monok, Hun- gary, April 27, 1803. His family was of Slavic descent and noble rank, and his father gave him the advantages of a lib- eral education, including a course in law and philosophy, at the University of Pa- tak. He excelled as a scholar, particu- larly in his knowledge of history and the languages, speaking fluently the Maygar, Slavak, German, French and Latin, and later in life, the Italian and English. Af- ter leaving college Kossuth was appointed an assessor of the Assembly of his native country, and joining the liberals in poli- tics he became very popular with the com- mon people. During 1832-6 Kossuth be- came, by proxy, a member of the Upper House of the Diet, and though its debates, of so much interest to Hungarian patriots, were forbidden publication, yet by Kos- suth’s efforts they were circulated by means of manuscript newspapers. At the close of the Diet, Kossuth endeavored to publish a lithographic paper, but the gov- ernment prohibited its publication, and for persisting in his work he was seized in the night, tried for treason and sen- tenced to four years imprisonment. Gen- eral public indignation, and the prospect of foreign intervention, procured his re- lease before thetime appointed. He then became editor of the Pesth Journal, en- tered the Legislature as leader/of the lib- erals, and kept up a vigorous agitation for local self-government. During the war for liberty, he was’ for some months gov- ernor of Hungary, but on the failure of the struggle he escaped to Turkey where he was protected by the Porte. In 1851 he sailed from Turkey on the United States war vessel Mississippi, as the guest of our government. While in this coun- try Kossuth spoke in many of our leading cities, enlisting sympathy for Hungary and urging the United States to join with England in preventing European inter- ference with her struggles for liberty. Returning to Europe, he engaged in lit- erary and scientific work, but all the time watching for any political complications, that might justéfy Hungary in striking another blow for liberty. In 1867, on the reorganization of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, he was allowed to return to his native land, but he preferred to remain in Turin, condemning the compromise that had been made by his countrymen. Kos- suth in many respects resembled Gam- betta. Of like fiery disposition and im- A oe — v _ pen. 244 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. passioned eloquence, they were equally effective on the platform or wielding the The latter lived to see the consum- mation of his hopes, in republican France; the former, after a lifetime of heroic ser- vice, has seen Hungary liberalized,but not enfranchized. HISTORICAL ITEMS. The first marriage in the county was that of William Moore to Sarah Wright, April 22,18£7. The license for this event was issued by Judge Call, and the knot matrimonial was tied by George D. Wheeler, justice of the peace. The first death in the county was that of a party by the name of Mahuren. This man, a minister or elder of the Christian Church, in the fall of 1854, came to the cabin of Ambrose A. Call, and being sick, staid there about two weeks, and at the end of that period died. The first birth in Kossuth was that of James and Joseph Crose, twin sons of Philip and Mary Crose, which occurred Aug. 28, 1855, in Irvington township. James is teaching school in Bancroft, and his brother is engaged in farming in Cresco township. Some dispute seems to have arrisen as to this fact; some claiming that Irving Clark, son of William G. Clark, was the first party born in this county, but upon investigation it appears that the latter party was born at Fort Dodge. The first saw-mill was raised at Irving- ton and commenced operations early in the summer of 1856. Judge Call started his mill at Algona a few weeks later. The first log house was built by Am- brose A. Call and W. T. Smith, on section 14, in township 95, range 29, now in Cresco, and was finished in August, 1854. The first board building was erected by J. W. Moore, in Algona, for a store room. This was but a rude shanty, built of boards. The first goods sold in the limits of Kossuth county are believed to have been a small stock of powder, whisky and like commodities peddled out by Charles Easton in 1854 or 1855. He had no store building but inhabited a tent from which he sold the goods. The first store and stock of goods was es- tablished at Algona, by Maj. W. W. Wil- liams, who was the suttler at Fort Dodge. During the summer of 1856, he sent up a small assortment of such goods as would retail well inanewcountry. These goods were in charge of William Koons, but he did not stay long as he was superceded by H. F. Watson, who immediately built a new building for the accommodation of the stock. ; The first frame building erected in Al- gona was one built by Lewis H. Smith,dur- ing that eventful summer of 1856. The first citizen of the county to be- come naturalized was Christian Hackinan who received his final papers upon the 10th day of October, 1856. The first order or warrant for the pay- ment of money by the county, bore the date of April 22, 1857, and was issued to Lewis H. Smith for locating a road. The first newspaper, in the county of Kossuth, was the Algona Pioneer Fress, established in that town by Ambrose A. Call in September, 1861. This paper had an existence only of about two years, when it suspended. cr =e 1 «fee, HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 245 The first frame school house in the county was erected in the year 1860, on section 24, in township 96 north, range 29 west. The first white woman whose feet trod the soil of Kossuth county was Mrs. Asa C. Call, in July, 1854. The first kerosene ever used in this county was brought here by Lewis H. Smith in 1859. A great deal of sport en- sued in the first attempt to use this oil, as he thought that the wick must be above the cone. The first bread made in the county, from wheat raised therein, was made by Mrs. H. A. Henderson in 1859. As this wheat was raised by her husband and was the first of Kossuth county growth, a fes- tive time was made of it and the neigh- bors were invited in to partake of the bread. The first sewing machine was brought to Kossuth county in January, 1860, by Lewis H. Smith of Algona. The first threshing in Kossuth county was done by some parties from Boone river, for W. H. Ingham in the fall of 1859. This was done on section 20, town- ship 96, range 20. The pioneer piano of the county was brought to Algona, by Lewis H. Smith,dur- ing the winter of 1865-6. The first bank in the county was opened by W. H. Ingham in January, 1867, at Algona, and the first draft or bill of ex- change was drawn on the 11th of January of that year. It was for $100 from James L. Paine to a minister of the gospel in Missouti. The first bank sign, that of Ingham & Smith, was painted by the junior partner, and is yet preserved among the relics of by-gone days. This was lettered in 1870. Lewis H. Smith, besides being the first lawyer in the county, was the first to hang out a sign as notary public in 1857. The first window blinds ever placed upon a house in Kossuth county were the property of Capt. W. H. Ingham, who put them on his dwelling in 1860. The last elk seen in this county was killed during the month of November, 1867, by a party of gentlemen in the Boone river near the east line of the county. The party consisted of the fol- lowing members: A. L. Seeley, A. Ken- nedy, Abraham Hill andJ. G.Smith. The horns that ornamented this historic ani- mal’s head now decorate the court room in Algona. ’ i 246 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. ¥ CHAPTER III. Se COUNTY GOVERNMENT. ~\ As has been already. mentioned, the territory now comprising the county of Kossuth, was attached, with the north half of Humboldt, to Webster county, but in 1855 an organization was effected, and at the August election of that year, (for prior to 1859 the general election was held in August,) the necessary officers were elected, and Kossuth county entered upon a separate existence. These first officers were: Asa C. Call, county judge ; Robert Cogley, clerk of the court; J. W. Moore, treasurer and recorder, and Lewis H. Smith, surveyor. The records of this election have. per- ished in the lapse of years, and no account exists that preserves in official form the number of votes polled. At the next | election, however, which occurred upon the 7th of April, 1856, George W. Hand ‘received forty-two votes, all that were polled, for the office of school fund com- missioner; Eber Stone, thirty-seven for the office of prosecuting attorney, and Francis Brown thirty-seven for that of " coroner. In these early days the mode of govern- ment of the county differed widely from what itis at the present. The executive powers were vested in what was called the “county court,” which had the same jurisdiction and powers as are now held by the county board of supervisors, the county auditor, the judge of the circuit court, especially those matters that relate to the probating of wills, etc., and of mar- riage licenses. This court consisted of the judge, sheriff and clerk, but in the former resided all authority, and when the two latter. acted at all, it was simply as agsist- ants. As may be-seen by this, the posi- tion of county judge was of primal im- portance. The first entry upon the minute book of the county judge bears date of March ds 1856, and is as follows: “Ordered by the county court of Kos- suth county, this day, That swine and sheep shall not be permitted to run at large, within said county, after the 1st of June, A. D, 1856, and any such animals found so running at large after that. date, may be taken up as trespassing animals. The above regulation will be submitted to the voters of Kossuth county at the en- suing April election. Those in favor of the law to write on their ballot, ‘For the hog law.’ Those opposed, will write, ‘Against the hog law.’ ” The record then says that there were ‘twenty-six votes in favor of, and eleven against the above proposed law. At this same term of court the county of Kossuth was divided into townships “= —~———> v —_ +— fo HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 247 as follows: All that part of the county lying south of the north line of congres- sional township 93, be denominated Hum- boldt township. (This is now part of the county of the same name.) And all that part of the county lying north of the same line to be called Algona township. _ At the March term of the county court, 1857, the county was re-divided into town- ships. At this time, that part of the county, now a part of Humboldt, was sep- arated from this, and the remaining ter- ritory was divided as follows: A town- ship with the following boundaries was formed, “beginning at, the quarter post on the east line of section 7; township 95 north, of range 27 west, of the 5th prin- cipal meridian, and running from thence due west along the center of sections 13, 14, etc.,to the middle of the channel of the east fork of the Des Moines river, and thence down the middle of said channel to the south line of township 94, and thence east along said line to the east line of the county, and thence along said county line to the place of beginning.” This town- ship was christened Irvington. “All that part of the county lying north of a line beginning at the quarter post on the east line of. section 13, township 95, range 27 west, and running due west to the quarter post on the west side of sec- tion 18, township 95, range 30,” was set off into a civil township, and the name Al- gona given to it. The.third township was called Cresco, and comprised all that part of the county lying west of the middle of the channel of the east fork of the Des Moines river, and south of the south line of Algona township. On the 15th of October, 1857, the county court made the first levy of taxes, which is recorded to be as follows: County fund, six mills on a dollar; State fund, three mills; school, one and one-half mills; road, one and one-half mills; poll tax, fifty cents; road poll, $2. But little of any general interest oc- curs in these earlier records, as most of the time of the court was taken up in auditing and paying the bills against the county, and other routine business. At the October term of the county court held in 1858, the first naturalization papers were issued to the foreign born residents of Kossuth county. ‘lhe first man to take the necessary oath, and re- ceive his papers, was John Hutchinson, a native of Ireland, and a subject of the Queen of England. The date of the record of this event is October 7. That and the following days of the same term, papers of an equivalent nature were issued to August Zahlten, a native of Prussia; James Roan, of Scotland; Barnet Devine, James H. Thompson, Michael Fox and Joseph Thompson, natives of the Emerald Isle; George Frederick Schaad and Chris- tian Hackman, from Hesse Darmstadt; and Michael Schmidt, a Hollander. All these are now remembered as among the “old settlers,” and the day of their en- franchisement should be remembered as a bright era of their lives. On the 1st of January, 1861, a change took place in the mode of government of the county, in accordance with the laws of the 8th General Assembly. The coun- ty judge, by that act, became of secondary consideration, and the board of county supervisors, consisting at that time of one = a ) Y a 248 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. member from each township, was created, and to which was delegated nearly all of the powers and functions of the county judge. The latter only retained jurisdic- tion in probate, and some other minor matters. The first board of supervisors of Kossuth county met at the office of the county judge, in Algona, on the 7th day of January, 1861. The following gentle- men presented themselves as the choice of their respective townships for the office of supervisor, and presented their creden- tials: Ambrose A. Call, Algona; M. C. Lathrop, Cresco, and J. R. Armstrong, Irvington. After having qualified they took their seats and proceeded to perfect their or- ganization by the election of a chairman, and on a ballot being taken the choice fell upon Ambrose A. Call, who was conducted to the chair. The first business brought before the new board was the settling of the amount of the bond to be given by the clerk of | the board, which was placed at $500. The members then drew lots to determine the length of the term for which each should hold his seat; M. C. Lathrop drew the ballot entitling him to his place for the “long term,” or two years. There being no court house nor county offices, the board rented the office of L. H. Smith for use of the clerk of the board, and at the same time authorized the treasurer and recorder and probate judge to rent another office. Much of the regular routine business came up before this board in the way of paying claims and locating of roads, but nothing seems to have occurred of any historical impor- tance or of general interest, although a great deal of necessary business was trans- acted by the honorable board. The new board for the year 1862 met on the 6th of January, and consisted of the following gentlemen: Ambrose A. Call, Algona; J. R. Armstrong, Irving- ton, and Abiathar Hull, Cresco. Mr. Arm- strong was chosen chairman for the ensu- ing year. At the February session this board en- tered into a contract with Asa C. Call, a resident of the county, by which he agreed to act as the agent of Kossuth county in procuring for the said county the swamp and overflowed lands to which the said county was entitled, under certain acts of Congress and of the General As- sembly of the State of Iowa. By this contract Mr. Call was made the duly ac- credited agent for the whole negotiation of the matter, and was to receive as com- pensation for his services one-fourth of all such lands recovered to the county. Atthe May term a resolution was passed to submit to the legal voters of the county an important question, as follows: “The undersigned makes to the county of Kossuth the following proposition, to wit: If the said county will give to the undersigned as a bonus 8,000 acres of the swamp lands of an average quality in said county, the undersigned will build within one mile of Algona, in said county, a grist-mill, to be propelled by water; which mill shall be built in a substantial manner, and shall have tworun of buhrs, and all the fixtures necessary to make good flour. And the undersigned further agrees, if said county shall accept this proposition, to enter into an ‘obligation, with good and ample security to said oe ~— ~—|>, ee ate, ie HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 249 * county, that said mill shall be in opera- tion within twelve months, and that it shall be run at the place designated for five years, and that the rate of toll to be taken at said mill shall not exceed one- seventh. [Signed] Samuzn Reep. AxpiaTHER Hout.” But owing to the withdrawal of Mr. Reed’s name from the proposition, the board decided to annul the whole pro- ceeding, and, on the 9th day of June, did revoke the order for the special election, and the scheme died into obscurity. The county having made other use of the lands, Asa Call could not comply with the terms of the contract made by him, so did not procure the necessary patents endowing the county with the so-called swamp lands, but as the matter was other- wise settled the claim was made good and he was settled with by a committee, con- sisting of Lewis H. Smith and W. H. Ingham, appointed for that purpose. At the general election of 1862, a majority of the qualified electors of the county, voted in favor of the county entering into a contract with the American Emigration Company, whereby they turned .all these swamp lands over to that corporation, in lieu of improvements that they would make and the aid it would give to emi- gration to this section of the State and various minor considerations. All deeds to be given by the company, to enclose a clause, binding the purchaser to make a bona fide settlement thereon within a limited period, which should be stipulated in the conveyance. The new board for 1863 met, for their first session, on the 5th of January, and consisted of the following gentlemen, who were all present and took their seats: Ambrose A. Call, Algona; J. R. Arm- strong, Irvington, and Benjamin Clark, Cresco. They immediately proceeded to effect an organization by electing Am- brose Call chairman for the ensuing year. A great mass of business was transacted during the year but none of it of general interest at this time except the various resolutions in favor of bounties to volun- teers, which may be found at length in the chapter devoted to “The War for the Union.” The board of supervisors for the year 1864 met, on the 4th of January, and the following gentlemen appeared and an- swered to their names: Addison Fisher, Irvington township; D. W. King, Algona township; Benjamin Clark, Cresco town- ship. After being duly sworn and inducted into office, Benjamin Clark was elected chairman for the year, and the organiza- tion was completed. A resolution was then introduced and adopted empowering ‘the clerk to procure a plan and specifica- tions for building a court house, and sub- mit the same to the board at their next meeting. Nothing seems to have grown. out of this at the time, but the seed thus early planted bore rich fruit in the full- ness of days, as a glance at the beautiful edifice of the county will prove. On the 3d of January, 1865, the new board met in regular session, and after taking the usual oath of office, the fol- lowing members took their seats: Addi- son Fisher, Irvington; D. W. King, Al- gona; and ©. Hackman, Cresco. After electing Mr. Fisher as chairman for the oe = 2 fos eee . chairman. 250 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. year, they proceeded to the transaction of the usual routine business. The board of supervisors for the year 1866 was made up of the same members as the previous year. After the usual formalities, Mr. Fisher was again elected But little business was trans- acted by this board, except the usual rou- tine of auditing claims and road and bridge matters. However, during their administration, a contract was let to Samuel Reed to build a structure for the use of the county as a court house, which he erected in compliance with the terms of the contract, for the sum of $775. Upon the 15th of October, this same year, the following resolution was adopted by the board: Resolved, That, as the American Emi- grant Company have passed a resolution donating the sum of $5,000 to this county for school house purposes, that said sum of money, when received, shall be used for the erection of a seminary in the town of Algona, and for no other purpose. This seminary to be under the control of the board of supervisors, and to be con- sidered a county building. The board of supervisors for the admin- istration of the business of the county, for the year 1867, met on the 7th of Jan- uary, and consisted of the following mem- bers: Addison Fisher, Irvington; D. W. King, Algona; and Benjamin Clarke, Cresco. After a proper qualification, the board proceeded to organize by the election of Addison Fisher as chairman for the year, and proceeded to the auditing of claims and locating of county roads. The board in 1868 was made up of Addison Fisher, Irvington; Benjamin Clarke, Cresco; and Abram Hill, Algona. Immediately after meeting, on the 6th of January, the new members were duly qualified and taking their plazes, organ- ized for the year by the election of Addi- son Fisher as chairman. One of the first measures adopted was a resolution au- thorizing the board of supervisors to act as a committee of the whole in selecting a site and purchasing land for a poor farm for the use of the county. The board, for the year 1869, met for the first time on the 4th of January, of that year, and the following gentlemen appeared and were duly qualified: Addi- son Fisher, Irvington; Abram Hill, Al- gona; G. W. Olmsted, Cresco. Mr. Fisher was re-elected to fill the chair, and the board proceeded to assume the reins of government. Lewis H. Smith, late county judge and ex-officio county auditor, having handed in his resignation, the board appointed Marcus Robbins to fill the vacancy. It was also Resolved, That the territory embraced in the following congressional town- ships, to-wit: Townships 98, 99 and 100, in range 29 west, of the fifth principal meridian, and townships 98, 99 and 100, in range 30 west, of the same meridian be formed into a new township called Green- wood, and that its boundaries shall be as above described. Also, at the October session, that portion of Kossuth county embraced in townships 96, 97, 98, 99 and 100, range 28, were formed into a new civil township under the name of Port- land. That portion of the county em- braced in congressional townships 96 and a ee =a nlc la HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 251 97, ranges 29 and 380, was formed into a new township to be known as Darien. This latter township, however, never was organized under this name, as it did not seem to meet the views of all concerned. Jan, 3, 1870, was the day upon which met the new board of supervisors of the county. The following gentlemen pre- sented themselves, and after the usual formalities, took their seats: Daniel Rice, Algona; Albe Fife, Irvington; L. K. Garfield, Greenwood; and O. F. Hale, Cresco. After organizing by the election of Daniel Rice as chairman, the board pro- ceeded to the transaction of business. At the July session of this board the action taken in the creation of Darien township was rescinded, in answer to the petition of seventy-six of the legal voters thereof. The following year, 1871, Daniel Rice, D. H. Hutchins and Charles C. Chubb, constituted the board of supervisors, and after taking the usual oath and seating themselves, elected Mr. Rice chairman. This was at their first meeting, on the 2d of January. At the April session the county auditor was authorized, by resolu- tion of the board, to purchase fifty cords of building stone for the building of the basement of the new court house to be erected. About this time the north part of the county was organized into a sep- arate county and called Crocker county, but as it was contrary to law it was after- wards abandoned. But at the time, in April, 1871, a pretended board of super- visors, to quote the records of Kossuth county, made a demand that this county cease to assess, levy and collect taxes within their territory, but the government of Kossuth county paid no attention whatsoever, except to say that when they were satisfied that there was such a county as Crocker, with a de facto govern- ment, then they would listen to the re- monstrance. In June the honorable board passed a resolution, submitting to the qualified voters of the county the proposition that the bonds of the county be issued in the sum of $25,000, upon which to borrow money to build a court house. ‘These bonds were to bear an in- terest of ten per cent., payable annually, and the principal to be paid in install- ments of $3,000 each year, beginning with that of 1874. Also that a tax of five per cent. should be levied as a special tax upon the assessed property of the county to meet these bonds as they ma- tured. On the 5th of September, being then in session, the board appointed D. H. Hutchins and J. E. Blackford a com- mittee to draft plans and specifications for a county poor house, and to advertise for proposals to build the same. ‘he board of supervisors, for the year 1872, met for the first time at the court house in Algona, January 6, and consisted of Daniel Rice, who had been re-elected, D. H. Hutchins and C. C. Chubb. Mr. Rice was elected the presiding officer, after qualification. In 1873 the board consisted of D. Rice, D. H. Hutchins and R. I. Brayton, the latter the newly elected member, who, after being duly sworn, took his seat with his colleagues. Mr. Brayton was then called to the chair, temporarily, Mr. Hutchins, the third member, being absent at the time, and the board being organ- ized proceeded to the transaction of the ee = v — 252 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. business before them, which consisted mostly of locating roads, hearing petitions ' and paying claims against the county. At a later session Mr. Hutchins being present, was made chairman of the board for the ensuing year. The usual business coming up for settlement, the board proceeded to its consideration. At the June session the auditor was in- structed to sell the old court house to the highest bidder, and have it removed from its present site. The board for the year 1874 met upon the 5th of January, and consisted of the following gentlemen: D. Rice, R. I. Brayton, H.F.Watson, Leonard Ayers and M. Taylor. After having entered upon the duties of their positions by subscrib- ing to the usual formula, they completed | their organization by the election of Mr. Rice as chairman for the concurrent year. The board of supervisors for the year 1875 was composed as follows: H. F. Watson, R. I. Brayton, M. Taylor, D. Rice and L. Ayers. Mr. Taylor was elected chairman. The members of the board for the suc- ceeding years were as follows: 1876.—H. F. Watson, chairman; M. Taylor, D. Rice, R. I. Brayton and Philip Dorweiler. 1877.—D. Rice, chairman; R. I. Bray- ton, Philip Dorweiler, M. L. Bush and H. Schenck. 1878.—R. I. Brayton, chairman; Philip Dorweiler, H. Schenck, M. L. Bush and E. 8. Streater. 1879.—Philip Dorweiler, chairman; M. L. Bush, H. Schenck, E. 8. Streater and A. Rutherford. 1880:—K. S. Streater, chairman; Philip Dorweiler, A. Rutherford, C. D. Pettibone and Isaac Sweigard. 1881.—C. D. Pettibone, chairman; I. Sweigard,A. Rutherford,Philip Dorweiler and J. D. McDonald. 1882.—C. D. Pettibone, chairman; J. D. McDonald, H. B. Butler, J. B. John- son and I. Sweigard. 1883.—H. B. Butler, chairman; J. D. McDonald, J. B. Johnson, Norman Collar and George Boyle. + 4 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 253 CHAPTER IYV. s OFFICIAL Grouped together in this chapter will be found the various matters gathered from the county records and other sources, and that fill no special place in history, but which left untold would mar the com- pleteness of the annals. POPULATION. In 1856, the first year that this county was mentioned in the census returns of the State, there were some 377 inhabitants credited to the whole county, as then con- stituted. In 1860, with a less area, the population was 416. The number of in- habitants for the succeeding years are herewith presented, as compiled from the State census returns: 1863. . 8365/1870 .............8, 351 1865. . 694/1873.........5....4, 252 i867... 1, 578/1875....... 0... 8, 765 DBGD) 0 cena cdcenoucists By the census of 1880, the population was shown to be 6,178, of which 3,238 were males and 2,940 were females. A large portion of the settlers of the county are American born, those of that nativity numbering 4,888, where the foreign ele- ment only foots up 1,295. MARRIAGE RECORD. Licenses have always been required in the State of Iowa before the nuptial knot could be tied, and the clerk of the court has always been the custodian of the books and has authority to issue the said MATTERS. permits, under certain restrictions. These records therefore have proved an invalu- able source from which to draw the ma- jority of the facts found here. The first license on the record books of Kossuth county was issued by Judge Call, under date of April 22, 1857, and author- ized .the proper person.to unite in the bonds of matrimony, William Moore and Sarah Wright. The ceremony was per- formed the same day, apparently, by George D. Wheeler, a justice of the peace. This was the first marriage within the limits of Kossuth county. The second license was issued on July 21, 1857, by Judge Call, to Hurlbut W. Lake and Rachel W. Eggers. This couple were married the same day by “his honor the judge.” Licenses were issued the same year to the following parties: Charles I. Harvey and Minerva Wright, October 15. They were married by Judge Lewis H. Smith, the same day. Thomas J. Foster and Jane Lane, Octo- ber 15, who were also united in mar- riage by the county judge. Lewis H. Smith and Abbie M. Rist, October 24. This couple were united un- der the sanction of the Church, in the per- son of Rev. Chauncey Taylor, and was the or —_—— 254 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. first rite matrimonial to be so solemnized by a clergyman in the county. Theodore J. Smith and Roxa Fleming, November lv. Roderick M. Bessie and Mary E. Lane, November 20. William D. Eaton and Nancy H. Kel- logg, December 20. The last three couples were all married on the day of the issuance of the licenses by the Rev. Chauncey Taylor. This comprises all the marriages for that year, nor did the number increase very materially the next year. In 1858 there were the following candidates for matrimonial honors: August Zahlten and Mary Reibhoff, January 6. Married, the same day, by Lewis H. Smith, county judge. Amos Otis, Jr., and Almira E. Heck- art, March 24. Married the following day by J. E. Blackford, justice of the peace. William A, Wilson and Chloe 8. Law- rence, May 16. Married, the same day, by Rev. D. 8. McComb, a Presbyterian cler- gyman. James E. Hall and Susan Hall, July 1. Married at the same time by Judge Smith. George M. Wiltfong and Martha A. Clarke July 17. Married the same day by W. B. Moore, a justice of the peace. Sylvester.S. Rist and Mary Ann Millen, August 31. Married by L. H. Smith, the county judge. Marcena Harriet and Caroline Latti- more, September 14; also united the same day, by Judge Smith. Swan Linquest and Hannah Peterson, Jan. 15,1859. Married the same date by L. L. Treat, justice of the peace. J.R. Armstrong and Jane Fife, Jan. 27,1859. Married by Rev. O. A. Holmes. G. W. Mann and Laura M. Bellows, Aug. 25, 1859. Married by Rev. C. Taylor. J. E. Stacy and Harriet E. Taylor, April 12, 1860. United in wedlock by the Reverend father of the bride, Chaun- cey Taylor. George P. Steele and Mary S. Clark, April 12, 1860. Married by Rev. C. Taylor. Oscar Stevens and Jane Magoon, May 28, 1860. Christian Hackman and Elizabeth Clark, May 24, 1860. Andrew L. Seeley and Alice Benscho- ter, May 80, 1861. Richard Colburn and Elmira Heckart, May 7, 1861. Elias N. Weaver and Polly Benschoter, Dee. 18, 1861. . But this is sufficient. Many of the names will be recognized as those of early settlers, and of the parties who bave been most prominently identified with the prog- ress and development of Kossuth county. Herewith is appended a table showing the number of marriages of each year, and calling the attention to the curious — variation in their number, as the times were hard or easy. LOOT scaiis-mewegyateia 10 SSO icine seuasas 1868 samissaiey cen ies MIDST Ds sce ciecacatnseselethiots TSDD seeaeaieuscann coir BIBT igo cacdsardigie'e etnsere: 1860.63 csicnaienwenis ABIB ake t ead cease TSG I icine stereia Vays ie des tue BIBT iracsntans.. Reedaweie 1862s ni. ssiemruues news Q|LOT Diese: sian ince ccave ends 1868 cose sawg eeercenvarss SUS TB isi guess lasinaeaiows TS64 sci eecasinccwes SHOT aiae winged eae 1860 5s sass cag eines s QUSIC cc cau eave ee COURT HOUSE. Some sort of offices were provided for the county officials at the county seat of ee a a) HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 255 Kossuth county, from the date of its or- ganization, but no regular court house was built for the use of the county until 1866. On the 26th of March of that year, a con- | tract was entered into by and between the honorable board of supervisors and Samuel Reed, of Irvington, whereby the latter agreed to erect a building to be used by the county as acourthouse. This was a small frame building which an- swered its purpose but indifferently well until 1872, when the present building was erected. The building cost the county something like $800, and after the erec- tion of the new court house, was sold by order of the county board ; August Zahl- ten being the purchaser. This old court house becoming totally inadequate to the conveniences of the county, and besides offering no sort of protection to the records from fire, in 1871, the board of county supervisors submitted the proposi- tion to the qualified electors of Kossuth county, that they should issue the bonds of the county to raise the necessary money to erect a court house. At the Oc- tober election the people of the county, by a handsome majority, assented to bur- den themselves with the debt, and pro- ceedings were at once commenced, look- ing toward the erection of the present magnificent structure that beautifies the town. The members of the board of su- pervisors, thinking, no doubt, it was for the best interests of the county, did not let the whole contract for the building to some contractor who would have slighted the work, having no particular interest in it, but raised the edifice themselves, giv- ing work to home mechanics and _labor- ers. The operation was commenced by letting a contract to C. F. Kyes for the excavation of the cellar. This contract was signed upon the 27th of April, 1872, and the price agreed upon was twelve and one-half cents per cubic yard, and -the same was to be finished in twelve days from the date of the signing of the con- tract. Mr. Kyes completed the work in accordance with his terms of agreement. The next was to build the foundation and basement, and this was done out of native stone. There being no stratified rock nor quarry within the limits of this county, good building material was found by dig- ging through the soil into the underlying drift and taking out the boulders, and dressing them into shape. These are nearly all quartzose in make up, being in many cases, Laurentian granite and gneiss, brought from the primeval beds, of which there exists none nearer than the north shore of Lake Huron, and being of a vol- canic nature, are comparatively indestruc- tible, make a firm foundation. On this was reared a beautiful and stately edifice in the Anglicized Tuscan style of architect- ure, that every inhabitant of the county feels a just pride in. The building is constructed of Milwan- kee brick and trimmed with cut stone, with a square roof, and a balcony or open belvedere in the center of it. On the northeast corner rises the beautiful square tower, characteristic of this style of archi- tecture, and a small ornamental one fin- ishes the opposite corner. Within, the building is finished in most excellent style, and with its high ceilings, perfect ventilation and commodious quar- ters, make it a pleasure to call upon the obliging servants of the people who have 7 oe 4 Sinaia 256 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. their offices therein. In the second story is the room used for the various courts that meet here for the administration of justice and law. This is one of the most | magnificent rooms in proportion, in north- ern Iowa, and the whole building pro- claims to every one the cultured taste that dictated its erection. No wonder tkat all the citizens of the county are proud of it when it calls forth the highest encomiums of every casual visitor to the town. The cost of this superb structure was about $38,000, of which the following yives some of the most prominent items : Rough Stone. ...... 02... ee eee cece ee $1, 557.24 Dressed Stone.........-eeeeeesee eens 1,621.74 REO LBTICIE: ose cs.c c n.0h sg ten tabsloserinne overanovdcac 8, 830.07 White Brick <6 :0 esses eed ansimcoyerats 2, 017.56 Mason Workiessciccss 6s ceed one wesnne 5, 212 95 Lumber........ 8, 987.76 John Hiles’ bills of doors and sash,etc. 2, 576.56 Teaming and common labor......... 1,018.48 PaiMling acs. awerseeemseosswe es avis 621 48 Carpenter Work.... .se..eeeee evens + 2,799.42 Wages of foreman Booth............ 1, 226 00 Tin Roofing. ..... 2.00. cce cece ceeeee 1,179.55 Beightine sce waicsee tous atieess. sHerles 1, 827.48 HATAWATE ssc 6 cede dees ee aeesiw ewe 1, 237.65 Blacksmithing. .......... cee cece wees 231.75 Paid to architect M Mix ............. 625, 00 Lime, glass, etc... 1.00... 2. eee cee eee 834.96 Sandia. mservcanieedwcsin aaieeeses 130.00 Miscellaneous. ......-.ceseeeeeeeeaene 586.50 Totaliccccwdie said s age tee cess cow $32,622.14 Other items carried the amount up to the figures mentioned above. When the building was done charges of fraud were of course circulated, and it was claimed that D. H. Hutchins, agent of the building committee of the board, had diverted funds, and other claims of like nature. They were wholly without foundation, as the following extract from the minutes of the board will show. This was passed at the session held in July, 1873 : “The majority report of the committee appointed to investigate court house mat- ters was presented, accepted and ordered to be spread upon the minutes of the pro- ceedings of the board of supervisors, which is accordingly done, and is in words and figures following, to-wit : To the Honorable, the Board of Super- pervisors : “The committee appointed by you to in- vestigate certain frauds alleged to have been perpetrated by certain individuals in connection with the building of the court house and certain bridges beg leave to submit the following report : “Tt is the opinion of your committee that the charges or rather insinuations were based seemingly upon a partial and superficial examination of the books and papers on file, and that the committee, after a careful examination of the same, can find no evidence of moneys misapplied or unaccounted for, and the tenor of the evidence taken has shown no disposition on the part of the board of supervisors or their agent, D. H. Hutchins, to divert the funds of the county. “The cost of the building up to the present time is about $34,000. “The items let by contract to the low- est bidder were: The largest portion of the rough stone; the dressed stone was let to the lowest bidder, and at twenty-five per cent. less than had formerly been paid in in the same town; the red brick; the mason work; painting, with the excep- tion of some outside work, was let to the lowest bidder, and at about one-half the A oe + Y es. soe cmmaaiso! HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 257 common rates ; tin roofing to the lowest | Total value of railroad property........ $199,476 bidder. Total value of personal property...... 260,823 “The remaining items were not con- tracted for, some from their very nature, and others on account of other circum- stances involving a supposed loss to the county. After taking all the testimony produced before the committee, which is quite voluminous, and has occupied your committee for many days, we have care- fully examined the same and find nothing therein tending to the implication of the board of supervisors as a body, or D.H. Hutchins, their agent, in any frauds or misapplication of the county funds. SamuzE Reep, Ch’n, Joon WALLACE, ALBERT Busu.” CIVIL TOWNSHIPS. The thirteen civil townships into which Kossuth county is divided were organized upon the following dates: Algona, June, Total valuation of the county. . $2,008,662 LIVE STOCK. No. valuation Cattle assessed in the county...10,723 $82,524 Horses ss ae .... 8,545 70,318 Mules us i pete dS 2,926 Sheep . a ..-. 1,592 1,522 Swine a .e.- 8,969 4,297 Total valuation of live stock..... $161,581 The total tax levied in the county, in 1882, was $76,087.70 FINANCIAL. The following items show the growth in wealth and valuation in the county during the last decade. A full report of the valuation by years was not accessible, neither is it of much general interest. These are simply given to show the in- crease, as exhibited by the tax books of Kossuth county. & 1856; Irvington, March, 1857; Cresco, ; 1872, March, 1857; Greenwood, Jan. 5, 1869; bis : land ee ieeagees ee vou . . alue of personal property....... .. i Portland, October 1869; Wesley, June, Value of railroad property........... 57, 600 1871; Lotts Creek, Feb. 3, 1873; Fenton, April 7, 1873; Ramsey, June 3,1879; Burt; Wotdl, valae casducyswinageets $1, 703, 833 Luverne, Sept. 4, 18823 Prairie, Sept. 27, 1874, ‘ ls 1883. Value of lands.............00.008 08 $1, 775, 475 1882; Sherman, Feb, 19, 1888 Value of town property............. 131, 651 ITEMS OF INTEREST. Value of personal property... ... .. 78, 734 i ea -Value of railroad property........... 42, 000 Lands exclusive of town property in es ee BCPOB Daag tities aye sealntacatasona neacsuee or a ee) 5 ’ + ee + = so HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 261 Treasurer and Recorder. ELECTION OCTOBER 12, 1858. Fh Ba WAG Be comsc cs vows veeu cern 08 REE 89— 4 Secretary of State. Os WAYlor assis evicinscaiysoeeiie sewers etme ies 15 Elijah Sell... 0... .....ccecccesecacecceccecece 12— 40 Sheriff. Samuel Douglas,... i 31 O. W. Robinson...... .....2 cee ceucuceeeces Of— 08 | E. Blackford. i... .cccees secseees esendeses saa 1 G. C.Carlon...... iSyta Srstern brass Va Siciniate eds 1 BLK. DOVi6s 0. cevcsxaanness 1 J. W. Cattell 68— 31 Jacob Cummins.. ........ .. < 1 T.S. Parvin............ .... 36 Ni Clove lain ss isiaie: cio usie sisisisioteug aceasta 1 Dr. MCCOY? v4 sc cincarsisteruinss eesidads wavdais aay 1 County Surveyor. William H. Ingham..... ............0cec eee 5O— 21] J. W. Jones........ 000. cece eee T3— 41 Jerome Bleakman.......... ......ce seer eee 36 Samuel L. Lorah..............0 cece cece ae ee 31 George Smith..... .... ccc cece eee se a wean 1 DRI BE we iat aandedees. omesinnn bem ances 1 Li. He Smiths.) cqasinity rein aa etiwneiess 1 Attorney Genarel, Coroner BeMUel A. Rie@..iisnceqess aeeeravys saunen 72— 29 Duther Buallisiss scisee oiecicsieinns sic cites sea 101 James L. Ellwood............. : cioabe 42 School Fund Commissioner. CUMMING 0.0, i sccccincead: San 40s cert oe Sain 1 William B. Moore..... .......0. cece eee eee 106 Register of State Land es On the New Constitution. Ae By Miler is nascmsatasaiians ac: a emasaeid saves 69— 33 For the new constitution......... .......... 6l— 40 | James M. Reid........... eee cece eee 35 Against the new constitution........... ... a M. JONES......66 eee teeta 1 On the proposition; ‘‘Shall the word white be stricken Commissioner Des Moines River Improvement. out of the article on the right of suffrage?” W.C. Drake..... SSEREDRER dinaniveaumebeeeee 2— 39 ee Charles Baldwin wee 32 WEIN a siaisie arch gia sey eteiepenss dacceiatow. aime eterna gang lances 5I— 11 EM OS) 2 secaae remains gea OAs meee ln eesleion 40 AMBTORE CAML,» 4ce hos eeanen 1 ‘ Member of Congress, 2d District. the it to aid norti ad t On proposition to rth and south railroad William Vandever....... eve WORaxekica ~ Waxceteree Geckos abs H— 55 | win. Leffingwell.. Sete N ents - 32 AGRINBE cx. certcvericaass 20 A. Call... Desa 1 ELECTION, OCTOBER 18, 1857. Fudge District Court, 4th Judicial District. Governor. Asbael W. Hubbard, . Feats Se INA "7— 60 Ralph P. LOW. .-ccesecces ceeeee ceseeeesees T0— 25 | W. G. Watt. .....0 ee eeeeeeeeee eee eee 6 Benjamin M. Samuels 45 Gottenburg..... 22. cece ee cute cece eee eeee 1 Lieutenant-Governor. District Attorney, 4th District. ‘i Orlando C. Howe...........ceeee cree eens 88— 62 Oran Faville iajisee sah wlan Simrorsaaa se WEE Fsote toe T0— 25 FE. D. Thompson......22. ccceccec cee ceseee 20 George Gillaspy..--- 2. -++ vrsreseeeeee sees ” Oi GLBYs occas dedtaaieainet nese’ senkeo aaa goes 1 Representative 13th Legislative District. Member Boara of Education. GC. C. Carpenter...... 2. cece eee cece cree eens 65— 15 | Daniel E. Brainard....... .... ........222.. 2— 40 John F. Duncombe.... .... .....eee eee cae 50 JS: Colewessisy: thacsix 31 ELECTION, APRIL, 1858. Samuel Nixon.. ~ 1 Superintendent of Common Schools. es Clerk of the District Court. : TAS Staley si aiesavshle whemnwas ed seniavennies 88— 80 RoveC: Taylorecs gat. qeewienasais sea tee a # Charles Bastotsccsjasexe cones rien secrncns 8 D. W. Sample 43 Badger Easton... 3 Coroner Against increase of salaries...... BO— A] KK. Cardon.... ccc eeeceeee eects ences canes B5— 24 For increase of salaries..... ...........005 52 F.UR: JOWells ce xesecosss: caeniieeceeiitan a sce ll SPECIAL ELECTION, JUNE, 1858. County Surveyor. For a general Banking law....... .....see0s T0— 42 | A.B. Willoughby..............cccceeeceeeeee 3 Against a general aemeres law.... i SPECIAL ELECTION, APRIL 25, 1859. For a State Bank of Iowa..... _ i . i Against a State Bank of Iowa....... 2 On the question of issuing Bonds. For an increase of salaries....... ...-....4. y2— 89 | Against the bonds.....................eeeeee 80— 55 Against an increase of salaries............. 33 For the bonds 25 ~< aid qn “vs ly y v ; ' Qe a sal - =| 262 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. ELECTION, OCTOBER Ll, 1859. Judge of Supreme Court. Governor. George G. Wright, Republican.....-.------ 63— 42 Samuel J. Kirkwood oe... seecesseeeceeee 75-- 36 | J- M. Ellwood, Democrat ........---++++++++ 21 Augustus C. DOdge........-cecee cere eee ee ee 37 Representative in Congress—2d District. Lieutenant-Governor. William Vandever, Republican ... 61— 39 Nicholas J. Rusch. .......02. ceseceeeeeeeees 76— 49 | B. M. Samuels, Democrat.......-..---+++++- 22 Lysander W. Babbitt. ........ -ceeseereeeeee 36 Clerk of District Court. Judges of Supreme Court. FB. McCoy 2... 0... cece cece center eee eee en eeere 21 Ralph P. Lowes sis: vavsnassabreises vsense s+ "— 38 | H. F. Watson... L. D, Stockton... 2... .... cece erence re acee 74— 36 Caleb Baldwin... ........ cence cece ee ee ee eeee 7é— 40 | L. H. Smith.... 38 Charles Mason BY John Brown .. Thomas S. Wil8ON....... ceceeeee cece neers 38 H. Kellogg........ cece ceee eee eeees C@UC. COG. .c0cc deseutegisiaeies seeweas ees 36 State Senator, 32d District . A Be Ma s0Dissacs, cohed seduiiatannaisies stance ene 5 Luther L. Pease...........2. .606500 ee ee eens 68— 24 | John W. Summers 23 J. F. Duncombe.. .....--2-.- eee cece ee cree 44 Bi, MeCGy snsencess comnsewaneod 3 Representative from 6lst Legislative District. Calvin Heckart... .........+.00. 3 John EB. Blackford. 02. ee seecseeeeeeees 96— 80 County Supervigors. HM. COrey ces ccned rinse nland tacatimeates 16 A.A. Call, of Algona township 44— 48 County Judge. A. C. Call, of Algona township 1 J. BE. Stacy... cee. cee 59— 19 | J- R. Armstrong, ofIrvington township... 28 Lewie He Staithesccscssvvescccse 49 M.C. Lathrop, of Cresco township......... 8s— 7 Henry Kellogg, of Cresco township. ...... 1 Treasurer and Recorder. Ti Ti. PRCA ces cucsaisa canes sees voeeweays venes B4— 4 SPECIAL ELECTION, MAY 6, 1861. Fe Bs Watsons cainses cccencncs tonisaawdies Hane 50 On Proposition in Regard to Bridges. For bridges ........ cece cece ee eeeeeees nee 57— 30 O. Benschoter.... 87T— 1 Against Dridges ........ 66. ec eee cee weet e eee at G. W. Blottenberg 10 GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 8, 1861. County Superintendent. Governor. J Re APMAON Bs: : caciaveccecasseeeenss --- — 11 | SamuelJ. Kirkwood, Republican.......... W1— 66 He ReelOg gine sserosccmassvatedey ieatdas cant 1 William H. Merritt, Democrat.............. 3 Drainage Commissioner. Benjamin M. Samuels, Democrat.......... -2 H. Kellogg... we se Pcciieshetn Siac ar 102 Lieutenant-Governor. : 2 John R. Needham, Republican. ... .... 72— 68 eae Miller: os TO) 5. W. Williams...........c.cccceseeseererenes 2 PEO ccainanaeen ‘A.B. Willoughby ave 4 Lauren Dewey ........-+.. 2 Wee FE SPRAIN ois aisisocigcieies sisdaiaiee gvewwosieeee y 1 Judge, Supreme Court. Coroner. Ralph P. Lowe 72— 68 Luther Bullis...... 8i— 86 J.M. Elwood.......... Setters sides 3 Judson Mason 1 Kinsey Carlon............ cc ceee cence seeeeeee 1 7 ELECTION, NOVEMBER 6, 1860, Representative from 56th Legislative District . Je Be BlaCKL ON se icis:s ove weiss saivsieee saesaesa aes "2— 65 ; For President. H. N. Brockway ” Abraham Lincoln, Republican............. 64— 44 Stephen A. Douglas, Democrat............. 20 Treasurer and Recorder. Secretary of State. J Big, StQOY vssesciaien sicasiscnwine eadasieie tule es eeu 12— 71 Elijah Sells, Republican ...... ...-....... a alg | ET Res a ennai AN Se? a ee John M. Corse, Democrat............. pesca G2 County Judge. State Auditor. DiS. MCCOMD s: sosecsesiewees cen aresinies joie 70— 69 J. W. Cattell, Republican.................. 68— 42 | EB. Haston.........cceeeeee cece eeeeesee ee eees 1 George W. Maxfield, Democrat 21 Drainage Commissioner. State Treasurer. Horace Schenck....... ceeesesceceveeee wees 61— 59 John W. Jones, Republican................ 68— 42 | H. Kellogg... ....-++ s+ 1 Jobn W. Ellis, Democrat.... ... 2.00.02... 21 A. DavidSON.... ce. cee cece tee cee e ee eeereeene 1 al =o ie _ ad _ tT e -_ a igs] a HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 263 County Superintendent. Special Tax fee: OL DAY ON seiicctratese. cstaa gs scatlen Sacireaie saw. GOs 60— 65 | Against the levy: .. ssw sscsssevisepaveiasce 62— 61 A. B. MASON.......... 02sec eeceeeer eens oe tees 3 For the levy.. ais iafe wetdid since a grease ctgrsiele 1 J.R. ArMStrong........ cece ee cece cece eee 1 Gale Shen Gieacs: a a Sherif’. Benjamin Clark............:00..ceeeeee ee eees 10 iver Benschoter........0 12. .ceecac eee eens 5I1— 25 William Hoffiens 26 GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 18, 1863. Governor. William Stone, Republican............. .... 54— 39 ieee ae ete co 43 | J ames M. Tuttle, Democrat... ............. 15 O's MINOR oa eiersyeirs sates vloswisienereste, peas cite 1 Lieutenant-Governor. SB DIVIG ee ccece bec cesceeis weuneeeestnyecmat on 1 Enoch W. Eastman, Republican..... ..... 55— 43 Sineeapone John F. Duncombe, Democrat............. 12 Tis, Ho SEM, cc aecaetenaee saeaead Gacenavicudes Bi— 56 Judge of Supreme Court. EB. W. Clark.....0.. cee cecee ccuceccecserseues 1 John F. Dillon, Republican................. 54— 39 Suparcisars. Charles Mason, Democrat... ......... .... 15 Ambrose A. Call, of Algona township...... a 7 State Senator, 43d District. W.H. Ingham, of Algona township... .... Ww George W. Bassett..-..-..-------+.---.. 0-05. BI— 45 J. R. Armstrong, of Irvington township,.. 25— 24 | C: E. Whiting 12 Ambrose Call, of Irvington township..... 1 Representative, 58th Legislative District. A. Hull, of Cresco township..............6+ 9 L. H. Smith ......-..... 39— 12 GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 14, 1862. Edward McKnight 21 Secretary of State. Treasurer and Recorder. James Wright, Republican..............5++ s0— ay | J- HB. Stacy....-. 0... sees sees eeeeeeeee eee GL Richard H. Sylvester, Democrat........... 19 Sherif. State Auditor. Oliver Benschoter...-......-------2..-0..0-- 60 John W. Cattell, Republican........--...... 50— 32 County Judge John Brown, Democrat sab aieouae’ 18 LUGE Ristissevcconscsseresssewnctecenens 50— 44 State Treasurer. . Kinsey Carlon ..-..... 0 .eeeeeencceeeceeeee 5 William H. Holmes, Republican... ... .... BO— 34 | Je Carlon...-----+---seeeeeeeeee eer eeee eee eee 1 Samuel L. Lorah, Democrat...........+.--+ 16 County Superintendent. Attorney-General. M.D. Blanchard 438— 24 Charles C. Nourse, Republican........... 51-34 14 Benton J. Hall, Democrat.............------ 1% 2 Register State Land Office. 33— 21 Josiah H. Harvey, Republican............. 51— 34 9 Frederick Gottschalk, Democrat........... 17 Rien jatiiti ClARE sine -asveccecccecwes cosscvess 2 Representative, Congress, 6th District. Tis SimiGhi aie yaiaas 174— 182 Ge We Sini tl, oo 22odioseecetckawcas Sete cane 70— 47 | Jason Dunton........... Leese cee ee enero 42 E. Orawford..... .eeeccce cee esaeeree seeeees 20 GENERAL ELECTION, NOVEMBER 3, 1868. L. E. Smith siewhanhetears Seeded 1 President. Albert Calkins: % a: U. 8. Grant, Republican............-..... 382— 302 - JOHN. RCCG osc cwss scusene ives tae eocempesss 1 Horatio Seymour, Democrat..... ... ----. 30 Representative in Congress, 6th District. O. BF, Hale.....-..cceeeeee ee oneretoes sane? 142 Charles Pomeroy, Republican............. 333— 303 Supervisor, Cresco Township. Charles A. Russell, Democrat........ ...... 30 Benjamin Clarke.............ceeecses eee eee 19 On the First Amendment. GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 8, 1867. EOt icp cans secenwan dap ruee seworeeaarereencsa 347— 317 Governor. AMUN Beaidsseecaseicrw edisicicie be east aia aye, weet ES SOS 30 Samuel Merrill, Republican................ 217-- 204 On the Second Amendment Charles Mason, Demoorat... .............. 18 BROW cis dicoea es sigi este Se wal atwiwiesipicieiay sera eles omucgernies 348— 318 Lieutenant-Gov rnor. 29 John Scott, Republican.... .........0.ee eee D.M. Harris, Democrat.... ........+...0e- 13 FOP? sontuienetgarsiinuet es seneaadaas eosaezguemanaan 348— 318 Judge of sci Court. APDAN GE enineaniuniede We aemenso waew eet tien 29 J.M. Beck, Republican.. ag 48 21%— 204 Onthe Fourth Amendment J, H,. Craig, Democrat, os ce. eesseces exnnee , B Attorney-General. Henry O’Conner, ee secceceeeee 217— 204 W. T. Barker, Democrat.. : 138 BOY Gs sieas 944 eeceuspescaier a medeige ae Superintendent of Public Instruction. Against D. F. Wells, Republican.. om 217— 204 Secretary of State. Maturin L. Fisher, Demacrat: asus sanioae smite 18 Ed. Wright, Republican..............:.000.+ Senator, 46th District. David Hammer, Democrat.... . Theodore Hawley, Republican............. 2138— 199 f State Treasurer. C. C. Smeltzere, Democrat.......-......065- 14 8. E. ora si ae ei , Democrat Sache soe Representative, 59th Legislative District. Tap BoCarty, Bee or. Cc. W. Tenny, ieee Sian Sahanewied ae 145 John A. Elliott, Republican.. 333—’ 308 W. P. Rosecrans, Democrat..........--+++. H. Dunlevy, Democrat.. : 30 County Judge. Register of State Lana Office. L. H. Smith..... ....... ..- 82 O. C. Carpenter...... 20. .cee cess cence eens 333— 308 James H. Warren.. 55 A.D. Anderson.. ‘ ivewerused al FT. CO. CRAPS 2.52 bis conn ts cece ged cee es eens Ay . Attoenen General. He WateO tes sitassrecsseecas daiminesecionss 7 Henry O'Conner, Republican.............. 833— 303 FH, Durant........00cccsecn eens sees cee ensenes 1 J. E. Williamson, Democrat...........06.... 30 ears . detciea Sraisoats 463— 355 PAM OB sic zisnaceauin Ata Werehulag susie Seg ae dake 108 On the proposition to strike out the word ‘‘white’ inthe State constitution. WGP 4 stage ng. 5 ees tadnce dak tages Sie Palaveleraeety 410— 348 ARAIDBE: tisisiiins caneas-easees : Ri GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 11, 1881. Governor. Buren R. Sherman, Republican 3871— 319 L. G. Kinne, Democrat ......... ..... 231 D.M. Clark, Greenback...... ..... 19 William Johnson, Prohibition....... aise 2 GENERAL ELECTION, NOVEMBER 2, 1880. Lieutenant-Qovernor. President. Orlando H. Manning, Republican......... 573— 321 James A. Garfield, Republican.... ....... 758— 417 | J. M. Walker, Democrat ........... gant 280! Winfield 8. Hancock, Democrat............ 254 James M. Holland, Greenback = 19 James A, Weaver, Greenback.............. 87 John Kent, Prohibition..................... 3 Secretary of State. Judge of Supreme Court. J. A. T. Hull, Republican.... ............ 55— 412 | Austin Adams, Republican................. A.B. Keith, Democrat ... .. ......... 0... 253 H. B. Hendershott, Democrat... ..., G.M. Walker, Greenback................04 90 W. W. Williamson, Greenback State Auditor. J. W. Rodgers, Probibition........... ..... W. V. Lucas, Republican........ ..... ...- 756— 413 Superintendent of Public Instruction. Charles I. Barker. Democrat.... ........... 254 John W. Akers, Republican...... vs. 5YB— 330 G. V. Swearingen, Greenback.............. 89 Walter H. Butler, Democrat..... . 22% State Treasurer. Mrs. A. M/ Swain, Greenback : ‘4 EB. H. Conger, Republican................+. 754— 499 | J. Hammond, Prohibition.................. 2 Martin Blinn, Democrat.................... 255 Representative, 16th Assembly District. Mathew Farrington, Greenback........... 90 Vp AsO Gtts cstinienie ge. tte snseanaea es ce Sieg Register of State Land Office. John J. Wilson. . BE aie Heiss sine hoe J. K. Powers, Republican.............5.... Scattering ics viaiciss cies deenneiwalen Daniel Daugherty, Democrat....... Thomas Hooker, Greenback...... ......... S.S. Rist, vee. —820— 818 Attorney-General. Scattering, ........ 6... cece cece a aabaecteal Peacavecivane 2 S. McPherson, Republican ............... 1h6— 413 Auditor. Charles A. Clark, Democrat .. .. . 254 R. W. McGetchie, Peoples.................. 506— 197 W.A. Spurrier, Greenback........ ....-.+ 89 M. De L. Parsons............ ... 808 A. E. Wheelock.... 10.0.2... ...c cece can eee isi 1 Representative in Congress, 9th District. Sherif ©. C. Carpenter, Republican............... 759— 446 : P. H. Guthrie, Democrat............. piece Vex 246 — pet aia Be a Esa eae nes Sena hea ok 125 | 3 DAG, oi icici cies esinie nia Scie 67 Paste eect Se ieenitin SH eaae ee See a at Ce ye oe BiG RP pence wtaninc aie a isdn cee 2 ae Pt af Dratates Cau 1097 Superintendent of Schools. BGreg aaee or averaiey soe si euiapnees J. 9. WiNKINGON..... cece eeeeceee uses es seee 447— 68 Judge of Circuit Court. WM, Colbyicconeiacserwcragsy ee JN: Weaver siias sacsaesesy tans eetewaiogenaas 1087 ‘ District Attorney. L. K. Garfleld......... 422— 29 JoMS Wolliverasiters: eeisewasadsmaie sevens 1097 George A. Jackson 393 + : = = — —- Sr 279 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Surveyor. Clerk of the Courts. Giede4 MHoavneaS Hoe Qamlraalemaw see 418— 8] N.B. Benham. .... ......0.00.... cece. TEB— 292 14 Isaac Sweigard. .......... 0.2222 .222222eeeee 464 eiccase: soto stems aystais new 391 SOR OLI NG inn oes ve newnsoeney agusasaver iekees 2 SPECIAL ELECTION, JUNE 27, 1882. Recorder. On the question of adopting the prohibition amendment | John Reed.....-.-.--+----2-2- seeeeeeeee eee: 8rl— 432 to the State constitution. B. M@Sweoting........---------2-2eeeee-esee- ae For the adoption of the amendment....... 706— 81 GENERAL ELEUTION, OCTOBER 9, 1883. Against the adoption of the amendment... 625 Governor. GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 7, 1882. Buren R. Sherman, Republican waeEetnaia es 910— 298 Secretary of State. L. G. Kinnie, Democrat........-....-... «ee 570 J. A. Hull, Republican............600002 oe 8is— 399 | James B. Weaver, Greenback.............- a T. O. Walker, Democrat...... ...........055 384 Lieutenant-Governor. William Gaston, Greenback..... ........ 81 QO. H. Manning, Republican........-....--- 912— 306 O. W. Hall, Prohibition...... .............5 1 Justus Clark, Democrat...... ......-.-..--- 564 State Auditor. S. Kirkpatrick, Greenback..-............-.- 42 John L. Brown, Republican.............++. 809— 384 Judge of Supreme Court. William Thompson, Democrat.. wee. 892 Joseph R. Reed, Republican............... 910— 303 i C. A. Wyant, Greenback..........0 .eeeeeee 31 Walter I. Hayes, Democrat...... ......---. 585 William Elliott,. Prohibition............ 2... 1 Daniel W. Church, Greenback.........----- 42 JORD HOlGY tic. cha 2 cedwestesaiscaaus taneacie’ 1 Superintendent of Public Instruction. State Treasurer. J. W. Akers, Republican..-..-....-......-.. 912— 300 E.H. Conger, Republican......... ...... 810— 382 | E. P. Farr, Democrat....... .............25. 568 John Foley, Democrat..... .........266 0005 393 Abbie O. Canfield, Greenback........-..... 44 George Deer, Greenback. cial dues aieibnis yrmentces Teas 33 State Senator, 47th District. W. Stringstead, Prohibition................ 1 C. C. Chubb, Republican...........-..-..-.. 933—- 346 W. Thompson..........ee sees cece ee Giessesaaouaa 1 Alexander Mitchell, Democrat...-.... wee BBG Attorney-General. John Ss, WilsOW vacesses Sse: Seeaseoee ees 1 Smith McPherson, Republican..... ... ... 810— 885 Representative, 84th Assembly District, J. H. Bremerman, Democrat..... Pioholons shorn 393 T, W. Harrison, Republican...... .......... 861— 411 A. J. Reed, Greenback. ceeeeee teeeeeeereeeee BL John J. Wilg0n ....-----eeeeceeeeececcee eee 450 Jacob Rogers, Prohibition.. .............. 1 fs Judge of Supreme Court. : AUC William H. Seevers, Republican............ S00 tet,| Se Bs BanetinG,: REDUB Mek. ae nseaeect ae eal Charles E. Bronson, Democrat............. 393 R. W. McGetehie, Peoples............. .... ms M. A. Jones, Greenback 31 Treasurer. J.P. Ferguson, Prohibition.... ............ 1 GSR RISU ce pee ciddacs seeteals Goaeiscnbeleeeienad "79— 42 Clerk of Supreme Court. Gy RiGKard:. sccdeensesiecesce ces achmineaiseeaeda "387 G. B. Pray, Republican.............. ..---- 811— 387 Sheriff. H. F. Bonorden, Democrat... ............ 392 D. A. Haggard......22-222 ceseeeeeeeeeeeeees 1498—1493 F.H. Clark, Sat OP DHE sic waduoripinese BL Scattering....-.---2..-.c-ecseeeeee ana te tes 5 W. P. Nourse, Prohibition. .... ....... 0. ue 1 Superintendent of Schools. EE ae ne Cent: J.J. Wilkinson 1312—1306 E. C. Ebersole, Republican. .... .......... S10 5S86s | ane ein secre F. A. Palmer, Democrat ............... sees 893 OS Se Ae eg aa he ee OF i J. H. Williamson, Greenback....... ...... 31 * Surveyor. Representative in Congress, 10th District. O. F. Hale, ..--------- teen secre ne eeeee terse ee 1514—1512 A. J. Holmes, Republican................. 900— 394 | Scattering. 2 John Cliggett, Democrat... 3872 Isaac Dane, Greenback.............. dor amde 32 Ay RichMODG sassvesicecsveccett sseresesaytece 1615-1515 e HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 278 CHAPTER V1, JUDICIAL. For some reason Kossuth county for several years after its organization was not honored by the presence of the dis- trict court, all the legal business being transacted at the bar of the county court. However, in 1858, Kossuth county was placed in the 4th judicial district, but no cases being on file, no term of the court was held until in 1860. The first regular term of the district court in Kossuth county was held in May, 1860, and convened for the first time on the 2ist of that month at Algona. There were present the following members: Hon. Asahel W. Hubbard, judge; O. Howe, district attorney; J. W. Moore, clerk; and O. Benschoter, sheriff. Immediately upon the assembling of the court the following gentlemen were impaneled and sworn in as the grand jury: 8S. P. Martin, Luther Bullis, G. W. Blottenberger, Henry Kellogg, John Hutchinson, Frederick P. Schaad, Wil- liam H. Ingham, W. B. Carey, Malichi Clark, Andrew L. Seeley, Asa C. Call, Albe Fife, John Heckart, Thomas Robin- son and Alexander Davidson, who retired for deliberation. The first case that came up before the court was one entitled H. A. Henderson vs. Albert McKinney, and was a suit on attachment. The record states that “whereas this case having been compro- mised and settled out of court, and it being shown that the costs in the same have been paid,” the case was dismissed. Lewis H. Smith, presenting himself then, before the court, and asking to be admitted to practice at the bar of that court, the petition was granted and Mr. Smith enrolled among the legal frater- nity. Hon. A. W. Hubbard, the judge who presided over this court, was a resident of Sioux City, and afterwards was elected member of Congress from this - district, and is noted at more length under that head in the chapter on “National, State and County Representation.” The next judge, Isaac Pendleton, was elected in 1862, and presided for the first time in Kossuth county at the May term in 1863. He was a good judge and deeply read in the law, and occupied the bench for one full term of four years. At the May term of court, 1863, while Judge Pendleton was on the bench, the first jury trials came off and the first petit jury wasimpaneled. It consisted of the following well-known citizens: Kinsey Carlon, foreman; Francis Harrison, Rob- ert Braden, David Haggarty, Charles Hubbard, W. P. Keyes, W. P. Winter, “ae = Q74 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. John Wallace, G. O. Austin, Abel Woos- ter, Charles Strubel and J. E. Blackford. The cases seem to have been some trifling misdemeanor committed by three parties, but the jury in every case brought in a verdict of acquittal, and the prisoners were discharged by the court. ‘The succeeding judge, who donned the ermine in this, the 4th district, was Hen- ry Ford, who was elected in 1866, and held his first term of court, in Kossuth county, in May, 1867. He was considered a fair, impartial judge, courteous to all who labored at the bar, and of fair legal ability. Orson Rice was the district attorney of this court. In 1870 Judge Ford was re-elected and served, in all, eight years upon the bench of this dis- trict. At the time of his re-election, C. H. Lewis was chosen to fill the position of district attorney. ‘In 1874, C. H. Lewis, who had held the position of district attorney during the four years previous, as mentioned, was called upon by his fellow citizens to assume the higher duties of judge of the district court, which he did to the satis- faction of all. He, however, held it for but two years, when E. R. Duffie was elected to the ermine. He was re-elected in 1880, this county having at that time become a part of the new 14th judi- cial district, and still occupies the bench. Judge Duffie is a resident of Sac City, and is a native of Lewis county, State of New York. He came to Iowa in 1867, and is counted as one of the finest lawyers in this district. Shrewd, well posted on all law, he seldom errs in judgment, and is quoted as a model jurist. CIRCUIT COURT. The business requiring the attention of the district court having grown too oner- ous, in April, 1868, the General Assembly established a circuit court having the same general jurisdiction as the district court in all civil actions, and having con- trol of all probate matters, and exclusive jurisdiction on all writs of appeals from inferior tribunals. This law went into effect the first Monday of January, 1869, and the first judge to grace the bench in this circuit was a Mr. Snyder, who had been elected the previous fall. Mr. Sny- der was a resident of Humboldt county. He held the office for four ‘years with credit, and the approbation of the bar, although not a lawyer, when elected. Addison Olliver was elected to fill the position of judge of the circuit court in 1872, and occupied the bench for one term of four years. J. R. Zonver was elected to fill this position in 1874, and held it four years, when he stepped aside to make room for a successor. : In 1876 J. N. Weaver, one of the orna- ments of the bar of Kossuth county, was called upon to assume the judicial robes and ascend the bench, which he did. He was re-elected at the general election, in the fall of 1880, and is the present incum- bent of the office. COUNTY COURT. This, as has been stated, was the gov- ernment of the county at an early day, and combined the powers and authority now delegated to the board of supervi- sors, county auditor and circuit court. The first county judge was Asa C. Call, one of the pioneers of the county, upon “ej “8 +—sf> ‘HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 275 whom devolved the difficult task of or- ganizing the county, then in its infancy. Judge Call’s successors were: Lewis H. Smith, Jerome E. Stacy, D. S. McComb, Chauncey Taylor and Luther Rist. Dur- ing 1861 the board of supervisors came into being, thus cutting off some of the authority and business of the county judge, and in 1869, on the creation of the county auditor and circuit court, the office having no further business, was abolished. These officers may be found treated in greater detail, in the chapter entitled, “National, State and County Representa- tion,” to which the reader is respectfully referred. 276 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. A faithful record ot the bar of any county should be of more general interest than perhaps any other part of its annals. No men are more widely known, or are more public property than the members of this hovorable profession. Upon them depend so much that is of vital interest to the lives and property of every indi- vidual in the community, for it must be borne in mind that upon the judicious framing, and the wise interpreting of the laws, depend, in a large measure, the pros- perity of thecountry. Therefore it must tlemen must form a very important por- tion of the history of the county. The bar of Kossuth county, has in no respect, been behind any other portion of this broad land of ours, as some of the best legal minds, fairest logicians and finest orators in the State have practiced at its bar, and have been proud to claim a resi- dence in the county. Many of them have been honored with political preferment, and have represented their constituents in the councils of the State and sat upon the woolsack, as judges. Perhaps no business requires a severer code of morality than does that of the profession of the law, and any swerving from a straight line causes a large falling off in practice. But the members of the be that anything relating to these gen-’ CHAPTER VII. THE BAR OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. bar of Kossuth county have been, with few exceptions, an honor to their county and State. So far as the material would permit, personal sketches are given in this connection of all who have practiced before the bar of courts in this county. Intentionally, none have been omitted, and much would have gladly been said of many of them were the data accessible. Judge Lewis H. Smith was the first lawyer in the county, having been admit- ted to the bar in 1860, but never practiced to any extent except in the earlier years of the county’s history. The first to enter the county and make a business of practicing law was Marcus Robbins, Jr. This gentleman came to Algona during the year 1865, and opened an office. Hehad been admitted to the bar in Minnesota and had been engaged in practice there. He had a fair library and was a well read lawyer; an excellent office worker and a good debator. He worked up considerable practice and in 1868 was nominated for the office of judge of this circuit, which had just been cre- ated. He is now a resident of Washing- ton Territory, where he is engaged in the the practice of his profession. Judge A. C. Call was admitted to the bar about the time that L. H. Smith was, but never practiced to any extent. " / Par ; a palais HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 277 Having thus defined the position of the first lawyers in the county, it will be in order to give a full account of the other members of the bar, in this connection. Among those who have practiced at the bar of Kossuth county, and who have been resident lawyers, but who have either died, removed hence or quit practice, were the following: J. H. Hawkins, Mr. Doran, G. G. Ames, A. D. Clarke, J. B. Loomis, Mr. Herron, C. G. Jones, A. L. Hudson, Pitt Cravath, Charles Birge and John Gates. Jasper H. Hawkins practiced law in Algona, from 1872 until May, 1883. He came to Kossuth county from Jessup, Buchanan county, and while here acquired a large and lucrative practice. He was a well-read lawyer, posted on all questions of jurisprudence, subtle in argument and forcible in logic. He removed to Des- Moines, where he has worked up an ex- tensive business, although his advent in the capital city has been of recent date. Mr. Doran located at Algona in 1875, but staying but a short time was hardly identified with the bar of Kossuth. G. G. Ames, a member of the bar at Algona, located in that city in 1880, and remained about one year. He is now in Oregon, engaged in the practice of his profession. Mr. Herron came to Algona about 1870, and remained for several years. He was aman of more than average ability and excellently educated. He did not give much attention to his law practice, al- though he did to some degree, but was much engaged in teaching foreign lan- q guages, especially German, a tongue in C. G. Jones came to Algona in 1871 and was admitted to the bar, while a resident of that place, in 1876. A more able law- yer, or office-worker, never was in the county, except that when he came to plead, the least little opposition set him off, and he swept down upon his adversary with a torrent of words and violent ges- ticulations. He was intensely nervous, and this taken in connection with the fierce onslaught he made upon any and every opponent, gained for him the nick-name of ‘ Blizzard” Jones. Several years ago he left this county and is now located in Milwaukee, where he has a large practice. A. I. Hudson, a brilliant young man, who gave evidence of a rich intellect, well-stored, located in this county, at Al- gona, in 1876. He acquired considerable practice, and was for some time the editor the Upper Des Moines, and his keen pen- notes in that paper are models of cutting sarcasm and scintillating wit. In 1882 he removed to Sioux City, where he is making quite a success in the line of his legal profession. Pitt Cravath, at one time the editor of the Upper Des Moines, was also a practic- ing lawyer at the bar of this county. He isnow at Whitewater, Wis., engaged in the newspaper business for which he has natural abilities. John Gates, an attorney of the Floyd county bar, came to Algona and entered into practice during the year 1876, but remained but a short time when he re- turned to Nora Springs, where he at pres- ent resides. Charles Birge was one of the legal pro- fession of Kossuth county, who came to Algona in April, 1870. A more extended | which he was a proficient. fo” a eT) 4 q. aly, 218 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. sketch of the gentleman may be found un- der the head of first officers of the incor- porated town of Algona, he having the honor to have been the first mayor of that place. The Algona Bar Association was organ- ized with the beginning of the year 1883. The first election for officers was held upon the 18th of January, and the following were chosen: George E. Clarke, presi- dent ; H.S. Vaughn, vice-president ; Har- vey Ingham, secretary; C. P. Dorland, treasurer. The articles of organization recite that the object of the association is for “the mutual improvement and ad-. vancement of the interests of the members of the legal profession in the county.” All members are subject to duty on work assigned them by the president. Meetings are held the first and third Sat- urday evenings of each month. The pres- ent officers are: J. N. Weaver, president ; A. F. Call, vice-president ; B. F. Reed, secretary. : The present members of the bar of Kossuth county, who are in active prac- tice, are recognized throughout the State as among the leading representatives of their profession. Indeed some have more than a local reputation for astuteness and legal acumen. The following is the list of those who ornament the profession in question: George E. Clarke, F. M.-Tay- lor, H. 8. Vaughn, Benjamin F. Reed, A. F. Call, J. N. Weaver, Eugene H. Clarke, C. P. Dorland, Quarton & Sut- ton, R. J. Danson, William L. Joslyn, W.P. Colbaugh, J. B. Jones, J. C. Ray- mond, W. E. Morrison, Samuel Mayne, and Harvey Ingham. Asa F, Call, attorney at law, is a native of Algona, born May 20, 1856. He isa son of Judge Asa C. Call, one of the founders of Algona. He was admitted to practice in the courts of Indiana in Sep- tember, 1876, and in the courts of Iowa, in November, 1877. He married Lucinda M. Hutchins, in September, 1877, and they have two children. He is one of the founders, and is now a director of the Bank of Algona, one of the best banks in northern Iowa. He is one of the attor- neys of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company, and his general legal business is extended over the northwest quarter of the State, in both State and Federal courts. He has saved about $20,000 out of his business, and his suc- cess is the best recommendation of his merit. Benjamin F. Reed, son of Samuel | Reed, of Irvington, was born at Lincoln, Logan Co., Ill., May 16, 1848. When five years old, his parents emigrated to Marshall Co., Iowa, where he received the rudiments of his early education in the pioneer log school house. In May, 1858, the family removed to Kossuth - county, and settled in Irvington township, where they endured the hardships and privations of early settlers. It was here that “Ben,” as he is familiarly known, grew to manhood, working on the farm during the summers and attending school during the winters. Having here ac- quired a general education, he subse- quently taught school for about five years, with marked success, employing his leis- ure time in reading law. In June, 1873, he was admitted to the bar, after gradua- ting from the law department of the Iowa + se = 4 = HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 279 State University. During 1874-5, he was law partner of G. C. Wright, of Waverly, Towa, after which he returned to Algona, and was for some time the junior member of the firm of Hawkins & Reed. In the fall of 1875 he was married to Stella E., daughter of Dr. M. H. Hudson. And now with their two children—Fay and Lee, they enjoy life in their beautiful residence on McGregor street, owing no mana single dollar. Mr. Reed has been identified with Kossuth county for over twenty-five years. He has seen the rude cabins by the grove transformed into com- fortable houses upon gigantic farms. He is of a social disposition, and has always taken an active part in the educational interests of his county. Politically he is a republican, and has been for years one of the most energetic workers and sup- porters of that party. Although never a candidate for office himself, yet he has taken the deepest interest in the political issues of the country. As an orator and “stump speaker,” he has won considerable distinction. Also his ability as a cam- paign solo singer and song writer has called forth the finest encomiums of the press. His original songs as sang by him during the republican canvass of 1883— “Rally at the polls” and “Sherman’s Vic- tory,” were sang in different parts of the State with telling effect. John B. Jones was born in Kenosha Co., Wis., Dec. 16, 1845. Im 1864 he en- listed in company E, 39th Wisconsin Vol- unteer Infantry, serving under Capt. Gra- ham. Mr. Jones did post duty in Ten- nessee. After coming home from the war he followed farming for one and a half years. In 1866 he went into a land and abstract office. He studied law under S. J. Brande. He remained in the office until 1868, and in the spring of 1869 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa. He again commenced reading law. In 1869 he was appointed county surveyor, and in 1871 was elected surveyor. He was admitted to the bar in 1870, and began practicing in Algona. He does a very large land and abstract business ; also a large insurance business. Mr. Jones wrote the first set of abstract books ever written in the county. He was married in July, 1876, to Theresa E. Burlingame, a daughter ot A. Burlingame, of Algona. ‘The result ‘of this union was a pair of twins—John Paul and Jennie Pauline, born in Decem- ber, 1877. Mr. Jones owns one of the largest and best farms in the county. It consists of 440 acres, situated on sections 16 and 17, township 95, range 29, with his house on the northeast quarter of section 17. The house contains two stories, and consists of two parts; one of which is 18x26 feet, and the other 16x26 feet in size. He also has a house 16x20 in size for his foreman. His barn for cattle is 42x140 feet in size, with stone basement. The barn for his horses is 28x36 feet in size; granary 16x24 feet, and he has wagon sheds and tool houses, etc. His buildings are considered about the best in the county. Mr. Jones deals quite exten- sively in fine stock. He has 150 head of cattle, forty-six of which are full blood Durham, and twenty-two head of Clyde and Norman horses. Four Mile creek runs through his farm. He has a wind- mill, double header, twenty-two foot wheel, which runs his corn-sheller, feed- cutter, etc. He has a farm one mile south “77 — Is - boldt, Iowa. 280 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. of the home farm, which contains 400 acres; also owns three other farms, two in Cresco township and one in Fenton town- ship. Besides these farms he owns con- siderable land elsewhere. . He has a grist- mill in Algona, in connection with J. E. Stacy, known as Jones & Stacy’s water- mill. John N. Weaver, circuit judge of the 14th judicial district of Iowa, was born June 4, 1844, in Wayne Co., Ohio. His parents were Rev. S. and Alice (Black) Weaver, his father being the founder and for eight years president of Western College, Iowa. Judge Weaver was educated at Western College. In March, 1864, he enlisted in company D, 12th Towa Infantry, and served until the 26th day of June, 1866. [Judge Wea- ver’s nativity on the muster roll is given as Stark Co., Ohio, by mistake, he hav- ing left Wayne county with his parents when very young.] He then read law with the late Judge William Smyth, also late member of Congress, at Marion, Iowa, being admitted to the bar at Marion in the fall of 1867. On account of failure of health, Judge Weaver was unable to practice much until 1869. He was one of the founders, in 1869, and afterwards editor and proprietor, of the Springvale Republican, at Springvale, now Hum- He continued in this busi- ness nearly three years, the most of which time he practiced law. He then sold the newspaper and engaged in the practice of law at Humboldt until 1874, when he re- moved to Algona and entered into prac- tice at this place. In the fall of 1876 he was elected to bis present position, going into office Jan. 1, 1877. He was re-elected and began his second term Jan. 1, 1881. Judge Weaver was married Nov. 13, 1870, at Humboldt, Iowa, to Martha M. Gould. They have four children—Kate F., Daisy L., twins; Flora B., Cora P., twins. Judge Weaver is a Royal Arch Mason, belong- ing to Prudence Chapter, No. 70, Algona, Iowa. He is a member of Algona Lodge, No. 236, I. 0.0. F. He is also a mem- ber of Anchor Encampment, Mason City. Chester P. Dorland, attorney at law, was born May 25, 1851, in Henry Co., Iowa. His parents, Willett and Abigail (Bedell) Dorland, were natives of New York, and removed to Henry Co., Iowa, in 1844. When twelve years of age he removed with the family to Chicago, IIL, remaining until 1871. He then entered Penn College, at Oskaloosa, Iowa, from which he graduated in 1876. While at Penn College he taught two or three hours a day, besides keeping up his stud- ies, and in this way paid all his expenses while in school, After leaving college he ‘engaged in teaching, spending his vaca- tions in the study of law. In 1878 he entered the law department of the Iowa State University, graduating in 1879, and came directly to Algona. He was prin- cipal for two years of the Algona public schools. He then engaged in the practice of law, in which profession he is very successful. Mr. Dorland married Linda A. Ninde, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, in 1876. Mr. Dorland 9s a self-made man. Having started early in life to do for himself, he has reached his present position by his own unaided efforts. Robert J. Danson, attorney at law and notary public, was ‘born Feb. 2, 1857, in Waukesta, Wis., being there reared and Nl oe HISTORY: OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 281 educated. He began the study of law in 1879, under M. S. Griswold, of Waukesha. After studying with him about nine months he went to Davenport, Iowa, and there continued his studies with the law firm of Stewart & White, and nine months later, December, 1880, he was admitted to tbe bar of Waukesha county. He engaged in practice in that city and in Rock Island, IIl., until in 1882, then came to Algona, where he continues to practice law. Mr Danson was married March 17, 1880, to Ella J. Lilly, a native of Milwaukee, Wis. They have one child—Ella E. G. T. Sutton, of the law firm of Quar- ton & Sutton, is a son of T. W. and De- borah (Query) Sutton, born in Adams Co., Ohio, May 14,1854. His father was born in Ohio, in 1819. He removed to Wayne Co., Iowa, in 1858 and followed farming. His death occurred in February, 1878. His mother was born in Ohio in 1826, and and died June 10, 1859. On Aug. 28, 1863, his father was again married. ‘Chis time to Frances George. She survives Mr. Sutton, and now lives at Promise City, Iowa, having married William Kirk in 1883. The subject of this sketch fol- lowed farming during his early life, until seventeen years of age, when he taught school that winter, farmed the next sum- mer for his father; taught the next win- ter, and in the spring of 1873, entered Oskaloosa College. After leaving that college he again taught school and farmed, thereby laying up enough money to enable him to finish his collegiate education, which he accomplished, graduating in 1881. Every dollar that he spent in pro- curing his education was earned by his own exertions. In the summer of 1881 he took a trip through Iowa and Nebraska. In the fall of the same year be taught school at Beacon, Iowa, being the princi- pal. About this time he began to read law; and after his school was out, entered the law office of John F. Lacey, in Oska- loosa, Iowa. He was admitted to the.bar in December, 1882. On the Ist day of January, 1883, he came to Algona and formed a partnership with W.B. Quarton. The firm is building up a substantial and lucrative practice, and their prospects for the future are of the brightest. Mr. Sut- ton is a staunch republican of the “Jim” Blaine type. Mr. Sutton’s father was a whig. His grandfather served in the War of 1812, and his great-grandfather in the War of the Revolution. J.C. Raymond is the only practicing lawyer in Luverne. He is a native of New York State and studied law at West- ford, Penn. He was admitted to the bar at Wellsborough, in that State in 1854. Mr. Raymond came to Luverne from Butler county, in 1882. Samuel Mayne, came to Bancroft from Eagle Grove, on tho 17th of October, 1883, and enyaged in the practice of law. He was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and studied law at the State University at Iowa City, from which he graduated in the class of 1882. W. L. Joslyn, attorney at law, is a native of DeKalb Co., Tl]. He received a com- mon school education. He afterwards tavght school. He was admitted to the bar at Sycamore, Il]. in 1881. In 1882 he came to Algona and commenced the prac- tice of his profession. 2 r 282 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. George E. Clarke, one of the most prominent attorneys of the Kossuth coun- ty bar, was born March 19, 1845, in San- gerville, Piscataquis Co., Maine. He re- ceived his education at Foxcroft Academy. In August, 1865, he removed to Illinois, remaining there until -1866, when he re- moved to Red Oak, Iowa, where he taught school several years. He also taught school in Saint Charles, Ill. Mr. Clarke commenced the practice of law in Algona in the winter of 1869-70. Very few men have been more successful in the practice of their profession than has Mr. Clarke. He soon ‘built up a large and lucrative practice not only in Kossuth, but in the counties adjoining as well. In 1877 he became employed in various cases for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company. His business with this com- pany has grown so extensive that for three years past it has occupied his entire atten- tion and time. In fact, he makes that business a specialty, hence does not devote any time to general practice as formerly. Mr. Clarke has charge of the legal busi- ness of over 700 miles of the C.,M. & St. | P. R. R. lines. Mr. Clarke’s reputation in his profession is co-extensive with the State, as he is largely engaged in both the federal and supreme courts of the State. Mr. Clarke was married July 7, 1869, at Saint Charles, Ill., to Lou E. Hawkins. She died July 5, 1875. On the 21st of June, 1876, he was united in marriage with Carrie A. Straw, of Guilford, Maine. — Mrs. Clarke is very highly educated and accomplished. She was a graduate of Kents Hill Seminary, in Maine, and re- ceived an excellent musical education at the Boston Conservatory of Music. This marriage was a happy one, and has been blessed with a pleasant home. Mr. Clarke has three daughters—Gertie E., born June 25,1871; Lulu M., born June 24, 1875; and Nellie Straw, born Oct. 28, 1882. Mr. Clarke’s parents are of English descent. His paternal ancestor, Hugh Clarke, came from England to the colony in Massachu- setts in 1624. Willliam G. Clarke, father of the subject of this sketch, was a promi- nent lawyer in Piscataquis Co:, Maine. He stood at the head of the bar in that county. il =p t ‘ HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 283 CHAPTER ViTl, THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. There is probably no profession or busi- ness in existence among civilized commu- nities, in which the members are called on to make more daily self-sacrifices and undergo more privations than the medi- cal profession. No more thankless mis- sion can a man enter upon, in the arena of the world’s activity, than that of healing sick and suffering humanity. Much more than their share of the unpleasantness of this must necessarily be the lot of those conscientious and bold pilots of the guild, who pushed out among the early pioneers in former days. Called on, at all hours of the day or night, to mount his horse, and answer the call of duty, oftimes to face the fearful “blizzard,” the summer’s rain or mud and wet, the doctor of those days had a lot that none could envy. Money in all new countries is a scarce _ commodity, and the pioneer physician’s hope of reward was but a slender chance, but notwithstanding this, be it, spoken to the eternal honor of the profession, never did the cry of distress and suffering reach their ear, but what it was answered. The doctor did what he could to relieve, and if the fee was not forthcoming, the sérvice was cheerfully given for the sake of the brotherhood of man. More real moral courage was required to adopt this profession and labor upon the verge of civilization in pioneer times, than it does to lead armies or storm death-dealing batteries, and yet the grand heroes of these conflicts with disease and the grim king of terrors, has no wreath of victory, no grand song of fame to herald their actions. Let it then be the pleasant task of the historian to here write down the atts and lives of these, the real heroes of pioneer days, that when the present gen- eration have passed away, the children of a coming age shall do honor to their mem- ories. The first disciple of the healing art that came into Kossuth county, to practice his profession, was Dr. R. Cogley, who was one of the pioneers of the county. He located on what is now the Huntly place, in June, 1855. This farm was a part of section 13, in Cresco township. Dr. Cog- ley was the graduate of a medical college of some note in Ohio, and was avery pro- ficient physician. He, after some years spent in this county, left and went to Os- kaloosa, Iowa, where he enjoyed the fruits of a large and remunerative practice. Dr. Amos 8. Mason, one of the argo- nauts of 1856, located at Algona, and en- tered into the practice of medicine. He was a graduate of the Pennsylvania Uni- versity, at Philadelphia, and a fine scholar and physician. He remained in the county Vv or ——> als, aha, 284 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when listening to the call of duty, he en- listed and received a commission as cap- tain. After the close of the war, his health not proving very good, he moved to New Orleans, where he lived for some years. He died quite recently at Cin- cinnati, while on a trip from Washington to New Orleans. At the time of his death he was partowner of the Times-Democrat, at the Crescent City, one of the best pa- pers of the State of Louisiana, Dr. Franklin McCoy came to Kossuth county in 1857, and commenced the prac- tice of his profession. He was a thor- oughly energetic man, and a successful practitioner. Coming to a new country without money, he was compelled to meet many obstacles,but by labor and energy, he overcame them and acquired a fair share of real estate. Harly in the year 1866, he left Algona and went to Columbia City, Ind., where he grew into a large practice and became quite wealthy. He died at that place, on the 9th of January, 1874, of heart disease, mourned by a large circle of friends, acquaintances and patients. Dr. Davidson, a follower of the ‘old school of medicine, came into the county and took up some land. He came here from Waterloo, and practiced to a con- siderable extent and acquired some local reputation, and went back to Pennsyl- vania. Dr. M. C. Lathrop was also one of the early disciples of Esculapiusin the county. In July, 1858, he first landed at Algona, and entered into practice. In the spring of 1859, liking the place, he went back to Cedar Falls, and brought his family to this point. He remained until the begin- ning of the Civil war, when he went to Cedar Rapids and entered the service as surgeon. After the cessation of hostili- ties, he went east, and at present is at Dover, N. H., where he has a most lucra- tive practice. ; Dr. Andrew Mason was also at one time a practicing physician at Algona. Dr. Whitney located at Algona, for a short time being engaged, during 1870, in the drug business with H. C. McUoy. One of the most eminent men in the pro- fession, he has never seemed to get ahead, but rather to retrograde in all respects. He went from here to Emmetsburg, but is at present located at Pierre, Dakota. Dr. J. H. Leavitt came with Dr. James Barr and remained in partnership with him some time. He is now located some- where in Wisconsin: Dr. Jackson came to Algona in 188], but made quite a short stay, and now re- sides at Fergus Falls, Minn., where heis working up a fine practice. Among the physicians now resident in Kossuth county are: Dr. L. A. Sheetz, Dr. L. K. Garfield, Dr. 8S. G. A. Read, Dr. James Barr, Dr. M. H. Hudson, Dr. L. E: Potter, Dr. A. Richmond, Dr, H. C. Mc- Coy, Dr. J. M. Pride, Dr. H. Alleyne, Dr. L. R. Baker, Dr. G. T. West, Dr. A. W. Berryman, Dr. E. W. Bachman and Dr. G. B. Forbush. L. K. Garfield, M. D., the oldest prac- ticing physician in this county, was born May 6, 1820, in Langdon, Sullivan Co.,N. H. He was reared and educated in his native State. When twenty-one years of age he entered the office of Dr. Graves of Langdon, and commenced the reading of medicine. Two years later he at- ey he Ce lassie S a) — r Sale. HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 285 tended the Vermont Medical College, his last course in that college being in 1846. He afterward attended the Missouri Med- ical College; the Collége of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, and the Rush Medical College of Chicago. -Soon after his last term at the Vermont Medical Col- lege he emigrated to Tioga Co.;Penn., where he commenced the practice of med- icine in partnership with Dr. Krouse, which he continued eight years. He then moved to Schuyler Co. N. Y., and con- tinued his practice until 1865, when he emigrated to Algona, Kossuth Co., Iowa; where he still follows his profession. At this time the county was sparsely settled and his rides were long and dreary, his only guide being the sun and wind by day and-the stars by night. Dr. Garfield has ‘been continuously engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery for over thirty- seven years; yet he is well preserved for a man of over sixty-four years. He isa very positive man, and when he makes up his mind no power on earth can move ‘him from his purpose, and in most in- stances it will be found that he.is correct. By his high social endowments and his skill and success in his profession, he has gained many warm and ardent friends, and by his positive character he has made some, bitter enemies. Much of his suc- cess in life may be attributed to his high professional attainments, skill and suc- cess in practice.. , 8. G. A. Read, M. D., A. M., one of the prominent physicians of Algona, was born in January, 1817,in Washington Co., Vt., where he lived until fifteen years old, when his parents emigrated to St. Law- rence Co., N. Y., where they remained two years, then emigrated to Medina county, on the Western Reserve of Ohio, being among the early settlers of that county. He was educated in Oberlin College, after which he took a medical course at the Cleveland Medical College, and was graduated therefrom with the degree of M. D. This was in 1852-53. He immediately commenced the prac- tice of his profession at Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, and in 1854, removed ~ to Columbia City, Whitley Co., Ind. The doctor was married in Ohio to Beulah E. Smith. They had three children—Mary J., wife of J. P. Hawkes; Julia A., widow of Samuel Hill; and Martha, wife of A. S. Hawkes. In March, 1860, Mrs. Read died in Columbia City. In March, 1863, Mr. Read married Elizabeth Bunnell, a daughter of Edmond H. and Betsey (Ashley) Bunnell. On the 4th of July, 1865, Dr. Read reached Algona, coming by railroad to Cedar Falls, (then the ter- minus) thence by stage to Algona. -Heis a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a Knight Templar. Himself and wife are connected -with the Methodist Episcopal Church. The doctor is an active student, not laying aside even the classics. The Greek New Testament is his intimate companion in all his travels. He is now studying the Hebrew language. L. A. Sheetz, M. D., one of the promi- nent business men of Algona, was born in Stephenson Co., Il, in 1844. His par- ents were Jared and Magdalena Mennig, who emigrated to Stephenson Co., IIL, in ‘1840, being among the early settlers of the county. The doctor was reared and educated in his native county. He en- tered the medical department of the Uni- a‘ : oe — as 286 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. versity of Michigan, at Anpv Arbor, in 1862, and finished the studies of the sophomore class in 1863. 1n 1864 he en- listed in the 8th Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, was made adjutant of the regi- ment. The regiment led in the charge at Fort Blakely and was the first to plant their colors on the walls. In 1866 he was mustered out at Baton Rouge. Re- turning from the war he commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. B. T. Buckley, at Freeport, Ill., and during the winter of 1867-8, attended medical lectures at Rush Medical College, Chi- cago, Ill. In the winter of 1868-69 he attended lectures atBellevue Hospital Med- ical College, New York, graduating in the spring of 1869. In May of thesame year he came to Algona, where he embarked in the drug business in company with Du- rant brothers, and at the same time fol- lowed the practice of medicine. In 1872 the firm was dissolved, the stock being divided, and he started his present place of business. In 1870 he was married to Dona Langdon, a daughter of Henry D. Langdon, of St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. Dr. James Barr was born July 25, 1836, in Lanarkshire, Scotland. At nine years of age he was apprenticed to the weaver. trade. His health failing, at the end of three years, he was placed on a farm. When seventeen years old he came with the family to this country, working in a coal mine a short time near Sharon, Penn, In 1854 he went to Trumbull Co., Ohio, and worked on a large dairy farm till the spring of 1856, when he moved to Iowa, locating in Fayette county, and spending two seasons on afarm. When twenty- two he attended the district school, up to e that time not having had more than one year’s schooling.and was notable to do the most simple example in multiplication or division, being principally self-educated. In a short time he entered Upper Iowa University, then recently located at Fay- ette, and dilligently pursued his studies till the Civil war commenced. During this time he had no means of snpport ex- cept the earnings of his own hand. In September, 1861, he enlisted as a private in the 12th Iowa Infantry, and soon after the battle of Shiloh was appointed hospital steward, in which capacity he served three years. During the year 1865 the surgeon of the 12th regiment was absent most of the time on detached duty, when he had charge of the regiment, and in September of that year was commis- sioned assistant surgeon, serving until mus- tered out in February, 1866. Returning to Fayette, he read medicine with Dr. C. C. Parker, surgeon of the 12th Infantry, and attended lectures at Rush Medical Col- lege, graduating in February 1868. After _ spending a short time in Mindoro, Wis., Dr. Barr located in Clermont, Iowa, prac- ticed there till May, 1869, when he settled in Algona, where he has a large and lu- crative practice. He is a modest, quiet, unassuming gentleman, attending to the duties of his profession with the utmost assiduity. In 1871 Dr. Barr was ap- pointed United States examining surgeon for pensions, and_ still holds that office. In February, 1876, he became a volunteer weather reporter for this immediate sec- tion of the State, and still makes his daily observations, reporting to Prof. Herrick of Iowa City. In March, 1880, he gradu- ated in the Hahnemann Medical College po HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 287 of Chicago, after attending lectures dur- ing the winter. Dr. Barr has always voted the republican ticket and is a staunch supporter of the temperance cause. He is a Master Mason. He mar- ried, June 15, 1871, Selina M. Bradshaw of Davenport, Iowa. They have four children—Bertram J., Arthur E., Emma N.and Mary A. Mrs. Barr is a graduate of the high school and training school of Davenport, was a teacher there for sev- eral years, and is a woman of no small degree of intellectual polish. They are both active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and active in the Sab- bath school. Dr. Barr’s experience in the army hospital as steward and as- sistant surgeon was an excellent school to him, and aided him in laying a good foundation on which to build in medical science, of which he is a very close stu- dent. When he entered the army he took some books with him, and at first pursued his studies when not busy in the hospital. He fitted himself for a sur- geon’s duties by studying two hours before any one else was astir. Industry in so noble a direction has been amply rewarded. Dr. E. W. Bachman was born in Green Co., Wis. His father was a Methodist minister, being on the circuit twenty-six years, so that during Mr. Bachman’s early life he was in schools in Baraboo, Maus- ton and Lodi, these being the places where his father preached at different times. His education was finished at Kilbourn City Institute. At the age of twenty, he was engaged as clerk in Eau Claire, Wis. for one year. When twenty-three years old, he went into business for himself in Mazo Manie, sold out, and‘ moved to Fayette, Wis., where he commenced studying medicine with Dr. Arahm. After studying two years, he went to Towa City, to attend the lectures in the State University, from there he went to the Insane Hospital at Mt. Pleasant, f6r the study of nervous diseases with Dr. Ranney. He then came to West Bend, where he has since practiced, having a range of ten miles in each direction. He owns a nice residence in West Bend, which he bought a short time since of E. S. Bagley. We has displayed considera- ble taste in fitting it up, having good grounds. In the fall of 1883, Dr. Bach- man was elected county superintendent by the largest majority ever received by any officer in the county. He was mar- ried Oct. 18, 1883, to Jennie Forest, of Emmetsburg. He is a member of the Congregational Church. In polities he is a republican, and belongs to the order of Odd Fellows. x Dr. John M. Pride was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, May 3, 1849. His father, John Pride, was a native of New York, and his mother, Esther (Reed) Pride, was a na- tive of Pennsylvania. They were early settlers in Seneca county. When John was eighteen years of age he went with his parents to Franklin Co., Iowa. In 1875 he began the study of medicine with Dr. O. B. Harriman: of Hampton, Iowa, being a student with him until the spring of 1878. During that time, however, he attended the winter terms of 1875-6 and 1877-8, of school at the State Univer- sity of Iowa, graduating at the close of the latter term. He then returned to Hampton, and practiced under his former Y es ~~. 49 288 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. preceptor until June, 1879, when he came to Whittemore. He was the first and only physician in practice here. Dr. Pride was married April 5, 1880, to Mary Brown, a native of Wisconsin. Dr. Loron E. Potter; homeopathic phy- sician and surgeon, was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., April 27, 1823, When eigh- teen months old he went with his parents, Sheldon and Wealthy (Baldwin) Potter, to Genesee county and thence to Erie county, his father being engaged in the lumber business. In the fall of 1839 they removed to Ashtabula Co., Ohio, where Dr. Potter led a frontier life with his parents until twenty-one years of age. His chance for an education being very limited, he might be termed a self-made man. The most of his education was gotten with the help of his mother, in the chimney corner, after his days, work was done and his companions were pleasure seeking. When twenty-two years of age he began the study of medicine with Dr. Horace Eaton, at Sheffield, Ashtabula Co., Ohio. He continued to study with him three years, then attended lectures at the Kingsville Institute. He then re- moved to Knox Co., Tll., where he resided five years, then went to Henry county re- maining ten years, engaged in farming and practicing medicine. Before he had been in Henry Co., Ill., one year, there were no less than nine physicians settled around him, who had come west to seek a field of labor. In the fall of 1865 Dr. Potter removed to Marengo, Iowa, spend- ing the winter, and in the spring of 1866 going to Greencastle township, Marshall times employing three teams and drivers, and getting the most of his sleep «in the wagons, and sometimes riding a circuit of twenty-five miles. He at first practiced the regular system, but in eight years adopted the homeopathic, which he deems far superior. In May, 1883, on account of failing health, Dr. Potter retired from active practice, and moyed ona farm in Cresco township, Kossuth county. He owns eighty acres of land on section 18, township 95, range 29, eighty acres on section 19, township 95, range 29, and eighty acres on section 26, township 95, range 30, where he now resides. He has erected some substantial buildings, a house 18x24 feet, a barn 26x36 feet and a sheep barn 26x64 feet. Dr. Potter is not al- lowed to rest, however, for he is frequently called to see his old patrons in severe cases, even to Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Dakota, and being compelled to at- tend on his immediate neighbors, he is kept so busy that he is obliged to neglect his farming interest. Dr. Potter has been unfortunate in the way of accidents, Soon after moving to Marshall county, while hauling a load of lumber, his team ran away and the doctor was thrown from the wagon, breaking three of his ribs, and injuring his spine so badly that his lower limbs were paralyzed for sometime. Two years later he lost his right hand in a broom corn machine. Mr. Potter was married Dec. 81, 1843, to Thankful Rick- ard, of Sheffield, Ashtabula Co., Ohio. They have had eight children, five of whom are living—Orange A., a veterinary sur- geon, living in Cresco township, this d Co., Iowa. He resided here eighteen | county; AlbertC., homeopathic physician | years, having a large practice, and at | and surgeon at Clifton, Kan.; Caroline hee — = f eee fe aha aly HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 289 C., residing in Tama Co., lowa; Lawrence E., residing in Cresco township, and Hor- ace E., attending lectures at the Homeopa- thie Medical College in Missouri.. Dr. Potter is a republican in politics. He is a radical temperance man, and in religion is liberal. He owns the only Cassimere goats in the county, has a fine flock of sheep, some fine high grade Shorthorns, and some very fine horses for driving pur- poses. Dr. B. G. Forbush was born March 20, 1821, in Cayuga Co., N. Y. His father died when he was quite young. When seven years of age his mother moved to Erie Co., N. Y., where he grew to man- hood, receiving a common school educa- tion. When twenty-eight years of age he commenced: reading medicine in Buf- falo, N. Y., under Dr. J. B. Pride, at- tended lectures at Buffalo Medical Univer- sity, and graduated in 1852. He began the practice of medicine in Buffalo, where he remained three years. He married Sophrona P. Mann, of Aurora, Erie Co., N.Y. She died in 1851. He then mar- ried Louisa Holbrook, in 1853, who died: in 1866, leaying two children—Charles G. and Endora I... In 1853 he removed to Chautauqua Co., N. Y. In 1856 he went to Grant Co., Wis.,-where he followed his profession till the spring of 1872, when he came to Algona, and is now engaged in the drug business.» member of Prudence Lodge, No. 205, and is an upright man and a gentleman of the old school. In 1868 he attended the Ec- lectic College at Cincinnati, where he graduated. In 1875 he was married to Viola Bellows, his present wife. M. H. Hudson, M. D., graduated at the Berkshire Medical College, Pittsfield, Dr. Forbush is a | Mass., in the year 1844. He commenced the practice of his profession in the city of Brooklyn, N. Y. After praticing sev- eral years in Brooklyn, he took a trip to California for his health. He went ina sailing packet around Cape Horn, being four months on the water. He remained in San Francisco for two years. On re- turning home he decided to locate in the west; consequently removed with his family to Paw Paw, lll., where he prac- ticed some eight years, while he experi- enced many of the hardships incident to the practitioner in a new and thinly set- tled country. He came to Kossuth with his family in the spring of 1864, and set- tled on the farm where he now resides. Dr: Harban Alleyne, was a native of the West Indies, and a graduate of Edinburgh University, Scotland, of 1871. He came to Wesley in 1880, where he established himself in practice. He has the reputa- tion of being a most excellent physician. Dr. L. R. Baker, a homeopathic physi- cian, a graduate of the Michigan Univer- sity, at Ann Arbor, located at the village -of Luverne in May, 1883, and is engaged in practice at that point. Dr. G. T. West, allopathic physician; located at Bancroft on the-1st of Marth, 1883. He is a graduate of the St. Louis Medical College, of the class of 1876. Dr. A. W. Berryman, an allopathic physician, settled at Bancroft in April, 1882, and is one of the resident physicians of the county. Heis a graduate of the medical department of the State Univer- sity, at Iowa City. He practiced for about two years at Montour, Iowa, before coming to this place. o ef 5 Py 4 290 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. CHAPTER Ire : THE PRESS. There isnoinstrumentality, not even ex- cepting the pulpit and bar, which exerts such an influence upon society as the press of the land. It is the Archimedian lever tbat moves the world. The talented minister of the Gospel on the Sabbath day preaches to a few hundred people; on the follow- ing morning his thoughts are re-produced more than a thousand fold, and are read and discussed throughout the length and breadth of theland. The attorney at the bar, in thrilling tones, pleads either for or against the criminal arraigned for trial, often causing the jury to bring in a verdict against the law and the testi- mony in the case. His words are re-pro- duced in every daily that is reached by the telegraphic wire, and his arguments. are calmly weighed by unprejudiced men and accepted for what they are worth. The politician takes the stand and ad- dresses ahandful of men upon the political questions of the day; his speech is re- ported, and read by a thousand men for every one who heard the address. Sud- denly the waters of one of our mighty rivers rise, overflowing the land for miles and miles, rendering thousands of people homeless and without the means to secure their daily bread. The news is flashed over the wire, taken up by the press, and known and read by all men. No time is lost in sending to their relief; the press has made known their wants, and they are instantly supplied. “Chicago is on fire! Two hundred millions worth of property destroyed! Fifty thousand people rendered homeless!” Such is the dread intelligence proclaimed by the press. Food and cloth- ing are hastily gathered, trains are char- tered, -and the immediate wants of the sufferers are in a measure relieved, The power for good or evil, of the press, is to-day unlimited. The short- comings of the politician are made known through its columns; the dark deeds of the wicked are exposed, and each fear it alike. The controlling influence of a Nation, State or county is its press; and the press of Kossuth county is no excep- tion to the rule. . The local press is justly considered among the most important institutions of every city, town and village. The people of every community regard their particu- lar newspaper or newspapers as of pecu- liar value, and this not merely on account of the fact already alluded to, but because these papers are the repositories wherein are stored the facts and the events, the deeds and the sayings, the undertakings and the achievements that go to make up local history. One by one these things are gathered and placed in type; one by a o—r ~~ + = ¢ HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 291 one the papers are issued; one by one these papers are gathered together and bound, and another volume of local, gen- eral and individual history is laid away imperishable. The volumes thus collected are sifted by the historian, and the book for the library is ready. The people of each city or town naturally have a pride in their home paper. The local press, as a rule, reflects the business enterprise of aplave. Judging from this stand-point, Kossuth county need not fear the closest scrutiny. Its papers are well filled each week with advertisements of home merchants, and of its numerous business ventures. No paper can exist without these adver- tisements, and no community can flourish that does not use the advertising columns of its local press. Each must sustain the other. The first paper in the county was the Algona Pioneer Press, and was established by Ambrose A. Call, in the early part of 1861. The material for this journalistic ven- ture was bought by the proprietors at Fort Des Moines, as it was then called, and brought to Algona,;in an ox-cart, by O. Minkler. The press was set up, and with Ambrose A. Call in the editorial chair, the infant journal embarked upon its career. The initial number was issued on the 13th of April, 1861, and in defer- ence to the way of the craft, Mr. Call thus indulges in a salutation: We this week give to the public the first number of the Algona Pioneer Press, and in doing so we would say to our friends and the public generally, that we do not mount the tripod for any particu- lar love we have for the profession of an compatible with their interests to give it. -We believe that as northwestern Iowa editor, for, so far as we may learn, they are the hardest worked and poorest paid fellows in Christendom. Neither do we assume this responsibility as a labor of love, for however much we might love the people of Kossuth and the adjoining counties, it is obvious that something more material is necessary to satisfy the cupidity of our compositor, and stop the whimperings of our devil. But we have been led to believe that such a paper as we intend to make the Press can be sus- tained in Algona and made to pay—not the proprietor alone, but the whole com- munity. We do not ask a gratuity, and have no desire to live on charity. All we expect is the co-operation of our friends, and the support of the people so far as our paper merits it, and they think it One principal object of the Press will be to bring to the attention of those looking westward for homes, and a remunerative field for the investment of their capital, the vast extent and productiveness of our unoc- cupied and unsold lands. While Kansas has been over-run with emigrants, and Minne- sota rapidly filled up, northern Iowa has remained in statu guo. A man may travel through the counties west of us, border- ing the Sioux river, for a hundred miles without seeing a single sign of civiliza- tion, the buffalo and elk unscared by the pioneer. And what is the reason of this? holds out as many inducements to the emigrant as any other portion of the United States, the reason is this, those wishing to come west have been deceived; they have been made to believe that the lands of Iowa are already all occupied; A ro eee) v 4 J 992 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. they have been coaxed on to the sterile plains of western Kansas by political or- ganizations for the purpose of accom- plishing certain political ends, without any regard whatever to the resources of the country; and during the past winter, if we can credit the reports coming from there, many have died from actual starva- tion. We believe a reaction is about to take place. The unsettled condition of the country, and the small demand for labor and capital in the eastern States, will create a demand for western lands, and cause a heavy emigration to the west the coming summer, and it is for the in- terest of northwestern Iowa, in order to develop her resources and to secure the speedy completion of her railroads, that she should receive her fair proportion. And we believe that to secure this, it is enlightened in regard to our resources and prospects. To our acquaintances,it is not necessary to say anything in relation to the politics of the Press, but to those with whom we are not acquainted, we would say that the editor has worked with and for the repub- lican party ever since its organization, and has no desire to forsake it now. We expect to support the administration of Lincoln, having faith in his integrity and statesmanship, and believing that he will the Chicago platform, and endorsed by the people on the 6th ‘of November. Upon new questions, as they arise for the consideration of the American people, the Press will take the liberty of deciding for itself, without asking the permission of only necessary that the people should be stand firm to the principals enunciated in. political leaders, or having its opinions forestalled by the actions of others. The paper contains the proceedings of the first board of county supervisors, and a few foreign advertisements. The only home advertisements are the cards of Dr. Franklin McCoy as physician and sur- geon, Lewis H. Smith as attorney at law, and John Heckart as turner and painter. The sheet was a six column folio, and quite neatly made up and printed. The editorials were far above the average of the usual effusions to be met with in the country newspapers of that date, and, taken altogether, the Pioneer Press was a model paper. The second number con- tains an account of the bombardment of Fort Sumter, in Charleston bay, and the subsequent ones teem with war news, and overflow with the loyalty and patriotism of the editor. In those days, a newspaper received ad- vantages that none at the present day can boast of. The printing of the tax-lists . was a “fat take” and the Algona Pioneer Fress, not only enjoyed the official patron- age of this county,but several of the adjoin- ing counties, not being yet honored with the great civilizer, a local press, had their legal printing donehere. All these things combined to make this a lucrative under- taking. In 1863, Mr. Call rented the office, material and business to George Ingersoll, of the Fort Dodge Messenger, who sent Col. Page, the present post- master ‘of that town, to Algona, to manage the paper. Under this administration the Pioneer Press was continued until the lat- ter part of 1864, when the paper was sus- pended. o— aa HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 293 After the lapse of a year or two, the material was purchased by Mrs. Lizzie B. Read, and the paper commenced a. new life under the name of the Upper Des Moines, a name it has retained until the present. This was engineered by Mrs. Read, and is said to have been a very read- able paper. The editorial and literary columns teemed with good things well said. In November, 1866, J. H. Warren be- came the owner of the Upper Des Moines, and assumed the editorial chair. Mr. Warren had never before acted in this capacity, or had experience in the printing business, but great natural abilities united with a mind well stored gave him the advantage of circumstances, and he soon gave evidence of his fitness for the posi- tion. As a writer he was pungent and to the point, wasting no long space or time in long winded editorials, but going straight to the point and in a few words disposing of the subject under discussion. Upon assuming the helm of the good ship Upper Des Moines, he addressed his readers in the following words by way of saluta- tion: “In assuming the responsibility of publishing a weekly journal, we do so with a full knowledge of the magnitude of the undertaking. To publish a journal that will please every one is a task that we do not expect to perform; as such a task has never yet been accomplished by any power, either human or Divine. But if careful attention to business, persever- ance and hard labor can make the Upper Des Moines a welcome visitor to all our patrons, we shall perform the task cheer- fully. We are aware that during the past three months complaints have arisen against the former publishers; | but whether such complaints have been just, well grounded, or false and unreasonable, it would be neither wisdom nor policy in us now to decide; for, peradventure, we might be pronouncing sentence against one whom we would not wish to censure. For, in taking the place of the former publishers, we are subjecting ourself to a like criticism. “The political complexion of the Upper. Des Moines will continue, as heretofore, Union republican. The principles advo- cated by the two great political parties of the present day, are too well understood by every one to require any explanation here. But, like Col. Crockett, shall en- deavor first, to be sure we are right, and then go ahead. “The advancement of the interests of Kossuth and adjoining counties will claim particular attention. And to this end we hope for and shall expect the aid and co- operation of all who desire to see this portion of our State still further improved; our vast prairies more thickly dotted with improved farms, farm houses, school- houses and churches, the natural results of honest industry and intelligence com- bined. “Our columns will at all times be opened for the full and free discussion of all topics of general interest, but it cannot be used for the gratification of personal ill- will, under any circumstances, as such things always have a bad effect upon the moral and social condition of society, and will never be tolerated by any publisher desirous of maintaining the respectability of his journal. rw . SiS 294 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. “With these remarks we leave the Upper Des Moines to speak for itself, and our readers to judge of its merit.” After nine years of strenuous work in placing the paper on a proper footing, and raising it from a small six column affair to a large, handsome and well con- ducted journal of nine columns to the page; graduating from the printing of it upon the old fashion hand press to the mucb more speedy steam press, Mr. Warren disposed of the office and busi- ness to Pitt Cravath. This was upon the 20th day of September, 1875. In stepping out from the sanctum, Mr. Warren said a few words at parting, that have the right ring aboutthem. He said: “To say good-by to friends has always been to me one of the most unpleasant tasks of life. And at this time it is with feelings of deep regret that I say it to those with whom I have for the past few years maintained business and friendly relations. A trifle less than nine years ago I quietly and unostentatiously stepped into the editorial harness, and now I as quietly and unostentatiously lay it by and resume a place in the peaceful walks of private life. During the years of my man- agement of the Upper Des Moines I have assiduously labored for what I deemed the best good of the town and county in particular, and the whole State in gen- eral. If at times I have erred, which I can- not deny has often been the case, it was an error in judgment, without evil intent. “The bold, uncompromising course I have at all times pursued when combat- ting the powers of evil, in attempting to expose corruption or to thwart the de- signs of unscrupulous schemers, has made enemies of such, but has also made friends of honest men who always pursue a pokicy that shall result in the greatest good to the greatest number. “Of my success in bringing the Upper Des Moines to the enviable position it now occupies in journalism, I scarcely need speak. Starting from a small twenty-four column sheet, it has steadily advanced with the growth of the county, until it has reached a size of thirty-six columns, with a large and constantly increasing circulation, and a good, paying patron- age. “A word to my former patrons in rela- tion to my successor will here be appro- priate. Something more than a years’ residence in Algona, during which time his deportment has been that of a gentle- man and a ripe scholar, has drawn around him the best elements of society and has made him universally admired and esteemed for his good qualities. I cheer- fully recommend him to my friends and former patrons, and trust they will con- tinue unbroken the friendly relations so long existing between themselves and the former publisher. The future policy of the new proprietor will be fully set forth in his salutatory, and I have not the shadow of a doubt but it will be rigidly adhered to. “And now, in the full belief that my friends who have so long stood shoulder to shoulder with me in every good work, will always have in their hearts a warm place tor me, I say to them, good-by. ‘To my enemies who have so relentlessly pur- sued me in the vain hope of tearing down whatever I had builded, I say I can for- A= Vv ¥. aoe HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 295 get and forgive, but shall always remem- ber them.” Pitt Cravath continued sole proprietor of this flourishing paper until Feb. 20, 1879, when he sold out to A. L. Hudson Mr. Cravath was a bold, fearless writer, with a keen, sarcastic pen that pricked the evil-doer or political enemy until they writhed. Mr. Hudson, who was alone in the con- trol of the Upper Des Moines for one year, was a prominent member of the bar of Kossuth county, and was of a most aggressive disposition. Like Paul Jones, of yore, he sailed through the seas of life, with the ominous motto, “Don’t tread on me,” displayed at his masthead, and woe betide the unfortunate wretch that dared to meet him in the tilt. Keen, scathing and scholarly, his attacks were so fierce that all dreaded his pen. Yet gentle- manly in all that he said and did he was a great favorite in all circles, except that of the few political enemies he must have of a necessity made. On the 20th of February, 1880, R. B. Warren acquired a half interest in this paper and the firm became Hudson & Warren. The latter partnership contin- ued until Nov. 20, 1882, when Harvey Ingham purchased the interest of Mr. Hudson, and the present firm of Ingham & Warren came into existence. Throughout all these years, the paper has gone through manifold changes in shape, size and make up. Commencing as a six column folio, under the manage- ment of Mr. Warren, it arose to the dig- nity of a nine column, having been en- larged successively to seven, eight and nine, a8 the years rolled on. After it passed into the hands of Mr. Hudson, it became a six column quarto, and later a seven column, of the same form. The present paper is a nine column folio, on the “flexible plan.” On weeks when there is an abundance of matter, it is issued with six pages, and when material runs short, but four pages. Messrs. Ingham & War- ren are both young men, and understand all the branches of the art of printing. The paper is a model of neatness besides being well edited. Harvey Ingham was born in Portland township, Kossuth county, Sept. 8, 1858, and isa son of W. H. and C. A. (Rice) Ingham. In 1876 he entered the Iowa State University, at Iowa City, and grad- uated from the literary department in 1880. He immediately entered the law department of the same institution, from which he was graduated in the class of 1881. Soon after leaving college, he ob- tained a situation as county historian for Capt. A. T. Andreas, of Chicago, Il., and was one of the assistants in compiling and editing the history of Nebraska. When *that volume was completed, and ready for publication (1882), Mr. Ingham purchased a half-interest in the Upper Des Moines, and in connection with R. B. Warren, has been fairly successful in the publishing business. R. B. ‘Warren was born at Horicon, Dodge Co., Wis., Dec. 1, 1849, and is a son of J. H. and A. B. (Horton) Warren. He passed his earlier life in Trempealeau and Eau Claire counties, Wis., and attended school until thirteen years of age. In September, 1865, he entered the office of the Eau Claire Argus, R. H. Copeland publisher, to learn the printer’s trade, and ales ayaaly is = 4 A 296 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. remained with him until June, 1866. In November, of the same year, his father, who had removed to Iowa in June, pur- chased the office of the Upper Des Moines, and good will of the paper, and our sub- ject assisted him in the management of the paper for nine years. In July, 1875, he went to Chicago, Il]., and secured a position as compositor on the Daily Times, holding a case for fifteen months. Leav- ing Chicago, he was employed, for nine months, as a traveling salesman through Kansas, Missouri and southern Jowa, and in the fall of 1877, accepted the fore- manship of the Upper Des Moines, then under the management of Pitt Cravath. He remained in charge of the office for fifteen months, and continued with the new proprietor, A. L. Hudson, a year longer. He then purchased a half inter- est in the business, and Feb. 20, 1880, as- sumed the management of the business, which position he has since continued to hold. In 1882 Harvey Ingham purchased Mr. Hudson’s interest, and the firm name was changed to Ingham & Warren. Although it has been written that the Pioneer Press was the first paper in the county of Kossuth, still a strict regard for historical accuracy impels the statement that this is only true so far as regards printed papers. A manuscript paper, call- ed The Bee, was in existence several years prior to the appearance of the above-men- tioned periodical. This was an eight-page paper, written on letter paper, and was edited by Harriet E. Taylor, now Mrs. J. E. Stacy. The first number of this paper was issued upon the 27th of December, 1857. The fair editress, in this initial sheet, makes an opening address to the readers of The Bee, in the following words: “We are happy to present to our friends this first number of The Bee as the first paper published in this ‘little world of Algona,’ and though now small and may be insignificant in the eyes of many, still we have sanguine hopes that it will thrive, and before many years stand the first and oldest among our village papers. A. per- son when first starting in an enterprise like this, feels rather delicately. Many fears arise whether the paper will suit the readers. Knowing there are as many minds as persons, and also knowing that unless all these minds are satisfied, we are the loser, we feel still more anxious than we would otherwise. “The Beeis intended to be strictly a neutral paper. We shall strive to please all by offending none. It will abound in wit and bumor, be graced with sound, in- tellectual studies and pleasing stories, have all the news of the day, we hope none of the gossip. We have able corres- pondents for Zhe Bee who will favor it with their productions from time to time. A few advertisements will be inserted just to help pay expenses. We have-tried to tell you imperfectly, however, what we shall strive to make The Bee, and we hum- bly beg our friends to stand by us and not allow it to sink into obscurity, as the papers in our neighboring towns have done.” Miss Taylor sometimes was-assisted in her arduous labor by junior editors and a corps of contributors, but still the labor of writing the paper every week, must have proved irksome. The paper ran for two or three years, and filled the niche Y [oa ~~ Y + aa HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 297 that it was intended to. Some numbers betray a literary excellence far in advance of later and more pretentious sheets. In the fall of 1871 Bryan J. Castle, who had been a member of the Chickasaw county bar, and the ex-editor of the Law- ler Times, established a paper at Algona. This sheet, which was a seven-column folio, was called the Algona Times, and was democatic in politics. The initial number of this paper was issued upon Friday, Sept. 15, 1871, and Mr. Castle thus addressed his readers, in a plain prac- tical talk : “With this number commences our new paper, and as custom requires us to make known our principles in the beginning, and let the people know what kind of a paper we intend to publish, we proceed to perform that duty. The Times will be, emphatically, a people’s paper, devoted to the local interests of our town and sur- roundings. It will be our aim to advance the best interests of all classes—mercan- tile, mechanical and agricultural—and do all in our power to develop the resources of the country. “In politics we are democratic, and as a democrat, we intend to discuss freely all the issues before the country, and show up and expose the short-comings of all our public functionaries, no matter of what political complexion. We will not frame our views with reference to latitude or longitude; but will feel free to express ourselves on all subjects affecting the wel- fare of the country. “The prosperity of Algona will be to us of paramount importance, and we will ever work for its growth and development in preference to anything else. We will discuss freely and candidly all those ques- tions in which the people are interested ; as free trade, tariff, protection, etc., and will be found at our post at all times ready to stand up for ‘the right;’ to ad- vocate economy, encourage industry, and add to the general welfare of the people. Upon the 14th of March, 1872, the Times appeared under the management of the new firm, who had just purchased the interest of Mr. Castle—Messrs. Horton, Jones & Co. This firm was composed of the following parties: A.M. Horton, J. B. Jones and Milton Starr. The editor, Mr. Horton, in assuming the tripod, thus addressed the patrons of the paper, and the public in general: “In appearing before the people of Kos- suth county in the capacity of caterers to the public appetite for news, the present proprietors of the Zimes fully realize the magnitude of the task to which they have set themselves. Ina community like our own, where the great eastern dailies are taken and read by a large number of in- habitants, it is no light undertaking to attempt the publishing of a weekly which shall be at once interesting as a news pa- per and an organ for the dissemination of sound and wholesome views on subjects of general and local importance. Indeed we could not hope to exist in competition with these great organs were it not for the factthat we will be able to furnish our patrons with what in the nature of the case it is impossible for foreign publica- tions to supply them—local news, and an opportunity to discuss through our columns matters of local interest, and read the opinions of others on those sub- jects. These advantages it shall be our oer — sles 298 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. chief aim to furnish to the Kossuth coun- ty public, and it is our ambition to be- come par excellence the organ of the peo- ple. “While we shall hold decided opinions upon all questions of either general or local public policy, we will endeavor to discuss them in a dispassionate manner, and be willing to accord to our opponents that courteous treatment which we ask for ourselves. We will not stultify our manhood by cringing to power, be the same considered respectable or disreput- able. We shall make it a point to assail principles, rather than men. “When found in the ranks of the major- ity, it will be because we believe them to be right, and we will when compelled, patiently if not cheerfully bear defeat with the minority, believing it better to be right than to be successful, and that, “Though the mills of God grind slowly, Yet they grind exceedingly small; Though with patience he stands waiting, With exactness grinds he all.” “Believing intemperance to have been and still to be the cause of more human misery than any other evil, or all other evils combined, we will ever stand ready to second all well directed efforts for its suppression. “Having always been found in the ranks of the republican party, and firmly be- lieving that the accession to power at this time of the so-called democratic party would be a National calamity, we shall continue to identify ourselves with that party for whose principles we have con- tended as well on southern battle fields as in the more congenial but not less earnest contests of civil life. “Our principal reason for adhering to the republican party is that we consider the administration of affairs to be safer in the hands of those who preserved the Nation from distruction than in the hands of those who either attempted to destroy it or sympathized with those who did so attempt. ‘““We speak of the democratic party as an organization ; with individual mem- bers we have no controversy, Good men and patriotic can be found in the ranks of the democrats, but the record of the party, as an organization, during the darkest period of our existence as a Nation, must ever remain a source of humiliation to every true American. “Gen. Grant is our first choice for the next Presidential term. Not that we do not believe many others-to be just as capa- ble of discharging the duties of chief ex- ecutive as he; but we believe Grant, in the main, to have administered the affairs pertaining to his office with an eye single to the public weal, and in a manner satis- factory to all who are not either blinded by party prejudice or warped by disap- pointed ambition. “In county, town and village affairs, we shall advocate that course which we deem to be most beneficial to all concerned, knowing no north nor south, but whole sections. Of our predecessor, B. J. Castle, Esq., who bowed himselt out in last weeks’ issue, it is unnecessary to speak at length. To his reputation asa journalist, no words of ours can add. His public career in Algona, although not of long duration, has certainly not been devoid of interest. He has not failed to strike at whatever in i” a dais] HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 299 his opinion had the appearance of evil, nor has he been found wanting when any laudable enterprise needed encouragement. We will gladly hail his decision to settle permanently in Algona; but if he con- cludes to locate elsewhere, we bespeak for him a cordial reception, and prophesy for him a successful career, and hosts of friends among those whose friendship it is an honor to possess. “In concluding this, our salutatory, we respectfully solicit your patronage, when, after strict trial, we shall be found deserv- ing it, and your indulgence when, as is very likely to be the case, being human, we make mistakes.” Respectfully, Horton, Jongs & Co. This new firm, as will be seen, changed the politics of the paper, and upon the 16th of May, 1872, altered the make-up of the sheet to an eight column folio, and the name to that of Algona Republican, a name it still retains. The paper continued under the manage- ment of this co-partnership until April 12, 1875, when Mr. Starr purchased the interest of J. B. Jones, and the style of the firm was changed to that of Horton & Starr. Ably edited and neatly gotten up in the mechanical department, the Re- publican now succeeded to a liberal pat- ronage. Upon the 22d of February, 1881, Mr. Horton disposed of his share in the enterprise to his partner, Milton Starr. On the Ist of July, 1883, Mr. Cowles was admitted as a partner in the Republi- can, and the style of the firm at present is Starr & Cowles. The paper is a well edited, and in the general make-up, most creditable. Local columns teeming with items and a large display of advertise- ments, proclaim the healthy state of this weekly. Mr. Starr is an easy, fluent writer, and by strict attention to business and the wants and wishes of the commu- nity, has built up one of the best papers in northern Iowa. Milton Starr, son of Jesse and Lucinda Starr, was born in Whitley, Canada, Feb. 17,1846. His grandparents on his father’s side were natives of Pennsylvania. His father was a carpenter, but became part proprietor in a flouring mill, in which he’ retained his interest until removing to Wisconsin and settling ona farm in Dane county. The family remained at this place until the summer of 1861, when they removed to Jones Co., Iowa. In 1866 he entered Cornell College, graduating from that institution in 1870. In Octo- ber, 1871, he came to Algona, and entered the office of the Algona Times, then just established by B. J. Castle, and assisted in the printing of the second number of the paper. He wasa member of the firm of Horton, Jones & Co., who bought out the Times March 4, 1872, changing the name to the Algona Republican. In April, 1875, Mr. Starr bought the interest of J. B. Jones, thus acquiring a half in- terest in the paper. In February, 1881, he became sole proprietor by the purchase of the interest of A. M. Horton. Mr. Starr immediately put a power press in the office, and many improvements were made. In 1882 Mr. Starr erected a build- ing 22x72 feet in dimensions, and twenty- four feet in height, which is intended for the permanent home of the Republican. The lower story is used for printing and editorial rooms, and the second floor for a os — y eshte 300 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. | public hall. In July, 1883, he admitted Gardner Cowles as a partner. The paper has always been uncompromising in its advocacy of republicanism and prohibi- tion. Mr. Starr was a charter member of the lodge of Good Templars organized at Algona in 1876, and has since main- tained his connection with the institution. In 1879 he was elected grand secretary of the order in Iowa, a position which he held four years. Mr. Starr is a member of the Congregational Church. He was married Oct. 1, 1879, to Kate Krater, born in Clayton Co., Iowa, July 23, 1852, her parents being natives of Lorraine. Mrs. Starr was educated at the Iowa Agricul- tural College, graduating in 1873. From that time until her marriage her attention was given almost wholly to art studies, three years being spent in the studio of Helen M. Knowlton, in Boston, a pupil of the late William M. Hunt. Mr. and Mrs. Starr have two children—Helen, born July 30, 1880, and Robert, born March 15, 1882. Mr. Starr’s mother died Feb. 17, 1852. His father resides in Palo Alto Co., Iowa, being upwards of eighty years of age. The Kossuth County Review, a new ven- ture in the newspaper world, first saw the light in the spring of 1883. On the 16th of March, the first number was issued by its present editor and proprietor, V. 8S. Ellis, at Luverne. The editor in honor to the time-honored custom of the craft, made his bow to the people of this locali- ty in the following words: “With this, the first issue of The Kos- suth County Review, we make our bow, and to the general public and future read- ers of the Review, would say: good morn- ing. “Of course a live and generous public will allow us to say a few words; however, we do not call your attention to this move to gratify any personal pride that we might entertain, but we intend to make the Review a live paper, published in the interests of Luverne and surrounding country. Our motto shall be, ‘home first, then the outside world.’ We shall ever endeavor to set forth at all times that which will be for the upbuilding of our town. “While this is yet anew undertaking in this young but prosperous burg, we are sure that we can make it a success. Hav- ing been in the newspaper business for several years we are aware of the price that it costs to run a paper, and a partial canvass of the business firms of this place has convinced us that we shall have a hearty support, which we need to make the paper a success financially. “We shall treat subjects that we deem worthy of mention in our own way and according to our own views. However, in the great political field we shall be in- dependent. When we say independent we do not mean that we will entirely ig- nore all political questions, but that we will not ally our paper to party, clique or ring. If we are on the fence, we reserve the right to strike either way, and if we should strike more on one side than the other, it will be because our convictions outweigh our caution, for the political history of our country proves that parties, like individuals, are liable to make grave errors. S eas | HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 301 Review will find a hearty welcome in every household in southern Kossuth and northern Humboldt counties, we again say to you, one and all, ‘good morning.” The paper is a seven column folio, neatly printed and with a liberal show of advertising patronage. Although the editor is a young man, still the leaders show more than average ability. The first issue has an interesting account of the rise of the town and the resources of the surrounding country, and three and a half columns of local items. Verne S. Ellis, son of Smitzer and Charlotte Ellis, was born Jan. 16, 1864, in Geauga Co., Ohio. When five years of age his parents moved to Iowa, locating in Montour, Tama county, where his father erected a building for a meat mar- ket, but soon sold out and went to work at his trade, being a painter. Mr. Ellis réceived his education in Montour. In 1879 he went into the office of the Mon- tour Review, to learn the printing busi- ness under A. A. Blackman. The paper was discontinued in 1880, when in about two months, Mr. Ellis and brother, Da- vid A., started it again, and issued it un- til September, 1882. They then discon- tinued its publication and moved the office to Bancroft, Kossuth Co. Iowa, where they were running a paper called the Bancroft Register, which was estab- *t) lished April previous. In March, 1883, they started a paper in Luverne, called the Kossuth County Review. Getting the material here Monday morning, they sent out the first issue on Saturday evening ‘ | “With these few remarks and hoping the dated March 16. The paper has been published regularly since then, both pa- pers: being owned and published by Mr. Ellis and brother. The Bancroft Register, a neat little seven column folio, was established in the town of Bancroft, Kossuth county, in 1882, by D. A. Ellis and brother. The first sheet was issued upon Friday, April 14, and is now ina good healthy condition. David A. Ellis, the senior editor, handles a pen to some purpose and the local col- umn is quite creditable. Mr. Ellis, al- - though a young man, has had some jour- nalistic experience, having published the Review in the town of Montour, Tama county, previous to coming to this county. David A. Ellis, editor of the Bancroft Register, was born in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, Feb. 21, 1861. When eight years of age he moved with his parents, 8. and Char- lotte L. (Frazer) Ellis, to Tama Co., Iowa, locating in Montour. In 1878 Mr. Ellis entered the office of the Montour Review, edited by Mr. Blackman, to learn the print- ‘ers’ trade. After working there two — months the office wag closed, and it being in debt to Mr. Ellis for his work, he took charge of it, operating it for six months. In 1879 Mr. Ellis purchased new material and started the paper anew. He publish- ed the paper until Sept. 29, 1882, when it was discontinued, Mr. Ellis having six months previous to this time started the Register in Bancroft. He still has con- trol of the Register, and makes it a very lively and spicy little sheet. Mr. Ellis is a republican in politics. Y aS Y ale 302 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. CHAPTER %. EDUCATIONAL. When upon that cold and stormy day in December, 1629, the noble band of Pil- grims landed upon the bleak and desolate shore of New England, their first thought was of religious duty, the second of schools and. academies. ‘They came, flee- ing from the religious intolerance of the old world, to found a Utopian country of their own in the wildsof America. Scarce were they landed when all were assem- bled and prayers and religious services were held, the echoes of which yet rever- berate around the world; for in their prayers they sought the Divine assistance to found a colony, where freedom and education could go hand in hand, and if in after years, their stern creed of morals and religious asceticism led them into intolerant acts towards their neighbors, still the general movement was toward the light of liberty and education. There, on the stony soil of Massachu- setts, these stern and rigid moralists first planted the seed of our grand system of educational facilities. There they origi- nated the district school that has outlasted them and their other institutions, seen governments wax old and pass away, and survived the throes of revolution, when these colonies revolted from the galling yoke of Britannia. In that land of its birth, the system of district schools, with its board of select men, still survives, with but little change from that of the original system that was planted two cen- turies and a half ago. The sons and daughters of New England, in their journey toward a home in the west, car- ried the precious seed, and planting it in the fruitful soil, it flourished and grew until it far overshadowed the parent tree. In Iowa, such has been the fostering hand of our State government, it has reached the very acme of perfection. According to the report of the census of the United States government, the ratio of illiteracy in this State is less than in any other of the States of the Union, and the citizen of our noble young commonweath can well hold up his head and say, ‘although we are among the youngest in the sover- eignties of the world, none can exceed us in intelligence or knowledge, or in our system of education.” One of the county school superintend- ents of Kossuth county, and one of its best educators, M. Helen Wooster, says of the subject of education and teaching as follows: “History is one long record of the rise, supremacy and downfall of theories, in- stitutions and governments. The long- ing for true theories, lasting institutions — . and safe governments has caused to be cs =— fo a HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY, 803 recognized the fact, that the common per- ception of many individuals is safer and presumably more nearly correct than the perceptions of a few; as the rays collected and converged by the microscope produce a more legible representation than can be produced directly upon the eye. If, how- ever, the lens be defective, the eye is the truer interpreter. “Democratic institutions must be based upon the strong common sense of the masses. If it be an educated common sense, no concern need be felt for the effect of time or the loss of individuals, for the elements of life are within and not applied. “‘To accomplish a general dissemination of knowledge, method after method was advocated, tried and modified, until the present public school system was adopted and established. Soon interested observa- tion detected that the end obtained was not the end desired, and as quickly dis- covered that one cause of the partial fail- ure lay in the misapplied energies of the teachers. Perhaps no one better under- stood the duties and, therefore, the quali- fication of a teacher than Horace Mann. He says: ‘One requisite is a knowledge of com- mon school studies. Teachers should have a perfect knowledge of the rudimental branches which are required by law to be taught in our schools. They should under- stand, not only the rules which have been prepared as guides to the unlearned, but also the principals on which the rules are founded, those principles which lie be- neath the rules, and supercede them in practice, and from which, should the rules be lost, they could be framed anew. Teachers should be able to teach subjects, not manuals merely. The knowledge should not only be thorough and critical, but it should be always ready at command for every emergency, familiar like the alphabet, so that as occasion requires, it will rise up in the mind instantaneously and not need to be studied out with labor and delay * * * The next principal qualification is the art of teaching. This is happily expressed in the common phrase, aptness to teach. The ability to acquire and the ability to impart are wholly different talents. The former may exist in the most liberal measure without the latter.’ “The necessity for such trained talent in the school room has involved the Normal School, and, for the benefit of those teachers who cannot take a Normal course, the Teachers’ Institute. Probably there are many teachers who receive their first and only true ideas of teaching through them. There is nothing of arrogance in the assertion. Until the teachers’ profes- sion shall have taken its proper position in public opinion and none be allowed to enter it without special training, numbers will for a few months in the year assume the place of teacher to the child. They cannot be expected to understand the art of instructing others. To help this class of teachers and prepare them for their duties is the object of the Teachers’ In- stitute. There the methods that have been wrought out by educators who have made it their life’s study, are explained and illustrated. Surely nothing but a censurable indifference on the part of the teacher to his duties toward the pupil, or the equally censurable willingness to re- = 4 304 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. ceive compensation from the public treas- ury without having rendered an equiva- lent, could permit one to neglect the means for improvement so offered them.” SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS. When the county of Kossuth was or- ganized, the office of school superintend- ent was not yet created, and the only officer in the educational department of the county was the school fund commis- sioner, and he only had charge of the school fund, only so far as it isin the hands of the board of supervisors at pres- ent. He could loan the surplus funds to private parties upon first-class securities. So far as educational matters were con- cerned, he had little or no authority. The directors hiring the teachers, made the necessary examination into their requisite qualifications for the position, and public examinations were totally unknown. The first party to hold the position of school fund commissioner, in Kossuth county, was George W. Hand, who was elected to fill the position, in April, 1857. Mr. Hand did not hold it very long, as his time of office expired with that year. Some years since, he left the county, going to the State of Kansas, where he is believed to be at present. W. B. Moore was his successor, but only held it for a short time, as this office ex- pired in the latter part of the year 1858. Mr. Moore has been dead some time, and nothing can be gathered in regard to him, of an interesting nature. COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. This office was created during the year 1858, and the duties of the office were the same as at present, but the official put in much less time, and in several instances ‘his ministerial labors in Iowa in 1856, the semi-annual appropriation of the county court and, subsequently, of the board of supervisors, for the salary of county superintendent, reached the mu- nificent sum of $20 for six months ser- vices. The first to occupy this respon- sible position was the Rev. Chauncey Taylor, who was elected in April, 1858, and served one year. Mr. Taylor was a member of the Congregational Church, and was one of the first. to con- duct Divine service in the county. He died on the 29th of February,. 1876, at Algona,and the following obituary of him, written by the hand of one who knew and loved him, gives a better sketch of him than can be penned by the hand of a stranger, no matter how much he may ad- mire the man and the record of his work. The item in question goes on to relate the fact of his death, and then says: “Sorrow at his departure is not alone sonfined to those who knew him well, and knowing, learned to love and admire his many virtues, his unflagging zeal in pros- ecuting his life work of doing good, his broad charity towards his.fellow-men, for all recognized in him the true, honest Christian minister, and as such mourn his loss. Father Taylor had filled the allotted three score years and ten, and had filled them with blessings for others, and eter- nal blessings for himself. He commenced though for twenty years previous he had possessed the design of one day coming to our western prairies, and here found- ing a Church and lending his efforts to es- tablishing an institution of learning. “Tn 1856 he was appointed an agent of the Home Missionary Society, and leav- oF ~~ fe 4 ——___ HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 305 ing his family in New York, came hither to the scene of his future labors, crossing the Mississippi on foot, stopping at Des Moines a short time, and then taking up his route to this then almost solitary re- gion. He at once went to work to advance the moral and mental well-being of his fellows, and mainly through his exertions, was erected a town hall, during the first years of his stay, and which, enlarged, is now the Congregationa! church. For six- teen years he was the presiding genius, the spirit-of the Congregational Society, and in great measure the parent of most of the religious interests in the county. During the time of his ministry here he assisted in consigning to their last resting place eighty-eight of his parishioners, among them, the old and young, withered and fair, and poured the balm of relig- ious consolation into the aching hearts of the mourning friends. During that time also, he solemnized sixty-three marriages and lived to christen the pledges of many of those happy unions and to give them their early instruction of reverence and love for the Great Parent of all. “He also established the first reading club, devoted to the intellectual improve- ment of its members and of the citizens of the county generally. The first sing- ing class in the county was inaugurated by him, and for many years he was the sole musical instructor. For the greater portion of his twenty years ministry among us he filled appointments at various places throughout the county, until his kindly features and gentle words were known to almost every inhabitant of the county. In 1858 he attended the State Congregational Association at Dubuque, and in reply to the astonishment of his admiring friends, that a man of his abilities should bury himself in the northwestern solitudes, in- sisted that Algona was in the centre of the world, that the difficulty was, the world was one sided. “He was one of the three ministers who organized the Northwestern Congrega- tional Society, then including but three Churches, and now representing no less than twenty-three Churches, with a mem- bership of 932. When the War of the Rebellion broke out, he sent, with tears of sorrow but the glow of patriotism, his youngest son to do battle for his country, soon to mourn him a victim offered upon the alter of his country. A few years later and he was called upon to grieve the loss of his only remaining son, his sorrow doubled from the fact that they each died surrounded by strangers, and far from the loving embrace of parents and kindred. “The formal organization of the Church here was made in August, 1858, and for over fifteen years he filled the position of pastor, gaining the love, not only of his parishioners but of the whole community, by his eminent piety, and broad charity and tolerance, and to-day young and old throughout the county, mourn with sin- cerest sorrow the departure of .Father Taylor.” What more could be added, when it is well known that the above is the verdict of every one in the county. Admiration for his many virtues, and for his truly Christian life shall never cease while any who knew him shall exist upon earth. In 1859 J. R. Armstrong was elected to fill this office and served for two years in Y o— — cil sales 806 “HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. that capacity. He is still one of the prom- inent residents of the county. : The Reverend Chauncey Taylor was again chosen superintendent of schools of the county at the general election in 1861, and served a term of two years from the Ist of January, 1862, when he again retired tothe shades of private life and his ministerial duties. M. D. Blanchard was the immediate successor of Mr. Taylor, entering upon the duties of the office with the first of the year, 1864, and fulfilling its functions for the space of two years. Mr. Blanch- ard, at a later date, filled the office of county treasurer, under which head the reader may find a more extended sketch of the gentleman. His term of office ex- pired the last of December, 1865. The Reverend Chauncey Taylor was again called to superintend the school system of Kossuth county, entering the office the 1st of January, 1866, and again serving, as such, for aterm of two years. John Reed, the present recorder of the county, was elected county super- intendent of common schools, in 1867, and entering upon the function of the office with the year 1868 served until September, 1869, when he resigned. Mr. Reed is noticed in fuller detail under the head of recorder, in the chapter de- voted to the representation of the Nation, State and county. On the resignation of Mr. Reed the board appointed A. W. Osborne to this office, and at the election of that year, 1869, he was elected to be his own suc- cessor, and held the office until October, 1870, when he too, resigned the office. Mr. Osborne shortly afterward left this county, emigrating to Spirit Lake, Dickin- son county, where he has since been prom- inently identified with the official man- agement of county matters, having been county treasurer of that county for seven or eight years. He has always been spoken of as a man of excellent business habits and quite methodical in all the affairs of life. On the acceptance of the resignation of Mr. Osborne, the board appointed M. Helen Wooster to fill the vacancy, and at the general election of 1871, the people of the county endorsed the selection by electing the lady to the office by a hand- some majority. Miss Wooster, the only lady official the county has ever elected to fill an office, was a native of Massa- chusetts and came west for the purpose of engaging in educational pursuits, es- pecially in the higher branches. Her peculiar ability fitted her well for the arduous duties of superintendent and un- der her able management the schools of the county took a great step forward in the march of progress. Miss Wooster is now in California, where she went several years ago. A. A. Bronson was elected county su- perintendent of schools in 1873. Was re- elected in 1875 and 1877, and held the office for six years. Having fulfilled the duties devolving upon him in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to the people of the county, he retired from official position covered with laurels. He is still one of Kossuth county’s influential citizens. A. A. Crose, another of the present resi- dents of the county was chosen by his co s ~——. aaa HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 307 fellow electors, in 1879, to fill this difficult office, and served two years. J. J. Wilkinson, the present incumbent of the office of county superintendent of schools, was elected in 1881, and at the election of 1883 was re-elected to the same position for the ensuing term. J.J. Wilkinson was born Aug. 31, 1851, in Oakland Co., Mich. His parents, Joseph and Sarah (Scholey) Wilkinson, were natives of England, and emigrated to the United States in 1850, locating at Detroit, Mich., where they spent one win- ter, then went to Oakland county, where he engaged in farming. In 1862 they re- moved to Shiawassee Co., Mich., which is still their home. Coming to this coun- try a poor man, he has by hard labor ac- cumulated a comfortable property, and is to-day one of the well-to-do farmers in this county. J. J. Wilkinson was reared on a farm, received a common school edu- cation, and afterward graduated from the High school. He then entered a store as clerk at Perry, remaining two years, af- terward attended Mayhews Business Col- lege in Detroit, Mich., graduating in 1873. After leaving Detroit, he taught school several years. In 1877 he came to Kossuth county where he taught till 1881, then was elected county superintendent of pub- lic schools, was re-elected in 1883 without opposition. Mr. Wilkinson is a young man, well qualified for his position, and the interests of the schools are carefully looked after. He married Mertie Har- per, a daughter of Judge A. A. Harper, of Michigan. They have three children— J. Leslie, George H. and Stanley. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. From the time of the first organization of the county into school districts,the num- ber of schools have increased quite rap- idly,and educational facilities have become more and more efficient. Each cycle has shown a marked difference in this respect. Much difficulty has been found in getting any reliable information in regard to the early schools, as it seems, that in those pioneer days not much care was ex- ercised in the preservation of the records, and but few of them have survived the lapse of years, even if they have been comparatively few. In 1864, however, it is found there were in the county, 150 scholars between the ages of five and twenty-one years,of which eighty-two were males, and sixty-eight females. There were at the same time, some eleven schools in the county, with an enrollment of 147 scholars and thirteen teachers. The av- erage attendance of pupils was set down for that year at seventy-six, and the aver- age weekly compensation to the teachers in the county is recorded to have been $5.62 for males, and $3.58 for females. By 1880 the educational work had made a giant stride from this primitive showing. Tn the statistics of that year the follow- ing items will probably be of interest, in this connection. Number of district townships............. 9 Number of independent districts......... 1 Number of sub-districts... ........ 0... 76 Number of ungraded schools.... ......... 88 Number of rooms in graded schools.. .... 5 Number of children in the county between the ages of 5 and 21 years............ 2,565 Of which are males..................00.. 1,286 ROTI ALCS ie 3 ossaass siavate scsncalie SRE Mio isp psoas alnvavarew 1, 279 Total number of pupils enrolled.......... 1,909 Average attendance. ........... cc cece eas 1,177 o_o ics) ite a - “ 308 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Number of school houses, frame.......... 78 Cr. Total value of school houses........... $82, 201 ) Paid for school houses"and sites ... $5,945 41 Value of apparatus... ............000- $ 1,854 | Paid for apparatus...............08 68 88 Number volumes in library............ 1,300 | Paid on bonds and interests ........ 441 18 PRESENT GONDITION. Paid for other purposes ............ - 93 From the last statistical report availa- CEUs eee eh sonra geen eS ble, a number of -items are herewith pre- OPAL ceaanae Gaee anee $10, 865 15 sented, which will show the present con- CONTINGENT FUND. Dr. dition of educational matters, in Kossuth | On hand per last report. ........... $8, 155 45 county, better than a iong, labored article | Received from district tax... ...... 6, 817 04 ‘ Received from other sources ....... 86129 would: Number of district townships............ 12 MObaliictad ncesetaucneecoeels $10, 888 78 : Number of independent districts,........ 1 | paid for rent and repairs on school Cr. Number of sub-districts................. 81 HOuSeS. .. 0. cece cccececccee $1, 743 39 Number of ungraded schools... ........ 95 | Paid for fuel......0...000c8 cee eee. 2, 879 50 Number of rooms in graded schools. ..... 9 | Paid secretaries and treasurers. ..... 786 61 Number of teachers employed........... 9 | Paid for records, etc...........0.0.. 202 08 Male teachers.............200004 eeeeeee 2 Paid for inaurance and janitor...... 325 00 Female teachers. .. peat dayne Saat Home 7 Paid for supplicS..........eceee ee ee 592 15 Average compensation to males....... .. $60 00 | paid for other purposes............, 1,980 87 Average compensation to female......... $85 TL | Ow bands evay vous inesa ness vena vves 2,198 98 Number of children between the ages of see Sand 21 years............... 0c cee 3,062 HOt lhc, cncQecice Gece $10, 888 78 Of which are mules....... .......0..064 1, 587 shored? Gas “Dr . oo are aa A @NRRBA EROS Ve as 1,525 | On hand, last report..............0. $12,041 26 iuaaiusimaseome! tal yas schools eee oe 2, 486 Received from district tax......... 22, 121 07 Number of school houses in county...... 88 . : ; 5 Received from semi-annual appoint- Of which are frame.................0000- 88 Siistal al £ school ‘h vee MND bis ieisrsince: sapsle eapeen.cinr ween 2, 749 96 DUES MEME NOL REDO DT OUSCR a icie dae 4.e $46,8 Received from other sources........ 255 77 Total value of apparatus.............. $1,870 Number of volumes in libraries........ 1,620 “ae Number of certificates granted in Oct. Total............. eee. $37, 168 06 i 1882, up to Oct. 1888............... 192 Cr. eer ens aa Paid teachers. .........+ssssee sere $28, 815 78 Average age of male teachers ........ 24 | Paid for other purposes............. 2930 Females........ siisuepadanaeicch satiny 20 | On hand............ cece ee ene wares 18, 822 98 Number of applicants rejected......... 14 set In this connection a few items are pre- Total... ccccececececccece $37, 168 06 sented, taken from the official records, NORMAL INSTITUTES. showing the financial condition of the} The State superintendent of publie in- educational department of Kossuth county | struction, in a report made in 1872, used fur the year 1883 : the following, in regard to these insti- SCHOOL HOUSE FUND. Dr. : tutes: Amount on hand per last report.... $1,882 00 é ‘ Received from district tax.......... 8,173 10 The subject of normal schools deserves Received from other sources. ....... 809 95 | special attention from the legislators and TPO Palvce Bodeckiecctow seek $10, 865 15 | school authoritiesin the State. The time | > HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 5 Ia i 309 has evidently gone by when intelligent parents are willing to entrust the educa- tion of their children to the novices and quacks with which the profession is everywhere crowded. If parents are not sufficiently intelligent to perceive the lasting damage resulting to their chil- dren from the crude methods of ignorant and incompetent teachers, the State, at least, is supposed to be informed on this point, and is in duty bound to exert its resources to the utmost tliat the evil may be removed. The intellectual and moral training of the youth of the land is a public trust, guarded with constitutional sanctions, and lying nearest the great heart of our republican institutions. The strength and permanency of a popular government are invested in the intelli- gence and refinement of the people, and therefore our common schools are the hope of the Nation. Now, if these are neglected, or through defective super- vision are suffered to fall into incompe- tent hands, the State thereby commits the two-fold error of squandering the public funds, and what is infinitely worse, of allowing meantime her occasions for strengthening the very foundations of government to go by unimproved. It is asserted that ninety-four per cent. of the 200,000 teachers of the United States have entered the school room without any professional training for the work; and forty per cent. of them without any de- sign whatever of making it a profession. “Perhaps it is because the primary and district schools of this country are so¥{ largely given over to charlatanry on the one hand and the probationary blundering of novices on the other, that the state- ment has gone out upon the endorsement of the bureau of education, that ‘poor schools and poor teachers are in a ma- jovity throughout the country,’ and that ‘multitudes of schools are so poor that it would be as well for the country if they were closed. “But we have failed fully to comprehend the office of professional training for the teacher, until the subject of method has been taken into the account. Teaching is an art, and as such has been undergoing progressive improvement through many ages of research and discovery. It has assumed new shapes, invented new facili- ties, and adopted successively a great va- riety of methods by which the young mind may be aroused to action, and all the spiritual faculties may be put in the way of an ordinary and healthful devel- opment. As the human mind has been more and more profoundly studied, and its laws and capabilities, its social and material relations have been drawn out, the methods. of imparting instruction and the whole art of school organization and management have undergone changes corresponding to these new directions of thought. Theory and practice have thus mutually kept pace with each other. It is pre-eminently the province of the nor- mal school to drill in method, and enforce the underlying principles which commend recent and improved methods to the ac- ceptance of its pupils. “In every particular case, excepting, of course, when an actual and manifest in- capacity is developed, the young man or woman submitting to a thorough normal drill, gains in a brief time what the ex- perience of years would fail to_ supply or “I. 310 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. and is enabled in this way to bring to the schools of the country a fund of skill and resources which otherwise the country would not have. It can be asserted with confidence that such results are always more than an equivalent for the money expended, both by the student and the State, and the time and toil and sacrifice attending these preparatory years. It is returned as a moral-force in our public school system immeasurably more power- ful, and far-reaching and enriching to the life of the Nation, than can be contrib- uted from any other agensy immediately within the embrace of the State. The teacher enters the school room already a practiced hand in the detail of manage- ment, and with lofty and just conceptions of the dignity and worth of his profession, and it is inevitable that the air of confi- dence he exhibits, and the calm devotion he manifests, in the work he loves, will be caught by the children, and the schools will gain an advantage in this way which money cannot purchase. “Under the hand of the patient, intelli- gent teacher, our Nation is reduced to homogenity in the school room. “It is deemed feasible, therefore, to in- augurate a system of graded normal schools. The subject bas been broached by the National Teachers’ Association of 1870, and is a scheme upon which there is pretty general unanimity among all the leading educators of the land. Two very strong papers urging the necessity, and detailing the advantages of such a plan, were submitted at the National Teacher’s Association, and were deemed so timely and suggestive with reference to this most pressing problem, that the commis- sioner of education has incorporated them entire in his report for 1870. So thor- oughly has the subject been canvassed in these two papers, ahd the advantages and practicability of the plan so clearly and judiciously set forth, that I cannot do bet- ter than commend the careful reading of them to all those who are in any way in- terested in the movement. Meantime it is proper in this connection to state briefly the considerations favoring the plan. “ First, then, if the plan were consum- mated, all the normal schools that would be established in the State, with the ex- ception of some central normal schools, would possess the character and curricu- lum of primary normal schools. These would be preparatory and tributary to the ceutral normal school, the grade of the latter answering to the higher department of our graded school system, and’ prepar- ing teachers more expressly for these; whereas the organization and course of studies in the former would prepare teach- ers for the mixed schools of our rural districts and the lower department of our graded school system. The article is too long to quote entire, but the above extract has been given sim- ply to show the purposes for which the normal institute was created. The act of Legislature which instituted them was passed in the fall of 1873, and in the spring of 1874 the first of them was held at Algona, in Kossuth county. This com- menced the 30th day of March, and lasted for several days. The following is a re- port of this meeting, taken from the newspapers of the county published at the time: “ae 7 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 31] At 9 a. m. Prof. Eldridge and about forty teachers met at the high school de- partment in Algona. The Professor, af- ter exchanging salutations with some of his numerous friends, ascended the plat- form and called the school to order, then read an appropriate lesson from the Bible and opened the session by prayer. He than addressed a few words of greeting to the school, and stated that the princi- pal business of the day would consist in organization and classification. While the teachers were handing in their names and postoffice address, Superintendent Brunson put in an appearance and intro- duced to the school Prof. P. Ritner, of Columbus, Louisa county, stating that he would assist Prof. Eldridge in instructing the school, and that he “trusted we should get our money’s worth from both gentle- men.” Prof. Eldridge then stated that the or-' der of exercises in the afternoon would be a classification of the sciences and ex- ercises in grammar, physiology and arith- metic. In the afternoon the number in attend- ance was increased to forty-eight. * * The programme as announced in the morning was carried out, and at 4 P. M. the session closed. The indications are all favorable for a large, profitable and in- teresting school. Tuesday, March 31. The number of pupils arrived since yesterday is twelve, making sixty now present, and more are expected. Among the arrivals from other counties I notice John Bennett and Mr. Prouty, from Em- metsburg; Miss O’Brien, from’Hancock, and Mr. Hudson, from Minnesota. The school is classified in three divisions, and as our superintendent conducts some of the classes, there are three teachers. The school is already an assured success, and I hear the highest terms of gratification expressed by those in attendance. One teacher said, and the language found a cordial response from all, “This is just the opportunity I have long wished for.” Since this time an institute has been held each year, with increasing interest and: success, demonstrating beyond a doubt the usefulness of the system. Each year they have grown in attendance, and the effect is plainly visible in the in- creased efficiency of the teachers of the county. TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION. This association was organized in the latter days of the year 1875. Ina report of the first meeting of the society held on Thursday and Friday evenings, December 30 and 31, it is said that there was no dif- ficulty in carrying: out the programme which was arranged several weeks previ- ous to the meeting. Several questions of great interest to both teacher and parents, were brought before the association for discussion. The discussion of each ques- tion was opened by some one, previously appointed, after which each one present was invited to present his views on the subject. The following are the questions: “Should corporal punishment be re- sorted to in governing a school?”—dis- cussion opened by Prof. Bushnell. “Should vocal music be taught in our public schools?”—Emma Heckart. “Should we have compulsory educa- tion?”—John Reed. y A oo ‘ ghee 312 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. “What can be done to secure more per- manent employment, better pay and longer engagements for teachers ?”’—Super- intendent Brunson. “Should we give rewards and prizes for excellence in scholarship and deport- ment?”—Eunice Knapp. “How can we secure the co-operation of the parents?”—B. F. Reed, Esq. “When and in what order shall the branches taught in our common schools be taken up?”—Prof. Saunders. Great interest was manifested in the discussion of each of these questions, but more especially in those of “corporal punishment” and “compulsory education.” Thursday evening President Barclay delivered a very entertaining and instruc- tive lecture on “The art of securing atten- tion,” which was listened to with attention and marked appreciation. Mrs. Colton read an excellent essay entitled “Gather up the fragments:” The audience was favored with several pieces of good music rendered by some of the best musical tal- ent of the city. The music was under the direction of Prof. Saunders, assisted by F. M. Taylor and wife, Cora Setchel, Mrs. J. R. Jones, Mrs. Buffum and Leroy Setchel, with Minnie Billington at the organ. On Friday evening the exercises consisted of music, a discussion, a question-box, a socia- ble and several toasts. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: A. A. Brunson, presi- dent; Emma Heckart, secretary; Prof. Saunders, treasurer; John Reed, President Barclay and Francis Moore executive com- mittee. This meeting was held at the college chapel, and was largely attended by teachers and others interested in educa- tional progress.” Ce ee eed: THE WAR FOR THE UNION. The institution of slavery was alwaysa source of trouble between the free and slave-holding States. The latter were al- ways troubled with the thought that the former would encroach on their rights, and nothing could be done to shake this belief. Compromise measures were adopted from time to time to settle the vexed ques- tion of slavery, but the fears of the slave- holders were only allayed for a short time. Threats of secession were o ten made by the slave-holding States, but as some measures of a conciliatory charac- ter were passed, no attempts were made to carry their threats into execution. F'i- nally came the repeal of the Missouri Compromise and the adoption of a meas- ure known as the Kansas-Nebraska bill. ma ee 5 SS —- i woe iu - a5! JIISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 318 This bill opened certain territory to sla- very, which, under the former act, was forever to be free. About the time of the passage of this act, the whig party was in a state of dissolution, and the great body of that party, together with certain democrats who were opposed to the Kan- sas-Nebraska bill, united, thus forming a new party, to which was given the name of republican, having for its object the prevention of the further extension of slavery. The people of the South imag- ined they saw in this new party, not only an organized effort to prevent the exten- sion of slavery, but one that would event- ually be used to destroy slavery in those States in which it already existed. In 1860 four Presidential tickets were in the field. Abraham Lincoln was the candidate of the republicans, Stephen A. Douglas of the national democrats, Jol. C. Breckenridge of the pro-slavery inter- ests, and John Bell of the Union. The Union party was composed principally o' those who had previously affiliated with the American or know-nothing party. Early in the campaign there were threats of secession and disunion in case of the election of Abraham Lincoln, but the people were so accustomed to Southern bravado that little heed was given to the bluster. On the 20th of December, 1860, South Carolina, by a convention of delegates, declared, ‘‘That the Union now existing between South Carolina and the other States of North America is dissolved, and that the State of South Carolina has re- sumed her position among the Nations of the earth, as a free, sovereign and inde- pendent State, with full power to levy war and conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which independent States may of right, do.” On the 24th, Gov. Pickens issued a proc- lamation declaring that “South Carolina: is, and has aright to be a free and inde- pendent State, and as such has a right to levy war, conclude peace, and do all acts whatever that rightfully appertain to a free and independent State.” On the 26th, Major Anderson evacuated Fort Moultrie and occupied Fort Sumter. Two days previously he wrote President Buchanan’s Secretary of War, John B. Floyd, as follows: “When I inform you that my garrison consists of only sixty effective men, and that we are in very indifferent works, the walls of which are only foutreen feet high; and that we have, within 160 yards of our walls, sand hills which command our works, and which afford admirable sites for batteries and the finest coverts for sharp-shooters; and that besides this there are numerous houses, some of them within pistol] shot, and you will at once see that, if attacked in force, headed by any one but a simpleton, there is scarcely a possi- ‘bility of our being able to hold out long enough for our friends to come to our suc_ cor.” His appeal for re-inforcements were seconded by Gen. Scott, but unheeded by President Buchanan, and entirely ignored by John B. Floyd, Secretary of War. On the 28th, South Carolina troops oc- cupied Fort Moultrie and Castle Pinck- ney, and hoisted the palmetto flag on the ramparts. On the 29th John B. Floyd re- signed his place in Buchanan’s cabinet, | = \———> Vv Lone BT I Od / 314 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. charging that the President, in refusing to remove Major Anderson from Charles- ton Harbor, designed to plunge the coun- try into civil war, and added: “I cannot consent to be the agent of such a calam- ity.” On the same day the South Caro- lina commissioners presented their official credentials at Washington, which, on the next day, were declined. On the second day of January, 1861, Georgia declared for secession, and Geor- gia troops took possession of the United States arsenal in Augusta, and Forts Pu- laski and Jackson. Gov. Ellis, of North Carolina, seized the forts at Beaufort and Wilmington and the arsenal at Fayetteville. On the even- ing of the 4th, the Alabama and Missis- sippi delegations in Congress telegraphed the conventions of their respective States to secede, telling them there was no pros- pect of asatisfactory adjustment. Onthe 7th, the conventions of Alabama, Missis- sippi and Tennessee met in secret con- clave. On the 9th, Secretary Thompson resigned his seat in the Cabinet on the ground that, contrary to promises, troops had been sent to Major Anderson. On the 9th, the Star of the West, carrying supplies and re-inforcements to Major Anderson, was fired into from Morris Island, and turned homeward, leaving Fort Sumter and its gallant little band, to the mercy of the rebels. On the same day, the ordinance of secession passed the Mississippi Convention. Florida adopted an ordinance of secession on the 10th, and Alabama on the 11th. The same day (the 11th) Thomas, Secretary of the Treasury, resigned, and the rebels seized the arsenal at Baton Rouge, and Forts Jackson and St. Philip, at the mouth of the Mississippi river, and Fort Pike at the entrance of Lake Pontchartrain. Pensacola navy yard and Fort Barrancas were surrendered to rebel troops by Col. Armstrong on the 13th. Lieut. Slemmer, who had withdrawn his com- mand from Fort McRae to Fort Pick- ens, defied Armstrong’s orders, and an- nounced his intention to “hold the fort” at all hazards. The Georgia Convention adopted an ordinance of secession on the 19th. On the 20th, Lieut. Slemmer was besieged by a thousand “allied troops” at Fort Pickens. Louisiana adopted an ordinance of secession on the 25th. On the Ist of February the rebels seized the United States Mint and custom house at New Orleans. The Peace Convention as- sembled at Washington on the 4th, but adjourned without doing anything to quiet the disturbed elements. On the 9th, a provisional constitution was adopted at Montgomery, Ala., it being the Con- stitution of the United States “re-con- structed” to suit their purpose. Jeffer- son Davis, of Mississippi, was chosen President, and Alexander H. Stevens, of Georgia, Vice-President of the “Confed- erate States of North America ” Jeff. Davis was inaugurated on the 18th, and on the 25th it was learned that General Twiggs, commanding the Department of Texas, had basely betrayed his trust, and that he had surrendered all the military posts, munitions and arms to the authoritics of Texas. Mr. Lincoln was inaugurated March 4, 1861, in front of the capitol, the inaugu- ration ceremonies being witnessed by a ‘vast concourse of people. Defore taking — ~v el ee ‘ x ke a a b-~ 4 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 315 the oath, Mr. Lincoln pronounced ina clear, ringing voice, his inaugural address, to hear which, there was an almost pain- ful solicitude, to read which the whole American people and the civilized world awaited with irrepressible anxiety. With that address, and the administration of the oath of office, the people were assured. Ali doubt, if any had previously existed, was removed. In the hands of Abraham Lincoln, the people’s President, and him- self of the people the government was safe. Traitors were still busy, plotting and planning. Troops were mustering in all the seceded States. On Friday, April 12, the surrender of Fort Sumter, with its garrison of sixty effective men, was de- manded and bravely refused by the gal- lant Major Anderson. Fire was at once opened on the helpless garrison by the rebel forces, numbered by thousands. Re- - sistance was useless, and at last the Na- tional colors wers hauled down, and by traitor hands were trailed in the dust. Ou Sunday morning, the 14th, the news of the surrender was received in all the principal cities of the Union. That was all, but that was enough. A day later, when the news was confirmed and spread through the country, the patriotic people of the North. were startled from their dreams of the future—from undertakings half completed—and made to realize that behind that mob there was a dark, deep, and well organized purpose to destroy the government, rend the Union in twain, and out of its ruins erect a slave oligarchy, wherein no one would dare question their right to hold in bondage the sons and daughters of men whose skins were black. Their dreams of the future—their plans for the establishment of an independent confederacy—were doomed from their in- ception to sad and bitter disappointment. Everywhere north of Mason and Dixon’s line, the voice of Providence was heard: ‘*Draw forth your million blades as one; Complete the battle now begun; God fights with ye, and overhead Floats the dear banner of your dead. They, and the glories of the past, The future, dawning dim and vast, And all the holiest hopes of man, Are beaming triumphant in your van.” ‘Slow to resolve, be swift to do! Teach ye the False, how fights the True! How buckled Perfidy shall feel, In her black heart the Patriot’s steel, How sure the bolt that Justice wings; How weak the arm a traitor brings; How mighty they who steadfast stand, For Freedom’s flag and Freedom’s land.” President Lincoln, on the 15th of April, issued the following proclamation : ‘‘WHEREAS, The laws of the United States have for some time past, and are now, opposed, and the exe- cution thereof obstructed, in the States of South Car- olina, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, by combinations too powerful to be sup- pressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceed- ings, or by the powers vested in the marshals; now therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitution and the laws, have thought to call forth, and hereby do call forth, the militia of the several States of the Union, to the number of 75,000, in order to suppress said combinations, and to cause the laws to be duly executed. The details for this subject will be immediately communicated to the State authorities through the War Department. I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate, and to aid this effort to maintain the honor, the integrity, and existence of our National Union, and the perpetuity of popular government, and to redress wrongs already long endured. I deem it proper to say that the first service assigned to the forces hereby called forth will probably be to re- pocsess the forts, places and property which have been seized from the Union; and in every event the utmost care will be observed, consistently with the objett aforesaid, to avoid any devastation, any de- struction of, or interference with property, or any dis- turbance of peaceful citizens in any part of the country; and I hereby command the persons com- or I) Le, os 316 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. posing the combinations aforesaid, to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes within twenty days from this date. Deeming that the present condition of public af- fairs presents an extraordinary occasion, I do hereby, in virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitu- tion, convene both Houses of Congress. The Sena- tors and Representatives are therefore summoned to assemble at their respective chambers at 12 o'clock, noon, on Thursday, the fourth day of July next, then and there to consider and determine such measures as in their wisdom the public safety and interest may seem to demand. In witness thereof, [have hereuntoset my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington, on the fifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the independ- ence of the United States the eighty-fifth. By the President, ABRAHAM LINCOLN. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.” The last word of this proclamation had scarcely been taken from the electric wire before the call was filled. Men and money were counted out by hundreds and thou- sands. The people who loved their whole country, could not give enough. Patriot- ism thrilled and vibrated and pulsated through every heart. The farm, the work- shop, the office, the pulpit, the bar, the bench, the college, the school house—every ealling offered its best men, their lives and fortunes, in defense of the Government’s honor and unity. Party lines were for a time ignored. Bitter words, spoken in moments of political heat, were forgotten and forgiven, and, joining hands in a com- mon cause, they repeated the oath of America’s soldier statesman: “By the Great Eternal, the Union must and shall be preserved!” Seventy-five thousand men were not enough to subdue the Rebellion. Nor were ten times that number. The war went on, and call followed call, until it seemed as if there were not men enough in all the free States to crush out the Re- bellion. But to every call for either men or money, there was a willing and ready response. The gauntlet thrown down by the traitors of the South was accepted; not, however, in the spirit which insolence meets insolence, but with a firm, deter- mined spirit of patriotism and love of country. The duty of the President was plain under the constitution and laws, and, above and beyond all, the people, from whom all political power is derived, demanded the suppression of the Rebel- lion, and stood ready to sustain the author- ity of their representative and executive officers, to the utmost extremity. While ail the country was springing to arms, Kossuth county, which was in- tensely loyal, did not stand back, but men ‘flocked to the standard of the republic from all parts of the county. Of course but few men represented this precinct in the front of lurid battle, for in 1860 the whole population of the county only num- bered 416, but her quota was ever kept full. In this connection is given first the actions of the various boards of county supervisors, in relation to the war and its prosecution, in regard to bounties and support of the families of the “brave boys in blue” who represented this people in the service of the United States. At a special session of the board of supervisors held in April, 1862, the follow- ing preamble and resolution was passed: Wuerras—The governor has asked for 5,000 volunteers, as a part of the quota of this State, under the late call of the President for 300,0C0 men, and oc = <—t. 4 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 317 Wuertrss—The whole compensation of- fered, by our governor, is less than labor is now worth in this county, therefore, Resolved, That to enable patriotic citi- zens to enlist without great pecuniary loss, the county of Kossuth will pay to each volunteer from this county, in addition to the pay and bounty offered by the State and general government, the sum of $10 bounty at the time of enlistment, and the further sum of $5 per month during the time such volunteer shall be in the service of the country, under such enlistment, which sum shall be paid monthly to such person as said volunteer may designate. In case of the death of such volunteer, said sum shall be so paid to his widow or minor children until the expiration of his term of enlistment, and the clerk is hereby ordered to issue to any bona fide resident of Kossuth county, who may so volunteer, warrants on the county fund of the amount; and at the times above des- ignated.” This resolution was shortly afterwards revoked and a substitute foy it passed by which the bounty was made $25, instead of $10, and the monthly compensation increased to $10. Jan. 5, 1863, the board also passed the following resolution : Wuereas—Kossuth county has furnished more than her full quota of volunteers un- der the different calls of the President of the United States, therefore, Resolved, That the resolution of the board of supervisors which was passed in July, 1862, in regard to bounties to vol- unteers, be so amended. hat no person who is mustered into the United States service after the date of the passage of this resolution shall be entitled to said bounty or monthly pay, or any part thereof. But as the war progressed and call suc- ceeded call, and men grew scarcer, or were loth to leave their homes and loved ones to mingle in the fatal fray, it became necessary for the board to take some steps to induce enlistments. On the 28th of December, 1863, therefore, they passed a series of resolutions, of which the fol- lowing is an abstract: The preamble goes on to recite the circumstances, and the resolution, says, that, “to induce per- sons to enlist to fill the quota of this county, under the recent call for 300,- 000 men, the county of Kossuth will pay a bounty of $500, and authorize the clerk to issue the necessary warrants, with the proviso that this was only to be paid to those who enlisted before the date of the proposed draft on the 5th of January, 1864. This provision was inserted that the men receiving the bounty would en- list in ample time, to be credited to the ‘county, and avert the impending draft. To meet these war debts, the board, at the same time, ordered the levy of a speciai tax to make a separate fund for the re- demption of the warrants issued to the volunteers. The first warrant issued to a volunteer under this resolution was for $500, drawn in favor of Henry M. Johns- ton, and bore the number twenty-three, and dateof Jan. 12, 1864. Nearly one year later, in August, 1864, it became again necessary to furnish more volunteers as food for powder. At an extra session of the board a resolu- tion was passed whereby it was, Resolved, “That the clerk of the board of supervisors yr aes i eee in| BF as =f | 318 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Sis be instructed to issue Kossuth county bonds SECOND CAVALRY REGIMENT. to the amount of $1,000, payable ten years COMPANY F. from date, with ten per cent. interest, pay- | Henry M. Patterson. Charles Moll. William B. Carey. Edward P. Crockett. able annually, to each volunteer who shall John K. Fill. Thomas T. Clarke, enlist to fill the present quota of Kossuth | po.ace Schenck. Jobin Headenan. county, on their presenting the proper | gimon Helpmen. A. M. Johnson. evidence that they have enlisted and been | J Calvin Heckart. Charles Kellogg. accepted.” Elias Kellogg. James Taylor. Levi Carey. John Reibhoff. This was afterward amended so that the | John Ehingher. David Holcombe. volunteers could by election have either Nothing is more difficult to do than to warrants or bonds. write the history of a cavalry regiment. Under the call of the President for | Separated in companies, on detailed ser- 300,000 more men, dated December, 1864, | Vice, scouting in knots and squads, sel- the board of supervisors resolved, that | dom, if ever, preserving its regimental each member thereof should act as agent | formation. A sketch of itasaunit would in his own township to procure men to | be an almost impossible task. Thesecond fill the quota necessary from that town- | was organized with W. L. Elliott, of the ship, on the best terms that they could | regular army, as colonel, and was mus- procure men for, not to exceed in amount | tered into the active service of the United $1,000 per man. These were, also, to re- | States at Davenport, the Ist of Septem- ceive pay in the bonds of the county, as | ber, 1861. Besides its endless duties as under the last call. This was passed at a | scouting parties, videttes and train-guards, session held Jan. 16, 1865. it participated in the siege of Corinth, battles of Booneville, Rienzi, Iuka, Cor- THIRTY-SECOND INFANTRY. inth, Coffeeville, Palo Alto, Birmingham, COMPANY 4. Jackson, Grenada, Colliersville, Moscow, sonn Heed. ST SeOCne ls, Pontotoc, Tupelo, Oldtown, Oxford and Abiather Hull. George W, Barnes. ‘ ; William Moore, Tohs Talbot. Nashville. After a severe and dangerous C. E. Orcutt. Rufus Sanderson. campaigning of over four years, it was Charles Gray. George Benschoter. mustered out at Selma, Ala., Sept. 19, oo psec geese 1865, and officers and men returned to ohn Stockham. omas Miller. ‘ William Thayer. O. B. Wilson. ESS NORTHERN BORDER BRIGADE. A full and complete history of this fa- COMPANY ‘A, mous regiment, their trials, marches and Captain, William H. Ingham, contests may be found in the history of ist Lieutenant, Edward H McKnight. Hancock county. It would be needless to ne Tieutenent, Jesse epvescales reiterate it here, and the readeris referred i. oe a ee i to the chapter on thissubject in its proper place in the annals of that county. Addison Fisher. Christian Hackman. August Zahlten. William Crook. ser ape eo - 7. £ HISTORY ee COUNTY. 819 Thomas J. Clarke. John Heggarty. Henry Patterson. John W Summers. James Young. J. G. Greene. Andrew J. Jones, -Thomas Robinson. Michael Smith. Jacob Altwegg. Quartermaster. Lieutenant Lewis H. Smith. The Northern Border Brigade was raised during the Indian troubles in Minnesota, in 1862, for the defense of the northern frontier. In August, Capt. William H. Ingham, of Algona, received notification and a commission from the adjutant-gen- eral of the State of Iowa, N. B. Baker, to enlist a company for service in this bri- gade. The men were to be only such as would be accepted by the United States inspecting officer, able-bodied and be- tween the ages of eighteen and forty-five. The pay of these State troops was to be exactly the same as that paid to regular volunteers in the service of the general government, with the exception of boun- ties, premiums, etc. Capt. Ingham imme- diately took steps to enlist the company, which was soon done. The various com- panies, on being raised, were forwarded to the frontier, the company in question, A, going to Estherville, Emmett county, where they threw up some fortifications.” The raising of these troops by the State produced complications with the United States authorities, and on the application of Gen. Sully for their withdrawal and disbandment, the following order was issued by the State war department: State oF Iowa, ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE, Davenport, Nov. 21, 1863. General Orders No. 127. I. Capt. William H. Ingham's company, organized for service of the State of Iowa on the northwestern frontier, under General Orders No. 121, will be discharged on the 1st day of January, 1864, or at an earlicr date upon being relieved by U.S. troops. Il. Capt. William H. Ingham will proceed on the Ist day of January, 1864, or at an earlier date, upon being advised of relief by U. 8. troops, to the posts where any details of said company are located and there muster out said detachment. If. Capt. William H. Ingham is hereby or- dered to turn over to Lieut. Lewis H.Smith, Quar- ter-master of Northern Border Brigade,all arms, equipments, ammunition, commissary stores, forage and all other public property, taking his proper receipt therefor, and reporting with same, in person, to this Department, to be mustered out. IV. Lieut. Lewis H. Smith will hold all such property subject to orders of this Department. By order of Commander-in-Chief, N. B. Baker, Adjt. Gen. and A. Q. M. Gen. of Iowa. In accordance with this, the company was mustered out and returned to their homes. TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRY. J.C. Cummins, company unknown. Richard Parrott, company unknown, COMPANY AND REGIMENT UNKNOWN. Levi Stone. John Long. D. N. Crosby. Lafayette Brinkley. John 8. Sixby. Martin V. B. Jones. Lieut.-Col. Spencer, for years past, the postmaster at Algona, had the most thrill- ing adventure in the way of an escape from rebel prison-pens, during the war. At the request of many prominent citi- zens the history of the trials endured and the perils ‘braved, written by Gen. John A. Kellogg, of Wisconsin, is here inserted. In the first place, it must be premised that Captain, afterward Col. Spencer, was captured infront of Richmond, and after having quite an experience of the of a a 320 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. rebel pens, was taken dt Charleston, 8. C. He in company with the others, made their escape, on the 5th of October, near Branchville, 8S. C., aiid reached the Union lines after twenty-one days of unparal- leled hardships. But let Gen. Kellogg tell the story: “Five months previous an officer had been captured, who succeeded in retain- ing possession of a very accurate topo- graphical map of Georgia and South Caro- lina. This map had been copied by Capt. John B. Vliet, one copy of which I had been fortunate enough to obtain. I was also in possession of a small compass, presented to me by Commodore Pender- -grast, when he was exchanged. I conversed with several of my companions, and found four beside myself, ready to take the chances with me in an attempt for liberty, by way of a trip across the States of South Carolina and Georgia, on the under- ground railroad. The party consisted of Capt. John Viiet, Capt. Henry Spencer, Lieut. (or Adjutant) Gough, of the 10th Wiscon- sin; Lieut. Hatcher, of the 30th Ohio, and myself. At last the morning of the 5th day of October, 1864—the last day of imprison- ment, so far as the above named were concerned—dawned upon us. There had been rumors for several days, that we were to be removed to another prison, but nothing definite could be gleaned from the rebel authorities. No notice was given until the very morming of our de- parture. In fact many of us thought that, like many rumors of exchange that had preceded it, it would end in nothing. But that morning just after roll call, we were officially ordered to hold our- selves in readiness to take the cars within one hour,.for Columbia. The rebels had taken the precaution to time the removal, so that we had but one day’s rations on hand, with the view of preventing us from attempting to escape, | for lack of food; but they did not, for all this, relax any in their efforts to retain us in their possession. A regiment (the 30th Georgia Infantry) was detailed to guard us, and we filed out of the yard, _our parole ended. Between the long lines of grey coated soldiers wearily watching our every move- ment, the long procession of prisoners marched once more through the streets of Charleston to the railroad depot. Our party managed to keep together and were assigned the same car, located near the center of the long train. The transpor- tation furnished was as usual, freight cars, and each car crowded to its utmost capacity. The side doors were thrown open to furnish air and we secured a place between the open doors. Four guards were, as usual, stationed on the inside, and from five to six others on the roof of each car, with orders to shoot any one of the prisoners attempting to leave the car without leave. The guards inside our car took their station at each corner of the open doors. At length, everything being in readi- ness, the whistle tooted, the wheels be- gan slowly to revolve, and we were soon formed; we were to wait patiently until night, and then selecting a time when the cars were running down grade, at their maxium rate of speed, jump from the io ~— if ales oe gee ae : ef a's HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY, 321 train. It was necessary that the cars should be moving rapidly, as the guards would have but little difficulty in riddling us with bullets, and the guards on each car, in succession as it passed, would have a chance for a shot at'us at unpleasantly short range, and for the same reason our chances would be betterin the dark. We could easily calculate that at the usual rate of running we could not reach Col- umbia until aftermidnight. Sothat these two very essential concomitants to success were not beyond the bounds of probability. The route selected was to make the near- est practicable point in the lines occu-. pied by Sherman’s command, between Atlanta and Chattanooga. A careful in- ventory of stock belonging to the party was taken. Shoes were moré essential than any other article of clothing. A man can travel without a hat or coat, he can dispense with under-garments; he may even travel sans culottes, but he must have his feet protected. Allin the party excepting Lieut. Hatcher were pro- vided with something in the shape of boots or shoes. Hatcher hada pair of boots, but they were nearly minus the soles, and it was evident that they would last but a few days. Capt. Vliet had a pair of long-legged army boots that I made up my mind would’ furnish leather enough to make a pair of moccasins for Hatcher, and still enough left to answer auseful purpose (if not ornamental) to their owner. ‘Our clothing was nothing to boast of. We each had a coat, shirt and pantaloons, and neither hat nor cap. There was but one blanket in the party, and a new linen sack or bag, we had a kettle that.I made out of an old paint keg | scan; but after a while they became in- while in the Roper Hospital. Spencer had about a quart of flour in addition to the one day’s rations furnished us at start- ing, and I had saved a small picce of salt pork. , We had two maps and a compass. One difficulty there was yet to overcome; there were four armed men to prevent our attempt to escape. We knew that at the first movement we would be fired upon, and if not hurt, the shot would give notice to the guards on top of the succeeding cars that something was wrong, and would result in attracting vastly more attention to ourselves personally than we were ambitious of attaining just at that time. We must either disarm them or render their muskets temporarily useless. This we accomplished. “Jamili- arity breeds contempt,” so reads the old proverb, and it proved so with our guards. At first they were on the alert every mo- ment; not a movement of the prisoners was made that they did not narrowly terested in our conversation and would laugh at our jokes. And while at first they were watchful, and perhaps. a little nervous at such close proximity to fifty or sixty Yanks, even if they were unarmed, this all passed away and we were convers- ing together like old acquaintances. And as it began to get dark, tired of standing so long on guard without being relieved, they set their muskets on the floor of the car and seated themselves at the corner of the open door, with their feet hanging on the outside, the bayonets of the mus- kets leaning against the top of the door- way. { "a|s— 329 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. A man was stationed near each senti- nel, and, getting in conversation with them, quietly raised the hammer of the lock from the tube with the thumb, while with the little finger the cap was worked off the nipple, all without attracting attention. Within twenty minutes after commencing operations every musket was uncapped. Meanwhile we had arrived at Orangeburg, and after short delay, the train again started. It was quite dark now, and we. were only waiting for the train to get under full headway. At length we reached a thick wood, and the train was moving through it at the rate of at least twenty miles an hour. The pine forests through which we were passing added to the darkness. The time had ar- rived. Quietly notifying my companions to be in readiness, grasping the bag before described, into which T had deposited the kettle and pork, I gave the signal and sprang from the car out in the darkness. It is very difficult to describe one’s sen- sations in jumping from a rapidly moving to a stationary object. It is as one would imagine it would be, jumping from a sta- tionary object upon a large and very rapidly revolving wheel. You do not fall but the earth comes up and hits you, and then, unless you hold fast to something, you roll off. I struck first upon my feet, and then upon the back of my neck, and then, as it seemed to me,I rolled over several times. In fact, before I had fairly settled in one position, the train had passed me. Some idea may be gained of the rapidity with which the train was moving, from the fact that five of us jumped, one after the other, as rapidly as possible, and yet from where I landed to where the last struck the earth, it was at least twenty rods. Fortunately the ground was smooth, though very hard, where we landed; and although terribly jarred and shaken up, none of us were seriously injured, and in a few moments were stand- ing together on the track. We knew that an alarm would be given, and probably we would be pursued. While we were talking, a musket was discharged from the train, and we heard the whistle sounded for ‘“‘down brakes.” We at once plunged into the forest in the direction of the coast, exactly the opposite of our true direction, and traveled perhaps a mile and then doubling our track, crossed the rail- road within a quarter of a mile of where we left it, and taking a northwesterly course,commenced our pilgrimage towards Sherman and liberty. Our object in ap- parently wasting precious time in making a false start, was to puzzle the pursuers, whom we knew would be on our track in the morning. We had hardly left the railroad when, in the thick brush ahead of us, we heard men’s voices, and the barking of dogs! Hist! lie down! Which way are they heading? Straight for us! Shall we run? No, that will not do; we will: be heard and followed. Crouching upon the ground in a thicket, scarcely breathing, we waited their approach. Soon they were near enough to understand their conversation. “‘Wonder what dat shot for?” said a voice. “Do’no, reckon it war a geard on dat train.” “Hey Cesar, you rascal! whatde matter now, old boy? Dat dog smelt somethin!” “Coon, I reckon.” | Con \e 7 ots, +I HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 823 * “Dat no coon. See de way he growl and show him teef!” “Heyar, Cesar! ’em up, boy! 80?” By this time, we could distinguish two forms through the darkness, and could see the dog smelling around upon our track. It was a ticklish moment. It was evi- dent that the men were negroes; probably out hunting for coon or opossum. If they discovered us, they might betray us. So we thought then, the only thing we could do was to keep still and wait the de- nouement. “Wonder what dat is?” said one; “don’t act like coon. Reckon we better let dat alone.” “Reckon so, too. Come heyear Cesar!” and whistling off the dog, they passed on, greatly to our relief. Come, Cesar, hunt What ye got dar, scars ye As soon as they were fairly out of hear- ing, we started on through the woods, taking a northwesterly direction, stopping occasionally to consult the compass and reassure ourselves as to direction. Through the brush, over fallen trees, now in quag- mire, now on ridges, among the stolid pines, we toiled on. At length we found a road running in the direction of our march, and striking into it with acceler- ated pace that amounted almost to a double-quick, with hearts cheered by our successful escape from the train, and with high hopes of final success, on and on we traveled. No words were spoken above the breath, and they only such as were actually necessary, from the leader to guide those in therear. The leader, with body half bent, listening intently to every sound, and straining his powers of vision to their utmost capacity, and as any un- usual noise attracted his attention, by a low “hist!” halting those following, while he went forward, carefully to reconnoiter the ground, and then at the word, again forward; like specters, we flitted over that lonely road. So eager were we that day- light found us somewhat unprepared. We were in a cultivated country; corn fields on both sides of us, a house in plain sight; on our left, in a field, was a thicket, with a corn field on one side running quite up to the thicket. Jeaving the road, we struck across the field and gained the thicket, fortunately, without being dis- covered, except by a house dog, that barked furiously at us until out of sight, and then with a growl, sought his kennel again. Selecting the densest part of the thicket, we spread our coats upon the ground, and after consulting our compass and map and guessing at our location, and finding that we had traveled, as nearly as we could judge, about twenty-five miles, drew our blanket over us and were soon sound asleep —with the exception of one who was de- tailed to stand guard. Our sleep was of short duration, how- ever, for as the sun came up, the horns, from all sides of. us, calling the negroes to their labors, the crowing of the cocks, and all the customary sounds on a south- ern plantation, in such close proximity, warned us that we might be accidentally discovered at any time, and rendered us sufficiently anxious as to preclude the pos- sibility of sleep, until we had become ac- customed somewhat to our peril, and the nervousness, so to speak, had in a meas- ure passed away. It was only the knowl- edge that we must sleep to be able to keep = Ee PE ig fe wD Osis 824 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. awake when the friendly darkness should again shield us from sight, that induced us to even try to secure this much needed means to recuperate our exhausted physi- cal powers. Thus watching and dozing, by turns, the long day at length came to an end. As soon as it was dark, we were fortunate enough to find some corn and beans, not yet quite hard. This we secured, and building a small fire, and shielding it from observation by surrounding it with ascreen made of our coats and blanket, boiled the food in the kettle and ate heart- ily of the nutricious succotash. Thus in- vigorated, we again started on our journey toward our lines. Passing through the corn field, we'reached the road again; our hearts were light and our courage redoub- led. It was evident that we were not pursued; if we had been, we would have been everhauled during the day, and we intended to put a good thirty miles more between ourselves and our starting-point before morning. ‘We had been on the road about an hour when ahead of us, apparently in the road, a light was discovered. 330 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. north. They are called peas, by the So taking our course by the sun, we wile natives, but there is nothing about them, either in growth or appearance, that re- sembles a pea, and they don’t taste like a bean; but, be they what they may, they are nutritious, if not palatable. Build- ing a fire ina hollow, and then making a screen of our blankets and coats, to pre- vent the light from being seen, we pro- ceeded to cook our corn and beans. We soon discovered, however, that while it was an easy matter to cook the beans in this way, hard corn has a perverse dis- position to remain hard corn, however much you may boil it, and while our sup- per served a very useful purpose, it was nothing to boast of in point of palata- bleness. In fact it was what would be deemed by people generally, a very poor supper, and made our jaws ache in the effort to masticate it. We lost at least three hours in finding, cooking and eating our supper; so that daylight found us only about eighteen or twenty miles from our shoe shop of the day before. We knew that the people had been notified of our escape, and that in all probability there were parties even then, searching for us. We knew also that they had not as yet been ablé to get upon our trail. Every consideration of prudence would demand that we should remain con- cealed in the day-time, and we fully in- tended to do so, but as the long day slowly dragged to a close, we became im- patient and concluded to risk a start be- fore dark, traveling outside of any road, and thus make up for lost time. We were anxious also to find a negro, if pos- sible, and procure something to eat, more palatable than boiled corn. left the road and plunged into the woods. After traveling perhaps four or five miles in this way, we were somewhat astonished at hearing voices not far from us, and hastily concealed ourselves in a thicket. What was our astonishment to see two white men pass us not more than a rod from our place of concealment. After ‘they had passed on, we discovered that we had been traveling nearly on a par- allel line with a well traveled road, and probably had not been out of sight of it for a mile back, judging from the direc- tion of the road as far back as we could see, and comparing the direction with the one we had been traveling. Here was a Had they discovered us, and gone on, making no sign, with a view of getting arms and returning for us, or had we been fortunate enough to escape ob- servation? i It was evident that in case they had discovered us, our only safety lay in im- mediate flight. So taking an entirely new direction, we came to an open cul- tivated country. Beyond a field in our front we could see a wood; we determined to risk crossing the field, and then change our course again. Skulking behind thick- ets, we at length succeeded in reaching the friendly shelter of the woods once more, but not without being seen. At the corner of the field, near the woods, was a cross-roads, and near by, a church. We could see neither roads nor church until reaching the ferry, and then it was too late to return. The first inti- mation that we had’ of the existence of either, we were in full view of the church, situated to the left of our line of march, dilemma. oq 1+, = oe : HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 331 and notwithstanding that by out reckon- ing it was not the Sabbath, it was filled with people, and some kind of religious services were being held. It was only a few rods, and we would be out of sight, but we were not fortu: nate enough to escape observation. We could see two or three finger ends pointed at us, and it was evident that we attracted much more attention than we were at all ambitious of receiving just at that time. As soon as we were out of sight, our carelesg measured walk suddenly changed toa brisk run. Leaving the road we had for a little distance traveled on while in sight of the church, we struck into the woods again, and as good fortune would have it, we happened to discover a negro cutting brush, and immediately told him who we were and our dilemma. “You git in de brush ober dar,” said he. “Dere is a big meetin’ goin’ on, an’ lots ob white folks on de roads. Mighty dan- gerous runnin’ ’way to-day. “But suppose they come after us, now, won’t they find us?” we asked. “Golly, marss, I reckon I ken fool dem if dey do, if dey don’t go for de dogs an’ dey ain’t no nigger dogs less dan eight miles, an’ its most night now. Reckon you uns is hungry, ain’t ye? Looks as do yo didn’t have nuffin to eat for a wee— S-a-h Mars! git in dat brush quick! deres white folks comin !” The warning came not a moment too soon. In the road, not more than a dozen rods from us, we could see persons mov- ing. Throwing ourselves upon the ground, we crawled into a thicket and waited the dezouement. The negro caught his ax and com- menced cutting brush industriously. Soon gathering an armful of it, he started for his caWin, situated on the road in sight of our retreat in the thicket, and he so timed his rate of speed as to reach his cabin about the time the parties on the road passed it. . We could see them in conversation, and soon after we saw them pass on and the negro go into his hut. By this time it was nearly dark. Imagine, if you can, our suspense dur- ing the time we were waiting for our sa- ble friend’s return. Would he be true to the interests of three unknown men, simply upon the statement that they were Yankees? Would not the education of a life time of slavery teach him to side with the strong against the weak, as a matter of policy, knowing that, for him to deliver up to the whites three Yankee officers who had escaped from prison, would give him a local notoriety for fidelity to his master and his master’s in- terests, that would make him the hero of the neighborhood, among the white men at least, and probably insure him a re- ward that to him would be riches? or, would he be faithful to his race and peo- ple, by succoring their recognized friends, for it is a fact that none of that race were so ignorant that they did not know that the result of the war was to be to them either freedom or perpetual slavery. The action taken by the black man was to us a question not of capture, nor of im- prisonment, but of life, for we had fully intended that we would not be recaptured again. If necessary we would die, but be recaptured while we had life or reason A or ——» qv 339 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. never! But little was said by either of us, but our thoughts were mirrored in our faces. About an hour after dark we heard foot-steps stealthily approaching our hid- ing place. Oh, how anxiously we listened! Was there more than one footstep? Yes, there are two of them—we can hear them | talking together—what shall we do? Run now, while we have a chance, or wait and fight? If they are after us they will be. armed of course. Now, they are coming again! We can hear them breathe! “Say, Joe, I tell ye dey was de patroles jest follerin’ ye, boy; dey wan’t no Yan- kees, deys jes tryin’ to see wot you’d do if dey was Yankees, and dey’ll gib you de debbil!” “I know better’n dat. Didn’t I talk wid ’em, and didn’t dey talk Yankee? Sides two of dem had on blue coats. Tell ye I know dey was Yankees, and I’se goin’ to find ’em an’ gib ’em somethin’ to eat.” Our fears were gone; our unjust sus- picion removed. We would have been ashamed to have had that faithful fellow know how unjustly we had dealt by him in our thoughts. We left our lair and joined them at once. A hearty clasp of the hand, and fervent thanks from all of usin turn, soon convinced them that we were indeed Yankees. A generous loaf of corn-bread and some sweet potatoes, nicely baked in quantities to suit the demand, soon filled our émpty stomachs—and it was wonderful how much brighter our prospects immediately became. Say what we may, there isa very close affinity between one’s stomach and state of mind we call courage. Poorly fed and over-worked troops will not and cannot fight with the courage of fresh troops with well filled stomachs. Our prospects, that a few moments be- fore locked so dark, were now rose colored. It was not altogether that we had satis- fied the cravings of hunger, and thereby invigorated our physical powers, that re- newed our courage to endure the hard- ships before us; we now had evidence of the fidelity of the negroes to.us as the representatives of the great element of freedom, then in combat with slavery. It was evident to us that we could trust the negroes as a class—not because of any sympathy they had for us personally, but because they appreciated the vital neces- sity of their race in the struggle. The difficulties of the long and dangerous road before us seemed vastly lessened, and to a great extent shorn of their terrors. Zhe majority of the inhabitants along our route were JSriends; ignorant, it is true; prisoners at large, so to speak, but nevertheless our friends, who would shield us so far as lay in their power; would feed and shelter us from our enemies; and to the best of their abili- ty, would aid us on our journey. These faithful fellows also told us how our first friend had managed to mislead the persons our unfortunate exposure at the church had put on our track. He managed to meet them on the road, with his load of brush, and upon their inqguir- ing if he had seen any strangers pass along, replied that he had, and that they had crossed the field and gone off in a di- rection opposite to our place of conceal- \ ; ‘ee Dn. ak a gaa, 2 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 333 ment. They, believing his statement, had followed the direction indicated by him. We were warned, however, that they would probably get the dogs and put them on our track, and as the reader can easily imagine, this did not serve to make us feel any the more secure. We determined to make our greatest éfforts in the way of traveling that night; so, securing the rem- nant of our supper, and an old coverlet furnished by our friends, we again start- ed on. As ill luck would have it, early in the evening we were unfortunate enough to again incur the risk of capture, by rea- son of—as it seemed to us—extraordinary religious excitement among the inhabi- tants. We were traveling along the road, using, as we thought, all due care, when suddenly we came upon a private house, situated near the road, where there was another gathering for religious services. The door was open, and several gathered around it on the outside. We passed along the road, without attracting any particular notice, as we thought then, but taken in connection with our appearance at church the day before, it might serve to put the hounds on our track. We pushed on, however, with accelerated speed and beating hearts. We made a good night’s march—traveling at least: twenty-five miles, as near as we could judge. At daylight we again sought the cover of a thicket, and throwing ourselves upon the ground, were soon soundly sleeping. It would seem, that after our experience of the day before, we would have been sat- isfied to have remained quiet during that day; and so probably we would, had it not been that about noon we heard the bay- ing of hounds! Were they after us? We listened. ‘They were certainly inthe direction of our trail! What should we do? Remain and test the question as to whether the dogs were after us or other game, or should we again risk traveling by daylight? and if after us, give the dogs a long race, even if we should be captured in the end? We decided on the latter course; so, taking our direction from the compass, we started on through the forest —running where the ground would admit of it; and again plunging through the most inaccessible thickets, to delay horse- men if they should attempt to follow us. About four o’clock in the afternoon we came into an open, cultivated country. Herve, great caution was necessary. We were beside a fence—on one side a corns field, in front and on the other side, an open, uncultivated space. Skulking so as to keep our heads below the top of the fence, we started. W e-had nearly reached the end of the field, when on our right, in the corn-field, in a hollow that bad concealed them from our sight, were about twenty negroes of both sexes, two white men and one white woman, engaged in husking corn. They saw us about the same time we did them. There was but one way to do; so straight- ening ourselves up, we walked by them, trying to look as unconcerned as possible. We passed the field, and on into the woods beyond; then, at the first opportu- nity, we halted, and one of our number skulked back to see what effect our sud- den appearance had upon the natives in the corn-field. It took but a.moment to satisfy ourselves on that score. They had. oe wit oF =. ee 334 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. | scattered like a covey of quails at the ap- proach of the hunter—all running, some in one and some in another direction. It was evident that the country would be aroused, and we would have the hunters on our trail, if they were not following us before. Now then for it boys! We must gain all on them we can. A short run brought us to a stream of water, and into it we plunged, without a moment’s hesitation. Turning our heads down stream, we floun- dered along; now over huge boulders, then into holes up to our chins, now through shallow rapids and again through the deep still water. We were profiting bythe South Carolina “manehunter” in the swamps. The stream was rapid most of the way, and would carry our scent down with its turbulent waters. We must stick to the stream as long as we could. Stop! What is this? A bayou putting into the stream, and overhung with willows on its banks. Here was our refuge. Wading out into the bayou and behind the willows, we were safe from observation, at least. We had left no track since reaching the stream, and unless the hounds were saga- cious enough to catch our scent from either the air or water, they would be baffled. At all events, it was our only safety. Hark! did you hear it? Listen! Yes here they come! Away up the creek, at regular intervals,the baying of the hounds could be distinctly heard. Now then for it! Will they be able to discover our re- treat? Listen! do you hear them? No, they have ceased their infernal howl. Now comes along pause, and then the notes of a horn; soon a noise along our side of the creek was heard! ‘The hunt- ers areupon us! The bayou is reached and crossed—on and on, down the creek, out of sight and hearing! Thank God, thank God, we are safe! Hark! not too fast! they are coming back! Nearer and nearer the hounds of the hunt came, on the other side of the creek, and going up again. They have passed us, and again the sounds of the chase die out, and are heard no longer. — Shivering with cold, we remained in the water until night, and then, exhausted as we were with cold and hunger and ex- citement, traveled during the entire night, making at least twenty-five miles. Just before daylight it commenced to rain, not a drizzling mist, but a regular down pouring rain—as though it had a days work to perform, and meant to get most of it done before noon. A rain that not only wet to the skin, but gave you a good sound pelting beside. The reader will recollect that it was in October, and even in South Carolina the weather was not as warm as it might be, and the nights especially, were cold and unpleasant. It was no pleasing prospect—that of crawl- ing into a thicket and lying down in the pelting rain, with neither shelter nor fire. But disagreeable as it was, we hailed the rain with rapture. We remembered the lesson of our man-hunter of the swamps. “The rain gits us; dogs can’t keep the scent after a smart rain.” We knew that beyond a reasonable doubt, that the hunt- ers would be able to get on our track in the morning, and without this merciful rain—sent, as it seemed, by kind Provi- yo a 4 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 335 dence—we should probably be overtaken before night. Shivering with cold and nearly exhaust- ed by fatigue and want of food, we ‘crawled into a thicket, some twenty rods or less from the highway upon which we had been traveling, and throwing our- selves upon the ground, drew our one blanket, and the old coverlet obtained from our black friend over us,and sought, by lying close to each other, to retain enough of the natural heat of our bodies, to prevent perishing with cold. Oh, how we did suffer! It required all the force of will of which we were possessed to prevent us from stirring around. It was only by keeping before our minds, ‘con- stantly, the fact that if we attempted to travel, or even stir around among the wet bushes, it would be a very easy matter for the hounds to get our scent again. So with aching bones and chattering teeth, we lay therein the rain and waited. The sun was up, but his rays could not penetrate that dense rain clond. Oh, what a blessing would have been even a few moments enriched by his cheering beams! If we had only dared, we had the material with which to build a fire and relieve our suffering; but to build a fire would only advertise our exact local- ity for miles. Thus the tedious hours slowly passed. About noon we were rewarded for our self-denial by seeing two horsemen and five hounds pass along the road. Their business—it required no stretch of the imagination to determine. The men were armed with carbines, and were evi- dently searching for somebody, and we were strongly of the opinion that we knew who it was. : In the afternoon the sun came out once more, and throwing off our wet blankets, we sunned ourselves in his cheering beams. But still we did not dare to move around much. Our own | safety eonsisted in keeping down the scent. If we started on now through the wet bushes, we could be easily followed, for after our impromptu bath of the day before and our thorough drenching sub- sequently from the rain, it would not re- quire a very sagacious dog to smell us at a quarter of a mile. We were nearer the road than we thought really safe, but we were afraid that if we attempted to put more distance between us and the road, we would run more risk of creating a scent that could be caught by the dogs than by remaining where we were. : About 5 o’clock in the afternoon we ‘saw the same men and dogs returning. As they were about opposite to us, one of the dogs, evidently the leader, stopped and threw up his head, snuffed the air for a moment as though there was game near; but the men fortunately did not notice him. After snuffing around for a short time, he dropped his head and followed the other two brutes on horseback—on, and out of sight. Hurrah! we are saved! skill or foresight of our own, but by the merciful interposition of Divine Provi- dence, in sending the rain, and thus de- priving our enemies of their only means of tracing us. We had now been without food about twenty-four hours, were cramped and our Not by any « Y Te —_—. ae 356 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. joints stiffened by cold and exposure to the rain; yet we hailed the friendly dark- ness that closed around us, shielding us from observation, with feelings of grati- tude to the Great Giver of all Good. We could endure hunger and fatigue vastly better than we could our enforced inaction. At the earliest practicable moment, therefore, we were again on the road. Our greatest need, just then, was food. We were becoming weak, and we knew that unless we could get relief soon, our strength would entirely fail. We knew also that it would not do for us to attempt to visit the negro quarters to procure supplies—that the country was surrounded, and that we were un- doubtedly watched for. The negro quar- ters would, of course, be placed under surveilance. We therefore concluded to depend upon our own resources, or rather upon our ability to forage upon the resources of the enemy, to supply our pressing need. It was late, however, nearly, ur quite 12 o’clock at night before we reached the plantations. Immediately on discerning one, reconnoisance was made and the location of the dwelling house and negro quarters ascertained. Avoiding these, we commenced a search for food. Sweet potatoes are usually abundant on the southern plantations at this season of the year, but we were not able to find any. We found plenty of corn, however, but hard as flint. We also found a quantity of black peas or beans,before described; and this wasall we could accomplish in the way of providing a supper. Skirting the plantation we finally reached again the highway be- yond it, and a consultation was had and all the pros and cons of the situation were discussed. After due deliberation it was decided that it would not be safe to build a fire— the light would betray us. We must do the best we could with the raw material. So dividing it between us, we munched the hard, dry corn as we walked. We were now near the Savannah river, about two miles south of Abbeville, in the parish of Abbeville, S. C. Since our adventure at the church, detailed in a former chapter, we had been obliged to devote all our energies to saving ourselves from a recapture, and had necessarily made many divergencics from our line of march, so that while we had traveled a long distance we had gained but little so far as reaching Sherman’s lines was con- cerned. But now we again took up our regular line of march, as there was but one obstacle in our way that caused us much uneasiness. The Savannah river, a deep and rapid stream, was to be crossed, and but two of the party could swim— Spencer and myself. Hatcher must be got over the river in some way, but how? We had studied on this difficulty for sev- eral days, and had concluded that if we could do no better, to make a raft and float him across, proyided we could find the materials with which to construct one. We did not dare to take a boat, because if we left it on the opposite shore from which we took it, the enemy would cer- tainly get on our track. If we turned it adrift after crossing, the missing boat would serve the same purpose, and after our success in getting rid of the hounds in one case, we were determined not to as + ae a—+| HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 337 have them again on our track if we could avoid it. Slowly the long night passed away. I say slowly, for we were becoming wretch- edly tired and faint. Long exposure and excitement was. beginning to tell upon us. It was only by the exercise of will that we were enabled to move at all. Under or- dinary circumstances neither of us would have believed himself capable of marching an hour. Daylight at length admonished us that we must seek shelter again for an- other twelve hours. It so happened that on this morning daylight overtook us in an open, cultivated. part of the country, and the best we could do was to crawl into a thicket in the midst of an open field, where we lay all day, dozing and munch- ing corn alternately. At length darkness again closed around us, and exhausted, footsore and almost disheartened, we again started on our tedious journey. A road not very well traveled, evidently not a turnpike or public highway, running in the direction we desired to travel, be- ing discovered, we concluded to follow it. This road, unfortunately, as .we then thought, led us to a plantation, and di- rectly through the negro quarters. It was early in the evening. The house was sit- uated but a short distance from the quar- ters. It seemed a fearful risk to run, to attempt to pass at so short a distance from the house, and through the quarters so early in the evening. If we had not been so nearly exhausted, we certainly should not have attempted it, but to make a de- tour would involve extra travel, through the forest and woods, and we were justin that state of mind that rather than incur any extra travel and the bruises and scratches to our already blistered feet and lacerated limbs, we would rather take the extra risk, so we boldly pushed on. It was Sunday evening. The cabins of the negroes were all, with one exception, closed, and no one stirring. In passing the last cabin I discovered, through the only open door of the row, an old negro apparently alone, sitting before the fire. I instantly determined to apply to him for help, and whispered to my comrades my thought. They hid in an angle of a fence while I boldly entered the cabin, closed the door and barred it. * * * * By this time our provisions were again exhausted. We were casting aboutin our minds as to where and how they were to be procured, when beside the road, not more than a dozen rods ahead of us, we saw a bright fire. We determined to re- connoiter the ground carefully, and if we found negroes in charge of it, to make ourselves known, and if possible to pro- cure provisions. So using the greatest care to prevent being seen, we approached near enough to see that a negro, appar- ently alone, was engaged in boiling some- thing in a large iron kettle suspended over the fire. We at once advanced and engaged him in conversation. We told him who we were, and made known our wants. He called his wife, who immediately set about baking a corn pone for us. We found that he was stealing from his hours of rest, after his-daily toil, to make for himself a little sorghum molasses—the material for which had been furnished by his master, upon condition that he should make it after working hours. The corn or = es 338 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. pone and molasses, whicli he liberally fur- nished to us, was taken from his meagre allowance, and no doubt at the expense of actual hunger to himself and his wife. Nothing but the direst necessity would have induced us to accept food from him under such circumstances.. As it was, we took just sufficient to allay the cravings of hunger, and were about to leave him, but mistrusting that we refrained for fear of impoverishing him, he stopped us. “Kat all you want, massa’s,”: he said, “de Lord will provide moe for dis chile. Dar is plenty of it; don’t ye be afeard; ’taint as good as it might be, but de Lord bress ye, dar’s plenty of it.” The generous fellows importunitics so far overcame our scru- ples that we accepted from him, in addi- tion to what we had already eaten, a good sized corn cake and about half a pint of sorghum molasses. With thankful hearts we bade our friends good-bye, and again started on. By daylight we had reached the Etowa river. This is a much smaller stream than the Chattahoochee, and quite shallow. It now being daylight, we again found a thicket, and throwing ourselves upon the ground, were soon soundly sleeping. At the approach of darkness, we plunged into the river and crossed it without dif- ficulty or danger; but, shortly after cross- ing the stream, the road we were travel- ing led us into a small village. I have been unable to find any record of it on any map—a place where three roads diverged. There was one building, evidently used as a store; there were two or three dwelling houses, and a blacksmith shop. The trouble was for us to select one of the three roads. Near the center of the vil- lage was a guide-post; upon it were nailed three guide-boards. The village appeared to be buried in slumber. One or two curs welcomed us with noisy barking; otherwise we were unable to discover any signs of life. It seemed dangerous for us to travel through a village, and yet it was most important that we should be able to select the correct road. We had determined to make Calhoun the point at which to strike Sherman’s lines. After consultation, it was determined to risk an examination of L the guide-board. So, boldly marching up to it, I mounted Spencer’s shoulders, and being elevated by him to the proper height, I struck a match and read the dif- ferent directions, from which we learned that one of the roads lead to Dalorgia, distant twenty miles, one to Cassville, forty miles, and the other to Jasper, ten miles. The road leading to Jasper was selected. This place, we learned from the map, was the county seat of Pickens county, only forty miles from Calhoun. We deter- mined to make one-half the distance that night, so as to be able to reach our lines the following night. Unfortunately, about midnight, Hatcher became sick and faint. We had partaken of but one scanty meal of corn cake within the past twenty-four hours. Our long journey, and the hardships threugh which we had passed, were beginning te tell upon us. Hatcher and Spencer were older prisoners than myself. ‘Uhey had suffered imprisonment at Libby prior to being confined at Macon, and there were very few of those old Libby prisoners who retained sufficient physical stamina A ye —_— HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 339 to endure the hardships incident to such a trip. Spencer, however, was and is a man of iron constitution, and his indomi- table will kept him up. Hatcher, a noble, high-minded young man, had evidently concealed from us how nearly exhausted he was, until unable to conceal it longer. Spencer, who, unknown to us, had pre- served a little flour, perhaps half a pint for an emergency, now concluded that the time for using ithad arrived. So halting, we kindled a fire, and, in the iron kettle before mentioned, we made gruel out of the flour. A generous proportion was dealt out to Hatcher, and tke balance divided between Spencer and myself. Revived by the nourishment and a couple of hours’ rest, Hatcher announced himself so far recovered as to be able to travel again, and we pushed on. But we had lost a greater part of the night by our delay at the village and the subse- quent sickness of Hatcher, so that day- light found us only about twelve miles nearer Calhoun than when we set out the | evening before. So anxious were we to push ahead far enough so as to be able to reach our lines by the following morning, that we decided to risk a few hours’ travel by daylight, as the country through which we were then passing was heavily tim- bered, and there were but few signs of travel upon the road. Using more than ordinary caution, we pushed on. We had ascended a steep hill and just commenced the descent, when, not a rod from us, standing partially concealed by a large tree, stood a man armed with a long rifle. There was no‘chance to escape. True, we might plunge into the brush and fly, but it would be with a certainty of being followed. Men, under such exciting cir- cumstances, think quickly. It so hap- pened that I wasin advance. Without hesitating an instant, I walked up to him and asked what he was doing there. To our astonishment his reply developed a fact that we should not have mistrusted from his complexion or general appear- ance. He was a slave. “I's been down to Massa Gorman’s plantation, and old massa let me take de gun along.” “Are you a—” I hesitated. The man was rather dark complexioned, to be sure, but not more so than hundreds I have seen that would feel insulted if thought to have a drop of negro blood in their veins. “Where do you live?” I blurted out at last. “De plantation is "bout a mile from heah; just ober dar by de claim.” “Who do you belong to?” TI finally mustered up courage to ask. “I belong to Massa Jackson,” he re- plied. During this conversation he was trying to make up his mind who we were and wondering what our business was. Becoming convinced at last that his statement with regard to himself was true, I told him who we were, and asked him to assist us in procuring food. He listened attentively to all we said, was perfectly respectful, yet his manner showed that he did not believe a word we had told him. Noticing this, we com- menced talking over our adventures be- tween ourselves, paying no attention to him, but all was in vain; the man be- lieved that we were lying to him. el : a al ¢ 4 al 340 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. We were nonptussed. It was absolutely necessary to our safety that this man should be our friend, and we were thor- oughly convinced that all that was re- quired to accomplish this desirable result, was to secure his confidence to the extent of believing that we were really Yankee soldiers. At length Spencer drew aletter from kis pocket, written by his father and received by flag of truce just before leav- ing Charleston, and, addressing himself to the slave, said: ‘I see you do not believe our statements; can you read?” “No dis chile has no larnin.” “Well, this letter [ received from my father who lives in the north ; I will read it to you.” He at once rapidly read the contents, which was of family affairs, condoling with him upon his imprisonment, among other things. The man listened to this attentively, thought it over for a moment or two, looked us over again carefully, and finally said: , “Well, marsa, I believe now you is what you said you is. You could’nt make dat up as fast as dat; and if you is Union men, (looking again at us sharply, to ‘notice the effect of his words ) “If you is Yankees, you’ns is all right. ’Dar isa camp of home guards right close by.” 1 could feel cold chills run up my back, and that peculiar feeling of the scalp, as if the hair was raising. “Flome guards!” I exclaimed. “Can’t we avoid them? We have suffered too much, and are too near our lines to be captured, now, we would rather die. Can’t you help us? “Why, Lor’ bress you, massa, ye don’t want to void dem; dey is Union men, dey will help you.” “You don’t pretend that there is an organization of Union men here in Geor- gia?” “Yes sah; de strongest kind of Union men. Dey is fightin’ eb’ry day. Tell ye, marsa, ‘you is all right.’ ” ‘The tables were now turned on us with a vengeance. It was as hard for the slave to make us believe his statement as it had been for us to convince him that we were Yankees. After an hour’s conversation, and after questioning and cross-questioning him, we at length became convinced that he was telling the truth. It was finally agreed that- he should accompany us to the house of a Union man, which he in- formed us was located on the road, only about a quarter of a mile distant. One of the party was to take the gun, and one a club. We were to walk side by side, and at the first intimation that he had de- ceived us, we were to kill him. In this order we arrived ata log house, situated a few rods fromthe road. The contraband knocked at the door. It was opened by a woman who seemed anything but self-possessed. Our friend inquired for the man of the house. The woman replied that her husband was not at home, in a voice trembling with excitement and fear. The contraband saw at once her state of mind; he told her that she need not be afraid, that we were Union men and were going into the camp, and asked her to provide us with a breakfast, and told her to send for her busband. This, after some hesitation, she vonclud- ed to do, and dispatched her little son upon the errand. In the meanwhile she prepared us a good breakfast which we 4 ‘HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. ate, 341 dispatched with a relish seldom excelled. We waited a few minutes after breakfast for the return of the husband; but no husband appeared. Atlength the woman finally told us that it was extremely doubt- ful about her husband’s returning while we were there. We then thought it very strange that our appearance should have caused him to desert his house because of our entering it, the woman having frankly admitted that he ran from the back door when we entered the front, but we were toomuch excited at the novelty of our own position to be very much surprised at anything. She also informed us that if we were Union men the best thing that we could do would be to go to the camp of the Home Guards. This advice we acted upon at once, and taking our con- traband friend as a guide, started for the camp. We had proceeded but a few rods from the house, when we discovered, in the road ahead of us, a mounted picket, dressed in Confederate gray. To describe our feelings at the sight is simply impossible. My first. impulse was to turn and fly. I grasped my club with fierce energy, with the mental vow that if that negro had betrayed us into the hands of our enemies, to send him to his long home, if my life should be the forfeit. Not a word was spoken until the sentinel challenged : “Who goes there ?” “Friends.” “Advance, friends, and give the coun- tersign.” Spencer replied : “We have no countersign,” I replied. “Who-are you?” My voice trembled as I replied: ‘“EKs- caped Union prisoners.” “All right; come in.” “Wait a moment; are you a Union man?” “J just am that ; I belong to the Home Guards.” “Well, who are the Home Guards ?” “Union men, belonging around here. Come along, and we will take care of you?” “All right,” we replied, and under his guidance we moved forward. We soon reached the camp, or rather rendezvous of thecommand. We found perhaps a dozen men, all armed, in and around a small but comfortable log house.” They were all safe now and here we will take leave of them. Col. Spencer was honorably discharged from the serv- ice at the close of the war, after gallant service, and refusing a position in the regular army, which was tendered him, returned, like Cincinnatus, to private life. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES OF WAR TIMES, The following reminiscence of the War of the Rebellion is related by D. H. Hutch- ins, late lieutenant of company E, 27th Iowa Volunteer Infantry. The lieutenant is at present one of the most prominent citizens of Algona, where he is engaged in the banking business. “Our division was camped near Jefferson barracks, St. Louis,waiting orders, in Sep- tember, 1864, at the time of Price’s last raid; when, on the 25th of the month, the division was ordered down the Iron Moun- tain railroad toward Pilot Knob, to watch the movements of the enemy, as it was probable that Price was moving his forces —- toward St. Louis as his objective point. | cr sy oe “4 a; 342 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Gen. A. J. Smith, with most of the divis- ion, halted at a town named De Soto, while the 14th and 27th regiments, Iowa troops, went on to Mineral Point, at which place we went into camp. ‘The next morning, quite early, a countryman came into camp. The officer in command was notified by some of the citizens that he had the reputation of being a bad man, and a guerrilla, He was at once placed under guard to prevent him from carry- ing information to the enemy, as it was believed that he was a spy. He was guarded that day and the next night. On the morning of the 27th he requested per- mission of the sergeant of the guard to go to the house or a citizen and get some breakfast, to which Sergeant Treat con- sented. Taking an armed private as guard, the three went forty or fifty rods to the house, where the prisoner got what he wanted to eat. On the return to the guard-house the three were going along together, when suddenly the prisoner grasped the gun from the guard, cocked and snapped it at the sergeant, but not ‘being loaded, the prisoner was disap- pointed in not killing him. He then threw off his coat and hat and ran for the timber, which was close by, but was stopped by the pickets and brought back to camp, where the command remained until evening, when we were ordered to fall back to protect a high bridge over the Merrimac river. As soon as the train halted the troops were ordered to get off on the right of the train, which consisted of box and platform cars. The prisoners, of whom there were several, were on a platform car under guard. Company K occupied a box car, next in front of that was occupied by my company, E, most of whom were on the top of the car, as was company K behind us. As soon as the order to get off was given, it was a per- fect bedlam; those on the box cars had to descend by the ladder attached to it, and could not get down with their accou- trements, so there were many shouting at ‘the same time, “hand down my gun, my cartridge box,” and some one thing and some another; so there was much noise and confusion. Sergeant Penny, of com- pany K, and myself sat opposite, he on the front lett hand corner, and I on the left rear corner of the car in front, which brought us close together, and there be- ing such a crowd and so much confusion in getting off on the right, he suggested that we get off on the left side, which we did, he being in advance, both going down on the same ladder. As soon as we reached the ground he started to the rear, some ten feet in advance of me, when I heard the cry, “catch him, catch him,” which caused me to hurry up to where I saw two men, one apparently on the back of the other trying to hold him. As it was dark I could not tell who the men were, but concluded one was Penny, and that he was trying to hold the other from behind. I threw down a sword in its scab- bard, and thought to hold the one trying to get away by seizing hold of his coat collar, believing I could hold him until help would come, as the men were so near, but I found he wore nocoat. I then felt for his hair for a hold of him, and I found that as short as though just: out of prison. I then stepped in front, and as I did so, Penny, as it was he, let go and stepped back, and the other man straight- v — 1 ai HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 343 ened up. As he did so I threw my arms around his, reaching clear around him and pulled him on to me. As I struck the ground, he being upon me, I felt a hurt near my right shoulder blade. I could feel a motion and a pricking as though my man was trying to get something into me. I ivsmediately shouted, “Help! help!” and squeezed him with all my might, and still I could feel that motion of his hand and the pricking. I shouted again, “Help! help!” I could not discover any attempt to get away from me, or any motion even, except that continued motion and _ prick- ing at my back as though he was trying, as it afterward proved, to get some in- strument into me so as to disable me thinking that he could then get away. T once more shouted, “Help! help!” feel- ing that my safety and perhaps my life depended on my holding him so he could not use his arms. His weight and my own pressing on his hand, he could do nothing unless he could get his arms loose. ‘I began to feel somewhat exhausted by the effort to hold him tightly, and it seemed, as I lay there with him alone on that side of the train, in a dark cut five or six feet deep, as though it was a very long time from the first shout to the last. Very soon after the third calling for help, Jake Shannon, of company G, came from the front where I had got off the car, and immediately belabored my man over the head, and, I think, broke his gun at the small of the stock at the first blow. He then took out his bayonet and pounded him on the head until he seemed to wilt, as it were. His head dropped by the side of mine, and thinking him used up, I re- laxed my hold and he slid off and got up and walked back toward the rear of the train, appearing to stagger as he walked. When he had got about fifteen feet a mau of company H jumped off the platform car on which the prisoner had been, and was going up the side of the cut, when the prisoner turned out of his way and struck him in the side; and as he turned to defend himself the prisoner struck him a second time, cutting out the right eye. He then crawled under the train, and found himself right in the crowd on the opposite side, who took a jack-knife from him, tied his arms behind him, doubled his guard and placed him on a platform car, which ended the picnic for the night. But the sequel must be told to make out the story. It seems the prisoner never re- covered his coat or hat when he attempted to get away in the morning, and as it was quite cold, Sergeant Treat had taken off his own overcoat and let the prisoner have it to wear, although this same prisoner had attempted to take his life in the morning. The sergeant had also divided his rations with him, and the prisoner was just done eating. As he got up from a sitting posture he turned to the sergeant and said, “Here, take your coat.” “No, no,” said Treat, “you keep it, you need it more than I.” “T?ll not have it,” said the prisoner, and at the same time threw it on to the sergeant, and at the same time struck him with a jack-knife that had, been loaned him to eat with, cutting one of the large arteries in the neck, killing him almost instantly. Then he jumped from the car, was caught by Penny, whom he struck in the neck with the knife, cut- ting a fearful wound between the jugular vein and wind-pipe, cutting from just be- ae | 8 “| — 352 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. the farming community to the raising and growing of stock, and mixed farming, until to-day Kossuth county can’ hold up her head among the banner stock counties The county of Kossuth lies in the north- ern portion of the State of Iowa, nearly the center of the State on the Minnesota line. It is bounded on the east by Win- nebago and Hancock counties, on the south by Humboldt, and on the west by Palo Alto and Emmett counties. Itis the larg- est county in the State, embracing twen- ty-eight congressional townships. The territory comprised is townships 94, 95, 96, 97, 98,99 and 100 north, of ranges 27, 26, 29 and 30, west of the fifth principal me- ridian. Thus it is forty-one miles across from north to south line, the northern ownships lacking about a section in width, and twenty-four miles from east to west. This vast expanse of territory is divided into the following civil townships: Al- land, Sherman, Luverne, Prairie, Wesley, Lott’s Creek, Fenton, Burt and Ramsey. The surface of Kossuth county isa most beautiful and rolling prairie. It is gener- ally level with the graceful undulations common to the northwestern States. gona, Irvington, Cresco, Green wood, Port- ; of the State. The rich, luscious, native grasses that cover her prairies afford rich food for the numerous herds of cattle, owned by her citizens. Gide a JP OL Be ad Lbs TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY AND AGRICULTURE. rolling tendency is increased to such an extent as to be almost termed hilly. Very few places can be found, however, in the county, where the breaks are abrupt enough to debar the use of the land for agricultural pursuits. This whole region of the valley of the Upper Des Moines, has long borne the reputation of being the finest stock raising locality in the State. Commonly spoken of as the Upper Des Moines, this upland vale, has no peer in the State as a grazing ground, and it isno misnomer to call it the “garden spot of northern Iowa.” As to the soil and geo- logical formation of this region, an allu- vial deposit, averaging some four or more feet deep, resting upon the vast beds of drift that underly all this upper plateau, and that in this locality is said to reach almost to incalculable depths. The soil being of rich, black, adhesive loam, the deposit of countless ages of decomposed vegetable matter, the fertility 1s almost inexhaustible. A slight trace of sand in the earth makes this portion of the State very desirable, as it makes the soil more the vicinity of the streams, where the porous and a plow will scour in it readily. This, of course, is somewhat different in “W— “ye “Trey ¥ HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 358 No stratified rock is found within the county,but sufficient stone for foundations and work of that description is readily procured by digging through the soil into the drift beneath, which is found full of the granite and porphyritic boulders, which when dressed make the most dur- able building material. The county is well watered, and in all parts of it excellent well water, can be ob- tained in abundance at various depths, ranging from fifteen to thirty feet. Sev- eral streams intersect the county. The East Fork of the DesMoines, the principal stream, rises just across the line in Em- mett county, and enters this county on the west side of Greenwood township, and traversing that township and those of Burt, Portland and Algona, serving as a boundary line between Irvington and Sherman and Cresco, makes its exit at the center of the south line of Kossuth county. This stream, whose pure, limpid waters flow between high, almost bluffy banks, furnishes sufficient power to propel a con- siderable amount of machinery, and which does not fail. The Blue Earth river rises in the north- ern part of township 98 north, of range 27 west, and flowing in easy current north, passes out of the county into Minnesota at about the center line of township 100 north, range 28 west. Many smaller af- fluents of the DesMoines, also stretch out through the county, and no township in the southern part but what is well watered with their life-giving streams. Along the banks of the principal of these rivers and creeks, timber is seen in considerable quantities, the principal growth being burr oak, white maple, sugar maple, bass and 4— cottonwood. Artificial groves and hedges are being raised and cultivated in various parts of the county to a considerable ex- tent, also. These various belts and knots of trees break the monotony of the prairie, and, while adding beauty to the landscape, serve as a screen from the high winds and supply the settler with fuel. As to the products of the county, corn and oats are the great staples varying rel- atively from year to year. Corn, how- ever, being generally in the ascendency, this being pre-eminently a stock raising country. Barley, hay and potatoes rank next as important productions. The cut- ting and baling of the wild native grass, in the form of hay, is a large and impor- tant industry of Kossuth county, hay presses being located in every town, vil- -lage and hamlet within its limit. This business has grown in a few years to an almost incredible extent and thousands of tons of this product of the Iowa prairie are shipped east to feed the cattle of that locality. As mentioned above, the prin- cipal business of the agricultural portion of the community is stock and the pro- ducts arising therefrom. Iowa took the first premium for butter at the centennial exhibition, and Kossuth county butter brings as much, and sometimes more, in the New York markets than the butter of New York State creameries, and the farm- er ‘gets the same price at his own door for his cream on these $10 lands as he does on the $100 lands further east. For the dairy business the wild lands which are selling from $6 to $12 are in fact worth $25 to-day. In 1882 the | two creameries in Algona sent out daily, forty-one double teams twenty miles in 3 4 ed stock that Kossuth can. 354 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. every direction to the farmer’s doors to gather cream, and in the month of June they. made 4,200 pounds of butter per day. No county in the State, with possi- bly one exception, produces a larger quan- tity of first-class butter, than does Kos- suth. The vast ranges of wild lands cov- ered with natural ,“bluejoint,” similar to that of Kentucky, and which rich and well-flavored, conduces to a large yield of high grade butter. Timothy and clover also grow luxuriantly with very little care. It is a matter, also, uf historical fact, that the county has never been troubled with a drouth. In such a locality, of course the raising of all kinds of stock could not help but be a success, and there are few counties in the northern part of Iowa that can boast of so large an amount of blood- On the whole this county ranks high among its sister counties of the great State of Iowa, and as all of its resources have not been de- veloped, its promise is indeed flattering. KOSSUTH COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. As long ago as 1857, a society under the above name was organized in this ‘county. No record exists of it in its earlier years, but in the first issues of the Pioneer Press in 1861, there is a call for a business meeting for the purpose of elect- ing officers and other business. This is signed by Ambrose A. Call, secretary of the association. At this meeting, held upon the 3d day of June, 1861, the first of which any record can be found, Kinsey Carlon, vice-president, was in the chair. The election resulted in the choice of the following officers for the ensuing year: D. W. Sample, of Irvington, president; L. T. Martin, of Cresco, vice-president ;- Ambrose A. Call, of Algona, secretary; Lewis H. Smith, treasurer. The board of managers was elected at the same time and consisted of: Asa C. Call, Dr. Mason, Horace Schenck, M. C. Lathrop and J. E. Stacy. The fair, which was the fourth annual one, was held in Algona on the 18th day of September, 1861. The pre- mium list was a long one and complete in its way. Among them was aprize forthe best tilled farm in the county, which was awarded to W. B. Carey. The ladies, of course, were not forgotten ; Mesdames T. D. Stacy, W. H. Ingham, H. Schenck, | Charles Gray and John Heckart, carry off prizes for culinary excellence, and Mes- dames FH. ¥. Watson, J. E. Stacy, G. W. Blottenberger and H. Schenck, in the de- partment of needle work. Miss N. H. Rice, Mrs. J. E. Stacy, Mrs. C. Taylor, Mrs. H. F. Watson and Mrs. L. Rist, each were awarded premiums for excellence in ornamental work. These are but a tithe of the list, but space forbids a fuller mention. Most of these premiums were paid in cash. Fairs were held for several years, when the matter was allowed to drop and the society ceased to exist. In 1872, how- ever, a new association was formed, and the following were elected to fill official positions: D. H. Hutchins, president ; George W. Mann, vice-president; F. M. Taylor, secretary ; J. E. Stacy, treasurer. The first annual fair held under the auspices of this organization, took place on the 3d and 4th of October, 1872. Owing somewhat to the apathy of those who should have been the most interested this first fair was not a complete success, but with the succeeding years, all have = ey aims HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Jaa 355 awakened to the fact of the great benefit conferred upon all classes of the commu- nity by these annual exhibits of the pro- duce of farm, garden and home, and more interest is taken in the‘matter. The pres- ent officers of the association are as fol- lows: C. Rickard, president; 8S. Reed, vice- president; J. R. Davis, secretary ; H. P. Hatch, treasurer; D. A. Haggard, marshal. Directors—William Ward, C. N. Oli- ver, William Ormiston, G. W. Mann, N. W. Monroe, William Peck, R. J. Hunt, N. Collar, L. Witham and F. M. Taylor. The Kossuth County Dairymen and Stock-growers Association was organized on the 16th of February, 1878, by about fifty of the most prominent farmers in the county. The object of the society, is for the mutual advantage and advance- ment of the interests of those engaged in stock-raising and dairying. The first officers elected at the date of organiza- tion, were the following: J. B. Jones, of Cresco, president; George Boyle, of Lott’s Creek; C. C. Chubb, of Cresco ; William Ward, Wesley; W. B. Carey, Portland; L. M. Bush, Fenton; G. W. Mann, Irvington; John Wallace, Algona; R. I. Brayton, Greenwood, vice-presi- dents; A. M. Horton, secretary; Pitt Cravath, corresponding secretary; D. H. Hutchins, treasurer. The present officers of this association are: William Ward, president; C. C. Chubb, secretary; D. S. Ford, treasurer; C. B. Hutchins, of Algona township ; Z. C. Andruss, Irvington; C. L. Harris, Wesley ; N. Collar, Ramsey ; D. Rice, Portland ; R. I. Brayton, Greenwood; P. M Barslan, Burt; J. R. Davis, Fenton; A. Hinton, Lott’s Creek, and J. B. Jones, of Cresco, vice-presidents. CHAPTER 21 Y-, NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY REPRESENTATION. In all countries the men who hold the public offices are to be looked upon as merely the representatives of the masses; this truism applies equally to the despotic monarchies of the old world as well as to free America, for when they cease to truly represent the people they cease to exist. In our day and land, where the office-holder is merely the servant of the will of the people, who will dispute the right, the term, representative, to such as figure in an official capacity. As a people we must give him the respect, in his official relations, that we owe to the will of the people, for he stands there the liv- ing embodiment of their will. While in this connection it has been attempted to give some slight pen pictures of the many parties who have represented Kossuth county in official positions, many of them = = a of 356 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. fall short of doing full justice to the sub- jects, but owing to numerous causes, in- accessibility of material being chief, it was unavoidable, and the fault should not be laid at the door of the compiler. CONGRESSIONAL. When Kossuth county was first organ- ized it was placed in the then 2d district and was first represented in the halls of the Congress of the United States by Timothy Davis, of Clayton county, who was elected in 1857 and filled his place throughout the sessions of the 35th Con- gress. He was succeeded by William Vande- ver, who was elected at the general elec- tion of 1858, and served during the years 1859-60-61-62, and gave infinite satisfac- tion to a numerous constituency. In 1862 Asahel W. Hubbard was elected as representative from the newly formed 6th district, and of which Kossuth county formed a part. Mr. Hubbard was a resident of Sioux City. He was a na- tive of Connecticut, born in 1817. In 1836 he first came west and located in the State of Indiana, and in 1857 he came to Towa and made a final settlement at Sioux City. Mr. Hubbard was succeeded by Charles Pomeroy, of Fort Dodge, who was elected in 1868, as a member of the 41st Congress, serving one term. Jackson Orr, of Boonesboro, succeeded Mr. Pomeroy in 1871, and served in the 42d Congress as the representative from the 6th district. When, in 1870, the State was re-districted, Kossuth county became a part of the 9th district and was again represented by Mr. Orr, who was re-elected and served his second term in the 43d Congress, as the representative of the new district. Addison Olliver was elected to fill the position of representative in the 44th ‘Congress from the 9th district and was re-elected in 1876 as his own successor to that office, serving until the beginning of 1879. C. C. Carpenter was elected in 1878 and again re-elected in 1880 to fulfill the duties of congressman from the 9th dis- trict of Iowa, and ably did he represent the people who put their faith in him. The present member of the House of Representatives of the United States. from the 9th Iowa district is A. J. Holmes, of Boonesboro, Boone county, who was elected in 1882. An able, fluent speaker and logical debater, he bids fair to take a foremost part in the counsels of the Nation. GENERAL ASSEMBLY. When this county was first organized it was placed in the 48th assembly dis- trict and was represented by Edwin R. Gillett. The senatorial district was rep- resented by G. A. Kellogg. The latter was elected in 1856 and held the place for three years. Mr. Gillett was a farmer from Chickasaw county. On the 11th of January, 1858, the 7th General Assembly met at Des Moines and adjourned on the 22d of March following. G. A. Kellogg was still in the Senate, but this locality was represented by C. C. Carpenter, the senatorial district being known as number 32. ° The 8th General Assembly on its meet- ing in January, 1860, found this district represented in the Senate by Luther L. Pease, and in the Lower House by J. E. IT tate nee SLAs ~~ + HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 357 Blackford, one of this county’s most prominent early settlers. The constant growth of this part of the State making a new districting of the State necessary, Kossuth county, with Dickinson, Sac, Buena Vista, Emmett, Clay and Palo Alto made the 61st legislative district. The 9th General Assembly met at Des Moines, Jan. 13, 1862, and adjourned April 5, the same year. It also was convened in extra session from Sept. 3 to Sept. 11, 1862. Luther L. Pease still represented this, the 32d district, in the Senate, and Harvey N. Brockway, the 56th legislative district in the Lower House. A sketch of Mr. Brockway ap- pears in the history of Hancock county, of which he is a resident, and may be found in this volume. G. W. Bassett in the Senate and E. McKnight were the representatives of this county in the 10th General Assembly, that met at the State capital Jan. 11, 1864, and adjourned March 29. On the 8th of January, 1866, the 11th General Assembly met at DesMoines, and G. W .Bassett was still in the Senate. In the Lower House, this, the 58th district, was ably represented by Lemuel Dwelle, of Northwood, Worth county. Mr. Dwelle was one of the founders of that town and is to-day. one of the sterling men of the community. His able management of the affairs entrusted to him encouraged his friends to ask him to take a higher place in the counsels of the State, as will be seen further along. The 12th General Assembly, which con- vened in January, 1868, found Theodore Hawley representing the 46th district in the Senate and ©. W. Tenny, the 67th in the Chamber of Representatives. The month of January, 1870, witnessed the assembling at DesMoines, of the 13th General Assembly, and J. H. Todd repre- sented this district in the Lower House The number of the district had by this time crept upfuntilit was 66. Mr. Hawley was still in the Senate. In the 14th General Assembly, in 1872, the 46th senatorial district, of which Kos- suth county is a part, was represented by E. A. Howland, and the 67th representa- tive district by Robert Struthers. This Legislature convened at DesMoines, in January, of the year above mentioned. The 15th General Assembly met in Jan- uary, 1874, at the State capital, and Mr. Howland occupied the place in the sena- torial chamber. In the Lower House, this, the 69th representative district, was represented by David Secor, of Forest City, one of the ablest men in the district. A sketch of Mr. Secor will be found on referring to the proper place in the his- tory of Winnebago connty, in this volume. In January, 1876, the 16th General As- sembly of the State of Iowa met at Des Moines, and Kossuth county was repre- sented in the Senate by Lemuel Dwelle, of Northwood, Worth county, who was the choice of the 46th senatorial district. Mr. Dwelle, as has been mentioned, is one of nature’s noblemen. Solid in intellect, upright, and of excellent judg- ment, he made a model legislator. In the Lower Chamber this district was rep- resented by Henry H Bush,of Garner, Han- cock county. A sketch of this gentlemen may be seen on reference to the annals of that county. ai A | ee ee Se a eee nee ee ee ee Ree AS OC ar rrr a = a2 358 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. The 17th General Assembly, which met in January, 1878, contained among its august body of senators, Lemuel Dwelle, whose term of office had not expired. In the House, L. H. Smith was the member who represented this, the 76th district. In the Senate of the 18th General As- sembly, which met in January, 1880, E. J. Hartshorn, represented the 49th sena- torial district of which Kossuth county is a part. A.D. Bicknell represented this, the 76th assembly district, in the Lower House. The 19th General Assembly convened at the capitol in January, 1882, and Kos- suth county was served in the Senate still by E. J. Hartshorn. J.J. Wilson, one of Algona’s most in- fluential citizens, filled the position of representative in the Lower House, and did it with credit to himself and honor to his constituency. John J. Wilson was born in Onondago Co., N. Y., May 5, 1828. His father, Andrew Wilson, was a native of Penn- sylvana, and for many years was a prom- inent salt manufacturer in Syracuse, N. Y. His mother, Sophia (Lee) Wilson, wasa native of Connecticut. They reared eight children, of whom John was the youngest. In 1831 Mr. Wilson went with his parents to Erie Co., Penn., where they resided until 1837, when they removed to La Porte, Ind. In 1843 Mr. ‘Wilson removed to Walworth Co., Wis., where he was engaged in farming un- til 1859, when he engaged in the grain and stock business. In 1865 he went west, being engaged in freighting through the territories until the close of 1869. In the spring of 1870 he came to Algona, en- gaging in the lumber business. Since that time he has gradually increased his business, until now he carries on the largest business, carried on by any one man in Algona. He combines the coal, lumber, milling and elevator business. He has a grain and lumber house in Whittemore and is interested in the lum- ber business at Emmetsburg, Iowa. Mr. Wilson was married Jan. 16, 1856, to Clara M. Bovee, a native of New York. They have two children—Lenette E and Harry J. Mr. Wilson was mayor of Al- gona for three terms and was a member of that city’s first board of aldermen. He was a member of the Legislature from Kossuth county for the sessions of 1878-9 and 1882-3. In 1883-4 this district was represented in the Lower House by Hon. C. C. Chubb, one of the most highly respected citizens of this county. C. C. Chubb, one of the enterprising business men of Kossuth county, was born Oct. 2,1840,in Waukesha Co., Wis. His par- ents, Newman and Cynthia (Fars) Chubb, were natives of Vermont. They emigra- ted to Waukesha county at a very early day, being among its earliest settlers. They took land, opened up, and improved a farm. In 1844 Mrs. Chubb died. Mr. Chubb then married Betsey Russell. In 1867, be died in Waukesha county. C. C. Chubb was reared and educated in Wisconsin, In April, 1861, he enlisted in company KE, 3d Wisconsin Infantry, and participated in the battles of Winchester, South Moun- tain and Antietam, where he was wound- ed in the little finger of his left hand. He was also with Gen. Hooker at Chancellors- ville, Gettysburg and Lookout Mountain. oq ——s fe HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 359 In the winter of 1863 the regiment was stationed between Murfreesboro and Nash- ville during which time Mr. Chubb was detailed in recruiting service. In the spring of 1864 he joined his regiment at Big Shanty, from there was sent to Ma- rietta, where July 4, 1864, he received his discharge for expiration of three years’ service. Soon after, he re-enlisted in the 2d New York Heavy Artillery, serving till ‘the close of the war. He then came to Kossuth county, purchasing land on sections 14 and 15, township 95, range 29, and engaged in farming and stock-raising. Jan. 1, 1869, he married Hattie Taylor. They bad two children—Coleman T. and Charlie. Mr. Chubb is an ardent sup- porter of the republican party. In 1872 he was elected county supervisor, and in 1883 was sent to the Legislature from his district. Ile is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Algona, and also a member of Prudence Chapter, No. 75. COUNTY JUDGE. This most important office was created by an act of the 8d General Assembly, in 1851, and was at the time the most impor- tant part of the county government, in fact, was ex-officio, the government. The first county judge was Asa C. Call, who was elected in-1855, after a hard con- test, the gist of which was the ascendancy of Irvington or Algona, and the right of each to be considered the seat of county government. The Irvington faction put up Corydon C. Craw, and by working what politicians call a “still hunt,” nearly succeeded in capturing the county seat. However, like a clap of thunder in a clear sky, the matter came before the Algona people, and when they had recovered from their first astonishment, they went to work with a will. Many of the partizans of Algona were out of the county, on business, or engaged in hunting, but mounted couriers scoured the country in search of them, and they were nearly all brought back in time to deposit their bal- lots. After a hard and bitter fight the Algona faction succeeded in electing their ticket by a small majority and secured the county seat for theirtown, and Asa C. Call was raised to the dignity of county judge. This was in August, 1855. The judge held the office for two years only, having a large private business to look after, which claimed his whole attention. Judge Asa C. Call was born Sept. 26, 1825, in Lake Oo., Ohio, and was edu cated at Oberlin in that State. His father died when he was yet a child and his mother returned, with the family, to west- ern New York. In 1840 he went to South | Bend, Ind., and in 1850, drove a herd of cattle across the plains to California, where he spent four years, being appointed Indian commissioner, to treat with some tribes of Indians, in what is now Wash- ington and Idaho territories. While on the Pacific coast, he was a correspondent of the National Era, and many of his let- ters were copied in the New York TZribune and other eastern papers. In 1854 he mar- ried Sarah Heckart, and settled in Iowa City, which was then the capital of the State, but he regarded this location as temporary as he had decided to select some eligible site fora new town. After exploring the Upper Mississippi, where every available site wasalready occupied, and the western shores of Lake Superior, where he found good harbors but no land, $ ’ 9 7 =O. ae 360 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. — he decided to forego navigable waters and look inland, and in July of that year, he selected the site of Algona, which was then forty miles from the nearest house, though the massacre by Mr. Lott had just occurred, and the Indians were extremely hostile. At the next session of the Gen- eral Assembly, he secured the passage of an act locating the county seat of Kossuth county. In 1857 he, with others, organ- ized the McGregor Railroad Company, which he ultimately brought through the county. He was also identified with the Northwestern road, of which he secured a branch. His history, since he located at Algona, is the history of the county, as he has ‘been identified with every enter- prise looking to the interests of northern Iowa. He has a large family, three sons and four daughters—Asa Frank is a law- yer at Algona; Joseph Harry, a member of Gov. Sherman’s staff, is a lawyer at Des Moines; George C., dealer in real es- tate at Algona, The daughters are—Mary E., Sarah Stella, Nina Vesta and ZadaC. Lewis H. Smith was the second who held this office, being elected to that dig- nity by a vote of ninety-five, in a total of 105 cast, in August, 1857, and also served in this capacity, for two years. Lewis H. Smith, cashier of the Kossuth County Bank, and one of the pioneers of the county, was born March 21, 1835, in Middlesex Co., Mass. He was reared in his native State, receiving a liberal educa- tion. His first work after leaving home was clerking in Boston. In 1852 he went to Illinois, where he was employed as civil engineer on the Chicago & Rock Island railroad, between Chicago and Rock Island. In the spring of 1854 he was employed on the same road, between Davenport and Grinnell. On the 4th day of July, 1854, he came to Kossuth Co., Towa, and has ever since taken an active part in the interests of the county. The first summer he was employed by the government in surveying, and in 1855 was elected first county surveyor of Kos- suth county. In 1857 he was made county judge. In 1860 he was appointed deputy county treasurer, at the same time reading law, he was admitted to the bar, being the first attorney admitted in the county, and the first to hang out his shingle. He bought and brought the first sewing- machine into the county, also the first piano, and was the first to use carbon oil. In 1860 and 1861 he was en- rolling clerk in the Legislature. In 1862, being commissioned quartermas- ter of the northern brigade, he took a lively interest in raising and equip- ping the companies for that campaign. In 1865 he crossed the plains to Mon- tana as engineer in charge on the Saw- yers wagon road. In 1866 he started in mercantile business in Algona as the firm of Smith Brothers, continuing so with his brother and brother-in-law, T. C. Rist, until 1870, when he engaged in banking with W. H. Ingham. They were suc- ceeded, in 1873, by the Kossuth County Bank, of which he is still cashier. Mr. Smith was married in 1857; his wife died in 1866, repected by all who knew her, leaving four children—Mary A., Nellie E., Fannie S. and Edward L. He afterwards married Mrs. Eugenia Rist, widow of Francis C. Rist, who had three children by her former marriage. They have three children—Mabel F., Ruby E. and Hor- ; aor MEE ee a a ee ae Pee = HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. tense M. Mr. Smith is now trustee of the State insane hospital at Independence, was elected in 1878 and re-elected in 1882. For over a quarter of a century he has been identified with this county, and no man has done more than he to build up Algona and the’surrounding country. In 1859 J. E. Stacy was honored by his fellow-citizens with this office, and at the time was filling an unexpired term as clerk of the courts, which position he resigned to qualify for the more important office. On the Ist of January, 1860, he entered upon the duties of his office and held it for one year, when he gave it up for the more lucrative one of treasurer and re- corder. Jerome E. Stacy was born Oct. 14, 1829, in Allegheny Co., N. Y., where he was reared and educated. In 1853 he removed to Rock Co., Wis., where he was engaged in the insurance business and school teact.- ing about two years. In 1856 he came tu Algona and took a pre-emption near that place, which he improved with other lands, since which his time has been divided between farming and various other occupations. In 1864 he engaged in the real estate business. In 1868-9 he built the first flouring mill in the county. In 1874 he established the Algona Nurs- ery. There are few men in Kossuth county who have been more closely iden- tified with the interests of the county than Mr. Stacy. He has held the office of county clerk and county judge, and for eight years was treasurer of the county. He was twice mayor of Algona, and a member of her city council several terms. Mr. Stacy married Harriet E. Taylor, a native of Vermont. They have six living children—N. Marion, Kate Doake, Ellen Winifred, James C., Willie S. and Lute A. T. George Warren, their first son, died in 1864, at two years of age. In 1860 D. S. McComb was elevated to the position of county judge, and held it for two years. Mr. McComb was one of the settlers of 1856, and was a Presby- terian clergyman. Shortly after the ex- piration of bis term of office he moved to Palo Alto county, where he at present resides. The Rev., Chauncey Taylor, one of Kos- suth county’s purest and best men, was elected to fill this office in 1862, and held it for aterm of one year. Luther Rist was the next incumbent of this important office, and was elected in 1863, and re-elected in 1865. In March, 1866, however, he resigned the office and retired to the shades of private life. Luther Rist, anative of Worcester Co., Mass.,was born in 1808. He married Betsy Sibley, by whom he had seven children. In the spring of 1856 he came to Kossuth county, where he engaged in farming. He was elected county judge and highly re- spected in the community where he lived. After Mr. Rist’s resignation the board of supervisors appointed L. H. Smith to fill the vacancy. He was elected to fill the office by .the people in the fall of 1866, and re-elected in 1867. With him ended the system of county courts, the duties of the county judge devolving upon the vir- cuit court and other offices; principal among which was the one of which the county judge was made ex-officio, the first incumbent. COUNTY AUDITOR. Lewis H. Smith would therefore have been the first to hold this office, but on its <]o a tne £ Ope, ae at ! 4 362 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. creation in 1869, he resigned and A. E. Wheelock was elected to fill the vacancy. Mr. Wheelock at this time held the office of clerk of the courts, but was allowed to hold both offices for several terms. He was re-elected auditor in 187], and held the office for four years. He is at pres- ent a resident of Algona, the county seat of Kossuth, where he is engaged in real estate transactions. H. S. Vaughn was elected in the fall of 1873, as the successor of Mr. Wheelock, and served in that capacity for a term of two years. In the fall of 1875, at the general elec- tion, Victor H. Stough was elected auditor, and was re-elected in 18717, serving in all four years. The present anditor, R. W. McGetchie, was elected to the office first in 1879, and was re-elected in 1881. TREASURER AND RECORDER. At the date of the organization of this county, these two offices were united in one, and so continued for several years. J. W. Moore was the first incumbent of the dual office, being elected at the time of the first election in the county, in 1855. He held the position until the 1st of Janu- ary, 1858, when he stepped aside for a successor. H. F. Watson was the next to be elect- ed to this office, or offices, qualifying and entering upon the duties of the same with the beginning of the year 1858. He served one term of two years, and is at present a resident of the county. L. L. Treat was elected the successor of Mr. Watson, entering upon the duties of the office on the 1st of January, 1859, and serving two years. He was an excellent business man, keen, sharp and astute. Soon after his retirement from the office he removed to Webster City, where he is reported to have accumulated consider- able wealth, and is prominent among the influential citizens of that place. J. E. Stacy was first elected to fill this position in the fall of 1861, was re-elected in 1863. During his latter term the Leg- islature enacted a law separating the two offices. The most responsible of these was that of COUNTY TREASURER. J. E. Stacy, on the divorce of the two offices, held to that of treasurer (although he had been elected, at the last election, recorder, and held both offices) and was thus the first to serve as county treasurer exclusively. He was re-elected treasurer in 1865, and again in 1867, thus holding the office of custodian of the county’s funds for eight years consecutively. J.E. Blackford, one of the prominent pioneers of the county, was elected in 1869 to fill this responsible position, and held it for two years. M. W. Stough was the immediate suc- cessor of Mr. Blackford, entering upon the duties of the office with the begin- ning of the year 1872, and served four years, having been re-elected in 1873. Mr. Stough is yet among the most prominent and influencial men in the county. M. W. Stough was born May 31, 1815, in Portage Co., Ohio. His parents, Jacob and Margaret (Ward) Stough, were among the early settlers of Portage county. Mr. Stough was an active and industrious man, always taking a prominent part in anything that was beneficial to the inter- ests of the county. M. W. Stough was “ye <== fxs fecoks HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 363 reared on his father’s farm, receiving his education in the pioneer log cabins of his native State. In October, 1844, he mar- ried Mabel Hine, of Summit county. In October, 1855, he emigrated to Fayette Co., Iowa, Clermont township, and en- gaved in mercantile business as the firm of Stedman & Stough. In June, 1869, he came to Kossuth county, locating in Al- gona and engaging in the machine trade, as the firm of Stough & Hutchins. In (871 he was elected county treasurer, and held the office four years, since which time he has been engaged in the harness and boot and shoe trade. M.D. Blanchard was elected to the office of treasurer in 1875, and re-elected in 1877, serving in that capacity four years. M. D. Blanchard is a native of Canada, born Nov. 22, 1827. He lived there until 1856, at which time he emigrated to Iowa, stopping at Waterloo during the winter of 1856-57. In July, 1857, he came to Kossuth county, having moved across the prairies, from Waterloo, with an ox team, and settled on the northwest quarter of section 26, township 96, range 29, Algona township, where he now resides. He has 160 acres of land, seventy-five of which is under cultivation. He combines stock raising with regular farming. Mr. Blanch- ard was married Feb. 27, 1851, at Green- bush, Canada West, to Garfelia Waite, born Jan. 12, 1828, in Genesee Co., N. Y. They have bad six children, five of whom are living—Adelbert W. married Milcah Williams; Edward C. married Hattie E. Miller; Charles 8. married Mary Math- ers; Helen E., wife of Andrew Barr; Edith C.andIda L. Ida. died June 9, 1876. Mrs. Blanchard is a member of the Con- gregational Church. Mr. Blanchard has held the offices of county treasurer and county superintendent. Sylvester 8. Rist, the present treasurer, was elected for his first term at the gen- eral election of 1879, and re-elected in 1881. 8. 8. Rist, the present county treasurer, was born in Worcester Co., Mass., Dec. 18, 1833. He is a machinist by trade. In 1856 he came to Kossuth county with his parents. He married Mary A. Millen, Aug. 31, 1858. They have six children. In 1879, he was elected to the office of county treasurer, and re-elected in 1881 and 1883. COUNTY RECORDER. As before mentioned, J. E. Stacy was the first to occupy this office after its separation from that of treasurer, and served two years, when he was succeeded by H. M. Taft, who was elected in 1866. He was re-elected in 1868 and 1870 and made a most efficient officer. A. M. Horton was the successor of Mr. Taft, entering upon the duties of the of- fice the Ist of January, 1873. He was re-elected in 1874, and occupied the place for four years. Mr. Horton, is at the pres- ent writing, in Washington territory, al- though he is stilla resident of this county. John Reed, the present recorder, was elected in 1876 and has made such an ex- emplary officer that he has been re-elected at each succeeding election, in 1876, 1878, 1880 and 1882. John Reed, county recorder and one of the early settlers of the county, was born in Logan Co., Ill., Oct. 18, 1842, where his parents settled in 1832. They were na- 4 — La =e dios 364 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. le, . and two daughters. tives of Kentucky. In 1853 the family removed to Marshall Co., Iowa, and in 1858 to Kossuth county. John, the sub- ject of this sketch, was a soldier in the War of the Rebellion, enlisting in the 32d Iowa Volunteer Infantry, company A, participating in all the engagements of the company. In 1867 he was elected county superintendent of schools. In 1868 he was married to Hattie M. Parsons. Three children blessed this union, one son In the fall of 1876 he was elected recorder, which office he holds at the present time, 1884. CLERK OF THE COURTS. Robert Cogley was the first clerk of the courts, being elected at the date of the or- ganization of the county, in August, 1855. He served one year when he gave way to a successor. J. E. Stacy was elected to fill this oftice, in 1856, and re-elected in 1858, and when in January, 1860, he qualified for the office of county judge, he appointed T. D. Stacy to fill the vacancy. The latter did not hold it very long as it is recorded that upon the 9th day of May, 1860, J. W. Moore was appointed to fill the office. Mr. Moore held the position until the ist of January, 1861. At the general election of 1860, Dr. Francis McCoy was elected to the office of clerk of the court, and occupied the position for two years. James L. Paine was the next incumbent of this office and was elected in 1862. He was re-elected twice, once in 1864 and again in 1866, holding the office for six years. In 1868, A. E. Wheelock was elected to fill the office and re-elected in 1870 and 1872. During his term of office, Mr. Wheelock managed to hold both this and the office of county auditor. John Wallace was the immediate suc- cessor of Mr. Wheelock, and was elected in 1874, re-elected in 1876, holding the office for four years. Mr. Wallace is still a resident of Kossuth county. John Wallace, of the firm of J. Wal- lace & Co., creamery and produce busi- ness, is a native of Livingston Co., N. Y., born Dec. 10, 1836. His parents, James and Lucy (Thompson) Wallace, were na- tives of Scotland, and in 1841 removed to Waukesha Co., Wis., where they were early settlers. Here John was reared and educated and there resided till 1861, when he enlisted in company A, 1st Wis- consin Cavalry, serving until the fall of 1864. He then returned to Wisconsin, where he resided till the spring of 1866, when he came to Kossuth county and en- gaged in teaching and farming, and was so engaged until 1873. He was then elected circuit clerk of this county and served in that capacity four years. Dur- ing this time he was also engaged in the manufacture of cheese, having no less than ten cheese factories running at one time. He held the office of treasurer of Algona township for eight years, and was one of the projectors and is secretary of the Kossuth County Insurance Company. He was united in marriage April 27, 1866, with Nansy A. Reed, a native of Wis- consin. They have five children—Lucy J., Amy, Tina, Lizzie and Nellie. Mr. Wallace isa member of. the G. A. R. N. B. Benham, the present incumbent of the ,office of clerk of the courts was first elected at the general election of oo =~. —_ . office, being elected in 1859. HISYORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 365 1878 and has been twice re-elected since, once in 1880 and in 1882. SHERIFF. HH. W. Watson was elected to the office of sheriff at the April election of 1857, but held it but a short time, giving way to a successor, at the beginning of the year 1858. O. W. Robinson was elected the next sheriff of Kossuth county and served from January, 1858, until the beginning of 1860. Shortly after the expiration of the term of Mr. Robinson’s office, he left the county and has passed from the knowl- edge of the people of this locality. O. Benschoter was the next to fill this He was re- elected at the succeeding elections of 1861 and 1863 and served in all six years. Mr. Benschoter is at present one of the prom- inent citizens of the county of Kossuth. Samuel Reed was elected sheriff of Kossuth county in 1865, and served in that capacity for two years. He is still a citizen of this locality and carries the re- spect of all who know him. In 1867 was elected John M. Pinker- ton, to the office of sheriff, and a better officer never was found. He is a cousin of the celebrated Allen Pinkerton, of detective fame, and can hardly be con- sidered as second to him. No man has attained such a reputation as a terror to evil doers in all northern Iowa as has Mr. Pinkerton, and no matter how fierce and desperate the man was, that he laid hand on, he knew enough to go willingly with the redoubtable sheriff of Kossuth county. His keen eye was sure to find out the fugi- tive from justice, or spot the criminal, no matter how well disguised. Such a jewel of a sheriff of course the people could not let go, so they re-elected him time and time again his own successor, until he held the office for fourteen years. He is now in that Eldorado of the west, Da- kota, engaged in some branch of the lum- bering business. D. A. Haggard, the present sheriff of Kossuth county, was elected ‘to that office in 1881. D. A. Haggard, sheriff of Kossuth county, was born May 27,1840, in Dubuque Co., Iowa. His parents, Dr. John Hag- gard and Elizabeth (Lyman) Haggard, located in Dubuque at an early day, be- ing among the pioneers. There being no ferries, they were obliged to cross the Mississippi river in canoes, swimming their teams. At the time of their com- ing, Iowa was a vast unbroken territory, there being one small cabin in Dubuque, which is now a city of 25,000 inhabitants. Dr. Haggard settled on a farm, and com- menced the practice of medicine. In 1843 Mrs. Haggard died. In 1844 he went to California, crossing the plains with three yoke of oxen. Remaining there one year, he returned to Dubuque, and afterwards married Irena Shaw. D. A. Haggard, after the death of his moth- er, was reared by his grandparents. In 1862 he enlisted in the 21st Iowa Volun- teer Infantry, company C. Being appoint- ed color sergeant, for two years he car- ried the flag. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg; battle of Jackson, Miss., where he had command of the company, at Spanish Fort, and Fort Blakely. Soon after leaving the ser- vice, he came to Kossuth county. He ‘married Susan E. Wiimott, of Dubuque. 2 oq Ay a aa a a 366 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. They have five children—Benjamin W., John W., Melzar P., Mattie M. and Mag- gie. In 1881 he was elected sheriff of Kossuth county, and re-elected in 1883. Mr. Haggard is a Royal Arch Mason, Prudence Chapter, No. 70, also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS. The gentlemen who have held this posi- tion at the head of the educational in- terests of the county are treated of at length in the chapter on educational mat- ters, to which the reader is referred. PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. The first to fill this office in Kossuth county was Eber Stone, who was elected April 7, 1856. Mr. Stone was a farmer and not one of the legal fraternity as his office would lead to be supposed. He was aman thrifty and economical, and close in all his dealings, but strictly upright and honest. He died a resident of this county some years ago. Charles Osgood was the only other per- son who held the office. He was elected in August, 1856. He filled the position until July 5, 1858, when he resigned, and immediately on the acceptance of the same, returned to his old home in Massa- chusetts, and has passed out of the mem- ory of the people of Kossuth county. About this time the office was abolished, so nobody was elected to fill the short vacancy that existed between the date of Mr. Osgood’s resignation and the incom- ing of the new law. SURVEYOR. The first surveyor of Kossuth county was Lewis IT. Smith, who was elected at the time of the organization of the county in 1855. He held the office this time only - one term, or two years, when he was suc- ceeded by William H. Ingham, who was inducted into the duties of the office at the beginning of the year 1858, but only served in that capacity one year. Capt. W. H. Ingham was born Nov. 27, 1827, in Herkimer Co., N. Y., and there he was reared, receiving a liberal educa- tion. In 1849 he started for the west, traveled extensively over the northwest- ern States, and located temporarily at Cedar Rapids. He came to Kossuth county Nov. 24, 1854, in company with Mr. Stine, who located land on sections 16, 24, 29, and erected a log cabin. In 1857 he married Caroline A. Rice, of Herkimer Co.,N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Ing- ham have seven children, three sons and four daughters. In 1862 he raised a com- pany to protect the frontier, and was commissioned captain by Gov. Kirkwood. After leaving the service, he returned to Algona, and embarked in the real estate business, forming a partnership with Lewis H. Smith afterwards in banking, which business he now follows. Mr. Ingham has been closely connected with the county for more than one-fourth of a century, and probably no man in the county deserves more credit than he, for its growth and development. A. F. Willoughby, who was elected in the fall of 1858, was the next to fill the office of surveyor of the county. Mr. Willoughby was the occupant of the posi- tion but a short time, as he left the county, going to that of Grundy, where he is believed to be at present. W. J. Miller was elected in 1859, and served a year in this capacity. Shortly after the expiration of his term of office es : a— fa, fe. Ae HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. # he removed from this county and his after movemeuts have been lost sight of. In 1860 L. H. Smith was again called on to perform the duties of this office, which he did for two years. Jason Dunton was elected surveyor in 18638, and re-elected in 1864, and served two years. Some time since Mr. Dunton left Kossuth county and emigrated to Kansas, where he at present resides. Once. more, in 1865, was L. H. Smith elected to fulfill the arduous duties of county surveyor, but declined to qualify at the beginning of the year, and that im- portant office continued vacant until the 4th of June, 1866, when the board of supervisors appointed O. F. Hale to fill the vacancy. Mr. Hale was elected to the office the following fall and filled the place al- together, at this time, eighteen months. H. Durant was the following incumbent of the. office, serving during the year 1868. In 1869 W. H. Ingham was the surveyor and served through the year, when he re- tired to make room for a successor. In the fall of 1869, the people, at the polls, declared in favor of placing J. B. Jones in this office, he having filled that position for a short time by appointment, and he was inducted into the duties of it with the beginning of the year 1870. In 1871 he was re-elected and filled the office for three years in an able manner. Mr. Jones is one of the honored members of the legal fraternity. As Mr. Jones had resigned before his last term of office was out, C. B. Hutch- © 367 supervisors to fill the vacancy, which he did for one year. A. D. Clark was the next successful as- pirant for this position, being elected thereto in 1878. He held the office, how- ever, but one year, when he resigned it. The board in January, 1875, finding a vacancy in the office of surveyor, caused by the resignation of Mr. Clarke, ap- pointed O. F, Hale in the place, which he’ appears to have held until 1878, at which time he was succeeded by J. B. Jones, the former surveyor, who served two years. At the election of 1879, C.B. Hutchins was the choice of the voters for this office, and he entered upon the duties of the office and transacted the business for two years. In 1881 D. P. Mayer was elected to the office of surveyor, but he did not qualify, thereupon the board of -supervisors ap- pointed the present incumbent of that office to fill the vacancy. This gentleman is O. F. Hale who has so often filled the position with credit tu all concerned. Oscar F. Hale, county surveyor, was born in Scioto Co., Ohio, April 1, 1839. His parents, Daniel aud Ada (Aldrich) Hale, were from the New England States, and emigrated from Ohio in the fall of 1844 to Indiana, and settied in Cass county where they spent the remainder of their days. Here Mr. Hale received his early education in the common schools, and in the fall of 1861 graduated from ‘the State Normal School of Ohio, at Leb- anon, and immediate enlisted as a private in company D, 44th Ohio, Volunteer In- fantry. During his service, he participa- ted in the engagements at Lewisburg, ins was appointed by the county board of W. Va., May 28, 1862; capture of Cum- ra ie an Bata es Re Sy 4 368 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. berland Gap, east Tenn., July 9, 1863; siege of Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 17 to 29, 1863; Lynchburg, W. Va., June 18, 1864, and surprise at Beverly, W. Va., Dec. 24 and 25, 1864. In January, 1864, he re- enlisted as a veteran, and his regiment was organized as the 8th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. Mr. Hale was promoted to 2d lieutenant and acting adjutant of his regi- ment. He was three times a prisoner, twice making his escape and once paroled. He was mustered out of service Aug. 5, 1865, having served nearly four years. In the fall of 1865, he came to Kossuth connty, and in the spring of 1866, was married to Mrs. Mary (Clarke) Steele, widow of George Steele, by whom he has one child—Cora A. During his eighteen years’ residence in the county, he has spent most of the time on his farm, but is at present living in Algona. He has sev- eral times been chosen to positions of trust, and is at present serving his third term as county surveyor. CORONERS. The first to fill this office in Kossuth county, was Francis Brown, who was elected in April, 1856. He never made anything out of the office, and before the expiration of the first six months of the office, removed from the county. He was succeeded by Alexander Brown, who was elected in August, 1856, and who served about a year. Joseph Thompson was the next elected, but having failed to qualify, the office continued vacant throughout the year. Luther Bullis was the next to fill the office, entering upon its duties upon the 1st of January, 1858, and serving therein about a year. Kinsey Carlon, one of the best known men in the community, was elected cor- oner in 1858, and served in this capacity one year. Mr. Carlon is still a resident of the county, and is well known to every- body in this locality. Kinsey Carlon was born in Mercer Co., Penn., May 8, 1824. He moved to Jack- son Co., Iowa, in 1854, with a drove of horses, crossing the river at Lyons, Clin- ton county, going through Clinton and Jackson, thence to Dubuque City, Du- buque county, thence to Jones’ county, thence to Marion, Lynn county, thence to Cedar Rapids and east again, by way of Keokuk, Iowa. He remained in Jackson county until Christmas, 1855, returned Jan. 1, 1856, to Pennsylvania, came west again in the fall of 1856, locating on Sept. 1. 1856, on section 20, Irvington township, Kossuth county. He sold this to J. K. Fill, and settled on the southwest quar- ter of section 29. He afterwards bought, of G. C. Callon, the northwest quarter of section 82, which he now makes his home. My. Carlon owns, in all, 1,140 acres, situ- ated in Sherman, Irvington and Cresco townships. He was married, in 1850, to Lavina Ramsey, of Mercer Co., Penn. She died and he married, July 23, 1857, Henrietta Mallord, of Jackson Co., Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Carlen have four children— William V., attending school at Ames’ Agricultural College; Lavina, living in California; Josephine, at Normal School; Emily, wife of Harry Dodge, of Cresco township. Mr. Carlon is a democrat.in politics, and has held the office of justice of the peace for six years. In 1859 Luther Bullis was again elected coroner and again filled the duties of the - w3w~—e tf a HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY, 369 office for a year. Some years after this, Mr. Bullis, who was like many of the early pioneers of some sections, of a rov- ing disposition, pulled up his stakes and departed for some other location. An old settler in describing him said “he was. a loose-footed sort of a man,” which per- haps defines him better than a whole par- agraph would. A. B. Mason was elected coroner in 1860, and appears to have served about a year. From this county he went to Wa- terloo, but did not stay there long and his present whereabouts are unknown. John Summers, a printer, was the suc- cessor of Mr. Mason, serving as coroner during the year 1862. He has long since left this locality. Luther Bullis was again honored: with this office, during the year 1863, and it is believed that on the expiration of his term of office, or before, that he left Kos- suth county. Judge Asa C. Call was the recipient of the honors of this office during the year’ 1866, and held it for the year. Dr. L. A. Sheetz was the next elected to the dignity of coroner, although there seems to be a blank of several years be- tween him and his predecessor, Mr. Call. The doctor was elected in 1869, and re- elected in 1871 and 1873. Yor fuller de- tails of Dr. Sheetz, the reader is referred to the chapter entitled “Medical Enotes: sion of Kossuth County.” Dr. H. C. McCoy was elected coroner, in 1875, and held the office for two years. In 18778. G. A. Read was elected cor- oner, and held the position for the full term. Dr. H. C. McCoy was again elected to this office in 1879, and in 1881 was suc- ceeded by Dr. L. K. Garfield, who is the present incumbent. DRAINAGE COMMISSIONERS. There were but few elected to fill this position in Kossuth county. The first who was called upon, however, to fulfill the few duties that devolved upon the office, was Joseph P. Sharp, who was elected in 1857. After serving about two years, he removed from the county and passed out of sight of the people of this county. H. Kellogg was the successor of Mr. Sharp, serving throughout the year 1860. He was a gentle, genial man and had many friends, but died before his term of office had expired and left a vacancy. This was filled by the election of Hor- ace Schenck, who held the office for five years. Mr. Schenck is still a resident of the county. The last to occupy this office was Kinsey Carlon, who was elected in 1865, and held it until it was abolished by act of General Assembly. ani —— ‘* Ais? 370 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. CRAP) EAR AY 3 ALGONA TOWNSHIP. When the county of Kossuth was or- ganized, in 1855, the township of Algona comprised the whole of what is now Kos- suth county. Successive boards of super- visors have cut off from it first one town- ship and then another, until it consists at - present of township 96 north, range 29 west, and all of sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, and the north half of sections 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of township 95 north, range 29 west. It is bounded on the north by Burt, on the south by Cresco, on the east by Portland and Irvington, and on the west by Lott’s Creek township. The East Fork of the Des Moines enters this township on the east line of section 24, and flowing in a general southwesterly course, traverses sections 24, 25, 36 and 35, in township 96, range 29, and sec- tions 2, 3, 10 and 11, in township 95, range 29. This stream, the principal one in the county, forms a beautiful loop or bend in the lower part of its course in this township, and in this loop lies the large and thriving city of Algona, the seat of county government. The surface is beautifully rolling, the swales growing more abrupt as they near the river. The township, however, contains some of the finest agricultural land in the county, and is pretty well settled up by a thrifty class of American and German settlers. Some of the finest buildings are seen in the neighborhood of Algona, on farms that are found in northern Iowa. Algona township appears to have been organized at the time that the county was, in 1855, but no record exists of the officers elected at that time. At the election of Aug. 4, 1856, however, D. W. King was chosen township clerk; Benjamin Hens- ley, assessor; J. E. Blackford, justice of the peace; W. A. Wilson and O. J. Smith, constables. At this election but. thirty- one ballots were cast, although the town- ship at that time comprised all of what is now Kossuth county. © The earliest settlement of this town- ship, and the events connected with it, are, in a great measure, identical with those of the town of Algona, and will be found in connection with the history of that place further on. Before speaking of the settlement of it, therefore, it be- comes necessary to relate all the history of the agricultural and rural portion of the township first. Horace Schenck is said to have been one of the first settlers north of Algona who had his family with him. On the 4th of June, 1£56, he located on section 28, and proceeded to open up a farm. Be- tween him and the Minnesota line there af a ee ace. VAN Oe ele ah, HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 871 was no settler, and nothing but a vast wilderness of grass and weeds. Shortly after this, Joseph Thompson, in the year 1856, built a log cabin on the prairie east of the village. Here he con- tinued to reside until the following Christ- mas, when he removed to town. Capt. W. H. Ingham had a claim upon which he lived before either of the above located there, but as they remained, and he removed into Portland, the credit be- longs to them. Another of these early settlers in the township, outside of the village limits, was Michael Riebhoff. He erected a cabin of the trunks of the trees of the grove, 16x18 feet in dimension. The ceiling was so low that a man of ordinary height could scarcely stand upright in it. He made the floor out of puncheons split from basswood logs. Michael Riebhoff was born June 15, 1807, in Hanover, Germany. He emi- grated to America in 1833, locating in Westmoreland Co., Penn., and worked in the salt works for five years. In 1838 he came to Iowa and rented a small farm five miles from Dubuque, remaining two years, then took a claim in Dubuque county where he lived ten years and en- tered 220 acres more land. In 1856 he sold out and came to Kossuth county, set- tling on the north half of section 24, Al- gona township, where he now resides, and has thirty acres under cultivation, the rest being covered with native timber. He also owns 160 acres in Portland town- ship, on section 18. Mr. Riebhoff was married June 30, 1830, to Mary Jobman, who died Dec. 2, 1845, leaving six chil- dren—Henry, Margaret, Peter, John, Mary and Michael; four of these are mar- ried. John and Henry died in the Civil War of 1861. John died and was buried at St. Louis, Mo. Henry at Vicksburg, Tenn. Mr. Riebhoff was again married Feb. 22, 1842, to Amelia Roan, born April 9, 1830, in New Galloway, Scotland. They had fourteen children, twelve of whom are living—Elizabeth C., Agnes G., James F. and Jane,twins,Matthew N. and Martha A., twins, Susan A., Grace, John H., Grace J., Frank, Henry and Garfelia, twins, and Capitola. Graceand Capitola are deceased and buried in Algona. Eight of the chil- dren are married. Mr. Riebhoff is one of the oldest settlers in the county. He is upright and honest, worthy of great respect, and beloved by all who know him. William Carey was another of the early settlers of this township. He located in 1856, on section 14, but has since re- moved into Portland township. Around the first school house in this locality lingers many interesting reminis- cences. During the summer of 1856, this building was erected, if such a struct- ure could be said to have been erected, by digging into the side of a hill and the sides walled up with logs. That portion that projected from the ground was also covered with earth. This was called the “Gopher College” by the settlers in the vicinity, and by this name is it remem- bered to this day. The first teacher was Jonathan Caliender. He was succeeded by Martha Clarke and Mrs. Carnish. Long since the building was destroyed by fire, but the memory of this primitive hall of learning will not perish for ages to come. & ii ! a | a = >| ¥ pes a) 372 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. The first frame school house was built in 1860, on section 24, and was the first frame one in the county. The first school house in sub-district No. 8, was built of sod by the neighbors, on sections 17, 96 and 29, duriny the year 1866. The first teacher was Joseph Mar- tin, who presided over the destinies of this primitive academy three terms. For seats, teacher and scholars had slabs from the saw-mill, and desks were con- spicuous by their entire absence. ‘The first year there were but the children of two families that attended, the Burts and MecArthur’s. The school house in district No. 4 was erected in 1888, at a cost of $643. That in district No. 11 was erected about three years prior to this, in 1880, and cost about $450. The first sub-direc- tor, of this sub-district was Thomas Han- nah. The present township officers are as fol- lows: F. C. Wilson, W. F. Hofius and C. Rickard, trustees; B. F. Reed, clerk; G. N. Ames, assessor; A. E. Wheelock and E. H. Clarke, justices. CITY OF ALGONA. This beautiful and enterprising city originated less than thirty years ago, when the beautiful country around the head waters of the Upper Des Moines river was just beginning to attract the attention of those in search of homes, and the surroundings were as free and wild as the time when the stars of the morning sang anthems of joy at nature’s dawn. The changes from the primitive to the developed state have been constant and rapid. It has been one continual change from the moment of its projec- tion, until Algona of to-day stands forth one of the bright jewels in the diadem of a noble State. While there may have been nothing really remarkable in the de- velopment of the past, or nothing pecu- liarly 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 the city in all the various changes that have occurred from year to year. To those who have watched its progress from its earliest origin—when Kossuth county was a wilderness—until the present time, the accomplishment of by-gone days would seem now like a her- culean task, but are in reality the sure and legitimate results of an advanced state of civilization. Endowed with many natural advantages, aided by the strong arm of enterprising husbandry, Kossuth county has assumed a position among the best and wealthier of her sister counties throughout the State; and Algona, as the first town within her boundaries, has kept pace with the improvements and advance- ment. Algona is situated in a beautiful loop or bend of the East Fork of the Des Moines river, in the northeastern corner of township 95 north, range 29 west, and is about 160 miles from the Mississppi river at the nearest point of landing. Two lines of railroad pass it, connecting it with the markets of the world. These are the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul (Iowa and Dakota division) and the Chi- cago & Northwestern, the former from east to west, and the latter from north to south, and afford excellent facilities for marketing. The city is surrounded by some of the finest and most productive oe 5 ae ag tee Mies aaa eee Te ee ———a ae HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 373 agricultural and stock raising lands in the State, which is a guarantee of a perma- nent and ever increasing trade. There are many fine and substantial brick buildings to be seen upon the busi- ness thoroughfares, and many costly and elegant dwellings in the part of town de- voted to residences. Many of these lat- ter are worthy of more than a passing mention, being more than ordinarily beau- tiful. An abundance of shade trees adorn the streets, which in summer add greatly to the handsome appearance of the place. The location is exceedingly healthy, being high and dry. The in- habitants are of a class possessing rare intelligence and culture, and the society is of the most refined and desirable char- acter. The various town plats of Algona were filed for record as follows : Algona proper,filed for record,by Asa C. ' Call, upon the 2d of December, 1856. Call’s addition, on the 11th of Septem- ber, 1871, by Asa C. and Ambrose A. Call, Henry and Anthony Durant and John Heckart. Ingham’s addition, by W. H. Ingham, on the 22d of November, 1881. Call & Smart’s addition, by Asa C. Call, J.J. Smart and §. L. Witter, Aug. 4, 1882. Call’s third addition, by A. C. Call, Nov. 1, 1883. The real founder of Algona, and the first settler on what is now the town site, was Asa C. Call. In the spring of 1854, he had just returned from the sunny shores of California, and feeling that in- vestments in real estate were on a surer foundation than in the placers and gulches of that land of gold, looked around him: for an eligible locality, to start a settle- ment andatown. While in Des Moines his attention was drawn to the waters of the Upper Des Moines river, where the land was of a wondrous fertility and where there was considerable of a grove. Starting out, as detailed in the chap- ter on the early settlement of the county, in company with his younger brother, Ambrose, he journeyed to the north. On their arrival here, they were immediately struck with the beauty of the location and its adaptability for the pur- pose then in view. They soon returned to civilization to make the necessary ar- rangements. On the 9th of July they re- turned and with them came the wife of the elder brother. Mrs. Call was the first white woman ever within the bounds of Kossuth county. Here she continued to dwell in peace, seeing her family and the town grow up around her. Seeing the county, that she had entered when no other woman was an inhabitant, fill up with settlers and take a prominent part in the bright sisterhood of counties of our noble young State. Here then she remained until Sunday May 14, 1876, when she was summoned by death, to cross the “dark river,” and without a murmur she obeyed. Her death cast a gloom over the commu- nity, for her circle of friends comprised all that knew her, and they were legion. The Call brothers did not settle imme- diately upon the present town site of Al- gona. Asa C. Call occupied a cabin upon the northeast quarter of section 14, in township 95, range 29, built by Ambrose A. Call. Here they remained until in March or April, when the elder brother = = = ft me 874 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. removed to the site of the present town, and founded the same. The town was shortly afterward surveyed and platted by Lewis H. Smith, county surveyor. This was during the summer of 1856. Three blocks were left for public parks, or - squares; block 19 (public square) fora court house ; block 39 (Maple Park) to be ornamented by the town, and block 17 (College Square) for a college campus. This last was donated by J. W. Moore, it lying in his partof the town. Mr. Moore afterwards refuted his generosity, and sub-divided and sold it out in town lots. Hon. Ambrose A. Call, in his interest- ing sketches of the early days of Algona, and Kossuth county, gives the following as the reasons for the names of the streets in the town: “Lucas street was called after Col. E, Lucas, a property owner; Call street after Call, aresident; Kennedy after Kennedy, a resident, who helpedon the survey; Jones street after Senator G. W. Jones, of Du. buque; Harlan street after Senator James Harlan; Moore street after J. W. Moore, resident; Dodge street after Senator A. C. Dodge; Thorington street after James Thoringtdn, M.C.; Hall street after James E. Hall, a resident ; Williams street after Major W. W. Williams, a property owner; Blackford street after J. E. Blackford, resident; Smith street after Lewis H. Smith, resident; Lowe street after George A. Lowe, resident.” The next settler upon the site of the, as yet, incipient village, was Joseph W. Moore. He wasa native of Newark, Ohio, and came here from Cedar Rapids, where he had been a short time, in January or February, 1855. He engaged in several land speculations, and on the establish- ment of the postoffice, in 1856, was made postmaster. In 1863 he left Algona and moved to Brooklyn, N. Y., where he at present resides. James L. Pain® was also a settler of the same year, 1855, and is still a resident of the town. Jacob Cummins settled at Algona dur- ing the year 1855. During the War of the Rebellion he was with the “brave boys in blue” from Kossuth county, in the lurid front of battle. He is now a resi- dent of the State of Kansas, whither he moved some years ago. The next important settler to locate at the embryo town was Lewis H. Smith, now one of the county’s most prominent citizens, and the cashier of the Kossuth County Bank, at Algona. John E. Blackford came to Algona in the summer of 1855. He brought his family with him and the birth of a daugh- ter, shortly after, in November, 1856, was heralded as the first within the limits of the town or township. Ella Algona Blackford, besides being the first child born in Algona, enjoys the distinction of having been the first “girl baby” in the county. Mr. Blackford is still a resident of Kossuth county, and is numbered among its most solid men. Among the arrivals of 1856 were: Rev. Chauncey Taylor, John Heckart, Orange Minkler, J. E. Stacy, H. A. Henderson, Frank Hamson, Roderick M. Bessie, D. S. McComb, H. F. Watson, Amos S. Col- lins, M. D., and others. The first log cabin was built by Judge Asa C. Call, in the spring of 1855, as mentioned before. This was 16x20 feet, A= HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 379 with an addition 12x16 feet in size, one and a half stories high. The doors and sash for the windows were brought here by teams from Iowa City. The floor was of puncheons hewn from the native tim- ber and even the casings of doors and windows were of the same primitive manufacture. Other cottages of like fron- tier architecture soon gathered around. Settlers now kept coming in, slowly at first, but more rapidly as time progressed. In the spring of 1856, Major William W. Williams, of Fort Dodge, sent up a small stock of goods in charge of a man by the name of W. M. Koons, but almost, immediately after his arrival, the stock was put in charge of Henry F. Watson, who thus kept the first store in the county. Prior to this Charles Easton, an eccentric Englishman, who had come herein 1854, and put up a tent the other side of the woods to the south of the town, sold whisky and powder to the inhabitants, who wanted that kind of groceries. These two “merchants” and the itinerant ped- dlers, who first made their appearance in 1856, supplied all the simple wants of the pioneers. One of the old settlers says that “an odd genius visited us peddling groceries, bacon and cats. He warranted his cats good mousers or no pay. Hesold the-cats’ for $1, and ‘she-cats’ at $1.50.” In 1856, a hotel was also erected, by Hezekiah A. Henderson. This was a hewed log building, without any windows in the front, and was, to use the words of an early settler, “a most forlorn place.” The hotel was known as the St. Nicholas Hotel, stood northeast of the court house. The hotel was afterwards bought by J. E. Stacy, who ran it for about four years. The settlers having brought their patri- otism along with them resolved to cele- brate the 4th of July, 1856, in an appro- priate manner. A flag was improvised, a hickory pole raised on the public square, a pic-nic dinner in the grove back of Mr. Heckart’s residence, speeches, toasts,songs and all accompaniments necessary for a well conducted celebration. About eighty persons were present at this celebration including nine young ladies, some of them just out of their bibs and tucks—“a fine sprinkling,” as Lewis H. Smith had it in a gallant response to a toast. About this time Jesse Magoon set up the first blacksmith shop in Algona, but only operated it for a short time, when, the same year, he was succecded by Oli- ver Benschotter one of the prominent men of the county at a later date, and at present one of its residents. In December, 1855, Judge A. C. Call raised bis mill. This was a substantial building, 37x45 feet, two stories high, lo- cated just south of Blackford’s grove. It is thought that every man in the county attended the raising and lifted every pound that was in him. This mill was not started until the next summer. The engine was hauled from Warren, Ste- phenson Co., Ill. by Ambrose A. Call, with ten yoke of oxen. The mill was a fine edifice, much better than the country de- manded at the time. This was operated for several years and a great deal of lum- ber was sawed thereat. It was, however, destroyed by fire, years ago. In the spring of 1856 a town hall was built in Algona. This was used for school and Church purposes, and for dances ard other festal occasions. Speak- a= 10 = qb ¥ < ( d 380 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. ing of it, Ambrose A. Call relates the fol- lowing: “Rev. Chauncey Taylor, in his interesting articles published in The Up- per Des Moines some time since, stated the way in which the town hall was built —by shares of stock, and controlled by a stock vote. If Father Taylor was not the prime mover, (he said he was not) he was the most active member of the company, being its secretary and general business manager, and always carrying the key. Af: ter the district built a school house, Fa- ther Taylor bought in the stock of the company, and converted the building into a Congregational Church; thus not only giving his time and best energies, but also his money in building up the Church of which he was pastor. But Iset out to tell how it happened that the boys dedicated the building with a dance. In those early days, when our facilities for social amusement were limited, and the crude and uncertain condition of our’ mail service failed to supply the current news and more solid reading, dances, hops, balls, and cotillion parties, and the like were indulged in whenever oppor- tunity offered. None were too aristo- cratic or dignified, and all ‘took a hand’ (or rather foot) unless, indeed, religious training or awkwardness forbid. The young people of Irvington had dedicated their new hall with a ball in which we all participated, the night of the 3d of July. The next day they all turned out to our celebration, and when they saw our new hall were anxious to try the floor. But knowing our man, we considered it a risky business trying to beguile the key from Father Taylor. ‘I will tell you,’ says George, his son, ‘I heard father telling the minister who stopped at our house about the hall at breakfast, and am sure he will take him over to see it, I will watch and tell you when he unlocks the door.’ And soithappened, that as Fa- ther Taylor was explaining the conven- ience of certain arrangements to the stranger, the room was filled, and not un- til Uncle Bullus struck up the ‘Arkansas Traveler,’ and shouted ‘Manners your partners!’ did he fully comprehend the situation. ‘Well,’ says Father Taylor, ‘I think I have engagements that will call me away, and I would like to lock the door now.’ ‘Never mind Mr. Taylor,’ re- plied some one ‘just leave the key, and we will lock the door when we go out,’ and he left the key. It may not be out of place in justification of this procedure, to tell some tales out of school; how, when Uncle Bullus changed the music, Deacon Zahlten seized the daughter of our Baptist minister by the waist, and struck a gait that threatened destruction to our new ceiling; or how he was followed by brother Hackman with another comely daughter of a prominent Church member, ina style that would do credit to Fred- erick Willheim; but it must be remem- bered these things occurred years ago.” To quote again from Mr. Call’s con- tribution to the historic annals of the county: “The settlers were favored with stated preaching by Elder Marks as early as the winter of 1855-6. The elder was a gen- erous, big-hearted apostle, who, like Peter and Paul, went out to lead sinners to re- pentance, without money and without price. He made no pretentions to a classical education, or oratorical powers, “ee ae aa Oe a ee he me Tee NN cn acer HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. but simple physical endurance, a strong pair of lungs, and earnestness of purpose. He tried to practice what he preached. Iie chopped wood, turned grindstone, carried water, tended baby, end tried to make himself useful wherever he went. He distributed tracts and prayed with private families when desired. With the mercury twenty or thirty degrees below zero one enjoyed one of his hell-fire ser- mons as much as he would to read of Dr. Kane’s exploits in the frozen seas in dog days. He talked right to the point. He prayed for the old bachelors who had to bake their own slap-jacks and mend their own garments, ‘for,’ says he, ‘God knows their cabins are desolate enough. And for Judge Call, may the Lord put something else into his head besides building steam-mills and making timber claims; ‘for,’ says he, ‘my dear hearers, when you are wriggling over the mouth of hell you will think of what old Marks told you.” He was of a scientific turn, and sometimes startled us with the con- clusions of his investigations. At one time, while earnestly trying to impress some of his arguments upon his hearers, he said: ‘Why, just a few days agol read of the body of a woman whom her friends undertook to remove several years after death. Why, my hearers, they couldn’t dew it; it had become ver battum, it had putrified, in plain English, my dear hearers, it had turned to stun, and weighed 600 pounds.” Nearly all of the historic items in relation to the first happenings in Algona, being the first in the county, have been treated of elsewhere, and it would be un- necessary to repeat them in this connec- tion. Algona was incorporated in 1872, and the first election for city officers was held upon the first Monday in March of that year. The primal officers were: Charles Birge, mayor; F. M. Taylor, recorder; W. H. Ingham, E. N. Weaver, D. Patter- son, J. G. Smith and J.J. Wilson, trustees; W. Stebbins, street commissioner; H. W. Walston, assessor; G. LL. Galbraith, treasurer. A slight sketch of each of the more prominent of these officials is here- with appended: Charles Birge was born in Whitewater, Wis., in 1845. Entered Wisconsin Uni- versity in 1860. Went into the army in 1864, before finishing his collegiate course. After leaving the army he entered a law school at Albany, N. Y., from whence he graduated, in the spring of 1866, at twenty years of age. Read law in Janesville, Wis., in the office of J. B. Cassidy, until 1867, when he cut loose from all extrane- ous assistance and began in earnest the serious task of “paddling his own canoe.” Mr. Birge commenced the practice of law in St. Louis, where he remained until 1870. He was married in December, 1868. Failing health warning him that a too close application to business, coupled with life in the crowded city, would in- evitably shorten his life, he reluctantly relinquished a lucrative practice in the Missouri metropolis, and sought a more bracing atmosphere in Iowa. This he found in Algona, where he arrived in April, 1876. In 1877 his health still failed him, and taking to his bed, he was compelled, although reluctantly, to render Baa a aaa ma a aces Ta —_ since} » ~—s, 382 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. up his soul and be buried in the cold ground. F. M. Taylor is a native of Cattaraugus Co., N.Y. Was born in 1839. He re- moved to Illinois and taught school in that State; afterwards moved to Ocono- mowoc, Wis., where he studied law with E, Hurlburt, Esq. After completing his studies he came to Algona, Iowa, and drove his stake in this village in May, 1869. W. 4H. Ingham is a native of Herkimer Co., N. ¥. Is forty-four years of age. Mr. Ingham came into Kossuth county in 1854, and was, as all know, one of the pioneers in the settlement of northwest- ern Iowa. Very naturally, he is greatly interested in witnessing the growth and prosperity of this, the home of his early choice. Mr. Ingham is now in the bank- ing business, and is well and widely known for his business qualifications. HE. N. Weaver is a native of Summit Co., Ohio, where he was born in 1834. Is a carpenter by trade, and has the reputa- tion of being one of our most skillful artificers. He came to Algona in 1856, since which time he has been a resident of Kossuth county, with the exception of one year, when he resided in Waterloo. John G. Smith was born in Boston, Mass., in 1840. Was well known as the proprietor of a garden near that city. He left Boston a number of years ago, for Algona, where his brother, Lewis H. Smith, had preceded him, and was then in the land business. Mr. Smith, with his brother, embarked in the mercantile trade in our village, and has become an indispensable fixture here. His straightforward business habits are well known. J.J. Wilson is a native of Onondago Co., N. Y.. Was born in 1828. ,Has been in business in Pennsylvania, Indiana and Wisconsin. He came to Algona in Janu- ary, 1870, since which time he has carrred ona very extensive lumber trade. Mr. Wil- son is a wide awake, public spirited man, and is known through this and neighbor- ing counties for his fair and upright deal- ing as a business man. D. Patterson is a native of Liverpool, England, where he was born in 1887. His parents were Scotch people, and had resided in Liverpool but a short time prior to his birth. He came to this coun- try when but ten years of age, and resided in the “land of steady habits” until his majority, when he came “out west” to Rock Co., Wis., whence he removed to Keokuk Co., Iowa, and from thence to Washington county. Was postmaster in Dutch Creek, Washington county, and afterwards in Cresswell, Keokuk county, in which latter place he was the pioneer merchant. He came into Algona in the fall of 1870, since which time he has been in the mercantile trade. The first council meeting was held at the council chamber in Algona, on the 22d of April, and the following resolution was passed: Resolved, By the town council of the in- corporated town of Algona, that a side- walk be and is hereby ordered built along the following streets : Commencing at the southwest corner of State and Moore streets, running thence south on the west side of Moore street to the northwest corner of Moore and Mc- Gregor streets, thence east along the north side of McGregor street to the northwest 4 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 383 corner of McGregor and Jones streets, thence south along the west side of Jones street to the southwest corner of Jones and Kennedy streets, thence west along the south side of Kennedy street to the northeast corner of Kennedy and Harlan streets, thence south along the east side of Harlan street to the south side of South street, also from east line of lot three (3) in block twenty-eight (28), run- ning east along the south side of State street to the southwest corner of State and Harlan streets, thence south along the west side of Harlan street to northwest corner of Harlan and McGregor streets, also from northwest corner of Moore and McGregor streets, running thence sotth along west side of Moore street to south- west corner of Kennedy and Moore streets, thence east along south side of Kennedy street to the southeast corner of Kennedy and Harlan streets. Said sidewalk to be eight feet in width from east line of lot three (3) in block twenty-eight (28), on south side of State street, to the southeast corner of State and Harlan streets and built adjoining line of lots. The balance of said walk to be four feet wide, all to be constructed of two inch plank or oak one and a half inches thick, each plank not to exceed eight inches in width, with suitable sup- ports, and to be completed within sixty Gays after the Ist day of May, 1872, in accordance with the instructions of the street commissioner not inconsistent with this resolution. At the same meeting the first ordinances of the city government were adopted, and are as follows: Ordinance No. 1. Be it ordained by the council of the In- corporated town of Algona, that the sub- ordinate officers of the council shall bea Treasurer, Marshal, Assessor and Street Commissioner. That said officers be elected by the council and hold their re- spective offices until their successors are elected and qualified, and hereafter, said officers shall be elected at the regular an- nual election for municipal officers for said town. Sec. 2. The duty of the Treasurer shall ‘be to receive all moneys belonging to said incorporated town, and shall pay the same out upon vote of the council, upon orders signed by the Mayor and attested by the Recorder, with the corporate seal attached. Said Treasurer shall take and subscribe the same oath required of other officers of the corporation, and shall give bond with good security, to be approved by the council, in the sum of $2,000 for the faithful discharge of his duties. Sec. 8. It shall be the duty of the Street Commissioner to take and subscribe the same oath and in the same respects qualify the same as required of Road Su- pervisors in unincorporated townships, to perform the same duties within the limits of said incorporated town as is required of Road Supervisors, for which he shall receive the same fee for his services as Road Supervisors, and said commissioner shall perform such other duties consistent with the nature of his office as said coun- cil may from time to time require. Council Room, April 22d, 1872. Attest: Cua’s Biren, Mayor. F. M. Taytor, Recorder. or et Vv 19> os i Cem ftnn * | 384 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Ordinance No. 2. An Ordinance in Relation to Side Walks. Be it ordained by the Town Council of the Incorporated town of Algona, Kossuth county, Iowa: Sec. 1. That twelve feet in width shall be set apart from the sides of all streets for side walk purposes. Sec. 2. That all side walks shall be built two feet from the outside line of the street, unless otherwise ordered by the council, and of such material and con- struction as shall be ordered by the council. Sec. 3. That any shade or ornamental tree or trees hereafter planted in the street shall be set ten feet from the line of the adjacent premises. Sec. 4. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publica- tion in any newspaper of general circula- tion published in said town of Algona. Council Room, April 22d, 1872. Attest: Cua’s Biren, Mayor. F. M. Taytor, Kecorder. The following is a list of the mayors and recorders of Algona for the succeed- ing years to the present time: 1873.—Charles Birge, mayor; F. M. Tay- lor, recorder. 1874,—F, M. Taylor,mayor; C. E.Church, recorder. 1875.—D. 8. Ford, mayor; H. M. Taft, recorder. 1876.—J. J. Wilson,mayor; Pitt Cravath, recorder. 1877.—J. J. Wilson,mayor; Pitt Cravath, recorder. 1878.—J. E. Stacy, mayor; J. Wallace, clerk. 1879.—J. EH. Stacy,mayor; D.H. Setchell, clerk. 1880.—J. J. Wilson,mayor; G. H. Samp- son, clerk. 1881.—The same, re-elected. 1882.—J. M. Comstock, mayor; R. M. Palmer, clerk. 1883. —J.G. Smith, mayor; R. A. Palmer, clerk. The latter however resigned and, in May, R. B. Warren was elected to fill the vacancy. The first marriage in Algona, was that of Hurlbut W. Lake to Rachel N. Eggers, upon the 21st of July, 1857. Toe first birth was that of Ella Algona Blackford, daughter of J. EH. and Mary A. Blackford. The first school was taught by Flavia Fleming, in a private dwelling, during the year 1857. Miss Fleming married and went to Wisconsin. The first building used for school pur- poses, by the district, was the town hall, which was built during the winter of 1856 and 1857. The first religious services were held by Elder Marks, who came here and preached during the fall of 1855. The first store was erected by H. F. Watson in the spring of 1856. The stock of goods belonged to Major W. W. Wil- liams, of Fort Dodge, who had sent them up for sale. The first saw-mill in Algona was erected by Asa C, Call, in the winter of 1855-56. The first postmaster was J. W. Moore, who was appointed to the position in the fall of 1856. The first hotel waserected by Hezekiah A. Henderson in the summer of 1856. The first frame residence in Algona,. was erected by H. F. Watson, in the fall ee HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 385 of 1856. This historic structure is now a part of the dwelling of W. H. Ingham. Algona grew but slowly until the advent of the railroad in 1870. Judge Asa Cail, his brother, Ambrose,and several other gentlemen labored assiduously to bring the rails to this place. Their first effort was as early as 1861, when the Mc- Gregor, Sioux City & Missouri River Railroad was instituted in Clayton county. This company became involved and noth- ‘ing came of it. In 1869 when the Mc- Gregor Western, (or as it now is called, the Iowa and Dakota division of the.C. M. & St. P. R. R.) was pushing westward from Calmar, these parties united their efforts and brought the road to Algona, at a vast expenditure of time and labor. The Messrs. Call donating some 400 acres of land to the company, and many town lots to accomplish it. From that time the town has grown rapidly until it isa large and beautiful city. The seat of county government is located here and the fine court house, erected in 1872,at a cost of nearly $40,000, is oneof the finest structures in the town, andin fact, in northern Iowa. It stands upon a rise of ground in the center of the business portion of the town, and in the middle of a fine park or square. Fine blocks of business houses line the streets, and a busy hum of industry arises from the place of commerce. These business interests, like all things else, have devel- oped from a very small beginning. The first store, as has been stated, was that of Major Williams, managed in 1856 and later by H. F. Watson, still a resi- dent of the town. ‘I'his was the first step taken in the direction of mer- -cantile interests. This stock, which Mr. Watson opened in September, was of the character usually known under the head of general merchandise. It was conduct- ed under,the name of the owner, Major Williams, until the spring of 1858. Shortly after the establishment of this store, in the spring of 1857, James Eggers came to Algona, from Waterloo, Iowa, with a stock of goods, and opened a rival estab- lishment. These were the first stores in the town. In the same line, the next store was started by Havens F. Watson, for himself, in the spring of 1861, which he continued to operate until 1871. James 1. Paine soon followed and opened a store in 1861, As trade increased and the business of Algona began to assume city proportions, the general merchandising, to a certain extent, began to separate and many of the merchants handled larger stocks but in fewer lines until now there are but few that handle more than one or two lines. In the dry goods trade, or those that are the heaviest dealers in that line at the present in the city are: - G. R. Wood- worth, 8S. C. Spear, George L. Galbraith, J. M. Comstock, Theodore Chrischilles and Thomas Earley. G. R. Woodworth, who handles cloth- ing, boots and shoes and notions, in ad- dition to dry goods, began business in Al- gona, in May, 1869. He erected the fine brick structure that he occupies at present, in the fall of 1883. It is 22x90 feet, two stories, high ceiling and french plate win- dows. It is one of the finest buildings devoted to mercantile pursuits in the city. George R. Woodworth, merchant, was born in June, 1843, in Orleans Co., N. Y. aq oT ~~ ie 386 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COURMTY. When sixteen years age he removed to Jamestown, N. Y., and was there engaged in the dry goods business until 1862. He then went to Faribault, Minn , remaining until 1865, then returning to Jamestown. In 1869 he came to Algona, where he has since been a prominent dry goods mer- chant. Mr. Woodworth was married Dee. 14, 1867, to Gertrude Hatch, also a native of New York. They have two children—Romeo H. and George W. Mr. Woodworth has been a member of the board of aldermen of this city and also of the school board. He is a member of the Masonic order. S. C. Spear dispenses general merchan- dise in connection with dry goods. His business dates from October, 1870. His present building was erected by him in the spring of 1877, and is 22x93 feet in dimensions. S. C. Spear was born in Philadelphia, Penn., in June, 1843, and was reared and educated in Boston, Mass.,‘and from his sixteenth year has been engaged in the clothing business. In 1868 he went to Portsmouth, N. H., and Portland, Maine, where he remained until 1868. He then came west and visited the cities of Chi- cago, Ill.; Dubuque, Iowa; Charles City, Iowa and other plaves, and engaged in business for a short time at Manches- ter, Iowa. In 1870, he came to Algona, engaging in general merchandise busi- ness, handling dry goods, clothing, gro- ceries, etc. He is still engaged in the business, carrying a large stock and doing a good business. Mr. Spear enlisted, in 184, in company C, 42d Massachusetts regiment, serving with Gen. Phil Sheri- dan. He married, in 1870, Emeline C. Eliza (Paine) Comstock, were natives of Strout, a native of Portland, Maine. They have one child—Alice E. George L. Galbraith began business in Algona, in December, 1870, and carries a large stock of carpets and fancy goods in addition to dry goods. Theodore Chrischilles still continues to handle a stock of general merchandise, which business he established in August, 1870. J. M. Comstock, who embarked in the dry goods business in 1872, is to be ranked’ among the most solid men in the mercan- tile circles. His store room, 21x60 feet, is too circumscribed for his well assorted stock,which foots up to about $10,000. J.M. Comstock was born Sept. 6, 1838, in Onei- da Co., N. Y. His parents, George and Connecticut. They were married in Con- necticut, and immediately went to Onei- da Co., N. Y. In 1846 they moved to Waukesha Co., Wis., where they have since lived on afarm. J. M. Comstock was raised on a farm, receiving a liberal education. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Ist Wisconsin Cavalry. Dec. 1, 1861, was promoted to first lieutenant, and in the fall and winter participated in the guerrilla warfare in Missouri. In July, 1868, he was made captain of com- pany F, same regiment. His command took part in the battle at Cape Girardeau, at the time of Marmaduke’s attack. In the summer of the same year he was ap- pointed provost marshal on Gen. McCook’s staff, was in the battles of Shelbyville, Chickamauga and many others, among them the engagements in east Tennessee from the siege of Knoxville as well as the engagements in Sherman’s march to : ~~ te. finn sag HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 387 Atlanta. , He was mustered out in Decem- ber, 1864, at Louisville, Ky. In 1866 he was married at Oconomowoc, Wis., to Elizabeth Annis. They have two chil- dren—Mary and Jessie. In 1866he went into mercantile business at Monterey, Wis. In 1872 he came to Algona, where he has since been engaged in mercantile trade. In politics he is a republican, has been councilman for six years, and in 1882 was elected mayor of the city. He is an ardent supporter of the temperance cause. ‘Thomas Earley, one of the young, en- terprising merchants in this line, carries a fine stock of clothing, boots and shoes, and furnishing goods, besides dry goods. He instituted his present business in April, 1876. In June, 1883, he removed to his present fine’ store, which is twenty-five feet wide by 100 long. Here, displayed upon counter and shelf, he shows the largest stock of goods in the county. Thomas Earley is a native of Grafton Co., Wis., and was born April 6, 1849. His parents, Patrick and Anna (Burn) Earley, were natives of Ireland, and came about 1848 to Wisconsin. In 1851 the family removed to Winnebago Co., Wis., where Thomas was reared and educated. In 1867 he enlisted in the United States army, serving in company G, 35th regi- ment, which regiment afterwards formed apart of the 4th regiment, Mr. Harley then being in company H. He was lo- cated during most of the time of service at Fort Russell and Fort Steele, Wyoming territory. After serving in the army three years he returned home, and in 1872 engaged in business at Winneconne, Wis., residing there four years. In 1876 he came to Algona and engaged in the cloth- ing, dry goods and boot and shoe business. Mr. Earley has been very successful in business, having worked up gradually from a small store, until now he has the largest and best equipped store in the county, and is doing an extensive busi- ness. He was married Sept. 11, 1874, to Sarah Taylor, a native of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Earley have two children—Net- tie and Jessie. Mr. Earley is a member of the city council. He is a member of Algona Lodge, No. 236, I. O. O. F. J. G. Smith is another of Algona’s merchants that still continues to deal in merchandise. This business was estab- lished in October, 1866, by John G. and Lewis H. Smith, under the name and style of Smith Brothers. In 1868 Francis C. Rist gave up his stage and mail business on account of ill health, and was admitted asa partner. Lewis H. Smith withdrew from the firm in May, 1870, but the firm was still continued under the old name. Mr. Rist dying in 1872, John G. Smith has continued to run the business alone. In October, 1866, they were appointed agents for the American Express Com- pany, but on the withdrawal of that com- pany from this line of railroad, in 1869, this agency ceased. In July, 1872, J. G. Smith was appointed agent for the United. States Express Company, a position he holds yet. J. G. Smith, general merchant, was born in Middlesex Co., Mass., March 10, 1840, being there reared and educated. In 1866 he came to Algona and engaged in general merchandise business, being now the oldest merchant doing business at this point. Mr. Smith was for many years agent of the Northwestern Stage a a a + “ yi | 1868, to Lucinda T. Smith, a native of St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. They have five children—Mande A., Kate N., Gracie B., Lou R. and Howland 8. Mr. Smith has been a member of the city board of alder- men and school trustee of this district, and is now mayor of Algona, being elected in March, 1883. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is a Knight Templar. Only one house handles clothing and its accompaniment exclusively, that of George Solomon, who began business here Sep- tember, 1881, in a store one door north of the Bongey House. Here he remained until July, 1882, when he moved next door west of G. L. Galbraith’s store on State street, only to remove to his present commodious quarters May 1, 1883. Mr. Solomon, although many of the stores carry lines of the goods he handles, does a large and lucrative business. George Solomon is a native of Ger- many, born Aug. 23,1854. In 1872 he emigrated to the United States, settling in Chicago, Ill., being engaged in the wholesale house of B. Ginsburg as clerk for five years. In 1877 he went to Tama City, Iowa, clerking for his brother at that place until 1881, when he engaged in ‘the clothing trade in Algona, carrying a stock of clothing, boots and shoes, etc. Mr. Solomon was married July 30, 1882, to Sarah Sime, a native of Germany. They have one child—Ida. Mr. Solomon is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Algona, and of V. A. 8. Fraternity of Algona Coligium. The first drug store was established by Durant brothers in 1866. At a later date Ak eat —, l | 388 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Company. He was married in June, | Dr. L. A. Sheetz became a partner. In the fall of 1875 this firm dissolved and the stock was divided. The business is at the present in the hands of Durant Brothers, L. A. Sheetz and B. G. Forbush. Durant Brothers carry, in addition to their stock of drugs, medicines and such goods, a large line of fancy goods, sta- tionery, ete. L. A. Sheetz, in the Palace’ drug store, has a place of business that would do credit to a metropolitan city, and does an extensive business. B. G. Forbush, the proprietor of the Good Samaritan drug store on east State street, does a nice business and holds good the name that ornaments his sign. The first to embark in the grocery busi- ness exclusively was Samuel Hessler, who, in 1869, opened a store devoted to that line. This pioneer grocery store is still in existence, under the -proprietorship of O. H. Marvin, who was his immediate sue- cessor. The present dealers in groceries exclu- sively are the following named: Crose & Brunson, Orville Minkler, J. C. Heckart, Booth & Buell, C. A. Hurd & Co., O. H. Marvin, H. 8. Langdon, D. W. C. Ackley and the Grange store. Crose & Brunson instituted their busi- ness in September, 1881. They carry a stock of $4,000 worth of first-class gro- ceries, and keep everything in the neatest possible manner. A. A. Brunson was born May 29, 1840, in Grand Isle Co., Vt., and there grew to manhood. In August, 1862, he enlisted in company H, 106th New York Volun- teer Infantry, and was rendezvoused at Camp Wheeler, Ogdensburg, from there “Sle = ar 2 Seal HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 389 sent to West Virginia, where he spent the winter of 1862-68. The following May he participated in the battle of Mar- tinsburg, battle ot the Wilderness, South Anna River, Spottsylvania Court House and Cold Harbor. He was then promoted to first lieutenant, and took command of company J. At the battle of Winchester he was wounded in the right hip, and in 1865 discharged at Indianapolis. He came west in April, 1865, settling in Clay- ton Co., Iowa, and engaging in mercantile business. In 1870 he came to Kossuth county and took a homestead. In 1878 he was elected superintendent of schools, and in 1875 re-elected. Ife was after- wards appointed mail agent on the Chica- go, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad for two years. In 1866 he married Dora Ben- jamin, of Clayton Co., Iowa. They have two sons—Willis and Glenford. He is a Master Mason of Prudence Lodge, No. 205, of Algona; also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. J. C. Heckart was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Dec. 2, 1838, and is a son of John and Elizabeth Heckart. When fourteen years of age, he removed with his parents to Elkhart, Ind., remaining there until 1856, when they came to Algona, Kossuth Co., Iowa. In 1861 Mr. Heckart enlisted in company F, 2d Iowa Cavalry, remain- ing with this command until the follow- ing February. In August, 1862, he again enlisted in the 32d regiment, Iowa Volun- teer Infantry, company A, and _ partici- pated in the following engagements—Fort DeRussy, Pleasant Hill, Lake Chicot and Fort Blakely. He also took part in the capture of two rebel transports, on Little Red river, Ark, while detailed on board the gunboat Lexington, in 1863. After the close of the war, he returned to Kos- suth county and engaged in farming. In 1871 he went into the mercantile trade, which business he has since followed. In i866 Mr. Héckart married Amelia M. Phelps, of Fond du Lac, Wis., by whom he has had three children—Grant W., Jessie and Hattie. Mr. Heckart isa Mas- ter Mason, a member of Prudence Lodge, No. 205. He is also quartermaster of James C. Taylor Post, G. A. R. De Witt Clinton Ackley, grocer and confectioner, was born in Pomfert, Chau- tauqua Co., N. Y., Oct. 22,1831. When two years of age, the family removed to Bristol, Trumbull Co., Ohio. Mr. Ackley resided there until nineteen years of age, during which time he learned the black- smith trade; he then removed to Sheboy- gan Co., Wis., there working at his trade until 1852. He then returned to Ohio, remaining until 1853, when heagain went to Wisconsin, and after a short residence in Sheboygan county, removed to Keno- sha county, where he resided until April, 1857; then removed to Kansas, stopping for ashort time in Leavenworth and then moving to Hickory Point, Jefferson county, taking an active part in the strug- gle then in progress which made Kansas a free State. In May, 1859, Mr. Ackley went to Denver, Col., where he remained until July of ‘that year, then returned to Ohio, and in July, 1861, enlisted in the 14th Ohio Battery of mounted artillery, serving until January, 1863. At the bat- tle of Pittsburg Landing, Mr. Ackley was wounded in the right leg and discharged on account of physical disability. He returned to Ohio, where he remained or —— | 390 HISTORY OF KOSsUTH COUNTY. until March, 1863, at which time he re- turned to Kenosha Co., Wis. In October, 1863, he came to Iowa, first locating at Waverly, and in March, 1864, removed to Freeborn Co., Minn. In November, 1865, he removed to Mitchell, Iowa, and in August, 1870, came to Algona, working at the blacksmith trade until 1883, when he engaged in the grocery business. Mr. Ackley was married April 30, 1854, to Clarissa Woodworth, a native of New York. They have four children—Mary A., Olive A., Delia O. and Buel C. Mrs. Ackley is a member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Ackley is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Booth & Buell, who are the successors to Phillips Bros., entered into business partnership in 1883, and enjoy a fair share of the patronage of the people of this locality. Dumont A. Buell, of the firm of Booth & Buell, grocers, was born in April, 1840, in Monroe Co., N. Y. When thirteen years of age he removed with his parents to Ottawa, Ill., where he was reared and educated. He engaged in farming at Ot- tawa until 1880, when he came to Algona and entered into land speculations, at which he is stillengaged. In April, 1883, he went into the grocery business with Mr. Booth. Mr. Buell was married Oct. 17, 1867, to Emma Hardy. They had two children—Hardy and Emma. Mrs. Buell died in March, 1877. Mr. Buell married, in 1879, Pamelia Thurber, a native of ‘Tilinois. They have two children—Ella L. and Julia T. Mr. and Mrs. Buell are members of the Congregational Churck. Mr. Buell is a member of the Masonic order. The Grange store is under the general management of J. E. Blackford, and car- ries a stock of about $4,000 in various lines. The growth of the furniture trade has been interesting to watch. In 1856 John Heckart opened a cabinet shop for the repair of disabled and maimed furniture, and in connection ran a turning lathe and did odd jobs at painting. ‘This lathe of Mr. Heckart’s was in asmall building, which hung upon apivot. The lathe was driven by a wind-mill, and as the wind varied the building was moved around to the proper position for sails of the mill to catch the wind. Mr. Heckart for many years made and repaired almost all the furniture in the county, and is at present one of Algona’s prominent citizens, hay- ing retired from active pursuits and en-. joying the fruits of his former industry. John Heckart, the pioneer cabinet maker of Algona, was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., May 14, 1805. In 1832 he was married to Elizabeth Fisher, and they have lived happily together for more than half a century. In 1836 he left his na- tive State and moved to Wayne Co., Ohio, where he resided until 1854, when he re- moved to Elkhart, Ind. In 1856 he came to Algona, then a place with two log cabins. Here he embarked in the cabinet business, being the first cabinet maker in the county. He made chairs and bed- steads, many of which are now in use. From the humble beginning made in this line, has grown the present fine busi- ness of Bronson Bros. Starting July 12, 1881, they have succeeded in building up a fine trade and carry a heavy stock of goods in their line. Cat ae ¥ + ~4__© HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 391 The first hardware store was opened by James McIntyre, who came from IIli- nois. He afterward died here, and the business passed into other hands. In 1869, Dammon, Griffin & Robinson estab- lished themselved in the hardware busi- ness at this point, but after running about a year, the interest of the senior partners was purchased by J. W. Robinson, and the firm, under the name of Robinson Brothers, has continued one of the insti- tutions of the town ever since. They carry a full line of shelf and heavy hard- ware, stoves and everything usually hand- led in that business. J. W. Robinson, one of the prominent business men of Algona, was born Aug. 7, 1841, in New Hampshire. His parents, Frederick and Philena Robinson, were natives of New Hampshire. J. W. Rob- inson grew to manhood in his native State, receiving an academical education, also graduated at a business college in Boston. In 1862, he enlisted in company A, 11th New Hampshire Volunteer Infan- try, and was wounded in the right arm at the battle of Fredericksburg, sent toa hos- pital at Washington, from there to Ports- mouth Grove, R.I., where he staid five months. He then joined his regiment at Knoxville and was soon after sent to the army of the Potomac under Gen. Grant, participating in all the engagements, till the surrender of Gen. Lee; he was also at the Grand Review in Washington. After his discharge from the service, he re- turned to New Hampshire. In 1870 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and has since followed the hardware business. In 1874 he married Antoinette Veazey. They have three children—Howard V., Abra L. and Norman W. Mr. Robinson is an honorable member of the Masonic fra- ternity, Prudence Lodge, No. 205. His wife died Nov. 10, 1882. P. L. S. Bronson and L. M. B. Smith are also prominent and_ representative merchants in this line. Peter L. 8. Bronson, dealer in hardware, stoves, etc., is a native of Norway, born April 29, 1856. When six years of age he emigrated with his parents to the United States, settling in Chicago, Ill, where Peter was reared and learned the tinner’s trade. In 1872 he went to Sioux Rapids, Iowa, where he remained four years, then came to Algona, working for L. M.B. Smith. In August, 1878, he en- gaged in business for himself, and is now one of the successful business men of Algona, Mr. Bronson was married Jan. 27, 1875, to Thorena Thoreson, also a na- tive of Norway. ‘They have four children —Adolph, Secegwart, Fred and Clara. Mr. Bronson is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In the spring of 1870, J. J. Wilson opened a lumber yard at Algona, which is claimed to have been the first in the town, although Jumber had been sold here previ- ously, but by no regular established dealer. The business is at present in the hands of J. J. Wilson, W. W. Johnson and John J. Queal. D. 8. Ford, it is claimed, is the pioneer agricultural implement dealer. He was the first to erect a warehouse and engage in it-as a specialty. To Mr. Ford is Kos- suth county indebted for the introduction of flaxseed. This business is represented at present by the following firms: D. S. oF ——s Qf - 392 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Ford, J. R. Jones & Co., Robinson Bros., and Mathew Richardson. J. R. Jones & Co., established by Mr. Jones, in the fall of 1870, when he put up the present building he occupies. In the spring of 1872, he admitted, as a partner, Thomas Hamson, and the business was conducted under the firm name of Jones & Hamson. This lasted but about a year when Mr. Jones became the purchaser of his partner’s interest. In 1882, G. H. Lampson purchased a half interest therein and the style of the firm name changed to its present one of J. R. Jones & Co. The first harness shop was started by F. W. Hawes, in the spring of 1870. He came here from Nashua, Chickasaw Co., Iowa, and opened in a small building on the north side of State street where the drug store of B. G. Forbush now stands. In 1871, he moved into his present quar- ters This store room is 22x70 feet in size and is filled with a fine stock of har- ness and everything in that line, besides a stock of clothing, boots and shoes and trunks. Besides Mr. Hawes, this line of trade is worthily represented by M. W. Stough and Walters & Co. Milton R. Walters, harness maker, was born in Fort Wayne, Ind., Jan. 19, 1850. He is a son of Reuben and J. Mitchell Walters, natives of New York, who emi- grated to Indiana in an early day.- Mr. Walters was a soldier in the Union army, where he contracted a disease of which he lost his life. The subject of this sketch went to Humboldt Co., Iowa, in 1861. Here he turned over the first sod where Humboldt now stands. Also helped to haul the first lumber to build the first house. He was married in Humboldt Greene Co., county to Clara Penny, by whom he has had four children—George, Jennie, Ella and Edna. In 1874 he came to Al- gona, where he has followed bis trade ever since. Mr. Walters is a member of the I. 0. O. F. lodge of Algona. In politics heis a staunch republican, and has held. several local offices of trust. P. L. Slagle was born June 6, 1845, in Ohio. His parents were George W. and Martha (Long) Slagle. His mother was from Philadelphia, Penn. His father. was a Virginian and came to Ohio at an early day. In 1843 they moved to Wheatly county, where they still reside. P. L. Slagle was reared in Ohio and In- diana. When seventeen years of age he was apprenticed to the trade of saddler and harness maker. In 1864 he enlisted in company D, 11th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battle. of Nashville, Tenn., and other engage- ments. He served till the close of the war. In 1858 he married Sarah Crabb. They have five children—Charles H., Elmer H., Frank H., George H. and Walden H. In 1868 he came to Algona, where he has followed his trade. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Blue Lodge ard Chapter, also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. The first merchant @ilor in Algona was J. K. Fill, who established that business on the 26th day of March, 1860, when he came here. He came from Ogle Co., IIL, where he had been engaged in the same line of business. He is regarded as one of the first business men of the city. J. K. Fill, merchant tailor, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Jan. 22, 1811. Here 6 at — FN wa s Ajo e HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 393 he learned the trade of tailor in the shop of his father, at the age of fourteen years, serving three years’ apprenticeship. In 1838 he emigrated to America, locating in Baltimore. He remained in Baltimore a few years, and then removed to Dauphin Co., Penn. In 1853 he removed to Ogle Co., Ill., remaining there until 1860, when he came to Kossuth eounty and settled on a farmin Irvington township. While run- ning his farm he again engaged in his pres- ent business. In 1873 he removed his family to Algona, where they have since resided. He was united in marriage, in 1843, in Dauphin Co., Penn., with Eliza J. Price. By this union there were eight children. Mr. Fill is a republican politically. He enlisted in company F, 2d Iowa Cavalry, and participated in many engagements. For many years the repairing of wagons had been done by the blacksmiths, who were alxo workers in wood to that extent, but in 1876, Bradley & Nicoulin em- barked in the business of manufacturing wagons, carriages, etc., and repairing the same. They have a large establishment, employing twelve men, and turn out 300 wagons and carriages per year. The Al- gona lumber wagon made by them has an excellent reputation, not only local, but as far west as Chamberlain, Dak., to which point and intervening ones they are shipped. A.M. Johnson & Son are also an enter- prising wagon making firm. They opened a shop in 1882 and are doing quite an ex- tensive business. The Johnson wagun is deservedly popular. A. M. Johnson is a native of Delaware Co.,N. Y. When eighteen years of age he learned the blacksmith’s trade. He was married in 1844 to Elizabeth Fish, they having four children—George, Lafay- ette, Edward and Augusta. In August, 1862, he enlisted in company F, 31st Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and took part in Sher- man’s raid on Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, Young’s Point, siege and capture of Vicks- burg; here he was taken sick and sent to Lossing’s hospital, from there to Quincy, Ill., when in February, 1864, he was dis- charged. He then returned to Jackson Co., Iowa, where he had settled in 1856. In 1865 he located in Irvington township, now Sherman township, on section 5, where he engaged in farming, and in the spring of 1879 came to Algona. In the spring of 1882 he opened up a wagon shop in company with his son, where they turn out some excellent work, and are known far and wide as the Johnson wagon. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Watch repairing was first done by J. H. Warren, and the business, as well as stocks of jewelry kept by F. M. Bronson and E. G. Bowyer, at the present. William Cordingley was the first to deal exclusively in the shoe business, and manufacture and repair the foot gear of this community. He started in it about fifteen years ago, in 1868, and is still the most important merchant in that line, where‘it is handled exclusively. The meat market business is well rep- resented by three stands, those of Frank Winkel, Mrs. Schweigs and J. Winkel. It is claimed that the first photographer to locate here, was a party by the name of Thompson. This line is represented at. this time by Saunders & Fuller and OT aes NE a Te EON ee Oe ME LT eee > a MIT eee Te oe “eo oO 7 + 394 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. J. F. Nicoulin, who enjoy a large and lucrative business. J. F. Nicoulin was born Feb. 24, 1847, in Massachusetts. His parents were Xa- vier and Paulina (Parset) Nicoulin, his father a native of Switzerland, and his mother of France. When young people they came to America, and were married in Pittsfield, Mass. In 1849 they went to Vermont, and in 1854 emigrated to Dodge Co., Wis. Mr. Nicoulin was drowned in 1859, in Rock river, while constructing a bridge over the stream. Mrs. Nicoulin was afterwards married to Frank Bernard. They are living at Appleton, Wis. J. F. Nicoulin went to Appleton when four- teen years of age, and was employed for nine years as clerk in a store. In 1870 he came to Algona, and in 1873 opened a photograph gallery. In 1880 he married Isabella Gilbraith, a daughter of William Gilbraith, of Kossuth county. Mr. Nicou- lin is a member of the I. O. O. F. Dr. Parker was the first dentist to lo- cate in Algona. At the present C. B. Cole, E. 8. Ensign and L. K. Garfield, M. D., are the representatives of this branch of business. In 1868 EK. 8. Lamb commenced the first livery business, and followed it for several years in connection with the hotel. Several parties have engaged in it since then, but Grove & Co., and Smith & Ring are the live liverymen of Algona, at the present writing. Isaac Grove, liveryman, Algona, was born June 13, 1818, in Union Co., Penn. He there Jearned the shoemaker’s trade, continuing to work at the same until i844. He then went to Rockford, Ill., being engaged in teaming between that city and Chicago for many years. He also engaged in farming near Rock- ford. In 1864 he moved to Charles City, Iowa, being engaged in farming and other occupations until 1873. He then located near Nora Springs, farming in that neigh- borhood until 1875, then coming to Kos- suth county, and settling on section 4, Algona township. He engaged in farm- ing until 1879, when he went into the liv- ery business in Algona. Mr. Grove was married, Jan.1, 1842, to Annie KE. Ziebach. He has five children living—Marion, Emily J.,Samuel, John and Jacob F. Mrs. Grove died Feb. 17,1864. Mr. Grove married in August, 1864, Mrs. Laura (‘J’ennant) Lynch, a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. Grove is amember of the Congregational Church. J. A. Smith was born Sept. 27, 1847, in Prussia. In June, 1870, he emigrated to America, settling in Clinton Co., Iowa, and engaged in farming. After one year he went on afarm in Calhouncounty. In 1880 he disposed of this farm and pur- chased another. In 1882 he removed to Pomeroy, where he engaged in the livery business. In June of the same year he was burnt out. In 1883 he cameto Algona, and is still in the livery business. He still owns the farm in Calhoun county. In all new counties the real estate busi- ness has always taken a prominence, and the town of Algona, in this respect, has at all times been particularly favored. The first party to engage in this line was Asa C. Call, who came to Algona in 1855, with that intention. The first mention of any transfer of property in the town of Algona, is the sale of a town lot by him to Lyman L. Treat, for the consideration “<— v ———s15 én, HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. ) 399 of $1. There are many parties in the city, at present, engaged in this business, prominent among whom are: George C. Call, who is the successor to his father, A.C. Call; J. W. Jensen, the representa- tive of Fredericksen, Hansen & Drum- mond; C. Byson, J. E. Stacy, the agent of the American Emigrant Society; C. L. Lund, J. B. Jones, W. H. Nycum and O. E. Palmer. Ambrose A. Call, W. H. Ing- ‘ham and L. H. Smith are also interested in this business, in connection with their general banking business. George C. Call, real estate, abstract and loan agent, is a son of Asa C. Call, and is successor to his father in the oldest estab- lished real estate business in Algona, his father having established the same in 1854. Mr. Call became interested in the business in 1879, and Dec. 5, 1882, hesuc- ceeded fhe firm in his present business. He is a native of Algona, and was born Sept. 24, 1860. He was here reared and educated. From his youth he has been engaged in the land business, and though a young man has been unusually success- ful. Mr. Call is a member of Algona Lodge, No. 236, I. O. O. F. of this city. John W. Jensen is a native of Norway, born May 31, 1854. He was there reared - on a farm. In August, 1872, he emigra- ted to the United States, locating in Kos- suth Co., Iowa. He here engaged in farming and various lines of business un- til the spring of 1883, when he accepted his present position as agent for Freder- icksen, Hansen & Drummond. Mr. Jensen wag married June 8, 1878, to Mary Jacob- son, also a native of Norway. They have three children—Emma Julie, Ida Maria and William Martin. Mr. and Mrs. Jen- sen are members of the Lutheran Church. C. Byson, real estate agent, was born in Denmark, Feb. 22, 1842, being there reared on a farm. In April, 1869, he emigrated to America, settling in Warren Co., Penn. He divided his time between Jefferson and Clarion counties, Penn., un- til 1882. He then came to Algona, tak- ing charge of the real estate business of A. Boysen until October, 1883, when he established his present business. When Mr. Byson arrived at Castle Garden, N. Y., he had but $1 in his pocket, and his success may be judged from the fact that he is now quite a large property owner in the city of Algona. In June, 1870, Mr. Byson was married to Anna M. Peterson, also a native of Denmark. They have three children—John R., Kinnie E. and Anthony. Christian L. Lund, real estate agent, was born in Denmark, Aug. 3, 1850. He was there reared to manhood, receiving his education at the Royal University of Copenhagen, at which institution his father, Miller Lund, has for many years been professor of theology. When twenty- one years of age he entered the regular army of Denmark, according to custom, and served one year. In 1873 he came to the United States, going directly to Chi- cago, Ill., where he resided one year, then removed to Saline Co., Neb., where he re- mained one year. He then went to Kear- ney ©o., Neb., where he resided three years, engaging in real estate business and stock raising. He then went to Colo- rado, residing in Leadville and Denver for one year, after which he returned to Chicago, where he again remained one = 11 4 engaging in the real estate business. He owns large farms in Kossuth and Emmett counties, and is extensively engaged in stock raising in the southeastern part of Emmett county. In the line of insurance, the business is well represented by H. Hoxie, A. D. Clark, F. M. Taylor, J. J. Wilkinson, L. H. Smith, Jonathan B. Winkle, C. F. Calkins and J. B. Jones. J. Wallace & Co., the proprietors of the creamery and cheese factories, are among the most prominent business men of the community. They commenced operations in Kossuth county in 1874, building that year a cheese factory about three miles east of Algona. Early the next year they erected one six miles east of the city. Later they built two more, one in Irvington and another three miles north of Algona. In 1876 four factories were erected by them, one in the south- west part of the county, one in Lott’s Creek township, one in Fenton, and the fourth in the northwestern part of Hum- boldt county. They continued their busi- ness until 1877, when the style of the firm was changed to Wallace, White & Reed, but only remained this way for one year, when it was changed back to the original name of J. Wallace & Co. In 1878 they reduced their business, discontinuing all but four factories. They engaged in the creamery business in the fall of 1879, and were the first in Kossuth county, and the second in the State to adopt the new sys- tem. During their first year of the creamery business they made 2,500 pounds of butter daily. In the spring of 1885 they engaged in the same line of business county, and are among the heaviest deal- ers in this line in northern Iowa. They also buy all kinds of produce and grain, and are live, energetic, business men. Blossom Bros. began business in Algona in May, 1878, in the line of buying and shipping ali kinds of produce, butter, eggs, poultry, etc. They are also propri- etors of a creamery at East Algona, and oceupy two store rooms, 22x60 feet, and the upper stories of the same building also. They manufacture during the proper season about 3,000 pounds of butter daily, . and handle three car loads of poultry,and 200,000 pounds of dairy butter per year. C. H. Blossom, of the firm of Blossom Bros., produce merchants, was born in Cook Co., Tll., Aug. 19, 1853. He came to Waverly, Iowa, in 1861, and has been in the produce business since 1872. He located in Algona in 1878. The firm is doinga large business in dairy butter, poultry, eggs, and the manufacture of creamery butter. The flax mill and hay press of B. Mor- ris & son, is one of the foremost busi- ness enterprises of the town. This was erected in July, 1880, and is somewhat of a success, and will doubtless improve as f more and more flax is grown by the agti- culturists of the county. They press and bale about 1,000 tons of hay per year, also, and have $8,000 invested in their business. The steam grist mill and grain elevator located at the depot of the C. M. & St. P. railroad are the property of J. J. Wilson, one of Algona’s most prominent, enter-_ prising and energetic business men. In 1871 he engaged here in the lumber busi 3 ek 9 is 400 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. year. He then removed to Algona, Iowa, | at the rising town of Bancroft, in this a» v ot SE a > ae HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 401 ness, and in that same summer built the ele- vator, to handle the grain he was buying. This structure is 20x52 feet, with an ad- dition, since erected, of 24x82 feet in size. The mill, which is one of the best in this section of the State, was built by O. J. Hack, in 1872, but came into the posses- sion of Mr. Wilson in 1874. This build- ing is 36x56 feet in dimension, and is thoroughly equipped with the most mod- ern machinery on the roller system, and has a capacity of turning out sixty bar- rels of flour daily. Mr. Wilson is also engaged in t'e coal, lumber, grain and stock business at this point, and at Whittemore, this county, and Emmets- burg, Palo Alto county, and employs a capital of $40,000 in his various businesses. The first steps toward the banking busi- ness were taken on the Ist of January, 1667, by W. H. Ingham, who opened an account with Austin Corbin, of New York city, to draw bills of exchange against. ‘he first draft was made upon the 11th of January, and was for $100 from James L. Paine, of Algona, to a clergyman in Missouri. On the Ist of January, 1870, just three years later, Mr Ingham and Lewis H. Smith formed a ‘co-partnership under the firm name of Ingham & Smith, for the transaction of a regular banking business. Mr. Smith painted the sign for the pioneer bank, which is yet among the archives of the institution. Duting the year 1871 they built the fine edifice now occupied by the Kossuth County Bank, which is one of the finest buildings in the city. Erected of Milwaukee brick; two stories high, the upper story being occupied as offices, fine French plate glass windows, and fitted up in a superb manner inside, itis a structure that would not be out of place among the palatial piles of Chicago or Milwaukee. On the 16th of May, 1873, the Kossuth County Bank, was organized and incor- porated upon the foundation land by Messrs. Ingham & Smith. This was a stock company and the officers chosen at that date have continued to be re-elected their own successors, to the present moment. They are as follows: W. H. Ingham, president; J. BK. Jones, vice- president; L. H. Smith, cashier; J. W. Wadsworth, teller. The board of direc- tors is composed of the following gentle- men: W.H. Ingham, L. H. Smith, J. B. Jones, B. W. Devine, John G. Smith, Theodore Chrischilles and J. W. Wads- worth. This institution has a capital of 50,000 and is incorporated under the general banking laws of the State. The gentlemen who are the head of the con- cern are widely and extensively known, being among the first settlers in this part of the State, and for reliability, integrity and probity, as well as for being men of wealth and business experience none en- joy a better reputation. Briefly, this in- stitution is regarded as one of the staunch and reliable fixtures of Kossuth’s business interests and entitled to the unlimited confidence of the public. Joseph W. Wadsworth, teller of the Kossuth County Bank, was born in Keno- sha Co., Wis., Nov. 18, 1853. His parents, John and Rebecca (Whitley) Wadsworth, were natives of England, and emigrated to the United States, in 1847. Mr. Wads- worth was reared and educated in Keno- sha county. In 1870 he attended Spen- cer’s Commercial College, at Milwaukee, rer v oe 402 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. graduating with honors. In May, 1873, he was appointed teller of the Kossuth County Bank, which position he still holds. In October, 1875, Mr. Wadsworth was married to Emeline A. Watkins, a daugh- ter of John Watkins, of Mower Co.,Minn. Two children have blessed this union— Alice R. and Harvey J. Mr. Wadsworth is an active member of the Masonic fra- ternity, belonging to the Blue Lodge Chapter and Commandery. The Bank of Algona was established un- der the existing State laws, on the 18th of November, 1880,and at once assumed, and still maintains a permanent place in the banking interest of this section, and is a most valuable adjunct to commercial inter ests. The faculties for transacting all busi- ness pertaining to the banking system are unsurpassed, and in its construction and organization, everything has been consid- ered calculated to enhance the interest and security of those so fortunate as to be numbered among its patrons. The official management of the institution is vested as follows: AmbroseA. Call,president; D. H. Hutchins, vice-president; V. H. Stough, cashier. The board of directors is made up of some of the best men in the com- munity, and add solidity, were that neces- sary, to the above named ‘official heads. It is composed of the following gentle- men: D. H. Hutchins, Joseph Thompson, G. N. Hancock, Philip Dorweiler, A. A. Call, William Carey and V. H. Stough. The bank draws drafts on all foreign countries, through ‘Gilman, Son & Co., of New York, and on Chicago, through the First National Bank of that city. For the security of the funds entrusted to them, they have a Diebold fire and burglar-proof r © safe, fitted with a Sargent & Greenleaf time lock. Ambrose A. Call, the pioneer of Kos- suth county, and one of the figures around which cluster much of the historic annals of the past, was born in Huron Co., Ohio, upon the 9th of June, 1833. He is theson of Asaand Mary (Metcalf) Call, and comes of good stock. His grandfather was one of the noble band of patriots that achieved our National Independence in the Revo- lution, and his father served in the army that preserved it during the War of 1812-15. When the subject of this sketch was but afew months old, his father died and his widowed mother removed to Cat- taraugus Co., N. Y., where she had friends. Five years later, however, she returned to the west, going beyond her old home in Ohio, and locating at South Bend, Ind., where she remained many years. Ambrose left home at the age of fifteen, he having received a common school education in the meanwhile. The summer of 1850, the subject of our sketch established a news depot at Dayton, Ohio, delivering the Cin- cinnati dailies ahead of the mails. The fall and winter of the same year, he at- tended commercial college in Cincinnati, Ohio. In the spring of 1854 he turned his steps westward and brought up in Iowa; at this time he was but twenty-one years of age, and in company with his elder brother, who had just returned from the gold fields of California, he came north from Fort Des Moines, as it was .then called, into what is now Kossuth county, arriving here the 9th of July, 1854. In 1861 he established the first newspaper in the county, the Algona Pioneer Press, an account of which, see elsewhere. This he a Ao mG HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 403 a continued to edit for several years. For the last twenty years, Mr. Call has beena government mail contractor, and at the present time controlls a large number of routes throughout the north west. He was united in marriage with Nancy E. Hen- derson, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, in October, 1859, a lady whose ancestors have a his- toric record in the settlement of Ken- tucky. Their,union*has been blessed with seven living children—-Florence M., Edith, Etta L., Bertha A., Chester C. and Roscoe and Myrtle, twins. In politics Mr. Call has ever affiliated with the republican party, and has taken great interest in the success of the measures advocated in the platforms of that party. Although fre- quently solicited, Mr. Call has persist- ently refused political preferment, and has never been an office seeker or holder. A prominent Mason, he carries into every day life the teachings of the craft, and deals with his fellow man as he would be dealt with. With his brother he founded the city of Algona, and was also the founder of Bancroft, the second town of importance in the county. Ask him his occupation, and his reply will be, afarmer, which is in fact, true, as he has over 1,000 acres of this rich Iowa prairie, brought under subjection to the plough. Conservative in business, Mr. Call has had the good fortune to accumulate an easy competence by shrewd investments, and as the result of his mail business. He is at present, president of the Bank of Algona, and one of Kossuth county’s most prominent representative citizens. D. H. Hutchins was born Sept. 20, 1823, in Franklin Co., N. Y. He was raised a “farmer boy,” and received his education in the district schools and Franklin Academy, where he attended three terms. He went to Indiana in the spring of 1845; resided there two years, then returned to Franklin county, where for five years he worked on a farm summers and taught school winters. He went to California in the spring of 1852, in company with his brother; was engaged in mining and other pursuits for two years, and returned home in the spring of 1854. A year later he moved to Clayton Co., Iowa, and engaged in farming. In 1862 he enlisted as a pri- vate in company E, 27th regiment, lowa Volunteer Infantry; was elected orderly sergeant by the-company in the spring of 1863, and promoted to second lieutenant in the fall of 1864, participating in the battles of Little Rock, Fort De Russy, Pleasant Hill, Yellow Bayou, Fish Bayou, Tupelo and Nashville; was discharged May 15, 1865, while in hospital at Natchez, Miss. He returned to Clayton county, re- maining there until March, 1869, when he settled in Algona, and engaged in the im- plement trade. He has 250 acres of land under cultivation, and is now assistant cashier in the Bank of Algona. He mar- ried Helen M. Whitney, of Franklin Co., N. Y. They have had four children, three now living—Clayton B., auditor of Kos- suth county; Lucina M., wife of A. F. Yall, of Algona, and Celia V. Mr. Hutchins was commissioned captain of uniformed militia by Gov. Seymour, of New York, and of Home Guards, by Gov. Stone, of Iowa; was elected four times justice of the peace, and served one term as supervisor of Kossuth county. The first hotel in the county was the hewn log building reared and kept by H. o _———sp 1 __oha Cte 404 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. A. Henderson, in 1856, as is stated else- where. This was known as the Wiscon- sin House, and was for several years the only place of entertainment for the weary traveler. In 1864 a Mr. Harrison built a frame structure on east State: street, which he called the Kossuth County Hotel. This building is yet standing and is used for the same business, although overshad- owed by later built and more pretentious rivals. This hotel is at present under the management of A. Rutherford, who hasa large patronage among the farming com- munity. The Cliff House, afterwards known as the Commercial House, was for some years the principal stopping place in Al- gona, but it is now closed. McGraw was the last landlord whometthe guests at the door and made them welcome. In 1870 a brick hotel, which went under the name of the Russell House, was erected opposite the court house. It was under the management and direction of several landlords until 1879, when G. N. Hancock became the proprietor. In Feb- ruary, 1883, Alexander Younie became owner and proprietor. The building was 66x90 feet in area, two stories high, and well constructed of brick. The ceilings were twelve feet high, and the house con- tained twenty-five good rooms, well fur- nished, comfortable and good accommoda- tions, and an affable landlord. What more could the tired guest ask? Mr. Younie is considerable of a capitalist and reil estate owner, and is one of the solid men ef thecommunity. This hotel burned down late in the winter of 1883. A. Younie, formerly owner of the Han- cock House, isa native of Quebec, Canada, born Feb. 2%, 1841. He was there reared and educated. His parents, Alexander and Isabella (Lang) Younie, were natives of Scotland. His father was an old sol- dier, and was in the British service during the Napoleon Wars. He died in 1857. Alexander is the eighth of a family of nine children. In the spring of 1865 Mr. Younie went to Fort Dodge, Iowa, and after a short residence there, went to Montana territory. In December, 1865, he returned to Fort Dodge, spending the summer of 1866 in Kansas and Missouri. In the fall of that year he engaged in farming in Humboldt Co., Iowa, and in the spring of 1870 he went to Palo Alto county, being engaged in farming and stock raising. In February, 1883, he be- came proprietor of the Hancock House at Algona, lowa. Mr. Younie was married Jan. 26, 1870, to Laura E. Elliott, a native of New York. They have three chil- dren—Nettie, Isabella and William A. Mr. Younie was a justice of the peace, a notary public, and a member of the board of supervisors while a resident of Palo Alto county. He was admitted to the bar in Humboldt county, and in 1876 prac- ticed at Roth, Iowa. The present hotel known since its in- ception as the Bongey House started from asmall beginning. In 1872 Alfred Bon- gey, the present proprietor, built a small building, which is part of the present hotel, and commenced the business of taking care of travelers. This is said to have been the first structure built of pine lumber in Algona. The material was hauled from Fort Dodge by team. As a= ——, 4 a) A HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 405 the years rolled on, these quarters grow- ing too confined for his ever increasing business, Mr. Bongey built the present commodious edifice. This now contains some forty-five rooms, and the presence of the genial host, draws a large share of the commercial travelers to the house. Alfred Bongey, proprietor of the Bon- gey House, was born March 17, 1833, in York Co., Penn. In 1839 he removed with his parents to Jefferson Co., Ohio, where he lived until 1861. He then went to St. Joseph Co., Mich., remaining until 1869, then he came to Algona, and en- gaged in contracting and building. He was thus employed about four years, his first contract being the college building. He also during that time worked on the court house. In 1872 Mr. Bongey erected a small building, being now a portion of his present hotel building, and engaged in the restaurant and boarding house business two years, then commenced keep- ing hotel. He has since that time made several additions to his hotel, until now he has one of the best equipped houses in the city. Mr. Bongey was married March 20, 1869, to Mary A. Hutchinson, a native ’ of Michigan. They have four children— Clifford W., Naomi B., Jacob S. and Fred. Mr. Bongey has been a member of the city council and is an influential citizen. Among the various businesses and pro- fessions carried on in Algona, but which are treated of in detail in the general county history, under their proper head, are two newspapers, the Upper Des Moines, under the management of Ing- ham & Warren, and the Republican, owned by Starr & Cowles; the following list of lawyers: George E. Clarke, C. P. Dorland, J. B. Jones, W. L. Joslyn, R. J. Danson, Quarton & Sutton, H. 8. Vaughn, E. H. Clarke, B. F. Reed, F. M. Taylor, G. C. Wright, A. F. Call, J. N. Weaver, W. P. Coolbaugh; and doctors: L. A. Sheetz, L. K. Garfield, 8S. G. A. Read, James Barr, L. E. Potter and A. Richmond. No better history of the early Churches of Algona and Kossuth county could be prepared than is given by}the Rev. W. H. Burnard, of the Congregational So- ciety, in a sermon delivered Aug. 15, 1883. The care and trouble exercised by this worthy divine in the compilation of these annals has been duly appreciated by the historian and the article is inserted in its entirety: “Interest is always attached to the be- ginning of institutions; for the manner of their origin, and the reason for it, will usually account for what is peculiar to them afterwards; and then, the beginning itself is likely to have had a cause or at- tending circumstance, and to have sug- gested certain measures and expedients united to the time and place, that could not have occurred ‘in other conditions, while the subsequent growth, with fewer limitations, falls into a conventional method and becomes covimonplace. ‘This is particularly true of Churches. ‘I'he majority of them have about the same experience. The history of one is the history of many, with slight variations. But though their mission and the need of them is always and forever the same, the conditions in which they are born differ with the difference of city and country, age and size of communities, traits of their founders, and life in old settlements o—r Y = vu abe, 406 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. and on the frontier. For these reasons J shall give more time to the early than to the later history of the Church. “A Church is usually a thought, a wish, a prayer, before it is an institution. And sometimes the thought not only begins to live a long while before the Church does, but it is born a long distance from the place where the Church is established and before the future site is selected. God, who gives the thought, knows where, when and how its prophecy will be ful- filled. This Church, on an Iowa prairie, was athought floating in a good man’s brain among the Green mountains of Ver- mont twenty years before it was organ- ized. For it was in 1888 that the Rev. Chauncey Taylor’s attention was first called to Iowa, and he felt then the missionary in- stinct to come here and organize Churches. Eighteen years later he started with a commission from the A. M. §. in his pocket, to labor in Iowa; Jike Abraham, ‘not knowing whither he went,’ but, doubtless, with God’s voice saying to him: ‘Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred and from thy father’s house, into a land thatI will show thee.’ ‘And, al- though his attention had been called to Fort Dodge, which place he visited on his way, God showed him Algona, which the surveyors were just laying out, as he walked, about 3-o’clock Pp. m., April 19, 1856, into the town. “As Father Taylor’s name will be for- ever associated with the organization and early history of this Church, and as the more recent comers among us never saw him, and yet have often heard him spoken of, I will try to bring him more dis- tinctly before you. He was born ona farm in Williamsburg, Vt., Feb. 17, 1805, and was one of five brothers who became Congregational ministers. One other brother had the ministry in view but died before he reached that goal. One of his first religious impressions was upon hearing his parents talk about the heathen, at the time of the departure of the first mission- aries from this country, and he formed a resolution, which, through all his yearsof vanity and sin, as he tells us, he ever kept before him, to go to them with the glad tidings of salvation. He was converted at the age of seventeen and at once de- cided to become a minister. To be the better prepared to obtain an education, for which he depended on his own exer- tions, he learned the trade of clothier, and by working at this and teaching school and singing school, and working in the bible and Sabbath school cause, with alternate periods of study, he passed through acad- emy and college, graduating at the Uni- versity of Vermont in August, 1831. He was licensed to preach Dec. 11, 1833, by the Rutland Association, having held meetings some months previously, and studying theology, as he himself said, in the chimney corner. On the 17th of the same month he was married. Before coming west, he labored in Vermont for twenty years; James Island, Sonth Car- olina, one year; and in New Hampshire two years; in all about twenty-three years. So when he came to this place to do harder work, doubtless, than he had ever done before, with more exposure, and a call for new and original methods, at the age of fifty-one, he was ripe in experience and inthe maturity of his powers. The older residents present remember his per- =~? ———> ahs gs) HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY, 407 sonal appearance as though he were be- fore them. lere is a description of him which the Rev. Dr. Whiting, of Dubuque, wrote to an eastern paper under the head- ing of ‘The Patriarch of the Prairies,’ eleven years later: ‘His head is white as the almond blossoms. The mild gray eye, gentle voice, alert motion and unbent form are yet his. This man who was not rugged, but who was strong of purpose, industrious, methodical and capable of deriving much happiness from humble sources, was the right person to step on the site of a new town, in a new country, even while the surveyor was still at work, to hunt and mess with the young men who had come west to make their for- tunes, and rear his home near theirs and live among them. The true pioneer must be able to dispense with luxuries and ele- gance, and in lieu of the established ways and ample resources of older communi- ties, he must be fertile of expedients and know how to make rude contrivances do efficient work. Yet he is not the man to mould the habits of new society and lay the foundation of future empire unless his innate taste and sterling moral earnestness are conspicuous.’ Happily, the pioneers of recent times were not men of the Dan- iel Boone type, hardy and adventurous, but hostile to refinement and wanting elbow room. The frontier is now being occupied by educated and religious men and women who carry the elements of civilization with them and welcome the gospel and the missionary. Father Taylor received as cordial a greeting from the young men who were here at the time as he would have had if he had come with a belt of money on his person to buy land. Some who do not seem now to care much for religion or the Church then dispensed a generous hospitality to the self-invited missionary and encouraged him to stay. They would do just so again. The next day was Sunday, and the missionary preached to an audience of about twenty- five persons, which he said seemed like baptizing the town in its infancy, because it wasso new. This was not the first ser- mon that was preached in Algona, for Rev. T. N. Skinner, then of Otho, had preached in Judge Call’s house once in the preceding November, and somebody else had preached here before that, but it was the beginning of the first stated ser- vices by the first minister of any denomi- nation who came here to stay. “The meeting was held in a little log house belonging to J. W. Moore, which was situated under the oaks near the pres- ent residence of Mr. Vaughn, and occu- pied as a bachelor’s hall by several young men. And here the meetings continued to be held during the summer, or until Father Taylor’s own house was ready and his family had joined him, when the min- ister’s house became his study and the place of worship until the town hall was built. Occasionally, however, that sum- mer he preached in other houses, and he preached also statedly in Irvington, then the rival of Algona, and in other parts of the county. ‘The seats then in style in these extemporized meeting houses were made of slabs, without backs, and were favorable to wakefulness and close atten- tion. A bed also was usually inthe room. The first meeting in the town hall was held May 21, 1857—forty present. ore =r 4 tates of 408 HISTORY OF KOSsUTH COUNTY. “The materials for a Church organiza- tion at this time were very scarce. Few of the early settlers professed religion, and none of those who came first belonged to Congregational Churches. Still many people seemed to have faith for Algona, small as it was, first, that it would become a place of importance, and second, that the Church which could get the first start might become strong’ and influential. Ministers of other denominations soon followed Father Taylor, looking up lost sheep, and having a truly apostate zeal to organize Churches. Rev. Mr. McComb, a Presbyterian minister, came sometime that summer, and a missionary agent named Wells made a visit here soon after and organized a Presbyterian Church, the first in the county I believe. It is now extinct. The Congregational Church was next in order of time, but’ it was not or- ganized until more than two years after the missiouary came. For the minister to come first and call for a Church, rather than to wait for a Church to call him, is the true way for a new country. This Church might never have come into being if the minister had waited for the few Congregationalists, who came here in an early day, to form a Church and invite some one to preach to them. As it was, only five persons were found who were ready to enter into it when the Church was organized, Aug. 15, 1858, which was the Sabbath. These were: Rev. C. Tay- lor, George D. Wheeler and wife, Mrs. Maria T. Wheeler, Eugenia Rist, now Mrs. L. H. Smith, and Harriet E. Taylor, daughter of the minister, now Mrs. J. E. Stacy. Mrs. Taylor died Oct. 12, 1837, too soon to join. T. N. Skinner, already spoken of, was present and assisted in the work. Let us try to see all the scene. The town hall was the nucleus of this, our present house of worship. Meetings of various kinds had been held in it since May 16, 1857; religious meetings of all the denominations in the town, political meetings, club meetings, dances, shows, and the like. It stood on the lot, corner of State and Moore streets, east of Mr. Ford’s warehouse, smaller of course than it is now. Cut off twenty feet of the rear of the house, and the entry, with the cupola and bell, bring the ceiling down to eleven feet, with no arch, let the wains- coting and doors be bare, unoiled black walnut, the walls lathed with thin split boards but not plastered, the seats of slab, and you have the scene inside. Outside of the house, inclosing quite alarge space, perhaps the entire lot, was a stockade of perpendicular logs with the flat sides close together, with another log outside to cover each crack, making almost a double row of standing logs, put there at the time of the ‘Indian scare’ and mas- sacre at Spirit Lake, in March, 1857, and left standing until persons who wanted such logs had helped themselves to them all. It was feared at one time that the people would all have to crowd in there for safety. When the needless scare was over, as the people sat and worshipped in their snug retreat, they could have sung: ‘With salvation’s walls surrounded Thou may’st smile at all thy foes.” “Such was the place of meeting when the five persons above named, all of whom came from other Churches, stood up be- fore God and entered into covenant with Him and each other and became a Church oor a 4 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 409 of Christ, and a branch of the universal Church. We do not know where Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler are now. The organizer has joined the Church triumphant above. The other two are with us. One of this number soon went back east, taking a letter—though she returned again—reduc- ing the number to four. But Janes L. Paine united on profession March 10, 1859, making the original number good. On Feb. 20, 1860, Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler took letters, and the little band was re- duced to three. A Church of only three members after four years of hard mission- ary labor! Was not that discouraging? Who would have thought it strange if they had disbanded and the minister had sought a more promising field? Certainly few Churches have had a more feeble be- ginning and a more cheerless outlook soon after, even in anew country. The other Churches in the place, starting a little later, must have done better. I cannot find out when the Methodist Church was organized. The records which are at “hand only run back to 1862. Perhaps the Church never had a distinct beginning but came by evolution. According to Father Taylor, a Methodist minister by the name of Lawton, from Fort Dodge, commenced preaching here early in No- vember, 1857, and he held a protracted meeting in December with good results. The Baptist Church was organized on the 18th of May, 1861, with sixteen members, one year after the discouraging period for this Church referred to. ‘“ Providentially the time of gloom did not last long. The little band held to- gether and slowly their number increased. One person was added to them by profes- sion in 1861, and another in 1862, and then the next year the pastor held a pro- tracted meeting, assisted by Rev. Mr. Os- borne, of Webster City, the result of which four were added to the Church on profession of their faith and one by letter, thus doubling the originalnumber. From this time on the records show that the Church had aslow but steady growth. “On the 16th of December, 1865, the Church voted to take steps to organize as a corporate body: This resulted in the organization, Feb. 6, 1866, of the Con- gregational Society, which is distinct from the Church, and holds its property. No deacons were appointed for the Church until Jan. 27, 1866, over seven years after the Church was formed, when Matthew Hudson, M. D. and August Zahlten were chosen, and they have been our deacons ever since, with the addition of David Paterson, who was first elected in March, 1877. The Church and minister engaged in Sabbath school work almost, perhaps quite, from the beginning, but I give no account of our present flourishing Sab- bath school because that will be given in a separate paper. The deaths, too, will receive fitting mention by another, so I ‘will not need to speak on that sad theme. “The baptisms in the Church, infant and ‘adult, interesting parts as they are, will have to go unchronicled. I find in the minutes the first mention made of the ladies’ sewing circle, under date of Aug. 31, 1867, when they presented a beautiful communion set to the Church, the same: that we now use A separate paper will tell of thé ceaseless and beneficent activi- ties of that society from its beginning, and of how much the present prosperity o—- a \ 410 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. of the Church is due to its always timely help. “This Church was one of five which en- tered into the organization of the North- western Association at Webster City, Feb. 10,1859. Its minister was one of the three who were present and took part on that occasion. This act brought the Church into formal fellowship with the other Congregational Churches of the State. In the year 1876 the Church with- drew..from this connection and united with the Mitchell Association, along with the minister, for the better convenience of attending the annual meetings. “Up to 1867 Father Taylor had only been the stated supply, or acting pastor of the Church. That year he was installed by a unanimous vote of the Church, the society concurring. This was the first in- stallation in northwestern Iowa, and one of the very few that have ever taken place here. The Church then had over thirty members, and felt sure of its exis- tence and hopeful for the future. This marriage after anine years courtship took place on the 8th of September, 1867,which was the Sabbath. The council called by the Church, consisting of the Churches of the Northwestern Association and their ministers, and other Churches and minis- ters, had convened on the 6th, had exam- ined the candidate and sustained all the action of the Church and pastor elect. It must have been a very interesting event to the Church, and a rich treat for the com- munity. A crowded house witnessed the services. Dr. Whiting, of Dubuque, preached the sermon. Dr. Guernsey, then superintendent of the American Home Missionary Society for Iowa, moderator of the council, a giant in stature and in- tellect, with a heart correspondingly big, gave the charge to the pastor. Other parts were by Revs. J. C. Strong, W. F. Harvey, H. T. Thompson and C. F. Boyn- ton. This new and closer relation to the Church made the pastor very happy. “But up to this time the Church had no house of worship of its own, but contrived to hold its meetings in the town hall. This building, with the lot, belonged to a joint stock company and was held by shares of $10 each. There were twenty of these shares. Why the society chose to buy this property rather to build anew, I have not been informed. Neither do I know how much money, if any, was given by the Church and congregation for this purpose. The American Congregational mission made the society a present of $250, and Deacon Field, of Arlington, Mass., gave $50 more. And with the money raised the house was purchased, as the record says, extended, remodeled and repaired, and was dedicated on the 20th of September, 1868, to the service of the ° Triune God. “The sermon was by Rev. E. C. Miles, of Belmond. When the lot on which the church stood was sold in 1878, it was found that two shares had never been bought in by the society. They were held by a Mr. Gilbert, then living in Waterloo. He relinquished them for $20, their origi- nal value. They were then worth, accord- ing to the price received for the lot, $75, ‘and would be worth double that now. “Two years after the dedication of the house, the question of building a new meeting house was again agitated and a meeting was appointed for the considera- o — =~ poet = HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 411 tion of the matter, but nothing came of it. Improvements have been made on the building since then and the bell which calls us together was procured in 1876. The house was found to be too small for the growing congregation, and the Church occupied the Baptist meeting house for over a year and the court house allof one summer (1878), during which time the house was moved ‘to its present site and enlarged by the addition of twenty feet, the ceiling raised and arched, these chairs procured, and other improvements made. “Father Taylor continued to be the pas- tor of the Church until the year 1873, giv- ing Algona seventeen years of labor. He labored as a missionary at large in the county about three years after that. He first offered his resignation in November, 1872. This was not accepted. A council called after this to consider the matter again, advised that he retain his place and that a junior pastor be employed. Very judicious advice for a weak Church! He was finally dismissed by another council on the 25th of June, 1873. He had done agood work. A Church had been founded and instructed in God’s immutable truth, and souls had been converted. He had identified himself with about every good public movement of his time and place. All parts of the county witness to his faithful and self-denying labor. He in- terested himself in education. He taught the first singing school in the county, and he either originated or encouraged all the associations formed in the early day, for the instruction and improvement of the people. On his seventieth birthday peo- ple from all parts of the county came to- gether to show their respect and pay the debt of gratitude to one who had done so much for them. We buried him with the tears and honors due to a fallen Christian soldier, on the 3d of March, 1876. The period of his ministry here was, in the main, that of hardship and privation, when people lived in log cabins and sod houses and traveled in stages, or more frequently with oxen, in canoes and on foot, the most independent and rapid way of all. It was the period of insecurity and ex- citement; a formation period with change and loss attending it; the period of In- dian scares; of the war and reconstruc- tion, and at last, I believe, the grasshop- pers. “Rev. H. B. Underwood became the minister of this Church in August after the retirement of Father Taylor. In the fol- lowing winter he held a protracted meet- ing in the church which was well attended and very solemn. There were several conversions. Fourteen persons united with the Church, on the profession of their faith in Christ, at the communion season in March, and four by letter. Five were united by letter the following May. Mr. Underwood served as pastor of the Church about two years. The Church came to self-support during his ministry. How fast this result was gradually reached —as I suppose it was reached gradually— I cannot tell. Mr. Underwood was a son of the well known evangelist, Rev. A. Uuderwood, of Irvington, N. Y. His brother, younger, Rev. Rufus Underwood, is also a successful evangelist. He had had a few years experience in the ministry both east and west, I believe, before he came here. Early in June, 1875, he went to the State association on his way east. eres ———2 aly * 412 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. On the 8th of July he was married to Emily Rich, of East Boston, who came with him to his western parish, full of enthusiasm for what she thought would be her life work. They reached here early in August, when he was almost im- mediately taken sick with typhoid fever, which ran its wasting course of four weeks, when he died, Sept. 2, 1875, at the age of nearly thirty-six, just seven weeks from the day of his marriage, which was on a Thursday, as was his funeral both here and in the east. Judging from his photograph and what I have heard of him from his.father and others, I should say that his was an ardent, courageous spirit, and that he was a man of great energy, quick movement, social and genial, and full of strong desire to save souls. The years of his earthly toil were not many, but he gathered precious fruit for a time, and garnered. many a sheaf in glory. “The present pastorate began that same year, the first Sabbath in November, 1875. Some future historian will have to tell about itif itisever told. The Church has had a steady but not rapid growth from that time to this. The church building has been removed and enlarged and a par- sonage has been built. Several protracted meetings, in connection always with the week of prayer, have been held, some alone and some union meetings, and invariably there have been some conversions and considerable religious interest. But there has never been a powerful revival in Al- gona, and this Church has never had a large accession of members at one time. The largest, sixteen or seventeen, was during Mr, Underwood’s ministry. The Church reported in May last 152 members. Some of these are absentees. And more have been dismissed than have been re- ceived since that date, but there are others here ready to join who will more than make the number good. About eighty-two were received during Father Taylor’s ministry, twenty-five during Mr. Underwood’s and sixty-eight during the present pastorate. It is evident that the Church has had a small percentage of loss compared with its gains. In other words, it has retained a large proportion of the members it hasreceived. For this we are devoutly thankful. I should like to make many other observations,suggested by this history, and to gather up itslessons. But there is not time.” . Among the various clergymen who have had charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Algona, or preached to the congregation, were the following named: Revs. Mallory, Billings, King, Holbrook, Snyder, Todd, Thorpe, Potter, Hammond, Woodworth, Webster, Mitchell, Brown, Hobbs, atid the present incumbent, Eigh- mey. The Baptist Church dates from the spring of 1861. On the 18th of May, of that year, the people of that denomination in and around Algona gathered together and formed the present society. The meeting was called to order by Rev. O. W. Holmes, of Webster City, who acted as moderator, and after some preliminary ex- ercises the following members enrolled their names as the pioneers of the new Church: Riley E. Mason, Cecil D. Mason, A. B. Mason, Luther Rist, Sallie M. Ma- son, Susan Payne, Nancy C. Mason, Betsy Rist, Sylvester 8S Rist, William Hofius, M. C. Lathrop, J. R. Armstrong, Eliza Y A pe Ts —— ¥ ag 4 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 413 Maxwell, Mary A. Hofius, Elizabeth Lathrop and Electa Henderson. After the formation of the society, A. B. Mason was elected clerk, and 8. 8. Rist, deacon. The first member to join this Church was “buried with Christ in baptism” upon this auspicious day, and was Mary A. Rist. . The meeting then adjourned. On the following day, which was Sun- day, the first services were held and the Church formally organized and recognized. Rev. O..A. Holmes preached the recog- nition sermon, the hand of Church fel- lowship was given by the Rev. William J. Sparks, of North Union, and the charge delivered by the Rev. L. L. Frisk, of Mineral Ridge. This weak Church con- ducted meetings, renewing their covenant of faith quite frequently, but,had no reg- ular pastor until in May, 1866, Rev. J. A. Cain was invited to, and accepted the pas- torate. Life now seemed to animate the whole Church, and steps were taken look- ing toward the building of a place of | * worship. Brother Cain labored hard and faithfully ontil April 4, 1869, when he resigued hig charge here on account of ill health. He was succeeded by the Rev. James Jeffers on the first of the following August. About this time the charch building was being pushed to completion, | and on the 2d of April, 1870, the first meeting was held therein. In February, 1878, Rev. C. Brooks took charge of this little flock as pastor. He, in turn was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Mountain in June, 1880. On the Ist of November, 1883, Mr. Mountain resigned and was suc- ceded by Rev. G. W. Robinson, of Bloom- ingdale, Ill. The present officers of the Church are the,following named gentle- men: Z.C. Audness, clerk; 8. 8. Rist and W. F. Hotius, deacons. The society have a neat substantial church edifice in which to worship. The Sunday school is in a most prosperous condition under the superintendency of Jerome Walker, and peace, harmony, and good feeling pervades the whole society. The Free Methodist Church society was organized in February, 1882, and the first services were held by the Rev. R. C. Glass, but the first pastor was the Rev. W.L. King. His successors have been Revs. J. C. Jones and H.L. Smith, the lat- ter of whom has charge of this little flock. The Methodist Episcopal Congrega- tion have a beautiful edifice of worship, built in the Elizabethan English style, which is one of the chief ornaments of the city. This branch of the Lord’s vine- yard is underthe direction of Rev. P. H. Eighmey. The Seventh Day Adventist Church so- ciety was organized April 10, 188], by J. H. Durland assisted by a Mr. Washburn. At that time there were but seven mem- bers, as follows: Olaf Johnson and wife, Mrs. James Archibald, Hattie Steb- bins, May Stebbins, Belle Mickelson and William Sammer. Three trustees were appointed soon after the organization, who were as follows: William Carey, Olaf Johnson and William Sammer. These gentlemen still retain this office in the Church. William Carey is still dea- con. The society at the present has thirty-two members in regular standing and is in a good healthy condition. In the fall and winter of 1888, they erected a church building, 26x40 feet in size, at a cost of about $1,500. This y , ee ee ee yar nanel ni algo AA GIO —y v aa 414 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. edifice, which is of frame, is a neat and tasty building, and is an addition to the looks of Algona. In connection with the Church, of which E. G. Olson is the pres- ent elder, there is a Sabbath school with an average attendance of about thirty. The first superintendent was Olaf John- son, and the present one William Carey. This “nursery of the Church” isin a most excellent condition and great interest is manifested by the people, both young and old, in its exercises. The postoffice at Algona was established in the winter of 1856, and J. W. Moore was commissioned the first postmaster. He held it however but a short time, for during the following year he was suc- ceeded by Amos §. Collins. H. F. Wat- son, Lewis H. Smith and J. H. Warren have each in turn occupied the berth, the latter of whom was succeeded by the present incumbent, Lieut.-Col. R. II. Spencer. The postoffice has been moved, at various times, to different places about town, 28 it has changed from hand to hand. The office is a money order one, and considerable funds pass through the mails in this shape. Col. Robert H. Spencer, postmaster at Algona, was born Sept. 20, 1840, in Perry Co., Ohio. His parents, Eli A. and Ann M. (Chilcote) Spencer, were also natives of Ohio. Col. Spencer is the oldest of a family of four boys. He was raised in Perry county on a farm adjoining the vil- lage of Somerset, receiving a common school education and working on the farm until 1858, when the family removed to Madison, Wis. Here he was engaged in farming on his father’s farm in the town of Windsor, Dane county, until the open- ing of the war. In November, 1861, he enlisted as second lieutenant in company H, 10th Wisconsin regiment, serving with that regiment until mustered out in Novem- ber, 1864. He re-enlisted in the 47th Wisconsin regiment, as lieutenant-col- onel, and served as such ‘until the close of the war. For Col. Spencer while a prisoner, his es- cape, etc., see another portion of this work. After his discharge he returned to Dane Co., Wis., where he remained one year, then removed to Sheboygan Co., Wis., being engaged in business at’ Sheboygan Falls until 1868. He then returned to Dane county, and in 1870 came to Algona, engaging in the mer- cantile business until December, 1871. In April, 1872, he received his commission as postmaster of Algona, which office he now holds. Col. Spencer is also largely interested in farming in this county, and has quite a tract of land in Portland and Greenwood townships. He was married July 19, 1866, to Josephine M. Rowley, a° native of New York. They have one child—Miss Marion. Col. Spencer is a member of the Masonic fraternity. The first school is believed to have been taughtinadwelling house in Algona, dur- ing the year 1856, by Flavia Fleming. In the winter of that year the town hall was erected and school was taught there for some years. Miss Fleming was also the first teacher in this building. The pres- ent main school house was built in 1867, under the supervision of the board of township directors, of which W. H. Ing- ham was at that time president. The first teachers in the new school house . were Elam C. Miles and wife. This was the experiences of , aad —~ps 4 fe a See, HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 417 while Algona was a sub-district of the district township. The independent school district of Al- gona was organized in 1872. was handed into the board of township directors upon the 4th of March of that year, asking that an independent school district be organized in Algona. This bears the following names: William Leg- gett, '. P. Bender, W. J. Wildey, J. W. Renyon, Joseph Taylor, 8. G. A. Read, H. M. Taft, J. B. Jones, A. E. Wheelock, L. N. Ferguson, D. P. Russell, P. D. Ramsey, William Cordingley, J. H. War- ren, J. B. Wimbel, M. W. Stough, J. E. Blackford and Adam Baker. In accord- ance with this, the board ordered that an election be held on Saturday, March 16, 1872, to decide the question as to its in- corporation. On that day and date, the qualified clectors met at the school house, in Algona, and there decided that the town of Algoua should constitute an independ- ent district by a unanimous vote. Twenty- five ballots were cast. On the 30th of March, 1872, an elec- tion was held at the court house for the choice of directors. J. E. Blackford was elected president of the board of election, and A. W. Patterson, clerk. After the oath had been duly administered by A. E. Wheelock, clerk of the courts, the polls were opened in accordance with law. One hundred and eighty-three ballots were cast, which resulted in the election of the following board of directors of the independent school district of Algona: J. EK. Stacy, J. G. Smith, J. G. Winbell, J. L. Paine, F. C. Wilson and H. M. Taft. On the organization of the board, H. M. Taft was chosen president, and J. A petition E. Stacy, secretary and R. H. Spencer, treasurer. At the time of the organiza- tion of this district as independent from the township, the teachers were: A. M. Horton, principal; Lizzie M. Read, Em- ma 8. Paine and 8. A. Blair. The suc- cessive principals of these schools have been as follows: Clayton B. Hutchins, J. P. Colby, J. H. Saunders, C. P. Dorland, A. 8. Benedict, A. Heys and G. Cowles. The present corps of teachers that preside over this fine schoolare: Gardner Cowles principal; Lettie Hutchins, assistant prin cipal; Mrs. M. J. G. Colby, Nellie 2. Smith, Ada Smith, Louisa Patterson, Josie Pettibone and Emma Henderson. There are enrolled here some 622 scholars, many of whom are in the higher branches. Prudence Lodge, No. 205, A. F. & A. » M., was organized under dispensation Feb. 4, 1867, and received a charter the 6th of the following June. The charter mem- bers were: Lewis H.Smith, Enoch Wood, Marcus Robbins, Jr., Asa C. Call, G. M. Parsons, Albert Calkins and John G. Smith. The first officers were elected and appointed as follows: Samuel B. Caleb, W. M.; Albert Calkins, 8. W.; J. G. Smith, J. W.; A. ©. Call, treasurer; Marcus Robbins, Jr., secretary; Lewis H. Smith, 8. D.; G. M. Parsons, J. D.; H. M. Hatch, tyler. This lodge made but little headway during its earlier years, and during 1867, made but one master Mason, and raised two apprentices. But being composed of the best men in the commu- nity, it has not encountered the difficul- ties of some new lodges. The following named have seryed as masters since its organization: §. B. Caleb, 1858; L. H. Smith, 1369, 1870, 1871; D. S. Ford, o—vr 12 hy =r 418 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 1872, 1873, 1874; H. B. Smith, 1876, 1876; D. 8. Ford, 1877; J. R. Jones, 1878; C. D. Pettibone, 1879; J. R. Jones, 1880, 1881, 1882. The present officers are: E. S. Johnson, W. M.; J. N. Weaver, 8. W.; G. H. Lampson, J. W.; P. L. Slagle, treasurer; J. W. Wadsworth, secretary; W. P. Coolbaugh, 8. D.; D. W. C. Ack. ley, J. D.; E. N. Weaver, tyler. There are now eighty-seven members in good standing and the lodge igs numbered among the best in the State. It is entirely out of debt and has some $300 in its treasury. There is also a flourishing chapter in connection with this lodge at Algona, ‘Prudence Chapter, No. 70. It was organ- ized Sept. 25, 1874, under a dispensation in answer to a petition dated Jan, 23, 1874, and signed by Robert F. Bowers, high priest. The first officers were as follows: J. R. Jones, high priest; H. B. But- ler, king; H. B. Smith, scribe; C. E.Church, secretary. The charter’ was received Nov. 9, 1874, and the following named were duly elected, the first officers under the charter: J. R. Jones, high priest; H. B. Butler, king; J. G. Smith, scribe; G. R. Woodworth, treasurer; P. L. Slagle, sec- retary. In 1875 the officers were: J, R. Jones, high priest; H. B. Butler, king; P. L. Slagle, scribe; J. W. Wadsworth, treasurer; I’. M. Taylor, secretary. 1876—C. C. Chubb, high priest; S. G. A. Read, king; H. C. McCoy, scribe; H. B. Butler, treasurer; I’. M. Taylor, secretary. 1877—J. R. Jones, high priest: 8. G. A. Read, king; O. H. Marvin, scribe; J. W. Wadsworth, treasurer; H. J. Wyman, secretary. 1878—J. R. Jones, high priest; W. H. Ingham, king; 8. G. A. Read, scribe; J. oe W. Wadsworth, treasurer; H. J. Wyman, secretary. 1879—J. R. Jones, high priest; 8. G. A. Read, king; W: H. Ingham, scribe; J. W. Wadsworth, treasurer; H. J. Wyman, secretary. 1880—J. R. Jones, high priest; 8. G. A. Read, king; W. H. Ingham, scribe; J. W. Wadsworth, treasurer and secretary. 1881—O. E. Palmer, high priest; 5. G. A. Read, king; H. F. Watson, scribe; Lewis H. Smith, treasurer; J. W. Wads- worth, secretary. 1882—-O. E. Palmer, high priest; J. R. Jones, king; J. N. Weaver, scribe; O. H. Marvin, treasurer; J. W. Wadsworth, sec- retary. ; The present officers are as follows: O. E. Palmer, high priest; D. A. Buell, king; J. N. Weaver, scribe; O. H. Mar- vin, treasurer; J. W. Wadsworth, secre- tary. , The chapter numbers fifty-five mem- bers in good standing, and since the or- ganization there has only been one death in the brotherhood, that of O. E. Minkler. The fraternity occupy the spacious hall on the second floor of Robinson Brothers’. new hardware store, which was fitted up expressly for and leased to the Masonic lodge for a term of years. The hall is 20x48 feet, thirteen feet in height and finished in the most approved style. The wood work was done by Messrs. Richard & Shadle, the plastering by S. B. Califf, and the painting by P. A. Gustafson, and each will bear the test of a close comparison with any work to be seen anywhere in the west. This hall is fitted up in good style and the craft are not ashamed to have the visiting brethren view its beauties. fa hiss), HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 419 Algona Lodge, No. 236, I. O. 0. F., was organized on the 30th of April, 1872, by Orlanda McCraney of McGregor, Grand Master of the State, with the following charter members: George E. Clarke, F. W. Butterfield, J. KF. Nicoulin, J. W. Kenyon, A. D. White and J. R. Jones. The following were elected the first offi- cers of the lodge: George E. Clarke, N. G.; F. W. Butterfield, V. G.; J. F. Nicou- lin, secretary; J. W. Kenyon, treasurer. The subordinate offices were, also, filled by the following named: A. J. Bletso, R.8.N.G.; P. D. Rumsey, L. 8. N. G.; William Quick, W.; J. R. Jones, C.; J. M. Pinkerton, R.8.8.; C. T. Williams, L.8.8.;J.F. Nicoulin,O. 8. G.; A. E.Whee- lock, I. 8. G.; E. H. Woodward, R. V. G.; C. W. Townley, L. V.G. The lodge has a membership of about sixty, and is in a most excellent condition financially, hav- ing about $600 in the hands of the treas- urer. Algona Lodge meets every Monday evening, at their hall, over Durant Bros’ drug store. The present officers are: Dr. L. K. Garfield, N. G.; O. C. Fill, V. G.; George C. Call, secretary; E. H. Clarke, P. secretary; T. Earley, treasurer. James C. Taylor Post, No. 165, G. A. R., was organized on the 4th of May, 1883, by Col. Burrell, mustering officer. The officers elected and appointed at that time are as follows: L.A. Sheetz, post com- mander; John Wallace, Sr., vice-com- mander; A. E. Wheelock, Jr., vice-com- mander; J. C. Heckart, Q. M.; A. H. Du- rant, surgeon; L. M. B. Smith, chaplain; R. H. Spencer, O. of D.; H. Waterhouse, O. of G.; John Reed, adjutant; A. A, Brunson, 8. major; G. H. Lampson, Q. M. 8. The following is the roster of the post, with the rank, regiment and date of dis- charge from active service: Le Roy D. Setchell, 28d New York Infantry, sergeant, discharged Aug. 28, 1866. L. M. B. Smith, 1st Wisconsin Cavalry, cap- tain, discharged Feb. 21, 1865. P. L. Slagle, 11th Minnesota Infantry, cor- poral, discharged July 21, 1865. R H Spencer, 10th Wisconsin Infantry, lieu- tenant-colonel. Charles Wilkins, 27th Iowa Infantry, private, discharged Aug. 8, 1865. A.M. Horton, 6th New York Cavalry, orderly sergeant, discharged Aug. 26, 1865. A. E. Wheelock, 8d Wisconsin Infactry, pri- vate, discharged July 10, 1865. J. ©. Heckart, 32d Iowa Infantry, corporal, discharged Aug. 24, 1865. 7 O. H. Hutchins, 27th, lowaInfantry, 2d licu tenant, discharged May 15, 1865. _ G. H. Lamson, 21st Massachusct's Infantry, private, discharged Jan. 20, 1863. Samuel Benjamin, 27th Iowa Infantry, 2d lieutenant, discharged May, 1863. John Wallace, 1st Wisconsin Cavalry, dis- charged September, 1864. A.H. Durant, 1st Wisconsin Infantry, lieuten- ant, discharged March 12, 1864. E. Williams, 2d Wisconsin Cavalry, ist lieu- tenant, discharged April 4, 1862. L. A. Sheetz, 8th Iowa Infantry, lieutenant and adjutant, discharged May, 1866. John Reed, 32d Iowa Infantry, private, dis— charged Aug. 24, 1865. John M. Weaver, 12th Iowa Infantry, private, discharged Jan. 20, 1866 Hugh Waterhouse, 2d Wisconsin Cavalry, pri- vate, discharged Nov. 15, 1865. A.A. Brunson, 106th New York Volunteer Infantry, sergeant, discharged February, 1865. H. C. McCoy, 31st Wisconsin Infantry, assist- ant surgeon, discharged June, 1865. - D. C. Ackley, 14th Ohio Battery, sergeant, discharged June, 1865. J. W. Robinson, 11th New York Infantry, ser- geant, discharged June 4, 1865. Charles C. Chubb, 8d Wisconsin Infantry, ser- geant, discharged July 4, 1864. i aaa N > Qe 2 oe 420 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Edwin P. Crockett, 2d Iowa Cavalry, private, | Edith Blanchard, J. M. Comstock, Mrs. . discharged May 8, 1865. _|J. M. Comstock, E. H. Clarke, G. L. L. F. Robinson, 16th Wisconsin Infantry, pri- Adams, P. L. Slagle, F. McCall, J. H. vate, discharged August, 1862. ? P. A. McGuire, 19th Wisconsin Infantry, pri- Mathers, T. Leggett, Harvey Ingham, D. vate, discharged June 15, 1865. W. Burlingame, Belle Adams, N. A. Bush- T. W. Gilbert, 83d Wisconsin Cavalry, private, | nell and A.M. Horton. The first officers discharged, 1865. chosen to preside over the deliberations D.B. eet praia Cavalry, corporal, | of the lodge were the following named: discharged Nov. 4, : A. at olan: 31st Iowa Infantry, private, J. M. Comstock, W. C. T.;, Mrs. J. M. discharged Feb. 28, 1864. Comstock, W. V. T.; Rev. H. B. Butler, E. Loomis, 2nd Towa Cavalry, private, dis- W. Chap.; Prof. N. A. Bushnell, W.8.; charged Aug. 9, 1861. Addie Hawkins, W. A. 8.; James Patter- C. C. — 1st Wisconsin Cavalry, private, | gon, W. F.-S.; Annie Ingham, W. T.; L. discharged, 1862. 7 2 F. C. Doomy, 75th Illinois Infantry, private, Sethe, We Mig Belle Warton; W BD discharged June 18, 1865. .; Ada Smith, W. G.; Eugene Clark, O. H. Marvin, 4th Iowa Cavalry, sergeant, dis- W. O. G.; Mrs. Winton, W. R. H.S; charged May 25, 1865. Belle Adams, W. L. H. 8.; Prof. Barelay, James Barr, 12th Iowa Infantry, assistantsur- | P, W. C. T. The lodge has a prosperous geon, discharged Jan. 20, 186. ; career, and has done excellent work in J. B. Jones, 39th Wisconsin Infantry, private, th ‘ lit : discharved Sept. 22, 1964. e community. t has never suspended D. G. Haggard, 21st lowa Infantry, sergeant, | 20° missed a meeting, on account of lack discharged July 26, 1865. of interest, and has had a membership Rufus Walston, 16th New York Infantry, cor- | at times of 200. The outside tem- poral, discharged May 22, 1868. perance movement has detracted some- Paul Tromlee, 27th Iowa Infantry, private, what trom the tut t dtt Roce discharged Jan. 20, 1864. ‘ Lee ee si DEES James McConkey, Ist Wisconsin Infantry, ship has fallen off lately, but is again on private, discharged Oct. 8, 1864, the increase. The lodge meets at Starr’s Henry Brewster, 24th Wisconsin Infantry, pri- | hall, and has as fine a meeting place as vate, discharged June 10, 1865. any in the State. The membership at the oie Cavalry, ¢@P- | beginning of the last quarter, Nov 1, 1883, was eighty-seven. The present offi- Algona Lodge, No. 136, Independent | cers are as follows: J. M. Comstock, W. Order of Good Templars, was organized | C. T.; Mrs. J. M. Comstock, W. V. T.; under a charter, July 6, 1876, with the | Josie Pettibone, W. R. 8.; Edward Rist, following members: Rev. H. B. Butler, | W. A. S.; Wallace Nichols, W. F.S.; Mrs. H. B. Butler, J. E. Blackford, Mrs. | Lutie Wallace, W. T.; Will Hart, W. M.; J. E. Blackford, C. Blackford, F. W.|D. H. Hutchins, W. Chap.; Josie Com- Barkley, Milton Starr, L. D. Setchell, | stock, guard; Bert Ward, sentinel; Helen Cora Setchell, Mrs. Winton, Belle Win- | Weaver, W. D. M.; Jennie Pettibone, R. a ton, Ada Smith, Annie Ingham, Minnie | I. 8.; Jessie Smith, L. H.8.; D. 8. Ford : Ingham, Effie Hawkins, Addie Hawkins, | and Kate Burnard, censors, ae ‘ i aa! le During the summer of 1876, six ladies met together and organized a reading club under the name of the Monday club. These ladies were the following named: Mrs. G. H. Woodworth, Mrs. M. W. Stough, Mrs. J.J. Wilson, Mrs. Dr. Colby, Mrs. H. Kenyon and Miss M. L. Leygett. In the fall of that'same year, this was re- organized ag a literary club under the same name, and under the present consti- tution. The first officers were: Mrs. M. W. Stough, president; Miss M. L. Leg- gett, secretary; Mrs. G. H. Woodworth, treasurer; Miss C, T. Dodd, librarian. It now received new accessions to its list of membership, and instituted the present circulating library. The first books pur- chased as a foundation to the library, was at an expenditure of $7.65, and was com- posed of the following, volumes: Ten great Religions, Harriet Martineau and Literature of the Age of Elizabeth. The society has now some fifteen members en- rolled and is at present officered ag fol- lows: Mrs. G. H. Woodworth, president; Mrs. J. R. Jones, secretary; Mrs. H. C. McCoy, treasurer, and Miss C. T. Dodd, librarian. The following is an abstract from the report of the librarian for the term commencing Feb. 1, 1882, and end- ing Aug. 31, 1883: Number of volumes received from former HDPAT IAN ci ajec se Baa hdehem swan ae eared he Number added during term............... Number lostississae cceaciestawsseevsen ts 1 Total number in library at present........ 429 Number of volumes taken out during term. 2, 363 421 Algona shared in the general excite- ment which spread so generally over this section of the State, in reference to the so-called “disadvantage” under which the farmers were placed. The plan proposed seemed feasible; a great saving was prom- ised, by enabling the farmers to pocket the earnings of the “middle men,” and consequently realize better prices for their products. Amid considerable en- thusiasm, Algona Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, was organized in June, 1873, with the following charter members: H. P. Hatch and wife, C. E. Holmes and wife, O. C. Burtis and wife, W. A. Love, Philip Crose, H. Schenck and wife, V. 8. Thompson and wife, J. Dunton and wife, E. W.-Dunton, Joseph Mathers and wife, A. A. Call and wife, J. E. Blackford and wife, C. W. Goddard and wife, H. Robe, A. J. Jones and wife, J. J. Stentz, 8. C. Dunton, J. Wallace, 8. Reed, A. A. Brun- son and wife, Stephen Sherwood and A, Hinton. The following were elected the first of- ficers of the lodge: J. E. Blackford, master; Horace Schenck, overseer; H. P. Hatch, lecture; J. Dunton, steward; A. A. Brunson, assistant steward; §. C. Dunton, treasurer; William Love, gate keeper. The farmers now congratulated them- selves on having perfected an organiza- tion, which would meet their wants and save them money. This Grange was suc- a of which were works of fiction........... 2, 120 cessfully managed for years, and proved History Se eee ee arene neroate: Nocatee toe ara eer 5 51 quite a saving in many instances to many BiOgTaPLY: soos ceavciuwreanrwuaneiwiag nes 46 2 a Science... 42 | of its patrons. A store building was Daves seas reser cree asset a erected and is yet in existence, under the \ Amount received from rental of books. .$138 96 | management of J. E. Blackford. The or- @ = > y : 422 ale, HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. ganization numbered, at one time, over 100 persons, but it has ceased to exist. ALGONA COLLEGE. This now abandoned enterprise, originat- ed ata meeting held at the Bank of Ingham & Smith, on the 31st day of December, 1870. At that time an organization was formed, subscriptions started and officers elected, and the college initiated. The first officers were as follows: Dr. 8S. G. A. Read, president; J. EH. Stacy vice- president; Lewis H. Smith, treasurer; Ww. H. Ingham, secretary. An executive committee consisting of J. E. Stacy and D. H. Hutchins was also chosen. The subscriptions on the day of the meeting amounted to $3,110. Steps were imme- diately taken and the building put up and a corps of instructors placed in charge, and the college started with every hope of success. But, alas! Contentions arose and the matter, after running for some years, was allowed to die out and thus passed away from Algona one of her brightest and best institutions. A strong effort was made at one time to place this educa- tional enterprise under the fostering wing ‘of the M. E. conference, but local and other jealousies, defeated the measure. The building was, and is, a frame edifice, 40x66 feet in size, and is yet in a good state of repair. This was erected at a cost of $4,497, and on the opening of the same, some ninety scholars were enrolled. The first professor who had charge of the college was L. C. Woodford, who came to Kossuth county some time previous to initiate a religious revival, and was called to the principal chair in the newly created college. Helen M. Wooster was his assis- tant. A sketch of this estimable lady will be found in the chapter devoted to the educational interests of the county, under the head of county superintendents of common schools, a position she so ably filled at one period. In July, 1872, Prof. O. H. Baker became the principal of the college, with Miss Wooster and Mrs. Baker as assistants. In'1874,A. L. Day was one of the assistants and N. A. Bushnell in 1875. W. F. Barclay was the next president of the faculty, taking his place in 1875, and in 1876 Miss E. M. Ray was made assistant tutor. He was succeeded by D. W. Ford and he by A. G. Neff, in 1879. In 1880, Miss L. 8S. Tallman had charge. With this year closed the career of what might have been one of the lead- ing educational institutions of the State. D. W. King was born Aug. 31, 1830, in Herkimer Co., N. Y. In the fall of 1854 he moved to Polk Co., Iowa, and the fol- lowing spring came to Kossuth county, when he bought the claim on which he has since lived, paying a man by the name of Yetchel $100 for a quarter section of section 13, township 95, range 29. He now owns 490 acres of land in a high state of cultivation,raising grain, and deal- ing in all kinds of stock except sheep. He was married in December, 1859, to Lydia Hall, born in New York. They have eight children— William Hall, Belle, Grant, David P., Lydia May, Arthur A., Walter S.,and Fred M. Mrs. King and Belle are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. King has held the offices of town- ship clerk and county supervisor. In pol- itics he is a republican. Orange Minkler was born Dee. 27, 1818, in Lake Co., Ohio, and reared on his fa- ther’s farm, receiving his early education ie 7s = ae -—*| HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 423 in the log cabins of his native State. He was married, Dec. 28, 1843, to Lydia A. Hill. They had six children, four are living—Josephine, wife of Viran Taylor ; Orvello E., who married Ida Fields; Geor- giana, wife of Michael Rutshaff; and Orange A., who married Katie Hanivan. Mrs. Minkler died in 1850, and in 1851 he married her sister, Betsey A. Hill. They had seven children—David Oratio, who married Lottie Olson ; Charles D.; Ella, wife of Richard Long; Mary,wife of Henry Long ; George L., Caroline and Florence. His second wife died in 1863, and July 14, 1867, he married Mary M. Connell of Mich- igan. They have four children—Addie E., Lewis Franklin, Maud and John W. In the fall of 1856, in company with George Barnes, Thomas Haynes, William Osborn and families, started in prairie schooners for Iowa, camping out on the road and cooking theirown meals. They were four long, weary weeks in making this journey, there being at this time no road across the prairies or bridges across the streams. Mr. Minkler settled in Algona, there being but three or four log cabins in the place, and the people were compelled to go to Masqueton, on the Cedar river, for their flour, there being no mill nearer. The country was a vast wilderness. In poli- tics, Mr. Minkler is a Jacksonian demo- crat, and has held several local offices of trust in the gifts of the people. August Zahlten was born Jan. 12, 1817, in Prussia, and came to America in 1852, landing at New York. From there he went to Pennsylvania, where he lived sixteen months, and then went to Ohio where he stayed ninemonths. After this he moved to Humboldt Co., Iowa, remaining during ‘served four months. Politically, he is a the winter of 1854, and on the 20th of May, 1855, he began to work for Judge A. C. Call, working for him all summer. Before coming to Kossuth county, he had located a claim in Humboldt county, but having little money, he sold his claim to Mr. Mc- Knight, and the same fall bought a claim of 160 acres on section 36, township 96, range 29, of Mr. Gates, occupied it one year, then sold out to James Rone, and bought 160 acres from Mr. Graw, paying for the claim $125. He has since lived here and followed farming. He has held a number of township offices, such as justice of the peace, township trustee, school director and road supervisor. He was married Jan. 7, 1857, to Margaret Riebhoff, a native of Hanover, Germany. They have four children — Mary, born Feb. 6, 1858; Theresa, born Nov. 18, 1860; Emma, born Jan. 9, 1863; Clara, born Dec. 9, 1864. Mr. Zahlten and family are members of the Congregational Church at Algona. In 1862 he enlisted in a com- pany to defend the frontier of Iowa against the Indian outbreak in Minnesota, and greenbacker. Horace Schenck was born Feb. 12, 1822, in Oswego Co., N. Y. His father was born in Durham, Green Co., N. Y.; his mother was a native of Connecticut. Mr. Schenck lived in Oswego county until 1849, being engaged in farming and work- ing on a canal boat.. He then went to Wisconsin, where he remained four years, after which he moved to Cook Co., IIl., remaining three years. He then came to Jowa and on June 4, 1856, settled on the southeast quarter of section 23, township 96, range 29, Algona township, where he oe i ee) ¥ 424 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. _|f now resides. Mr. Schenck is engaged in farming and stock raising and is one of the most enterprising farmers of Kossuth county. He was married in Onondago Co., N. Y., June 1, 1845, to Elizabeth Or- vis, anative of Vermont. They have had nine children, seven of whom are living— Mary Ann, Ordelia, Lydia, George, Silas, Myron and Fanny. Alfred and James are dead. Mr. Schenck has under culti- vation ninety acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Schenck are members of the Grange. Joseph Thompson was born April 13, 1831, in county Darry, Ireland, and came with his parents in 1839 to America, set- tling in Mercer Co., Penn. Learning the cabinet and chair trade he worked at it until 1854, then went to Jackson Co., Iowa, and stopped there one year. He was married to Nancy J. Means, Dec. 23, 1855, came to Kossuth county, May 25, 1856. He was one of the first to build on the prairie, his residence being one and ahalf mileseast of Algona. In 1864 Mr. Thomp- son went to Idaho with the great rush to the gold fields, remaining there four years. Returning to Kossuth Co., Iowa, in 1868, he sold his land east of Algona for $40 per acre and bought 160 acres on section 24, township 96, range 29, where he still re- sides. Mr. and Mrs Thompson have six children—Mamie A., who was married Aug. 29, 1877, to Joseph B. Hofius ; Car- rie N., who was married Jan. 1, 1884, to C. H. Blossom; Henry J., Frank 8., Jen- nie B, and Clifford I. Mr. Thompson has the reputation of being one of the most respectable and enterprising farmers in the county. W.F. Hofius, one of the old settlers and well to do farmers of this county, was born July 18, 1830,in Hickory township, Mercer Co., Penn. Whentwenty years of age, he went to Jackson Co., Iowa, remain- ing two years, then traveled over the State for one year, and returned to the old homestead, staying one year. He mar- ried Oct. 18, 1854, in Eastbrook, Lawrence Co.,Penn.,Mary A.Thompson,born May 16, 1835, in Ireland, and coming, when quite small, with her parents to America. ‘They had seven children, four of whom are living—Charles B., William C., James S. and George. After his marriage he moved to Rock Island, followed farming and car- pentering five years, and in the spring of 1859 went to Marshall Co., lowa, remain- ing through the summer. In the fall he came to Kossuth county, and laid a claim on the northwest quarter of section 25, township 96, range 29, moved on the farm in the spring of 1862, and lived there one summer, when, during the Indian scare, he moved to Algona and the following spring went to live one and a half miles from town, on Joseph Thompson’s place, in the first house ever built on the prairie in the county, now known as the ‘Billings place. In 1863 he moved back to his claim, where he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Hofius are members of the Baptist Church, and of the Grange. He has held several township offices. James Henderson, Sr., was born Oct. 23, 1814, in Delaware Co., N. Y. He lived there forty years, then moved to Trumbull Co., Ohio, making this his home eight years. Going from there to Jack- son Co., Iowa, where he spent two years and a half, he then came to Algona, where he has since resided. Mr. Hender- son has probably done more than any 3. ay iiss aly - > { HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 425 other man in the interests of the county, such as building bridges, school houses, churches, etc., and has been township trustee a number of terms. He is a car- penter by trade, does job work, besides being engaged in farming. In politics he is a democrat. ~ Arthur J. Gilmour was born Jan. 10, 1819, in Scotland. When three years of age he came with his parents to America, who settled on a farm in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. He was married March 16, 1845, to Mary C. Miller, also a native of Scotland, born in 1819. They have seven children—Catharine, Jennet, Arthur, Isa- bell, Jane, Mary and Sarah E. In 1864 he came to Kossuth county, and took a home- stead on the southeast quarter of section 17, township 96, range 29, and has about 100 acres under cultivation. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a republican. Israel G. Schryver was born in Schenec- tady, N. Y., June 2, 1819. He lived with his parents until twenty-three years of age, and in 1842 emigrated to Illinois, lo- cating at Lockport, Will county. After’ eighteen months’ residence there he went to McHenry county. In 1858 he emi- grated to Foreston, Howard Co., Iowa, where he remained until 1864, then came to Kossuth county and took a homestead of eighty acres on section 11, township 96, range 29, Algonatownship. He afterwards purchased eighty acres on section 12. Mr. Schryver is a good farmer and influential citizen. He was married Oct. 5, 1859, to Mary Knapp, of Bedford, Westchester Co.,N. Y., born March 22, 1835. Her parents moved to Woodstock, McIlenry Co., Ill., before her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Schryver have six children—Emma, Lizzie G., Charles W., Minnie L, Hattie A. and Annie L. They are all single and living at home. Morris B. Chapin was born in Cattarau- gus Co., N. Y., July 13, 1841. When quite young he removed with his parents to Rock Co., Wis., and afterwards to Fond du Laccounty, where they remained four years. They then went to Columbia county, and in 1862 to Faribault Co., Minn. In 1864 they came to Kossuth Co., Towa, and settled on the southeast quar- ter of section 29, township 96, range 29, -Algona township, and Morris settled on the northeast quarter of the same section. He now lives on the old homestead, hav- ing a half section of land, 125 acres of which is under cultivation. His father died in 1874 and his mother in 1875. Mr. Chapin enlisted, in 1864, in the 11th Min- nesota Infantry, serving until the close of the war. He was married May 2, 1866, to Jane Henderson, born Oct. 25, 1847, in Trumbull Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Cha- pin have five children—Carrie I., James J., Milo V., Alfie R. and Mamie E. Rufus Walston was born Aug. 31, 1841, in St. Lawrence Co., N.Y. In 1861 he enlisted in the two years service in com- pany H, 16th New York Volunteer In- fantry, and participated in the battles of Fredericksburg, where he was wounded, being shot through the arm; Antietam, also was in the seven days battle before Richmond. In May, 18638, he was dis- charged. In the fall of 1865 he came to Algona, the county at that time being very sparsely settled. He carried the mail between Algona and Fort Dodge, when it took a man’s nerve to cross the 426 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. wild prairies in the winter. In Septem- ber, 1866, he married Margaret E. Thomas, a daughter of Walter and Mary (Mc- Dougal) Thomas. They had four chil- dren, three of whom are living—James ston is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Thomas McArthur is a native of Scot- land. He came to America in 1851, after stopping in Pennsylvania and Ohio, went . to Illinois, where he remained two years. In 1865 he came to Kossuth county, took a homestead, and went back to Illinois for his family, removed them in wagons, taking eighteen days for the trip. After camping for a week at Blackford’s bridge, they camped on section 18, Algona town- ship, taking the wagon beds off, they staked them down to the ground to keep them from being blown off by the wind. During these pioneer days they were obliged to cook over the fire; and to bake bread, dug clay, plastered it over a barrel, then burned the barrel out, and it was ready for use. Mr. McArthur had to go saw-mill to have them made ready to build the first house, also went fifteen miles for cottonwood trees to set out a grove. It took a whole week to go to mill. The first winter they lived in a house built of rough boards, walled around with sod, plastered inside with clay. The same winter he gut lost on the prairies, and froze his feet so badly, that he lost eight of his toes in one night. He now has 200 acres of fine land; sixty acres is under cultivation, but he is turning his attention mostly to raising fine cattle. He has good improvements on his farm, and R., Frank C. and Minnie M. Mr. Wal-’ ten miles and cut logs, haul them toa | is one of the substantial men of the county. He was married in 1852 to Isabel Burt, born in 1830, in Scotland. They have eight children—Isabel, Mary T., Thomas J., Elizabeth G., Maggie A., Peter A., Lillie M. and Charles O. Mr. McArthur is a member of the vrange. Thomas Burt, one of the early settlers and prosperous farmers of Kossuth county, was born in Scotland, Dec. 16, 1832. He came to America with his par- ents when eighteen years of age. They settled in Schuylkill Co., Penn., where he worked at mining. They removed to Sharon, and in 1861 he moved to Grundy Co., Ill., and followed mining while there until the year 1865, when he and his brother-in-law, Mr. McArthur, packed their goods and families into wagons and started for Kossuth Co., Iowa, where they arrived after three weeks’ travel. He set- tled on the northeast quarter of section 18, township 96, range 29. Since then he has added eighty acres more to his place. He has under cultivation at present about 100 acres. Mr. Burt was married to Margaret Murray, who is also a native of Scotland, and came to America with her parents. They have six children—Isa- belle and Janett, twins; Sarah J., Mar- garet, Peter and William. Isabelle, Janett and Margaret are married. After arriving in Kossuth county, they camped out all summer and lived in their wagon box, which was staked to the ground to keep the wind from blowing it over. He was with Mr. McArthur the time they got lost and stuck in the snow drift, where Mr. McArthur so badly froze his feet as to lose eight of his toes. Politically, Mr. Burt is a republican. or i Pest. HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 497 James H. Warren was born in Eden, Erie Co., N. Y., Sept. 4, 1820. From five to eleven years of age he attended the district school, which was the extent of his education. When fourteen years of age he removed with his parents to Cherry Valley, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, where his elder brother had gone the year previous to open up a farm in the heavy timber land in that portion of the State. James worked hard on the farm until 1845, when, with his widowed mother, two brothers and two sisters, he emi- grated to the territory of Wisconsin. He selected his home in Hurlbud township, Dodge county, being an early settler there, and taking great interest in the de- velopment of the county. He was chosen town clerk at the first town meeting held, and from that time until the spring of 1859 was elected to fill some office every year. Mr. Warren was married Sept. 16, 1846, to Augusta B. Horton, then only fifteen years of age. This union has been blessed with three children—Eliza L., wife of Hugh Waterhouse, of Kossuth county; Robert B. and Edward H., both of whom are printers. Robert B. is pro- prietor and editor of the Upper Des Moines, office at Algona, and Edward H. is foreman of the same. From 1849 to 1866 Mr. Warren worked prineipally at the carpenter and millwright trades. In June, 1859, he removed to Arcadia, Trempealeau ©o., Wis., remaining four years. While living there his home with all its contents was destroyed by fire, in- cluding his history of Dodge county, which was then in manuscript. He also had a choice and carefully selected library of over 400 volumes, a number of which were then out of print and which he has never been able to replace. This fire was a loss of several thousand dol- lars to him. In March, 1862, he removed to Eau Claire, Wis., being employed in the summer season as a millwright in the extensive mills of Daniel Shaw & Co., and in the winter in the pineries. In 1866 he sold his possessions in Eau Claire, built a flat boat of suflicient size to carry his family and goods down the Chippewa to the Mississippi, and thence to Dubuque, Iowa. There he sold his boat and traveled by rail from there to Iowa Falls, and came by wagons to Algona. Upon arriving at Algona Mr. Warren purchased for his son, Robert B., the Upper Des Moines office, for which he paid $600. Previous to that date Mr. Warren had never written more than two or three newspaper articles. He, however, threw his whole energies into the enterprise, and with the faithful labors of his son, who took charge of the mechanical de- partment, he succeeded in making an ex- cellent paper. He enlarged the paper from time to time, as necessity required. In 1872 he sold the old Washington press, it being the first press brought to Iowa, and replaced it with a $2,000 power press. He also procured a job press with all other necessary furniture. In 1875 Mr. Warren sold this office with fixtures and good will. In July, 1869, he was appointed postmaster, holding the office three years. He was a master Mason, a member of Prudence Lodge, No. 205. Mr. Warren was a charter member of Algona Lodge, No. 234, I. 0. O. F., being a member of that order for nearly forty years. Peter Martin and his wife, Sarah (Mur- ray) Martin, natives of Scotland, came to on Soa — * 498 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. America in 1855, and lived in Ohio and Pennsylvania, where he followed mining. He afterwards moved to Grundy Co., Il., where he remained until 1866, when he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and took a homestead on section 8, township 96, range 29, of eighty acres and went to farming. He was married March 24, 1854, and died Feb. 8, 1874. His wife still car- ries on the farm. They had five children, four of whom are living—William, who married Francelia Hartwell; Jessie, wife of James Rakluff; Maggie, wife of Al- ford Hall, of Mason City, and Jemima. Mrs. Martin is a member of the Presby- terian Church. C. A. Stow was born, in 1856, in Wyom- ing, Ill., and came with his parents to Towa in 1866, settling on section 24, Al- gona township. His father died Jan. 2, 1879, but his mother still lives at the old home. Mr. Stow has purchased the north- east quarter of the northeast quarter of section 13, and is one of the enterprising young farmers, successful and respected by all who know him. He was married Nov. 4, 1882, to Hattie Godden, of Clay- ton, lowa. They have one child—Oliver P. Norman Hartwell, anative of Vermont, was born Aug. 19, 1829. When about two years old he went with his parents to Lower Canada, and lixed there until 1856, when he moved to DeKalb Co., Ill. He remained there nearly one year and re- turned to Canada and lived there about one year. In 1858 he went to Fillmore Co., Minn., and followed farming. In 1864 he enlisted in the 6th Minnesota In- fantry,company K. He was in the battles of Fort Blakely, Spanish Fort, and numer- ous skirmishes. He served until the close of the war. Mr. Hartwell came to Kossuth county in 1866 and homesteaded eighty acres of land on section 8, town- ship 96, range 29, where he now lives. He has since bought eighty acres on sec- tion 5. He has about seventy-five acres under cultivation. Mr. Hartwell was married June 18, 1849, to Sarah Gustin, born Feb. 12, 1838, a native of Stemstead, Canada East. They have had seven children—James W., Susan, (now deceas- ed, was the wife of David Wade); Eliza A., wife of Henry Haines; Francelia, wife of William Martin; Levi N., Sallie M. and Lewis H. Mr. Hartwell is a green- backer, politically. He is one of the best respected men in the county. Albert B. Frink was born Nov. 17, 1822, in Waterbury, Vt. His father was a na- tive of Springfield, Mass.; his mother was a native of Connecticut. When twenty- one years of age he went to Ohio, where he remained one year, then returned to his old home. He remained home three years then went to northern New York, and after a year’s residence there went to Columbus, Wis., where he lived three years. In 1851 he moved to McGregor, Clayton Co., Iowa, where he engaged in the real estate business and afterwards in the mercantile business. In 1868 he came to Kossuth county, settling on the south- west quarter of section 10, township 96, range 29, Algona township, where he now resides. Mr. Frink is among the largest land owners, and one of the most enter- prising farmers in the county, now own- ing 814 acres of land in Kossuth county, He was married April 29, 1858, to Bath- ee ——2 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 429 cena sheba A. Wagner, born May 1, 1836. Her parents were natives of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Frink have been blessed with three children—George A., and Katie and Cora, twins. O. E. Palmer was born, in 1825, in Mid- dlesex Co., Conn. He was brought up to the trade of a tanner, and received a liberal education, following his trade for anumber of years. In 1848 he married Abby A. Cawdrey. They have five chil- dren—Loran, Richard, Willie, Fred and Charley. Mr. Palmer, in 1869, was ap- pointed agent for the McGregor & Mis- souri railroad lands, in northern Iowa, which brought him to Algona. At first he had charge of the engineering com- pany, which caused him to travel exten- sively over this section of the county, so that probably no man in this part of the State is better posted than he, in its sur- roundings. Mr. Palmer is a member of the free and accepted Masons, Blue Lodge. Previous to coming west, he took an active part in politics, and represented his dis- trict in the Legislature, was also one of the board of selectmen and has held other local offices. Thomas H. Lantry, agent for the Chi- cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad at Algona, is a native of St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., born July 24, 1838. When thir- teen years of age, he accompanied his par- ents to Canada West, where he remained three years. He then removed to Madi- son, Wis., where he remained seven years, during which time he served an appren- ticeship of three years to the carpenter’s trade, and made a visit to Pike’s Peak in 1857. In 1861 he wentto Prairie du Chien, Wis., and entered the service of the Chi- cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, in the mechanical department, and there remained until January, 1864, when he was sworn into the Government service, and went with Sherman’s army as far as Atlanta, where he was honora- bly discharged, and returned home to Prairie du Chien. He again entered the service of the railroad company, and where he has stayed ever since, coming to Algona on the first train that was run to that village. He has had charge of the company’s repair shops at Algona and discharged the duties faithfully until June, 1883, when he was appointed agent for the company at Algona. Mr. Lan- try was married Dec. 20, 1861, to Kate McGlynn. They have six children— Hannah, Mary, Harry, Eva, Katie and Marie. Mr. and Mrs. Lantry are mem- bers of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Lantry has been a member of the city council for five years; he is also a member of the village school board. Charles C. Smith was born Aug. 25, 1850, in Germany, and came with his par- ents to America when quite young, set- tling in New York State. Soon after both parents died, leaving him an orphan among strangers in astrange land. He went to the village of Dexter, Washtenaw Co., Mich., and in 1869 moved to Ohio, where he lived until 1881, when he came to Kossuth county, and bought eighty acres of land on section 26, in its primi- tive State, but now has fifty acres under cultivation. He was married Dec. 25, 1878, to Sarah Abel of Ravenna, Portage Co., Ohio. They have one child—Fred N. Mr. Smith is an Odd Fellow. In politics a republican. oe ae ames de 430 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Eli Ferris was born Noy. 26, 1819, in Blakley, Luzerne Co., Penn. In 1858 he made a trip west, and laid a claim on part of section 14, township 96, range 29, went to Illinois, and was married to Nancy Jane Fitch, born March 14, 1839, in Knox Co., Ill. After living in Illinois one year, he moved back to Pennsylvania, where he remained five years, then removed again to Illinois and spent six years. He then came back tohis claim in lowa where he still lives. While he was making his claim, he, with John Callender, kept bachelor hall, in a log shanty. They killed a wild goose, and after cooking it three weeks, threw part of it away, too tough to eat. At one time when all the men were out of the neighborhood except Messrs. Ferris and Callender, the prairies took fire, and they had to fight two days and two nights to save the houses in the neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. Ferris have five children—Isaac J., Silas M., James M., Jennie and Bert B. Both are members of the Baptist Church, and belong to the Grange. Joseph Zanke is a native of Prussia, born Nov. 2,1835. He followed milling in the old country. In 1869 he emigrated to America, locating in Whitewater, Wis., where he remained one year, working in amill. In 1870 he removed to Algona township, this county. He purchased eighty acres of land on section 35, and has since bought 160 acres of wild prairie land on section 34. He now has build- ings on the latter, which cost over $2,000. Mr. Zanke was married May 5, 1870, to Helen Hulburt, a native of Germany. They have had four children—Joseph N., Mary, Emma and George. Mr, Zanke is a member of the Catholic Church. Polliti- cally, he is ademocrat. Mr. Zanke stands in the front ranks of the enterprising and go-ahead farmers of Kossuth county. George Simpkins came with his parents from England to America when seven years of age, settling in Dane Co., Wis., where his father still lives. During the passage they were shipwrecked, on Lake Ontario, and lost all they owned. The disaster was caused by a drunken captain. The first winter in Wisconsin, the chil- dren, of whom there were seven, went without shoes, and had very little cloth- ing. George worked on a farm, with a threshing machine, when quite young. In oiling a machine, when fourteen years old, his clothing caught in some of the ma- chinery, drawing him on to it, and cutting off his left arm above the elbow. In 1872 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, bought a claim on section 20, township 96, range 29, where he now resides, owning 400 acres of land, 300 acres of which is under cultivation. He is now turning his atten- tion to the raising of fine cattle. In 1873, the first year on his farm, he had seventy acres in wheat; the grasshoppers took all but fifty bushels, and the next year, they took the whole crop, which was very dis- couraging for a beginner, yet he is now one of the enterprising and successful farmers of his township. He was mar- ried July 4, 1864, to Hulda Peck, born April 4, 1844. They have three children —Henry, Nellie and Nettie. He is an Odd Fellow, also a member of the Bap- tist Church. N. C. Kuhn, the subject of this sketch, was born in Pennsylvania, July 12, 1831. He learned the carpenter trade at Ship- Fae ——D HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 431 ington, Penn., and followed that business until the year 1856, when he moved to Prairie City, McDonough Co., Ill., where he remained nine years, making building and contracting his business. In 1864 he removed to Galesburg, Ill, where he worked at his trade for the next nine years, and in 1866 he bought eighty acres of land in Kossuth Co., Iowa. In 1872 he removed to Algona, and followed his trade until the spring of 1873, when he commenced breaking and improving his farm on section 35, township 96, range 29, and for the next two successive years the grasshoppers destroyed his crops en- tirely. He was married March 16, 1852, to N. A. Bivens, who also was a native of Pennsylvania. Her parents still reside in Illinois. They have had nine children, of whom seven are living—O. B., Charlie C., William, Joseph E., George, Fred T. and Nellie. Jennie and Mary J. are de- ceased. William is married to Sarah Bowls. Mr. Kuhn at present follows car- pentering and farming. He has eighty acres under cultivation. He belongs to the M. E. Church. In politics he is a re- publican. Rev. Dennis F. McCaffrey was born in Leitrim, Ireland, toward the close of the fall of 1846; and there, amid all the pleasures of childhood, were passed some five summers, the fond remembrances of which are still alive in memory. The loss of a father, kind but stern, together with the painful effects of those years of want, necessitated a final change of home. The change came, and came, too, for the better. -And here it might be remarked that the family was the second of the race to settle in Providence, R.I. The seventh summer finds him attending the village school, while the next spring shows the lad of not yet eight years taking early lessons in gardening from Capt. Smith, who was, perhaps, more widely known for the oddity of humanity than for the length of years. The seven or eight years that followed only speak of long summers of labor and a few months of school in the winter. During the few years that follow, he filled a position of some importance in one of the mills of Valley Falls. While thus engaged he saw the necessity of a night school for the youths who labored all day in the fac- tory. About this time an opening to at- tend the Lonsdale high school offered itself, and was readily embraced. Some nine months at this institute prepared the way for entering Holy Cross College, situated at Worcester, Mass., in Septem- ber, 1864, in company with Rev. W. Hines, pastor at Hast Greenwich, R.I. Six years of college life—years of hope and anxiety, were not slow to pass, leaving footprints of the happiest nature. The fall after graduating he entered the Grand Semi- nary at Montreal, Canada, and in the third year after, December, 1872, he seeks rest from study, as his health was much im- paired by the severe routine of the Grand Seminary. He spent a year and a half with his sister in Pennsylvania. In Sep- tember, 1873, he was requested to teach a class in his Alma Mater. This position he held for two years, during which time he gave his spare hours to books of no light nature. When strong again, and with the necessary means to complete his studies, he entered the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels, Suspension Bridge, N. 9 = 2s) 432 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Y., and there received ordination from the hands of Bishop Ryan, Dee. 23, 1873. Iowa then became his field of labor, and for about a year and a half he acted in the capacity of assistant in Ottumwa, Des Moines and Fort Dodge. Fairfax, Linn county, was his first mission, where he spent two years, when he was changed to Algona, Kossuth Co., lowa, where he now resides. Fred Kopke, a native of Prussia, came to this country in 1866, and located in Janesville, Wis., remaining there two and a half years. He then removed to Sauk Prairie and remained there about four and a half years. In 1873 he came to Kossuth county, purchasing the northwest quarter of section 3, township 96, range 29, where he now resides. He has since bought the southeast quarter of section 33, in Burt township. He has about 125 acres under cultivation. Mr. Kopke was united in marriage in November, 1862, in the old country, with Henrietta Bailey, born in August, 1840. They have eight children —Amelia, Bertha, Mary, Frank, Willie, Minnie, Otto and Katie. Amelia is mar- ried to August Darring. Mr. and Mrs. Kopke are members of the M. E Church. He is a republican,-politically. Roehus Hartman was born March 17, 1839, in Austria. He came to America in 1865, stopped awhile in Illinois, working by the day, then removed to Clayton Co., Towa, and in 1875, bought eighty acres on section 17, township 96, range 29, where he now resides. He was married May 22, 1865, to Mary Herman, also a native of Germany. They have three children— Herman, Kresenzia and John. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman are members of the Catho- lic Church. In polities, he is a democrat. Joseph Osterbauer is a native of Aus- tria, born Aug. 12, 1855. When seven years of age he came to America with his mother, who was a widow. She died soon after landing in this country, and he was left an orphan. He lived around and worked on a farm until twenty-four years of age. In 1875 he came to Kossuth county, and stopped for ashort time in Algona. In 1877 he purchased eighty acres of ]and in Algona township, section 7, and moved thereon. He afterwards purchased another eighty acres on the same section. Mr. Osterbauer was mar- ried to Kate Walters. This union has been blessed with three children—Mary, Tracy and Annie. It can truly be said that Mr. Osterbauer is one of the most energetic and enterprising young farmers in the county. Christian Dau isa native of Mecklen- berg, Schwerien, Germany, born May 21, 1834. In 1866 he came to America, locat- ing in Whitewater, \Wis., where he worked at wagon-making ten years. In 1876 he came to Kossuth Co., Jowa, and purchased 120 acres of land on section 28, Algona township. He afterwards added 160 acres, now owning 280 acres of land, 160 acres of which is under cultivation. Mr. Dau has erected some good buildings on his place. He married, in November, 1860, Fredericke Gease, also a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Dau have eight children—Mary, August, Herman, Frank, Max, Willie, Amanda and George. Mr. and Mrs. Dau are members of the Evan- gelical Church. +: J 4—- v feast 4 > HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 435 Conrad Herman was born Nov. 16, 1833, in Austria. He came to America in 1864, locating in Clayton Co., Iowa, where he remained eleven years. In 1875 he bought eighty acres in this county on section 15, township 96, range 29, where he moved his family in 1876. He has since bought another eighty acres, having 130 acres of it under cultivation. Hewas married in the old country, Oct. 18, 1859, to Cath- rina Herman. They have eight children —Alexander H., Conrad, Agatha M., Lena M., John, Ernest, Hugh and Katie. Al- exander and Lena are married. All are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Herman was admitted as a citizen of the United States, Oct. 16, 1873, in the Du- buque circuit court. In politics he is a democrat. John Kargleder, a native of Bavaria, was born March 26, 1426. He was a brewer by trade. In 1862 he came to America, locating in Milwaukee, Wis, where he remained ten years. He then went to Minneapolis, Minn., where he lived two years, then moved to St. Paul, where he resided four years, He then came to Kossuth Co., lowa, and purchased 320 acres of land in Algona township. He now has a farm of 480 acres, 225 of which are under cultivation. Mr. Kargleder was married, in 1868, to Selma Haas. They have five children— Charles, May, Ella, Arthur and Emma. John Swanson was born Sept. 21, 1813, in Sweden. In 1869 he came with his wife Sarah (Neilson) Swanson to America, landed in Boston, went to New York city, to Tomkins’ Cove, where he remained eight years, then moved to Iowa. After stopping in Algona a few weeks he rented a farm, lived on it one year, and in 1878 bought forty acres on the northwest quar- ter of the northeast quarter of section 25, township 96, range 29, where he now re- sides. About half his farm is under cul- tivation, the rest in native timber. He was married in 1852, and has five children —Christina, wife of Nels Peterson, who resides in Red Wing, Minn.; John J., Mary C., who has taught school five terms, and also taught the first term in the new school house; Ida §, also a teacher, and Esther L. He and his wife are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. John McDonald was born in Dundee, Huntington Co., Canada, May 1, 1850. His parents died when he was achiid. In 1869 he went to Illinois, remained there one year, then came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and purchased sixty-seven acres of land, which he afterwards sold. In 1879 he bought the south half of section 8, and afterwards eighty acres on section 1, Al- gona township. He is a very successful farmer. Mr. McDonald was married April 20, 1880, to Anna Hay, a native of Ohio. They have one child—Mary Catharine. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald are members of the Catholic Church. Ernest Krueger is a native of Germany. When nineteen years-of age he was drafted in the Prussian army, serving three years. He and his brother was in Prince Freder- ick’s Army Corps, participating in nine battles. He was at the battle of Metz on the 16th, 17th, and 18th of August, 1870. He was also in the battle at Paris for four days. After he left the army he followed his parents, who had preceded him in 1869, to America. His parents settled in Ozaukee Co., Wis., where they now re- —r —~—— 13 ie tu 2 436 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. side. He stopped in Wisconsin three years, then went to Carroll Co., Il, re-, maining there three years. In February, 1879, he removed to Kossuth Co., Iowa. On Oct. 31, 1879, he was united in mar- riage with Louisa Steinbach, a native of Stephenson Co., Ill., born Oct. 24, 1858. Her parentsare nativesof Germany. The result of this union was three children— Emma M., Minnie E. and Clara A. Mrs. Krueger is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Krueger is a democrat, politically. He is an enterprising farmer, and enjoys the respect of his fellow men. J. B. Hofius was born in Mercer Co., Penn., Feb. 28, 1854. His father, anative of Mercer county, was born March 16, 1801. His mother was a native of New York, born July 23, 1823. His father was married twice. First, to Mary Du- gan, Sept. 23, 1828; and the second time to Maria Bearss, Feb. 17, 1846. The subject of this sketch lived with his par- ents until of age. He has traveled quite extensively throughout the west. In 1876 he came to Iowa on a visit. In 1877 he was married to Mary Thompson. He re- turned to Pennsylvania, where he resided about five years. In May, 1882, he re- turned to Iowa and bought 160 acres of land on section 35, Algona township. He erected a good house and barn on his farm. He is a member of the Baptist Church. Politically Mr. Hotius is a democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Hofius have two children—Henry, born Oct. 14, 1878, and died Dee. 2,.1881; Frank, born Nov. 2, 1882. By industry and hard work Mr. Hofius has succeeded in amassing a nice competence, and will in his old age be able to enjoy life comfortably. He is one of the most highly respected and influen- tial men in the county. Swen P. Peterson was born Dec. 5, 1837, in Sweden. Coming to America in 1854, he landed in Boston, Mass., and went at once to Galesburg, Knox Co., IIL., where he remained four years. From here he went to California and worked in the mines six years, after which time he returned to Galesburg. After living there two years, he moved to Henry Co., Ill., and followed farming seventeen years, owning eighty acres of land, which he sold for $3,600, and then came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, where he bought 160 acres of good land on section 36, township 96, range 28, of James Roan, for which he paid $40 per acre. He cultivates grain of all kinds, and makes a specialty of thor- oughbred Poland China hogs. Mr. Peter- son was one of Illinois’ best farmers, and Iowa may well be proud of his coming in her midst. He owns forty or fifty acres of fine timber, lying on the East Fork of the Des Moines river, and he can get from $5 to $6 a cord for all the wood he chooses to bring into Algona, a distance of a mile and a half. He was married Aug. 26, 1866, to Emma Christina Run- beck, born in Sweden. They have five living children—Edah R., Ella A., Esther L., Edwin P. and Alfred L. He and his family are members: of the Evangelical . Lutheran Church. Politically, he is a republican. | se HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 437 CHAP LT ER. 21, BURT TOWNSHIP. This township is contained within the limits of what is known as township 97 north, range 29 west, and is bounded on the north by Greenwood, on the south by Algona, west by Fenton, and east by Portland. The surface is, as a whole, comparatively level, the slight swells or undulations being just sufficient, as a rule, to drain the land. The East Fork of Des- Moines river flows across sections 1 and 12 in the northeast corner, while sections 29, 32 and 33 are traversed by a branch of the Black Cat creek. The township is comparatively new, only a small portion being under cultivation, the principal business of the inhabitants being stock raising, as the prairie is covered with a most luxuriant growth of native grass. This grows exceedingly thick and fine and affords a magnificent range for large herds of cattle, whose plump appearance and sleek hides show plainly its nourishing qualities. But little, if any, native tim- ber is found in this locality, but where the old settler is found, may be seen fine groves of elm, ash, cottonwood and other trees, set out and protected by their hands. The first settler in the township was John Brown, who located here in 1864, and is still a resident of his original claim on section 36. John Brown, son of Robert and Anna (Quin) Brown, was born in Westmore- land, Aug. 12, 1830. When twelve years of age he left home and worked for a farm- er until sixteen years of age, for $6 a month. He then worked on the Lancas- ter & Carlisle railroad, within sixteen miles of his father’s home. He also car- ried picks to a blacksmith shop to be sharpened, making a little more than board. When seventeen years of age, the man for whom he was working was about to move away, 150 miles, and want- ed Mr. Brown to go with him. He went home on a visit and informed his parents of his intentions. His father did not ob- ject, but his mother being very much op- posed to his going, came out and said; “John,we will never see youagain.” John answered, “Mother, in one year I will be back.” He never saw them again. He was once within thirty miles of home, but being poor and having neither money nor good clothes, he was ashamed to go home, for John was sometimes in rather straightened circumstances. About this time Mr. Brown decided to come to Amer- ica, telling his employer that he would be back in a year. A singular coincidence happened. The vessel was twenty-two days making the trip, but Mr. Brown got over in twenty-one days. The examin- ake or? ~— hina 438 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. ing physician came out to meet the boat, and Mr. Brown went in with him, thus arriving one day ahead of the vessel. Be- ing sick when he arrived, he remained in the hospital for six weeks, then hired to work on a railroad again, but worked only one and a half days. He went to New York, forty miles distant, and came across a Yankee, who gave him $6 a month during the winter. He then hired to A. Lanson Hubard, of Cortland Co., N. Y., for one year at $100. Mr. Hubard was a Church member, and with him Mr. Brown acquired steady habits. He staid with Mr. Hubard three years, the last year receiving $160 dollars. Mr. Brown then married Susan Cordon, and moved to El- mira, Dodge Co., Wis., purchasing forty acres of timber land. Failing to pay for this land he sold it and removed on a farm belonging to Col. John Cochran, on which he lived one year. While on this farm they lost three sons with diphtheria. Mr. Brown lived in various localities near there one year, then moved to the pineries of Wisconsin, and, in 1862, enlisted in the 8d Wisconsin Volunteers. He was taken to Camp Randall, and failing to pass inspection returned home. Mr, Brown and his wife parted after living together eight years. They had one daughter—Emma Jane, eighteen months old, whom the mother claimed. He saw her six months after their separation, but not again for many years. His wife, however, gave Emma Jane away, as he learned afterwards, she having married to him and received answer that he was really her father. In 1881 she made her father a visit, and they were re-united. She now lives with her husband, Francis A. Wood, five miles north of Mr. Brown’s place. When Mr. Brown first came to Kossuth county, in 1864, he took asa homestead eighty acres of land on section 36, township 97, range 29, Burt township. He now owns a quarter section. He put up the first sod house in the county. He married, in 1868, Adelia C. Coles. She died in 1880. In 1881 he married (live R. Anderson. They have two children— Emma Jane and Effie RosaMay. In 1883 Mr. Brown erected a neat frame house on his place, in which he now lives. Hehad a stable struck by lightning, killing his team, and has suffered severely by grass- hoppers. But he has surmounted all diffi- culties and now stands among Kossuth county’s best farmers and most respected citizens. He is a republican and is sub- director of the township. Mr. Brown is a member of the Presbyterian Church. The next to locate in the township was John Wilson, who on the 21st of April, 1866, found the place he wanted and made aclaim on the south half of the southeast quarter of section 24. He re- mained here until his death, which took place upon the 28th of December, 1869. John Wilson was a native of Ireland, born in the county Derry, in 1815, but was of English descent. He emigrated to the United States in 1840, residing in Philadelphia, Penn., until 1861, when he again. She instructed Emma to find her | enlisted in company B, 2d Pennsylvania father, and having come to Black Hawk | Reserves, being discharged in 1864. He Co., Iowa, and hearing of a man in Kos- | re-enlisted in company H, 91st Pennsyl- suth county of her father’s name, wrote | vania Volunteers, serving until Lincoln’s e i \ << = o Z > v ey 4A HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 439 assassination. He participated in the battles of Mechanicsville,.South Moun- tain, Wilderness, Richmond, Petersburg, Bull Run, Antietam and Gettysburg, and was mustered out at Alexandria, Va., July 3, 1865. He came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, July 27, 1865, and took a homestead of eighty acres on the south half of the southeast quarter of section 24, townskip 97, range 29, Burt township. He lived in Algona and worked the farm until 1869, when he moved on the farm. On Dec. 18, 1869, he engaged to work for a rail- road company, and on the 28th of the same month was killed by a bank falling where he was excavating. Mr. Wilson was married before coming to this country to Ann Eliza Brown, of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson had eleven children, eight of whom are living—Margaret J., John B., married and living in Phila- delphia; Eliza M., wife of James Faunce, of Philadelphia; Samuel J., married and living in Portland township; William C., asailor; Robert J., clerking for an establishment in Algona; Edward and Thomas A. Four of the family are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. John B. Hutchinson located, in 1865, on the south half of the northeast quarter of section 8, upon which he still resides. John B. Hutchinson, the subject of this sketch, was born in Fifeshire, Scot- land, Aug. 21, 1839. He is a son of John and Agnes (Reed) Hutchinson, both of whom died and are buried in Scotland Mr. Hutchinson came to America in 1858. He worked on a railroad in the State of New York for eighteen months after his arrival. He then removed to Illinois, lo- cating in Will county. He followed farming four years; then engaged in miu- ing coal for four years, when he removed to Boone Co., Iowa, locating in Moingona. He followed coal mining in that place about two years, then removed to Kossuth county, settling in Burt township, on the northeast quarter of section 8, township 95, range 29. He has sixty-five acres un- der cultivation, and carries on mixed farming. One of the nicest groves in the township is growing on his farm. Mr. Hutchinson was married in November, 1872, to Margaret Bradon, a native of Germany. Her people live in the State of Nebrask. The result of this union was six children—Emma L., Frederick J., Margaret J., Albert H., Noma A. and Clara A. Politically Mr. Hutchinson is a republican. He has been township super- visor for seven years. James and Edward Marlow located upon sections 32 and 33, during the year 1865, also, and are still residents vf their original claims. : George Atdell, who is still a resident of the township, settled here in 1866. The same year section 24 received a settler, in the person of Hiram Norton, who took up a homestead on the south half of the northeast quarter of section 24, where he still lives. Hiram Norton, son of Hiram and Betsy (Matson) Norton, was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1839. When nineteen years of age he went to Bureau Co., Il., and worked on a farm. In the winter of 1863-4 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, settling in Algona, and working on the farm of W. H. Ingham. In the fall of 1864 he removed to Cresco township, where he lived until the summer of 1866. v A e e =e + j Pamcceebe - as 440 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. He then took a homestead on the south half of the northeast quarter of section 24, township 97, range 29, Burt township, and built a sod house, 12x24 feet, in which he lived five years. In 1883 he erected their present residence, a neat frame building. He has a fine greve of four acres, a half acre planted in orchard, and makes a specialty of stock raising. Mr. Norton was married March 4, 1865, to Ellen, daughter of John and Jane (Gilmour) Piercy. Her mother is deceased. Her father is living with Mr. Norton. In politics Mr. Norton is a republican. He was elected trustee of Burt township for the year 1884. : Elijah Hulburt was the pioneer of the year 1867, and settled down upon a home- stead on the south half of the southeast quarter of section 32, where he has re- mained ever since. Elijah Hulburt, son of Alonzo and Credulia (Sumner) Hulburt, was born in Erie Co.,N. Y. When four years of age he removed to Stephenson Co., IIl., where he lived on a farm for thirty years. He then removed to Kossuth county, locating in Burt township. He built a sod house, which burned down. In 1873 he built the house he now lives in. He has nice and comfortable buildings in the midst of a beautiful grove of four acres. Mr. Hulburt was united in marriage with Margaret Marlow, daughter of Patrick and Mary (Judge) Marlow, Dec. 6, 1862. They have four children—Mary C., Ellen, John J. and Jonathan C., twins. Mary is engaged in teaching school. Mr. Hul- burt is a republican, politically. He has been school director for three years. Mrs. Hulburt’s parents are dead; being buried in the Catholic cemetery in Algona. John Murray, another resident of his original homestead, came to Burt. town- ship, with his three sons, and all took homesteads. The elder Mr. Murray: on the south half of the southwest quarter of section 8. John Murray, son of William and Janet (Glass) Murray,was born in Janaury 1824, in Kinrosshire, Scotland. When thirty- one years of age, he went to Mahoning Co., Ohio, and worked in furnaces and rolling mills eight years. He then went to Illi- nois and worked for eight years in the coal mines of Grundy county. From there he removed to Boone Co., Iowa, settling in Moingona, where he lived four years, mining coal. He then came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, settling on the southwest quar- ter of the south half of section 8, town- ship 97, range 29, where he owns 320 acres. In connection with his sons, each took a homestead of eighty acres, and have since bought eighty acres, making 400 acres, 200 of which are under cultiva- tion, eight acres are in fine grove, be- sides having a good orchard. He was married Dec. 31, 1846, to Jean Jackson. They have three sons—William, David and John. William married Isabella Burt, and lives on section 8, Burt. town- ship. David is at home. John married Margaret Burt, sister of William’s wife, and lives on section 17. He is a republi- can, and member of the Presbyterian Church. He has been school director, and is now town trustee. The first regular services were held by the Rev. R. A. Paden, a Presbyterian Mamaks sale HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 441 minister, at the house of Henry McDon- ald, in August, 1882. The first frame house was built by Hiram Norton in 1870. The first school taught in the township of Burt, was in what was district No. 11, Algona district. This was initiated upon the 23d day of September, 1872, with Joseph M. Martin as teacher. A log house which had formerly been occupied as a dwelling house was used as the school house. The term ended upon the 20th of December, 1872. The following is a list of the scholars of this pioneer school, as taken from the record book of the teacher: Adelaide R. Apel, Edward L. Apel, Min- erva A. Apel, Juliana L. Apel, William Apel and John A. Apel. The first sub- director of this district was Fletcher Hofius, who was succeeded by Charles Brooks. was appointed to fill the vacancy. The first school in district No. 10 was taught in a dwelling house formerly oc- _cupied by Mr. Merten’s family. This made a most comfortable house. The first term commenced the 2d of Novem- ber, 1874, and continued until the follow- ing February. L. Hutchinson was the first teacher. The first school taught in district No. 9 began May 18, 1875. A frame house had been built for the purpose of a school house. This was the first frame school house in the township. The school term lasted until the 24th of September, and was conducted by Minnie Colby. Burt contains three sub-districts of the Mr. Brooks resigning, J. J. Apel | Districts Nos. 10 and 12 were re-organ- ized out of the original one, and a new school house built in each, at a cost of about $460 each. The school house of sub-district No. 9 was erected in the vil- lage of Burt, in 1882, and cost $700. This is a neat, tasty building, 22x38 feet, and twelve feet to the ceiling, and affords ed- ucational facilities to quite a number of pupils. The sub-directors for these three districts are the following gentlemen: P. M. Barslow, Frederick Schultz and C. Bierstadt. The first child born in the township was John, son of Hiram Norton, whose birth occurred in November, 1867. The first death was that of John Wil- son, who was killed Dec. 28, 1869, and is buried in the cemetery at Algona. The first ground was broken by John Brown, in the fall of 1864, and he sowed the first wheat that sametime. In the fol- lowing spring he planted corn, the first, also, in the township. The township was organized in 1883, and the first election was held at the October election, when the following offiers were chosen: Hiram Norton, John Murray, Sr., and Thomas Hanna, trustees; George E. Marble, clerk; A. D. Blanch- ard, assessor; P. M. Barslow and Isaac ‘Ames, justices; Arthur Stow and John Douglas, constables. The village of Burt was laid out, sur- veyed and platted by the Western Town Lot Company, in connection with Am- brose A. Call and D. A. Buell, in Septem- ber, 1881. The plat was filed for record, at the court house in Algona, on the 19th 4 the district township of Algona known as | of September, of the same year. The Nos. 9, 10 and 12. streets run north and south and the ave- er ——— et os ty ee HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. nues east and west. The village has but about thirty inhabitants at present, who are nearly all Americans of a most intelli- gent and enterprising class. The Chicago & Northwestern railroad passes through the village and the company have put up at this point a very nice and cozy depot. In the fall of 1881, George E. Marble came to the incipient village of Burt and commenced the erection of the first store building. This structure is 20x24 feet, two stories high, and 14x16 feet, one story. In this building he opened a gen- eral merchandise store, which he is yet operating. George E. Marble was born in Saratoga Co.,N. Y., June 17, 1850. When four years of age he went with his parents to Madison, Dane Co., Wis., where he re- sided for thirteen years onafarm. He then went to Franklin Co., Iowa, settling on a farm there. In 1881 he came to Burt and erected the first store building in town. This building was two stories in height, the first floor being 20x24 feet in dimensions, with additions in rear, 14x16 feet, and the second floor 20x24 feet. In 1882 he started a hay press, in a building 40x42 feet, which he operated during 1882-3. He still continues in the general merchandise business. Mr. Marble was married Nov. 29, 1877, to Elia V. White, of Franklin county. They have two children—Arthur E. and Cressie EK. Mr. Marble is a republican and holds the office of town clerk. He has also been postmaster since 1882. About the same time Joseph D. McDonald opened a lumber yard in Burt, which he yet is running. He handles, also, hardware, lime, salt, coal, and buys grain and stock. He is the owner of a hay press which he is operating, which has a capacity of eight tons per day. Joseph D. McDonald, son of William’ and Mary (Shanor) McDonald, was born in Butler Co., Penn. When ten years of age he went with his parents to Grundy Co., Ill., where his father was engaged in farming. In 1862 he enlisted in company B, 129th Illinois Infantry, being mustered in at Pontiac. He participated in the battles of Pensacola, Lookout Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, July 20, 21 and 22, with Sherman on his march to the sea and back to Washington, where he was mustered out in June, 1865. He then went to Dwight, Livingston Co., Ill., where he engaged in farming. In the spring of 1866 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, settling on a homestead of eighty acres in Portland township. In 1881 he moved to Burt and engaged in the lumber business. He owns one aere of land and a good house. Mr. McDonald was married March 9, 1871, to Nancy I. Young, of Dwight, Ill. They have five children—William E., Eugene M., Everett E., Lulu O. and Henry J., all liv- ing at home. Mr. McDonald has been | trustee of Portland township for ten years, and is now one of the supervisors of Kos- suth county. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church In politics he is a democrat. Comfort P. Stow came to Burt in 1881, also, and began blacksmithing, and put up the first hotel, which was 16x82 feet, with a wing 11x16 feet. This he con- tinued to operate until the summer of 1883, and, although he has quit it as a ae —~—r <2 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 443 business, still he will keep the weary trav- eler rather than turn him away. Comfort P. Stow was born in Geneva Ashtabula Co., Ohio, Feb. 25, 1848. _ When one year old his parents moved to Paw Paw Grove, Lee Co., Ill., where Comfort lived until eighteen years of age. In 1864 he enlisted in company E, 140th Tlinois Volunteers, being mus- tered in at Camp Butler, near Springfield. He was sent to guard railroads, and was mustered out in the same year. In 1866 Mr. Stow moved to Algona, Kossuth Co., Iowa, where he lived until the fall of 1880. When Burt was organized, in 1881, he he moved there, and engaged in work at the blacksmith trade. He built the first hotel in Burt. In 1882, in connection with his brother, Mr. Stow started a hay press. He was married May 11, 1872, to Eliza Godden, of Algona township. They have five children—James P., Mary A., Fred O., Laura E. and Waroline, all living at home. In politics Mr. Stow is a republi- can. Religious services were held first, in the town, in August, 1882, and on the 6th of June, 1883, an organization was affected and a Church started with the following officers: Rev. R. A. Paden, minister; I. G. Schryver and William Bailey, elders. The Sunday school is also in a flourish- ing condition under the superintendency of Mrs. Rebecca McDonald. George W. Sweet was born Aug. 14, 1880, in Crawford Co., Penn. When thirty-four years of age, he went to Ver- non Co., Wis., near Hillsboro, and engaged in farming. After five years, he came to Kossuth county and settled in Fenton township, where he took a homestead. In | he now lives, on the southeast quarter of 1871 he sold, but remained there four years, then moved east of Algona, staying one year. He then bought the place where the northeast quarter of section 7, town- ship 97, range 29. He owns forty acres of good land, has good farm buildings, and everything looks prosperous. Mr. Sweet was assessor one year. He was married Jan. 5, 1868, to Eliza A. Hayden, of Hillsboro, Vernon Co., Wis. Mrs. Sweet had been married before, and has four childrer—Hattie, Mary J., Nancy and Frank. Mr. Sweet enlisted Aug. 14, 1861, in company B, 83d Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served sixteen and a half months, participating in the battles of Hanover, and second Bull Run. He was wounded at Bull Run, being shot in the right arm, and confined in hospital three months. Heis a Free Will Baptist. In politics, a republican. Peter Kriethe was born June 26, 1846, in Hanover, Germany. He is a son of Peter and Mary Kriethe. His father died when he was two years, and his mother when he was eighteen years of age. In 1866 he left Germany. In 1869 he went to California. In September, 1871, he removed to Clayton Co., Iowa, remained one week, arid came to Kossuth county. He rented a farm east of Algona, of Mr. Hutchins. Mr. Kriethe was united in mar- riage May 19, 1878, with Anna Bearacle, daughter of Frank and Catharine Beara- cle, of Bohemia. The result of this happy union, was two children—Frances Annette and Emma Florence. Mrs. Kriethe took their present place as a homestead—the southwest quarter of section 22. They also own the southwest quarter of section , F —_—. 1 filet — 444 ae | ae HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 23.. About 175 acres is under cultivation. Mr. Kriethe is engaged in both farming and stock raising. In the summer of 1883 he erected a good frame house on his farm. He has a nice grove and orchard. Mrs. Kriethe’s parents are dead. They are buried in Bohemia. Peter M. Barslow is a native of Canada, born near Montreal, Aug. 18, 1836. When eighteen years of age he went to Kanka- kee, Ill., where he lived two years and a half, working at the blacksmith trade. From there he removed to Batavia, Kane Co., Ul., where he resided one year, then spent one year in Oswego, Kendall Co., Ill. He then spent three years in Newark, Kendall county, going from there to Adell, Livingston Co., Ill, where he. resided thirteen years, working at the blacksmith trade. He was connected with a hardware and drug store for a short time while in Livingston county, and was also deputy sheriff for some time. In 1875 Mr. Bars- low came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, settling on section 20, Portland township, where he resided three years. He then pur- chased land on the north half of the north- east quarter of section 24, Burt township, and eighty acres on the north half of the northwest quarter of section 19, township 97, range 28, Portland township. He is engaged in general farming. Mr. Barslow was married, Oct. 20, 1860, to Laura A. Fosgate, of Newark, Ill. They have eight children—George F., Leon A., Clara B., Effie M., Laura A., Nellie L., Emma M. and Edna M. They areall living at home. Mr. Barslow has been school director in Kossuth county for five years. William Harsh, son of Charles and Car- oline Harsh, was born Oct. 24. 1858, in Prussia, Germany. At six months of age he emigrated to America, locating in IIli- nois, near Freeport, where he lived ten years. From that place he removed to Waterloo, Iowa. After remaining there two years, he removed to Fort Dodge. He lived in Fort Dodge until he came to Kossuth county. Upon coming to this county he located onthe northwest quar- ter of section 2, Burt township. Mr. Harsh deals in live stock as well as rais- ing grain. He is a single man. His mother and two sisters live with him. In politics Mr. Harsh supports the demo- cratic ticket. Mr. Harsh is a member of the Lutheran Church. His mother and sisters are members of the same Church. James Leslie was born Feb. 16, 1819, in Allegheny Co., Penn. Here he grew to manhood, and was engaged in running a coal boat on the Allegheny canal. He also made several trips to New Orleans by way of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. When twenty-three years of age he was married to Maria Boyd, of Taunton, Penn. He lived in the home of his birth until thirty-one years old, when he removed to Scott Co., Iowa, locating on a farm. His wife soon afterward died, leaving one child—Mary Jane. On Nov. 28, 1854, Mr. Leslie was married to Mary A. Stub- elfield, of Princeton, Iowa. his union was blessed with six children, four of whom are living—William B.C. F.C.,, Emeline, Jessie B. and James McBride. In 1859 Mr. Leslie went to Pike’s Peak, remaining there one year, during which time he was foreman in a quartz mill. After returning from the west he purchased a hotel which he run for five years; also dealt in stock during this time. In 1872 is ae eq. asl HISTORY OF KO8SUTH COUNTY. 445 he went to Tama Co., Iowa, where he was engaged in farming for six years, near La-Porte City. He then moved to ‘Black Hawk county, and followed farming for three years, thence to Kossuth county in 1881. He bought the southwest quar- ter of section 32, township 98, range 29, of which he has seventy-five acres broken. He has an artificial grove of four acres, and fruit of all kinds. Francis A. Wood, son of Edward and Elizabeth (Shimer ) Wood, was born in Black Hawk Co., Iowa, March 8, 1859. When twenty-three years of age he came to Kossuth county and purchased the north half of the northeast quarter of section 2, Burt township. He has forty acres under cultivation, and is interested largely in grain and stock raising. In 1881 Mr. Wood was married to Susan E. J., daughter of John and Susan (Corton) Brown, the oldest settler in Burt town- ship. Mrs. Wood is the daughter spoken of in John Brown’s biography, as being the child who had not seen her father since two years of age, until 1881. She was born Oct 16, 1862, in Wisconsin. When two years of age her parents sepa- rated, Mrs. Brown taking Emma and going to live withabrother. Her mother two years afterwards married again, and Emma, after living at home five years, went to live with John Tennant, of Black Hawk Co., Iowa. She lived with Mr. Tennant until eighteen years of age, being educated while living there. She thinks as much of Mr. Tennant’s-family as she would of her own parents. Mrs. Wood hearing of a Mr. Brown in Kossuth county, and supposing him to be her father, wrote to him, and finding her hopes realized, care to visit him in 1881. Mr. Brown then prevailed on bis new ‘son-in-law to buy a place near him, and all are happy. George M. Meinzer, deceased, was born in Baden, Germany, June 28,1812. In 1849 he emigrated to the United States, locating in Racine, Wis., where he re- sided ten years. He then went to Free- port, Ill., where he lived three years, after which he lived near Waterloo, Black Hawk Co., Iowa, for two years. He then removed to Tama county, residing there until his death, which was very sudden. On the morning of Sept. 12, 1874, he was as well as usual, but at about 4 o’clock in the afternoon he was stricken with heart disease, dying instantly. Mrs. Meinzer resided on the farm until Sept. 6, 1879, when she removed to Waterloo, remain- ing there two years, sold her farm and re- moved to Kossuth county. In 1883 she bought her present farm, the northwest quarter of section 12, Burt township. Mr. Meinzer was married Feb. 6, 1€40, to Eva R. Yaumorthal, of Baden. Mr. and Mrs. Meinzer had nine children—Charles W., Gustavus, Christena, Charles A., Caroline, Edward, Leo, John and Ellen. Mrs. Meinzer is sixty-three years of age, and lives with her daughter, Ellen, on the farm. | = > 446 HISTORY OF KOSsUTH COUNTY. CHAPTER AY¥ 11, CRESCO TOWNSHIP. This township, which lies in the south- western part of the county of Kossuth, contains all of congressional township 4 north, ranges 29 and 30, and all of town- ship 95, ranges 29 and 30, except atierand ahalf of sections cut off of the north part, and attached to the civil townships of Lott’s Creek and Algona. It contains about 126 square miles, or 80,640 acres of the best land in the county. The surface is nearly flat, except in the vicinity of the streams, where it breaks into gentle rolls. The soil of rich, warm, dark loam holds the promise of unlimited fecundity and fer- tility. The East Fork of the Des Moines river runs through the eastern part of the township, watering the land, and with its affluents draining it. In the western part, Lott’s creek affords the necessary water, entering Cresco from the north, on sec- tion 17, and flowing in a southeasterly course makes its exit on section 31, town- ship 94, range 29. Along the margin of the streams, the Des Moines in particular, quite a heavy growth of timber is found, made up of the various deciduous trees of this latitude, among which ash, soft maple, basswood, poplar and burr oak take the lead. These belts of timber, together with the groves of soft wood trees that cluster around the habitations of the older set- tlers and residents, add beauty and pic- turesqueness to the landscape. The older settlements lie along the river and are made up of nearly all nationalities, Eng- lish, Irish, German, Swedish, Scotch and American. In the western partis a large German settlement, known as the Dor- weiler settlement. The first attempt at a settlement in Cresco was made by William Hill and Levi Maxwell, in the fall of 1854. The former of these parties was a decidedly hard character and always had around him a tough crowd, and as the settlers gathered into the county he was crowded out, Charles Osgood buying his claim. He drifted away, no one knows where. Levi Maxwell did not remain very long either, but removed to some other locality in the State. Christian Hackman and Daniel Hill lo- cated in this township in the latter part of the year 1854. Daniel Hill sold out his claim to Alexander Brown in the May following and left the county. Christian Hackman is still a resident on the origi- nal claim he made, and is one of the county’s most influential men. Alexander Brown, Sr., and his son of the same name, were the next settlers in Creseo township, coming in May, 1855, and locating on section 14. Both are still residents of the county. oq rT Jes A 1, ° HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 447 Alexander Brown, Jr., was born June 19, 1838, in the north part of Ireland, near the coast of Scotland. When four years of age he came with his parents to America, landing at St. Johns, New Bruns- wick. After living there three years they went to Massachusetts, making it their home eleven years. He then came to Kossuth county and staid one year, after which he went to Massachusetts and worked for the government as a ma- chinist. All through the war, and before the war broke out, he worked in the navy yards, or anywhere the government saw fit to send him, being at different times in Springfield, Mass.; Trenton, N. J.; New- ark; Fort Warren; Boston Harbor; Port- land, Maine, and other points. In 1865 he came back to Kossuth county, and has worked since on his farm on section 14, township 95, range 29, engaging exten- sively in stock raising, of which he keeps good blooded Durham “thoroughbreds.” He also owns a quarter section on sections 22 and 23. He was married March 25, 1868, to Margaret Burt, of Algona. His father, who is eighty-seven years of age, lives with him. Mr. Brown is one of the successful farmers of Kossuth county, and a good neighbor and citizen. He and his family belong to the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a republican., Robert Brown and Barney Holland both came to Kossuth county in May, 1875, and were a portion of a colony from Whitinsville, Mass. Some located in what is now Algona township; these two settled, however, in Cresco, on sec- tion 24... Mr. Holland made but a short stay, when, not liking the idea of pioneer- ing, he departed the country, going back to Massachusetts. Robert Brown remained some two or three years, and he, too, re- turned to the “Old Bay State,” where he now resides. In June, 1855, Dr. Robert Cogley made his appearance and bought the claim of Levi Maxwell, on section 13, now known as the Huntley place. He was the pio- neer physician of the county. Stephen Millen was also a pioneer of 1855, and is yet a resident of the town- ship. Stephen W. Millen was born in Nor- wich, Windham Co., Conn., Oct. 4, 1818. He remained there until 1833, then went to Massachusetts, being employed for ten years in the woolen factory. In 1837 he went to Grafton, Vt., and engaged in farming. In 1845 he returned to Massa- chusetts and worked in the mills. In 1855 he came to Kossuth county and pur- chased land on section 16, township 95, range 29, having 120 acres, fifty of which are under cultivation. He has good build- ings and a fine orchard on his place, and is engaged in farming and stock raising. In the fall of 1858 he went to Albion, Marshall Co., Jowa. In the spring of 1860 Mr. Millen went across the country to Denver, Col., and California, returning the following fall. Mr. Millen was mar- ried Oct. 7, 1836, to Irene Amsden, daugh- ter of Jonas and Hannab Amsden, of Grafton, Vt. Mrs. Millen died Aug. 14, 1871, leaving five children—George W.; Mary, wife of 8. 8. Rist, county treasurer of Kossuth county; William H., married to Lucinda Sawyer, living on section 16, township 95, range 29; Loantha, wife of George Humlong, of Marshalltown, Iowa; o_ er “~~ I Adee 448 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. and Louis, married to Carrie Higley. Mr. Millen is a republican. John Hutchinson was among the early settlers of the year 1855. He endeavored to jump the claim of Dr. Cogley’s, but was foiled, and after drifting around for a few months, moved up into Algona township and made a claim. He lived there until 1882, when he died. Henry Kellogg arrived in this township in 1856 and settled on sections 34 and 36, township 95, range 29. He lived on this place until the day of his death, in 1859 or 1860. Grishington Jones, with his family, came in the spring of 1856. Mr. Jones was a Virginian of high family preten- sions and well educated—but somewhat cynical in manner. He left the county some years ago, but came back every little while to renew old friendships. He died about two years ago. W. D. Eaton settled on the northeast quarter of section 34, in 1856. Mr. Eaton was subsequently married to Nettie Kel- logg, daughter of Henry Kellogg. He is now running a paper in the southern part of the State. George W. Blottenberger, Howard, Mrs. Betsy Norton and Benjamin Clark, came during the summer of 1856. Among other prominent settlers of 1856, may be mentioned Barnet and John De- vine, who made their first settlement in the bend of the river, on section 24. They are both among the most prominent and influential citizens of the county. Barnet Devine was born July 11, 1823, in Ireland. At the age of thirteen or four- teen he emigrated to Quebec, in a sail- ing vessel, being three months on the passage, on account of storms. He lived three years at Three Rivers, then went to Chicago and lived five years. From there he went to California, and stayed six years, working in tke gold mines three years, digging gold. Returning to Ilh- nois, he soon moved to where he now lives, on section 24, township 94, range 29, where he lived in a wagon-bed three months, building his first house twenty- seven- years ago. He now owns 2,300 acres of land, all joining, sixty acres of which is in timber. The Upper Des Moines river bounds him on the west. He was married in April, 1856, to Abigail Batterson. They have nine children— Mary, Sarah, Ellen, De ia, Clara, George, Charles, William and Nellie. Mr. Devine is the most extensive dealer in stock in the county. He is amember of the Catho- lic Church, and has been school director. In politics, he is a democrat. Addison Fisher was also a settler in what is now Cresco township in 1856. Addison Fisher was born Sept. 21, 1821, in Denham, Norfolk Co., Mass. When he was seventeen years of age, he re- moved to Medfield, Mass., and remained over ten years, learning the cabinet makers’ trade with Mr. Robins. After working at this trade two years, he went to Newton, and stayed two years, work- ing at wagon making. He then went to Framingham and worked at his trade, and from there to Natick, where he still followed the wagon business, and also en- gaged in the express business. In 1855 Mr. Fisher went to Delhi, Iowa, and lived there one year, when he moved to Har- din county, opened a farm and sold it, then moved, in 1856, where he now lives + are ' A ' Kalb Co., Ill. HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 2 449 on Jots 4, 5 and 6, which contains 140 acres. He now owns 700 acres in one body, and 180 acres adjacent. Being a heavy dealer in stock, his grade of Short horns is of considerable note, besides he has 180 acres under cultivation. He was married at Framingham to Martha Mol- ton. They had seven children, four of whom are living—George A., who mar- ried Fredonia Rickle; Mary, wife of Joseph Raney, of Irvington; Cora, wife of Walter Raney, and Martha. Mrs. Fisher died in 1869. Mr. Fisher after- wards married Caroline Meeker, of De In politics he is a republi- can, and belongs to the Order of Free Masons, of the Chapter Lodge. Jesse, Charles H. and John Magoon, were also among the pioneers that located in the county in 1856. Jesse, after look- ing around some little time, went to Al- gona, where he engaged in the blacksmith- ing business, but gave it up after a few month’s trial and drifted back to the New England States, from which he had come. Charles took up a claim but never “proved up” on it, and after a stay of a year or so, went to Massachusetts, where he is engaged in the practice of dentistry and writes himself Dr. Charles H. Ma- goon. John took up a claim on section 21, on which he lived for several years, but he, too, left the county, and is now a resident of Honalulu, on the Sandwich Islands. The first building erected in the county was the log cabin put up by Ambrose A. Call and W. T. Smith, on section 14, in August, 1854. This building stood on the Chubb place, in township 95, range 29. The first child born was Lizzie Hutch- inson, daughter of John Hutchinson, the date of whose birth was Feb. 4, 1856. The first marriage was that which united the destinies of W. D. Eaton and Miss N. H. Kellogg. on the 20th of Decem- ber, 1857. Rev. Chauncey Taylor per- formed the ceremony. The first death that occurred in Cresco township was that of a party by the name of Mahuren, a Christian preacher, who died at the cabin of Ambrose Call, on section 14, in the fall of 1854. Malachi Clark, of Irvington, made a coffin for the corpse out of puncheous split from bass- wood logs, with his ax. The first wheat was raised by Alexan- der Brown in the summer of 1855. The first school taught in the township was presided over by Mrs. Hale, now Mrs. Steele, in the summer of 1857. This was held at the house of G. S. Jones, on sec- tion 10. The township of Cresco was ordered io organize March, 1857, by order of the county court, and at that time comprised “all that part of the county lying west of the middle of the channel of the East Fork of the Des Moines river, and south of the south line of Algona township.” But for some reason the township failed to comply with the requirements of the law, and the organization was deferred. On the 18th of March, 1858, L. H. Smith, then county judge, issued a new order that Cresco organize itself into a civil township, and to hold their first elec- tion for township officers on the first Mon- day in April, 1858. This was accordingly done, the election being held at the house of Robert Brown. al | vee Z +h fe 450 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. The first officers chosen were the fol- lowing named: James Robertson, Henry Kellogg and Levi Maxwell, trustees; W. D. Eaton, clerk, and Benjamin Clark, assessor. The school house in sub-district No. 1 was built about 1858, and cost about $500. In this building M. Collins taught the first term. ; The settlers of Cresco, like many other portions of our fair land, suffered many pri- vations during the years of 1857 and 1858, consequent upon the financial crisis that swept the country, and partially on account of the newness of the settlement around them. When they had to go to mill fifty, sixty, or more miles, across the country, to have a little flour or meal ground, life could not be a bed of roses to them. Happy was he that had the grist to grind, for all were pot so fortunate as to raise a crop the first season, as the labor of opening up a new farm was considera- ble,and necessitated an early start. When the hard times struck this portion of the county, many grew discouraged and packing up their few traps left for other quarters. As many as sixteen families are said to have leftin one day. But now the township is settling up fast. In the western part of Cresco, settle- ments were not made until quite late, com- pared with the eastern portion. The Dorweiler settlement was about the first to spring up in that part of the township. The pioneers of this were: Philip, Henry and Paul Dorweiler, who lovated here in 1865. In the following year they were followed by H. Buttgenbach and M. Bonnstetter. 1867 saw the arrival of Wil- liam and John Andrig. Within afew years others joined the colony, prominent among whom are the following named: J. Bonwort, H. Rhinhart and F. Minger. Philip Dorweiler, oldest son of J. J., and Margaret (Seiler) Dorweiler, was born Nov. 2, 1831, in Lommersum, near Co- logne in Rhenish Prussia. In April, 1852, he came with his parents to America and settled in Clayton Co., Iowa. His father is dead, but his mother, at the advanced age of eighty years, is living with her youngest son, Henry, near Philip’s home. He was married Feb. 2, 1861, to Anna Kann, a daughter of Geoffrey and Cath- arine (Jones) Kann, of Clayton Co., Iowa. His wife died Aug. 25, 1882, leaving seven children—Joseph, Alexander, Mar- garet, Catharine, Charles, Mary and Jose- phine. Cilly Kann, his niece, also makes her home at Mr. Dorweiler’s. Mrs. Dor- weiler was buried inthe Dorweiler ceme- tery, near her old home. In 1866, Mr. Dorweilerin company with his father and brothers Henry and Paul, came to Kossuth county, and settled in township 94, range 80, being the first settlers in the township. He located on the north half of section 6, and also owns 560 acres of other land near by. He has eight acres of as fine grove as can be found in the county, ash, cottonwood and maple trees, also a fine bearing orchard of one acre. Two hun- dred acres of his land is under cultiva- tion,where he raises an abundance of grain, and keeps fine stock, having twenty cows, eight horses, and nice wells of water twenty feet deep. His buildings are all neat and substantial, sheltered from all directions. Mr. Dorweiler is one of the most prominent men in this township is a well educated man, having received his i or —~—> : HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. : 451 education in Rhenish Prussia, and since. coming to this country, has continued to to study the English language, so that he is quite proficient. In 1874 he was elected to justice of the peace, served" four years. In 1875 was elected supervisor, and served six years. He is now school director of district No. 5. He and his family are Catholics. In politics, Mr. Dorweiler. is an independent, and is one of the direc- tors of the Bank of Algona. Henry Dorweiler, youngest son of J. J. and Margaret (Seiler) Dorweiler, was born in Rhenish Prussia, Nov. 22, 1846. When six years of age he came with his parents to this country, settling on a farm five miles west of Guttenberg, Clayton Co., Iowa. Henry worked on the farm for fourteen years, receiving a good education in the country schools. When twenty years of age he came to Kossuth county and settled on the northwest quarter of section 4, township 94, range 30, Cresco township. He now owns 240 acres of college lands in addition to his original farm, two and a kalf acres of which is in a fine grove. He has 100 acres under cul- tivation, and is engaged in general farm and stock business. He has fifty head of stock. Mr. Dorweiler was married Oct. 31, 1876, to Mary Marnach, a native of Dubuque county. Her parents are now living in St. Joseph, Cresco township. They have two children—Margaret S. and Philip H. Mr. Dorweiler’s mother, now eighty years of age, resides with him. She is still quite active and is beloved by the children. He is a republican, and has been assessor three terms and town- ship trustee two terms. The family are members of the Catholic Church. Paul Dorweiler, second son of J. J. and Margaret Dorweiler, was born in Lom- mersum, Rhenish Prussia, Oct. 28, 1838. When twelve years of age he came with his parents to this country, settling in Clayton Co., Iowa, where he resided until 1861. In October of that year he enlisted in company K, 17th Missouri Infantry Vol- unteers. He was in the battles of Pea Ridge, Vicksburg, second attack on Jack- son, Lookout Mountain, Ringgold, where his brother, Christian, was killed, and Sherman’s march to the sea. He was sent back and mustered out at St. Louis, Dec. 16, 1864. He returned to Clayton county and worked on his father’s farm one year, then removed to the southwest quarter of section 4, township 94, range 30, Kossuth Co., Iowa, where he now resides. He has two and a half acres planted in grove, a half acre in orchard, and the rest is devo- ted to general farming. He has good buildings on his place. Mr. Dorweiler was married Sept. 25, 1873, to Mary Jus- tine Barth, of Guttenberg, Iowa. Her parents are living in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Dorweiler have five children—Mar- garet J., Catharine L., Louis, Paul and Henry J. Mr. Dorweiler is independent in politics, and has been township trustee for three terms. He has taught school eighteen terms in America. Michael Bonnstetter was born June 29, 1826, in Baden. In 1848 he came to America, landing in New Orleans and go- ing from there to St. Louis, where he worked in a distillery for four years. From there he went to Downville, Sierra Co., Cal., where he worked in the mines six years. In 1858 he went to Gutten- berg, Clayton Co., Iowa, and bought a oe =P 452 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. farm. In 1865 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, where he bought 720 acres of land. He has 250 acres under cultivation, and raises stock and grain extensively. He has from sixty-five to seventy head of stock ; also from ten to twelve head of horses. His farm buildings and barns are in good order. He also has a large num- ber of fruit trees and a nice grove. Mr. Bonnstetter was united in marriage Sept. 14, 1858, to Catharine Dorweiler. The result of this union is ten children—Mar- garetha, Martin, Paul, Josephine, Chris- tian, Helena, Pauline, Justine, Henry, and Joseph. All are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a democrat. Martin Bonnstetter was born Feb. 11, 1832, in Baden. America, landing at New Orleans, and going from there to St. Louis, where he worked for two years at his trade, that of shoemaker, then moved to Waterloo, Mon- roe Co., Ill., where he still carried on his shoe-making ten years. He next went to Fort Dodge, Iowa, and worked at his trade eight years. In 1874 he came to Kossuth county, and settled on section 22, ~taking as a homestead, eighty acres, and afterwards buying forty acres. He was married in December, 1873, to Elizabeth Schaller, of Kossuth county, by birth an Austrian. They have no children, but Mary Faulkner lives with them. In poli- tics he is a democrat, and is a member of the Catholic Church. Frederick Minger was born Aug. 15, 1833, in canton Bern, Switzerland. He emigrated to the United States, with his parents, John anl Mary (Hoffer) Minger, in 1846. He went directly to Ohio, where he lived three years then steamboated on “a In 1852 he came to. the Ohio and Mississippi rivers until 1854, at which time he returned to Ohio, where he lived one year. In 1855 he removed to Guttenburg, ‘Clayton Co., Iowa, and kept a wood-yard until 1860, then moved to Elkader, where he purchased a farm. He enlisted, in 1862, in company H, 38th Iowa Volunteers, being mustered in at Dubuque, and serving three years and two months. He was disabled at Vicksburg, and was mustered out at Houston, Texas. He then returned to Elkader, and engaged in farming. In 1869 Mr. Minger came to Kossuth county, purchasing the west half of the southwest quarter, and the north- east quarter of the southwest quarter of section 9, township 94, range 30. Also, the northwest of the northeast quarter of the same section. He has 140 acres un- der cultivation, fifty acres in grove and one and a half acres planted in orchard. He has 200 grape vines, and intends to make grape culture a specialty. He has good buildings on his place, also a house for renters. Mr. Minger was married Nov. 28, 1856, to Mary Beer. Mr. and Mrs. Minger have five children living— Franklin A., Adolph P., Amelia S., Mary A.and Alfred. They lost four children, in 1880, within eight days of each other, with diphtheria. Mr. Minger is a mem- ber of the Baptist Church. In polities he is a republican. The Upper DesMoines, in speaking of this settlement, as early as 1871, says: “This portion of Cresco township is set- tled chiefly by men from Guttenburg, in Clayton county, the pioneers being Philip, Henry and Paul Dorweiler. They now number about twenty or thirty families, allin a prosperous condition. All have ee >, HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 453 large farms opened and in a fine state of cultivation. On inquiry as to the yield of grain this season, we were informed that the yield of wheat would average fifteen or sixteen bushels, barley about forty, oats sixty and corn was beyond computation. These men attend to their own business and in a few years will stand at the head of the list in point of wealth andinteiligence. They have good schools, and as large a number of papers, both German and English, are taken and read, as in any other place of the same number of persons, within our acquaint- ance. This colony is located along the rich bottom lands on Lott’s creek, about ten miles southwest from Algona.” A congregation, calling themselves the Apostolic Church, have an organization in Cresco township. Like the Dunkards in many points, they mix but very little with the world’s people and have nothing to say about themselves as they practice humility. When the society wag,organ- ized, who were the officers, or what were the peculiar features of their belief, could not be found out. A plain, unpretending church, 20x82 feet, is erected on section 7, township 94, range 30, where they hold services. This was built in 1882. John Anliker was the first as he is their pres- ent pastor or elder. On section 35, in township 94, range 29, is located the thriving little village of St. Joseph, or “St. Joe” as ‘it is familiarly called. This was formerly known as Hale’s post office, sometimes Hale, in honor of Oscar Hale, of Algona, who was a land owner in the vicinity. The town never was laid out, as far as the records show, but grew by evolution. The first building was erected in 1865, by Hiram Howard, but it stood alone for some time. This was used as a hotel or general stopping place. In 1870, George Hollenbeck, from Wis" consin, came here and started a general store, which he run for about five years, and then rentéd the building, having closed out the stock to George Soevensky, of Milwaukee, who put in a new stock of goods, and “kept store” for two years. George Hollenbeck again took charge of the business and continued in this line until 1879, when he placed it under the charge of John Waldbillig, of Dubuque, and who managed it for two years longer. Joseph Schreiber came from Dubuque about this time and Mr. Hollenbeck dis- posed of the whole business to him. Schreiber ran it and a saloon in connec- tion with it for about a year when he sold out to Michael Smith, the present owner, who does not run the saloon part, how- ever. Caspar Waldbillig came to the neigh- borhood of “St. Joe,” from Dubuque in 1870, and located on a farm, but in 1878, he came into the village and started a store for the sale of general merchandise. In deference to the custom among his fel- low countrymen, he has opened a beer hall in connection therewith, and is doing a good business. The hotel is now kept by Hollenbeck & Waldbillig, who are prospering as such good men must. O, F. Hale, now the county surveyor, was the first postmaster at this place, but was succeeded by G. Hollenbeck. Cas- par Waldbillig is the present incumbent, and has the office in his store. — ne” te Rip ate, 454 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. The Roman Catholic Church, at this village, grew out of a series of meetings held by Rev. Father Butler, in 1869 and 1870, at the houses of John Mahahe and John Devine. The Church, bowever, was not organized until 1871, when Rev: Father Lenihan came here from Fort Dodge, as the successor 4f Father Butler, and at once set about the erection of a church edifice. He obtained the ground and got the subscription under way, and work was commenced on the church. He only stayed with this congregation one year, but in that time was happy in seeing his labors crowned by the comple- tion of the building. He was succeeded by Rev. Father J. J. Smith, of Emmets- burg, who was the spiritual director of the Father Theodore: little flock until 1876. Weyman was the next incumbent, but held it for only thirteen months, when he gave place to the present pastor, the Rev. Father James B. Zigrang, late of St. Don- atus, Jackson Co., Iowa. The church is a beautiful building, 24x60 feet, with a belfry 10x10 and forty-six feet high and cost about $1,800. A fine, large, comfort- able parsonage was also built in 1876 at a a cost of about $1,400. The first mem- bers of this Church were: George Hollen- beck, John Devine, Nicholas Brass, John Goedes, Peter Forman,John,Peter and Mi- chael Expelding, Nicholas and Peter Thil- ges, Barney Crowan, Michael Dunfrey, Mi- chael Melaven, Patrick, Michael and John O’Neill and John Murphy. There are now about fifty or sixty families inthe Church, including both nationalities, Irish and German. In 1882 the greater part of the Trish portion of the Church seceded and erected a church of their own at Liver- more, in the north part of Humboldt county. Father J. B. Zigrang, son of Henry and Ann Zigrang, was born Oct. 18, 1850, in Luxemberg, Germany. When quite young he came with his parents to America. Landing at New York, they immediately came to Iowa, locating in Jackson county. In 1867 Mr. Zigrang attended St. Law- rence College, in Cavalry, Wis., remain- ing there until 1872. He next went for one year to St. Francis College in Mil- waukee. After thishe went to Minnesota, and took a two years’ course in St. John College in that State. Having now fin- ished his school studies, in 1877, he was ordained as a German Catholic priest. ‘His first charge was the Church organiza- tions at St. Joseph, Algona and the Dor- weiler -settlement, in Kossuth county, Livermore and Humboldt, in Humboldt county, and Mallard in Palo Alto county. Father Zigrang built the Catholic church at Britt, also the one in Liver- more. He is beloved by all the members of his congregation, and hosts of friends greet him wherever he goes. When he came to St. Joseph he found the Church deeply in debt, but by hard work and per- severance, he has paid off all indebted- ness, enlarged the Church, and has a neat little sum in the treasury. Just over the line, in Palo Alto county, lies the thriving little town of West Bend, which was laid out on the 16th of Septem- ber, 1881, by the Cedar Rapids & Iowa Falls Northwestern Town Lot Company, and contained, originally, forty acres. Since that time an addition of forty acres more has been laid out by William S. Admanson, of Scotland. The streets are ce er a] in| HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 455 laid out to run east and west, and broad beautiful avenues north and south. The the town is located upon the line of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern railroad which is interested in the prosper- ity of the beautiful village. They have erected a depot that is architecturally one of the best in northern Iowa. So close does the town lie to the line of Kossuth county, that many of the dwelling houses are in the latter county, while the business places are in Palo Alto. Thus the interest of West Bend is in common with that of Kossuth county. The town is about eight miles south from Whitte- more, and southwest from Algona, eighteen miles, and is surrounded by some of the finest agricultural land in the State. The inhabitants are mostly Americans and are of an enterprising, thrifty class and valu- able citizens. The first store building was erected on the laying out of the town, in 1881, by E. S. Bagley, and in it he opened the pioneer hardware store of the town. He has a large and new stockof all kinds of heavy and shelf hardware, and is the agent for the celebrated Bradley & Nicoulin wagon, made in Algona. The following business directory will give some idea of the prosperity of this new town, and convey the impression of its importance as a business center. Amos & Gray, heavy dealers in lum- ber, grain and stock, also handle salt,lime, coal, builders’ materials, etc., are live, energetic men, who by their industry and integrity have won the confidence of the community among which they live. McFarland & Son are engaged in the general merchandise line and give evi- dence, by their close attention to the wants maining three years in that place, they of their numerous patrons, that they are thorough business men. They carry a large and complete stock and are doing a large and profitable trade. H. H. Jacobs is also a heavy dealer in particular lines of dry goods, groceries and provisions, and deals out to his many customers and friends the wares that they are in need of. His pleasant affable man- ner is winning him hosts of friends. Benjamin Franklin deals in drugs, paints, oils and is the postmaster of the little “burg.” There is also in the town ‘one harness shop, one wagon and paint shop, a livery stable, the latter run by Herbert LeClaire, a barber shop, butcher shop,’ millinery establishment and two saloons. Dr. E. W. Bachman, the practicing phy- sician, has a ride of ten miles in every direction and isavery popular man. The doctor was elected county superintendent of schools of Palo Alto county in 1883. This town will eventually be a rival of no mean pretentions to her sister towns that surround her. A beautiful new school house has just been erected at a cost of $1,750, by Amos & Gray, contractors. It is two stories high and surmounted with a neat belfry and makes a most presentable appearance. Edward 8. Bagley was born in London- derry, Vt. When he was two years of age his parents removed to Windham, Vt., and engaged in farming. They remained there one year, then removed to White River Junction, same State. After two years they removed to Lyme, N. H. Re- removed to Palmyra, Wis. They lived in that place two years, thence removed = —_ 4 Cp 4 fo 458 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. to Whitewater, where they remained nine years. While here the subject of our sketch learned the trade of tinner. He then removed to Whittemore, Kossuth county, and engaged in business for eigh- teen months. He then removed to West Bend, where he now resides. He erected a store building here, 18x28 feet, one story in height. He carries a stock of goods valued at about $2,500, and is doing a good business. He was united in mar- riage July 17, 1881, with Martha Vigren, of Hampton, Ill. In politics Mr. Bagley isa republican. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. R. M. J..McFarland, son of John S.and Nancy (Wilson) McFarland, is a native of New York city. When in his twenty- first year he went to Wisconsin, and worked at different occupations three years, then went to Palo Alto Co., Iowa, in 1857. After traveling in Missouri, Wisconsin and Iowa, in the spring of 1859 he returned to Palo Alto, West Bend township, remained till fall of same year, then went back to Wisconsin and lived five years, working in a lumber yard in Avoca, Iowa county. In the fall of 1864 he moved his family on section 28, township 94, range 31, in Palo Alto county, and carried on farming until March 1, 1883, when he commenced busi- ness in West Bend, where he still lives. He was married April 17, 1861, to Jane Franklin, of Wyoming, Iowa Co., Wis.,and has five children—Benjamin F., Arthur W., R. M. J., Jr., Jennie C. and Sophro- nia N., all living at home. He is well liked in Palo Alto, and has been super- visor six years. In politics he is a demo- ‘won the confidence and esteem of his fel- crat; also belongs to the Order of Odd Fellows. William M., son of William and Louise Amos, was born Nov. 20, 1856. When eight years of age he moved with his parents to Beaver Dam, Wis., remaining three years. He then went to Winnebago Co., Wis., where he lived ten years, after which he removed to Algona, Kossuth Co., Iowa, and worked three years for J. J. Wilson in lumber, grain and stock business. He then went to Whittemore, where he had control of the same gentle- man’s business for four years, after which he opened a general store in W hitte- more and continued in business for him- self at that place for eighteen months. Mr. Amos then moved to West Bend, and, taking Mark Gray into partnership, he opened an extensive lumber yard at this place. They also deal in grain and stock. Mr. Amos was married Feb. 1, 1880, to Cora E. Heathman, daughter of George and Catharine H. Heathman, now living in Pocahontas Co., Jowa. Mr. and Mrs. Amos have two children—William G. and Ethel ©. ’ Although Mr. Amos has been in this place but two years, he has low citizens. He isa republican in politics. Henry H. Jacobs, son of George and Almira (Warren) Jacobs, was born June 12, 1853, in Dane Co., Wis. When ten years of age his parents went to Palo Alto county and settled on section 22, township 94, range 31,in West Bend town- ship. While in Wisconsin they lived on a farm; were also on a farm in Palo Alto till Jan. 1, 1882, when Henry went to West Bend and built the store which he now occupies for a general stock. The err ~~ HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 457 building is 20x62 feet, and two stories high, the upper part being used as living rooms. Mr. Jacobs is well liked by all who know him. He was married April 31, 1882, to Jennie Brown, of West Bend township. He is now township trustee and school director. In politics he is a republican, and belongs to. the Order of Odd Fellows. Mark Gray, son of Anson and Roxana (Cleveland) Gray, was born Sept. 10, 1832, near Dorset, Bennington Co., Vt. When seventeen years old he went to Milwau- kee, Wis.,and learned the millwright trade, working at it in Milwaukee until 1870, when he went to Colorado. He was one of the discoverers of what is known as the Smith & Gray mines, they being named for him. He remained there min- ing till 1881, then came to Kossuth county, settling on the north half of section 30, township 94, range 30, Cresco township; he also owns the northwest quarter of the west half of section 29. He has a good house, one and a half stories high, and other buildings, besides being in business in West Bend (having built the first house there), and one of the most prominent citizens. He was married Sept. 4, 1855, to Mehitable Maby, of Stevens’ Point, Wis. They have three children—Anson, Byron and Roxie, wife of George L. Smith, of Monarch, Chaffee Co., Col. In politics ‘he is a republican. William Jones, son of Enos and Mary (Bingham) Jones, was born in Berks Co., Penn., June 20,1833. In 1851 he went to Du Page Co., Ill., where he learned the mason’s trade, and was engaged as a plasterer in that county until 1876. He then removed to Humboldt Co., Iowa, where he was engaged in farming for four years. In 1883 he came to West Bend, Kossuth county, where he owns a house and lot and works at his trade. In 1861 Mr. Jones enlisted in company E, 8th IIli- nois Cavalry. He participated in the bat- tles of Bull Run, Manassas Junction, Yorktown, Williamsburg and Richmond, in 1862 and 1863. He was at Mechanics- ville, and drove to Gaines Mill, thence to James River, Malvern Hill, Harrison’s Landing, Fair Oaks Court House, Fred- ericksburg to South Mountain and Boones- boro, thence ‘to Antietam, where he was wounded. On Sept. 15, 1862, he went to the hospital, staid six weeks, then ob- tained a fifteen days furlough home. He went into the recruiting service and re- mained home three months, after which he.was discharged. He re-enlisted, in 1863, in company OC, 12th Illinois Cavalry, and served until the close of the war, taking part in a number of battles. Mr. Jones was married Sept. 5, 1858, to Mary M. Heidman, of Du Page Co., Ill. They have five children—Ella L., Emma A., Dora M., William and Sumner. Michael Rourke is a native of Ireland. In 1840 he came to America in the sailing vessel, Virginia; the voyage lasting ten weeks and three days. He landed at New York city, went directly to Poughkeepsie, where he remained one winter. He was engaged in railroading in New York State until 1852, when he moved to Manchester, Towa, where he remained five years. In 1862 he enlisted in company H, 21st Iowa Infantry, being mustered in at Dubuque. He participated in the battles of Harts- vilie, Mo., Grand Gulf, Vicksburg and Mobile. He served three years and three Y A or —_—— Y oily 458 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. days, and was mustered out at Clinton, Towa. Out of 900 in his regiment, he was one of 330 who returned from the war. Mr. Rourke was-married Feb. 10, 1866, in Fort Dodge, Webster Co., Iowa, by Father Butler, to Ellen, daughter of David and Ellen O’Brien. They have seven children —Lizzie, Bartholomew, James, Michael, Mary, Edward and Ellen, all living at home. Mr. Rourke’s present farm, of 900 acres, is located on sections 2 and 11, township 94, range 29, Cresco township. He has 500 acres under cultivation, the remainder being timber and grass. In 1883 he erected his present beautiful res- idence, at a cost of $7,000. It has all the modern improvements, and is one of the best houses in the county. Mr. Rourke has 35 mules, 300 head of cattle, 125 hogs and 35 cows. The Des Moines river bounds his entire farm on the west. His entire family are Catholics. In politics he is a republican. Elhanan Winchester Clark was born in Penobscott Co., Maine, thirty miles north- west of Bangor, Dec. 22, 1822. He was an overseer in the Lancaster gingham factory in Massachusetts, three years. He became, as it appeared, a victim to that fell disease, consumption. He traveled in the south for his health, one year, without avail. He then came to Iowa in 1857, where, in a measure, he regained his health. He pre- empted 1434 acres of land in the then township of Irvington, but has since been set off into Cresco township, Kossuth county. He still lives on the original claim, in a comfortable vine clad cottage, 24x33 feet in size, built largely from tim- ber of his own planting—one tree of which made 250 feet of lumber in fourteen years growth. He has a good barn; a well dug and bored fifty feet deep, supplying an abundance of water. Mr. Clark purchased - eighty acres more of land in a few years, and Mrs. Clark came into possession of a 135 acre homestead, through her parents, thus making quite a large farm. They have 230 acres under improvement, the remainder being in grass and timber land. He recently set off 100 acres to his son, Elhanan Clesson Clark. Mr. Clark was married March 15, 1846, to Susan C. Tidd. They have five children—Ernest Eugene, Edward Prentiss, Elhanan Clesson, Wil- liam Albert and Charles Elmer. Mr, Clark and family are Universalists in re ligion, strong republicans and advocates of the Maine liquor law, he being one of its founders. Henry H. Patterson was born in Lon- donderry, Windham Co.,Vt., May 15, 1840. When two years of age he went with his parents, John M. and Sarah (Calef) Pat- terson, to Rochester, Racine Co., Wis. After residing there four years, they went to Dodge county, where his father was engaged in wagon making and farming. Mr. Patterson then removed to Menomo- nee, (or Indian tract as it was then called) where he was engaged for two years in farming. In May, 1852, Mr. Patterson and family started for California with ox teams. They went as far as Salt Lake, and spent the winter of 1852-3 among the Mormons. They left there ‘in the spring of 1853, took the southern route to Cali- fornia and arrived at San Diego, on the Pacific coast, some time during the month of June, 1853. They remained there two or three months. It being too warm to be agreeable, they went farther north ee —w—2 glk a=ife HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY, 459 to Santa Clara valley, where he was engaged in farming two years. In the fall of 1855 he went on the Yuba river to seek his fortune in the gold mines, remaining ‘there until the fall of 1856, when he returned to San Francisco, where he and family embarked on board the Golden Gate, for New York, where they took passage on the cars for Portage Co., Wis., arriving there in October, 1856. He remained in that place two years, working at his trade. He then went to Columbia county and worked on a farm two years. In the fall of 1860 Mr. Pat- terson removed to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and settled on section 1, township 94, range 29, Cresco township, where he now owns 375 acres of land. He went into the bor- der warfare in 1862 and was there protect- ing the frontier for fourteen months. He then returned to his farm, and there re- mained until Jan. 5, 1864, when he en- listed in company F, 2d Iowa Cavalry, being in the 2d Cavalry corps. He par- ticipated in the engagement of Tupelo, and many others. Mr. Patterson was married April 5, 1877, to Mary C. Burtis, of Irvington township. They have two children—Jewell M. and Pearl P. In politics, Mr. Patterson is a republican. He has served as township trustee, town- ship clerk and school director. He isa -Master Mason. Abel Wooster was born March 8, 1820, in Cheshire Co., N. H. In 1861 he moved to Jones Co., Iowa, remaining four years, and coming to Cresco township in 1866, when he bought 130 acres of land on sec- tion 14, township 94, range 29, and still makes it his home. He also owns a half section on section 12, same township. He was married Sept. 22, 1845, to Harriet Beels, of Chesterfield, N. H. They have six children—Carrie H., who married An- thony Durant, a druggist in Algona; Charles H., Edward B., Lydia A., Law- rence M. and Merton E. He and his wife are both Church members. In politics, he is a republican. Rudolf Berringhauser, son of Gustave and Christian Berringhauser, is a native of Prussia, born Nov. 28, 1843. In 1856 he emigrated to the United States, locat- ing in New York. He then removed to Wisconsin. Remaining there a. few months, he came to Kossuth county, locat- ing on the northeast quarter of section 8, township 94, range 30, this township. He has eighty acres under cultivation. He also has a good orchard and a nice grove. He was married Aug. 21, 1881, to Mar- -garet Bonnstetter, daughter of Michael and Catharine Bonnstetter. They have two children—Willie B. and Otto. He was educated at the Agricultural Insti- tute in Bonn. Mr. Berringhauser belongs to the Lutheran Church. His wife be- longs to the Catholic Church. George Stewart was born in Scotland, Nov. 8, 1826. He lived there until twenty- two years of age, when he emigrated to Quebec. The trip took eight weeks and eight days. He lived in Quebec twelve years, when he started west. In 1862 he came to Iowa and settled on sections 14 and 23. He has as fine land as there isin the county. He has a grove of five acres of willow, maple and cottonwood. Mr. Stewart has been married twice. First, to Jane Richmond. They had three children—George, Anna and James -R. The two oldest children are married. = ray | a 460 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. He was married the second time, Jan. 25, 1866, to Mary, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Liversage) Clark. This union has been blessed with five children— Lizzie O., Robert, Margaret, William C. and Amanda L. Mr. Clark has held the offices of school director and township trustee, the latter for nine years. In politics he is a democrat. Lafayette Turner was born near Elgin, Kane Co., Ill., May 27, 1850. When ten years of age he went to Benton Co., Iowa. His father owned a farm ten miles west of Vinton, in thatcounty. Heafterwards came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and purchased the north half of the southeast quarter of section 13, township 95, range 30, Cresco township, where he now resides. Mr. Turner cultivates forty acres of land, has four acres in grove and orchard; the re- mainder of his land is unbroken. He. also has good buiidings on his place. He devotes more time to his trade, that of carpenter, than to farming. Mr. Turner was married Dec. 25, 1879, to Emma Mil- ler, of Cresco township. Her parents reside in Kansas. Two children have blessed this union—Miriam and Honor. In politics Mr. Turner is a republican. His father is deceased. His mother makes her home with him on the farm. John McKay, son of George and Janet (Morrison) McKay, was born in Callais, Washington Co., Maine, Aug. 12, 1814. He remained at the home of his birth until thirty-six years old, when he re- moved to Manitowoc Co., Wis., and en- gaged in farming. In Maine, he worked at lumbering on the St. Croix river and on Grand lake. He was a contractor. On July 27, 1865, he came to Kossuth county and located in Algona. In the fall or winter he removed to a farm on section 14, remaining there until 1874, when he removed to the southwest quar- ter of the southwest quarter "of section 18. Mr. McKay was married Oct. 26, 1836, to Margaret, daughter of Moses and Eliza (Hamilton) Taft, of Callais, Washington Co., Maine. The result of this union was three children—William H., married to Jane Hollenbeck, of Mani- towoc, now living in Algona; George A., married to Christiana Homma, living on section 14, Cresco township, and Mary E., married to P. C.. Phillips, of Cresco township. Mr. McKay is a republican, and has been school director. William Johnson was born in New Brunswick, June 26,1815. He received his education in the common schools of New Brunswick, by his own exertions, and taught school there for some time. In 1847 he moved to Canada, where he taught school and engaged in farming. He af- terwards moved to lowa City, thence to Washington county, where he purchased forty acres of land, living on that place three years. In 1866 he came to Kossuth county, and settled on section 18, town- ship 95, range 29, where he owns ninety- six and one-third acres of good land. He has sixty acres under cultivation. Since coming here he has taught school five or” six terms. Mr. Johnson was married Jan. 1, 1851, to Harriet Shiek, of New Bruns- wick. They have eight children—Ada, wife of Mina Willis of Algona; Augus- tus B., M. C., Ella, wife of Frank Potter, of Cresco township; Bertha, Maggie, Nathaniel and Lizzie. In politics Mr. Johnson is a greenback republican. He ie oe T + HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 461 has been clerk of Cresco township for two years, and is also secretary of the school board. Samuel B. McClelan was born-in Put- nam Co., Ind., March 26, 1829. In 1844 he removed to Illinois, locating in Henry county. In 1849 he was united in mar- riage with Sarah Rouse, of Clay Co., Ind. He came to Kossuth Co., Iowa and loca- ted on section 5. He has eighty acres of land on section 5, and forty acres on sec- tion 7, township 94, range 29. He has sixty acres under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs McClelan have five children—John Wesley, Edward, Dexter, Samuel B. and Amelia E. The three eldest of whom are married. Mr. McClelan is a republi- can in politics. In October, 1861, he en- listed in company E, 9th Illinois Cavalry, 16th Army Corps, as blacksmith. He was in the battles of Tupelo and Corinth. He was principally engaged in keeping com- munications open, and was mustered out at Springfield, Il]., Oct. 27, 1864. William Robe, son of Dydrich and Martha (Fisher) Robe, was born in Hano- ver, Germany, June 15, 1840. In 1853 he emigrated to Clayton Co., Iowa, and en- gaged in farming near Guttenberg. He remained there about three years, and re- moved to Kossuth county, locating on the northwest quarter of section 15. Henow ‘owns 200 acres of good land. He was united in marriage with Augusta, daugh- ter of Charles and Caroline Harsh, who live two miles north of Algona.- The re- sult of this union is five children—Anna, Jobn, Minnie, William and Emma. Mr. Robe is a republican. Hiram A. Matson was born Jan. 4, 1826, in Rochester, N. Y. His father, John Matson, was a large contractor on ' the Erie canal, and run caral boats anum- ber of years. He built the first log house in Rochester. His mother, Mrs. Mary Matson, was a woman of excellent quali- ties. When six years old, he went with his parents to Dearborn, Wayne Co., Mich., where they lived ten years, and then moved to Henry Co., IIl., twenty-six miles east of Rock Island. At the end of sixteen years, he moved to the north- ern part of Illinois, Jo Daviess county, making it his home twelve years. He then came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, where he has since lived. He owns 160 acres of land on section 7, township 94, range 29, having 110 acres of it under cultivation, besides raising good Durham stock. His buildings cost probably $1,500. He was married Nov. 3, 1853, to Eveline McClel- an, of Indiana. They have five children —Clarence B., who has been for three years attending the Iowa State Universi- ty, with the intention of graduating. He is highly spoken of asa very nice and tal- ented young man; Henry O., Francis A., Selestia A. and Hannah F. The family are all Methodists. In politics he is a republican, and has been school director in district No. 6, also superintendent of Sunday schools a long time, at one time being superintendent of three different schools. Fred Lange was born Feb. 27, 1836, in Mecklenburg. When nine years old, he went to Chicago, remaining two years and a half. While here, his parents came over. He went from Chicago to Clayton county, then to Farmersburg township, where he lived eight years working on a farm.. In 1870, he came to Kossuth \ ay 462 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. county, settling on section 5, township 94, range 30, where he has 125 acres under cultivation, good improvements, and four acres of trees around him. He also keeps Poland China and Berkshire hogs, besides milking twelve cows. One acre he devotes to a fine orchard. He was married in March, 1860, to Minnie Strucker of Clayton county. They have one child. In politics he is a republican, and belongs to the Lutheran Church. Alonzo A. Sifert was born May 31, 1860, in Crawford Co., Wis. When ten years of age he came with his parents to Kossuth county, and has lived in different ‘parts of the county, working for dif- ferent men. He has taught school in Ne- braska. In 1880 he returned from Ne- braska to Kossuth county and taught school one term, also taught one year in Humboldt county and three terms in St. Joseph, this county, being a very success- ful teacher. He is how running the farm of B. Clark. He is a firm believer in Christianity, but not associated with any sect. In politics he is a democrat. William E. Sifert was born April 26, 1855, in Vernon Co., Wis. When fifteen years of age he came to Kossuth county, and has lived in different parts of the county working for different men the most of the time since, except in grass- hopper times when he went to Floyd Co., Towa, and engaged in working for A. W. Cook and Capt. Humphrey, returning in the fall to teach. In 1878 he spent the summer in Wright county, breaking land for A. Overbaugh. He has been a suc- cessful farmer and has taught thirteen terms of school in Kossuth county. He was elected assessor of Algona township, ‘has held the office of school director. in-the fall of 1879, and served one term. He is a firm believer in Christianity, but not associated with arly sect. In politics he is a republican. William Thruceker, son of Dederich and Mary (Shultz) Thruceker, was born in Prussia, Dec. 5, 1847. When ten years of age his parents emigrated to America, locating in Clayton Co., Iowa, where they purchased a farm. In 1871 the sub- ject of this sketch came to Kossuth coun- ty, and engaged in farming. In 1876 he purchased the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter, and the northeast quar- . ter of the southwest quarter of section 32, township 95, range 30. He has since ‘bought the northwest quarter of the north- west quarter of section 32. He has a good house 24x34 feet, one and a half stories high. Hehasa fine grove of six acres and a good bearing orchard. About 100 - acres of his land isunder cultivation. He He was united in marriage July 1], 1870, with Mary Louck Dau, daughter of John and Dora (Louck) Dau, of Clayton county. . This union has been blessed with five children—Alvina W. F., Maria W. L., Frederick W. H., Martha M. D. and Wil- helmi M. L. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a republi- can, politically. Hyman B. Butler, son of Moody and Lydia (Burt) Butler, was born in Green- field, N. H., Jan. 1, 1827. He was reared ona farm, having such educational ad- vantages as the district school afforded, with the opportunity of reciting latin for atime to the-village physician. At sev- enteen years of age, he was sent to the Lebanon Liberal Institute at Lebanon, N. o—— .~—p .' HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 463 H., and for the next four years was at school most of the time, either here or at Mount Cesar Seminary, at Swansey, N. H., with one term at a Military Academy, estab- lished by Gen. Pierce, at Marlow, N. H. When grown to manhood, he was for a time in the paper manufacturing estab- lishment of his brother and brother-in- law, at Bennington, N. H. He was, in the meantime, married to Milliscent K., daughter of Caleb C. and Lydia (Sim- mons) Daggett. Mr. Butler now com- menced studying for the Universalist ministry which he had been for sometime contemplating. In 1852 he began preach- ing as an occasional supply for other cler- gyman, and in April of the next year (1853), became pastor of the Universalist parish at Bernardston, Mass., being or- dained in September of the same year, at a meeting of the Cheshire County Associ- ation at Marlboro, N. H. He was pastor in Bernardston until the fall of 1867, a period of nearly fifteen years, when he removed to Monroe, Wis., and became pastor of the Universalist parish. While residing there, he purchased land in Kos- suth Co., Iowa, and in 1872, sent two of his sons to occupy it and open up a farm. The next year (1873), he removed his fam- ily to Algona, Kossuth county, organizing and becoming pastor of a Universalist Church at this place. After preaching here four years, he went to Owatonna, Minn., and was pastor of the Universalist Church there for three years, his wife and children remaining on the farm. Becom- ing weary of this separation from his family, he came back to Iowa to live on the farm, where he at present remains with his sons. Their farm comprises section 17, township 94, range 29, Cresco town- ship. They are engaged in stock raising and dairying, chiefly, having the only Holstein cattle in this part of the State— keeping from thirty to forty head of milch cows, and from eighty to 100 head of cattle in all. Mr. and Mrs. Butler have five children—H. W.., a railroad conductor; Frank P. and Fred K. (twins), proprietors of “Prairie Stock Farm;” Edgar B., a graduate of the Iowa State University, in the class of 1878, and Minnetta, wife of G. M. Annis. Mr. Butler is arepublican, and is now chairman of the board of su- pervisors. He is a Royal Arch Mason and a strong temperance man. Hermann Strucker is a native of Prussia, Germany, born March 19, 1850. When eight years of age he emigrated with his parents to the United States, settling ona farm near Clayton Center, Clayton Co., Iowa, on which they resided fourteen years. Mr. Strucker then came to Kos- suth county, locating on the southwest quarter of section 17, township 94, range 30, Cresco township. He has 120 acres in general farming, five acres in grove and one-half an acre in orchard. He has thirty-one head of cattle, and good build- ings on his place. Mr. Strucker was mar- ried Nov. 2, 1876, to Anna Gayer. They have had six children, four of whom are living. Mr. Strucker is a republican, and is one of the road supervisors of the town- ship. He isa member of the Lutheran Church. Robbins Brown was born May 11, 1818, in Oxford Co., Maine. When seventeen years of age he went to Rome, N. Y., where he spent two years farming and lumbering about eight miles from the leer ~~ 464 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. city. He then moved to Potter Co., Penn., where he was engaged in the blacksmith business, and also in running rafts, for thirty-five years, on the Allegheny and Ohio rivers. Mr. Brown was married Feb. 14, 1844, to Polly Curtis, of Frank- linville, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. He now owns 160 acres of land, on section 26, township 95, range 29. Highty acres of his land is in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Brown has been township trustee for three years, and school director for ten years. He isa Master Mason, and was formerly a member of the Odd Fellows’s lodge, but has never become a member of the lodge in this township. In politics he is a democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have one son—Kdgar C., born Nov. 14, 1836, and married in 1875. He has three children—Ethel, Elsie G. and Ralph. Sherman 8. Potter, son of Sheldon and Wealthy (Baldwin) Potter, was born in Erie Co., N. Y. When six years old his parents moved to Ashtabula Co., Ohio, where they lived eleven years on a farm. He then went to Knox Co., [ll., remaining twenty-six years, farming all the time ex- cept eight years, when he run a grocery store at Altona. From there he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, settling on section 30, township 95, range 29, where he owns eighty acres, and also eighty acres on sec- tion 25, township 95, range 30. He now has fifty acres under cultivation, raises stock and grain. He was married Aug. 9, 1854, to Salome A. Fowler, at Knoxville, Knox Co., Ill. They have four children— Celia A., wife of Charles Rist, of Algona; Frank E., who married Ella Johnson, and lives on section 18, Cresco; Martha M. In 1876 he was elected township trustee, has been a justice of the peace four years and is now township assessor. Robert H. Henderson was born May 6, 1840, in Delaware Co., N. Y. After four years he went with his parents to Orleans Co., N.Y. In 1848 they moved to Trum- bull Co., Ohio, and remained till the fall of 1854, then moved to Jackson Co., Iowa, and lived there till the spring of 1857. He then came to Algona, Kossuth county, and enlisted at Spirit Lake,being mustered in at Sioux City. He served in the army three years. He was in Gen. Zellar’s ex- pedition in 1863 and 1864, but not wounded. Having been mustered out Nov. 23, 1864, he returned to Kossuth county, remaining at Algona until 1867, when he removed to Story Co., Iowa. From there he went to Nevada, and lived till the spring of 1869, then going to Boone Co., Iowa, he made it his home until Feb. 18, 1878, and again came to Kossuth county, where he has since lived on his wife’s mother’s farm on section 11, township 94, range 29, he having married Dec. 26, 1864, Nancy Martin, whose mother lives with them. ‘They have four children—Cora, WilliamH., Emma G. and Mary E. Mrs. Martin is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Henderson is director of district No. 8, and in politics a republican. Jerome Finnegan was born May 24, 1853, in New York, and went to Winne- shiek Co., Iowa, with his parents when two years of age. He lived there about twenty years, then moved on section 7, Kossuth county, where he owns 160 acres of land, 100 acres of which is under cul- tivation. He has lived here eight years, and Will S. Mr. Potter is a republican. or a ) Y ez 4 é. HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 465 and is a prosperous young farmer. He married Ida Jones, of Kossuth county; and they have two children—Mildred N. and Nellie M. In politics he is a repub- lican. David Zimmerman, son of John and Sarah (Capp) Zimmerman, was born Dec. 29, 1856, in Woodford Co., Ill. When twenty-three years of age he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and settled on the northeast quarter of the west half of section 15, which he owns. He was mar- ried Dec. 18, 1879, to Lena Falb, born. in Switzerland. They have three children— Della, Lydia and Louisa. He is inde- pendent in politics, and attends the Apostolic Church, though not a member. Walter W. Raney was born Sept. 6, 1849,.in Martin Co., Ind., and went with his parents to Muscatine, Iowa, where they lived two years, then moved three and a half miles south of Algona, and afterwards nine miles south of Algona. After remaining there twenty-two years, he went to California and staid two years, working in the lumber woods in the win- ter and on a farm in summer. He then came back and bought the place where he now lives, on section 3, township 94, range 29, owning 106 acres, seven acres of which is timber. Mr. Raney pays considerable attention to the raising of live stock. In politics he is a republican, and was elected township trustee in 1879, but went to California before having time to |- do any service. He was married Feb. 11, 1882, to Cora M. Fisher. They have one child—Hugh. ; Marshall Leonard Roth was born in Clarion, Bureau Co., Ill., April 23, 1854. He lived in the home of his birth until twelve years of age, when he removed to DuPage Co., IIL, living there thirteen years. Thence to Buchanan county for one year; thence to Iowa in 1879. During his early days he followed farming; then learned the tinsmith’s trade, which he worked at for several years. It can truly be said that Mr. Roth is one of the best farmers in this part of the State. He was united in marriage Oct. 18, 1874, with Ellen E., daughter of Edwin C. and Ade- line (Kenyon) Fuller. They have one child living—Myrtle. A child was born to them Sept. 5, 1876, and on Feb. 2, 1881, it departed from this earthly sphere and passed away to its home prepared in Heaven, where trouble and sorrow will ne’er be known. Mr. Roth lives on sec- tion 28, township 95, range 29. In _poli- tics he is a greenbacker. Mr. Roth’s parent’s live at Hinsdale, Ill. Francis E. Roth was born in Bureau Co., Ill., Jan. 22, 1862. He lived in that county until 1865, when he removed to Du Page county. He lived in that county for thirteen years, when he removed to Iowa, locating on section 20, where he owns a quarter section of land. He has a good house, with pleasant surroundings. He was married June 6, 1883, to Estella, daughter of Sumner and Louise (Kimball) Nelson. Mr. Roth’s parents live in Hins- dale, Ill. Politically Mr. Roth favors the greenbackers. David Porter Roth was born Feb. 5, 1851, in Clarion, Bureau Co., Ill. When fourteen years of age he went to Du Page county and worked ten years on a farm. He then went to Independence, Buchanan Co., Iowa, and lived four years, and in 1879 came to this township and located or 4 r — ore 466 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. on his father’s farm, which comprises the southeast quarter of section 21, where he still lives, farming and stock raising. He was married Dec. 14, 1870, to Cassie Dunroy, of Indiana. They have one child—Charles Eugene. In politics he is a greenbacker. Alexander Fraser was born Dec. 5, 1827, in Nova Scotia, where he lived till twenty- one years of age, engaged in farming, and working at his trade, carpentering. From there he went to Massachusetts, re- mained two months, then went to Maine and lived two years, and afterwards re- moved to Canada, where he made his home twenty-six years, farming and work- ing at the carpenter’s trade. He spent the year 1866 in Minnesota, then returned to Canada, remaining until 1880, when he removed to Livermore, Iowa, and lived four months. He then bought the place where he now lives, being 110 acres on section 7, fifteen acres of which is in tim- ber. While living in Canada, he was a man of some prominence, having been councilman, returning officer for county and town, assessor several times, and school director. He carries a good letter of address from these, was also given a very nice secretary on his departure for his new home. Mr. Fraser was married May 31, 1854, to Ellen R. Anderson, and has seven children—John R., who married Caroline Raney; Henry A., Donald R., In politics, he isa republican. A member of the Episcopal Church. Alfred Evans was born May 25, 1841, in Chenango Co., N. Y. When he was fourteen years old, he went to Tazewell Co., Ill., and lived fifteen years. After Walter, Isabelle, Mary J. and Duncan., this he went to Boonesboro, Boone Co., Towa, and lived two years, then went to New York. At the end of one year and a half he returned to Boonesboro, Iowa, making it his home eight years, then came to Kossuth county, and settled on section 8, township 94, range 29, and has tilled all but ten acres, which he uses for pasture. He has four acres of nice trees set out on the farm, north of the house, soft maple, ash and willow. Mr. Evansis a wheelwright by trade, which he worked at fifteen years, and is also a blacksmith, but has turned his attention mostly to farming. He married Martha J. Sher- man, of Washington, Tazewell Co., Il., and they have three children—Lester C. Cora A. and Arthur B. In politics, he is a republican. In August, 1861, Mr. Evans enlisted in company B, 47th Illinois Vol- unteers, and was honorably discharged in January, 1868, on account of disease con- tracted while in the service. David Gilmore was born twenty miles from Detroit, Mich., in 1833, and went with his parents to Lee Co., Ill., where his father was one of the first settlers. {In 1881 he moved to Kossuth -county, settling on section 18, township 94, range 29, where he owns all of the section, it being splendid land, and his buildings are worth $2,000, all in good repair, being new and nicely painted. He has been twice married, first in 1855 to Mary Bar- rett of Lee county, who died, leaving four children—Lillie M., Frank J., Edwin J. and Raymond D. Lillie married James Nicol, and is now living in Minneapolis, Minn. Frank married Fannie Foster, and is now living in Kossuth county. Oct. 9, 1877, Mr. Gilmore married Eunice Foster, ee Tee ee HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. ‘467 of Mendota, IIl., and they have one child five years old—Mabel A. He and his wife are both members of the Methodist Church. In politics, he is a democrat. J. B. Henderson, a native of Ohio, was born July 27, 1849. In 1852 his parents removed to Jackson Co., Iowa. They re- mained there five years; thence to Algo- na, Kossuth county,and lived there twenty- one years. They then removed to Hum- boldt county, remaining there four years, then came back to Kossuth county, locat- ing on the southeast quarter of section 7, township 94, range 29. Mr. Henderson was married Sept. 28,1874, to Lillie Kerk- shire, of Muscatine, Iowa. They have three children—Bertram B., Eugene T. and Estella L. Mr. Henderson has always followed farming, with the exception of four years that he carried the mail be- tween Algona and Dakota City. He isa democrat. Christian Bell, son of John and Dora Bell, was born in Balderbach, Wecklen- burg, Germany, June 22, 1837. When twenty-eight years of age he emigrated to the United States, going first to Buf- falo, N. Y., where he worked six months inasaw-mill. He then went to Elmhurst, Ill., where he lived sixteen years, being a part of the time engaged in farming, and afterward in keeping hotel. In 1882 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and settled on section 33, where he owns 240 acres of land, 200 of which is cultivated. He also owns eighty acres on section 29. Mr. Bell has a new house on his place, 16x32 feet, and a barn, 24x50 feet. He has eleven and a half acres planted in grove, and one-half of an acre in orchard. He deals largely in stock. Mr. Bell was married in Mecklenburg to Maria Bass, daughter of John and Mary Bass. They have had eleven children, ten of whom are living—Christian, Sophia, Charles, Anna, Henry, Minnie, John, Emma, Etta and Mary. William died at Elmhurst, Ill. Mr. Bell is a republican in politics. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. Henry Bell, son of John and Dora (Warkentien) Bell, was born Jan. 18, 1842, in Mecklenburg. When he was twenty-six years old he came to Chicago, settling on a farm sixteen miles west of the city. In the fall of 1882 he: came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and bought 248 acres of land on section 5, 140 acres of which is under cultivation, where he raises grain and stock. He has just built a new stock barn, 28x74 feet, and his buildings are all in good repair, looking neat and clean. Lott’s creek runs through the farm near the house. He was married Nov. 4, (868, to Anna Kroger, of Holstein. They have two children—Ferdinand and Ada Wil- helmina Maria. The family all attend the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a republican. Y - 15 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. CHAPTER 2 Vis FENTON TOWNSHIP. The territory in the western part of the county of Kossuth, comprised in con- gressional township 97 north, range 30 west, is known as Fenton. The surface of the land is of the same general charac- ter as that of Burt, and is watered by the stream known as the Black Cat creek. This stream rises on section 21 and flow- ing through 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 35 and 36, makes its exit on the southeast quarter of the latter. Lyman Hawkins enjoys the credit of having been the pioneer of this township, making a claim on section 28, in the fall of 1868. Next came John L. Davis who made a claim upon section 22, in the spring of 1869, taking up eighty acres under the homestead law. Here he broke land and put in the first seed and grain in the town- ship, consisting of wheat, oats and corn, and raised a good crop, although the sea- son was very dry. He built the first frame house in the township, hauling the lumber for the same from Mankato, Minn., a distance of 100 miles. : About the same time the Waterhouses settled in this township, on section 26, and took. up claims. H. Waterhouse now lives in Algona. Edward Bailey, together with C. and H. Bailey, located upon section 10, in June, 1869, and were the next pioneers of this section. Edward now lives in Minnesota but the others are still residents of their original claims. W. E. Ranney and James L. Blunt were also settlers of 1869. James L. Blunt is the son of John L. and Louisa Blunt, natives of New York. He was born Oct. 16, 1850, in Walworth Co., Wis., where he lived with his parents until the spring of 1870, when he came with his family to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and took up a homestead of forty acres, on section 26, township 97, range 30, in Fen- ton township, and has since bought eighty acres on section 25. He has fifty acres under cultivation, and has a good frame house and barn on the same. He makes farming and stock raising his main pur- suit. He was married to Susie E., daugh- ter of Henry H. and Harriet R. Pheenix. Her father was a native of New York, and her mother of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Blunt was born Nov. 5. 1852, in Wal- worth Co., Wis. They had one child— Harry L., who died Aug. 17, 1879, at the age of five years. Mr. and Mrs. Blunt are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Blunt votes the republican ticket. S. M. Clark settled on section 22, in the summer of 1869, and is still a resi- dent of the township. CC —F =P ee + HISTORY OF KOSSUTIT COUNTY. 469 James E. Webster, in March, 1870, took up a claim on the southwest quarter of section 14. Joachim Holtz settled in this township in November, 1869, and was the pioneer of the German settlement known as the “Holtz.” With him came 8. Bars and William Dow. In the spring of 1870 these received ac cessions to their number by the coming of Henry Wilson, Fred Mulso and F. Kluse. These are all still residents of their orig- inal claims. Of this knot of farmers, the Upper Des Moines, in 1872, has the following, which is as true of them to-day, as then: “The ‘Holtz Settlement’ is located on the head waters of the ‘Black Cat’ creek, and about the same distance northwest from Algona. The leading man in the commencement of this flourishing colony, was and stillis, Joachim Holtz, a thoroug! farmer and stock grower, as any one cai see by looking over his improvements and examining his fine blooded stock. “The first settlement was made about three years ago and now numbers over fifty families. Large and well tilled farms are seen in every direction, where three years ago nothing but the bare, unbroken prairie met the eye. The quantity of grain raised in this neighborhood the past sea- son, is enormous. Hundreds of acres of the dark, rich soil have been broken and made to yield bread stuff to feed the laborers in eastern factories. Good schools have been established, the children and many of the older people speak and read the English language with wonderful facility. Pa- pers, both German and English, find a liberal patronage with these people.” Se Joachim Holtz, one of the oldest set- tlers of Fenton township, was born in Germany on the 19th of March, 1825. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and followed that vocation in Germany until 1858, when he concluded to cast his lot with the citizens of the United States; consequently, he emigrated to this country, locating in McHenry Co., IJIl., where he remained until the fall of 1869. At that time he came to Kossuth county and purchased a large tract of land, for he brought with him a colony of his countrymen, and he was instrumental in procuring homes for them. Mr. Holtz is located on section 20, where he has 160 acres of good land, and is quite exten- sively engaged in raising sheep. Mr. Holtz was united in marriage with Wilhelma Vierck, a native of Germany, on the Ist day of March, 1846. They have one child living—Augusta. Mr. and Mrs. Holtz are members of the Lutheran Church. He was one of the first township trustees of Fenton, and holds the same position at the present time. The first marriage occurred in 1876,and was between James L. Marlow and Lina E. Algiers. The first grain sown was by John L. Davis in the spring of 1869. The first justice of the peace was L. Hawkins. The first school was taught by Jose- phine Winters, in the fall of 1870, in the school house on section 11. ‘The postoffice was established in 1870 and James L. Blunt received the com- mission as postmaster, but he refusing to accept it, it was handed over to W. E. Ranney who kept it for about two years, Tel ‘ Aja ( a 470 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. when he was succeeded by J. L. Edmund who, after three years service, was, in turn, succeeded by Frank Pomp, the pres- ent incumbent. This office has always been held at the dwelling of the post- master, and has had no other abiding place. Fenton township was organized on the 7th of April, 1873, and the first election for township officers was held at the school house on section 12, the October following, when the following were elected: T. M. Clark, M. L. Bush and Joachim Holtz, trustees; F. L. Ranney, clerk. The present board of trustees is com- posed of the following named: H. Chris- tianson, J. Holtz and 8S. Wilcox. John E. Webster, is clerk. . What is known as the Webster school house was built, in the fall of 1870, on section 11. This was a sod building, and Josephine Winters was installed the first teacher. This was the pioneer school of the district. The present building stands ou section 14, and was erected in the fall of 1873, and is a good, neat structure, 10x26 feet, and cost about $750. The first teacher here was Elmer Caulkins, the present, (fall of 1883) Maggie McArthur. The Field school house, on section 35, was built in the winter of 1871, and cost $750. Thomas M. Clark was born Oct. 18, 1828, in Oneida Co., N. Y. His parents, Thomas and Rebecca (Watson ) Clark, were natives of England, coming to this country in 1825, and settling in New York. Thomas was reared in his native county, being there engaged in farming and blacksmithing until 1851, He then removed to Walworth Co., Wis., being one of the oldest settlers in that county. In 1869 Mr. Clark settled on his present place, and engaged in farming for about six years, then went to Adair county. After remaining there one year he went west, locating near Portland, Oregon, but not being satisfied, he returned to Adair county. In the spring of 1883 he re- moved to his old farm in this county, where he has eighty acres of good land. Mr. Clark was married in October, 1849, to Marietta Orcutt, a native of New York. Two children blessed this union—Esther A. and Edward F. Mrs. Clark died in 1852, and in May, 1866, Mr. Clark mar- ried Harriet Noyes. In 1878 he lost his second wife. In October, 1879, Mr. Clark was again married, to Amelia Noyes. William Peck, one of the most thriving and prosperous farmers of Fenton town- ship, is the son of Joseph and Elenor Peck, natives of St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. He was born Oct. 21, 1840, and came to Dane Co., Wis., with his parents in 1845. In 1849 his father went by team to California and returned in 1852, hay- ing heard from his family but once dur- ing that time. In 1860 Mr. Peck started out in the world for himself, and worked on a farm for $13 per month. He en- listed Aug. 11, 1862, in company K, 2d regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. His company was sent to: Washington, and transferred to battery A, 1st Wiscon- sin Artillery, and were stationed during the winter of 1862, in Fort Cass, on Gen. Lee’s farm. In the spring of 1863 they removed to .Fort Ellsworth, Va., and re- mained there five months, then went to Fort Worth (near Fairfax cemetery), pe | HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 471 thence to Alexandria, Va. In the fall of 1864 they were on a march in the Shen- andoah Valley, with Gen. Sheridan; they then returned to Alexandria. Mr. Peck was wounded in this march, by the recoil of a gun, which broke three of his ribs. He was discharged from service April 27, 1865, and returned to his home in Jeffer- son Co., Wis. In 1866 he went to Dane Co., Wis., and remained there until 1872, when he removed with his family to Kos- suth Co., Iowa, and took up a homestead on section 26, township 97, range 30, Fen- ton township. His present farm has 130 acres under cultivation.. He has a good house and barn on the same. He was twice married. His first wife was Louis Tubbs, to whom he was married Oct. 23, 1861, and by whom he had three children —Ella, Alma and Edith. Mr. Peck mar- ried Hannah Moore, Feb. 8, 1870, daugh- ter of John and Loretta Moore, natives of Ohio. Mrs. Peck was born Oct. 21, 1852. They have four children—Alida T., Stella, Mabel and William J. Mr. Peck is a member of the Algona Lodge of I. O. O. F., also of the Grange, No. 19. He votes the republican ticket, and is en- gaged to some extent in stock raising. Francis L. Ranney is the son of Philo and Sally Ranney, natives of New York. He was born Dec. 16, 1846, and lived with his parents until his eighteenth year. On Feb. 21, 1865, he enlisted in company G, 49th Wisconsin Volunteers, for one year. His regiment was stationed in Rolla, Mo., where they did provost duty for five months. They then removed to Schofield Barracks, No. 1, in St. Louis, and did provost duty there until Nov. 8, 1865, when he was discharged and sent home. Hewas married Jan. 1, 1868, to Hannah, daughter of Joseph and Elenor Peck. Mrs. Ranney was born Aug. 19, 1849. In the fall of 1872, he came with his family to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and set- tled on section 35, township 97, range 30, in Fenton township, college land grant. He paid $5.40 per acre, cash. Since then he has bought eighty acres in Lott’s Creek township. He has about 100 acres under plow, with good house and im- provements on the same. They have eight children—Frank E., Mary Jane, John W., Orvis J., Hulda E., Joseph P., Josephine E. and Daniel E. Mr. Ranney was a member of the Grange for a num- ber of years. They are both members-of the M. E. Church. He votes the repub- lican ticket, and is a strong prohibitionist. A. J. Bush, an energetic farmer of Fenton township, was born in Lewis Co., N. Y., July 18, 1829. He is the son of Luther and Unice Bush, natives of the eastern States. He remained at home with his parents until the spring of 1852, when he went to California, overland, with four yoke of oxen. He left home May 1, and got to his journey’s end the last of August. While there he worked in the mines, and in 1857 he returned to New York city on the steamboat Arrazebee from San Francisco to the Isthmus, thence on the Tennessee to New York city, where he landed in December, 1857, where he took the train and came to Sterling, Ill., and worked at his trade, as mason and plasterer, until the spring of 1864. He then went to Montana with a team with some other emigrants, and while crossing _ Powder river valley, they were attacked by the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians, and —r Vv =F 472 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. , | had to fight for one whole day, losing five | Christi bay, Texas, where he remained men (killed); the Indians lost thirteen. While in Montana he worked in the mines. In 1868 he returned to Sterling, Ill., where he followed raising and moving build- ings until 1872, when he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and purchased the southeast quarter of section 35, township 97 range 27, college land grant in Fenton township, for which he paid $5.40 per acre, cash. He has eighty acres under cultivation. He has a good two story frame building on the same, also a good barn. He has a grove of nine acres of timber around his house and barn. Mr. Bush is a single man, never having been married. Politi- cally he is a greenbacker. John T. Davis is ason of Charles and Martha Davis, natives of Westchester Co., N. Y. He was born Jan. 9, 1813. At the age of eighteen he learned the car- penter trade and followed it in New York city until 1854, when he went to Califor- nia. There he worked at his trade aad followed mining until 1860. He returned to New York city in 1861, and enlisted as carpenter’s mate on the bark Arthur, Uni- ted States Navy, stationed in Corpus until some time after the capture of New Orleans. He was sent by steamboat to Boston, on account of sore eyes to a hos- pital. He was discharged from the United States service Oct. 16, 1862. He worked in the quartermaster department in Hil- ton Head, thence to Charleston, 8. C., thence to New York, where he followed his trade until the fall of 1878, when he came with his family to Algona, Kossuth Co., Iowa. In the spring of 1879 he lo- cated on his homestead of eighty acres on section 22, township 97, range 30, in Fenton township and has it all cultivated, and a good house and barn on same. He has been twice married. His first mar- riage was in 1841. His second and pres- ent wife is Anna, daughter of John C. and Lucy Burgess, natives of England. They were married Aug. 21, 1868. Mrs. Davis was born in England, Aug. 17, 1840. He had five children by his first wife, who are all dead except Charles A., who is married. He isa member of the Grange, No. 17, Fenton township. Mrs. Davis belongs to the Episcopal Church. Mr. Davis is a republican. CHAP TT Hk 212. GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP. This is the largest township in Kos- suth county, containing six congressional townships in the northwest corner of the county. The East Fork of the DesMoines river traverses the two lower townships in a southeasterly direction, and along this stream is nearly all the settlement in Greenwood, The land is rich and fertile, r ileal (Cn a = a___9] HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 473 however, and the country has a great fu- ture before it. The first attempt at any settlement was made in March, 1865, by D. D. Wadsworth and L. K. Garfield. Capt. Wadsworth, on receiving his dis- charge from the army, where he had been doing valiant service, came to this place and took up a claim of 160 acres, eighty on section 22 and eighty on section 27. He wasanative of Wisconsin, from which State he had volunteered. He remained here about six years and a half when he removed to Grand Island, Neb. Dr. L. K. Garfield located upon 160 acres on section 21, in township 98, range 29, and remained about five and a half years, and is now a practicing physician at Algona. In April, 1865, A. P. Buker made his appearance and made a settlement on sec- tion 20. Here he built him a sod house, and commenced to open up a farm. Mr. Buker still occupies the old homestead ship. With Mr. Buker, came John Hawkes, who settled down upon a farm of 160 acres, on section 20. He remained for -about ten or twelve years, when he re- moved to Dakota. James Dundas and his family became settlers, at what is called Armstrong’s grove, in 1865, where they are living at the present time. Section 21 received a settler in May, 1865, in the person of George O. Austin, a native of New York State. He imme- diately took up a homestead on which he is living yet. and is the oldest resident of the town-. George O. Austin was born in Dela- ware Co., N. Y., March 13, 1827. He lived in his childhood’s home until twen- ty-six years of age. In 1854 he removed to Illinois, locating on a farm in Buffalo Grove, Ogle county. Jn 1865 he came to Kossuth county and took a homestead of 160 acres on section 21, Greenwood town- ship. He purchased a half section of col- lege land in the fall of 1865, but after- wards sold it. Mr. Austin has been mar- ried twice. In November, 1852, he was united in marriage with Bertha, daughter of Samuel and Jane (Buck) Sands, of Hancock, Delaware Co., N.Y. The re- sult of this union was six children, four of whom are living—Hathaway, Oscar, Louise and Audell. Mrs. Austin died in July, 1875. She was a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Austin was married on the 29th of January, 1881, to Lucy D. Shield, daughter of 8. 8. N. and Clarissa A. (Day) Fuller, of New York. They have one child—George. Mr. Austin isa republican. He has held many local offices of trust in this township.. Oscar Austin, son of George O. and Bertha A. Austin, was born in Ogle Co., Ill., Dee. 16, 1857. In 1865 he came with his parents to Iowa, locating in Green- wood township, Kossuth county. In 1879 he went to Dakota, remaining there until 1883. He then returned to his home in Iowa, where he raises cattle, hogs and horses for market. Mr. Austin was mar- ried March 2, 1879, to Adelaide, daughter of Nun and Diadama Carpenter, of Kos- suth county. About the 1st of June Joseph Burt, a Mr. Hallett and G@. W. Kinney came to the township and made settlements. or “we 1 Jen. a») 474 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Joseph Burt located in the western part of the township, where he now lives. Mr. Hallett remained in this vicinity until 1873, when he left the county, going to Minnesota. G. W. Kinney located on section 15, where he took up a homestead of 160 acres. He is now a resident of the grow- ing town of Bancroft. Samuel Sands was another settler of 1865. He located on section 35, where he took a homestead of 160 acres. He is still a resident of the township. Samuel Sands, son of Samuel and Arte- mesia Sands, was born in Hancock, Dela- ware Co., N. Y., Aug. 30, 1830. When seven years of age he removed with his parents to Broome Co., N. Y. In 1842 they removed to Illinois and purchased a farm in Boone county, where Mr. Sands engaged in farming until 1863, also study- ing veterinary surgery and training horses. He then removed to Mitchell Co., Iowa, where he practiced his profession. In 1865 he came to Kossuth county, taking a homestead of 160 acres on section 35, township 98, range 29, Greenwood town- ship. He has since purchased forty acres on section 35, adjoining his original farm on the south. Mr. Sands was married Dec. 10, 1857, to Harriet Tyler, daughter of John and Parmelia Tyler, of Delaware Co.,N. Y. They have had eight chil- dren, seven of whom are living— Wallace B., Paul, Clausen, Mark, Ruth, Ezra and John. tics. During the winter of 1868 Samuel Sands, one of the residents of Green- wood, was employed in Algona. He re- ceived a letter from his family that they Mr. Sands is a republican in poli- were out of provisions, but a terrible “blizzard” having just commenced that day, it was impossible for him to get to them with anything. his wife at home, watching for the coming of her husband, espied a deer in the gath- ering gloom of the winter’s twilight, hud- dling in the door yard, where it had sought shelter from the chilling blast. Knowing that she must do something, and looking on the animal as a providential deliverance from the pangs of hunger, soon unloosed two powerful bull-dogs that she had, and urged them on to the chase. ‘They soon overtook the poor, he- numbed deer, and while they held it she ran out into the night and storm, and with a common butcher knife cut its throat. She then, assisted by her chil- dren, took the carcass to the house on a hand-sled, and for the balance of the time during. which the storm lasted feasted royally on venison. In September, 1865, Thorn Connell,’a native of Vermont, took a claim of 160 acres. on section 24, where the town of Bancroft now stands. He lived here about twelve years, when he emigrated to Oregon. John Carroll came to this township in the fall of 1865. He camped here until he could get his house built, and here, while the family were living out of doors, as one might say, was born the first child that saw the light of day, in the town- ship. Mr. Carroll died a few years ago, but his family are still residents of the old homestead. William Gibbon was a settler of July, 1865. He was an Englishman and settled upon section 27. About twelve years ago In the meantime. eee (o- wade ~—l2 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 475 he sold out and removed to the Pacific slope, and is now a resident of Oregon. His son, Joseph Gibbon, at the same time took up a homestead on section 26, on which he lived until the departure of his father, when he packed up and went with him. Greenwood township was organized Jan. 4, 1869, and the first election was held in the October following. As to who were the first. officers, the records are silent, and the proper data for getting them is inaccessible. The present officers are as follows: R. I. Brayton, Nils Martin and George O. Austin, trustees; J. B. Johnson, clerk; W.W. Alcorn, assessor; George O. Aus- tin, G. V. Davis and Charles A. Molinder, justices; William Ormiston, E. Tallman, Charles Olson and M. Olson, road super- visors, and S. P. Haglund, constable. The two other constables elected failed to qualify. The first death was that of Abner, son of Abel and Mary Buker, who died in November, 1867, and was buried in a private burial place. The second death was that of Cyrus O., son of Cyrus and-Mary Hawks,on the 12th of January, 1871. He, also, was buried on a private burying ground, there being no cemetery in the township at that time. The first marriage was that which united the destinies of John Dundas and Jane R., daughter of William and Jane Gibbon. Seymour Snyder performed the ceremony, which took place upon the 7th of April, 1868. The first birth was that of a son of John Carroll, born in the fall of 1865. The first grist mill was a plantation mill run by hand, and was taken into the township by Dr. L. K. Garfield, when he went there in 1865. This he run for a while, and then purchased a larger and better one, with a windmill attachment. This was in use largely by the settlers during the famine year of 1868. Dr. Garfield also enjoys the credit of having built the first frame building in the township, a neat dwelling for his family, erected in 1869. The first school in the township was taught by Abel P. Buker, in the winter of 1865. This was in a sod house, built on the side of a hill at Greenwood Cen- ter. The house, which was about 12x16 feet inside, was furnished with blocks and slabs for seats, where some fourteen scholars found resting places. There was no money on hand to build a school house, so the citizens made.a bee and put up this place, that the educational interests of the growing generation might not be neglected. It was mainly through the instrumentality of Dr. L. K. Garfield, Abel Buker and George O. Austin that this school was established, and to them be- longs the credit. The second school house was built on section 36, in 1866. This was also a sod house, and the first teacher was Marilla Yonnell. It is told for a fact that the door was used for a blackboard. ° The postoffice at Seneca was established about 1870, and E, Woodworth was com- missioned as first postmaster. He was succeeded by Mr. Califf, William Ormiston and Charles Gray. The latter had charge of it for about six years, when in Febru- 9 ? re HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. ary, 1882, he handed it over to W. W. Alcorn, who is the present incumbent. W. W. Alcorn was born in Warren Co., Penn., Dec. 10, 1845. He lived there until he was twenty-one years old, then he went to Elkhart Co., Ind. He was there engaged in farming for twelve years, with the exception of one year spent in Missouri. In 1879 he came to Iowa, and in 1882 purchased 160 acres of land on section 17, township 98, range 30, in Greenwood township, Kossuth county. Mr. Alcorn was married Dec. 10, 1868, to Lydia, daughter of F. D. Maxon, of Jack- son,Mich. They had four children, three of whom are living—Kdith M., Minnie G. and Hubert Roy. Mrs. Alcorn died Nov. 16,1879. Mr. Alcorn was married Oct. 9, 1880, to Ida, daughter of C. H. and F. A. Gray. They are the parents of two children—Florence F. and Harry E.. Mr. Alcorn is engaged in raising sheep and farming. He is assessor of the township, also postmaster at Seneca, having received his appointment Feb. 2, 1881. He is a republican in politics. A Good Templars’ lodge was organized in January, 1880, and meetings were held for a time at the Carroll school house at Seneca, but the members lived too far apart and the charter was suspended and the lodge died out. Seneca Cemetery was established by the township in October, 1876. It is lo- cated near the school house in sub-district No. 7. Robert I. Brayton, son of William and Elizabeth Brayton, was born, in 1836, in Winnebago Co., Ill. When quite young his parents moved to La Porte Co., Ind. He lived there until twenty-three years of age, then went to Kankakee Co., Ill., purchasing a farm and remaining one year. In 1861 he enlisted in company K, 4th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, and served three years. He participated in-the bat- tles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Pitts- burg Landing, Shiloh, siege of Corinth and many others of minor note. He was wounded in the hand while out scouting. He was discharged at Springfield, IIl., Nov. 8, 1864, and returned to his home in La Porte, Ind., in time to vote for Abra- ham Lincoln the second time. In 1865 Mr. Brayton returned to Illinois and shortly after came to Iowa, locating on section 8, Greenwood township, Kossuth county, where he now has 360 acres of land. He was married Sept. 3, 1857, to Abigail, daughter of Aaron and Phebe, Foster, of LaPorte Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Brayton have had ten children, six of whom are living—Walter E., Phebe E., ‘Effie F., Cora, Alta and Ray Irwin. Mr. and Mrs. Brayton are members of the Bap- tist Church. Mr. Brayton is a republican in politics. He was county supervisor six years; he has also been justice of the peace, township trustee, school director and road supervisor. Charles O. Fish, son of Thomas J. and Lavina Fish, was born in Essex Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1840. In 1866 he went to Olm- sted Co., Minn,, where he remained six ~ months. He then moved to Chicago, IIl., accepting the position of overseer on a farm sixteen miles out of Chicago. In 1868 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, tak- ing a homestead of 160 acres on -section 8, in Greenwood township. He has since purchased eighty additional acres on sec- tion 8,and eighty acres on section 16. _—e a ! = a HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 471 When Mr. Fish moved on his farm he built a sod house. This was done by cut- ting timber with a crotch in the top for corner posts, then laying poles across and up and down from the cornice to the cones, for rafters. Covering this with willow brush and hay, then with alternate layers of clay and sod: The floors were made of boards and the walls plastered. This made a very warm and comfortable house. Mr. Fish was married in 1864, to Lucy M. Hare, of Essex Co., N. Y. They have seven children —Meldrid, Sa- rah and Sylvia, twins; Edith, Willie, Wal- ter and Emma Isadore. Mr. Fish is a dem- ocrat, and has held the office of township trustee. Rev. O. Littlefield, the youngest of nine children, was born Dec. 28,1802, at Cole- rain, Mass. His parents were of Eng- lish descent, his father being a Baptist minister. The family removed to Ellis- burg, Jefferson Co., N. Y., where his fa- ther died, Aug. 28, 1805, leaving his in- fant son to the care of a good mother. He always spoke of his mother as being a very pious woman, and felt himself greatly indebted to her for her prayers, pious instruction and godly example. His whole life showed that his moral charac- ter had been well laid in his early years. His boyhood life was spent on a farm in manual labor. He entered Belleville Acad- emy, New York, in 1828, and passed his collegiate course at Union College, Sche- nectady, N. Y.,in 1832. He began his Christian life in 1829, advocating Univer- salism, but still felt it his duty to love and serve God. It was after one of those great revivals that swept through New York, led by C. G. Finney, Burchard and others, that he visited his home at Ellis- burg, which was being visited by a power- ful revival. It was seeing the great change in his old companions that led him to consider his own condition as a sinner and yield his heart to Christ with a fixed resolution to serve the Lord. He started west in 1832 on the Erie canal, but was stopped at Rochester by the freez- ing of the canal. Here he spent the win- ter in teaching, and here, after along and thorough study of the subject of baptism, he joined the Presbyterian Church, in care of Dr. Wisner. In the spring of 1833 he resumed his journey west to Steubenville, Ohio, where, like many other young men before entering a profession, he spent some yearsin teaching. He thus strength- ened what he had acquired, and fitted himself for a more noble work. In 1835 he entered the Theological Seminary at Allegheny City, Penn. He was licensed to preach by the Presbytery in 1837. In 1837 he visited his brother in Greenfield, La Grange Co., Ind., and spent five weeks, then he proceeded on his journey west to Galena, Ill., where he spent a year preach- ing at Sand Prairie, Apple River and Craig’s Point. In 1838 he returned to In- diana, and was ordained and set apart to the Gospel ministry by the St. Joseph Presbytery,April 4, 1839,at White Pigeon, Mich. Then he preached at Algansee, Sturgis Prairie, Mich.; Pretty Prairie and Angola, Ind. Here he suffered a year and a half with inflammation of the eyes and was three months blind. Though sight was at length restored he never fully recovered. In 1841 he visited Steu- _benville, Ohio, traveled and preached in various places, assisting in protracted Anos G - ee état 478 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. meetings. During this time he preached or attended meetings nearly every night, and frequently during the day. On the 3d of March, 1843, he bade adieu to his friends in Indiana and went west with a view of settling there. In November, 1843, he visited Jackson Co., Iowa, spending two weeks. For the next six years he preached in Daviess Co., Ind.; Apple River, Elizabeth and Lancaster, Grant Co., Wis. His last field in Wis- consin was at Blake Prairie, Beetown and Patch Grove. In the fall of 1849 he visited friends in Indiana, and returned in November and removed to Garnavillo, Clayton Co., Iowa. In Garnavillo he preached to a Congregational Church and joined that Church. In November, 1851, he visited Indiana and was married to Sarah A. Watkins, of Orange, Noble Co., Ind. After visiting a few days they re- turned west, arriving in Garnavillo, De- cember 5. He preached in Garnavillo, Elkader and Farmersburg three years. In 1854 he was colporteur for the American Tract Society. In May, 1855, he removed to Bradford, Chickasaw Co., Iowa, where he organized a Church, and preached at Charles City and Floyd Center, in Floyd county. He afterwards removed to Van Buren, Jackson county, preaching in Van Buren, Fairfield, and in Charlotte, Clinton county, one year. The next year he preached at Big Rock and New Liberty, Scott county. In 1864 he removed west and spent one year in Linn county, preach- ing at Troy Mills, Valley Farm and Cen- tral City. From thence he removed, in 1865, to Bristol, Worth county, preaching at Bristol and Forest Cityvfor three years. In 1869 he removed to Seneca, Kossuth county. Here, assisted by Father Taylor, of Algona, he organized a Congregational Church, to which he ministered, in all, four years. For the last few years of his life he labored on a farm, preaching only on funeral occasions, the last -being the funeral sermon of the death of the infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Canon, in Em- mett county. Mr. Littlefield lived a roam- ing life, and no one will ever be able to tell the amount of good he hasdone. He had but little sickness, and his last was very short. Hedied as he had lived—a very devoted and good man, and his work shall certainly follow him. His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. R. A. Paden. He bade adieu to earthly scenes Dec. 23, 1883, leaving a loving wife and adopted daughter to mourn his loss. Abijah Batterson was born in Scioto Co., Ohio, March 6, 1822. He was reared ona farm. In 1851 he went to Washing- ton Co., Iowa, and purchased two farms of 172 acres. In October, 1875, he came to Kossuth county, purchasing 137 acres of improved land on section 14, township 98, range 30, Greenwood township. Mr. _Batterson was married Nov. 7, 1858, to Miss N. A. Morgan, daughter of William and N. A. Morgan, of Washington Co., Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Batterson have had seven children, five of whom are living— Eleanor, Abijah, Mary A., Laura R. and Sally. Mr. Batterson is a member of the Congregational Church, Mrs. Batterson of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Batterson is an old ironsides democrat. Swea postoffice, in the north part of township 99, range 30, was established in October, 1872, and J. B. Johnson commis- sioned postmaster. He held the office ‘ where he remained some time, but is now living in the copper region of Michigan, where he has acquired considerable wealth. D. W. Sample was born April 17, 1822, in Pennsylvania. He lived there until 1856, and then came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, locating on section 32, township 95, range 48, where he has 470 acres of good land, under a high state of cultivation, raising grain of various kinds, but makes a specialty of stock. He was married in May, 1859, to Josephine Austin, born in Jackson Co., Iowa. They had ten chil- dren, eight of whom are living—Charles B., Margaret E., Anna, Miss France, William G., Henrietta, Addie M. and Leota R. Mr. Sample is a member of the Order of Free Masons, Prudence Lodge, No. 205, Algona. In politicshe is a republican. William Carter was born June 2, 1831,in Lawrence Co., Penn., where he lived until 1853, and then came to Kossuth Co., Iowa. In 1857 he bought 160 acres of good land on section 80, township 95, range 28, where he has since lived and carried on a general farming business. He has held the offices of township trus- tee and justice of the peace, also is a member of the Order of Free Masons, Prudence Lodge, No. 205, Algona. He was married in June, 1864, to Martha Crose, born in Indiana. She died April 2, 1882, leaving five children—Mary E., George, Henrietta, Lucy and Abram. Luther Bullis was a pioneer of 1856, in Irvington township. He located on what is now the King place, where he remained until the fall of 1859, when he traded his land for cattle which he drove off. He is now a resident of Montana territory. It is told of him that he had caught a young beaver, which he kept in the house, and one night down came the bedstead; the pet had gnawed off one leg of that piece of furniture. Re John Ramsey settled in this township in 1856, where he remained until 1868. His present location is unknown, or whether he is alive or not. R. Parmenter was another of the set- tlers of this year. He located in the vil- lage of Irvington, and after a time was engaged as a merchant in that place. He left the county, going to Pike’s Peak, from which he returned, but for a short time, when he left the country for good, and his present whereabouts are unknown. The first cabin was erected in Irv- ington township by Reuben Purcell, on section 20, during the spring and summer of 1855. The second was built by Mala- chi and William G. Clark, the same Aug- ust; the third by Hiram Wiltfong. The first birth in the township was that of the twin sons of Philip and Mary Crose, James and Joseph, who were born upon the 28th day of August, 1855. These are the first children born in Kossuth county. The first marriage was that which united the destinies of William Moore and Sarah Wright. This occurred upon the 22d of April, 1857, at the house of the bride’s father, Jacob C. Wright. By whom performed seems to be hard to de- termine; parties who were present think- ing that Rev. Chauncey Taylor solem- nized the rite, while the record in the office of the clerk of the court says that George Wheeler performed it. Both par- ties are now dead, the husband dying “I se i Ser = HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. while a soldier in the service of his country. His body was brought back to his home and now reposes in the cemetery of Irvington. The first death was that of Ambrose Craw, in June, 1855. He was buried about a mile and a half west of Algona. At that time his friends had no lumber with which to make a coffin, so they, with the help of some neighbors, split out puncheons from bass-wood logs, and nailed them together, that they might bury him, at least, decently. The first land broken for the purpose of agriculture was by Malachi ‘and Wil- liam Clark, in the spring of 1855, on sec- tion 19. On this piece of land the follow- ing year Clark secured a small crop of corn, the first raised in the township. The first wheat was raised by Jacob C. Wright, in 1856. The first religious services were held in November, 1855, at the cabin of William G. Clark. A Rev. Mr. Skinner, a Con- gregational minister from Polk county, preaching the sermon. The second ser- mon was preached by that good man, Father Taylor, in August, 1856. The first school was taught in the town hall at Irvington, in the summer of 1857, by Andalusia Cogley. Irvington township was organized at the March term of the county court, 1857, with the following described boundaries: “beginning at the quarter post on the east line of section 7, township 95 north, of range 27 west, of the 5th principal meridian, and running from thence due west, along the center of sections 13, 14, etc., to the middle of the channel of the East Fork of the DesMoines river, and thence down the middle of said channel to the south line of township 94, and thence east along said line to the east line “) of the county, and thence along said county line to the place of beginning.” The following is a list of the first officers of the township, the election taking place at the house of R. Parmenter: S. W. Parsons, W. T. Crockett and T. O. Came- ron, trustees; William Moore, clerk; John G. Allison and Elijah Lane, constables; William Carter and John Robison, road supervisors. In this connection is given a list of the present officers of the township: Nathan Gates, M. Stephen and D. W. Sample, trustees; Z. C. Andruss, clerk; J. W. Bates, assessor; B. C. Minkler, justice of the peace and David Blythe, constable. The village of Irvington was the first Jaid out in Kossuth county, being filed for record upon the 27th day of September, 1856, by George Smith, Lyman L. Treat and Kendall Young. The town was start- ed by these parties with an eye to captur- ing the county government, but were de- feated as detailed elsewhere. The first merchant in the village was Lyman L. Treat, who opened a general merchandise store in the fall of 1855. This he contin- ued to operate until about 1861, when he disposed of the stock and business to J. A. Armstrong, who was the merchant until 1878, when he closed out the stock and discontinued the store. The first blacksmith was “Bing” How- ard, who started a shop in 1856. He was succeeded shortly after by a man by the name of Louppe. Both of these parties have left the county. Howard going to Webster City, where he is engaged inthe |o-——e + 494 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. hardware business. Louppe drifted back to Indiana and has been lost sight of. The school district of Irvington was organized in 1856. Ata meeting of the qualified electors held upon the 11th of August of that year, at the village of Ir- vington J.C. Wright was made president aud L. L. Treat, secretary. Ballots were then prepared and voting commenced: For sub-director, Rev. Gills received nine votes and was declared elected; for sec- retary, William Moore received ten votes, defeating Leicester Fox, who polled but one; L. L. Treat was elected treasurer, having ten votes, while his opponent, H. A. Davidson, had but one. The present board of the school dis- trict township is composed of the follow- ing named: President, C. J. Harvey; secretary, Z. C. Andruss; treasurer, Perry Burlingame; sub-directors, Perry Burlin- game, A. Lambke, R. Hodges, Michael Smith, Henry Curran, John Connors, Addison Fisher, C J. Harvey and Nelson Swizzer. The first school in the township was taught by Andalusia Cogley, in the sum- mer of 1857, in the town hall at Irving- ton, then just finished. This school only lasted for two weeks. In 1858 William P. Davidson opened a school in the same place, and taught a full term. The first regular school house built here was erected for a dwelling house, but in 1860 it was purchased and moved on to section 19, where it at present stands. This is called No. 2, the one called No. 1 was built in Irvington and hauled to its present location on sec- tion 28. There are at present five school houses in all, in the township, all of them fine buildings. ‘Three of them are 20x36 feet, the others 18x30 feet and they were erect- ed ata total cost of $600 a piece. Be it said to the credit of Irvington township, that the educational interests are the best managed of any locality in this section of country, employing only the best class of teachery and paying good salaries to the right people. This bears its fruit in a more intelligent class of young people, that are growing up in Irvington, and in the better condition of the schools gener- ally. During the year 1883 the following named were among the teachers in the township: Emma Johnson, A. A. Crose, Cora E. Morford, May Halgerson, Letitia Hodges, Dora Barker, Joseph Crose, Hattie Parsons, Ida M. Miller, Celestia Reed and James B. Reed. In November, 1855, the little knot of settlers gathered together at the cabin of William Clark, to hold the first religious services ever held in Irvington. A Con- gregational divine by the name of. Skin- ner, from the neighborhood of Des Moines, had come up here for that pur- pose and the service was held. No other meeting, for the same object in view, was held until in August, 1856, Rey. Chaun- cey Taylor, one of the most indefatigable laborers in the Lord’s vineyard, came to Irvington from Algona, and preached several times. In 1859 services were held several times by Rev. Mr. Lawton, a Meth- odist Episcopal divine. He was followed by a Rev. Mr. Mallory, also a Method- ist, ag this place had been made a point in a circuit of that Church. He was suc- ceeded by a Rev. Mr. Billings, who lived lee or “— oO ye Acs a ae) HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 495 at Irvington. Mr. Billings removed from here about 1860 or 1861, going to Boones- boro, Boone county. Irvington after this had regular religious services until 1881, when they were discontinued, and the people go to Algona to attend Church. The old town hall of Irvington, around whose hallowed walls cluster so many pleasing associations of by-gone days, and which so many in the community recall in the glamour that memory throws around their youth, was built in 1857. Being in want of a suitable place for public meet- ings, a joint stock subscription was raised, and with the proceeds the edifice was built. This was opened with a dance, and as that was the principal enjoyment of the period, many an old settler tells with infinite glee, how that the mini-ter who held forth to them had to hurry his sermon, that the young folks might enjoy an innocent dance. This building was for many years the general rendezvous for the whole township, and stood until 1881, then having become decrepid with age, it tumbled to the ground. The Irvington Juvenile Band was or- ganized by the young people of that town, in 1868, and was the first cornet band within the limits of Kossuth county. The members were the sons of old amd promi- nent citizens of that part of the county. The following is a list of the organizers as far as could be gathered from the memories of those concerned, and is be- lieved to be complete: B. F. Reed, leader; J. O. Holden, A. T. Reed, C. B. Holden, E. P. Crockett, Rolla Bush, Fulton Fill, J. W. Green and George Fisher. The band existed for several years, but as the members drifted away from their homes to seek new ones farther west or south, the organization dissolved and has not been revived to this day. The present village of Irvington is of late origin, the railroad going near but not touching the old town site, hence the springing up of anew place. The Wes- tern Town Lot Company, laid out and platted this village in the fall of 1881, on the southeast quarter of section 29, and the northeast quarter of section 31. On this site, B. C. Minkler erected the first building, having it ready for occupancy by the 27th of May, 1882. In this he opened the first stock of goods and is to- day the most prominent merchant, dealing in general merchandise. The store build- ing that he erected was 18x28 feet, two stories. high, and built of frame. He has since added a dwelling addition to it of the same size. B. C. Minkler was born Oct. 4, 1855, in Delaware Co., lowa. When twelve years of age he removed with his father’s fam- ily to Edgewood, Clayton Co., Iowa, where he lived until 1882. While at Edgewood he spent the most of his time educating himself for the actual duties of life. He graduated Jan. 13, 1875, at Bay- lies Commercial College, at Dubuque, Iowa. He was married July 4, i876, to Katie Gilcrist, born at Halifax, Nova Scotia. They have one child—Pearl, born Jan. 30,1878. In May, 1882, Mr. Minkler moved to Irvington, Kossuth Co., Iowa, and engaged in a general mercantile trade. He first erected a good store building two stories high, which he filled with a stock of dry goods, groceries, hats, caps, boots and shoes. He is now post- master in Irvington, justice of the peace, o—r “I. 4 496 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. and a notary public. Politically, Mr. Minkler is a republican. David Blythe opened the first black- smith shop in the new town on the 20th of May, 1882, and is the present represent- ative of that craft. J. Jacobs established the hardware busi- ness here on the 4th of June, 1883, and carries a good line of building hardware, barbed fence wire. deals in groceries and wooden-ware and wagon material. There is also at this point one elevator owned and built by the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company, and operated by Butler, Molstre, & Co. The first postoffice at Irvington was es- tablished during the year 1857. The next to the last postmaster was Dr. J. R. Armstrong, wko gave up his com- mission and the office was run fora while by D. Chapman, and was finally discon- tinued in 1875. The present postoffice was established in July, 1882, and B.C, Minkler was the first, as he is the present postmaster. Mr. Minkler is a native of Delaware Co., Iowa, but passed most of his life in Clayton county, coming to Kossuth county but a short time before his appointment. Prairie fires were very destructive to the new settlers previous to 1860, owing partially to the tall grass that surrounded them, and partially to their inexperience in protecting against it. It was no un- common thing for a settler to lose house, fence and grain by its ravages. But as .the country gradually settled up, and the the pioneers learned the lesson of experi- rience, these became less and less danger- ous. In addition to this he | Matthew H. Hudson, M. D., was born in the town of Southold, Suffolk Co., L. I., in 1818. He studied medicine and grad- uated from the Berkshire Medical College, in 1844, immediately commencing to practice in Brooklyn, N. Y. In thespring of 1846 he was married to Esther P. Hal- lock, of Southold. They have five chil- dren—J. Q. A., Stella E., Henry H., George C. and Josie E. Dr. Hudson re- tired from practice eighteen years ago, and settled on a farm east of Algona, and turns his attention more especially, of late years, to stock raising and dairying. This farm has one of the oldest and finest cultivated groves in the county. Mrs. Hudson’s ancestors, on both sides, were in the colony that made the first settle- ment in Southold, that being one of the first settled towns in New York. Jesse W. Green was born in Mercer Co., Penn., Dec. 16,1849. In the spring of 1856 he came to Kossuth county, and located on section 32, township 95, range 28, Irvington township. After residing on that place five years, he removed to Marshall Co., Iowa, remaining there one year he came back to Irvington township, and located on section 29, where he now resides. He was united in marriage Jan. 13, 1872, with Laura E. Crammend, a na- tive of New York State, born Oct. 3, 1852. This union has been blessed with four children—Eva, Francis, Rosa and Jose- phine. Mr. Green has 200 acres of land. Politically he isa republican. N. A. Pine, a well known farmer of Irv- ington township, was born Feb. 4, 1831, in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. In 1835 his parents removed to Ashtabula Co., Ohio. His parents afterwards removed to Paw —— > Y . afte. = == HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. -—Ie, 497 “Paw Grove, Lee Co., Ill, In 1866 the subject of our sketch came to Kossuth county, and located on section 2, town- ship 95, range 28, Irvington township. He has 160 acres of good land, and is one of the substantial farmers of the township. He was married Sept. 16, 1850, to Susan Gleason, born in New York, and they have had four children, two of whom are living—Myron W. and Carrie B. Ella L. and Eddie W. are deceased. Mr. Pine and his wife are members of the Baptist- Church. He enlisted in March, 1865, in company K, 15th Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, and: served eight months. After being mustered in at Dixon, he went to Chicago, and from there to New York city, where he took a steamer to More- head City, N.C. Going from there on foot through the swamps to Raleigh, N. C., he went from there to Richmond, Va., and then to Washington City, where he witnessed the grand review. He then went by rail to Parkersburg, where he took a boat for Leavenworth, Kan., and remained two months, when he went to Springfield, Il]., received his discharge and came back to Paw Paw Grove. Zebina C. Andruss was born Feb. 7, 1843, in Ontario Co., N.Y. Inthe spring of 1864, he moved to Michigan, where he lived until the summer of 1867, when he returned to New York. In the fall of 1868 he came to Iowa, arriving at Irving- ton in September of that year. In the fall of 1869, he settled on the southwest quarter of section 20, township 95, range 28, Irvington township, where he owns 180 acres of well improved land and is engaged in dairying and stock rais- ing. He was married March 24, 1863, to Amanda 8. Armstrong, born June 27, 1837, in Steuben Co., N. Y. They have one child—S. Luella. Mr. Andruss and his wife are members of the Baptist Church at Algona. He has been town- ship clerk eight years, and was re-elected to fill the term for 1884. He has also been secretary of the district township of Irvington twelve years. Stephen Sharp, a native of Wisconsin, was born Sept. 30,1842. He resided in the home of his birth until he removed to Irvington, Kossuth county. He has re- sided in Irvington township ever since,with the exception of one year when he followed farming in Cresco township. He now re- sides on section 6, township 95, range 28. On Nov. 5, 1870, he was united in mar- riage with Josephine Hill, born in Ver- mont, Nov. 10, 1848. They have three children—Dora; Stephen J. and George A. Mr. Sharp enlisted in March, 1865,in com pany K, 45th Wisconsin Volunteer In- fantry, and served about six months. He participated in the battle of Nashville. He was discharged from service in Au- gust, 1865. Politically he is a republican. 498 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. CHAPTER A x1. LOTT’S CREEK TOWNSHIP. This township comprises all of con- gressional township 96 north, range 30 west, and all of sections 1, 2, 8, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11 and 12, and the north half of sections 13, 14, 15, 16,17 and 18, of town- ship 95, range 30. It contains, therefore, fifty-one square miles, or 32,640 acres of land. It is bounded on the north by Fenton, on the east by Algona, on the south by Cresco townships, ard on the west by Palo Alto county. The surface is nearly level, except in some places, where it takes on a more rolling character. - The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul rail- road crosses its most southern range of sections, and the important station of Whittemore is located within the limits of Lott’s Creek. The first settler in this portion of the county was G. Smith, who located upon the northeast quarter of section 10, Sept. 1, 1865. In the spring of 1866 several other families moved in, among whom were: H. P. Hatch, 8. B. Hatch, B. F, Peasley, M. Leach and A. Hinton. HI. P. Hatch located a claim on section 32, as did M. Leach. 8. B. Hatch: settled upon a portion of section 9, and commenced to open up a farm. B. F. Peasley made the choice of some land on section 5. A. Ilinton located upon section 29, where he lived some years, but is now a resident. of Whittemore. Charles Wilkins, in the spring of 1866, also made a settlement on section 22, in what is now called “Sod town.” At the same time P. Wilkins, Mrs. Taylor and her sons located upon the same section. The first marriage in the township took place in October, 1869, and united H. L. Goodrich and Maria Wilkins. At the time of this marriage, however, this town- ship was a part of Algona. The school district township of Lott’s Creek was organized in 1874; and at the first élection, held in March of that year; the following were elected the first board of directors: A. Hinton, president; H. L. Goodrich, secretary; John Wallace, treas- urer; A, Hinton, A. Tintinger, Charles Wilkins and J. Brown, directors. At the present the school matters are in the hands of a board, who were elected in March, 1883, and which is composed of the following named: R. R. Chapman, president; A. Hinton, secretary; H. P. Hatch, treasurer; John Getsch, 8. L. Scott, R. Stevenson, A. Sawvel, J. Chris- chilles, A. Margraf and R. R. Chapman, “directors, Y v ee fe, HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 7 499 When the township was set off from Algona, the schools in most instances were found to be organized and in run- ning order. These, under the old order of things, were known as districts 4, 5,6 and 7, of Algona, but have been changed as follows: The school known before as No. 5 is now called the Hatch school, or No. 2,and was taught the summer of 1883 by Mrs. Edna Love; what was before No. 4, is now No. 1, or Geetsch school, and was last taught, by Nettie Mattison; No. 6 has become No. 3. or “Sod town” school, and was last presided over by Hattie Chase. No. 7 having become No. 4, is known as the Sawvel school house, and is presided over by Helen Weaver. No. 6 school being in Whittemore it will be found mentioned in the account of that village further on. The school house in district No. 6, called the Pomp school, was erected during the summer of 1881, at a cost of $700. This school was first taught that same fall by Alice Sherwood. The pres- ent teacher is Hattie Chase. Sub-district No. 7 has a school called the Archer, the edifice of which was erected in the summer of 1882, and was taught for the first term by Hattie Acres. School had been held in this place before this, however, by Fannie Calkins, but . that was before the erection of any school house. This building cost about $700, and is at present under the charge of Vina Acres. A branch school is also taught at the house of J. Rawson, by Rena Thomp- son. The township was organized Feb. 3, 1873, and the first election was held at the school house in what was then district No. 6. At that time there were elected the following named: H. L. Goodrich, clerk; A. A. Brunson, justice; Peter J. Walker and 8. L. Scott, trustees; and J. DeGraw, constable. At present the board of trus- tees is composed of these gentlemen: J. M. Farley, F. Tietz and Adam Sawvel. James Archer is the township clerk. In 1870, the Hatch postoffice was estab- lished, at the house of S. L. Scott, on sec- tion 32, that gentleman having been ap- pointed postmaster. After about three years, Mrs. H. P. Hatch was commissioned postmistress and she kept it for two years, until 1875, when the office was discon- tinued. The following account of the organiza- tion and building up of the German Lutheran Church, on section 2, has been prepared for this history by the pastor, Rev. C. F. W. Maass. GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN . IMMAN- UEL CHURCH. A number of German Lutheran Chris- tians, who, in the course of time, settled themselves as farmers in Kossuth county, and for a number of years were served by the Rev. T. Merteus, located at Fort Dodge, and belonging to the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other States, in the year 1875 organized themselves into an Evangelical Lutheran Congregation and tendered Mr. KE. H. Scheips, from the Theological Seminary at St. Louis, Mo., a call, and adopted the following constitution on the 6th of May of that year: Resolved, That this congregation shall be called and kaown as The German Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel Congregation of the Unal- tered Augsburg Confession, in the county of Kossuth, State of Iowa. es “17 ial ae ys = 500 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Resolved, That this congregation recognizes all the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as the revealed word of God; and therefore, also, as the only rule and canon of our faith and life, and that it furthermore re- cognizes all the symbolical books of the Evan- gelical Lutheran Church, contained in the so- called ‘‘Books of Concord” of the year 1580, as that form and rule derived from the wordof God according to which (because it is derived from the word of God), not only the doctrine to be preached and promulgated in this congregation, shall be examined, but also all doctrined and religious controversies, that may arise in this congregation, shall be decided and adjudicated. The Symbolic Books herein referred are the fol- lowing: The three chiefSymbols, the Apostoli- cal, Nicene and Athanasian,the Unaltered Augs- burg Confession of the year A. D., 1530, the Apologie of the same, the Schmalkald Articles, Luther’s Smaller and Larger Catechism and the Formula of Concord. Resolved, That the foregoing confession of faith shall be forever unchangeable and unal- terable. Resolved, That if a schisma for doctrines sake should arise in this congregation (which God may mercifully prevent), the property of the congregation and all benefices thereof shall be- long to those members, who adhere to the doc- trines laid down in the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, and who accordingly require that the minister of this congregation be pledged to adhere to the doctrines of all the Symbolical books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, above enumerated, and thereby adjudicated; and furthermore, that if a member of said con- gregation should be excommunicated out of this society after ineffective application of ad- hortation, as commanded in the word of God, St. Matthew 18, 15-20, where the same are pos- sible, such a member shall forfeit all the rights as a member of said congregation, as well as all claims on all property belonging to said congre- gation, as long as said member is not reinstated into said society, the same shall apply to those members of congregation, who voluntarily retire from said socicty or effect their retirement by removal and cease to act with said Society. This article and resolution shall also be unchangeable and unalterable forever. N. B.—The above is only a part of the constitution. The first members of the congregation were: Ferdinand Tietz, William Schmidt, John Schmidt, Frank Pompe, Christian Bierstedt, Christoph Bierstedt, William Meyer, Fred Stamer, William Dau, Fred Meyer, Henry Rambath, Henry Behreus, Henry Legenhausen, August Zumach, Fred Pompe, Gottlib Bohn and E. H. Scheips, minister. On Sept. 26, 1875, the congregation re- solved to build a church, 24x36 feet, on section 2, and Sept. 9, 1877, they resolved to build a parsonage on the same place, 14x22 feet, one and a half stories high, with a ten foot addition. On Jan. 19, 1879, the congregation resolved to becore a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Sy- nod of Missouri, Ohio and other States, and for this purpose, in the month of Au- gust, sent a deputy to the district Synod of Iowa, in session at Fort Dodge. In November, 1879, the pastor of the congregation received a call from Ohio, which he accepted. On March 8, 1880, in a brief session, the congregation resolved to send a call to Rev. C. F. W. Maass of Spirit Lake, Iowa. He accepted the call aga divine one. On Sunday, May 4, 1880, he was installed by Rev. E. Wiegner, pas- tor of St. Ansgar, Iowa. On April 3, 1881, the congregation determined to be- come incorporated as the Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel Congregation, by having their aforesaid constitution revord- ed at Algona, the county seat. On June 24, 1882, the congregation met with a 0" > eet ae HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 501 great loss in the destruction of their church by a tornado. For the course of one and a quarter years services were now held in a public school house. During this time the congregation resolved to build a new church, 32x50 feet. The steeple to be eighty feet high. The church was to have an addition of 16x20 feet for a school room, the whole to cost $2,500. The plan was drawn by Rev. M. Stephan, of Waverly, Iowa. The contractors were Fred Wegener & Bro., members of the congreyation. The foundation was laid on the 6th of May, 1883, Rev. H. W. Rabe, of Webster City, preaching, and Mr. H. F. Eggert, student of theology, reading the documents to be placed in the foundation stone. The pastor of the con- gregation laid the foundation in the name of the Holy Trinity. The dedication of the new church took place Sept. 23, 1883. The Rev. E. Wieg- ner preaching in the German and Rev. C. Weber in the English language. Service is held every Sunday in the new church in the German language; and the pastor of the congregation also teaches a parochial school, in which English and German are taught. Average of scholar- ship twenty-five. At present, Dec. 1, 1885, fifty families attend services. The parish consists of the congregations of Lott’s Creek township, of Estherville, Emmett county, Emmetsburg, Palo Alto county, Whittemore, West Bend and Luverne, Kossuth county,Livermore and Humboldt, Humboldt county. The latter three con- gregations have lately, Nov. 18, 1883, re- ceived their own pastor, in the person of Rev. R. P. Budach, who has his residence at Whitman, Kossuth county. This con- gregation consists of about twenty-five families, the majority of them coming from . » Bloomington and Geneseo, Ill. In the whole former parochie, from the year 1875 to November, 1883, 263 children were baptized, eighteen. couple were mar- ried and thirty-two persons buried. Rev. C. F. W. Maass, pastor of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church, at Fenton, was born in Mecklenburg Strelits, Ger- many, July 2, 1854. His parents, Fred and Minnie (Hirchert) Maass, were also natives of Germany. His mother died Oct. 4, 1875. His father makes his home with him. Mr. Maass was reared in his native land, and when seventeen years of age emigrated to America. He located, first, at Detroit, Mich., residing there un- til 1873. He then entered Concordia Col- lege,at Fort Wayne, Ind., being a student there until 1875. He then entered the Cheological Seminary at Springfield, Il., sraduating therefrom, in 1878. Mr. Maass then took a trip to his native land, re- maining two months, then returning and taking a charge at Spirit Lake, Iowa. He ministered to the people there, of his faith, until May, 1880, when he took charge of his present congregation at Fenton. He was united in marriage April 24, 1879, with Anna Harte, a native of Watertown, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Maass have two chil- dren—-Rosa W. H. and Dora M. A. WHITTEMORE. The village of Whittemore was laid out and platted by W. H. Ingham and Lewis H. Smith, of Algona, in the fall of 1878, when the railroad reached that point. ‘The plat was not filed for record, however, un- til the 12th of April, 1879. 1 = Pee sah 502 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. The first settler upon the town site was J.C. Foster, who located thereon in the fall of 1878, closely followed by Charles Camp and William Amos. William Amos came to buy grain and manage the lumber business of J. J. Wil- son, of Algona, by whom he was employed. The first building erected upon the site of the town of Whittemore, was the depot of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad. This was built in the fall of 1878, being completed during the month of October. The first grain warehouse was erected in the fall of 1878, by J. J. Wilson, of Al- gona, and who was and is yet engaged largely in the purchase of the great cereals of this vicinity. The pioneer store, in the line of general merchandise, was opened on the 22d of February, 1879, by H. Munch, in a build- ing that he had just built. He is still en- gaged in the same business, and carries a large and complete stock of all kinds of goods, that will invoice about $7,000. His store room, 20x62 feet, is well fitted up and attractive, and his trade is respectably large and remunerative. He may be justly entitled one of the solid representative business men of the place. Henry Munch isa native of Germany, born March 17, 1840. He lived in Ger- many thirteen years when he came to America and located in Astoria, N. Y., where he lived two years. He then re- moved to Grant Co., Wis., where he re- mained until 1861. He enlisted in com- pany E, 9th Wisconsin regiment, and served two years. He was taken prisoner at Newtonia, Mo., and remained a prisoner till November, 1862, when he was paroled and afterward discharged in March, 1863. He re-enlisted in company H, 44th Wisconsin regiment, and served till June, 1865. Re- turning to Wisconsin he engaged in hotel business for one year in Cassville. At the close of the year he removed to Ben- ton Co., Iowa, and was in the grocery business for three years. Removing to Luzerne, Iowa, he remained until 1869 when he removed to Emmetsburg, Iowa, where he remained until coming to Whitte- more. with Mary B. Trottman, of Grant Co., Wis. Five children blessed this union— Susie K., Frederick E., John H., Sadie and George E. He isamember of the I. O. O. F., and while at Emmetsburg was chairman of the board of supervisors and was also one of the first aldermen of that place. C. D. Creed established the first drug store in the village in February, 1878, but in June, 1879, having found a pur- chaser for the same, disposed of the busi- ness to Dr. J. M. Pride, who has con- tinued it to the present. The doctor car- ries a good stock and by close attention to business and a desire to please his numer- ous patrons, he has worked up an excel- lent trade, and has become one of the leading merchants of the place. E. Chrischilles came to Whittemore in March, 1879, and established a saloon, which he ran until the followingfall. He then opened a general merchandise store in the building he had just completed, and which he occupies at present. This edifice is 22x40 feet, and is well filled with goods -of all descriptions and _ kinds, and the trade he does is large and lucra- tive. In 1869 he was united in marriage ee x HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 503 In February, 1879, Jacob Strandberg came to Whittemore and built part of the Grand Central Hotel, which he still runs. In 1881, William Amosestablished a store for the sale of general merchandise at this point, but as he had a store at West Bend, Palo Alto county, to which he gave his personal attention, he looked around fora manager. He employed Mr. Strand- berg, after giving him a trial, from May, 1882, a position which he yet fills. The National House was rebuilt from a store building into a hotel, in the spring of 1880, and was run by C. D. Creed until June, 1883, when he closed out to Dr. A. F. Dailey, the enterprising dentist of the community, who makesa good landlord. The hardware trade was initiated by J. M. Farley, in April, 1879, a business he follows at present. The first harness making business was started by D. J. Cain, in May, 1881. He continued this trade only about six months, when his father, J. W. Cain, took it and has monopolized the business ever since. Rev. Jesse W. Cain was born in Mont- gomery Co., Ind., Dec. 26, 1828. When six years Of age he removed with his par- ents to Putnam Oo., Ill. After a resi- dence there of nearly two years they re- moved to Bureau county, where Jesse was reared and learned the harness making trade. In 1869 Mr. Cain became a min- ister in the Free Methodist Church, being for the year following assigned to the Churches of Amboy and Ashton, Ill. He was then given a charge at De Witt, Clinton Co., fowa, where he remained one year. For the following two years he had charge of a circuit near Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In the fall of 1873 he took charge of the New Diggings circuit, Grant Co., Wis., remaining one year. He then went to Rock Co., Wis., being there engaged in farming for two years, and the two years following having charge of the Church at Sharon, Wis. He then re- moved to Piersville, Wis., where he preached six months. He then went to Whitewater, Wis., following his profes- sion and his trade, that of harness maker, for four years. In July, 1881, he came to Whittemore, where he has since been en- gaged in the harness business, and also preaching the word of God as occasion offers. Mr. Cain was married Feb. 24, 1853, to Maria McElvain, a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Cain have five chil- dren—David J., Clara, Louisa, Mary and Isabella. The first shoe maker was A. Doering, who yet attends to that branch of the business interests of the town. The first physician to locate in Whitte- more was J. M. Pride, now the druggist of the village. The pioneer blacksmith was L. M. Moosaw, who located here in 1878. The business is now represented by J. De Graw, who made his advent in the village in July, 1881. Jonas De Graw was born in Canada West, Aug. 29, 1848. When an infant his parents removed to Clayton Co., Iowa, where Jonas was reared and educated. He there learned the blacksmith trade. In 1871 Mr. De Graw came to Kossuth county, engaging for one year at work at his trade in Algona. He then engaged in farming, which occupation he followed until 1882, in which year he came to pe y wen 504 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Whittemore and established his present business, that of practical blacksmith. Mr. De Graw was married Oct. 21, 1877, to Emma E. Rice, a native of Vermont. They have two children—Lucius J. and George E. Mr. De Graw is a member of the Masonic fraternity. The livery business is well represented by C. D. Creed, who established this busi- ness in November, 18381, and bas con- tinued to operate it ever since. He is lo- cated in the rear of the National House. The postoffice was established in Octo- ber, 1879, and William Amos was ap- pointed postmaster. This office remained in his possession until January, 1882, when he was succeeded by C. D. Creed, the present incumbent. Charles D. Creed was born June 21, 1844, in Lucas Co., Ohio. When twelve years old he went to Chicago, IIl., re- maining till 1861, when he enlisted for three months with the Chicago Zouaves. After that time he returned to Chicago, and in August enlisted in company A, 4th Illinois Cavalry, serving till 1865, and having charge of Gen. Grant’s Orderlies. Coming again to Chicago, he clerked in the postoffice for nine years. In 1876 he removed to Havana, IIl., remained there till 1878, then removed to Humboldt, Iowa, and engaged in the drug business. In February, 1879, he removed to Whitte- more, erected a building and opened a drug store. After remaining a few months he sold out and returned to Chi- cago, Ill., remaining there one year, then came to Kossuth county and engaged in the hotel business as proprietor of the Na- tional House. In 1882 he was appointed postmaster, has also been justice of the peace and school director of the town-~ ship. Nov. 15,1866, he married Carrie J. Judd, of Ohio. They have one child— Austin W. The school house in the village was completed in January, 1880, at a cost of $800. Hattie Acres was the first, as she is the present teacher. In the spring of 1881 many of the best people in Whittemore and the surround- ing country gathered together and organ- ized what is called the Whittemore Cem- etery Association, with the following officers: H. B. Hatch, president; J. M. Farley, secretary; William Amos, treas- urer. This society purchased ten acres of ground on the northeast quarter of sec- tion 7. This is a private enterprise, but most of the best people in the community are interested in it. The first marriage in the village of Whittemore took place upon the 2d of February, 1879, and united William Amos and Cora Heathman. The following is a complete directory of the business men of Whittemore, and will serve as a recapitulation of the histo- ry of the town: Amos, William, general store: Crayton, John, agricultural implements. Chrischilles, E., general store. Corlish, S. H., furniture. Cain, J. W., harness maker. Cady & Chapman, hay press. Dailey, A. F., National House and den- tist. DeGraw, J., blacksmith. Doering, A., shoemaker. Farley, J. M., hardware, grain and Jum- ber. Munch, H., general store. Po &je 2__9|,> | HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 505 Pride, J. M., M. D. and druggist. London to live with a brother. From Reilings, H., hay press. Scottish-American Land Co., hay press. Smith, A., hay press. Solomons, hay press. Strandberg, J., Grand Central Hotel. Wilson, J. J., lumber and grain. Waggoner, N., meat market. Adam Sawvel was born March 5, 1832, in Harrison Co., Ohio, being there reared and educated. He there followed the oc- cupation of a farmer until the spring of 1855, when he removed to Clayton Co., Iowa, being one of the early settlers in that county. He resided in that county until 1869, then came to Kossuth county, locating on his present place on section 6, Lott’s Creek township. His farm con- tains 240 acres of good land. Mr. Sawvel was married Sept. 13, 1853, to Lydia Hahn, a native of Pennsylvania. They have five children—Simon A., James I., Mary E., Ida A. and Leslie E. Mr. and Mrs Sawvel are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Saw- vel was trustee of Lott’s Creek township for two years, beginning with the first af- ter its organization. He was justice of the peace from 1876 to 1880, and has been school director of his district for the past six years. He served three years in the war as a member of company I, 27th Iowa Volunteers. Peter J. Walker, son of James and Dorothy A. Walker, was born in Askrigg, Wensleydale, Yorkshire, England, Nov. 23,1832. He was left an orphan at an early age, his mother dying when he was one and a half years old, and his father died when he was nine years old. After the death of his father he was sent to that time until he emigrated to the United States, in 1849, he had a wide and varied experience. In 1849 he located in New Diggings, Wis., and engaged to clerk for G. W. Adams. In June, 1852, he went to Chicago, Ill. Remaining in that place for a short time, he returned to Wiscon- sin. In 1853 he removed to Big Patch, Wis., and engaged in business. In 1855 he commenced farming, which he fol- lowed until 1869. He removed from Grant Co., Wis., in 1869, to Kossuth Co., Iowa, locating in Lott’s Creek town- ship, where he purchased 320 acres of land. He now owns 480 acres of good land, with good comfortable buildings, nice groves, orchards, etc. He deals ex- tensively in live stock. He was married in 1855 to Jane Clayton, of Wisconsin. By this union there were two children— Mary A. and Saidonia. Mrs. Walker died in March, 1861. He was again mar- ried, in July, 1863, to Sarah A. Hunting- ton, daughter of William Robinson, of Platteville, Wis. The result of this union was nine children—Hlla I., Robert M. and James E., born in Wisconsin; Emma R., Sarah J., William F., Albert S., Archie B. and Leslie R., born in Lott’s Creek township. Mr. Walker has held several township offices of trust. In religion he is free and outspoken. In politics he favors the republican party, but abhors corruption, and is a man who is not afraid to stand up and speak out his convictions. Mr. Walker is one of the best farmers and stock raisers in northern Iowa, and can truly be said to have made life a suc-- cess. There are few men, left orphans at an early age, and compelled to work up er — fe v aes 506 ale, HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. step by step, that can show as clear a record or as successful a business career as Mr. Walker. Ferdinand Tietz is a native of Germany, | born July 26, 1833. He was there reared on a farm and followed farming for a livelihood in. his native country until 1859. In June of that year he emigrated to America, settling in Dodge Co., Wis. There he engaged in farming until the spring of 1860. He then for two years ‘resided in Janesville, Wis., after which time he returned to Dodge Co., Wis., where he resided until 1873, when he re- moved to Kossuth county, settling on his present farm. He was married Nov. 18, 1862, to Minnie Kroening, also a native of Germany. They have seven children liv- ing—Martha, Mary, Bertha, Otto, Eddie, Frank and Ida. Mr. and Mrs. Tietz are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Tietz is at present one of the trustees of Fenton township. Frank Pompe, the present postmaster of Fenton postoffice, is the son of Fred- erick and Johanna Pompe, natives of Pomern, Germany. He was born Oct. 4, 1836. In 1856 he came to America, and the following year, 1857, he sent for his parents, in Germany, and located in Dodge Co., Wis., where they bought a farm on which they remained until the fall of 1878, when with his family he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and settled on section 3, Lott’s Oreek township. He now owns 480 acres of good land, of which 300 acres are under cultivation. He has a good house and barn on same. He was married May 1, 1863, to Bertha, daughter of Karl and Caroline Schuma- cher, natives of Pomern, Germany. Mrs. Pompe was born Aug. 7, 1844. They have five children—Charles F. W., Ame- lia S., Robert F., Bertha J. and Albert J. The youngest child died when an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Pompe are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mr. Pompe is neutral in politics. Charles N. Oliver was born in Wash- ington Co., Ohio, Dec. 8, 1846. When fifteen years of age he removed with his parents to Fayette Co., Ill., where he en- gaged in farming. On Jan. 1, 1864, he en- listed in company F, 14th Illinois Cav- alry regiment, and served in that com- pany until the close of the war. In June, 1865, he returned to Illinois, where he lived until 1868 and then removed to Martin Co., Minn. After a four years residence there he returned to Illinois, and in 1874 removed to Kansas. After remaining there four months, he came to Jowa, locating in Polk county. Then in 1878 he came to Kossuth county, and the following year located on his present place, on section 32,Lott’s Creek township. Mr. Oliver is one of the progressive and successful farmers of the county. He was married Oct. 14, 1880, to Ellen, daugh- ter of A. Sawvel, of this county. Naat ey bet ag HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY, 507 CHAP HR: ow LUVERNE TOWNSHIP. The first settler in township 94 north, range 27 west, now known as Luverne, was Joseph Walker, a native of Illinois, who came here and located upon section 20, in 1870. During the fall of that year, he, and a cousin that lived with him, broke the first ground in thetownship. He was also the builder of the first frame house, and sower of the first grain. He moved back to Illinois, sometime since, being dissatisfied with his surroundings. The next settler was Valentine Zoelle, who settled upon section 31, during the year 1873, where he at present resides. Valentiire Zoeile, the subject of this sketch, was born in Germany, Feb. 10, 1843. When nine years of age his parents emigrated to America, locating in Jeffer- son Co., Wis., where he worked at the carpenter trade. When fifteen years of age, he left home and commenced work on a farm. He followed farming for about four years. In 1862 he enlisted in com- pany K, 3d regiment, Wisconsin Cavalry. He served until the close of the war, when he returned to his home in Wisconsin. He commenced farming again. Inthe spring of 1866, he came to Iowa, locating near Fort Dodge. In a short time he came up to Kossuth county, locating in Irvington township. He worked for Samuel Reed, one and a half years. He purchased 175 acres of land in Irvington township, (now called Luverne township) section 31. He then went back to Wisconsin, and worked in the pineries, near Wolf river, for one winter. From there he went to Illinois, where he farmed for a year. Then he went back to Wisconsin, locating in Jef- ferson county. He remained in Wiscon- sin until 1873, when he came back to Kos- suth Co., Iowa, and settled on his farm in Iuverne township. Mr. Zoelle was mar- ried, in 1870, to Mary L. Friday, of Jeffer- son Co., Wis. Mrs. Zoelle is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is independent in politics. Mr. Zoelle deals considerably in live stock. These seem to be all the settlers, until the building up of the embryo city of Luverne, a sketch of which is herewith given, taken mainly from the columns of that sprightly little sheet, the Levievw, published at the village in question: “Luverne is a thriving young town of nearly 400 inhabitants and is situated at the junction of the Minneapolis & St. Louis, and the Toledo branch of the Chicago & Northwestern Railways. Itis not a station on either of these roads, but is situated between Vernon station, on the M. & St. L., and Whitman, onthe C. &N. W. R. R. i i | 508 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. “Luverne has had an almost unparal- leled growth among the towns of Iowa. When the Minneapolis & St. Louis Rail- way ran through this section of the coun- try, no town was laid out between Cor- with and Livermore, but in the fall when the Chicago & Northwestern Company ‘were building their road through here, the officials of the former road, saw it was necessary to survey a town near the cross- ing. Accordingly they laid outa town on the farm of L. D. Lovell, across the line in Humboldt county, who was offered a reasonable amount for the plat, ora half interest in the same. He chose the latter and was appointed sale proprietor of the lots in the town, which was named Vernon. In October, 1880, Messrs. George W. Hanna and B. B. Bliss came to Vernon with the intention of buying a lot and erecting a building in which to carry ona general mercantile business, but not being suited with the location and lay-out of the streets, they bought fifteen acres of land of Valentine Zoelle, and on October 20, had it surveyed and platted. The sale of lots was slow at first, as the competing town, Vernon, had gained quite a_busi- ness. Butthese gentlemen were deter- mined to succeed, and immediately began the erection of their present building on the corner, where they opened their store for business on the 15th day of Decem- ber following. They treated all incomers with liberality, and soon created agreater demand for lots in Luverne than they had in Vernon. Lots were sold at reasonable prices, ranging from $50 to $75 according to location. The town was given the name of Luverne, by ex-Governor Carpen- ter. “Although the town of Vernon was laid out several months previous to tbe pur- chase of the land for this town site, the postoffice was established at Luverne about three months after the town was started, and George W. Hanna was appointed postmaster, who now holds the ofiice. “The second business building was the one now occupied by 8. Pearson, for his drug store, and was built by Dr. Dunlap about a month after Hanna & Bliss began business. W. J. McNally, of Cedar Falls, erected the third building, which is now occupied by C.F. Fisher for his store. Other buildings were added at .short in- tervals apart. | “In April, 1882, Valentine Zoelle made an addition to the town on the north and has sold several lots.” The following historical account of the business development of the village may not be without interest in this connection. As has been mentioned, the first build- ing erected upon the present town site was put up by Hanna & Bliss, in Decem- ber, 1880, and in which they carry a large stock of general merchandise, principally dry goods. This firm, although composed of young men, has a reputation not con- fined to the town and township, but of wider range, of being wide-awake, up- right, business men. They are doing an extensive business, as the reward for their enterprise and business tact. The next mercantile pursuit opened, was the drug store of Dr. Dunlap, who came here in the early part of 1881, from Delaware county. In August, of the same year, he disposed of it to Samuel Pearson, a farmer of Humboldt county, who placed it in the hands of A. J. McLean, a native A ro” — HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. / 509 of Illinois, who ran it until the day of his death, in July, 1883. His widow, Mrs. McLean, has charge at present. About the same time a general mer- chandise store was opened by W. G. Mc- Nally. C. E. Fisher came from Geneseo, III., to this place in September, 188i, and also established a store for the sale of general merchandise. In July, 1883, he closed out the entire stock and quit business, although he still resides in the village. G. C. Burtis established the pioneer lumber yard at Luverne. In March, 1881, he had delivered to him the first car load of lumber, and from that time he has always taken the lead in this line. He formerly sold hoes, spades, forks and other farming implements in connection with his lumber yard, but has given that up in order to devote his whole attention to his specialty in building materials. He carries quite a large stock of hard and pine lumber, sash, doors, lime, brick, ete. He has also the agency for the most ap- proved modern farming machinery, and being a wide awake, enterprising business man, does a large and profitable business. Gaylord C. Burtis, son of John and Lu- cina Burtis, was bora at White’s Corners, Potter Co., Penn., May 29, 1847. When fifteen years of age his parents removed to Kalamazoo, Mich., where his father purchased a farm. They lived there three years, when they came to Iowa, lo- cating in Irvington township, Kossuth county, where his father bought 160 acres of land near Algona. Mr. Burtis, the subject of this sketch, received a good education. In 1866 he commenced teach- ing school, and has taught eighteen terms in this county. About 1868 he bought - 160 acres of land on section 31, Irvington township. In 1878 he sold out and bought eighty acres on section 23, same township, where he lived until 1881, when he re- moved to Luverne, being one of the first settlers in the town. He retains his old farm, also owns eighty acres on section 25, and 160 acres on section 26, same township. He has eighty acres of land in Humboldt county, an eighty acre tree claim in Irvington township, and six acres of timber in same township. He also owns considerable property in Luverne. When he came to Luverne he engaged in the lumber business, which business he is engaged in at present. In 1872 he was married to Martha E. Reed, daughter of Samuel and Fay Reed, of Irvington town- ship, this county. They have one child— Cole C. Mr. Burtis is a republican. The meat market was established in July, 1882, by John Oscarscheler, a native of the German Empire, and is under his control at the present. L. D. Lovell, who came to Luverne, from Livermore, Humboldt county, estab- lished the first harness shop, in 1881. He shortly afterwards bought vut the stock of groceries owned by M. B. Luchsinger, and ran the business in connection. In June, 1883, he disposed of the harness making part. of his establishment to Thomas Daughton, and is devoting his entire energies to the grocery and provis- ion branch. D. Park is engaged in the lumber and building material trade. He commenced the business in May, 1881, and carries a good stock of all.kinds of lumber, brick, lime, paints, sash, door, and all the various L == Fr ae 4 ’ merchandise business. 510 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. commodities in use by the architect and builder. A coal yard is also run in con- nection. S. Finley also established a general store in August, 1881, and divides the trade in that line with his competitors in trade. : The hardware business is in the hands of Hanna Brothers, who commenced ope- rations in October, 1881. The general merchandise establishment of Wartman Brothers commenced opera- tions in November, 1882, with 8.8. and C. H. Wartman at the helm. These gentle- men came-from Indiana, and carry most excellent stocks in the various lines rep- resented. Dry goods, boots, shoes, hats, caps, groceries and notions, are disposed of by them in large quantities and their trade is increasing fast. Mrs. 8. 8. Wart- man has a most excellent and complete stock of millinery goods, which she runs in connection with the store. S. S. Wartman was born April 8,1835, in: western Canada, where he lived until 1865, being engaged since 1851 in a general Three years pre- vious to his coming to the States, he pur- chased a tannery in Yarker, Canada. Af- ter coming west, he located in Illinois, and lived there two years, when he moved to Newton Co., Ind., engaging in farming, and raising stock. In 1880, he came to Towa, locating in Vernon, Humboldt coun- ty, where he rented afarm. In February, 1882, he came to Luverne, and engaged in the grocery and shoe business, afterwards purchasing a store building, and forming a partnership with his brother, OC. H. Wartman, engaged in the general mer- chandise. Mr. Wartman was married Dec. 25, 1861, to Maggie Claney, of Can- ada. They have had five children, of whom four are living—Minnie E., Luella B., Susan E. and Frank A. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a successful business man, one well liked by his neigh- bors, who speak his highest praises. In politics, he is a republican. Werner Eggerth, a contractor and builder, controls the furniture business which he established in 1881. The Godfrey House, owned and operated by W. H. Godfrey, is the only first class hotel. It stands just across the line in Humboldt county, but is a part and parcel of the business interests of Luverne. This house was erected in May, 1881, by W. J. Godfrey, father of the present proprietor, who, however, died on the 4th of October, 1882, when it passed into the hands of the son. The Luverne House, restaurant, was established by F. D. Williams in March, 1883, and already enjoys a good patronage. The first blacksmith shop was built in 1881, and was the second building in Lu- verne. This was put up by Fred Legler. J. M. Preston is also engaged in the business of blacksmithing, having opened a forge for the purpose in 1881. Mrs. Barbara Patton, a native of Ohio, has, also, a good stock of millinery, and has a large amount of patronage from the ladies of the neighborhood. F. C. Needham, of Wesley, started a creamery in Luverne inthe spring of 1882. In about a year he left and now is at Ren- wick, Humboldt county. The Luverne school house, which is the only one in the township, is a beautiful Cn a ~ se pie = 5s HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 511 building and was erected in 1882, at an expense of $1,400; it is 28x44 feet, and one story high. Alice Daggett was the first teacher and Bessie Fisher the present. The first birth in the township was a son of Joseph Walker, born in 1874. The first marriage in the town of Lu- verne, took place upon the 26th of July, 1882, and was between Ida Root, of Hum- boldt county, and Andrew J. McLean. The first death was that of the wife of Rufus Gage, who died in December, 1881. The remains were taken to Jackson county for burial. The first school was taught by Mrs. Martha E. Burtis, in the building now used ag a saloon, on DeWitt street. This was in the early winter of 1881. Luverne is situated in the southeastern part of Kossuth county and borders on the Humboldt county line.~It is just across the line and alittle to the east of Vernon; about six miles northeast of Livermore, and nine miles southwest of Corwith sta- tion on the Minneapolis & St. Louis rail- road. About eight and one half miles southeast of Irvington; about the same distance from Renwick, northwest, and forty rods south of the Whitman depot, all stations on the Chicago & Northwest- ern. It will no doubt, some day absorb what is now known as Vernon and Whit- man, and be known as Luverne on both lines of railroad. Luverne township was organized Sept. 4, 1882, and the first election was held in the following October at the school house in the village. The following named were elected to fill the respective offices: John Kingery, G. C. Burtis and R. W. Hanna, trustees; C. E. Fisher, clerk; M. Luchsinger, assessor; 8. Finley and F. C. Needham, justices; 8. Godfrey and Wil- liam Futterer, constables; Valentine Zoelle, road supervisor. At the present the officers are: OC. EK. Fisher, clerk; L. D. Lovell, assessor; John Kingery, R. W. Hanna and V. Zoelle, trustees; J. C. Ray- mond, justice; H. E. Olmstead and F. H. Patton, constables; and John Kingery, road supervisor. Levi P. Crandall, son of Capt. George and Maria Crandall, was born May 10, 1847, in Pierpont, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. When twenty-one years of age, he went to Wyoming Territory, and pur- chased an interest ina gold mine. After remaining in the territory four years he returned to New York, and immediately came west to Iowa, locating in Osceola, where he commenced railroading. After living in Osceola three years, he went to Minnesota, locating in Minneapolis, where he learned telegraphy. He lived in Min- neapolis six years, during which time he worked a year and a half for a street car company, and then went to work for the St. Paul & Milwaukee railroad, remaining with them two and a half years. After this he commenced to work for the Min- neapolis & St. Louis railroad, coming to Luverne in 1880, and taking charge of the new station, just built, called Vernon station. Here he acted as operater, ex- press agent, station agent, freight agent, etc., for about three years. In 1869 Mr. Crandall married Edna P. Cox, of Ells- worth, N. Y. They have three children— _Henry B., Elmer G. and Gertie J. In 1863 he enlisted in company A, 17th New York Artillery, and participated in eight general engagements. He was wounded = ear meee Y 512 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. at Cold Harbor, June 4, 1864, being hit in the forehead by a ball, leaving a scar. Being unable to join his regiment he was honorably discharged and returned home, and for two years was unable to do any work on account of the wound. In poli- tics he is a republican. Whitman station, or depot, was built in September, 1881, by the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company, and is at the junction of this road with the Min- neapolis & St. Louis road. ‘The first agent appointed to this point was E. A. Adams, who was succeeded by Fred Babcock, and he by 8S. D. Drake, the present incumbent. Rev. Richard Paul Budach, the present pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran | Church, of Whitman, Kossuth Co., Iowa, was born in Guben, Prussia, July 31, 1860, and is the son of J. G. and Anna E. Budach, natives of Prussia. He came with his parents to America in 1866. They settled in Chicago, where they now reside. The subject of this sketch, at the age of fourteen years, entered the University of Fort Wayne, Ind., and remained six years. In 1879 he entered the theological semi- nary at Springfield, Il].,to prepare for the ministry. He was ordained a minister of the gospel, Nov. 18, 1883, and soon after assumed the charge of his present Church. His congregation consists of about thirty families, who erected, in the fall of 1888, a neat and comfortable parsonage, which. he at present occupies. The lot upon which it stands was donated to the Church by the Northwestern Railroad Company. His congregation intends to erect a house of worship during the present year. He was married Jan. 18, 1884, to Helena Pil- grim, daughter of William and Wilhel- mina Pilgrim, of Chicago, Ill. She was born in Chicago, Sept. 6, 1863. Mr. Bu- dach votes the democratic ticket. CHAPLEP ER * XII T. PORTLAND TOWNSHIP. The sub-division of Kossuth county which bears the name of Portland, con- tains all of congressional townships 96 and 97, range 28, and the four western tiers of sections in townships 98, 99 and 1u0, range 28. It is bounded on the north by the State of Minnesota, on the east by the townships of Wesley and Ramsey, on the south by Irvington township, and =e west by Algona, Burt and Greenwood townships. Some of the finest portions of the county are included in its limits. Early settlers made claims within the boundaries of this township in the first years of the county’s existence, and the lower part of the township is well peopled with as good a class of citizens as is to be found anywhere. aly = aS ° HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 513 The honor of being the pioneers of this township belongs to two among the earliest settlers in the county. In the win- ter of 1854-5 Robert Parrott and Lyman Craw took up claims in what is now Port- land. Mr. Parrott, who was one of na- ture’s noblemen, an American, from Har- din county, located upon the northwest quarter of section 30, but shortly after- ward sold out his claim and returned to his old home in Hardin county. Lyman Craw located upon the northwest quarter of section 20. Next to make a settlement was Henry Lindner, a native of Indiana, who laid claim to the land on section 8 at the mouth of the creek now called after him. Henry Hauzerman made a settlement in 1856. He was a miserly, penurious man, hard-working and industrious, and honesty itself. During the hard winter of 1856-7 he had the misfortune to freeze his feet, and he managed to get to the cabin of one of the settlers, where he at- tempted to thaw them out. A difference of opinion at once: arose, he contending for hot water, they for cold, but being an obstinate German, he prevailed, and when he put them into the hot water the out- side thawed faster than the inner portion of the flésh, and they burst open. In this condition he managed to crawl to the de- serted cabin on the Parrott place, and re- fusing to have a physician or nurse (for that would cost money), tried to cure him- self. The settlers, large-hearted, as pio- neers ever are, would not let him suffer more than necessary, and were in the habit of going over to see him and help- ing him. He finally recovered so as to be around, but he was lamed for life. He is now a resident of Cresco township. The next settler in this locality was An- drew L. Seely, who came to Kossuth county in 1855, and settled in Portland township in 1857, where he still resides. Andrew L. Seely was born Dee. 15, 1829, in Columbia Co., Penn. When four months old his father died, leaving twelve children. When six or eight months old | his mother removed to Lower Sandusky, from there to Richland Co., Ohio, where she died. Andrew was now nine years old, and went to live with Mr. Sweet, his wife being a cousin. At the end of six or seven months he went back to Rich- land county to live with his sister; was afterwards bound to John Sidell till four- teen years of age, but at the end of one year Mr. Sidell left him and went to Penn- sylvania. He then went to live with Mr. Hulsopple, and remained with him till fourteen, he promising to give him three months schooling and board and clothes. After this he worked for Mr. Hulsopple six months at $2.50 a month. He now went to Plymouth and served an appren- ticeship of five years as tailor with P. F. Burgoyne. Taking a trip to the southern part of Ohio, near Columbus, he went back to Plymouth, worked through the winter till spring, then went to. visit his brothers in Illinois. Going to Freeport, he worked six months for Mr. Cannon, visited his brothers in the country some time, then went to Cedar Rapids and opened a tailor shop of his own. In 1855 he left there and came to Kossuth county, settling on Black Cat creek and building a cabin at mouth of the creek, on W. H. Ingham’s land, into which he moved Feb- r a or Zz —V—. it 514 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. ruary 17. In the fall of 1856 Mr. Ingham sold out and bought another claim. Mr. Seely moved with him, and staid with him till 1857, In the spring of 1855 Mr. Seely made a claim, joining the old town site, where the Northwestern depot and the Stacy farm are, which tract he sold for $450, and afterwards made a claim on Black Cat, on section 10 and section 15, half section. Here he partly built a cabin, sold out, removed and took a quarter sec- tion claim on Des Moines river, held it two or three years, entered it, built a cabin and lived on it six months. He was married May 30, 1861, to Alice E. Benschoter, born in Erie Co., Ohio. Mr. Seely took a homestead, joining his squat-. ter’s claim, built a log cabin, and moved in Noy, 21, 1864, living there till 1880, when he erected a new frame house, which he still occupies. It is situated on section 17, he owning eighty acres on the north- east quarter of this section, and also owns 241 acres on section 8. The Upper Des Moines and Plum creek run through his farm. When Mr. Seely first came here with Mr. Ingham, they were very early pioneers, and spent their time trapping, and prospecting for better locations. Hav- ing killed a buffalo, and run 100 buffaloes into the creek, they named it Buffalo Fork. They also named Lindner’s creek, and Plum creek, on account of the quan- tities of plums found here; also named Black Cat creek, that being a favorite creek of Mr. Ingham’s in northern New York. In early days they traveled around visiting, with two yoke of cattle hitched to one wagon. Mr. Seely has five chil- dren—Grant C., Emma C., Nettie E., James C. and Minnie H. He has been school director. In politics he is neutral. Abram Hill came into the township in 1857, purchased the claim of Hauzerman, and settled down to open upa farm. Here he resided until his death, in 1872 or 1873. Edward Moll, also a settler of 1857, died while a resident of his place. The Wheelock brothers, during 1857, made a claim, or claims, on the southwest quarter of section 26. very long but Jeft the country and have been lost sight of. Joseph W. Moore now appeared upon the scene and taking up claims and pur- chasing others made quite a respectable place. Mr. Moore wasa man of excellent education, and fitted to shine in every society, but his wife being opposed to frontier life, he sold out and went back east, and now lives in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he has attained a goodly share of wealth. Dr. Amos 8. Collins was another of the hardy argonauts of 1857. William Wilson was another pioneer of the year 1857. He, however, soon sold out and went to Black Hawk county,where he is living at present—one of the wealthy farmers of that section of country. Jacob Altwegg made a claim in Port- land, in 1858, where he died. Jacob Altwegg is a native of Switzer- land, born near Constance, March 4, 1886. He received his education in Constance. When twenty years of age, he came to the United States, and procured employ- ment as book-keeper in a machine shop in Philadelphia, Penn. He remained with this company one year, then went to Port Clinton, where he lived two or three months. He then spent one month in Del- aware Co., Iowa, and in 1858 came to Kos- They did not stay — : aaa fe HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. suth Co., Iowa, pre-empting land on the _ northwest quarter of section 15, township 96, range 28. He has sixty acres under cultivation. Mr. Altwegg was married, Nov. 1, 1864, to Jennie, daughter of Alex- ander and Rosetta Brown. They have six children—Louisa V., Anna R., John A., Mabel E., William H. and Ruth M. Mr. Altwegg is a republican. He is a member of the Dutch Reform Church. Next, George and Willis Brown made their appearance, in 1858, and taking up claims, prepared to stay. But like others they soon tired of it and pulled up and: left the county never to be heard of more. Jerome Bleakman settled on section 8, during the year 1858. He was originally from Fulton ©o., N. Y., and is engaged at present in getting out lumber for pianos in Ohio. Jonathan Calender also settled in the township in 1858, as did William , Ing- ham. William B. Carey moved from Algona township into Portland about the same time. In the beginning of 1859 James Eg- gers and his son-in-law, Hurlburt Lake, moved on to a claim owned by them in Portland township, on section 19. Mr. Eggers had come to this county .with a stock of goods, but with too large ideas. He dealt on too large a scale for a new country, and consequently went to pieces. He staid on this farm but a short time, when he started for the mountains, where he wandered around in search of wealth, and finally died of the small-pox some where in Colorado, not very long ago. Mr. Lake is now living in Oregon. The first marriage in the township, united the destinies of Andrew L. Seely and Alice Benschoter, on the 30th of May, 1861. The first birth was that of Harvey Ing- ham, now the senior editor of the Upper Des Moines, which occurred on the 8th of September, 1858. The first death was a son of William B. Carey, who was accidentally killed by a gun shot, while hunting in the fall of 1862. He was crawling through the grass, pulling his gun after him when the hammer catching in some weeds, exploded the charge which killed him instantly. Since the two items above were written, it has been determined that the following is the first birth and death occurring in Portland township: The first birth was a child by name of Lake. The first death was that of a person named Roberts. . The first ground was broken by Lyman Craw, on the northwest quarter of section 20, in the spring of 1855. Mr. Craw also planted the first corn on the sod the same spring. The first wheat was sown by William H. Ingham, in the spring of 1858. The first preaching was by James Eg- gers, who would take a text and expound the Word, if he never was ordained. This was in the -fall of 1859, in his own house, on section 19. = The first sermon by a regularly or- dained or commissioned minister, was de- livered by the Rev. Chauncey Taylor, at the residence of J. Dunton, on section 17, in the spring of 1864. , Seay [% a al \ en 18 ae a 516 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. The first frame house was built by James Eggers, in 1859. Mr. Ingham put up the second but a short time behind him. The first postmaster in Portland town- ship was W. H. Ingham, now of Algona. The first school house was built in 1859 or 1860, on section 30, but the name of the teacher has perished ‘neath the weight of years. The postoffice in Portland was estab- lished in 1859, with W. H. Ingham as postmaster. It was then removed to sec- tion 11, and Sylvanus Ricard made cus- todian of the mail. He was succeeded by Edward Moll, E. Tallman and John Cha- pin, the present incumbent. The cemetery of Portland was laid out on section 21, township 97, range 28, in February, 1880, by a private corporation, and contains five acres. This ismanaged chiefly by a board of directors of whom John Chapin is chairman. The officers of the association are: J. H. Grover, presi- dent; E. 8. Streeter, treasurer; R. E, Davison, secretary. Portland township was organized as a civil township Oct. 13, 1869, by resolution of the board of county supervisors, and the first election took place at the Rice school house on section 17, on the 11th of October, 1870. At that time the first officers of the township were chosen, and are as follows: George W. Paine, James Tolman and D. Rice, trustees ; Henry Smith, clerk; Edward 8. Streeter, assessor; John Chapin and A. 8. Gardner, justices. The first officers of the school board were elected at the same time and were: John W. Henry, president; R. E. Davison, secretary; D. Rice, treasurer. The present officers are the following named: Peter Ferguson, L. Hohn and John- Wood, trustees; Rodolph Jain, clerk; H.° Gilbert, assessor; W. B. Carey and John Chapin, justices; James Whalley, consta- ble. E. P. Keith, president of school board; Rodolph Jain, secretary; D. Rice, treasurer. The schools of Portland are in a most prosperous condition They are well attended and although there are eleven buildings they are all kept in most excel- lent repair. These structures are all frame and neatand tasty affairs. Schools were taught the last of 1883, by Mrs. Stoughton, Miss Sissen, Emma Seely, Thomas McDermott, Eva Jackson, Susie Gilbert, W. L. Nichols, Ida Swanson, Fan- nie Caulkens, Miss Fairbanks, Lizzie Hohn and Nellie Teeley. We are indebted to Andreas’ State Atlas of Iowa, for the facts in regard to the Indian fight which took place within. the limits of Portland township, on sec- tion 8. In 1854, when the settlers first viewed this ground, they found the sod strewn with the skeletons of men and horses. ‘These were all in a state of per- fect preservation, and the number and position of these silent witnesses of the dire affray verify the story here given. INDIAN FIGHT. “About six miles above Algona, on the west side of the river, in April, 1852, a conflict took place between the Musquaka band of the Sacs and Foxes and a band . of Sioux Indians. The incidents of the fight were given to the early white set- tlers by William Burgort, a trapper, who subsequently lived at Northwood, Worth — “+ Se Ts —— oe th} MISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 517 county. The Musquakas were under the leadership of a subordinate chief named Ko-Ko Wah, who went up with his party by way of Clear lake to what was then ‘neutral ground.’ At Clear lake they re- ceived information that the Sioux were encamped on the west side of the East Fork of the Des Moines river; Ko-Ko-wah, with sixty of his warrors, determined to attack them. They arrived in the night, and concealed themselves in the grove on the east side of the river about one mile above the Sioux encampment, where,unper- ceived, they learned the exact position of the enemy. “In the morning, after many of the Sioux warriors had gone away to hunt, Ko-Ko-wah and his men crossed over the river and attacked the Sioux, before they were prepared to make a successful resist ance. Jor a short time the conflict wa> desperate, but the advantage was all o: the side of the attacking party, and th: Sioux were completely vanyuished. Six- teen of them were killed, including som: of their women and children. A number of their horses were also killed, and a bo) fourteen years of age taken prisoner, The Musquakas lost four braves, among whom were Kear-Kurk and Pa-tiuk-a-py, both distinguished warriors. As the Mus- quakas rushed into the camp of the Sioux asquaw shot Pa-tak.a-py in the breast. He. started to run away, and the same squaw, at a distance of twenty rods, shot bim throngh the body with an arrow, when he fell and expired. But few of the Sioux made their escape, and all their dead were left on the ground unburied. The Musquakas hastily buried their own dead, and with their prisoner, returned as oe rapidly as possible to their home in Tama county, and when they arrived spent six or seven days and nights fortifying their village, and iu the meantime burned their young Sioux prisoner.” BIOGRAPHICAL. Among the most enterprising, live, wide-awake farmers of Kossuth county, are the following, who reside in Portland township. Oliver Benschoter was born Oct. 21,1816. In the latter part of 1817 his father removed to what is now Erie Co., Ohio, where he resided until death called him away to a better land. Oliver continued to live with his mother until 1833, when she too passed away into a better world. The subject of our sketch remained in Erie county until 1856, when he started west. He stopped in Delaware Co., Iowa, that winter, and in the spring of 1857 came to Kossuth county and located in Algona. He immediately started a black- smith shop, being the pioneer blacksmith of the county. He run his shop in Al- gona for several years. In 1861 he pre- empted the farm in Portland township, where he now lives, section 32, township 96, range 28. He has 160 acres of land, he also has twenty-four acres of timber on his place. He held the office of sheriff of Kossuth county from 1860 to 1866. In 1836 he was united in marriage with Martha Kemp, of Ohio. She was born in Vermont, in 1819. She died in 1859, leaving six children—William, Alice, Polly, George, Grant and Evaline. On Dec. 11, 1862, Mr. Benschoter was mar- ried to Sarah Crose, born in Indiana, June 30, 1841. By this union there were ten children—Frank, Nel and Nellie, twins, ~—sy a 518 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Jennie, Herbert, Olive,Louisa and George. One of Mr.- Benschoter’s sons enlisted during the War of the Rebellionand died at Little Rock, Ark., in 1863. Mr. Ben- schoter is a republican. He is truly a pioneer of Kossuth county, and is most highly respected by his fellow citizens and neighbors. John A. Millis, a native of Warren Co., N. Y., isa son of John and Louis (Holmes) Millis, born April 4,1823. When twenty- six years of age he removed to Sheboy- gan Co., Wis., and worked at the carpen- ter trade, which he had learned in Troy, N. Y. In 1858 he came to Kossuth county, locating in Algona, and worked at his trade for six years. He then pur- chased eighty acres of land on section 10, township 97, range 28, Portland town- ship. He also cwns eighty acres adjoin- ing this farm on the north. In 1874 he erected a nice house on his farm. He is engaged principally in stock raising. On the 9th of January, 1847, he was united in marriage to Elsie Vanzandt, of Al- bany Co., N. Y. They have had seven children, two of whom are living—My- ron .H., married and living in Algona, where he works at his trade, that of car- penter; Lilly, who lives with her parents. Mr. Millis is arepublican. They are mem- bers of the M. E. Church. Thomas Gilbride was born April 11, 1831, in Ireland. Coming to America in 1856, he landed at New York, and in 1857 went to Algona, Kossuth Co., Iowa, where he lived two years, and pre-empted the land where he is now living, on section 29, township 96, range 28, owning 320 cakes. If he made more cakes than he could use up at one time, the timber squirrels were so plenty, they would come in through the cracks, and steal the John- nie cakes left, eating them as they sat on the limbs of the trees clos¢ by. He then moved to DeKalb Co., Dl., and worked for money to make a start, there being no money at this time in northwestern Iowa. In 1865 he returned to Kossuth county and took possession of his claim, went to farming in earnest, and is now one of the successful farmers of the county. He makes a specialty of stock raising, and ‘takes his own stock to Chicago and Mil- waukee for market. He built him a cabin, and in 1869 married Ann Stokes, a native of Ireland. They have five children— Mamie, Libbie, William H. and James P., twins; and Aggie. Politically he is a re- publican. Rodolph Jain, son of Benjamin and — Anna Jain, was born July 3, 1841, near Lake Geneva, Switzerland. When he was six years old his parents came to America, landing in New York, and going from there to Jefferson Co., N. Y., where they lived seven years on a farm, They. then moved to Dane Co., Wis., making it their home ten years. From there Rodolph came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and settled, taking a homestead in 1864 and working for some time in its vicinity. He was married Jan. 1, 1866, to Alice Chapel. They have four children—Charles F., Emma L., Eva L. and Harry. In politics he is a republican, is now township clerk, also secretary of the board of directors, and takes some interest in county affairs. acres. For one year he kept house alone Moses L. Godden was born Feb. 26, 1843, 4 on section 19, making his own Johnnie | in Wiltsshire, England. Tis parents emi- l ea vely “We Bes sg HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 519 grated to America in 1852, settling in Will Co., Ill. They remained there about two years, when they removed to Iowa, locating in Monona, Clayton county. Af- ter remaining in the latter place twelve years, the subject of this sketch removed to Kossuth county, locating on the south- west quarter of section 6, township 96, range 28, then Algona township, now Portland, where he still resides. Mr. Godden was married, May 21, 1870, to Charlotte Hudson, a native of Ohio. They have six children—David, Carrie, Clark, Tda, Jacob and Charlotte. Mr. Godden is an enterprising young farmer and deals extensively in stock. Henry A. Smith, son of William H. and. Esther J. Smith, was born July 21, 1829, in Milford township, Knox Co., Ohio. He lived with his parents until Jan. 12, 1846, when he went to Pennsylvania, liv- ing two years in Crawford and Mercer counties, and learning the trade of a black- smith. He started home, and while at Wooster, Ohio, he enlisted in the 15th United States Infantry, and was sent im- mediately to Newport Barracks, Ky., to drill. The war with Mexico closing at this time his services were not needed, so he was discharged on Feb. 11, 1848, and arrived at his home on the 13th. He lived with his parents until Oct. 19, 1852, when he was married to Dorcas A., daugh- ter of David and Abigail L. Ash. He afterwards removed to Linn Co., Iowa ; remained there about one year, and re- moved to Dane Co., Wis., arriving there in April, 1855. He located in Primrose township, and lived there until May, 1861. He enlisted in the State service at Madi- son, Wis., and on June 11th, enlisted for three years, in company H, 2d regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was immediately sent to Washington, D. C. He participated in the battles of Black- burn’s Ford, July 18, 1861; Bul] Run, July 21,1861, and the battles of the Rappa- hannock, on Aug. 21 to 27, inclusive, in 1862. Having contracted granulation of the eyelids, he was unfitted for active field duty, and was detailed on light duty un- til he received his discharge, June 14, 1864. He arrived home on the 2d of July, remaining only a few days, when he came to Iowa to look upa location. In August, 1864, he entered asa homestead, the north- east quarter of section 27, township 97, range 28, Portland township. He imme- diately removed his family to their new home and where they have since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three children —William H., married and living in Hum- boldt, Iowa; Walter H. and Esther O. Mr. Smith was a democrat before the war, was a republican after the war, and is now a greenbacker. He has been famember of the Grange ever since its organization in Portland township. Mr. Smith draws a pension of $30 per month. He has served four terms as township clerk, and one term as assessor. While living in Wisconsin, ke was a member of the Free Will Baptist Church, but has not identified himself with any Church since coming to Iowa. Daniel Rice was born Oct. 25, 1837, in Tlerkimer Co., N. Y., where he lived until 1857, and then started for California in June, by way of the Isthmus, being four weeks on the journey. He remained in California six years, farming and lum- bering, then returned by the same route hfe or = nY4 520 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. to New York, and stayed one year at home. In January, 1864, he came west, settling on section 20, township 96, range 28, where he has since lived, owning 155 acres of fine land, raising grain and caring for all kinds of stock. Mr. Rice was county supervisor ten years, and is now township treasurer. He was married Sept. 19, 1863, to Sylvania Griffin, born in Herkimer Co., N. Y. They have five children—Clark, Lora, Forest, Minnie and | Caroline. In politics, he is a republican. Patrick Kain was born, in 1843, in Ire- land. At the age of twenty years he came to America, landing in New York. From there he went to Massachusetts, and re- mained a short time, then went to Phila- delphia, and worked for two years on a farm six miles from the city. He then removed to DeKalb Co., Ill., and after working six years for James Byers, he purchased a farm of his own, on which he lived one year. From 1862 to 1864 he was hired by the government as a laborer at $40 a month. In 1864 he came to Iowa, settling in Portland township, on section 14, township 96, range 2%, where he owns 675 acres of good land, well cultivated. He makes a specialty of raising, buying: and selling stock, from eighty to 100 head yearly. His residence is on section 14. Mr. Kain had the first pine shingles on his house ever used in the township. He built a house of native lumber, 14x22 feet, cut the logs, had them sawed into lumber, then went to Cedar Falls for shingles and sash with a yoke of cattle. In 1880 he added a fine two story frame to his home, 16x24 feet, so that he now has eight good rooms and is prepared to enjoy the fruits of his labor. Jn 1861 he married Ann Wall,.a native of Ireland. They have ten children—Thomas, Robert, Jobn, Mary, Patrick, James, Ann, William, Christo- pher and Martin. The family all belong to the Catholic Church in Algona. ‘Thomas Gallion is a native of Scotland, born near Edinburgh. When twenty years of age he came to America and en- gaged in the fur trade in the Hudson Bay Company for seven years. JJe then re- turncd to Scotland, remaining there one year; thence to Canada, where he followed farming ten yearsnear Montreal. In 1865 he removed to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and settled on section 36, township 96, range 28. In 1840 Mr. Gallion was united in marriage with Jane Reed, of Scotland. The result of this union was six children— Thomas, John, Margaret, James, William J. and Robert R. Thomas married Alva Sproat and lives in Illinois. Margaret married J. C. Sthall and lives in Columbia Co., Wis., near Lodi. James married Nettie Smith. The other children live at home with their mother. Mr. Gallion died in 1881, and is buried in Portland cemetery. William J. owns a threshing michine, which he has run for thirteen years in succession. He is a blacksmith by trade. George C. Allen was born near Plattes- burg, Clinton Co., N. Y., in 18382. When two years of age he went to La Salle Co., Ill., with his parents, Ethan Z. and Lydia S. Allen. His parents still reside in Freedom, La Salle county. He enlisted Aug. 5, 1862, in company G, 129th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was in the service three years and participated in the following battles: Resaca, New Hope Church, Lost Mountain, Pumpkin Tae — ale, “a a as HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 521 Vine Creek, Burnt, Hickory, Peach Tree Creek, ete. Ie was mustered out at Washington, DL. C., and returned to IIli- nois. Martha C. Larkin, of La Salle Co., Il. They have had ten children, seven of whom are living—Frank E., Nora M., Scott M., Grace L., George C., Milfred J. and Milton E. Mr. Allen is a republican, and has been school director of his dis- trict. Heis a Mason, and a member of Blue Lodge. He came to Kossuth county in 1865, settling on the north half of the northwest quarter, and the north half of the southwest quarter of section 36. He has 160 acres of land. C. S. Coffin was born March 29, 1834, in Herkimer Co., N. Y. When six years of age, he went with his parents to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where his father was engaged in farming. When nineteen years old, he came west, in company with an elder brother, W. D. Coffin, to Boone Co., lil. After he had lived there about three years, his father’s family came from St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., to Illinois. They then settled near Polo, Ogle Co. C.S. Coffin went to Denver, Col., in 1862, re- turning home to Polo, Ogle Co., Ill., after being absent about eighteen months. In 1865 he removed to Kossuth Co., Iowa, taking a homestead, one quarter on sec- tion 82, and one quarter on section 29, Portland township. He now owns eighty acres on the adjoining section, having 400 acres altogether. He makes stock raising a specialty. Mr. Coffin was married Nov. 30, 1864, to Aurilla E. Woodard, of Ogle Co., Ill. They have seven children— Artie M., Clara M., George H., Agnes L., Della 8., Clark S. andZellaL. Mr. Coffin Mr. Allen married July 3, 1854, |. is a republican, and was school director in district No. 5, Portland township, for a number of years. John Chapin, son of Thomas and Susan (Lee) Chapin, was born in Buffalo, Erie Co., N. Y., May 19, 1822. When six years of age he moved with his adopted parents, Francis and Abigail (Joslin) Wooley, to Crawford Co., Penn., where he remained engaged in farming till 1842, when at the age of twenty, Mr. Chapin went to St. Catharine’s, Lincoln Co., Canada West, where he was engaged in operating a lum- ber yard, the marble business, carpenter work and general collecting agency for dae . : . “different manufacturing companies, until 1857, when he moved to London, Canada West, engaged in collecting and selling agricultural implements, till the winter of 1860, when he removed, with his family, to Dubuque Co., Iowa, where he worked at carpenter work and farming, at Dyers- ville, for three years. Jan. 2, 1864, he enlisted in company C, 21st lowa Volun- teer Infantry; was mustered in at Du- buque, and served twenty months as a private in the Rebellion. Was mustered out at Houston, Texas, in August, 1865. Wasat the storming of Forts Spanish and Blakely. In the fall of 1865, he moved to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and settled on the southwest quarter of section 15, township 97, range 28. His oldest son occupied the southeast quarter of section 15, township 97, range 28. Both are homesteads and are in Portland township. He was mar- ried Aug. 27, 1848, to Rockcena M. Mc- Callister, of St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and daughter of Jesse and Polly (Mosier) McCallister, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Chapin have had seven children, six of oo > Y tle as] > 529 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. whom are living—Henry J., residing in Kossuth Co., Jowa; Albert J., living in Palo Alto Co., Towa; Mary, married to W. H. Smith, living in Humboldt, Iowa; Martha, her twin sister, is ateacher; Laure, wife of William R. Wolf, lives in Ban- croft, Iowa; Ida, resides at home. She is a fine singer and player. The girls are all good singers. Delia died in Canada, and is buried in St. Catharine’s. Mr. Chapin is a good citizen, and is interested in all the improvments of the township. Tle was elected justice of the. peace in 1872, and has continued in'the office to the present date. He has been a sub-director four years, and has been postmaster at ‘Buffalo Forks since 1874. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, belongs to the I. O. O. F., and has been a member of the Sons of Temperance and Good Templars. J. H. Grover was born in Joliet, II, July 27,1837. When four months old he went with his parents to Chicago, thence to Benton’s Port. They afterward moved to Iowaville, where his father died. Mr. Grover then went to Wisconsin and lived with a half brother, James McCloud, until fifteen years of age, then went to Illinois. He worked by the month for a short time in Vermilion county, after which he went to Paxton, where he resided a short time. He then’spent a short time in Columbia Co., Wis. He stayed in the Wisconsin pineries the next two winters, working in other localities in the summer. He then went back to Lodi, Columbia county, where he remained until the spring of 1861, when he enlisted in company H, 2d He went direct to Washington, D. C., serving in Virginia three years. He was with the Army of the Potomac in the battles of Bull Run, Wilderness, Gaines- ville and Chancellorsville. He was wounded at the first day’s fight at Bull Run and was laid up for five months. He was mustered out at Washington, went to Lodi, Wis., and remained until Oct. 11, 1864, then came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, stopping the first winter with Henr pping y Smith, in. Portland township. On Oct. 30, 1864, he took a homestead on the southeast quarter of section 26, built a log house, 16x16 feet, in which he lived until 1869, then built a frame house. In 1883 he erected a new house, two stories high, 18x24 feet and 20x32 feet, respectively, at a cost of $1,200. He now occupies this house. Mr. Grover has also a barn on his place, 36x42 feet, and the longest culti- vated grove in the county, comprising seventeen acres. He deals largely in cattle. He has also 520 acres of land ad- joining:his homestead. Mr. Grover was married Oct. 4, 1864, to Mary E. Stahl, of Lodi, Wis. They have five children— Louesa R., Clara C., William E., Myrtie M. and Raymond J.G. Mr. Grover isa republican, and has been township trustee. Benjamin Smith was born May 15, 1815, in Jefferson Co., Ohio. At three years of age he went to Holmes Co., Ohio, then to Coshocton Co., Ohio; lived there about seventeen years. From Coshoc- ton he went to Allen Co., Ind.; thence to Lagrange Co., Ind., staying two years; thence to Defiance Co., Ohio, where he lived eight years; thence to Lagrange Co., d Wisconsin Volunteers. He served three | Ind., where he was married to Jane M. months, then re-enlisted for three years. | Dod. He removed from that place to @ = = or _ fr fee fea sl HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 523 Grundy Co., Ill., where his wife died. He afterwards married a lady named Ann Duckmanton. He resided about seven- teen years in Illinois. He enlisted in August, 1862, in company C, 76th Illinois Infantry, and was mustered in at Kanka- kee. He was discharged for disability. In the spring of 1865 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, settling on section 8, on an eighty acre homestead. He now owns 200 acres of land, 160 of which is under cultivation. Mr. Smith rents his farm; being one of the solid men of the county, he takes life easy, enjoying himself to the fullest extent. Politically, he is a demo- crat. : Leonard Hohn was born Jan. 24, 1834, in Obenheim, Kreisworms, Germany. He came to America in 1854, landing in New York and going from there to Green Co., Wis., where he lived for two years, and was then married to Elizabeth A. Clark, Dec. 9, 1856. In 1865 he removed to Kossuth Co., Iowa, settling on section 16, township 96, range 28, Portland town- ship. After living there nine years, he sold to James Holman, and bought 165 acres on section 20, township 96, range 28, where he still lives and continues farm- ing, raising all kinds of grain ; also pays some attention to the raising of stock. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and belong to the Grange. They have four children living—Daniel W., Elizabeth C., John W. and George F. Mr. Hohn has held the offices of school director ‘and road supervisor, and is at present one of the township trustees. In politics he is a re- publican. e William P. Winter was born Nov. 6, 1822, in Bath, Maine. When twenty-one years of age he went to sea, trading in cotton, two years, between New Orleans and Liverpool. The next four years he spent coasting on the Gulf of Mexico, then went to California, where he busied himself seven years mining, and in the Redwood timber. In 1857 he went to Allamakee Co., Iowa, near Columbus, re- maining four years. He enlisted Sept. 30, 1861, in company B, 12th Iowa Vol- unteer Infantry, serving till the spring of - 1862. Atthe battle of Pittsburg Land- ing, he was captured, and-confined in ~ Macon prison, but released Oct. 17, 1862. He then went to St. Louis, taking part in the Vicksburg campaign, in W. ‘I. Sher- man’s 15th Corps, and was transferred to the 16th Corps, Smith’s Guerrillas, in the fall of 1863, being mustered in at Dubu- que, and mustered out Jan. 26, 1866, at Memphis. He received no wounds, but had many narrow escapes. Was corporal and sergeant during all his time of ser~ vice. In the spring of 1866 he came to Kossuth county, settling on the northeast quarter of section 6, township 97, range 28,and now owns 148 acres of land. He was married Nov. 17, 1866, to Mary A. Schenck, of Algona township. They had four children, three of whom are living— Alden H., Frances W. and Sarah Alice. In polities, he is a republican. Abbie A. Holman, widow of Charles T. Holman, was born in Windham Co., Vt., July 26, 1831. When twenty-three years of age, was married and removed 'to De Kalb Co., Ill., where she resided two years, then went to Rockford, Winnebago Co., Ill., and lived-there two years. She 9 ? ——. —— y <> 524 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. then resided eight years in Ogle Co., II, after which, in 1866, they came to Kos- guth Co., Iowa. They brought their goods in a wagon, driving one horse and camping out at night. They were twenty- one days on the road. Mr. and Mrs. Hol- man settled on section 20, township 96, range 28, Portland township, paying %5 per acre for their land, arriving in May. There being no house on the place, they camped out until fall, then lived in a part of Mr. Rice’s house until the spring of 1867, when they moved to their own place. Mr. Holman was a native of Vermont, born in 1830. He died Sept. 30, 1880. Mrs. Holman has four children—Zina L., George A., Fred H. and Rosie M. Alexander 8S. Gardner was born in Ot- sego Co., N. Y., Oct. 28, 1803. When eight years of age his parents moved to Herkimer Co., N. Y., where Mr. Gardner lived until 1866, being engaged in farm- ing. In April, 1866, he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and purchased 110 acres of land on section 19, township 96, range 28, Port- land township. He afterwards added fif- teen and a half acres to his possessions. IIe gave his son, R. M. Gardner, thirty acres, leaving ninety-five and a half acres on section 19, on which he resides, Mr. Gardner was married in 1828, to Phebe Talcott, born in New York. March 17, 1817. She subsequently died, and in July, 1847, he married Mrs. Ann Hunt, a native of Salisbury, Herkimer Co., N. Y. They have three children—Myndret W., Relly M. and Ida A. Mr. and Mrs. Gard- ner are members of the Universalist Church. Mr. Gardner has held the offices of school treasurer and justice of the peace. Albert H. Phillips was born April 2, 1837, in Rochester, Monroe Co., N. Y. When twenty-one years of age he went to Bureau Co., Ill. where he lived about one year; from there he went to Whiteside Co., Ill., where. he was married to Ellen A. Nicols Oct. 3, 1860. They have two cbhildren—Cyrus A: and Harry E. He en- listed Aug. 26, 1861, in the 34th Illinois Infantry and served until 1864, when he was veteranized, serving until July, 1865. He took part in the battles of Shiloh, Cor- inth, Claysville, Lavergne, Stone River, Liberty Gap, Missionary Ridge, Rocky Face, Resaca, Rome, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, siege of At- lanta and Jonesboro, besides .marching through Georgia, North and South Caro- olina, Averysboro, Bentonville, Goldsboro and Raleigh. He was never wounded or missed a single fight. He witnessed the grand review at Washington, D. C., and went from there to Chicago, II]., where he was mustered out. He then returned to Whiteside Co., IIl., where he followed farming for one year. He then thought he would try the northwest, coming to Kossuth county Sept. 23, 1866, and renting land for two years. In 1868 he took a homestead claim on section 34, township 96, range 28, where he built a cabin, and in 1879 built the house where he now lives. He owns 160 acres of good land. In politics he votes the greenback ticket. R. J. Hunt was born Oct. 23, 1837, in Wyoming Co., N. Y¥. When nineteen years old his parents moved to DeKalb Co. Ill., where he resided with them until 1861, with exception of one year. On Ang. 26, 1861, he enlisted and served two years and four months; then in : = iat 28s | satiate HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 525 December, 1863, he veteranized, serv- ing until July, 1845, when he was mus- tered out with his regiment, 34th Illinois Volunteer Infantry at Chicago, Il., hav- ing participated in the battles of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Claysville, Lavergne, Triune, Stone River, Liberty Gap, and Missionary Ridge, Tenn; Rome, Peach Tree Creek, siege of Atlanta, and Jones- boro, Ga.; march through Georgia and siege of Savannah, campaign of the Car- olinas, Averysboro, Bentonville, Gulds- boro and Raleigh, N. C., from there to Richmond, thence to Washington City; be- ing there at the grand army review, from which place he went to Parkersburg by way of Harper’s Ferry. Afterwards by river to Louisville, Ky. and from thence by rail to Chicago, Ill. After his discharge he re- turned to DeKalb Co., Ill, and purchased aherd of young cattle. In the spring of 1866 he drove his stock to Kossuth Co., Iowa, where he purchased 573 acres of land. His residence is on section 27, township 96, range 28. Mr. Hunt was married July 5, 1865, to Laura A. Steven-, born in Lake Co., Tl. They have four children—M. Elsie, Lewis A., S. Wilbur and Maggie A. He and his wife are mem- bers of the Congregational Church. In politics he is a republican and is a strong advocate of temperance. Hugh McDonald was born July 15, 1856, near Prospect, Butler Co., Penn. When he was one year old his parents went to IIli- inois, settling near Morris, in Livingstone county, where they lived ten years. In the fall of 1867, they came to Kossuth county, and settled on section 8, township 97, range 28. Hugh owns eighty acres on the north half of the northeast quarter .died March 3, 1880. of section 7, but lives with his widowed mother on section 8, his father having In 1883 he raised 5,000 bushels of grain, but intends to make stock raising a specialty. He was married, May 7, 1881, to Mary Alice God- den, of Burt township. They have one child, two years old—Hattie Maud. Mr. McDonald is a democrat. Jesse D. Davison, son of Daniel and Almira (Coon) Davison, was born in Kan- kakee. Co., Ill. He enlisted Aug. 17, 1861, in company H, 42d Illinois Infantry, and served three years, nine months and twelve days, being mustered in at Camp Douglas, Chicago, and discharged at Jef- ferson Barracks, Missouri, having taken part in the battles of Stone River, Chick- amauga, Mission Ridge, Resaca and Ken- esaw Mountain, where, on June 22, 1864, he received a wound in the right thigh, for which he draws a pension; he was also in the first boat of picked men who run the gauntlet at Island No. 10. After. his dis- charge, he went back to Illinois, where he lived until 1868, when he came to Kossuth county and settled on the east half of the southeast quarter of section 12, purchas- ing a homestead, six acres of which is in timber. He was married April 25, 1871, to Elizabeth Piercy, of Kossuth county They have five children—Elwin I.,Mary A., Edith E., Grace R.and Ethel J. Mr. Dav- ison is a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, his wife of the Baptist. In politics, he is a republican, and was con- stable four years. ’ John Lochtu was born June 15, 1844, in Dontheim, Norway. His father still lives in Norway, having never lived in any house but the one he now occupies, it be- o = Al 526 + HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. ing his home for eighty years. When twenty-two years of age, John started, on his birthday, for America, landed at Que. beck, and went from there to Red Wing, Minn., where he lived on a farm four years. He then came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, settling on section 32, southeast quarter as a homestead, and cultivates eighty acres. In the fall of 1870, he set out a nice grove of poplar, cottonwood and willow trees, but makes stock raising a specialty. He was married, Oct. 10, 1868, to Mary Pattengell, of Red Wing. They have -four children— Emma L., May, Frank E.and Alice M., all at home. When Mr. Lochtu came to Kossuth county, he had $40 in money, no house, but he went to work, and built a rough board shanty, liv- ing in ittwo years. Then the grasshoppers came, but he was compelled to build_a sod house to keep warm, many times gather- ing snow off the bed before Mrs. Lochtu could arise. The doctor’s bill the first winter was $40. They lived in the sod house five years. During this time there was no settlement north of them, to the State line. In 1877, he built the house where he now lives, and is in good, com- fortable circumstances. In politics, he is a republican. Methodist Episcopal Church, also belongs to the Good Templars. Grant Benschoter was born Nov. 12, 1849, in Erie Co., Ohio. When seven years old, he moved with his parents to Kossuth county, settling in Algona. His father, Oliver Benschoter, was the first blacksmith, and the only one, for a great many years in Algona. When seventeen years of age, he started out to work for himself, and bought eighty acres of land He is a member of the. on section 23, Portland township, where he makes a specialty of stock raising. He also rented land from 1873 to 1877, work- ing it for himself, but he now owns 240 acres of good land with a residence on section 23, township 96, range 28. He was married April 13, 1873, to Frances Ferguson, a native of Fulton Co., N. Y. They have three children—George, Eda and Edna. In polities he is a republican. William Ringstorf was born in Nassau, Germany, Oct. 7, 1836. When eighteen years of age he emigrated to the United States, residing in Chatham six months, and in Nassau, New York, for some time, after which he went to Columbia Co., Wis., where he resided two years, work- ing on a farm. He then’ went to Wal- worth Co., Wis., and in December, 1858, married Elizabeth Buffmier. Mr. and Mrs. Ringstorf now reside on the south half of the southeast quarter of section 36, township 97, range 28, which they took as a homestead in 1868. Mr. Ringstorf deals largely in stock and grain. His farm is provided with good substantial buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Ringstorf are members of the Lutheran Church. They have had six children, five of whom are living—John, Frederick, F. Thomas, Mary E.and Lizzie B. Mr. Ringstorf is a republican in politics. Elijah Caulkins was born in New Hamp- shire, July 24, 1836. He lived in the home of his birth until 1856, when he re- moved to Vernon Co., Wis. Heremained in that county until September, 1861, when he enlisted in the-1st Wisconsin Battery Light Artillery. He served until in October, 1864, when he was discharged. _ 2 He participated in the battles of Tazewell = hy de or we 4 aees|s HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 527 and Chickamauga, Tenn., Chickasaw Bluffs, Port Gibson, Champion Hills and siege of Vicksburg,Miss. He was at Arkan- sas Post, Jan. 11,1863. He was with Gen. Banks in the Red river expedition, thence to New Orleans, where he remained until discharged. He then returned to New Hampshire, where he lived until 1867, when he removed to Defiance Co., Ohio. In 1869 he removed to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and located on section 26, township 96, range 28, Portland township, where he now resides. He has 160 acres of good land, will improved. He was married in March, 1867, to Fannie Hoxey, born in Pennsylvania, Aug. 18, 1838. hey have six children—Ella May, Carl E., Ordell H., Harmon L., Estella and John W. Daniel Davison, a native of Canada, was born Feb. 9, 1885. He is a son of Daniel P. and Almira A. (Coon) Davison. The father is dead, being buried in Kan- kakee Co., Ill. The subject of this sketch lived in Canada one year, thence to Illi- noisin 1841, where he resided for twenty- eight years, working at different places. He then came to Kossuth county and set- tled on the southeast quarter of section 34, where he has eighty acres under cul- tivation. He has a magnificent grove of six acres on the premises, consisting of willow, cottonwood, elm, maple and ash, which, he set out himself. He also has a fine orchard of two acres. On Jan. 1, 1860, he was united in marriage with Catharine Hendricks,, of Kankakee Co., Ill. She is a daughter of Walter and An- na (Stutton) Hendricks. Her mother is dead, but her father lives in Illinois. This union has been blessed with eight chil- dren—Martha A., married to M. S. Allen; Hattie A., Charles H , John W.,Willie J., Luman A., Lydia L. and Bertha A. Mr. Davison is a republican. He has held the office of road supervisor, and made a- very efficient officer. Rasselas E. Davison was born Nov. 10, 1840, in Ohio. When one year old his parents removed to Illinois, settling in Momence, Kankakee county. He remained at home till twenty years of age, then went to Wisconsin and settled in Spring Creek, Sauk county. He enlisted April 9, 1861, in company H, 2d Wisconsin In- fantry, and served three years, taking part in the first and second battles of Bull Run, Gainesville, Fredericksburg and. South Mountain; was wounded at Antie- tam in the right shoulder by a musket ball; was also seven days in the battle of the Wilderness. After being discharged he went back to Momence, IIl., and on . February 1, re-enlisted in Chicago, in the 2d regiment, United States Veteran Vol- unteers, serving one year, stationed at Washington. After this he went to EI- mira, N. Y., and stayed till some time in the fall, then went to New Haven, Conn., and was discharged at Hartford,Conn. Mr. Davison has a beautiful floral photograph of a flag which was presented by the daughter of Capt. Calwell, of the 2d Wisconsin Volunteers, who was killed at the battle of South Mountain, to the sol- diers belonging to the Iron Brigade, of which he was a member. After his dis- charge he again went to Momence, and from there to Lodi, Columbia Co., Wis., where he was married, by Rev. Jesse D. Searles, to Almira A. Stahl. They have had nine children, seven of whom are living—Ida M., Edwin F., Ada A., Lela or a pia 528. HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. L., H. Glews, Sammy R. and J. Clark. | Eva H. and Othello are deceased. Mr. Davison is a greenbacker, aud has been township trustee and clerk of the school board. Calvin F. Kyes was born near Cleve- land, in Lorain Co., Ohio, Aug. 17, 1830. In 1844 he removed to McHenry Co., IIl., and in 1862 to Bremer Co., Iowa. He has always been a farmer, and at present is agent for the Kimball organ, which busi- ness he conducts in addition to farming. He owns the southeast quarter of section 35, Portland township, six acres of which isa fine grove. He has 3,000 evergreens set out on his place for timber and pro- tection. Mr. Kyes is a democrat politi- cally. He is also a Master Mason. He was married May 2, 1850, to Martha A. Smith, of McHenry Co., [ll. They have “one child—Wilson Alfonso. P. T. Ferguson was born in Broadalbin, Fulton Co., N. Y. When thirty-seven years of age he went to Cedar Falls, Iowa, and remained three years. He then came to Kossuth county, settling on section 9, south half of southeast quarter, where he still lives. He also owns one quarter on section 10, and eighty acres on section 11, besides five acres in grove. He cultivates 125 acres, but makes stock raising a specialty. He was married Feb. 26, 1854, to Emeline Dingman, of Fulton Co., N. Y. They have six children—Frances E., who married Grant -Benschoter, of Port- land township, Iowa; Alice A., James H., living in Algona; Melvin W., Adelbert, and Wilbur. Mr. Ferguson is now town- ship trustee, and has held the office some time. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. republican. In politics he is a John Gilbride is a native of Ireland, born in 1836. In 1856 he came to America, landing in New York. After living in Mercer Co., N. Y., two years, he removed to De Kalb Co., IIl., making his home there eleven years. In 1870 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, settling on section 32, township 96, range 28, where he now owns 200 acres of good land, well improved, raising grain of all kinds, and also being interested in stock. He was married June 8, 1878, to Anna Gurdett, a native of France. They have three chil- dren—Louis, Charles and Ester. Lemuel Stockwell, son of W. S. and S. A. (Tubbs) Stockwell, was born in Dela- ware Co., Ohio, Sept. 29, 1848. He lived in Delaware county until 1868, when he removed to Hancock Co., Iowa, locating in Amsterdam township. He remained there two years, when he came to Kos- suth county and located on the southeast quarter of section 29, township 97, range 28. Hehas 100 acres of land under cul- tivation, and is engaged in mixed farm- ing. In 1863 he enlisted in company D, 12th Ohio Cavalry, under Gen. Kilpatrick. He was assigned to Stoneman’s 23d Corps. He was mustered in at Cleveland and served almost three years. He par- ticipated in the battles of Murfreesboro, Missionary Ridge, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Kenesaw, Peach Tree Creek, Marietta and siege of Atlanta. Mr. Stock- well was wounded three times, but not seriously. He was united in marriage on the 10th of May, 1870, with Rosetta Robins, of Hancock Co., Iowa. He isa republican in politics. . a9 HISTORY OF KOsSUTH COUNTY. 529 Gotleb Bohn was born in the province . of Brombah, Germany, May 1, 1819. His father died when he was but achild. In 1858 Mr. Bohn emigrated to the United States, locating in Washington Co., Wis. He remained in that county until 1871, when he removed to Iowa, locating in Kossuth county, on the southwest quarter of section 8, Portland township. He has since added 160 acres to his possessions. In June, 1844, he was married to a daughter of Martin Hebunes. They have had twelve children—August, Julius, Augusta B., Gustavus, who died when a child; Henrietta M., who died during the voyage to this country; Paulina V. K., William L., Martha T., Bertha M., Clara M., who died when five years old; Her- man-K. G. and Edward J. Augusta B. married William Bohn, and lives in Clear Lake, Iowa. The oldest son is contrac- tor on the railroad; the rest are at home. The family are all members of the Lu- theran Church. Mr. Bohn is a democrat. Martin A. Owen, son of Alvah and Catharine (Christman) Owen, was born Feb. 2, 1838. His father is dead. His mother was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., and now lives at Whitehall, Trempealeau Co., Wis. When the subject of this sketch was three years old, he went to Sheboygan, Wis., remaining there one and a half years. He then went to Lowell, Dodge Co., Wis., remaining there thirty years. He then came to Kos- suth county, locating on section 4, town- ship 96, range 28, Portland township, where he now owns 120 acres of good land. Mr. Owen was united in marriage, Feb. 17, 1861, with Josephine Tuttle, daughter of Nathan and Jane Tuttle, of ‘Lowell, Dodge Co., Wis. This union has been blessed with two children—Lewie M. J. and Nettie V. Mr. Owen is a re- publican. He deals in live stock, and makes that his business as well as farm- ing. Hollis J. Gilbert was born in 1841, in Kane Co., Il]. When twelve years of age he removed to New Brunswick where he remained until he was fourteen, then went to the State of Maine. Going from there to Vermont, where he lived two years. He then removed to Monroe Co., Wis., and made it his home eleven years. In 1870 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, settling in Algona. After six years he removed on the place where he now lives, on section 29, township 96, range 28, where he owns 120 acres of well improved land, and carries on general farming. He is now township assessor. He was mar- ried Oct. 23, 1861, to Lucy J. Ensign, born in Canaan, Litchfield Co., Conn. They have six children—Susie, Ernest, Louisa, Laura, Lee and Clare. Mrs. Gilbert is a member of the Congregational Church. In politics, Mr. Gilbert is a republican. B. H. Winkie is a native of Germany, born March 19, 1855. When quite young he emigrated to America with his parents, locating in Dodge Co., Wis. In 1876, they removed tq Kossuth Co., Iowa, pur- chasing eighty acres of land on section 7, township 96, range 29, this township. In 1881 they removed to Algona, where they now reside. The subject of this sketch now owns and resides on the old homestead. On Dec. 25, 1881, he was married to Ida Potter, a native of Illinois, born Jan. 8, 1859. Mr. Winkie has sixty acres of land under cultivation. He is |— “ar a 530 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. now turning his attention to raising fine - stock. He one of the most enterprising young farmers in the county. He is a republican. Edgar P. Keith was born March 6, 1853, in Johnstown, Rock Co., Wis. In 1881 he came to Kossuth county, settling on sec- tion 9, owning the north half of the north- west quarter of section 9, and the south half of the southwest quarter of section 4. He also owns another quarter section adjacent, which he intends to make a stock farm, having already a good many Short Horn cattle, brought from Rock county. The Upper Des Moines crosses his farm; also, Lindner’s creek. He was married Dec. 25, 1873, to Louisa M. Wood. They have three children—Lyman Wood, Harry W. and Flora. Mr. Keith is sub- director of the 5th district, and president |- of the board. In politics, he is a repub- lican. Willie A. Chipman was born near Mo- mence, Kankakee Co., IIl., Sept. 18, 1845. He enlisted March 21, 1864, in company II, 42d Illinois Volunteer Infantry, being mustered in at Chicago. He participated in the following battles: Resaca, At- lanta, Springhill, Nashville, and also went into the New Orleans and Texas campaign. He was wounded in the side at the siege of Atlanta, but does not draw a pension. Discharged at Port Lavaca, Texas, Dec. 16, 1865, reaching his home in Illinois, Jan. 12, 1866. Mr. Chipman was married, Dec. 37, 1867, to Dorothea Davison, of Momence, Ill. They have had five chil- dren, three of whom are living—Myra M., Elmer O. and Chauncy B. They buried their two oldest near Momence, II]. In April,1881, Mr. Chipman, came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, bringing the best of all recom- mendations, an unsullied character, and a determination to make a home and friends in the grandest State inthe Union. Ile now owns the whole of the southeast quarter of section 25, township 97, range 28, Portland township. He gives special attention to stock and grain raising, and has forty acres under cultivation. Polit- ically he is a republican, and is now a sub- director of district No. 4, Portland town- ship. Mr. and Mrs. Chipman are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Be- ing class leader, Sunday school superin- tendent and trustee almost continuously. Ellis McWhorter was born Feb. 16, 1854, in Franklin Co., Ind. He is a son of Tyler and Rhoda (Ward) McWhorter. When two years old his parents moved to Whiteside Co., Ill., where they still re- side. His father is a practical and suc- cessful farmer and stock raiser. He has a well improved farm of over 500 acres, also 640 acres in Portland township, Kos- suth Co.. Iowa. Ellis McWhorter moved to Kossuth Co., Iowa, in March, 1883, where he bought 287 acres of land in Portland township. The Des Moines river crosses the southwest corner of his farm. One hundred acres is under culti- vation. He intends making stock raising a specialty. He is a republican, as his father has always been. <== Se 4 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 531 CHAPTER AALYV. PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. The territory known as congressional township 95 north, ranye 27 west, was taken from the townships of Wesley and Irvington, in 1882, and organized’ into a separate civil township under the name of Prairie. The election was held in Oc- tober, 1882, at what is known‘as the Pel- ton school house. At that time the first officers were chosen, and are at present yet in office. They are the following named gentlemen: John Taylor, Martin Rahm, Jr., and August Studer, trustees; Matthew Studer, clerk; David Arbuckle, assessor; A. J. Pelton and George Elfrich, justices; Joseph Rahm, constable. Prairie township is six miles syuare and contains 23,040 acres of most excellent land. The surface is rolling to a slight degree, and the soil a rich dark loam, sus- ceptible of high cultivation. It is well watered by Prairie creek, which rises in Wesley township and enters Prairie on the northeast quarter of section 4. Run- ning in a general southerly course, it intersects the entire township and on sec- tion 34 making a confluence with the small creek that rises on section 13, forms the West Fork of the Boone river. David Arbuckle was the first to locate in the township, settling upon the north- west quarter of section 30, in 1871. He is still a resident of this homestead that he has carved out for himself upon the prairies of Kossuth county. A Mr. Burdick also settled in Prairie township in 1871, locating upon the north half of the northeast quarter of section 30. After living here for some time he removed from the county, and his present whereabouts are unknown. The first school in the township was erected in 1876 on section 23. The second was built in 1883 on section In. It is a large, commodious edifice and cost $844. It was pnt up by George Mc- Rae, under contract, and is built in a thoroughly workmanlike manner, The first teacher was Justina Tumach. The school board is composed of John Taylor, George Elfrich and August Studer. School is also held for the present in two private dwellings, the law not allow- ing the directors to build a school house for less than fifteen pupils. The cemetery of Prairie township was purchased of Herman Studer, in 1882, for the sum of $24, and contains about one acre. Before this the people buried their dead on railroad land on section 19, but upon the location of the cemetery, which is upon section 17, it was deter. mined to remove all the bodies to this consecrated ground. This will be done in the near future. ‘The first interments er = 19 "lee 532 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. here were two Hungarian boys, whose bodies were brought from Algona, but whose names are unknown. The next were children of Meyers and L. Klein- peter. The only church in the township is lo- cated on section 17, and is of the Roman Catholic denomination. This is the Ben- edict Church of the Bavarian settlement. It was built under the supervision of Rev. Father Eberhard Gahr, in 1879, at a cost of $900, besides the large amount of gra- tuitous labor done thereon. The edifice, which is a fine one, is 20x36 feet, and is ornamented with a bell, that rings out the Angelus at noon and eventide, and calls the worshiper to the shrine of devotion. Before the erection of the church, ser- vices were held at the parsonage—a nice, comfortable house, which was built during the summer of 1878, at an expense of $675. The congregation includes some fifty or sixty families, and services, held every Sabbath, are always well attended. Rev. Eberbard Gabr, who is the present pastor of Benedict Church, in Prairie township, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Sept. 18, 1833. He was the son of George and Catharine Gahr, natives of Bavaria. Rev. Gahr commenced his studies for the the ministry, in 1846, at the gymnasium in Regensburg, and in 1854, after he had completed his studies, he came to Ameri- ca, and went to the Vincent Monastery in Westmoreland Co., Penn., where he re- mained two years. He then went to New- ark, N. J., where he remained almost three years, and in the fall of 1858 he re- © moved to Shakopee, Scott Co., Minn., where he took charge of his first Church in that place, and also had charge of all the Churches of faith in Scott, LeSueur and Sibley counties, besides east Minne- apolis and missions in Hennepin county, where he remained for five years. In 1864 he was sent to Castorville, Texas, to take charge of the Church there, and a number of missions in ‘the country. In 1869 he was called to Augusta, Bracken Co., Ky., and remained there until 1872, when he was removed to Ottawa, IIl., on account of poor-health in Kentucky. In the fall of 1877 he came to Prairie town- ship to look at lands; his object being to locate a colony, which he did the follow- ing spring, 1878. He built the parsonage, -and the year following, 1879, he built the church. The first service was held in the same, Aug. 15,1879. His congrega- tion numbers from fifty to sixty families. The first birth in the township was that of a child of M. Studer, born in 1882. The first death, that of a daughter of M. Studer, who died in 1882, and was buried in the cemetery attached to Ben- edict church. : The first marriage was that of August Germar and Francesco Foerstel, in 1879. HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. CA TER AAY 5 RAMSEY TOWNSHIP. This township lies in the extreme north- eastern portion of Kossuth county, and comprises all of congressional townships 99 and 100 north, range 27 west, all of township 98 north, range 27 west, except the nine sections in the southeast corner; also the two eastern tiers of sections in townships 98, 99 and 100 north, range 28 west. This gives it an area of 127 square miles, or 81,280 acres. The surface is rolling prairie and in some instances somewhat broken. The soil is the same rich, black loam that is found nearly everywhere in the county, and promises inexhaustible fertility. The Blue Earth river rises in the northern part of town- ship 98, range 27, on section 4, and run- ning ina general northwesterly course passes out of the township and county on the line between Ramsey and Portland townships. The southern part of the township is pretty well settled up, but in the northern half there is plenty of room for the incoming immigrant. The town- ship was named for Wayne Ramsey, the president of the First National Bank of Madison, Wis., who is the owner of large tracts of land in this precinct. The Chicago & Northwestern railroad crosses diagonally the northwest portion of the township, entering on the west line of section 26, and making its exit on the north line of section 7, both in town- ship 100, range 28. There is no station within the limits of Ramsey, the sparse- ness of the population not warranting it as yet. The first settler who came to Ramsey township and took up land with the in- tention of making a home was Norman Collar. On the 18th day of July, 1867, he arrived here from his old home in Grundy Co., Il., and located on the south- east quarter of section 24, township 98, range 28. He came all the way in his wagon, and with him were, besides his ownimmediate family, DeWitt and Emily, nephew and niece of Mrs, Collar. Al- though the party left Mendota on the 8th of May, it was, as has been said, the 13th. of July before they reached their future home in Kossuth county. After their arrival, as there was no house prepared for them, they were compelled to camp .in their wagon until the 25th of August, by which time a sod house was erected, and into which they moved. In this they re- sided until 1872, when Mr. Collar built a neat frame house, which he has since enlarged and added to. While they were living in the old sod house, travelers, landseekers, speculators and tourists gen- erally made it a point to stop with them when in their neighborhood. No point flim o_Y” - fy a— fp 534 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. in this section was so well known as the “Qld Sod Tavern,” as it was called. They sometimes realized quite a nice little sum from this accommodation of the traveling public, amounting to as high as $600 per year. Mr. Collar is still a resident of the original claim on which he first located. Norman Collar was the first settler of what is now Ramsey township, and is a prosperous and thriving farmer and stock raiser. He was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., April 16, 1838, and removed to St. Lawrence county in 1839. He is a son of Lyman and Eliza Jane Collar. His father was a native of Vermont and his mother of New York. In 1848 he went with his parents to Grundy OCo., IIL, where he remained and farmed until 1867, when he removed with his family to what is now Ramsey township, Kossuth Co., Jowa, and settied on section 24, where he now resides. Mr. Collar was married Feb. 14, 1861, to Almira, daughter of Edsel and Berintha Drake, natives of the Eastern States. Mrs. Collar was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., April 28, 1830. They have no children. They have bad living with them, ever since they came to Iowa, DeWitt and, until married, Emma Drake, nephew and niece of Mrs. Collar. De- Witt is still living with them. Emma was married April 16, 1871, to A. B. Johnsun, and now resides in Blooming Prairie, Minn. In politics Mr. Collar isa republican. On the 15th of July, 1867, Mr. Collar turned the first furrow that was ever plowed in the soil of Ramsey township. He, at this time, broke about seven acres, and the next spring put in his first crop. Caleb Pearce was the next to settle in this township, in 1869. He came here from Mendota, Ill., and settled upon sec- tion 19, township 99, range 27. Timber being wanting in this locality, he built for himself and family a sod house, in which In 1877, circumstances having improved with him, he erected a neat frame dwelling which is now occupied by his son, Frank. Mr. Pearce died in February, 188], his wife having preceded him by nearly a year. When Mr Pearce settled here his nearest neighbor was distant, seven miles, and he they lived for some seven years. had to go twenty-two miles to have his grist ground. He had two children— Frank, who lives on the old homestead, and Amelia, who is married to Alfred Bartlett, and who lives at Blue Earth City, Minn. Willet I*. Pearce, is the son of Caleb and Ann Pearce, one of the early settlers of Ramsey township. Mr. Pearce was born in New York city, Dec. 12,1854. At the age of four years, his parents removed to Mendota, Il]. In:1869 he came to Ram- sey township, Kossuth Co., Iowa, and set- tled on section 19. He owns 240 acres of land, has about 100 acres under cultiva- tion, and makes stock raising his pursuit. He was married to Mary, daughter of John and Eliza Wolfe, Jan. 9, 1877. Mrs. Pearce was born in Decorah, Winneshiek Co., Iowa. They have had three children —Edwin C., Lillie V. and George 8. Lil- lie V., is dead. Mrs. Pearce is a member of the M. E. Church. In politics, Mr. Pearce is a republican. Case Wiltse was the third settler in Ramsey township, locating here in 1871. In the spring of that year, he came to this —=— ae 4 ‘resides. at present. HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 535 vicinity and took up his land on section 30, township 98, range 27, and the same year had about twenty acres broke by _ Cunningham and Gray. In the fall of 1872, he brought his famly from Black Hawk Co., Iowa, into Kossuth county. Having no house built to receive them, he occupied a sod house in Wesley township, that belonged to 8. P. Hartshorn, all that fall and winter, but in the spring of 1873, having built a frame house on his own land, he moved his family into it. This house, in which he yet resides, was built by his own hands, he being a carpenter by trade. Case Wiltse, one of the first settlers of Ramsey township, is a son of James and Electa Wiltse, natives of Canada. He was born April 9, 1834, in the village of Farmersville, county of Leeds, Canada. At the age of nineteen, he learned the carpenter trade and followed it until the fall of 1860, when he came to the United States, locating in Shiawassee Co., Mich., where he worked at his trade until 1865, when he returned to Canada. In 1869 he remove to Black Hawk Co., Iowa, where he followed his trade and farming. In the fall of 1872, he removed with his fam- ily to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and settled on section 31, Ramsey township, where he Stock raising and farming is his main pursuit. He owns 160 acres of land, about ninety of which is under plow, and has good improve- ments on the same. He was married Jan. 21, 1856, to Elizabeth Steffens, daughter of Richard and Catharine Steffens, natives of Canada. She was born Dee. 25, 1840, in Canada. They have had nine children —Simeon J., Alborne H., Auna M., Charles C., J. Fravk, Effie E. and Glenn H. Laura A. and Guy E. are dead. Mr. Wiltse was formerly a member of Buffalo Grange Lodge, No. 94, organized in 1874. In pol- itics, he is a republican and strong abo- litionist. And he is a prohibitionist in every sense of the word. : Ramsey township was organized upon the 8d of June, 1879, and the first elec- tion was held at the school house, on sec- tion 13, township 98, range 28, in the fol- lowing October. A petition had been presented to the board of supervisors, the year previous, by P. G. Schneider, W. L. Green and J. Liesveld, asking that body to authorize the organization of the township, but the prayer was denied. At the first election, the following were among the officers chosen: Case Wiltse, clerk; J. G. Schneider, assessor; Case Wiltse, justice of the peace. The pres- ent officers are: D. A. Duitman, clerk ; P. G. Schneider, assessor; D. A. Duitman and Case Wiltse, justices; C. Duitman and J. Meinberg, constables. Ramsey township has four school houses. The one in district No. 1 was the first built, being erected during the year 1877. The first school in the town- ship was taught here by Silas Schenck, during the summer of the same year. The house is 18x28 feet in dimension and was built by Thomas Gallion, and cost $650, Mary Hoffman, of Dubuque, taught in 1883. School house in district No. 2 was erected in 1880, on section 12, by H.C. Kleist, at an expense of $600. The first teacher was Viola Mann; the present one, Hattie Chesley. A or aie | ~~ 536 aa HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. That in district No. 3 was built in 1881 by H. C. Kleist, and cost $600, and is a neat frame structure 16x24 feet. It stands on section 32, township 98,range27. The first teacher was Alice Ferguson. District No. 4 has a good school house located upon section 4, township 98, range 27, built during the year 1882, by Wil- lard Miles, and cost about $600. Louise Austin taught the first school here during the summer of 1883. The first preaching in the township was done by the Rev. J. Liesveld, during the year 1877. After him came Rev. A. Krebs in 1880, and who remained only one year, to be succeeded by Rev. F. Schmidt, the present pastor of the society. All these were of the Presbyterian de- nomination. Rev. Frederick Schmidt is a native of Prussia. He was born in Saar Bruecken, Rhine province, March 21, 1832, and is the son of Christian and Charlotte Schmidt. He lived with his parents until 1849, when he came to America. He .landed in New Orleans, after being forty- nine days in making the trip across the ocean. From there he took passage on a steamboat and went to Cincinnati, where he remained about six months ; thence to Platteville, Wis. In 1850 he went up into the pineries on the Menomonee river and staid there eight months. He then re- turned to Platteville and remained until 1857. While there he joined the Ger- man Congregational Church and after- wards joined the Old School Presbyterian. In 1854-5-6, he went through a the- ological course in Dubuque, Iowa. In 1857 he was licensed to preach. His first appointment was in Clayton City and Me- Gregor, Iowa, and Wyalusing, Wis. In 1858 he was sent to Lyons. In 1859 he went to Monroe and Beloit, Wis. In 1860 he was called to Muscatine, | Iowa, where he remained until 1865, when he went to Mt. Pleasant and Burlington, Iowa, where he remained until 1873. He then went to Riley Center, Kan., and re- mained there until the fall of 1882. He then came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and set- tled in the village of Ramsey. He preaches in three different places in Ram- sey township. As they have no church as yet, he holds service in school houses. He is now (1884) gathering funds to build a church, to be 28x40 feet in size, and cost about $1,200. His congregation numbers from eighteen to twenty fami- lies. Rev. Mr. Schmidt was married June 1, 1857, to Adrianna Vyverberg, a native of Holland, by Rev. A. Van Vliet. This union was blessed with nine children— Charlotte, Augustinus, August, Frederick T., Werner A., Calvin, Hannah, Sophia and William. Augustinus, August and William are dead. Charlotte is married to A. C. McCreary, and resides in Kansas. In politics Rev. Mr. Schmidt is a republi- can. ‘There are two cemeteries located in this township. The one on section 138, town- ship 98, range 27, was donated to the township by D. B. Hutchins, and contains some five acres of land. The first person buried therein was a child of William Kleint, in June, 1879. The second was A. Wagner, in 1880. The other cemetery is located on section 32, and was donated by Bernard Meyer, in the spring of 1882. It contains but one acre, now, but it will be enlarged as occa- ono ay sion requires. HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 537 It is surrounded by a good substantial board fence. At present there are but two bodies interred in this beauti- ful little “Gott’s acre,” one a child of A. Wagner, buried in November, 1882, and the other, John Feldman, buried in Sep- tember, 1883. The first land was broke on the 15th of July, 1867, by Norman Collar, on section 19. i The first house was one built of sod by Norman Collar, and finished Aug. 25, 1867. The first death was that of Albert, son of John C. and Eliza J. Wolfe, who died during the year 1873. The first marriage was between Frank Pearce and Mary E. Wolfe. Rev. Free- man Franklin performed the ceremony on the 9th of January, 1877. First frame dwelling house was built by Case Wiltse, in the spring of 1873, and in which he at present resides. The first child born in Ramsey town- ship was Effie, daughter of Case and Eliz- abeth Wiltse, the date of whose birth was March 1, 1874. The first school house was built in 1877, on section 13, township 98, range 28, and in this the first school was taught in the summer of that year by Silas Schenck. The small post village of* Ramsey is located upon section 14, township 98 north, range 28, and is the only village in the township. ‘Fhe postoftice, the blacksmith shop, and a few dwellings is all there is of it at present, but the future may bring it increase, and it grow to be quite a place. The country surrounding it is of the very best quality and is gradually filling up with an intelligent class of agriculturalists. The postoffice, which bears the same name as the village, was created in 1877, and P. G. Schneider commissioned the first postmaster. After holding this posi- tion for three years, he was succeeded by F. Esebrandt, who held it for two years. John Meinburg was the next incumbent of the office, until in the summer of 1883, B. F. Smith was appointed and is the present postmaster. This office is supplied with its mail by the stage from Algona, semi-weekly. James L. Payne, of that town, was the first mail carrier to this point in 1877, when the office was first established. B. F. Smith, the son of A. D. and Polly Smith, natives of New York, was born in Marquette Co., Wis., June 2, 1852, and lived with his parents until the fall of 1872, when he went into the pineries ar! worked there until the spring of 1875, when, with two friends, he made a trip by wagon through Minnesota and Dakota. In 1878 he went to Grand Rapids. Re- maining there six months, he removed to Colby, Wis., and in 1879 went to Wau- kesha Co., Wis. In 1880 he went to Durand, and in 1882 removed to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and settled in the village of Ramsey, where he now resides. He is the present postmaster, being appointed to that office July 12, 1883. Mr. Smith was married Dec. 2, 1878, to Catharine E. Jones, daughter of James and Eleanor Jones. Mrs. Smith was born Aug. 3, 1857, in Marquette Co., Wis. In politics he is a republican. Peter G. Schneider, one of the promi- nent farmers of Ramsey township, is the son of Peter and Catharine Schneider, natives of Germany. He was born in = Se =. ele 4 ~ Jee 538 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Galena, Jo Daviess Co., Ill., Dec. 7, 1851. At the age of fifteen years he learned the blacksmith trade with his stepfather, George Rittweger, who had a shop at Scales’ Mound, and with whom he re- mained until of age. In 1872 he opened a shop of his own in Scales’ Mound. In the spring of 1874 he was married, and removed to Malvern, Mills Co., Iowa, where he worked at his trade for three years. In 1877 he removed with his family to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and settled on section 13, Ramsey township. He has 200 acres of land on section 18, of which 160 acres are under cultivation. Mr. Schneider was married Nov. 9, 1873, to Johanna G., daughter of Rev. J. and Gesiena Leisveld, natives of Holland. Mrs. Schneider was born July 9, 1855, in Platteville, Grant Co., Wis. They have five children—Herman J., George A., Wil- liam L., Benjamin Peter and Lydia G. K. Mr. Schneider has held the office of town- ship assessor for five years, that of school treasurer two years, road supervisor three years, and school board one year. He was the first postmaster in Ramsey, and held that office for three years; has been a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge of Al- gona for over nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Schneider are members of the Presby- terian Church. He votes the repnblican ticket. ‘The first house in the village: of Ram- sey was erected in 1877, by W. L. Green. The first blacksmith shop in the village of Ramsey was built in 1877, by P. G. Schneider, who ran it for about four years, when he disposed of it to Martin School- man, who is the present representative of that business. David A. Duitman, is a prosperous and thriving farmer of Ramsey township. He is the son of Garret and Johanna Duit- man, natives of Holland. He was born Sept. 3, 1856, in Fond du Lac Co., Wis. He remained with his parents until twen- ty-two years of age, when he was married to Eva, daughter of John Henry and Eva D. Berning. Her father was a native Prussia; her mother of Holland.. Mrs. Duitman, was born April 1, 1857, in Fond du Lac Co., Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Duitman were married Feb. 24,1878. They have two children—Winnie E. and John Henry. In 1878 Mr. Duitman came to Kosswh Co., Iowa, and settled in Ramsey town- ship, on section 19. He owns 160 acres, and has ninety acres under cultivation. Ile has a good house and barn on the same, and makes stock raising his main pursuit. In politics he is a republican. Thomas W. Tinker is the son of Hilton and Emma Tinker, natives of Enyland. He was born Aug. 9, 1848, in Springfield, Dane Co., Wis., and lived with his parents until twenty-two years of age. In 1869 he went to Trempealeau Co., Wis., where he farmed during the summer ; and in the winter he worked in the pineries. In 1871 he went to Winona Co., Minn., and worked on what was then called the Ma- ple Dale farm, one year, and rented the same the next year. In 1874 he bought a farm in the same county. In the spring of 1881 he sold his place and moved with his family to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and set- tled in Ramsey township, on section 13, where he now resides, and makes stock raising his pursuit. Ile was married Oct. 10, 1873, to Maggie, daughter of William and Eliza McKnight, natives of Scotland. pe a | ‘ HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 539 ore py : Mrs. Tinker was born in Walworth Co., Wis., Sept. 30,1851. Mr. and Mrs. Tin- ker have five children -Burnie W., Ho- mer IJ., Myrtle K., Sidney A.and Thomas This township is the second from the east line of the county on the most south- erly tier, and is known as congressional ps township 94 north, range 28 west, of the 5th principal meridian. It is bounded on the north by Irvington, on the east by Lu- verne, and on the west by Cresco township. On the south is Humboldt county. It con- tains just thirty-six sections of land or 28,040 acres. It is crossed diagonally by the Chicago & Northwestern railroad, which enters it onthe northeast quar- ter of section 36 and makes its exit about the center of section 5. The surface is gently rolling and the soil dark, alluvial, loam, of uncommon richness. A small creek, an affluent of the West Fork of the Boone river, crosses {he northeastern cor- ner, crossing in its course, sections 2, 12 and 13. The first settlement was made on the 8th of December, 1855, by Richard Hodges, locating upon section 8, where he yet lives. Elijah Lane, one of the pioneers of the | the county, settled upon section 6, where he pre-empted eighty acres, in 1855. Mr. CHAPTER XXVI. SHERMAN TOWNSHIP. . McKnight. Homer is dead. Mr. Tin- ker has held the offices of trustee and secretary in Ramsey township. In poli- tics he is neutral. Lane isa native of Ohio, and one of the present residents of Irvington township. Joseph Raney came to this township in 1856, and pre-empted a claim of 160 acres on section 18, where he now lives. Joseph Raney, son of Joseph and Cic- cla Raney, was born July 14, 1824, in Mar- tin Co., Ind. In 1854 he came to Iowa, stopping first in Muscatine county, where he engaged in farming for two years. He then came to Kossuth county, and located in Irvington township, pre-empting 160 acres of land on section 18. Irvington township has since been divided, placing Mr. Raney in Sherman township, where he now owns 176 acres of land, all under cultivation, and where he raises a large amount of sheep, horses, hogs, cattle, etc. Mr. Raney has been married #wice. First, Jan. 31, 1847, to Polly Gootee, daughter of Thomas and Nancy Gootee. The re- sult of this union was nine children, six of whom are now living—Virginia, wife vf William Johnson; they moved to Lower California where he died; she then married A. J.-Down; Walter W., who married Cora M. Fisher, and lives in ‘Seer ay 4a 540 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Cresco township; Sheldon, who married Tsabella Gilmore, and lives in California; John; Caroline, wife of John R. Frazer, living in Cresco township; and Joseph F. Sheldon and Virginia have taught school. Sheldon now teaches in California. Mrs. Raney died in March,. 1862. In May, 1863, Mr. Raney married Mary, daughter of Addison and Martha Fisher, of Massa- chusetts. They had twelve children, eleven of whom are living—Mary A., wife of E. C. Clark, living in Cresco town- ship; Phoebe O., William H., Cora M., Charles A., David E., Carrie I., Adol- phus J., Martha E., George 8. and Robert F. Mr. Raney at different times has held the offices of school trustee, school direc- tor, township assessor, treasurer and road commissioner. He is now township trus- tee. Politically he is a republican. Henry Wheeler made a claim on section 6, in 1857, and remained about four years. He was a native of New York State and when he left this county went to Min- nesota. A Mr. Sissens made his selection on section 6, also, in: the same year. He came here from Illinois, and after a short trial of pioneer life, gave it up and re- moved to eastern lowa. Abram Knight, a native of England, came to this township from Canada, in 1858, and took a claim of 160 acres on section 5, where he lived until the day of his death in 1861. The first death in the township was. that of Abram Knight in September, 1861; his remains were buried on Mrs. Crock- ett’s farm, in Irvington township. The second death was that of Mrs. Polly R., wife of Joseph Raney, who died in March, 1862. The first birth was that of Caroline, daughter of Joseph and Polly R. Raney, born Oct. 16, 1858. She is now married to John Frazer, and lives in Cresco town- ship. ; The first marriage occurred upon the 22d of May, 1863, when the Rev. Mr. Billings united in the bonds of wedlock, Joseph and Mary Fisher. The first school was held at the school house built in 1859, but the name of the pioneer teacher has not been preserved. Sberman township was organized in February, 1883, and the first election, for township officers, was held in October of that year. The following named were chosen to manage the affairs of the town” ship: John Connors, John Brass and H. C. Parsons, trustees; D. D. Dodge, town- ship clerk; A. Rutherford, Jr., assessor ; Max Miller and D. D. Dodge, justices ; Joseph Raney and W. G. Beardsley, con- stables; Nick Marso and A. Lorimer, road supervisors. In the Curran school district,school was first held by Ella Sparks, at the residence of Mr. Curran, in 1866. In 1867, a school building was erected, and Asa Story pre- sided as pedagogue. Of this school, Johi Reed, the present county recorder, relates, that in 1867, whilst he was county super- intendent, he visited this school in the course of his duties. The building was but an apology for a school house, 8x10 feet, and but loosely put together. Mr. Story lived in and held the school in the same room. He had but about six scholars and he, of course, in the presence of the cer I~ [er ee HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 541 superintendent, wanted them to behave their best, but as usually happens, when children are wanted to do their best, then they behave the worst. One Iuckless urchin, brimming over with fun and frolic, could not contain himself, and Mr. Story turned an empty barrel over him and tak- ing a seat thereon, proceeded to hear the class recite. Literally barrelling up the boy. The school house in sub-district No. 3 was erected, in 187], and James Clapp was installed as teacher for the first term. The Connor’s school house was built in 1880 and Miss Rutherford was the first teacher. Henry Curran was born in August, 1831, in the county of Louth, Ireland. His mother died when he was quite a child. In1850, he came with his father to America, landing in New Orleans. Shortly after their arrival, his father, one brother, and two sisters died, with what is called ship-fever. The next year he removed to St. Louis, Mo., where his sister was married. In a short time, he went to Galena, Ill, and from there to Allamakee Co., Iowa, where he purchased land and built him a house. The following year, he went to St. Louis Co., Mo., and en- gaged in farming. Remaining there two years, he went to Montgomery county and staid two years. He then went up the Mississippi river on a speculation. He purchased 250 sacks, intending to buy potatoes, but failing to find any, he had to giveit up. So he purchased a boat running it six months. After this, he went to Hampton, Rock Island Co., IIl., and bought a cooper shop. The next summer he hauled logs, and in the fol- lowing spring commenced making brick. He continued in that business until the war broke out in 1861, his men all enlisted, and he was obliged to suspend. In the spring of 1865 he went back on his farm in Allamakee Co., Iowa. In the fall he sold out, and came to Kossuth county, lo- cating on section 22, Sherman township, then call Irvington township. He pur- chased 160 acres of land, and built him a house, which burned down in February, 1872.. He then built a house half a mile away from where the old one stood, and that year, he took a contract to make brick for the Algona court house. In 1874 he took a contract to carry mail from Spencer, Clay Co., to Sioux Falls, a dis- tance of 100 miles. He remained on this route one year, then for two years carried mail from Sibley to Algona. He then went back 6n the farm where he now lives. He was married April 12, 1857, to Jerusha Parker Knights, born in Danville Caledonia Co., Vt. They had ten children, of whom eight are living—Mary M., Henrietta, Helen J., Lillian L., Caroline B., Artemus F., Archibald M. and John P. Politically, Mr. Curran is a republican. “ ie lesaee 542 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. CHAPTER AAVII. WESLEY TOWNSHIP. ‘This township is in the extreme eastern part of the county of Kossuth, and com- prises all of congressional townships 96 and 97, and sections 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35 and 36, of township 98 north, all west of range 27, and contains eighty-one square miles, or 51,840 acres of land. The soil is a rich dark loam, witha slight admixture of sand. The surface is slightly undulating, and in some sections nearly level, and where covered with the indige- nous grasses, presents a beautiful appear- ance. It is well drained and watered by several creeks, the most important of which is the Buffalo fork, that rises in IIancock county on the east, enters Wes- ley township on section 1, township 97, range 27, intersecting its whole breadth from east to west, and makes its exit on section 6. There is one railroad, passing diagonally across the lower corner of Wesley township. This is the Iowa & Dakota division of the Chicago, Milwau- kee & St. Paul, entering on the north half of section 36, and making its exit on the south half of 32. There is but one vil- lage in the township, the village of Wes- ley. This is considered an excellent “agricultural township, and consists almost entirely of prairie. Although having quite a number of settlers, they are scat- tered over such an immense territory that a great deal of land is as yet unimproved, awaiting the tide of emigration that must turn this way. The first settiement made in this town- ship (as near as we can learn) was by Alexander K. Kennedy, in the fall of 1865. He came alone, but in the spring of 1866 he moved his family here. This was in May. He took up a homestead of eighty acres on section 22, and also pur- chased 160 acres of agricultural college land on section 28, besides some five acres of timber. Alexander K. Kennedy was born ‘if Stoughton, Mass., Dec. 1, 1837. When two years of age his parents removed to Lake Co., Ill. In the spring of 1862 he enlisted in the service, but as no more men were needed, he was not called into the field. He worked ona farm, also do- ing some carpenter work. In 1865 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, taking a homestead of eighty acres on section 22, Wesley township. Healso purchased 160 acres of land on section 28,and five acres of . timber land in Cresco township. Mr. Kennedy was married, Feb. 14, 1865, to Anna Thain, of Lake Co., Ill. They have had eight children, seven of whom are living—John T., Mary IL, Alice E., Wil- liam T., Fannie T., Ralph and Rubie. Mrs. Kennedy is a member of the Disci- eee — : 295], os i, HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 543 , board. ple Church. Mr. Kennedy is a republican in politics. He has been school director and trustee, road supervisor, and has sev- eral times been president of the school He is now serving his eighth term as justice of the peace. In the spring of 1866, Charles, Joseph and George Hubbard came to Wesley from Wisconsin and made a settlement on sections 18 and 20. George remained here about a year, and then removed to Illinois. Joseph emigrated to Kansas af- ter a stay of two years, and Charles, how- ever, stayed until 1878, when he. too, left Kossuth county, going to Kansas. Zenas Sabin, during the summer of 1266, located in Wesley township. He came from IIlinois, and had his home par- tially built, when, becoming disgusted with the looks of things around him, the newness of the country, and suffering, perhaps, with homesickness, he went to- ward Minnesota, but soon journeyed back to Illinois. Edgar Stevens came from DeKalb Co., Ill., tv Wesley township in the spring of 1867, and located upon section 30, where he took up a homestead of eighty acres. He since then purchased another eighty on the same section and a forty on section 19, all of which he owns at the present time, although he is no longer a resident of the county, being engaged as a minis- ter of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Hartley,in the northwestern part of Iowa. Frederick, Peter and Mary Dorney, from DeKalb Co., III., also came to this place the same spring, and located on sec- tion 6. The boys took up a homestead of eighty acres each, and proceeded to open up farms. In 1879 Peter died; Fred got married, and in 1880, he with his wife and sister moved to Algona, where they still reside. In the fall of 1867, Silas Stevens, a cousin of Edgar Stevens, located a home- stead claim on section 6, of eighty acres. He came from DeKalb Co., IIl., also. He was killed by a threshing machine in 1869. His widow now resides in New York. - About the same time Corbin and E. Hyde, came from the same place to Wes- ley township and each took up a home- stead of eighty acres, on section 30. Corbin removed to Algona about 1873, where he still lives. Edward moved out of the county in about 1875. The same autumn, of 1867, Edward ‘Thomas, a native of Massachusetts, left DeKalb Co., Ill., where he had been liv- ing, and came to Wesley township, loca- ting upon a homestead of eighty acres on section 30, where he still lives. Wesley township was organized in June, 1871, and the first election was held at the house of A. Ward, on section 8, town- ship 96, range 27, in November, of the same year. The following were the officers chosen: E. Thomas and E. I. Stevens, trustees; Orrin J. Emmons, clerk. The present officers of the township are as follows: George W. Eddy, J. J. Gannon and J. A. Cunningham, trustees; George J. Lawson, clerk; E. W. Gurren, assessor; A. K. Kennedy and Joseph Hartshorn, justices; C. Brisbois, consta- ble; and the following road supervisors: District No. 1, J. P. Gray; No.2, A. Ward; No. 3, John Dyke; No. 4, Frank Hume; No. 5, H. Ward; No. 7, C. Reibs- = —“ fit 544 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. amen; No. 8, John Zumsteg; No. 9, C. Hugi. The first death in the township was, that of a sonof Edgar and Emeline Stev- éns, who died in November, 1867, but a few hours old. It was buried on his father’s farm. This child was also the first birth in the township. The first marriage united in the golden bonds of wedlock, Austin Eastwood and Rebecca McPherson, on the 3d of June, 1872. This couple came to residence of M. Taylor, who was a justice of the peace, and he tied the marital knot. They now live at Coral, Mich. . The first school house was built in the fall of 1870, at a cost of $575, on section 6. This school, now called the Ward school, was in district No. 4, and the first teacher was William Ward. The first school, however, was taught by Florence Calkins, at the residence of Samuel Witter, on section 22, in the sum- mer of 1869. Nine scholars are reported to have comprised the list of this pioneer school. The first ground appears to have been broken by Zenas Sabin, in 1866, but A. K. Kennedy planted the first seed and sowed the first grain in the township. The first birth, where the child lived, was that of John T., the son of A. K. and Anna S. Kennedy, who was born Dee. 21, 1868. He still resides with his father in this township. The first divine service was held in Wesley township, in a sod house belong- ing to a man by the name of Mickleson. This was held by the Rev. Mr. Torge- son, a Norwegian Lutheran preacher of Jobn Smith, in September, 1872. Worth county, during the summer of 1870. The first services of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, were held at the house of Mr. Smith lived in a sod house, 16x22 feet in size, about one and a half miles northwest from the village of Wesley. Elder Obed Robinson, at that time a resident of Port- land township, conducted the exercises. He labored in this place, preaching some four or five times before the winter set in. By this time he had organized the Church with the following list of officers: Obed Robinson, John Bennett, Mr. Paine, Corey Currie and T. Gallion, trustees; C. rey Currie, recording steward ; Obed Robin- son, class leader; Case Wiltse and T. Gal- lion, stewards. Services were suspended until in the spring of 1873, when Elder Rob- inson again commenced his work, preach- ing this time in what is now called the McPherson school house. Here religious services were held until September, 1873, when the little Church was moved to the village of Wesley, a Church having been started there at the same time as this one. Obed Robinson, son of Isaiah and De lilia Robinson, was born in Swanton, Franklin Co., Vt., March 15, 1824. He received a good education in the home of his birth. In 1847 he attended St. Al- ban‘'s Seminary. He was joined in marri- age, in 1849, to Ammyrilla Campbell, daughter of William and Fanny Campbell, of Vermont. They had eleven children, nine of whom are living—Edna, Merrit, Franklin, Fanny, Julia, Elmer, Charley, Clarence and Mayrilla. In 1849 Mr. Rob- inson removed to York State, constantly exhorting, holding meetings and prayer- =, > “ve 1 laces ek, ao, HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 545 meetings. In 1852 he moved to Winne- -bago Co., Ill., where he worked at the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he had learned sometime before. During that summer he was licensed as local preacher in’the M. E. Church. He worked at his trade for about six years, also preaching during this time on what is now Durand’s circuit. In 1859 he took charge of Chain Lake circnit in Martin Co., Minn., and continued on the same until 1869, when he removedto Portland township, Kossuth Co., Iowa. He re- moved, in October, 1873, to the village of Wesley in the same county, and where he now resides, and embarked in the hotel business, which he yet follows. He also took charge of Wesley circuit. During the same year he organized a class of six members in Wesley; the first ever organ- ized in the village. In 1875 he .took charge of Crystal Lake circuit, leaving the hotel in charge of his wife. In 1884 Mr. Robinson was appointed deputy sher- iff. In the fall of 1870 the school house in district No. 3, on section 14, was erected ata cost of $600. The first teacher was Jennie Alden. School house in district No. 6 was built in 1874, at a cost of $600. Jennie Groat was the first teacher, and Bertha Carey the last. District No. 9 has two buildings, the first built in 1876, of which Mrs. Mary Hopkins was the first teacher,the other in 1878, in which Amelia Fairbanks handled the ferule. School house in district No. 4 was erected at a cost of $600, in 1871, and William Ward was the pioneer teacher, | o> That in district No. 3 was built in 187], over which Mrs. B. M. McPherson was the first to preside. There are in all some fourteen schools in this district township, all fine buildings and immost excellent repair. The educa- tional interests are generally well cared for and good teachers alone are employed. In the midst of a beautiful plain near the southeast corner of the township, sur- rounded by an intelligent and enterprising class of farmers, lies the village of Wes- ley. Although yet a small place, and the various branches of trade not numerously represented, yet a considerable business is done. It is located on the southeast quarter of section 35, township 96 north, range 27 west, and was platted by J. H. Merrill, of McGregor, Iowa, in 1871, but the plat was not filed for record until the 10th of October, 1873. The depot and the section house were both erected before the town was laid out, and the town was named after the head mechanic who built the depot. The first building erected on the town site after the survey was made, was a granary built by Taylor & Ormsby, during the month of September, 1871. Comstock & Baker built the next edifice in the town in 1873. It was a store build- ing and in it they placed the first stock of goods ever offered for sale at this place. This pioneer store was operated by G. J. Baker, one of the partners, and a good stock of general merchandise was carried. The next building put up was the Wes- ley House, a hotel 20x24 feet, of which O. Robinson was the landlord. This was in 1873. “=e sos eis i = me 546 HISTORY OF KOSSUTIL COUNTY. In 1874, G. J. Baker put up a residence for himself, 16x24 feet, the first dwelling house in the village. The first blacksmith here was Henry Baker, who put up a shop and residence in Wesley, in 1875. He only run the shop fora few months, and removed to Boonesboro, Iowa, the following year. 8. B. Bassford, now a resident of Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo county, came to Wes ley, from New York State, in 1874, and built a grain warehouse, 30x50 feet, and engaged in the buying of wheat. Christian Olsen was the next settler, whose advent here was in 1875. Ie put up a small residence but did not remain long, and now lives at Forest City, Win- nebago county. In 1875, H. C. Hollenbeck put up a res- idence here, and was the next to settle, in point of time. He is still a resident of _the place. Henry C. Hollenbeck, son of Isaac and Hannah (Gage) Hollenbeck, was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Oct. 4, 1852. When one year old his parents moved to Manitowoc Co., Wis. He lived at home until sixteen years of age, then came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, locating in Algona. He drove a stage and worked on a farm until 1871, when he went to Hancock county. He remained there until 1873, working on a farm and taking care of stock for J. B. Daggett. He then came to the village of Wesley. He soon after- wards took a trip to Kansas and Missouri, being absent several montis. He has since that time resided in Wesley, with the exception of a year and a half, when he was section foreman on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, in Palo Alto county. Mr. Hollenbeck was mar- ried in 1874, to Mrs. Edna (Robinson) Hudson, of Wesley. They have had five children, three of whom are living—Ada D.,Enos L. and Harry M. Mr. Hollenbeck is now engaged in the hay business in Wes- ley. Heis a republican in politics. Mrs. Hollenbeck is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hollenbeck be- longs to the I.O. G. T., of Wesley. The first death in the village was that of Helen, daughter of Edward and Helen Lloyd, who died in the summer of 1876. Elder F. Franklin preached the funeral oration over the remains, which were afterwards interred in the Wesley ceme- tery. The first birth was that of John Leman Lloyd, son of Edward and Helen Lloyd, who was born Aug. 6, 1871. He resides with his parents in Hancock county. The first marriage, which took place upon the 7th of October, 1874, united O. J. Emmons and Fannie J. Robinson. Elder A. S. R. Groome officiated on the Mr. Emmons and wife are still residents of the village. ovcasion. O. J. Emmons, son of Benjamin and Rhoda E. (Willis) Emmons, was born in Chateaugay, Franklin Co., N. Y., June 1, 1842. He lived in that place until 1861, © when he enlisted in company A, 96th New York regiment, served one year and was discharged. He returned to his home in New York, and in 1863 moved west to Oconto, Wis., where he engaged in the lumber business. In 186+ he again en- listed in the service, this time in com- pany H, 89th Wisconsin Volunteer Infan- try, serving six months. When discharged he returned to his home in Wisconsin Cc 7 —— =P Mian HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 547 and continued in business until 1867,when he came to Iowa. He took a homestead of eighty acres on section 26, Wesley township, Kossuth county. In November, 1883, on account of ill health, he rented his farm and removed to Wesley village. Mr. Emmons was married in 1874 to Fan- nie J. Robinson, daughter of Obed and Amyrilla Robinson, of Wesley. They have had three children, all of whom are living—Nellie May, Millard O. and Curtis Ll. Mr. and Mrs. Emmons are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Emmons is a republican. He was the first town clerk of Wesley township. The first school was held in the granary building of Taylor & Ormsby, in 1873, and Mrs. M. J. Colby was the teacher. Her school consisted of just seven sunny- faced urchins, of which the following is alist: Nellie Trowbridge, Becca Smith, Frank, William, Julia, Clarence E. and Charles Robinson. . Marcellus Taylor was elected the first justice of the peace in the village, in 1871, and served in that capacity five years. The pioneer carpenter to locate at Wes- ley and open a place of business was John Thompson, who came here from Al- gona in 1878, Mr. Thompson is noted throughout this country ‘as a contractor and builder of no mean ability, and work entrusted to him will be always well done. «John Thompson, son of Norman and Susan Thompson, was born in Hamilton township, Northumberland Co., Canada West, Oct. 12, 1833. His mother died when he was only six months old. He lived in Canada until twenty-one years of age, when he and his father removed to ‘lasted one whole day. has been married three times. Ogle Co., Ill, and purchased a farm. He lived in Ogle county until September, 1862, when he enlisted in the 8th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry. He served through the war. In 1863 he was out with a scout- ing party, and was severely wounded by his horse falling down a stone quarry and falling upon him. He received his dis- charge in St. Louis in August, 1865. He participated in many hard fought battles, his company or regiment being a part of the army of the Potomac. Among the hardest battles were: Williamstown, seven days fight on the peninsula, battle of the Wilderness, Antietam, Gettysburg, Manas- sas, second battle of Bull Run, and Bev- erly Ford, a strictly cavalry battle, which He returned to Ogle county after the war, and. followed farming. In 1867 he helped get up a map of Ogle county. In April, 1876, he came to Iowa, locating in Algona, this county. Before coming west, however, he had traded some property for 240 acres of land in this county, 160 acresin Wesley township, and eighty acres in Lott’s Creck township. In 1878 he removed from AI- gona to the village of Wesley and en- gaged in carpenter work. Mr. Thompson In 1854 he was married to Sarah M. Hardy, of Canada. They had four children—Teresa J., Norman E., Everett W. and Charles W. Mrs. Thompson was a member of the Presbyterian Church. After she died he was again married, but his second wife died in the summer of 1875, and was buried in Byron, Ogle Co., Ill. In 1876 he was married to Mrs. Mary (Clemens) Artz, of Ogle Co., Ill. Mrs. Thompson had two children by her first husband— “7 — 3 oa ijczal 548 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Ozzy and Ella. Mr. Thompson is a ve- publican. He owns nice residence prop- erty, and also a good carpenter shop, which, by the way, is the building erected by Comstock & Baker, and the first one built in Wesley village. The first load of hay brought to the village of Wesley, was hauled by John Finnemark, in 1870, and was sold to Mr. Clark, at that time section foreman. Carl Oleson is the present gentlemanly agent in charge of the depot of the C. M. & St. P. R. R. having taken charge there- of on the 1st of June, 1881. The first agent here was L. B. Ormsby, appointed in 1870. He was followed, in succession, by G. J. Baker, Charles Brisbois, C. J. Howard, A. W. Davis and the present in- cumbent. As is usual, at many stations on this road, the agent in charge is also the agent for the express company. Carl E. Oleson, son of Erick and Kath- rine (Jensen ) Oleson, was born in Chris- tiana, Norway, Dec. 16, 1862. When eight years of age he emigrated with his parents to the United States, coming im- mediately to Iowa and locating in Calmar. After living there one year they removed to Ionia, Chickasaw county. Mr. Oleson received a fair education, studying hard during vacations as well as while in school. When sixteen years of age he commenced to learn telegraphy under Theodore Huber, of Chickasaw station. In 1881 he was given charge of Wesley station, which postion he still occupies, being telegraph operator, station agent, express agent and freight agent. He isa careful and energetic business man. In politics Mr. Oleson is a republican. or The postoffice was established in the fall of 1871, and 8. B. Ormsby was com- missioned postmaster. held until 1873, when he was succeeded by G. J. Baker. In 1880 another change was made and the present incumbent, G. J. Lawson, was installed, in charge of the mails. At the present this is not yet a money order office, although about to be made one, the order creating it having been issued by the department at Wash- ington. G. J. Baker established the first store, as mentioned before, in 1873, in company with J. M. Comstock, of Algona, and carried quite a heavy line of goods in general merchandise. In 1879 he sold out the stock and business to Mrs. Mary Thompson, who, however, only ran it until March, 1880, when she closed out the whole concern. George J. Baker, son of Henry J. and Ann Baker, was born in Waukesha Co., Wis., Dec. 21, 1847. When.about twenty- six years of age he came to Algona, Iowa, and formed a partnership with J. M. Comstock, engaging in a general merchan- dise business. The same year they started a branch store at Wesley village, Mr. Baker taking charge of it. In 1874 he dissolved partnership with Mr. Comstock and continued the business alone until 1879. He then purchased a farm of 160 acres on section 14, Wesley township, and removed thereto. He was married in June, 1874, to Jennie Groat, of Emmets- burg, Iowa. They have two children— Eunice EH. and Ada N. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the M. E. Church. He is a republican and is director and president of the school board of Wesley This position he - les d =a ae HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 549 township. He travels for Blossom Bros., creamery, of Algona, gathering up cream. He is a member of the J. O. O. F., of Wesley. The Sherman House, one of the model hotels of northwestern Iowa, was built by the present proprietor, August Dinger, in the summer of 1883. The building is thirty-six feet square, and two stories in height, well finished and artistically painted. It is located conveniently near the depot, and is in the enjoyment of con- siderable patronage, although so new an enterprise. Mr. Dinger knows his busi- ness, and with a well furnished house, and a well supplied table, with the rate estab- lished at $1.50 per day, he can not help but draw the patronage of the traveling public, for whom he caters. The house is named after our honored governor, Buren R. Sherman. August Dinger, son of George and Mary Dinger, was born in Baden, Germany, Oct. 30, 1839. When he was eighteen years of age. his parents came to America, locating in Monroe Co., Wis. The next year Mr. Dinger went to Grant Co., Wis., and followed farming until 1868, when he went back to Monroe county. He re- mained there until 1876, when he came to Iowa, settling in Wesley township, Kos- suth county. He purchased 160 acres of good land on sections 15 and 22, in what is now called Prairie township. He fol- lowed farming until 1882, when he re- moved his family to Wesley village, and engaged in the lumber business. In 1883 he built a hotel in Wesley, called the Sherman House. Mr. Dinger is a very genial and accommodating landlord, and is building up a first-class business. He was married in October, 1863, to Catha- rine M. Kielinger, of Pennsylvania. They have had eight children, six of whom are living—Ira, Ida, James, Jessie, Charlie and Mary. Mrs. Dinger was born in Crawford Co., Penn. Her parents, James and Sarah E. Kielinger, removed from that State to Wisconsin when she was quite young, where they live at the present time. Mr. Dinger’s mother lives in Monroe Co., Wis. His father died in 1867. Mr. Din- ger is a republican, politically. . The general merchandise merchants, McCutchin & Lawson, commenced busi- ness on the lst of May, 1881, in a build- ing belonging to M. Taylor, where they remained until the fall of 1883, when they removed into their new store, under the Sherman House. ‘This room is 22x36 feet in size, and finished up in good taste. They keep on hand a large and well se- lected stock of dry goods, boots and shoes, hats and caps, groceries, school books, hard and tinware, and the countless other commodities that go to make up the usual village store. Although this is a young firm, they already command a large pat- ronage, which they should do, as they merit the confidence of the community. George J. Lawson, son of John and Mary (Curren) Lawson, was born near Oconomowoc, Dodge Co., Wis., Dec. 9, 1856. When seven years of age, his parents moved to Tama Co., Iowa, where his father purchased a farm. In the spring of 1877, Mr. Lawson came to Wesley, Kossuth county. In 1881 he formed a partnership with H. McCutchin, and went into the general merchandise business, which business he still continues. Mr. Lawson is a republican, in politics. In 1882 he was elected town clerk of Wesley township. Mr. Lawson is a member of the 1.0. G. T., of Wesley. He was ap- pointed postmaster of Wesley Feb. 25, 1880, and was still postmaster in 1884. F. M. Butts, one of the representative business men of the village, started in the general merchandise line, in the spring of 1879. At that time he had but a small room, 20x30 feet, but now his business has increased to such an extent that he occupies two rooms, each 20x46 feet. He keeps everything usually for sale in stores of this class, and his stock looks clean and fresh. F. M. Butts was born in Manchester, Boone Co., Ill., June 8, 1847. When four- teen years of age, he went to Porter Co, “apr a er) a= joe 550 3 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. Ind., where. he remained one year, then removed to Lake Co., Ind. He resided in Lake county two years, then moved to Kalls township, Cerro Gordo Co., Lowa, and purchased a forty acre farm. In 1871 he moved to Wesley towuship, Kossuth county taking a homestead of eighty acres, on section £4. He afterwards purchased forty acres on section 22. He sold the home- stead in 1877 and bought eighty acres joining his farm on section 22. In 1878 ne sold this land and moved into Wesley village, engaging in the general merchan- dise business. Mr. Butts was married Aug. 11, 1868, to Susan McPherson, of Indiana. ‘They have had three children, two of whom are living—Guy and Charles. Mr. Butts owns ninety acres of land in Prairie township, this county, and 160 acres in Hancock county. He also owns considerable property in the village of Wesley. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., of Wesley. Mr. Butts is a staunch democrat. S. E. Grove handles furniture, farm implements and machinery, flour and feed. This place was established in July, 1883, and meets a want long felt, as there is no other party in the village engaged in the sale of these goods. " During the year 1874, Marcellus Taylor made the first step toward starting the coal business here. At the present he has a good patronage. He handles the Oskaloosa coal, principally, as that seems to give the most satisfaction. His coal yard is managed, for him, by his stepson, F, Hume. Marcellus Taylor was born in William- son, Wayne Co., N. Y., in December, 1821. When two years of age his parents re- moved to Vermont. When seven years of age they removed'to Erie Co., N. Y., where his father was engaged in farming. In 1847, Mr. Taylor removed to Wiscon- sin, residing in Racine county six years. He then removed to Elkport, Clayton Co., Iowa, where he purchased 320 acres of land and engaged in farming. In 1871 he came to Kossuth county, purchasing 160 acres of land on section 35, Wesley township, where he now resides. Mr. ‘Taylor still owns 154 acres in Clayton county. He was married in 1850 to Miss U. M. Dana, of McHenry Co., Ill. They had no children. Mrs. Taylor died in March, 1862. Iu February, 1864, he was married to Mrs. Delia Hume, of Illinois. Mrs. laylor has one child by her former husband—fFrank Hume. He is married aud lives in Wesley. Mr. Taylor is a re- publican, and has held the office of justice of the peace, being the first one elected in Wesley, county supervisor, school director and school trustee. Mr. Taylor deals principally in stock. He controls the coulinterests in Wesley village. rank W. Hume was born in Aurora, Kane Co., Ill., July 21, 1852. When one year old bis parents moved to Earlville, La Salle Co., Lil., his father being station agentat that place for the Ubicago, bur- lington & Quincy railroad. In 1863 avr. Hume removed with his mother, (his fa- ther having been killed in the war) to Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minn. ‘They lived there oue year, then went to Clay- ton Co., Iowa, Mr. Hume engaging in farming. In 1876 he came to Kossuth county, purchasing eighty acres of land on section 35, Wesley township. He lives on the farm, all of which is cultivated, and also tends to the coal and lumber in- terests of M. Taylor in the village of Wesley. Mr. Hume was married, in 1872, to Elizabeth Henrich, of Clayton county, They have one child—Delia A. Mrs, Hume is a member of the German Luther- an Church. Mr. Hume is a republican, and has held the office of town clerk, and school director. He is one of the pre-ent road commissioners of the township. 8. B. Ormsby initiated the lumber busi- ness at this point in 1871, and ran it until two years later, when Comstock & Baker took it. Since that time it has passed through the hands of several parties, prominent among whom were Mr. Taylor, Sweigard & Hackert and George Huber. In 1882, August Dinger and 8. Grove each started a yard, but in the spring of 1883, Dinger bought out his competitor and uni- ae ~~ ale HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY, 551 ted the two yards in one. Mr. Dinger continued to operate this business until the finishing of his hote¥, when taking charge of that‘'he gave up the lumber business for that of landlord. The pioneer hay press of Wesley was brought here by Saxton & McCutchin on the 31st of July, 1880. After operating it for two years, Mr. Saxton disposed ot his interest to J. 8. Gallagher and retired from the business. The tirm name was now changed to that of McCutchin & Gallagher. They own a Dederick perpet- ual press, which was run for the first two years by eight horses, but the last year by steain. This has the capacity of pressing and baling about twenty tons of hay per diem. J.S. Gallagher, son of Robertand Ann Gallagher, was born near Mt. Morris, N. Y., May 28, 1845. When two years old his parents moved to Dane Co., Wis., his father purchasing 160 acres of land with- in seven miles of Madison. Mr. Gallagher attended the State University at Madi- son, Wis., for three years, and took a course in penmauship at the commercial college in Madison. ‘hen taught school fifteen terms in Wisconsin. He is a re- publican in politics, and held the office of justice of the peace in Blooming Grove, Wis., for eight years, while all the other officials were democrats. In 1875 he helped to incorporate the Cottage Grove Fire Insurance Company, of Wisconsin. He was one of the first officers and after- wards was an agent, insuring over $1,000,- 000 worth of property. From 1879-81 he was secretary of the Cottage Grove Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. In 1882 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, purchasing a farm of 120 acres on section 33, Wesley township. He located, however, in Wes- ley village, where he formed a partnership with H. McCutchin, dealing in baled hay. | Mr. Gallagher was married March 14, 1878, to Mary A. Anderson, of Iowa Co., Wis. They have had six children, four of whom are living—Robert S., Carrie F., Mildred G. and Susan E. Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Gallagher is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the I. O. G. T., of Wesley. Wesley, lying as it does in one of the best portions of the grass land of the State, has always been noted for being one the great markets forhay. George W. Eddy, quick to see the advantages to arise from such an enterprise, in 1883 erected a hay press. The building is 16x24 feet with an additional wing of 14x16 feet. In this he has a perpetual circle reversible press, and turns out daily a car load of © hay baled for market, which is Chicago. George W. Eddy, son of Peleg and Arvilla Eddy, was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., April 16, 1841. He received a good common school education and worked on afarm. In September, 1861, he enlisted in company I, 35th New York Volunteer Infantry. He served two years, after which he was discharged at Washington. He re-enlisted Jan. 4, 1864, in company F, 18th New York Volunteer Cavalry, serving until May, 1866. He then re- turned to his home in Jefferson county. In 1871 he moved to Orleans Co., N. Y., where he remained two years, traveling for a photograph firm. In the spring of 1873 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, set- tling on a homestead of eighty acres in Irvington township. He afterwards home- steaded a soldiers’ additional eighty acres, but soon disposed of it. In 1875 Mr. Eddy purchased a farm in Hancock county, on which he lived two years, then sold it and moved to Wesley village. He en- gaged in the livery business in Wesley, and also handled flour and feed and farm implements to a small extent. In Janu- ary, 1883, he purchased a hay press, and commenced buying, pressing and shipping hay. He owns considerable residence property in Wesley, in addition to his hay buildings. In the winter of 1884 he purchased an eighty acre farm in Wesley township. Mr. Eddy was married July 25, 1871, to Florence E., daughter of Asa and Levonia Sprague, of Orleans Co., N.Y. They have had two children, a boy and girl; the boy, G. W. Eddy, Jr., is liv- ie ae — 552 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. ing. Mr. and Mrs. Eddy are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Eddy is a re- publican in politics. He has held the of- tice of constable seven years in Hancock and Kossuth cotinties, and is now town- ship trustee and bas been since 1875. Mr. Kddy’s father died in 1879. His mother lives in St. Lawrence Co., N.Y. Mrs. Eddy’s father died in 1849. Her mother lives in Sauk Co., Wis., removing there one year ago from Buffalo, N. Y., where she had resided for twenty years. Edward Kune established a hay press at Wesley, in the summer of 1882, which he continues to operate at the present. IIe ix doing a good business in this line. The blacksmith shop is conducted by Gustin Tyler, a good and accommodating mechanic, who came here from Algona in the fall of 1883, and opened a shop for that business. A blacksmithy was established in Janu- ary, 1878, by E. Perry, who continued to operate it until 1881, when he sold out, and it was run by a man in the employ of G. W. Eddy, who had purchased it. The following year Perry returned, bought back his old forge, and started anew, only to sell out to Mr. Eddy again in the fall of 1883, The livery business is in the hands of George W. Eddy, who originated this line of business here, in 1875. He has a stable full of good rigs and his charges are reasonable. In September, 1872, some religious ser- vices were held at this village, but not until the following year was there any- thing like a Church society instituted. The first meetings were held in the granary of Taylor & Ormsby, which was but 12x16 feet, without windows, although it could boast of two doors. After a short time here, services were instituted at the depot, where they were continued until the fall of 1874. At that time Elder A. S. R. Groome, of the Irvington circuit, came to Wesley and preached to this little flock, in the new school house which had been just built. He was sueceeded in March, 1876, by Elder Freeman Frank- lin, who re-organized the class, and re- mained two years. ‘The first protracted meetings were held during the adminis- tration of Elder Groore, in 1874, when five converts united with the Church. In October, 1877, Elder F. E. Drake, was ap- pointed on this circuit and served until 1880, when, in September of that year, he was succeeded by John M. Woolery. On the 7th of October, 1883, he in turn gave place to his successor, the present shepherd of the flock, Rev. A. L. Tryon. This gentleman came to Wesley, from Comanche, Clinton county, and gives evi- dence of his peculiar fitness for the work. A man of culture and a fair speaker, he will do good work in most any field. The parsonage of this Church stands upon the east half of block 27, and cost some $400 to build, and isa nice cosey little home. The present officers of the Church are as follows: A. L. Tryon, pastor; E. E, Thomas, G. J. Baker, Frederick Anderson, J.W. Hop- kins and J S. Gallagher, trustees; F. Anderson, district steward; J. 8. Gal- lagher, recording steward; J. W. Hop- kins, G. J. Baker and Mrs. G. B. Hall, stewards; G. N. H. Ransom, chorister. The Wesley class numbers about twenty- five members in good standing and bids fair to do good work in the community. J. H. Merrill, the proprietor of the town site, has donated the north half of block 31 to the society for a place on which to erect a church edifice, which they will probably build next year. In connection with the society is a fine Sabbath school which has a membership of about fifty under the superintendency of J. 8. Gal- lagher. This is in excellent condition and great interest is taken in it by all. Rev. A. L. Tryon was born in Signory of Nyon, Rouville Co., Lower Canada, July 25, 1825. His early education was with the French language. When twenty years of age he moved to the States, lo- cating in Westport, Essex Co., N. Y. He resided there six years, during which time he worked at the carpenter and joiner’s trade. He then removed to Iowa, locat-, po ~~ a tt ____9 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 553 ing at LeClaire. While there he worked at his trade, and for three years was fore- man of a gang in the ship-carpenter yard. In 1871 he. removed to Comanche, Clinton Co., Iowa, where he worked at his trade. In September, 188], he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, purchasing eighty acres of land on sections 24 and 25, Wes- ley township, where he now lives. When eighteen years of age Mr. Tryon was licensed to exhort by the Wesleyan Church. He preached at different times, and is now in charge of the Wesley circuit in Kossuth county. During the late war Mr. Tryon enlisted three times, was twice rejected and the third time was appointed chaplain of the 22d Iowa, but was not called into service. Mr. Tryon was married, in 1849, to Hulda A. Slaugh- ter, of Essex Co., N. Y. They have had eight children, six of whom are living— Almeda, Huldal., Albert L., Zenas A., Bas- com B. and Ralph E. Mrs. Tryon isa member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Meridian Lodge, Independent Order of of Good Templars, was organized on the ith of August, 1878, by J. M. Comstock, of Algona, district deputy. The first offi- cers were: George W. Eddy, W. C. T.; F.E. Eddy, W. V. T.; 0. J. Emmons, W. Chap.; A. Daggett, W.S.; Mary L Leggett, W. A.8.; O. Robinson, W. F. §.; Mrs. G. J. Baker, W. T.; F. D. Robinson. W. M.; Julia Robinson, W. I. G.; B. Daggett, W. O. G.; Sarah Ritchie, W. D. M.; M. Taylor, lodge deputy; G J. Baker, P. W. C. T. The lodge is at present in a good condition, but, like all bodies of like na- ture, it has had its ups and downs. One year ago it had a membership of only nineteen, but now has about fifty-five. The present officers are: H OC. Hollenbeck, W. OC. T.; Mrs. Coasant, W. V. T.; C. E. Oleson, W.S.;M. C. Waite, W. A. 8.; Harry Waite, W. F.58.; John Thompson, WwW. T.; G. N. H. Ransom, W. Chap.; John Woodeock, W. M.; Ida Dinger, W. D. M.; J. 8. Gallagher, P. W. C. T.; Etta Daniels, W.I. G.; Oza Artz, W. O. G. Success Lodge, I. 0. O. F., of Wesley, was organized March 16, 1883, by deputy grand master, Joseph Nicoulin, of Algona, with the following six charter members: Thomas Presnell, F. M. Butts, Fred An- derson, Joseph Laws,J.M. Ortheland Wil- liam Orthel. At this organization eight new members joined and the lodge thus started with a membership of fourteen. The first officers were the following named: Thomas Presnell, N. G.; F. M. Butts, V. G.; Fred Anderson, secretary. The lodge, which now has a membership of nineteen, meets every Saturday evening in their hall, which is a fine room, 20x38 feet, with an ante-room 8x20 feet. Although a new lodge, yet by a determined effort it has been brought into most excellent working order, and is a credit to the order to which it belongs. Wesley cemetery was laid out in 1878. The first interment was that of the body of Charles Hardin, of Irvington township, who was killed by lightning as related else- where. He was buried at first on the open pairie, in 1875, north of the railroad track, but on the institution of this graveyard,his body was exhumed and reburied therein. J. W. Hopkins, son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Hopkins, was born in Burslem, England, May 381, 1844. When three years of age he emigrated with his par- ents to America. His father purchased a farm in Columbia Co., Wis.,where Mr. Hop- kins lived until October, 1868, then came to Iowa, locating near Charles City, Floyd county. He remained there one year, then removed to Nora Springs, where he re- sided until March, 1871, when he came to Kossuth county and took a homestead of eighty acres on section 10, Wesley town- ship. He resided on his farm until 1880, when, on account of his wife’s health, he removed to Wesley village, where he now has good residence property. Mr. Hop- kins was married Oct. 20, 1867, to Mary A. Church, of Dekorra, Wis. They have five children—Richard B., Minnie A., Li- ona M., Myrtle E. and Ruth E. In _poli- tics Mr. Hopkins is a republican. He is “i ~~ q — eo oa al 554 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. connected with the Phoenix & Farmers Insurance Company, of Cedar Rapids, Jowa. He commenced traveling for the Decorah marble works in 1883. Mr. Wopkins is a member of the I. O. O. F, of Wesley. George Dickman a native of Germany, was born in Holstein, March 4, 1845. He emigrated to America, locating in Chi- cago, where he lived eleven years. For six years of that time he was engaged in the milk business. He then came to Kos- suth county and located on the northeast quarter of section 9, and erected a house 24x26 feet. He was married on the 22d of March, 1866, to Margaret E. Gruhl, a native of Germany. They have four children—Henry, John, Christina and Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Dickman and family are members of the Lutheran Church. His parents are buried in Germany. He keeps one of the neatest looking farms in the county. He is energetic, enterprising and a useful citizen. Mrs. Dickman’s fa- ther is buried in Germany; but her mother is living. Joseph A Cunningham is a native of Virginia, born in Monongalia county, Oct, 2, 1831. When he was two years of age his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Walker) Cunningham, removed to Ohio. He lived in Ohio thirty-two years, then removed to Oimsted Co., Minn. He re- mained in that county three years, when he came to Kossuth county and took a homestead of eighty acres in Wesley township, on section 16. He immediately put up a sod house, and in two years erected a log house, which he lived in until 1882, when he built the neat frame house he now occupies. He was united in marriage, Feb. 3, 1854, with Matilda Price, of Washington Co., Ohio. Her parents are dead. This union has been blessed with six children—Mansel §., Price, Margaret C., Joshua, Joseph P. and Effie. Politically he is arepublican. He has held the office of township trustee for several years. James P. Gray was born in Washington Co., Ohio, Sept. 22, 1887. When nine- teen years of age he went to Olmsted Co., Minn., working two yeats in Jesse H. Hawthorn’s saw mill at that place. He then went to Dubuque Co., Iowa, where he worked for eighteen monthson a farm. He then went to Wright Co., Iowa, work- iug there on a farm for two years. He then spent seven years on a farm and in a saw mill in Fayette county. Mr. Gray enlisted March 29, 1864, in company C, 6th Iowa Cavalry, being mustered in at Davenport. He was in the battles of Bad Lands, Totolooke hills. He was a corporal, and had charge of the ropes which they tied horses with. After the close of the war Mr. Gray returned to Rochester, Minn., remaining there two years. In 1870 he removed to Kossuth county, settling on the south half of the southwest quarter of section 4, township 97, range 27. He now owns forty acres adjoining. He was married Nov. 10, 1869, to Emma J. Hoffman, of Rochester, Minu. Mr. and Mrs. Gray have seven children— William R., Henry M., Nancy J., Frederick R., Charles, James and George. Mr. Gray is a democrat in poli- tics. He las been justice of the peace for three years, and school director four years. George “F. Holloway was born in Columbia Co., Wis., June 30, 1854. When six years of age he went with his parents, James and Ann (O’Dwyer) Hol- loway, to Dane county. In 1876 he came to Kossuth county, remaining three years, then going to Kansas, where he resided eighteen months, then returned to this county. He now resides on section 20, township 97, range 27, Wesley township. He is employed in threshing in proper seasons. Mr. Holloway also owns eighty acres of land in Portland township. He was married Jan. & 1878, to Mary Gur- ren, of Wesley township. She is a daughter of Patrick and Bridget Gurren. Mr. Holloway is a democrat in politics. He isa member of the Catholic Church. He is also engaged in the dairy business, keeping eleven cows. 9 = Hist OR y OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY, TOW A.. CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION. S the changes of less than half acen- | tion. But what a contrast! Then all was tury are contemplated, one car searcely realize or comprehend that the wonderful results of Time’s marvel-work- ing hand are the achievements of a period so brief as to be within the remembrance —almost—of the present generation. Let us turn back, as it were, the leaves of Time’s great book to but a quarter of a century ago, and the stranger would have gazed upon a landscape of great beauty; selected by the Sioux and Dakotahs as their camping-ground, with that singular appreciation of the beautiful which Nature * made an instinct in the savage. These vast and rolling prairies were as green then as now; the prairie flowers bloomed as thickly and diffused their fragrance as bountifully. We are in the haunt of the red man, with scarcely a trace of civiliza- as Nature formed it, with its variagated hue of vegetation; in winter a dreary snow-mantled desert, in summer a perfect paradise of flowers. Now all traces of the primitive are obliterated; in place of the tall prairie grass and tangled under- brush, one beholds the rich waving fields of golden grain. In place of the dusky warrior’s rude cabins are the substantial and often elegant dwellings of the thrifty farmers, and the ‘‘iron horse,” swifter than the nimble deer, treads the pathway so recently the trail of the red man. Then the sickle of fire annually cut away the wild herbage and drove to its death the stag; now it is the home of the cereals and nourishes on its broad bosom thousands of tons of the staple products of the great Hawkeye State. Then the storm drove ow" 21 — Y 556 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. the were-wolf to its hiding place; now the blast drives the herd of the husbandman to comfortable shelter. The transforma- tion is complete. It now becomes the pleasant duty of the historian to note down upon the pages of history the trials, the troubles, the con- quest of the hardy band of pioneers who achieved this metamorphosis. lessening each year under the relentless hand of death, this little knot of early settlers, who first broke the way for civilization and planted the broad mark of progress on the virgin prairies of Humboldt county, are fast passing away. But, before they have all been gathered to their rest, we must hasten and gather from their lips the tales of by-gone time, which they alone can tell; tales of how they, bold adventurous pio- neers, both men and women, leaving the friendly shelter of the old home roof-tree, pushed out into this domain of the wild beast, and his scarce less wild brother,the red Indian, and here essayed to carve out for themselves new homes. In many cases their bent forms, their furrowed brows and hoary hair, tell of the battle with trial and hardship, the fight for life against want and penury; but the bright eye, the firm glance, tell that they conquered, after a long struggle, as only a noble band of heroes could con- quer, and they seem spared to sanctify the homes that they have founded in this domain of nature. Their deeds deserve a niche in history, that will long outlast the stately monu- ments of stone or bronze that will soon mark the place where they will sleep in peace. Let the historian bend the ear, that their narative in its fullest detail may oe a ee MNT a ae aa re ee be gathered from their lips, that future generation, shall know them and give re- spect and honor where such is due. But thirty years ago, these now pro- ductive acres, these rich grazing lands and fertile farms, were lying an unbroken wilderness, the hunting, and often the battle ground of the wild aborigine. But with the coming of the white man, the sun of progress dawned upon Humboldt county, and like the advance of day, its light has grown brighter and lighter and stronger, until the noontide of prosperity seems not far distant. Like the years of man, the county had but a feeble exis- tence in its early days, but now, in the bright and lusty strength of young man- hood, it rejoices in its might. The soil was rich and productive, but what sterling nerve and determination was required to make it a suitable habita- tion for man and to reclaim to the uses of civilization its unbroken sod. To turn their backs upon the older homes of their race, as did these heroic adventurers, was no light task, and to them belongs the crown of victory, for they have conquered Dame Nature, in her wildest mood. But the present and future generations can hardly repay these pioneers, who have thus opened up this glorious section of country. Let us then honor them as they should be honored as far above the com- mon herd. ‘“When thestatesman saves the Nation;soldier stands the burning test, Then the Nation pays them proudly, with a medal at the breast, But the pioneer, with ax and plow clears the way for coming race, Shall he then be forgotten, dying, leave no lasting trace, His reward? Nor cross nor medal, but all others high above, They may wear more splendid symbols, they have gained a people’s love.”’ ise HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 557 CHAPTER Il: TOPOGRAPHY, GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. Humboldt is one of the Upper Des Moines river valley counties in the second tier from the north line of the State, and is the seventh from the Mississippi river on the east. It lies between the forty- second and forty-third parallels, the forty-third passing through Kossuth county, about six miles north of the north line of the county, and on the ninety- fourth meridian, west from Greenwich, or sixteen west from Washington, which passes through the center of it. It con- tains but twelve congressional townships, or 432 square miles. This superticial area gives it 276,480 acres of the most pro- ductive quality. Few counties in the State are as well supplied with pure running streams of water.: The principal of these are the two forks or branches of the Des Moines river, Bloody creek, Lott’s creek, Ter- willigen creek, Indian creek, Beaver creek, Prairie creek and Badger creek. The East Fork of the Des Moines, a really fine stream, enters the county on the northeast quarter of section 1, in the township of Delana, and running in a general southerly course, although with considerable of a bend to the east, in the center of the county, makes its exit on the south line of section 31, Dakota town- ship. The West Branch of the Des as Moines makes its entrance in the north- west corner of Avery township, flows in a southeasterly course and makes a junc. tion with the other fork on section 19 ,Da- kota township. Lott’s creek enters the county on the north line of section 5, Delana township, and meanders along with crooked course in a southwesterly course and empties into the Hast Fork of the Des Moines, after having made a con- fluence with Terwilligen creek, which rises in the northeastern part of Wacousta township. Bloody creek has its head on section 23, of the latter township, and in- tersects Delana and Humboldt townships as far as the Des Moines, into which it empties. Prairie creek traverses the northeastern corner of the county, while the others are smaller water courses in the southern portion of Humboldt, empty- ing into the Des Moines. Considerable timber is found along these streams, principally bordering both forks of the Des Moines river, the banks of which are fringed with a heavy growth of elm, ash, cottonwood and burr oak trees. Groves dot the prairies in all parts, along the courses of the smaller streams, and it is said that although the county is, to a great extent, prairie, still, no farm is more than eight miles from timber from which a supply of fuel may we ¥ 4 — 558 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. be obtained. An aggregate of over 5,000 acres of land in the county is covered with these native trees, besides the nu- merous groves and hedges, set out by the hands of clear-sighted settlers at an early day. The land is principally level or slightly undulating, except in the vicinity of the larger streams, where it becomes of a more rolling character, none so broken, however, as to unfit it for agricultural purposes. The soil varies, being in most places a rich, warm, black loam, the alluvial de- posit of pre-historic rivers and lakes. This is of an exceedingly fertile and pro- ductive quality and yields arich return to the industrious husbandman. The valleys of the principal streams cannot be excelled in fertility by any land in the State. This, with the exception of some land on the east of Owl lake, which is a series of grassy marshes, is the general character of the land. The county is well supplied with rich strata of stone, sufficient for all building purposes, or more. Beds of most excel- lent limestone, of the sub-carboniferous formation, are exposed along the banks of both branches of the Des Moines river. At Humboldt the oolitic limestone of the Trenton group, crops out in large quan- tity and makes a most excellent quality of lime, much of which is manufactured at this point. This strata here is exposed for a thickness of from thirteen to sixteen feet. Above Dakota City, on the East Fork, there is an exposure of about thir- teen feet, made up of the following strata: Fragmentary, gray limestone or. shale, one foot; indurated sandy clay, two feet; calcareous sandstone, in thin layers, six feet; and magnesian limestone, four feet. This last makes a fine quality of building material. Peat exists in a limited quantity in the eastern section of the county and the southern portion, lying within the known coal measures of the State, a small quan- tity of that invaluable fuel has been mined in that locality. Both branches of the Des Moines river possess fine water powers, at present but partially developed, but as the country . settles up, and capital accumulates, this valuable resource will be utilized, and make no small element in the wealth of the county. The day seems not far dis- tant when factories and mills will line both banks of these rivers, and while giv- ing employment to countless hands, add importance and wealth to this region. In agricultural products Humboldt county may well rank among the first in the State in the production of the great cereals in proportion to population. By the United States census of 1880 it is found that the yield for the year previous was as follows: Wheat, 125,915 bushels on 9,539 acres; Indian corn, 988,605 bushels on 25,270 acres; oats, 201,982 bushels on 5,827 acres; barley, 13,478 bushels on 740 acres; rye, 12,308 bushels on 654 acres, There were at that time in the county 63,594 acres of improved land, having a value of $1,132,258, and the total value of all the productions from these farms in the year 1879 reaches the large figure of $512,902. . RAILROADS. The Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad was completed through this county in 1880, and thus, for the first time, people ] | —_ ¥ = —4___® os efeie <= HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 559 were enabled to visit Humboldt county by rail. This line furnishes direct com- munication with the lumber regions on the north and the coal fields on the south. It enters the county at the village of Ver- non, running in a southwesterly course until it reaches Livermore, when the di- rection is changed to one nearly north and south, passing between the two towns of Dakota and Humboldt. After leaving here the course is changed again to a southeasterly one, and it passes out of the county on the south line of Beaver town- ship. The northern Iowa C. & N. W. Rail- way traverses the county from east to west, crossing the M. & St. L. at Dakota City, and forms a direct line, all the way over one road, to Chicago. A branch of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern also traverses the county from east to west, entering the county on the east and about its central portion, crossing the Minneapolis & St. Louis at Livermore, and running out of the county near its northwest corner. Both of these lines are so well known as to need no descrip- tion. They are among the very best in the country, and have in operation all the modern conveniences for railway travel. Another branch of the C. & N. W. Railway extends about ten miles across the northeast corner of the county, and the Des Moines & Fort Dodge extends about the same distance across the south- west corner of the county, making in all five lines of railroad that cross the county. * CHAPTER Lil. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The annals of the early settlement of any country, while it is the most difficult part to collate, is yet the most interesting and entertaining to the general reader, and of absorbing interest to the early settler him- self. Here the pioneer, noble forerunner of the present civilization, sees the graphic picture of those early days when first he pitched his tent in the wilderness, when first he reared his humble cabin in the grove, or on the wind-swept prairie. As he pores over these lines, busy memory recalls the recollections of those by-gone days, and he lovingly lingers over the pages, while in meditation the picture grows, and he lives once more those hours of frontier life. He loses the present, and enjoys again the halcyon days when he had youth and health and strength, and in the bright glamour that memory throws around those distant days, sees the little cabin, and the homely hearth- stone, around which gathered wife and little ones when the labors of the day or = a, 560 ale, HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. had been finished and night had drawn her sable curtain round the world. Anon comes up the sober side of the picture, the trial, the hardship, the penury and want, when the gaunt wolf—starvation— lay close beside tie cabin door. The life of the heroic pioneer was not all a bed of roses. In his day-dream, he sees himself starting with the patient but slow plod- ding ox team for the far distant settle ment, 100 miles or more away, for the necessaries of life, through a new country unsupplied with roads. The loved ones at home, managing to keep life in them by feeding upon a scanty supply of hulled corn, and perchance a little milk, if the only cow has not succumbed to the rigors of a hyperborean winter. But times grew brighter and better, and as memory pursues the train of thought he sees the country gradually filling up with whole- souled, hospitable people, the trading points grow nearer and nearer, until they are almost at his very door. Sees thriv- ‘ing towns and flourishing villages spring up around him, where he found only wav- ing grass and unsightly weeds. Thus it is that this part of local history is doubly dear to all that remain of that little band of pioneers who first located upon the soil of this county. Many, alas! too many of them have been gathered to their reward, and others have sought other localities, but to those who do re- main, these pages may prove the solace of a weary hour. For several years prior to the advent of any white settlers, it is quite probable that trappers and hunters pursued their calling upon the banks of the streams and in the groves of Humboldt county, but if this is so, tradition fails to preserve the record of it, and the dead ashes of ob- livion cover it from sight. The first to make this county a habita- tion and a home was a man by the name of Henry Lott. In 1852, he, in company with his stepson, came up from Webster county and located upon section 16, in what is now Humboldt township. Here he built a log cabin on the same section on which the late Eber Stone so long lived. This was the first habitation built by white man in this territory. He cleared a small piece of ground for a gar- den, and girdled about two acres of the trees of the grove, to make a commence- ment towards opening up a farm, totally ignoring the thousands of acres of prairie that lay but a few rods from his dwelling. This was the first land broken in the county. Lott was, according to the most authentic accounts, a representative type of that hyvrid race that often precedes the permanent settler, half aborigine, half civilized, and wholly rude and unculti- vated. He could not, or would not, live among people of his own race and color, and even among the red men his influence was debasing to them. He was by nature rough and brutal, and can not be regarded as a settler, as his sole business seems to have been to sell whiskey of the poorest quality to the savages. This commodity he purchased at Oskaloosa, and hauled one or two barrels at a time by team from that point. He owned a horse and plow, with which he cultivated his little garden, but his efforts towards making a farm seemed to go no farther. ‘The “noble red man” under the influence of the “fire water” often became unruly and unman- 2 | = sl HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 561 ageable, or nearly so, but Lott held them well in hand. Previous to this he had lived at the mouth of the Boone river, engaged in the same nefarious business of selling whisky to the savages. In his absence they had come to his cabin and demanded drink of his wife, and on her refusing to let them have it until Lott returned, they became furious. Milton, his son, under- took to go and find his father, to subdue the wrath of the Indians, but in doing so was lost in the snow and froze to death. The infuriated savages burned his cabin and contents, and drove off he and his family. This was in December, 1846. In the winter of 1853-4, while most of the Indians had withdrawn to winter quarters, Si-dom-i-na-do-tah, the brother of the notorious Ink-pa-du-tah, and who had been the chief who had driven Lott. from the Boone river, was encamped on section 4, of what is now Grove township, on the east bank of the Des Moines river. He had in his family his wife and two chil- dren, and a younger squaw who had two children also. Although pretending to be friendly, Lott still held the grudge against the Indian, and although they hunted together, deep thoughts of revenge were nourished in a bosom that never felt a gentle emotion. Loading up his valua- bles on to his wagon, he called his step- son to him and instructed him to proceed with them toward the settlements south, and then struck off across the river. On arriving at the tepee of the Indians, he informed the aged chief that buffalo were grazing on the high ground beyond, and proposed that they go and shoot them. Accordingly they started off, when taking advantage of the ignorance of the chief, as to any treachery, he stepped be- hind him and shot him dead. He then, with the deliberate fiendishness of the Father of evil, returned to the camp and and siew all the women and children, with the exception of a boy about twelve years old, who hid from him, and thus es- caped. Lott then followed in the track of his boy, and soon joined him, stopping that night with Simon Hinton. While there he betrayed much anxiety and nervousness, and with the morning light left the country. He, report saith, was afterwards killed on the plains, while trying to mislead and murder a party of emigrants or prospectors, who trusted him as their guide. The Indian boy, Jos-pa-do-tah, who had escaped the mur- derous hands of Lott, lingered among the settlers for several years while his un- cle, Ink-pa-du-tah, tried to have justice done by the authorities and have the mur- derer delivered up to them. But Lott was not forthcoming and the savages growing tired of waiting, took revenge in their own hands in what is donominated the Spirit Lake Massacre. About that time Jos-pa-do-tah, disappeared from these parts and has never been seen here since. In the summer of 1854, Charles Bergk, Christian Hackman, August Zahlten, Ed- ward McKnight, Newton Dowling, Thom; as Scurlock, Michael and John Johnson, Solomon Hand and I. B. McCormick, came into the county, and made claims. Bergk, Hackman and Zahlten, three Ger- mans, stayed in the county allthe winter of 1854-5, while all the others went to Fort Dodge to stay until spring. These three lived in a cave in the ravine below where Y “~~ a+ 562 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. the town of Dakota now stands, leading a free and easy life, taking the inconven- iences and hardships of frontier life as a seasoning to their hearty meals of cracked corn and wild game. Their morning cup of coffee, was guiltless of the Arabian berry, being made from the primitive acorn. Their venison steak was cooked on a sharp stick and brought to a fine relish by several miles of walk, run, wade and swim, over hill and valley, creek and river, in pursuit of the said venison when it was upon legs and onthe run. Their cake, ash or otherwise, was rolled in the fat of the game, and rested placidly upon stomachs to which bread would have been a strange visitor. A sketch of both Mr. Zahlten and Mr. Hackman appears in the history of Kos- suth county, in this volume, they having moved to that county shortly after their settlement here. Charles Bergk was af- terwards quite prominent in official circles, and was for years the treasurer of Hum- boldt county. McKnight and Dowling built a cabin on section 24, where they lived until cold weather, when, as before mentioned, they went away to Fort Dodge to spend the winter, but returned in the spring. Scurlock and the Johnsons came into Humboldt county and made claims near the mouth of Lott’s creek, but upon the opposite side of the river, and put up some hay, but went back to Jackson county for the winter. They returned in the spring, bringing back with them Harlow Miner and David H. Niver, and made a settle- ment which was permanent. Solomon Hand located on section 4, in what is now Grove township. He was a native of Illinois, and was born on Salt creek, in March, 1820. He lived in the place of his birth until about 1828, when his father moved his family to Blooming- ton, Ill., where Solomon grew to manhood. In 1849 he went to California, of which State he is known as one of the Argonauts. In 1852 he returned to Bloomington. He was one of those men of a restless, driv- ing disposition, that at times do heroic deeds. In 1854 he came to Humboldt county as above mentioned. His partic- ular forte seems to have been hunting and trapping, rather than cultivating the soil. His wife was Mary Pearson, and they had eight children,of whom seven are living— Elizabeth, Amanda, Alfred,Kate, Barbara, George and Charles. During the winter of 1856-7 Mr. Hand,in company with another man by the name of Trumbull, were trap- ping on the river, and had a tent, or hut, well banked up with snow and which was warm and comfortable. His companion, growing discontented, or discouraged, felt he must go home,but Hand essayed to per- suade him of the folly of it at present, as everything was covered with snow. But no, a willful man must have his way, and in spite of the remonstrances and entreat- ies of Mr. Hand, the other determined to start out. After showing him the danger of the enterprise, and doing all he could to discourage the attempt, then the heroic side of the man showed itself. Rising from the ground he prepared himself to go with his companions. This man was not of a robust nature, being rather of a consumptive tendency, so Mr. Hand gave him the most of the blankets as a protection, and started out, himself ahead, to break the road. They struck the river or Ip d JL ene sail as soon as possible, to get the shelter of the banks. Mr. Hand took the lead here, as before. The snow covered the ice, and as that treacherous material was not very solid, he occasionally went through and got thoroughly wetted. Thus toiling on, through the snow, the other man going round those spots where Mr. Hand fell through, they at last managed to reach shelter, after suffering intense agony. Mr. Hand was so badly frozen as to necessi- tate the amputation of both hands and feet. For years he was partially indebted to the county for medicine, opium, which he was compelled to use, to deaden pain; and be it spoken to the credit of the hon- orable boards of supervisors, an applica- tion from him, for aid in this line, never met with a rebuff or refusal. Solomon Hand was of that class of men who make hunting, trapping and fishing a life’s work, and was an adept in all means of procur- ing the game he was in search of. - It is told of him, that one day, his boys, who were then young, seeing a large fish in the river, hastened to get a gun to shoot it, but the father declaring that they could not aim it right, told one boy to place the butt to his, the father’s shoulder, while he held up his stumps to level it, and an- other to stand behind to pull the trigger, at the word. The old hunter instinct, although embarrassed by this complex mode of holding the gun, was true to its old habit, the gua was sighted, the word given, and the fish secured. He, also, has been known to kill the wild geese in the same way. Several years ago Mr. Hand went to Nebraska, on a visit, and while there died. : The year 1855 was marked by the ad- dition of a considerable number to the HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 563 . pioneers of Humboldt county. So far nearly all had settled around and about the timber on the two forks of the Des Moines river, and these new arrivals sought the companionship of their race. Among the arrivals of that year, the following can be recalled without any regard to the order in which they came: Samuel Church, George and William Basam, Abel and Reuben Bond, George and Thomas Stew- ard, Henry McLean, Hugh Johnson, Har- low Miner, David H. Niver, William Hamilton, Pat Burns, Martin G. Williams, George Ellis, G. Washington and Fletcher Hand, J. C., Elias and H. C. Cusey, Eber Stone, William Miller, Washington Clarke and Albert Clarke. In 1856, the arrivals were more numer- ous still and we merely mention some of them. Among them were: Phocion Weeks, George Hart, John Hart, Dr. Dearman Williams, William Tucker, H. A. Knowles, James A. Hunt, Samuel Stone, Herman Munson, William Hill, John Hewitt, John McKitrick, John Means, Alexander McLean, M. Sherman, John Johnston, John Hutchinson, H. A. Cramer, Thomas Reed, Ambrose Booth, Leander Chase, Martin Maxwell, Hamson McHenry, William Burkholder and sons. After this the settlemant became more rapid. These names are given here sim- ply as an index of what will be finished in the township histories, there will be found the accounts of the settlement of these and many ether parties in full de- tail, which is not given here, to avoid useless repetition, which space and judg- ment forbids. FIRST THINGS. The first child born in the county was a child of B. W. Trellinger, who married +] i 4 . 564 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. the daughter of William Miller. This child, a daughter, was born at what is now the Glen farm, during the year 1854. Her parents removed from this county in 1858, and her present whereabouts is in- accessable. The first marriage was that of Mahlon D. Collins to Kate Williams, the latter the daughter of Dr. Dearman Williams. The ceremony, which was conducted according to the rites and usages of the Society of Friends, was solemnized on the 25th of September, 1857. It is but proper to say, however, in this connection, that several residents of the county were married before this, going elsewhere to have the knot tied. It is generally conceded that the first death in the county was that of the wife of Henry McLean, who died in the fall of 1855,at the Lott’s Creek settlement, and whose remains were buried on the farm of Asa Stone, in Humboldt township. The first postoffice was established at Dakota City, in 1856, with Charles Bergk as postmaster. For a year or two he car- ried the postoffice in his pocket, and de- livered the mail personally. The first persons naturalized in the county were: Patrick Lyons, Patrick Kelly, Batiste and Francois Sibille, Patrick Cos- grove, Jonas and Peter Peterson, who re- nounced all allegiances to the several monarchs of the country of their births,on the 19th of September, 1859, before Judge Hutchinson, and took upon them- selves the dignity of American citizenship. The first religious services were held by the Friends,at Lott’s Creek settlement, in July, 1856, but very shortly afterward the Methodists held meetings at the Hand settlement. The first log house was built, and the first land was broken by Henry Lott, in 1852, near the mouth of Lott’s creek, in Humboldt township. The first religious services held by the Roman Catholics in the county was at the house of Edward Sherman, in 1862. Rev Father Marsh was the celebrant. The first deed upon record was dated Nov. 22, 1855, and was given by William Hodges, to Daniel McCauley. The acknowledgment was taken by Sewall Gower, and filed for record the same day, with the recorder of Webster county. The total amount of the first tax, levied in 1857, was $537.03. : The first store opened in the county was by Mahlon D. Collins, at the village of Sumner, in 1857. This was in a frame house he had just erected. The first probate proceedings of record in the county related to the appointment of Charles Bergk, as administrator of -the estate of John Farney, deceased, and is dated Dec. 12, 1859, andis signed by A. W. Marsh, the county judge. Sumner was the first town laid out in Humboldt county, and the plat thereof was the first filed for record, upon the 19th of September, 1857. The first school was taught by Eliza Knowles, at Lott’s Creek, in the winter of 1857-58. The first physician in the county was Dr. Dearman Williams, one of the set- tlers of 1856. The first lawyer was A. W. McFarland, now of Dakota City. lamer oad HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY, 565 The first steam saw mill was set up by Edward McKnight at Dakota, in 1855, and was the pioneer mill of any kind in the county. The first general and public celebration of the 4th of July was held at Dakota, in 1857. A local writer thus speaks of the events of that historic day: “If they, (the papers of the county), had been alive at that time we would doubtless be able to read to-day a very pretty little story of that time—a story abounding in touching allusions to the patriotism of the fathers and their sacrifices made for us, garnished by a comparison cof advantages enjoyed by the present company, happy references to the British lion, the star spangled banner, and the gloriousfourth. But I apprehend that the local chronicler would havedwelt with particular fondness upon the charac- ter and costumes of the assembled settlers, the orator, and the surroundings. “He would have traced,with a racy pen, the picture of William Cragg sewing a large white patch—there being no other available material at hand—on the seat of Cal. Beer’s only pair of black panta- loons, as a preliminary step toward fitting that gentleman for a.proper and creditable appearance before the assembled patriots, as orator of the day; he would have touched with a feeling and a loving hand upon the brilliant humor, glowing eloquence and winning ways of that popular young man, and, I 4 ‘ink, would have caricatured in be een lines the very earnest, but futile efforts of that very long orator to make a two foot and a half coat tail cover the large white patch on the black breeches, at the lower extremity of a four foot body—he would have told how the patriotic settlers massed in the town hall sweltered and perspired in the hot atmos- phere and fought the musquitoes with a persistent bravery, which alone went far to prove them worthy descendants of the fathers of our country—how the boys gallantly brushed the musquitoes from the feet of the girls, and how the girls re- ceived the attention with a modesty cred- itable to the primitive ages; how the silk dresses that fluttered from numerous ox wagons loaded with fine ladies, the year previous, on the road to a celebration on the Boone, and barely hid kid slippers were now hardly able to hide much coarser shoes, and how it was all fun and freedom and patriotism, in the old clothes of the old home or cheaper garments bought in the new. “Bowers of branches of trees were erected about the town hall and a sub- stantial dinner spread. Dancing followed the exercises and dinner; the county was organized, and the officers nominated, who were elected at the ensuing August election, and Dakota fixed as the county seat. “At this celebration Rev. John Sheridan, of New York city, brother of Patrick Sheridan, of Rutland, was chaplain, and opened the exercises in a very feeling and appropriate prayer.” THE COUNTY’S NAME. This county was named after the cele- brated traveler and naturalist, a short sketch of whose life is here inserted for the benefit of the young readers of this volume, that they may be saved the trouble of hunting up the same. Friedrich Heinrich Alexander Baron von Humboldt, was born at Berlin, Prus- Gr oe oa 566 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. sia, on the 14th of September, 1769. His father, who died when Alexander was but ten years old, was chamberlain to the king of Prussia. He studied at the Uni- versities of Frankfort-on-the-Oder, Berlin and Gottingen. His love of natural his- tory was very manifest at this period ; and during his residence at the last named place, during the years 1789 and 1790 he made visits of scientific exploration to the Hartz mountains and the banks of the river Rhine, the first of which was his first publication “on the Basalts of the Rhine.” Inthe spring and summer of 1790, he accompanied George Foster in a tour through Belgium, Holland, England and France. In June, 1791, he entered the Mining Academy at Freibarg, where he enjoyed the private instruction of Werner. He was afterwards appointed to a position in the mining department, and spent some years in that capacity, chiefly at Fichtelgebirge, in Upper Franconia. His researches here resulted in the publica- tion of a work “On the irritability of the muscular and nervous fibres, etc.” The desire of visiting tropical countries, how- ever, led him to resign his office, and de- vote himself entirely to the study of Na- ture. He now was led by circumstances to Paris, where he contracted a friendship with a distinguished young botanist, ‘Aime Bonpland, afterwards his compan- ion in many lands. Sometime afterwards he obtained permission from the Spanish government to visit all the Spanish settle- ments in America and the Indian ocean, with every additional favor which could promote his researches in natural science. In company with Bonpland, he sailed from Corunna, on June 5, 1799, and visited Teneriffe, ascended’ the peak, and made many scientific observations. On the 16th of July, they arrived at Cumana, in South America,and in the course of five years, ex- plored a vast extent of territory in Vene- zuela, Grenada, Ecquador, and Peru, whence they sailed for Mexico, which they crossed from west to east. On the 7th of March, 1804, he sailed from Vera Cruz to Havana, where he spent two months. From there he went to Philadelphia, and from thence to Bordeaux, France; where he arrived after a course of travels unpar- alleled for variety and ,importance, to all the departments of science. Humboldt resided in Paris until March, 1805, occupied in the arrangement of his collections and his manuscripts, and joined with that eminent chemist, Gay-Lussac, in some experiments in that department. Having returned to Berlin, after a visit to Italy, he accompanied Prince Wilhelm, of Prussia, to Paris, on a political errand to that city, in 1807, and continued to reside in the capital city of France until 1827, for the publication of the endless amount of the books on scientific subjects that flowed from his pen. In 1827, in obedi- ence to the wishes of his king, he re- turned to Berlin, where, in the winter of 1827-28, he gave lectures on the “Cos- mos,” or physical universe. In 1829 he again became a traveler, this time travers- ing the Ural and Altai mountains, the Chinese Osangarei and the Caspian sea. In 1830, the political field again claimed his attention, and he was sent by his mon- arch to the newly-seated Louis Philippe as an envoy extraordinary. He spent the latter days of his long life at Berlin, where he held a high posi- etl oer ae |, x HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 567 tion at court. His last great work, “Cos- | mos,” has been unanimously regarded as published, exhibiting in the most lucid arrangement many of the principal facts of the physical science, and their relation to each other. It has been translated in- _ to almostevery civilized language. After one of the greatest scientific works ever | a long and useful life, this great traveler, naturalist, scientist and writer, passed away to his great reward upon the 9th of May, 1859, almost ninety years of age. Cia LEE. Uv. COUNTY GOVERNMENT. Long prior to the presence of any white men in the territory that now constitutes Humboldt county, it had a recognition and aname. History records that it was established by act of Legislature in 1851, and was to contain all of townships 90, 91, 92 and 93, ranges 27, 28, 29 and 30. It was temporarily attached to Boone county Jan, 22, 1853, but was transferred to Web- ster county by an act approved Jan. 24, 1855, but by another act of the same date it was partitioned between the coun- ties of Webster and Kossuth. Each of these two taking one-half, Kossuth that of the two north tiers of townships, which was organized with that county in April, 1856, as Humboldt township, Kossuth county. The southern tiers were attached to Webster, and were known as a town- ship of the same name of that county. In February, 1858, a bill was brought before the Assembly re-creating the county of Humboldt, with the evident intention to make the new county have the same ter- was passed. But by the omission or neg- ligence of the enrolling clerk, when the bill was sent to the governor, the pro- posed county lacked township 90, which formed a part of the original county, and in this shape the bill was approved and signed by the executive in February,1857. At the next session a movement was made inthe Assembly to correct this error, and township 90 was included in this county. But in the meantime the constitution had been adopted, which instrument forbids the change of county boundaries, without the consent of all the counties affected, and Webster refused to give her sanction to the restoration of the tier of townships in question. The constitutionality of the act making the correction was therefore tested, and the district court of Webster county held it invalid. The matter was then appealed to the supreme court, but the decision of the lower court was sus- tained by this final tribunal, Dee. 1, 1860. W The county remains as re-created in 1857, | =F ritory as the old one, and as such the bill |\or ‘Gon 568 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. COUNTY SEAT. By the same act that re-created the county of Humboldt,in 1857, the General Assembly appointed three commissioners to locate a county seat. These were Ezekial Clark, of Johnson county; W. C. Stafford, of Webster, and Asa C, Call, of Kossuth. They were instructed by the act that appointed them to “meet on the second day of March, 1857, or within six months thereafter, at the house of Edward McKnight and proceed to locate the seat of justice as near the geographical ‘center of the county as a convenient site could be found.” This bill was approved by the Governor Jan. 28, 1857, and at the time appointed, two of the three commissioners, W.C. Stafford and Asa C. Call, assem- bled and decided that the town of Da- kota, or Dakota City, as it was then called, should be the future capital of the county. At that time it was supposed that the range of township 90 would be restored to Humboldt county, and under those circumstances this rising town would have occupied the central location nomi- nated in the act. The first election was held on the first Monday in April, 1857, but for some rea- son the officers elected failed to qualify, and a second election took place in the following August. At that time there were chosen to fill the various offices the following well known gentlemen: Jona- than Hutchinson, county judge; John F. Williams, clerk of the courts; Alexander McLane, treasurer and recorder; D. H. Nivers, sheriff; G. 8. Ellis, prosecuting attorney; W. J. Bradford, surveyor. At this election William Tucker, M. D. Col- lins, Robert McColley and Eber Stone were the judges. Immediately following the election the officers qualified for and entered upon the functions of their re- spective duties, and the work of organiz- ing the county was commenced. 3 Under the laws of the State at this time the local government was vested in what was known as the county court, which consisted of a judge, clerk and sheriff. This court filled the various places now occupied by the board of supervisors, county auditor, circuit court, and was the government de facto. The records of this court and of the county commence with the first entry upon the minute book of the county judge, which bears the date of Aug. 31, 1857, and which records the qualifying of Calvin W. Beers for the office of county assessor, who had been just appointed, and is signed by Jonathan Hutchinson, county judge. Shortly after the organization of the county the assess- ors returned the books with the full amount of the assessments entered there- on, and the court, or board, composed of Jonathan Hutchinson, county judge; John F. Williams, clerk of the court, and Alex- ‘ander McLane, county treasurer, made the following levy of taxes upon the 2d of November, 1857: County fund, six mills; State, two mills; school, one mill, and road one mill, with a poll tax of fifty cents. This brought in the following amounts to the several funds: County sais nee cas ines Meloua agee earns <4 $ 505 08 State secu wanwsewa nana sana vdeien 168 35 Schoolecs wcssasese acdseccdeacsiaecns 84 17 ROad ss ccvsetaeeaiee Besa koa ae eae eas 84 18 POM tadnea nia Sateienas eee «wee oe8s 82 00 Oba) seca ead. Bia Ged sec oes aee ce $ 873 73 The first warrant drawn was issued on the 8th day of January, 1858, to CO. W. Beers, and was for $28.75, as payment for eleven and a half days services in assess- — —= = ——s : - | eer) HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 569 ing the county. The second was to E. G. Morgan and was for $8.40, for transcrib- ing the records from the books of Webster county. But little of special interest transpired in the records of the judge’s minute book about this tine, the only business entered thereon being the payment of warrants, etc. On the 6th of June, 1859, however, a petition was presented to the county court, praying for the erection of a safe building for the offices of the county officials and the storage of the records of the county, signed by E. McKnight and forty-three other tax-payers. This appar- ently méeting the views of the court, it was granted and A. V. Lambert, of Fort Dodge, was commissioned: to draw up the plans and specifications for a building. On the receipt of these, proposals were invited for contracts to erect the same, but not fulfilling all the points were all de- clined by the judge, and the erection of the edifice postponed. On the 19th of September, 1859, Patrick Lyons, Patrick Kelly, Batiste and Fran- cois Sibille, Patrick Cosgrove, Peter Far- rell, Louis Airies, Daniel Kelly, Jonas Peterson and Peter Peterson appeared before the court, and having satisfied that tribunal of their compliance with the law, were, after taking the proper oath, de- clared citizens of this United States. Under head of Dec. 15, 1859, the following entry appears upon the minute book. “The office of county judge having become vacant by the death of the late Alexander M. Marsh, I have this day taken possession of the books, papers, etc., belonging to this office. Joun EH. Crace, County Clerk.” aio Mr. Cragg acted as county judge until the 25th of November, 1860, when he was succeeded by George W. Hanchett who had been elected to that office. The various gentlemen who held the responsible office of county judge in these palmy days of power were the following: Jonathan Hutchinson, elected in August, 1857; Alexander M. Marsh, from March 6, 1859, until his death in December of the same year; John E. Cragg, clerk of the court, who acted in this capacity from the last date until Nov. 25, 1860, when he was succeeded by G. W. Hanchett. These officers and their successors in office, will be found treated of in more detail, in the chapter on “National, State and County Representation,” further on. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS. In 1859 an act was passed by the Gen- eral Assembly, which changed the form of local government in the various counties throughout the State. By it a body termed the board of supervisors, super- ceded the old system of county court, and was vested with nearly all the authority formerly held by the latter body. The board consisted of one supervisor from each organized township. At this time Humboldt county consisted of only three townships, Wacousta, Dakota and Hum- boldt, and the board therefore contained three members. The first meeting of this board was held upon the 7th day of January, 1861, and the following gentlemen appeared, and after properly qualifying for the office, took their seats: Dearman Williams, George W. Mann and Alexander N. Cof- fin. On organization Dearman Williams I oe A ( a =" 570 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. was elected as chairman for the ensuing year. The first warrant drawn under the new administration was issued to William R. Thurston, for $4.60, for services as consta- ble. The board then proceeded to attend to all business brought before them, which appears to be principally the pay- ment of bills and claims against the county. At the meeting of the board, Jan. 6, 1862, Eber Stone, G. W. Mann and Alex- ander Coffin, took their seats and elected Mr. Stone, as chairman. At the June session of this board, an effort was made to remove the county seat of Humboldt county. A petition was presented, signed by Thomas Scurlock and others asking the board to submit to the electors of the cuunty,at the next gen- eral election, the proposition that the county seat be re-located upon the south- west quarter of section 32, township 93 north, of range 28 west. A remonstrance was also presented against the submission of the question, signed by Charles Bergk and fifty-one others, and one signed by J. E. Cragg and others. The board, after due deliberation and consideration, refused to grant the petition. The first mention of Humboldt county’s participation in the war, upon the records, appears on the minutes of the Septem- ber session of this board, in 1863, when the levy of taxes was made. A special tax of four mills was ordered at that time to enable the county to pay bounties, ete. This was submitted to the people of the connty, and at the October election it was ratified by them. On the first day of December, 1862, the following resolution was adopted: “Ordered, That a bounty of ‘$10 be paid to all soldiers who have volun- teered since the 1st day of August, A. D., 1862,in the service of the United States,and who at the time of enlistment resided in this county; and the clerk is hereby ordered to draw the necessary warrants on the county fund for the same; also Ordered—That an allowance of $5 per month be made to the wife of each volun- teer who may have enlisted, under any call for troops, in the United States ser- vice, and who at the time of such enlist- ment was a resident in this county ; and an additional allowance be paid such wife for each child of such volunteer, of $1.50 per month; provided, the amount paid to any such wife shall not exceed the sum of $10 per month for any such family.” The board, which met upon the 5th day of January, 1863, was constituted the same as the previous year, Alexander Coffin, of Wacousta, having been re-elected his own successor. Mr. Coffin was also chosen as the chairman of the board for the ensuing year. The board of supervisors, for the year 1864, first met on the 4th day of January, of that year and was composed of the fol- lowing gentlemen: Alexander Coffin, of Wacousta township; Edward Snook, of Dakota township; and William W. Dean, of Humboldt township. Mr. Dean was elected chairman and organization made, when the following resolution was adopt- ed: “Ordered, That a bounty of $200 be paid to any person volunteering in the United States army under the present call of the President, dated December, 1863; said bounty to be paid by warrant drawn a oc _w” —~—— a a) fae. HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 571 on a fund to be called the ‘volunteer fund’ and for which it is proposed to levy a a special tax in October next.” But men not coming forward as freely as wished, on the 5th day of September, 1864, the board passed a resolution, of which the following is a transcript: “ Ordered, That a bounty of $400 be paid to all persons volunteering in the United States military service, for the purpose of filling the quota of this county, under the draft ordered to take place, the 5th of September, A. D., 1864;” For the purpose of meeting these boun- ties, a five mill tax was levied, this year, upon all the assessable property of the county, to make a fund to be entitled the “Bounty Fund.” At the first regular session of the board for the year 1865, held upon the 2d day of January, there were present Edward Snook, who occupied the chair pro tem., and B. F. Fessenden. The latter gentle- man, however, resigned shortly after, as upon the 13th day of April we find that the board, which had just convened, were met, the credentials of a new member were presented. The board as thus con- stituted was composed of the following named: James Struthers, Wacousta ; George Hart, [Iumboldt; and Edward Snook, Dakota. On organization, Mr. Hart waselected chairman for the ensu- ing year. In 1866 the board consisted of the fol- lowing named: W. W. Dean, N. S° Ames, J. E. O'Flaherty and James Struthers. N.S. Ames was elected chairman. In 1867 the board convened January 7, and organized by the election of W. W. Dean as chairman for the ensuing year. The supervisors elect, and those present to answer the roll call, were as follows: N.S. Ames, Dakota; W. W. Dean, Hum- boldt; James Struthers, Wacousta; and Leander Barton, Vernon. In 1868 the board convened January 6, that being the first Monday in the new year, and elected Eber Stone chairman. This board was made up of the follow- ing: Hiram Lane, Dakota; Eber Stone, Humboldt; H. G. Bicknell, Rutland ; James Struthers, Wacousta; and Leander Barton, Vernon.’ The name of Dakota township was changed to that of Des Moines by this board, but such action was soon rescinded. In 1869 the board consisted of the fol- lowing gentlemen: Eber Stone, member for Humboldt township; John E. Cragg, Dakota; H. G. Bicknell, Rutland; Hiram Lane, Springvale; Miner Scofield, Vernon; and William Emerson, Wacousta. These parties met for the first time on the 4th of January, and organized by the election of H. G. Bicknell as chairman for the en- suing year. On Jan. 3, 1870, the new board of su- pervisors convened at the office of the county auditor. The newly elected members, and those that held over, after due qualification of the first named, took their seats. They were: John H. Cragg, of Dakota; James A. Hunt, Humboldt; Samuel Stanley, Vernon; H. G. Bicknell, Rutland; Hiram Lane, Springvale; and William Emerson, Wacousta; Miner Sco- field and Samuel Stanley both presented themselves as the legal representatives of the people of Vernon township, but the board, after due deliberation, seated Mr. or 22 v 5 2 . wah ~~ Tr 4 572 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. Stanley. Hiram Lane was elected chair- man for the ensuing year. This was the last board of supervisors made up of one member from each town- ship. The General Assembly, by an act, changed the manner of local government about this time, and the board of super- visors was re-arranged so as to be com- posed of three, who were to be elected at large throughout the county. The first board that convened under this law met upon the 2d day of January, 1871, the members being: W. L. Lyon, chosen for three years; George L. Cruikshank, two years; and A. H. Knowles, one year. W. L. Lyon was chosen chairman. Since then the various boards have been composed as follows: 1872—W. L. Lyon, George L. Cruik- shank and T. A. Rossing, with George L. Cruiksbank as chairman. 1873—W. L. Lyon, T. A. Rossing and John Johnson, the latter of which was duly elected chairman. 1874—John Johnson, T. A. Rossing, O. F, Avery, A. H. Knowles and A. P. Web- ber, the first named being chosen chair- man. 1875—A. H. Knowles, John Johnson, O. F. Avery, A. P. Webber and George R. Hartwell. John Johnson was called on to occupy the chair during the year. 1876—George R.Hartwell,A.H.Knowles, O. F. Avery, B. H. Harkness and W. E. Foster. O. F. Avery was the chairman. W. J. Coon was elected as a member of this board, but dying previous to his quali- fication, Mr. Foster was sent in his stead. 1877—B. H. Harkness, George R. Hart- well, John E. Cragg, George Welch and H.M. Burnham. 8B. H. Harkness was elected chairman for the year. 1878— B. H. Harkness, J. E. Cragg, H. M. Burnham, George Welch and Samuel Luchsinger, with Mr. Harkness in the chair. 1879—B. H. Harkness, H. M. Burnham, Samuel Luchsinger, John Bartholomew and George Welch. Mr. Harkness was again chosen chairman for the year. 1880—B. H. Harkness, Samuel Luch- singer, C. A. Rossing, D. L. Ebersole and John Bartholomew. The same chairman: 1881—-B. H. Harkness, John Bartholo- mew, C. A. Rossing, D. L. Ebersole, Moses Hoover, the latter the newly elect- ed member. Same chairman continued in office. 1882—C. A. Rossing, D. L. Ebersole, Moses Hoover, S. K. Winne, Edward Snook. 8. K. Winne was chosen chair- man for the ensuing year. 18883—Edwark Snook, 8. K. Winne, J. M. Schleicher, H. E. Stephens and Moses Hoover; 8. K. Winne being re-elected chairman. COURT HOUSE. The substantial and beautiful edifice that crowns the bluff near Dakota, over- looks the twin valleys of the Des Moines. Like a grim sentinel it stands and keeps its watch over both towns of Humboldt and-Dakota, that upon a summer day,— ‘Half drowned in sleepy peace they lay, As satiate with the boundless play Of sunshine in their green array,” The structure was erected during the year 1872; a contract to build it being let to William Thompson on the 13th of May of that year, in which he agrees that he would put up a building according Co ee I 4 Jee me * a HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 578 to the plans and specifications, on block | representative of Charles Bergk, then 5, of the town plat of Dakota, for the | county treasurer. The building was com- sum of $5,000, and have it ready for occu- | pleted within the terms of the contract, pancy by the Ist of November. Mr. | although the contractor lost money by Thompson was in this but the agent or | the operation. CHAPTER: Y. POLITICAL. The political history of Humboldt coun- | tion of the county effected. It resulted ty can be given much more fully and au- | in the election of Jonathan Hutchinson, thenticaliy by presenting, herewith, the | county judge; John F. William, clerk; A. abstract of the votes for the various years | McLean, treasurer and recorder;.D. H. than by any other means, and for con- | Nivers, sheriff; G. 8S. Ellis, prosecuting venience of reference it will, no doubt, | attorney, and W. J. Bradford, surveyor. be appreciated. Any difficulties ar con-| It is likely that these two elections were tested elections, or any peculiar features | entered upon the books of Webster of the campaign, will appearin thefuture | county; but they have never been tran- chapter, entitled “National, State, and | scribed in the books of this county. Like ‘County Representation”, in connection | many others, the early records of Hum- with the office that occasioned it. boldt were loosely kept, and the first The following is, therefore, the election record of the county commences OFFICIAL VOTE OF THE COUNTY FOR EVERY | with the election of November, 1860, and eae below we present the abstract, as follows: As no record was kept of the vote for ELECTION, NOVEMBER 6, 1860. the first three years, the historian has President. been unable to give the abstract of those | 4>raitem LINCOM... ... eee ee cece eee ee eeeeee 2%— 19 Stephen A. Douglas...... 0... cseeeeeseee ee 2 ' years, or the number of votes cast. John C, Breckinridge. ...... ...s0ccceceeees 4 The first election took place upon the Secretary of State. second Monday in April, 1857, but the } Elijah Sells................65 cesses ceeeee es 25— 19 ‘ John M, Corse....... cee eeee cee teen eens 6 officers elected at that time failed to qual- Ste nee ify and this first effort at organization | ;,natnan w. Cattell.........-. Nea Dee at 25— 19 proved abortive. G. W. Maxfield.....0.0.0. cee ceeeee ceeeee 6 State Treasurer. In August, of the same year, a neW | jonn W. Jones...... ite wie useage 25— 19 election was held and the legal organiza- | Jonn W. Bllis.........000::scceseeeeeeeees 6 ~¢ —— See ee ~~ Za ge 4 , fee dl * +> 574 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. Register State Land Office. Member Board of Education. AMOS: MINOR. 3s siirciete coins adinsiaens vale sence Hs 25— 19 | William J. Wagmner............ ccc eee ee ce eeee 46 Patrick Robb.. z sere 6 Representative in Congress. "Alleria Benend:.. Ay W Hubbard iia: sictsicessciiicwede wenese van 48— 34 Charles Nourse............2.csseeeereceeaces 25— 19 | John F. Duncombe 14 William M. McClintock...................65 6 Clerk of District Court. Judge of Supreme Court. John E. Cragg a-—- 6 George G. Wright............... ce eee eee 25— 16 | M.D. Collins.......... 23 J.M. Ellwood........... 5 HMber Stone iis sicisaceairewisens sie sjewia clase Saieians 6 Daniel F, Miller 4 Swamp Land Proposition. Member of Congress 2d District. Against contract.. Sr tes ea 41— 24 William Vandever............ ... ormexd sey 25— 19 ] For the contract.............cc cece scence ence 17 B. M, Samuels... 8 Extra County Tax “Bounty, Ii wage, ROP TAK ticaus sedis sa vesswitimaacaderwsns 35— 15 Ge W... Hanchetts.: cess cuseateverisaee aev 24 AGAIN TAK: cissssc vaeasose setqneacatad ds we 20 Clerk of Court. OCTOBER ELECTION, 1863. Johu EB. Cragg....0---.. see ceee cece cence - 29 Governor. Member Board of Education. William M. Stone, Republican............. s1— 21 Kewils ASimithscinassceccwes ates acpaissases 25— 231 JamesM. Tuttle, Democrat................ 30 FS PS WTA DIB sisic erarcceseate iene coscera's aaa disersiee 2 Lieutenant-Governor. OCTOBER 8, 1861. £&. W. Eastman, Republican............--. 52—_ 24 County Judge. John F. Duncombe, Democrat............. 28 G, W. Hanchett...........0..cccse cece cence 50— 47 Judge Supreme Court. T. Stewart..............0.8. 2 John F. Dillon, Republican............... 58— 25 Dis DOC iscasiisinsties giagaiiogs: wag cee cea eraaares 1 Charles Mason, Democrat.................. 28 . Recorder and Treasurer. Senator 43d Senatorial District. Charles Bergk 49— 47 | George W. Bassett, Republican........... 54— 932 George Ellis... 2 C. Whiting, Democrat.... ...........-e-e5 22 Sherif. Representative 68th District. G. C. McCauley................5 < Hanon ees 41— 33 | Edward McKnight. 67— 56 4 Lewis H. Smith. 10 2 Ti, SMUD aneehed iaetiass occu ieceeueeecett 1 1 County Judge. : Wi DGAM i jaiiav vis aes eoriensa ain eeecle sxe eri 1 Nathaniel S. AMES..........-.. 0.0: cece eee 12 Drainage Commissioner Recorder and Treasurer. Eber Stone. ............c:ceec cece cese serene 54 Charles Bergk..........::cseeeeeeeee ceeeeees — 1 Superintendent Common Schools Ei, MCR Hight ods cicteaasacenseaed conaume aus 1 oD AZ MOTE isc ied Siasanansaeacnieniass wees b2— 51 ; Sheriff. 1 James C. CUSCY.... ee cce cence cece en enenes %2 Surveyor SI 49 Thomas EH. Collins.... ; th ab ce Raysioiistoiemwient wees 1 loroner 1 M.S. Smith... ccc cece eeeseeee es 98— 66 a T. BH. Smith. 1... ceecee cece ecesueeeceeres 2 Drainage Commissioner yr 48-— 2h | Eber Stes occas si vweree svar sens vedtinn p0as 69 1 Superintendent of Schools. 1 Dearman Williams.....-.............0006 . 65 1 NOVEMBER 8, 1864. OCTOBER 14, 1862. President. District Judge. Abraham Lincoln, Republican..... ....... A— 43 Isaac Pendleton................cccce cece cee 43— 24 | George B. McClellan, Democrat............ 31 Jobn Currier 19 Congressman 6th District. A.W. Hubbard, Republican........ ...... t4— 43 Henry Ford....... 34 Leander Chapman, Democrat............. 31 H. C. Crawford... 1 Ghaccehe ee cali Court. Jacob 8. Smith 26 Thomas M. Monroe, Democrat...) a — o—r- ——= i + + d emis a s|p HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 575 Secretary of State. Register of State Land Office. James Wright. Republican.. i4— 43 | C.C. Carpenter...... seeeeeecceccecssees 190— 145 John H. Wallace, Democrat 31 Linus McKinnie.............. 0.00 ceeeee eens 45 State Auditor. Clerk of Supreme Court. AGT A GU ccaatnsan iennenidesausnaue * "4— 43 | Charles Linderman................0..... 26. 191— 146 E.C. Hendershott............. 0c sce e ee aeee 31 Frederick Gottschalk.... 2 .......eeeseeeee 45 State Treasurer Reporter of Supreme Court. WT, OWICG ccs isisancyccacee eam ween Per aE EL Be BU Giren es ceeyrene sennsunnsaea aebeoines 191— 146 Oy Bs DRG i rcsssgsevsaw waned aseccasmacewns 31 Albert Stoddard 45 Attorney-General. Attorney-General. Isaac L. Allen, Republican.... ............ (4— 43 | F.E. Bissell ... Charles M. Dunbar, Democrat 31 W. Ballinger Register State Land Office. ql Representative in Congress—6th District. Josiah A. Harvey 74— 43 | A. W. Hubbard, Republican.. 193— 151 B.D. HOWDrOOR% acai tie ccen ste cwses wees cone 31 J.D. Thomson, Democrat.................05 42 OCTOBER, 1865. Judge District Court—4th District. Governor. HODTy POTd 5-104 soeavsiosalerdnand i's tolemanemats 199— 162 William M. Stone........... telat 96 by | O> Ox Bread were s- ene im srnkarseic nese a Thomas H. Benton, Jr...........-....ce sees 31 District, Attorney Lieutenant-Governor. ORSON RicOissiecsiasisiince- oz aeddisaies dpesiseise cle ie 141— 95 Benjamin F. Gue ; 93— 67 Ge De Mickel isis sosdacnaccesiee eee oat awe 46 W. W. Hamilton... 00.2... eeeseeeseseseee 26 Cleriiof thes Court: Judge of Supreme Court A. W. MeWarlang. sc5 005 csceecccccse veccceve 2238— 218 George G. Wright......0.c60cccceeeesee os Dee one aor are eee B H.H. Trimble.......0...0.. cece ceee cece eee 30 re eegrae Bb t , Soni _ | Charles Bergk.......0... scsssessesseesee evens ue Aa alaeaiiocaas Pie ae OCTOBER ELECTION, 1867. J. W. Sennett .......22.ccesesceeeeeen cee 30 ; Governor. ; Representative in Assembly, 59th District. Samuel Merrill......... 0... s--ece nc er ereeees 249— 17 George W. Hand..........ccc0ccceeeeeee os 139 Charles Mason ........ 0... ceccec cece seeces 1 County Judge Lieutenant-Governor. John Dickey.......0-..scccsseseceee ceeeeeee 122 Joseph M. Scott........ 6. cececeescceeeneeeees 252— 184 County Treasurer DOW, Harris csicoscaicecacs,ccniee sncateces oa 8 68 Charles Bergk..........:-seceee eoecveeeees 11 Judge of Supreme Court. Sheriff Joseph M, Beck J; ©. CUB6Y d2cciiee sandse teaver eaes eedtons 124 J.H. Cragg... ee ean oon ene - : Superintendent of Schools Superintendent of Public Instruction. Gis Dis COVNC ioia.ais ssicic siciersscia erciviacitne Sedtajessiaie ie se 25 D. Franklin Wells......... County Surveyor. M.L. Fisher... .:.. ........ T. HE. Colling... ....... ... datsbid tala erosion on 123 AtternepGeneral. Drainage Commissioner. Henry O. Conners EDGE BtOWOs vieieiscisiose cece aces asdewiered es 122 Wi Ba Baker isis cpecccis escavine seecsas seresicees Coroner Senator—45th District. EH. T. Hartwell......... cccccceseeeeeee ners 122 Theodore Hawley.. ori steereceee 241— 166 Charles C. Smeliaar.. inte esl Dsjaitheie slene oh eeeniets 15 ridg er Hast Fork of DesMoines river. mee ae bees f pies Representative—62d District. Ty, B, COW Bie nc ncdtnese A se A 39 aphieke Samuel Reese... ......-..2.. eee eee eee eee eeee OCTOBER : REROTION, 1866. 2g ROE OF BU Jared M. Snydet... Edward Wright, Republican. 121— 6 H. G. Bicknell ws Be Galan Ante DemiGonitncs wapsrsinnenas #8 SOALLCIING Me. cataeena: sesasics ecnd se vequean soe State Auditor. John A. Blli0tt.... 0.0... cece cece eee eee enon 191— "6 puss a stacalatendidrecayialseiiei esa ance eenispheee John H. For ROUGE W's GhOSBurnscecieesi. uende sas oregon - Bs Wei lasasccsinsvanas eve. wees soadee aaa scien. State Treasurer. Samuel J. Rankin ...... - AGN 16 | Fr OAC dev eees vesdiavieesenine lee atemee dent es George B.. BUGKG is i0s rere etieeied ver arenawen 45 Goorre Fy Cassius vcs evens ercanive sxedgy yey or” — > a y — a 576 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY., Superintendent of Schools. Second Constitutional Amendment. Eber Stone Rae SRE Beau AINE e Os Se Gee RSs 316 POM tsa: dayetramiseadGc otis comauansea shee vale Pemer 21%— 101 County Surveyor. 116 TL. HB COWDS a ocjece cere gi eae FSi caecie ds 815 Drainage Commissioner. For...... Wg Bee eeReT Ge) “wsewseai ewemeR eT 217— 101 John Bartholomew.. iatdainddidicinanemer “OLS. Against 116 Coroner. Ae IN COM iii gapedticsinicie vinid isteinie egies mace 1818 FOr. 265 so00 21%— 101 NOVEMBER ELECTION, 1868, Against. 6 Electors at Large. Fifth ‘Constitutional Amendment. Samuel L, Glasgow..........:.0000 vee ceeees QTL ali— 101 Joseph, By Vounsiascss cvgasey years cose ese iL . 116 80 Clerk of District and Circuit Courts. 80 A.W. McFarland........ .. wisssre hbase neces ateune 223— 98 lier... Electors—lst Congressional District. Bugene eller Coury ‘Recorder i ELLE SOQH SIG ais see st eee tauera yas TL 191 | winiam H. Locke... ......cecceceneeceeeees . 188— 28 M. M. Bleakman......... ----- wc copa aia 80 é ira As Bs WeStices secseesiy ici ds noemg ac seeeees 164 Hlectors—2d Congressional District. Ja, T. La o11— 191 A.W. McFarland.............eeee cece eee eee 1 : pager 4014.0 seta dntarseorsane ye uae i Sherif', for Unexpired Term of Cusey. Electors—3a Congressional District. ae sates aicaere a mhtele oie eae ethane tay i 17 J's Mis ROSONS: varcegs suai deskasaaeerentieins 271— 191 Ba eas ROCHE CINE Ere JOMN:, RAC Mcieresierieu ase wae sweie 1 J.T. Stoneman 80 : hs Electors—4th Congressional District Drainage Conimansne, 2.8 Vananey- i John W. Hewitt. 19i— 53 John Meyers............ ame temase Ge titnemsds: 271— 191 C. H. Mackey 80 L. H. Brink.. 146 Electors—Sth Congressional District. Lawes and Against Extra County Tam. William Hale. Against........ eae si aersish Ghee wes spiteweaces 122—- 4 D. M. Harris For... Pte eee cee e ere eens tee nena renee ens 118 Electors—6th Congressional District. OCTOBER ELECTION, 1869. Stephen H. Taft.........-. pinta Roisitiaicun'o'tss singed 226— 146 Thomas Sargeant..... 2.0... cece eee eee ee 80 Secretary a State. Edward Wright.. 271— 191 David Hammer 80 Jobn A. Elliott 271— 191 Hs DUN AVOY. socascisisceiticins vic ol St cacieaccesnalaning oi 80 State Treasurer. Samuel E. Rankin ‘ 271— 191 Le. McCarthy... 0... .ccccceeeeee coves eeeeees “80 Register of State Land Office. Cyrus C. Carpenter.......... cc cee eee eee eee 270— 190 A.D. Anderson.... ..... eesmrnen (80 Atioonen-Hedeit. Henry O’Conner.............. cee eens cove 2%0— 190 J. Bes, WiHTAMBON see cisies scenes vuliis see-eieee 80 Representative of 6th Congressional District. Charles Pomeroy..... .... ...... waltsiavena mies 272— 198 Charles A. L. Rozell. . . ....... cee. eaee eens 79 Judge of Circwit Cowt. Jared M, Snyder........ ...... # o¢teees eases 185 125: James P, White.............. RCS eae ects 83 Marcus Robbins, Jr............... dia aeaeeietindiae TT First Constitutional Amendment. FOP sin jocnsnane feeiew doa vis, Seay Oma . 21%7— 101 ABAD Sbiiidcsncsiaees aoe 116 “ Governor. Samuel Merrill, Republican .. George Gillaspy, Democrat Lieutenant-Governor. Madison M. Waldron, Republican... ...--. B35— 224 A.P. Richardson, Democrat......... ee 1 Judge Supreme Court. John F. Dillon, Republican..... .......... 835— 224 W.F. Brannan. Democrat.. lil Superintendent of Public Tnecructlon. A.S. Kissell, Republican............. eeeeees B35— 224 H. O. Dayton, Democat..........-0--...000- 11 Representative—39th Legislative District. HG. Bicknell......... ..... 192—24 G. S. Tolliver.... 122 J. J. Hutchinson 46 County ‘Treasurer. Charles Bergk. :.ccscsscsssoaessavace caecacss 258— 74 DOM We, FOr sis svitee sianie-ceenia. so wiowe. bade seater 184 County Audion, A.W. MoFarland...... 269— 100 Dwight Flower.........cc.cceseecen cece 169 Charles Simmons, Sr......... «+. evsseseese 226-— 15 G.D. Coyle........ cee. eee veereasesy ~ SLI Superintendent ‘of "Schools. Harlow Miner.......... dectateaa's wianaing te eaghen 120) B, Ge. Mills. ssececeia exes saa ee wake 220 Ce ‘ill cceanicnse! HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 577 Surveyor. , County Recorder. W. Thompson.......... sheweenia geass Seale 219— 3 | W.H. Locke.... 189— 55 T. E. Collins............... aguicles so dae cers 216 O. Harran.. 184 Coroner. J.J. O’Toole 118 Albert’ Harvey isis v0 ise ccivasiea stene aeeeads 220— 18 Clerk of the Courts. W.M D. VanVelson........ icaseiis aha xh tae 154 A. W. McFarland 81 Ey Van Vels0ni occa vos ccc veeceeneee es ioe eneae 52 C. Freeman.. Ses “ah baie E. A. Wilder.. 1 W. Thompson...........6.. 005 eens Drainage Commissioner. Drainage Commissioner. L. M. Brink.. Jos winnawacicat aaa. Ghw edge PAKS 122) | BL Comin sancatuel oo aaxacamane do catecasmreeiin 189— 62 E. F. Hartwell. ighahisrd sis nieieiaie' OS sadteie “Seeemmceee T 202 RT On the Question of the Swamp Land Appropriation. J MGrCha nt: :.2,)4 assets wiciremandinna aeei sce os 117 Against the Appropriation................ 252—66 : Coroner. For the Appropriation ........... .......005 186 William Hds0nis.: sie sc eees saae deveewss ees 185— 20 On Question of Special Tax. H. Halailing 165 For the tax............--+-5 ijn Siubatines (eminent: s 326— 230 | E. S. Hinton 96 Against the tax..........--000. coeseeercceee 96 OCTOBER 10, 1871. OCTOBER ELECTION, 1870. Governor. Judge of Supreme Court. Cyrus C. Carpenter, Republican........... 397— 266 C. C. Cole, Republican........ ...----.-.... 829— 219 | J.C. Knapp, Democrat................ +. 131 Joseph C. Knapp, Democrat...............5 110 Lieutenant-Governor. Judge of Supreme Court, to fill vacancy. H.C. Bullis, Republican ..........-.....-. 395— 262 William E. Miller, Republican.............. 335— 225 | M.M. Ham, Democrat........ ......05 cease 133 Reuben Noble, Democrat.,........... 0.0 110 Judge of Supreme Court. Judge of Supreme Court, to fil Vacancy. James G. Day, Republican.. 893— 257 James G. Day, Republican.............. ... 338— 228 | John F. Duncombe, Deneerate é 186 Henry Smith, Democrat.. ay seeeee 110 Superintendent of Public “Tustruchines Scoretary of State... Alonzo Abernathy, Republican -- 3897— 258 Edward Wright, Republican....... .....--- 338— 226 | Edward Mumm, Democrat .. 139 Charles Doerr, Democrat.... ...... eeeee 112 State Senator, 47th District. State Auditor. W.H. Fitch, Republican....... ....... 897— 265 John Russell, Republican...... .....-....++ 336— 225 | H. A. Crappen, Democrat. . 182 W.W. Garner, Democrat ..... ......-..565 lil Representative, 64th Legislative District. Statz Treasurer. S. B. Hewitt, Jr., Republican.............. 361— 200 Samuel Rankin, Republican.,..... ........ 337— 227 | J. Van Meter .. 158 W.C. James, Dernocrat........-.6... esse ee 110 L. L. Estes....... 3 Register State Land Office. Aaron Brown, Republican...............-. 337— 227 | Charles Bergk... 217— 13 D. F. Ellsworth, Democrat........ ........ 204 Attorney-General. 101 Henry O’Connor, Republican.............. 1 H.M. Martin, Democrat..... woapeat aoe apts Reporter of Supreme Court. A, W. McFarland........ basidhitiale ae Sera Beaainsis 517— 516 Ed. Stiles, Republican. Eber Stone... .iceccescenesaasisenaersetecnes 1 C. H. Bane, Democrat Sheriff. Clerk of Supreme Court. Charles SIMMONS iow aves oats easpomedash-daeste > 2Y0— 25 Charles Linderman, Republican .......... 337— 224 a fooines : mae W. McLenan, Democrat... Ste tettereenes . 3 Superintendent of Schools. For State Convention, to Revise, Constitution. Ae RIOR HOLM ca, gaececwns gansta esscses 280— 51 Against the Convention..... selec, waraibersees O4— 2 | Wher Stone......... cceeecceccececeeeteeeeees 238 For the Convention........ ....ee eee cece eee 22 Representative in Congress, 6th District. J. A. Averill.. Jackson Orr, Republican.. cece ceeeese 828— 210 Re coe eke Sneiaea nee? C. E. Smeltzer, Democrat.......... -.-. 118 Judge District Court, sth District. William Edson......00..cc cee cece cess eset eee Henry Ford ..-<.:cccan. cameves beer t ee eeeeee 337 On issuing bonds for a bridge at Rutland. District Attorney. Against the bonds and bridge 388—. 288 COWS vince. se ag sinnino oe ecisestantinge eae groin 338 For the bonds and bridge...... 100 ta = = af 4 ‘ A —— =a a ee) ise aaa aw +578 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. On the Question of an Extra County Tax. Auditor. Against the tax 285— 98 | A. W.McFarland.................0.0. 452— 315 For the tax...............065 187 John N. Weaver 187 On the Question of the Prohibition of Ale, Wine and Beer. 8330— 71 For Prohibition... 20... ...ccceeeeeeeeereees RATE 6 259 Against Prohibition 241 Superintendent of Schools. SPECIAL ELECTION, SEPTEMBER 14, 1872. Julius Stevens. ....... cece cee eee en ce 359-- 119 On the Question of Ratifying the Railroad Swamp Land | Hber Stone ......... 0... ce eee eee cece eens 240 Contract. Surveyor For the contract.... .ccce... 6s cescecceceee 250— 227 | T. Elwood Colling...........0.....ccccccceeee 595— 594 Against the contract..-.... ........ceeeeeee 23 Go Ay AVF oc ccasaves soecs vesweuseeens s " 1 NOVEMBER 5, 1872. Coroner President. William Edson..............cc.ccccceeeeee ae 49%— 496 ‘Ulysses 8S. Grant, Republican...... ....... 403— 2e7 | Ira L. Welch...........-...22...ccee eee we Oi Horace Greeley, Liberal and Democrat.... 116 Secretary of State. OCTOBER 138, 1874. J. F. Young, Republican................... 410— 289 Secretary of State. E. A. Guilbert, Democrat.. vececeee Y22 Josiah T. Young, Republican .............. 322— 216 State Tredgiurer. David Morgan, Democrat.. wines aaa 106 William Christy, Republican............... 411— 290 State Auditor. M. J. Rolfs, Democrat 121 B. R. Sherman, Republican................. 322— 216 State Auditor. J. M. King, Democrat.............-....000. 106 John Russell, Republican.................. 411— 291 State Treasurer. J.P. Cassady, Democrat .......... wee eae 120 William anaes eee siecle) ROMS B21— 215 Register State Land Office. J. W. Barnes.. apenas eh 60 Aaron Brown, Republican.................. 411— 291 | H. OC. Hargis...... cece cece cece eee 46 Jacob Butler, Democrat.................... 120 Register State Land Office. Attorney-General. David Secor, Republican... ............c008 322— 216 M. E. Cutts, Republican.................... 410— 291 | R. H. Rodearmel, Democrat............... 106 H. E. Carr, Democrat..........0 .......e.0e 119 Attorney-General. Member in Congress, 9th District. M.E. Cutts, Republican.................... 822— 216 Jackson Orr, Republican .... ............. 373— 202 | J. H. Keatley, Democrat.. teeseeeeees 106 John F. Duncombe, Democrat.. Sewan atl! Clerk of Supreme ‘Court. Judge of the Circuit Court, “ath District. Edward J. Holmes, Republican............ 322— 216 Addison Oliver ....... 0.0... 541— 540 | G. B. Ball, Democrat....................... 106 B H. Harkness.. 5 1 Reporter of Supreme Court. Ceaniti. Reorder. John 8. Runnells, Republican sila Balconies 322— 216 8. K. Winnie ee 886— 236 | James M. Weart, Democrat.......... ...... 106 A. H. Holden 150 Member of Congress 9th District. Clerk of the Courts. Addison Oliver, Republican................ 309— 190 William Thompson..... ...........0eeeeceee 345— 156 | C. E. Whiting, Democrat................... 119 John Dickey...... 189 Judge District Court, 4th District. C,H. Lewis.. ie 836— 244 J. ae soaniton scdiaiya wn gerttealesitenieie gcieuaii” stusiareele 522— 621 | p. p. Mickell.. 3 92 te SleCuaNG aT eRe weds Fudge Ebene Ga, William Edson 532 823— 216 On the Question of Increasing the Board of Supervisors 106 to Five. # For the incr ease........ 6... ceeeeeec cece cece 446— 369 District Attorney. Against the increase........0.0. 1... 77 George B. McCarty. 316— 206 On the Stock Act. Mi: WAKCRGIG cas vse ecatatnamecgaus@saddaces 110 FOr the etic: 6 sssasdiecet: aucwiisds cheseaees 417— 303 Against the act...00000 01 JIT 114 Clerk of the Courts. OCTOBER 14, 1873. William Thompson... ashe seeeeeeee B12— 197 County Treasurer. Miner Scofield......... 00. ..ccccccceeeeeeeee 115 Mra Ta, WElGh sais oie iecseactis, So0 aa cavoudcace Recorder Charles Bergk.........000.0.000000 oe i SK WARNE ised causes navaasinievenisanwads 387 a or cee a > — ae —_4___9 nd HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 579 Coroner. William Edson 30— 24 | W.M. D.Van Velsor. 356— 205 Bi, OWNS sii secyea scar yrea 3 William Edson ................ » 145 John Berry 2 William Adams......... 0... ccc ceeeeceeceees 6 Miner Scofield.... .........ccscceeccscunce > 1 Supervisor, District No. 1. On the Question of Special Tax. B.A Harkness sss cscavasiscscceca cons edewass Ti— 31 BOTS Wide asas anaes teeed eoabeasaweetedne ty 206— 65 |} Hiram Lane.. ............ecceceseceeeeeeeee 46 AGainst the taX ses cnewiecesciswceews awane ascae 151 Supervisor, District No. 2 On the Question of Restraining Stock from Running at | W. J. Coon......... cece eee ccee eee e eee nee eee 91 Large. NOVEMBER 1, 1876. POP TOSUTAIN tississ sawesieie ais eeiies “Giese “abies 819— 292 President Against restraint...-6+sceccs cones vivveaser 28 R. B. Hayes mailer, : a a 523— 337 On the Question of Restraining Stock from Running at Samuel J. Til dea ‘Demoerat oe hae o 188 Large between Sunset and Sunrise. Wicd Mes Waylon Va Agee Ok ey Ze Peter Cooper, Greenback.. i Sita enn 3 For restraint.........6. cccceeee ee cee eeeees 152— 151 Against restraint 1 SHAT OnOrS of State. ERS ATS CIs! Sew koe ee Josiah T. Young, Republican.. seeese 523— 337 SPECIAL ELECTION, June 5, 1875. J. H. Stubenrach, Democrat............... 183 For the railroad swamp land contract...... 280— 155 | A. McReady, Greenback.................0.05 3 Against the railroad swamp land contract. 125 State Treasurer. OCTOBBR 12, 1875. George W. Bemis, Republican.......... ... 5238— 337 Governor. Wesley Jones, Democrat axe 188 Samuel J. Kirkwood, Republican......... 388— 256 | G.C. Frye, Greenback........ sereeee ee 8B Shepherd Leffler, Democrat....... 122 State Auditor. John H. Lozier.........0.....- BG 8 B.R. Sherman, Republican................ 523— 337 Wii Wa POLK Ai acc. cnne senate svedde: to RtReo aes 2 William Cronwig, Democrat... 183 Lieutenant-Governor. Leonard Brown, Greenback................ 3 Joshua A. Newbold, Republican... . B85— 260 Register State Land Office. Emmett B. Woodward, Democrat........ . 125 David Secor, Republican..... ....... .... - 523— 337 Judge Supreme Court. N.C. Ridenour, Democrat . 183 Austin Adams............ccseceeeeeeee tenes 387— 264 | George M. Walker, Greenback............ 3 Wiad, Knlehts caer scieacueaistmleeiaveviegs yan 123 Attorney-General. Superintendent of Public Instruction. J. F. McJunkin, Republican... ............ 523— 342 Alonzo Abernathy........ 6000.0. sees ss eeees 387— 263 | J- C. Cook, Democrat..-..............se0+++ 181 Isaiah Doane... .. 124 Judge Supreme Court, to fill Vacancy. State Senator, “tGth Bistnee., William H.Seevers, Republican...... ... 523— 342 Piemiel DWOH cs tsnso ses cosesad meen cotarews pees Sip.) WN alver hs Hee Comer bastante rae a James M. Blder..........0. cece eee cece aeees 127 Judge Supreme Court, full term. Representative, (0th Legislative District. W. H. Seevers, Republican.. eas naatesehers Rome N. Woodworth, Democrat........... 295— 79 | Walter I. Hayes, Democrat......... om John L. Morse, Republican...........se.. 216 O. R. Jones, Greenback.......---.......5. County Treasurer. Judge of Supreme Court until 1879. TraS. Welch ........-20 sees eee tee ceeee cee 501 James H. Rothrock, Republican Auditor. William Graham, Democrat.......... ie Harlow Miner ia tajateid sasivadsvsia ta ca ataiosjnres sli 'slataveveege 299— 91 Charles Negus, Greenback..........0...+0. A.D. Bicknell..... ... see Saiaws xatastee 208 Suopertnbendant af Puulte Ineiuciion, AOR Westiitz ans sseeness 3 pene metee: arz— 34 | Carl Von Coelln, Republican............... bie 308 Jol Batol cnccucesetanein’ cow reanins® 287 Se TO REID ili: SiGe Ai ae West......-.+ ss 4, Member of Congress, 9th District. ” (Sipperensanaens ap ‘Sovoots. Addison Oliver, Republican................ 524— 341 Dee Te ANOLON ere seri vigeise ve vba cele ewes sie 274— 52 | Samuel Reese, Democrat.................-: 183 Gieniee B bee. : sin's ae Judge District Court, 14th District. Mrs. Blanchard...........ccce eee ce cece ence 1 Ed R. Duffee, Republican............ ..... 698— 697 Surveyor John N. Weaver, Democrat ....... pieeneeee 1 T. Ellwood Collins canis: Sel wis oso ecaaeare 496— 493 Judge Circuit Court. oar creo gaa a) Ce Lott TROMAS..0.....ccccescceeceeeneseeeees 316— 71 W. Thompson 1 John N. Weaver........ccceceeeee poten 305 + = + er Aft 580 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. District Attorney. Register State Land Office. J. Mi Wollivers se: vi veveers seess sa score: eons WO5—~ 104 | James K. Powers .......--- 00. -ceeneeeeeeeer 366-- 36 Lott! THOM. 66% sadewer Sa. esccitiee 22 dai deis eevee 1 M. Farrington.... 9 -...--.... ee eee insane 330 Attorney-General. Carlos Combs. . ‘ ... 854— 11 | John F. McJunkin... 3867— 38 Ts, Van Meter. cicsccacscccnissiea: snscdieteniices 243 John Gibbons.... 229 Judge Supreme Court. He BMOPS ON ai acisesd ancnccetaseacenwesewcase 398— 130 | James H. Rothrock........... a6 dhafive else Bee 365— 35 WH. Ray Mn vows scises os cs eens tencness 268 Joseph C. Knapp.......... cee cece cece ee eee 330 OCTOBER 9, 1877. Clerk of Supreme Court. Governor. IB), Ji HOWMGS cos pinion satsivin:. Deddyorneiiaivien ance 366— 36 John H. Gear, Republican... ...........-- 382— 64 Alexander Runyod...........e cece cece cease 339 John P. Irish, Democrat....... .......000e 149 Reporter Supreme Cuurt. Daniel P. Stubbs, Greenback............. 15 John 8. Ruanell..... ........ eee eee 367— 38 Elias Jessup, Prohibition...............06 64 olin By THNGbbes cad vass awyws saaassancewe, 329 Lieutenant-Governor. Representative in Congress. Frank T. Campbell, Republican........... 465— 199 | C. C. Carpenter, Republican............... BT2— 55 W. C. James, Democrat.............. eae eS 148 L. Q. Hoggatt, Democrat...............-.-. alt A. McReady, Greenback.............0.006+ 8 Clerk of the Courts. Judge of Supreme Court. Carlos CombS...........-0. sees eeeeeeer eens 369— 35 James G. Day, Republican...... 467— 210 | George Head.... --..-. see eee ee eee ee eee 331 H.E.J. Boardman, Democrat.. 142 ATNOS BOR ic cicsicieih Kemi ses aetna meee ess 3 John Porter, Greenback 115 Recorder. ; Superintendent of Public Tistiuction. Edward Emerson... wet iconaecexerecgn OTB BO Carl Von Coelln, Republican.............. 42%— 311 | B. BF. Barclay........ 0... cee cee cece ee cease 319 8. T. Ballard, Democrat 116 On the Question of Railroad Swamp Land Contract. Representative, 6th Legislative District. Against the contract.......... ccc. cee ween ee 386— 346 John J. Wilson, Democrat.................. 477— 220 | For the contract. 2 40 Lewis H. Smith, Republican.............. 257 SPECIAL ELECTION, FEBRUARY 18 1819. County Auditor. On the Question of the Railroad Swamp Land Contract. Alexander McLaughlin.. ea de | Por the: COnattis.s caserciee cexaxcewrns cca 555— 416 Es MT OB cae decte re ce ese eR am oaks 343 Against the comtract....... 66. cece eee eeee 139 Treasurer. OCTOBER 14, 1879. Da We POS sce: icayenns cia seeciswaeseas 456— 180 Governor. John Johnson 276 John H. Gear, Republican.... ............. 540— 265 H. A. Trimble, Fusion... ..........0ee sees 275 303 Lieutenant-Governor. Z 224. Frank T. Campbell, Republican............ 540— 265 Cy Gs Coyle: caiececsescats wees 199 J.A.O. Yeoman, Fusion.............000065 275 Superintendent of Schools. Judge of Supreme Court. J. A. Marvin.. 3 Sevsrdeioe esccceeceeeees 895— 58 | J. M Bock, Republican.......... cagine vinwsc . 540— 265 Oliver tamer : 335 Reuben Noble. Democrat...............++5 » 246 Mrs. B. Blanchard........... cee. cee cece ee 1 Superintendent of Public Instruction. John Johnson ........cccee cece cc ccecccuceees 1 Carl Von Coelln, Republican........... ... 540— 265 Surveyor. Irvin Baker, Democrat. ..ccsiciscnien vias cana 276 T. Ellwood Colling.......... 6. Bot eat s15— BB Representative. William Thompson.......... 20. cee seee eee 822 G. C. McCauley, Greenback...... ...... tees = 440— 57 Coroner A.D. Bicknell, Republican........-....... 383 Bes ar WOR sen yas sancmiakeebeds wu ao Gue "84 Auditor. OCTOBER 8, 1878. Alexander McLaughlin, Republican.... .. 475— 260 Secretary of State. Samuel Stanley, Independent.............. 215 Jet A. T. Hull, Republican.......... 0... 866— 36 Treasurer. Farnsworth, Demoerat..1.00.000.001, 330 J. W. Foster, Republican..... y.e0000 vee BBI— 251 nee ee Auditor. A.B, Wilder, Independent................. 300 Joseph Hibges Hen aa ee 329 = OS ae es George W. Bemis ee sag 6 james A. Garfield, Republican. M. Le Devine bey pp Reese & arate — nfteld S. Hancovk, Democrat..... ’ , emocray ee aearyne a sees 830 James B. Weaver, Greenback. aS i Yo & le sly cs HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 581 Secretary of State. Judge of Bunreine Court. John A. T. Hull, Republican... ............ 674— 395 | Austin Adams....... A.B. Keith, Democrat... ..... niveangtaseyd ales 255 H. B. Hendershott..... ...... George M. Walker, Greenback .......,... 24 W.W. Williams.........- State Treasurer. A.D. Dabney.......- J aidhaiai ace eintahanasay ion cokes vine E. H. Conger, Republican... ............. 674— 395 Superintendent of Public Instruction. Martin Blim, Democrat... .....-..--....+4+ 255 Di Wie AE ONG ins sscicrctedyerasdiemasernes arene aaa . 698— 400 Matthew Farrington, Greenback............ 24, W. H. Butler..........ccceecceecceeseeeeeeees 195 State Auditor. Mrs. A. M. Swain........ a sees ican nen EERE 3 W.V. Lucas, Republican............... .. 676— 399 Representative in Assembly. Charles J. Barker, Democrat..... ......... 253 J.J. Wilson, Democrat........ 2.2.00 0-22 200% 533— 176 G.V. Swearingen, Greenback..........--. 24 L. A. Sheetz, Republican....... .......66+ B57 Register State Law Office. Auditor. John K. Powers, Republican..... ......... 626— 860 | William Thompson........ 0.2.0 seeeee seer ee 551— 208 Daniel Dougherty, Democrat .............. 243 T. A. Rossing ssscivs a xeceewssecrvecncenese 340 Thomas Hooker, Greenback... .......----- 8 A. H. Knowles..........-222seeceecee eee eees 2 Attorney-General. We Williatiaicctanec! cavgeaseeiacnaamencens 1 Smith McPherson, Republican............. 615— 397 Treasurer Charles A. Clarke, Democrat... ........... 254 NAR JOnes! 4. cosuckactave oeenes veerieene 583— 259 W.A. Spurrier, Greenback....... ......... 24 W.M. D. Van Velsor 311 Judge of Circuit Court, 14th Judicial District. 2 John N. Weaver.. 4 939— 938 1 1; Op COVC ds wcic exci cisrssassnvarsieirastnaaciemnios ess 1 Judge of District Court 570— 2 EB. BR. Duffie... .. cee ee cece ee cee eee e eee eee 951 325 District Attorney. 1 Jig; Mis POMS stdin ssa mseicrcervive Sievactcorestie hanstouasires tine 949 1 Representative in Congress. Superintendent of Schools. C.C. Carpenter... 1... cee eee eee ce eeee ee 672— 397 | Jonn McLeod s90— 880 P. M. Guthrie........ Aas atsieti 262 M. L. French 6 Daniel Campbell 13 C. C. Coyle.... 2 On the Question of having a Convention to revise the | R. Whitbeck................ eee eeee 1 State Constitution. « J.JBOODE xcsesesasicusune seenveerecia senoamens 1 In favor of a convention........... see... 100-5 Against-a conventiOn........ ....seeeee sree 95 George W. Welch............0c:seeceseeeeees 896— 862 On the Question of Amending the Constitution by strik- | John KooD.........ccseeeeee cee ene cree ener 3 ing out the words ‘‘Free white” from article 3, section 4 Ee MAaraDsswnssaecsenseen asaasaiin 28 tee Dewy, 1 For the amendment.........02c.cee cece scene 820— 258 Coroner. Against the amendment........ .....-++ «+. 62 THe Barker kcncvatcswciesainarsuaiesnuiorcenines 885— 881 Clerk of the Courts. SCatterinGscavesasceceseeres vaneara rinses 4 BS BY AE PON CB aioieoscitciteeci asides. Sign dpeibyencis 726— 509 SPECIAL ELECTION, JUNE 27, 1882. George Head. sass eservereercccniee chore . alt On the question of adding an amendment to the State constitution, prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors Edward Emerson ou... seeeeeee ceueeoee 473— 2 | in Iowa, to be used asa beverage. A.D. Franklin ganties am nee RT For the amendment..........-..seseeeeeeees 615— 264 AMOS FOX....... 60. eeeeee eee er eee teen ee ee ue 88 Against the amendment..... .. .........065 361 GC, EB. Sinclair... scscnus axeecswasesecsceyes 1 NOVEMBER 7, 1882. Secretary of State. George W. Welch 666— 391 | John A. T. Hull, Republican... .......... 162— 534 Jom A. ROOD ic es sncentccinsa eanntsmenes bon 275 T. O. Walker, Democrat ..............0065 ~ 202 OCTOBER 11, 1881. W.J. Gaston, Greenback.... ........seceee 26 Governor. State Auditor. i hin Lis BrOW Dei wi ccccisaicacs sean secnes 65- 15 Buren R. Sherman, Republican............ 694— 495 Ls een re L. G. Kinne, Democrat..... ..........0006 192 Lee 8. Brown. 35 D. M. Clark, Greenback....... 0. ...se0-+- t ee | a rrr 18 Lieutenant-Governor. % d O. H. Manning, Republican 694— 495 | E. H. Conger 762— 404 J. M. Walker, Democrat.. 192 John Foley...... 832 | James M. Holland, @reenback. George Doerr 26 ene = = ‘ : ~——e j } a a> ke. > ae) <> 582 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. Attorney General. OCTOBER, 1883. Smith McPherson............. 760— 402 Governor. J. H. Brennerman.. 332 Buren R. Sherman, Repubjican...........- 848— 379 Jie Ass RICO cs aieeas vice tecwrteiacee uae aeeee ees 26 LeG, Rinne, Demucrets 2 ..cctssse a eean. 442 Judge of Supreme Court. James B. Weaver, Greenback.... ......... av Wie Hz SCV Crs. sa iscsnaigs: Sivermerersines: meeeree T21— 323 Lieutenant-Governor. Charles E. Bronson............e.+eeseeeee . 382 O. H. Manning, Republican Js Hx SOAVersircesen suzgars wedses smevromulegyins 40 D.M. Clark, Democrat......... MM... Ae OW SS. oiscecsia ewisiiaveiey sernebieosisiaie 8 wes cidie's 26 Kirkpatrick, Greenback... Clerk ie Supreme Court. State Senator. Gilbert B. Pray.. vieweawasencsase —TOS— 406 | C, C. Chubb, Republics. sasvssscuwn scan 850— 389 H. F. Bonarden.. 331 Alexander Mitchell, Democrat............. 461 E.M. Clark.. Lewieuimin’ — amxweenns 26 Representative in Leg:s\..ture. Reporter of Supreme Court. WwW. T.R. Humphrey, Republican.......... 694— 6 q Ezra C. Ebersole.. 763— 406 | William Thompson, Democrat ... = 618 L. A. Palmer........ 331 County Auditor. J. H. Williamson 26 Moses Hoover, Republican....... 0 ........5 820— 330 Representative in Congress, 10th District. C. B. Tillson, Independent......... easiness 490 A.J. Holmes . a dis eae awienden ojmeacons “TAT= B16 Treasurer. John Dievelinw. 341 N. R. Jones, Independent...... aatecsinvet ovahe 656— 5 Isaiah Doane... 25 Abram H. Knowles, Republican........... 651 C. C. Carpenter... i i 4 Sheriff. Thomas Scott............ ccc cose eee cence ee 1 D.R. Miles, Republican............ Gareja slate 1011— 716 Clerk of the Courts. John Ratcliffe, Independent.... ..........- 295 BiB Brenehis: esay sac caseceweas teas see raaiee 1112—1111 Superintendent of Schools. Fi. Hi PMD ic coicsavinenecacars dma eens hota 1 John McLeod............. 6 Cann eroscibie Bie sioiersiAs 1290 Recorder. Surveyor. B. F. Simmons............. a0 Slaves eyoaere es asses 680— 132 | George Welch .........ceeeeeeccceeesetereces 1808 Bi J: DODDBOM site sigso yin 53.00 siaransinrsis tonaaperaio: gorsrstotersin 495 Coroner. Scattering........... Piranesi aa Fe RNS 3 W..0. Beam. .....c.scesccsccscccsccessccscces 1818 : — HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. CUPRA PTE R WV Ie OTHER OFFICIAL MATTERS. In this chapter are presented various matters, compiled from the county records and other sources, which will doubtless be of interest to the reader. They are given as full as space would permit, the subjects being of such a nature that to go into detail would be impossible. POPULATION. The first census in which Humboldt county is mentioned is that of 1856, in which this territory is credited with 156 inhabitants. In 1860, this had increased to 882, and in 1865 to 606. The rapid growth of the county, at this period, is shown when in 1870, the United States census gave Humboldt a total population of 2,596. According to the last enumeration, that of 1880, the population was set down at 5,341, divided as follows, among the different townships: AVCLY cuss aaictsse gw wreaus saunas ana commie 235 Beavers caxcadaccat ax aes cok sce eeamemalsecesis 471 Oorlnth icccseineceaavennememanexenxnans 822 Dakotérccase seacaersiexses vsemewrene 248 Delanitiec ctesenmewe. acecsneencesee eee nue 490 GLOVC ves iws.c naan seaeteseateesaeeaenons 381 Humboldtiscisacsscaccicneeces es eweeon we. 655 9 AGAR Oo ccia sie sc ce Sia ee AWS sive Red DRESSES A 101 SIN OR WV Ya venaccisvenertie 8B hacvsadinng seedinseidy- GORMAN 512 RUT AI e0is i sinece nese sattinne dist SF Ria le wie HOE Re 444 BPPinSVale, .ecwciecacesersumeiosaet Rowe ce Ba Tae 606 GRMON y tess sasaconss avenersusioraticernaiualdiaaumeuancdsomes, SOS WS COMBS EA o.0 5 ccesdve-cascuesmsvsumaidraernnsusdacernuariveconee’ 213 WiC RV Ero ciocaliticce ics ormiserernsaiarermancenaraiiaunnaa 281 SUB-DIVISIONS OF THE COUNTY. When Humboldt county was first or- ganized in August, 1857, it comprised the three townships of Wacousta, Dakota and Humboldt, and no change was made in the boundaries of these, or new civil sub- divisions made for several years. In 1859, an attempt was made to change the name of Dakota to Deer Creek, but failed. Upon the 3d of April, 1865, the board of supervisors of the county, ordered that “all of township 93 north, of range 27 west, with two tiers of sections off of the east side of township 93, range 28, taken from Humboldt, and the north half of township 92, range 27, from Dakota” be organized into a new civil township under the name of Vernon. In 1867, Rutland and Springvale were both ordered to or- ganize as civil townships. Both of these were taken from the territory of Dakota, which still contained four congressional townships, or all the present townships of Dakota, Beaver, Norway and Grove. In 1870, township 93, range 29, was taken from Humboldt and erected into an independent township under the nanfe of Delana. At the same time, township 92, range 27, was separated from that of Vernon and organized under the name of Lake, on account of Owl lake, which lies in the center thereof. Township 92, range 30, was taken from Rutland in 1873 and erected into a sepa- rate sub-division under the name of Avery. ov” “vf. +} + -_—s 584 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. At the same time were organized the townships of Grove and Weaver. Township 91, range 27, was called Nor- way and organized in 1875. In 1876, all of township 91, range 29, except that part lying within the incorporated limits of the town of Humboldt, was erected into the civil sub-division of the county known as Corinth. This cut down the township of Springvale to the small limits of the town, so that they are at present, co-ex- tensive. Beaver was the last created of the town- ships. In 1878, the board cut off all of township 91,range 28,outside of the limits of the town of Dakota and raised a new civil township with this name, leaving Dakota to be comprised alone of the town of that name. The townships are now set off, and represent the sub-divisions of the county, making a total of fourteen, and are as fol- lows: Avery, embracing all of township 92 north, range 80 west, of the fifth princi- pal meridian. Beaver, all of township 91, range 28, except that portion of sections 6 and 7, covered with the town plat of Dakota. Corinth, all of township 91, range 29, except those portions of sections 1 and 12, covered by the town of Humboldt. Delama, all of township 93, range 29. Grove, all of township 92, range 28. Humboldt, all of township 93, range 28. Lake, all of township 92, range 27. Norway, all of township 91, range 27. Rutland, all of township 92, range 29. Vernon, all of township 93, range 27. Wacousta, all of township 93, range 30. Weaver, all of township 91, range 30. ae = = = eS re Dakota, all that portion of sections 6 and 7, of township 91, range 28, included within the corporate limits of the town of Dakota. Springvale, all that part of township 91, range 29, lying within the lines of the incorporated town of Humboldt, and co- extensive with that place. MATRIMONIAL. When Adam was created and placed in the garden of Eden a helpmeet was pro- vided for him in the person of Eve. This, therefore, is the natural state of man. The marriage state is a solemn one and should’ be sacredly protected, “What God has joined together let no man put asunder.” In various lands the marriage rite is sol- emnized in different ways and by different ceremonies. In all, the acts of the con- tracting parties must be understood by each and by the community in which they live as being a mutual agreement to hold the relations toward one another as man and wife. In this State a license has always been required. The first marriage that appears on the record books of this county was solem- nized on the 25th of September,1857,more than a quarter of a century ago. On the day previous, Mahlon D. Collins obtained a license from the clerk of the court, and on the date in question, he stood up with Keturah Williams in meeting and was wed to her after the rules and regulations of the Society of Friends. = In the early days young men and maid- ens were not married in the grand style which usually characterizes marriages of’ - the present time. ‘They did not wait for riches to come before marriage, as is gen- erally the present custom, but married and Se a —— a oe 6 -—]>, HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 585 lived in simple and'comfortable style, and generally lived happy and gained the re- spect of their neighbors by attending to their own business. There were no ‘‘dia- mond” wedding in those days, and the extravagance that often now attends the marriage ceremony was unheard of. The old folks were plain, economical and hos- pitable people, and the young folks were imbued with the same attributes that char- acterized their fathers and mothers. They were willing to commence housekeeping in a style corresponding with their means, trusting to the future for larger houses and more expensive furniture. There are many amusing anecdotes con- nected with some of the earlier weddings, most of which find their proper places in the various township histories—how the rustic, blushing bride left the kitchen, unbuckled her apron, and throwing on her sunbonnet, climbed into the lumber box wagon and started off with “John,” who yet had his pants in his boots and overalls on, for their wedding tour—to hunt up the “squire” and get “jined.” In this connection is given the record of the marriages for the first few years of the county’s existence, It would doubt- less be of interest to extend this until the present, but the lack of space forbids, as they are too numerous. The following is taken from the records in the office of the clerk of the courts: Mahlon D. Collins, license issued Sept. 24, 1857, and married to Keturah Williams the following day, as mentioned above. Alexander W. Marsh and Rachel Ann Miller; license issued March 15, 1859, and* united by Thomas M. Reed, a justice of the peace. Galen Boddy and Jessie Blythe, on the 9th of August, 1858, by Jonathan Hutch- inson, the county judge. Thomas Jefferson Forbes and Sarah Rebecca Cusey, on the 18th of November, 1858, by W. F. Hand, justice of the peace. John Mulroney and Sarah Jane Evans, on Nov. 26, 1859, by Judge Hutchinson. Isaac McHenry and Elizabeth Hand, April 19, 1860, by W. F. Hand, justice of the peace. John Nelson McHenry and Amanda Hand, April 23, 1860, by W. F. Hand, justice of the peace. John M. Coyle and Mary Johnson, by *Squire Hand, on the 14th of November, 1861. There were no marriages in the county during the year 1862, the land being over- shadowed by the dark pall of the Civil War,and the young men were all pressing to the front at their country’s call. Francis Harrison was united to Susanna Whitehead by the Rev. D. P. Billings, June 9, 1863. This was the first marriage solemnized in the county by aclergyman, and was the only. one during the year. In 1864 the boys in blue began to re- turn from the war, and many a warm at- tachment, held through years of suspense and agony, while watching the loved ones form, enwreathed with the smoke of bat- tle, culminated on the return of the veter- ans in happy marriages. The following isa list of these from the records of the county: Joseph Davis and Diana Ellithorp, by Rev. 8. H. Taft, February 1. -, ss — ars CE ee e v jot 586 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. W. B. Burnes and Emma Mabel Coney, by N. S. Ames, the county judge, March 13. John EH. Cragg and Emily Ellithorp, by Judge Ames, March 20. Amos A Pingry and Martha Stone, on the 5th of May, by Abaelino D. Hunt, justice of the peace. George W. Heil and Theresa J. Lor- beer, by Rev. 8S. H. Taft, on the 9th of June. Charles Bergk and M. A. Cruikshank, on the 4th of July, by Rev. Mr. Taft. John Dumphy and Harriet J. Barrett, on the 14th of May, by Rev. J. J. Marsh, a priest of the Roman Catholic Church. ' Roderick Harris and Lydia M. Brady, September 4, by Rev. F. A. Metcalf. Norton M. Barnes and Jennie Cusey, on the 10th of November, by W. F. Hand, a justice of the peace. George L. Cruikshank and Ethel M. M. Flower, by the Rev. 8S. H. Taft, De- cember 25. In 1865 there were but two marriages, that of George W. Strong and Sallie A. Thomas, August 6, by Rev. F. A. Met- calf, and Jason H. Cordle and Mary E. Weeks, October 5, by W. F. Hand, jus- tice of the peace. The following were united during the year 1866, on the dates mentioned: A. W. Barrett and Lily Jane Pierce, February 1. Eldridge Goodrich and Mary Ann Lewis February 25. McDonald Cusey and Elizabeth Dodge, March 22. Joseph F. Unger and Theresa J. Heil, April 22. A. W. McFarland and Cynthia Frank- lin, April 22. Eugene Tellier and Jane H. Thomas, and Rufus Walston and Margaret 8. Gray, September 10. Harry Hawkins and Zilpha M. Walter, November 11. Jackson Long and Lucy Ramsdale, No- vember 14. Alexander Usher and Emily J. Rogers, December 12. The following table shows the number of marriages contracted, from the year 1858 to 1883, inclusive: A glance at the foregoing figures will show conclusively, that the market mat- rimonial, has its depressions in sympathy with the general market and the state of the times. In 1858, and for the first few years, the county was too sparsely settled to furnish much indication of it, but the hard times of 1860 shows also a depres- sion, following the financial crisis of 1857-8, but which did not effect this part of the country until the former year. During 1861, 1862 and 18638, three years, there were but two marriages, none having taken place in 1862, whatsoever, but in 1864 and again in 1866, when the boys returned from the army, then there was a large in- crease in the number of marriages con- tracted. Again in 1874, the hard times h or —_—?. Y HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 587 produced a visible decrease, and set back from the gradual increase in the number, but since that time, the country having increased in wealth and prosperity, the matrimonial market has been growing more inflated with each year. REGISTRY OF DEEDS. The records of this office consist of fifty- seven books in all, of which the books of deeds are nineteen. There are twelve volumes of real estate mortgages, and nine of chattle mortgages, the rest are of a miscellaneous nature and indexes. The records of this county commenced with the year 1855, and were made in Webster and Kossuth counties, having been, after the organization of Humboldt county, transcribed into the books of this county. The first article recorded, in the shape of a conveyance of land, is dated Nov. 22, 1855. By this deed, William Hodges sells to Daniel McCauley, lot 2, on sectio1: 32, in township 92, range 28, or what i> now Grove township. This contained a fraction over forty-five acres, and the cor. sideration named is $180. The acknowl]- edgment was taken before Sewall Gower, the same day, and before evening was filed for record with the recorder of Web- ster county, from whence it was after- wards transcribed into the books of this county. The first mortgage on record, was made on the 27th of August, 1855. This article runs from the Des Moines River Naviga- tion Company, of Iowa, to D. B.St. John, trustee,to secure the payment of $2,000,000 and the property mortgaged is described as “all the locks, dams, canals, works, right of way, rents, tolls, covenants, water- powers, water-courses, appurtenances and = : branches of the Des Moines River Im- provement, in Iowa. Also all lands now held or hereinafter entitled to under the contract with the State, supposed to be about 1,000,000 acres.” This was made payable Sept. 1, 1867, with the interest, payable semi-annually. This was placed on record shortly after its execution, but the exact date is unknown, as the recorder failed to make a note of it upon the page of the volume. As the lands of this com- pany passed into the hands of indi- vidual purchasers, their portions were released, but upon the 7th of January, 1875, a general and fullrelease is entered upon the document in question. This is a lengthy and voluminons paper and covers quite a number of pages in the re_ cord. The first village platted and recorded in the county was Sumner, which bears date of Sept. 19, 1857, The early records of this county, unlike many, are neatly transcribed, and in many respects, most creditable displays of great mechanical management of the pen, mani- festing the culture of the class of settlers who opened up Humboldt county. Where men are themselves illiterate, men of no education are necessarily elected to office, and where culture exists only officers of like standing are chosen. The various plats of the towns, and vil- lages of Humboldt county were filed for record upon the dates given herewith, as follows : Sumner, upon the 19th of September, 1857, laid out by Peter and T. Ellwood Collins, proprietors. Dakota, on the 7th of June, 1858, by Edward McKnight. = aly is A ast 588 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. Addison, on the 10th of June, 1858, by Seely M., Julia I. and Charles A. Sher- man. Springvale (now Humboldt), on the 17th of April, 1866, by Stephen H. Taft. Rutland, on the 4th of December, 1869, by H. G. Bicknell and wife. Livermore, Jan. 24, 1880, by George W. Bassett, trustee, George Tillson and George C. McCauley. Vernon, Nov. 9, 1880, by Marsh P. Hawkins and Lorenzo D. Lovell. Willow Glen, Jan. 20,1882, by J. E. King. Renwick, Jan. 24, 1882, by the Western Town Lot Company. Thor, March 7, 1882, by the Western Town Lot Company. Bradgate, March 7,1882, by the West- ern Town Lot Company. Gilmore City, Jan. 16, 1883, by Ethel D. and L. L. Taylor. Bode, on the 23d of February, 1882, by the Cedar Rapids, Iowa Falls & North western Town Lot Company. Hardy, on the 20th of February, 1882, by the Cedar Rapids, Iowa Falls & North- western Town Lot Company. Johnston’s additton to Huinboldt, Sept. 8, 1874, by John Johnston. Lathrop’s addition to Humboldt, Dec. 30, 1870, by estate of Ansel E. Lathrop. McCauley’s addition to Livermore, Jan. 28, 1880, by George McCauley, Phocion Weeks, A. P.and J. A. Hunt. FINANCIAL. The best exhibit of the financial devel- opment of the county may be shown by the following first report of the county treasurer, and the table of values, accord- ing to the assessment rolls for 1883. First report of county treasurer, pre- sented to the county judge on the 5th day of July, 1858: To whole amount of county tax levied POV USS? oe csic eenae scenes $505 08 To Poll Tax... cccevescs eocawides 382 00 $537 03 Collected on county tax to date $304 86 ee oll a i 12 50 Remaining for collection...... 219 03 $537 03 Collected on fees, recorder..... $21 10 . ** county judge... 1 40 “7 of clerk........ 35 85 County warrants issued to date $917 91 fy a redeemed.... 321 94 Balance of warrants to be redeemed $595 97 Cash on hand at date.......... $ 18 26 TABLE OF VALUES, 1883. Lands, exclusive of town property... $1, 475, 890 Total number of acres............. 270, 226 Total exemptions for trees planted. . $95,784. Total, after deducting exemptions... $1,380, 106 Cattle assessed in the county. ..... 11, 363, Walit@iswcaucitanccliuesdiguaiasacaekn s $ 97, 742 Horses, in the county.............- 8, 693 Walhes oct eiaetncun ci aqoteaa au Sires $ 104, 054 Mules, in the county ............. 155 Weal @ntse ce gquchais nnesiatge aceon asians Fate $ 4,704 Sheep, in the county........ .... 1, 228 Valet: ) sa] HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 615 the projectors, the musical world was startled and surprised, or soon would be. But the world proved unappreciative, and after a brief existence, the various artists separated, and the wonderful concert troupe was never more heard; the final “wind up” being consummated at Iowa Falls. This was in January and the sub. ject of this sketch, with characteristic vitality, went to work for a farmer in that vicinity the remainder of the winter, then went to Black Hawk county and followed the same occupation the following summer. He then returned to Humboldt and went to work in a saw-mill, and dislocated his shoulder in repairing a flume. Recover- ing from this disaster he taught school | one term in Avery township, and then assisted in the organization of another concert troupe, feeling abundantly quali- fied for this business, in consequence of past experience, he started out as advance ‘agent, billing various towns, and making necessary arrangements, that the public might have an opportunity to hear the artists, so confidently selected, but the world had made no advancement in musi- cal thought, and in consequence of such a lack of education, they could not appre- ciate, and the company was a financial failure and breathed its last as did the former troupe at Iowa Falls. He then with a part of the troupe traveled on foot by way of Eldora, Marshalltown, Maringo and Iowa City to Columbus City, where he took leave of his partners and walked to Burlington, thence to Sagetown, Ill. From there he went to Abingdon, III. and worked a few weeks for a farmer, then went to La Salle and was émployed as blacksmith’s helper in zine works. In February he shipped as deck hand on tow boat Storm No. 3 in the Illinois river trade and continued in that occupation until May. He left the boat at St. Louis and took deck passage to Kansas City, where he was engaged as runner for the Broadway Hotel for a time, then he went to Lawrence, Kan., and worked on a railroad section, thence to Topeka, where be secured a situation as waiter, dish- washer and meat and vegetable cook in the Teft House. In July he started from To- peka for Humboldt, on foot, in company with a friend. They made the trip by way of Valley Falls, Highland, Iowa Point, Forest City, Mound City, Clarinda, Quincy, Fontanelle, Panora, New Jeffer- son and Fort Dodge, walking all but eight miles of the distance. He then worked for a time in the harvest field, and in 1869, during the winter, worked in a store at Humboldt, and in the spring went to Palo Alto county and made pre-emption claim in Silver Lake township, walked from there to Sioux City by way of Sioux Rap- ids, Cherokee and Le Mars. Went from there to Omaha, and was employed in the U.P. railroad shops a short time, then shipped as cook on a log raft down the Mis- souri. The raft went to pieces on a sand bar at the mouth of Tatte river. He then worked for a farmer in Cass Co., Neb., until after harvest and then came back to Humboldt, and went to work as runner for a stage line, on a train between Fort Dodge and Webster City, then worked at the painter’s trade in Nebraska City. Late in the fall of 1870 with his brother he started south, went through Des Moines, Ss Keokuk, Alton and landing in St. Louis, they both shipped as roustabouts on a glean ae ile, ¢_ bee eS asl» : 616 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. steamboat. At Santa Fe, Ill, they left the boat and engaged in chopping wood, there he separated from his brother and walked forty-five miles to Cairo looking for work unsuccessfully. He then walked up the Illinois Central R. R. to Pulaski, and secured a position as saw-dust wheeler atasaw mill near that place. This was in January, 1871, and here he remained wheeling saw-dust, turning screws and chopping slabs until March 1, when he was engaged as foreman of the establish- ment and remained until May, when he came up the river to St. Louis, thence by deck passage, sawing wood and paring potatoes for board, to McGregor. Went from, there to Red Wing, Minn., and worked some at painting. He then left Red Wing for Dakota City by way of McGregor and Algona, arriving, he en- gaged to work as apprentice at the prin- ter’s trade for I. VanMetre, in the Jnde- pendent office, Sept.1,1871. Heremained one year then went to the Republican, now Kosmos office and was employed as local editor and foreman for nine months. During the summer of 1873 he engaged with the Fort Dodge Zimes as compositor and remained until November, 1873, then went to Sac City, Iowa, as editor and fore- man of the Sac Sun, edited by Hon. J. N. Miller, who had at one time been a com- positor and devil in the Independent oftice, and was at this time member of the State Legislature and away from home on official business. He remained there until April, 1874, then returned to Fort Dodge and worked again in the Times office. Sept. 1, 1874, he came back to Dakota City and time he has been connected with that paper as owner and editor, and strange as it may appear during all these intervening years, and varied experiences, he has never moved his residence from Dakota City. He was married to Mrs. Maggie Little, widowed daughter of B. Channet, one of the early settlers of Dakota City, on the 9th of December, 1876. He isstill living with his first and only wife, in the enjoyment of good health, and probable long extension of life and happiness. Mr. Adams has always taken a prominent part in all public enterprises, and has held local offices of trust, having been mayor four consecutive years, and is the present treasurer of Dakota City. He may be called a self-made man, the advantages for obtaining an education were such as could be gained as opportunity presented itself in the back woods, among the back districts of the Green mountains. He learned to read from an old fashioned Bible with large initial letters, and the advertising columns of the Montpelier Patriot, nevertheless be has a fund of in- formation beyond most men, and isa gen- tleman who would prove a valuable acquisition to any community in which he might be placed. The Livermore Jndependent is also one of the adjuncts or branches of this enter- prising journal, and is published weekly at its office in Dakota. The initial num- ber of this paper bore the date of Jan. 1, 1881, and it is entirely devoted to the in- terests of the thriving village whose name it bears. W. M. Brackett is the local editor at Livermore. ‘ purchased the Jndependent on credit, The Livermore Gazette was established , | having cash on hand $10, since which | at the town of that name, in the fall of tom! “| eae fr / v i = fee HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 617 1882, by Hull brothers.. The initial num- ber was issued on the 30th of September, and was a neat eight-column quarto, with patent insides. At this time, having no press, the paper was printed at Lake Mills, in Winnebago county, and C. B. Hull had charge of the editorial department. Af- ter about four months’ run it was sold to Jay Boright and Bissell & Kenyon, the latter the publishers of the Humboldt Kosmos, which paper did the printing un- til July 1, 1883, when it was purchased by M. A. Bancroft & Co. It was operated by them, with Jay Boright in the editorial chair, until November, 1883, when it again changed hands. When it became the property of Bancroft & Co., a press was purchased and the publishing com- menced at home. In November, 1883, Oscar Lathrop became proprietor, and is the present editor. On taking possession of the office Mr. Lathrop made a curt bow to his patrons in the following words: TO OUR PATRONS. “The Gazette will reach you this week with a new name at the head of its: col- umns. We hope you will receive us kindly, continue your patronage, pay your subscriptions and call and see us. Yours for ninety days, Oscar Larsror.” Oscar Lathrop is the son of E. J. and M. E. Lathrop, and was born in Belmond, Wright Co., Iowa, Sept. 7, 1857. When fifteen years old he entered the Belmond Minor office to learn the printer’s trade. He continued there about three years, then went to Osage to work in the office of the Mitchell County Press. The same year he went to Kansas, and thence to Lincoln, Neb., where he worked in the State Journal office one winter. He then returned to Iowa. He owned a farm in Wright county, upon which he lived for a while, and sold in the summer of 1883. In August of that year he entered the Kosmos office, worked until the following November, when he purchased the Liver- more Gazette, of which he is now editor and proprietor. His parents reside in Belmond, Wright county. The Gilmore City Herald was instituted by W,S. Grove, in November, 1883. The editor and proprietor is also the sole own- er of a journal at Gowrie, Webster county, but tries to devote as much of his time to this sheet as possible. The paper is a neat specimen of the typographical art, and will win a prominent place in the ranks of county journalism. W 618 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. CHAPTER 12. JUDICIAL. When Humboldt county was first brought under judicial organization,several years after it had been permanently organ- ized as a county, it was made a part of the 4th judicial district. This was composed of the counties of Buena Vista, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Har- rison, Humboldt, Ida, Kossuth, Lyon, Monona, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sac, Sioux and Woodbury. Prior to 1860 there was no court held in the county, except what was called the county court, which was virtually the board of supervisors. The first term of the district court, in HUnmboldt county, was held in May, 1860, atthe school house in Dakota City. It convened on Monday, the 3d, with Hon. Asahel W. Hubbard on the bench. A grand jury had been called by the sheriff, but in the absence of any business to bring before them, they were not impan- elled but dismissed. The first case to come up was that of the State of Iowa vs. Robert Hindle, what this was, more than an appeal from a jus- tice court, the records are silent. On the motion of O. C. Howe, the district attor- ney, the case was dismissed, the judge giving his decision, that in the original matter the justice of the peace had no jurisdiction, and furthermore, that the indictment contained no criminal charge, and added that it seemed that the prose- tion seemed to have grown out of malice on the part of the principal witness,Samuel M. Purcell, and assessed the costs on that individual. Lon. John F. Duncombe ap- peared, in this case, as attorney for the defendent. The second case presented to the court was a chancery suit brought by Elizabeth B. Smith against Henry Williams and wife. In accordance with the desire of the plaintiff’s attorney,and the consent of the defendents, Judge Hubbard ordered that the case be carried to the court of Web- ster. county, on a change of venue. The attorneys present at this term of court were: O. C. Howe, district attorney; John F. Duncombe, Merservey & Bas- sett, B. B. Richards, Smith, Barclay and Holly. The first case of divorce came before this court at this term. It seems that Almeda C. Hill brought a suit against her husband, Henry E. Hill, for a dissolu- tion of the marriage on account of his abandonment and desertion of her. The facts being elicited on trial, and the pub- lication of the usual notification being duly shown, the court granted the prayer of the lady and severed the tie that bound oe =r HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 619 her to her recreant lord. The custody of their only child, Henrietta, was also given to the mother. This bill was granted May 15, 1860. John McKitrick, a native of Ireland, was also duly declared a citizen of the United States, at the same term of court. Judge Hubbard continued to hold one term of court per year in Humboldt county until the Ist of January, 1863, when his term of office expired. Hon. Asahel W. Hubbard,the first judge over the district of which Humboldt county was a part, was a native of Con- necticut, where he was born in 1817. He came west in 1836,to Indiana. In 1857 he removed to Iowa, locating at Sioux City. He had been in that locality but one year when he was elected to the responsible position of district judge. On the termi- nation of his term of office, he was elected as representative to the 38th Congress. Ife was re-elected to both the 39th and 40th Congresses, and while there gave evi- dence of his solid worth. Heserved asa member of committees on Foreign Affairs, Public Expenditures and Indian Affairs. He was exceedingly attentive to his duties while a member of the House, and served his constitutents with unqualified satis- faction. In May, 1863, the newly elected judge appeared to fill the vacancy left by the retirement from the bench of A. W. Hub- bard. This was Hon. Isaac Pendleton. On the 18th'day of May, the court was convened and business was commenced. The district attorney was Henry Ford; clerk, John E. Cragg; sheriff, George U. McCauley. Judge Pendleton presided over the district for one full term of four years until Jan.1, 1867. While he was upon the bench, in 1865, the first grand jury in Humboldt was impanelled. This consisted of the following gentlemen: Hiram Fleming, E. L. Hinton, A. H. Knowles, C. Zimmerman, Elam Shattuck, O. W. Coney, Walter Thomas, Henry Archer, W. L. Cusey, Balcer Linnestruth, Elias Cusey, John Russell, Harlow Miner, Phocion Weeks and G. C. McCauley. At the May terra of the year 1867, Hon. Henry Ford, occupied the bench. He was a fine lawyer and able jurist and gave great satisfaction to the bar and the people generally. He was re-elected in October, 1870, but during the year 1872 resigned, and J. R. Zuver was elected to fill the vacancy. In 1874, Hon. C. H. Lewis assumed the judicial ermine and continued to hold the office until the Ist of January, 1877, when he was succeeded by the present incum- bent, Hon. E. R. Duffie, of Sac City. CIRCUIT COURT. By an act of the General Assembly, passed and approved April 3, 1868, circuit courts were established in this State, and each judicial district was divided into two circuits, in each of which, at the general election, in November, 1868, and every four years thereafter, a circuit judge was to be elected. Four terms of court were pro- vided per year in each county in the cir- cuits. By this act the office of county judge was abolished, and all business per- taining to that office was transferred to the circuit court, which was to have concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in all civil actions at law, and exclusive jurisdic- tion of all appeals and writs of error from tte oe = oh, 620 ‘HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. justices’ courts, mayors’ courts, and all other inferior tribunals, either in civil or criminal cases. Humboldt county, to- gether with others, made the second cir- cuit of the 4th judicial district. Jared M. Snyder, of the town of Hum- boldt, was the first circuit judge, being elected at the November election, 1868. He served from January, 1869, until 1873 when he gave way for his successor. Hon. Jared M. Snyder was born near Oswego City, N. Y., on the 27th day of May, 1844. Here he remained ‘until he was sixteen years old, receiving the foun- dation of his education in the common schools, afterward graduating at Mexico Academy,a very excellent school. In 1860 he went with his parents to Stephenson Co., Ill., and immediately entered the of- fice of Bailey & Brawley and commenced reading law. He was admitted tothe bar at Ottawa, Ill., in 1866. The following fall he came to ILumboldt where he com- menced the practice of law, and was the first to open an office in the city. In the fall of 1867, he was elected county judge. During the session of the Legislature of 1867-8 they did away with the office of county judge, and created the circuit. He then resigned and was elected the first circuit judge, which office he filled until 1873. In 1872 he was married to Susie E. Wilson, a daughter of Gen. Wil- liam D. Wilson, of Des Moines. In 1873 he went to Des Moines, where he pur- chased a half interest in the Iowa Home- stead, and was business manager. At the time of taking hold of the paper, there were 7,000 subscribers. Under his man- agement, the next year and a half, the list showed 13,000, almost doubling itself in eighteen months. In 1874 he went to Chattanooga,Tenn., but not liking the sur- roundings he went to Decatur, Ill., where he engaged in the manufacture of drugs. In June, 1876, he located in St. Louis, where he practiced law until the spring of 1881, when he again settled in Humboldt. The judge is a man of more than ordinary ability; is pleasant and sociable, calling many warm friends around him. In 1873, Addison Oliver, of Sioux City, took his seat upon the bench and occupied it fortwo years. He was succeeded by J. R. Zuver, aresident, also, of Sioux City, whose term of office was two years. In 1876 Lott Thomas was elected cir- cuit judge, and, on the beginning of the year 1877, assumed the judicial ermine. In 1878 J. N. Weaver, of Algona, was. elected circuit judge and is the present incumbent of that position, baving been twice re-elected his own successor. A sketch in this connection appears in the history of Kossuth county, in this volume. The first term of the circuit court for Humboldt county was held at Dakota, commencing March 1, 1869. Jared M. Snyder presided as judge, H.C. Cusey was sheriff, and A. W. McFarland, clerk. The first case brought before this court for adjudication was entitled John Ellis vs. Daniel McCauley, and was a suit for at- tachment. Judgment was entered for the plaintiff. DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. Among the various lights of the legal fraternity who have held the position of district attorney in this county were Henry Ford, afterwards so long judge of the district court; Orson Rice, C. H. Lewis, George B. McCarty and John Tol- i ss Y HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. ats, 628 liver. Most of these individuals having occupied other positions, their sketches may be found under their proper heads. Orson Rice was one of the characters, whose eccentricities and oddities, make them well remembered, and it will not be out of place in this connection to give a sketch of the gentleman who is so well known in this locality. Orson Rice was a native of Ohio, com- ing to Butler county, in this State, from Illinois, in 1854. He was then a man of about twenty-eight years of age, and had a family. He was very illiterate and knew nothing at all of law when he com- menced practice; but he was energetic, independent, and entirely reckless as to the language he used. He would murder the English language and grammar in a way that often made him the laughing stock. He remained in Butler county, practicing law, until 1864 or 1865, when he removed to Spirit Lake, and is still at his profession, having served one term as district attorney, and came very near the circuit judgeship. Many laughable and pithy anecdotes are told of Rice, which illustrate the difficulties, in the way of insufficient education, against’ which he had to battle in his early practice. On one occasion Mr. Rice had a case before justice of the peace, J. M. Vincent, with Gen. M. M. Trumbull as opposing counsel. The “Squire” was as illiterate as was Mr. Rice, and in drawing up the notice made a serious mistake.- It was a case in which some one claimed $22, and . some one else refused to pay. The names of parties have been forgotten, but they are immaterial. The “Squire” in drawing up the notice made the amount read “twenty-too dollers.” Rice was quick to see a point, but did not have knowledge to push it. When the case was called, Orson Rice, attorney for defendant,moved to “squash, as there was no specific amount or sum stated.” The justice said: “Don’t be a fool, Rice, and show how blamed ignorant you are.” Rice, however, in- sisted upon “squashing” the case, and re- marked that “everyone knows that there is no sense to ‘twenty-too’—achild knows it. Now, if it had read ‘twenty-t-o dol- lars,’ it would have had some weight. But as it is it must be ‘squashed.’?” The justice stuck to “too,” and said he knew it was right, while Rice as vehemently stuck to “to.” Finally they agreed to let outside parties, who were authority on spelling, decide which of two were right. ‘low it was decided has not been told, bat members of the bar tell the story of the squabble over the little word “two” with great relish. Jobn E. Burk, who was at one time prosecuting attorney for this judicial dis- trict, and is now a prominent attorney in Cificago, tells a laughable story on Rice. It seems that Rice had at one time a case before the district court at the time Judge Elias H. Williams was on the bench. Rice squabbled considerably, and had made an appeal for a continuance of the suit. In filing his motion with Judge Williams for continuance, he made several mistakes, and had amended his motion three times. The third time he handed itup to the judge, looked at him, and shook his head solemnly. Rice gave up, and leaning back in his chair, shaking his head in a way peculiar to him, ex- claimed: “My client is a conshiensh man; enw 25 eb 2— |, a 624 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. I am a conshiensh man; now, if the court will suggest what we should put in to that motion,we’ll both swear to it.” The judge did not suggest, but a general laugh ensued. Rice was a very pugnacious fellow, and when once excited would threaten to thrash the attorneys, clients and the court himself. At one time Rice was pleading a case before "Squire Margretz, at Butler Center, in which George A. Richmond was the opposing counsel. The two lawyers got into a wordy dispute over some point, and one cailed the other a liar. Rice leaped to bis feet, pulled off his coat, and was going to “walk right through” Richmond. The ’squire yelled at the top of his voice: “Order in this court!” Not coming to order, his honor got right in the midst of it and stood be- tween the two. Rice doubled up his fist and made a lunge for the squire, who, stepping back aghast, exclaimed in his broken English: “By ! Rice, vas you going do schtruck dis court? Ve can’t tolerate such conduct like dose. By shiminey! You can both gonsider your- selves in shail for thirty days.” This brought order, and we suppose they con- sidered themselves jailed for thirty days. George B. McCarty is a native of Clay- ton county, who moved to Emmettsburg, Palo Alto county, about 1867. He studied law with some of the most talented law- yers of the McGregor branch of Clayton county bar. Although a comparatively young man, he has made a record that he may ,well feel proud of and instances future advancement. COUNTY COURT. When this county was first organized the statutes of Iowa provided for the transaction of all legal matters through what was termed the county court or county judge. The court consisted of the judge, a prosecuting attorney, a clerk and the sheriff. The judge had absolute con- trol and jurisdiction in all matters. He had all the powers now vested in the board of county supervisors; had jurisdic- tion in all-matters of probate; issued mar- riage licenses, and attended to all finan- cial matters, except that he had nothing whatever to do with the school fund, which at that time was under the super- vision of a school fund commissioner, but has since been placed in the hands of the supervisors. The first county judge who qualified was Jonathan Hutchinson, who was elected at the organization of the county, in 1857. He held the first term of court and transacted the first official business of Humboldt county. He was a native of Ohio, from which State he came to this lo- cality in 1856, settling on section 34, of Rutland township. He only served about eight or nine months, and while in the discharge of those duties, made a most excellent officer. In the spring of 1859 he removed to Fort Dodge, and upon the breaking out of the war, entered the service in the 82d Iowa Infantry, of which regiment he became major, with the honorary brevet of lieutenant-colonel. After the expiration of the war, he re- turned to Webster county, where he has enjoyed considerable official dignity, ,hav- ing been county treasurer for over twelve years, and where he now lives. In March, 1855, he was succeeded by A. W. Marsh, who, however, did not oc- cupy that position long, having been aa “y] = — - ee a a HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 625 killed at Fort Dodge by a runaway team while the incumbent of the office, in the month of December, of that same year. John E. Cragg, the then clerk of the courts, acted as the county judge until the expiration of the term, and made a very thorough officer. Mr. Cragg was a man of great natural ability and of an excel- lent education. He is believed to have been a native of Pennsylvania, and some time after this returned to Philadelphia, where he died in the autumn of the year 1880. In 1860 George W. Hanchett was elect- ed to this responsible office by a unani- mous vote, and was re-elected in 1861, and served three years to the satisfaction of everybody. During this year the new system of a board of county supervisors was inaugu- rated, which took most of the business out of the jurisdiction of the county judge, leaving with that functionary entire cor - trol of the issuance of marriage licences and jurisdiction in all probate matters. N.S. Ames assumed the ermine with the incoming of the year 1864, but occu- pied the bench but a short time, resigning the office upon the 5th of September fol- lowing. He was a native of Vermont, but of a rather discontented spirit, want- ing to rove about, and never accumulated much propérty. He went from here, years ago, to Colorado, California and Oregon. In the latter State he was loca- ted when last heard from. At the election in the fall of 1865 John Dickey was chosen to fill this position and held it for one term. The power of this officer having been curtailed, he had a quiet, uneventful term of office, but the business that was brought before him was discharged faithfully and well. Judge Dickey is one of the most prominent and influential citizens of the flourishing town of Humboldt, where he holds the position of president of the Humboldt County Bank. Judge John Dickey, banker of Hum- boldt City, was born in Orange Co., Vt., Sept. 7,1814. His parents were Adam and Anna (Merrill) Dickey, natives of New Hampshire, who settled in Vermont in an early, where a family of eight chil- dren were born to them, six sons and two daughters. Mr. Dickey was a farmer by occupation, and a man of more than or- dinary ability. He took a prominent part in the affairs of his county, and held sev- eral local offices of trust. Anna Dickey, mother of Judge Dickey, died at the age of seventy-seven. She was a very consist- ent and worthy member of the M. E. Church for more than thirty-six years. Her disease was very peculiar and very painful. Commencing in one limb, it would continue through it until it had dislocated every joint, and then pass to another and do the same, until every limb was paralyzed and her jaws became per- fectly set. She remained in this condi- dion, almost entirely helpless, for twenty- five years, and what made her case still more remarkable, she retained her mental powers in full vigor, far beyond those of her age who were in the enjoyment of health. She expressed herself perfectly ready and willing to die, yet she waited with true Christian patience until her Master called her home. The subject of this sketch lived upon a farm until he was fourteen years old. He was then appren- or ly 626 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. ticed to learn the trade of mason, which business he followed for twenty years. In October, 1835, he was married to Sarah Colby, daughter of Deacon Jonathan Col- by, of Vermont. In 1850, on account of failing health, he abandoned his trade and embarked in mercantile business at East Orange and West Topsham. In 1857 he went to Canada, where he was employed by a lumbering company to superintend their work. He remained there five years, then returned to Orange county, where, in 1864, he sold his prop- erty and emigrated to Humboldt Co., Towa, locating upon a farm in Avery township. He plastered the first building ever plastered in the township, which was a school house, also built the first chim- ney, and was first school director. Four years later he removed to Humboldt, where he was employed to superintend the Humboldt mills, and afterward to superintend the construction of Hum- boldt College. In 1864 he was elected county judge, being the second one elect- ed in the county. He was elected the first mayor of Humboldt. In 1872 he sold his farm and engaged in banking, and was the first president of a bank in the county, which position he still holds. Judge Dickey is one of the founders of the Congregational Church of Humboldt, and spent his time and money freely to assist in building their beautiful church edifice and maintaining it. He was-one of its first deacons, and such was the con- fidence of his brethren in him that he was installed into the Church in the old New England way, and so became Deacon. Dickey for life. Jared M. Snyder, also one of the promi- nent business men of the Humboldt of to-day, was elected county judge in 1867, and held his position one year. At that time the office of auditor was created, and by the act that originated that office, the county judge was made ex-officio auditor for one year, but Judge Snyder, prefer- ring his private affairs, resigned before taking possession of the auditor’s office. A HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 627 CHAPTER =. THE BAR OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. There is no class or profession which has more influence in social and political matters than the bar. Even_the press, which wields a mighty power among the masses, does not surpass it, as matters treated by them are generally local and varying. The pulpit, a great worker of good, is more devoted to the moral and spiritual welfare of man. But the profes- sion of law embraces all under one grand aim. Upon the few principles of natural justice is erected the whole superstructure of civil law, tending to relieve the wants and meet the desires of all alike. The grand object of law is equal justice to all, not technicality; although the latter must be strictly adhered to, to preserve “the supremacy of law. The laws are formed as exigencies arise demanding them by the representatives of the people. Change is necessary. The wants of the people of to-day, and the lawful restraints to be thrown around us of the present age, dif- fer from those of past years. They are either too lenient or too severe—in one case to be strengthened, in the other mod- ified. The business of the lawyer does not call upon him to form laws, but it-lies with him to interpret them, and to make their application to the daily wants of men. Every matter of importance, every ques- tion of weight, among all classes and grades, come before him in one form or another, for discussion. Hence, the law- yer isa man of to-day —posted upon all matters pertaining to the age in which he lives. His capital is his ability and indi- viduality, and he cannot bequeath them to his successors. ‘They die with him, or live in the memory of his sayings and deeds. In early days business was not so great in extent as to occupy the full time of the lawyer. Suits were not so numerous or remunerative as to afford him a comfort- able living for himself and family, and often other occupations must be taken in connection to swell the slender income. As a rule the lawyer became a politician, and more of the prominent lawyers of those days went to Congress and the State Legislature than at present. The people demanded their services, and they were glad to accommodate the people. To-day the profession stands at the head, almost, of all others, and the good law- yer must always be prominent, as he is one of the forces which move, control and protect society. Among those that have practiced before the bar of Humboldt county, and who have been resident lawyers, were the fol- lowing: A. W. McFarland, Jared M. Sny- der, J. D. Springer, J. N. Prouty, Parley Finch, W. N. Beer, J. N. Weaver, I. Van oe —= v é 628 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. Metre, A. E. Clarke, James Winters, A. D. Bicknell, O. K. Hoyt, A. R. Starrett, G.S. Garfield, W. W. Quivey, G. H. Shel- lenberger, C. A. Babcock, M. F. West" over, William Thompson, W. H. Locke, Hammond & Lyon, J. H. Gurney, W. J. Taft, D. F. Coyle, D. B. Hanan and John A. Walter. Of those who have either died, quit practice or moved away, we will speak first; later on, of the present members of the profession. Jared M. Snyder was one of the legal lights that illumined the county of Hum- boldt in its earlier history. He was ana- tive of New York State, having been born near Oswego in 1844. In early life his parents removed to Stephenson Co., IIL, where he was admitted to the bar. He came to Humboldt in 1866, and com- menced the practice of his profession. In the fall of 1867 he was chosen county judge. He has quit the practice of law, and is engaged in mercantile pursuits in the town of Humboldt. James D. Springer was a lawyer in every sense of the word, able, well read, and thoroughly posted on all matters of jurisprudence. It has been remarked of him that he is one of the ablest lawyers that the State of Iowa has ever had. He was born in this State, and came here from Fort Dodge in the year 1868, and remained about three years. He was dur- ing that time the partner of A. W. Mc- Farland, of Dakota, and is now the gen- eral solicitor of the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad Company, with headquar- ters at Minneapolis. A. E. Clark came here from Trempea- leau, Wis., in 1875. He was a good law- yer, active, energetic and well read. Be- fore he came to this place he had had some experience as an editor and after he had made a stay of some time in Humboldt left, going to Fort Dodge, where he is now engaged as the editor of the North- western Chronicle, which is one of the best papers in this portion of the State. W.N. Beer came to Humboldt county from Bucyrus, Ohio, and opened an office in Humboldt in the spring of 1872. He was a large man of a commanding physique and of great ability. Coming, as he did, from a family noted for their literary tastes, his father being a minister of the gospel, he had imbibed their thirst for knowledge. His education was above the average, and his reading had been wide and judiciously done. It has been said of him that he was a man of higher literary attainments than any other resident of the county. He had but one fault, that of a lack of backbone,or as has been graph- ically said, “wanted stick-to-ativeness.” He left the county years ago. Hammond & Lyons were land agents but had both been admitted to the bar, and did some little practicing. The senior partner came here from Independence, Buchanan county. After a few years resi- dence at Dakota, the firm was dissolved; and Mr, Hammond is now living in the State of Minnesota. The junior is a resi- dent of Columbia, Dakota Territory. J. N. Weaver is the present circuit judge, whose present residence is in Al- gona, Kossuth county. 1795, and Rebecca R. (Brooks) Bicknell,born in 1812. Mr Bicknell died Jan. 24, 1884, in Oneida county, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. He was a Baptist clergyman and preached for more than forty years. The subject of this sketch obtained his educa- tion in the common schools and at the Rome Academy,from which he graduated. At the age of twenty-one years he en- tered the office of Carroll & Ellwood in Rome, N. Y., and read law. In 1862 he came west and was admitted to the bar in Humboldt county. The year follow- ing, he went to Fort Dodge, where he fol- lowed-his profession five years. He then returned to Humboldt, and has continued to practice law here since that time. In 1879 he was elected to represent his dis- trict in the Legislature, and in 1880 was mayor of Humboldt. Mrs. Bicknell was formerly Sarah A. Mills, daughter of Al- len Mills, of Westmoreland, N.Y. They are the parents of three children—Frank W., Clara R. and Charles M. Mr. Bick- nell is a fine advocate, and ranks high in the legal profession. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., SpringvaleLodge, No. 394. William J. Taft, a rising young lawyer of Humboldt county, is the oldest living son of 8: H. and M. A: (Burnham) Taft. He was born at Pierrepont Manor, Jef- ferson Co., N. Y., Oct. 7, 1855. When two years old his parents removed to Mar- tinsburg, Lewis Co., N. Y., where they resided five years. The family came to Humboldt county in the spring of 1863, where William attended the public schools until the fall of 1872. He then entered Humboldt College, and taking the classical course, graduated from that institution in 1879. He next entered the law depart- . ment of the Iowa State University, grad- uating with the class of 1881. He was one of the ten commencement orators chosen from a class numbering nearly 100 graduates. Returning to Hum- boldt he engaged in the practice of law, forming a partnership with J. N. Prouty. In 1876 he spent three months in Penn- sylvania, New York and Massachusetts. He was in Philadelphia seven weeks in attendance at the Centennial exposition as correspondent of the Humboldt Kosmos. He helped pay his way through college aud the university by teaching several terms of school. In theory and practice he is a prohibitionist, using neither liquor nor tobacco. In politics he is a republi- can; in religion, a Unitarian. Nov. 15, 1883, Mr. Taft was married to Alice E. Tibbetts, daughter of Thomas J. and Helen L. (Harkness) Tibbetts, who are prominent and enterprising farmers of Dodge county. Miss Tibbett was a grad- uate of the State Normal school at River Falls, Wis., and a successful teacher, which occupation she followed several years. A. W. McFarland was born in the town of Bovina, Delaware Co.,N.Y., March 13, 1835, where he received agood education. After leaving school he was for a time engaged in mercantile business in New York city. During the financial crash of 1857, the firm in whose employ he was failing,he returned home and subsequently studied law with Judge Parker. His health failing, under advice of physicians, he went west in the fall of 1862 and was for a time engaged in teaching in Iowa Co., Wis. After being in all the western = ——el* Meek. —_4___9 sf HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 631 States east of the Rocky mountains he eventually settled in Humboldt county in the spring of 1864. In the fall of the same year he was elected clerk of the courts and clerk of the board of supervisors, and continued to hold the latter office un- til 1870, when the office of county auditor was created, to which office he was duly elected and continued to hold the same until 1876, when he entirely deserted political life and engaged in the practice of his profession. He has represented all railroads running through the county and has always resided at Dakota City. J. N. Prouty, one of the leading lawyers of Humboldt county, was born in Brad- ford Co., Penn., Feb. 9, 1837. He is the oldest son of Jeptha and Jane (Wheeler) Prouty, who are the parents of nine sons and three daughters, all of whom are now living except one son. In 1856 they set- tled in Stephenson Co., Ill., where they engaged in farming and where they are still living. Mr. Prouty went to Illinois in limited circumstances,but by hard labor and good management has accumulated a competency, and is now among the largest and most prosperous farmers of that sec- tion. In early life he was an old line democrat, but affiliated: with the repub- licans in the Fremont campaign, and has since remained with that party. The subject of this sketch was reared and received the foundation of his education in his native State, moving with his parents to Illinois when nineteen years of age. There he attended Rock River Seminary, at Mount Morris, two years, and Clark Seminary, at Aurora, one year. In 1862 Illinois Infantry, company A, in which he ‘religion, a Unitarian. Besides his large served until March, 1868, when he was transferred to the Mississippi Marine Brigade, company I, from which he was — honorably discharged in the fall of 1864, Previous to entering the army he read law in the office of Bright & Brawley, in Freeport, Ill. After his discharge he en- tered the office of Bailey & Brawley, in the same city, and was admitted to the bar of the supreme court of that State, at Ottawa, in April, 1866, Judges Breese, Lawrence and Walker presiding. In Sep- tember, 1866, he married Irene Henry, daughter of James D. Henry, of Laurel, Ind. They have three children—Edith, Florense and Helen. Mr. Prouty ’-con- tinued practicing law at Freeport until May, 1869,when he moved to Humboldt, Iowa. Since coming to Humboldt he has taken an active part in advancing the in- terests of the place financially, morally and intellectually, not only sympathizing with all movements in this direction, but being among the leaders in such enter- prises. In politics he is a republican; in law practice he has an extensive real estate and abstract business, having the most complete set of abstracts in the county. His office, which he built ex- pressly for his business, is a handsome two story stone building, centrally located, with plate glass front and a large fire-proof vault. Parley Finch, attorney-at-law and dealer in real-estate, is a son of James and Lucia (Johnson) Finch, and born Sept. 24, 1844, at Windham, Bradford Co., Penn. He was brought up on the farm and received his education in the common schools of the county. Mr. Finch commenced teaching | he entered the army, enlisting in'the 92d ir ~— 632 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. school in 1862 and taught several years. He commenced to read law in 1866, and in 1868 to study law with his brother, Ira Finch, and was admitted to the bar in 1871 at Waterloo, Iowa. In 1872 he came to Humboldt and commenced the practice of his profession. By close attention to business and uprightness in his dealings with the people he has acquired a large and lucrative practice and considerable property. Mr. Finch met with avery sad bereavement June 12, 1882, in the death of his wife, who was an excellent woman and one who was very highly respected by a large circle of acquaintances. G. H. Shellenberger, attorney-at-law, is a native of Mansfield, Ohio, and a son of David and Sarah (Naile) Shellenberger, who were the parents of six sons and five daughters. In October, 1878, David Shellenberger came to Humboldt county, where he has since resided. He took a trip to California in 1849, crossing the Isthmus. He worked there in the mines two years and then returned by the same route. The subject of this sketch was ed- ucated in his native State. He came to Humboldt county in 1876 and taught school the following winter. In the spring he became associated with F. H. Taft in publishing the Humboldt Kosmos, which he continued until 1879. In the spring of 1880 he attended the literary department of the Iowa State University, and in the fall entered the law department, from whence he graduated in June, 1881. He returned to Humboldt county and was soon after appointed deputy recorder, in which position he gained much useful in- lots in Humboldt county. Mr, Shellen- berger is a young man of good moral character, reliable in every respect, and is rapidly gaining a position both honorable and profitable. ; W. W. Quivey, attorney-at-law, was born in Coles Co., IIl., July 19, 1842, and is the son of Addison M. and Theresa (Olmstead) Quivey, who were among the very éarliest settlers of Coles county. They were the parents of ten children, nine of whom attained an adult age. Mr. Quivey was one of the organizers of Coles county, and took an active interest in politics and held several local offices of trust. In 1845 he removed to Dane Co., Wis., near Madison, where he spent afew years. In 1850 he purchased land pear West Union, Fayette Co., Iowa, and there spent the remainder of his days. The subject of this sketch was eight years old when his father removed to Fayette county, where he spent his childhood and youth in attending the common schools. In September, 1861, he enlisted in the 12th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, company C, known as the University recruits. He par- ticipated in the following engagements: Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Corinth and Helena, besides several skirmishes end raids. He was wounded at Fort Donel- son, returned home on furlough, and spent a few months, after which he joined his command. In 1863 he was transferred to battery K, of the Missouri artillery, and was discharged at Little Rock, Ark., in August, 1865. After returning from the war he attended school two years, fit- ting himself for a teacher. In November, aaile | 4 formation. He has a full and complete | 1867, he was married to Jennie C. Bab- set of abstract books of all lands and town | cock, of West Union. He had charge of ¢ + fle o fey A__© alee HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 633 the graded schools at Auburn one year, and Clermont for four years, and in 1873 was elected superintendent of schools of Fayette county. In the fall of 1876 he went to Sumner, Bremer county, where he was principal of the graded schools. He was admitted to the bar in 1879, and in 1880 removed to this county, where he has since followed his profession. Mr. and Mrs, Quivey have had four children— Arthur L., Grace G., Claude, who died in 1878; and Mary Zoe. Mr. Quivey is a member of the Masonic fraternity, also of the A. O. U. W. G. S. Garfield, attorney at law, was born in Windsor Co,, Vt., June 11, 1856. His education was obtained in the common schools and at the State Normal, at Ran- dolph, from which he graduated in 1874, after which he engaged in teaching school. In 1876, he went. to Winneshiek Co., Iowa, where he followed the same _ busi- ness, and also read law. In 1878, he had charge of the graded schools at Concord, Penn. In 1879, he attended the law de- partment of the lowa State University, graduating in June, 1880. He came to Humboldt in September, 1880, and formed @ partnership with C. A. Edwards, of New Hampshire, who, on account of failing health, was obliged for a time to abandon his profession and return to New England. Mr. Edwards was a talented and agreea- ble young man, and during the short time that he remained in Humboldt won many friends. Mr. Garfield is a young man of no ordinary ability, and by close atten- tion to business has earned a reputa- tion, of which he may be justly proud. A. R. Starrett, one of the prominent lawyers of Humboldt City, was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, April 14, 1833. His parents settled in that county in 1829, being among the first settlers. His father has lived on one and the same farm for fifty-five years, and still lives there. The subject of this sketch was educated in the log cabin school houses of Ohio, supple- mented by a course of instruction in Hiram College, where he well remembers reciting lessons to James A. Garfield: When twenty years old he commenced reading law in the office of Judge William Ball, of Zanesville,Ohio, where he studied hard for two years. He then abandoned temporarily the pursuit of law and en- gaged in farming and other pursuits. In 1869 he went to Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa, and resumed the study of law, and was admitted to the barin 1870. Mr. Starrett was married to Eliza Wood, of Detroit, Mich., in 1874, by whom he had three children. In 1882 he settled in Hum- boldt City, where he has since been en- gaged in the practice of law and dealing in realestate. He isa Royal Arch Mason and a member of the I.O. 0. F. During the war he held a commission as captain of a militia company in Ohio, and was engaged as such in a skirmish with the ‘guerrilla, John Morgan, and his men, while they were raiding Ohio. 4 634 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. CHAPTER Al. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. It is the general impression that no community could well get along without physicians, and the impression is well founded, although in one sense a little exaggerated. Yet it would be trying and sorry work for any community to attempt to get along entirely without the aid of those who have made the work of healing, curing and administering comfort to the afflicted and allaying their suffering, a life study and a life object. Their worth, when they are needed, is not measured by dollars. Their long years of study, pre- paring for emergencies where life and death are struggling for supremacy at such times, are above value. The physician, associated as he is with life and death, is a subject for study. He is present when members of the human race are ushered into existence, allaying pains, lessening danger; is also there at the bed of the child as it grows upward, and expands toward manhood or woman- hood, warding off disease, sustaining the health, and conquering deformities; at. middle age he is present, for, along life’s pathway are strewn for all, a large share of the ills that flesh is heir to; and while old age has set in, and the once rosy youth or maiden passes rapidly down the plane of declining life, as grandma’s and grandpa’s, the physician is still at his post; and again, as the steady tread of ap- proaching death is heard, while the eyes dim, and the clammy mantle of thatawful messenger covers its victim, carrying the humble life into the great blaze of eternity, the physician is still there, ex- erting his utmost knowledge to prolong the spark or to ease the suffering. God bless the physician—if honest and sincere he is a blessing to the world. As to progress, the medical world has made wonderful strides, and, in the future, will undoubtedly keep up its onward march. In this respect, that able man Prof. I. H. Stearns, health officer of Mil- waukee, and for many years surgeon of the Soldiers’ Home, at that place, once said: . “It ie doubtful whether it is won- derful that medical doctrine has advanced the way it has, in the past fifty years, or stupidity that the advancement was not made years ago. + * * - * * For instance, years ago—but while the practice of medicine was as old as Rome—the discovery was made that boiled oil was not good for gun and pistol shot wounds. What a discovery! It is handed down to us that on a certain bat- tle field the surgeon ran out of boiled oil, and so as not to discourage his patients he used cold water, pretending it was oil. It is not Strange to us that the water patients o—e —_~fo ew A + —— HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 635 speedily recovered with little pain, while the oil patients, if they recovered at all, did so in spite of the oil.” Prof. Stearns continued at length, relating the present mode of treating a fever, the giving of plenty of water, which, but a few years ago was absolutely forbidden,, and many others which would be of in- terest, but space forbids. : As one of the earliest settlers of Hum- boldt county, the first physician, and a prominent citizen, the name of Dr. Dear- man Williams claims a place in this His- tory. The subject of this biographical sketch was born near Mt. Pleasant, Jef- ferson Co., Ohio, according to “family record,” Nov. 12, 1804. His parents, Richard and Sarah (Stanton) Williams, came to Ohio from Newberne, N.C., in the year 1802, and settled at the place already given as his birthplace. He had five brothers and five sisters. Two sisters and one brother still survive him. Through his mother he was related to the great War Secretary Stanton, she being a sister to Dr. David Stanton, Secretary Stanton’s father. In their childhood they often played together, being not far from the same age. Circumstances, however, kept them apart for a number of years, until some time after they were settled in business, when they accidentally met in the following manner: “Dr. Williams had been down the Ohio river on business, and was return- ing on one of the river steamboats. It was at atime when great political questions were being agitated between the North and South, and the doctor became en- gaged in conversation with a prominent Southern politician. As they talked an- other gentleman sat by, apparently very much interested in the discussion. So absorbed was the doctor in the topics under consideration, that he failed to no- tice when they neared his landing-place, Wellsville, and the boat swept past with- out the usual warning. When he awoke to a sense of the situation, he found him- self some distance on the way to the next landing, at which place the captain, a Southern sympathizer, proposed to stop with him. While he was talking with the captain, urging the necessity of his being landed at the proper place, and claiming that no signal was given, the gentleman who had been the attentive listener before referred to stepped up, and speaking like one who knew what he was talking about, told the captain he must land the gentleman at Wellsville, or it would be the worse for him, as he had not given the lawful signal, and conse- quently would be liable to prosecution for damages. Thus persuaded, the captain seemed to think best to turn about and land atthe proper place. As Dr. Williams gratefully offered his hand at parting he asked the gentleman’sname. “My name,” said he, “is Edwin M. Stanton.” “And mine,” said the doctor, is “Dearman Wil- liams, so we are cousins.” In the spring of 1812 his father moved from Jefferson to Clark county, settling in a new home near where Massilon stands. They arrived there the day war was declared between England and the United States. Among his childhood’s recollections were inci- dents connected with that war. Reinforce- ments of Hull’s army passed in sight of his father’s cabin, and after the treach- erous surrender of that general,and at the close of the war, several of the straggling o—_r “ye Y af inn 636 ‘HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. soldiers,on their way home, sick,tired and hungry,called for refreshments and to rest. He, with the rest of his father’s family, heard the sound of the cannon in Perry’s battle on the Erie. They supposed at the time it was thunder, yet wondered at it,as there were no thunder clouds visible. He was brought up to farming, which oceu- pation he followed until about the year 1825, when he commenced the study of medicine with his uncle, Dr. Benjamin Stanton, of Salem, Ohio. He finished his medical course, and was examined by, and received a diploma or certificate from Stark county Medical Board at Canton, Ohio, in the year 1828. This board was legally authorized to grant‘certificates or license to practice, before the founding of medical colleges in that State. Accord- ing to the testimony of many, he passed an excellent examination, graduating with honors. In the common branches he was almost entirely self-taught; educational ad- vantages being quite limited in those days. He never attended sehool but six months in his life. He had a deep, comprehen- sive mind, his intelectual powers were above ordinary, and his memory unus- ually accurate and tenacious. He com- menced the practice of medicine at Pennsville, Morgan Co., Ohio, in a few months after his graduation, where he he established an excellent practice, and made miny strong and firm friends. He was married to Mary Farmer, daughter of John and Mary Farmer, of Salineville, Columbiana Co., Ohio, at Sandy Spring, Mo., “Meeting of Friends,” Nov. 27, 1830. His wife was a superior woman, a true helpmeet, and a faithful and loving com- panion until her death, which occurred Oct. 4,1851, in the forty-third year of her age. Although he survived her six- teen years, he always felt her loss very deeply. In a tribute to her memory, written soon after her death, appears the following: ) ‘‘She’s gone! she’s gone! and Lam left alone, To tread life’s weary road, Where briars and thorns are thickly strewn, I bear my heavy load. ‘Alone! alone! but not for her, *Tis for myself I mourn, And for those babes and children dear, To whom she'll ne’er return.” Both himself and wife were birthright members of the Society of Friends, and so remained during their lives. They had eight children, four sons and four daughters. John F., the oldest, whose name appeared among the very earliest settlers of this county, has been for a number of years in the employ of the Government at Darlington, Indian Ter., Cheyenne and Arrapahoe Agency. Ben- jamin, the second son, also one of the early settlers here, went during the great rush to Colorado in 1859-60, to that “Jand of gold,” and on his way home enlisted in the army for putting down the rebel- ion, in 1861. He belonged to company B, 5th Iowa Cavalry. He served during the first three years, then enlisted for three years more, or to the end of the war. Soon after he re-enlisted, he was taken prisoner by the rebels near Atlanta, Ga., having gone there with Sherman, in his “march to the sea.” After enduring the horrors of those loathsome prisons for six months he came home, barely escap- ing with his life. For a number of years he has resided in the Pan Handle of ‘Texas; cattle raising being his business. oo” a ee) HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 637 James, the third son, whose boyhood days were spent in this county, also served a short time in the late war. He served also a number of years as minister and presiding elder, in connection with the Northwest Conference of the M. E. Church, and was sent by that Conference as superintendent of the Methodist Mis- sion in the Black Hills, Dak. Ter., in 1876, where he still remains. Edwin F., the youngest, who spent many of his early years here, went when quite young to Kentucky to acquire a knowledge of en- gineering. He was always of a mechan- ical and inventive turn of mind, and soon became a successful engineer. He fol- lowed that business a number of years, in connection with the mines in Colorado, and while there invented a clutch for doing away with pulleys, which was ex- hibited at the Centennial exhibition. He is now in Philadelphia, Penn., in mechan- ical business. Rebecca P. Gidley, the oldest daughter, has been, since 1855, a resident of Marshall and Winneshiek counties, in this state. “ Sarah W. Collins,. was, with her husband, T. E. Collins, one of the earliest settlers in this county, and is known to many of its residents. Kate A. Collins, who many of the older set- tlers will remember, resides with her hus- band, Rev. M. D. Collins, in Corning, Adams Co., Iowa. Their marriage was among the earliest in the county. Mary E., the youngest daughter, died of heart disease at the house of Hiram Flemming, near Lott’s Creek, March 23, 1863, in her twenty-first year. She was a sweet,amia- ble girl, a faithful Christian, and beloved by all who knew her. Her early death was mourned by many. To her father, es- pecially, it was an irreparable loss. After this digression, we will return to the prin- cipal subject of this sketch. Intending to quit the practice of medicine, which was wearing on his health, Dr. Williams left Pennsville in the year 1843, going to Sa- lineville, Columbiana Co., Ohio. There, with hia brother-in-law, James Farmer, he engaged fora time in a woolen factory and oil mill, but this not proving a finan- cial success, he removed, in 1850, to Me- chanicstown, Carroll Co., Ohio, again en- tering into practice, in partnership with Dr. J. Lindsay. It was at this place in the following year that his wife died, and in 1852 he removed with his family to Lew- isburg, Champaign Co., Ohio, not far from the place where his brother, Asa Williams, had settled many years before. There he followed farming on a small scale, and also practiced some; but his health again failing, he determined to abandon the medical practice altogether; and in order to do so, concluded to emi- grate to a new country, where he would not be known as a physician. Three of his children had already come to Iowa, and settled near Bangor, Marshall county, and in the spring of 1855 he, with the re- mainder of his family, moved in wagons to the same place, from which place in the fall of 1856 he came to this county and settled near the mouth of Lott’s creek, on the place now occupied by Mr. Goddard, having purchased of the Government a quarter section of land, on a part of which the town of Livermore now stands. Although,as already been stated,he came here intending to retire from the practice of medicine, and had enjoined it upon his family and friends not to divulge the fact —_—r a5 sig 688 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. of his being a physician,yet,as such things will, it soon “leaked out” in some way, and as there was no other physician near, he was besieged day and night with urgent appeals for the benefit of his skill, until he saw no other way but to surren- der, and at last again got out a license and entered upon his professional duties, and for years rode extensively over this and Kossuth counties. While he was trying to keep the knowl- edge of his being a physician hid, he was one day at Algona on business, dressed in common clothes. At the time there was a suit pending—a case of some doctor be- ing prosecuted for malpractice. Some one interested in the case happened to know Dr. Williams, and had him subpe- nied as a witness. He was not known to the vourt, and to use his own language, “They gave me a look which seemed to say: ‘ Well, we’ll soon wind that ignora- mus up.’” They commenced his examina- tion, first with simple questions, then with more intricate ones, going into all the technicalities of physiology and anatomy, and as the doctor continued giving ac- curate answers, they seemed more and more astonished,until the lawyers stopped, and looking earnestly at him one of them said in a very respectful tone, “ Well, Dr. Williams, what college did you graduate from?” He practiced medicine to some extent during the whole of his stay in this county. He served the county as su- perintendent of schools two or more suc- cessive terms; how worthily, no doubt many of the old teachers in the county would be able to testify. In the fall of 1865 he sold his place at Lott’s creek, broke up housekeeping, and went to Winneshiek county, where his daughter,Mrs. R. P. Gidley, with her hus- band, Isaac M. Gidley, then resided. He staid some months, then went to Musca- _ tine, where his two sons, John and Benja- min, lived. With them he remained un- til the fall of 1867, when he returned to this county, where he spent his few re- maining days with his daughter, Mrs. T. E. Collins. It was his intention to make arrangements for a permanent home here again, but he lived but a short time after his return. During his stay at Muscatine he was thrown from a load of lumber on to the frozen ground. He had a small grandchild in his arms at the time, and in trying to save her, the fall was made harder for him. He fractured two of his ribs, and was otherwise injured; and al- though he so far recovered as to be able to come from that place with his own team and alone, yet his death was caused finally from injuries then received. He died after an illness of two weeks, of in- flammation of the kidneys, on the 27th day of November, 1867, in the same month and the same day of the month on which he was married, and was buried in Sumner burying ground, by the side of the daughter he had laid there four years before. He was affectionate,sympathetic, benevolent, and social in his disposition; a bitter enemy to slavery, always an up- right, conscientious man, and for the last four years of his life, particularly, he was a faithful, devoted Christian. The work of the Sabbath-school especially interested him, and claimed much of his attention the last few years of his life, and he was a very efficient helper in them in many ways. After his eyes were closed, ap- Ar ——> v Balk Opeth $e jets get HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 641 parently to open no more, a bright radi- ance lit up his countenance, he opened his eyes again, and with an expression as if looking intently at some object he ex- claimed, “Oh, how beautiful the City is!” and quietly passed away. PHYSICIANS OF HUMBOLDT. The first physician in the town, after it was laid out, was Dr. D. P. Russell, who was shortly followed by W. H. Locke. Since that time the medical profession has been represented by Drs. Ira L. Welch, W.M. D. Van Velsor, E. P. Van Velsor, Edward Baker, Brackett, Porter and oth- ers, whose names are not recalled. The present representatives of this hon- ored profession are: Drs. Ira L. Welch, G. Hardy Clarke, Gilbert Bogarth, Kinnie and W. M.D. Van Velsor. Dr. D. P. Russell, who was the first physician to locate in Humboldt, came to this place in 1864 from Pennsylvania, al- though born in Connecticut. He has rc- mained here many years, but has partially suspended practice, spending much of hi> time in Minneapolis, where he now is. Dr. Russell, than whom there is no better known individual in the county, is of that restless, enterprising disposition, that is supposed to be inherent in the people of New England. Shrewd, sharp, and caring but little for any friend but himself, he must succeed in the affairs of life, which he has done, if report speaks truly. The doctor was of the eclectic gchool, and had considerable practice. In 1866 he insti- tuted the pioneer drug store in the county, at Humboldt. The doctor is chiefly known through this locality as having built many hotels, among which are one each in Hum- boldt, Dakota, Algona and Livermore, all of which he operated for a time. W.H. Locke was the second physician to locate in the “city in the vale,” settling at that town during the year 1865, and where he at present resides, an esteemed and respected citizen. Dr. Locke was not an educated physician but practiced med- icine quite successfully, being a man of more than ordinary ability and training. Dr. Ira L. Welch was the next arrival, locating at this point in July, 1868, from which time he has continued in the pur- suit of his profession, and in the enjoy- ment of a lucrative practice. Ira L. Welch,M.D.,the oldest practitioner in the county,was born in Cortland Co., N. Y., Dec. 18, 1828. His parents were Corne- lius and Sally (Lucas) Welch. His father wasa man of more than ordinary ability. His counsels were often sought by his neighbors, and were always given by him with an earnest, conscientious judgment, rarely, if ever wrong. In politics he was an old time whig and a great admirer of Henry Clay. He always took an active interest in the affairs of his county and State. He sympathized with the free ‘soil party principles but voted with the whigs until the organization of the republican party, when he joined it and worked for the success of its principles until his death. He wasa man of strong convictions, and was always true to them, never swerving from doing or saying what seemed to him right. Mr. and Mrs. Welch had twelve children, eight of whom attained adult age. Three of his sons responded to their country’s call, by enlisting as soldiers in the late War of the Rebellion. One of them was fatally a fe o_~? 26 vane ¥ 4 642 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. wounded at the battle of Gettysburg in the evening of the last day of that terri- ble battle. Another died instantly, soon after his discharge and return home, of heart disease, contracted in the army. Only one of the three who enlisted ser- vives. Mr. Welch emigrated to Cleve- land, Ohio, in 1831, remained there two or three years, and removed to Wayne, and subsequently to Medina county, in the same State, where he died at the age of seventy-three. Mrs. Welch died in 1864, at the age of fifty-nine years. They were both consistent members of the Congre- gational Church. Dr. Ira L. Welch was educated at the Seville High School, in Seville, Medina Co., Ohio, and at Ober- lin, Obio. He entered upon the curricu- lum of study at Oberlin then adopted by that institution, expecting to finish it, but after two years, was obliged to abandon his long cherished plans to obtain a lib- eral education on account of failing health. As time went on, after leaving Oberlin, he began to recover his health, and then began the study of medicine, devoting as much time to it each day and each week, as his health would permit. His first course of lectures was taken at the Char- ity Hospital Medical College at Cleve- land, Uhio. He subsequently attended another course of lectures and - graduated at the medical department of the Uni- versity of Wooster, also at Cleveland, Ohio. Since his first course of lectures he has been constantly in active practice, except the time necessary to attend the second term and graduate. He was mar- ried to Susan E. Dix, April 19, 1854, in Se- ville, Medina Co.,Ohio. ‘hey have three children--Frankie M.,George W. and Sarah Charlina. Doctor Welch is a member of the Fort Dodge District Medical Society, of which he was president one year. He is alsoa member of the Iowa State Medi- cal Society, and of the American Medical Association. He attends as many of his society meetings as possible, consistent with his duties. Heis a Mason in good standing with the fraternity, who places a high value upon the spirit and the teach- ings of the order. He still continues his membership with the lodge where he was made a Mason, namely: Wadsworth and Seville Lodge, No. 74, A. F. & A. M., Se- ville Ohio. He is alsoa member of Delta Chapter, No. 51, Fort Dodge, Iowa. He has been identified with this courity for many years, serving it faithfully, as coun- ty treasurer, for four years, all the time doing all the work in his profession he he had time and strength to do. He maintained a thorough professional atti- tude toward his professional brethren, never losing an opportunity to lend a helping hand or give an encouraging siderate and sympathizing with the af- flicted. He makes his profession his love, and devotes all the strength and talent he has to the practice of it. He is self-sacri- ficing to an extreme,often bestowing favors to his great disadvantage. By untiring attention to business and the conscien- tious discharge of his duties as a phys- ician, he has earned and obtained a repu- tation and standing of which he may justly feel proud. He has a practice extending into adjoining counties in every direction, which is large and remunera- tive. That, as a just remuneration, he may be the recipient of earth’s choicest word to them, when needed, always con-- ci “ve 4 aa th D HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT. COUNTY. 643 blessings to comfort his declining years, and heavens richest treasures beyond the grave, is the ardent desire of many true, reciprocating hearts who have been re- lieved and blessed by him. In 1870 Drs. E. P. and W. M. D. Van Velsor came to Humboldt, and com- menced the practice of medicine. In a very few years EK. P. withdrew, leaving -his brother to continue alone. These were both graduates of the State Univer- sity, of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. E. P. Van Velsor, after the dissolution of the partnership, went back to Michigan where he died. His brother is still in practice at Humboldt. Dr. W. M. D. Van Velsor, resided for some years in Dakota, and was in the practice of medicine at that point, also. Dr. Edward Baker, a son of N. B. Baker, the widely known war adjutant-geveral of Iowa, came to Humboldt in 1872 or 1873, and entered into the practice of medicine. He was a graduate of the Louisville, Ky., Medical College, an allopath, and ayoung man of decided ability in his chosen pro- fession, and from the promise of youth manifests a glorious future. He is at present at Indianola, this State, in full practice. Dr. W. M. Brackett, a disciple of the allopathic school of medicine, came to Humboldt in February, 1877, and com- menced the practice of the healing art. He was a native of New York State, but a graduate of the Chicago Medical College, from which institution he obtained a di- ploma with the class of 1876. He went to Livermore in October, 1881, where he is one of the most prominent citizens, being the present mayor of that lively little “burg.” Dr. E. D. Nickson, dentist and druggist, was born in Staffordshire, England, Oct. 25, 1848, and is the son of William and Ann (Dugmore) Nickson, who emigrated to Canada in 1853. In 1860 they removed to Grant Co., Wis., and in 1869 came to Humboldt county, and settled at Mc- Knight’s Point, where they engaged in farming. In the fall of 1879 William Nick- son, at the age of seventy-seven years, was killed by being thrown from ahorse. He was remarkable for his activity. At the anniversary of his seventy-sixth birthday, | he accepted a challenge from his grand- children present, of whom there was nearly twenty, to run a race with them, of seventy-six yards, a yard for each year of his age, at which he came out victorious,. leaving many of them far behind. His wife still survives him; she is seventy- tive years old. ‘They have raised a family f eight children, six boys and two girls, all of whom are still living except the old- vst son, William, Jr., who died May 6, 1882, at the age of forty-seven years. The subject of this sketch received an acade- mic education. He studied dentistry in the office of J. B. Brown, D. D.S., Galena, Ill.,and afterwards with Dr. E. L. Clarke, of Dubuque. In 1868 he visited his na- tive country and the continent. Return- ing in the fall of 1869, he came direct to Humboldt county, and engaged in busi- ness at McKnight’s Point, getting a post- office established at that place. In 1873 he moved to Humboldt, purchasing the drug business at that place, and subse- quently the one at Dakota City, consoli- dating the two at Humboldt, which gave A or Saas \ ’ 9 - ee ash, 644 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. him the exclusive drug business of the county for some time, and making him the oldest druggist, now in business, in the county. Heis a member of the State Pharmaceutical Association, and of the State Dental Society. He is one of the prominent Masons of the county, and at present, is W. M. of Eastern Star Lodge, No. 195, A. F.& A.M. He is also a member of Delta Chapter, No. 51, and Calvary Commandry, No. 24, of Fort Dodge, Iowa. Dr. Nickson was married in June, 1871, to Mary A. Brown. They have one adopted son—Harry E. Nickson. The doctor is in easy circumstances, 0c- cupying his own property. He has the nicest drug store in the city,and is doing a good buisness. Dr. A. 8. Myzatt, a resident of Rutland township, was born in Albany Co., N. Y., March 16, 1833, and isason of Ezra and Hannah (Slade) Myzatt,both of whom are now buried in Albany county. When twenty-two years old the subject of this sketch left New York, went to Illinois and engaged in teaching near Belleville. He had received a liberal education in Albany county, and had attended aschool in Schoharie county, designed for fitting teachers for the work, and was therefore well qualified to teach. He remained in Iinois about six months and then re- moved to Dane Co., Wis., and engaged in general mercantile trade two years, then removed to Owatonna, Minn., where he was in a drug store, and also worked at the carpenters and painter’s business. He then went to Albany and commenced a regular course in medicine at the medical college of that city. After an attendance of two terms he commenced the practice of his chosen profession in’ Blue Earth City, Minn., where he remained four years then removed to Rutland, where he has continued since 1877, and now, deservedly, has a remunerative practice, is very popu- lar and successful, and universally liked, having a host of warm friends. G. Hardy Clark, M. D., of the homeo- pathic school, was born in Utica, Il. He is the son of John L. Clark, and of Julia (Hardy) Clark, a native of Vermont. The former is one of the early settlers of La Salle county, going there with his parents from Ohio, when a child. Dr. Clark, the subject of this sketch, was educated at the Poughkeepsie Riverview Military Academy. On leaving school he entered the office of Dr. G. F’. Coutant, at, La Salle. He attended lectures at the Hahnemann Medical College three years and gradu- ated in 1882. Receiving the appointment of resident physician to the Hahnemann Hospital, he held that position to the time of coming to this town. Dr. Clark has been a resident of this place but a short time during which he has had a remuner- ative practice. Dr. Edward H. Kinney, son of Dr. J. R. and Julia (Hinman) Kinney, was born at Defiance, Ohio, Dec. 25, 1856. His mother is dead and buried at Defiance. His father is general surgeon for the Min- neapolis & St. Louis Railroad Company, and is stationed at Minneapolis. While an infant Edward went to Illinois to live with his grandparents, with whom he remained until six yearsold. He then went with his father, who was, at that time, assistant surgeon in the army, and afterwards, professor of chemistry in the College of California, one year. Edward oe ~~—> al HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 645 attended school two years in that State at San Jose. His father then obtaining a situation in the Sandwich Islands, he went there with him and attended school until 1874. Inthe meantime his father returned to New York and graduated at Bellevue, then went to Europe, studied and gradu- ated at Wurzburg, having pursued the full course of study, and was fellow vale- dictorian of his class. Having completed his medical studies, he located at Cedar Rapids, and sent for Edward, who came and entered Coe College, took a classical course and graduated, taking two prizes, in 1877. He then studied surgery in his father’s office, three years, then took a course at the New York City College of Physicians and Surgeons and lastly took a sourse at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, from whence he graduated in the spring of 1883. He commenced the prac- tice of his profession at Minneapolis with his father. In June, 1883, he came to Humboldt, where he is engaged in the practice of medicine, making a specialty of surgery. His fine medical education, together with a natural ability, enables him to stand high in the profession, and few men are more competent to treat suc- cessfully intricate and difficult cases in medicine or surgery, and there is a grow- ing demand for the exercise of that skill, which he posseses in a marked degree. He deservedly has the confidence of the public, and a growing and remunerative practice. PHYSICIANS OF LIVERMORE. The first to locate here for the purpose The prefession is represented at pres- ent by Drs. W. M. Brackett and J. Vought. PHYSICIANS OF THOR. Dr. D L. Field located in this embryo village with the Runic name in October, 1883, and commenced the practice of med- icine. He came here from Clinton, Iowa, and, although a new resident of the county, meets with considerable encour- agement in his profession. DOCTORS IN DAKOTA. Among the physicians that have prac- .ticed in Dakota the most prominent names that yet remain in the minds of the peo- ple are Drs. I. A. Averill and J. S. Sprague. Dr. Averill commenced practice in Da- kota late in the seventies, and attained quite a cliental, but left’ the country in 1881, being located at present at Brainard, Minn. Dr. Sprague was a graduate of Toronto Medical College,and wasa finished scholar. He did not remain long. Dr. Ira L. Welch, on his first coming to this locality, settled.in Dakota, where he lived some years. Dr.Van Velsor, now one of the medical’ fraternity of Humboldt, was at one time a resident of this town, as was Dr. W. M. Brackett, now of Livermore. Dr. O. Beam is the only representative of the profession now resident at the town of Dakota. William O. Beam, M. D., was born in Preble Co., Ohio, Aug. 29, 1834. His father, the Rev. Charles Beam, was a native of Virginia, who went to Ohio in 1833. His mother, Lucy (Hattle) Beam, of attending to the sick was Dr. W. M.| was a native of the same State. They Brackett, from Humboldt. were both of German descent. In 1839 , — 646 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. | the family removed to Vigo Co., Ind., where they resided until 1846, when they emigrated to Jones Co., Iowa, remaining until 1855, then went to Linn county, of the same State. Here William com- menced the study of medicine under Dr. J. E. Strausberry, continuing with him until the fall of 1867. He then attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Keokuk,lowa, during the term of 1867-8, when he commenced practice in Linn Co., Iowa. In July he removed to Tama county, where he practiced in Waltham and Dysart until 1882. He graduated in Iowa State University March 5,1873. In January, 1882, he came to Dakota City, where he is uow the only physician. He The educational history of Humboldt dounty is one of interest, and the zeal displayed by many in the interest of good schools, is indeed commendable. The common schools of our country are now regarded by many as essential to the safety ofthe Republic. The first settlers in the territory showed in their works, their faith in the public schools. Gov. Robert Lucas, in his message to the Leg- islative Assembly of Iowa Territory, which convened at Burlington, Nov. 12, 1838, says in reference to schools: “The 12th section of the act of Con- gress establishing our Territory, declares, was married Sept. 8,1857, to Hester A. Stewart, a native of Ohio. They have eight children—Watson W., also a phy- sician; Della L, Jennie G., Franklin L., Charles H., William O., Hattie L. and Hugh A: Heisa Mason, a member of the I. O. O. F., a member of the A. O. U. W., of the G.A.R., of the M. E. Church, of the Iowa State Medical Association, of the Iowa Union Medical Association and of the Tama County Medical Soci- ety. He isthe present county coroner. In September, 1862, he enlisted in company H, 22d Towa, and at the charge of Vicks- burg, May 22, 1863, was wounded and was discharged on account of disability in No- vember, 1863. OP Bde Ee. 2e.F 1. EDUCATIONAL. ‘that the citizens of Iowa shall enjoy all the rights, privileges and immunities heretofore granted. and secured to the Territory of Wisconsin and its inhabit- ants.’ This extends to us all the rights, privileges and immunities specified in the ordinance of Congress of the 13th of July, 1787. “The 3d article of this ordinance de- clares, ‘that religion, morality and knowl- edge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and all means of education shall be for- ever encouraged.’ 4 eeccees ——s- tg Y 1 : i § eit +_9 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 647 “Congress, to carry out this declaration, The Ist section of the act of 1839, for has granted one section of land in each | the establishment of common schools, pro- township, to the inhabitants of such town- | vided, that, “there shall be established a ship for the purposes of schools therein. | common school or schools, in each of the “There is no subject to which I wish to | counties of this Territory, which shall be call your attention more emphatically than | open and free for every class of white the subject of establishing, at the com-| citizens between the ages of five and mencement of our political existence, a | twenty-one years;” the 2d section pro- well digested system of common schools.” | viding that “the county board shall, from This Assembly addressed itself early to | time to time, form such districts in their the task of providing for a system of | respective counties, whenever a petition common schools; and enacted a law pro- | may be presented for that purpose by a viding for the formation of districts, the | majority of the voters resident within establishing of schools, and authorized the | such contemplated district.” ‘These dis- voters of each district, when lawfully as- | tricts were governed by a board of three sembled, to levy and collect the necessary | trustees, whose duties were to examine taxes, “either in cash or good merchanta-| and employ teachers, superintend the ble property at cash price, upon the inhab- | schools, and collect and disburse the taxes itants of their districts, not exceeding | voted by the collectors, for school pur- one-half per centum, nor amounting to | poses. more than $10 on any one person, to do Among the earlier enactments of the all and everything necessary to the estab- | Territorial Legislature, were those requir- lishment and support of schools within | ing that each district maintain at least the same.” three months school every year, and that The 2d Legislative Assembly enacted | the expenses of the same be raised by , Jan. 16, 1840, a much more comprehen- | taxes levied upon the property of said sive law to establish a system of common | district. Among the latter enactments schools—a law containing many excellent | was that providing -for a county school features. It provisions were, however, in | tax to be levied to pay teachers, and that advance of the existing public sentiment, | whatever additional.sum might be re- on the subject of education making ample | quired for this purpose should be assessed provision as it did for free public schools. | upon the parents sending, in proportion to Even the people of Iowa were scarcely the length of time sent. The rate bill ready for such a law. system was thus adopted near the close of In the United States census of 1840, | the Territorial period. very few schools, either private or public, When Iowa was admitted into the were reported. One academy in Scott | Union, asa State, Dec. 28, 1846, with a county, with twenty-five scholars, and in| population of 100,000, and a reported the State, sixty-three primary and com- | school population of 20,000, about 400 dis- mon schools, with 1,500 scholars, being | tricts had been organized. From this the whole number reported. time the number of districts rapidly in- << -— ceicsccsies a bade wasied meen $2 61 Number of school houses in the county 82 Value of same......... 6. cece eee eee $46, 730 Value of apparatus in the schools.. $2, 757 Number of teachers certificates granted 10: 18882 sone caars wee ies ete ee aeac 117 Of which are males. . shag OES 29 And females........ .. 0 cceeeeeeeeeee 88 Number of applicants rejected........ 16 Average age of male teachers......... 2 Female teachers ........0.ceeeeeeeuee 14 The financial condition of the county educational funds are in a most satisfac- tory form, as the following summary will show: po ale, HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 653 SCHOOL HOUSE FUND. Cr. Dr. aie i se and repairs............ $2, 115 50 Amount for hand, per last report... $1,528 81 BID TOR TUE yin csere cectofensayadiereisoe 1,700 87 Received from district tax.... ..-.. 5,809 85 Eee fier oe ne oy a Received from other sources........ 2, 314 24 | Dad for insurance and janitors... 265 00 ———-— | Paid for supplies. . t wuorannaes 497 ‘74 Ota] o.Awd gavage eto akioateees $9, 652 90 | Paid for other purposes. .........-- 1, 682 88 Cr. QD WANG oictis sincasodvsrw in araceva/nsdyaelsovovny 0 8, 256 17 Paid for school houses and sites.... $6,219 45 Paid for apparatus ee aac thee ohio 46 00 TOtalsscccccccceke scan pe canes aetts $ 9, 652 90 Paid on bonds and interest......... 284 83 TEACHERS FUND. Paid for other purposes. . ihe 742 28 Dr. On hand..ec. se eeeee ceee cece ee cee 2,360 34 | On hand, as per last report ........ $5,254 14 Tasers Received from district tax.......... 16, 647 52 Received from semi-annual BPD Wo: a ee $9, 652 90 tionment. . - ” 1, 355 94 Received from other sources.... ... 886 96 CONTINGENT FUND. —— Dr Totals bus sees s sete eee ewareees $24, ee 56 On hand, per last report............ $2, 999 '79 : Received from district tax.......... 6,120 98 re yen is Aas a. $15, net a Received from other sources. ....... apne On MAN yc ca euianceaatar's. awe wales 7, 824 44 Totals < cer ssae'sasceaee sa anes wens $10, 180 48 Total ssislis anes wens sawed eens neers $24, 044 56 CHAPTER ATLLI. SWAMP LANDS AND RAILROADS. COMPILED BY REV. 8. H. TAFT. The controlling influence which the swamp lands of the county exercised in the location and building of the first rail- road, makes it necessary to refer to them in connection with the road. On the 28th of September, 1850, the general government granted to the State of Iowa certain lands known as swamp lands, which the State distributed among the several counties, under provisions that they were to be used for drainage purposes or other public improvements, Between 15,000 and 20,000 acres fell to the share of Humboldt county. So little was at first understood of the value of these lands that, in 1862, the supervisors of the county entered intoa contract with the American Emigrant Company to con- vey them toit, on the payment of $1,000 in some substantial improvement, to be des- ignated by said supervisors. This con- tract, on being submitted to a vote of the citizens in October, 1862, was rejected, the vote being seventeen for, and forty-one against the proposition. Had that contract been ratified it would have changed the financial and social current of events in the county, from their present lines, for eles a = 1D caren hie: 654 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. all time. Since without these lands as a subsidy, the Minneapolis & St. Louis road would have been built from Britt, in Hancock county, straight to Fort Dodge, midway between the Boone and Des Moines rivers; and but for the importance which attached to the towns of Humboldt and Dakota, by reason of this road run- ning through them, the Chicago &North- western Company would have run their road through three or four miles north of the towns, thus avoiding the great ex- pense involved ‘in building it where at present located. With no railroads communicating with the place, having natural advantages for promoting the growth of atown, such as water power, stone quarries and con- verging roads, the county, while having numerous small stations, would have had no important commercial or social center, and would have even heen dependent upon Algona on the north,and FortDodge on the sonth. But with the great arteries of travel and trade as now located, the county offers to its citizens, commercial, social and edu- cational advantages equal, if not superior, to those of adjoining counties. On the 12th of October, 1869, a prop- osition was submitted to the people for the conveyance of one-half the swamp lands to Humboldt College, when $10,000 should have been raised from other sources, and the other half to the common school fund of the county, which was defeated, the vote being 186 for, and 252 against it. In 1870 the board of supervisors en- tered into a contract with Gen. Read, president of the DesMoines Valley Rail- road, for the conveyance of two-thirds of the swamp lands to that company when the road should be built toa depot be- tween Springvale, now Humboldt, and Dakota, and one-third when built toa depot in the town of Rutland, which was ratified at a special election held on the 9th of August, of that year, by a vote of 356 for, and sixty-eight against. . The Des Moines Valley Company, failing to build within the time named in the contract, the supervisors, in 1872, entered into con- tract with three parties, J. T. Ross, president of the Iowa & Dakota Railroad Company; 8. H. Taft, president of the Fort Dodge, Humboldt, & Southern Minnesota Railroad Company, and with Mr. Mershon, president of the Iowa, Minnesota & North Pacific Railroad Com- pany, by which one-fourth the swamp lands were to be conveyed to the first named company when it should be built to a depot between the towns of Spring- vale and Dakota, one-half the lands when the second named company should build to a depot between the towns above named, and one-fourth to the last named company, when it should build to a depot in Vernon township, provided said roads should be built within two years, and pro- vided further, that if one company should build and the others should not, then all the land was to be conveyed to the com- pany so building. This agreement was approved at a special election held on the 14th of September, 1872, by a vote of 250 for, to twenty-three against it. In the winter of 1873, while Mr. Taft was in the east negotiating for funds with which to build from Fort Dodge on the basis of the swamp lands and a five per cent. tax, voted by the townships in the south half of the county, Mr. Hewitt, of oe “Tf. v + HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 655 Wright county, visited Springvale and Dakota and promised the building of the Iowa & Dakota road within six months, if the towns would transfer the five per cent. tax, voted to the company represented by Mr. Taft, to his corapany. The townships made the transfers asked, on learning which Mr. Taft discontinued his negotiations for funds, and nothing was accomplished by éither company within the time stipulated in the agreement with the supervisors. In 1874 Mr. Hewitt came before the board of supervisors and asked an extension of time for the Iowa & Dakota Company, which was not granted. In the spring of 1875 a home company, known as the Des Moines, Humboldt & Minnesota Com- pany, was organized, of which B. H. Harkness was chosen president; and at a special election held on the 5th of June of that year, swamp lands were voted to said company, with authority to use them in securing the building of a road either from Webster City, in Hamilton county, or from Fort Dodge, in Webster county, the vote being 280 for and 125 against the contract. This effort, like those which had preceded it, failed to secure the much desired railroad. In the autumn of 1876 Mr. Taft wrote J. J. Smart, general super- intendent of the Des Moines & Minne- sota Narrow Gauge Company, calling his attention to the valuable subsidy which Humboldt county had to give the company building the first railroad to its principal business towns. In February, 1877, Mr. Smart wrote Mr. Taft, asking that he meet him at Webster City on the 14th of the month to more carefully consider the terms of co-operation between the com- pany and the county. The meeting was held on the day named, Messrs. B. H. Harkness, J. N. Prouty, Dr. Ira L. Welch and J. E. Cragg accompanying Mr. Taft and taking part in the conference. A satisfactory understanding was reached, and on the 7th of May following a con- tract was entered into between the super- visors and Mr. Smart. This agreement provided that the railroad should be ex- tended from Ames, in Story county, by the way of Webster City to Humboldt, thence to Rutland, within a specified time, and the whole of the swamp lands to be conveyed to the company when the road reached Humboldt. This movement alarmed the business men of Fort Dodge, who saw in its success the loss of the im- portant trade of Humboldt county. , 670 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. trampled in the mire, rose ghastly and frenzied, and the flames of feudal castles and the shrieks of hanghty oppressors appalled the world. All the combined aristocracy of Europe were on the other side to crush the demand of the people for the equality of man. Russia, Prussia, Sweden, Austria, England, Spain—all the kings rallied their armies to the assistance of France in subduing the oppressed masses who, believing they were right, marched heroically to the victories of Marengo, Wagram and Austerlitz. But in the final victories of the despots, aristo- cratic privilege again triumphed in Europe. In the meantime a similar though less bloody and terrific battle had taken place in England; the same ever-rising conflict between the united courtiers and cavaliers under Charles I., and the Puritans under Cromwell. With prayer, fasting and hymn, the common people, who had for ages been under the yoke of servitude, took to-arms in defense of their rights, and many cavaliers bit the dust through their sturdy blows. But Charles II. re- turned to the throne and again aristocracy triumphed. The Puritan fathers; again they were trodden under foot. Then it was that the heroic resolution was adopted to cross the ocean, 8,000 miles, and there in exile estab- lish and found a republic where all men in the eye of the law should be equal. The result is too well known to need rehearsal. How they fought their way through all the dangers of the savage new world and succeeded in the object. How the aristocracy of England made the des- perate effort to again bring the yoke to bear; to tax us withont allowing us to be oppressed were our represented in parliament—to place the appointment to all important offices in the hands of the king, who would send over the sons of England’s noblemen to be our governors and our judges, and who would fill all the posts of wealth, dignity and power with the children of the lords. Hence the War of the Revolution. We, the people, conquered, and established our government independent of all the world, placing as corner-stone of the edifice that “all men are born free and equal, and are alike entitled to life, liberty, and the pur- suit of happiness.” Then coming down to the great conflict of America, the Rebellion, it was a con- tinuance of that irrepressible conflict which has shaken the world to its utter- most depths for ages. It was based upon slavery, that which has caused the shed- ding of oceans of blood, and making mil- lions of widows and orphans. The constitution, under which we are bound together, is, in its spirit and legiti- mate utterance, doubtless one of the most noble documents ever produced by the mind of man, and even now, when the ad- vancement of a century has dawned upon its use, not a paragraph requires changing to make it true to humanity. But yet in- gloriously and guiltily we consented to use one phrase susceptible of a double meaning, “held to labor.” So small and apparently so insignificant were the seeds sown from which such a harvest of misery has been reaped. In the North these hon- est words meant ahired man or an appren- tice. Inthe South they were taken to mean slavery, the degradation-and feudal bondage of a race. A privileged class assumed that the constitution recognized pF HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 671 it, and the right of property in human be- ings. This class endeavored to strengthen and extend their aristocratic institution, which was dooming ever increasing mil- lions to lifelong servitude and degrada- tion. All wealth was rapidly accumulating in the hands of these few who owned their fellow-man as property. The poor whites, unable to buy slaves, and considering labor which was performed by them degrading, were rapidly sinking into a state of fright- ful misery. The sparse population which slavery allowed excluded churches, schools and villages. Immense plantations of thousands of acres, tilled by as many slaves, driven to work by overseers, con- signed the whole land to apparent solitude. The region of the southern country gener- ally presented an aspect of desolation which Christendom no where else could parallel. The slave-holders, acting as one man, claimed the right of extending this over all the free territory of the United States. Free labor and slave labor cannot exist together. The admission of slavery effectually excluded free men from them. It was impossible for those men, cherish- ing the sentiment of republican equality, to settle there, with the priveleged class who were to own vast realms and live in luxury upon the unpaid labor of the masses. It was on this point that the conflict, in its fierceness, commenced. From the year 1790 the strife grew hot- ter and hotter every year. The questions arising kept Congress, both the Senate and House, in one incessant scene of warfare. There could be no peace in the land until this aristocratic element was effectually banished. The Hon. Mr. Iverson, of Georgia, speaking of the antagonism of the two systems, aristocracy and freedom, said, in the Senate of the United States, on Dec. 5, 1860: “Sir, disguise the fact as you will, there is enmity between the Northern and Southern people, which is deep and endur- ing, and you can never eradicate it—never. Look at the spectacle exhibited on this floor. How isit? There are the Northern senators on that side; here are the South- ern senators on this side. You sit upon yourside silent and gloomy. We sit upon our side with knit brows and portentous scowls. Here are two hostile bodies on this floor, and it is but a type of the feel- ing which exists between the two sections. We are enemies as much as if we were hostile States. We have not lived in peace. We are not living in peace. Itis not ex- pected that we shall ever live in peace.” Hon. Mr. Mason, of Virginia, in contin- uation of the same debate said: “This is a war of sentiment and opinion, by one form of society against another form of society.” The remarks of the Hon. Garrett Davis, asenator from Kentucky, are to the point: “The cotton States, by their slave labor, have become wealthy, and many of their planters. have princely revenues—from $50,000-to $100,000 per year. This wealth has begot a pride, and insolence, and am- bition, and these points of the Southern character have been displayed most in- sultingly in the halls of Congress. As a class, the wealthy cotton growers are in- solent, they are proud, they are domineer- ing, they areambitious. They have monop- olized the government in its honors for oe ST ee ee ee ay = 672 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. forty or fifty years with few interruptions. When they saw the sceptre about to depart from them, in the election of Lin- coln, sooner than give up office and the spoils of office, in their mad and wicked ambition they determined to disrupt the old confederation, and erect a new one, wherein they would have undisputed power.” Thus the feeling continued growing stronger. One incessant cry became, “Ab- jure your democratic constitution, which favors equal rights to all men, and give us in its place an aristocratic constitution, whith will secure the rights of a privileged class.” They insisted that the domestic slave trade should be nurtured, and the foreign slave trade opened; saying, in the course and vulgar language of one of the most earnest advocates of slavery: ‘The North can import jackasses form Malta, let the South, then, import niggers from Africa.” The reply of the overwhelming majority of the people of the United States was decisive. Lincoln was elected and inau- gurated despite the conspiracy to preventit. Volumes could be and have been written upon these actions, but they are well known. We will merely mention the most prominent features, transpiring until the havoc of war actually set in. On the 7th of November, 1860, it was known that Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States, and was to enter upon his duties on the 4th day of the following March. In the meantime the executive government was virtually in the hands of the slave power. James Buchanan, the President, had been elected to the office openly pledged to pursue the general policy the slave-holders enjoyed. The cabinet were all slave-holders and slave-masters. The United States Navy was scattered all over the face of the earth, leaving only two vessels for the defense of the country; the treasury was left barren; the army was so scattered in remote fortresses in the far west, as to leave all the forts where they would be needed, defenseless; the United States arsenals were emptied, the secretary of war sending their guns to the slave States, where bands of rebels were organ- ized and drilling, prepared to receive them. One hundred and fifteen thousand arms, vf the most approved pattern, were transferred from Springfield, Mass., and from Watervleit, N. Y., together with a vast amount of cannon, mortar, balls, pow- der and shells were also forwarded to the rebels in the slave States. On the 18th of February, 1861, the inauguration of Jefferson Davis, as Presi- dent of the Southern Confederacy, took place at Montgomery, Ala. Four days later the collector of customs, appointed by the Confederate Government in Charleston, S. C., issued the manifesto that all vessels, from any State out of the Confederacy, would be treated as foreign vessels, and subject to the port dues, and other charges established by the laws of the Confederate States. Thus by a stroke of the pen, the immense commerce of the Northern States was declared to be foreign commerce, beneath the guns of the forts which the United States had reared, at an expense of millions of dollars. Already a number of States had passed the ordinance of secession. 5 ‘al HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 673 On the 4th of March, 1861, Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated President, and assumed official duties. At half-past four o’clock on the morning of the 12th of April, 1861, the rebels opened fire upon Fort Sumter, and, after enduring terrific bambardment from all sides, the heroic defenders abandoned it, and were conveyed to New York. Fort Sumter was the Bunker Hill of the Civil War. In both cases, a proud aristocracy were determined to subject this country to itssway. In both cases the defeat was a glorious victory. On the next Monday, April 15, Presi- dent Lincoln issued acall for three months’ service of 75,000 volunteers. The effect was electrical. Within fifteen days it is estimated that 350,000 men offered them- selves in defense of our National flag. Thus the Civil War had burst upon the United States with almost the suddenness of the meteor’s glare. It was, however, but like the eruption of the volcano whose pent-up fires had for ages been gathering strength for the final explosion. The con- spirators had for years been busy prepar- ing for the conflict. In the rebel conven- tion, which met in South Carolina to con- summate the conspiracy,Mr. Inglis said:— “Most of us have had this subject under consideration for the last twenty years.” Mr. Keitt said: “I have been engaged in this movement ever since I entered polit- ical life.’ Mr. Rhett said: “It is nothing produced by Mr. Lincoln’s election, or the non-execution of the fugitive slave law. It is a matter which has been gathering for thirty years.” But more need not be said; the result is too well known. Call followed call in quick succession, the num- ber reached the grand total of 3,339,748. The calls were as follows: April 15, 1861, for three months....... 75,000 May 4, 1861, for five years...... 64,748 July, 1861, for three years..... 500,000 July 18, 1862, for three years.... 300,000 August 4, 1862, for nine months. 300,000 June, 1863, for three years...... October 17, 1868, for three years. . February 18, 1864, for three years. July 10, 1864, for three years.......... July 16, 1864, for one, two and three VCATSe ocak Seco cna seeds valpeure slate nies 500,000 December 21, 1864, for three years... 300,000 TOtal yaide. xcs aisha e sheeeeanee a ae 3,339, 748 HUMBOLDT COUNTY IN THE WAR. Humboldt county was intensely loyal throughout the War of the Rebellion, and her part in the history of the strife, is one upon which her citizens are justified in looking back upon with pride. Although at the breaking out of hostilities, it con- tained but 481 inhabitants, it filled its quota of volunteers for every call, and men enlisted from her territory in other coun- ties, to fill their proportion of the troops assigned to them. The people that busi- ness, or the cares of a family kept at home responded freely, with purse in hand, to aid the wives and children of those who offered themselves, as the counties con- tribution to the Grand Army. The action taken by the honorable board of supervisors, in relation to bounties, and appropriations in aid of the families of the volunteers, the reader may find fully detailed in the chapter devoted to the proceedings of that body in a previous portion of this book. In this connection has been carefully compiled from the adjutaut general’s re- port, and other sources, the name of every soldier from Humboldt county. Any omissions are not intentional, for none have greater respect and honor for the i =P a 674 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. brave soldier, who, leaving home and com- forts for the hardship of camp and battle- field, offered himself a sacrifice for the honor of his home and country, than the comrade who lovingly pens these lines in honor of their names. The following is the roster: SIXTEENTH INFANTRY. (unassigned. ) Alexander Coffin. COMPANY C. William Murray. COMPANY D. Captain. John Berry. THIRTY-SECOND INFANTRY. Major. Jonathan Hutchison. COMPANY A. Levi Scurlock. COMPANY I. John Means. Isaac McHenry. Henry C. Cusey. John N. McHenry. « Francis W. Russell. James A. Rowley. George W. Hanchett. Mathias Hutchinson. John McKitrick. Hiram Hulsizer. John R. Mayberry. THIRTY-SECOND INFANTRY. As many of the boysin blue from Hum- boldt county were in that regiment, an ex- tended account of its history would not be out of place in this connection. The companies forming the 32d In- fantry Iowa Volunteers were recruited in this and the neighboring counties, during the latter part of the summer and early fall of 1862. They rendezvoused at Camp Franklin, near Dubuque. Here, on Octo- ber 6, they were sworn into the service of the United States for three years ; John Scott, of Story county, being colonel; E. E. Mix, of Butler, lieutenant-colonel ; G. A. Eberhart, of Black Hawk, major ; Jasper Scurlock. John H. Ford. George T. Cass. Charles Aldrich, of Hamilton, adjutant. Here it remained under drill, acquiring discipline, until about the middle of the following month. Owing to the insuffi- ciency of quarters at the camp, a malig- nant form of measles broke out, which was fatal in many instances. From the 14th to the 18th of Novem- ber the regiment, numbering about 920 men, embarked by detachments for St. Louis, reporting there von the 21st, and going into winter quarters at Benton Bar- racks. when, under orders from Maj. Gen. Cur- tis, six companies under Col. Scott pro- ceeded to New Madrid, Mo., and the re- maining four companies, under Major Eberhart, went no further down the river than Cape Girardeau. The separa- tion of the regiment thus effected on the last day of the autumn of 1862, con- tinued until the spring of 1864. It was a prolific source of annoyance and labor. The details required of aregiment -were frequently demanded from each of these battalions; stores sent to the regiment would sometimes go to the detachment and sometimes to the headquarters, when they should have gone just the other way; the mails were in an interminable tangle. At the headquarters were companies B, C, E, H, I and K ; under Major Eberhart, A, D, F and G. The history of the regiment during this long period of separation must necessarily be two-fold. It will not be improper to write first an account of the detachment under Major Eberhart. In obedience to the order of Gen. Cur- tis, they proceeded to Cape Girardeau, and the major assumed the command of Here it remained a few days,. a Ge ce a Hae ee ee —r ~ Y HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 677 that post on the Ist of December, 1862. The garrison consisted of this detachment and one company of the 2d Missouri Heavy Artillery. Here they remained during the winter doing provost and gar- rison duty. On the 10th of March they were reinforced by the 1st Nebraska In- fantry, and preparations made for a march into the interior, On March 14, Major Eberhart marched his detachment to Bloomfield, accompanying a regiment of Wisconsin Cavalry, and a battery of Missouri Artillery, where they remained until the 21st of April, when they moved to Dallas, forty-six miles northward. The march was by a circuitous route, requir- ing sixty miles travel. The rebel general, Marmaduke, now threatened Cape Girardeau with a consid- erable army. He himself was at Freder- icktown, northwest of Dallas, whi e an- other force was coming up the Bloomfield road. Gen. McNeil, commanding the Union forces, marched at once for Cayx Girardeau, by Jackson. The detachment of the 32d, that was guarding the train, marched from Dallas to Jackson, a dis- tance of twenty-two miles, in less than six hours, and reached the cape on the evening of the 24th. The next day Mar- maduke invested the place with some 8,000 men. At 10 o’clock at night he sent a flag of truce, with a demand of un- conditional surrender, giving the Union commander thirty minutes for decision. Gen. McNeil, by Col. Strachan, who re- ceived the truce, sent back a flat refusal in. one minute, and politely requested a credit of twenty-nine minutes by Gen. the 26th, at 10 o’clock, when the rebels retired with considerable loss, just as Gen. Vandever came down the river with reinforcements for the garrison. In this combat, Major Eberhart’s command was posted on the right, in support of a sec- tion of Meltfly’s battery. Its loss was but one man captured on picket. On the 28th, our detachment was ordered to Bloomfield. Leaving Cape Girardeau at 5 o’clock in the afternoon, it marched fifty miles by dark the next evening, and went into camp near Castor river. Com- pleting the bridge over the stream, it re- turned to the cape, reaching there May 5. Here it remained on garrison duty until the 11th of July, when it again marched to Bloomfield. Having remained there a few days, at work on the fortifiva- tions, it was attached to the Reserve Bri- wade, 1st Cavalry Division, Department of the Missouri, and on the 19th started on the memorable march, which ended with the capture of Little Rock, Ark. , The command reached Clarendon on the 8th of August. Early on the morn- ing of the 13th, the detachment started up White river. The expedition lasted three days and was a brilliant success. The fleet went up the White river to the mouth of the Little Red river, and up the latter to the town of Searcy, where two steamers were captured and a pontoon bridge destroyed. When ten miles from Searcy, on their return, the fleet was at- tacked by 300 rebels, who directed their principal fire on the prize Haskaska, which was manned by company D, under Lieut. W. D. Templin. The steamer was near the shore from which they were at- Marmaduke. The attack was not, how- ever, commenced until Sunday morning, | tacked, but made a gallant defence. The 28 ~—e | ¥ nae = ek 678 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. rebels were driven off with a loss of more than twenty killed. The loss in company D was one killed and five wounded. Be- fore reaching White river the fleet was again attacked, but the assailants were quickly driven off with loss, and without any casualty on board. Large quantities of public property were destroyed, and a number of prisoners captured during the expedition. In the heavy skirmish at Bayou Metoe, on the 27th, the detachment was engaged, losing one killed and two wounded. The day the command reached “Dead- man’s Lake,” the scorching heat of that day, the parched ground marched over, the air at times filled with flying dust, is one not easily forgotten. The stagnant pond bearing the above name was cov- ered with a green scum, yet the men, burning with thirst, plunged in and drank greedily of the filthy water. The two trips from Duvall’s Bluffs to Brownsville, as guard to the cavalry train, were trips of hard marching in hot weather, and of suffering for water for man and beast, and from dust and heat. The sick on this march certainly received no extra care—at first shipped to Helena, and then to Clarendon, on the White river. About the 21st of August a small steamer, a side-wheeler, sailed up the White river ' loaded with sick and convalescent sol- diers. It was one of the hottest of Au- gust days in this climate, when she ran from Clarendon to Duvall’s Bluffs, forty- five miles in four hours. Not a spot on that boat, from the border deck to the hurricane deck, but was covered by a sick man. Sick men were piled away on that hurricane deck in the broiling sun, wher- ever a man could be laid. Is it any won- der, on that run of about four hours, twenty-six men died on that boat?—one of them a corporal of company G, (Car- ter). On the 25th of August another march of twenty-six miles across those prairies of Prairie Co., Ark. About 11 o’clock that night we filed into the little court house yard at Brownsville. Just as we filed in, Gen. Davidson stepped to the fence and said, “Boys, lie down quickly and take some rest, for I will need you at an early hour.” Then turning to an- other officer he said, ‘These brave boys have marched 500 miles and kept up with my cavalry.” By 3. o’clock next morning we were astir, and at 4 o’clock were in line and on the move. A march of nine miles brought us to the rebel out- posts, skirmishing three and a half miles to the brow of the hill, and after maneu- vering, etc., half a mile to the bank.of “Bayou Metaire.” The whole movement during the day was only a bushwhacking affair. In the evening we fell back to the top of the hill to support a battery. There dark found us. The battery and all other troops had left. was on tke field, with the rebels closing around us, when we withdrew and fell back that night to a corn-field near Brownsville; about 1 o’clock that night at the word “halt,” the boys dropped on the ground, and lay down between corn rows. No alignment encampment’ was made. The night was dark, as dense black clouds o’erspread the sky, and soon the rain came down in torrents; but there the boys lay—what else could they do? About One detachment alone, ocr Te 7 = q HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 679 asf, 94.M. it broke away; but, oh! the mud, mud! We had norations; but soon found a patch of sweet potatoes, and had a sweet potato breakfast. The detachment remained two days in camp in the timber near, and then moved to the old cavalry camp north of town, where our sick boys had been kept ina double log house on the edge of the prairie, and at alittle grove of a few scat- tering oaks, and near a pond of stagnant water. On the 31st of August, 1863, the day was very hot, and hence the train was or- dered to go through to Duvall’s Bluffs in the night. All the detachment was or- dered to go as guard. The whole detach- ment able to go was ordered on the trip. We cauld raise only forty men, and some twelve or fifteen of them were unable to march, but were ordered to go, as they could be piled on the wagons, and could use their guns in case of an attack. This was a serious camp ground to the detachment. A few days and not a well man was in the camp, and not many men able to care for the sick. Every nook and corner of the old house was covered with a sick man, every spot on the porch or in the hall was the receptacle of some invalid. Everything that was possible under the circumstances was done for the sick. But the detachment was in advance of the main army, and of all supplies. No sanitary or suttlers’ stores had reached them, and much of the ordinary soldiers’ fare was unfit for use. Much of the hard- tack had too much life. Here the detach- ment lost several of their men. Many nameless graves on southern soil are all that remain of these gallant spirits who laid down their lives for their country; not in the fierce excitement of battle, but in the pain and anguish of the sick bed. ‘Their young lives were ended, Their young spirits fled; And now they are sleeping, In peace with the dead.” On the removal of the detachment to Little Rock, it was relieved for a time from all guard or other duty, except the care of its own sick, by order of Gen. Davidson, who added that this was all that it was possible for them to do. Here they lost several more of their members, but on the whole the boys found Little Rock a healthy place and they improved rapidly in health. Gen. McPherson, medical director, af- terwards at Vicksburg, said that the send- ing of these four companies through on that campaign to keep up with the cav- alry, was a burning shame, one of the out- rages of the war, and no wonder the men were used up. They remained at Little Rock until the middle of October, when they moved to Benton, twenty-five miles distant. Returned to Little Rock, where they remained until January, 1864, then it started to Memphis, which place it reached on the 5th of February. Here it was ordered to report to Gen. A. J. Smith, at Vicksburg. It reached that city on the 9th, and remained there until the 27th, when it marched to Black river to await the army on its return from the interior. Meanwhile Col. Scott established his headquarters at New Madrid, and assumed command of the post. On the 17th of December, 1862, he sent out a detachment of 100 men under Capt. Peeble’s, who went as far as St. Francis river, bringing rT em = 4 A» 680 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. back several prisoners, much public prop- erty and valuable information. On the 28th of December Col. Scott de- stroyed the public property, and evacuated New Madrid, by order of Gen. Davies, after which he proceeded to Fort Pillow. Here he remained six months, the com- panies performing garrison duty. The command embarked for Columbus, Ky., on the 17th and 18th of June, 1863, in detachments, and went into camp there on the 19th, and there regimental head- quarters remained for more than seven months, Col. Scott being most of the time in command of the post. On July 10, Union City, in Tennessee, was captured by the rebels. The com- mand hastened to that place, but arrived too late to find the enemy. After burying the dead and caring for the wounded, they returned. The command was soon afterwards again divided into fractions. Companies B and I, under the command of Capt. Miller, alone remained at regi- mental headquarters. Company C was attached to the 4th Missouri Cavalry; company E was placed at Fort Quimby, not far from Columbus; companies H and K, Capt. Bensen commanding, proceeded down the river to Island No. 10. From this time forth until January, 1864, the history of each of these detachments is devoid of remarkable events. This, with the exception of company C, who were actively employed during most of that period, and the labors of officers and men were arduous in the extreme. They scouted a wide expanse of country in- fested by guerrillas, marched sometimes a considerable distance from Columbus, go- ing out in all weather, by night as often as by day. They braved many perils and endured many hardships. In the month of January, 1864, these six companies were brought together, and soon embarked for Vicksburg, where they were assigned to the second brigade. Perhaps there was not a single organiza- tion in the whole army under Gen. Sher- man that so gladly commenced that singu- lar campaign as the one under Col. Seott. Tf the battalion left Vicksburg joyfully, its return was still more joyful, for here were found Major Eberhart and his -four companies, and the regiment was together for the first time since November, 1862. The re-union brought great satisfaction to both officersand men. Shortly after the regiment was ordered to the Department of the Gulf, and there accompanied the disastrous Red river expedition. On this expedition the 32d suffered more severely, perhaps, than any other regiment. It formed a part of Gen. A. J. Smith’s command, consisting of 10,000 infantry and three batteries of artillery, which left Vicksburg March 9, on trans- ports, accompanied by gun-boats. Atthe mouth of the Red river this fleet was joined by Admiral D. D. Porter, with a large fleet, including several iron-clads. The fleet entered Red river by the south- ern stream and passed thence into Acha- falaya, proceeding as far as Semmesport, where the troops disembarked on the night of the 13th and immediately com- menced a march on Fort De Russy. No halt was ordered till the army had marched some seven miles. It was twenty-eight miles from here to Fort De Russy. Nevertheless the army marched that dis- tance the next day, constantly harassed vv eater 1 ea A v HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 681 by rebel cavalry; delayed once two hours at a stream over which a bridge had to. be made; attacked the fort and carried it by storm before sundown and before the gun-boats had arrived. In this assault the 32d was on the right, and “the men on the right took the fort,” said the pris- oners. Col. Shaw, commanding the brig- ade, speaks in unqualified praise of all the officers and men in his command. The loss was slight on either side. Of the 32d, one man was killed and two were wounded. At Fort De Russy they re-embarked and proceeded to Alexandria, where the troops again disembarked and remained nearly two weeks, At this point the col- umn under Gen. Smith formed a junction with the column which had marched from New Orleans, The boats could not be taken over the rapids while laden, so the troops marched to Cotile Landing, some twenty-five miles up the river. Here our regiment had its first battalion drill, with all the companies in line, since leav- ing Dubuque, in November, 1862. On the 3d of April, the command again. em- barked and reached Grand ’Ecore on the next evening, where it remained till the morning of the 7th, when it marched to the front of the battle of Pleasant Hill, where the brigade to which the 32d be- longed, commanded by Col. Shaw, of the 14th Iowa, stood the brunt of the fight, being the first in the battle, fighting long- er than any other, in the hardest of the contest, the last to leave the field, and losing three times as many officers and men as any brigade engaged. “Of Col. John Scott, 32d Iowa,” says the brigade commander, “it is sufficient to say that he showed himself worthy to command the 32d Iowa Infantry—a regi- ment which, after having been entirely surrounded and cut off from the rest of the command, with nearly one-half of its number killed or wounded, among them- many of the best and prominent officers, forced its way through the enemy’s lines, and was again in line, ready and anxious to meet the foe, in less than thirty minutes.” It is certain no regiment ever fought with a sublimer courage than did the 32d, on the battle-field of Pleasant Hill. Its heroism and its sacrifices were ‘worthy of a better fate than a retreat from the scene of its splendid daring and its glory. The fame of its gallant con- duct spread all over Iowa, as it would have spread over the whole country had the commanding general accepted the victory which the troops had given him. But sad losses befell the regiment. Lieut.- Col. Mix was slain on the field, also many of the officers were either slain or wounded. The regiment lost, in all, 210 officers and men, killed, wounded and missing; mo-t of the missing were also wounded—any so reported, no doubt slain. Iowa gloried in the fame of her honored sons, and wept for their dead comrades who fell on the stricken field. The following beautiful lines were written by Mrs. Caroline A. Soule, upon hearing of the sad losses sus- tained by the 32d at Pleasant Hill: Cold ure the sleepers Wrapped in their shrouds— Pale are the weepers The battle has bowed; Softly they slumber, Our soldiers in death— While heaits without number Cry, with hushed breath— ~ O God, are they dead! or ar sfo_— as) 682 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. Pale are the sleepers, Like marble they lie— Sad are the weepers, Tear-stained their eyes; Quiet they slumber, Soldiers entombed, While hearts without number, All shrouded in gloom, Cry—O, are they gone! Calm are the sleepers, . Taking their rest— Sad are the weepers, Joyless their breasts; Softly they slumber, Our soldiers to-day, While hearts without number Cry, only this way Can our battles be won! Col. Shaw’s brigade covered the retreat of the army to Grand ’Ecore, when the 32d regiment, after a movement up Red river to aid the fleet in escaping from imminent peril, went into encampment. It joined in the retreat down the Red river on the 21st, and frequently met light bodies of the enemy in skirmish. The retreat from Alexandria to the Mississippi was also harassed by the enemy, and considerable skirmishing took place at Bayou La Morge, Marksville and Bayou de Glaize, in both of which the regiments took part. Col. Shaw, in his report of the latter battle, says; “To Col. Gilbert, 27th Iowa, Major Eberhart, of the 32d Iowa, Capt. Crane, of the 14th Iowa, and their commands, is due the safety of the army. Had they failed to move into the position assigned them (although a difficult one, that of changing front under fire) with less celerity, or failed to hold it steadily after taking it, nothing could have saved us—not even the fighting qualities of- the sixteenth army corps.” The regiment reached Memphis on the 10th of June, from there the command moved to Moscow, and thence to LaGrange in the latter part of June. From this point it marched with Gen. Smith’s forces on the Tupelo campaign. It returned to Memphis, and having encamped there about ten days, joined in the Oxford ex- pedition. The next active campaign in which the 32d took part was in Missouri in the pursuit of Price. It was a cam- paign of severe marching but not of bat- tle. The regiment marched at least 650 miles, averaging twenty milesaday. It marched across the State and back again. Halting a few days at St. Louis, it moved to Cairo by steamer, arriving No- vember 27. From here it moved tu Nashville, which was soon after besieged by the rebel gen- eral, Hood. In the battle of Nashville, December 15 and 16, the 32d, fighting in Gen. Gilbert’s brigade, was warmly en- gaged, and won great credit for daring, efficient behavior. It captured a battery of five guns, and many prisoners, and lost about twenty-five killed and wounded. With the pursuit of the defeated rebels, closed the campaigning of the regiment for the year 1864, in face of the enemy. Early in 1865 the regiment marched to Clifton, Tenn., whence it moved by steamer to Eastport, Miss. Its next and last campaign was that of Mobile, under Gen. E. R. 8. Canby. It remained in Alabama some time after the fall of Mo- our left and rear would have been envel | bile, and was mustered out at Clinton, oped by overwhelming numbers, and | Iowa, Aug. 24,1865. Returning to Iowa, ( a giate Association. ee a9 ~— HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 683 the 32d was in due time disbanded, the FIFTH CAVALRY. officers and men receiving everywhere COMPANAY B. along the line of their journey the kind Benjamin Williams. greetings and hearty welcome of a grate- NORTHERN BORDER BRIGADE. ful people, whose hearts had been with COMPANY A. them through all their hardships. Licut. Edward McKnight, FORTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY. Dennis Hogan, Henry Archer. COMPANY B: ELEVENTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY. Amos A. Hewitt, Edwin F. Williams. OMPANY A. SECOND CAVALRY. Thomas J. Forbes. COMPANY F. ‘bers We kaecws. FORTY-SIXTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. FOURTH CAVALRY. COMPANY G. COMPANY L. Lewis Richmond. Harry P. Cragg, Abner F. Davis. SOLDIERS WHOSE COMPANY AND REGIMENT Is UN- John W.Fairman, James H. Hinton, KNOWN. Valentine Renter, Lewis Vought, William Sherman, Andrew Mills, Cassius P. Snook, John M. Thomas, Hiram Evans, Peter Bower, COMPANY B. Lemuel Young, Harrison Wentworth, Charles Jarvis. Alexander McLean, William Hamilton. CHAPTER 2 Vv 1. HUMBOLDT COLLEGE. In June, 1866, at a meeting called to | “The following officers were duly elected: order at Union Hall, to organize a college | President, S. H. Taft; vice-president, Hon. association, the following action was | B. F.Gue; recording secretary, J. A.Averil; taken, as shown by the minutets of the | corresponding secretary, A. W. McFar- meeting, which were published in the | land; treasurer, A. E. Lathrop; auditors, True Democrat: Judge Dickey and N. 8S. Ames; general “A, E. Lathrop was .chosen chairman, | agent, S H. Taft. and J. A. Averill, secretary. “Committee on Constitution and By- “The object of the meeting was pre-| Laws: A. W. McFarland, Charles Lor- sented at length by Rev. S. H. Taft. beer, D. P. Russell, Charles Bergk and 8. “Jt was resolved that the association | H. Taft.” d should be known as the Springvale Colle- The floods which occurred soon after this inflicted such losses upon those especi- or =" ee — a —a___D x 684 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. ally interested in the college movement, | with a courage inspired by an unfaltering that nothing further was done until July | confidence in the triumph of the right and 17, 1869, except that Mr. Taft carried on | true. Without such confidence and a correspondence with the leading men | courage he will became disheartened and in the State relating to the enterprise. On | fail, for every great and beneficent reform the date named a meeting, largely at-| or enterprise has its night of gloom, and tended, was held in Russell’s Hall, at | often its garden of Gethsemane, and who- which the committee, appointed three | ever is unable to maintain heart and years before, reported a constitution, | courage during those hours of darkness which was adopted and the association was | and gloom is unequal to the glorious and formed in harmony with the original plan, heaven appointed work of a true reformer. except that the name was changed to that | To be successful, he must not only main- of Humboldt Collegiate Association, in | tain his courage and confidence when mis- honor of the great German scholar, Baron judged and misrepresented, maligned and Alexander Von Humboldt, whose name betrayed, but he must maintain cheerful- our county already bore. The Zrue Dem- | ness also, that the fountains of physical, ocrat, in speaking of the meeting, said: | mental and moral life be not dried up; “Two things are evidently settled by | with such courage, confidence and cheer- the meeting: 1st. That northern Jowa | fulness, there can be no failure to the true is to have a first-class college; 2d. Hum- | ™an or woman, victory may be postponed ‘poldt county is to be the favored place of | but cannot be lost. its location.” ‘ “Profoundly impressed with the truth- In the autumn of the same year the as- | fulness of the foregoing thoughts, we say ' sociation asked of the county an appro- | to the friends of Humboldt College that priation of half its swamp lands in aid of | the present reverse is not a defeat to the the institution. It was accordingly sub- | noble enterprise to which we have put our _ Initted by the supervisors to a vote, at the | hands, and for which we have offered up general election, but was lost by a small | our prayers, nor will it long delay the majority. realization of our hopes. The labor thus Though disaappointed, Mr. Taft was | far bestowed is a great gain, which cannot not discouraged by this defeat, but held | be lost without our consent, and we cer- firmly to his purpose of winning success | tainly will not thus consent, but carry on for his chosen work, as appears from the | to a glorious success the great enterprise following editorial found in the Zrwe|in which we have engaged; and at no Democrat, issued the week next following | distant day answer back those who now, the election, entitled rejoice in their ignoble and short-lived “COURAGE, CONFIDENCE AND CHEERFUL- | victory, by presenting to them a great in- NESS. stitution, presided over by noble men and “Whoever would successfully enter | women, where the young of both sexes upon the noble work of elevating society, | shall gather to attain that physical, men- must do so in no spirit of timidity, but | tal and moral culture, which shall qualify ee —a__S HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 685 them for life’s responsibilities. That this grand victory is attainable, we believe, and upborne by this conviction, we cheer- fully bide our time.” After contracting for 240 acres of land lying north of and adjoining the town of Springvale, securing such contributions as could be obtained in the vicinity of the proposed school, and donating eight blocks of town property, Mr. Taft went where all representatives of large enter- prises had to go for funds, to the Atlantic States. Some of the experiences attend- ing upon his first eastern visit are given in the published address made on the opening of the school Sept 18, 1872. The following is from the address: “Although I had with me most desir- able testimonials from leading men of our State, yet the enterprise was so new, and to many so visionary, that my suc- cess seemed at first very doubtful. “My first hundred dollars was from the hands of Hon. Peter Cooper, of New York, whose ripe years are still full of noble deeds. ; “Weeks and months hastened by, and no adequate amount of funds had been secured with which to comply with the terms of the contract for the lands; and on the last Friday of May, I received a letter from the district clerk of our coun- ty, informing me that notice had been given that the district court would, on the following Tuesday, be asked to declare the bond a nullity, because of the non- fulfillment of its conditions on my part. “God alone knows the experiences of my heart during the three days immediately following the receipt of this letter; of them IJ will not speak; they are too sacred ! to be revealed to others. To Rev. E. E. Hale and Oliver Ames (under God) do we owe our deliverance from the untimely overthrow of our cherished plans. “T had made Mr. Hale’s acquaintance, and found that he most fully compre- hended the importance of my enterprise; overwhelmed with work as he always is, he nevertheless gave me the forenoon of Monday, and secured for me the favor and confidence of Hon. Oliver Ames, who let me have between $5,000 and $6,000, by which was assured the work thus far done. “You who are here present to-day need not be told of the grateful joy of that hour. But the satisfaction of my noble friend was little less'than my own; for when descending the stairs from Mr. Ames’ office he said, ‘Ought we not-to go down upon our knees in thankfuless before God, Brother Taft, for this great bless- ing?’ “The money was deposited in a bank, and a telegram sent to Fort Dodge at 1 o’clock Pp. M., which reached its destina- tion at half-past twelve (thus running a half an hour ahead of time), and through the thoughtful favor of E. G. Morgan, of the First National Bank, the money raised in Boston on Monday, was brought into court in Dakota on Tuesday.” The money was received by Judge Dickey on the day the case was to be called in court. When the case was called, the counsel for the plaintiff stated that the time for payment stipulated in the contract had expired, and he asked that it be declared void and judgment for damage be rendered against the defend- ant. Tr Y +f ashy Js 686 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. At the conclusion of his remarks Mr. Dickey produced the largest package of money ever seen in a Humboldt county court, and passed it up to the judge. The scene which followed this unlooked-for turn in the proceedings was one of deep interest to all parties. Work on the erection of the building was commenced in July, 1870. The ex- cavation for the basement was completed, the stone and mortar were ready, the lines by which to lay the walls were drawn,and a dozen men with shovels, hods and trow- els were on the ground ready for work. They were all men who needed the avails of their labor to live upon, and the ques- tion was raised, ‘Who will be responsi- ble for our wages?” While this question was under discussion, Mr. Taft came upon the ground, and in answer to the inquiry replied that*he had, like Commodore Far- ragut, bound himself fast tothe mainmast, and should either enter port or go down with the college, and that he would see that they were all paid. Lifting their hats they gave three hearty cheers, and turned to their work with a will. On the 28th of the following September the corner- stone was laid, Chief Justice Cole deliv- ering the principal address. The distinc- tive character and purpose of the institu- tion was indicated by Mr. Taft in his re- marks on laying the corner-stone, in the course of which he said: “But the chief honor which crowns this hour arises from the fact that Humboldt College is to be an unsectarian and truly Christian insti- tution, practically recognizing at its birth the fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man, by recognizing the sacred rights and obligations of all, without dis- tinction of religious sect, race or sex. And. such is the faith of its founders in the purity, sublimity and power of Christian- ity, that they ask no legislation for its protection, either from State, Church or school. While religious forms and be- liefs may change, and ought by reason of increasing light and enlarged experience to change, Humboldt College will teach that the center of Christian life—its soul (the care and love of God for man, as comprehensively expressed in the life and death of Christ, and the duty and privi- lege of man to love, obey and trustin God, as taught by Christ), will remain change- less through all ages, and glorious through all time.” An abstract from the opening address already referred to, sets forth still more clearly the ideal which he sought to real- ize in the location, character and work of the school. “To you, members of the board of trus- tees, will the students and the board of instruction look for more particular watch- care. A sacred trust is committed to you, which, if faithfully and wisely discharged, shall make your own day beautiful, and. scatter blessings along the pathway of coming ages. “Would that I could represent to you the possibilities of the future as they stand revealed to my vision to-day. Al- most in the geographical center of this continent, surrounded with a country of exhaustless agricultural and mineral re- sources, blest with a most healthful cli- mate, and over which hangs a sky of more than Italian brilliancy; this loca- tion within the lifetime of some here present to-day, will be an educational = ee) —_e ale 687 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. fe a—la, centre of more than 2,000,000 of people who will be living within the radius of 100 miles. And then what painter shall sketch, and what poet shall tell all the beauties which surround us and invite settlement and students. From the sum- mit of this building can be seen the .. groves which beautify the banks of three rivers, two of which seem to meander at our very feet, while all around are fields and dwellings which are to indefinitely multiply in coming years. A mile to the southwest can be seen the long, beautiful pond, on which the boatman may ply his oars. At the foot of the bluff, nature has excavated a basin, which, with little ex- expense, can be madea delightful skating park. Add to this the college campus of over sixty acres, surounded with broad avenues, and soon to be made still more useful and beautiful, with meandering walks, well arranged ball and croquet grounds, and an arboretum. Is not this a picture of promise and beauty suited to inspire you with noble purpose, and move ‘you to untiring work ? “Among the things demanding your early notice will be dormitories for the students, a library, chemical and philosophical ap- paratus, and the endowment of its pro- fessorships. “T am not insensible to the poverty which obtains among pioneers, and that we must for the present look to the east for aid, but something can be done here. Small contributions are to be sought and thank- fully accepted. Other institutions had to ‘commence with limited means. The found- ers of Harvard received sheep, cotton cloth, and salt dishes. And in 1775 Ben- jamin Franklin subscribed to Harvard library the sum of $4.80 a year, for four years. Encourage the contribution of any sum, however small, to the college funds, and devote them wisely to the promotion of its interest. “But it is by the employment of compe- tent and efficient teachers that you are the most successfully to promote the interests of the school. You stand pledged to teach, not only literature and science, but . the sublimest type of morality.. This you can do by selecting only such persons as shall illustrate in their lives the moral lessons which may be taught in these halls. If you will redeem this pledge, you may not employ as a professor any one who violates the law of moral purity, who gives to social dissipation the hours that belong to sleep, or who indulges in the use of tobacco or wine. “Let the professors employed by you be selected more with reference to social culture and exalted moral character, than to either scholarship or talent. “J will not say that our colleges have given too much attention to the cultiva- tion of the head, but that they have often given too little attention to the cultiva- tion of the heart is unquestionable. moral nature stands first in importance in the thought of God, and should in the teacher’s. . “Let it go forth and be everywhere pro- claimed, that the student in Humboldt College is to be taught that harmony ob- tains in all God’s word and work; that in his revelation to man he never contra- dicts himself; and consequently that science and true religion, so far from be- ing in conflict, are in perpetual concord. That he is to be taught the omnipresence The’ or Se Py og 688 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. and authority of God, that he may be led to say of him, with David,— “ Tf J ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. “If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts ofthe sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.’ “That he is to be taught the changeless justice of God, as declared by the Apostle | Paul when he exclaimed,— “ ‘Be not deceived, God is not mocked: whatsoever aman sow that shall he reap. If he sow to the flesh, he shall of the flesh reap corruption: but if he sow to the spirit, he shall of the spirit reap life ever- lasting.’ “That he is to be taught the love and mercy of God as declared by the Apostle Jobn, who said, ‘God is love, and he that loves is born of God;’ and as taught by a greater than John, even Jesus of Nazareth, who said that ‘God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ “That he is to be further taught the eternal beauty of virtue and the glorious rewards of holiness, which insure to their possessors ‘the life that now is, and that which is to come.’ “All this is to be taught with whatever authority and influence the institution may properly comroand. But on questions of speculative theology, such asconstitute the basis of the numerous religious sects into which the Church is divided, he is to be left as free as the eagle in his mountain eyrie. “To one thought more, ladies and gentle- | men of the board, do I invite your atten- tion. Thatis with regard to what you should seek to make Humboldt College eventually. “Let nothing short of a noble university be the meastire of your desire, and to the accomplishment of this supreme triumph, . devote your best energies. Such a pur- pose may seem extravagant at first, but a little reflection will assure us that it is not. The venerable institutions which we are wont to think of, as possessing an antiquity like the everlasting hills, had their birth but yesterday, as time is counted by the chronometer that measures the flight of ages. “Of the 100 universities now in exist- ence, only four of them date back to the | twelfth century, not one-half of them ante-date the sixteenth. And their be- ginnings were generally small, with many of them much smaller than ours to-day. “Of the early history of the great uni- versity of our own country (Harvard), one of her own poets has said,— “Who was on the catalogue When college first begun ? Two nephews of the president, And the professor’s son.” “To work toward a university will not only infuse a nobler inspiration into every department of the institution, but it will the more certainly insure the sympathy and aid necessary to complete success.” In addressing the teachers, he said : “You have been chosen as professors in this new-born institution, have doubtless. thought upon the peculiar responsibilities of the positions you occupy; you are not only made the guardians of the students y o—r —“— = HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 689 who shall come under your instruction, asin other schools, but to your keeping is given more fully than in older institutions, the reputation of the college. The name which it shall attain under your supervis- ion will be accepted as a kind of first fruit, indicating what may be expected in coming years. I trust that I shall not be considered as transcending the proper limits of remark if I submit to your con sideration some thoughts which the occa- sion suggests to my mind, relative to the work before you. The task of the teacher is one of great responsibility and labor. “Tt is very much easier for a general to command an army, than for a faculty to govern a school; for the general has to consider only immediate results, besides being invested with absolute authority, while the teacher has to consider chiefly results to be attained in the future, and is forbidden by considerations of his own and the students’ good, to exercise other than qualified authority. Then the military com- mander trains his soldiers to wield only weapons against material fortifications, while the teacher is to discipline those un- der his or her control in the skillful use of the mental and moral powers, and prepare them to contend successfully against su- perstition begotten of ignorance, wrong habits of thought and action which reach their roots far back in the centuries, and ‘against spiritual wickedness in high places.’ Then it should be born in mind, that as science advances educational insti_ tutions of high order are more and more to mould the character of the press, influ- ence the instructions of the pulpit, and give laws to the State. “In government, be gentle, yet firm; not anxious to govern much in those things which are innocent and harmless; but practices which are unquestionably im- moral, restrain by the exercise of all the authority with which you are invested. And a vicious student expel as promptly as the elder Brutus pronounced sentence against his own son; for however you may wish the reclamation of such an one, it is attended with quite too much hazard to other students, and the good of the school, to permit you to attempt such a work. Colleges are not penal colonies, to receive everybody sent to them. * * “In order that you may worthily dis- charge the duties which thus confront you at the threshhold of your new field of labor, it is of the first importance that your own habits of thought and life be wholly correct. No one is fit to govern others, until he has learned to govern himself. “Beyond this, it is essential that you possess a surplus of vital, moral and spirit- ual force, to dispense unostentatiously among students. This can only be at- tained by a careful observance of the laws of health, and by humble commun- ion with God. “Jesus told his disciples to ‘tarry at Jeru- salem, until endowed with power from on high’. Even so, you will do well often to tarry where you are wont to attain to sweetest communion with God, that you may go forth to your work upborne by considerations of its opportunities for usefulness, as also of the glorious harvest, which may be gathered by you not only in this life, but also in the world to come.” or —_ 8. Y 690 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. To the students hesaid: ‘A few words to you, young men and women, who are to make up the first classes of our school, and I have done. “I need not ask you to cheerfully com- ply with the rules which ordinarily obtain in a high school: your presence here is a pledge that you have resolved on doing this. But the occasion makes it fitting that I should ask you to refrain from, and discountenance, as utterly unworthy the name and character of a student,those low tricks which are practiced in many col- leges. It is high time that every noble school should have done with these relics of a barbarous age. “Let not Humboldt College be disgraced by any of the young gentlemen here pres- ent to-day, ever engaying in hazing or the charivari. What of overflowing vital- ity you have beyond what youmay appro- priate to study, can find innocent and healthful expression in the gymnasium, with the oars, upon the base ball or cro- quet grounds, or in still other healthful sports. “You have entered aschool which as yet cannot furnish you with the advantages of an extensive library, well appointed apparatus, art galleries, and numerous other important aids to the attainment of ripe scholarship and culture. But you can make these disadvantages conduce to the higher development of energy and self-reliance; so that it shall not be all to your disadvantage that you are students here, instead of attending at some one of the well endowed colleges of the east, “And beyond this, there is within your reach an honor and an influence which could not be attained at one of the old -colleges. The time will come when it will be asignal distinction to have been among the first graduates of this institu- tion; and when its centennial shall be cele- brated, your name and history will be sought out with more interest than the names and histories of a like number of students in any one of the well established schools of older States. . “It is therefore your high prerogative, by application to your studies, by virtuous lives, and earnest work, to stamp upon Humboldt College au impress of purity and nobility, which shall cause your influ- ence for good to descend to the latest generation. Remember always, that it is not the number of students graduated, but their character, which calls down upon an institution the blessing or con- demnation of society. “The mingling of both sexes in the chapel, the recitation rooms, and in meet- ings of literary societies, will, Iam sure, exert a healthful, intellectual, and moral influence upon all. But in order to this, you, young ladies, must let judgment and conscience bear rule over sentimentality and impulse, and thus be true to your best thought. By so doing you will exert a benign influence over all with whom you associate, and call down upon your path- way heavenly benedictions. “And you, young men, are laid under obligations of no ordinary character to deport yourselves with true courtesy and moral purity, in your associations with young ladies. Bear in mind that your behavior in the presence of ladies is a most truthful indication of your social culture. The ill-bred are often seen to gaze at ladies in their presence, and make ‘ie ae Of ae aia) —— HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 691 their passing by an occasion for coarse remark or rude laughter; but a well-bred man, a true gentleman, neither by word nor act does aught that would makea lady feel ill at ease in his presence. Let it be your aim, young men, to aid in demon- strating that it is not only admissible, but in all respects most desirable, that the sexes should attend the same college. I charge you by all that is sacred in the name and character of mother, sister, friend, that you ever make the presence of lady students an occasion and means of cultivating all noble qualities and pure aspirations.” During the two years intervening be- tween the laying of the corner stone and the opening of the school, Mr. Taft spent most of the time in the east, and was suc- cessful in securing the sympathy and co- operation of leading educators and capi- talists. The following. from an address de- livered in Dr. James Freeman Clark’s Church, in Boston, shows the line of argu- ment pursued by him in his appeal to the east for financial aid: ‘““When near the close of the last cen- tury the Congress of the United States was discussing the question of the perma- nent location of the National capital, one member suggested that both Germantown (one place named) and Washington, were too far east to be central, if any regard was had to the territory west, and north- west of the Ohio. The answer was, that the day was quite too far distant when that territory would be occupied by a civ- ilized people, to entitle the gentleman’s suggestion to any consideration. To-day a majority of the members of the Senate —r of the United States reside west of the line named, while by far the greater por: tion of the meat and grain consumed in the country, and shipped to foreign ports, is produced there. “This marvelous change, which has been wrought in fifty years, is but an intima- tion of the still greater changes to be ac- complished within the next half century, when a majority of the people of the United States will live in the valleys of the Mississippi and Missouri, and thus control the destiny of the Nation. Whether that power will be exercised to bless or curse, still rests largely, where it has in the past, with you of the east. FE, i They are members of the Lutheran Webber and A. P eae fees ‘ Church. ee ’ ’ ae George Head, clerk; and B.-C. Parsons, ee a : assistant clerk. The first marriage in the township took As has been already stated, Ophelia place in T8bi, end nuited miss, Hivak > Jinks taught the first school at the house Phe Penner oe ver Shee oe oe of Robert Marshall, in the fall of 1865. peretmed the geremiony. Ths was the This was in what now constitutes the iiettn the nauDhys ahs usee marriage | sub-district No. 2, but was then the sub- yeas ial Sebieh: wailed tp Mueteuno ny district No. 6, of the county. The first horles: Hl Sovulte and Mary H, Webber, regular school house was erected in this anvhe dad) “oF October, 1REby. “The care: district, in 1868, and Sarah Seegar taught ee pepionmed: Dy sie, BeeeMt therein, the first term. Laura Maly, is Ppnerians Mery ores: the present preceptress. The building is The first birth was that of Valentine | located on section 32, and is a neat frame Driscoll. 18x26 feet. It was built by D. A. Rus- — “Tf Le. =e ao] —B HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 727 sell, and cost $900. This was the first school district organized in the township. The second sub-district was whatis now No. 1. In this the school house, which stands on section 20, was built in 1870, by C.Lorbeer. It is 18x26 feet in dimension, and cost $900. The first school taught in the district, however, antedates this a couple of years. It was held in alog-house built by the settlers on the farm of I’. Driscoll, in 1868, and Elias Parsons was the pio- neer teacher. The present teacher in the district is Viola Mann. The school house in district No. 3 stands on section 34. It was built on section 28, in 1875, but in the spring of 1882 it was moved to its present location. It is 18x26 feet in size, a good substantial frame building, and was erected by C. Lorbeer. The first teacher was Irilla M. Webber. In district No. 4, which was organized in 1881, the school house was erected the same year of organization. It stands on sec- tion 24, and was constructed by L. Larson, at a cost of $600. The first teacher was Trilla M. Webber, and she is the present incumbent of that position. The school building in district No.5 was built in 1879, on section 23, and is a good frame edifice, 18x26 feet in size, and cost $600. It was built under contract. by Lorbeer & Nopen, and the initial teacher was Rosa Norris. I. M. Harpster is the present pedagogue. No. 6 was organized in 1882, and the school edifice was built the summer of the same year, on section 35. This is 18x24 feet in dimension, and cost in the The school house in district No. 7 was built in August, 1883, although the district was not organized until a month later. This structure, which is 18x26 feet in size, is located upon section 3, and cost about $475. The first schoo] directors of the district township of Beaver, were the following named gentlemen: P. DeSmidt, M. Hanna, C. Linn, William Flemmig, Charles Flem- mig, H. Busse, with A. P. Webber, as clerk. The present board is constituted as follows: H. J. Ketman, A. P. Webber, G. E. Severns, William Flemmig, G. Kirchhofand F. Koppe. G.E. Severns is the president of the board, A. P. Webber, clerk, and H. J. Ketman, treasurer. Beaver township is one of the best in the county. The surface is of the usual rolling prairie formation, so common to this State, except that along the course of the river it becomes a little more broken, but not to such a degree as to destroy its value for agricultural purposes. The soil is the rich alluvial deposit of black loam that goes far toward making this noble State of Iowa world famous for fertility. The East Fork of the Des Moines river runs through sections 7 and 18, and on 19 makes a confluence with the West Fork, and the main river from thence waters sections 31, 32,33 and 34. Beaver creek, an affluent of the parent strea, traverses the entire township in a south- westerly course, and with the river, af- fords good water, for the purposes of stock raising. The inhabitants are mostly of German extraction, or the product of that country, and a painstaking thrifty Al neighborhood of $500. ‘he first teacher | people. The Minneapolis & St. Louis, k was Delia Fleming. and Chicago & Northwestern Railroads | = —r eal oe Baal 728 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. traverse the township, the former through the southwestern corner, the latter from east to west almost on the centre line. With such facilities, and the best of land, it requires but little foresight to see its glorious future. Charles F. Fiemmig is the son of Wil- liam F, Flemmig, who came to America from Germany in 1852. He settled in Wisconsin, where Charles was born, Oct. 12, 1852,in Sheboygan county. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and came with his father to Humboldt county in 1872. In 1876 he located upon his pres- ent farm, where he owns 220 acres of rich land. He was married Nov. 9, 1876, to Mary E. Ketman, daughter of H. J. Ket- man, of this county. They have five children—Amos H., Frances C., Cyrus W., Arthur A. and Jennie M. Orrin Krouskup, a native of Chautauqua Co., N. Y., was born May 8, 1832. At the age of fifteen years he went to Loraine Co., Ohio, where he lived four years, then went to Henry Co., Ind., and remained six months, thence to Chicago. A month later, he went to Will Co., Ill., and was there engaged in trading horses. He en- listed in the 64th Illinois regiment, com- pany F, and was in the army eighteen months, when he was honorably dis- charged for disability. He then went to Chicago and engaged in the livery busi- ness until 1874, thence to Fort Dodge, Iowa, and in the spring of 1875 located on his present farm in this county. He owns 320 acres of land with good im- provements. He was married to Eliza- beth Ader April 20, 1864. She is a na- live of Germany. He has been engaged in the dairy business, but recently closed out. Frederick Koppe, a prominent citizen of Beaver township, was born in Ger- many Aug. 21,1845. He remained in his native country until 1869. He served three years in the Prussian army and dur- ing the time participated in the war with Austria in 1866. On coming to America he first settled in Sheboygan Co., Wis., where he worked at the stone mason’s trade. In the spring of 1875 he came to his present farm in Humboldt county, which contains eighty acres of good land. He was married Dec. 1, 1871, to Johanna Heinrich, a native of Germany. They are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Koppe was township trustee from 1880 to 1883 and is at present school director. Erick O. Skildon is a native of Nor- way, born in December, 1852. He was reared in Norway and farmed till 1867, when he came to America, locating in Wisconsin, and living in Lee Center for two years, when he moved to Kossuth Co., Towa, working for P. Devine and otheis till 1875, when he came to the place which he now occupies. He has 200 acres of good land. He was married June 3, 1881, to Anna Christianson, of Wisconsin. They have one child—Bertha L. John G. Lorbeer, one of the substantial farmers of Beaver township, came to the county with the colony. He is a brother of C. A. Lorbeer, and was born in Ger- many, Aug. 25, 1833. He came to America with the family in 1847, and was mar- Tied in Lewis Co., N. Y., in 1856, to Emma M. Wickes, daughter of Rev. L. A. Wickes. They have had eight children, seven of whom are living—C. Ettie, wife Z— ——) Y Bail os HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 729 of D. J. Gillett; Olney W., of California; John W., Lewis A., Hiram B., Paulina E. and Thomas L. Francis G., the eldest, died at the age of twenty-six years. Mr. Lorbeer came to the county a poor man, but by hard work and judicious management, he has accumulated a prop- erty that ranks him among the enthusias- tic fruit growers, and successful and well- to-do farmers of the county. He has 220 acres of land under a high state of culti- vation, and valued at $40 per acre, known as Eagle’s Retreat Farm. Mr. and Mrs. Lorbeer are of the original number of those who first assembled as Christian worshipers in the place, still living out the principle of one Lord, one faith, one bap- tism; all such believers composing the Christian assembly of the place, being members one of another. Hermann G. Busse is a native of Ger- many, born Sept. 23, 1852. He was reared and educated in his native country ard in 1869 emigrated to America. He first located in Sheboygan Co., Wis., where he remained eight months, then removed to Kendall Co., Ill, and lived till the spring of 1876, at which date he came to Hum- boldt county and located upon his present farm, on section 25, of Beaver township. He owns 120 acres of good land. He was married in April, 1881, to Louisa Weber, also a native of Germany. They have two children—Carland Mary. Mr. Busse has held the office of township constable two terms, and has also been school di- rector. Both he and his wife are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. George E. Severns was born in Grundy Co., Ill., Nov. 10, 1852. He was reared upon a farm and obtained his education in the common schools of his native county, where he lived until 1877. He came in that year to Humboldt county, and purchased the farm on which he now resides. It contains 120 acres of good land. He was married Dec. 25, 1876, to Caroline White, who was born in Grundy Co., Ill. They have one child—Horace. Mr. Severns is president of the school board of the district in which he resides. Mason Hanna, son of Robert and Anna (Haskins)Hanna, natives of Scotland, was born upon the Atlantic ocean, while his parents were on board ship, bound for America, Sept. 4, 1818. His father settled in Oneida Co., N. ¥Y. When nine years old, Mason went on board the old man of war, North Carolina, in the capacity of cabin boy. That ship shortly afterwards became a naval school and he remained upon board three years, as a pupil, after which he was employed in and about the navy yard until 1833. He then shipped on a three years cruise to the Mediterra- nean in the cutter Albany. In 1837 he was at the windmill in the Patriot or Ma- kenzie war with Canada. He next shipped to California, thence to Liverpool and from there to South America and other ports. On March 9,1847, he was with Com- modore Connor, landing troops and large guns near Vera Cruz, Mexico. He saw Gen. Scott enter the city at the head of Gen. Worth’s division, and on the 31st of March Commodore Perry took command of the Gulf squadron in place of Com- modore Connor. On the 5th of April Mr, Hanna left the service. From that time until 1853 he lived iu New York, Canada and other places, then took charge of a grain vessel between Chicago and Buffalo, 31 =e 730 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. in which employment he continued till the breaking out of the Civil War. He then entered government employ, but saw no active service until 1863, when he became mate of the transport steamer &. B. Hamilton, and was on board when the boat was blown up by atorpedo in Mobile bay in 1865. He escaped in a wounded condition. In thespring of 1866 he came north and located at Boone Co., Iowa, where he remained two years. He then went to Fort Dodge and was there engaged as contractor and builder, until 1879, at which date he came to Humboldt county and settled at his present home in Beaver township, where he has a fine farm of 240 acres. He was married in 1862 to Sallie Whittier, a native of New York, who died in 1864. He was again married, in 1872, to Martha Lewison, a native of Norway. They had four children born to them—Walter, Lillie, Sallie and Min- nie. Mrs. Hanna died in the fall of 1883. James Hughes was born in July, 1845, and is a native of Ireland. When James was two years old, the family emigrated to America, locating in Norfolk Co., W. Va., where they resided till 1854, when they removed to Illinois, settling in Grundy county, where James was reared onafarm. In 1862 he enlisted in com- pany C, 76th Illinois regiment, serving till May, 1865, and was with Gen. Grant’s army. He then returned to Illinois, where he farmed till Jan. 22, 1881, when he came to Iowa and located on his present place. He has 160 acres of good land. He was married June 22, 1872, to Jane O. Connor, a native of England—Irish par- entage. They have four children—Sa- bina M., Dina, Margarette F. and John. Mr. Hughes is a member of the Catholic Church. Osman Larson came to Humboldt county in 1882. He was born in Norway in March 1847, and came to America in 1861. He located first in La Salle Co., Ill., and lived four years, then removed to Livingston county, of the same State, where he was engaged in farming until the time that he came to this county. He has a fine farm of 160 acres. His wife was Martha Even- son, a native of La Salle Co., Ill. They were married Dec. 2, 1874, and have three children—Lewis, Bertha F. and Malinda J. Mr. Larson is the present road over- seer. y Y HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY, 731 CHAPTER A XI. CORINTH TOWNSHIP. Corinth township comprises all of con- gressional township 91, range 21, except all of sections 1 and 12, which is covered by the town plat of Humboldt. Some of the finest land in the county lies within the borders of it, and as a large part is traversed by the West Fork of the Des Moines river, it does not lack for timber. The surface is rolling and in some places broken, near the river, but not so muchas to destroy its value for agricultural pur- poses. The soil isa rich, warm, alluvial loam, that has wonderful powers of fe- cundity and fertility. The honor of having been the pioneer of this township belongs, undoubtedly, to William Miller, who came here and took up a claim on section 24, in the spring of 1854. He here built, of logs, the first cabin in the township. He was a peculiar manin many respects. He kept a kind of tavern or stopping place, for travelers,but one of his queer characteristics was a truly Indian dislike to paper money, which he would not take in payment of any kind. He had a large family of twelve children, and was a rough, good-natured pioneer. He resided here until 1859 or 1860, when he removed to Fremont county, where he has since died. be The next settlers seem to have been John McKitrick and John Means, who “a made their appearance here in March, 1856, from the State of Pennsylvania. Mr. McKitrick came without his family, who followed him in July, and settled upon the southwest quarter of section 2, where he built a log cabin, the Indians assisting him in a truly friendly manner. Here he lived and tilled the soil until Oct. 11, 1872, when he died. He was buried in Union Cemetery. Mr. Means located upon the southeast quarter of the same section, so as to be neighborly, and with the assistance of the Indians put up his cabin of logs. John Farney, another old settler, came to the township in 1856, and lived with Mr. McKitrick until 1857, when he died, during the time of the excitement over the Spirit Lake massacre. : Morehouse Sherman located upon the west half of section 26, in 1556. He was a native of Vermont, but came here from Whitehall, N.Y. Heis now a resident of Fort Dodge. John Johnson, another of the pioneers of this township, came to Corinth, and lo- cated a claim on section 2, ia 1856. He is still a resident of the county. Alexander McLean also took a claim , here on section 14, in 1856. Mr. MeLean was the first county treasurer and recorder, who, years ago, moved to Fort Dodge. ——. —— 4 732 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. where he recently died, as detailed else- where. The Zangger brothers came to Corinth township in 1857; after staying some lit- tle while, they became dissatisfied and re- moved to Illinois. George L. Cruikshank, one of the most prominent men in the county, came to this locality in 1857, and pre-empted a claim between the forks of the Des Moines river, on section 24, but which he afterwards sold. George L. Cruikshank was born in Flat Lands, Kings Co., L. I., in 1834. His great grandfather settled in an early day in what is now Salem, Washington Co., N.Y., where his grandfather was born, lived and died. His father, Rev. Wil- liam Cruikshank, was the second of a family of eight children, and was born March 12, 1798, and was married .in No- vember, 1824, to Jane B. Delaplane, of Salem, who died at Newburg, N. Y., Jan. 17, 1836. His father died at Cornwall, Orange Co., N. Y., Feb. 20, 1854. In 1835, Mr. Cruikshank, subject of this sketch, removed with his ‘parents to Newburg, and in 1838, to Hyde Park, Duchess county, thence to Cornwall, in 1841, where they remained fifteen years. In July, 1856, he removed to. Fort Dodge, Iowa, and in the spring of 1857, came to Humboldt county. In 1859 he returned to Fort Dodge, and engaged in partnership with S. B. Ayers, in the mercantile business, which he continued until August, 1861, when he enlisted in the Independent Light Cavalry, afterward known as the 11th Pennsylvania. He served until Sept. 20, 1864, and at the time of his discharge, was 1st sergeant, On his return from the war, he engaged in business at Dakota City, for a few months, then went again to Fort Dodge where he was a member of the firm of Cruikshauk & Riddle, three years. In 1868, he returned to Dakota City and en- gaged in mercantile trade, which he dis- continued in 1875, and removed to the farm where he now lives, which is located . south of Humboldt. He is engaged quite extensively in the stock business. He was married Dec. 24, 1864, to Esther M. Flower, daughter of R. 8S. Flower, of this county. Seven children have been born to them, six of whom are living— Eleanor, Catharine E., George F., Roswell D., Mary and Robert. William D. is de- ceased, and buried at Fort Dodge. Mr. Cruikshank is a republican and has held the office of clerk of the township since its organization; has been secretary of the school board six terms, and county super- visor. He is among the worthy and enter- prising citizens of the county. R. 8. Flower was another pioneer of this locality, settling here in April, 1857. R. 8S. Flower, a successful farmer of Corinth township, was born Dec. 25, 1808, in Rupert, Bennington Co., Vt. His parents were Roswell and Huldah (Aus- tin) Flower, now deceased, and buried in Rupert, Vt. He came to Humboldt coun- ty in the spring of 1857, and pre-empted 160 acres on section 26, of Corinth town- ship, where he now resides. He has now thirty acres of nice timber, and good Durham stock. Mr. Flower was town- ship clerk in 1860, and since 1866 has been the postmaster of Addison postoffice. He was married Feb. 22, 1838, to Phebe Ann Peck, of Vermont. He votes with = ee a__9] HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 733 the republican party, and has held the office of justice of the peace three years. He is of English descent, a member of the Disciple Church, a worthy citizen, and deservedly popular among a large circle of acquaintances. A. W. Marsh settled upon section 28, during the year 1858. Mr. Marsh was at one time county judge, under which head may be found a sketch of him, constructed of such slight data as the historian could gather. He married Rachel, a daughter of William Miller, on the 16th of March, 1859, which was the first solemnization of that ceremony in the township. FIRST ITEMS. The first marriage in the township took place upon the 16th of March, 1859, at which time Thomas M. Reed, a justice of the peace, united in the holy bonds of matrimony Alexander W. Marsh and Ra- chel A. Miller, the latter the daughter of the pioneer of the township, William Miller. The first death was that of A. W. Marsh, at that time county judge, but who was at Fort Dodge on business, in De- cember, 1859, and who was killed by a runaway team. The first school was taught on the Glen farm. William Miller, who lived: there at that time, employed Peter C. McClel- lan to teach his children in November, 1857. The first log cabin was built by Wil- liam Miller in 1855, on section 24, near where R. Jones’ farm-house stands. The first ground was broken and the first wheat and corn put in the ground by William Miller, during the spring of 1856. The first district school was taught in a small frame building, on the northeast quarter of section 23, during the summer of 1859. Corinth township was organized in April, 1879, the first election taking place upon the 14th of October. G. W. Farlow, William N. Bull and A. Rathke acted as judges, and G. L. Cruikshank and R. C. Hayes as clerks. At that time the follow- ing officers were elected: J. A. Marvin, Hiram Lane and N.O. Nelson, trustees; George L. Cruikshank, clerk; William N. Bull, assessor, T. H. Gamble and Fred. Nedemiah, justices; M. Himmelmen and B. Linstruth, constables. William Knie- riem, road supervisor, district No. 1; Joseph Abbey, district No. 2, and A. E. Lane district No. 3. The present officers are as follows: Trustees, J. D. Foster, William Brooks and Joseph Abbey; clerk, G. L. Cruikshank; justices, J. F. Ellis and J. H. Campbell; constables, William Bane and N. O. Nelson; road supervisors, J.T. Ellis, 8. W. Bull and O. E. Lane, the latter of whom is also assessor. Corinth has a township library, which was instituted during the year 1883, with about $200 worth of books. R. C. Hays is the custodian and librarian. This is so new a departure that it is rather prema- ture to speak of its success at the present time, but it seems to promise well for the future. Rufus Chauncey Hayes, son of Moses and Mary (Henningway) Hayes, was born in Erie Co.; Penn., Sept. 18, 1836. On his twelfth birthday his parents left the old home and removed to Walworth Co., Wis., where they remained one winter. They then removed to Jefferson Co.,Wis., “emt =a Ce a= Y 134 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. where they lived eighteen and a half years. During this time the subject of our sketch became a member of the Bap- tist Charch and a Good Templar. In 1861 he attended school at the Wisconsin State University. He was married on the 29th of January, 1862, to Charlotte Eliza Par- sons, of Jefferson county. She was born in Chautauqua Co., N. ¥., Oct. 29, 1844. Rev. William Dye performed the mar- riage ceremony. Her parents are at rest in Oakwood Cemetery, near Humboldt. His father is buried in Dunn Co., Wis. His mother is yet living. Mr. Hayes came to Humboldt county in 1867, and purchased his present home, consisting of seventy-seven and one-half acres in Corinth township. When he pur chased this farm it was wild prairie land. He began life in this place with a wife and two children, and very limited capital. The first two years he rented land until he could improve his farm. His first crop was wholly destroyed by the grasshoppers, and he has suffered con- siderable loss since from the same cause, Mr. Hayes is a republican politically, and has been road overseer four consetutive terms, school director, member of petit jury eight terms, member of grand jury one term, and was the first librarian of Corinth public library. He is a member of Unity Church. In connection with his farm he runs a broom factory. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes have two children liv- ing—Ida D., aged twenty-one years, and Emma C., aged eighteen years. ‘They have two children dead. One, a daugh- ter, died when nine months old, and an infant son. Mr. Hayes is strictly temper- ate, and has signed many temperance pledges. He has written considerably for the papers, and can write a good story on either temperance or pioneer life. Among the traditions extant in this township is one, that,in the spring of 1857, a severe contest took place upon section 24 between a band of Sioux and Potta- wattomie Indians, resulting unfavorable to the latter. It seems, so runs the legend, that this for some time had been debatable ground between these two tribes, who had indulged in little outbursts of splenetic rage at one another. ‘The Sioux, an ever warlike race, could not stand idly by while their enemies possessed the ground they felt was theirs, or at least they claimed, determined on revenge and marched down and attacked the camp of the Pottawattomies. Marks of the con- flict were to be seen long afterwards, and the boys of the settlers often amused themselves by cutting the bullets out of the trees that surrounded the battle-field. The conflict culminated in the entire dis- comfiture of the Pottawattamies, and it is said that thirty-two of that tribe fell be- fore the guns and tomahawks of their san- guinary foes. A skull was picked up by one of William Miller’s boys some time afterwards, and passed into the possession of R.S. Flower, who kept it until two or three years ago, when it passed into the hands of his son, Dr. Dwight Flower, now of Monticello, Wis. Among the first teachers in this town- ship was Kate Buckholder, now the wife of ex-Governor, ex-Congressman Cyrus C. Carpentgr. As early as 1858 or 1859 she was the teacher of one of the schools, and report says made a most excellent one. < es 1 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 735 Balser Linnastrill was born in Hesse Castle, Germany, Dec. 25, 1837, came to this country when twelve years old and settled in New York, where he remained until 1868, when he came to Humboldt county and settled on section 23, Corinth township. He now owns 280 acres of land, makes a specialty of raising hay, and is rapidly accumulating wealth. He was married July 14, 1872, to Dora Brun- shan, of Hanover, Germany. They have five children—Louisa, Willie, Frank, John and Mary; the latter died Feb. 24, 1884. Mr. Linnastrill spent eight or nine years “keeping bach,” and now fully realizes the inconvenience of such a life, and wonders how he kept himself together. Politically he is a republican, and is a member of the Union Church. Carlos E. Lane, son of Valentine and Sally (Loomis) Lane, was born June 9, 1842, in Lewis Co, N.Y. His parents are still living in Lewis county. In 1864 he came to Humboldt county and settled on section 25, Corinth township. Four years later he sold out to his brother and returned to New York on a visit. In the spring of 1869 he came again to the county, and located upon the west half of section 26, where he now resides. He has 190 acres under cultivation. His resi- dence is beautifully located in a fine grove of natural timber. He is engaged in raising grain and stock, and keeps Cots- wold sheep. He is a successful farmer.’ He was married Dec. 14, 1869, to Hattie McNally, daughter of William and Eliza (Crosson) McNally, of Delana township. They have two children—Lil- lie G. and Wallace H. Mr. Lane is a re- publican, and has held the office of asses- sor two years; has also been school direc- tor and treasurer. Hiram Lane is a native of Lewis Co., N. Y., born Aug. 11, 1834, and is the son of Valentine and Sallie L. (Loomis) Lane, who are still living in Lewiscounty. Mr. Lane, subject of this sketch, came to Humboldt county in 1865, and purchased 480 acres of good land, located on Indian creek, of which he subsequently sold all, except 160 acres where he now lives. His farm consists of the west half of the northeast quarter, and the west half of the southeast quarter of section 25, of Corinth township. His improvements are among the best in the township. The house is surrounded by a natural grove of oak, poplar and elm trees. Thexe is also a nice orchard and forty acres of timber upon the place. Mr. Lane is a man of sterling qualities, and has been successful in his undertakings. He has occupied the position of president of the Agricul- tural Society for some time, and was su- pervisor three terms. He is a republican, and a member of the I.O.O. F. He was married Feb. 6, 1856, to Olive M. Jones, daughter of Silleck R. and Nancy (Bush- nell) Jones, of Leyden, N. Y. Four chil- dren have been born to them—Bion §&., Nettie M., Eleanor B. and Clark A. Joseph Albee was born Oct. 16, 1821, in Palermo, Oswego Co.,N. Y. When thirty years of age he removed to Onon- » daga county and lived there four years, thence back to Palermo, where he resided until 1866, when he removed to Humboldt Co., Iowa, locating in the city of Hum- boldt. In 1872 he removed to Corinth township and located on section 23. He at first erected a small house, which he or Zz = eS 736 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. lived in until 1883, when he built a new one. In 1861 he enlisted in company C, 101st New York Volunteer Infantry, and served three years as wagon master. He was mustered out at Fort Hill, Va. In 1877 he went to California, but in 1878 returned to his old home in this county. On the 7th of March, 1871, he was united in marriage with Sarah O. Lowry of Hum- boldt county. They have two children— B. L. and Bessie M. Mr. Albee is a re- publican in politics, and held the office of supervisor in 1883. He is a member of ‘Unity Church. William Learmont was born in Canada, Huntingdon Co., province of Quebec, July 29, 1843, and is the son of James and Elizabeth (Black) Learmont, who are of Scotch extraction and now living in Humboldt county. When William was twenty years old, he left home and went to California, prospecting for gold. He had good success, remained two and one- half years and then returned to Canada, where he remained one winter and then came direct to Humboldt county. They have six children—Rhoda R., James M., Elizabeth O., Hattie M., William R. and Frank Pierce. Mr. Learmont is a repub- lican, and at the present time holds the office of township trustee. John D. Foster, a prominent farmer and stock breeder of Hamboldt county, was born in Ontario, Ontario Co., Canada, March 7, 1841. He is ason of Loren and and Salome (Crawford) Foster, both now residents of Canada. When John D. was twenty-seven years old, he left his native place and sought a home in Iowa. Com- ing to Humboldt county he seemed satis- | fied with its genial climate and fertile suil, and settled on section 25, Corinth township, where he owns the northwest ~ quarter. He also has 160 acres on section 35. He cultivates about 180 acres, and has a fine farm well improved, and in good condition. In addition to general farming he has a good herd of cattle, and makes a specialty of breeding short horn Durhams of which he has a goodly num- ber. His place is one of value, and makes a desirable home. Mr. Foster was mar- ried May 1, 1871, to Phebe Mosure, who is a daughter of James and Sarah (Toyn- ton) Mosure, of Kingston, Canada. They have had two children—Ellen Maud, now buried in Oakwood cemetery, Humboldt county, and Almira Edith, living at home. Mr. Foster is an intelligent gentleman, votes the republican ticket, has been trustee of the township, assessor, and also school treasurer four years. The family attend Unity Church, and are numbered among the best class of Humboldt county citizens. Mrs. Elizabeth Stoebe, widow of Au- gust Stoebe, was born in Toronto, Canada, March 2, 1843. She went, when quite young, to Berth Co., Canada, where she was afterwards married. Her husband | was a native of Germany, and died in 1880. He is buried in Indian Mound Cemetery. They came to Iowa in 1868, and lived one and a half years ona rented farm. Mr. Stoebe then purchased the east half of the northwest quarter of section 22, of Corinth township, also one other eighty acre tract. Mrs. Stoebe now re- sides upon this farm with her family. She has ten children—Emelia, Mary, Samuel, William, Lydia, Emma, Sarah, Bertha, Esther and Frankie. Mary is cs v ¢ HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 137 married to William Knieriem. Mrs. Stoebe is a shrewd manager and a suc- cessful financier. She has displayed much energy and ability in her management of the farm since her husband’s death, and is highly respected by herneighbors. She is a member of the Evangelical Church. John Mitchell was born in Virginia, Jan. 23, 1852: In 1854 he removed with his parents to Canada West, where six- teen years of his life were spent upon a farm. He then came to Iowa and settled in Tama county, near Traer, and remained there fourteen years, after which he came to Humboldt county and purchased a farm of 160 acres of John Edge. Itislocated on section 21, in Corinth township. He has 100 acres broken. Near his house is a never-failing spring which affords at all times an abundance of excellent water, and renders the place one of the most de- sirable stock farms in the county. Mr. Mitchell was married July 38, 1875, to Alice Mason, a native of England, but then a resident of Tama county, where her parents still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have four children—Hugh, Eliza- beth, William and Alexander. Mr. Mitchell’s mother now resides in Tama county. He is politically a democrat. J. E. Barker, a native of New York, born in Chautauqua county, on Lake Erie, Dec. 9, 1846, is ason of Samuel H. and Miriam Wright (Gould) Barker, both de- ceased. He was educated at Fredonia Academy, Fredonia, N. Y., and Buffalo, where he took a commercial course. then was engaged as book-keeper through the oil regions for three years, then trav- eled about for a few years,coming to Hum- boldt county in 1869 and locating on sec- He. tion 10,township 92,range 28, Grove town- ship. He engaged in farming two years, then removed to Humboldt and went into mercantile trade for two years. He then worked in different offices in the court house, managed a collection office, and was justice of the peace six or eight years. He then purchased the northeast quarter of section 28, township 91, range 29, where he now lives and has a pleasant home. Mr. Barker has héld the office of county coroner and is a member of the A.O. U. W., and I. L. of H. In politics he is independent. He was married July 22, 1868,to Mary S. Hart of Oswego Co., N. Y. She is a niece of S. H. Taft,of Hum- boldt City. They have three children— Florence E., Herbert H. and Francis G. Isaac L. Carr, son of John K. and Mar- garet Carr, was born Sept. 8, 1840, in ‘Montgomery Co., Ind. He went, in 1851, to Missouri, and remained near Princeton, Mercer county, nine months, then went to DeWitt Co., Ill., and lived until twenty- six years of age. At that time he went to Keokuk Co., Iowa, and staid one year, then returned to DeWitt county. Two years later he went to Kansas and lived one year in Lyon county, and one year in Butler county, thence to Christian Co., Ill., where he remained nine years, after which he came to Humboldt county and settled Jan. 1, 1882, on the north half of the northwest quarter of section 23 in Cor- inth township, where he has a fine loca- tion, good buildings, a grove of six acres, and seventy-five acres broken. Ife also owns 160 acres on section 14, of which seventy acres are broken. He was mar- ried April 19, 1866, to Mary J. Day of De- Witt county. They have three children cr ee 738 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. living—Isaac L., Birdie K. and Anna Z. Pearly is buried in Christian Co., IIl., and an infant in Coles county of the same State. Mrs. Carr’s parents were John EH. Day (now buried in DeWitt Co., III.) and Anna (Miller) Day, whois still living. Mr. and Mrs. Carr are members of the United Brethren Church. He is a repub- lican. Robert Henderson was born Feb. 7, 1847, in Ireland, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. He is a son of Robert and Letitia (Mc- Adam) Henderson. When eight years of age he came to America, locating in Phil- adelphia, Penn. Remaining there six months he went to Watertown, Wis., re- maining there twoyears; thence to Colum- bia county, remaining there twelve years. In March, 1868, he removed to Mason City, Iowa, thence to Algona, Kossuth county, thence to Emmettsburg, Emmet county. He took aclaim eleven miles southwest of Emmettsburg, and in 1871 his parents movedontoit. Mr. Henderson soon after- ward started out to secure work, and after traveling some forty-five miles he hired to a man in Rutland township, Humboldt county, remaining with him two years. He married Margaret McItrick, widow of John MclItrick. She resided on the south- west quarter of section 2. They have 3344 acres of land, and make stock raising a specialty. They have three children— Sadie, Willie J. and Robert Garfield. Mrs. Henderson had five children by her first husband—Martha, Ellis, Margaret Jane, Emma and Durothea. Mr. Henderson isa republican politically, and a Master Mason. C. D. Markin is a native of Bartholo- mew Co., Ind., born March 16, 1844. He is the son of Charles and Mary Ann (Hinsley) Markin. The former is buried in Illinois and the latter now lives in Jasper county. In 1869 Mr. Markin, sub- ject of this sketch, came to Iowa and lo- cated upon a farm in Bremer county, where he lived six years. In 1875 he moved to Humboldt county, and settled on the east half of the southeast quarter of section 5, Corinth township, where he is engaged in farming and stock raising. He also owns a house and lot in Rolfe, Pocahontas county. He was married Aug. 24, 1870, to Jane Elizabeth Cunning- ham, daughter of R. M. and Eliza Cunning- ham, of Janesville, Bremer Co., Iowa. They have five children—Florence M., Jessie F., Mary Elizabeth, Myrtie and Robert Watt. Mr. Markin enlisted in 1862, in company B, of the 87th Indiana, and served seven months. He was mus- tered into the service at South Bend, Ind., and out at Galatin, Tenn. He participat- ed in the battle of Perryville, Ky., and minor skirmishes. He is arepublican and a member of the G. A. R., and has held the office of school director of district No. 7. Nels O. Nelson was born in Norway, Oct. 28, 1848, and is a son of Ole Nelson and Sarah (Erickson) Nelson. When Nels O. was six months old he removed with his parents to La Salle county and lived on a farm until 1869, then went to Benton county, thence to Webster Co., Iowa, and from there he went to Dakota Territory. That country not proving what he desired, he came back to Iowa and purchased a farm in Humboldt county .—the northwest quarter of section 34, township 91, range 29, Corinth township, where he now owns a beautiful and well o—. ee) y —_zt____® + —t....__D HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 739 improved place. Mr. Nelson was married Dec. 3, 1873, to Susan Chantland, of Web- ster county, daughter of Thomas and Christena Chantland, both residents of Dakota Territory. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have four children—William Oliver, Thom- as Amos, Sarah Henrietta and Charles M. Mr. Nelson is a republican in polities, has held the office of township trustee three years, and is a man of more than ordinary business qualifications. John Edge resides on section 20, of Corinth township, to which he removed in 1882. He formerly lived upon the southwest quarter of section 21, in the same township, seven years. He was born in England, at South Staffordshire, July 18,1826. His parents, Joseph and Sarah (Golden) Edge, are buried in North Staffordshire, at Ypstone’s church. He came to America in 1869, and settled at that time at Brady’s Bend, Armstrong Co., Penn., where he lived about three years. He then removed to Irsina, Somerset county, and was there engaged in manag- ing coal mines three years, then spent two years upon a farm in the same county, af- ter which he came to Humboldt county, where he has a valuable farm and good improvements. He was married Aug. 19, 1850, by W. Lewis, vicar of Sedgley Church, Staffordshire, to Maria Spruce, of Wolverhampton, England. Eleven chil- dren have been born to them—Sarah, Mary, Joseph, John, Ann Maria, Benja- min and Emma are living; Samuel and George H. are buried in England, William and Rose Hannah in America. Mr. Edge belongs to the republican party. He and his family are members of the M. E. Church. He takes an active interest in the welfare of the Church and Sunday school, of which he has been superintend- ent. He is highly esteemed in the neigh- borhood where he lives. Jacob Sheky is a native of Germany, born April 10, 1849. He is a son of Michael and Anna (Cobene) Sheky, who reside in Jefferson Co., Wis. When six years of age he came to. America, locat- ing in Watertown, Wis., where he lived for about seventeen years. On the 30th of February, 1870, he was united in mar- riage with Anna Shuster, of Watertown, Wis. This union has been blessed with five children—Anna, Michael, Mary, Jose- phine and Albert. In March, 1872, Mr. Sheky removed to Webster Co., Iowa, where he followed farming. He remained there a few years then came to Humboldt county, and purchased 120 acres of land on section 338, Corinth township. He has six acres of timber on section 12, Badger township, Webster county. He is en- gaged quite extensively in stock raising. Mr. and Mrs. Sheky are members of the Catholic Church. In politics, he isa re- publican. Lemuel Bane settled on the northeast quarter of section 10, Corinth township, in March, 1882, where he owns 120 acres. His farm is pleasantly located, one mile west of Humboldt. He has eighty acres under cultivation, and good improvements; and is engaged in raising grain and stock. His residence is surrounded by a fine grove. He was born Aug. 6, 1822, in Washington Co., Penn. His parents were George and Charity Bane, both now de- ceased. The former is buried in Morgan Co., Ill., the latter, in Pennsylvania. Lemuel Bane went, in 1852, to Edgar Co., T i ae x, 440 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. Ill., four years later, to La Salle county of the same State, where he remained twenty- six years, and from whence he came to this county. He is one of the substantial farmers of the county, and liked by all. He was married Feb. 22, 1847, to Mary Braden, daughter of James and Elizabeth Braden, who were natives of Green Co., Penn., and both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bane have one son--William. They are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Bane is a democrat, politi- cally. John Large was born in county Queens, Mountmellick, Ireland, March 25, 1845. He came to America and settled in Noble Co., Ohio, where he remained eight years. He then removed to Christian county, and lived twenty-six years. He arrived in Humboldt county, in 1882, and settled October 7, on section 22, township 91, range 29, Corinth township. He was married, April 8, 1869, to Martha E. McClure, of Richland Co., Il. They have three children—Lewis E., Alvah C. and Nellie I. Mr. Large is a republican. He enlisted, in 1862, in company A, 115th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He partici. pated in the battles of Chickamauga, Franklin and Nashville and many. skir- mishes, and was not once wounded. He was mustered into service at Springfield, Tll., and out, at thesame place. T.C. Mason came to this county in company with Mr. Gay. He was born Jan. 12, 1856, in Westmoreland, England. His parents, T. W. and Elizabeth (Cow- perthwait) Mason, now reside in Tama county. He left his native country in 1871, and came to America, locating at that time near Traer, Tama Co., Iowa, where he remained twelve years. He’ then came to Humboldt county where he resides on the same farm with Conklin Gay. He was married, Jan. 12, 1881, to Martha C. Gay, of Tama county. They have one child—Anna Cornelia. Mrs. Mason’s parents were Cornelius and Lucy Ann (Wood) Gay. The former is buried in Buckingham, Tama county. The lat- ter resides with Mr. and Mrs. Mason. Mr. Mason is a member of the republican party. Conklin Gay was born in Henrysburgh, Lower Canada, on: the 5th of February, 1820, and is a son of William and Sarah (Manning) Gay, both of whom are de- ceased. They are buried at Three Mile Bay, N. Y. When seventeen years of age he removed to Three Mile Bay, N.Y., and lived on a farm for eight years. In 1851, he removed to Lake Co., Ill., where he followed farming four years; thence to Tama Co., Iowa, where he lived on one place thirty years. In March, 1883, he removed to Humboldt county, locating on the southwest quarter of section 15. He also owns the west half of the southeast quarter of the same section. He is en- gaged principally in stock raising, and politically is a republican. HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 741 Cher PER: 2 i. THE TOWNSHIP AND TOWN OF DAKOTA. These two are co-extensive, the town- ship, which once occupied about two-thirds of the county, having been cut down to the limits of the incorporated town of Dakota. This covers the most of section 6, township 91 north, range 28.. Itlies on the high bluff crowning the divide between the two forks of the Des Moines river, and is a veritable “ city set on a hill.” It was laid out by Edward McKnight in 1855, but was not filed for record in this ebunty until the 7th of June, 1858. The surveyor who performed the work of the survey was William Safford. In 1858 Charles Bergk purchased the town site of Mr. McKnight, and held it antil 1875, when it was transferred to the county. One of the leading journals of the State says of this town: “ This thriving trade center is the judi- cial seat of Humboldt county. It is sit- uated on the Sioux Rapids branch of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, be- tween the two forks of the Des Moines river, about three miles above their junc- tion It adjoins the corporate limits of the flourishing city of Humboldt’ on the east. It was originally calied Dakota City, and was so known for some ryears, but lately, by common consent, the latter word was dropped. “In 1873 a substantial court house was erected, which is a fitting capitol for the rich and prosperous county of Humboldt. Nearly all the principal religious denomi- nations are represented by organizations, but only the Methodists have a house of worship, which is a substantial structure, and in every way acredit to the good peo- ple of this congregation, as well as to the citizens at large. “Dakota occupies a fine location. The immediate vicinity is a splendid agricul- tural domain, and in every prominent in- dustrial pursuit it is a brisk business place.” The first settlers on the site of the present town were: Charles Bergk, Ed- ward McKnight, August Zahlten and Christian Hackman. The settlement of these parties and sketches of them are given elsewhere, and space forbids a repetition of it here. Suffice it to say, that E. McKnight owned the land on which these parties settled in 1854, and that all but he wintered here in a cave, on the East Des Moines, the following winter. In the following spring came William Cragg and Charles Adelsberger, who set- tled here in May of that year. Others came with them but did not remain, tak- a = 4 f DP fea wy 742 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. ing up claims in various parts of the county. William Cragg, one of the earliest set- tlers in this county, was born in Philadel- phia, Feb. 25, 1833. His father, Dennis Cragg, was a native of England, although reared in Pennsylvania. His mother was Ann (Elliott) Cragg, a native of that State. They reared four children, of whom Wil- liam was the third. He remained in his native city until the spring of 1855, then came to Dakota, Iowa, and engaged in farming, improving what is now known as the ‘Harvey farm,” the second farm in the southern part of the county to be improved. He lived there until 1858, when he returned to Philadelphia and re-. mained eleven years. He then came back to Dakota City and became deputy treasurer of the county, which position he held until January, 1874, and was in the real estate and drug business from 1874 to 1882. He was married in 1862, to Mary Lugar, a native of Pennsylvania. They have three children now living—George W., Harry and Mary. Mr. Cragg was as- sessor of Dakota township several terms, and has been a member of the city coun- cil. He belongs to the I. O. O. F. and the Legion of Honor, in Dakota City. Walter Thomas, now a resident of the town of Humboldt, settled in Dakota as early as 1856, and is one of the few old settlers of the county still living in it. G. L. Hess came from Philadelphia in 1856, and settled in Dakota. He entered the service of the government during the war, and was killed in the awful carnage at the battle of Gettysburg, where was checked the rebel advance, and the con- fedcracy met its death-blow. During the year 1856 Henry Foster, a Mr. Bostwick, Patrick Sheridan, Egbert Hulbert and D. F. Howell became settlers. Mr. Foster came from Cincinnati and Mr. Bostwick from Canada. Patrick Sheri- dan remained for a short time, when he removed to Rutland township, where he now lives. Hulbert left this country dur- ing the Indian scare of 1857, and never returned. D. F. Howell and his wife are still residents of this, the place of their original settlement on coming to Hum- boldt county. W. Calvin Beer was another settler of the year 1857, and was the orator of the first 4th of July celebration held in the town, that year. S. S. Booth came to Dakota and settled in 1857, He afterwards moved to a more salubrius climate south. William Blythe came here in 1857, and after remaining some time removed to Corinth township. A party by the name of McDougal was also a settler of the year 1857. His pres- ent whereabouts is unknown. Alexander McLean was also an in-comer of the year 1857, and the fall of that year was elected treasurer and recorder. Gilbert Forest was another of the pio- | neers of 1857, and was one of those who kept the hotel in an early day. The first log building in Dakota was erected in 1855, by Harlow Miner, Wil- liam Miller, B. Trellener, and J. and F. Johnson. This was built for a residence for Mr. Miller, and stands near the pres- ent residence of G. Franklin, and is used by A. W. McFarland as a stable. The first building in the village to be built. of pine was erected for a school Sle Y + a—_— 5 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 748 house. It was a small frame structure, the lumber for it having been hauled from Cedar Falls. It is standing yet. The first birth in Dakota was that of a child of Washington and Jane Clarke, who was born in 1857. She was called Dakota, after the place of her nativity, and was the first child born in the county. A town hall was built by Edward Mc- Knight, in the summer of 1857, which was afterwards used as a chapel by the Roman Catholic congregation. A steam saw mill was erected by Edward McKnight in Dakota, in 1855, which was the pioneer mill of the county. This had an attachment for grinding corn and wheat, but was without the machin- ery to properly bolt it. This mill passed into the hands of Charles Bergk with the other property of McKnight. It was while engaged in running it that one day the flue collapsed and the boiler was rent assunder with a terrible explosion. Mr. Bergk, who was in the mill, was flung out on to the prairie and every one thought he was dead. ‘I'hey went to him and under- took to raise the body from the ground, when Bergk jumped up, and wiping the dirt from out his eyes, explainingly said to the bystanders in his broken English, “T’ll tell you vat was the matter, poys, the damn things bust.” The postoffice was established in 1856, and Charles Bergk was commissioned postmaster. “At first he carried the office in his pocket, and delivered the letters personally. He held the position for about fifteen years, when he was succeed- ed by J. M. Youngling. In February, 1877, W. J. Smith, the present postmas- ter, received his commission, and has held the place ever since. KE. B. Fancher is his accommodating deputy, who attends to most of the business, as Mr. Smith has large mercantile interests to look after. The amount of business transacted at this office in 1883 was about $1,000. William J. Smith, the present postmas- ter of Dakota, and wholesale dealer in flour from New Richland, Minn., is a na- tive of Clearfield Co., Penn., born Sept. 22,1848. His father, Samuel Smith, was a native of England, and his mother, Mary A. (Stewart) Smith, was a native of Ireland. William is the only child. He was reared in Clearfield county, and re- ceived a commercial education in Iron City College, of Pittsburg, Penn. He resided in his native county till 1866, when he removed to Clarence, Iowa, and there engaged in different lines of trade until 1871, when he came to Dakota,where he was also engaged in different lines of business. In 1876 he became postmaster, a position which he now holds. He en- gaged in the wholesale flour trade in 1878, and is doing a large business. He is also engaged in the same business at Livermore, in this county. He was mar- ried Oct. 9, 1872, to Rose Hegarty, a na- tive of Cedar Co., lowa. They have two children—Samuel W., and an infant, Law- rence A. Mr. Smith is a member of the Masonic and I. O. O. F. societies, and is also a Sir Knight. He has been a member of the city council several terms. The first hotel in Dakota was run by Washington and Albert Clarke, in 1856. This was a small building, the main part 16x20 feet, two stories high, and a “lean- to” 19x14 feet. There were no partitions upstairs or down, but beds placed in a row $ aif 744 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. Ale oe accommodated the weary traveler. The Clarkes kept this until May, 1857, when they were succeeded by Alexander Me- Lean. He was in turn followed by B. Chauvet, and while in his hands it was burned to the ground. The Dakota House is conducted by M. Burgit, a thorough business man, and one who is unremitting in his attention to all his guests. He came from New Hampton, Iowa, in 1879, purchased the hotel, and after refitting and refurnishing it throughout, from first floor to attic, he opened it to the public. The Dakota House has twenty-two large-sized, airy rooms, comfortably appointed, and the office,dining and sample rooms are all con- veniently arranged for business. The build- ing is a two-story brick, 30x60 feet, with an L 16x20 feet. The table fare is all that could be desired, and everything about the house is kept scrupulously neat and clean. Connected with the hotel is a fine livery, having good reliable horses and comfort- able riding vehicles. Both hotel and liv- ery are extensively patronized, and Mr. Burgit is meeting with the success that his industrious efforts deserve. There is no hotel of its size in northwestern Iowa that is better kept than the Dakota House. ‘This hostelry was erected in 1872 by Dr. D. P. Russell, who ran it himself for a while, when he rented it to several par- ties in succession, but who all retired after ashort time. Dr. Russell again became its landlord, and he and his wife ran it until 1879, when Mr. Burgit became its owner and landlord, and is the present genial host. Mandeville Burgit, proprietor of the Dakota House, is a native of Cayuga Co., N. Y., and was born Dec. 22, 1818. In 1834, he with his father and mother re- moved to Illinois, locating in Livingston county, where they were early settlers. In 1842 he went to Walworth Co., Wis., there living two years, when he removed to Dodge Co., Wis., where he farmed till 1864, then removed to Chickasaw Co., Iowa, where he owned a large farm near New Hampton. In 1879 he came to Dakota He was married June 16, 1849, to Miriam Jones, of Wales. They have seven children—Isaac H., John M., Lydia B., Lottie, Edson, Miriam and Mandeville, twins. Mr and Mrs. Burgit are members of the Congregational Church. The Northwestern Hotel was partially built by James [Hagyerty, in the fall of 1880, and run by him as a hotel for some little time. William Leedom erected the balance of it later. The present landlord is T. McNamara. The pioneer store building was erected by Edward McKnight for Burchard & Kinsman, in 1857. This was built of na- tive lumber, sawed at his own saw mill, and consisted of oak, basswood and black walnut. The first merchants who located in Da- kota was this firm of Burchard & Kinsman, for whom the store was built, and who came to this place in the fall of 1857. They engaged in the general merchandise line but were here only a short time when they, like many others that memor- able year, failed and left the country. John E. Cragg was the next to engage in the mercantile ‘trade, and began the same general business in 1858. This he carried on until 1861. Mr. Cragg was Ge =P a9 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 745 prominently identified with the official life of the county. The third merchant in Dakota was Sam- uel Goodyear, who opened his store some time in 1866 or 1867, and ran it for several years. George L. Cruikshank opened a store here in 1868 which was the first one after the war. He was followed by J. M. Young- erling and B. Chauvet. Freeman & Mott, came shortly after, having erected the building now occupied by G. D. Osborne. Freeman & Mott were succeeded by W. J. Smith,who ran the store until 1873. The building remained untenanted for abouta year, when it was occupied by C. H. Brown & Sons, as a store. In 1878 these latter moved to the building erected by A B. West. This general merchandise trade is at present in the hands of G. D. Osborne. This was commenced in May, 1879, the firm then being Osborne & Griswold. It ran through several changes in the next few years, being, successively, Osborne & Savage and Osborne & Franklin and in March, 1883, it passed into the hands of the present proprietor. He carries a fair stock and is doing a good business. G. D. Osborne established a general store in Dakota, in May, 1879. He car- ries a stock of $4,000, and has the princi- pal trade of the place. He is a native of Oswego Co., N. Y., born Nov. 29, 1858. He came to this county in 1879 and en- gaged as clerk for C. H. Brown & Son, of Dakota City. He remained in their em- ploy six months, and then established his present business. He was married Oct. 7, 1882, to Rosa L. Martin, of Palo Alto Co., Iowa. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Another store was commenced in 1874 by C. H. Brown & Sons, who after a time was succeeded by Manley Brown, one of the sons, and who operated it until Jan- uary, 1884, when it passed into the hands of Thompson & Thompson, the present owners, who hang out their sign as ‘The Farmers’ Store.” Part of the original stock of C. H. Brown & Sons was that of J. M. Youngerling, who had run a store here just previous to their starting. The first drug store in the town was ‘started by John T. Fockler, about 1872. This business is now represented by A. W. McFarland. It was established in 1874 by William Cragg, who, however, sold it out to Franklin & Osborne in 1882, and these parties ran it for about a year, disposing of it to the present proprietor on the 26th of February, 1883. Mr. Mc- Farland is one of the prominent attorneys and moneyed men of the county. The first hardware store was started by I. G. McMillan, who operated it for some years. The next to fill this business was Gilliland & Minturn, who re-established the ‘trade in March, 1881. This they ran until the 21st of September of the same year, when they closed it out to Butts & Benton, who operated it in part- nership until April, 1883, when a dissolu- tion took place, Myron A. Benton pur- chasing the interest of the retiring part- ner. He carries a good clean stock, and has worked up, by perseverance and close attention to the wants of his patrons, a fine business. , Myron A. Benton, hardware merchant, isa native of Kane Co., Ill., born Oct. » oe 32 = pS 746 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 14, 1853, where he was reared to agricul- tural pursuits, remaining on a farm with his father until 1872, when he came to Humboldt county aud located on section | 17, Grove township,and engaged in farm- ing. In April, 1879, he became interested in the milling business at Humboldt, to which he gave his attention one year. In September, 1881, he engaged in the hard- ware business, the firm then being Butts & Benton. In April, 1883, he purchased his partner’s interest, and has since been sole proprietor. He carries a good line of goods and has a good trade. He is a member of Eastern Star Lodge, No. 195, A. F. & A. M., and of Triumph Lodge, No. 393, I. O. O. F., of Dakota. W. J. Smith is at present engaged in the business of selling, at wholesale, the flour made at the mills of New Richland, Minn. This he established in 1878, and has met with a deserved success. Mr. Smith is one of the most prominent men in the town and appreciated by its citizens at his true worth. The lime works of Dakota, one of the leading industries of the county, was opened by W. J. Smith in the spring of 1879, who continued to operate the same until the fall of that year, when he dis- posed of it to O. B. Tourtelotte, of Fort Dodge, who now owns it. It is the only works of the kind now in operation in the county. In 1880, W.J. Smith embarked in the business of brick making, which he has carried on until the present. His yard is east of the court house, and he furnishes the majority of the brick that are used in this and Humboldt city. He has just finished building the finest residence in the county just north of the town proper, of brick of his own yard, and proposes to make it his home. A. F. Hawkins started in the jewelry and watch business at Dakota in 1879, and is the present representative in that busi- ness. He rents a portion of the McFar- land drug store, where he has a fair stock of the ornaments that delight the fair sex. A. E. Bennett started the flour and feed business now carried on by Allen Dolph, in the building belonging to the latter. Mr. Dolph handles large quanti- ties of flour, and is the principal retail dealer in this line in the town. In 1882, one of the prominent indus- tries of the village was added to Dakota. This was the shop opened by G. L. Hinds, an architect, builder, carpenter and genius generally. He manufactures everything in his line and does it well. A saloon was started in 1870 by Mal. Newman, which he ran for several years. He was succeeded in it by Gaylord Gris- wold. After the latter went out of busi- ness, Benjamin Franklin took the place and ran it as a’ restaurant and was suc- ceeded by the present proprietor of the saloon, D. R. Bowers. A saloon and bil- liard hall was initiated by Fred Meade, in the Dolph building, in 1880,but after a short time he disposed of it to Charles Pinkham, who was compelled to close it up. B. Franklin again essayed to openit but signally failed to keep it up. RELIGIOUS. The first, Sunday school in Dakota was organized by William Sherman in May, 1858. There were but two children in at- tendance—Henry Booth and Rachel Reed. Ambrose Booth acted as superintendent. =a ak, ae wife. HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 747 In July, following, it was re-organized with Ambrose Booth, superintendent; W. C. Beer, secretary; William Blythe, libra- rian; Walter Thomas, treasurer.” There were two classes with Messrs. Sheridan and Booth as teachers. A union prayer meeting was kept up in connection with the school. During 1859 G. L. Cruik- shank was the superintendent, and him- self and sister, now Mrs. M. A. Bergh, re- siding in Los Angeles Co., Cal., were the teachers. In consequence of the hard times following, many families removed. There was no school from the fall of that year until the first Sabbath in January, 1863, when one was held in the law office of J. E. Cragg, weekly, for two months. The first preaching in the town was by Rev. McComb and Rev. Chauncey Taylor, both of Algona, during the winter of 1856-7. They each delivered two ser- mons at that time. The next religions services were held by Rev. Mr. Dodder, of Fort Dodge, who commenced holding them in August, 1857, and continued until November, when they were discontinued for the winter on account of cold and deep snow prevent- ing the coming of the pastor. The first religious services held in Da- kota by the Methodists were in 1857. The Rev. Mr. Lawton, of Fort Dodge, presid- ing. There being no regular records of these earlier meetings, no list can be given in full of the various good men who have held this charge; so it becomes our duty to give them as they are upon the records of the Church. The following pastors have had charge of the Church here in late years: J. W. Latham, 1868; J. E. Rowen, 1869; J. P. Coleman, 1870; R. Fancher, 1872; A. A. Schesler, 1874; S. C. Bascom, 1876; J.G. Henderson, 1879; J. W. McCoy, 1882; H.J. Grace, the present pastor, was appointed in 1888. The church edifice built in 1869 is a very neat and tasty building of brick, 30x50 feet, and was erected at acost of $3,500. It will seat about 300 people, including the seats in the gallery. Rev. Henry J.Grace was born in the State of Ohio, upon the 29th of November, 1854, and in June, 1879, engaged in his present calling at Clarion, Iowa, where he labored in the service of the Lord for two years. In the fall of 1881 he was ordained. That fall he went to Canton, Dakota Territory, where he remained for one year, preach- ing, and moved back to Clarion. In Octo- ber, 1883, he came to this place. He was married on the 8th of March, 1883, to Emma Wells, of Pennsylvania. The first religious services held by the Catholic denomination, in Dakota, was in 1864, and presided over by Rev. Fathers Butler and Delano. The German Evangelical Association was organized in the year 1865, with the following members: Christian Snyder, Theresa Lorbeer, A.C. Stoebe, Mrs. Fred- erick Stoebe, Charles Stoebe, Mrs, Rosa Stoebe, August Stoebe and wife, Andrew Barth and wife and Amelia Brenner. The first religious services of thiz so- ciety were held at the residence of C. Snyder, the minister being Rev. E. H. Bauman. It was afterwards held in the Stoebe school house, and in 1881, they pur- chased what was the Dakota school house which they enlarged and repaired. The second minister to preside over this little flock was a Rev. Mr. Saunders, who was 7 =" et 748 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. followed.in turn by Revs. A. Stoebe, H. Brauer, J. Knoche, Lindecke, G. Cellhoef- er, George Brenner, G. Youngblood, F. A. Frare, O. Gerhart, H. Trumbauer, H. W. Hartman andG. D. Flegler. The latter gentleman is the present pastor and has as an assistant G. Brandstetter. There are now some thirty members of the society andit is in a most excellent condition. Godfrey D. Flegler, minister of the Evangelical Church'at Dakota, is a native of Baden, Germany, born July 18, 1845. He was there reared and educated. In 1868 he came to America and located in Oneida Co., N. Y., where he engaged in coopering till 1876, when he entered the Northwestern College, of Naperville, Ill., remaining there one year. He then returned to New York and there preached most of the time. In 1878 he was licensed at Lyons, N. Y., at conference. He then came to Shelby circuit, Iowa, remaining one year, thence to Cherokee mission for two years; thence to Sac mission, where he remained one year; thence to Hum- boldt in 1881. He was married May 24, 1881, to Whilamina C. Snyder, a daughter of C. Snyder, of this county. They have one child—Clara M. Rev. E. G. O. Groat, a Baptist minister from Logan, Iowa, came to Dakota City in view of organizing a Baptist Church, and on the 10th day of June, 1883, he preached in the hall that was being occu- pied by the M. BR. society, as by notice previously circulated. After services it was resolved to organize a regular Baptist Church and they proceeded by electing Rev. E. G. O. Groat, moderator, and F, F. French, clerk. The following named broth- ers and sisters, E. G. O. Groat, Mrs. R. Rolfe, Ada Bortle, Mrs. Delia Groat, Mr. Hulsizer,F. F. French, Mrs. Carrie Barber and Mida French, resolved into an organ- ized body by adopting the articles of faith contained in the Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge. Shortly after the organization there was received into the Church, by letter, Mrs. F. F. French, Bros. H. A. and Elmer C. French, Thomas Lovell and sister Lovell, Walter Lovell and Mabel Wing. SOCIETIES. Triumph Lodge, No. 393, I. 0.0. F., was instituted May 23, 1879, by D. D. G. M., J. W. Roper, of Fort Dodge, with the following membership: B. Chauvet, A. M, Adams, 8. J. Pier, V. N. Brown and J. C. Watkins. On the evening of the instal- lation the following members were added to the roll: A.C. Fairman, W. J. Good- rich, W. M. Brackett, William Cragg, I. A. Averill, W.S. Usher, F. H. Cooper, W. L. Chauvet, E. Snook, C. H. Schaad and C. ©. Coyle. The first officers were: V.N. Brown, N. G.; W. 8S. Usher, V. G.; W. M. Brackett, S.; B. Chauvet, T. The present officers are as follows: W. L. Chauvet, N. G.; J. W. Fairman, V. G.; G. L. Hinds, 8.; V. Chauvet, T.; A. M. Adams, O. G.; W. O. Beam, C.; E. B. Fancher, R. N. G.; 8. Luchsinger, L. N. G.; C. Emery, R. V. G. and M. A. Benton, warden. The lodge is in a most prosper- ous condition and has enrolled a living membership of some thirty-five, and great interest is taken in the work of the order. Eastern Star Lodge, No. 195, A. F. & A. M., was organized on the 24th of July, 1866. It was instituted by S. B. Olney, of Fort Dodge,acting deputy G. M. The fol- lowing is a list of the original members, , a) + 4 a) tes HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 749 all being officers; W.H. Locke occupied the place of W. M.; G. D. Coyle, 8S. W.; A. B. West, J. W.; D. P. Russell, treas- urer; Charles Bergk, secretary; C. P. Snook, 8. D.; G. T. Cass, J. D.; A. M. Adams, tyler. At the first meeting, held on the 24th of July, 1866, there was one vis- itor, T. Reseco, of Michigan. The lodge received its charter on the 5th of June, 1867, and has had a prosperous existence ever since. The officers, at present, are: E. D. Nickson, W. M.; C. H. Prindle, 8. W.; W.O. Atkinson, J. W.; E. K. Lord, T.; M. A. Benton, 8.; A. M. Adams, 8. D.; B. F. Simmons, tyler; W. O. Beam, 8. 8. The lodge meets on the regulation Tues- day evening of each month. Dakota Lodge, No. 65, Legion of Honor, was instituted on the 4th of February, 1880, by L. L. Hamlin, of Marshalltown, with the following charter members: A. M. Adams, C. H. Schaad, W. M. Brackett, William Cragg, D. A. Davenport, W. J. Smith, Benjamin Franklin, J. 8. Fletcher, B. F. Overholt, E. B. Fancher, J. J. Rush, J. A. Averill, A. B. West, C. Davis, M. R. Derby, H. C. Lugar, J. A. Horner, D. F. Howell, A. Davis, W. C. Rowley, Allen Dolph, C. F. Gullixson, O, D. Robertson, J. E. Barker, H. Weist, E. Snook and L. J. Anderson. The first officers of the lodge, elected at that time, were the fol- lowing gentlemen: W. M. Brackett, president; A. M. Adams, vice-president; C. H. Schaad, recording secretary; Wil- liam Cragg, treasurer; J. S. Fletcher, financial secretary; I. A. Averill, usher; E. F. Overholt, chaplain; J. J. Rice, door- keeper; D. A. Davenport, sentinel; Dr. Ww. M. Brackett, medical examinerand grand lodge representative; Benjamin Franklin, D. F. Howell and A. B. West, trustees. Post No. 47, G. A. R., at Dakota, was chartered Oct. 6, 1866, with M. D. Wil- liams, A. B. West, G. T. Cass, William Edson, N. McHenry, Alex Smith, I. Mc- Henry, John Means, Charles Hall, J. H. Ford, W. H. Locke, John Fairman, A. M. Adams and H. C. Cusey, as charter mem- bers. The charter was given by Joseph B. Lake, commander of the department of Towa, N. N. Tyner being adjutant-general. The post did not long survive. The Humboldt Cornet Band was organ- ized for the first time, in September, 1865, with the following members: D. A. Mar- tin, leader; F. Simmons, D. Thomas, M. | Alger, F. Parsons, J. Thomas, M:J. Young, F. J. Rogers and C. Dean. The first reg- ular meeting was held on the 7th of Octo- ber, of that year. This band has been suspended, re-organized, dropped, and re- established a number of times, but is now on a most excellent footing, under the leadership of D. F. Coyle. MILITIA. In the spring of 1872 the Humboldt County Rifles, an independent company of fifty men, was organized at the town of Rutland, and June 18, of that year, the following officers were commissioned : M. R. Derley, captain; M. M. Lord, 1st lieu- tenant; B. F. Simmons, 2d lieutenant; R. H. Gill, orderly; A. M. Adams, 2d sergeant ; W.H. Locke, Jr., 3d sergeant; and George H. Lourien, 4th sergeant. The company retained its organization for a a couple of years, and made a strong show in their blue drilling uniforms, made at home by their wives, sweethearts and others interested, and the old Enfield ~~ 1 A 9 750 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. rifles, furnished by the State through the kindness of the late lamented Adjt.-Gen. N. B. Baker; who was in peace, as in war, one of the kindest of men and indulgent of officers. The company was mustered out in 1874, and the Enfields stored by Gen. Baker in P. Finch’s office, in the old Russell block, where they were burned with the building in 1875. In 1877 the martial spirit revived, some- what, and another company was formed ‘at Dakota City, denominated as company G, 7th regiment, N. G. of Iowa. The offi- cers elected were: M. R. Derly, captain ; A. M. Adams, Ist lieutenant; L. E. Wil- ley, 2d lieutenant; E. B. Fancher, or- derly sergeant; George Buchholz, 2d ser- geant. The captain and 1st lieutenant were commissioned Sept. .13, 1877, but Mr. Willey resigned before receiving his com- mission, and D. T. Howell was elected and commissioned in his place. The com- pany was furnished by Adjt.-Gen. Looby, with the Springfield breech-loader, a first- class arm, and became quite efficient in drill. The following spring Capt. Derly resigned, and on the 8th day of June, 1878, A. M. Adams was commissioned captain by Gov. John H. Gear. D.'T. Howell was elected and commissioned 1st lieutenant, and George Buchholz 2d lieutenant, which commissions are still held. Owing to the removal of many of the members, the com- pany is not at this time in efficient condi- tion, but the remaining ones are panting for deeds of blood and fields of valor. Edward Snook was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y¥., Oct. 7, 1832. His parents, John and Matilda (Balsey) Snook, were both natives of that county. Edward is the fourth of a family of nine children. In 1839 he removed to Wayne Co.,N. Y., where he resided ten years, then went to Kane Co., Ill., where he was engaged in farming until 1860, when he started for Humboldt county, arriving on the 4th of June. He located on section 35, Rutland township, and engaged in farming until 1871,then removed to Dakota, where he was engaged in the milling business until 1877. He was married to Ruth Simmons, a na- tive of Illinois, April 16,1854. Mr. Snook was a member of the board of supervisors in 1863, and holds the same position at the present time. |e oe on HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 751 CHAPTER AALIITI. DELANA TOWNSHIP. The territory comprised in congressional township 93 north, range 29 west, is known by the euphonious name of Dela- na. It is bounded on the east by Hum- boldt township, on the south by Rutland, and on the west by Wacousta, while its north line meets the southern boundary of Kossuth county. The surface is most- ly undulating prairie, except in the neigh- borhood of Lott’s and Trellinger creeks, whose banks are fringed with timber and brush. Trellinger creek, a considerable stream, intersects the township from north- west to southeast, and on section 13 makes a confluence with Lott’s creek. The latter enters the township from Kossuth county, on the north line of section 5, and pursues its meandering way through the northeastern part of Delana. Bloody Run traverses the whole southern tier of sections, and passes into Humboldt town- ship on its way to join its waters with those of the East Fork of the Des Moines. About one half of the land is high and well drained,the balance being dry enough to form most excellent grazing land. There are no ponds or lakes within the limits of the township, and but few, if any, wet places or waste land. The soil is a rich, dark, alluvial loam, with just the right admixture of sand to make crops spring up quickly, and mature early. No stone in quarries are found here, but large numbers of boulders, mementoes of pre-historic ages, lie scattered over the country, and these are largely utilized for the purpose of curbing wells or walling up cellars and foundations. Water can be had in most every part by digging wells from twenty to forty-five feet from the surface. ” The first inhabitant of this township, although hardly to be viewed in the light of a settler, was a man by the name of Eastman, who located on the east half of section 13. He kept some groceries and whiskey for sale at his cabin, but was not what might be called a store-keeper. After a time he was driven off by Hugh Johnson and his sons, who claimed the land. These latter never lived on the land, but afterwards sold it for $400 to Samuel C. Church and Hiram Flemming. Eastman built the hut which stood on the land afterwards owned by G. W. Han- chett, in which he lived in the summer of 1855. Early in the spring of 1856, Enos Bond is believed to have built a cabin on the northwest quarter of section 13. In this same year of 1856, quitea num- ber of settlers appeared in this locality and selected lands and commenced to open up farms. Among these were: Hi- Sar — , Bets | 152 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. ram Flemming, 8S. H. Church, B. W Trel- linger, Edwin France, T. Ellwood Col- lins, J. W. Hewitt, Mahlon D. Collins and William Dean. Hiram Flemming purchased the south half of the northwest quarter of section 18, of the Johnsons, and in the fall of that year built a good warm log cabin. He kept here a public house for many years, and it became a noted stopping place for all who traveled the road from Fort Dodge to Algona. He was one of the most successful farmers of that early day, and often had wheat and corn to sell to the unfortunate or unthrifty who need- ed it. While many had their newly planted corn pulled up by the ground squirrels, he planted his so deep that those predatory vermin could not reach it. He could not thus out-maneuver the black- birds, for the first oats he sowed, about one bushel, they managed to appropriate entirely. He has the honor of sowing the first wheat raised in the township in 1858. Mr. Flemming is still a resident of this township, Hiram Flemming has been a resident of Humboldt county since April 20, 1856, when he came here and pre-empted the north half of the southeast quarter and the south half of the northwest quarter of section 13, which is his present resi- dence. His farm is one of the most desir- able in the county. Mr. Flemming was born in Sullivan, Cortland Co., N. Y., June 21, 1806, and is the son of Joseph and Flavia (Hitchcock) Flemming. The former is buried in Michigan, the latter in Neosho, Wis. He came from New York to Wisconsin and was married in Dodge county, Jan. 10, 1833, to Maria Simmons. They had five children—Cyn- thia Jane, now living in California; Roxa, now Mrs. Theo. J. Smith; Flavia A., wife of R. M. Holmes; Amanda, wife of Lewis Vought, and Samantha, wife of E. L. Loomis, of Algona. Mr. Flemming is a member of the republican party, and one of Humboldt’s oldest and most respected citizens. Samuel H. Church, who was a son-in- law of Mr. Flemming, came with the lat- ter from Dodge county, and settled upon the north half of the northeast quarter of. section 13. He had been a sailor upon the great lakes for some years, and was a lively, genial man, although somewhat hasty and quick-tempered. In 1862 he left this part of the country and sought the golden shores of the Eldorado of the west, California, where he now resides. B. W. Trellinger did not long remain in Humboldt county, but removed to Fre- mont county in this State in 1858, and is supposed to be living there yet. He made a visit here a few years since. His name has been conferred upon one of the creeks of the county. He located upon section 24, in the spring, and really broke the first ground in the township,and raised the first corn in the summer of 1857. That fall an early frost injured this crop, and discouraged and disgusted he packed up his traps and moved away. Edwin France built a log cabin on the northwest quarter of section 1, in the spring of 1856, and resided there several years. He was more of a hunter and trap- per than a farmer, although he did break some land and cultivate it. In 1863 he re- moved to Wisconsin and his present whereabouts is unknown. oe de sale HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 753 T. Ellwood Collins settled where he now lives, one of the fewoldsettlers who are still residents of the township. T. E. Collins was born in New York, in 1830, and is the son of Peter and Sarah (Hall) Collins. The former was born in 1804, in Rhode Island, and died in Hum- boldt county, in 1876. The latter was a native of New York, born in 1803, and died in Cedar Co., Iowa, in 1870. TT. E. Collins came to Humboldt county in 1856, since which time he has followed farming. Previous to that time he was engaged in mercantile trade. He was married in Marshall Co., Iowa, in 1855, to Sarah Williams, who was born in Ohio, in 1835. She was, at that time, a teacher. Her father, Dr. D. Williams, was born in Ohio, in 1804, and died in Humboldt county, in 1867. Her mother died in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Collins have had eight children, four of whom are living—Oella, born in 1860, and now married to Charles Hewitt; Olive, born in 1862, now married to- James Browning, a native of Kentucky; Franklin Edwin, born in 1871, and Arthur E., born in 1875. John W. Hewitt. settled upon section 2, but afterwards bought a claim on sec- tion 12, upon which he moved, and opened afarm. For many years he was the post- master, but when the town of Livermore was started he removed to that village, where he at present resides. Mahlon D. Collins located on section 12, in 1857, although he had come here the year previous. He kept the store in Sumner, the first in the county, and was the first justice of the peace. When he came to this place, he was a member of the Society of Friends, and it was by the rules and usages of that denomination that he was united to Kate Williams, in 1857. He became, afterwards, a Methodist cler- gyman and moved away in 1865, and is now located at Corning, Adams county. He has filled the position of presiding elder, and ranks among the best teachers and most eloquent divines in the State. William W. Dean opened a farm on section 14. He was a carpenter by trade, and in that capacity helped build the houses and a store at Sumner village. When the tocsin of war sounded through- out our fair land, and men were pressing to the front, in defense of the country, Mr. Dean left all, and following the old flag, kept step to the music of the Union. On his return he took an active part in the official life of the county, and “was at one time a member of the board of supervisors. He left the county and moved to Boone in about 1870, and from there to Mount Vernon, but now lives at Cedar Rapids. The first blacksmith in the township was Isaac Palmer, who came here in 1857, and entered a claim to the southwest quar- ter of section 7, in Humboldt township. He worked at his trade in Sumner, where he lived, but.in 1864 he sold out and re- moved to Kansas, and now lives at Fort Scott, in that State. Andrew Gullixson, the first Norwegian who settled in this township, located there in 1865, and is now numbered among the prominent men of his race in Delana. Andrew Gullixson, an extensive farm- er of this county, was born in Norway, about seventy miles from Christiana. His parents, Gullick and Arina Gullixson, are now living with Peter Williamson, in De- oe ay Al gute 754 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. lanatownship. The subject of this sketch came to America when fifteen years old, with his grandfather, five years before his parents removed to this country. He first went to his uncle’s, in Lafayette Co., Wis., and staid there four months, then went to live with a man by the name of George Way, with whom he remained a year, then one and a half years with Dr. Gaylord. In 1855 he went to Clayton Co., Iowa, and spent the summer at Elka- der, and while there went with a com- pany on a fishing excursion to Clear Lake, and camped out, which he greatly enjoyed. He returned to Wisconsin in the fall. In 1856 he went to work in the pineries, and for two years was engaged in the woods and on the farm. He continued to work in different places until 1862, when he was married to Anna Rossing, of La- fayette Co., Wis. After marriage he rented a farm in Wisconsin until 1865, when they removed to Humboldt county and settled on section 19, where he now owns 380 acres. He has 200 acres broken, a fine grove and good improvements, and is largely engaged in stock raising. Mr. Gullixson is a republican and a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Gullixson have ten children—Bertha E., Celia A., George A., Oscar T., Clara E., Mary F., Andrew G., Hermann O., Anna L. and Thaddeus F. George A. is now attending Luther College, at Decorah. The troubles and hardships incident to the new settlement of a country were largely increased by the war of elements and the intense cold and deep snows. An old settler, in speaking of these, says: “The winter of 1856-7 was the most stormy and gave us the most trouble of any that we ever experienced here. On the ist of December it commenced with asnow storm that lasted two days, and that covered the ground with a white mantle of the ‘beautiful snow.’ The winds heaped this into great billowy drifts of great depth, and every man was blockaded in his own cabin. For long weary weeks traveling with teams was among the impossibilities. Of course, fuel and provisions ran short, and these were hauled on hand-sleds by the settlers themselves, they floundering through the drifts or gliding across the country on the frozen crust. Some of these went to the settlements on the Boone river, twenty miles away, and loading their sleds with provisions, hauled them home. A road was broken from Fort Dodge to Algona, at the expense of great labor, and by in- cessant work it was kept open the balance of the winter. “The summer of 1858 was extremely wet, and we had great difficulty in get- ting around, the sloughs being impass- able.” The first marriage of residents of this township‘was on the 11th of November, 1857, when T. J. Smith and Roxa Flem- ming went to Algona and were married. The first birth was that of Allie, the son of T. Ellwood Collins, born on the 8d of October, 1856. Itonly lived a year and seven months, when it died, and was buried in the cemetery on section 12: This was the first death in the township, also. The first land was broken by B. W. Trellinger in the fall of 1856, and the first crop of corn was raised by him the following year. ee 1 a iat. | HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 155 | Hiram Flemming raised the first wheat in the township, in 1858, on section 13. The first postmaster was George W. Hanchett, and M. D. Collins was the first justice. The first class of the Methodist Episco- pal Church in Delana township was or- ganized by Rev. F. E. Drake, who preached two years on‘the Rutland cir- cuit. The pioneer school of this township was taught at Sumner in the summer of 1860 by Flavia A. Flemming, now Mrs. Holmes. This was a district school, the district being a sub-division of the town- ship of Humboldt. The first regular school house was erected in 1866, and is that now situated in district No. 1. On the 11th of March, 1871, the district township of Delana was set apart and or- ganized, as now constituted, with the fol- lowing officers: Ira Neal, president; T. E. Collins, secretary; Nelson Martin, treasurer; T. J. Smith, T. A Rossing and Ira Neal, directors. During that year schools were held in sub-districts Nos 1 and 2, taught by Emeline Esterbrook and Lewis J. Anderson. There are now eight school buildings in the township, one in each of the sub- divisions thereof. That in sub-district No. 1 was erected in 1866, and the first preceptress was Flavia Flemming. Olive Hart was the in- cumbent of that position in the fall of 1883. That in No. 2 was builtin 1868, and Lewis J. Anderson taught the first term, and Fretta Winegarden is the present teacher (1884). In 1874 Norman Price taught a school in the newly erected building in sub-dis- trict No. 3. Olive Hart occupied the same position in 1884. The school house in district No. 4 was put up in 1877, and Oella Collins was in- stalled as first teacher. John S. Dahl is the present pedagogue. Jennie Harvey taught the first school in district No. 5, in 1878, when the house for the purpose was erected. This school is presided over by Jennie LeCompte at the present time. In 1878 one of the school houses that was erected in district No. 4, in 1876, was removed to No, 6, and Maria A. Tay- lor employed to train the youth of that district. It is now under the charge of Jennie Sinclair. The sub-district No. 7 erected their school house in 1882, and Lucy Bravender was the first teacher therein, as John H. Callahan is the present. District No. 8 completed its buifding in 18838, and installed Abram Simmons as teacher, a position he at present holds. The present board of directors is com- posed of the following named: Lewis Vought, Chris Gullixson, John Smiley, Andrew Olson, T. E. Collins, Tieman Williamson, John O’Neil and C. L. Smith. Of these, T. Williamson is the president; T. E. Collins, secretary, and T. A. Ros- sing, treasurer. CEMETERY. One of the most beautiful of all the “resting places of the dead” in the county, is, beyond all doubt, the Sumner ceme- tery. This was laid out-at an early day, M. D. Collins donating the land, which he deeded to the township, and with his ap Sa ety —— os | a—sy, 756 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. brother, T. E. Collins, surveyed and laid itout. Itis on the southwest quarter of section 12. For some time previous to this it had been the practice to bury here the dead, and the first to be laid away in this little city of the departed was an infant child of T. E. Collins, who was interred in April, 1858. The board placed at the head of the grave, with the inscription cut, “Allie, 1858,” is still in good preser- vation. Beauty of situation, added to the improvments that have been made, and the signs of evident care on every hand; make it a lovely spot. The town- ship has the control of it. T. E. Collins is the secretary and has charge of the cemetery. The trustees are R. M. Holmes, T. J. Smith and T. E. Collins. THE VILLAGE OF SUMNER. In 1857 was laid out on the southeast quarter of section 12, a town, which was christened Sumner. The plat of this was filed for record on the 19th of September, 1857. The original proprietors of this, the pioneer village of Humboldt county, were Herman Munson, W. M. Wheeler, Peter and T. Ellwood Collins. These gentlemen, cherishing thoughts that their incipient town might grow to be the fu- ture metropolis of the county, however Jaudable, were doomed to disappointment, and the current of emigration being di- verted elsewhere, it has been restored to the uses of agriculture. Where it was hoped.to see the busy mart of commerce, the noisy manufactory or mill, or the palatial residence, now re-echoes only to the tramp of lowing kine, or the whistle of the plow boy at his work. Nodding corn and bending grain occupy its streets, and its glory has departed, and although the site was most beautiful and advanta- geous, it never arose to the distinction of atown. The first frame building on the site of the village was erected by Peter Collins, in the fall of 1857. At the same time T. E. Collings built a frame house in Sumner, which was used for the several purposes of dwelling house, meeting house and school house. M. D. Collins was the first merchant, and, in fact, the first in the county, open- ing a store in 1857 and running it for two years. Isaac Palmer built a cabin and black- smith shop, and pursued the avocation of a blacksmith for several years from the fall of 1857. When the hopes of the village expired, the buildings were all moved away, and the place that knew it knows it no more. ‘Sweet smiling village, lovliest of the lawn, Thy sports are fied, and all thy charms withdrawn; Amidst thy bowers, care alone is to be seen, And desolation saddens all thy green.” BODE. This village was laid out in November, 1881, by the Cedar Rapids, Iowa Falls & Northwestern Town Lot Company, and the plat thereof filed for record on the 23d of February, 1882. This place, which lies upon the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad, about five and one-half miles west of Livermore, is of so recent a birth that it has acquired but little history. The depot was built here in March, 1882, and of the sixty acres owned by the Town Lot Company on section 18, they platted about thirty south of the track, and sold twenty of the balance to M. Buh- ler, of the firm of Ough & Buhler, who re- sides in Lamoille, Il. “i ee ofa any HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 757 The first business house erected on the site of the village was built by T. A. Rossing in April, 1882. In this, on the 10th of May following, he opened a gen- eral merchandise store. The structure was 22x60 feet in size, two stories high. The lower room he used as a store room, the upper as a place of dwelling. In October, 1882, Mr. Rossing erected another building of the same dimensions to the north of his store, and during the follow- ing winter used it as a store room for wheat and flour,exchanying flour for wheat with his patrons. He carries a large and well selected stock of goods in his line and enjoys a remunerative business. Torkill A. Rossing, a prosperous farmer of Delana township, was born April 7, 1840, in Norway. Heis the son of An- drew O. and Bertha (Walden) Rossing. The former is now living in Lafayette Co., Wis. The latter died in Norway. Mr. Rossing, of this sketch, left Norway at the age of seventeen years, came to America and settled in Lafayette Cuv., Wis., where he remained, with the excep- tian of two years at school in Warren, Ill., until 1862, when he enlisted in company EH, of the 15th Wisconsin. He served a few days as private, was then promoted to the rank of sergeant, then sergeant-major, then Ist lieutenant, and afterwards to captain and served as act- ing adjutant. He participated in the en- gagements at Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Jonesboro and Missionary Ridge. During the winter of 1863-4 he was on detached duty at Madison, Wis., enlisting recruits; also, judge-advo- cate ‘of court-martial. He was mustered out of service at Chattanooga May 30, 1864. He was married to Mary Ander- son, of Lafayette Co., Wis., after which he returned to the army and staid until about the close of the war. He then came back to Wisconsin and engaged in business with his brother-in-law at Argyle, where he continued three years, then sold out to his partner, Mr. Anderson, who is now banking in Nebraska. Mr. Rossing then engaged as clerk in a store in Mon- roe, Wis.,one year, after which he came to this county and settled on sec- tion 20, Delana township, where he owns 360 acres of choice land, with fine im- provements. He is engaged in stock raising, and has a large herd of Short. horns. He also owns an eighty acre tract of land adjoining the town plat of Bode, on the north. Mr. Rossing is a republi- can and has been a member of the board of county supervisors. He is an active member ‘of the Lutheran Church, and a useful and influential citizen. He built and stocked the first store and postoffice at Bode, Iowa, where he has done a good business for the past two years. He opened up there about the Ist of May, 1882. The lumber yard was also established by the enterprise of Mr. Rossing in April, 1882, but in March, 18838, he disposed of it to J. B. Griffin, who operates it at pres- ent. It is under the management of Opheim & Gangestad, the proprietor not being a resident, and under their able administration it bids fair to become one of the leading industries of this rising town. At the time of the starting of the town T. A. Rossing also sold coal, but he bas since sold out his interest in that business , —s—e ats he 758 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. ale, to Brown & Berry. The senior partner later on withdrew from the business, leaving it in the hands of W. H. Berry, who does a fair business. W. Hz. Berry is the son of Daniel and Adaline (Allard) Berry, both living in LaPorte, Iowa, and was born in Freeport, Stephenson Co., Ill., March 31, 1855. When eleven years old he went to Water- loo and remained there in school until eighteen. He was a good scholar and ex- celled in penmanship and mathematics. He then accepted a position in a railroad office as station agent, and has since occu- pied the same position in different places on the B. C. R. & N. Railway. He has been in Bode since April, 1883. He was married Dec. 24, 1877, to Maggie Burgess, of Waterloo, Iowa. Her father is dead. Her mother Jivesin Tama county. They have two children— Grace A. and Leo A. Mr. Berry votes with the republican party. On the Ist of July, 1883, E. M. Hunting- ton opened a hardware store, with a stock that invoiced $2,000, in the building ad- joining that of T. A. Rossing, and owned by that gentleman. So far he has met with merited success and his sales are quite large and satisfactory. In connec- tion with his general business in shelf and heavy hardware, is a tinsmith’s shop, which is kept busy all the time. Mr. Huntington also handles the well known Chamberlain plow, of Dubuque, and other implements. 7 Opheim & Gangestad opened a general merchandise store in the village on the 3d of June, 1883. They have a capital of some $4,000, and carry a fine stock. The building they occupy was erected by them, for the purpose, at a total cost of $1,300. It is 22x40 feet, and is one of the chief ornaments of the place. They are prospering finely and enjoy a most excellent trade. Lars K. Opheim was born at Voss, Ber- genstift, Norway, July 19, 1855, and is the son of Knudt and Anna (Kolbensdt) Opheim, who emigrated to America in 1868. They first stopped in Columbia Co., Wis., coming from thence to Beaver township, Humboldt county, in 1869. In the year of 1883 they removed to Delana township, where they now reside upon a farm. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools, and spent two and a half years at Rushford, Minn., and Kilbourn City, Wis., after which he studied the Norwegian and Ger- man languages with Rev. B. Hoode, at Kilbourn City, one year. He obtained his education with a view of entering the ministry, but was obliged, to his bitter disappointment, to abandon the project, on account of failing health. In 1878 he came to Humboldt county and remained with his-parents two years upon the farm. He then went to Fort Dodge and clerked in the clothing house of E. G. Larson, one year, then came to Bode and built a store, where he is now engaged in company with his brother-in-law, James J. Gangestad, in the mercantile business, He was married June 24, 1883, to Maren Louise Loth Gangestad, of Delana town- ship, daughter of Lars J. and Maline (Gunderson) Gangestad. Mr. Opheim isa member of the Lutheran Church, in which he holds the office of secretary. He is a republican in politics. James J. Gangestad, partner of Lars K. Opheim, was born in Norway, Sept. 19, er : = HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 759 1857, and came with his parents, Lars J. and Maline (Gunderson) Gangestad, to Humboldt county, in 1870, and settled upon a farm. In 1882 he came to Bode, and clerked in the store of T. A. Rossing a short time, then engaged in his present business. He is possessed of a fair educa- tion, and is politically a republican. In the northwestern part of the village stands one of the leading industries of the place, if not the chief one. This is the large steam grist mill of Ough & Buhler. This was erected during the summer of 1883, and started operations upon the 20th day of August, of that year. It is 30x58 feet upon the ground, and two stories and a half high, and was built and equipped at a cost of $7,000. At present it is de- voted almost exclusively to custom: work, and can turn out 125 barrels of flour per week. Mr. Buhler resides in Bureau Co., Ill., and the mill is in the hands of Mr. Ough, under whose administration it needs no prophetic eye to see that it has a great future before it,alike satisfac- tory and remunerative to the proprietors, and the source of wealth and growth to the village. Richard Ough, son of Richard and Mary Ann (Crocker) Ough, was born in England, Dec. 14, 1835. When seven years old he moved with his parents to Upper Canada. His father was a mason’ by trade, but engaged principally in farm- ing. They remained in Canada nine years then removed to Bureau Co., IIl., and lived on afarm thirty-two years. Subsequently they came to Iowa looking for a place to establish a mill. Having selected a point they proceeded to move to it, bringing the mill with them ready to put up, April 1, 1883, and built it at Bode. Richard Ough was married Dec, 24, 1858, to Pau- lina Marsh, of Bureau Co., Il]. They have two children—Ida and Clara. Ida is married to John Crossman, Jr., of Bureau county, a well to do farmer. Clara re- mains athome. Mr. Ough is a ftepublican. The hotel at Bode was erected in 1882. In May, the structure, which is 30x34 feet, two stories high, was commenced, and it was finished that same fall. Itis a good substantial building and cost about $2,500. The proprietor, John Shager, understands the wants of the traveling community and isa model landlord. The train men here take their meals, and a good business has been built up by the enterprising, genial host. John Shager is a native of Norway, born March 25, 1830. He is ason of John and Chester Shager. His fatherisdead. His mother lives in Norway. When twenty- two years of age he came to America and located in Lafayette Co., Wis. He re- mained with his friends one winter, and in the fall of 1853 went to California, re- maining there until 1856, engaged in mining. Being of a saving disposition, he laid away some money, and having a desire to see home and friends again he returned to Norway and remained until 1866. He then came back to America and spent one year in Lafayette Co., Wis., thence to Humboldt Co., Iowa, and took a homestead. He recently sold his farm and engaged in the hotel business at Bode, a thriving little town in this county. On Jan. 9, 1863, he was married to Jennie | Christianson, of Buskerud, Norway. They have five children—Isabelle, John, Chris, Charles and Cheston, all living at home, - ~~. 4 = 760 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. and all members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Shager received a good education in Norway, graduating from a high school there. In politics, he is a republican. Mrs. Shager’s parents are both dead, being buried in Norway. When Mr. Shager was in California, he lost $700 in a bank that suspended payment. Isabelle Shager has the only dressmak- ing establishment in Bode, and to her go the village and rustic belles to consult in regard to their outward adornment. St. Olaf’s Lutheran Church was organ- ized in 1871, and for years held their services in the school houses of the town- ship. It was mainly owing to the in- fluence of that noble man, Rev. T. A. Torgeson, of Worth county, that this Church owes its birth and through his instrumentality was it organized, with the following members: Ole H. Gullixson, Gullik Helgeson,Peter Williamson, Svend Anderson, Ole J. Olson, Hans A. Sorlien, C. A. Rossing, Gilbert Anderson, A. O. Skildum, Ole Nelson Tangeland, Andrew F. Anderson, Lars Oppedahl, John Erick- son and Ole Olson. Mr. Torgeson, owing to his manifold other duties, could be with this congrega- tion only at long intervals, and these were filled up with such laborers as could be obtained, from time to time. Finally, in 1873, Rev. O. A. Sauer, was secured as pastor, who remained with them until 1882. During his long pastorate, the church was built. A building committee was appointed in the winter of 1879-80, composed of the following gentlemen: Andrew Gullixson, C. Rossing, C. Oleson and Ole L. Clave. when the snow had disappeared, they In the spring of 1880, took hold with a will, and that summer the edifice was completed. It is a beauti- ful temple of worship, and was erected at a cost of about $2,000. here had been an organization of this religious denomi- nation at St. Joseph, but it has consoli- dated with this, and all worship now in in this church. The present pastor is Rev. John Tackle, now living at Fort Dodge, and at present there are some forty families included in its member- ship, of which the following are the heads: Ole L. Clave, John 8S. Johnson, Mr. Dortha Johnson, Mrs. Betsy Skildum, Mrs. Louisa Johnson, John Peterson, John E. Dahl, Knudt Olson, Hans Peterson, Ole Nelson, O. K. Grefstad, Andrew Gullixson, Ole H. Gullixson, C. F. Gullix- son, Gullik Helgeson, Peter Williamson, Nels Larson, C. Rossing, T. A. Rossing, Andrew Torgeson, Andrew J. Rossing, Christian K. Kinseth, Hans A. Sorlien, Svend Anderson, Christian M. Riveness, Mons N. Hauge, Ole I. Olson, B. C. Sandbo, Teman Williamson, Lars G. Gangestad, John Shager, Lars K. Opheim, John Kergum, John H. Sorlien, Christopher Olson, Martin Olson, Andrew Olson,Ole B. Olson, John Erickson, Erick J. Erickson and Anthon G. Williams. In connection with the church, is a cem- etery known as that of St. Olaf’s, which comprises about an acre and a half, on the southwest quarter of section 16. This is inclosed with a good board fence, and here the dead of this little flock can rest in peace in consecrated ground. The village has now some seven fami- lies living on the town plat, a fair nucleus around which may be gathered the Bode of the future. “a —_—. 1 Y at Y A HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY, 761 Theo J. Smith, a prominent farmer in the county, was born May 5, 1836, in Sus- quehanna Co., Penn. His parents, John and Eliza (Foster) Smith, are buried in Sumner cemetery. At the age of nine years, Theo removed, with his parents, to Will county, and four years later, to a farm in Cook Co., IIL, where they re- mained until 1856. In the fall of that year, he went to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and took a government claim, and the next year came to Humboldt, and pre-empted land. He now owns 285 acres of choice farming land, including thirty acres of timber. His farm is well watered by Lott’s creek. He keeps a great deal of stock, making a specialty of .fine sheep and horses. Mr. Smith is secretary and treasurer of the Livermore Norman Horse Company, an incorporated body, for the purpose of buy- ing, selling and breeding Norman horses, organized Feb. 22, 1883, with a capital stock of $5,000. They own a barn at Livermore and one stock horse, imported from France, valued at $2,000. In 1874 Mr. Smith engaged in merchandising and continued the business four and a half years. Roxa Flemming, daughter of Hiram Flem- ming. They have had five children, two of whom are living—Ella M. and Eber T. Millie D. died at the age of twelve years; Orrin at two months and Mark at two years. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are believers in the doctrine of Spiritualism. He is politically, a republican. He was post- master at Lott’s Creek, in Humboldt county, from May, 1862, till June, 1877, and is now a director of the Beanies Bank, at Humboldt. Lewis Vought has been a resident of Humboldt county since 1857, but did not er He was married Nov. 11, 1857, to- 33 settle upon his present farm until about 1859. It is located on the southeast quar- ter of section 11, in Delana township. He owns 160 acres of nice land, and has 100 acres under cultivation. He was born Sept. 29, 1828, in Bradford Co., Penn. His parents, Joshua and Polly (Thatcher) Vought, are dead, and buried in Bradford Co., Penn. In 1855 he started on a pros- pecting tour, and went to Red Wing, Minn. He staid in that part of the coun- try about one year, chopping wood, then returned to Pennsylvania. One year later, in the spring of 1857, he came to Web- ster Co., Iowa, and from thence to Hum- boldt county, and first took aclaim on sec- tion 10, in Humboldt township, which in 1859, he left, and took another upon wliich he now resides. Jan. 1, 1864, he enlisted in the 4th Iowa Cavalry, and was mustered into the service at Fort Dodge. He took part in the engagements of Tupelo, Fort Scott, Selma and Columbus, and minor skirmishes. He was mustered out at At lanta, Aug. 8, 1865. Aug. 26, 1866, he was married to Amanda Flemming, of Hum- boldt county. They have five children— Joshua, Maria, Martha, Hiram and Valen- tine V. Mrs. Vought is a member of the M. E. Church. In politics, he is independ: ent, and has held several township offices. Rev. Nelson Martin was born in Orange Co., Vt., Nov. 14, 1808. His parents, Daniel and Betsey (Mosley) Martin, are buried in Williamstown, Vt. He was brought up on a farm where he remained until he was twenty-eight years old. He then commenced preaching on a circuit, located at Warren, N. H., and shortly re- turned to Williamstown, Vt., and staid a few years. He then went te Springfield, a eb}. x ¢ 762 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. Vt., and one year later to Lowell, Mass., where he was engaged in the meat business about five years, after which he was re-ad- mitted to the New Hampshire conference and preached at different points for eleven years, seventeen years in all. In 1865 he came to Iowa and settled at Bradgate, Avery township, in Humboldt county, where he purchased a farm, but subse- quently sold it and removed to section 24, of Delana township, where he resides at present. He still continues to preach and often officiates at weddings and funerals. He has been twice married, leaving three children—Lorin T., Curtis L. and Martha EH. In 1871 he married Mrs. Fannie Strong, widow of William B. Strong. She was then a resident of Pocahontas county, but a native of New York. She had two children by her former marriage—Samuel and George. The latter, George Strong, is now preach- ing in Washington Territory. Mr. Martin is a republican and strongly in favor of temperance. He has been township trustee and school treasurer. Both he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. Ole H. Gullixson, son of Gullick H. and Anna (Iverson) Gullixson, was born Feb. 11, 1835, in Norway. He left Norway in 1857, and came to America, stopping first with an uncle in Lafayette Co., Wis., then spent a short time in Stephenson Co., Il. He then went to the pineries and remained a year, then, with his brother Andrew, went up Chippewa river, working at lumbering. In the spring of 1865 he first to Mary Lillie, who died in 1870,: took a homestead on the southeast quarter of section 19, Delana township, where he owns at present 320 acres of fine land, with good buildings surrounded by a grove. He has also timber upon the river. He has 235 acres broken and is extensively engaged in grain and stock raising. He was married Nov. 11, 1866, to Isabella Risum and they have had five children— Anna Louisa, born Aug. 30, 1867; Edward Henry, born May 20, 1870; Carl Orin, born Nov. 7, 1872; Fredrick William, born March 22, 1877; and Charlotte Elenor, born Dec. 17,1879. Anna L. is attending school at Fort Dodge. Mr. Gullixson is a republican politically, and with his family a member of the Lutheran Church. John Smylie was born in Canada July 14, 1841. He went to Du Page Co., IIl., about 1863 and remained one and a half years. He then came to Humboldt county and took a homestead on the southwest quarter of section 17, Delana township, after which he worked for different par- ties in adjoining counties for two years. On Jan. 14, 1869, he was married to Julia Chamberlain, daughter of Luke and Julia (Barnes) Chamberlain, of Wright county, but formerly of New York. They have six children—Minnie B., Bertha A., Julia M., Effie L., Jennie A. and John H. Mr. and Mrs. Smylie are members of the M. E. Church. He is a republican and has held the office of school director. Since his residence here he has spent nine months in Canada and six months in Wis- consin for the benefit of his health. William MeNelly isa native of Ireland, born Feb. 2, 1809, and is a son of Wil- liam and Hannah (Harshaw) MeNelly. Both are now deceased; the former buried in Ireland, and the latter at Port Stanley, ; rented a farm in Wisconsin, and in the | Canada. When seventeen years old Wil- | fall of the same year came to Iowa and | liam removed to Quebec, Canada, where = i “vf. <— ee HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. a) 763 he remained twenty years, working on a farm. He then went to Sackett’s Harbor, N. Y., and continued in the same business for a time, then went to Jefferson county, thence to Oswego county, thence to Au- burn, Canada, and engaged in the lum- bering business three years, then removed to DuPage Co., Ill., where he was occu- pied in farming about fourteen years. July 20, 1866, he came to Humboldt county and settled on section 7, Delana township, where he now owns the southeast quarter and ‘has forty acres under cultivation. He was married in Port Hope, Canada, to Eliza Crosson, a native of [reland. They have five children living — William J., David J., Caroline, now living in Illinois; Hattie, married to C. E. Lane of Corinth township ; Eliza married to Chris. Gullix- son of Delana township. Mr. McNelly is a good citizen, votes the republican ticket, and is a member of the M. E. Church. W. J. McNelly, son of William McNelly was born at Auburn, N. Y., March 2, 1837: When quite young he went with his par- ents to Canada, where he lived fourteen years, then removed to DuPage Co., IIl., and remained until 1865, when he re- moved to Humboldt county, where he is engaged in farming. In DuPage Co., IIl., he was married to Miss Sinclair. She died in 1872, leaving two children — Alice and William. Mr. McNelly was again married April 4, 1874, to Mrs. Anderson, nee Maria Risum, of Orfordville, Wis. She had two children—Amelia 8. and Laura H. They now have three children by the last marriage— May Belle, Lillian N.and Flora. Politically, Mr. McNelly is a republican, and hag held the office of school director. John McNelly was born in the southern ‘part of Canada, Dec. 17, 1847, and is ason of William and Eliza (Crosson) McNelly, who are living in Delanatownship. When three years old he went to Du Page Co., Ill., where he lived on afarm fourteen years, then came to Humboldt county, and lived with his parents until 1872, then commenced driving stage from Fort Dodge to Montana. After about one year he hired to William Coon of Grove town- ship. He was married Aug. 20, 1876, toa daughter of Thomas and Anna Steward, of Grove township. They have three ‘children—Minnie, born Nov. 15, 1877; Mavis, born Sept. 2, 1879, and a baby named Zoe, born Jan. 7, 1884. They are members of the M. E. Church. Polit- ically he is a republican. C. A. Rossing was born March 238, 1843, in Norway. The family came to America in 1857, and settled on a farm in Lafay- ette Co., Wis., C. A. then being fourteen years old. He worked there until 1861, when he enlisted in company K, 5th Wis- consin Volunteers, and remained in the service three yearsand three months. He participated in the following engage- ments: Williamsburg, Peninsula cam- paign,second battle of Bul] Run,Antietam, Gettysburg and Battle of the Wilderness. He was mustered out at Madison, Wis. He was wounded at the Battle of the Wil- derness, in the temple, and in consequence was for atime disabled. At the time of discharge he had been corporal one and a half years. He then returned to his father’s farm, and remained one year, when he came to Humboldt county, locat- ing on the northeast quarter of section 19, in Wacousta township. In addition to or = 764 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. this place he owns 160 acres elsewhere in the township. He has 200 acres under cultivation, six acres of grove, and good improvements. In 1867, he was married to Betsy Johnson, a native of Norway, who died in 1868. He'was again married to Sophia Enger, also of Norway, who also is deceased. He has six children—Ber-- tha, Amanda, Andrew, Oscar, Crara and Emma. Mr. Rossing is a republican, and a member of the Lutheran Church. Hans A. Sorlien was born in the south- ern part of Norway Dec. 20,1845. He is a son of Hans and Isabelle Sorlien. His father is buried in St. Olaf’s Cemetery near Bode. His mother lives with John Sorlien, in Delana township. When twenty years of age Hans came to Amer- ica, and located in Lone Rock, Wis., re- maining there two years; thence to the pineries one year; then came to Humboldt county and purchased a homestead of E. Emerson on section 24, township 93, range 30. He has 220 acres in all, about 200 acres being broken. He has good substantial buildings on his farm. He makes stock raising a specialty, keeping none but the best grades of stock. His cattle are of the Shorthorn breed. On the 3d of September, 1871, Mr. Sorlien was united in marriage with Maria Wal- don, of Norway, Rev. Torgeson perform- ing the ceremony. Mr. Sorlien’s parents still reside in Norway. Mr. Sorlien is a republican politically, and a member of the Lutheran Church. Teman Williamson, a native of Rock. Co., Wis., lives on the southeast quarter of section 16, in Delana township. His par- ‘ents emigrated from Norway to the Uni- ted States in 1848, and settled in Rock Co., Wis., where they still reside. Te- man, on attaining his majority, came to Humboldt county and lived with his brother one year, then settled upon his present farm, where he has since resided. He makes a specialty of stock raising, and keeps the full blooded Durham stock. He has 140‘acres under cultivation. He was married Oct. 10, 1872, to Betsy Gu- termson, daughter of Gutrum and Mary Gutermson, who now live in Dakota Ter- ritory. Mr. and Mrs. Williamson have five children—William G., Tona M., Lot- tie M., Emma A. and Telda B. Mr. Wil- liamson adheres to the republican party. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Williamson came to the county with almost nothing, but by industry, economy and good management, | has acquired a considerable property. Peter Williamson, son of William and Margaret (Knutson) Williamson, was born on the 4th of June, 1838, in the south- west part of Norway. When ten years of age he, with his parents, emigrated to America, locating in Rock Co., Wis., where he resided on a farm for twenty years. He then came to Humboldt Co., Iowa. Before coming here to reside, how- ever, he had made a trip for the purpose of prospecting and purchased 160 acres of land from 0. F. Gullixson; the south- east quarter of section 18, which had been taken as a homestead by Mr. Gullixson. Mr. Williamson also owns eighty acres on section 17. He has 150 acres under cul- tivation, good farm buildings, etc., and carries on mixed farming. On the 12th of January, 1864, he was united in mar- riage with Celia Gullixson, of Rock Co., Wis. They have six children—Anton, [— as -y HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 765 who married Eureka Breton, and lives in this township, where he owns 160 acres of land. He was formerly a student at North- field. William G., Martin T., Ginnie A., Emma M. and Albert C., all members of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Williamson’s parents live near her in asmall house pro- vided for them by their children—Andrew, C. F. and Ole. D. A. Spohn is a native of Ohio, born in Richland county, Aug. 22, 1850, where he continued to live until his removal to Cedar Co., Iowa, from which place he came to Humboldt county and lived with his parents until 1878. His father gave him eighty acres of land, to which he has since added an eighty, and has a fine farm located on section 6, Delana town- ship. Ninety acres of this place is under cultivation, and he is engaged in mixed farming. He was married May 26, 1878, to Ida V. Snyder, of Humboldt, a sister of the merchant, J. M. Snyder. They have two children—Mary V. and Nellie G. Mr. Spohn politically adheres to the republican party. Thomas Brown resides on section 14, in Delana township, where he owns a farm. He was born in Lincolnshire, England, Jan. 16, 1835, and is the son of John and Mary (Sharp) Brown. In 1854 he came to America, and went to Michigan, where he staid on a farm six months, then lived two and a half years in Indiana on a farm, thence to Green Co., Wis., where he re- mained three years. He then went to Mississippi, and worked on a wood boat nine months. He next went on a farm in Missouri and lived two years, thence to Cedar Co., Iowa, where he remained six years upon a farm. He then came to Humboldt county, and staid two months. From there he went to ‘Des Moines and engaged in the wood business two and a half years, after which he came to this county again, and settled where he now resides. He was married in Johnson county to Rebecca Stillions, of Cedar county. They have had nine children, but only one of them is now living— Charles E. Mrs. Brown’s parents now reside in this county near their daughter. Mr. Brown is independent in politics and hag held the office of township trustee for the past six years. Ole Nelson was born Jan. 1, 1838, in Norway. He is the son of Nelson and Sarah (Oleson) Ole Nelson. He came to America when twenty-five years old, and went to Lodi, Columbia Co., Wis., where he worked upon a farm. In 1869 he came to Humboldt county and settled June 15 on section 3, in Delana township, where he now owns 3388 acres of choice land, with a neat and commodious residence, surrounded by a fine grove. He culti- vates 200 acres, and raises large quanti- ties of grain, also raises considerable stock. He was married March 2, 1867, to Anna Oleson, at Columbus, Wis. Mr. Nelson is a member of the Lutheran Church, and casts his vote with the repub- lican party. Samuel Spohn, son of Daniel and Sarah (Mack) Spohn, is of German descent, and was born in Washington Co., Penn., May 2,1819. In 1837 he went with his parents to Richland Co., Ohio, where they lived upon a farm and his parents spent the re- mainder of their lives. In 1865 he re- moved to a farm in Cedar Co., Iowa, and remained about seven years. He then 4 —e = le Cafe 3 +o} a 766 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. came to Humboldt county and bought a farm on section 18, of Delana township, where he now owns 148 acres of good land. He has seventy acres broken, and carries on mixed farming. He has been successful in his enterprises, and owned at one time 400 acres of land in this coun- ty. Mr. Spohn was married Feb. 1, 1844, to Mary Miller, daughter of Abram Mil- ler, of Richland Co., Ohio. ‘Ten children have been born to them, of whom seven are now living—Elizabeth, Sarah Ann, James, Daniel, Maria, Nancy Jane and William L. Mr. Spohn is a democrat, and in religious belief a Baptist of the peculiar denomination known as “ Dunk- ards.” His family are believers in the Methodist faith. Patrick O’Neil was born in Upper Can- ada, Aug. 31, 1849. He isason of Den- nis and Bridget (Halpin) O’Neil, who re- side in Canada. When Patrick was seventeen years of age he went to New York and worked a short time for his brother, John. He then returned to Can- ada, remaining two years, in the mean- time learning the trade of carpenter. He went to Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1869, and remained until January, 1870, when he returned to Canada. On the 28th of March, 1870, he went to Fort Dodge, Iowa, prospecting; thence to Du- buque, remaining there until the spring of 1871, when he went to Butler county, | remaining there duwing the summer; thence to Dubuque; thence to Chicago, during the great conflagration at that place. He worked at the carpenter’s trade there until 1873, when he went to Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory, where he was employed by the government to build a supply depot; thence to Roland Springs, where he worked on a hotel; thence to Camp Robinson; thence to Nebraska. He was with Capt. Henry when he was sent by the government to remove the white settlers from the Black Hills. In the spring of 1875 he took charge of the building of Camp Sheridan, and worked until fall; thence to Custer City, in the Black Hills; thence to Deadwood; and in July, 1876, to Fort Pierre. In the spring of 1873, while in Chicago, he purchased a 120 acre farm in Delana township. In 1877 he erected a good house, and com- menced farming. He now owns 240 acres of good land, 150 acres of which is bro- ken, and is quite extensively engaged in raising stock, especially Poland China hogs. On Feb. 6, 1878, he was united in marriage with Mary Cosgrove, of Du- buque, the ceremony being performed by Father Bray, of Dubuque. ‘This union has been blessed with three children— Mary B., born Nov. 22, 1878; Dennis J., born April 12, 1881; and Thomas, born Ang. 30, 1883. They are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. O’Neil put up the first frame building erected in the Black Hills, at Custer City, in 1876. : Mathias Mersch is a native of Luxem- burg, Germany, born Jan. 13, 1845. He isason of Paul and Elizabeth (Weber) Mersch, who are buried in Luxemburg. His brother, Peter, lives with him. Peter was born on the 22d of May, 1839. In 1871 he went to Chicago and worked for two years near that place on a farm. He then went to Dubuque Co., Iowa, and worked six months. In 1879 he returned to his old home in Germany, remaining there eighteen months. He then came C7 yp fees .__ofy HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 167 back to America, locating in Kossuth Co., Iowa; thence to California, Oregon and Washington Territory, prospecting. Ma- thias was married Nov. 26, 1871, to Mary Steinkerhner, of Delaware county. In a short time they removed to Kossuth coun- ty and purchased afarm. They remained there nine years, then sold to James God- dard, and removed to this county and pur- chased 240 acres of good land on section 5, Delana township. He hasa new house, which is composed of two parts, one 16x20 feet and the other 16x24 feet in di- mensions. Mr. and Mrs. Mersch have six children—Anna Margaret, Peter, Anna Mary, John Peter, Mary Ann and -Cle- ments. They are members of the Catho- lie Church. He is a democrat politically. Peter Nelson was born in Norway, Dec. 11, 1854. He is a son of Lars and Martha Nelson. His mother is buried in Norway. His father lives in La Salle Co., Tl. When thirteen years of age he emigrated to America, locating in Illinois with his parents. He lived there nine years, on the farm, then removed to Webster Co., Iowa, in 1878, and settled on afarm. He has traveled over almost the entire State of Iowa. In 1880 he came to Delana township, and commenced farming on On the 22d of March, 1883, he was married to Elizabeth Oleson, of this section 2. county. They have one child, an infant. They are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a republican politically. CHAPTER XXIV. GROVE TOWNSHIP. Among the earliest settlers in Humboldt county in 1854 was Solomon Hand, who on coming here looked around for a little and then made a selection of land in this township. He located first upon one quarter of section 4, but later he disposed of it to G. W. Hand, in 1856, and took up another quarter on the same section. A sketch of “Sol.” Hand, as he is familiarly called, will be found in the chapter relat- ing to the early settlement of the county. Eber Stone and his sister, Lucy Stone, were the second settlers in this township. Mr. Stone bought a farm on section 26, the same now occupied by 8. B. Bellows, but at the same time took a claim on sec- tion 27, where he built a log cabin in 1856, and lived throughout that year. He then sold out and purchased the farm now owned by his widow on section 16, in Humboldt township. G. Washington and W. Fletcher Hand, brothers of Solomon Hand, also came here in 1856, although alittle later, and took up farms. “Wash,” took the place broken by his brother, and Fletcher located else- where. These gentlemen have both been a ee oe, — Q 768 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. quite prominent figures in the county, especially the first mentioned. The next to follow was the widow Cusey and her sons, who settled on sec- tion 10, on the 29th of May, 1856. Mrs. Cusey, relict of Job Cusey, was before marriage, Sarah Ford, born in Ashland Co., Ohio, in 1803. In company with her husband she moved to McLean Co., ILI., in 1836 or 1837, being among the pieneers of that region. Here, in 1840, her husband died. J. C. Cusey, one of her sons, be- came quite prominentin the official cir- cles of Humboldt county, but bas removed to Miami Co., Kansas, where he has risen to ease and affluence. His aged mother lives with him. William L. Cusey, the only one of the family now a resident of the county, was born in Ashland Co.,, |- Ohio, on the 30th of November, 1835, and came to this county in 1856 with his mother and her family. In the spring of 1866 he settled upon section 9, in this township, where he still resides. He was married in 1859 to Maria Hindle, a native of Pennsylvania. They have seven chil- dren living. Martin Maxwell, Harrison and John Nelson McHenry settled in what was called the Hand settlement in 1856. Harrison McHenry died in 1859. Nelson McHenry lived here until about 188u, when he moved away to the south part of this State. He married Amanda Hand in 1860. Martin Maxwell is now living in Wilson Co., Kansas. The next settler in this township was 8. B. Bellows, who in 1857 located upon section 26, where he at present resides. Simon B. Bellows is a native of New York, born in Franklin county April 21, 1827, where he remained until sixteen years old, when, with the family, he re- moved to McHenry Co., Il., and there re- mained until the spring of 1851, when he went to California and engaged in min- — ing. He remained there until 1856, when he returned tohis former home, and in the spring of 1857 came to this county, lo- cating on section 26, Grove township, where he now lives. He hasa farm of 570 acres of well improved land. He was married Nov. 11, 1857, to Hannah Par- ker, of Michigan. ‘They have seven chil- dren—Frank P., Lucy A., Barton O., Birne, Mignonette, Musa and Cyrus. Mr. Bellows was township clerk from 1861 to 1867. He was school secretary from 1861 to 1870, and is the present township clerk. George W. Mann, a native of Erie Co., N. Y., came west and after stopping in the Lake Superior region for some little time, came to Humboldt county, in 1857, and settled at first in the Hand settlement, in Grove township. Here he lived for two years, teaching school and tilling the soil, having rented a piece of land. He was married to Laura Bellows on the 25th of August, 1859, and moved to some land on section 26, belonging to his brother-in- law, S. B. Bellows,.where he remained about two years. He was a prominent member of the first board of county super- visors, which assembled in January, 1861. In 1863 or 1864 he removed to Irvington township, Kossuth. county, .where he is still living. In 1858 James Dean and George Todd came to what is now Grove township and the former entered a claim to a portion of. section 22, where he opened a farm and on ee HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 769 lived until 1868, when he moved to Wa- cousta township, where he now lives. George Todd, a brother-in-law of Mr. Dean, took up a farm on section 27, but until 1861 made his home with the Deans. In that year he branched off and resided on the farm he had opened. In 1870 this farm proved to belong to the Des Moines River Improvement Company, who sold the same to other parties, whereupon Mr. Todd went to Webster county and re- mained a few years. He is now living on section 2, in Beaver township, in this county. Thomas Owens, on the 4th of April, 1860, settled upon his farm on section 33, where he now lives. Thomas Owens isa native of Ireland, born in August, 1822. He was there reared and followed farming till 1852, when he came to America, locating in the vicinity of Chester Co., Penn. He lived there four years, then removed to Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he also remained four years. On April 4, 1860, he located on his present place. He has 400 acres of good land. He was married on Feb. 3, 1856, to Margaret Nolan, a native of Kildare, Ireland. They have three children—Katie, James F. and Mary. They are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Owens is engaged in stock raising to a considerable extent. In May, 1860, E. Sherman, another of the old settlers resident in the township, located upon the farm now in his posses- sion, on section 11. Edward Sherman, a farmer of this county, is of Irish extraction, having been born in Ireland in December, 1838. When nine years old he started for America with his parents. During the trip he was unfortunately taken sick and consequently was obliged to remain in Liverpool, his parents proceeding without him. Soon afterward, having sufficiently recovered, he made the voyage alone, and went to Lexington, Ky., where his friends were, his parents having died on the voyage. He remained there eighteen months. He then went to Dubuque, Iowa, and stopped three years. He then went on the river steamers, plying from St. Louis to New Orleans, following the river ten years. In 1860 he came to this county, locating on his present place. He has 600 acres of good, well improved land, well stocked with cattle. He was married Nov. 26, 1861, to Sarah C. White, of Maine. They have ten children—Mary E., James P., Thomas C., Sarah F., Edward A., Margrett A., Ellen M., Joseph J., Anna T. and Richard C. They are members of the Catholic Church. B. Callahan, also, in 1860, settled upon section 27, and opened the farm where he now lives. W. XK. Foster is another settler of 1860. ife is a native of New York, but coming west and locating on his present farm in the above mentioned year. William Foster was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., Jan. 1, 1841. He was there reared and educated, learning the carpen- ter’s trade and following the same until 1868, when he came to Humboldt Co., Towa, locating where he now lives. He has 880 acres of weil improved land and some cattle. He was married Oct. 6, 1869, to Anna Cusey. They have one child—Jobn Clayton. He has been a county supervisor, is township trustee at a = » p ~~ YT silastic a f vi 770 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. present, and for the last six years has been assessor. John Krujheck and Thomas Steward came to this township in 1863, and located farms, the former on section 8, the latter on section 9, where they still reside. John Krujheck, (or Grutchek), is a na- tive of Austria, born Aug. 10, 1637. In 1852, at the age of fifteen, he came to America, locating in Cleveland, Ohio, re- maining there one winter. In June, 1853, he went to Dubuque, Iowa, and remained two years. He then went to Clayton county, where in August, 1862, he enlisted in company B, 21st Iowa and served three years. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, in the Jackson campaign in Mississippi,and in the campaign of Mobile; returning to Iowa in August, 1865. He came to this county in March, 1866, and located on his present place where he has. eighty acres of good land. He was mar- ried Jan. 1,1868,to Mary Steward,daughter of Thomas Steward. They have nine children—Elva A., Lonesa R., George F., Charlie 8., Burtis H., Maggie M., Minnie F., John M. and Walter W. Mr. Kruj- heck is a member of the M. E. Church. His wife was one of the first scholars in the first school taught in the county. Thomas Steward is a native of Ireland, born Aug 17, 1810,and remained in his native country until twenty years old, when he came to this country locating in New Jersey opposite New York city, there following various occupations for ten years, when he removed to Buffalo,. Erie Co., N. Y., and engaged in gardening eighteen years. In November, 1854, he came to this vicinity, locating on Lott’s creek. In 1858 with his brother George he went to Pike’s Peak, remained six months and returned to Lott’s creek. In 1863 he came to Grove township. He was married April 22, 1837, to Anne Mc- Entyre, a native of England. They have bad twelve children, six of whom are now living—George W., Margaret, Henry K., Mary, Mercieand James. Mr. Steward is a member of the M. E. Church. All of the congressional township known as 92, range 28, is included in Grove, which is in the central tier of townships, the second from the east line of the county. It is bounded on the north by Humboldt, on the east by Lake, south by Beaver and Dakota, and west by Rut- land. The Kast Fork of the Des Moines river enters it on the north line of section 4, and meandering with “many a crook and devious turn,” it pursues its course through the entire township, and affords excellent water facilities. The surface is nearly all prairie except that the river bank is fringed with heavy timber. The soil is rich beyond measure, and the agriculturist reaps a rich reward for his labor in this favored spot. The first birth in the township was that of Frank P. Bellows, the son of S. B. Bellows, born on the 6th of October, 1858. He is now living at or near Blunt, Dakota, _where he has taken up a claim. The second birth was that of Cyrus Cusey, who first saw the light on or about the 16th of November, 1858. He was the son of J. C. Cusey, and is living now with his parents at Lewisburg, Miami Uo., Kansas. The first marriage was that of Thomas J. Forbes, to Sarah Rebecca Cusey, on the 19th of November, 1858. The cere- ST) ry in Ca ~~ > a—of HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. me . 771 mony was performed, at the residence of the parents of the bride, by W. F. Hand, a justice of the peace. live in Minnesota. The first death was that of Harrison McHenry, in 1859. His remains were buried in the grove near the bank of the river. The first justice of the peace was W. Fletcher Hand. This was prior to the present organization of the township. The first school was taught by G. W. Mann, in the fall of 1858. The township of Grove was organized in 1873, and at the election in October of that year, the following were chosen the first officers of the sub-division: John Dumphy, T. H. Cooper and John Fair- man, trustees; Carlos Combs, clerk; W. J. Coon, assessor. The latter held the office-but a short time, when he resigned, and Frederick Webster was appointed to fill the vacancy. he present officers are the following named gentlemen: T. H. Cooper, John Kenline and W. E. Foster, trustees; L. J. Pier, assessor; 8S. B. Bel- lows, clerk; William Shove, justice. As has been already stated, the first school was taught by George W.Mann, in 1858, This was in a frame house built of This couple now | . native lumber on section 4, and was 16x24 feet in dimensions. This is in district No. 2. A new school house was built about forty rods south of this old building in the fall of 1882, a fine frame structure, 18x26 feet, costing $600. Ada Miner is the present teacher. The Bellows school house, on section 26, in sub-district No. 6, was built while The next was the Harvey school house, in district No. 38, which was originally built on section 8, but which now stands on section 6. This was put up in 1882. The present teacher is Matilda Miles. In 1870 the Sherman school house, in district No 1, was built on section 14, at a cost of $1,100. It has since been re- moved to section 11. The first teacher was Maggie A. White. The building is a good substantial frame edifice, some 18x28 feet in dimensions, and the school is presided over by Mrs. M. A. Sullivan, who has under her instruction eighteen bright-eyed children. The Dumphy school house, sub-district No. 5, was built in 1864, on section 20. The first teacher was Mary E. Devine. Buchholz school house, in district No. 8, was built in 1874, on section 30,ata cost of $555. The first teacher was Emma Breh- mer, who taught here some three terms prior to the organization of the district, in the house of Mr. Buchholz. At present this school is under the control of Miss Cushman. In 1882 the school house of district No 6 was built on section 23 ata cost of $550 for building and equipment. This structure is 18x26 feet, and was presided over at first by Viola Mann, and at the present by Maud Chapman. District No. 7 was cut off from what is now No. 6 in 1882, and the scholars oc- cupy what was the old Bellows school house, which was moved from section 26 to section 34. Mrs. Henry Watkins is the present teacher. - John Bartholomew was born in Broome d this was a portion of the district township | Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1829. He was there J of Dakota. reared to manhood and educated, spend- = ~— >, 772 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. ing his early life in his present occupa- tion. In 1854 he came west, locating in Dubuque Co., Iowa, where he resided till 1864 In the spring of that year he came to Humboldt county, locating on section 33, in Vernon township, where he im- proved a farm and resided until 1870. He then removed to section 27, Lake town- ship, there living until the fall of 1876, when he removed to his present place in Grove township. He has 315 acres ot land in this county, and is one of the most progressive and successful farmers. He has been twice married; first, to Cornelia La Grange, March 24, 1853, by whom he had four children—Frank J., Mary E., Robert F. and Charles L. His first wife died on Sept. 2, 1872. He was again married, Jeb. 27, 1874, to Mrs. Lucy (Hyde) Hoteling, a widow and a native of New York. They have two children by this marriage—Gay R. and Eva L. Mrs. Bartholomew has one child by her former husband—Minnie E. Hoteling. Mr. Bartholomew was a member of the Loard of supervisors of 1879, and has held several important township offices. J. W. Fairman, son of Adam H. and Ellen (Caniff) Fairman, was born April 16, 1840, in Lower Canada. His parents were natives of Duchess Co., N. Y. At the age of nineteen yeara, he went to Lewis Co., N. Y., where he lived until 1863. He then came to Dakota City, Iowa, and in 1864, enlisted in company L, of the 4th Iowa Cavalry, serving until 1865. In August of that year, he returned to Dakota City, and in’ November, 1867, lo- cated on his present farm, where he owns 160 acres of rich and well improved land. He was married Dec. 24, 1862, to Lucy Butts, of Lewis Co., N. Y. They have two children—Ned and Fred, Mr. Fair- man isa member of the I. O. O. F., Tri- umph Lodge, No. 393. George Buchholz is one of the most prominent men of Grove township. He was born in Hanover, Germany, June 16, 1825, where he was brought up and edu- cated. When nineteen years old he en- tered the army of that country and served seven years. In 1852 he came to America, residing in Hyde Park, Long Island Sound, where he followed ship carpenter- ing, and worked on the Washington mail ships for three years. Meanwhile he had returned to Germany and was discharged from the army. Returning to America, hé located in Rock Island, Ill., remained there one year, then went to Coal Valley, Henry Co., Il]., where he worked at his trade until April, 1861. On April 30; 1864, he enlisted in company OC, 9th Illinois Cavalry, under Gen. Hatch, and went on A. J. Smith’s expedition to Tupelo, and was engaged in battles on the 14th and 15th of July, 1864. He was in the battles of Hurricane Creek, Aug. 13th; skirmish at Shoal Creek, Ala., Nov. 6th; skirmished daily until the 22d of November, when they were engaged in battle at Lawrence- burg; in the battle at Campbellville, on’ the 24th; at Franklin on the 29th; stormed the first three redoubts on the right of Smith’s corps at Nashville, on Dec. 15th and 16th; followed Hood and skirmished daily with his rear guard until he crossed the Tennessee river; went into camp at Gravelly Springs, Ala., Jan. 14, 1865; went to Eastport, Miss., Feb. 10, 1865; went to Corinth, Miss., May 22d; went to Iuka, June 30th; left Iuka, July 4th and ‘ =I HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 173 marched to Decatur, Ala., a distance of seventy-five miles, in five days; left Deca- tur, July 19th, for Montgomery; left Mont- gomery and went to Gainesville, Ala., and gathered up cotton from Aug. 22d to Sept. 29th; then went to Tuscaloosa and were employed as couriers from Tuscaloosa to Marion; received orders to be mustered out October 25th, and were mustered out at Selma, Alas, Oct. 31, 1865, and returned to Illinois, remaining six months, when he removed to this county and lived upon the present site of the village of Livermore. In 1869 he settled on his present place, where he has fifty acres of good land. He was married in August, 1851, to Dora Schutye, a native of Germany. They have eight children living—August, William, Dora, Amelia, George, Henry, Mary and Emma. Mr. Buchholz is a member of the G. A. R, and 2d lieutenant of 1st Iowa National Guards. He has held al- most every office in the township, and is a member of the Evangelical Church. John Kenline came to Humboldt county in 1868, and in April, 1869, settled upon his present farm, where he owns sixty acres of rich land. He was born in Ba- varia, Germany, May 31, 1842. When he was six years old, his parents emigrated to America and settled in Blair Co., Penn., where they lived seven years, then re- moved to Livingston Co., Ill., and lived two years upon a farm. They next re- moved to Grundy county, in the same State, where the subject of this sketch _ enlisted, Sept. 8, 1861, in company B, of the 12th Illinois Infantry, in which he served until Dec. 31, 1863, when he was honorably discharged. He then re-enlisted in the same company, and served until July 10, 1865. At the close of the war he returned to Grundy county, and remained until 1868. He was married Feb. 22, 1866, to Susan E. Bull, of Pennsylvania. They have two children—George A. and Myron S. Mr. Kenline has held the oftice of township trustee, for the past six years, and is a member of the G. A. R. Matthew I. Sample, tenth child, and seventh son of Samuel S. and Mar- garet Sample, natives of Pennsylvania,was born in Mercer county, of that State, May 12, 1835. He remained in his native State until 1857. In May of that year, he came to Iowa, and was engaged in farm- ing, near Irvington, Kossuth county, until Aug. 22, 1862, when he enlisted in com- , pany A, of the 32d Iowa Infantry. His company was one of the four which was sent to Cape Girardeau, Mo., where they remained until July, 1864. He was hon- orably discharged, Aug. 24, 1865, and re- turned to Kossuth county. In the spring of 1866, he removed to Greenwood Co., Kansas, and remained until May, 1869, when he came to this county and settled upon his present farm. He has 160 acres of well improved land. He was married Sept. 3, 1865, to Catharine M. Folsom, of Jefferson Co., N. Y. They have five chil- dren — Louis L., Helen A., Lydia E., George C. and Walter H. Mr. Sample is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R., and for three years served as a mem- ber of the school board. William Youngs is a native of Ogle Co., Ill., born May 18, 1857. When he was twelve years old he came with his step-father (James Van Houten) to Hum- boldt county. In 1872 he returned to Ogle county, and remained until 1876, when he oq == dies aot 774 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. came back and lived here one year, then returned to his native county and con-. tinued there until the fall of 1878 when he came again to this county, locating on his present place, where he has 200 acres of land. He was married Oct. 11, 1878, to Agnes O. Robinson, of Illinois. They have two children—Mary E. and William J., twins. Mr. Youngs is the present road supervisor. Frederick Webster is a native of Eng- land, born May 24, 1847. When ten years old he came to America, locating in Lucas Co., Iowa, where he remained five years, thence he went to Jefferson*county and lived five years, thence to Fond du ‘Lac Co., Wis., and remained until the spring of 1870, when he came to this county, locating on the same section where he now lives, and has one half interest in 175 acres of wellimproved land. He was married Aug. 27, 1871, to Kate Hand, daughter of Solomon Hand, an old set- tler. They have three children—George N., Alfred O. and Robert A. John Hart is a native of Ireland, born Feb. 1,1846. He was there reared till 1863, when he came to America, locating in Kendall Co., Il1., living there till 1871, when he removed to this county, working in Humboldt, and in the summer broke some of the land on his present place, finally settling on it in 1873. He has a well improved farm of 160 acres. He was married July 21, 1881, to Maria Thomp- son, a native of Ireland. They have one child—David T. _Hiram Arnold, a native of Erie, Co., N. Y., was born April 4, 1825. He was reared and educated in his native county. In 1868 he went to Ripley, Chautauqua, Co., N. Y., where he lived five years, after which he came to this county and en- gaged in farming near Humboldt City, until 1879. He then located upon his present farm, at Arnold Station, where he has 185 acres of well improved land. He was married Sept. 20, 1851, to Laura A. Alger, a native of Erie Co., N.Y. They have had five children, two of whom are living—Eugene H. and Frank D. S. L. Stevenson is a native of Fairfield, Ind., born June 22, 1835. In 1887 his parents removed to Boone Co., Ill., where they were among the early settlers, and here he grew to manhood and obtained his education. In 1882 he enlisted in company B, 95th Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, and served until September 1865. He then engaged in the stock business until 1878, when he came to Humboldt county, and settled upon the farm where he now lives, which contains eighty acres of good land. He was married Nov. 20, 1867, to Adelaide L. Smith, of Pennsyl- vania. They have three children—Satyr J., Clyde 8. and Jessie E. HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 775 CHAPTER XXV. TOWN OF This town, which isthe center of the commercial and social life of the county, lies upon section 1, township 91, range 21, and on the east bank of the West Fork of the DesMoines river, about three miles above its confluence with the East Fork. Nature has indeed been prodigal of her gifts to this favored spot. Here ona level platean, through which meanders the the beautiful stream, whose thither bank is crowned by bluffs and the primeval forest, lies the town, within whose short life so many stirring events have occurred, with whose history we now have to do. This town was founded in 1863, by Rev. Stephen H. Taft, who came here from New York State with that end in view. The annals of the early settlement of this town, the mill enterprise and others growing outof it are so intimately inter- woven that they will have to be treated of as a whole, in detail, rather than in separate and distinct particles of the up- growing of the town. In September, 1862, Rev. S. H. Taft, of Martinsburg, N. Y., visited the great west, looking for a desirable place to lo- cate and build upa settlement, in connec- tion with others from the same State who desired to move westward. He was ac- companied on his trip, by T. T. Rogers, -of Port Leyden, N. Y. Finding in Hum- HUMBOLDT. boldt county such lands as they desired, together with water-power, building and lime stone, they concluded to make this their place of residence. But on examin- ation, it was found that the question of title to the land desired was in dispute, and these gentlemen, pursuing their in- vestigation, discovered that the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad Company claimed it as within their grant. Mr. Taft, there- fore, contracted with Platt Smith, vice- president of that company for ten sections at $1.25 per acre., conveyance to be made, as soon as the lands should be certified, to the company. ,They then returned to their home in the east, to make due prep- arations for their western work. In December following, Mr. Taft, who is really the father of the enterprise, came back to this locality, accompanied by John Fairman and wife, Mrs. Jane Walters and her two children, Milton and Eliza- beth, who came to be employed by Mr. Taft, the men to help get out timber and lumber for a flouring and saw mill, the women to keep house. There was an abandoned building that stood on section 7, township 91, range 28, one of the tracts purchased by Mr. Taft, and this was at once occupied asaresidence. The edifice was 14x16 feet on the ground, with ten feet studding, made of native er =| Y 776 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. lumber, and covered with split shingles fastened to ribs or narrow boards. The winter was devoted to hewing timbers and getting logs hauled to a saw mill then situated upon the East Fork of the Des Moines river, some seven miles away. The few settlers scattered along the rivers took a lively interest in the mill enterprise many of them contributing ac- cording to their means,in work and timber. During the winter Mr. Taft learned from Platt Smith that the land, for which he had contracted, lay outside of the limit of the grant of that road, and suggested that they would fall to the Keokuk, Fort Des- Moines & Minnesota Railroad Company. In consequence of this, in March, Mr. Taft proceeded to Keokuk armed with two letters of introduction to the presi- dent of that company, one from Platt Smith and the other from Hon. Gerritt Smith of New York, on-presenting which, and stating the object of this visit, the president informed him that he would call a meeting of the directors, at once, to consider his proposition. This latter was, that the company should sell him fifteen sections of land at government price, and he should put up a grist mill with not less than two run of buhrs; said improvements to cost not less than $3,000, and the purchaser to sell a large portion of the land at such reasonable prices as should conduce to the early set- tlement of that region. A meeting of the directors was held on the 30th of March, in Judge Miller’s office, and the projector of the plan appeared before them and made formal application for the lands. He stated that he had alrcady made improvements on one sec- tion of the land, under a contract with the Dubuque & Sioux City Road. The board appointed a committee, consisting of Judge Miller, Col. Leighton and Major Perry, to further confer with the applicant, and make a report the next day. At that time, the whole of Mr. ‘Vaft’s proposition was agreed to, except that ten sections of land instead of fifteen was to be embraced in the contract. The committee report, as above, was accepted and the contract, on that basis, signed. The last of April, Mr. Taft returned to New York, and in May came back with his family of six, and about forty-four others, reaching Dakota on the 17th. These, the earliest settlers,were as follows: Mrs. C. A. Wickes and her family of three; C. A. Lorbeer and family of five persons; Russell H. Norton and family of seven; John G. Lorbeer and family of five; O. W. Coney and family of seven; Sylvester W. Jones and wife; H. Bills, D. G. Pinney and family of ten; Balser Linstruth; Louis Lorbeer, Theresa Lor- beer, Fred. Herman, M. D. Williams, and David Abbey. Most of whom are still residents of the county. Before going east after the colonists, in April, Mr. Taft had secured for cultiva- tion by himself and his friends, most of the tillable lands in the vicinity, the Cramer, Snooks, McLean and Zulger farms. Work was now re-commenced on the mill, and it probably would be as well to mention in this connection, that the first load of lumber, for this the pioneer building, was drawn tothe site by John Johnston’s team, in January, 1863, and piled up where the River Park is now located. The foundation of the mill, and Ah oer —_——— + HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 777 a portion of the dam was put in during the summer and autumn of 1864. G. W. Mitchell, of Fort Dodge aided by A. D. Bicknell, put up the walls of the mill. The piers and dam were completed during the winter of 1864-5, but before the head-gates were putin place a sudden rise in the river, in the last of February, sent the water rushing through the race with such force as to undermine the southwest corner of the wall. In January, A. P. Webber, of Humboldt, and 8. Reed, of Koxsuth county, went with teams to Marshalltown, for pine siding for the mill. They were overtaken by a furious storm and came near perishing. The ex- pense attendant upon this trip, added to the original price of the lumber made it cost $95 per thousand, when it reached Springvale, as Humboldt was then called. As improvements of importance werv beginving to be made, there was a desire on the part of many, to perfect the title to the land with as little delay as possible, but the railroad company had failed to extend their road, as provided in the State grant, and could not obtain the lands without further legislation. Under these circumstances, Mr. Taft asked of the Legislature the passage of an act, author izing the governor to convey to him the lands, on the same conditions embraced in the contract with the railroad com- pauy, he to pay the money into the State treasury for the benefit of the company, whenever it.should become their due. This request was promptly granted by the passage of a joint resolution on the 26th of March, 1864, after which Gov. W. M. Stone entered into contract with Mr. Taft to convey the lands on the terms heretofore named, Mr. Withrow, the com- pany’s attorney, taking part in making the contract. A part of these lands were: paid for and patented under Gov. Stone’s administration, and the remainder under Gov. Samuel Merrill’s. In the summer of 1864 the town was surveyed and platted, and the name Springvale given to it by Mrs. Taft, on account of the beautiful springs that bubble up from unknown depths all along the bank of the river. The mill frame was also at the same time raised and inclosed, and the saw mill put in operation. An iron corn cracker was placed at the south end of the saw mil], and run from the same power. With this, thousands of bushels of corn and wheat were ground, as the settlers came from great distances tu obtain meal and graham flour. Up to this time the mem- bers of the colony had depended chiefly for grinding on their large coffee mills, brought with them from the east. When Mr. Taft began his mill work he had, as a partner, Newton Northam, of Port Leyden, N. Y., but as he could not arrange to come west he sold his interest to D. G. Pinney and T. T. Rogers, who were thereafter associated with Mr. Taft in this important enterprise. In the autumn of 1864 Mr. Taft made preparations to put up a house, which was raised in the midst of rain and snow on the day when Abraham Lincoln was the second time chosen President. The building was 16x26 feet on the ground, one and a half stories high, and he moved into it the day before Christmas. It was sheeted with native lumber outside and in, and filled between the studding with saw dust to keep out the cold. This building was 34 ~—) ome nee 778 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. made to accommodate a family of twenty- six for several months. On the 14th of February, 1865, the mill was started, which event was soon after celebrated by a supper, to which more than 100 came to eat biscuit made of flour manufactured in Humboldt county. Toasts were drank in cold water and coffee, speeches were made, and cheers given in honor of the occasion. The mill, containing three run of large buhrs, found constant employment frora the start, for grists were brought from long distances, as there was no other mill north or west of it for hundreds of miles, if there were any at all. Twenty and even thirty teams could often be seen at a time in its vicinity. The importance which attached to a grist mill in those early days can hardly be appreciated now, with railroad communications in all direc- tions; but the following letter, written for the True Democrat not long after the mill started, expresses the feelings with which the enterprise was then regarded: “The undersigned, an old settler of this county, upon bringing a grist to the Springvale mill, and seeing the immense piles of bags of grain, both up stairs and down, was led to reflect upon the contrast between the present convenience of a grist millin the county, and the time when there was none. This contrast is very strik- ing to every old settler, who, like myself, have frequently had to go forty miles to mill, and then often have to leave the grist and go a second time. Now I can go and return the same day. This mill, and the flourishing town which is build- ing up, is so altering the character of the _county, that we old settlers seem to be in a land of dreams, possessing all good things. T. Exnwoop Co..ins.” In the early part of the mill enterprise, Judge Rose, who had taken up some land five miles west of Springvale, said in ban- ter to Mr. Taft that he would give $100 for the first barrel of flour he should make at his mill. Accordingly, about the middle of February, that gentleman sent the barrel of flour to the judge’s home, in Hamilton county. The following notice of the passage of that famous package through Fort Dodge is from the Iowa North West: “Rouu in Tuat Barret.—Some months since, Judge Rose, of Rose Grove, Hamil- ton county, proposed to Mr. Taft, of Springvale, Humboldt county, to give $100 for the first barrel of flour manufac- tured at the mill of which Mr. Taft was then just laying the foundation. To-day we learn that barrel of flour passed through town on its way to the purchaser. Pretty steep for flour, but we presume it is worth the money. We fancy the first flap-jack the farmers in the vicinity of Springvale eat from flour ground at a mill in their own county, will be the sweetest bread they ever tasted; and in the satis- faction of the present, the past, when obliged to go thirty and forty miles to mill, will be forgotten. “Mr. Taft and the people of Humboldt county design celebrating the event in a becoming manner in a few days.” When Mr. Taft was about to commence his town enterprise, he told Edward Mc- Knight and Charles Bergk, the proprietors of Dakota City, that he desired to avoid the rivalry strife and consequent hard feeling, which often obtained between o—r ~——a | ¥ 4 . HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 779 towns located adjacent to each other, and proposed a consolidation of the places; asking only that the “city” part of the name be dropped and the whole plat from river to river be called Dakota. To this Mr. Bergk readily assented, but Mr, Mc- Knight refused to entertain the proposi- tion at all. Taft remarked, as he was about to leave Mr. Bergk’s office: ‘Very well, gentlemen, I shall go on with my work, and shall build up the largest and most beautiful town, since J have the largest number of natural advantages.” From that day the struggle commenced, like that between Esau and Jacob, and it continued until after the adventof the rail- ‘roads; and, as is too often the case, much bitter feeling was engendered between the citizens of the two towns. This feel- ing found expression in many ways. Da- kota being the county seat, and having the sympathy of many of the earlier set- tlers, was able to bring numerous influ- ences to bear against the progress of the new town. The county judge and a ma- jority of the board of supervisors took sides with Dakota, so that the proprietor of Springvale could neither get his town plat ordered on record, nor a road laid out to the mill, until John Dickey was elected judge and a change occurred in the board. The judge first referred to wrote an article for the Iowa North West, pub- lished at Fort Dodge, which the editor, Hon. B. F. Gue, declined to print, and in justification of said refusal, said: “We are confident that if we should publish our correspondent’s criticism on the mill, its work, its proprietors and their enterprise, it would lead to anything but “amicable feelings” between the two towns and their citizens. We are always willing to publish anything that will ad- vance the interests and general prosperity, and promote the settlement of northwest- ern Iowa, but the North West cannot be used for making personal attacks upon enterprises which are so much needed by our new country as the one now being pushed forward by the New York colony. That enterprise will, if successfully car- ried out, add to the value of every farm in Humboldt county. We know from conversation with many of the leading citizens of that county—which is one of the best in the State—that they fully ap- preciate the great benefits they will derive from these new mills.” When T. Ellwood Collins and 8. H. Taft asked that a road be laid straight north from the mill to Lott’s creek, now known as the Air Line Road, the hoard of supervisors at first refused to entertain the question. Finally 8. B. Bellows was appointed commissioner, and reported in favor of the road at the January meeting, 1868. Further action on this was de- ferred until the May session, when the following action was taken, as shown by the records: “The board then took up the matter of West Homestead and Springvale mill road. On motion of Hiram Lane it was ordered thatthe resolution relating to this matter, passed on the 8th day of January, A. D. 1868, be and the same is hereby re- scinded by this board, and the matter of report of commissioner be brought up for acceptance or rejection at this meeting. “ After a full hearing of this matter, H. G. Bicknell presented the following reso- lution, which was passed by the board: = ~E a i 780 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. “ Wuerzas—Much feeling is manifest- ed, and much conflicting testimony has been heard by this board from the friends and enemies of this road; therefore, “ Resolved, That the chairman of this board is instructed to appoint a commit- tee of at least three members of this board, whose duties shall be to pass over the entire length of the proposed road, and to carefully examine the same, and to make a full report of their doings un- der and by virtue of this commission, at the regular meeting in June next. And to the end that the line of said proposed road be correctly viewed by them, they are hereby instructed and empowered to employ a competent surveyor. And Fri- day, the 15th day of May next, is hereby fixed as the day when said examination _ shall commence. “That said examination shall commence at 9 oclock a. m. of said 15th day of May, at the town of Springvale, and that said committee shall pass over the entire route. “Whereupon the chairman appointed the entire board such committee.” On the day appointed, the entire board, with a surveyor, make examination from Springvale to Trellinger’s creek, and found the route so feasible and desirable that the road was established at the June meeting without any opposition, provid- ing, however, that the parties asking for the road should pay all expenses and dam- ages. This provision was seized upon by some of those opposed to the road who owned land along the line of it, to defeat it by asking exorbitant damages, notwith- standing the road would add largely to the value of their land. This compelled Mr. Taft, to whom it was of vital impor- tance, to choose between three alterna- tives—to abandon his effort to obtain a road to the town from the north, to sub- mit to the slow process of securing it by legal means, or to pay what the opponents of the road were pleased to ask. He chose the latter, paying $300 for a public road which was necessary for the accom- modation of all travel seeking access to the town or mill from the north or north- west. He also. had to pay all expense in- volved in surveying the road from the southwest corner of section 1 into whatis now Weaver township. Before there could be secured the build- ing of a bridge across the West Fork of the Des Moines at Springvale, the county had to be canvassed once and again. Thinking to hasten matters leadiug to this end, a subscription paper of several hundred dollars was made up by the citi- zens of Springvale and delivered to the clerk of the county. On the records of the proceedings of the board of super- visors is found the following, under date of Oct. 16, 1866: “Tn the matter of the subscription to aid in the building of a bridge at the town of Springvale, the following action was taken: On motion of W. W. Dean it was ordered that the subscription paper be returned by the clerk to the party who filed the same, with instructions that the payment of the subscription be amply se- cured to the county, and until such time as said subscription be thus secured, the board will take no action on said bridge.” On the 12th of November acceptable bonds were given, and upon the 29th of January, 1867, a contract was let to Rus- <= =e A 4 et, c HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. ; 781 sell & Pinney to erect a bridge for $4,300 and the subscription money. This feeling of rivalry, which it is so necessary to write about, although so un- pleasant, found expression in other forms, one of which was an effort to defeat the certification of the lands to the energetic, enterprising head of the colony. To ac- complish this, it was represented that he had secured the legislation which pro- vided for the conveyance of the lands to him by the governor, by deception; that he had defrauded the settlers by asking more than the government price, and that dissatisfaction among them obtained. A letter containing such representation was published in the Dubuque Times, and widely circulated throughout the State. Like communications were published in a home paper. That this is no overdrawn picture, the following extract is taken ‘from one under date of Aug. 21, 1868: “For the people of this portion of the State can but feel alarmed if the land granted by Congress to the State for the purpose of building a railroad through this beautiful and fertile valley, and thus give development to its wealth and re- sources, is to be parceled out by the Legis- lature for the benefit of speculators.” To correct the false impression which these misrepresentations were calculated to make on the minds of those not ac- quainted with the facts in the case, 8. H. Taft made answer to the article in the Times, and published it in the Iowa North West, from which the following is taken. This is but the conclusion of Mr. Taft’s reply, but will serve as a sample of the rest: “T asked the conveyance of these lands directly from the State, that I might re- lieve those who had purchased farms of me, and those who might hereafter pur- chase, of all anxiety relative to their title, and that I could the more speedily give them deeds. ; “Tt will be seen from the foregoing statement of facts, that the contract which I hold from Gov. Stone is in its essential features simply a duplicate of the con- tract which had been made between the Valley Railroad Company and myself a year previous to the passage of the joint resolution of March 26, 1864. Now, to ask of the Legislature to break faith with me by legislation calculated to prevent or delay the conveyance of the lands (under consideration) to me, is to ask of the State to embarrass an enterprise which the railroad company had fostered; and that, too, when the State is acting simply as the guardian of the company. I donot think that the ‘State government misappre- hended either my intention or object,’ for I stated the case very distinctly to Sena- tors Bassett, Gue, Henderson and many others of the Senate; as also to such mem- bers of the Lower House as I conversed with on the subject. “Whether ‘the settlers misapprehended my intention or object,’ I leave for them to answer as in the document herewith enclosed. 8. H. Tarr.” SPRINGVALE, Jan. 25, 1866. The document he speaks of is as fol- lows, which was published in conjunction with the above: “To all whom tt may concern: “The undersigned, residents of Hum- boldt Co., Iowa, and purchasers of lands } ee on ———o) = Ce vy 782 ; HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. embraced in Rev. S. H. Taft’s land grant, learning that representations are being made through the public press and other- wise, calculated to mislead public senti- ment with reference to Mr. Taft’s colony enterprise and land grant, feel called upon to set forth the following facts: “1, We never expected to obtain the land we occupy at government price. “9, We are not dissatisfied with the price at which Mr. Taft has sold us our land; for we consider them cheaper, at the price which we have contracted to give, with the improvements which he has made, than they would be at government price without them. “3, The only thing we desire in rela- tion to the ten sections of land embraced in the grant, is that they be conveyed to Mr. Taft at as early a day as practicable. Anson E, Lathrop, Walter Thomas, T. T. Rogers, Martin Alger, Dunham 8. Pinney, N.S. Ames, Cynthia Wickes, E. Shattuck, Charles A. Lorbeer, Fredrick G. Herman, _ 8. C. Wickes, Daniel De Groot, Louis K. Lorbeer, R. Johnson, Russell H. Norton, Franklin W. Parsons, : Chester Dean, M. Loomis, John G. Lorbeer, D. D. Russell, John McKiterick, Byron C. Parsons, Milton Walters, William B. Leland, Theresa J. Hill, Emilie C. Breemer, O. W. Coney, Hugh McKenstry, Hiram Lane, David A. Martin, Charles Lane, Charlot E. Parsons, Christian Snyder. SPRINGVALE, Jan. 25, 1866.” “The undersigned believing that the | concluding part of an article which ap- | peared in the Dubuque Daily Times of November 24, over the signature ‘E. X..,’ calculated to do injustice to Rev. 8. H. Taft and the work to which he has de- voted himself since he came into this State, feel it due no less to the interest of the county than to Mr. Taft to make the following representations: “The colony, mill and town enterprise to which Mr. Taft has devoted himself since he came into this State, has, in our opinion, done more to develop the re- sources of this section of the State, and advance the price of land, than any im- provement which has preceded it. “Among the results which have been already attained through the labors of Mr. Taft and his colony, we would name the following: The building of a superior dam across the Des Moines river and the erection of a good saw and flouring mill thereon. The opening up of a new town, which, though not yet two years old, has become the business point in the county. The organization of a school district which now numbers over forty scholars, on territory where three years since there was not one scholar. The organization of a Free Congregational Church, (of which Mr. Taft is pastor), with a bible class and Sabbath school commenced therewith. “In conclusion we remark, that the joint resolution passed by the General Assem- bly of Iowa, in Mareh, 1864, by which the governor was authorized to convey to Mr. Taft ten sections of land, thus enabling Mr. Taft to get his title directly from the State, instead of waiting till the railroad company should be able to give title, was an act calculated to promote'not only the interest of the colony, but of the entire county of Humboldt. Q ¢ fener = q oa HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. il tian 783 “John Dickey, County Judge of Hum- boldt; J. C. Cusey, Sheriff; N. S. Ames, Supervisor of Dakota Township; James Struthers, Supervisor Wacousta Town- ship; William W. Dean, Supervisor Hum- boldt Township.” SprRInGvaLE, Jan. 25, 1866. As new settlers came into the county and the town of Springvale increased in business and population, the opposition to it grew less harmful. But in connection with this prosperity, a disturbing element appeared in its very midst, in the form of a beer saloon. Against this the people earnestly protested, and a petition, nu- merously signed, was presented to the keeper asking him to discontinue the business, which he agreed to do. Whereupon the following communi- cation was delivered to him. It is taken from the Zrue Democrat, of April 19, 1867, and given with the heading as there found: “TQ THE TEMPERANCE FLAG BE TRUE.” “The undersigned citizens of Spring- vale and vicinity, regarding the selling and use of lager beer as harmful to the moral interests of society, take pleasure in expressing our satisfaction with the raanly course of Mr. EK. K. Lord, in dis- continuing its sale in our midst. But knowing that there are persons who place their own selfish wishes and personal gains in advance of the moral well being of society, we hereby declare, that should any of that class come among us and open a lager beer saloon in town, we should feel called upon by every virtuous considera- tion, to express our disapprobation of their business by all honorable means in our power. “Mrs. H.'M. Pinney, Mrs. M. R. Dean, Mrs. M. H. Bramble,Mrs. R. Starbuck,Mrs. M. A. Taft, Mrs. E.C. Brehmer, Mrs. A. E. Lorbeer, Mrs. A. E. Stone, Mrs. L. A. Dyer, Mrs. A. E. Peckham, Mrs. C. Jack- son, Mrs. C. M. White, Mrs. S. J. Martin, Mrs. M. W. Atkinson, Mrs. C. Wickes, Mrs. Harvey, Mrs. H. Leland, Mrs. M. Thomas, Mrs. M. Newman, Mrs. 8. D. Thomas, Mrs. M. H. Loomis, Mrs. R. Nor- ton, Mrs. J. 8. Lathrop, Mrs. Z. M. Haw- kins, Mrs. J. M. Walters, Miss M. Rich- ards, Miss E. A. Day, Miss E. Atkinson, Miss N. E. Averill, Miss 8. E. Wickes, Miss A. E. Segar, Miss O. Jenks, Mrs. E. W. Lorbeer, Mrs. E. Rogers, Mrs. M. J. Ruttles. “H. Ward, E. Butler, C. Butler, L. Dean, O. M. Mars, D. G. Pinney, J. Kirk, D. A. Martin, J. F. Ward, A. E. Lathrop, J. H. Bramble, W. R. Starbuck, A. Rathky, S. H. Taft, J. M. Snyder, A. Bowen, J. Al- bee, C. A. Lorbeer, A. M. Adams, E. A. Belcher, H. P. Stone, M. L. Peckham, G. W. Dyer,J. White, G. Henderson, G. Mar- tin, S Hawthorne, William M. Gray, D. P. Russell, C. Atkinson, J. A. Averill, N. O. Atkinson, L. K. Lorbeer, Daniel Har- vey, William Leland, D. Thomas, L. Thomas, W. Thomas, J. Thomas, R. Nor- ton, D. Loomis, A. Harvey, W. W. Bar- ber, A. V. Hawkins, John Lorbeer. “We take pleasure in giving the above a place in our columns, for two reasons. First, because it shows that the people are almost unanimously against the corrupt- ing presence of lager beer saloons, and, Second, it is a notice to any who may come among us with the thought of open- ing a saloon, that to do so would be to or _— 784 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. knowingly take the position of a social outlaw.” While in the midst of this contest for the protection of the social and moral in- tesests of society, the spring floods came down upon the town carrying away the dam and silencing the cheerful voice of the mills. This occurred on the morning of the 15th of April, and the same day flour advanced from $6 to $10 per 100 pounds. This brought the settlers face to face with more serious difficulties than had before been encountered. The year 1867 has since been referred to as the starvation year, as there was not bread enough in this part of the State to feed the people, and there was little with which to buy. The water kept very high all the spring and summer, and in June the com- pany commenced cutting a mill race, or canal, 160 rods long, and putting ina dam atthehead. The following notice of the work is taken from the Upper Des Moines of Algona: “Bro. Taft, of the Humboldt Democrat, is up and doing, asis his wont. He is now employing about fifty men, cutting a race one half mile in length, much of the way through solid lime rock. As fast as the stone are quarried out, they are taken to Springvale and used in the construction of a block of elegant and substantial stores. The new dam is to be built at the head of this race, and the water brought to the mills through the canal. The cost of the work is estimated at over $6,000. We wish Brother Taft the fullest measure of success, and are sure that if untiring en- ergy and a perseverance that is only stim- ulated to still greater exertions by the obstacles thrown across its path, can be successful, such will be the result in his case. For he possesses perseverance that has not in its vocabulary any such word as ‘I can’t.’” The race and dam were finally so far completed that notice was given in the town paper that the water would be let into the canal on the 20th of November. The following account of the celebration of the event is taken from the True Dem- ocrat of November 2z: “It having been given out that the canal would be opened for the reception of water from the river on Saturday instead of Thursday, as was designed, the Good Templars resolved to celebrate the occa- sion. Martin’s Cornet Band was invited to be present. Accordingly at 5 Pp. mM. the the Good Templars formed in procession at Union Hall, and led by the band, by whom the national banner was borne, marched up to the head of the canal, ac- companied by a large number of citizens | from different parts of the county. The whole company then passed to the west side of the river, crossing on the dam. “About this time the workmen, with picks, spades and shovels thrown over their shoulders, came dashing across the river at double quick, and marched and countermarched under command of Capt. Rowley, cheering for whatever most ex- cited their admiration. After the band had played a number of pieces, Rev. F. Hand made some well chosen remarks rel- ative to the work, and the relation it sus- tained to the business interests of Hum- boldt county, and concluded by calling on Mr Taft, who responded by a brief speech, in which he gave a sketch of the work, paying a high compliment to the work- = “sf. v ks HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 785 men, thanking the citizens for the inter- est they had manifested in the arduous undertaking, and expressing a hope that their many words of hearty cheers might be soon responded to by the music of the water wheels and machinery of: the mills. He also spoke of the signal aid which the merchants of Springvale had rendered the mill company in prosecuting the work. Thanking the ladies for their cheering presence, Mr. Taft retired amid hearty cheers. “A. McFarland was then called for and responded with a few well chosen re- marks. The band played another piece. Cheers were given for the band, the Good Templars and the ladies, when the pro- ession reformed and all marched down to the mill, the band playing the while. “Here another halt was made, when cheers were given for Springvale, for the mills, for the mill company, for the work- men and for the canal, when the proces- sion marched back to the hall and dis- persed. Many of the most prominent citizens of the county were present and participated in the exercises.” Tradition hath it also, that as the proces- sion marched along the north bank of the canal, Mr. Taft rode its whole length to the mill in a boat, borne on the first water that passed down the race. The company found the undertaking more expensive than was anticipated, foot- ing up over $17,000 before it was complet- ed. To command the means to meet this large outlay as needed, was a task of great difficulty. Workmen, however, could be obtained in any number by their being supplied with provisions to live upon; they waiting for the remainder of their pay until the mill should run again. But to meet even this demand became'very dif- ficult toward the close of the work. The straightened circumstances into which all were brought, is well illustrated by the following occurrence which transpired in November. The company had gathered up all the wheat which could be obtained in the county, and sent it off to the nearest mill, forty miles distant, and had it ground ; this was all gone, and the money obtaina- ble had all disappeared, yet when Satur- day came round, there must be flour for more than forty workmen and their fami- lies, that were dependent upon them, or the work, so nearly completed, must stop, the mill remain silent and the partially completed dam be swept out by the spring floods For unless the water could be turned into the race, instead of running over the dam, the timber work, by which what | had been built up should be made secure, could not be put in-place. Cold weather, which might freeze the earth so as to vastly increase the expense of the work, was liable to set in any day. Under these circumstances Mr. Taft went to Fort Dodge with his driving team, directing that another team should follow, for he had made up his mind that flour must be obtained, although he had not a dollar with which to buy. On reaching his des- tination he found that flour had fallen from the high price it had attained when the roads were nearly impassable, and could be obtained for $5 per 100 pounds. He offered $7 a hundred, to be paid in ninety days, but was answered: “Flour is cash.” Knowing that Hon. G. W. Bas- sett had in his hands agricultural col- = s =F lea ae +— 786 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. lege funds, Mr. Taft asked of him the loan of $100 for three months, and was told that he could have it, by Hon. B. F. Gue’s endorsing the note. The circum- stances being stated to Mr. Gue, he promptly and cheerfully gave his name, and with a light heart Mr. Taft hastened to Fuller & Ringland’s store, where his teamster and team were waiting his re- turn. Twenty hundred pounds of flour was quickly loaded and on its way to Spring- vale, Mr. Taft tarrying to attend to other business. On his way home it occurred to him that if the load reached his house before he did, there would be no flour left for his own large family, so he urged his team more than was his custom, and com- ing in sight of the other team, crossed the bridge just as it was driving up to his residence, located on block 43. Mr. Taft found that he had not miscalculated, for a number of workmen had already reached the wagon and were bearing away sacks of flour, while he was yet forty rods distant, and other men were on their way from the canal, each one running at the top of his speed. Mr. Taft’s trip to the Fort, and its probabili- ties, had been the chief theme of remark among the workmen during the day, and on the load coming in sight, shovels, spades, wheelbarrows, plows and scrapers were dropped, and teams not hitched to wagons were left untied, while those at- tached to wagons were being driven rapidly, all hastening toward the loaded wagon, on reaching which, each man seized asack and bore it away. Mr. Taft was just in time to save two sacks, which he retained by springing into the wagon and seizing hold of them, remarking to those who were about to take them: “No, gentlemen, I must have two sacks, as I have the largest family.” While this scene was transpiring some were laugh- ing, some were weeping, and all were rejoicing. Thus provided, the men re- turned the following Monday and carried on the work with a will, so that on the next Saturday the water was turned into the race, as already related. With the mill again in operation the steady growth of the town was assured, and the payment of what still remained due the workmen provided for. In the summer of 1872 the union of the two towns under one name was much discussed, and led to a move- ment for changing the name of Spring- vale to Humboldt. 802 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. E. Grandin. C. 8. Rowell, 11th Vermont Volunteer B. C. Parsons, 29th Wisconsin Volun- teer Infantry. G. H. Loverin, 9th Vermont Infantry. J. Thomas Campbell, 12th Iowa Infan- try. J. H. Coffin, 15th Illinois Infantry. E. P. Huffman, 22d Iowa Infantry. B. D. Beach, 8th Illinois Cavalry. A. R. Hayden, 55th Illinois Infantry. Frank Clark, 27th Iowa Volunteer In- fantry. J. W. Notestine, 8th Ohio Cavalry. E. P. Howlett, 3d Wisconsin Infantry. G. Bogart, 23d Michigan Infantry. E. A. Belcher, 47th Wisconsin Volun- teer Infantry. A. A. Fancher, 6th Wisconsin Volun- teers. R. W. Lile, 34th [linois Infantry. David Shellenberger, 32d Ohio Volun- teers. George L. Cruikshank, 11th Pennsyl- vania Cavalry. James H. Munson, 2d Volunteer Infan- try. S. H. Brewer, 149th Illinois Volunteers. William M. Gray, 136th New York Volunteer Infantry. C. D. Markin, 87th Indiana Volunteers. H. J. Preble, 3d Iowa Battery. F. F. French, 29th Wisconsin Infantry. Albert M. Adams, 2d Iowa Cavalry. Abraham Fairman,14th Heavy Artillery New York Volunteers. W. W. Quivey, 12th Iowa Infantry Volunteers. A. B. West, 13th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. H. B. Gilbert, 2d New York Veteran Cavalry. Infantry. G@. Buchholz, 9th Illinois Cavalry. W.H. Locke,18th Connecticut Infantry. J. Q. Willey, 6th Vermont Volunteer Infantry. David McKee, 46th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Alonzo B. Smith, 18th Iowa Volunteer Infantry. William Edson, 32d Iowa Volunteer Infantry. W.P. Hardy, 46th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Bethel Lodge, No. 206, was established _ at Humboldt on the 17th day of Decem- ber, 1880, with the following charter members: J. A. Marvin, Samuel Rog- ers, George Nickson, E. D. Nickson, Eli Tellier, W. M. D. Van Velsor, L. F. Clark, L. F. Penny, John McLeod, W.S. Brown, W. O. Livermore, Theo Foster, Daniel G. Cook, 8S. H. Brewer, B. F. Simmons, Eugene Tellier, C. Combs, C. A. Wright, J. E. Baker, W. P. Hardy, Henry Wiest, Jr., George W. Welch, T. W. Sample, S. K. Willey, G. G. Cook, A. B. West, Alexander McLaughlin, William Thomp- son, C. W. Rest and John Nickson. The following is a list of the primal officers: J. A. Marvin, P.M.; John Me- Leod, M.; Eugene Tellier, G.T.; 5. K. Winnie, U.; G. G. Cook, G.; 8. Rogers, R; W. S. Brown, F.; C. Combs, R.; W. O. Livermore, I. W.; George Nickson, O. W. A prosperous existence has marked the years of this lodge until on the Ist of Janu- ary, 1884, some forty-five names were borne on the roll of membership. But once has death stepped.in and smote down one of the links in this chain of human- po —_——} -~—| r oe HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. if ity, and that was when E. A. Bennett, in August, 1883, passed over the dark river. The present officers are asfollows: B.H. Harkness, M.; J. A. Marvin, P. M.; G. G. Cook, G. T.; W. P. Hardy, O.; J. H. Bramley, G.; E. McLaughlin, recorder; H. Weist, F.; T. P. Nickson, receiver. Springvale Lodge No. 394, I. 0. O. F., was organized June, 1869, by B. I. Merri- man, G. M.,and William Ganes, G. §., with the following charter members: G. T. Nash, Daniel Harvey, Thomas B. Con- nor, Edward Connor, William Thatcher, A. O. Ash, Henry Watkins, John Nick- son, Ahimaaz Reed and Eli Wilder. At the same meeting O. F. Avery was admit- ted by card. C. E. Ward, L. C. Harniton, A. C. Wilder, Henry Wiest, Jr., A. D. Bicknell, H. T. Taft, H. L. Joiner, C. D. Masten, J. N. Prouty, John Ratcliff and J. B. Smith were balloted fox, elected and initiated into the secrets of the. order. The first officers were: G. T. Nash, N. G.; T. B. Connor, V. G.; A. E. Wilder, R. 8.; J. N. Prouty, P. S.; Daniel Har- vey, treasurer; A. O. Ash, warden; A. D. Bicknell, conductor; OU. F. Avery, O. G.; Henry Wiest, Jr., I. G.; C. E. Ward, R. 8. N.G.; John Ratcliff, L. 8. N. G.; Fred H. Taft, R. 8. 8.; L. E. Hamilton,L 8.8.; E. A. Wilder, R. S. V. G.; William Thatcher, L. 8. V.G. The following are the past masters of the lodge: G. T. Nash, A. Earthman, A. D. Bicknell, J. W. Foster, S. H. Brewer, L. E. Hamilton and O. F. Avery. The whole number of mem- bers since organization is fifty-five, ‘The present membership is fifty-two. There has been but one death in the lodge—B. F. Barkley. The lodge is in a flourishing condition, and is composed of the best 803 men of the city. The present officers are as follows: B. H. Harkness, N. G.; T. T. Rogers, V. G.; Charles Smith, R. S.; A. O. Ash, P. 8.; Edward Connor, Treas. Humboldt Lodge, No. 91,1. 0. G. T., was organized March 29, 1881, with the following charter members: Mrs. C. F. Harkness, Mrs. W. W. Quivey, Mrs. L. Pinney, Mrs. A. J. Belcher, Mrs. B. F. Denny, Mrs. A. E. Wilder, Emma Coll- son, Minnie Lorbeer, Edward Hewlett, Mrs. N. A. Knowles, Mrs. L. J. Ander- son, Addie Clark, Susie Clark, Lizzie Clark, Ettie Nickson, Mrs. A.J Jennings, Mrs. E. P. French, Mrs, B. F. Simmons, G. Thatcher, F. F. French, B. Karney, J. Callahan, Mrs. D. A. Parker, W. W. Quivey, C. Grandon, Sidney A. Taft, T. Fabricius, Robert Johnson, A. D. Nick- son, H. Flemming, A. G. Lorbeer, N. H. Knowles, L. J. Anderson, W. Kirkpat- rick, W. Berrier, H. E. Myers, H. Weist and Mrs. H. Connor. The first officers were: 8. A. Taft, W. C. T.; Mrs. W. W. Quivey, W. V. T.; H. Weist, W. C.; D. A. Parker, W. 8.; L. Pinney, W. A. S.; A. G. Lorbeer, W. F.8.; Mrs. A. E. Wil- der, W. T.; G. W. Thatcher, W. M.; E. W. Collson, W. D. M.; Minnie Lorbeer,” W. I. G.; M. 8. Kirkpatrick, W. O. G.; Milo Clark, P. W. C. T.; Mrs. C. F. Hark- ness, lodge deputy. This was not the first lodge but the old ove having surren- dered its charter, the names and other in- formation is inaccessible. The organization of a circulating libra- ry was first proposed by that estimable lady, Mrs. C. F. Harkness, in 1872, and in the following year, the Humboldt Circu- lating Library was organized, on an inde- pendent footing, with the following board ce ~—o 6 Y¥ Maske inate = % 804 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. of officers: Rev. Julius Stevens, presi- dent; Mrs. C. F. Harkness, secretary and treasurer; Mrs. Stant, Mrs. Bowen, B. H. Harkness and John McLeod, directors. The library is now one of the institutions of the town, and is kept at the house of Mrs. Harkness. The postoffice was established sometime in the fall of 1868, but owing to the de- struction of the records of the office by fire, a detailed history of it is impossible to give. The first postmaster was B. H. Harkness, who has continued to hold the position ever since. In 1873 or 1874 this was made a money order office and does an extensive business. B. H. Harkness, one of the prominent business men of Humboldt, was born in Tioga Co., Penn., March 6, 1830. His parents were Joel H. and Elmina (Chase) Harkness. They were married in Herki- mer Co., N. Y., about 1817, and soon after settled in Tioga Co., Penn. Mr. Hark- ness was a graduate of Fairfield Medical College, and they were both active mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. The subject of this sketch when sixteen years old removed with his parents to Orleans Co., N. Y. In 1850 he went to Fond du Lac Co., Wis., where he engaged in farming until the spring of 1855, when he engaged as clerk inastore. In 1857 he embarked in the mercantile business at Fairwater, Wis. In 1864 he removed to Waupun, where he was engaged in the same business. In 1867 he came to Hum- boldt county, bringing with him his stock of goods, where he has since pursued the same business, being one of the oldest general merchants in northwestern Iowa. In 1869 he was appointed postmaster, which office he still holds. was married to Clara F. Pierce, daughter of Charles Pierce, of Waupun, Wis., one of the early settlers in that vicinity. By this union there have been four children, two of whom are now living—Ray B. and Corina H. Mr. Harkness is a member of the I. O. O. F., Springvale Lodge, No. 394. He was a member of the board of supervisors of Humboldt county for six years, and chairman of the same for four years. In politics he is a staunch republican and a prominent member of that organization. In 1880 he was a member of the republican National Convention at Chicago, which nominated J. A. Garfield for President. Oakwood Cemetery lies one mile south- east of Humboldt, and is situated upon a beautiful wooded bluff, overlooking the town and the silvery river. Springvale Cemetery Association was organized on the 24th of March, 1869; and on the 5th of April, following, these mem- bers were chosen officers of the same: John Dickey, president; B. H. Harkness, treasurer; Rev. E. C. Miles, secretary; S. H. Taft, H. Lane, John Johnston, D. P. Russell and D. Harvey, trustees. The membership was at first composed of those persons who contributed $10 each toward the purchase of the grounds, but on the 17th of September, 1883, the constitution was so amended as to make all owners of lots living in the township members of the association. The grounds embrace eleven acres, mostly covered over with young oak trees, and is known as Oak- wood. Its location and the conformation of the ground is such as to make it a place of great beauty when properly im- In 1855 he- I ica i HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 805 proved. The present officers are: B.H. Harkness, president; Hugh McKinstry, treasurer; J. M. Snyder, secretary; George M. Snyder, sexton; 8. H. Taft, D. G. Pinney, D. Harvey, O. M. Marsh and George M. Snyder, trustees. Indian Mound Cemetery is located on the southwest corner of section 13, town- ship 91, range 29, and is so called from a large mound which is one, if not the highest point in the county, and from which pieces of human bones have been excavated, proving it to have been an ancient burial ground. It is owned by the Indian Mound Cemetery Asso- ciation, which was incorporated Jan. 12, 1881, and is now controlled by five trustees. These at present are J. G. Lorbeer, presi- dent; C. A. Stoebe, A. C. Nopens, H. J. Ketman, F. W. Bowen. Itlies in a beauti- ful and sightly spot, and when ornamented as it is intended to be, will be a pleasant place to carry the cherished dear ones who drop from the busy world. It is well se- cured with agood five barbed wire fence,en- closing twoacres. There have been some twenty interments already. Considerable has already been done to beautify the grounds. The first burial was Mrs. Chris- tian Lorbeer, or “Mother Lorbeer” as she was more familiarly called, who died June 27, 1870. The first temperance meeting was held on the evening of July 4, 1866. A most interesting address was given by Levi Leland, one of the old settlers, and latterly grand lecturer of Good Templars in Cali- fornia; a select poem was also read by Mrs. C. A. Lorbeer. A committee was doing. A pledge was circulated, obtaining seventy signatures. N. S. Ames was chosen secretary.’ An original poem by Mrs. J. S. Latbrop was also read, which shows the feeling then existing and is as follows: In our peaceful homes in Springvale Rum must never enter here, For its stay will sure be transcient We shall not succumb to fear. Here’s rest for the weary, Here’s rest for the weary, Here’s rest for the weary, Here is rest for you. Here our Eden homes are guarded By morality and truth, We will fight until we conquer To protect our rising youth. Here is safety for the children, Here is safety for the children, Here is safety for the children, Safety for the youth. Temperance banners shall wave o’er us, While we journey on our way, Bacchus and his imps infernal We invite to keep away. Here is hope for the fallen, Here is hope for the fallen, Here is hope for the fallen, Here is hope for you. We willlend ahand to help you From the drunkard’s cruel fate. Now be warned and join the army ’Ere you find it is too late. Here is help for the tempted, Here is help for the tempted, Here is help for the tempted, Here is help for you. : Sign the pledge—in it tbere’s safety f you fear the tempter’s wiles, Many lurk along your pathway To allure you on with smiles. There is rest for the drunkard, There is rest for the drunkard, There is rest for the drunkard, In the temperance pledge. In October, 1866, a lodge of Good Al chosen to take steps for an organization, | Templars was organized with forty char- k which reported on July 30, in favor of so | ter members, which flourished for some | rag —e— | Y y dee ale, 806 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. five years, and then as there were many who disliked to act in the guise of a secret society, the lodge voted to become an open monthly temperance society, and for some five years it wasso conducted. Since then a lodge has again been organized, with considerable success. A Women’s Christian Temperance Union was organized Sept. 14, 1879, by Mrs. A. M. Palmer, of which Mrs. C. Wiley was president; Mrs. C. F. Hark- ness, secretary; Mrs. 8. E. Rogers, treas- urer; Mrs. 8. C. W. Bowen, financial sec- retary. This has been a very energetic society and has done much to form public opinion and assist in carrying the probib- itory amendment in the State. The pres- ent officers are: Mrs. C. H. Brown, presi- dent; Mrs. P. H. Pope, secretary; Mrs. C. A. Phelps, treasurer. A Band of Hope was organized in 1880, and has been car- ried on by several superintendents until the present time. About June 4, 1868, a circus came along with its flaming posters and entered town on the Sabbath during Church service. This so grieved some of the mothers that one energetic old lady, over eighty years of age, went from house to house and obtained the promise of enough teams to carry all the Sabbath school children, and on Monday the whole town passed in double wagon loads, right by the circus tents, with banners and mottoes to a Sab- bath school picnic in a grove two miles away. ‘The circus people as they came toward them greeted them with band music, but as they passed by became quiet, and when the wagons were out of sight they began to pull down their tents, and left town in disgust. Within a week the grasshoppers left also. The first hotel was built at the corner of Fremont and Lincoln streets, and was put up and run by S. H. Taft, the founder of the town. This hotel, which was called the Fremont House, after the “great path- finder” and republican candidate for Pres- ident, was subsequently operated by W. H. Locke and H. B. Hawkins, and was then relegated to private life, being used as a residence at the present time. The Springvale House was built by Dr. D. P. Russell, who ran it for some little time when it passed into the hands of Finch & Winnie. These gentlemen never kept it themselves, but rented it to several parties among whom were H. S. Cadett, anda Wr. Farlow. In August, 1879, they sold it to Wright & Son, who completely rebuilt and refitted it. In 1881 C. P. Clark bought the house, and it isnow one of the most pleasant and best liked hotels in all northern Iowa, Mr. Clark is a genial landlord who knows the needs of the traveling public. He has eighteen sleeping rooms, all large and well fur- nished, a roomy office, and large, pleasant dining room. The building is in three parts; the main part is 40x65 feet, with an L 22x30 feet, and an addition 18x81 feet. All the parts are two stories high. Mr. Clark also hag a large feed stable to ac- commodate his guests’ horses. This stable is 30x75 feet in size with a wing 30x75 feet. He runs a free bus to and from all trains, and in every possible way demonstrates his peculiar fitness for being a first class, suc- cessful hotel keeper. C. P. Clark, hotel keeper in Humboldt, was born in Canton, St. Lawrence Co., N. re — as HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 807 Y., Jan. 13, 1839, and is the son of Lean- der and Theodosia (Perry) Clark. At the age of thirteen years he removed with his parents to Illinois and lived upon a farm one year, then went to Juneau Co., Wis., where his father took government land. He remained there until 1861, when, at the first call for volunteers, he responded by enlisting in the 1st Minnesota Infan- try, company F, at Fort Snelling. He served three years in the army of the Po- tomac, and took part in all the battles. Dec. 31, 1864, he re-enlisted in the 1st United States Volunteers, at Washington, and served in Virginia. In the seven days’ fight before Richmond he was wounded aud taken prisoner. He was shot through the left lung, taken to the hospital, and afterwards removed to Belle Island, where he remained four weeks. He was then exchanged and returned to the regular army. Mr. Clark in his youth attended the common school, and after- wards two years at an academy at Del- ton, completing his education by one year and one term at a branch of Appleton College, situated at Point Bluff, Wis. He then commenced teaching, in which he has been engaged most of the time since. While teaching in Delhi, Delaware county, he became acquainted with Myra Little- john, also a teacher, to whom he was mar- ried. She isa daughter of Philo B. Lit- tlejohn, a retired farmer living in Delhi. Mr. Clark then went with his wife to Strawberry Point, where they both taught seven years, and afterwards in Earlville one year. ‘Chey came to Humboldt coun- ty in September, 1881. Mrs. Clark’s father was a missionary among the In- dians, and she returned with him from Oregon to Illinois in 1845, riding a horse all the way, she being then three years ‘old. HUMBOLDT COUNTY BANK. On the 7th of October, 1872, the Hum- boldt County Bank was organized at Da- kota, with the following officers: John Dickey, president; Sherman Beer, vice- president; John E. Cragg, cashier and secretary. It was instituted under the State banking law, with a capital of $5,000. This was the first bank in the county. In June, 1876, business not prov- ing as good as expected, it was removed to Humboldt. in Dakota had been moved to that place, and for a while the bank was kept in that building, when the present beautiful stone structure was erected at a cost of $4,000. The officers of the bank at present are as follows: John Dickey, president; 8. H. Brewer, cashier and secretary ; with the following board of directors: John Dickey, W.H. Dwellis, H. H. Spafford, O. F. Avery, S. Rogers, H. J. Ketman and N. H. Knowles. The capital is now $32,000, with a surplusage of $11,800, which in- sures an ample fund for the meeting of all contingencies, and the financial stand- ing of the Humboldt County Bank is among the solid things of the county. 8S. H. Brewer, cashier of Humboldt County Bank, was born Dee. 18, 1848, in Adams Co., Ohio. He is the son of Wil- liam and Nancy (Haines) Brewer, who emigrated to Tazewell Co., Ill, in 1845. He was reared in the west, and in January, 1865, enlisted in the 149th Illinois Volun- teer Infantry, serving till the close of the war. In 1867 he attended Eastman’s Business College, at Chicago, from which The old building first used | ee = 4 je 808 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. he graduated in 1868. He was married in 1873 to Mrs. Margaret Stoddard, and they have four children—Frank, Maggie, Willie and Ada. Mrs. Brewer’s former husband, J. G. Stoddard, was a native of Connecticut. He settled in Red Wing, Minn., in 1853, and came to this county in 1869, where he died in 1871, leaving his wife and three children—Mary H., Amy E.and Lucy A. Mr. Brewer is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R. In 1883 he was chairman of the Re- publican County Central Committee. PEOPLE’S BANK. The establishment of this bank marks an era in the financial history of Hum- boldt. The president, G. L. Tremain, is a native of New York State, and has lived in Iowa for the last thirty-three years, during which time he has been in- terested in the banking business in differ- ent parts of the State. During his long connection with the business of banking, he has become thoroughly acquainted with the financial features of the whole country. He gives his whole attention to conducting the bank, and is always deeply interested in anything that will tend to promote the interests of the town, and in- variably shows that energy and good will in helping along all that will advance the prosperity of the place, or its people. The other officers of the bank are as fol- lows: S. K. Winnie, vice-president; J. W. Foster, cashier; N. R. Jones, William Larrabee, 8. B. Zeigler and J. N. Prouty, directors. It is impossible to overesti- mate the benefits that will accrue to Hum- boldt and vicinity through the establish- ment of this bank. Outsiders will form their estimate of the financial and business condition of the place from what they see of this bank, and it is needless to say that they will therefore be of the very highest. This bank was incorporated under the laws of the State in December, 1881, with the following officers: G. L. Tremain, president; J. W. Foster, cashier; J. N. Prouty, N. R. Jones, W. H. Hait, Will- iam Larrabee, S. B. Zeigler, and the presi- . dent and cashier, as a board of directors. The bank building stands on the corner of Sumner and Lincoln streets, and is a a fine stone edifice 24x70 feet, two stories high, and puts up with a due regard to architectural consistency and taste. A general banking business is done, and as the officers are among the best men in the State, public confidence in the enterprise is not lacking. G. L. Tremain, president of the People’s Bank, was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., June 4, 1833. His parents were Joseph C.and Harriet L. (Turner) Tremain, natives of Massachusetts. Joseph C. Tremain was, by profession, an attorney at law. In1845 he emigrated to Payson, Adams Co., Ill. Here his health failed and he was obliged to abandon his pro- fession. In 1850, he removed to Straw- berry Point, Clayton Co., Iowa. He was one of the founders of the republican party in that county. He was a man of no ordinary ability, and master of his pro- fession. G. L. Tremain, the subject of this sketch, came to Clayton county with his parents. He built the first log cabin at Strawberry Point, also the first frame house, and first broke the soil where the town now stands, and is known as the “father of the town.” In 1859 he was employed by the McCormick Reaper & ow ae fos seat, p HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 809 [ Mower Company, and was on the road, as traveling salesman, for nineteen years. He was married at Strawberry Point, in 1854, to Minnie Blake, daughter of Alex- ander Blake, one of the prominent busi- ness men of that place. Six children blessed this union, four vf whom are liv- ing—William D., Harry J., Emma J. and Myra E. In 1878 he went to Minneapolis, Minn., where he was engaged in the man- ufacture of machinery. In the spring of 1881, he located in Humboldt, and estab- lished the People’s Bank, of which he was made the president. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the A. O.U. W. He is a staunch republican, and is now chairman of the Republican Central Committee of this county. J. W. Foster, cashier of the Peoples’ Bank, of Humboldt, was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., Sept. 21, 1839. Ile is a son of George and Ann (Wright) Foster, who were among the early settlers of that county. The subject of this sketch, the eldest of six sons, received an academic education in his native county. At the age of eighteen years, he commenced clerking in a store for D. C. Patton, of Fulton, where he remained until 1862, when he enlisted in the 110th New York Volunteer Infantry, company A. Soon after he was sent, with his command, to Baltimore, and on Dec. 26, 1862, landed in New Orleans. He participated in the | battle at Port Hudson, Fort Gaines, Fort Morgan and Spanish Fort. He was mus- . tered out in January, 1866, at New Or- leans. In 1864 he was commissioned as _ 9d lieutenant of the 96th United States Colored Infantry, and promoted the same summer to lst lieutenant, and in the spring of 1865, was made adjutant of the regiment. Soon after leaving the service he came to Humboldt Co., Iowa, where he purchased an interest in the Humboldt Mills, and was engaged in the milling business until the fall of 1868. He then purchased a farm and followed farming until 1874. He was then appointed dep- uty treasurer under Ira L. Welch. In 1877 he was elected to the office, and re- elected in 1879. Since that time he has been in the banking business. He was married April 25, 1866,to Angie V. Hart, daughter of Samuel Hart, of Fulton, Oswego Co., N. Y., where he has been identified with its business interest for more than fifty years. By this union, there are three children—George S , Joseph H. and Clara. Mr. Foster is amember of the I. 0.0. F., Springvale Lodge, No. 394; also of the A. O. U. W.and G. A. R. Wumboldt skating rink was built in September, 1883, by H. McKinstry and C. E. Ward, at a cost of $2,000. The main building is 42x70 feet, with an office 16x30 feet. The floor isof maple and is one of the best in the northwest. H. McKinstry, one of the early settlers of Humboldt county, was born in Ireland, in 1837. When twenty-one years old, he came to America and located in Wyoming Co., N. Y. In 1864 he went to Batavia, Kane Co., Ill., and in the spring of 1865 came to Humboldt, where he has since resided. Heisa stone mason by trade, and built the postoffice building, the | Humboldt County Bank and Lorbeer’s block, which are among the best business blocks in the city. At the time of his ar- rival in the county, there were only three ,; or four small houses on the site of the — Tr 36 Sealy eb y 810 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 43), present city of Humboldt. We was mar- ried in 1870 to Frances Blackman, daugh- ter of Myron Blackman. Mr. and Mrs. McKinstry have one child—Ksther J. Mr. McKinstry is a Master Mason, of the Eastern Star Lodge, No. 195. The Humboldt Nursery was started in 1880 by Edward Connor, who came from Allamakee Co., Iowa. He keepsa full line of apples and crabs, plums, raspberries, _ gtrawberries, currants, gooseberries, Rus- sian mulberry, ornamental or silk culture, catalpa, ash, box elder, soft maples, ever- green, balsam fir, Norway spruce, arbor vite, cedar, mountain ash, and does a re- tail business. The proprietor, Edward Connor, is one of the live business men of the county. This nursery is located in the northern part of Humboldt, and is already well placed in the confidence of the people. Edward Connor, proprietor of the Hum- poldt Nursery, was born in Boone Co., Ill., May 1, 1847. His parents were Wil- liam S. and Julia (Blanchard) Connor. When Edward was five years old his par- ents moved to Waukon, Allamakee Co., Iowa, where he grew to manhood and re- ceived a liberal education. In 1862 his father enlisted in the 27th Iowa Volun- teer Infantry, company A, and was killed at the battle of Atchafalaya Bayou, May 18,1864. His mother is still living in Humboldt. In 1864 Edward enlisted in the same company and regiment in which his father was killed, and participated in three general engagements, besides a number of skirmishes. He was discharged at Davenport, Iowa, at the close of the war. In 1871 he came to Humboldt county, spent a year in the city, and then purchased land in Rutland township and engaged in farming. He continued there two years, then went to Grove township and lived five years. He was married July 4, 1874, to Partia Clark, a daughter of George and Mary (Hayden) Clark, of Rutland township. By this union there are five children—Jennie M., Edith A., Arthur C., Edward G. and Bertha E. Mr. Connor is a republican in politics, and has held several local offices of trust. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and was one of the founders of the G. A. R. The Nettette Creamery, of Humboldt, was established at that place,in the spring of 1880, by L. Baker and J. H. Savage. These gentlemen put up first the main building, 20x60 feet, to which there has since been added an engine room eighteen feet square, an office 14x15 feet, a salt room 10x18 feet, and an ice house 18x32 feet. Besides these there are several other buildings, and all cost about $4,500. Motive power is supplied by a twelve horse power engine, which cost, with the sixteen horse power boiler, about $1,100. During the year 1883 the creamery util- ‘ized the product of 2,300 cows daily, making in all 93,100 pounds of choice but- ter. During the year 1882 J. T. Baker pur- chased an interest, and the firm name was changed to that of Baker Bros. & Savage, which is the present style. This enter- prising company has paid out for cream, etc., about $50,000 in this community. L..Baker was born on Cape Cod, Mass., May 13, 1841. Heis a son of Levitt D. and Ruth A. (Knowles) Baker, He was reared on the coast, and followed fishing until twenty years of age. He.then went to Boston, where he was employed as “I = ——e —e HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 811 clerk in a store. In 1862 he was employed to travel for Warner’s Safe Kidney Cure, following the road for twelve years. He was married in Boston in 1873 to Annie L. Hawkes. In 1881 he came to Hum- boldt county, where he engaged in his present business. He is a member of the I.0.0. F., Howard Lodge, No. 22, of Charleston, Mass. The first to open a store in Humboldt was EK. A. Wilder, in 1865. He has now gone west. He kept a general merchan- dise or variety store for some years. Within a short time afterwards B. H. Harkness started in the same line. The present representatives of this business are: B. H. Harkness, Ray & Adama, G. B. White & Son, Lucien Winnie, P. H. Pope and Prindle & French. D. A. Ray, a prominent merchant of Humboldt, was born in Oswego Co.,N. Y., Oct. 6, 1853. Tle is the son of Charles and Margaret (WeCarthy) Ray. The lat- ter died in 1856, the former, in 1863. The subject of this sketch was then left an orphan, at a tender age, to make his way in the world alone. His father was a farmer, and he was reared upon a farm in his native county, where he remained ' until sixteen years old. He then went to Oswego and took a course at the Normal school, after which he taught school two terms, then secured a position as a clerk in a store in Syracuse. In 1875 he went, in the capacity of correspondent of the Syracuse Courier, to California, by way of | the isthmus, remaining there six months. He afterward returned to New York and engaged in the crockery and glassware trade, at Fulton, which he continued six years, then sold out and formed a partner- ship with Frank E. Adams, the firm name to be Ray & Adams, and to engage in trade at some favorable point. After much delib- eration they decided upon Humboldt as a desirable location, and came hither and established themselves in September, 1882. pbhnonel com patutirely anew comer, Mr. Ray has established a reputation for being one of Humboldt’s most enterprising and substantial citizens. He was married June 7, 1881, to Clara N. Redman, of Ful- ton N. Y., daughter of Robert and Sarah (Murgittroyd) Redman. The former died in Fulton, the latter resides with Mr. and Mrs. Ray. Mr. Ray is a member of the democratic party. Frank E. Adams is a native of Oneida Co., N. Y., born May 6, 1852. He was a son of Silas and Alvira (Snow) Adams. His mother died and was buried at Oneida Castle, where his father is now living. The subject of this sketch was reared to agricultural pursuits, and worked upon the farm until eighteen years old, mean- while attending the public schools as he had opportunity. He then took a classical course of instruction at the seminary in Whitestown, graduating in 1871. He then entered Amherst College, graduat- ing from that institution in 1875. In both of these institutions he was among the first of his class. He then traveled one year, when he accepted a position as professor of Latin and Greek in Falley Seminary, Fulton, N. Y. Inthe spring of 1877 he resigned this position and en- tered the law office of Judge R. H. Tyler, and studied law one year, when he was prevailed upon to go to the Sandwich Islands and engage in teaching, where he accepted the position of professor of rr ~ ay a— fy, 812 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. Latin, Greek aud mathematics, in Oahu College, Honolulu. He remained there three years, at the end of which time he resigned his position and returned to Oneida Castle. While at Honolulu he acquired, to some extent, the language of the natives through contact with them in his travels. During vacations he spent his time visiting points of interest, and adjacent islands, becoming familiar with the topography of the country and the habits of the people. In 1882 Mr. Adams concluded to embark in trade, and after visiting various parts of the State, made a settlement in Humboldt,where he is now engaged in mercantile business in part- nership with D. A. Ray. He is a good citizen, an active temperance man, a mem- ber of the Congregational Church, and politically, a republican. Greenlief B. White was born Sept. 25, 1823, in Kennebec Co., Maine, and is the son of David and Hannah (Hoyt) White. David White was, in early life, a farmer. He was appointed, under Van Buren’s ad- ministration, deputy collector of customs, and stationed at Moose river, near the Can- ada line. In about 1851 or 1852, he was elected a member of the Legislature, serv- ing one term. Subsequently he was ap- pointed probate judge, of Somerset county, in which capacity he served several years. Greenlief B. White, the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in his native State, having only such educational advantages as was afforded in a common school, with two terms in higher schools. In 1830 he was married to Olive L. Webb. They are the parents of eight children, seven of whomare now living —Mary E, Francis D., Charles J, Emma F., William F., Albert B. and Theodore G. In 1854 Mr. White emigrated to Ripon, Fond du Lac Co., Wis., where he was engaged in the mercantile business. In the spring of 1856 he removed to a farm in Floyd Co., Iowa, where he remained until 1861, at which time he went to Bureau Co., II., residing there until the fall of 1864, when he returned to Iowa, settling on his farm in Floyd county in the spring of 1865, remaining until 1869. At that time he again removed to Bureau Co., Ill., where he soon engaged in the mercantile busi- ness, in which pursuit he has been em- ployed most of the time since. He re- moved to Aplington, Butler Co., Iowa, in 1877, from which place he came to this county in the spring of 1880, establishing himself in business in Humboldt, where the success attending his business evinces the confidence of the public in his relia- bility as a business man. Dr. D. P. Russell, then a practicing physician, opened a drug store about the Ist of January, 1866. He soon after took in a partner, by the name of Leger, but who remained but a short time, when his interest was purchased by Albert M. Adams. It was continued for some time. At the present, Humboldt boasts of four first class stores for the dispensing of drugs: E. D. Nickson, L. J. Anderson, C. Korslund and Porter & Wilson. L. J. Anderson came to Humboldt and established himself in the drug business, in 1878. He was born near Christiana, Norway, Nov. 17, 1849, and is the son of John and Bertha (Hendrickson) Ander- son, who emigrated to America, in the year 1850, and settled at Argyle, Lafay- ette Co,, Wis. John Anderson was a ee) HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 813 hatter by trade, but the subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm, where he lived until he was twenty years old. He obtained a fair education, by his own ex- ertion, attending school in Humboldt, also Humboldt College. He followed teaching in this county five years, in which- capac- ity he was successful. In 1875 he was elected county superintendent of schools, and served two years. Jan. 17, 1878, he was married to Nellie Van Meter, of Mar- shalltown, Iowa, whose acquaintance he had formed while in the position of super- intendent, she being, at that time, a teacher in the county. She was educated in Marshall county, also attended Hum- boldt-College, and is a lady of some liter- ary ability, having written both prose and poetry for various journals. She is now engaged in the translation of one of “Jonas Lie’s Novels,” from Norwegian into English. They have three children --Jessie B. T., born March 16, 1879; Rollo Fred, born Sept. 18, 1882; and L. J., born March 16, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. An- derson attend the Unitarian Church, being in sympathy with liberal Christianity. He is a republican, politically, and a member of the I.O. O. F. Mr. Anderson has, in connection with his drug store, a sewing machine agency, also sells steamship tick- ets to and from all ports in Europe. He carries a large and well assorted stock, and is doing a prosperous business. R. E. Jones seems to be the first to enter into the business of selling agricultural machinery. Harwood Sharp, Swain & Scherrer and G. T. Nash & Co., at pres- ent represent the business interests in this line. J. B. Swain, partner of J. C. Scherrer in the agricultural implement business, was born in Chautauqua Co.,N. Y.,Sept. 17, 1844. He is the son of E. R. and Emma S. (Cady) Swain, the latter of whom is deceased and buried in Boone Co., Iowa. When two years old he left New York and went to Dane Co., Wis., where he lived on a farm until 1860, then removed to Beaver Dam, Dodge county. In 1862 he enlisted in company K, of the 14th Wisconsin Infantry, and served three years, participating in the battles of Corinth, Iuka, Vicksburg, Spanish Fort and Atlanta. He was mustered into ser- vice at Corinth, Miss., and out at Mont- gomery, Ala. After leaving the army he returned to Wisconsin. In 1866 he was married to Frances J. Wheaten, of Dane county, and the following year came to Boone Co., Iowa, where he lived upon a farm until 1875, then engaged in the agri- cultural implement business at Ogden one year, then went to Hardin county, and there was engaged in the same business, in connection with hardware, until 1879. He next removed to Mills county, where he was book-keeper and salesman in a hardware store two and a half years, then to Fort Dodge and worked in the office of the McCormick Machine Company one year, then worked four months for Gran- ger & Weisz, dealers in agricultural ma- chinery, in the same town. He then came to Humboldt county. Mr.and Mrs. Swain have eight children—Edith, Emma, Ar- thur, Elwyn, Mabel, Jennie, Jay and Roy. Mr. Swain is a member of the A. O. U.W. J. C. Scherrer, a prominent man of Humboldt county, is ason of Jacob and he = a 814 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. Elizabeth (Clarke) Scherrer, born in Washington Co., Ohio, July 29, 1849, where, when he was four years old, his father died. Then he went with his mother to Indiana, remaining four years; thence to Illinois, where they spent four years; thence to Floyd Co., Iowa, where they lived on a farm one year; thence to Calhoun Co., Mich., remaining five years; thence to De Kalb Co., Ill., where they remained until 1879 onafarm. His settlement in Humboldt county bears date November, 1880, at which time he en- gaged in agricultural implement business with Granger & Weisz, and remained with them until September, 1883, when he engaged in a similar business with J. B. Swain. This firm now have an exten- sive trade. Mr. Scherrer possesses those qualifications which make a good business man. Politically he adheres to the re- publican party. G. T. Nash, one of the active, energetic business men of Humboldt, was born in Shelburne, Chittenden Co., Vt., Oct. 2, 1842, and is the son of Reuben and Laura (White) Nash, who were the parents of seven children. G. T. Nash was brought up on a farm and received an academic education. He enlisted in 1864 in a nine month regiment, which was stationed in the defense of Washington until the Gettysburg battle. He was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service, and returned to Vermont, where he was employed as clerk in a gen- eral store at Burlington. In 1865 he went to Kalamazoo, Mich., and in 1870 settled at Fort Dodge, Iowa. The following fall he returned to Kalamazoo, and was there married to Blanche F. Fletcher, daughter of Thomas Fletcher, of that place. They have two children—Harry and Bessie. He came to Humboldt in 1880, and estab- lished himself in the hardware business. In the fall of 1883 he sold his interest in the hardware, but is still engaged in the machine trade. He is an active mem- ber of the I. 0. O. F., also of the A. O. U. W. and the G. A. R. The first jeweler in Humboldt was un- doubtedly J. B. Simmons, who in the earlier days of the town’s life. repaired clocks, etc., and kept a small stock of the goods that delighteth the heart of the gentler sex. Nathan Kuowles is the pres- ent dealer in this line, and carrying a good stock, enjoys a fine business. The first hardware establishment was instituted by J. F. Ward on the 20th of January, 1867, in a building adjoining the old town hall. ‘This gentleman continued in the business until 1877, when he took in partners, and the style of the firm changed to that of Winnie, Ward & Co. In 1879 they built their present store. The firm is now C. E. Ward & Co. In addi- tion to this establishment there are two other concerns in the same line, S. E. Esler and T. T. Rogers, and all do a good healthy trade. T. T. Rogers, one of the early settlers of Humboldt, was born in Lewis Co., N. Y., May 22, 1840. His parents were Thomas and Rachel (Townsend) Rogers, who settled in Lewis county at an early day. The former was born in Marshfield, Mass., Jan. 9, 1802, and his father, James Rogers, was a descendant of John Rogers, the martyr. While yet a child Thomas removed with his parents to Clinton Co., N.Y. He was married Oct. 11, 1828, to = =——> ee Mpc dga icon HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 815 Rachel Townsend. In 1837, for the pur- pose of gaining greater facilities for carrying on an extensive lumber business, he became a resident of Lewis county, settling at Lyonsdale. There he remained a most highly respected citizen. He was by religious faith and education opposed to political ambition, yet was often urged by friends to accept nominations for office. At one time he was nominated without his knowledge for member of the Legislature, and upon being informed of it at once declined the honor. In 1856, however, he went as delegate to the Na- tional Convention at Syracuse which formed the republican party, and from first to last was one of the strong agita- tors, and an active and earnest champion for the freedom of the slave. He was a member in good standing of the Society of Friends, a man of strong intellectual power, with great strength and decision of character. He had akind and cheerful disposition, and a theological or religious turn of mind. He took delight in search- ing the scriptures. He also took an inter- est in all matters concerning the public welfare, and was in every respect an ex- emplary Christian gentleman. The sub- ject of this sketch grew to manhood in Lewis county. In 1862 he came to Iowa, searching for a satisfactory location for a home. At Dubuque he visited an uncle, who at that time was surveyor-general, and well posted concerning Iowa lands, by whom he was advised to visit the val- ley of the Des Moines for a location. From Fort Dodge, in company with Mr. Taft, he proceeded up the river until they reached the site of the town of Humboldt. Here among other things which attracted attention was the water power, and they _ concluded it was the place for which they were looking. That fall they returned to Lewis Co., N. Y., where Mr. Rogers re- mained until the spring of 1864, when he was married to Eliza Garnean and imme- diately left for Humboldt county, arriving May 15. Mr. Taft had previously re- turned in January, 1863, and soon after commenced the construction of the mill and dam. During the spring of the same year he returned to Lewis county, re- mained a short time and came back with a colony, among whom were D. G. Pinney and son, Uriah, who were employed by Mr. Taft on the construction of the mill. While in Lewis county Mr. Taft formed a partnership with Newton Northam to build the mill. Mr. Northam furnishing $1,500, and Mr. Taft to construct the mill with three run of buhrs, and a dam with sufficient head to propel the machinery. In the spring of 1864, previous to Mr. Rogers coming, he purchased the interest of Mr. Northam, in company with D. G. Pinney, the firm being H. 8S. Taft, T. T. Rogers and G. G. Pinney, better known as H. 8. Taft & Co. After finishing the mill it was found the power was insuffi- cient, and at a large expense the dam was raised, and necessary changes effected. Mr. Rogers in company with Mr. Pinney built a circular saw mill in the summer of 1864, adjoining the foundation of the grist mill. This mill was started up, standing on its foundation without frame, roof or floor, as they had no lumber to build with until ithad been manufactured, the nearest accessable pine lumber being ninety miles away, at the end of the nearest railroad. The grist mill and saw- oT = we wes 816 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. mill were then both built out of lumber which was sawed from native timber. Patrons of this sawmill to the north often hauled logs thirty miles to get the lumber that was put into the first frame building in that section. Prior to start- ing up the grist mill, Mr. Rogers and Mr. Pinney put in a small iron feed mill, which they run by a belt from the saw mill water-wheel. With this mill was ground the flour that supplied for several months nearly all the people of Humboldt and a portion of several adjoining coun- ties; the flour being bolted by the people themselves in hand sieves made by stretch- ing bolt cloth over boxes made for the purpose. Mr. Rogers sold his interest in the saw mill to D. T. Russell, and after- wards closed out his remaining interest in the grist mill to John Ratcliff. He then sold farming implements for three years or more, and went into the hardware trade in 1878, and is engaged in that business at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are the parents of four children—Jose- phine M., who was the first child born in the town of Humboldt (then Springvale) Feb. 2, 1865, and died when twenty-two months old; Henry T., who died in infan- cy; Wayland and Amy Louise. Follow- ing in the footsteps of his ancestors, Mr. Rogers has always been afirm adherent of the republican party, and has actively con- nected himself with all of the temperance movements that have taken place in the community and State. He has been eleva- ted to various offices of trust in the township, and has been a member of the city school board. He is an ener- getic, working citizen, and his influence d can always be counted upon in any cause | of justice and right. The pioneer lumber yard was estab- lished by O. P. Fuller, on the corner now occupied by the People’s Bank. This line of trade is well represented at pres- ent by D. G. Pinney & Son, and O. F. Avery, who both do an extensive and lu- crative business. Albert A. Pinney has been a resident of this county since 1865. He is the son of D. G. and Clarissa (Husted) Pinney, and was born Sept. 21, 1845, in Lewis Co., N. Y. His mother died when he was quite young. His father married again, and now lives in Humboldt county. Al- bert A. Pinney was married Feb. 11, 1877, to Lida McKitrick, daughter of James and Mary McKitrick. They have one child—Nellie F. Mr. Pinney is a mem- ber of the firm of D. G. Pinney & Son, lumber dealers. ‘They were formerly en- gaged in bridge building, and built most of the wooden bridges in the county. He has, in addition to his lumber business, a farm of 160 acres in Avery township, on section 27, which he rents. Mr. Pinney is by trade a millwright, and Albert A. is acarpenter. They are substantial and re- spected citizens, members of the repub- lican party, and the latter is a member of the A, O, U. W. O. F. Avery, one of the prominent busi- ness men of the county, is a native of Herkimer Co., N. Y., born July 20, 1833. His parents were Billious and Lovina (Bartlett) Avery, both natives of Con- necticut and of English descent. His grandfather Bartlett was a soldier in the War of 1812, and led the charge on Platts- burg bridge. In 1866 Billious Avery located in Herkimer county, where he was married, and soon after engaged in farm- £6 > eo ~— | HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. ’ 817 ing and the dairying business. In 1857 he removed to Oneida county, where he took an active interest in political matters, holding the office of justice of the peace for twenty-four years. The subject of this sketch remained at home until he was twenty-one years old. The foundation of his education was received in the common schools. He is a graduate of the State Normal School, in the class of 1856. In the fall of 1857 he went to Buchanan, Mich., where he was employed as _ princi- pal of the high school, remaining there one year. From there he went to Wal- worth Co., Wis., teaching a select school for three terms. In.May, 1858, he was married to Sarah J. Harvey, a daughter of Ora Harvey, and a distant relative of Gov. Marcey. By this union two children were born—Eugene H. and Minnie, A. In 1859 he came to Humboldt county, and was the first actual settler of Avery town- ship. He was subsequently elected as county superintendent of the schools, fill- ing the office with credit to himself and his constituents. Mr. Avery is at present living in Humboldt, where he is exten- sively engaged in buying grain and stock. He is one of the live business men of the county, and a director of the People’s Bank. He-has held the office of county supervisor for three years, and chairman of the board two years. The pioneer store for the exclusive sale of boots and shoes was instituted by J. M. Snyder, late circuit judge, who as yet enjoys the monopoly of that line, except the stocks of this species of wearing ap- parel carried by the general stores. The pioneer meat market, or butcher shop, wasrun by Mat Berrier. He was succeeded by Reynolds, J. C. Helms and others. He has, of late years, re-entered the business, and carries it on at the pres- ent, under the name of M. W. Berrier. Brewer Brothers, are also in the same line. In 1869 O. P. Fuller, cutting off from the usual country store style, established an institution devoted to the sale of gro- ceries, exclusively. At present the busi- ness is in the hands of J. H. Rine and F. F. Avery, a new beginner, L. E, Wiley, E. Ryder and A. J. Colson. J. H. Rine was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Dec. 3, 1838. He is a son of David and Anna Rine, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ogle Co., Ill., in 1853, where they were engaged in farm- ing. They were among the thrifty people who left Pennsylvania and Maryland and settled in that portion of the State. They were members of the English Lutheran Church. The subject of this sketch went with his parents to Ogle county, where he grew to manhood and was educated at the Mount Morris College. In 1862 he engaged in the hardware trade at Lanark, Ill., in company with a party named Ormsbee. One year later he sold his in- terest and went to Lincoln, and was en- gaged for a time in the grocery business, then sold out and went to Foreston, Ogle county, and turned his attention to buying and shipping stock. In 1870 he went to Greenwood Co., Kan., where he .was elected county surveyor. In 1875 he re- turned to Illinois and was employed by a firm to superintend their mercantile busi- ness at Chana. He was known to carry considerable money on his person, and was watched and waylaid by one Maxwell, on his way home from his place of busi- t er \ ~~ fests 818 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. - work room in his dwelling house. aly. ness. As he was passing a church, this man sprang upon him aud felled him to the ground with a coupling pin, striking him on the temple, causing a fearful wound, and cracking the skull across the forehead. He was struck repeatedly with this pin, and left for dead. Although Mr. Rine has sufficiently recovered to attend to busi- ness, yet his injuries were for life. He was married Nov. 6, 1860, tq Elizabeth Longnecker, by whom he has three sons. Mr. and Mrs. Rine are members of the Presbyterian Church. The first shoemaker to locate in Hum- boldt and look aftey the soles of the people, was a Swede or Dane, named Rasmus Jonson, who made his appearance in 1865. Weist & Smith now represent that branch of business in the town. The first to do cabinet making was C. A. Lorbeer, in 1863. For some years he did all in that line that was required in the infant settlement. In 1889 G. A. Smith opened the first regular shop for the transaction of this line of trade, Mr. Lorbeer having had his After a short time Mr. Smith sold out to H. L. Joiner, and; he to Mr. Lorbeer who man- aged the business for many years, until it had grown under his care to one of the largest furniture stores in this part of the State. This line of trade is now repre- sented by Phelps & Sterns, who are the successors of C, A. Lorbeer, and Marvin & Combs. C. A. Lorbeer, one of the prominent business men of Humboldt, was born in the province of Saxony in Germany, Feb. 4, 1831. His father, Gottlob Lorbeer, be- ing head shepherd on the estate of the Baron Von Heldorf. He received such education as his native village afforded, until, at the age of fourteen, he was ap- prenticed to learn the cabinet maker’s trade, where he served for two years. In 1847 he came with his parents, three sis- ters and two brothers to America, crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel, making a tedious trip of twenty-three days. They landed at Quebec, Canada, and were sent by way of Oswego and Rome to Lewis Co., N. Y., where his father purchased land and commenced farming. He passed two years more as apprentice, in the em- ploy of Richard Gallagher, in Carthage, Jefferson Co., N. Y., and afterward fol- lowed his trade industriously, meanwhile assisting his parents in developing their home in Naumburg, N. Y. He attended two,terms of school at Lowville, N. Y., and being a lover of books, spent his leis- ure time in reading, and becoming famil- iar with American institutions. In 1854 Mr. Lorbeer went to Fulton, Whiteside Co., Ill., where he worked at both carpen- ter and joiner work and cabinet mak- ing, at good wages, for five years. In 1855 Charles A. Lorbeer was married to Aurelia E. Wickes, eldest daughter of Rev. Lewis A. Wickes, an evangelist well known in northern New York, who went to Illinois in company with her uncle’s family, and taught school near Fulton, where they resided until the fall of 1859, during which time three sons were born, the two eldest dying in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Lorbeer returned to Lewis Co., N. Y.,in the autumn of 1859, and re- mained there until May, 1863, when they joined the colony that came to Humboldt county, being the first to occupy the lands a “a= ~~ le HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 819 granted to the colony. Mr. Lorbeer en- gaged in building for a time, doing the early cabinet work of the settlement in his own house, the first one erected on the village plat of the present town of Humboldt. He put up the building now occupied by P. H. Pope as a dry goods store, in 1878, and opened a general fur- niture store. Afterwards in company with his younger brother, L. K. Lorbeer, the building known as Lorbeer’s block was built of the stone from his own quarry, in 1879, and he continued the business there, supplying the country for many miles, until, in 1882, he sold his stock to Phelps & Sterns, who occupy the building at present. He is at present engaged in the stone busi- ness, being the owner of one of the most extensive stone quarries in this section of the country. Heisalso opening a fruit farm in the town of Pomona, Cal., under the supervision of his eldest son Mr. Lorbeer has taken his turn in holding the offices of justice of the peace, township trustee, school director and treasurer, dea- con and Sabbath school superintendent, and for the last eight years has been teacher of an adult Bible class in the Sabbath school connected with the Con- gregational Church, having at an early age given his heart to the Lord Jesus. He has always taken a deep interest in the anti-slavery and temperance move- ments, and all the reforms of the day, and having been identified with Humboldt from its earliest growth, he has always lent a helping hand in all public improv- ments of the town. Probably there is no other woman in the city who has done more to promote the interest and welfare of Sabbath schools than Mrs. Lorbeer, having been known throughout the old 9th congressional district, as the secre- tary for the district, for the State Sabbath School Association, for three years, assist- ing in organizing them for work until twelve of the thirteen counties were in working order, and making prompt re- ports to the State association, both sta- tistical and financial. She is known also in the W. C. T. U. and Bible society, and as well as her other duties have allowed has been a teacher in Sabbath school since fourteen years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Lorbeer have been the parents of twelve children, two little daughters hav- ing been buried in Iowa. Eight are still living—Charles I., a graduate of Iowa Agricultural College, at Ames, as well as his wife, formerly Mary Hellen Coe, of Clarence, Cedar Co., now residing at Pomona, Los Angeles Co., Cal.; Alvan G., married to Eva M. Gardner, living at Al- gona; Minnie 8., wife of D. Parker, pho- tographer of Humboldt; Carrie E., Harry A., Sara Frances, Melvin W. and Emma Cornelia. During the last twenty-five years they have been particularly interested in praying and laboring in hope of the day when the present unfortunate sectarian competition shall give place to a realiza- tion of Christian co-operation in answer to the “Oneness” for which the Savior prayed. The pioneer wagon maker of Humboldt was a party bearing the name of Golds- worthy. This line of trade is followed now by the Spear Bros., who came here in the spring of 1883. A worthy son of Vulcan, J. Starbuck, was the first blacksmith in the town, and the fire in his forge was lit about 1865. or = afer ee 820 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. + ~—., The ringing of iron and steel in contact, from the present shops of T. B. Nickson and Smith & Smith, show that these gen- tlemen are the worthy successors in the same guild. T. B. Nickson, son of William and Ann (Dugmore) Nickson, was born in Staf- fordshire, England, Dec. 1,1841. Hecame to America with his parents in 1853 and lo- cated at Kingston, Canada, where he was engaged as clerk in a boot and shoe store, and attended .school for two years. He then worked on the Grand Trunk Railway, for about two years, but meeting with an accident which disabled him for a time he was compelled to leave the road. He then went to school for a year, after which he was apprenticed to a blacksmith, and worked one year in Canada, and then fol- lowed the Star of Empire westward, to Grant Co., Wis., and there finished learn- ing the trade. He soon afterward went to Nevada and worked in the silver,mines of that territory, and voted for her-con- stitutions, and admission as a State into the Union. After two years work in Ne- vada he moved to California, engaging in the saw-milling business for three years, in the summer season, and traveled and prospected in the winter season. Return- ing to Wisconsin in 1868, he was married April 8, 1869, to Flora Bridges, daughter of Dudly C. and Nancy Bridges, of Platte- ville, Wis. The same year he moved to Humboldt county and worked at his trade nearly three years. He then moved on a homestead, which he worked two years, the grasshoppers destroying the crops both years. He again turned his atten- tions to the shop. He purchased a business at Rolfe, Pocahontas county, and worked two years there. He again moved to Humboldt, where he has since remained, working at his trade. They have had six children—John D., Flora E., Alice Irena, Thomas E., Naomi A. and William. They are all alive except Naomi A., who was born Feb. 11, 1880, died Nov. 8, 1883, and was buried in Union Cemetery, Humboldt, Mr. and Mrs Nickson are members of the Unitarian Church. Mr. Nickson has been a member of the school board. He belongs to and always voted with the republican party, casting his first Presi- dential vote for A. Lincoln. Joseph Berkhimer established the first harness shop in 1868, and is yet engaged in the same business. R. E. Jones has the honor of instituting the pioneer livery business, and which is now carried on by D. R. Miles, the genial sheriff, and E. P. Fuller. A. B. King for some two years kept a book store, but meeting with little success he removed away. The Humboldt flouring mill, of which mention has been made, remained in the hands of the original proprietors, in full operation until the spring of 1881, when the high water cut around the dam and de- stroyed a part of that necessary adjunct. It now lay in idleness until the spring of 1883, when it passed into the hands of Mr. Rickard, the present proprietor, who devoted the summer and fall of that year to the repairs on the mill, and in putting in a good stone crib dam. In Decem- ber, 1883, the mill commenced to run again to the satisfaction of all. The pioneer carpenters were Charles, and Louis Lorbeer, and the craft has a full representation at present, in the fol- or — eo Zina HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 821 lowing parties; William Quick, D. G. Pinney, A. J. Colson, Daniel Harvey, A. C. Nopens, William Gay, E. Etherton, Mr. Young, Mr. White, and others. ; Daniel Harvey, one of the early settlers of Humboldt county, was born in Deer- field, Herkimer Co., N. Y., March 16, 1822. He is the son of Solomon and Lydia (De Groff) Harvey, who were the parents of thirteen children, eleven of whom attained an adult age. Solomon Harvey died about 1838 in Cortland Co., N.Y. His wife died in Lewis county, of the same State. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm, and received his education in the pioneer school house of an early day, in which the benches were made of slabs, and the desks for writing were arranged by bore- ing a hole in the logs and driving in pins on which slabs were laid. After the death of his father he went to Ithaca, N. Y.., where he worked four years as ship- builder. From there he went to Lewis Co., N. Y., purchased a blacksmith shop, and .engaged in blacksmithing. He was married in Tompkins county, near Ithaca, to Arminda Wilkin, a daughter of Wil- liam Wilkin. They have four children— Horace T., who is married and living at Humboldt; Frank L., who graduated in the first class at the Iowa Agricultural College, and who now occupies the chair of biology in the Arkansas Industrial University; Edwin D., who graduated at the same school in the class of 1880, and remained two years after graduation as assistant chemist; and Ida A., wife of James C. Stebbins, now living at Blunt, Dakota Territory. In 1864 he emigrated to Humboldt Co., Iowa, and purchased land on section 12, of Springvale town- ship, now included in the incorporated town of Humboldt. He then commenced farming, also worked asa carpenter. At the time of his coming to the county there was but one frame building in Hum- boldt, and that was owned and occupied by C. A. Lorbeer. He helped to build the first mill and many of the first dwell- ings. Mr. Harvey has been a resident of the county for nineteen years, and has seen the country transformed from wild, unoccupied prairies into beautiful and highly cultivated farms, and commodious and comfortable dwellings fill the place of the rude log cabins of the pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey are members of the M. E. Church. A. C. Nopens was born in Kleina, Ger- many, Feb. 7, 1845. When eight years of age his parents emigrated to America and located in Lewis Co., N. Y. In 1861 his father was killed in a well, and A. C. was forced to work out on farms to sup- port the family. In 1864 he came to Hum- boldt, where he was first employed on the mill-race by 8. H. Taft. He afterward was employed by C. A. Lorbeer in his furniture shop for many years. In the fall of 1878 he engaged in the grocery business in company with L. E. Willey, as the firm of Willey & Nopens, and con- tinued until July, 1883. In April, 1873, he was married to Henrietta Kux. They have three children living—Delta M., Charlie and Minnie. Mr. Nopens is one of the honest and upright business men of the city. Of course in a country where so much stone is to be had, the nfason’s trade orn ~ OD — wpoo oes 892 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. eg would flourish, and while Hugh McKin- stry, D. Martin and William Leland, were the first to commence that business, they were by no means all to follow the trade. At the present we find the following ma- sons at work in Humboldt: McKinstry & Joiner, William Leland & Sons, E. Grandon & Son, E. C. Belcher, W. Germin- der, E. Dickey, George Clarke, Mr. Myers and Zill & Brown. William B. Leland was born in Chester Co., Vt., Aug. 29, 1832, and is the son of Lyman and Irene (Perry) Leland, who emigrated to London, Canada West, in 1839. In 1849, they removed to Maqno- keta, Jackson Co., Iowa, purchased land, and engaged in farming. Maquoketa was then a mere hamlet, containing one log store building. The subject of this sketch, in his youth, learned the trade of mason with his father. He was married Aug. 14, 1858, to Henrietta Parsons, a daughter of Bushrod and Charlotte E. Parsons, who emigrated to Jefferson Co., Wis., and in 1865 came to this county. Mr. and Mrs. Leland have had ‘five children, four of whom are living—Franklin E., Lyman W., Al- bert G. and Willie: George M. is de- ceased. Mr. Leland has been a resident of Humboldt county since July, 1865. He built some of the most prominent build- ings in the town, and laid the first stone of Humboldt College. In September, 1881, J. M. Pike estab- lished the coal business of Humboldt, and in the following year he added the flour trade. He handles about 250 car loads of these two commodities during the year. The Minnesota flour is his specialty, and he sold, in 1883, about 100 car loads. J. M. Pike, coal and flour dealer, at Min- neapolis & St. Louis Railroad depot, was born in Windham Co., Vt., Sept. 25, 1838. He is a son of Jonathan and Annie (Reed) Pike. The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm in the hills of Ver- mont. When sixteen years of age he learned the trade of cabinet maker. In 1861 he enlisted in the Ist New Hamp- shire Volunteer Infantry, and served three months. After being discharged, he was on recruiting service for some time. The following December he again enlisted in the 8th Vermont Volunteer Infantry, as sergeant. He was shortly afterward pro- moted to captain, and participated in the battle of Port Hudson, where he was wounded in the arm, causing amputation above the elbow. Also at abont the same time he was struck in the breast with a spent ball, which, striking a rib, passed around under theskin. After leaving the army he went to Iroquois Co., Ill., where he engaged infarming. Two years later he went to Gardner, Worcester Co., Mass., where he was employed in the chairshops. In the fall of 1872 he removed to DeWitt, Clinton Co., Iowa. In March, 1880, he came to Humboldt county, He was married in 1864 to Laura Irish, by whom he has had three children, two of whom are living— Lora and Emma F. Mr. Pike is a member of the G. A. R. It is actually a pleasure as well as a benefit to see an establishment run in the systematic manner and upon the sound basis of Mr. Prouty’s law and real estate office. This gentleman has been estab- lished in Humboldt since 1869, at which time he came here from Freeport, II. This makes his agency the oldest in the “sale i. oe slp, HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 828 county, and it is undoubtedly one of the | probate proceedings, in short, everything largest and best managed in the State. | pertaining to titles, all of which are in Mr. Prouty has a competent man in | charge of a competent man who devotes charge of every department of his busi- | his time exclusively to this department. ness, who devotes his entire time and | His office, which he built expressly for every energy to that branch to which he | the purpose, is a fine, two story stone and is allotted. He does a general law and | brick structure, 21x52 feet, with plate collection business, forecloses mortgages, | glass front, and finished throughout with perfects titles, pays taxes for non-resi- | Venetian blinds. He occupies the entire dents, furnishes abstracts and deals in | first floor. The main office is richly fin- real estate. He has a very large list of | ished in white walnut, and has a fire lands for sale, and is pushing this depart- | proof vault equal to the best bank vault. ment of his business with vigor, doing all } He has in this vault, and in his office, a in his power to make known the attrac- | place for every book and paper arranged tions of this favored section of the coun- | on such an excellent system, and kept in try. He issues a neat county map, show- | such perfect order, that he is enabled to ing the location of all towns and railroads, | lay his hand on any book or paper almost and will send a copy to any one on appli- | instantly. Mr. Prouty is justly proud of cation. He will also cheerfully answer | the many conveniences and the elegance correspondence in relation to lands, and | of his well arranged office and business, from his long experience is enabled to | and withal is as hearty and genial a per- give accurate information for the guid- | son as one would care to meet with. Dur- ance of the home seeker. ing his long residence in Humboldt he An inestimable aid to him in his large | has always evinced the most lively inter- ‘business, and without which he could not | ¢st in everything pertaining to the welfare begin to transact one-half of the great | Of the place. He is a large stockholder amount which comes to him, are his vari- | 40d one of the directors of the People’s ous authentic records, and the orderly | Bank of this place, and is considered one system of arrangement which he has in- | of the soundest men financially, as well troduced into his office. He has a com- | 28 one of the most enterprising and public plete set of abstracts of titles to all lands | Spirited of Humboldt’s citizens. and town lots in Humboldt county. These In September, 1882, A. R. Starrett, after abstracts have cost him over $2,000, | a residence of some fourteen or fifteen and he has introduced several features | years in Tipton, in this State, came to not usually found—some of which origi- | Humboldt and opened a law office, adding nated with him—which greatly facili-{ to the general practice of his profession tate the tracings of titles. He has the | transactions in real estate and other mat- only set of certified plats of the govern- | ters. The brief space of one year estab- ment survey in the county; also copies of | lished a good and profitable business. He the county surveyors’ records of town | is now dealing quite extensively in farms ‘ plats, of grantors, and lien indexes, of | and wild lands in Webster county, and qa + i ~~ {y me A €24 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. improved farms in Humboldt county, and is also doing considerable business in real estate in this place. There is, perhaps, no man more familiar with the quality aud value of land, generally, in that sec- tion of country, and all parties, local or foreign, desiring to consult a lawyer, or to buy or sell land in that part of Iowa, will find it for their interest to call upon him. They will find him a genial gentle- man, whom it is both pleasant and profit- able to know. P. II. Pope, formerly one of Chicago’s enterprising tradesmen, seeing the un- bounded possibilities of business adven- ture in the peerless Hawkeye State, left the “Garden City” of the lakes in the fall of 1881, and established himself in Hum- boldt with a general assortment of boots, shoes, hats, caps, dry goods, gents’ fur- nishing goods, notions, groceries, and everything usually kept in a stock of that kind, all of which he well knows how to handle to the best advantage of his cus- tomers and himself. He occupies a pleas- ant and commodious building of two sto- ries, the area of hig store proper being 22x70 feet. In this he carries an exceed- ingly fine and well selected stock of $6,000 in value, and his sales of last year aggregated $12,000. By fair dealing and strict attention to business, Mr. Pope has won the confidence of the people, and es- tablished an excellent trade. Dr. F. M. Spayde, a skillful and reliable dentist, came to Humboldt from Indiana in 1882, and in June of the same year purchased the business of Dr. Cole, and has continued since in doing all kinds of work known to the art of his profession. He has his office in Cole’s block, and not- withstanding the short time he has been here, he is already doing a fine business, and has many friends and patrons. He has been practicing dentistry for over five years, and his practice is large and rapidly increasing. Though a genial gentleman, his genial manner and pleasant ways would go but little distance were it not for the skill and able artistic work with which he consummates every move in the exercise of his profession. Heisanative of Indiana. He spent his time on a farm and in school until twenty years of age, when he took up the study of dentistry. He is a grad- uate of the dental department of Michi- gan University, at Ann Arbor. In 1882 he came to Humboldt and engaged in the practice of dentistry. Henry 8. Wells came here from Ohio in 1868, and immediately established him- self as a real estate, abstracting and in- surance agent, and is now located oppo- site the People’s Bank, in the office with A. R. Starrett. He is agent for the sale of a large amount of wild and improved lands in Humboldt and adjoining counties, and all his many transactions in real es- tate for the eleven years since he has been in the business have given eminent satisfaction to all concerned. nishes abstracts that are also perfectly re- liable, pays taxes for non-residents, and represents some of the best life and fire insurance companies of the country. He is a genial, whole-souled man, with lots of friends throughout this section of the country, who all esteem him highly. Henry 8S. Wells, real estate and insur- ance agent of Humboldt City, is a native of Medina Co., Ohio, born Dec. 23, 1834. | el —. Y He fur- . a ae HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 825 He is a son of Henry and Sarah (Gaylord) Wells, the latter a native of Hartford, Conn., the former of Albany N. Y. They went to Ohio about 1832, when that State was mostly a wild wilderness, and were pio- neers in Medina county. Mr. Wells was a wagon and carriage maker by trade, but at the time of his settlement in Ohio there was not much demand for that kind of work, and he turned his hand to carpen- tering, assisting in the erection of many of the first houses in Medina county. In after years he invented a machine for moving buildings, and followed that oc- cupation for many years. They were the parents of two children. ‘Lhe subject of this sketch received a liberal education, and before he was of age commenced teaching school. In 1869 he went to ‘Tama Co., Iowa., and followed teaching. There he was married to Lizzie F. Con- nell, a daughter of Daniel Connell, one oi the early settlers of that county. Tw children blessed this union—Henrietta and Martha Josephine. In 1872 he came to Humboldt and engaged in his present business. Mr. and Mrs. Wells are mew- bers of the Congregational Church. He is a strong republican and a prominent, active man in that party. On the 14th of August, 1863, he enlisted in the 79th bat- talion, Uhio National Guards, and was mustered into the United States service in May, 1864, under the call for “100 day men.” In 1865 he enlisted in the 166th Ohio National Guards in the 100 days’ service, and was stationed at Arlington Heights and around Washing- ton. He was mustered out at Cleveland in September, 1865. G. H. Shellenberger came here from Mansfield, Uhio, in 1876, and was one of the editors and proprietors of the Kosmos, until November, 1879. He then entered the law department of the State Univer- sity at Iowa City, and was admitted to practice in June, 1881. He then opened a law office in Humboldt, and has since been doing well, both inlaw and in the other branches of business which he car- ries on, those of land and loan agent. Mr. Shellenberger’s ambition, however, is in his profession. He aims to stand at the head of itin this part of the State. His enterprise and ability have already secured him a large and satisfactory prac- tice, and his continual efforts are con- stantly increasing it. A very flourishing grocery and dry goods business is being conducted by L. E. Willey, and by industry,prudent manage- ment; and keeping a first-class and varied assortment of all the different kinds of inerchandise in the two branches of his industry he has built up a large and steadily increasing trade. He intends to give his exclusive attention to the grocery business in a very short time. As itishe handles poultry quite extensively, and makes large shipments to eastern points. His store is 20x46 feet,well appointed and conveniently arranged for business. Mr. Willey came from Vermont in 1872, en- gaged in farming until 1876, purchased the stock and good will of H. L. Joiner in November, 1880, in connection with Mr. Ward, and afterwards he as- sumed the sole proprietorship. He owns a fine residence and two desirable build- ing lots in Humbaldt, and is in every way a worthy member of the commercial and s cial community. & a 37 | ~—~a Ss 4 = sania : Mies 826 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. A. D. Bicknell is one of the popular pioneers and solid citizens of Humboldt. He is engaged in the practice of the law, and is highly esteemed all over the county for his reliable attention to all matters entrusted to his care, and for the prompt and satisfactory manner in which he trans- acts his professional business. He makes a specialty of collections and general office business, and his yearly income therefrom is quite large and steadily in- creasing. Mr. Bicknell came here from Rutland, Iowa, where he had been en- gaged in farming. He is quite an exten- sive owner of real estate, having a fine farm about a mile and a half from Rut- land, a quarter section in Lake township in this county,and $5,000 invested in prop- erty in this city. Mr. Bicknell is one of the most influential men in this commu- nity, and exceedingly active in doing any and every thing. that will advance the best interests of Humboldt. Among other enterprising businesses in Humboldt is that of the photographer, D. Parker. He established his business in this city in August, 1880, and being a thorough artist, gives satisfaction to all. D. Parker, son of Harvey and Phebe (Lathrop) Parker, is a native of Indiana, born at Shelbyville, Feb. 18,1859. In 1862 his father having volunteered in the 68th Indiana regiment, he lived with his mother and grandparents at Napoleon. His father, after three years service,seven months of that time being confined in the rebel prison at Richmond, returned home, and the family removed to Indianapolis, where he attended the public school, com- pleting the grammar course in 1870. He removed with his parents to Brandon, Fond du Lac Co., Wis., in the fall of 1870. Here, after attendance at school for some time, he served an apprenticeship as clerk in a general store, where he remained two years. In 1875 he entered a photographic studio, and studied under the best photog- raphers of Oshkosh and Ripon, Wis. In 1877, at the age of eighteen, he estab- lished himself as a photographer at Bran- don, being favored’ with varied success. In the spring of 1880 he sold his business at Brandon and worked for awhile at Chicago and Morris, Il., and finally lo- cated and opened a studio at Humboldt in August, 1880, beiny the first photographer in the county, where he is now doing a successful business. Mr. Parker was married in November, 1888, to Minnie Lor- beer, daughter of Charles Lorbeer of Humboldt. Mr. Parker is a republican politically, and ranks high in his chosen profession. Among the other businesses carried on here are the following: Washing machine manufacturers— Thomas & Devenport. Clothing merchant—C. A. Wright. Millinery—-Mrs. J. B. Simmons, Mrs. J. F. Graves and Mrs. B. H. Harkness. Dress-makers—Mrs. Harkins & Co. Stone quarrymen—C. A. Lorbeer, A. B. Snyder and Thomas Shere. Photographic artist —D. Parker. Draymen—E. P. Hewlett, A. R. Beebee, Henry Watkins and R. M. Lyle. Feed Store—E. K. Lord and A. Daven- port. Elevator—O. F. Avery. Among other prominent citizens of Humboldt who are deserving of special mention in this work are: H. A.Knowles, Cor . ® + Stal HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY, 827 L. K. Lorbeer, Mrs Cynthia Wickes, Wal- ter Thomas, J. F Graves, J. Johnston, Dr. G. Bogart and G. W. Dyer. Henry A. Knowles, one of the pioneers of Humboldt county, was born on what is known as Gov. Sprague’s property,in South Kingston, R. L., Feb. 21, 1811. His par- ents, Henry and Susan(Anthony) Knowles, were the parents of nine children, four sons and five daughters. In 1819 they emigrated to Oneida Co., N. Y., and two years later removed to Chenango county. Henry remained with them until eighteen years old. He then left home and learned the harness maker’s trade. In 1831 he was married, in Chenango county, to Mary Collins. In 1835 he went to Michigan and ‘took a government claim. In 1856 he left Michigan with teams for Iowa, camp- ing out on the way, and crossing the Mis- sissippi at Dubuque, which was then a small town. At that time the streams were not bridged on this side of Inde- pendence, and they were compelled to ford. He pre-empted land on the north- east quarter of section 20, Humboldt town- ship, where he built a log cabin. Mr.and Mrs. Knowles are the parents of five children, four of whom are living —Shef- field C., Abram H., Nathan H. and Lucy L., widow of Eber Stone, who settled in this county in 1855, and now resides on section 16, of Humboldt township. Mr. and Mrs Stone have had three children, two of whom are living—HenryS and Charles E. Mr. Stone died in 1875. He was aman highly respected in the com- munity where he lived, honest and up- right, and a thorough business man. He was elected to the office of superintend- ent of the public schools of the county. He has retired from active business and is taking comfort, the reward of his past diligence and industry. Mr. Knowles is living, at present, in Humboldt City, near his youngest son, Nathan H., who does quite a successful business as jeweler. Louis K. Lorbeer, the youngest in the family of three brothers and three sisters, was born in St. Ulrich, Prussia, Oct. 24, 1839, and came with his parents and fam- ily to America, in 1847, settling in Lewis Co., N. Y. While a boy, he was known among his mates by his sunshiny dispo- sition. When twenty years old, he en- gaged to work at carpenter work with Lewis Fultz, of Lowville, which he did for two years. He then worked with his older brother, C. A. Lorbeer, until remov- ing to, and settling in Humboldt Co., fowa, which he did in March, 1863, with Fred Uerman and Balser Linuestruth, be- ing the “advance guard” of the colony of fifty persons, who came during the spring, and for whom he made such preparations as he was able. Inthe fall of 1864, he was drafted into the United States service, and “marched with Sherman to the sea;” was at the burning of Columbia, 8. C., and at an engagement near Raleigh. After passing the grand review at Washington, before President Johnson,he was mustered out and returned to Iowa. Having built a neat little home onthe bankof the Des Moines, he went back to New York and escorted his parents to lowa,and then assist- ed them in opening a prairie home on sec- tion 13, township 91 north, range 29, they being the last of the family to come, ex- cept one sister, who still resides in New York. He soon after, on Dec. 13, 1868, was married to Ophelia Jenks, one of the <—s \* ‘er ———> “= sale, 828 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. school teachers of the county, and sister of Mrs. Russell H. Norton, one of the original colonists. He immediately built a house on his farm and became a very successful small fruit farmer. In 1879 in company with his brother, Charles, they erected the fine stone building on Sumner avenue, known as Lorbeer block. In 1881 his wife’s health failing, he sold out and removed to Los Angeles, Cal., where he now resides in comfortable circumstances. Both himself and- wife are consistent Christian people, taking decided stand on the side of temperance and all reformatory measures, though never allowing creeds to separate them from fellow Christians. They have one little girl—Daisy May, born Feb. 23, 1871. Mrs. Cynthia Wickes, or as more com- monly known, “ Mother Wickes,” was largely the center of the colony circle. She was born Feb. 3, 1804, on Stow’s Square, Lewis Co., N. Y., of parents who were the pioneers of that county. Being of a very intellectual and religious turn of mind, she became a member of the Pres- byterian Church at twelve years of age, and in 1822 assisted in forming the first Sabbath school in that town, since which time she has ever been devoted to that work. Engaging in school teaching, she became attached to the young,and ever felt a deep interest in them, and the plans for their advancement in purity of life, knowledge and social culture. Those whe know her best confide in her most. Married June 18, 1833, to Rev. Lewis A. Wickes, a well known and devoted evan- gelist of northern New York, she warmly seconded his labors, and in consequence was, with others, suspended from Church fellowship for her anti-slavery and tem- perance sentiments. The society which did so survived but five years, while she lived to hold temperance meetings and Sabbath schools in their deserted church building for nearly ten years, when it was taken down and moved away. She soon after became satisfied that while all Chris- tians were the children of God, no vote of a part could make the others better or worse, and that the Church of Christ was one body, the individuals being the branches of the living vine, Christ Jesus. She was left a widow May 19, 1850, her husband falling at his post, being stricken while in the pulpit, and lingering in much suffering two weeks, breathing his last while the church bells were calling to the house, of God. daughters she lived on, doing what she could to make her influence felt in the community for good, but being taught by experience the failure of the civil law to protect the widow and orphaned, she became a thorough believer in equal suf- frage for all. Having been compelled by the “pathmaster” to turn out and “work on the highway,” aggravated by it being on ahillside directly in front of where her husband lay buried, although, as a minister, by the law of New York, he was not liable to road or property tax, with all her children and their families, six- teen in all, she came to Humboldt county, in May, 1863,and for the first three weeks, occupied the old log house on section 14, on the west side of the DesMoines river. She occupied one half of the first house on the site where Humboldt now stands, from November, 1863, till Septem- ber, 1868, when she occupied her own With her three young’ oe = WX HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 829 new house near the bridge. Being a good nurse, and studying the laws of physical life, her servizes were of much avail, es- pecially to the mothers of the community, and at:least forty infants were first dressed by her careful hands, and many invalids owed their restoration, under God, to her skillful nursing. She has worn the Ameri- can costume for the last twenty-five years, believing it best adapted to the healthful comfort of women. Although afflicted with deafness from childhood, in conse- quence of scarlet fever, and suffering with erysipelas for years,she, although naturally of a fragile build, has been noted for her spryness and ability to accomplish much. Always of a cheerful and patient disposi- tion she has ever been staunch where con- science was involved. She, with others, has ever maintained evangelical worship and the prayer meeting was lonely when feebleness prevented her longer from at- tendance. She is now living with her youngest daughter, Mrs. Bowen, on the old “Father Lorbeer” place, three miles south of town, suffering with a cancer, and saying, “And now Lord what wait I for, my hope is in Thee.” Walter Thomas was born in Washing- ton Co., N. Y., Aug. 23, 1813, and is the son of David and Hannah (Ward) Thomas. His father was a farmer by occupation, and was in the United States army during the War of 1812, serving as Ist lieuten- ant. In 1855 the subject of this sketch _ went to Cayuga Co., N. Y., and remained one year upon a farm, then removed to Fox Lake, Dodge Co., Wis., where he did a prosperous business, keeping a boarding house one year, being patronized by civil engineers and railroad men. He then came to this county and Dec. 15, 1857, opened a hotel at Dakota City, which business he continued four years, then re- moved to a farm, which, being railroad land, he lost, and moved back to Dakota City. In 1870 he went to Topeka, Kan., returning in 1874 to Humboldt county, and has since resided in Humboldt City, with the exception of one year in Fort Dodge. He worked four and a half years in a livery stable and drove stage between Humboldt and Fort Dodge one year. He is now engaged in the horse farrier busi- ness, in which, having had some years of experience, he is very successful. He was married March [7, 1836, to Mary McDougall, daughter of John I. and Mar- garet DcDougall, of Washington Co., N. Y. They have eight children—James W., David, Margaret E., Jane H., John M., Luther L., Mary and Charlie. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have been consistent mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty years and are highly respected throughout the community. Mr. Thoinas has held the offices of justice of the peace and assessor. He casts his vote with the democratic party. J. F. Graves was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., March 12, 1834. He grew to man- hood among the rugged hills of his na- tive State. In early life he learned the trade of blacksmith in his father’s shop. He afterwards took up carpentering. In 1858 he was married to Kmeline EH. Clark, and they had one child—TolaC. In 1862 Mr. Graves enlisted in the 144th New York Volunteer Infantry, company I, and went with the regiment to Washington. In 1863 they were sent to the department of the south. In October, 1864, he was po a neil Qe 830 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. commissioned as 2d lieutenant of the 21st regiment of United States Colored In- fantry, and promoted to Ist lieutenant, March 1, 1865. He was appointed assist- ant provost marshal in Charleston, 8. C., in 1865, and served in that capacity one year. He was discharged in May, 1866, at Charleston, S.C. At the close of the war he went to Chenango Co., N. Y., and en- gaged in the mercantile business. [n 1878 he went to Dakota Territory, and in De- cember, 1879, came to Humboldt. Mr. Graves is a member of the Presbyterian Church, also of the A. O. U. W. and G. A. R. John Johnston, one of the pioneers of Humboldt county, was born in Alleghany Co. Penn.,Sept. 26, 1828. His parents were Robert and Martha (Scott)Jobnston. They were the parents of eight children,four sons and four daughters, He was a farmer by occupation and lived upon one place eighty years. Mrs. Johnston is still living on the old homestead, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. The subject of this sketch was brought up on his father’s Feb. 12, 1852, he was married to Jane Porter. Four children were born to them—John L., born Dec. 5, 1852, and died March 19, 1875; Robert J., born Jan. 13, 1856; Maggie J., born May 9, 1858, and Willie G., born Sep. 27,1872. In the spring of 1856 Mr. Johnston emigrat- ed to Jowa, and settled on section 2. On their arrival, they moved into a cabin with John Means, which was without a floor. At that time there was but one house between them and Fort Dodge, the county being avast wilderness over which the Indians roamed. His first provisions farm. were hauled from Des Moines. In the winter of 1856 he made a trip to Iowa City for more provisions, and it took eighteen days to make the trip, and cost $80 for traveling expenses. He owned the first team of horses in the county, which he brought from Pennsylvania with him. During the winter of 1856-7, known as the cold winter, Mr. Johnston with many of the pioneers endured much suffer- ing. He purchased the place where he now lives in 1862, on section 1, now in the incorporated town of Humboldt. He came to the county in limited circum- stances, but by energy, industry and judic- ious management, has accumulated a large and valuable property, and ranks with the first among the substantial and well-to-do farmers of the county. He has 950 acres of land, which he devotes to farming and stock raising; a good dwelling house, and one of the first barns built in the county. The barn is 40x64 feet in size, and built at a cost of $2,500. Mr. Johnston has been identified with the county for more ‘than a quarter of a century, and has wit- nessed the many changes which have taken place. He was chairman of the board of supervisors for three years, and held sev- eral local offices. His present dwelling house was built in 1866. The pine lum- ber was hauled at a cost of $80 per thou- sand. The lumber had to be ferried over the river in a small boat, fastened to a rope and carried up the bluff, as the river was not fordable that spring. The first winter he spent in the cabin he would frequently have to get up and shake the snow off the bed so that it would not get too heavy, for it would blow in wherever it could get a chance. ~

mE weiss 4, es in 858 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. Christian J. Lund, merchant at Thor, is a native of Norway, born May 4, 1857. He remained in the old country until 1860, when he and his parents, Jans and Secelia Lund, came to America and settled down in Clinton Co., Iowa, and after four years removed to Benton Co., Iowa, where Christian remained with the family, farm- ing, until 1877. In the fall of that year he came to this county and located on section 34, and followed farming. In the fall of 1879, after his parents’ had bought a farm and settled down in this county, he engaged in merchandising at what was then known as Verbeck postoffice, remain- ing about two years. He engaged in his present business in August, 1882. THe was married Jan. 18, 1883, to Martha Riveland, of Benton Co., Iowa. They have one child—Jens Cornelius. Mr. Lund is at present justice of the peace, and town- ship clerk of Norway township. The pioneer blacksmith shop was opened by Ommund Erickson, in Septem- ber, 1882, and it still flourishes under his able hands. Field & Smith established their drug store in Thor, in October, 1883, and are building up some desirable trade. The senior partner, Dr. D. L. Field, is a prac- ticing physician, and attends to most of the aches and ills of the community. Ole Olson opened a saloon here, in No- vember, 1883, and it continues to supply the needs of the thirstily inclined. The carpenter shop of S Sivertson was opened in December, 1883, and already, the convenience of the trade being located is appreciated. RELIGIOUS. Uliensvangs Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in Aug- ust, 1872, with the following members: L. Olson, 8. Olson, M. Olson, J. R. Olson, L. Sheldos, E. Tenneson, J. Onerem, Ole Espe, J. Opheim, Nels 8. Johnson, Nels M. Johnson, Ommund Sauven, Lars Maage, Mrs. Carrie Olson and K. Nelson. As is usual in this denomination, this in- cluded their families. The above first meeting was held in Mrs. Carrie Olson’s house, and the minister on that and fol- fowing occasions, was O. A. Sauer. The church edifice was built in the summer of 1881, and stands on section 28. It is a neat and tasty building of frame, an orna- ment to the neighborhood. It cost some- thing like $1,300 to put it up, and is the pride of the society. Mr. Sauer contin- ued the pastor of the Church until Janu- ary, 1882, when he was succeeded by Rev. John Tackle, of Fort Dodge, who is at present in charge. The Church now num- bers some forty families. Rev. Ole A. Sauer is a resident of Nor- way township, living on section 28, He is a native of Norway, born March 2, 1844. When eighteen years old he became a student of Gjertsens Latin School, at Krishania, Norway, attending until 1866, in which year he came to America and locating at St. Louis, Mo., attended the Theological Lutheran Concordia Seminary of that city for about three years. In 1869 he went to Wisconsin, where on the 2d day of September he was ordained a minister of the Lutheran Church, and ac- cepted his first charge Sept. 26, 1869, in Story Co., Iowa, preaching there until 1872. He then took charge of a mission, which at first consisted of small settle- ments in Humboldt, Webster,Buena Vista, Clay, Kossuth, Franklin and Wright “e— a a | HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 859 counties, altogether fifteen congregations. He preached in these counties until 1876, when his charge was reduced to Humboldt, Webster, Franklin, Wright and Kossuth counties. Next year, 1877, his charge was again reduced to three congregations in Humboldt and Webster counties, for which he continued to preach until Jan- uary, 1883, when he, on account of poor health, resigned with intention to take up the preaching again in case his health should be improved. He has at present settled on his farm on section 28, where he has 120 acres of well improved land. He was married Jan. 8, 1871, to Mary Krohn, a native of Norway. They have five children now living—-Ambrosius, Carl Ignatius, Heman O., Rudolf Julius, and Lorens Antonius. The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church, belonging to the Hanges Synod, was instituted at a meeting held in the house of Ole Halgrims,in June, 1872. Rev. Mr. Aaserod presided at this meeting, preaching the first sermon, and baptizing four Danish children. Prior to this,in May, he baptized Cornelius Halgrims, who was the first child born in the. township. In the latter part of October, Rev. F. H. Carlson, of Fayette county, came to this locality and organized the above congre- gation, with some nine families. The first death that occurred in this little flock was Barje, a child of Asbjorn Jacobson. Rev. H. Hendrickson is the present pastor, and has been with them eight years min- istering to the spiritual wants of the Church. Twenty-five families now sup- port the congregation and make up the membership. Norway township lay for years without a white inhabitant, being considered by all as the poorest land in the county. But these Norwegian emigrants, many of them with no wealth but youth, and strength and health, came here and by indefatiga- ble exextions have made it. one of the best in Humboldt county. At the census of 1880, notwithstanding its late settlement, it had a population of 512, of which only fifty-three were voters. Its school favili- ties are excellent, there being now seven of these institutions of learning in opera- tion, and each have an enrollment of about thirty-five pupils. Only good teachers are employed, and as a result the children advance rapidly. Ezekiel T. Malvick is a native of Nor- way, born Sept. 12, 1847. He grew to manhood and obtained an education in his native country, where he engaged in the mercantile business, until 1866. In that year he came to America; his desti- nation being Lansing, Iowa. He did not remain there a very long time, but went to Winona, Minn., where he entered the First State Normal School,from which he graduated with a teacher’s diploma. He then taught in that State two years, and attended school one year, after which he went to Colfax Co., Neb., and studied law in the office of Hon. Reuben Butler; also engaged in teaching till 1872. He re- turned that year to Minnesota and taught school two terms in Winona county, then engaged in the drug business at Austin, in the same State, which he continued one year, was then in the dry goods busi- ness at Grand Meadows, Minn., a short time, then returned to Winona and at- tended the High School one winter. In A o_o = a 860 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. the year 1875 he went to Minneapolis and was, for a time, professor in the Augsburg Seminary. He then came to Webster Co., Iowa, and resided until the spring of 1881, when he came to this county and settled upon his present farm, which farm consists of 120 acres. He was married March 4, 1877, to Carrie Ereckson, of Nor- way. They have two children—Emma C. and Edwin C. Wade H. Brown isa native of New York, born in Millsboro, Essex county, Oct. 11, 1822. He was there reared, receiving a good common school education. In 1849 he went to the State of Connecticut, re- maining one year, being engaged in rail- roading the greater portion of the time. While in Bridgeport he often saw P. T. Barnum and Tom Thumb, who had just returned from Europe. In June, 1850, Mr. Brown engaged to work for a man named Smith, a railroad contractor. Af- ter completing the track laying he was employed by the company as foreman of repairs. In June, 1852, he went Kosciusko Co., Ind., where he cleared a farm out of the heavy timber land, and followed farm- ing in that place until 1870. He then sold out and came to Humboldt county. He located in Dakota City and farmed for six years, then removed to Norway town- ship, where he still resides. On the 6th of October, 1851, he was united in mar- riage with Rosanna Leedy, of Jefferson township, Richland Co., Ohio. They have five children—Sarah L., Lizzie M., Wil- liam O., Arial C. and John L. Peder Larsen is a native of Norway, born Jan. 11, 1853. His father being a farmer, he had to do his share of the farm work, but received a good education. In 1870 he emigrated to America, locating in Clayton Co., Iowa. He worked during the summer and attended school in the winter for three years, after which he came to this county and engaged in the stock business until 1880, when he located on his farm, which contains 200 acres. On the 2d of March, 1880, he was united in marriage with Mattie Kluge, born in Norway. They have two children—Lars Gunillins and Mardy Adillia. They are members of the Lutheran Church. Ole Korslund was born in Norway, April 5, 1852, and is the son of Hans and Olea (Olson) Korslund. The family emi- grated to the United States in 1868, and settled in Iowa Co., Wis., where they lived upon a farm until 1872, then came to Webster Co., Iowa, from whence Ole came in 1874 to this county. His father came to the county and settled in 1878, and they worked together until 1879. In that year he located upon a farm on sec- tion 10, on which he lived two years. In the fall of 1881 he settled on his pres- ent farm, where he owns 188 acres of improved land. On Oct. 27, 1881, Annie F. Hausen became his wife. She is a na- tive of Iowa. _They have one child— Minnie O. They are members of the Lutheran Church. Hendrik Pederson is a native of Nor- way, born March 38, 1827, where he re- mained upon a farm until 1861, when he came to America, locating in Clinton Co., Iowa, remaining there, engaged in farm- ing, three years, when he removed to Benton county and lived until 1876, then came to this county, and the year follow- ing bought his present farm. He has 220 acres of land well improved. He was oe ee HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 861 married April 22, 1861, to Caroline Olson. They have had eleven children, six of whom are now living—Christopher Al- bert, born May 2, 1870; Magrathe Gjor- tine, born Nov. 1, 1872; Hans Olie, born May 3, 1875; Alette Marie, born April 26, 1878; Olena Bredina, born June 15, 1880; Clara Henriete, born Dec. 9, 1882. Mr. Pederson isa member of the Lutheran Charch. He is at present sub-director. Peder J. Lund is a native of Norway, born Sept. 18,1855. In 1860 he came with his parents to Clinton Co., Iowa, where they lived four years, then removed to Benton county, same State, and re- mained until 1879, when they came to this county. Peder came in November, and located where he now lives, and owns 100 acres of land. He was married April 25, 1878, to Torkelanna Olson. Mr. Lund is a member of the Lutheran Church. CHAPTER XAALA. RUTLAND This sub-division of Humboldt county lies in the central tier of townships and is among the banner farming localities of northwestern Iowa. Delana township lies on the north; Grove on the east; Corinth on the south, and Avery on the west. It is a full congressional township of thirty- six sections, embracing the territory of township 92, in range 29, and contains an area of 23,040 acres, a large portion of which is under cultivation. The land in Rutland is mostly prairie of a rolling nature, and has a most excel- lent soil of great fertility, being admir- ably adapted for all kinds of farming and stock purposes. The West Fork of the Des Moines river traverses the south west- ern portion of the township, entering it on the west line of section 30, and gently flowing through that and sections 29, 28, 27 and 34, where it passes out of Rutland. TOWNSHIP. Along this stream, as elsewhere on its banks, large masses of stone crop out and considerable quarries have been de- veloped. But unlike the older Rutland, of the Green Mountain State, no granite formation forms its rock bed, but oolitic limestone, of the Kinderhook group. The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad follows the course of the river valley through the township, thus bringing the great marts of the world almost to the very doors: of the fortunate residents, making this a favored location to the home- seeker in the great west. In the early part of 1856 William Burkholder, and his sons, came into the township from Ohio, and took up the whole of section 28, as homesteads, on which they built a cabin. They never resided in the township, and are now liv- ing in Fort Dodge. oe aly ets, a pe a | 862 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. The first actual settlers appear to be Ambrose Booth, one of the early set- Jonathan Hutchinson and H. A. Cramer, | tlers, who first came to Kossuth county who came in the same year. with W. H. Ingham, removed to Rutland Johnathan Hutchinson located a homc- | in 1856, and settled down upon part of stead upon section 34, where he made his | section 36. After about three years’ stay home fora time. He was the first county | he left the county, going to Fort Dodge. judge of Humboldt county, under which | He was a native of England, and a well head aslight sketch of him may be found. | educated, shrewd Yankee, H. A. Cramer, who came from Ohio, Leander Chase, who had come to this settled upon section 34, also, and having | County from Michigan, took up aclaim on built him a cabin of logs, in primitive section 80, in the fall of 1856. He-re- style, resided in it until the fall of 1858, | sided in the village of Dakota unti] 1858, when he removed to Fort Dodge. His however, but in the spring of that year, son Lloyd, who was born here in July, moved on to his farm where he remained 1857, was the first birth in the township. | about six months. When winter ap- During the same year, 1856, Wash- proached he removed to Fort Dodge, ington and Albert Clark, Thomas Reed where he continued to reside until he en- and Ambrows Booth made settlements in, | [ted Tm the service of the government the township. in the late War between the States, and on being discharged, returned to his na- tive State. In May of 1857, Patrick Sheridan, a native of the Emerald Isle, came to Rut- land from Cascade, Dubuque county, and settled upon section 20, taking up 160 acres, which he at once proceeded to make Washington Clark, who had come to the county this year from Ohio, and who lingered for awhile in Dakota, located on section 36, where he lived for about two years, when he went back to his native State. During the late war, he, while in the service of the government, was cap- tured by the rebels and hung as a spy. Mr. Clark was the parent of the first child in the town of Dakota. into a farm. Mr. Sheridan is still a resi- dent of the township, the oldest living representative of the noble band of pio- neers that opened up to civilization in Albert Clark, his cousin, settled upon 4 | putland township. He tells how that he part of the same section, but when Wash- | often, in those early days during his first ington removed, he grew dissatisfied, and | three years residence, passed several days after a little while emigrated to a warmer | and often weeks without exchanging clime and now lives at Knoxville, in this | words with any person. State. ; Patrick Sheridan is the owner of a fine Thomas Reed, a native of Pennsylva- | farm of 242 acres on section 20, Rutland nia, took up a claim upon section 36. In| township. He is the son of Patrick and 1859 he was seized with the mania for | Margaret (Welch) Sheridan, born in the digging gold and went to Pike’s Peak, | parish of Easky, county Sligo, Ireland, Col., where he was killed. March 24, 1830. In May, 1855, he came “x4 : — q \— to America and located at Cascade, Du- buque Co., Iowa, where he remained one and a half years, then went to Minnesota, and spent three months upon a island in the Mississippi river, chopping wood and splitting rails, after which he returned to Cascade, ond one month later came to Humboldt county, and lived in Dokota City eleven months, then settled upon his present farm. He was married June 2, 1863, to Margaret L. Barton, daughter of James and Margaret (Beatty) Barton, of Cascade, Iowa. They have had eight children, seven of whom are living—Ella J., Mary E., John P., William J., David B., Sadie E. and Richard B. Maggie A., their second child, died at the age of fifteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Sheridan are members of the Baptist Church, Mrs. Sheridan was born in Ireland, in 1841, and came with her parents to America in 1842. They located at Cascade, Iowa, in 1842, where her father died in 1852. Her mother still resides at that place. Mr. Sheridan’s mother died in 1835 and his father in 1877. Politically, Mr. Sheridan is arepublican. He has held the office of township trustee fifteen years in all, and eight years consecutively. He has been justice of the peace five’years, and at pres- ent is township clerk and school director. He is the owner of a large herd of cattle, and is the only one of the first settlers of Rutland who live there at the present time. Just two weeks before the, advent of Mr. Sheridan, W. Calvin Beer came into the territory now known as Rutland from. Ashland, Ohio, and purchasing a claim to 160 acres, on section 28, of the Burkhold- ers, proceeded to lay out a farm. He was the first county assessor after the organi- zation of Humboldt. He lived here for about a year anda half, when he sold out and returned to Ohio, where he has since died. The next to settle was William Sheri- | dan, a native of Ireland, but who had been aresident of New York city. He located a claim of 160 acres on section 20, where he lived for eight months, when he returned to New York. He is now the pastor of a Baptist Church in Toledo, Qhio, but still is a land owner in Hum- boldt county, having some 200 acres on section 20. George F. Cass, of Illinois, located upon section 36, in the early part of 1858, which he purchased of Washington Clark. He lived on this place a short time, when he removed to Dakota City, where he now resides. Elihu Ransom and his brother, Amos, made a claim on section 34 in the spring of 1858. They left here the next year. Elihu returned after some years, and now lives on his farm on the above section. Elihu Ransom was born in Bradford Co., Penn., May 12, 1829, and is the son of Henry and Hannah (Spencer) Ransom. The former died in 1858, the latter in 1841. When. twenty-one years old Elihu went to Detroit, Mich., remained there a short time, and then engaged in teaming in different places in that State for two years. He then went to Kane Co., Ill, and one year later to St. Paul, Minn., and soon after went to work in the pineries, which he continued until 1857. In that year he went back to his old home in Pennsylvania, remained a short time, and then returned to the west. He first 4 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 863 atts a e a * ¢ gle eC, 864 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. stopped in Burlington, Iowa, and soon after went to Fort Dodge, where he worked at blacksmithing one winter, thence to Humboldt county, where he pre-empted a quarter section of land in Corinth township, which he afterwards traded for 144 acres in Rutland township. He then went to Muscatine county and followed farming about two years, thence to Cedar county, and there engaged in farming and teaming until 1870, return- ing at that date to his farm in Rutland township, which is his residence at pres- ent. He was married June 20, 1867, to - Diana Albright, and two children— Charlie and Esther, were born to them, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Ransom died in August, 1870, and. was buried in Durant Cemetery,in Muscatine Co., Iowa. Mr. Ransom was again married Dee. 25, 1871, to Mrs. Mary E. (Martin) Thurber, daughter of John E. and Elizabeth R. (Davis) Martin, of Clayton Co., Iowa. By this union there was one child—Edwin A., who died June 7, 1879. Mrs. Ransom had one daughter by her former marriage —Nellie E., who was married Dec. 17, 1882, to West Bull, of Corinth township. Mrs. Ransom is a member of the United Brethren Church. Her father was born March 18, 1818, in Amherst Co., Va.; her mother May 19, 1819, in Rockbridge Co., Va. They were married in 1838. The former now resides in Palo Alto Co., Iowa, the latter died at Charleston, W. Va. The even numbered sections were brought in market June 14, 1858, and most of the settlers borrowed money to pay for their land and left here, thinking to earn money to redeem them, but none of that class ever returned to the town- ship. David Downer came here in the spring of 1858. He was a native of Vermont, and located on section 30. Here he re- mained for some little time, when he re- turned to the Green Mountain State. Samuel Van Emmon, who came from Cincinnati about the same time, settled on section 80, and built a good hewed log cabin, and purchased over 1,000 acres of land at the government land sale in June, 1858. He did not bring his family with him, and he returned to his Ohio home, to visit them, and while there died. Elam Shattuck settled upon section 27 in 1860, where he remained for some eight years. He wasa native of Illinois, and from here, after a short stay in the town of Humboldt, went to California. George Ellithorpe, in 1860,located upon section 29, where he resided until Novem- ber, 1862, when he died. In March, 1860, the settlers had all left this township except N. S. Ames ‘and P. H. Sheridan. Those that left and had their lands paid for did not care to return and finish the hardships of pioneer life, and those that had hired money at forty per cent. to pay for their farms did not come back, as times were hard every where. In April, 1860, Walter Thomas moved with his family from Dakota on to section 34, and pre-empted land on section 35, where he afterwards lived. About April, 1860, a proclamation was made that the odd numbered sections were open to settlers. These lands had been considered to belong to the Des 9 we: Fie HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 865 Moines Valley Railroad Company. It would have been well for many of the settlers had this never been made, for the latter are suffering for it now. William Murray came to Rutland in August, 1860, and made a claim on sec- tion 27, but lived for over a year with P. Ii. Sheridan. Giving up his claim here, he went over into Avery township, where he lived until the war broke out, when he enlisted in the service of, the government. At the close of the war he returned to Avery, where he now lives. Edward Snook and J. A. Rowley came here from Illinois with their families and settled on section 33. David Thomas came to this township with his father and settled upon section 35. David Thomas,a prosperous farmer of of Rutland township, was born Jan. 29, 1840, and is the son of Walter and Mary Thomas, who, at the time of his birth, were residents of Washington Co.,N. Y. At the age of fifteen years, he went to Dodge Co., Wis., and worked upon a farm four years. In 1860, he came to Humboldt connty and located 160 acres on section 25, of Rutland township, upon which he lived until 1870, when, on ac- count of failing health, he moved to Hum- boldt. In 1879, he purchased ninety-two acres on section 35, where he has erected a neat two story frame house, and sub- stantial out-buildings. Mr. Thomas was married March 11, 1866, to Mrs. Sarah D (Simmons) Rowley, daughter of Charles and Jeanette (Winton) Simmons, of Rut- land township. They have two children —Marion and Myra. Mr. Thomas is a member of the republican party, and has held the offices of township trustee, school director and councilman. He still owns forty acres of his oldfarm, and also a cul- tivated farm of 160 acres in Avery. Jacob Murray, in December, 1861, came to this locality from his native land, Ire- land. Hehad hoped to meet here his — brother, William, but he was off to the war, so Jacob remained with Mr. Sheri- dan, helping him until April, 1864, when he moved on to his claim in Avery town- ship, and where he now lives with his brother, William. In the summer of 1862, Rasmus John- son, a Norwegian, came here from Wis- consin, and made aclaim on section 21, where he moved his family in the spring of 1864. He remained here several years and then sold out, and removed to Kan- sas, where he now lives. FIRST THINGS. The first birth in the township was that of Lloyd Cramer, born in July, 1857. The second was that of Nancy 8. Ames, the daughter of N.S. and Catharine Ames, born in March, 1858. The lady is at present engaged in teaching in a col- lege in Oregon. The first death was that of Mrs. James Hinton, who was drowned in the river, in the spring of 1862. Her body was not found until the following winter, when it was buried in what is now Union Ceme- tery. The second death was that of George Elithorpe, who died on the 1st of Novem- ber, 1862, and was interred in Union Cemetery, being the first burial in that “city of the dead.” , The first marriage was that of Michael Boyle and Margaret Sheridan, the sister eo ~ ey 866 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. of Patrick Sheridan, who were united on the 15th of December, 1859. The second marriage of a resident of the township was that of Patrick Sheri- dan to Margaret Barton, who were united on the 2d of Jnne, 1863, at Cascade, ‘ whither he had gone for his bride. Rev. John Bates performed the ceremony. The third marriage was that of Joseph Davis and Diana Elithrope, which took place onthe Ist of February, 1864, the rite being solemnized by Rev. 8. H. Taft, of Humboldt. The first religious exercises were held at the funeral of George Elithorpe, Nov. 2, 1862, by Rev. Billings, a Methodist clergyman from Kossuth county. The next preaching was performed by Charles Atkinson, of Rutland township, at the residence of Patrick Sheridan in October, 1867. The first school was taught in the sum- mer of 1863, by Sarah C. Wickes, now Mrs. Bowen. Rutland was organized in 1867, being at that time set off from Dakota town- ship, and was composed of what now constitutes this and Avery township. The first election was held at the general election in the fall of that year, when but thirty-nine votes in all were polled. The following named were elected the first township officers: H.G. Bicknell, super- visor; Patrick Sheridan, David ‘Thomas and T. T. Rogers, trustees; W. O. Atkin- son, town clerk; Charles Simmons, assess- or; W. H. Locke and Moses Adams, jus- tices; Charles Sherman, constable. ‘The following constitutes the present officers of Rutland township: A. O. Skin- ner, Eli Tellier and J. C. Willey, trustees; Patrick Sheridan, clerk; W. H. Sherman, assessor; W.H. Locke and Eugene Tel lier,justices; Charles Sherman and Andrew Pavey, constables; F. Jacobs, George Beair, George DeGroote, William Mc- Collum and H. 8. Marquis, road _super- visors. There are two cemeteries in the town. ship, Union and Rutland. The former of these was laid out in October, 1862, and had at that time about two acres. The first to be buried in this beautiful ‘“God’s Acre” was George Elithorpe, who was in- terred on the 2a of November, 1862. In 1882 the cemetery was enlarged to four- teen acres, and is one of the most beauti- ful inthis section of country. Rutland Cemetery was laid out by T. Ellwood Collins. VILLAGE OF RUTLAND. This embryo town was laid out in the fall of 1869, by H. G. Bicknell, the plat being filed for record on the 4th day of December, of that year. Mr. Bicknell came to Humboldt county, in 1862, from Beaver Dam, Wis., and took up a claim to 320 acres of land on section 29. He went from here to Webster City where he was engaged in running a hotel, but in 1867 he came back and settled on what is now the village plat. At one time he was the owner of 1,600 acres of land in this and the adjoining township of Avery. He laid out the village, which was to be the rival of Humboldt, in 1869. In Janu- ary, 1883, he removed, with his family, to New York city. The first store building was moved from Bicknell’s farm and was a small edifice, being only 12x32 feet in size. In this, in 1870, J. C. Helms opened the first stock ae Bio tle HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 867 of general merchandise. This gentleman came here from the town of Humboldt, with but a small stock of goods, invoicing not much over $300. He continued in business here for about six months when he gave it up. He afterward removed to Dexter, Dallas Co., Iowa, where he died. The village was now without a store until 1871, when a company of gentlemen, from Humboldt, trading under the name and style of the Rutland Mercantile & Manufacturing Company, opened a gen- era] merchandise store. This corporation was composed of E. A. Wilder, Dr. Ira L. Welch and E. K. Lord. Shortly after the initiation of the store, D. F. Simmons was admitted as a partner in the prospective gains. Under this administration. the store was operated for about two years, when it was purchased by E. A. Wilder, who kept it here about one year longer, and then removed the goods to Hnmboldt. After a short time, C. N. King, of Avery township, essayed his hand at keeping a “country store” at this place, and kept it up fur two years, when he re- moved the stock to Bradgate. — While Mr. King was revolving the pro- ject of removal, A, W. Creed, of Rolfe, Pocahontas county, removed his stock of goods from that place, to Rutland and opened a store in the same general line. This he ran for about three years, when he removed to Whittemore, Kossuth county. In 1879, George Welch, seeing the field for the enterprise entirely unoccupied, put in a bright new stock and opened a store in the same old building. After about a year he disposed of his stock and business to John A, Koob, of Dubuque, who oper ated it two years, when he in turn closed out and removed to Dakota City, where he now lives. Before, however, the store was entirely done away with, E. A. Wild- er, Jr., had started a new one, still in the general merchandise line. After about six months he admitted as partner in the business, Frank Britten, and the firm of Wilder & Britten have a monopoly of the trade of that section, being the only store in the village. The store building now occupied by them, was built in 1881-2, by J.C. Willey, and was first occupied by O. D. Legg, who came here from Michigan, and opened up a hardware and grocery store. ‘This he operated for about six months when he removed the stock to Gilmore. Messrs. Wilder & Britten, then took the building, and are doing a good business, in all the various lines that go to make up the ‘“‘general store.” Mr. Wilder was raised in Humboldt county and isa good specimen of its citizens, while Mr. Britten came from Grant Co., Wis. The pioneer blacksmith of the village was O F. Shaw, who came to Rutland from Fort Dodge and established his smithy in 1871. He remained here about two years, when he abandoned the field and moved to Nebraska. Shortly after he left, however, as this community cannot be without its smith, D. C. Sandbo came from Fort Dodge and rekindled the forge, and the sound of hammer on anvil was again heard in the village. Eight years he remained, but in 1881 he removed to Bode, where he is engaged in the avoca- tion of his craft. In the meantime, in 1877, James Oxbor- row, of Walnut, Ill, had put up the shop <<. te ‘. ee) — ba 868 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 4 that he at present occupies, and where all day long the sparks fly from his anvil. He is at present the only man of his call- ing in the community, and is pressed by work in consequence. The flour and grist mill, now idle, was erected in 1871, by the Rutland Mercan- tile & Manufacturing Company, and con- tained three run of bubrs. This mill, which has as good water power as any in this portion of our beautiful State, was run until 1880, when, on account of the high water carrying out the dam, it was allowed to come to a stand-still, and the clatter of its wheel to be hushed: Stand- ing as it does in some of the finest agri- cultural territory of the county, it 1s only a question of time when it will again be the scene of its former activity and pros- perity. The hotel was established by Charles Sherman, who came here from Avery township in 1870. The regular Baptist Church has a soci- ety that held its first meetings for the cel- ebration of divine service in August, 1873, in the school houses in the township under the ministrations of John and Wil- liam Sheridan, The Church was organ- ized on the 18th of December, 1875, by Rev. George W. Freeman, of Fort Dodge, with a membership of nine. As the years have rolled on this has increased, until the infant Church can boast of twenty mem- bers upon its rolls, after fourteen being dis- missed to form Bradgate Church. The first pastor that ministered to the spiritual wants of the little flock, was Rev. R. Per- sons, who took charge in January, 1880,and officiated in that capacity for three years. He was succeeded by Rev. E. G. O. Groat, of Dakota, in April, 1883. The first offi- cers were the following named: John Maloney and Patrick Sheridan, deacons; Patrick Sheridan, clerk; J. F. Leedom, J. Maloney and Eli Pavey, trustees. The officers at present consist of the follow- ing: Patrick Sheridan, deacon and clerk; W. J. Barton, R. N. Entwhistle and John M. Ferris, trustees. The Church owns two town lots. Rev. Reuben Persons ig a native of Cortland Co., N. Y., and was born April 21, 1818. In his youth he attended Cortland Academy, at Homer, after which he pursued his studies at Madison University, a literary and theological school, at Hamilton, Madison Co., N. Y. He was ordained in August, 1848, at Georgetown, Madison county, where he had charge of a Baptist Church four years, then went to Victor, Cayuga county, and preached two years, then at Hender- son, Jefferson county, three years. He then removed to DeKalb Co., Ill., and preached seven years at Johnson’s Grove, and for seven years was pastor of a Church at Clinton Center, now Waterman, in the same county. He next went to Shabbona Grove and preached four years, and in December, .1879, came to Humboldt coun- ty and located, preaching at Manson, Cal- houn Co., Iowa, and at Rutland and differ- ent points in Humboldt county. In No- vember, 1882, he organized a Church at Bradgate, with sixteen members. He also preaches at Gilmore City every alter- nate week. Mr. Persons was married Aug. 14, 1845, to Abigail Mack, daughter of Benjamin and Martha C.(Smith) Mack, of Cayuga Co., N. Y. They have had nine children, eight of whom are living— (ead —— HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 869 Judson M., Ellen M., R. Newell, Martha M., Amelia, Eugene, Morton and Hattie S. Charles Edward died Sept. 19, 1863, aged five months and two days. ll of the family are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Persons resides in Rutland village, where he has residence property. The Free Baptist Church was estab- lished in Rutland village on the Ist of October, 1881, by J. H. Moxom, assisted by S. Summerland, of the Home Mission Board. At the date of its organization, it had some twelve members, which have in- creased, in theinterim, to twenty. Meet- ings were held in the school house, but in July, 1883, the society commenced the erection of the church edifice. This is 30x40 feet, with a vestibule 8x12 feet, and cost in the neighborhood of $1,400. A cupola or spire, pointing the road all would go, towers above it reaching a point some sixty feet from the ground. The first officers, which hold their positions at present, were: Eli Pavey, Sr., deacon; W. HL. Locke, clerk; R. A. Pavey, Daniel DeGroote and Eli Pavey, Jr., trustees. The depot of the station of Rutland was erected in 1881, and opened for busi- ness on the 2d of January, 1882. At that time J. J. Auld was appointed station agent, and continues to hold the position to the present moment. , The iron bridge at Rutland was built in the spring 1874. In September, 1880, Fred. Needimyer, of Corinth township, was crossing the bridge with a steam engine of a threshing machine. He passed the main span safely, though cracking the tim- bers that held up the road bed, but in crossing the appruach he broke through. The engine fell on top of Neekimyer and it took some time to extricate him. He died in afew hours. The first Sunday school was organized at Rutland in-July, 1869. It was then union, and is so still. W. F. Pike was superintendent; B. I. Barkley, assistant; W. 4H. Sherman, secretary ; P. Sheridan, treasurer; R. Entwhistle, librarian. W. O. Atkinson was born in Marshall Co., Il., March 4, 1842. His parents were Charles and Mary W. Atkinson. The former was a Methodist preacher, and re- moved frequently from one place to an- other. In 1859 Mr. Atkinson, the subject of this sketch, taught school. In 1860, he taught in Carthage, Hancock Co., IL, after which he went to Vermont, Fulton Co., Ill., and clerked in the store of E. & P. Hamer, five years. He then came to Iowa, located in Humboldt county, and purchased 160 acres of land on section 36, -of Rutland township, also eighty acres in Pocahontas county. In 1868 he built a nice house on his farm in this county. In 1871, he returned to Fulton Co., Ill., and taught school one winter, then went into Hamer’s store, and clerked one year. The next year, he clerked for H. Mershon & Son, and for the next seven years, was en- gaged in the same capacity, in the hard- ware store of E. & E. Dilworth. In the fall of 1880 he came back to his farm in Humboldt county, which has since been his home. He was married April 3, 1873, to Annie M. Haines, of West Grove, Ches- ter Co., Penn., daughter of William E. and Maria Haines. Mr. Atkinson was the first clerk of Rutland township, which was in 1867. His father, Charles Atkinson, was born in county Sligo, Ireland, in 1815. His mother was a native of Ohio. Mrs. } ale Af 870 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDI COUNTY. as] Atkinson’s parents are both dead, and buried in Pennsylvania. James M. McKitrick, son of John and Jane McKitrick, was born near Dromore, county Down, Ireland, Aug. 18, 1826. He followed farming until eighteen years of age, when he came to America, locating in Philadelphia, Penn., where he remained about eight months, then went to Seneca Co., Ohio, where he engaged in farming until 1868, thence came to Humboldt county, and located on section 2, Spring- vale township, or what is now called Corinth township. In 1878 he sold his stock of household goods, etc., and went back to Seneca Co., Ohio. He only re- mained there six months, when he came Humboldt county. This time he pur- chased 160 acres of land on section 24, Rutland township. He purchased this land while back to Ohio. He has erected a large and commodious two-story frame : house, and has one of the nicest lawns of any farmer in the township. He was married May §, 1851, to Miss M. J. Kelley, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Kelley, of Seneca Co., Ohio. They have had nine children, seven of whom are living—Eliza J., Anna M., Mary J., James W., Ella M., Frances I. and Archie A. One of their sohs, William J., died April 28, 1881, aged twenty-four years. [e-was a school teacher, but at the time of his death was engaged in keeping books for a firm in Humboldt. His loss was mourned by a large number of friends and acquaint- He was a bright and promising young man. All of Mr. McKitrick’s chil- dren are teachers except two. Mrs. Mc- Kitrick was born in county Armaugh, Ire- land. Mr. McKitrick is a republican, and ances. has held the offices of road supervisor, school director, etc Orville J. Hack was born in Brandon, Rutland Co., Vt., Nov. 1, 1834. He re- mained in the home of his childhood un- til twenty-one years old, then engaged in railroading. In 1858 he went to Nash- ville, Tenn., and worked at the same occu- pation. In the spring of 186] he returned to Vermont, remaining until fall, then went to Louisville, Ky. In 1862 he re- turned to Nashville and again went to work on the railroad, this time employed by the government. He worked in Ten- nessee, Alabama and Georgia, and in 1867 went back to Vermont, lived one year, and then went to Owatonna, Minn., where he remained two years, engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements. From Owatonna he came to Humboldt county, and purchased 350 acres of land in Grove township. He erected a steam saw and grist mill upon his farm, which he operated for three years, then’ moved it to Algona, Kossuth county. In 1877 he sold it to J J. Wilson, and went to Illinois, where he again engaged in rail- roading, working through Nlinois, Ken- tucky, Indiana and Tennessee. In 1882 he returned to Humboldt county and set- tled upon his farm in Rutland township, which he bad traded for, some years be- fore. It contains 160 acres. Mr. Hack was married Feb. 27, 1866, to Maggie E. Dashiell, daughter of John S. and Bar- bara (Graham) Dashiell, of Nashville, Tenn. They are the parents of four chil- dren, three of whom are living—Leon D., Daisy M. and Zadie May. There is a stone quarry upon Mr. Hack’s farm, which is likely to prove one of the finest in —= ys a 6 yy sale, al HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 871 northwestern Iowa, making the best of white lime, and will take a polish equal to any marble. : C. W. Prettyman is the owner of one of the best farms in the county, consisting of 160 acres, on section 24, of Rutland township. He was born in Lewes, Sussex Co., Del., Feb. 18, 1889, where he lived until 1878. He then moved to Bushnell, McDonough Co., Ill., and followed farm- ing near that place until 1882, when he came to Humboldt county and settled upon bis farm. He was married Dec. 6, 1871, to Zella Haines, of Chester Co., Penn. They have one child—Etta Marie. Mr. Prettyman’s mother died in March, 1866, and his father May 30,1881. They are buried in the home burying ground, near Lewes, Del. Mrs. Prettyman’s moth- er died Aug. 7, 1873, and her father April 7,1881. They are resting side by side in Kimbleville Cemetery, Chester Co., Penn. In 1861 Mr. Prettyman enlisted in company H, of the 3d Delaware Vol- unteer Infantry, in which he servegl as orderly sergeant. He participated in the battle of Harper’s Ferry,seven days fight under Pope on the Potomac, Bull’s Run, Antietam, and many other engagements of minor note. He was discharged in 1863, on account of disability, and re- turned home. In 1864 he helped organize the 5th Delaware Infantry and was com- missioned as 1st lieutenant, served a few months and resigned on account of ill health, in consequence of which he was unable to work for two years after his re- turn from the army. Henry Marso was born in Luxemburg, Germany, June 23, 1843. He lived there until twenty-eight years of age, when he came to America. While in Luxemburg he followed farming; also worked in a mill for three years. After coming to America he lived near Chicago, IIl., for six months. Then he went to Jackson Co., Iowa, where he followed farming for about two years. In 1874 he came to Humboldt county. In 1877 he purchased eighty acres of land on section 4, town- ship 92, range 29, Rutland township, where he now lives. In 1880 he bought another eighty acres on the same section. In 1875 he was married to Catharine Ren- land, born in Luxemburg, Germany. They have had seven children, six of whom are living—Henry N., Anna, Mag- gie, Mary, Joe and Catharine. Mr. and Mrs. Marso are members of the Catholic Church. His parents are dead. Her mother lives in Luxemburg. Her father died in 1883. 8 “a= HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. CHAPTER AXA. VERNON TOWNSHIP. Vernon is one of the northern tier of townships. Itis bounded on the north by Kossuth county, on the east by Wright county, on the south by Lake township, and on the west by Humboldt. It em- braces all of congressional township 93, range 27. The land is of a generally ex- cellent character, and fitted for agricul- tural pursuits, except that in the center it is inclined to be wet and low, but this portion of the township, on account of the rich native grasses that seek a humid soil, has its value as a grazing ground for the cattle, whose sleek hides and fine con- dition show the nourishment derived from this source. The only stream in the town- ship is Prairie creek, which runs across sections 8, 4,10. 11,13, 14 and 24, and passes into Wright county, where it emp- ties into the Boone. The Toledo branch of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway crosses the entire township, from southeast to northwest, on which road are located the two villages of Renwick and Vernon. The Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway trav- erses a small portion of the township in the southwest corner, there being only about a mile of the road therein. The extreme northwestern corner is also crossed by a small section of the Minne- apolis & St. Louis Railroad. The earliest steps leading to the found- ing and subsequent development of this now well settled and thriving township was made in the fall of 1862, when Ed- ward Flaherty and Daniel Zimmerman turned their steps thither. James Edward Flaherty, for that ap- pears to be his real name, although usu- ally known by that of Edward, located upon the southeast quarter of section 34, where he lived until about the spring of 1572, when he emigrated to Washington Territory, where he now resides. Daniel Zimmerman settled upon the southwest quarter of section 35, where he opened up a farm and dwelt until, in the spring of 1877, he removed to Olmsted Co., Minn., where he was living when last heard from. Soon after these two had settled, in the spring of 1863, John A. Foley came in, and locating a claim upon the southwest quarter of section 34, proceeded to make him a home in the then wilderness, where he resides to this day. Job Oldin, one of the prominent. resi- dents of the township at present, was the next to settle, coming here with, or im- mediately after Mr. Foley, with whom he is connected by marriage. Among those who settled in Vernon during the year 1863 were: Alexander “| co ee») Vv tte HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 873 a9} Usher, D. C. Starr, John Hughes and Thomas Hoy. Alexander Usher located a claim under the homestead act on section 36, and put- ting up a house dwelt therein until 1869, when he, not feeling satisfied, removed to Missouri. After living there a short time he moved back to Iowa, locating in Tama county, where he is still a resi- dent. D.C. Starr, and his two sons, took up homesteads on section 26, where they still live. It is said that when the township was,first organized Daniel Starr, and Ray and Lyman, his sons, were the only people in the same to pay taxes on personal property; being the only ones in possession of chattels of that descrip- tion. John Hughes, after a stay of some years, proved also a bird of passage, moving to Nebraska, where he has since died. Thomas Hoy opened up a farm, but not being able to live in peace with the part- ner of his life, in 1875 he made a suitable provision for the lady and separated from her, and went back to his native Ireland, where he is now enjoying the sound of “The bells of Shandon That sound so grand, on The banks of the river Lee.” ‘In 1864 more emigrants poured into this territory, among whom were: John Bar- tholomew, Gabriel Zimmerman, John Hess and many others. John Bartholomew remained some time, when he removed to Lake. He is still a resident in the county, living at present in Grove township Gabriel Zimmerman lived in the town- ship until bis removal to Washington Territory, in 1874. Oliver Hess died on his homestead in 1872, Rev. W. L. Lyons was the first to settle in the northeastern part of the township, all the other settlements having been made in the southern portion. He came here in the fall of 1864 and picked out his land but did not settle. In the following year be came with his family, on the 5th of August, and took up a homestead of 160 acres, on section 14, where he has opened up a fine farm, and where he continues to reside. He came here from Franklin Grove, Lee Co., Ill. In 1865 he broke about ten acres of ground and planted it with sod corn, and had a good crop in the fall, asa result. He built the first frame house in the township. Some of the lum- ber for which, he hauled from Goldfield, in Wright county, but doors, sash and tinishing lumber, he was compelled to get — by train, from Nevada, Story county, the nearest railroad station, about seventy- five milcs distant. His nearest neighbors were Messrs. Brink and Meyers, who set- tled the same year south of him. The nearest on the west was ten miles away. The nearest mill was at Webster City, a distance of about thirty miles, a long weary road to have a little grist ground. Mr. Lyons was the pioneer Presbyterian clergyman in the county, and organized the first Church in Sumner, now Liyer- more, on the 9th of November, 1867, and one at Springvale, now Humboldt, on the 11th of September, 1870, and several oth- ers throughout this and adjacent counties. Before there were any church edifices he was wont to speak in the school houses, charge of the various Churches he had la- and in the cabins of the settlers. He had oe 40 - t eee es 874 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. bored to establish, for some time, but of late he has been compelled to give up preaching, owing to his loss of voice. Rev. W. L. Lyons, the subject of this sketch, was born in the State of Ohio, April 21, 1820, and is the son of Thomas and Minnie Lyons. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, but of Scotch- Trish origin, and had removed to Ohio at an early day, and engaged in farming, first in Tuscarawas, and afterward in Harrison county. They raised a family of ten chil- dren, six sons and four daughters, two other daughters having died young. The subject of this sketch remained on the farm with his parents, until about seventeen years of age, when, with an older brother and sister, he entered the New Hagerstown Academy, where he remained two years. He then engaged in teaching his first school during the winter of 1839, in which he was quite successful, as the warm greeting he received at its close from his patrons abundantly showed. In the spring of 1840 he became a student in Western Reserve College, Ohio, but returned home at the close of the first term, sick. After being some weeks under the doctor’s care, without seeming to receive much benefit, he resolved to investigate the cause of his sickness and the remedies to be used. Ac- cordingly he procured such medical works as were necessary and commenced the in- vestigation. He found, however, that when the ague has taken a firm hold on a man, it is not easily shaken off, especially if the surroundings are in its favor; yet by careful attention to the liver, diet, ex- ercise and bathing, he was soon on his feet again. At this time Mr. Lyons wasa little over twenty years old, and besides the common English branches, had studied natural philosophy, chemistry, algebra, the first six books of geometry, and was able to read the New Testament, both in Latin and Greek. Many of his young class mates, of like attainments, were en. tering upon the study of law or medicine, and as they had chosen him as their ora- tor on one occasion, and as their public debator on another, might he not hope to be as successful as any of them, in public life. Being fully persuaded, however, that God had called him to a higher and nobler work, that of preaching the Gospel, he re- solved that nothing but death should turn him aside from the attainment of this object. To attain the necessary qualifica- tions in the Presbyterian Church, would require yet six or seven years study, three or four in college and three in the study of theology. Added to this, all, or nearly ‘all the money for the necessary expenses, must be earned by his own efforts. About four years were spent in the attainment of this object, and then, in 1844, he entered upon the regular four year’s course of study, in Jefferson College, Pennsylvania. Seldom sick or absent, for any cause, from recitation, these four years passed pleas- antly and rapidly away, with great ad- vantage to himself and credit to the in- stitution, and at their close, he with fifty- five others, received their diplomas of graduation. Having exhausted his means, and not feeling that the state of his health would warrant him in entering upon a | three year’s course in theology, without some relaxation, he resolved to try what benefit a milder climate and travel would have upon his health. Accordingly he spent two years in the south, teaching and oo “vo 4 feck aD HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 875 traveling, and at the end of that time re- turned north, improved in health, and en- tered upon the study of his profession, and after four years more study and teach- ing was licensed to preach the Gospel. Mr. Lyons was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg, Penn., and had placed himself under the care of the Presbytery of Pittsburg, where he passed the most of his examinations and completed his studies preparatory to licen- sure. But having came west to visit friends in Illinois and Iowa, in 1854, he was persuaded to remain,and having taken his dismission from the Presbytery of Pittsburg, to that of Schuyler, fll, he was licensed to preach the gospel at Quincy, Ill., Oct. 7, 1854. By request he spent the winter in supplying vacant Churches in the bounds of that Presbytery. In the spring he received a cordial invitation to take charge of the Vinton Presbyterian Church (O. 8.) and immediately entered upon this, his first regular charge. Dur- ing the year he was ordained and installed over that Church as its first pastor, in a church edifice he had been instrumental in erecting and completing; it being the first church edifice ever erected in Vinton. He had also built a house for himself, and on the 7th of July, 1856, was married to Elizabeth M. Hollister, of Salisbury, Conn., but at that time teaching in the Female Seminary of Fairfield, Iowa. Mr. Lyons gave one half of his time to Vinton and Big Grove, and the other half to such settlements as he might find in reach. As a result of his first two years’ labor, three new Churches were gathered and organ- ized, at three of his points of preaching, of eleven, fifteen and seventeen members respectively, and the Vinton Church had increased from fourteen to over forty in membership. During the next two years of his ministry, we find him settled at Winterset, supplying a new Church there of eleven members, and also one at In- dianola of three members. The Church at Winterset had increased to forty-five and had built achurch. Indianola increased to twenty-three members and had a sub- scription of $1,600 for building a church. At this time the subject of our narative was prostrated by a severe attack of diph- theria, which threatened his life for sev- eral weeks, and from which he did not re- cover so as to be able to preach for nine months. He then received an invitation to the two Churches in Illinois he had supplied for a few months after he was licensed, which were now vacant. This he accepted, and remained in that State for about six years, successfully preaching the Gospel. One of these Churches had not yet built a house of worship, but used a hired hall for that purpose. Being noti- fied one Sabbath, after service, that this hall could not be had longer, Mr. Lyons requested the male members of his con- gregation to meet af his house on Mon- day morning to consider the propriety of building a house of worship for them- selves. They met, resolved to build, and in six weeks had the house completed and dedicated, free of debt; thus confirm- ing the old adage, that “where there is a will there is a way.” Some time after this, Mr. Lyons was compelled to desist from public speaking on account of throat trouble, as he never had fully recovered from the effects of the diphtheria. Being thus prevented from deriving a support YY ie or “so ) ashy 876 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. from his profession, he returned to Iowa and took a homestead of 160 acres, and removed his family on to itin 1865, where he now lives. He now owns one of the best stock farms of Humboldt Co., Iowa, of 400 acres in one body, with a nice stream of water running through the middle of it. He has about 200 acres in cultivation, and stocked with sixty head of cattle, eleven of horses and colts, and about forty head of swine. His family consists of himself, wife and seven chil- dren—four sons and three daughters—all republicans and strong prohibitionists. Healthy out-door exercise on the farm improved Mr, Lyon’s health, and espe- cially his throat, so that in a few months, be was able to resume public speaking, becoming the pioneer preacher for this and parts of adjoining counties, in which he has gathered several Churches, so that his field at one time was so large, that it required him to travel more than 100 miles to fill his appointments. At first, preaching in private houses, sod school houses, or in groves beside streams, but always to attentive and respectful listen- ers. This is his thirtieth year in the min- istry, more than twenty of which have been spent under commission from the Board of Home Missions of the Presby- terian Church, in the State of Iowa. That indomitable energy and perseverance that characterized him in his preparatory studies, did not forsake him when he had entered upon his life work. Perhaps it is not too much to say, that few ministers in the west have been more successful in gathering and organizing Churches and Sabbath schools and in erecting church edifices than he. And fewer still, that have labored as many hours, traveled as many miles by private conveyance in fill- ing their appointments, and faced as many furious storms on the open prairie, as he. His salary has not averaged over $500 a year, yet he has not neglected the educa- tion of his children. His oldest daughter has been three years in college and his three older sons two years each, and the younger ones he hopes to have enter col- lege in a short time, to all of whom he expects to give a first-class education. Among the settlers of 1865 were John Lockwood and Lasley Barton. Mrs. Nancy A. Lockwood was born in Fayette Co., Ind., Nov. 19, 1840, and is the daughter of Samuel and Martha Stan- ley, natives of Fayette county. She re- mained with her parents until her mar- riage, in 1860, to John Lockwood, son of Abraham and Elizabeth Lockwood, natives of New York. He was born April 18, 1836. They were married in Jones Co., Iowa, where they resided until 1865. They then came to Humboldt county and took a homestead on section 27, township 93, range 27, in Vernon township, where Mr. Lockwood died Jan. 23,1875. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Lockwood sold this property and purchased 160 acres on section 29, where she resided until 1883, at which time she removed with her family to the place where she lives at present, on section 26, near the village of Renwick. Upon this farm is a good new two story frame house, and other improvements. Mrs. Lockwood has seven children, all of whom reside with her—George H., Katie N., Harry J., Frank Eugene, Mary J., Agnes E. and Eva A. Albert 8. and Allie May are de- =a ~— = “ a pales castle, Penn. HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 877 ceased. Katie N. is a teacher in one of the schools of Vernon township. Lasley Barton, one of the early settlers of Vernon township, is the son of Nathan- iel and Rachel Barton, natives of Mary- land, and now residents of Missouri. He was born May 1, 1842, in Hocking Co., Ohio, and remained with his parents until nineteen years of age. He enlisted Aug. 5, 1861, in company I, of the 27th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, organized at Camp Butler, Springfield, Ill. The regiment first moved to Cairo, thence to Belmont, Mo., where he participated in his first battle. He was afterwards engaged in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Resaca, Kenesaw, Peach Tree Creek and the siege of Atlanta. At the expiration of his term of enlistment he was honor- ably discharged at Springfield, Ill., Sept. 20,1864. At that time he held the rank of corporal in his company. He then went to Henry Co., Ill., and engaged in farming until the fall of 1865, when he removed with his parents and brothers to Humboldt Co., Iowa, and took a home- stead on section 5, township 93, range 27, where he now lives, and owns 500 acres of land, 200 of which are under cultiva- tion. He has good improvements, and is engaged in raising grain and stock. He was married Sept. 18, 1868, to Elizabeth J. Hughs, daughter of George and Har- riett Hughs. The former is a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Maine. Mrs. Barton was born Sept. 14, 1850, in New- They have had four chil- dren, three of whom are living—Elva M., Franklin 8. and Merton L. Mr. and Mrs. Barton are members of the M. E. Church. He is a member of the G. A. R., Albert Rowley Post, a republican and a. strong prohibitionist. In 1866 L. H. Brink, Sr., Samuel Stan- ley, John H. Steward and William James came into the township and located. L. H. Brink, Sr., one of the early set- tlers, and for the past fifteen years justice of the peace of Vernon township, was born in Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y., July 10, 1822. He is the son of Simon and Phebe (Winfield) Brink, natives of Del- aware Co.,N. J. He lived with his par- ents until his nineteenth year, when he went to McHenry Co., IIl., and there fol- lowed farming until 1856. He then re- moved with his family to Bluffton, Win- neshiek Co., Iowa, remaining there upon a farm until 1866, when he came to Hum- boldt county, and took a homestead of 160 acres on section 24, township 93, range 27, Vernon township, where he now re- sides. He has about sixty-five acres under cultivation, a good house and other im- provements. He was married July 10, 1842, to Harriet Goff, who was born July 10, 1820, in Springwater, Livingston Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of David and Sarah Goff, natives of Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Brink have had five children, four of whom are living—Harvey W., Cordelia M., Byron and L. H., Jr. Mary E., wife of Sidney D. Wilcox, died Sept. 10, 1883. Mr. Brink is a member of the dem- ocratic party and has held the office of township trustee and school director for a number of years. Samuel Stanley, an early settler, and prominent farmer of Vernon township, is the son of George and Elizabeth Stanley, who were natives of South Carolina, and among the first settlers in Indiana in 1813. ee = ee 7 878 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. The subject of this sketch was born Dec. 6, 1815, in Fayette Co., Ind. He remained with his parents until 1835. He then commenced teaching school, which he continued nine years. In 1856 he came to Towa, and settled in Jones county, where he farmed in the summer and taught school during the winter until 1866. He then moved with his family to Humboldt county and purchased 160 acres of land on section 33, township 93, range 27, Ver- non township, where he now resides. He has good improvements and about ninety acres under cultivation. Mr. Stanley has been twice married. His first wife was formerly Martha Kerr, who,at her decease, left two children—Nancy Ann and Martha. His second wife was Melinda Cullinus, daughter of Joshua and Jane Cullins, na- tives of South Carolina. By the last union there are six children—Sarah, George, William E., Oliver, John and James M., who died in 1849 at the age of four years. Mr. Stanley votes the democratic ticket and has held the office of township clerk. Mrs. Martha J. Downs is the daughter of John and Arvilla (Dewey) Hopkins. The former was a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of New York. She was born June 19, 1828, in New York, and remained with her parents until Jan. 15, 1855, when she was married to John H. Steward, and removed to Columbia Co., Wis. Here they lived upon a farm until the fall of 1866. They then came to Humboldt county, and purchased a quarter section of government land, on section 3, town- ship 93, range 27, Vernon township, where Mrs. Downs now resides. Her hus- band, John H. Steward, died June 26,1874. They had one son—Frank, who was born Oct. 27,1857, in Columbia Co., Wis. He was seventeen years old when his father’s death occurred, and he then, with his mother’s assistance, assumed the manage- ment of the farm, to which he has since added eighty acres. He now owns two- thirds of the farm, and his mother the other third. He was married Oct. 24, 1883, to Hannah M. Scott, daughter of John and Sarah Scott. She was born April 6, 1857, in Cedar Co., Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Steward are members of the M. E Church, and he belongs to the repub- lican party. Mrs. Downs was married to her present husband, Isaac B. Downs, Noy. 22,1877. He is a native of Mass- achusetts. His grandfather was a native of England, and emigrated to Derby, Conn. On June 16,1755, he was married to Elizabeth Holbrook. The result of this union was eight children. Mrs. Downs having died, he was again married between 1770 and 1773. This union was blessed with seven children. Jabez Downs, father of the subject of this sketch, being born Dec. 24, 1775, at Derby, Conn. On Feb. 18, 1804, he was married to Ludia Walker. They had seven children, Isaac B. being the youngest. He was born Aug. 12, 1818, in Sandisfield, Berkshire Co., Mass. In November, 1846, he went to Allegany Co., N. Y., and in December, 1847, was married to Belinda S. Penfield. They had one child—Cora Alice, born in September, 1854. He remained in New York until the spring of 1861, when he moved back to Massachusetts. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 49th Massachu- setts regiment. He was wounded at Port Hudson, La., being shot through the left v gates. — 6 - —o d a HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 879 shoulder. He was taken to Baton Rouge and remained in the hospital some months; then he was put on a transport boat and taken to Cairo, thence by rail to his home in Massachusetts. In November, 1867, his wife died, and is buried at Sandisfield, Mass. In the spring of 1869 he removed to Columbia Co., Wis., and in July, 1870, was married to Mrs. J. C. Johnson, a na- tive of New York. In May, 1876, Mrs. Downs died. In November, 1877, he came to Humboldt Co., Iowa, and was united in marriage to Mrs. Martha J. Steward, as before stated. Mr. and Mrs. Downs reside upon the farm with her son Frank. They are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Downs is a republican, politically. He is unable to do hard labor on account of the wound he received during the war. Mrs. Spraxa James is a native of Ched- der, England, born April 14, 1821. She remained with her parents until her marriage, April 28, 1841, to William James, a native of England, born in 1817. They came to Americain 1846, settling at that time, near Burlington, Green, Co., Wis. In 1849 they came to Cascade, Du- buque Co., Iowa, where they purchased forty acres of land, which they sold in 1866, and came to Humboldt county. They took a homestead of 160 acres in Vernon township, on section 34, township 98,range 27,on which Mrs. James now lives. She has 100 acres under cultivation, a good two-story frame dwelling and other ‘improvements. Her husband, William James, was murdered, Dec. 16, 1867, by a man named McCormick, who was riding with him from Fort Dodge, where Mr. James had been on business. He had pur- chased a new bedstead, and one of the slats was the weapon which the murderer used, to beat him to death. After killing him he rifled his pockets of the money and valuables which they contained, proceeded to his uncle’s near Dakota, and went to bed, but was arrested the same night. After two trials, he was sentenced to the penitentiary for life, and is now at Fort Madison. Since the death of her hus- band, Mrs. James has, with the assistance of her children, carried on the farm. She has seven children — George, Christina, Hannah, Frank, Alfred, Louise and Isa- belle. George, Christina and Alfred are married, and reside in this county. Mrs. James is a member of the M. E. Church. The first birth in the township occurred in August, 1863, and was that of William, a son of Daniel Zimmerman. The second birth was Ellen Flaherty, in April, 1864, and that of Stewart B. Foley, in August, the same year, was the next. The first death that took place was that of the infant Ellen Flaherty, who died in the latter part of April, 1864, aged but a few weeks. The first marriage was that of Wash- ington Barrett, and Lillie Pierce. The rite was solemnized by Rev. Mr. Snyder, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. School district No. 1, in the northeast- ern part of the township, consists of sec- tions 1,2,11and12. The school house was built in 1869, by Edward Hartwell, contractor, at a cost of $750. The first teacher in this house was Lydia Martin, the present one is Adelia Sprain. L. H. Brink was the first sub-director, and A. Urion is the present incumbent of the same office. p — “EEEEELL fa, 880 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. District No. 2 comprises sections 3, 4, 9 and 10, and the east half of sections 5, 8 and 17. The school house was also built by Edward Hartwell, in 1869, at a cost of $750, and Levi Leland was the first to wield the teacher’s ferule. The sub-di- rector at that time was L.H. Trask. The present teacher is Walter B. Ferguson, and director, H. A. Adams. District No. 3 comprises all of sections 6, 7and 18, and the west half of 5, 8 and 17. The house is erected on section 6, and is a neat frame, 18x26, feet built by J. S. Fletcher, in 1883, at a cost of $465. Lillie A. Eells was the first, and is the present teacher, in this building, and H. A. Ad- ams, the director. District No. 4 has a frame school house on section 14, put up by Edward Hart- well, in 1869, and cost $750. It is 18x26 feet in size and the first teacher was Lydia Martin. L. H. Brink was director. District No.5, comprising sections 25,26, 35 and 36, has a school house on section 26, which is a frame edifice, 18x26, feet,- erected by J.S. Fletcher, in 1883, ata cost of $482. Kate Lockwood was and is the teacher therein and W. F. Drennen, the director. District No. 7, containing all of sections 29, 30, 31 and 32, has a. house located on the northeast corner of section 32, which was built by Edward Hartwell, in 1869, at a cost of $750. The first preceptress was Mrs. Schofield, and the first director M. J. Flemming. Peter Garnahan is the present teacher. District No. 6 has a school house on section 33, which Edward Hartwell built in 1869, and cost $750. Charles Brooks was the pioneer teacher in this building, and Minnie Butler the last. director is Jacob Bram. Viona postoffice was established on the 25th of May, 1868, and John H. Foley was appointed postmaster. Mr. Foley held the position, having the office at his dwelling ever since, but in 1882, the office, under the charge of Mr. Foley still, was removed to Hardy, in Lake township, where it now is. There are two cemeteries in Ver- non township. The first of these was laid out in 18670n the southeast quarter of section 34, long known as the Flaherty farm, now owned by George Hartwell. The present ‘This contains about five acres, and is a beautifully kept burial plat. The first to be buried herein was Ellen Flaherty. There is alsoa German “Gott’s Acre,” or burial place, on section 21, which was donated by Nicholas Stauffacher, and con- tains two acres. It was laid out in 1868, and the first interment therein was the wife of the donor, andthe second that of the wife of John Stauffacher. An artesian well was bored on the farm of O. E. French; on section 24, in July, 1883, which throws a stream into the air at the rate of two barrels per minute. One of the singular freaks of this well is | that the water is so warm that even in the coldest weather itdoes not freeze in the trough for watering stock, through which its waters are carried. THE VILLAGE OF RENWICK is located upon the center of section 36, and was surveyed and platted by the Western Town Lot Company, and the plat filed for record upon the 24th of Jan- uary, 1882. Already there has sprung up quite a thriving business center, and it “i e es >) = cao fee: ale, HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 881 bids fair for the future. It is on the Toledo branch of the Chicago & North- western Railway, which crosses this por- tion of the township. The first building erected on the present town site was built in the spring of 1882 by Henry Metcalf, and which was used as a dwelling by F. J. Stoddard. Shortly afterwards resi- dences were put up by Ellis Martin, W. 8. Drenner and F. J. Stoddard. The first hotel was built during the summer of 1882, by Ellis Martin. This, which is now under the control of Mr. Martin, is a frame building 16x24 feet, and an addition of 16x20 feet, one and a half stories high, and is a well furnished, well conducted hostelry. Itis commonly known as the Martin House. Ellis Martin was born in Franklin Co., N. Y., Feb. 28, 1818, and is the son of Andrew and Hannah (Fuller) Martin. The former is a native of Vermont; the latter of Rhode Island. He lived with his parents until the death of his mother, which occurred in 1837. He then left home, and in 1854 went to Fayette Co., Iowa, near Clermont, where he farmed and teamed until 1865, when he moved with his family to Humboldt county and took a homestead on section 15, town- ship 98, range 27, of 160 acres, and farmed until 1873. He then went to Algona, Kossuth county, and in 1877 went to Wright county and remained until 1881, then came to the village of Renwick and built what is now known as the Martin Hotel and_ boarding house, of which he is proprietor. He was married June 2, 1842, to Mary Lorenda Trish, daughter of Jesse and Clarissa (Flint) Trish, natives of Vermont. She was born June 2, 1824, in New York. They have had seven children—Hannah Maria, Mary Lida, Ernesta, Leonard, Eudora, Alice and Edwin Jesse. Leonard and Eudora are dead. Mr. Martin was a member of the I. O. O. F.in New York, and votes the democratic ticket. Stoddard Bros. were the pioneer busi- ness firm of the village, having embarked in the grocery line in the spring of 1882, having just finished erecting the first store building in the place, This build- ing is of frame, two stories high, and 20x40 feet in dimensions. Renwick can boast of but one church edifice, the Baptist, which was erected in the fall of 1883. Thisis a frame build- ing, 26x28 feet, and was put up by Eggart Brothers, who had entered into a con- tract to do so for the sum of $1,500. Two hundred dollars in addition, was spent in the furnishing, and it was dedicated on the 28th of December, 1888. The minister who has charge of the spiritual welfare of this little flock, at present, is the Rev. Mr. Plumly, of Goldfield, Wright county. There is a total membership of about twenty-five, and O. E. French is the clerk. Considerable interest is betrayed in the Church by all connected with it, and by the community in general. Dr. A. P. Anderson was the first to es- tablish a store for the exclusive sale of drugs and medicines. In October, 1883, he rented a part of the building of Stod- dard Brothers, in which he keeps a good stock of the above mentioned articles. He is a practicing physician, and has consid- erable patronage in the surrounding country. sos are | fee. 4 at 882 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. W. F. Drennen, instituted the first and only establishment exclusively devoted to the hardware business, and its usual branches. In June, 1882; he first opened his doors and is working up a lucrative business. Mrs. Barbara Klasse is engaged in the business of selling dry goods and gro- ceries. This she commenced in July, 1882, the building having been erected the previous May. In the fall of the same year, her husband built on an addition, which he occupies as a meat market. The depot of the Chicago & Northwest- ern Railroad was erected in the summer of 1882, about a year after the road had reached this point. The first shipment from it was made by B. Strobehn on the 19th of April, 1882. The first agent was Samuel 8S. Doak, who was succeeded by the present one, Henry E. Martin. James Murphy was the first black- smith, and is still the only worthy son of Vulcan in the village. The creamery was built in the spring of 1883, by its present proprietor, ¥. C. Needham. Ithas a capacity of turning out about 500 pounds of butter per day, and is run by horsepower. This es- tablishment, which is one much needed in this locality, uses the milk of about 700 cows. The postoffice was established in March, 1882, and F. J. Stoddard appointed post- master, who is the present incumbent, and the office is held in the store of Stoddard Brothers, of which firm he is a member. During the summer of 1883, J. and 8. A. Lum, built the Renwick mill. This edifice is a fine three story building and contains one set of roller machinery for grinding wheat, and three sets of buhrs, one for corn, one for middlings, whiie the third is used for feed only. A fine forty horse power engine furnishes the motive power. All the machinery is kept run- ning continually to keep up with the cus- tom work offered, and soon additions to the mill will have to be erected. D. Hoyt, the pioneer lumber and coal dealer of Renwick, commenced operations in March, 1882, andis building up a re- munerative business. A straight forward business man, he will succeed in any place that destiny allots to him. He received the first freight brought to this town, March 1, 1882, which was a car load of lumber. David Hoyt was born June 29, 1833, in Cattaraugus Co.,N. Y. He is ason of D. J.B. and Eunice Hoyt, natives of New York. When fifteen years of age, he learned the trades of carriage trimmer and saddler, which occupation he followed in the town of Medina for two and a half years. He then went to school at Lima for about two years, then entered the uni- versity at Rochester fora term of four years, after which he clerked in Roches- ter for one year, then went to New York city and was book-keeper in the dry goods -establishment of A. T. Stewart, until 1855, when he removed to Tiskilwa, Bureau Co., Ill., where he remained one year, thence to Peoria, Ill., where he was engaged in business with his uncle. In 1858 he re- turned to Tiskilwa, and engaged in the dry goods and grocery business until 1865, when he went to Masonville, Delaware Co., Iowa, and engaged in the mercantile and grain business. In 1866 he went to New York; then for the next nine months == |P EP Fe =F ies wens 4 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 883 traveled over the southern and western States and Territories. In the spring of 1868 he went to Osceola, Clark Co., Iowa, remaining there until 1870, when he went to Johnson Co., Neb., where he handled stock and grain until the fall of 1879, when he went to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and traveled for a coal company until the spring of 1882, when he came to Hum- boldt county. He located in the town of Renwick, and engaged in the lumber and coal trade, which business he follows at present. He was married Oct. 12, 1858, in, Sheffield, Bureau Co., Ill., to Emily P Martin, daughter of A. K. and Julia Mar- tin, natives of New York. She was born in Tiskilwa, Il., Oct. 9, 1838. This union has been blessed with nine children, only three of whom are living—Mary, Benja- min and Henry D. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt are members of the Baptist Church. In politics, he is a republican. L. H. Brink, real estate dealer, collector and justice of the peace, built his office in the village, in the fall of 1882. He has -held the last named office, in the township, for fifteen years, and is a man trusted and respected by all. The furniture business was established during the winter of 1882, by Peter Louis Griebel, who came from Davenport, that fall. He erected a store building 22x40 feet, the lower part of which he uses as a sales room, and as a dwelling for himself and family; the second story as a public hall, and as a lodge room of the Sons of Temperance. Peter Louis Griehbel was born in Busam, Schleswig, Holstein, July 26, 1845. At the age of sixteen he commenced to learn the cabinet maker’s trade, which he fol- lowed until 1870 in that country,then came to America, settled in Davenport, Iowa, and worked at his trade in the furniture factory of Knosman & Peterson, and other places, until 1882, when he came with his family to Renwick, Humboldt county, and and during the winter of 1882-3 erected his present store building. He put in his first stock of goods during the spring of 1883, and carries a full line of goods. His parents were Claus and Christine Griebel, who now reside in Scott Co., Iowa. He was married July 5, 1882, to Mrs. Charlotte Lutje, daughter of Henry and Maria Goch, residents of Davenport. She was born Aug. 17, 1853, and was mar- ried to her fir-t husbaud, Peter Lutje, Nov 9, 1871. Mr. Lutje was an engraver by trade, which he learned in Carls-hutte, in Holstein, and came to America in 1869, and worked about ten years for the United States government. He died Sept. 21, 1881. Mrs. Griebel has four children liv- ing, by her first husband—Clara, Alvina, Dora and Elsie. Mr. and Mrs. Griebel are members of the Lutheran Church. He votes the republican ticket, and is a pro- hibitionist. Among the other businesses represented in the village are the following: A. B. Richardson, dry goods and gro- ceries, which was established in 1882 John Swartzenburger, shoe shop. A. K. Martin, Renwick Hotel, built in 1883. : The first child born in Renwick was a daughter of F. J. and O. M. Stoddard, the date of whose birth was March 8, 1882. The first death was the infant child of James Murphy, who died in the fall of 1882. ge ai. 884 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. VILLAGE OF VERNON. The following was published in the Dakota City independent about the time that Vernon was started, and probably was a true history of the place at that time. “At first the town grew quite rapidly, but its life was soon drowned by Luverne, and now there are only a few dwellings to mark what was once thought to be the site of a promising burg. “The new town and station of Vernon is situated upon the northwest quarter of section 6, in Vernon township, Humboldt Co., Iowa, and upon the west half of the quarter, upon the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway. it was surveyed and platted in September of this year by George W. Cooley, of Minneapolis, for the proprie- tors, M. P. Hawkins, auditor of the Min- neapolis Road, and Mr. L. D. Lovell, the recent so'e proprietor of the land. “Tt is five and one-half miles from Liv- ermore station northeast, and is about three-fourths of a mile southwest of the crossing of the Toledo & Northwestern Railway, and is expected to be part of the junction town. “The depot is already completed, and is of the same size as the building at Liver- moreand Humboldt. A siding of 1,500 feet has been put in, and everything made con- venient for all- the demands of trade at the point. “The town is situated upon rolling prairie, and has feasible approaches from every direction, and with proper manage- ment cannot fail of being a very impor- tant point on the two railroads crossing there. “The town is laid out to front the rail- road track, which brings it angling with the section lines. The first street running parallel with the depot grounds is called - Broadway, upon which all the business lots are fronted. The next street is Min- neapolis avenue, the next Humboldt ave- nue, and the next Des Moines avenue. The cross streets are numbered from first to fifth, and run in a southeast direction from the railroad.. The plat contains fif- teen blocks at present. The business lots are held at $75 for corners, and $50 for inside lots. The dwelling lots are held from $45 down to $15, according to loca- tion, and parties who desire to put up per- manent business buildings are very liber- ally dealt with. “A firm from Mason City, Messrs. Gal- lagher & McLean, are laying a foundation for a store on Broadway, opposite the de- pot, and Norder & Kincade are building a boarding house on the lot next to it. “Goddard & Tillson will open a lumber yard as soon as their stock comes, and a coal yard will at once be put in. “As we have before remarked, a spirit of liberality on the part of the proprie= tors, and well directed work and enter- prise, will make this new town of Vernon a place of much importance in the future, and we are pleased to congratulate our friends, Hawkins and Lovell, upon the auspicious outlook, and the prospect that they may realize a hundred fold upon their investments.” The promise made by the beginning of this little village has never borne fruit. The opening of the rival town of Luverne in close proximity to it, has put a damper upon its future, and but little progress has been made toward prosperity. Per- haps in after years these two towns, both po “at S25 HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 885 joined in one, will realize the expectations of the friends of each. William H. Potter, son of F. and Eliza- beth Potter, was born on the 23d of Octo- ber, 1840, in Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co, Mich. His father is a native of Coopers- town, N. Y. He died in 1842. mother is a native of Steuben Co., N. Y. After his father’s death, he and his mother removed to McHenry Co., I]., where they remained until 1852, then removed to Winneshiek Co., Iowa. In the fall of the same year they removed back to Illinois, remaining there until 1855, when they again removed to Winneshiek county and purchased a farm. He was married Sept. 29, 1854, to Cordelia M. Brink, daughter of Leman H. and Harriet Brink, natives of New York. The result of this union was eight children, six of whom are living— Nellie, Fred W., Bertha E., Alta B., Hat- tie A. and F. E. In 1868 he removed to Humboldt county and took a homestead on section 28, township 93, range 27, Ver- non township. He has a good frame house on his farm, and has about fifty acres under cultivation. He is a demo- crat politically, and has held the office of township trustee for the past eight years. Mrs. Laura Metcalf was born in Spring- water Valley, Livingston Co., N. Y., June 23,1818, and is the daughter of David and Nancy (Day) Goff. The former was a native of Vermont, born in August, 1783, and died in August, 1849. The latter isa native of Connecticut; born in October, 1782, and died in August, 1838. The sub- ject of this sketch was married to Robert Metcalf, March 16, 1842, in McHenry Co., Tll., where they remained until 1855. They then removed to Winneshiek Co., Iowa, His and lived twelve years; thence to Buchan- an county, in 1867, and in 1869 to Hum- boldt county, locating on the southwest quarter of section 36, township 93, range 27, Vernon township, where she now re- sides with her oldest son, James. Her husband died of heart disease March 20, 1883, at the advanced age of seventy-one years: and five months. They have two children—James and Henry. The former was born Aug. 7, 1844, and was the first child born in Woodstock, McHenry Co., Ill., and has always remained at home, and is at present the support of his aged mother. They have 140 acres of land in Vernon township, joining the town site of Renwick, about 100 acres of which is under cultivation and en- closed with a good wire fence; they al- ready have a comfortable house, but will soon erect a better one. James is by trade a blacksmith, at which he works when not employed on the farm. They have twice been visited by a torna- do. The first one in 1877 damaged the house and demolished the stables and out- buildings. Three years later they were again similarly unfortunate. Henry was married in 1869 to Libbie Davis, and lives in Renwick. The family have always been democrats politically. Frank Stone was born in Williamstown, Oswego Co., N. Y., Sept. 16, 1847. His parents were William EH. and Emily C. (Fifield) Stone. The father is a native of New York, where he still resides. His ancestors in turn were natives of Wales. The mother is a native of New Hamp- shire. She died Nov. 18,1876. Thesub- ject of this sketch, in the spring of 1869, went to Kewanee, Henry Co., Il]., where + 2 ah =